Summer Magazine 2008 by Flint Hill School

HO ME Join Us for Homecoming/ Alumni Reunion 2008

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18

COMING WEEKEND

Come join us! Activities for children, great sporting events, good food! All Alumni and parents (past and present) are invited to join the Headmaster, faculty, and staff members for a casual get-together in Miller House following the last game of the day (approximately 4:00 p.m.).

Please check out the new Alumni Portal of the Flint Hill Website for more details in the coming months: • Go to www.flinthill.org • Click on “My FHS login” • Enter your login name and password to sign in • On the page that opens, under the “Portal Views” section, click on the “Alumni” link.

For more information, please e-mail the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@flinthill.org or call (703) 584-2350

Rules for Engagement

he learning experience got even more interest- “Academies of Learning,” which have a more acaing for Lower and Middle Schoolers starting demic focus in the chosen discipline. For all Grade in March, when once-a-week immersion classes gave Levels, the goal is similar — find out more about students a chance to explore such varied topics as something you’re interested in, and enjoy the handsphotography, dancing, board games, clay animation, on experiential activities. “The students are responKIZ\WWVQVO ÅTU XWM\Za OMWTWOa LQVW[I]Z[ KPM[[ sible for driving the direction and end result of the and architecture. And that’s leaving out meeting with cluster,” say the programs’ coordinators, DifferentiÅZMÅOP\MZ[ IVQUIT ZM[K]M _WZSated Learning Specialists Kathy ers, and military pilots; those Miller and Maureen Sidor. Each Spring Clusters, who got to learn how to run as group must work collaboratively Academies Bring a team; the basketball playto accomplish something with the ers who narrowly defeated the knowledge and skills gained in faculty in a 24-20 matchup; their multi-aged groups. “Their and the “Just Bead It!” jewelryendeavors,” says Lower School making class. Not to forget the Director Sheena Hall, “mirror students who studied Mexican the life skills of not only underculture, the ones who explored standing a process and creating the works of Pablo Picasso, a product, but also of how the “Mad Scientists” who to execute a plan and achieve did fetal pig dissections, and a goal.” the “Lights, Camera, Action!” group that turned Most of these classes are run by FHS faculty and themselves into broadcast journalists. staff members, but a lot of help also comes from

UNIQUE

Learning Opportunities

In Grades K-4, these prog rams are called “Enrichment Clusters,” while this year, Fifth and Sixth Grade students enjoyed the new

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

many members of the school community. Thanks to everyone for another successful season of collaborative learning!

Lower and Middle Schoolers got lots of hands-on experiential learning this spring, thanks to Lower School Clusters and Middle School Academies of Learning

Rules for Engagement

n a Friday afternoon in April, the entire Middle School took to the hills — or at least to the fields, courts, and playgrounds — surrounding the East Campus for three hours of friendly competition and team spirit. The occasion was the Second Annual Color Games, and the students proudly sported their color-coordinated, Grade-level t-shirts as they took on obstacle courses, three-legged and sack races, a water balloon toss, a sponge race, and much more. “The Color Games were a blast!” says Kyle deCamp ’13. “It gave all of the Middle School a chance to take a break from academics, play games, and have fun!” As a Fifth Grader, his sister Brittany thought the Games were “a little tricky…as this was [our] first year to participate,” but added that partnering with the Eighth Graders helped both groups “bond and work together to compete.” The organizers — faculty, staff, parents, and students — did a g reat job of setting up the events, says Robert Grey ’12, noting that his advisory group “really bonded” as they experienced the inflatable obstacle course “and the exciting matches of ‘Capture the Flag.’ ”

The competition between the Grades was fierce and exciting. I loved having fun with my friends and being out of the classroom for the afternoon!” Sophie Munroe ’14 was initially worried about the approach of the Color Games, since she broke her arm about a month before the big day. But she perked back up when her homeroom teacher and SCA Sponsor, Adrianne Gaal, asked her to join in organizing the day’s events. “Of course I said yes — I was curious about how much effort it took,” says Sophie. Even though she had to cheer from the sidelines, she says it was fun to see “the look of great enjoyment” on the faces of her friends as they crossed the finish line!

COLOR GAMES A M IDD L E SCHO O L BO ND I NG DAY

“Everybody was so pumped up and ready to win,” says Bryce Johnson ’14. Matball was his favorite event of the day, while Conor Maddry ’15 was a fan of the racing events. Conor and several other students also voiced great enthusiasm for the tug-of-war contests, held in the gym at the conclusion of the outdoor activities. “Even though I had fun the entire day,” says Jesse Anderson ’13, “the tug-of-war was the most memorable. The gym was so loud; I could hardly hear myself think!

As a member of the Middle School SCA, Maddie Ayers ’12 particularly liked having a day dedicated to Middle School activities, since “it’s a rare occasion for the entire Middle School to be together.” Maddie enjoyed working with SCA Sponsor Beth Kurtz and Spanish teacher Ashley Kappler almost as much as the tugof-war, when “everyone is jumping up and down and chanting and cheering on their teams!” By the way, the Sixth and Seventh Grade team pulled out a win against the Fifth and Eighth Graders. But who’s keeping score?

“I feel so grateful that I was able to be there to enjoy the moment with all my friends,” says Sophie. “After the games, we all celebrated with a nice bowl of Carvel ice cream…and started imagining what next year’s Games will bring!” The conclusion from Jenny Hendrix ’13 — The day was a big success. “Everyone left with smiling faces after having a fantastic day!”

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

Rules for Engagement

Not Your Father’s

Economics Blame It Class? On the Stock Market! Students had up to $200,000 of simulated money to invest. The experience allowed students to see the volatility of the stock market and learn about different investment strategies.

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Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

Rules for Engagement

Sixth Graders and AP Government students exchange ideas on the upcoming election

All politics is local… Emily Sanderson’s AP Government class and students in Andrea Weiss’ Sixth Grade class completed a joint project in April. The Sixth Graders became experts on the presidential candidates and several issues pertaining to the upcoming national election. The AP Seniors had done a similar project at the beginning of the year. The Sixth Graders came to the West Campus and presented their findings to the AP students, breaking up into two smaller groups so that everyone had the opportunity to talk. “My students really enjoyed the experience,” says Ms. Sanderson. “They were impressed with how much the Sixth Graders knew. They also recognized how influential families are in socializing kids to political belief systems. I was impressed with the level of respect that there was throughout the conversation. The AP students took the younger students seriously and treated them as equals in the conversation — even challenging them on ideas and sharing their opposing views!”

Gatsby turned out all right at the end… Every member of the Junior Class participated in the third annual “Gatsbyfest,” a celebration of the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic, “The Great Gatsby.” To mark the culmination of the reading, the Class (with some help from parent volunteers and faculty members) recreated one of Gatsby’s soirées, complete with costumes, food, “cocktails” (a.k.a. pink 7-Up), the roaring tunes of the FHS Jazz Band, and lots of fun and festivities. Students were asked to research the era and came to school dressed in typical ‘20s-style clothing.

Wasn’t that…? An observant visitor walking the halls of the West Campus in May might have seen the likes of Henry David Thoreau, Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, or Langston Hughes, among other noted authors, in Joanne Starnes’ English class. The students, dressed as one of ten noted writers, answered questions posed by faculty members that allowed them to demonstrate their carefully researched knowledge of their subjects.

(D) Members of the Junior Class took the Gatsbyfest celebration seriously… up to a point… (E) Juniors Taamu Wuya (l) and Arlandis Harvey get comfortable in their roles as Emily Dickinson and Langston Hughes (F) The Jazz Band keeps everyone in the mood with Gatsby-era musical numbers

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

Rules for Engagement exposed to our Department. We’re so excited to spread the classical literacy out there to the rest of the students — I’m dying to get to know students I don’t know yet!” There aren’t that many, if you ask Erik Fredericksen ’08: “I cannot count the number of students…who have come into Mrs. Covington’s or Mr. [Howard] Chang’s classroom for guidance and advice about school and about life…the entire Department forges relationships that far surpass the terms of ‘colleague,’ ‘student,’ or ‘teacher’.” “The thing which amazes me the most,” says Evan Anderson ’09, “is the passion which all of the Latin teachers have for both Latin and teaching the students… creating a close camaraderie…that makes for a tremendous experience.” Lauren MacGuidwin ’10 agrees. “There is something about being a Latin student that makes it feel more like a community than a class,” she says.

Expanding the Classics Department

“S

It’s All Greek... and Latin... to Us

ome people say Latin is a dead language,” says Megan Ledoux’ 09. “But when you have over eighty [Upper School] students in a school of under 500 enrolled in Latin, and even more in the Classics Department next year, its obvious that Latin is not dead!” Student enthusiasm for the program is one of the reasons the new Classics Department will be spreading its wings this fall at FHS. Upper School students will have four new electives to choose from — a yearlong Ancient Greek (Greek 1) course, and three semester-long opportunities offered twice a year: Greek and Roman History; Greek and Roman mythology; and Etymology, a course based on Greek and Latin root words. A new faculty member

2 8

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008 Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

will join the team, and current faculty members look forward to taking on some new responsibilities to make it all happen. “We’re a school founded on a classically based education,” says Latin Department Chair Laurie Covington, “so we wanted our students to have a chance to explore — in depth, and not just as ‘cute stories’ — ancient history, and mythology as a religion and a culture.” The program’s expansion will help students understand the symbolic meaning behind the stories they’re learning. “Unless you’re a Latin student, you’re missing out on the ability to figure out the roots of our vocabulary,” says Mrs. Covington. “So now students who haven’t had Latin will be able to take Etymology. We will have more students

“Working with the students is what makes it exciting,” says Mrs. Covington, “and it’s a chance to be eccentric — we really put ourselves out there to make the kids connect with us and with our subject. We work hard to make it fun and interesting and relevant.” Then she laughs. “But we have to! There’s forever a danger that we’ll be considered obsolete!” Not likely. It turns out that the FHS Latin Club, sponsored by Howard Chang, is the largest in the country. He learned this fact at last year’s National Junior Classical League (JCL) convention, and “was so motivated by that knowledge that I really wanted to take it to another level — given its stature, we could be doing more! So this year my approach has been competition, service, and social opportunities — three outlets for students to make friends, give back to their school community, and participate in the competitions that are already a part of the program.” “Latin is very alive!” says Seventh Grader Patrick Sanguineti. “It’s challenging, rewarding, and fun, and helps with other subjects like English, Science, and (photo above) Middle School Latin Students gather during a trip to Philadelphia

Rules for Engagement Spanish.” Kathy Smerke and Chris Marchetti oversee the Middle School Latin program and “that’s where the true unbridled enthusiasm begins,” says Mrs. Covington.There’s definitely a lot happening at that level: a Certamen took place in October; a toga bowling party drew a big crowd in November; and Eighth Graders traveled to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the U-Penn Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology in April. This summer, Ms. Smerke will lead forty-one parents, students, and chaperones on a trip to Greece and Italy, visiting such historical sites as Athens, Olympia, Mycenae, Pompeii, and Rome. In the fall, a new faculty member, Richard Hang — a former student of Mr. Chang — arrives on the Middle School campus, as Mr. Marchetti takes on new Upper School responsibilities.

Collin Sibley ’09 is the only person in the country to have earned four perfect scores on the National Latin exam — over 100,000 students took the test this year — and he was one of only 10 students in the country to have earned a cash prize in the Camwas Translation Contest, in which a student must translate a passage selected from all of ancient literature and give a literal translation.

The Latin Department’s program has a state-wide reputation for excellence, and there is a growing national recognition for some exceptionally talented students and teachers.

In March, FHS won the Independent School prize at the Classical Association of Virginia’s Latin Tournament — edging out Classical Cottage, a home school in Winchester, VA, by a single point! The School has won this prize in all but one of the seventeen years that FHS has been

“There is something about being a Latin student that makes it feel more like a community than a class. — Lauren MacGuidwin ‘10

in existence. At the Classical Association of Virginia’s annual meeting, Howard Chang was given the Angela Lloyd Award for excellence in teaching. The award is presented to Classics teachers who have inspired other teachers in the classroom and have promoted and encouraged the study of the Latin language. In addition to his FHS responsibilities, Mr. Chang also sponsors the Virginia Senior Classical League, comprised of college students who are pursuing Classics. The SCL compiles, writes, and runs the annual State Convention test sessions, and oversees all State certamen competitions. Eighty-one students attended the Virginia JCL Convention in Richmond in November, brought home 200 awards, and Sophomore Kenneson Chen was elected 2nd Vice President. Laurie Covington has been elected President of the Classical Association of Virginia. Her two-year term requires her to run the CAV meetings, organize the speakers, and serve as representative to various state and national language organizations. Continued on page 10

(A) Toga bowling: always a hit (B) An in-class skit about the life of Theseus was prep for the National Mythology exam (C) Latin Club Officers (back row): Kenneson Chen ’10, Evan Anderson’09, Will Hoing ’08, Erik Fredericksen ’08; (front row): Christine Shanahan ’08, Sahithi Akula ’10, Megan Ledoux ’09

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

Rules for Engagement

Continued from page 9

The group also has a teacher placement component through the University of Virginia that keeps track of available Latin and Classics teaching positions in the State. It’s possibly not a coincidence that three former FHS students, Greg Kfoury ’01, Irina Ruden Greenman ’98, and Bill Carey ’99, are now Classics teachers in Virginia!

“We work hard to make it fun and interesting and relevant... But we have to! There’s forever a danger that we’ll be considered obsolete!” — Laurie Covington, Latin Department Chair

“The teachers,” says Eric Fredericksen, “are all spectacular, and all for different reasons; but they all share one thing: passion…both for Latin and for teaching. This is what shines through every day. The Latin Department [has] truly changed the course of my life.” It’s likely that future students will be saying similar things about the new Classics Department. Possibly in Greek. But whatever they say, they’ll probably really appreciate the meaning of their words. A

(A) Latin teachers (l-r) Howard Chang, Chris Marchetti, Laurie Covington, and Kathy Smerke (B) Evan Anderson ’09 and (C) Christine Shanahan ’08 help out as part of being a Latin Club volunteer (D) Ratna Gill ’11 helps Harper Peterson ’19 decorate Homecoming pumpkins

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

Community Service

n early May, Eighth Graders showcased their independent service projects, and the contributions they made to the greater community, at their annual Service Fair. “This year’s Class did a particularly outstanding job of finding sites that complemented their own interests…apparent in the mature, passionate way that they presented their work” at the Service Fair, says Middle School Service Coordinator Christine Dwyer. After considering their interests and identifying areas that would benefit from their services, the students made their choices. Those who enjoy the outdoors did assorted park clean-ups beneficial to the health of the environment. Many were eager to work with young people and offered their skills at day cares, athletic arenas, and schools. In projects such as Simple Changes and Special Olympics, students worked with youth who have

make a Career ut O of this I Could

Service Fair Spotlights Volunteer Activities

particular mental, physical, and emotional challenges. Others cared for and befriended elderly individuals in nursing and Alzheimer’s facilities. Thrift stores, housing shelters, and food banks such as Food for Others were also the beneficiaries. Volunteers at Pittsburg Project and Habitat for Humanity built and repaired homes while also learning useful construction skills. Students who were interested in health issues often worked with families of sick children at Ronald McDonald House or with organizations that raise awareness and resources for those afflicted with specific diseases. Some focused on animal adoption through A Forever Home and similar establishments; others worked at Feline Network and Blue Ridge Assistance Dogs, helping animals become suitable pets or service dogs. “It was astounding,” says Ms. Dwyer. “They were consistently thoughtful in the way they pursued and presented their work.” Rachel Waugh spent her time in the thrift store at McLean Bible Church. During the day she was a babysitter, watching after children while their parents shopped. At night, when the

D (A) Kelsey Good with her project display (B) Rachel Waugh helps out at her church’s thrift store (C) Michael Kliska shows off his work at the Service Fair (D) Dana Alloy explains her project to Service Coordinator Christine Dwyer

Continued on page 12

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Community Service

Continued from page 11

shop was closed, she helped sort the clothing. “When I first began…I saw it as a service that I had to do for school.” But as time went on, her perspective changed. “It taught me to be grateful for what I had,” Rachel says. “I have even signed up for helping on Sundays over the summer.” Alex Manthey volunteered at Simple Changes, a foundation that helps disabled children enhance their reflexes through riding horses — known as hippotherapy. Alex’s greatest challenge: he was afraid of horses. “Every day I stepped out of my comfort zone. But after a week, I completely overcame this fear and began to know the individual horses and their discomforts. It was strenuous work and I loved every bit of it. It was one of the best experiences of my life.”

Michelle Webber brought music to young children through her work with the Levine School of Music’s Early Childhood and Elementary Music Outreach Program. Its founder, Rose Ramp, is also Michelle’s long-time music teacher. “I saw them play and learn basic principles that I remember learning when I was their age. They say the way to the soul is through song, and this is something that I firmly believe. I could easily make a career out of this service.”

B (A) Michael Kliska and the boys of the Challenger Baseball League (B) Tori Roisman’09 receives the “Teen Character” award from (l-r) Dranesville District School Board member Janie Strauss, McLean Citizens Association President Rob Jackson, and Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust (C) Here they come! “Girls on the Run” Cluster gets into the groove during an early practice session

Girls on the Run On May 17, the “Girls on the Run” Cluster participated in the Daisy Dash 5k at the Fair Oaks Mall to benefit “Girls on the Run of NOVA,” which describes itself as “a life-changing learning program for girls in Grades 3-8.” The program combines training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goal of the program is to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual, and physical development.

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

The kids in Reston Challenger Baseball League, says Michael Kliska, “taught me how to enjoy life and how to be carefree. The experience was life-altering.” Michael worked with the League’s coaches, pitching and sometimes catching during the games and often catching for batting practice. “I would never have realized how the parents’ lives are altered forever when they give birth to a disabled child. And the kids are remarkable people. They know they are different, yet I have never met a group of kids more willing to just be themselves.” Michael says that “spending time with the kids was more rewarding and worthwhile than the Bears’ games I missed to be there.” “Many of our students surpassed the ten required hours, and some are still continuing their service,” says Ms. Dwyer. “Each has conveyed a sense of respect for the work undertaken and demonstrated great compassion for those who are in direct need and for those who have dedicated their lives to serving a population in need. It is clear that our Eighth Grade students each have something valuable to teach and to share.”

Community Service

Special Olympics Returns to FHS Flint Hill School again hosted a Special Olympics Track and Field competition in April, with more than 160 athletes with mental disabilities from Fairfax and Arlington counties participating. The event was managed and conducted by volunteers from various corporate and community organizations, as well as members of the FHS community. “Spirits were high and the competition was strong throughout the day,” says Jeff McGiboney, the Track and Field Coordinator of Special Olympics of Northern Virginia. “We were absolutely thrilled with the event and the participation of your student body.”

B F

(D) Coordinator Jeff McGiboney (center) with one of the Special Olympics athletes and a group of volunteers (E) athletes take to the field (F) setting up at the starting line (G) The broad jump competition

On Course: Senior Project Helps Combat Veterans Senior Florencia Rivas headed for the golf course for her Senior Project — but it wasn’t to work on her swing. Florencia internedCwith the non-profit Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA), which uses the rehabilitative benefits of golf to help combat-wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Through donations, the organization provides them with golf lessons, equipment, and playing opportunities. Some of Florencia’s responsibilities included working at a Wounded Warrior Clinic at Olney Golf Park; learning about the hands-on golf instruction from Jim Estes, President and Founder of SMGA; and spending time with the wounded veterans and hearing their stories.

(H) Florencia Rivas ’08 talks with SMGA President Jim Estes and (I) visits with one of the participants in the sixth Wounded Warrior Clinic, held at Olney Golf Park in May

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

Student Accolades

(A) Alayna Sye, Kwesi Acquay, and Dashell Laryea with their team sponsor, Naa-Adei Kotey (B) Joy Galberth with WRC’s Keith Garvin

FHS Students Capture Black History Forum Title In February, a team of FHS students took first place in a Black History Forum competition sponsored by the Burke-Fairfax Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. The event, based on the format of the “It’s Academic” quiz show, brought teams from West Springfield High School, Lake Braddock Secondary School, Mt. Vernon High School, and Flint Hill School to the East Campus’ Olson Theater. Students answered seven rounds of questions that tested their knowledge of African American history. Reporter Keith Garvin of WRC-TV, Channel 4, was the moderator/guest speaker.

STUDENT ACCOLADES

Flint Hill School’s Nurse Practitioner Joy Galberth, now in her third year as President of the local Chapter, organized the day’s event; Upper School English teacher Naa-Adei Kotey coached the victorious students — Juniors Alayna Sye, and Dashell Laryea, and Sophomore Kwesi Acquay — for the competition. Jack and Jill of America, Inc., is the oldest and largest African American family organization in the U.S., and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for African American children; it has sponsored the Forum for the last 24 years. Proceeds from the day’s event benefited the Janice M. Scott Memorial Fund, named for a member of the local chapter who was killed in the bombing of the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.

Off to Governor’s School Juniors Kobi Acquay and Morgan O’Grady were accepted to Virginia’s Governor’s School programs — month-long opportunities for furthering the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of gifted Tenth and Eleventh Graders. Kobi will attend the Mathematics, Science, & Technology program with 160 other students from across the state. Morgan is one of 45 students who will be part of the Latin experience. The programs take place on college campuses and are funded by the Commonwealth of Virginia, local school divisions, and private schools. 14

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

Marine Science Team Competes at Chesapeake Bowl Congratulations to the FHS Marine Science Competition team, which tied for third place at the “Chesapeake Bowl,” the regional level of a national ocean science competition that was held at the U.S. Naval Academy in February. Ten teams from schools in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia competed. It was the best showing yet for the Huskies; the School has participated for the last five years. Students competed all day long in nine separate matches, in what team sponsor Fred Chanania called “the most grueling schedule I have yet encountered at any regional competition.” Flint Hill’s team — Seniors Meth Gunasinghe (Captain), Alexis Abbey, Leslie Martell, and Sarah Sweet — was also unanimously selected by over 20 judges and assistants to receive the “Team Spirit” Award.

Student Accolades

Arts KUDOS • Congratulations to Maggie Robertson ’09, who was nominated for a “Cappies” Award in the “Comic Actress in a Play” category for her performance in the fall production of “Somewhere in Between.” About 40 schools participate in the National Capital Area “Cappies” program, and critics nominate the top five contenders in any acting or technical category. Since 2002, Flint Hill has received 19 nominations and has won three times. The Cappies Awards Gala was scheduled to take place at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall in early June. • Members of the Upper School Instrumental Ensembles attended a day-long adjudicated festival, sponsored by Performing Arts Consultants, held at Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, MD, in early May. The Symphonic Band, Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble each received Silver Ratings, and the Percussion Ensemble, directed by Greg Holloway, earned a Gold Medal. • The MS Advanced Orchestra, under the direction of Jason Day, was given a “Superior” rating in a Musicale Festival competition at Busch Gardens in May. The seventeen Seventh and Eighth Grade students performed works by Gustave Holst, Handel, and Hofeldt, and were competing with orchestras from five other Virginia schools. Hunter Lawrence ’12 was also recognized as an “outstanding soloist” in one of the pieces. Classmate Hailey Farrell ’12, captain of the Elite Chorus, won an award at the same Festival for her solo performance with the Seventh/

Eighth Grade Chorus, under the direction of Lee Brunell. Hailey sang “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from “Hairspray.” • Seniors Lyndsey Marcus and Ashley Sprano were named to the All-Virginia Chorus, and, accompanied by Choral Director Kay Maddox, they traveled to Harrisonburg High School in May to perform in concert with the best students in the state. The group worked with outstanding conductors and performed extremely difficult music before a packed house. • The Upper School English Department awarded its Departmental Writing Awards at an assembly in April. Creative Writing Prizes went to Michael Le ’11, Lauren MacGidwin ’10, Brian Randolph ’09, and Chelsea Stickle ’08, and the Richard Rouse Expository Writing Prize was presented to Erik Fredericksen ’08.

G (C) Maggie Robertson ’09 in a scene from“Somewhere in Between” (D) soloists extraordinaire Hunter Lawrence and Hailey Farrell (E) Kay Maddox with Senior members of this year’s Chorus, including (top row, r) Lyndsey Marcus and (bottom row, r) Ashley Sprano (F) The MS Advanced Orchestra (G) Writing Prize recipients (l-r) Erik Fredericksen ’08, Lauren MacGuidwin ’10, Brian Randolph ’09, Chelsea Stickle ’08 and Michael Le ’11

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

Flint Hill School April-May 2008

Flint Hill Magazine - Winter 2008

Arts

Something For Ever yone!

spring transitioned into summer and you were feeling starved for [WUM IZ\Q[\QK MTM^I\QWV aW] UW[\ LMÅVQ\MTa can’t blame anyone at Flint Hill. From the time this year’s Arts Jam began at the end of March, it was pretty much a nonstop engagement until the annual Fine Arts Banquet in early June.

play an instrument. “We start early,” says Mrs. Hayes, “so they develop an understanding of and appreciation for the arts — they know how to draw, understand color theory, learn how to work in two dimensions. We’re really teaching deep, lifelong skills that can awaken a passion in students at a very young age.”

“The quality, quantity, range, and depth of concentration in the arts haven’t always been so apparent, and the program has expanded considerably in the last seven years,” says Fine Arts Director Susan Hayes. In 2001, the FHS Board of Trustees decided to implement a full Fine Arts program, hiring new faculty and an administrator both to oversee the curriculum and fully develop the program, which now begins in the JK classroom with music, art, and movement. By the Fourth Grade, every child can read music and

Another important aspect of the program, says Mrs. Hayes, is the skill the faculty members bring to the classroom. “We made a conscious decision to hire teachers who are working artists in their own right — painters, photographers, actors, directors — professionals who are KWV\QV]QVO \W _WZS QV \PMQZ ÅMTL[ <PMa demonstrate to their students that art is a lifelong journey.” It’s no surprise that faculty member Greg Holloway got a standing ovation when he brought his jazz ensemble to the Upper School

(A) Ceramics on display in the US library (B) Rob Levit works with Ahren Ellison ’14 (C) a scene from the Seventh/Eighth Grade play, “Once in a Lifetime” (D) members of the Bowen McCauley Dance Company work in the dance studio

Commons for an Arts Jam concert that included dazzling vocals from the group’s lead singer, Imani. “It’s inspiring for students see that kind of skill [from a faculty member],” says Mrs. Hayes. “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Some other snapshots from Arts Jam: )V =XXMZ ;KPWWT XZWL]K\QWV WN 3]Z\ Vonnegut, Jr.’s “Welcome to the “Monkey House” featured a cast of sixteen and drew big crowds to the Dessert Theater.” The Seventh/Eighth Grade production of “Once in a Lifetime,” and the much-anticipated Fifth/Sixth Grade presentation, “Circus Olympus,” were colorful and entertaining Middle School events that gave many budding young FHS actors their moment in the spotlight, center stage. Continued on page 36

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

Arts

Continued from page 35

<PM ÅN\P IVV]IT ) +IXXMTTI 2IU PW[\ML Ja W]Z W_V 5IRWZ 5QVWZ[ JZW]OP\ O]M[\ OZW]X[ NZWU TWKIT [KPWWT[ IVL ]VQ^MZ[Q\QM[ \W MVRWa [WUM OZMI\ U][QK QV 7T[WV <PMI\MZ .WZ \PM NW]Z\P aMIZ QV I ZW_ \PM 5IRWZ 5QVWZ[ _MZM QVKT]LML WV I KL ¹*M[\ WN 0QOP ;KPWWT ) +IXXMTTI º <PM =XXMZ ;KPWWT¼[ RIbb JIVL IVL \PM 5QLLTM ;KPWWT¼[ QV[\Z]UMV\IT IVL KPWZIT KWVKMZ\[ _MZM XZW]L WKKI[QWV[ NWZ \PM [\]LMV\[ \PMQZ \MIKPMZ[ IVL \PM UIVa NIUQTa UMUJMZ[ IVL NZQMVL[ _PW KIUM W]\ \W PMIZ \PMU

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;KPWWT XPW\WOZIXPa [\]LMV\[ KWV^QVKML \MIKPMZ[ IVL [\]LMV\[ \W XW[M _Q\P \PMQZ NI^WZQ\M JWWS[ IVL \PMV \]ZVML \PM ZM[]T\QVO XPW\WOZIXP[ QV\W XW[\MZ[ KMTMJZI\QVO \PM TW^M WN ZMILQVO ?PQTM )Z\[ 2IU Q[ UMIV\ \W ZMÆMK\ [\]LMV\[¼ _WZS QV \PMQZ KPW[MV ÅMTL Q\¼[ IT[W I KPIVKM NWZ \PMU \W XIZ\QKQXI\M QV UI[\MZ KTI[[M[ IVL MVZQKPUMV\ XZWOZIU[ [XMVLQVO \QUM _Q\P IVL WJ[MZ^QVO ^Q[Q\QVO IZ\Q[\[ QV ZM[QLMVKM _PW [PIZM \PMQZ ^QM_[ WV \PM KZMI\Q^M XZWKM[[ 7TQ^MZ 2IKS[WV I XIQV\MZ IVL [K]TX\WZ _PW[M _WZS[ IZM WV LQ[XTIa QV U][M]U[ IKZW[[

(A) Author C.S. Friedman (l) was invited to campus by faculty member Valerie Morehouse (B) the cast of “Circus Olympus” (C) students get into their “Once in a Lifetime” modes (D) Bowen McCauley Dance members perform in the gym (E) Major Minors sing at the US Closing Ceremony (to come) (F) Photographer Max Desfor shows his photographs to interested students (G) the US Percussion group (H) students create their work in the Commons (I) Oliver Jackson with Olivia Arey ’10 36

Flint Hill Magazine - Winter 2008

Arts

the country, returned to share his insights and perspectives with Upper School art students. 4W] 8MZ[QK TML 4W_MZ ;KPWWT KPQTLZMV through the intricacies of African drumming, singing, and dancing. /]Q\IZQ[\ KWUXW[MZ IVL ML]KI\WZ :WJ 4M^Q\ PMTXML 5QLLTM ;KPWWTMZ[ IXXZMKQate the art of jazz improvisation. 5MUJMZ[ WN \PM *W_MV 5K+I]TMa ,IVKM +WUXIVa LMUWV[\ZI\ML QV\ZQKI\M dance techniques at an Upper School I[[MUJTa IVL \PMV _WZSML WVM WV WVM with a small group of dance students.

5I` ,M[NWZ IV )[[WKQI\ML 8ZM[[ XPW\WOrapher who covered World War II and _WV I 8]TQ\bMZ 8ZQbM NWZ PQ[ 3WZMIV ?IZ XPW\WOZIXPa \ITSML _Q\P XPW\WOZIXPa IVL PQ[\WZa [\]LMV\[ IJW]\ PQ[ TQNM¼[ _WZS ;KQMVKM ÅK\QWV NIV\I[a _ZQ\MZ + ; .ZQMLUIV \ITSML IJW]\ PMZ IKKTIQUML ¹+WTLÅZM <ZQTWOaº L]ZQVO IV =XXMZ ;KPWWT ?ZQ\MZ¼[ ,Ia XZWOZIU \PI\ IT[W featured the presentation of the DepartUMV\¼[ _ZQ\QVO I_IZL[ ;PM TI\MZ ^Q[Q\ML [M^MZIT -VOTQ[P KTI[[M[ \W [XMIS LQZMK\Ta with students.

¹1 [MM \PM XZQLM \PM M`KQ\MUMV\ IVL \PM XI[[QWV \PI\ W]Z [\]LMV\[ JZQVO \W \PMQZ _WZS º [Ia[ 5Z[ 0IaM[ ¹IVL Q\¼[ OZMI\ SVW_QVO \PI\ ITT \PM XTIVVQVO \PI\ PI[ gone into this program is paying off. <PMa¼ZM N]VK\QWVQVO I\ I ZMITTa PQOP TM^MT IVL Q\¼[ JMKWUM []KP I ^Q\IT XIZ\ WN \PM TQNM WN W]Z ;KPWWT ?M ZMITTa PI^M N]TÅTTML \PM LZMIU[ WN [W UIVa XMWXTM º ;\Ia \]VML <PMZM¼[ UWZM \W KWUM

(A) Middle School Band members in concert (B) a scene from “Circus Olympus” (C) Lou Persic works with Fourth Grade students (D) the cast of the US Dessert Theater’s “Welcome to the Monkey House” (E) members of the US band (F) faculty member Greg Holloway and his band perform in the US Commons (G) student art on display during Arts Jam (H) the string section waits its turn

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

18th ANNUAL

GALA

CELEBRATES THE “DRIVING SPIRIT”

ot even a rainstorm could dampen the Flint Hill spirit on the red carpet on April 26, 2008. In fact, Headmaster John Thomas noticed a rainbow embracing the West Campus as over 450 parents, faculty, and staff celebrated “A Family Affair” during an evening of dinner, dancing, and live and silent auctions at the 18th Annual Parents Association Gala. Created by Gala Co-Chairs Mary Lee Brendsel and Ingrid Plein, this year’s theme focused on the students and families, the core of Flint Hill’s “Driving Spirit” and caring community.

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

“This event was successful, organized, and a tremendous amount of fun,” says Sally Hazel, President of the Parents Association, “due to the leadership of Mary Lee and Ingrid, and the dedication of the many volunteers who offered their time and talents for the good of the School. There was such a positive sense of camaraderie and community throughout all of the planning, which wonderfully emphasized the theme and was so clearly displayed on Gala night.”

in the silent auction. The “Husky Happenings” section, featuring school-related items, proved to be quite popular, with experiences such as “Treats with Klondike” and the chance to become an honorary sports team captain. The teachers and staff made this section special by providing experiences to share with students, ranging from movie outings and pottery painting to “Best Loved Books,” a special collection of children’s books selected by the Lower School teachers.

The evening began with guests eagerly bidding on the numerous items available

Party Boards and Family-themed Baskets were in high demand, and unique experi-

a family affair

ences, excellent adventures, and “must have” trinkets tempted bidders during the Super Silent Auction. The Flint Hill Keepsake Quilt, a Tour of the United States Federal Courts, and tickets to the “Black Tie and Boots” Inaugural Ball were among these “super” prizes. The highlights of the Auction were the Class Projects and the new Photo Wall. Treasures such as tiled mirrors, café tables, and mosaics gave parents the opportunity to take home a special item created by

their child’s Class. The FHS Family Photo Album featured never-before-seen photos of students during the school day and at various school events and activities.

in the classrooms, brought in over $125,000. The response was a remarkable display of the community’s generosity, support, and commitment.

The live auction featured items for all ages. The Lower School Sleepover was once again a popular item. “Headmaster for a Day,” First-in-Line for Carpool, Middle School Laser Tag, and Dinner with the Headmaster also saw many paddles raised.

The evening truly was “A Family Affair,” as it brought the Flint Hill community together with an inspiring spirit and energy to celebrate all that makes Flint Hill special — and to demonstrate the powerful sense of pride we all share as Huskies.

The third annual Paddle Raiser, this year to benefit the advancement of technology

(A) Headmaster John Thomas (B) The tables are set and ready for the big night (C) the amazing Co-Chairs, Mary Lee Brendsel and Ingrid Plein (center) and their many volunteers (D) a rainbow welcomes guests to the Gala (E) Gala guests: David Boies, John T. Hazel, Jr., and Brian Nault (F) a cheery group of faculty and staff volunteers (G) Jenny Davisson is all smiles (H) Red Carpet arrivals Dana and Scott Fredericksen (I) “The Mystery Gift” tree (J) Chris Isaac, John Ecker, and Ken Krisko look forward to a great evening

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

Annual Golf Tournament

Celebrate On and Off the Links! During a spring where torrential rains were the rule, the day of the Flint Hill Golf tournament was the exception: dry and cool with just a bit of actual sunshine. The careful planning of Co-Chairs Ann McNerney and Marcy Rehberger combined with Westfields Golf Club’s hospitality to make for a great day of golfing. Enthusiastic golfers representing all skill levels included FHS parents, teachers, alumni, and friends. No one won the Hole-in-One and a free two-year lease on a Honda (courtesy of Brown’s Honda), but there were a number of remarkable shots! Rahul Gupta won Men’s “Closest A to the Pin” competition, and Ann McNerney won the Women’s. Longest Drive winners were Bob Abt and Bev Lane. At the end of the day, golfers gathered for what everyone agrees is the best tournament prize: dinner—prepared fresh onsite—from the Bonefish Grill, courtesy of FHS parents Roy and Deanna Phillips. Even better, the event raised $16,000 for Flint Hill School. Thanks to all who participated in a wonderful and profitable FHS community event. (A) Headmaster John Thomas with Co-Chairs Marcy Rehberger (l) and Ann McNerney (B) First Place Net Women’s winning team members (l-r) Kim Police, Bev Lane, Marcy Rehberger, and Suzanne Jackson (C) First Place Net Men’s winning team members Rich Showalter, Brian Nault, and John Beatty

Flint Hill Magazine - Winter 2008

These photographs demonstrate

Annual Fund Dollars Your

at Work

The Annual Fund is a critically important piece of the FHS operating budget. Your gift to the Flint Hill School Annual Fund supports every area of School life. To all who made a gift this year, thank you!! If you have only one gift to give to Flint Hill School, please give it to the Annual Fund!

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

LOWER, MIDDLE SCHOOL MARK YEAR’S END E

arly June at Flint Hill was a time to relax and celebrate the school year just ending—especially after Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Graders were done with exams! Though the farewell gatherings were dictated by Grade level, a common theme emerged: It had been a very good year. For Lower Schoolers, a Field Day of games, competitions, and a cookout was a great way to burn off some energy and have fun with classmates. A much more formal occasion came on June 6, when the JK-4 Ceremony marked the official closing of their school year and the transition to

Middle School for the Fourth Grade Class of 2016. Headmaster John Thomas and Lower School Director Sheena Hall spoke about the many accomplishments of the past year, and faculty members composed poems to honor their students. Each Class sang a song that was special to them, and three members of the Fourth Grade spoke about their time at Flint Hill: “From the moment I arrived here, every one was so interested in where I came from and where I had been,” said Ella Hamilton, who came to FHS in 2003 from Belgium. “They made me feel so welcome.”

“It’s been a great ride,” said Rachel James. “When I reflect back on my time at Flint Hill, I always smile. I’ve been so happy. To have the chance to be in a great school like this is very special…[it] is just sheer magic to me.” “Fourth Grade has the best field trips ever,” Sky McBride enthusiastically informed Third Graders. “You become role models for the Lower School and that means that you have a lot more responsibility, like being walkers for the Kindergarten students.” And Sky thanked his parents “for everything — oh, who am I kidding? If it weren’t for them I wouldn’t even be here right now!” Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Graders came together in the gym on June 10, and Middle School Director Helen Chamberland led the ceremonies, which included presentation of Honor Roll and Husky Awards to recognize the hard work of these students. A few weeks earlier, members of the Seventh Grade had been asked to give some advice to the younger students, and their comments were both insightful and humorous: • Hang out with people who make right decisions. • Listening is good. • Teachers act differently inside and outside of class – that’s normal.

B 18 24

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

• Don’t take a class just to have a certain teacher or a certain friend. • Stay positive and happy and participate. • Science is no joke — study, ask questions, bring a strong stomach, and don’t get distracted by animals. • Don’t be late to class! • Always make flash cards in science. It helps a lot. • When I came into Seventh Grade I was scared of all the new teachers. But don’t worry. They are all very nice and understanding. • DON’T OVERSTRESS. • Have an organized locker. • Be nice to Eighth Graders. • Keep your tie tight.

ighth Graders gathered for their last time as Middle Schoolers for a June 11 Promotion Ceremony. The Elite Chorus got things started by singing the National Anthem, Middle School Director Helen Chamberland gave her farewells as she heads off to the join the Peace Corps, and Headmaster John Thomas congratulated those who had made the Headmaster’s List for the Fourth Quarter. Faculty members spoke eloquently about the special dynamic of the Class of 2012, reflecting their many talents and accomplishments.

SCA President Cameron Field gave the Class Address, declaring that “it was the best of times for us, it was the most challenging of times for us…We made friends we’ll never forget…memories that will last a lifetime. Each of us has met new people this year that have shaped our lives. We will all want the opportunity to experience just one of these Eighth Grade moments again.” After Mrs. Chamberland pronounced the academic year at an end, the students headed for the Dell for their final Class photo — and they were literally jumping for joy!

Eighth Grade Awards FINE ARTS:

Master Musician: Caroline Hudson-Hale Master Thespian: Rachel Thompson Master Artist: Michelle Webber SERVICE: Jared Luebbers, Rachel Waugh ATHLETICS: Ellie Evans, Andy Rehberger

CITIZENSHIP: Rick Armstrong,

Connor Evans, Elise MacGuidwin Nick Bazzarone, Anna Brehm, Daniel Giguere FELLOWSHIP: Daniel Giguere FACULTY:

(A) The Fourth Grade Class of 2016 (B) Lower School Field Day included fun with parachutes (C) Eighth Graders at FHS since their JK days (l-r): Matthew Koger, Harrison Gray, Nick Dell, Danny Weiss, Bobby Pfeiff, Austin Haden, Cameron Field, Max Harrison, Peyton O’Connor, Kimmy Powers (D) Eighth Graders show their enthusiasm, both for the end of the school year and on their graduation from Middle School

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25 19

he Class of 2008 concluded their high school days, nights, and years during the second week of June — once Senior S i Projects P j t were over — with ith a happy round of activities and events. <PM ÅZ[\ [XMKQIT WKKI[QWV _I[ \PM 0MILmaster’s Senior Dinner, which gives the Class a chance to share one last relaxed meal together; to think back on their time at Flint Hill, both individually and as a Class; and to be welcomed into the FHS Alumni Association by Alumni President Ellen Turner ’01. A memorable and traditional moment in the evening came when each student was given a letter written by a family member or other loved one who has supported his or her growth in high school. The Commons grew quiet as the letters were opened and read. The evening provided a peaceful foundation for a week that quickly became very busy.

The Senior Prom — a lively and fun occasion — took place on Tuesday, and then it was time for the Upper School Cl Closing i C Ceremony iin th the gym — th the last time students in all four Grade levels would be together. There were numerous awards and recognitions given (see pages 21-23) U][QKIT WNNMZQVO[ IVL ZMÆMK\QWV[ from Upper School Director Tim Callard and Headmaster John Thomas. But of course the best was saved for last, and on Saturday, June 14, Commencement exercises got under way in a gymnasium packed with family, friends, faculty members, and of course the graduates themselves, dressed in their traditional blue and white caps and gowns. Mr. Thomas set the stage for the morning by honoring the talents and strengths of the Class. Awards were presented and Salutatorian Rebecca Baird-Remba and Valedictorian Emma Dowell addressed their classmates.

“We have made it here together, bonded by our common love of each other and Flint Hill,” said Rebecca. “We have so h talent t l t in i this thi class: l thl ti artisti much athletic, tic, dramatic, musical, and academic… we have outstanding students leaders who have kept us together.” Emma echoed those sentiments, adding that she believes “…in days to come we may look back on our years at Flint Hill as golden.” Looking out at her classmates, she observed, “Wearing a cap and gown is like wearing a soldier’s uniform. But… we wear no insignia of rank. We are all exactly alike, all equal…from here, at this point, in this exact time and place, we start fresh…Our futures are not a matter of pure choice; they may become a matter of chance, luck, or accident. But whatever happens in your future, whether your luck is good or bad, you must still give yourself your own character. Show me your Husky spirit! Let us always remember our friendships and Continued on page 22

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

the he CLASS oƒ 2008! UPPER SCHOOL AWARDS ENDOWED AWARDS James Russell Lehrer Memorial Scholarship Presented to the rising Sophomore, Junior, or Senior of good moral character and a gentle love of nature who has a compelling inner drive to succeed academically, even when studies come hard. Morgan O’Grady ’09 Jasper P. Horne, Jr. Memorial Scholarship )_IZLML \W \PM 2]VQWZ _PW JM[\ M`MUXTQÅM[ those qualities of the Scholar/Athlete, which Mr. Horne values and demonstrated in his own life. Doug Howard Col. Alan Ferguson-Warren Memorial Scholarship Award Presented to the rising Senior who has demonstrated excellence in the English curriculum at Flint Hill School. Mike Libonati Continued on page 22 E (A) Anjali Sharma, Ryan Shintani, Becca Sigal and Ashley Sprano (B) Marcus Fulton (C) Valedictorian Emma Dowell (D) Daniel Burk studies his program (E) Graduates celebrate after the ceremony

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

C Continued from page 20

our good times. Let us also remember our wonderful teachers, and the lessons they have taught us: remain strong and cheerful to the finish.” The big message from Commencement speaker Meghan Blaszak Oliver ’96 was, “deep roots, strong wings,” and she encouraged the Class of 2008 to grow, to meet challenges, to soar on their own.

“If you all are at all like I was,” she told them, “you’re sitting out there excited and terrified. College is the great unknown right now. You’ll have more fun than you know. It’ll be hard…You’re ready, though. You’ve learned so much over the past four years. When I was in your shoes, sitting at my graduation back in 1996, I had learned so much more at Flint Hill than just what happened on VJ Day, or who wrote “The

Selma R. Brody Award for Excellence in Music Presented to the student who demonstrates excellence in,dedication to, and love for music. Christie Fellows ’09 Col. Wilber M. Gaige Scholarship Established by Col. Gaige and his family and awarded to a rising Senior who has demonstrated consistent commitment and accomplishment in the history curriculum and is in good standing and citizenship. Tyler O’Connor

Great Gatsby,” or what nuclear fission is. I learned that even if I thought I couldn’t do it, if I worked hard enough, I could… And you’ll be homesick — just like I was — you’ll miss your friends, miss your family, your bed, your pets…you’ll even miss a teacher or two! And when you do, remember this: deep roots and strong wings. With those two things you can do more than you think you can.”

Thomas C. Whitworth Publication Award Seniors’ Prize Presented to the student Awarded by the Seniors to who demonstrates superior the Junior who best exemplifies dedication to the production the qualities they want to of Flint Hill’s newspaper, encourage in the underclassman. literary magazine, or yearbook, in honor of Mr. Whitworth’s Evan Anderson long-standing support for student publications during his Community Service tenure as Headmaster. Julian Wills Jeffrey Zeberlein Chelsea Stickle Award of Athletic Excellence Rebecca Baird-Remba Michelle Ketcham, Colby Miller ACADEMIC AWARDS SPECIAL AWARDS

Dance: Sally Kay Visual Arts: Sarah Sweet Naty Almada Latin: Erik Fredericksen Rebecca Baird-Remba English: Erik Fredericksen French: Erik Fredericksen Math: Vikram Pole Spanish: Kurren Gill History: Frederico Cohen-Freue Science: Taylor Swart Jane Morris

Husky Spirit and Pride Becca Sigal

(A) Jeffrey Zeberlein (B) Miriam Howa celebrates with her parents and brother Joseph ’13 (C) l-r Daniel Burk, Jonathan Callan, Catherine Carman; Back row: Alicia Evans, Erik Fredericksen (D) Meghan Blaszak Oliver ’96 (E) Sarah Overstreet and Jane Morris read their letters together at the Senior Dinner (F) Stephie Phillips (G) Quan-Chi Le gets a well-deserved rose (H) Paul and Margaret Kincheloe and granddaughter Sadie Dyson wait for the graduates to process

Department Prizes to the Class of 2008 Performing Arts: Alexis Abbey Music (vocal) Lyndsey Marcus Instrumental: Matt Griswold

Vikram Pole Natasha Scearse Taylor Swart New Class of 2008 inductees:

Cum Laude Society Current members

Natalia Almada Jonathan Callan Federico Cohen-Freue Jennifer Lavet Quan-Chi Le Jane Morris Hena Naghmi Shane Savage Margaret Schwartz Christine Shanahan Ryan Shintani Peter Szeremeta

(Class of 2008 inducted last year)

New Class of 2009 inductees:

Rebecca Baird-Remba Turja Chakrabarti Emma Dowell Erik Fredericksen Kurren Gill Courtney Good Will Hoing

Kobi Acquay Evan Anderson Chase Camuzzi-Jones Kathryn Dimon Matthew Doyle Nadia Ghosheh Emily Hazel

Meghan drove her point home by playing a song familiar to Garth Brooks fans, “How You Ever Gonna Know?” And then it was time for the Charge from the Headmaster, welcoming the graduates into the fellowship of Alumni and Alumnae of Flint Hill School — which meant the awarding of diplomas was at hand. When that mission was accomplished,

Mr. Thomas presented — to a standing ovation — an honorary diploma to Board Chairman John T. Hazel, Jr., in recognition of his leadership in the reorganizing of the School 18 years ago. The benediction was sung, and the Class of 2008 recessed. They made their way to the front of the school building and into the center of a circle comprised of the faculty and

staff members who had long supported them. Giving a loud cheer, they threw their caps high into the air and, with great joy, Class was dismissed. (A) Bell ringing opened the ceremony (B) one of the graduation cakes (C) Tess Boyer (D) Board Chairman John T. Hazel, Jr., receives an honorary FHS diploma (E) US Combined Choirs (F) faculty and staff members enjoy the ceremony (H) Arjun Gupta does a demonstration for his Senior project

Rachel Hicks Marietta Johnston Morgan O’Grady Brian Randolph John Rehberger Mariam Zarafshar BOOK AWARDS The Dartmouth Book Award Given to a member of the Junior Class who ranks in the top ten percent of the Class and has demonstrated intellectual leadership and made a positive contribution to the extracurricular life of the school. Evan Anderson

The Kenyon College Presidential Book Award Given to the member of the Junior Class who embodies the highest level of engagement, creativity and commitment to community that are central to the liberal arts and sciences. Yasmine Evans The Randolph-Macon College Book Award Given to a member of the Junior Class who is an excellent student scholastically, is enrolled in a solid college preparatory program, and is a well-rounded individual who excels in the classroom and is also an active participant in extracurricular activities, especially in leadership roles. Dashell Laryea

The Wellesley College Book Award Honors a female student in the Junior Class who not only excels in the classroom but is involved in school activities as well as with her community. Katy Dimon The Chatham Book Award Recognizes a young woman in the Junior Class who shows promise in the study of science or English who is deeply concerned about the environment. Carly Cox

Flint Hill School Medal Awarded by a vote of the faculty to a Senior whose achievements and contributions to the School have been exceptional. Erik Fredericksen Jeffrey Zeberlein Turja Chakrabarti

The Scholar-Athlete Award Presented to the Senior best exemplifying the ideals of fair play, team spirit, and concern for others in athletics while maintaining academic excellence. Taylor Swart

GRADUATION DAY PRIZES The Edwin M. Ward Leadership Prize Awarded to a Senior who has demonstrated not only leadership but also humility, respect for others, and devotion to the School, and in so doing has proved worthy of the prize named for Flint Hill School’s past president.

Hena Naghmi

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CLASS of 2008 - College Choices

Alexis Abbey Nicolas Abrigo Zaki Ahmed Benan Aksoylu Akhil Akula Audrey Allen Natalia Almada Brian Armstrong Rebecca Baird-Remba Colin Barbalace Tyler Barrett Aaron Bell Matthew Boryczka Tess Boyer Daniel Burk Jonathan Callan Catherine Carman Turja Chakrabarti Kathleen Chun Alexander Clark Federico Cohen-Freue Leighton Cooper Ryan Creegan Jasmine Davis Kendal De Ridder Manuel Dollwet Michael Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Onofrio Dowell Flint Hill Magazine -Emma Summer 2008

Christopher Newport University College of William & Mary Simon Fraser University George Mason University University of Richmond Miami University of Ohio Va. Commonwealth University Xavier University New York University Florida Institute of Technology Dalhousie University Radford University James Madison University Pennsylvania State University Radford University University of Virginia University of South Carolina University of Pennsylvania George Washington University Christopher Newport University University of Virginia University of Notre Dame Radford University Virginia State University James Madison University Radford University College of Charleston Georgetown University

Danielle Dutta Mihran Erkiletian Alicia Evans Erik Fredericksen Marcus Fulton Jason Gannon Rolfe Garcia James George Dustin Gilbert Kurren Gill Alexandra Ginsberg Scott Gollobin Courtney Good Anders Gorne Caroline Gray Matthew Griswold Meth Gunasinghe Arjun Gupta Trevor Halstead Duncan Harmon-Gonzalez Michael Heyer Robert Hoing Miriam Howa Miles Hurkamp Benjamin Jardot Matthew Johnson Sally Kay J. Benjamin Keaton Michelle Ketcham

James Madison University St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University Drew University Harvard University Ferrum College James Madison University University of Virginia Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute Northern Va. Community College University of Virginia Syracuse University University of Tennessee University of Virginia Virginia Tech Miami University of Ohio Oberlin Conservatory of Music James Madison University University of Colorado Virginia Tech Pennsylvania State University University of Virginia College of William & Mary George Washington University Old Dominion University Washington College Virginia Tech Elon University Washington College University of Rochester

Jordan Kfoury Erin Kidd Jane Kilgore Conner Kincheloe Kevin Kolesnikoff Jennifer Lavet Quan-Chi Le Kyung-Ho Lee Seul-Ah Lee Lyndsey Marcus Leslie Martell Thomas McCoy Casey McGrath Matthew McNerney Lara Meehan Abigail Miller Colby Miller A. Jane Morris Hena Naghmi Bernard Newman Vy Nguyen Sarah Overstreet David Perkins Jonathan Pfotenhauer Stephanie Phillips Jonathan Pine Zachary Pine Vikram Pole Drew Powers

University of Southern Maine Syracuse University High Point University Limestone College Wheaton College Tufts University University of Virginia University of Illinois Oxford College of Emory University James Madison University United States Military Academy Prairie View A & M University Roanoke College Colorado College Pennsylvania Culinary Institute Simmons College Elizabethtown College College of William & Mary University of Virginia James Madison University University of Toronto Salve Regina University James Madison University James Madison University James Madison University Virginia Tech Virginia Tech University of Virginia Western New England College

Florencia Rivas Angela Rogers Ian Sackett Shane Savage Natasha Scearse Sara Schlegel Margaret Schwartz Ankit Sethi Christine Shanahan Anjali Sharma Ryan Shintani Becca Sigal Ashley Sprano Joel Stanley Jeffrey Stewart Chelsea Stickle Michael Stickney Taylor Swart Sarah Sweet Peter Szeremeta Neha Taneja Nicole Tawney Howard Turk David Wall Leah Weiss Eradj Yakubov Cameron Yassine Jeffrey Zeberlein

Virginia Tech Georgia Institute of Technology Western Washington University Cornell University Oklahoma City University Virginia Tech American University Syracuse University College of William & Mary Virginia Tech College of William & Mary Pennsylvania State University Virginia Tech Liberty University Assumption College Sarah Lawrence College James Madison University University of Virginia Acadia University University of Virginia George Mason University San Diego State University University of Virginia Fordham University Stonehill College University of Toronto Northern Va. Community College University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

REFLECTIONS: Seniors Talk About their FHS Years

Five members of the Class of 2008, with a total of 39 years of experience as FHS students, tell us they feel well prepared for college and are looking forward to the fall. The ﬁve students — three girls and two boys — do express some trepidation about leaving behind the close friends they have made, but they are deﬁnitely ready to go, and we wish them well.

“I’m not so much nervous about leaving Flint Hill as I am sad,” says Angela Rogers, a 13-year FHS veteran who will be attending Georgia Tech next year. “I know I’m going to miss everyone and everything I leave behind, especially since Flint Hill has been my home for so long. I’m ready to have new experiences and meet new people, but my time at Flint Hill will always be a part of who I am.”

ill r, and w e e b m e er, th “I rem ememb , Ms. Gill, r s y a alw ter my sis ceremony speech closing nd the gave at r, a me ior yea my Jun at overcame e to th feeling ized it was m ing al nt as I re e was prese sh whom sh award.” li the Eng n Gill

— Kurre

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

Why It Matters Kurren Gill and Ben Jardot say that, after six and seven years at FHS respectively, they look forward with great anticipation to college life — Ben at Washington College in Chestertown, MD, and Kurren at the University of Virginia. Also heading to UVa is Hena Naghmi. Having arrived at FHS as a Seventh Grader, she now feels that “the closer I get to graduation, the more trepidation I begin to have about leaving... I always knew that the moving on part would be inevitable, but I also knew that I would never be fully prepared for it.” Jane Morris, a Sixth Grader when she arrived at Flint Hill, says she “couldn’t be more comfortable” going to The College of William

and Mary with the knowledge and foundation Flint Hill has provided. “I’m constantly hearing from alumni how well the FHS curriculum has prepared them for college classes [compared with] students coming from public schools. If anything, I feel over-prepared for the next four years, which makes the entire transition process that much more enjoyable.” Hena and Ben say they wouldn’t change a thing about their FHS experience. While Ben takes the “live with no regret” philosophy, he’s also glad he took an active role in the life of the School. “It’s easy to feel like you have plenty of time to get involved,” says Angela. “Then all of a sudden you’re

New graduates (l-r) Kurren Gill, Angela Rogers, Hena Naghmi, Jane Morris, and Ben Jardot celebrate their big moment

a Junior â&#x20AC;&#x201D; you realize you only have one more year left of high school, and you start thinking of all the things that you could have M`XMZQMVKML QV \PM Ă&#x2026;Z[\ PITN WN your high school career. It sounds like a clichĂŠ, but the time really LWM[ Ă&#x2020;a Ja Âş 0MZ IL^QKM \W ]VLMZclassmen: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Enjoy your time here. ?WZS PIZL J]\ [\QTT Ă&#x2026;VL \QUM \W get involved with things you are passionate about. It will pay off, and you may get to do things you VM^MZ \PW]OP\ aW] _W]TL LW Âş Kurren recalls that he â&#x20AC;&#x153;loaded up on the extra-curriculars in my 2]VQWZ aMIZ Âş IVL _Q[PM[ PM PIL begun as a Freshman. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also grateful for his choice of friends (â&#x20AC;&#x153;without them, high school would not have meant nearly I[ U]KP \W UMÂş NWZ JMKWUQVO a member the tennis team, and for joining the a cappella group, Major Minors.

e all those moments, th of n io at in lm cu he â&#x20AC;&#x153;T le etween, and the peop -b in e th d, ba e th , good ents with â&#x20AC;&#x201D; students I shared those mom ore than anything, and teachers both. M F D[ VJG RGQRNG KP KV CP VJKU 5EJQQN KU FGÂżPGF of [theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been] some el fe I , at th of e us beca life thus far.â&#x20AC;? the best years of my hmi

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Hena Nag

â&#x20AC;&#x153; Senior Field Studies real ly bonded the Class of 2008 b y allo wing us to realize our strengths, d ivers uniqueness as a group. I ity, and t rea the pace for the rest of th lly set e year a nd gave out a p ositive vibe, wh was picked up and reďŹ&#x201A;e ich cted b lower classm en, once class y the es began.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Jane M orris

Âš1 \PQVS WVM WN Ua JM[\ LMKQ[QWV[ Âş says Hena, â&#x20AC;&#x153;was in Eighth Grade when I decided to continue with the Flint Hill Latin program. [It] has afforded me so many opportunities that I never would have knownâ&#x20AC;ŚI am forever indebted to 5Z[ 4I]ZQM +W^QVO\WV Âş )VOMTI agrees that getting to know her teachers and coaches was an im-

portant part of the FHS experience. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are some of the most unique and dedicated people I have ever met. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great to know that teachers take an interest in whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on with you â&#x20AC;&#x201D; not just whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on in their

classes. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a nice atmosphere to JM I XIZ\ WN IVL 1ÂźU LMĂ&#x2026;VQ\MTa OWQVO \W UQ[[ \PI\ Âş Jane Morris is happy that â&#x20AC;&#x153;from the beginning, I threw myself into everything Flint Hill. From clubs like Environmental Science +T]J IVL .7+=; \W )8 KTI[[M[ and varsity sports, FHS offers an extracurricular activity for everyone. No matter your interests, you can be sure Flint Hill is prepared to develop it. Not only are clubs a way to learn about new, interesting topics, they also expand your social network and allow you to connect with those you never would have considered â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; materialâ&#x20AC;ŚI would go back to my Freshman and Sophomore years and treat others better. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to get caught up in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;high schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attitude, belittling others for XMZ[WVIT JMVMĂ&#x2026;\# VW_ \PI\ 1 PI^M melded with the rest of my Class, I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t imagine thinking of them the way I did. Give everyone a chance, no matter how different \PMa [MMU Âş Continued on page 28

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

XS ´, KDYH D JUHDW JUR RI IULHQGV WKDW DUH UWLYH µ H[WUHPHO\ VXSSR — Ben Jardot

:MÆMK\QWV[ KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM

Congratulations to the Class of 2008 ! Please keep in touch with your many student, faculty and staff friends at FHS, and good luck next year !

34 28

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

The students say they enjoyed the experience of coming together as leaders of the School in their Senior year. “As a Junior,” says Angela, “it’s easy to get all wrapped up in schoolwork or aW]Z [XMKQÅK [WKQIT OZW]X ?PMV you become a Senior and realize that you won’t be seeing anyone from your Class on a daily basis soon, your priorities change a little bit. I’ve gotten close to people this year that I barely ever talked to before.”

¹?M _MZM IJTM \W ]VQ\M \PM ;KPWWT under a general feeling of positive optimism and school spirit,” says Hena. “I think that was the greatest thing we could have done as leaders of this School.” Jane adds that, “the Flint Hill community is exactly the right size for tight-knit ZMTI\QWV[PQX[ ?Q\P I OZIL]I\QVO class of just over 100, I was able to connect with everyone on at least one subject; especially after Senior Field Studies at the start of the year.” Kurren says he liked “the feeling that you now hold the torch that will be passed down to the next Senior Class. You view Flint Hill traditions in a new light, now that you are the one giving a Senior speech, and you are the one the rest of the School looks up to…this School offers you the opportunities to help you succeed, but it is ultimately up to you to seize them.”

"When Andrew Pacala ’06 ran for school President_ he got up in front of the entire Upper School and did the Napoleon Dynamite dance, music and all. Of course it was hysterical and of course he won, but that kind of thing is what I love about Flint Hill _ you never know what you’re going to get. Except I’m pretty sure that dancing is now banned from election speeches." — Angela Rogers

REFLECTIONS: Words of Wisdom for Seniors from College Freshmen

Freedomโ s Just Another Word for We asked a few members of the Class of 2007 to tell us some\PQVO IJW]\ \PMQZ ร Z[\ aMIZ I[ KWTTMOM [\]LMV\[ IVL \W WNNMZ [WUM _WZL[ WN _Q[LWU \W \PM UMUJMZ[ WN \PM +TI[[ WN _PW IZM KWUQVO ZQOP\ JMPQVL \PMU ;QUQTIZ \PZMIL[ ZIV \PZW]OP UIVa WN \PMQZ ZM[XWV[M[# [WUM QV[QOP\[ _MZM VW\ ]VM`XMK\ML W\PMZ[ I JQ\ []ZXZQ[QVO Priya Srihari [Ia[ \PI\ \PM NZMMLWU [PM MVRWa[ I\ =+4) Q[ \PM JM[\ XIZ\ WN KWTTMOM TQNM ยน1\ NWZKM[ aW] \W JM ZM[XWV[QJTM J]\ Q\ยผ[ IT[W I ZMITTa TQJMZI\QVO M`XMZQMVKM ยบ [PM [Ia[ ILLQVO \PI\ [PM LWM[Vยผ\ \PQVS [PM _I[ ยนMV\QZMTa XZMXIZML NWZ \PM ZM[XWV[QJQTQ\a WN WZOIVQbQVO Ua .ZM[PUIV aMIZ -^MZa\PQVO _I[ KWUXTM\MTa WV UM 1\ _I[ SQVL WN I RWT\ \W []LLMVTa JM NIKML _Q\P \PQ[ U]KP ZM[XWV[QJQTQ\a CNWZE WZOIVQbQVO Ua ML]KI\QWV ยบ Sam McVane VW_ I\ \PM +WTTMOM WN ?QTTQIU IVL 5IZa VW\M[ \PI\ ยนKMZ\IQVTa aW] PI^M I [\]ZLa []XXWZ\ [a[\MU WN NZQMVL[ XIZMV\[ IVL \MIKPMZ[ *]\ CQ\ยผ[E WVTa \PMZM QN aW] I[S NWZ Q\ <PM QVLMXMVLMVKMยฐQ[ JW\P I JTM[[QVO IVL I K]Z[M ยบ 4]KSQTa [Ia[ Kristin Staffo I\ ?I[PQVO\WV 4MM =VQ^MZ[Q\a ยน.TQV\ 0QTTยผ[ ZQOWZW][ KTI[[M[ PMTXML UM \W LM^MTWX OWWL \QUM UIVIOMUMV\ [SQTT[ _PQKP ITTW_ML UM \W ILR][\ \W \PM NZMMLWU WN I KWTTMOM KTI[[ [KPML]TM ยบ Tal Covington MVRWa[ \PM NZMM \QUM PM PI[ I\ 0IUXLMV ;aLVMa +WTTMOM IVL IL^Q[M[ VM_ [\]LMV\[ \W ยน][M [WUM WN \PQ[ \QUM \W OW \W KT]J UMM\QVO[ UMM\ VM_ XMWXTM WZ Z][P I NZI\MZVQ\a WZ [WZWZQ\a ,WVยผ\ JM [KIZML \W QV\ZWL]KM aW]Z[MTN \W XMWXTM /W W]\ JM [WKQIT IVL UISM I TW\ WN NZQMVL[ ?PM\PMZ Q\ JM QV KTI[[ WZ QV aW]Z PITT QV\ZWL]KM aW]Z[MTN# \PQ[ _QTT LMร VQ\MTa UISM aW]Z KWTTMOM M`XMZQMVKM I _PWTM TW\ UWZM [I\Q[NaQVO ยบ .WZ 3ZQ[\QV I\\MVLQVO I XZM WZQMV\I\QWV JIKSXIKSQVO \ZQX I _MMS JMNWZM [M\\TQVO QV I\ ? 4 _I[ ยนI OZMI\ _Ia \W UMM\ XMWXTM IVL [\IZ\ \PM aMIZ _Q\P I OWWL OZW]X WN NZQMVL[ ยบ

โ Organization was the key to being able to balance my schoolwork, while still having fun and exploringโ all that the University of Richmond has to offer. โ I can now say I have friends from Connecticut, Oregon, and even Nebraska, and my roommate was from Bulgaria; Iโ ve enjoyed comparing my high school experiences with other peopleโ s and learning about their backgrounds.โ โ Martha Crockett

ยน7ZOIVQbI\QWV _I[ \PM SMa \W JMQVO IJTM \W JITIVKM Ua [KPWWT_WZS ยบ [Ia[ Martha Crockett ยน_PQTM [\QTT PI^QVO N]V IVL M`XTWZQVOยบ ITT \PI\ \PM =VQ^MZ[Q\a WN :QKPUWVL PI[ \W WNNMZ ยน1 KIV VW_ [Ia 1 PI^M NZQMVL[ NZWU +WVVMK\QK]\ 7ZMOWV IVL M^MV 6MJZI[SI IVL Ua ZWWUUI\M _I[ NZWU *]TOIZQI# 1ยผ^M MVRWaML KWUXIZQVO Ua PQOP [KPWWT M`XMZQMVKM[ _Q\P W\PMZ Continued on page 30

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

29 35

Insights from the Class of 2007 Continued from page 29

people’s and learning about their backgrounds.” At Cornell, Emani Fenton is glad he took the time to get to know his classmates from all over the world. “Often times you get to know people with unique talents, for which I now have an appreciation, such as the guy on my floor who rides his unicycle in our hallway! I never thought that I would be so open, but it really has been something that has helped me to grow as an individual.”

“ Luckily, Flint Hill’s rigorous classes helped me to develop good time management skills, which allowed me to adjust to the freedom of a college class schedule. While my classes were challenging, none were overwhelming, and I felt well prepared for the coursework.” — Kristin Staffo

Making the academic transition was fairly smooth for most FHS graduates. “While my (college) classes were challenging,” says Kristin, “none were overwhelming and I felt well prepared for the coursework.” Sam McVane agrees. “FHS taught me that school is hard. There were classes that taught me how to study and, importantly, taught me how to accept falling short of my goals… how to stoically take the grade and figure out how to do better.” At UCLA, Priya says she “already knew plenty of the material in my introductory chemistry and math classes, but I also knew how to deal with the material I did not know… how to sift through all the information you get in lecture and identify

the key points that would appear on the midterms and finals, which basically make up my entire grade. Learning all that in high school really helped to make the transition into college classes much smoother.” Martha Crockett says that her study habits definitely came in handy this year. “My notes from Ms. Medvid’s class last year [were] more useful than my professor’s when I was studying for [calculus] tests. After taking AP English with Ms. Steg, I found it easy to create a thesis and organize my papers, and my friends have asked me to peer-edit their papers on numerous occasions. When the Chair of the Latin Department [learned] that I was from Flint Hill, he told me he was familiar with Mrs. Covington and that I wouldn’t need to take a placement test! I was more organized than most students and have yet to pull an all-nighter.” Tal says that the ability to write organized and researched argumentative papers, something he had to do on numerous occasions this year, was a great help. “This would have been a much harder task,” he states, “had I not had to do it countless times in Flint Hill School.”

“FHS taught me that school is hard. There were classes that taught me how to study and, importantly, taught me how to accept falling short of my goals…how to stoically take the grade and figure out how to do better.” — Sam McVane 36 30

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

“Always believe in yourself and stay confident. You will be challenged in ways you have never been before, and I believe that the best way to conquer the obstacles that get thrown your way is always to have confidence... you can make it... we are equipped with all the tools to succeed!” — Emani Fenton

Priya offers a note of caution: While at FHS students are given multiple tests, quizzes, and projects — in addition to homework and class participation — in college, grades may consist primarily of midterms and final exams. Her advice? “Start studying really far in advance!” This is where, Emani notes, “reaching out to my teachers, and asking for help when I needed it” was one of the most helpful things he took away from his FHS experience. “In college, the pace is much quicker so it is almost a necessity that you go for extra help with your professor or with teaching assistants. Flint Hill helped me become comfortable with doing this as well as helping me understand the importance of developing that relationship.” All this takes, says Tal, “is a small introduction after class, or a quick conversation — it will help you out so much in the long run because, if you have a problem in the rest of the year, it will be much easier to go to them.” Some practical advice from Martha: “Pack everything you think you’ll need, then go through, take out at least half of it, and leave it at home! Definitely bring posters and pictures, and whatever you need to make you feel at home, but be reasonable, or you’ll have your mom threaten to call the city dumpster when she picks you up from college for the summer and sees how full you’ve packed the car.”

“[I wasn’t] entirely prepared for the responsibility of organizing my Freshman year. Everything was completely on me. It was kind of a jolt to suddenly be faced with this much responsibility [for] organizing my education.” — Priya Srihari

And finally, “Always believe in yourself and stay confident,” says Emani. “You will be challenged in ways you have never been before, and I believe that the best way to conquer the obstacles that get thrown your way is to always have confidence. There is a reason that you are there and you can make it! I think sometimes we tend to second guess ourselves and wonder if we are smart enough, or talented enough; but the truth is that we are prepared and just need to have confidence that we are equipped with all the tools to succeed!” Great advice. Listen up, Seniors!

“Go to club meetings, meet new people, or rush a fraternity or sorority. Don’t be scared to introduce yourself to people. Go out, be social, and make a lot of friends. Whether it be in class or in your hall, introduce yourself; this will definitely make your — Tal Covington college experience a whole lot more satisfying. “ Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

31 37

FLINT HILL WINS MAC DIRECTOR’S CUP At the end of the spring athletic season, Flint Hill School was named the winner of this year’s Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAC) Director’s Cup, in recognition of the accomplishments of the boys’ teams throughout the 2007-08 fall, winter and spring athletic seasons. It is the ÅZ[\ \QUM \PI\ .TQV\ 0QTT PI[ JMMV \PM ZMKQXQMV\ WN \PM Director’s Cup; in both the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons, the School placed a very close second to Sidwell Friends.

The Cup is awarded on the basis of points for placement in the standings throughout I [XMKQÅK [MI[WV <PM Varsity Football, Soccer, Basketball, Lacrosse, Tennis, and Baseball teams won the MAC Championship; the Boys’ Tennis team captured its third consecutive VISAA State Championship.

“The award represents a commitment to excellence by the entire Flint Hill community—athletes, coaches, parents, and our student body,” [Ia[ )\PTM\QK ,QZMK\WZ ;\M^M 0MVZa ¹1\ IT[W [QOVQÅM[ \PM hard work, dedication, and commitment that are seen from everyone in the Flint Hill athletic program. Under Headmaster John Thomas’ leadership, Flint Hill has established a tremendous foundation for its athletic programs. These foundations involve using athletics to learn life lessons as well as to compete with dignity and grace in everything we do.”

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

att

“It’s great to see that we are such a well-rounded athletic program, not just a school that has one or two strong sports,” says Varsity Lacrosse Coach Adam Rice. Soccer Coach Chris Brown agrees, calling it “a benchmark moment” for the School. “It stands as the point in our history of how far we have come, where we all stand and look toward a very bright future.” Baseball Coach Rick Freeman feels “the dedication, commitment, and excellence of our school and the pride these participants have in Flint Hill and the Flint Hill Community” led to this level of recognition. “It epitomizes all that we stand for at Flint Hill, as everyone — including the students, faculty, and community — played a pivotal role in this historic moment,” says Basketball Coach Rico Reed. “As coaches, we stress team unity, team goals, and team accomplishments. Through commitment and collaboration, we have instilled those principles in our student-athletes while having success both on and off the KW]Z\[ IVL ÅMTL[ WN I\PTM\QK KWUXM\Q\QWV[ º .TQV\ 0QTT ;KPWWT _I[ WVM WN \PM Å^M NW]VLQVO UMUJMZ[ of the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference, which began in the 1994-95 academic year. (A) Quarterback Jovan Smith ’09 gets help from Kevin Kolesnikoff ’08 and Chris Nelson ’10 (B) John Stertzer ’09 (C) Peter Szeremeta ’08 (D) Alec Parker ’10 (E) Jeff Stewart ’08

Class of 2008

thletics A

Spring Athletic Wrap-Up

Whether it was rain or shine this spring, nothing got in the way of our Flint Hill athletes and coaches as they worked hard and completed a highly successful season.

BOYS’ SOCCER Howard Turk: University of Virginia, D-1

Jason Gannon: James Madison University, D-1 Nick Abrigo: College of William & Mary, D-1 CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK Colby Miller: Elizabethtown College, D-3 TRACK Brian Armstrong: Xavier University, D-1

FOOTBALL Shane Savage: Cornell University, D-1 C

<PM Varsity Boys’ Tennis team had another extremely successful season, going undefeated (6-0) in the MAC, winning the MAC Championship, and never let ]X ÅVQ[PQVO _Q\P IV ]VLMNMI\ML [MI[WV WN W^MZITT <PM \MIU ÅVQ[PML ZIVSML as the No. 1 team in the State. <PM Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse team placed fourth in the ISL-A division with a record of 4-3, an overall record of 10-7, and was ranked No. 8 in the State. <PM Varsity Softball team tied with Maret for third in the ISL-AA, sharing a 5-3 conference record and an 8-6 overall record. <PM Varsity Track team PI[ PIL I ^MZa OWWL [XZQVO ÅVQ[PQVO \PM [MI[WV _MTT At the State meet in Richmond in May, Eric Saleh ’09 placed third in the 400m; Brian Armstrong ’08 XTIKML ÅN\P QV \PM U# Neah Morton ’10 XTIKML ÅN\P in the 100m; Chloe Rappaport ’09 XTIKML ÅN\P QV \PM U P]ZLTM[ IVL Meghan Herlihy’10 placed fourth in the 200m. At the MAC/ISL Championship, Brian Armstrong won the 100m dash, Eric Saleh won the 400m run, and both those runners joined Trevor Halstead ’08 and Alex Shipley ’10 in winning the 4 x 400m relay. On the girls’ side, Chloe Rappaport ÅVQ[PML \PQZL QV the hurdles and Mary Okoth ’10 ÅVQ[PML NW]Z\P QV \PM PQOP R]UX <PM _PWTM team has worked hard all season and their efforts are paying off with some imXZM[[Q^M UIZS[ I[ _M ÅVQ[P \PM aMIZ Congratulations to all of our spring athletes and coaches for a job well done! GO HUSKIES! — By Kelly Olsick, Sports Information Director (A) Emily Hall ’11 (B) Blair Hennessy ’09 (C) Zach Pine ’08

College Acceptances

GIRLS’ TENNIS Jen Lavet: Tufts University, D-3

<PM Varsity Boys’ Lacrosse team won both the MAC Championship (with a 6-0 record) and the MAC Tournament Championship vs. arch-rival Potomac. <PMa ÅVQ[PML \PMQZ [MI[WV _Q\P IV W]\[\IVLQVO ZMKWZL of 14-3 overall and were ranked No. 6 in the State. <PM Varsity Baseball team also won the MAC Tournament Championship and share the MAC title with 5IZM\ ÅVQ[PQVO _Q\P IV ZMKWZL QV \PM 5)+ IVL 20-8 overall. The team was ranked No. 5 in the State.

Student Athletes

James George: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, D-3 VOLLEYBALL Jasmine Davis: Virginia State University, D-2 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL Michelle Ketcham: University of Rochester, D-3 BOYS’ BASKETBALL Jeff Stewart: Assumption College, D-2 BOYS’ TENNIS Zach Pine: Virginia Tech, D-1

Jon Pine: Virginia Tech, D-1 BASEBALL Leighton Cooper: University of Notre Dame, D-1

Conner Kincheloe: Limestone College, D-2 Ben Keaton: Washington College, D-3 Ben Jardot: Washington College, D-3

2007-2008 All-ISL, All-MAC, and All-State Honors GIRLS’ TEAMS

BOYS’ TEAMS

BASKETBALL Michelle Ketcham ’08: All-ISL Chelsea Overholt ’09: Honorable Mention All-ISL

BASEBALL

CROSS-COUNTRY Lauren Police ’11: All-ISL LACROSSE Kelly Lane ’09: All-ISL Jessica Fellows ’11: All-ISL SOCCER Kim Tilton ’10: All-ISL Julia Fortkort ’09: All-ISL SOFTBALL Samantha Dos Santos ’11: All-ISL Emily Hall ’11: All-ISL SWIMMING Jenna Jacoby ’09: All-ISL TENNIS Sonja Meighan ’11: All-ISL Jacqueline Palmucci ’10: All-ISL Jen Lavet ’08: All-ISL VOLLEYBALL Jasmine Davis ’08: All-ISL, All-State Div. I Chelsea Overholt ’09: All-ISL, All-State, Div. I Christie Fellows ’09: All-ISL

Ben Keaton ’08: All-MAC Leighton Cooper ’08: All-MAC Evan Anderson ’09: All-MAC, 2nd Team All-State Matt Doyle ’09: All-MAC, 1st Team All-State BASKETBALL Jawuan Lockhart ’09: All-MAC Jeremy Glover ’09: All-MAC Doug Howard ’09: All-MAC CROSS-COUNTRY Colby Miller ’08: All-MAC, All-State FOOTBALL Arlandis Harvey ’09: Running Back, All-MAC, First Team All-State Elante Moore ’09: Defensive Back, All-MAC, First Team All-State Jimmy Speros ’09: Offensive Lineman, All-MAC, Second Team All-State Shane Savage ’08: Wide Receiver, All-MAC, Second Team All-State Joel Stanley ’08: Defensive Lineman, All-MAC James George ’08: Defensive Lineman, All-MAC

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Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

Matt Johnson ’08: Linebacker, All-MAC, Honorable Mention All-State Michael D’Onofrio ’08: Defensive Lineman, Honorable Mention All-State Taamu Wuya ’09: Linebacker, All-MAC, Honorable Mention All-State Jovan Smith ’09: Quarter Back, Honorable Mention All-State

Jason Gannon ’08: All-MAC, Second Team All-State Aaron Bell ’08: All-MAC TENNIS Zach Pine ’08: All-MAC, 1st Team All-Met, All-State Jon Pine ’08: All-MAC, Honorable Mention All-MET, All-State TRACK & FIELD

GOLF Mike MacGuidwin ’09: All-MAC LACROSSE

Brian Armstrong ’08: All-MAC Trevor Halstead ’08: All-MAC Eric Saleh ’09: All-MAC Alex Shipley ’10: All-MAC

Miles Hurkamp ’08: All-MAC, Honorable Mention All-MET “Defense” Jason Gannon ’08: All-MAC Chris Peterson ’09: All-MAC John Rehberger ’09: All-MAC Chris Nelson ’10: All-MAC SOCCER John Stertzer ’09: All-MAC, First Team All-State, All-MET First Team, All-MET Extra Virginia Player of the Year Howard Turk ’08: All-MAC, First Team All-State, All-MET First Team Nick Abrigo ’08: All-MAC, Second Team All-State

C (A) Tommy McCoy ’08 (B) Mary Johnston ’09 (C) Jason Gannon ’08

Alumni

Milestones Weddings Steven von Schenk ’66 and Katharine Ross, 2006 Births To Ira and Samantha Sacher Levinson ’92, a son, Tyler, 2008 To George and Jessica Aspinwalll Springsteen ’93, a son, George Aspinwall Springsteen, 11/0/07

Reunion Years 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003 Please note: If you would like to find out more about your reunion or are interested in helping to plan it, please contact Gabrielle Amato: gamato@flinthill.org And don’t forget to check out our website at: www.flinthill.org

If you would like to become a Class Agent and help us gather information on your classmates to appear in this magazine, please contact Gabrielle Amato: gamato@flinthill.org And don’t forget to check out our website and update your information at www.flinthill.org.

A Call to All

Alumni Authors! Upper School Librarian Michael Larose has created a small but growing collection of published FHS alumni author materials. The School would like to obtain copies of material, in any format, in which FHS alumni have had a major production role. If, for example, you’re a writer, actor, screenwriter, performer, director, or producer of a film or CD, we’d like to preserve and display your work so that current FHS students, faculty, and staff members can enjoy it. We will also display these materials at Alumni Reunions! Interested? Questions? Call Michael Larose at 703-584-2400 or e-mail him at mlarose@flinthill.org!

Dear Fellow Alumni, Greetings, and I hope everyone is managing to stay cool in these hot summer months! Since I last wrote you, the community at Flint Hill has been very busy! Drama productions in both the Middle School and Upper School, successes on the athletic fields, awards bestowed at school assemblies, guest artists, and the transformation of the West Campus for the 2008 Gala are only a small sampling of the events and activities that took place in the second semester. The 2007-2008 school year ended on a positive note in early June, amid the usual flurry of activity and anxiety that comes from Senior Projects, AP exams, and finals. As I watched the Upper School Closing Ceremony and Commencement, I could not help but think back to my own graduation in 2001. Take a moment and remember your own graduation ceremony. For many of us, that was the last time we saw many of our Flint Hill classmates. Although the electronic age permits us to stay in touch over e-mail, and websites such as Facebook and MySpace allow us to exchange personal information and news almost instantaneously, I encourage everyone to travel back to Flint Hill for Homecoming 2008, scheduled for October 18, for the opportunity to reconnect with classmates and teachers in person. If you have not done so already, please check out the new Alumni webpage and portal at www.flinthill.org. You should have received your login information from the School, but please contact Gabrielle Amato (gamato@flinthill.org) if you need assistance accessing the site. The new Alumni Portal will allow us to locate contact information for classmates and exchange news and information. Please log in to make sure we have your correct contact information or to send news for inclusion in the Class Notes section of future issues of the Flint Hill Magazine. Signing in to the website also gives you access to current events and activities occurring within the Flint Hill community as a whole. I hope each of you continues to be well for the remainder of the summer. I look forward to seeing all of you return to campus during the 2008-2009 school year. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you have about the Alumni Association. Sincerely, Ellen Turner ’01 eturner@flinthill.org

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

CLASS NOTES — SUMMER 2008

John Highfill ’61

1966 Steven von Schenk writes that, two years ago, he married Katharine Rose Gibbs and moved to England! “We have a farm cottage deep in the country a few miles from the Welsh border. We have a small

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

John Highfill now works in Charlotte, NC, in the Services For Adults Division of the County Department of Social Services for Mecklenburg County. He writes, “The Division provides Adult Social Work Services, Nutrition Services, Transportation Services, and Adult Medicaid Services. In addition, we are heavily involved in a variety of efforts to make CharlotteMecklenburg more senior friendly through our Council On Aging (COA)… the result of the Status of Seniors Initiative (http://statusofseniors. charmeck.org) which I have been helping to lead since 2003. Thanks to the new COA, we are finally having some very tangible results... Babs and I have two grown sons, one of whom is working for a non-governmental organization in Kabul, Afghanistan, and the younger son is working for Home Depot in Charlotte. Babs and I have spent the last few years preparing to move her aunt’s house in Ellerbe, NC, to some timberland about five miles outside of town that we will use as a weekend ‘retreat’ for our extended family.”

1961

Dave Loental visited classmate Margaret Vos in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, “for a very short but very fun and enlightening visit on May 2. Margaret has three stores catering to the tourist trade in that oceanside city. She is the same brilliant person I remembered. This was our first in-person visit since graduation day and I guess we haven’t changed all that much (sure Dave, we still look the same) because we recognized each other right off the bat even though we had agreed only to link up in a fairly crowded park. I forgot to take pictures, darn it! Margaret attended Flint Hill for a number of years, whereas I did not start until Tenth Grade. She related a story to me that blew me away (60’s speak). I would never have guessed it of Col. Warren, but evidently in Margaret’s Eighth Grade year, just before the Christmas break, he opened his desk drawer and took out all the confiscated rubber bands and paper wads and opened fire on the class! They armed themselves and returned fire! That’s about as far as the story went because we had so much catching up to do in such a short time. But for those of you who knew and loved the man, but did not know this story, you might get as big a surprise and laugh out of it as I did.”

home-based business making chutneys, jams, jellies, pickles, mustards and such, which we sell locally through farm markets, food shops, and the National Trust. We grow herbs and vegetables and get most of our ingredients from our garden or in the area, which is famous for its produce. Life is peaceful and pleasant, and we welcome any fellow ‘Flint Hellions’ (Col. Warren’s term) who may wander our way here in the West Midlands.” Good luck with the business and let us know if you decide to open up your produce to online sales!

1965

Chris Bene ’67

1967 Congratulations to Chris Bene and his Hong Kong/ New York architecture firm, Chang Bene Design Ltd. They received the Business Week/Architectural Record China 2008 Award, which was presented on May 23 in Shanghai. The award honors architects and clients who work together to create great buildings that “showcase innovative architecture that advances the mission of all kinds of clients — private businesses, government agencies, even cultural organizations.” Working with a two-story home in Hong Kong that sat above a carport and was not actually connected to the ground, the firm’s awardwinning design featured a space

to hold informal meetings and entertain clients, along with an outdoor pool and patio. Chang Bene won a similar award last year for combining two European-style historic houses from the 1920s that originally stood next to each other to make one residence.

1970 Cheryl Fitzgerald purchased a single-family home in Vienna, VA, and set about renovating the property inside and out, “including landscaping!” She is preparing to go back to work full-time with a Tyson’s Corner area law firm, but her plan is “to retire in 4-5 years and build a home in the country with lots of land around me and get a dog again!” She and her boyfriend have been together for almost four years and they enjoy traveling — most recently they spent April in Paris and Italy. Cheryl keeps in touch with old friends, including her best buddies from her Class: Claire Dudley and Sandy Hooper.

Cheryl Fitzgerald ’70 takes in the view of L’Arc de Triomphe during her visit to Paris

John Allen ’71 in Ramadi, and with his Aide, driver, and bodyguard at the 11/15/07 opening of the Syrian border

More great news from Major General John Allen, “I’ve been nominated by the Secretary of Defense to be the Deputy Commander of the U.S. Central Command, where I will be the Deputy to General David Petraeus. I am currently assigned as the Deputy Commanding General of the II Marine Expeditionary Force, and will leave for the Central Command in July. This position will bring with it a promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General, 3 stars.” Congratulations! Thanks for keeping in touch with us and sending us your great photos. We all wish you safe travels.

Jim Runk retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2003 and now works as a civilian employee for the Air Force as the Chief, C-5 Aircrew Operations and Training at Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott AFB, IL. Jim’s wife, Kathy, is also a retired AF officer and is pursuing a degree (her fourth!) in veterinary technology in Albuquerque, NM. Their daughter Michelle graduated from North Central College in Illinois in 2006 and now lives and works in Japan as the coordinator for international affairs for the Toyama Prefecture government. Thanks for the great photos!

1973

1971

Darcy Maloney ’79 at a Cheetah Refuge in East Africa, working with a Veterinary Civil Affairs Program

AF Lieutenant Colonel Darcy Maloney ’79 writes, “Although I left Flint Hill before I graduated (my dad was military and we were moved to Texas), I still feel a kinship with my old friends!...I’m deployed to Djibouti, in East Africa, for a year and our mission here is almost entirely humanitarian. I say ‘almost’ because I truly can’t think of anything else we do, but sure as you say ‘entirely,’ someone will point out an error!” Darcy sent us a news release that provides more information: She is stationed at Camp Lemonier with a mission “to conduct unified action in the combined joint operations area - Hor n of Africa to prevent conflict, promote regional stability, and protect Coalition interests in order to prevail against extremism. Units affiliated with CJTF-HOA help host nations to meet their nation’s needs such as clean water, functional schools, improved medical facilities and medical care, improved roads and skills for the nation’s military to secure its borders and operate in a maritime environment if necessary.” Early on in her stay at the camp, Darcy found herself working with a group of veterinarians to help a sick camel. “While this is outside the normal scope of my duties, it was wonderful to be part of the operational mission of this task force.”

C (A) Kathy and Jim Runk ’73 at daughter Michelle’s graduation (B-C) Jim is clearly at home in his T-6

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

The Hurkamps: Mark ’76 and Miles ’08

1994

1976 Mark Hurkamp and his son Miles ’08 both attended FHS in their Junior and Senior years…Mark played football for what were then the Flint Hill Falcons. Miles played football and lacrosse for the Huskies and intends to play football for Old Dominion University starting with their inaugural 2009 season!

Lots of great news from Katherine Guevara Denise and Paul Cantwell ’88 and daughter Tackett, who wrote us as Conner on a trip to the NYC area she was finishing up her last week of law school finals at U/D.C.’s David A. Clarke School Paul F. Cantwell is a Systems of Law. “This year has been Librarian/Web Content Manager great,” says Katherine, “and I am at the U.S. Department of looking forward to the summer. Justice in Washington, D.C. I cannot say enough about He and his wife, Denise, have U/D.C. Law. It’s a small, public been married since 1998; they interest school with a rich now live in Manassas with their tradition of serving the D.C. daughter, Conner (3). Please community and its residents. come by for a visit! U/D.C. also has a strong focus on its students’ gaining practical experience on clinical work. We are required to take two clinics Samantha Sacher at least, but the practical experiLevinson received her nursing ence is one of the reasons why degree from Georgetown I chose U/D.C. I volunteered University and worked for two in D.C. Superior Court this years before moving to Chicago spring for two Magistrate to attend law school. She is Judges. That was a tremendous now an attorney specializing experience. I had worked at in insurance defense litigathe Public Defender’s Office tion. “However,” she notes, “my in Bend, OR, before coming main focus is on my family! I back to the East Coast for law live in the Lincoln Park neighschool. But working within the borhood with my husband, Ira; court system is vastly different daughter, Maya; and newborn than working alongside it. I son, Tyler!” had a tremendous amount of exposure to ‘good lawyering,’ ‘bad lawyering,’ editing orders, Big news from Jessica researching, and watching Aspinwall Springsteen! trials — and that was great…I She and her husband George love my school, my profesbecame the proud parents sors, and my classmates, and of their second son, George am thrilled to be there as a Aspinwall Springsteen, on first year, almost second year! 11/9/07. Firstborn Lucas Sawyer Two more exams to go! This Springsteen is now 2 years will be my last weekend as a old. The family is preparing to first year law student!” For ten move to New Delhi, India, in weeks this summer, Katherine September, with the World will be a legal intern with

1988

1979 We had a surprise visit from Ali Pashayi on May 9. Ali, originally from Iran, was one of Flint Hill’s first international students, and spent the 1978-1979 school year with us. He’s now living in Glendale, CA, where he is in the real estate business, though he also holds licenses to pilot boats and planes! It was great to have him on campus – please keep in touch!

1995 Travis Groves is working as a production sound mixer in the motion picture industry, currently working on a Disney Television series in New Orleans called “Imagination Movers.” He will be traveling to Africa over the next year or so to work on feature films with social themes ranging from female circumcision (“Tulips”) to child slavery on the Cocoa plantations of Ghana (“Red Soil”) starring Lawrence Fishburne and Charlize Theron. “I am also pursuing a long-term recording

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

1993

Ali Pashayi ’79 stopped by Miller House during a visit to the area in May

1992

the Department of Justice in Immigration Court in Miami, FL. “This is my dream internship, as I plan on practicing immigration law when I, some wonderful day, pass the bar and become an attorney.” In other news, Katherine is now the proud owner of “two wonderful German Shepherds. One is a Delta Society Pet Partner Therapy dog. He is certified to be a dog that can go to hospice, hospitals, and in-class reading programs with elementary aged children. (The kids read their books to the dog — it’s just another way to promote reading skills to the little ones.) My other dog is a female and she is just wild and fun and sweet as they come… I may try to get her into some fly ball training (where dogs compete by chasing down balls as fast as they can) because she would be great at that! Aside from law school, keeping up with the dogs and training with them are my main focus. I am incredibly partial to the German Shepherd breed. They are a big part of my life and will, hopefully, continue to be for a long, long time. I think of FHS often with fondness and pride — the school has come so far!

Fritz Mehler has been living in Rockville, VA, for the last 12 years with his wife Kym and their three children. Fritz is the CFO of VSC Corporation, a large fire protection contractor based in Ashland, VA, that services the southeast.

Bank Group, and will be living there for the next three years. Jessica reports, “We are excited to have an adventure and will write to Flint Hill with updates from our life in India!” We’ll look forward to hearing your stories!

1975

Trish Cochran graduated from Oberlin College and U/Maryland School of Law. She is now practicing domestic law for a private firm in MD. She and her husband, Paolo Pasicolan (also a lawyer), live in Baltimore with their two Cornish Rex cats!

Somil Mehta ’96 had a chance to explore London in conjunction with his studies abroad

1997

After nearly 10 years in Florida, Clark Wilson is now a patent attorney living in Atlanta. “I write patents for brilliant corporate R&D engineers and some wacky garage inventors.” Fellow alumni can reach him at cwilson@GardnerGroff.com.

Great to hear from Lyndsay Best, who is now teaching Third Grade Language Arts, Kindergarten Logic, and Middle School Creative Writing at Nysmith School for the Gifted in Herndon. Lyndsay will be presenting an academic paper, “Sabrina....fair of thy amberdropping hair: Britishness, Liminality and Union in Milton’s ‘Comus’,” at the Ninth International Milton Symposium at the University of London in July. Good luck with the presentation and please come by for a visit!… In other education news, congratulations go to

Chelsea Rock is living in Richmond, but will be moving back to the D.C. area to pursue a master’s in Public Administration at American U. this fall. Good luck, Chelsea!

2003 Nick Adam graduated with honors from the U.S. Naval Academy on May 23, and was commissioned as a Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenant. “My concentration of study at the Naval Academy was International Relations with an emphasis on the Middle East, and a minor in Arabic. I intend to continue my studies at either Georgetown or Johns Hopkins this fall.” Please send us the details and best of luck! … Kyle Elliott plans to attend William and Mary Law School in the fall. … Abby Fuchs graduated from Virginia Tech in May 2007 with a degree in Marketing Management. She is now a Human Resources Assistant at Dickstein Shapiro LLP in Washington, D.C. Abby recently planned and ran a “Take Your Child to Work Day”

1999

2002

Rob Johnston graduated from Fordham Law School on May 18 and will sit for the New York State Bar Exam at the end of July. Good luck Rob, and let us hear from you!… Tara Kalwarski is now a Department Editor at Business Week, producing the magazine’s weekly “Numbers” section in addition to writing for the “Personal Business” section. Before coming to Business Week, she was Special Projects Editor at Money Magazine and then Assistant Managing Editor at Financial Week. Tara writes, “If anyone wants to pitch story ideas, I can be reached at tara_ kalwarski@businessweek.com.

Jessie Doll, who received her master’s degree in International Development Studies from the Elliott School at George Washington University in May. …Classmates Mandira Mehra and Rachna Vanjani have both completed their second year at the George Washington University School of Medicine. … Ali Khan is a third-year medical student at Virginia Commonwealth U’s Medical College of VA. This fall, he will begin his first year at the Harvard Kennedy School as a Public Service Fellow, pursuing joint M.D. and M.P.P. degrees.

1996 Somil Mehta is an MBA student at U/South Carolina’s Moore School of Business. “After completing an intense six months of international business core classes, I headed to Clermont-Ferrand, France (closest major city is Lyon). I just returned after four months of intensive French language immersion courses. During my time there, I was able to travel outside of France to places

1998

2001

such as London, Salamanca, Mallorca, Cologne, Tubingen, and Amsterdam. Of course, Paris several times as well! It was truly an amazing experience, being enriched in the different cultures across Europe. It was a tough decision going to graduate school full-time after seven years of working, but I realize now that it was the best decision I made. As a part of such an international program, I have been able to network with people throughout the world. This summer I will be in Phoenix, AZ working as a Finance Intern within the Business Operations Group at APS/Palo Verde, the largest nuclear energy site in the U.S. My projects will include managing the budget and long forecast financial planning as well as process efficiency improvement within the group. I will return to SC in the fall to begin my second year. If any FHS alumni are in the Phoenix or AZ area, it would be great to meet up this summer!”

project aimed at preserving/ documenting the music and storytelling traditions of disappearing/marginalized cultures from around the U.S. I hope to have this airing on NPR sometime in the near future.”… Tim Csontos, now living in Davis, CA, writes to let us know about his latest entrepreneurial adventure. After graduating from the College of William and Mary, he and his brother Andrew (who did some tutoring at FHS in the past) worked at Outtask, an Alexandriabased Travel and Expense software company. After two years, he was promoted to manage their West Coast sales. When, in 2006, the company was acquired by Concur Technologies, he joined another new Alexandria-based startup, RideCharge (www. ridecharge.com), an online and mobile phone booking tool for taxis and sedans. The tool allows travelers to book rides online or with their phone, pay for the ride using their phone (no cash), and the system sends an electronic receipt to their e-mail for expense tracking. RideCharge is live in Northern VA, D.C., and beyond. Tim now manages national sales for the company.

Continued on page 48 Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

Caroline wrote to us in early May:

or the past semester I have been on an incredible journey around the world. I have been studying in a UVA-sponsored program called Semester at Sea (SAS). My ship, the MV Explorer, has taken me, along with 828 other students and 196 crew, on a 109-day adventure circumventing the globe. Amidst studying, we have spent 63 days at sea, and 46 days in different ports around the world. The SAS motto says it well; during our voyage, “The world is our campus.” … It truly has been. Words cannot do justice to the impact this “voyage of discovery” has had upon me. My heart and mind have swelled with all that I have seen and done. I have learned more in this one semester than all of the years I studied in school. The courses onboard were all tailored to give us insight into our ports of call…and subjects like history have never come so alive for me. It truly has been a voyage full of lessons for heart, mind, and soul. We started our adventure boarding the ship in the Bahamas, then sailed off to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for our first port of call. After exploring incredible places like El Yunque

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Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

Rainforest, we embarked to sail to Salvador, Brazil, where we witnessed the rich cultural experience known as Carnivale, and saw poverty unlike many of us had ever imagined. It was truly eye-opening and helped prepare us for the many heartrending sights we would see throughout the voyage. Next, we sailed to Cape Town, South Africa, which was by far one of my favorite ports. While there, I went wine tasting, sky-diving, visited a township, and went on a Safari…It was absolutely incredible. The dichotomy between the affluent and the impoverished living side by side there is truly astonishing and touched me deeply. After Africa, we had our “spring break” in Mauritius, a little island off the coast near Madagascar, which was absolutely incredible as well. The strong Indian influence there gave us a little preview of our next port, Chennai, India. After visiting many gorgeous temples in Chennai, I spent the majority of my time there at an “Art of Living” Yoga/Meditation workshop in Dakshina Chitra Heritage Village. The spiritual experience I had there was both healing and enlightening, and one that I will never forget. After India, we visited Penang, Malaysia. My favorite highlights were playing with the monkeys there, visiting Kuala Lumpur, and trying sweet corn-flavored ice cream (I swear it tasted just like creamed corn). Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, came next; and while my time there was short, it was amazing seeing the influence of the Vietnam War. I actually climbed through the Cu Chi tunnels that the Viet Cong used in their guerilla warfare tactics. Next, I went to Cambodia, which touched me more than any other part of my voyage. Visiting the Cambodian

Genocide Museum and visiting the killing fields was absolutely heart-wrenching. It made the pain of war horribly tangible; I’ve never felt more empathy and remorse in my whole life. Still, I am so grateful to now feel so deeply for anyone affected by war. Visiting

the temples of Angkor Wat and Siem Reap lifted me up after the experience, reminding me that there is always beauty to be seen no matter where you go. The views there were more breathtaking and awe-inspiring than anything I’ve ever imagined. After Cambodia, we had a brief stay in Hong Kong, where local university students gave me lessons in Cantonese, taught me about the incredible advantages and rights of living in Hong Kong, and taught me how to make paper lanterns! From there, the ship left for Shanghai; but instead of boarding, I flew to Beijing with a huge group from SAS to see the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, and Olympic Stadium. My favorite part was definitely climbing the Great Wall…then tobogganing down it. I have to say that it is one of the coolest things I have ever done.

Spotlight On Caroline Briggs ’04

After returning to Shanghai, we embarked for Kobe, Japan, where I had the marvelous opportunity of doing an overnight with a Japanese couple and their two-year-old son. I have never been so aware of the human language and the similarities that we all share regardless of our language. Witnessing the dynamic of a Japanese family and having the time of my life playing with the toddler was unforgettable. Our next stop was a day in Hawaii, which was an awesome place to be after learning about Pearl Harbor in Japan. Our final port, which we left yesterday, was Costa Rica. Our two days there were full of excitement. I hiked through the rainforest, saw La Paz waterfall, hung out with toucans, macaws, and monkeys, and went on a zipline five football fields long. It was an incredible port to end our journey. Embarking on our last day in Costa Rica was bittersweet because we know it is our last port together. It is impossible to describe the closeness between all of the members of our shipboard community…it is similar to the closeness I feel toward so many of my past FHS family… students, teachers and alumni…except that it happened in three months going around the world. We are now on our way to Miami (about to go through the Panama Canal), and I know that when I disembark, I will never be the same. I highly recommend this program to Flint Hill graduates; it is invaluable and life changing. I would be happy to discuss it with anyone who is interested; it is the best decision I have ever made.

It truly has been a voyage full of lessons for heart, mind, and soul

D Scenes from Caroline’s journey: (A) in South Africa on the top of Table Mountain (B) her “campus,” the MV Explorer (C) a lion sighted on safari (D) an Indian boy on top of a mountain in India (E) the Fujimotos, her Japanese homestay family (F) at the Great Wall (G) Caroline and friends at the Mamallapuram Temple in India

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

Continued from page 45

in the office — she wrote a mock trial and had “97 lovely children” attend! Whew!

2004 Congratulations to Khadijeh Zarafshar, who graduated with honors from Georgetown University; she majored in English and minored in Arabic and Studio Art. She received a Fulbright grant to teach English in Malaysia, and will be heading there in January! In the fall of 2009, she plans to begin her studies at Oxford University in the U.K., where she has been admitted into the M.Phil. program for Oriental Studies. Text from Khadijeh’s application for the grant was quoted in a Georgetown University Press Release: “In acquiring a Fulbright grant to Malaysia, I hope to learn from a country whose vibrant strength stems partly from its ethnically and religiously diverse civilization. In the English Assistantship program, I look forward to working with students in a country characterized by a socially conservative and devout Muslim majority, as well as by significant Chinese and Indian minorities.” In the summer of 2007, Khadijeh taught English as a foreign language in Thailand. At Georgetown, she served as Vice President of the Muslim Students Association. Best of luck, Khadijeh, and please continue to keep in touch! …

Elena Plionis graduated from Bryn Mawr College with an A.B. in Biology in May, and in June began her graduate program in Occupational Therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Good luck!

2005 Lyn Moore will be graduating from Franklin and Marshall College (Lancaster, PA) this December, but officially “walking” in May 2009. She is completing her major in Scientific and Philosophical Studies of Mind (joint major in Philosophy and Psychology) and her minor in Religious Studies. This summer she will be in Lancaster doing research with a professor on the Evolution of Religion using cognitive psychology, philosophy, evolutionary biology, and religious studies in her research. Lyn writes, “The hope is to publish a paper on costly signaling theory before graduation of the following year.” She plans to go to graduate school and get a master’s and license in marriage and family therapy with a certification in substance abuse and American Sign Language. … Drew Colliatie, who was captain of the Varsity Lacrosse team while at FHS, is now playing on the University of Mary Washington’s Men’s Varsity team. Classmates may remember that Drew received the first annual “Athlete of the Year” award; he was the first FHS graduate to receive a varsity credit every season of all four of his high school years.

2006

Lydia Russo ’06 with “Project Runway” Season 4 winner Christian Siriano 48

Next fall, Patrick Halpin will be studying political science and civil rights law abroad at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, after being chosen from a highly competitive pool of students from all over the world.

Flint Hill Magazine - Summer 2008

Bernard Innnocent ’06 out in 1st place (Lane 6), with brother Robert ’07 to the right in a close fight for 3rd (Lane 3) in the 200m Dash Trials of in this year’s MAC Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field event at Widener University

“I will be focusing on the recently lifted apartheid [bans] and the ensuing civil rights issues that followed. I plan to compare/ contrast these issues in South Africa to the civil rights issues in the U.S.” Patrick leaves on July 9 and returns in early November. Please let us hear from you! … Lydia Russo, just entering her Junior year at Marymount University in Arlington, is majoring in Fashion Design and will be serving as the Public Relations officer for the Fashion Club for the 2008-09 school year. This year she was fortunate to meet with designers Michael Kors, Cynthia Rowley, and Christian Siriano (the Season 4 “Project Runway” winner). Lydia says she is “extremely excited” to help coordinate Marymount University’s annual Fashion show next year. … Bernard Innocent and his brother Robert ’07 competed and excelled in this year’s MAC Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field at Widener U. Robert finished off his rookie year with the Indoor Track “Rookie of the Year” Award, Bronze in the 55m Dash, Bronze in the 4 x 200m Relay, and finished the outdoor season with a Gold in the 4 x 100m Relay, 4th in 100m Dash, and 6th in the 200m Dash. In addition, he was a provisional qualifier for the Eastern College Athletic Conference in the 100m Dash and the 4 x 100m Dash. Bernard ended the indoor season with a Bronze in the 4 x 200m Relay, and the outdoor season with a Gold in the 4 x 100m Relay,

Silver in both the 100m and 200m Dash and provisionally qualified for ECAC’s in the 4 x 100m Relay, the 100m Dash, and the 200m Dash. ... Erik Magnusson-Odelstierna is working toward a major in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Management Science. He is also the Treasurer for the Delta Chi Fraternity.

2007 Denise Chanfreau achieved “Shodan,” a First Degree Black Belt, on 12/2/07. She has been studying Uechi-Ryu Karate since 11/02, and recently began teaching a youth class under the three principles of respect, responsibility, and discipline. …

Tal Covington ’07 receiving the Latin Prize at Hampden-Sydney College

Tal Covington, a Freshman at Hampden-Sydney this year, was awarded the Classics Department’s Latin Prize as the school’s outstanding Latin student — receiving that distinction as a Freshman over Juniors and Seniors. He also was named to the ODAC All-Conference Second Team in college tennis.

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