I believe all heads of schools should be their institution’s resident historians, for a school’s history establishes the roots of its unique culture, which must be nourished and celebrated. Peck has a storied 130-plus-year history, marked by transformative leaders who ushered the school through significant periods of our school’s growth.
Every year at New Faculty/Staff Orientation in August, I give all of our new employees a brief history of The Peck School, from Christine Sutphen’s founding in 1893 to Mr. and Mrs. Peck’s purchase of the school in 1917 to our move to our current campus in 1947.
I also share my opinion that one of Peck’s most profound eras took place when Consideration of Others was introduced by former Head of School Tom Green. In fact, he began a number of significant traditions during his tenure (1961-1977), from Bound Books to The Sing to The Linden yearbook to two homerooms per grade and a focus on individual attention. However, one could argue that the most transformative tradition was integrating Consideration of Others directly into the academic programming at Peck.
When Mr. Green arrived at 247 South Street in 1961, he ensured that Consideration of Others was added to each student’s report card to measure their development in living the school’s values. While we no longer give a letter grade for Consideration of Others, it is still the leading narrative on each child’s report card, conveying how students are growing in character and embodying the school’s core values.
In the Upper School, students vote three times a year for students they feel embody Consideration of Others, and the chosen students (three or four per grade) are recognized at an assembly. It is a highly respected honor.
The spirit behind Consideration of Others is a guiding principle of Peck’s educational program and school culture. From the handshakes each student is greeted with each morning to holding doors open for one another to making sure no one feels left out at lunch or recess, Consideration of Others is part of the fabric of Peck, and, therefore, within all of our students and graduates.
But we all know that Consideration of Others goes far beyond handshakes and manners. At its core is kindness, empathy, and respect—how you treat your classmates and teachers, help others, and honor those around you.
We encourage Peck students to look beyond themselves to help others at every chance, which enables them to embody one of my favorite sayings, “We rise by lifting others.” This Robert Ingersoll quotation captures the power of Consideration of Others. Yes, a considerate act helps another person, but that same considerate act elevates the giver perhaps more than the receiver in immeasurable ways. Character, happiness, and meaning are gained by serving others and helping others.
Over time, the school and its heads have worked to strengthen its core tenant: from Rudy Deetjen (1977-1994) who expanded Consideration of Others with student service learning and related curricula to John Kowalik (2003-2013) and his stewardship of the InDeCoRe program (est. 2002).
The growth of Consideration of Others cannot be attributed solely to leadership, however—there have been countless teachers, staff members, administrators, parents, and even students who have purposefully strengthened this institutional value.
Over the years, we’ve also specified a focus on belonging. We want our students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni to feel that they belong at Peck. In 2023, we added a new administrative position, Peck’s Director of Community Connections and Belonging, to help ensure our focus on belonging remains a priority.
As a result of the remarkable generosity of some community members, we have introduced the Community Connections and Belonging Endowment to support the school’s efforts to create a culture of inclusion and belonging for all Peck students, families, faculty, and staff—past, present, and future.
Fosering belonging is another way to honor the legacy of Consideration of Others. If people are treated with consideration, respect, and empathy, the hope is they will feel a sense of belonging and community—in line with the spirit of the 1961 version of Consideration of Others. This timeless intention is core to who we are today.
If you’re interested in Peck’s history or are eager to share your experience during one of Peck’s past eras, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email or phone. I’d love to connect with you, hear your stories, and add to my own understanding of Peck’s history and culture! You are also welcome to contact Taylor Worthington Williams ’03, our Alumni Relations Associate.
In this issue of Peck News, you will get an inside look at the new peckschool.org, celebrate the Class of 2024 who graduated in June, learn more about our Community Connections and Belonging Endowment, and catch up on the latest happenings at 247 South Street, including the current renovations to our athletics fields! You’ll also meet Caroline Ramsey ’15, a formidable field hockey player who is training with the U.S. Women’s National Team.
Enjoy the issue. Go Pride!
Warmly, Andrew C. Delinsky Head of School
FIELD DAY FRENZY!
Peck’s annual Downy-Redhead Field Day was a vibrant display of school spirit and competition, with students donning team colors and competing in various relay races and tug-of-wars to earn points toward the coveted Woodpecker Cup.
CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES!
The Class of 2024’s commencement ceremony marks both an end and a new beginning for these young scholars.
4
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: CAROLINE RAMSEY ’15
Caroline Ramsey ‘15 has made significant strides in her field hockey career, from playing at Cornell University to joining the USA Women’s National Team. Her journey, deeply rooted in the competitive spirit and discipline nurtured at Peck, has led her to achieve international success, including earning a bronze medal at the 2022 Uniphar 5-Nations Tournament.
SPRING / SUMMER 2024
A twice-yearly publication for families, faculty, and alumni of The Peck School in Morristown, New Jersey
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Andrew C. Delinsky adelinsky@peckschool.org
EDITORIAL STAFF
Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing Heather Burchfield hburchfield@peckschool.org
Associate Director of Visual Brand Strategy Jen Cleary
Digital Marketing Specialist Melissa Webber
Advancement Office
Sarah Quinn Clausen Blair Pack Taylor (Worthington) Williams ‘03
Seabury Consulting seabury-consulting.com
WRITERS/CONTRIBUTORS
Guest Writers: Blair Pack (Alumni Spotlight) Features & Departments: Heather Burchfield, Jen Cleary, Melissa Webber Class Notes & In Memoriam: Advancement Office
PHOTOGRAPHY
The Peck School, The Peck School Archives, Bruce Hanson
PRINTING Bolger, Inc.
ART DIRECTOR Bruce Hanson brucehansondesign@gmail.com
The Peck School 247 South Street Morristown, NJ 07960 (973) 539-8660 peckschool.org
Northern New Jersey’s timeless and transformative co-ed independent elementary and middle school education for grades K-8.
The Peck School does not discriminate in the admission process, its scholarship programs, or in the administration of its other programs or policies on the basis of characteristics or conditions, such as creed, race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.
Class of
IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL, SUNNY DAY at Peck when the Class of 2024 accepted their diplomas from Head of School Andy Delinsky and President of the Board of Trustees Souren Ouzounian.
“As you prepare for your high school experience, remember that you’re equipped with the skills to thrive: the important lessons, character values, disciplined approach to learning, and life skills you have acquired at Peck,” Delinsky said to Peck’s newest graduates.
“Those lessons and skills have been honed, practiced, and sharpened from kindergarten on, as you have been guided by caring teachers and coaches, pushed to stretch academically, encouraged to move beyond your comfort zone, and challenged to be the best version of yourselves.”
ALUMNI SPEAKER:
Colin Pryma ‘20
Having just graduated from Delbarton (Class of 2024), Colin Pryma ‘20 returned to Peck to deliver the alumni address.
“Whether it’s Ms. Chan’s comma rules test or the National History Day projects, the rigorous curriculum here will serve as a foundation for your high school career,” Pryma said. “You’ve learned to work hard, collaborate with others, ask questions—these are the three most important things that helped me find success in high school.”
CLASS GIFT:
Weeping
Cherry Tree
Student Council President Sailee Shah presented the Class of 2024’s gift to The Peck School: a weeping cherry tree planted in Nikki’s Garden to replace the weeping cherry tree previously in front of Lindenwold.
“[That] tree was a reminder of the natural beauty surrounding us within the Peck campus and remained a calming place to gather and relax. We hope to recreate this same environment with our gift.”
Awards and Honors
We honor the outstanding achievements of our students with a list of commencement awards and honors, showcasing their hard work and dedication. Go Pride!
The John L. Hopkins Memorial English Award: Grayson Materne and Victoria Silva
The Caspersen Family Mathematics Award: Collin Garvey and Sailee Shah
The History Prize: Grayson Materne and Heidi Lüer
The Malcolm E. McAlpin Memorial Science Award: Declan Garvey and Sailee Shah
The World Language Prizes
Latin: Heidi Lüer and Anaiah Souffrant Spanish: Jane Pagano and Sailee Shah French: Collin Garvey and Kassidy Wilson
EIGHTH-GRADE ADDRESS
Lucian Thomases, Emma Del Vento, Aanya Bhat , and John Aiello each reflected on their memories at Peck and what our community and our school have meant to them.
FACULTY SPEAKER: Christine Williams
Director of Secondary School
Counseling Christine Williams was the recipient of the Walker D. Kirby Faculty Award and addressed the Class of 2024.
“You see, eighth grade, life isn’t fulfilling because of the name of your high school, how many likes you get, or how fast you run the mile,” Williams said. “We create fulfilling lives with our relationships, contributions, and perspective.”
The Peck School Technology Award: Christopher Birrittella and Declan Garvey
The Eighth Grade Art Prize: Heidi Lüer
The Alys H. Olney Music Award: Alexandra Friedman and Delylah Reyes
The Norman R. Lemcke, Jr. Memorial Drama Award: Delylah Reyes and Angelina Sciaretta
The following students were also recognized for achieving High Scholarship during the eighth-grade year: Constanza Ambrogio, Hadley Baker, Austin Chen, Alexandra Friedman, Collin Garvey, Declan Garvey, Heidi Lüer, Grayson Materne, Jane Pagano, Sailee Shah, Stone Steenberg and Kassidy Wilson.
The Lyndsley E. Wilkerson Award: Collin Garvey, Angelina Sciaretta, and Lucian Thomases
The Nina Sharma Award for Leadership in Service: Christopher Birrittella and Grayson Materne
The Rudolph H. Deetjen Jr. InDeCoRe Award (recipients are also Peck’s eighth-grade InDeCoRe award winners, as voted by their peers): Hadley Baker and Stone Steenberg
The F. C. Reynolds Sportsmanship Award: Hadley Baker and Christopher Birrittella
The Harriet Stratemeyer Adams Award for Highest Scholarship: Collin Garvey, Grayson Materne, Sailee Shah
The Peck Loyalty Prize: Isabella Ceballos, Sailee Shah, and Stone Steenberg
“...you will forever be a part of this place...”
— ANDY DELINSKY, HEAD OF SCHOOL
Class of 2024: Remember When?
It’s both the everyday experiences and signature moments that shape who we are now, and who we will someday become. For the Class of 2024, countless milestones, big and small, have led to a shared identity as members of the Peck family.
Let’s take a look back at a few of the memorable moments for our newest Peck graduates! Class of 2024, do you remember: Cheering on our K-1 friends in the Halloween Parade?
Transforming into musical crayons for our Kindergarten Spring Play?
Becoming important figures from history in second grade?
Running with parachutes in eighth-grade science class?
Outdoor classes during the pandemic in fifth grade?
Peck Unveils New Website
PARTNERING
WITH Finalsite, a leader in independent school websites, Peck’s new digital experience reimagines the school’s primary digital marketing tool for recruiting prospective families. The new site represents more than just a digital facelift; it enacts a strategic vision to enhance communication, accessibility, and engagement for current and prospective families, alumni, and the broader community.
“Peck has a really strong brand identity with a high level of brand recognition in the marketplace. We knew that any website redesign needed to preserve that,” says Heather Burchfield, Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing. “We are deeply grateful to our partners at Finalsite for helping us enhance the Peck brand
to better align with our strategic goals and priorities.”
Emerging from the 2022 Strategic Plan Deeply Rooted, Burchfield and Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Karen Dispenziere set their sights on a website that would better communicate the value of K-8 education, be more accessible to prospective families with little or no independent school exposure or experience, and would streamline and enhance the user experience.
“School websites provide a first impression that can significantly influence a family’s decisionmaking process. Parents today are incredibly savvy when it comes to researching schools online,” says Dispenziere. “Peck’s new website not only provides a comprehensive
Highlights of the new Peck digital experience
Who are our teachers?
How can you talk to a parent ambassador about their experience?
overview of our mission, program, and community, it also beautifully and authentically shares the story of Peck, making it easier for families to connect with and feel the essence of our vibrant school.”
The new site highlights the magic of the Peck program through crisp and concise language, dynamic photography, and brief yet compelling video.
Burchfield and Associate Director for Visual Brand Strategy Jen Cleary copresented on the redesign process at the Finalsite University conference in Baltimore in June alongside Katie Wahal, a Senior Finalsite Advantage Consultant. The engaging presentation, “Preparing for a Powerful (and Strategic) Website Redesign,” featured Peck’s new website as an example for schools considering their own redesigns.
What are our students, teachers, alumni, and parents saying about Peck?
VISIT PECK’S NEW WEBSITE
Where do some of our traditions come from?
What does the Peck experience look like?
How do alumni stay involved after graduation?
Community Goes “All In For Peck” at Annual PA Fundraiser CAMPUS NEWS
IN MARCH 2024, THE PECK community went “all-in”—literally and figuratively—to support The Peck School.
This year’s Parents Association Spring Fundraiser, “All In for Peck,” was a take on the classic casino night theme. The evening featured fantastic food from Chef Joe Mirra and our FLIK dining staff, raffles, and a silent auction.
The event showcased an important Raise the Paddle to support the current renovations to Peck’s athletic fields. This capital improvement project will result in a new environmentally friendly olive-core fill turf field, a new grass field, and an upgraded spectator experience with new seating, walkways, and even a concession stand. The community generously donated over $231,000 during the Raise the Paddle.
Our parent and staff volunteers worked with diligence and excitement to create an incredible experience for all who attended. This year’s spring fundraiser exceeded expectations, raising about $225,000 for our beloved school. Because of your generosity, we are able to provide a transformational experience—inside the classroom, on the athletic fields, in the arts studios, on the stage, and beyond—for each Peck student. Thank you for going “all in” to support Peck!
We would like to thank our entire PA Spring Fundraiser Committee, sponsors, and all of the volunteers and participants who made this night possible.
PA Spring Fundraiser Committee:
EVENT CHAIRS: Anne Bornia and Tracey Walters
EVENT SPONSORSHIP:
Debra Somers and Laurie Steffa
TREASURER: Elizabeth Cox
AUCTION CHAIRS: Sofia Cocoziello, Bridget LaBar, Lauren Morse, and Roxana Tunea
MARKETING: Lauren Morse
CHECK-IN/OUT: Melissa McKeon and Jamie Wade
SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT: May Ong
SPECIAL RAFFLE: Julie Feldman
CLASS BASKETS: Roz Estrada and Sarah Sakr
DECOR CONSULTANT: Christina Tonzola
CREATIVE CONSULTANTS:
Michelle de Burgh Codrington and Jessica Ortega
RAISE THE PADDLE: Amy Birrittella and Hetty Kintiroglou
Work Begins on New Athletic Fields
In an exciting development this June, Peck kicked off a major renovation of its athletic fields, aiming to elevate them to the top-tier quality of other campus facilities. Highlights of this ambitious project include the installation of an ecofriendly turf field with state-of-the-art PureSelect infill and the creation of a pristine grass field featuring cutting-edge irrigation technology. These upgrades are set to transform the playing environment into a safe, high-performance haven for athletes.
But that’s not all: the project also promises a thrilling spectator experience with the addition of tiered seating, elegant walkways, a vibrant community patio, and a bustling concession stand. These enhancements are designed to foster a lively, engaging atmosphere for all who attend.
With a target completion date set for the 2024-25 season, this $4.3 million project is well on its way, having already secured more than three-quarters of the necessary funds.
For more information on how you can contribute to this exciting venture, please contact Director of Advancement Sarah Quinn Clausen at squinnclausen@peckschool.org
Meet—or Re-Meet!—
Chelsey M. Carr, Peck’s New Director of Curriculum & Faculty Development
After rising to the top of an extensive internal search, Chelsey M. Carr assumed the role of Director of Curriculum & Faculty Development (DCFD) on July 1.
Carr has worn many hats during her 12 years at Peck, making her uniquely qualified for this crucial K-8 position. She has taught multiple grades spanning both divisions; Upper School English, and most recently, a fourth-grade homeroom. She has also served on multiple academic and administrative committees and held various leadership positions within the school. In addition to serving as English department chair and co-chairing Peck’s recent NJAIS reaccreditation process, Carr has served on numerous task forces spanning academics, character education, and faculty initiatives.
Before joining The Pride, she grew up in Southern California, where her family still resides. She was a three-sport athlete, earning a scholarship to play Division 1 soccer at San Jose State University. In her professional life, Carr often draws from her team experiences, striving for excellence and working collaboratively to contribute to collective goals.
“Chelsey is a fantastic community member, a trusted colleague, and a real doer,” says Head of School Andy Delinsky. “Undoubtedly, she will apply her tireless work ethic, drive for learning, curiosity, eagerness to grow, and love for Peck and her colleagues to her work as our next DCFD.”
We caught up with Carr to ask her a few questions. Here’s what she had to say:
Why did you want to be the Director of Curriculum & Faculty Development?
This new role means stepping out of the classroom; however, my focus remains on the classroom and those in it. With an understanding of the landscape, supporting faculty as they see and achieve their goals is what drew me to the role, because faculty growth and success ultimately enhance the student experience.
What are you most looking forward to in the new role?
As a classroom teacher for more than two decades, I have been focused and committed to developing the intellect and character of students. Now, through the lens of the DCFD, I have the privilege of applying another layer of this mindset to include faculty. I’m excited to contribute to the larger journey of developing an educator’s skillset and sense of belonging within the larger Peck community.
Why did you originally want to join the Peck community, and what keeps you here?
Twelve years ago, the Peck community welcomed me as an eighth-grade English teacher. I enjoy working in Peck’s environment, which fosters curiosity, provides an investigatory platform, and develops multifaceted intellectual excellence for both students and faculty. For more than a decade, I have had the privilege of working at Peck, and now, with a fifth grader and first grader in attendance, the K-8 experience resonates on a deeper level with my family and me—we live it and believe in it.
Field Day Frenzy
Redheads Triumph in the Race for the Woodpecker Cup
PECK’S ANNUAL DOWNY-REDHEAD field events erupted in a burst of energy and enthusiasm! Decked out in blue for Downy and red for Redhead, complete with tutus, wild accessories, and face paint, students gathered along our campus’ Class of 2020 Road to cheer on their classmates as the eighth grade began the parade down to the fields.
Each grade’s Downy and Redhead teams competed in relay races that incorporated burlap sacks, bean bags, field hockey sprints, ball jumps, and more. The excitement climaxed during the fierce grade-level tug-of-wars, when classes united in a valiant quest for victory.
The competition was intense throughout the day, right up until the moment that Gunnar S. ’26 announced over the microphone that the Redheads were declared the day’s winners. Since its inception in 1951, and with the Woodpecker Cup challenge established in 2019, the Downy-Redhead field events have grown to be more than just fun and games; they’re a central part of Peck’s yearlong competition.
Points from Field Day, along with Job Well Done tickets—awarded throughout the year for exemplary effort and Consideration of Others—accumulate to determine the ultimate victor. With their Field Day win, the Redheads also clinched the yearlong challenge by a narrow margin over the Downy team, sparking celebrations that honored all of our students’ hard work and spirited school pride!
Peck Partners with Share My Meals
While Peck’s family dining program produces very little food waste, we never stop finding ways to use what waste we do produce! For example, FLIK (our dining services partner) uses a program to calculate the day’s leftover ingredients for reuse in soups and other dishes.
However, lunches still have a portion of unused food that isn’t served— and now, those ingredients will be put to good use! Through the Share My Meals meal recovery program, unused food from the kitchen is being donated to Joi’s Angels, a not-forprofit organization that provides food, shelter, advocacy, and life essentials to underserved communities in northern NJ.
Eighth Graders Shine in Alice in Wonderland Production
Students in the Eighth Grade Drama elective starred in a fantastical recreation of Lewis Carroll’s classic, Alice in Wonderland
“The group wanted to select a script that would be entertaining for their kindergarten friends while still having some complexity for the older grades,” shares Upper School Music Teacher and Director Sebastian Guerrero. “They also understood the variety of their character abilities and saw opportunities to feature their strengths with the array of characters in the play.”
In staging Alice in Wonderland, the Class of 2024 continued a decades-long Peck tradition of wrapping up their final year at the school with the eighth-grade play.
Each week that school is in session,
Chef Joe and his team fill Share My Meals containers with any food appropriate for donation, safely sealing and storing the food until a volunteer can pick it up.
“We are leading by example to create a more sustainable future that’s focused on helping others,” says Director of Community Connections and Belonging Cymone Williamson.
“The partnership with Share My Meals not only aligns with our core values,
but it also ensures that the small amount of unused food we have each week can be given to an organization within a community where we have Peck student representation.”
In May alone, Peck’s contributions equated to 104 meals served through Share My Meals, which amounts to 132 lbs. of food saved from a landfill (and 586 lbs. of CO2 avoided!)
Share My Meals aspires to end food waste, fighting against food insecurity as well as the environmental impact of food waste by recovering and delivering healthy meals in local communities. Beginning as a grassroots initiative by a handful of Princeton residents in 2020, Share My Meals now works with a variety of food donors from corporate and school cafeterias, restaurants, farms, and other businesses in the greater NJ area.
New Endowed Fund to Enhance Inclusivity and Community Connections
The Peck School’s Community and Belonging Endowment Fund was established in the spring of 2021 with a transformational anchor gift from Rachel and Tom Cortese P ’28, ’30, ’33 to support Peck’s ongoing diversity work and efforts to create a culture of inclusion and belonging for Peck students, families, faculty, and staff—past, present, and future. The endowment fund supports the school’s efforts toward these goals, which include, but are not limited to, a full-time director position, professional development, programming, and financial aid.
Creating the Community Connections and Belonging Endowment Fund allows the school to plan consistent programming for the future. This fund gives Peck the stability and continuity to further our work around building and strengthening the community, enhancing a sense of
belonging for everyone and ensuring the Peck experience is equitable and inclusive for all students and their families.
In the last year, Peck has made significant progress in achieving the goals outlined when establishing the Community Connections and Belonging Endowment Fund. Since her arrival in May 2023, Director of Community Connections & Belonging Cymone Williamson has been hard at work advancing the school’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work. She is currently leading several Culture and Climate teams comprised of faculty, staff, and students to enhance belonging at Peck based on the results of a School Culture and Climate Survey conducted last year in partnership with Saint Elizabeth University.
Thanks to the support of generous community members, the Community Connections and Belonging Fund stands at $2 million. Peck hopes to grow the Fund to $3 million, allowing us to continue this vital work in perpetuity. For more information on how you can contribute to this endowment fund, please contact Director of Advancement Sarah Quinn Clausen.
Grandparents & Friends Day 2024
On a day jam-packed with fun, Peck’s campus was buzzing with excitement as grandparents and friends visited an arts showcase, enjoyed a string quartet during breakfast, took in the Spring Sing, and cheered on students during Downy-Redhead Field Day.
The morning began with patriotic classics from members of Peck’s instrumental program (Eloise C. ’27, Eric J. ’26, Sydney W. ’27, and Marvin X. ’27, directed by Instrumental Program Director Elizabeth Monkemeier), including The Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, and My Country, ‘Tis of Thee
Guests visited the K-8 Showcase of the Arts in Peck’s arts hallway, delighting in students’ paintings, multimedia art, ceramics, wire sculpture, woodworking, and more. Every Peck student has a piece in the showcase, and arts teachers were on hand to direct families to their child’s creation.
The Spring Sing highlighted the creativity and depth of our K-8 music program, featuring global, folk, and patriotic music selections. The concert featured
not only vocal performances, but also dancing, instrumental accompaniment, handbells, and body percussion (e.g., Tongo, a Polynesian Folk Song, where students used body movements to mimic the sounds of animals and waves.)
Peck’s Downy-Redhead field events followed, with exuberant relay races and everyone’s favorite, the gradelevel tug of wars. (Read more about Downy-Redhead events on page 18!)
To cap off a morning full of school spirit, community, and joy, families stayed for ice cream and a delicious BBQ spread provided by our dining services.
“This is a day that reflects the true essence of a Peck event—joyful, full of school spirit, and brimming with lasting memories as we come together to celebrate our students and our community,” says Director of Advancement Sarah Quinn Clausen.
“What’s in your Lunch?” Awards
During Upper School lunch, History Teacher Jason Guss rules the lunch table, transforming everyday salad bar selections into culinary marvels! (He is particularly renowned for his skillfully assembled wraps.) Inspired by his creations, the Lunch Awards were born, challenging students to unleash their creativity and vie for the coveted title of Lunch Winner.
Participants submit photos of their lunches through their lunch proctors, who forward them to Mr. Guss for evaluation based on creativity, practicality, taste, nutrition, and resourcefulness. Winners earn a prized Downy-Redhead ticket, while runners-up are celebrated as honorable mentions during Upper School assemblies each week.
Mr. Guss plans to continue this competition next year, seeking a new cohort of lunch creators to showcase their culinary talents.
Peck News Receives Awards for Excellence in Marketing and Communications
For the second year in a row, Peck News was recognized for excellence in independent school marketing and communications by InspirEd Marketing Brilliance Awards, the only international competition that recognizes excellence in private and independent school marketing and communications. The Brilliance Awards are sponsored by InspirED
Learning Sprouts in the Garden!
The sun shone brightly over The Peck School as excited fifth graders headed to the community garden with History Teacher Dave Carlo. They partnered with second graders, who had learned about the Lenape and their sustainable “Three Sisters” planting technique, in which corn, beans, and squash are planted together to benefit each other’s growth.
After planting, the fifth graders created a sundial, applying their learning about ancient civilizations by marking hours based on the sun’s movement.
“The garden is a fantastic resource for hands-on learning,” says Carlo. “Creating something from scratch like the sundial or planting seeds gives students a real sense of pride and accomplishment.”
This collaborative garden day fostered a love for learning, built relationships between age groups, and demonstrated the interconnectedness of various subjects.
School Marketers, a community that provides “brilliant ideas and brain food” for private school administrators worldwide.
The entries were judged by a volunteer panel of 88 marketing experts from around the world who are professionals in private schools or businesses that specialize in private school marketing. The entries were scored on originality, persuasiveness, copy/script/dialogue, visual elements, execution, and overall appeal.
Peck Students Proclaim
“We’re
All In This Together” in High School Musical, Jr.
Peck’s budding performers put on a fantastic rendition of High School Musical, Jr. in February. Students not only shone on stage but in every facet of the show’s production. From marketing and set design to tech crew and costumes, Peck’s fifth-through-eighth graders truly made this a student-led production.
High School Musical Jr. is a stage adaptation of the popular Disney Channel movie “High School Musical.” The story revolves around a group of high school students at East High and their journey to self-discovery and acceptance.
During the winter season, students have the option to elect to participate in the winter musical in place of a winter sport. Huge thanks go to directors Sebastian Guerrero, Upper School Music Teacher; Sue Longenecker, Upper School History Teacher; and Sarah Chan, Upper School English Teacher, for leading the students in putting together this fantastic production.
Robin Ross Awards
Four fourth graders received recognition at their annual “moving up” ceremony in May—Peck’s Robin Ross Assembly.
The Sheila S. Slutsker Creative Arts Award was presented to Annabelle S. by Sheila Slutsker, former Head of the Lower School. The award is given in recognition of exceptional talent in music, fine arts, drama, or creative writing.
The Andy Gaffney Sportsmanship Award was presented to Dean E. and Lulu Z. by former Peck parents Philip and Janet Gaffney, in recognition of outstanding qualities of leadership, consideration, and fair play in the eyes of both students and faculty.
The John J. Kowalik InDeCoRe Award, named after Peck’s former Head of School John Kowalik, was presented to Tyler B. The recipient is nominated by their peers, and the award is presented in recognition of demonstrating Peck’s core values of Care, Courage, Gratitude, Respect, and Responsibility.
Peck’s Community Service Award, also given annually, was presented to the Morris Minute Men Emergency Medical Services, an all-volunteer EMS organization that has been serving the Morris Township area since 1941, responding to 911 emergency calls 24/7, 365 days a year.
Peck’s Community Service Award was established in 2007 by the Board of Trustees. It is given annually to a member of the Morristown community who merits distinction as a result of his or her personal dedication, community commitment, and service to others.
“This year’s award recipient is just as remarkable as our past recipients and truly embodies community responsibility and consideration of others—their reach and impact in the greater Morristown community is inspiring,” said Head of School Andy Delinsky.
Minute Men volunteers consist of active emergency responders and state-certified Emergency Medical Technicians from all walks of life, from high school students—including Peck alumnus Thatcher Neville ’20—to parents, local business owners, and retirees.
“If you have ever needed emergency medical services, there is a good chance the Minute Men were the ones that helped,” Delinsky said.
Some of our past Community Service Award winners include Kids To Kids, Jill and Stewart Lasser of Preschool Advantage, Callie Danysh (a Morris Township fifth grader who started Flags of Gratitude), The Interfaith Food Pantry, the late Marty Epstein of Marty’s Reliable Cycle, Charlie Lia of Wesley’s Toy Box, and Shaun Ananko of Grow it Green.
Annabelle S. receives the creative arts award.
Lulu Z. and Dean E. receive the sportsmanship award.
Tyler B. receives the InDeCoRe award.
Morris Minute Men receive Peck’s Community Service Award.
Alumni Spotlight:
CAROLINE RAMSEY ’15
“SHE
WHO HAS THE WILL TO WIN CANNOT BE BEATEN. GO PRIDE!”
Caroline Ramsey ’15 remembers chanting these words before each field hockey game at Peck.
Caroline, who went on to play field hockey at Cornell University and was named to the USA Field Hockey U.S. Women’s National Team in June 2023, repeated the same phrase to her college teammates as they huddled before an Ivy League Field Hockey Tournament. “Obviously, talent matters, but it’s your work ethic and how much effort that you put into things that’s going to take you far,” she says.
“[That statement] really stuck with me. It’s changed the way I approach things.”
Today, Caroline is continuing this effort as she trains with the Women’s National Team in Charlotte, NC. A bona fide world champion, she helped her team earn the Bronze medal at the 2022 Uniphar 5-Nations Tournament in Dublin, Ireland. And the international accolades don’t stop there. Her team placed eighth at the 2021 Junior World Cup in Potchefstroom, South Africa and ninth at the 2024 FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Muscat, Oman.
“Peck introduced me to finding the balance, and then I was able to find it again in high school and again in college.”
Caroline grew up with an innate drive to succeed. Coming from an athletic family (her father played ice hockey and lacrosse in college, and her uncles played soccer and lacrosse), Caroline says, “It was the norm for us to try out for sports.” She recalls a photo of her as a toddler, balancing on a pair of ice skates.
Competition was encouraged, and Caroline would always strive to beat her older brother (Nicholas ’14) in all sports and never let her younger sister (Julia ’19) win. “My parents set a great example and taught us if you’re going to do [something], do it to the best of your ability.”
As a Peck “lifer,” Caroline credits the school with teaching her from a young age how to be efficient yet diligent. “This helped me in high school and college, too…I wanted to pursue the best education that I could get. [Peck helped me be] able to sit down, get my work done, focus, and also have fun playing sports and with my friends. Peck
introduced me to finding the balance, and then I was able to find it again in high school and again in college.”
Caroline says coaches Sue Sweeney (former Peck girls athletic director from 1988-2021) and Laura Caruso (current physical education and sports teacher) instilled in her a love of sports and being part of a team.
In high school at Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child, Caroline branched out to play varsity ice hockey and lacrosse in addition to field hockey. In fact, she quit club field hockey in high school so she could focus on lacrosse. It was only when Caroline attended her younger sister’s field hockey tournament in Florida and a former club coach signed her up to also play in the tournament that Caroline rekindled her love for the sport.
While she had already visited—and loved—Cornell as a potential lacrosse recruit, she didn’t find it difficult to pivot her focus to field hockey. “I was the wild card, the last recruit in my recruiting class for Cornell,” Caroline says. “I loved playing and trying to get better, and I worked my way into having a big role on the Cornell team.”
During her junior season at Cornell, USA Field Hockey U-21 coaches reached out and invited Caroline to try out for the team. “I didn’t think USA Field Hockey was something I was even capable of,” Caroline remembers. Despite her doubts, the U-21 coaches had seen her play at the NCAA level and were confident she would be an asset to the team.
The coaches were right. Caroline made the U-21 roster that year, and was included on the travel roster, which took her to the Junior Olympics in South Africa at the end of her junior year.
Looking ahead, Caroline plans to pursue a career in medicine. In 2023, she was a Women’s Sports Medicine Center Intern at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, working alongside orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine doctors, and physical therapists. She found the experience to be the perfect intersection of her passions for sports and medicine, but she is still determining which field of medicine to study.
For now, Caroline continues to train with the U.S. Women’s National Team. “I’m in the biggest pressure cooker environment of my life, training at the highest level I’ve ever trained … and yet I think enjoying the process has been a big thing for me. I wish when I was younger, I realized that it’s not all about where you’re getting to.”
As she pursues field hockey at the highest level, Caroline remains grateful to Peck and its athletics program for its impact on her. “The energy Peck had behind sports, whether it was competitiveness on Downy-Redhead Day or in gym class—and having fun behind sports—was huge…finding the joy in competitiveness all started in gym class at Peck, which is really cool,” says Caroline.
The Peck School takes great pride in the accomplishments of our alumni, and we are excited to highlight someone who went from Kindergarten at Peck to the highest level of field hockey in the country! Alumni, we want to hear from you: Share your story—or point us towards a former classmate!—by connecting with Taylor (Worthington) Williams ’03 at twilliams@peckschool.org
THE ARTS AT PECK
WINTER AND SPRING AT Peck were bursting with creativity, from classroom projects to the K-8 Showcase of the Arts, the Spring Sing, the Winter Musical, and the student-produced eighth-grade play, Alice in Wonderland Jr.! Each event was a unique opportunity for students to show off their incredible talents and hard work. It’s been a fantastic season of artistic expression that not only brought our school community closer but also helped our students grow and shine in countless ways.
sportsmanship | underscored: ATHLETICS AT PECK
Our coaches give recaps for the WINTER/SPRING SEASONS for our Peck teams. Go Pride!
Wrestling: The Peck wrestling team is a group of talented hardworking wrestlers. Despite the many newcomers to the sport this year, they were able to put their preparation to the mats when it was time to compete and have a really great showing. Peck wrestling had a great showing at the MSAC tournament to close out the season where we had top 3 finishers in every weight class. We look forward to next season where we will have one big fifth-to-eighth grade squad.
Girls Basketball: The Peck girls basketball team was a testament to determination and skill, with just eight players who defied the odds and achieved a winning record through their relentless effort and teamwork. The girls were able to enjoy a successful season, and create a tight knit bond among the small squad. The roster was few but fierce as they held their own out on the court this season.
Boys Basketball: The Peck boys basketball team celebrated their best season in a long time, showcasing strong foundational leadership that promises continued success for years to come. With only two losses all season, including one to MKA in the MSAC finals, the team finished with an impressive 9-2 record. This remarkable achievement marks their best season since the MSAC Tournament began, setting a new standard for future teams to aspire to.
Ice Hockey: The Ice Hockey team demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout a challenging season. Their progress was evident as they significantly improved their goal differential in the second matchup against Delbarton. Despite a tough loss in the MSAC semi-final to Far Hills, the season was filled with numerous small victories, including athletes trying new positions for the first time and every player contributing with at least one goal or assist.
Girls Volleyball: The Peck girls volleyball team got off to a slow start, but showed major improvement as the season progressed. They hit their stride late in the season, with their large team coming together to showcase their skills. The season culminated in hosting the MSAC Tournament at Peck, marking a fantastic end to a period of significant growth and improvement across the board. It was a great season, highlighted by the team’s dedication and perseverance.
Girls Lacrosse: The girls lacrosse team triumphed in the MSAC tournament, bringing home the championship title. Many of the players showcased their versatility by playing on both the 5/6 and 7/8 teams. At the start of the season, they may have been considered the underdogs of the tournament, but earned themselves the #1 seed and clinched a thrilling 9-8 victory over Kent Place in the finals. This remarkable achievement underscores the team’s resilience and determination.
Boys Lacrosse: Despite a challenging season with only one win, the boys lacrosse team displayed promising young talent and strong leadership. Their performance highlighted potential for future success, anchored by the dedication and skill of their emerging players. With a foundation of promising athletes and supportive leadership, the team looks forward to building on this season’s experiences for a bright future.
Softball: The girls softball team, uniquely featuring athletes from grades 5-8, navigated a season filled with weather-related challenges, but still pulled off a winning record. The team saw many newcomers who enjoyed learning the sport, guided by the leadership and support of older, more experienced players. This blend of youthful enthusiasm and veteran expertise created a dynamic and cohesive unit. The season was marked by perseverance, growth, and a collective success that highlighted the team’s dedication and hard work.
Baseball: The Peck Baseball team exhibited resilience and a coachable spirit, despite facing challenges throughout the season. Their ability to stay determined and adapt showcased their potential for growth and improvement. With promising athletes on the team, the future of the program looks bright, poised for success as they continue to develop their skills and teamwork.
Spring Track & Field: Due to the popularity of our cross country program, Peck has introduced the community to Spring Track and Field for the first time this season. In its inaugural year, the Spring Track and Field Team worked on fundamentals as an intramural sport around campus and at nearby Lidgerwood Park. Spring Track & Field will transition to interscholastic competition in the 2025 season.
FACULTY NEWS
Marshall Recognized for Making Students Feel Understood
Peck’s Faculty and Staff Award for Community Connections, endowed and created in memory of Peck parent David Schnur by the Schnur family, was presented to Upper School Latin Teacher David Marshall. This award was created to honor David’s legacy as a father, husband, son, brother, teacher, and mentor. It honors a faculty or staff member who creates and nurtures authentic and meaningful connections with students at The Peck School that help foster growth, belonging, and transformation. Faculty and staff annually nominate a colleague for the award.
Six Faculty and Staff Honored for a Decade of Service
Several faculty and staff members were honored for reaching a milestone at The Peck School: 10 years of dedication and service to the Peck community. They are: Lower School Administrative Assistant and Registrar Kimberly Apgar ; Lower School Learning Specialist Sasha Armant ; Head of School Andy Delinsky ; Assistant Business Manager Mary Faugno; Upper School Science Teacher Tim Loveday ; and World Language Department Chair and Spanish Teacher Adriana Sykora.
Each received a crystal apple and was recognized with an IRO (In Recognition of) read aloud by a colleague at Peck’s all-school Kairos assembly—a statement summarizing the recipient’s efforts and contributions to Peck. A decadeslong tradition that celebrates individuality and belonging, IROs are also shared for every student annually, in front of their peers.
“[Mr. Marshall] builds and nurtures authentic learning relationships, while always being upbeat, optimistic, and lively,” said Head of School Andy Delinsky, reading from Marshall’s nominations. “He is a positive light that shines brightly, drawing everyone around him closer and making each student feel heard, validated, and understood.”
Schwartz Shares AI Insights at NJAIS Summit
Bruce Schwartz , Director of the Osborn Idea & Design Lab, took the stage at the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS) AI Summit held at Pingry’s Pottersville Campus in January 2024. The summit gathered educators from across the state, all keen on exploring the integration of artificial intelligence in education.
As a leader in innovative educational practices, Schwartz’s presentation, “AI: The Why...and, Now What,” delved into the practical implications and future prospects of AI in education.
Williams Commended as Inspirational
The Walker D. Kirby Award honors a member of the faculty or staff whose dedication to the school, its students, and its mission is an exemplary inspiration to the graduating class and the entire Peck community. Each student in our graduating class votes to determine the recipient. This year’s award went to Director of Secondary School Counseling Christine Williams
Addressing the eighth graders, she said, “In your high school classrooms, in the lunchroom, during your free periods—develop a wide network. Avoid limiting yourself to a single group or clique. Be open to everyone. Be the kid who can walk into any room and sit anywhere because you’ve prioritized knowing as many people as possible, and by doing so, expanding your perspective.”
Burchfield and Cleary Present About Website Redesign at Tech Conference
Jen Cleary, Associate Director for Visual Brand Strategy, and Heather Burchfield, Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing, presented in June at Finalsite University, an annual user conference hosted by Finalsite—a software and tech service provider to schools—that promotes innovative thinking, networking opportunities, product training, and professional development. The duo were joined by Katie Wahal, a Finalsite Advantage Senior Consultant, to share about Peck’s recent website redesign. Burchfield and Cleary spent 14 months strategizing and executing an entirely new website experience for Peck’s prospective and current community. In their engaging presentation, they shared tips and tricks, lessons learned, and things they wish they had known when they started the process.
Garvey Shares Storytelling Tips on Livestreamed Panel Discussion
In January 2024, Lower School Technology, Innovation, and Design Integrator Jen Garvey served as a special guest on a live-streamed panel discussion on the art of storytelling. The panel was hosted by Wakelet, a content curation platform that is utilized by educators across the globe to create interactive visual collections for enhanced learning. During the event, Garvey shared Peck students’ work with Book Creator, noting that empowering students to create and share their work leads to greater engagement and excitement in their educational journey.
“I love the marriage of storytelling with coding, programming, and game creation,” says Garvey.
“What ties them together is student agency—they say to themselves, I’m not just a consumer in my world; I can create, make things on a screen, and find an audience for my work! This is where I see kids really light up.”
CLASS NOTES
1940s
JOHN NILES ʼ49 AND SUSAN SPEERS ʼ43 shared an update that they are both residents at Kendal retirement community in Hanover, New Hampshire.
1950s
SUSIE MARCKWALD MACKAY ʼ54 sent an update, “ PEYTON (CHAPMAN) HORNE ʼ54 and I just had a wonderful visit to the Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas.”
HOPE HAZEN ʼ56 wrote, “I continue to enjoy retirement and spending time with our children and 5 grandchildren! It’s the best. My husband, Bruce, and I were in England for a week for a friend’s wedding in May, followed by another week in Prague and Brno, Czech Republic visiting dear friends. Best wishes to all!”
1970s
Former Fourth Grade Teacher (19791983) SCOTT LAIRD retired as Headmaster of St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School in Tampa, Florida, where he served from 1996-2020. Since then he has served as Interim Head of School at Academy of Ocean Reef and Fisher Island Day School in Miami, Florida.
1980s
This past May, Coach CARTER (MARSH) ABBOT ʼ89 achieved her 300th career win as a varsity high school girls lacrosse head coach. She is currently the Head Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse Coach at Pingry.
MICHAEL PIGNATELLO ʼ89 , who works for the U.S. Department of State, visited campus in February with his husband, Yang, and their two sons, James and Jeremy. He shared that he was very grateful for the tour Sarah Quinn Clausen was able to give, and the trip down memory lane!
1990s
SHANNON BARRY O’GRADY ʼ90 , writes “Greetings from NE Pennsylvania! I am proud to report that I finished my third year as Theatre Director at Salisbury High School in Allentown with successful productions of Hay Fever 1965 (I personally adapted the Noel Coward classic) and The Spitfire Grill. The latter was nominated for Best Overall Production of a Musical at The Freddy Awards in Easton, making it the first time in history for the school to receive such an honor. Highlights of the summer include putting in a pool at our home! Our kids Riggins (15) and Teagan (13) are having a wonderful time with our three dogs and counting the days before starting 10th and 8th grades!”
JEFFREY ROOS ʼ96 was elected to the Bernardsville Borough Council
for the first time and is ready to serve the people of Bernardsville with a passion that drives him to make a difference every day. Despite living all across the country, Jeff was excited to come back to Bernardsville and raise his son in the state he grew up in—the best state there is in which to live, work, and raise a family. “He’s been instrumental in bringing art to the town, feeding the community, and so much more,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) about Council Member Roos.
2000s
KELLY LEONARD , former Peck Faculty member (2001-2008), sent in updates on her children. Her son, ANDREW LEONARD ʼ03 , has three children, Chloe, Max, and Marlowe. Her daughter, MEGAN (LEONARD) WEST ʼ05 , and her husband, BJ, have one daughter, Tiegen, while her youngest son, MARK LEONARD II ʼ08 , married Mady Fryburg in October 2023.
TAYLOR (WORTHINGTON) WILLIAMS ’03 welcomed a son, Hudson Worthington Williams, on February 8, 2024.
COLM CROSS ’05 married Cydney Orear on April 27, 2024 in San Diego, California.
2010s
JANE KIRBY ʼ11 married Mike FitzMaurice on May 4, 2024! There was a large contingency of Peck graduates—spanning five decades—in attendance.
JACQUIE JAKIMOWICZ ʼ12 graduated from the University of Miami School of Law. Her brother, WESLEY JAKIMOWICZ ‘14 , was in attendance.
ADAM MAGISTRO ʼ12 is now an Air Force Officer stationed in Okinawa, Japan with his wife. He just finished a tour of duty in Korea and will start a special school in August that will bring him stateside. His wife is a fellow engineering alum from the University of Michigan, and she is a naval officer also serving in the Asia Pacific.
ETHAN MAGISTRO ʼ15 graduated from Princeton this spring Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, and with three senior thesis awards! In the fall, he will join the new cohort of Princeton’s Scholars in the Nation’s Service Initiative (SINSI) four-year MPA graduate program, split between Princeton and Washington, D.C., that provides leadership training and work experience in public policy. He is one of four SINSI fellowship recipients in the cohort.
MADDY MANAHAN ‘15 graduated from Boston College this year and will be working in the financial services sector in Morristown. Prior to graduation, she was honored by BC Athletics with the “Carry the Torch” award, awarded to a member of the BC Athletics community whose efforts and contributions have stood out among all others and have lifted the collective success of the community to a new level of excellence.
2020s
THATCHER NEVILLE ʼ20 volunteers with the Morristown Minutemen. He will be a freshman at the University of Colorado Boulder in the fall.
SOPHIA LOSCHERT ʼ20 , HEIDI PEARCE ʼ20 , and ALEENA AHMED ʼ20 visited Peck’s campus this spring to catch up with their former classmates and teachers, including Second Grade Teacher Jane Attah, who was very excited to catch up with her former students in Peck’s new garden! Sophia is going to Georgetown for lacrosse, Heidi will attend Villanova, and Aleena is headed to NYU Stern. All three alums graduated from Oak Knoll this past June.
LILLY MCMAHON ʼ22 was selected for the 2024 U.S. Field Hockey U-16 Women’s National Team. The U-16 USWNT traveling squad went to Valkenswaard, Netherlands this past March to compete in a Four Nations Tournament.
SARA SEGAL ʼ23 had a great first year at Pingry, playing lacrosse and even traveling to the Netherlands for training. Her brother, MATTHEW SEGAL ’19 , got into Northeastern’s Global Scholar programs and will be in London.
CJ SORRENTINO ʼ23 and BOWEN HONEKER ʼ23 came back for a visit in May.
Four Young Alumni Return for Panel Discussion
This past June, we had the privilege of hosting a panel of wonderful alumni who returned to campus to share their valuable insights and experiences with the Class of 2024. These alumni, now thriving high school students and recent graduates reflected on their time as Peck students and offered a glimpse into the next phase of academic and personal growth. Shivani Shah ‘20, Matthew Mastrangelo ‘20, Annabelle Ouzounian ‘23, and Souren Ouzounian ‘23 joined us for a lively open conversation. Shivani is a recent graduate of
Kent Place and will be attending Dartmouth College, Matthew graduated from Delbarton and will be attending the University of Richmond, and Annabelle and Souren just completed their first year at Pingry.
This panel discussion was a wonderful opportunity for our eighth-grade students to gain perspective on the high school journey ahead. We are incredibly proud of our graduates and grateful for their willingness to give back to the next class of Peck graduates. Their reflections have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the Class of 2024. A few words of wisdom from our panel were to always be kind and open-minded, use free time wisely, and avoid succumbing to inevitable peer pressure. The eighth graders
were deeply engaged and inspired by the alumni’s stories. Many expressed newfound excitement and readiness for high school and left the panel armed with practical advice and reassurances from those who once sat in their seats.
We would like to express our gratitude to the alumni who took the time to visit and share their wisdom with our students. We also extend our appreciation to Upper School Latin Teacher David Marshall, who moderated the event.
We encourage our graduates to stay connected through our alumni network! If you would like to be part of an alumni panel in the future, please contact Taylor (Worthington) Williams ’03 at twilliams@peckschool.org
IN MEMORIAM
Peck extends its sympathies to the families and friends of the following members of our community:
KATHERINE (PETTUS) WUJCIK ’87 , September 5, 2022; daughter of Thurston Pettus and Susie Pettus; sister of Thurston Pettus Jr. ’90.
PAIGE B. L’HOMMEDIEU, November 3, 2023; former Trustee; father of Elizabeth (L’Hommedieu) King ʼ81.
RICHARD VAN WYCK BUEL JR. ’47 , November 22, 2023.
EDWARD FARLEY , December 13, 2023; grandfather of Anne LaBar ’29; father of Bridget LaBar and father-in-law of Richard LaBar.
VINCENT J. SORRENTINO , January 14, 2024; grandfather of Charles “C.J.” Sorrentino ’23 and Mason Sorrentino ’25; father of Charles Sorrentino and father-in-law of Alison Sorrentino.
RICHARD REITER , January 22, 2024; former Pan Band teacher, 2000-2020.
MAUREEN GILMORE , February 3, 2024; mother of Kindergarten Teacher Kristen Young and mother-in-law of Troy Young; grandmother of Carson Young ’21 and Kendall Young ’23.
ROSE F. MASTRACCHIO , February 24, 2024; mother of Admissions Counselor and grandparent Annette Worthington; grandmother of Alumni Relations Associate Taylor (Worthington) Williams ‘03, Lauren Morse ’94 (current parent, with husband Rob), Brooke Worthington ’96 (current parent, with husband Matthew Houk), Devon Worthington ’99; and great-grandmother of Harrison Morse ’28, Graham Houk ’29, Walker Houk ’31, and Layla Morse ’32.
NANCY T. “TAZ” BROWER , March 25, 2024; former Peck girls athletic program director, coach, Trustee, and creator of Peck’s Downy-Redhead tradition; mother of Kathryn “Kate” (Brower) Solisti ’72, Kristina “Kris” (Brower) Schulte ’75, Kim (Brower) Barton ’81, and Karin (Brower) Corbett ’84; wife of Bailey Brower.
MICHAEL BRUNO , March 31, 2024; father-in-law of Third Grade Teacher Katie Bruno and father of Joseph Bruno; grandfather of Samson Bruno ’27 and Sadie Bruno ’33.
LANIS ANTON SAHAZIZIAN , April 4, 2024; grandfather of John Sahazizian ’27, Lilly Sahazizian ’28, and Teddy Sahazizian ’31; father of Anton Sahazizian and father-in-law of Laura Sahazizian.
JAMES CAMPBELL STOVER , April 23, 2024; grandfather of Charlotte Stover ’29 and Brooke Stover ’30; father of Jamie Stover and father-in-law of Ellie Stover.
KARL HENRY POSSIBLE , April 28, 2024; husband of Second Grade Teacher Jane Attah; father of Gabrielle Possible ’19 and Christopher Possible ’22.
Every effort has been made to include notices for “In Memoriam” through June 2024. We regret any omission; please notify the Advancement Office of any errors by calling (973) 539-8660 or emailing Taylor Williams ‘03 at twilliams@peckschool.org.
