BrewsterConnections(PDF) - Brewster Academy

In a class participation project, photography instructor Steve Burgess captured this image of four students writing in the air with cell phones. The light from the first
two phones is from the phones’ LCD screens, while the other six phones were set on flashlight mode. The writers are: Jessica Choi ’15 (Chungbuk, Korea), Skyler
Sherman ’14 (Sunapee, New Hampshire), Samantha Bryan ’13 (Sanford, Maine), and Brendan Quirk ’12 (Portsmouth, New Hampshire), who came up with the idea.
Daniel T. Mudge, Chair
(Tapley-Ann ’98, Ashley ’02)
Leslie N. H. MacLeod, Vice Chair
(Todd ’97)
Roy C. Ballentine, Treasurer
(Brian ’97, Susan ’94)
Douglas H. Greeff, Secretary
(Hilary ’11)
Michael Appe
C. Richard Carlson
Estate Trustee
David L. Carlson ’54
Arthur W. Coviello Jr.
Candace Crawshaw ’64
Claudine Curran
(Alex ’06, Gen ’11)
George J. Dohrmann III
(George ’05, Geoffrey ’12)
Stephen C. Farrell Sr.
(Stephen Jr. ’12)
Brewster Academy
2011-2012
Board of Trustees
Karen W. Fix
(Will ’11, Keenan ’13)
Peter Ford ’80
Michael Keys
(Matthew ’04)
Barbara Naramore
Arthur O. Ricci
Estate Trustee
The Reverend Nancy Spencer Smith
Estate Trustee
Steven R. Webster
(Brooke ’08, Tori ’11)
Trustee Emeriti
Walter N. “Rink” DeWitt ’54
(Kate ’86)
P. Fred Gridley ’53
(Deborah ’81)
Grant M. Wilson
(Grant ’87, Kirsten ’88)

BrewsterConnections
Spring 2012
Head of School
Dr. Michael E. Cooper
Director of Admission
and External Affairs
Lynne M. Palmer
Editor, Director of Communications
Marcia Eldredge
Contributors
Jay Anctil, Jim Bastis, Dr. Marc Brackett,
Dr. Michael Cooper, Marcia Eldredge,
Beth Hayes ‘81, Peter Hess, Matt
Hoopes, Kristy Kerin, Bob Richardson,
Shirley Richardson, Jason Smith, Sally
Smith, Martha Trepanier ‘83
Photography
Steve Allen, Brewster Academy
Archives, Adrien Broom ’98, Andrea
Cooper, Marcia Eldredge, David Fox,
Beth Hayes ’81, BG Hodges ’66, Matt
Hoopes, Willie Kenyon ‘12, Rebecca
Marisseau ’12, Davis Olson ’13, Kim
Ross, Skyler Sherman ’14, Sally Smith,
Richard Orr Sports, Phil Stiles, Martha
Trepanier ’83, Kate Turner
Inside
2 Head Lines
Reflecting on Early Philosophy
4 Emotions Matter
Social and Emotional Learning
6 Project-Based
Learning Evolves
Students find meaning in
senior projects
11 Conference Affirms Direction
of Brewster Program
The latest discoveries about
learning and the brain
12 Dr. Cooper, a
Klingenstein Fellow
14 Great Brewster Moments
Alumni from across the decades
share their greatest moments
16 Talent on the Shoreline
19 Bobcat Nation Live on ESPN
The top-ranked prep school team
in the country draws live coverage
26 Strength in Numbers
Will alumni meet this challenge?
BrewsterConnections
is published twice a year
and mailed to alumni, parents of
students, and friends of
Brewster Academy
80 Academy Drive
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
www.brewsteracademy.org
©2012 Brewster Academy. All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part
without permission is prohibited.
28 Hoopla
The Quarter-Century Club
Community members reflect on
25 years at Brewster
Cover Design
Sanqunetti Design
Departments
20 Newsmakers
24 On the Road
38 Class Notes
44 In Memoriam
46 Writing Brewster’s History

Reflecting on
the Relevancy of
Early Philosophy
How is it possible that the writings of a 16 th century French
philosopher and essayist can grab your attention in such a way
as to cause you to reflect on education today from the frame of
reference of the 1500s? What could possibly have been written
about educating a child in 1580 that was so prescient as to be considered in a
seminar for heads of schools in 2012? What makes these writings as applicable
today as when they were written almost 500 years ago? The answer to these,
and other questions, were each taken into careful consideration at the recent
Heads of Schools Fellowship Program at the Klingenstein Center, Teachers College
Columbia University, in which I had the good fortune of participating (see page
14 for a Q&A on my experience).
So often is the case where, as heads of schools, we are called upon to act and
make decisions without much time for reflection. To be in a situation where
it’s all about reflection and thinking differently about contemporary issues in
independent school education was a readjustment process of some degree, and
refreshing. To have the luxury of time to consider different facets of education
that are confronted by heads of schools on a daily basis, and to do that with 19
other heads from around the world, was invaluable.
First, it was gratifying to be able to draw upon my personal experience to put
into context what was being read and to consider how these were related to our
individual settings. As Heads, when we were students the first time around, our
level of experience was limited by the stage of our careers that we were in at the
time. Approaching these same issues with a broader frame of reference allowed
for a much deeper level of consideration of the topics before us. Besides what
was taken away from the experience regarding the general topics with which we
were presented and perspectives that were offered, the importance of taking
time to reflect and consider issues was an equally important element that I have
come away with from participating. I was reminded of what retired Lieutenant
General Hal Moore said about the importance of taking time for reflection. While
heads of schools are not in the throes of battle (although at times it feels that
way) as Lt. Gen. Moore was, the principle of taking time out for reflection in
the heat of things is solid advice. Too often we only look at what it is we need
to do and do not spend enough time on why we are doing what we are doing,
and whether there might be a different process to bring into play other than
the way our experience is telling us how it should be accomplished. Spending a
full two weeks on contemporary independent school topics, along with larger
issues facing secondary education, was confirming with regard to how each of
our schools was addressing these topics, yet it also was mind expanding in that it
allowed us to talk about things without concern of being judged or evaluated to
consider new ways of thinking and approaches to our challenges.
But back to my original question about what can be learned from a 16 th century
philosopher and essayist that has relevance to the 21 st century. Certainly there
are any number of conclusions that can be taken from the writings of Michel
de Montaigne (certainly framed by our own experiences, as we are the product
of our experience), but one of the more salient points from his writings on the
education of children speaks to a viewpoint through the lens of the 16 th century
that is as commonly held today as it was then. “I know nothing about education
except this: that the greatest and the most important difficulty known to human
learning seems to lie in that area which treats how to bring up children and how
to educate them.” To underscore his point, he turns to the use of metaphor and
how raising and educating a child is just like farming. You can spend time plowing
and preparing the ground before planting seeds, but it’s in the cultivation and
nurturing of the young plant that can determine its outcome. The challenge
becomes supplying the proper amount of fertilizer and water to the plant to help
it thrive toward producing the desired end product. Yet, even with the proper
amount of nurturing, events along the way, like weather and amount of sunlight,
can alter the shape of the plant and what kind and how much fruit it will bear.
Because of this indeterminate outcome, he suggests that we should guide
children along the way to be their best and help them find their chosen path and
to not place too much emphasis on how they will turn out based on how they
act along the way; that flowers bloom at different times and rates and to rush a
blossom is to potentially spoil the flower. As a late bloomer myself, I can easily
identify with Montaigne’s admonition about not locking a child into a path based
2 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012

on what may be known at a particular stage of development. For me, it wasn’t
until I reached college that my path became a lot clearer and I started to get my
act together (a story for another time). His overall goal for a child’s education is
not for them to necessarily be an erudite individual, but one who can successfully
navigate life based on a broad set of experiences; as he states, the end goal of
education should be an individual with a well-formed versus a well-filled mind.
Considering Montaigne’s perspective and orientation to education to what
is offered at Brewster with our new emphasis on project-based learning and
emotional literacy, I can see even more the threads between what he was saying
in 1580 and how apropos his thoughts are for today. His writings offer another
way of examining how important it is to not simply know something, but how
impactful it is to be able to understand its usefulness and application. While not
easy reading, I would encourage anyone to explore Montaigne’s writings. His
validation of the timelessness of education in so many respects is worthy of our
consideration. As Montaigne reminds us: “Knowing something does not mean
knowing it by heart; that simply means putting it in the larder of our memory.
That which we rightly ‘know’ can be deployed without looking back at the model,
without turning our eyes back towards the book. What a wretched ability it is
which is purely and simply bookish! Book-learning should serve as an ornament
not as a foundation.”
And when you consider his thoughts in the context of what you will find in the
pages that follow, his writings are quite visionary when you consider where
Brewster Academy is today after 125 years and where we are headed – building
upon the tried and true and rethinking the core elements of what education is
about.
Dr. Michael E. Cooper, Head of School
Intentional Growth: Thoughtfully
Educating the Whole Student
Brewster has a long history of responding to the needs of its students with
progressive programs that reflect best practices in education. Core tenets define
how Brewster has chosen to educate students and how the Academy has
chosen to define what it means to be a professional in the field of education
– tenets that have endured time and exist today.
Brewster’s Core Tenets:
• Schools exist for teaching and learning. All activities of the school
must be referenced to this assumption in clear, unambiguous and
demonstrable ways.
• Schools prepare students to lead successful, fulfilling, responsible
lives. Values and character are as important as academic skills and
should be articulated and taught in an integrated curriculum.
• A school’s curriculum is organized around the assumption that all
students can and must learn.
• Teaching is a profession. True professions have a body of professional
knowledge and standards of practice.
• Teachers should demand that learning occur. Learners should demand high
expectations and a curriculum with teaching practices that meet their needs.
• A true learning community ensures that everyone at Brewster shares responsibility
for the growth and development of one another in the community. A commitment to
teamwork makes this possible.
• Schools should be judged by the extent to which they reach their teaching and learning goals and
by the standards of the profession. They should be able to demonstrate how program fosters the
student achievement of goals.
• Technology is an invaluable tool for learning. Use of technology in the program should be planned
to meet outcomes and evaluated accordingly.
For a description of the practices and programs noted on the cover, please go to
the document Education at Brewster Academy: Preparing Students for the 21 st
Century (2010), which is available at www.brewsteracademy.org/headlines
www.brewsteracademy.org
3

Emotions Matter
The Relevancy and Advantages of
Social and Emotional Learning
Marc Brackett, Ph.D., is the lead developer of The RULER Approach to Social and
Emotional Learning. At Yale University, Dr. Brackett is a research scientist in the
department of psychology; deputy director of the Health, Emotion, and Behavior
Laboratory (HEB); and head of the Emotional Intelligence Unit in the Edward
Zigler Center in Child Development and Social Policy. He created the first
experiential course on emotional intelligence for undergraduates at Yale and also codeveloped
a course on the same topic for aspiring school leaders at Teachers College,
Columbia University. He has been working with Brewster Academy on integrating
The RULER Approach into the Brewster curriculum since June 2010. On a recent
visit to campus, he sat down for a Q & A with Brewster Connections.
Describe Emotional Literacy
Dr. Brackett: Emotional literacy comprises five key emotion skills. We use
the acronym – RULER – to communicate these skills, which are:
Recognizing emotions in oneself and others
Understanding the causes and consequences of emotions
Labeling the full range of emotions using a rich vocabulary
Expressing emotions appropriately in different contexts
Regulating emotions effectively to foster healthy relationships and
achieve goals
The work we do in schools with adults and children focuses on the
integration of The RULER Approach into all aspects of the school day.
What’s critical about our work is giving people the knowledge, skills, and
tools that help to develop their emotion skills. In turn, they embody a
range of behaviors and attitudes to better position themselves for success
in academics, careers, and relationships. How we handle our emotions
has a huge impact on our decisions, and research has shown that emotion
skills are integral to personal, social, and academic success.
What is the origin of Emotional Literacy
programming and why is it relevant today?
Dr. Brackett: The HEB Lab was founded by Dr. Peter Salovey – who in
the late 1980s and early 1990s conducted seminal research on emotional
intelligence with his colleague, Dr. John Mayer of the University of New
Hampshire. Their research focused on how different moods influence
decision making and how emotion management and self-control impact
important life outcomes. Drs. Salovey and Mayer merged these studies
into the field of emotional intelligence
The study of emotional intelligence has since been scientifically validated,
and we now know that emotions matter in our daily decision making.
Emotions drive much of what we do in our life. Although the many
ways we regulate emotions occur outside of our awareness, our skill
in consciously regulating emotion is critical to our mental health and
relationships. My work focuses on teaching the skills of emotional
intelligence or the RULER skills. This work started when I collaborated
with my uncle in the mid 1990s on our first emotional literacy training
program. Teaching emotional literacy in school is critical because research
has shown that students trained in The RULER Approach perform
significantly better in academics and are more socially and emotionally
competent than students who have not been trained.
How do you implement this program within schools?
Dr. Brackett: Everybody with a face has to be trained … students,
teachers, support staff, administrators. We want to make sure that
everyone who interacts with students receives training.
It’s also important to have continuous training. We’ve learned that
our understanding of emotions and ability to regulate emotions shifts
throughout life. Consider high school students’ decisions about cutting
class, having sex, or using illicit drugs. For 99 percent of these students,
they know what the right decisions are, but they need to know how to
regulate their emotions when making the decision to use or not use drugs,
for example. The more advanced work we do with high school students
is to teach them ways to regulate emotions and to think critically about
their high school success, including what they want to do after high
school. Consider a student who wants to be the captain of a sports team. If
the student, through various assessments, learns that he can’t read facial
expressions, we would help the student to better understand expressions
so he could be an effective team leader. Or, perhaps, the student wants to
4 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012

apply to a competitive university, but has trouble focusing and needs to
raise his GPA. This student would need to practice relaxation techniques
and other skills to focus his attention.
What are the greatest advantages to students and
schools that implement The RULER Approach?
Dr. Brackett: There is a lot of data to show that highly emotionally
intelligent people are more successful. In the workplace, the RULER skill
that is particularly important is the last R – Regulate. You can have an
expert at work who has all the knowledge in the world about her field
but who lacks emotion regulation skills. People likely will not want to be
around this person because she doesn’t know how to regulate emotions.
Meet the Brewster Trainers
Anne Marie Allwine
School Counselor, Coach
Bret Barnett
Math Department Chair, Math Teacher
Marsha Brooks
Administrative Assistant, Business Office
Students (and employees) who have identified what we call their “best
self” and are both socially aware and able to self-regulate are setting
themselves up for success. Such skills have been identified by employers
as critical to success in the workplace, so students who develop these skills
early clearly have an advantage.
What was the attraction of working with
Brewster Academy?
Dr. Brackett: What’s wonderful about working with a school like
Brewster Academy is that it’s a boarding school and the first one that
we have had the opportunity to bring our work to. It’s brought many
challenges and interesting successes. For me, I am interested in the selfcontained
environment of a boarding school where students attend class
and live together. From my experience with the school, the program is
being reinforced throughout the day in different settings, which is ideal.
Students can work on their emotional literacy skills outside of the class
day. They can really think about the environment that they want to create
within their dorm family and practice the skills 24/7.
Additionally, we plan to track ninth graders over time on their growth
in areas like emotional vocabulary, emotion regulation, and school
performance. One piece we are really excited about is a research project to
track students beyond their four years at Brewster. Our goal is to answer
questions like “Do the RULER skills students learned at Brewster predict
student success in college? Does the training impact their decision making
in college?” So, it’s nice to do a study to track the transfer of skills to the
next environment. This is particularly important for parents to see, so that
they, too, value the training that Brewster is providing their students.
Matt Butcher
English Department Chair, English Teacher, Coach
Allie Cooper
IS Teacher, Director of Student Development
Laura Cooper
Team Leader, Spanish Teacher, Coach
Michael E. Cooper, Ph.D.
Head of School
Laura Duffy
Dean of College Counseling
Joe Fernald
Dean of Students
Maria Found
Math Teacher, CLP
Lauren Hunter
IS Teacher, CLP
Tara Junkin
Art Teacher, Coach
As Dr. Brackett and his research team are based at Yale University in
Connecticut, he knew it was not possible for his team to be at Brewster
often. “We wanted to work with a few key people as master trainers who
would become the resident experts for the school,” he explained. Dr.
Brackett and his colleagues worked with the school management team
at Brewster to select the team of employees who would become the key
trainers. He then spent about one week doing intense training with these
folks and makes about two visits per year for follow-up training. Now
the school has progressed to making sure that students are learning and
becoming comfortable developing their RULER skills.
Jaime Laurent
Dean of Campus Affairs, CLP
Rob O’Blenis
Science Teacher, CLP
www.brewsteracademy.org
5

Projects Shaping Senior Year
By Marcia Eldredge
Three years ago, when members of the Class of 2012 were
sophomores, Brewster began incorporating project-based
learning (PBL) into its curriculum. Always keenly aware of its
responsibilities to prepare students for college and beyond, Brewster’s
PBL curriculum provides a learning process for students to develop the
academic, thinking, problem-solving, technology, and interpersonal skills
that reflect what employers are calling for in their 21 st century employees.
Since that time, the PBL initiative has been incrementally initiated so that
for the 2011-2012 school year all freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will
be involved in PBL work. Seniors will have a unique project experience.
“Seniors work on their project throughout the year, which gives
them a chance to cover the topic of their choice in more depth than
underclassmen and really create a capstone product for their final year
at Brewster,” explained Dean of Studies Peter Hess. “It also gives them
the chance, depending on the nature of their project, to do research that
gets tracked over a period of time. We have greater expectations for what
seniors will produce.”
Underclassmen projects are completed within a two-week period at the
end of the year, a time once reserved for exams. “We have envisioned
a continuum from freshman to senior year that moves students from
conducting research and sharing information to actually developing
creative solutions that address a problem or issue. We want projects to
empower students to be resourceful and innovative,” Hess said.
Currently, senior projects are required to fulfill one of the following
criteria:
• Solve a real-world problem.
• Seek to answer a question.
• Create an original piece of thought or expression.
• Create something original that is useful or meaningful to someone else.
• Undertake an apprenticeship or internship.
“We are trying to move students in the direction of doing something that
benefits others. While that isn’t a requirement this year, we hope to move
in this direction of students finding creative, imaginative ideas that can
hopefully make a difference for others,” Hess said.
Here we present five senior projects: two projects that, if successful, will
help make a difference in the lives of others; two projects that will educate
others; and one internship.
Amy Misera’s First Homes Foundation
If Amy Misera’s (Cockeysville, Maryland) senior project goes as
planned, it could make a difference in the lives of Russia’s youngest
citizens. Adopted from a Russian orphanage at age 1, Amy wanted to
do something unique, to give back. “I have been given so much, including
the chance to come to Brewster. I’ve been lucky. Coming from where I did,
I was given a second chance and thought I should do something with it.”
raising money, making
connections, and that
“everything works better
when you have people who
believe in the cause and are
there for you.”
Her goal is simple: to raise money to buy materials and supplies, like
blankets and medicines – basic things that are not necessarily affordable
to the orphanage but will make Samara 2 a more comfortable place to live
for the babies and children while they await adoption – and deliver them
herself.
The First Homes Foundation is her vision. Her senior project could just
make it a reality.
The summer before her senior year, Amy spent time interning at the
non-profit organization Children Across Borders. Here she learned about
At the beginning of senior
year, seniors are required
to write and then present
a project proposal to the
senior team faculty. The
proposal had to show that
her project fit into one of
five categories. After her
Amy Misera
proposal was accepted, she
was then required to create an action plan that would show the project
had reasonable expectations for a successful completion.
6 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012

Project-Based
Learning Evolves
Once her action plan was accepted, Amy was ready to take the first step
toward creating her foundation, including writing a mission statement,
creating a team, finding financial backers, and getting accredited, which
she can do now that she is 18.
After writing to the orphanage and receiving no response, Amy began a
different approach. “I have branched out and am using outside resources of
people and organizations that might have connections back to the orphanage.”
English class is the one course that has helped her the most with skills
most applicable to her project, she says. “English has helped with writing
flow and using proper English because my mission statement and other
writing have to be official, professional.”
“This is really different than anything I’ve ever done before or anything in
the classroom. Creating foundations isn’t something I’ve learned in school;
I’m kind of going in blind. I don’t know what to expect because I’ve never
done it before. It’s not research. It’s doing. It’s action. I know there is a
chance of failure but there is chance of success.”
At the time of this interview, Amy was drafting and editing her mission
statement, but at the conclusion of her Brewster senior project, she says “I
will have a foundation I’ve created and go into life helping other kids; I’m
taking steps to help kids who are like me.”
Seeking Alternative Energy
An attempt to build and demonstrate a simple
way to generate energy
It was a physics class that sparked a senior project topic for Adam
Kolb (New Durham, New Hampshire) and Brady Palmer (Wolfeboro).
“In physics class we were making an energy efficient home for a third
world country and one of the things that we thought of in the project
was a methane toilet,” explained Adam, referring to the gas that could be
collected for use as fuel. “Then we cleaned it up a little and thought we
would do organic material.”
“Our goal is to create a biomasss generator that we can use here at the
school, not just to leave behind at the school, but so other students can
pick up and evolve it,” he added.
Just how easy is it?
Physics has played a huge part as far as understanding energy efficiency
yet we want to make something that someone doesn’t need a background
in science to build, Adam said.
We want to keep it simple so that our prototype could be used by a
developing country, Brady added.
“We found that over eight-weeks at 80 degrees F the biomass compost
would create enough methane gas that’s flammable. Aside from cooking
you could use it for heating and lighting,” Adam explained.
Although we could harvest the compost right on campus from dining hall
waste, according to Mr. Gorrill pig manure is the most potent for creating
methane and that is available from local farmers, explained Brady, adding
that they were still working out the logistics of transporting this organic
matter back to campus.
Once the machine is closed
off and the mass is locked
in and burns, it should not
give off an odor, Adam was
quick add.
Classroom Impact
Both boys attributed time
spent working in STAD
groups (student team
achievement divisions) to
their ability to understand
what it takes to work
within a group, including
not splitting up work but
learning how to function
effectively as a team. “When
you are working in a STAD,
you know how to split up
the work. When you work
with a group you learn you
need to split up the work
for the good of the group
to get things done,” Brady
explained.
“When we have two ideas
about the same thing, we
Adam Kolb
Brady Palmer
www.brewsteracademy.org
7

Project-Based
Learning Evolves
have learned to mesh our ideas together to create one we both agree on,”
Adam added.
second attempt was more successful and Adam noted that a visit might
help them determine just what not to do.
Learning best practices in research skills from
the librarians and the necessity of strong time
management are other learned skills that have been
helpful with their project.
The boys admitted that there is still a lot of grey
area in the project and that the hardest part of the
project would be to determine how the fuel would be
harvested.
They still need to figure out what container will be used for the
composting and harvesting. They were planning a visit to a regional
company that initially had failed at building just such a container but a
We want to be able to
toast marshmallows for
our classmates during
our presentation.
They were also planning to seek guidance from
alumnus Josh Arnold ’01, executive director of
G.A.L.A. (Global Awareness Local Action). “GALA’s
wide knowledge of energy efficient resources will
surely help us when we go forward with our project,”
Adam said.
By late spring, when Brady and Adam have to
present their biomass generator project, they hope it will be a roast of
sorts, serving their classmates marshmallows roasted from the heat of the
generator. “I’m hoping that if we make an efficient generator, we can share
it with the community and another group can evolve the project to find an
efficient way to save money and energy,” Brady said.
Mackenzie Boardman’s Medical Internship
I
chose an internship because it relates to more of what I’m interested
in doing, studying orthopedic medicine. I’d rather enjoy and be
interested in what I’m researching than feel like I’m being forced to
do a project.
During March break, I’m planning to intern back home in Anchorage,
Alaska, with a gastroenterologist. Hopefully it’ll involve shadowing him
and will allow me to ask plenty of questions of what it took to be where
he’s at now, what it takes to become a doctor, and also what his daily life
as a gastroenterologist is like.
For my classmates with
an interest in the field of
medicine, hopefully my
final presentation will
assure them of that career
choice or possibly the work
environment I learn about
may cause some students to
change ideas about studying
medicine.
I hope my internship
will help show me
what it takes to
become a doctor
and both the pros
and cons of being a
doctor.
Throughout different classes
at Brewster I have had to
do numerous presentations. Mackenzie Boardman
From these I’ve gained
experience in speaking clearly and maintaining eye contact during a
presentation. I have also learned numerous ways to present information
using technology, which gives me a freedom to choose how I want to
present my information.
8 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012

Local Archaeology: Digging up the Past
When day students Rebecca Marisseau (Tuftonboro, New
Hampshire) and Keke Roberts (Wolfeboro) complete their
senior project, they hope to have added a chapter to the local
history books.
Through an archeology dig, the girls’ project should teach them about the
past, including how people lived in the 1800s, while helping to preserve
that way of life through their findings.
The dig will take place when the New Hampshire ground thaws on the
Marisseau’s Tuftonboro property where an old foundation share’s space
with the Marisseau’s relatively new home.
“Our property is located in what is historically the center of Tuftonboro
so the foundation could have been just a house. Remnants of a center
chimney have led us to believe someone might have lived there at one
point,” Rebecca explained. “The foundation looks relatively small but it
fits into the category of buildings for the 1800s.” According to Rebecca,
houses built in the 1800s placed their chimneys in the center of the
structure.
“Ultimately, we want to
present a museum exhibit
to our peers, but we have
learned that it has to be
interesting for them,”
Rebecca explained.
As veteran project
researchers and presenters,
both girls have learned how
important it is to make their
project relevant to peers.
“I’ve learned to tailor what
I’m presenting to what
people are interested in.
Just because I’m interested
in something or Keke is
interested, it isn’t necessarily
what others are interested
in,” Rebecca said.
Rebecca Marisseau
“We know that the general store located nearby was a tourist destination
at one point. We know that there are postcards of the area and that the
area was pretty much cleared of trees,” she shared. The girls are hoping
that old postcards will show what might have been on the property.
As part of their research, they plan to visit a local antiques store and
interview a local historian.
Rebecca explained that the actual process of going about uncovering
artifacts is tedious and includes marking off a small designated area
and scraping away dirt little by little. Within the approximately 20 x 13
perimeter of the foundation, Rebecca already has discovered a stove, a
pepper shaker, pots and pans, and medicine bottles, one imprinted with
the words Burdock Blood Bitters.
Both girls say they have
honed their research
skills with the help of the
librarians and AP classes,
which have taught them the
importance of finding the
primary source.
Keke Roberts
At the time of the interview,
Rebecca and Keke were still
narrowing the scope of the project but they knew that what they wanted
to share with their classmates was an exhibit that will identify what the
building was and reveal something about local life in the 1800s.
“Right now given our time constraints the process of the dig is quite
minimal,” Rebecca explained. “The time constraints she is referring to is
the two-week period at the end of the trimester when students can fully
devote themselves to their projects rather than preparing for and taking
exams. Because both girls take AP courses, however, they also will have
exams during this time.
“I like the projects more than the finals because it’s different and it’s
something we were really interested in and it just made it more fun for
us,” Keke said, referring to previous years.
www.brewsteracademy.org
9

Project-Based
Learning Evolves
From Hard Copy to Hard Drives
The Shifting World of the Music Industry
Technology innovation and evolution has left its imprint on the
recording industry in challenging ways. Brian Weisbord (Los
Angeles) and Logan Floyd (Essex Connecticut) plan to examine
how these challenges impact both the industry and music consumers
today.
“We want to get into the world of the music industry and see how it’s
been changed by small independent labels, the Internet, and blogs. I’m
involved in the online music scene because I make my own music and
release my own stuff,” explained Brian, who aspires to be a documentary
filmmaker.
“We also want to look at how artists in different parts of the country go
about getting recognized, because we know it’s not the same in every
city,” he added.
These seniors want to gain a better understanding of how the music
industry works today in a world where the latest recording is accessible
and downloadable to the world in seconds. “In the past you cut a record
and getting it pirated was much less likely. Now we live in this super
sharing environment that is the Internet. Everyone is connected to iTunes
and people are sharing things back and forth, and I want to see what
really goes on behind the scenes in the music industry,” Brian said.
Sharing music can be good for some artists, Brian explained while it
might not be good for others, depending on where they are in their music
careers. “A lot of people who want to be recognized will pass around their
music for free … there’s this digital compulsiveness to share everything,
but then when they are recognized, they are less willing to give it away.”
He continued, “The business model for the music industry is really
messed up. Bands barely make money off of the music they sell; the
money is all in touring. The artists barely get any cut of their music. That’s
part of what we will be looking at.”
Brian and Logan plan to interview music executives, independent artists,
producers, and bloggers among other industry professionals. Since it’s
a documentary, they plan to conduct as many face-to-face interviews as
possible and video the meetings.
They expect the
interviews will
help hone their
interviewing skills.
For their sophomore
and junior projects,
Brian completed two
documentaries and
Logan produced two
movies, and they are
counting on the lessons
learned from these
projects to make their
more in-depth senior
Brian Weisbord
projects stronger. As an
example, Brian has learned
he needs more media to
round out his film.
“On my first project
I didn’t have enough
film, and I had no
B-roll,” he laughed,
referring to background
footage that helps set
the context of a film.
Ultimately they will
produce a documentary
to present to their
Logan Floyd
classmates and teachers.
We plan to benefit by knowing we can start with an idea, make
connections to that idea or topic, do something really interesting with it,
and connect it back to our classmates in a meaningful and entertaining
way, Logan explained.
10 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012

Conference Affirms
Direction of
Brewster Program
By Marcia Eldredge
Through the generous support of Brewster’s professional
take steps to nurture creativity in their students. Brewster’s project-based
development program, Dean of Studies Peter Hess attended learning initiative, in which students have the freedom to explore topics
the Learning & the Brain Conference in Boston in November. of their choice and develop creative, useful solutions to problems, speaks
The conference brought together teachers, school administrators,
directly to how Brewster is cultivating this concept.
psychologists, and clinicians from around the world to hear researchers
share their latest discoveries in neuroscience and their implications for Robert Swartz, Ph.D., director of the National Center for Teaching
teaching, interventions, and curriculum.
Thinking, discussed the value in decentralizing the classroom into small
groups and the importance of teaching students how to work well
The conference’s title, “Preparing 21st Century Minds: Using Brain
in groups. Brewster has been committed to the concept of teamwork
Research to Enhance Cognitive Skills for the Future,” was what piqued and collaboration for nearly two decades, and the school curriculum’s
Hess’s interest. Brewster works hard to ensure that its academic program intentional cooperative learning practices accomplish this objective
prepares students for the world in which they will learn and live, and extremely well.
Hess was curious to see if the information
presented at the conference would affirm that
Suzy Cox, Ph.D, researcher on the impact
Brewster’s program is current in proven best
practices in teaching and learning for student
success.
Several ideas shared at the conference had
direct connections to how Brewster has evolved
in recent years. For example, Charles K. Fadel,
co-author of 21st Century Skills: Learning for Life
The conference affirmed that
Brewster’s curriculum is current in
proven best practices in teaching
and learning for student success.
of technology in education, advocated for
schools to adopt certain technology tools that
will help support the “Five Minds for the
Future” advocated by author Howard Gardner.
She touted the value in taking advantage of
technological resources as a way to engage
students more deeply in a variety of higher
order thinking skills. Some of the tools that she
in Our Times (2009) called for schools to rethink what is taught around promoted were tools that engaged students in the gathering and analysis
three dimensions – knowledge, skills, and character – and to achieve a of real time data, podcasting, website creation, blogging, and media
“balance between direct instruction and projects.” Brewster has recently creation. These tools have been a part of Brewster’s technology repertoire
revised its curriculum to find the appropriate balance between content for many years so, again, this affirmed the relevancy and importance of
coverage in different disciplines and the application of that knowledge Brewster’s curriculum.
through its project-based learning initiative. Fadel’s words confirmed that
Brewster is on the right track with these types of revisions.
The above is just a sample of the direct connections to the Brewster
program that Hess found as he listened to the various experts. The
Harvard researcher Shelley Carson, Ph.D., spoke of the important role conference was very stimulating and extremely affirming that Brewster
that creativity will play in the 21 st century and how vital it is that schools is absolutely on the right track with where it is headed in its efforts to
provide the best possible education for its students, Hess commented.
LIVE LEARN LEAD
www.brewsteracademy.org
11

Dr. Cooper, a Klingenstein Fellow
In mid-winter, Dr. Cooper packed his suitcase and laptop, said
goodbye to his wife Andrea and their dog Tess, and left home for
school. For two weeks he was a fellow at the Klingenstein Center
at Teachers College Columbia University. As far as we know, he had no
BMPs, was always in dress code, and called home frequently.
His classmates were a select group of 19 other heads of school from
around the world who were chosen for the prestigious fellowship “that
offers talented individuals the time and resources for renewal and
reflection about their passion and their work in the company of equally
committed peers.”
Upon his return to campus, Dr. Cooper reflected on his fellowship at
Klingenstein’s Heads of Schools Program.
What attracted you to the Klingenstein Heads
program?
In the independent education world the Klingenstein program has an
excellent reputation. I was impressed with the opportunities it offered and
had heard from past participants that it was an excellent experience.
Also, being in my ninth year as head, I was looking forward to the
professional renewal component. I have always been interested in learning
and value lifelong learning. We certainly talk to our students about the
importance of being lifelong learners so it was an opportunity to practice
what I preach.
What was the program focus?
Each participant had to complete an individual research project on a
contemporary issue that we wanted to get more involved with. This
involved researching what literature has been written on the topic,
formulating a better understanding of the topic, and then presenting this
understanding in a paper, followed by a presentation of findings to my
peers. It was nice being fully immersed in school, as I had the time to fully
concentrate on the assignment.
In concert with Brewster’s emotional literacy program, I chose to focus
on the role that emotions play in decision making. We see the results
of students’ decisions and we ask ourselves ‘Why did they do that? …
They know the consequences.’ We know that the area of the brain that is
responsible for decision making is not fully developed in adolescents, and
we also know that in adolescents risk taking goes up considerably in the
presence of peers.
Research indicates that intervention programs do make a difference in
students’ choices, but we also know that imparting students with skills
and awareness won’t always prevent them from making some risky
decisions. My research reinforced that giving adolescents the tools to help
regulate their emotions can make a difference and thus the emotional
literacy program in place at Brewster is an opportunity to introduce
more skills and awareness so students can learn to take that split second
to think about their decision, and the consequences, and hopefully make a
different choice.
What did you like best?
There was a component where we worked with master’s candidates
enrolled in Columbia’s graduate program. Most of these students have
worked at independent schools as teachers, dorm parents, and coaches
and aspire to be heads of school.
My cohort had developed case studies of challenges that have happened
throughout our careers. This was a fairly comprehensive process to write
these cases and then we sat with the graduate students through two fairly
lengthy sessions and talked to them about the details of each and their
outcomes. The process afforded the students to see the many facets to
issues that heads confront and how decisions can go in many directions
depending upon the school, its culture, and situation being considered.
Working with them was one of the highlights. They were sponges, and
they valued the time they had and exposure to working with heads
of schools. The setting was enlightening for them as they were able to
spend time with us and really see the nuances associated with a head’s
position and decisions that have to be made. They realized that there are
so many facets that go into decisions, whether it’s related to curriculum,
the budget, personnel, or even the dismissal of a student, and from my
perspective it felt good ‘to impart this wisdom’ on the students.
We also spent a session on governance with these students because
the majority of them have little experience working with a board. We
helped them to better understand what represents good governance at an
independent school. In the end, it is the intent of the Klingenstein Center
to have these reflections published as seminal lessons.
We had a number of sessions on technology and pedagogy and the
importance of leadership within this realm. In many respects most of the
schools represented were well beyond the issues being discussed. Because
of our independence, we have been able to get out ahead of what’s on the
horizon for secondary education. Certainly a good example of that is our
early entry into being a laptop school and how that has helped to shape
our pedagogy through the Brewster Model.
12 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012

I learned that Brewster is well positioned with what we do to incorporate As a graduate of the Klingenstein Heads program
technology into our education program, and we have a lot of resources is there anything that you will do differently now?
devoted to furthering the evolution of our technology integration and Certainly some of the things we studied will have some impact … I think
staying on top among independent schools.
the influence will come over time. Having spent some time as part of
my research project reading the literature around how emotions impact
What did you learn from your colleagues?
decision making, I hope to be able to gain a better understanding of how
We share a lot of similarities and at the same time a lot of differences. For the implementation of the RULER Approach can be enhanced to assist us
everybody, though, enrollment and affordability are big issues and of in more effectively providing our students with some valuable life skills
course the economy’s impact on schools right now. We are also focused on associated with better management and regulation of their emotions.
curriculum and how we deliver it in the most
affordable and efficient manner, while having
I learned that it took me a little while to start thinking
it be responsive to the needs of today’s
learners. My classmates are asking the same
questions we are about curricular issues,
such as: ‘What role should technology play
in education?’ ‘What online opportunities
are we looking at?’ We know that teaching is
still a person-to-person enterprise. Elements
of teaching are available online but a lot of
Because of our independence,
we have been able to get out
ahead of what’s on the horizon
for secondary education.
like a student again. As administrators we are always
acting and reacting and not taking the time to reflect.
I need to make some time for reflection. I believe
it has the potential to result in better decisions and
outcomes.
Additionally, I look forward to staying in contact with
classmates and having this group of individuals to
teaching still comes down to the imparting of knowledge in a face-to-face share challenges, issues, and successes. We are all in similar roles with a
manner because education is still more than what we fill students with, it common language and a common frame of reference no matter what kind
is a matter of how we form their minds.
of school we are in.
Faculty Invited to Present
A Skills-Based Approach
to Educating the Whole
Child for Today’s World
at IECA Conference
Head of School Mike Cooper, Peter Hess, dean of studies; Lynne
Palmer, director of admission and external affairs; and Robert
O’Blenis, science teacher and community life parent have
been selected to present on Brewster’s 2020 Vision at the Independent
Educational Consultants Association conference in Boston in May.
Much has been written about the skills and knowledge necessary for
students to be well prepared as new entrants into the world of college and
the work place. The challenge for schools is in how to prepare students
for what they are about to encounter. Recognizing the importance of 21st
century skills, Brewster has evolved its educational program to include
an emphasis on building skills and knowledge in this area. The Brewster
faculty will present a workshop at which they will:
Share innovations in education and how these changes are and will impact
their clients as consultants assist them in selecting the appropriate school
for a family’s educational goals;
Share and discuss the complexities of introducing two new conceptual
frameworks into a school’s educational program and how to begin
thinking about undertaking such an endeavor in their own settings; and
Present research in support of both project-based learning and emotional
and social literacy skills as integrated ways in which schools can attend to
the 21st century skill of their students;
Help participants understand how technology has been woven into
Brewster’s curricular changes being presented as part of the 21st century
skill set.
www.brewsteracademy.org
13

My Greatest
Brewster Moment
In celebration of Brewster Academy’s 125th year, we asked alumni to send us
their “Greatest Brewster Moment” and soon my inbox was overflowing with those
quintessential moments. We couldn’t share them all but here we share many …
“During my graduation ceremony in 1999, I looked around the campus
and was sad to leave such a beautiful place with so many memories. Then
I looked around the tent and knew that I was with a group of people that
I would know forever and that there were many more memories to be
made from that point on. And I was right.” Ramsey Cotherman ‘99
“In 1961, there was a snow sculpture of Mount Rushmore with President
Jack Kennedy added. The artists were Jack Barbara ‘61 and John Coyne
‘61. The remainder of the group piled snow and made the block of
ice. It certainly was a work of art and a Great Moment in Brewster
History.” Larry Benedini ‘61
“Skiing after school at Moose Mountain every day, which started a 26-year
professional ski patrol career.” Peter Dulong ‘71.
Presidential history thanks to members of the Class
of 1961.
An iceboat and its skipper, circa 1973.
“In 1946 and 1947, when
I was six or seven years
old, I was living on South
Main Street opposite the
Brewster Campus. My
brother Dan ‘55 and I
used to stay awake at
night on weekends to
listen to the GIs singing
as they returned to their
dormitories after an
evening at the movies in
the Town Hall.” Carolyn
Haskins Roth ‘57
“After being told to clean
out the Bearce Hall barn
by Mr. Smith so that
horses could be boarded,
the boys from Brown
Hall came upon two
old iceboats from the
1950s. We restored
them and had a great
winter in 1973 sailing
on Wolfeboro Bay.”
Robbie Palazzo ‘74
“I came to
Brewster as an
accomplished
Western
equestrian. I
had started
learning English
at home a year
before going
to Brewster,
but it was Mr.
Richard Fahy,
who let me
ride and show his horse, who gave
me the confidence in jumping. At first I was a little nervous to jump,
especially the cross-country fences but with Mr. Fahy constantly cheering
me on while instructing me, my nervousness turned into freedom to jump
anything. By the time my senior year rolled around I would ride any horse
and jump any jump. When I ride today, I always think of Mr. Fahy.
Coach Richard Fahy and Elizabeth Palmer Traverso
’93 (far right) in a 1991 yearbook photo.
At Brewster I learned to be a student and a person who has faith and
confidence to excel. I learned not to hide behind fear and nervousness
but with help from teachers and peers I could excel at anything I tried.”
Elizabeth Palmer Traverso ‘93
“I recall my great moment while touring prospective families. While I
knew how fortunate I was to attend BA, I realized that there was so much
I wanted to share with these families; I wanted them to see the gem of
magnificence that was my school. I was so proud of our community.”
Jenna (Marks) O’Donnell ‘99
“Capturing the first baseball Lakes Region championship for Brewster
Academy in spring 2011. The fact that we never lost a game to an
opponent in our league was amazing. It was a great experience and a great
way to finish my Brewster experience!” Spencer Montgomery ‘11
“Every day. Life was a ball. And checking out the new PG football players
at the beginning of each school year!“ Monie (Stevens) Zarinsky ‘54
“Every moment spent with Burt Vaughan … four years of Latin because
of Burt Vaughan … four years of Glee Club because of Burt Vaughan.”
Ken Mitchell ‘59
“Winning the 1977 Lakes Region basketball championship.” Derek Murphy ‘77
14 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012

“Brewster gave me so many fond memories and has had such a positive
impact on my life. … The International Club built an amazing Budda
snow sculpture for Winter Carnival in 1996 (designed by Kentaro Seagal
‘95) … Topher Grace’s ’97 Performance in Fiddler On The Roof … Mr. Zip,
the most entertaining math teacher ever! Plus, he had awesome sports
coats!” Caitlin Kirk ‘96
“Standing in my dorm room, up over Mal Murray’s kitchen, looking
out those old oversized windows across The Lake (Wolfeboro Bay) in
the winter and seeing Gunstock in the distance. A chance for peaceful
contemplation.” Gene Fox ‘67
“Leaving all-school meeting and finding my freshly painted VW Beetle on
the top step of the Academic Building, blocking the front doors. Dean Esty
ordered that it be removed immediately!” Stephen Smith ‘84
“Going to NYC senior year and singing at Carnegie Hall, and meeting
someone at freshman orientation who would become one of my best
friends!” Allie Duffy ‘08.
“Rock climbing at Devil’s Den and at Cathedral Ledge in North Conway
with coach Mal Blodget.” Keith McGovern ‘78.
“Playing on three consecutive Lakes Region undefeated championship
soccer teams – 1960, 1961, 1962.” Skip Dale ‘62, PG ‘63
“Hugging Trey (Whitfield) ‘89 on the court after winning the 1988 New
England Basketball Championship.“ Mike Clark ‘89
“Soccer and softball practices with Mr. Esty and Mr. Cook every fall and
spring, when they made us laugh harder than we practiced. Sitting on
the ground to stretch, Mr. Cook would bellow ‘meat hooks,’ our cue to
grab onto our feet and stretch until laughter had us rolling around on the
field!“ Beth Hayes ‘81
“… The simple act of walking across campus from the old gym to Sargent
Hall after basketball practice during the fall. Looking at the beauty of the
sunset during peak foliage from the top of the hill captivated me daily. I
still find myself thinking and talking about those sunsets. Those memories
serve as a source of serenity and inspiration for me. I think the fact that
such a scene would even be noticed by a high school male only speaks to
how beautiful it really was for me.” Tony Bryant ‘83
“Making a basket in the
New Hampton game.
We beat them 94-74 on
their home court.” Jon
Skrzyszowski ‘65
“Mr. Lui’s class
and his some times
inappropriate jokes.”
Jack Pilon ‘11
“Seeing snow for the
Jon Skrzyszowski ’65 contributed to this 1965 victory.
first time in my life!”
Candace Crawshaw ‘64
“Marching in Concord with Mr. Radley in support of New Hampshire
recognizing Civil Rights Day.” Bruce Hawkins ‘01
“Although I am an alum from the class of 1978, I would have to say my
greatest moment at Brewster was the class of 2010 graduation when I got
to watch my daughter Katie give the salutatorian address to the Brewster
community. However, I am just as proud of how well my youngest
daughter Ashley ‘15 is doing at Brewster now.” Jon Samuelson ‘78
“Time spent with coach Seth Ahlborn and the crew team; traveling to
meets and an adventuresome trip to Connecticut to get one of the Vespoli
shells repaired.” Reagan Jobe ‘01
“At a once traditional, light-hearted initiation ceremony for the freshman
class, because my last name was Weeks – and there was a Ms. Weeks [no
relation] from the Wakefield/Sanbornville area – the leader called us both
to the podium and handed a toothbrush to each of us. He directed us to
sweep clean the stage with the brush. I recall having a great vantage point
to watch the rest of the ceremony from floor level!” Barry Weeks ‘72
“Ice fishing with Charlie Meier ’91 on the lake one long, cold day – and we
never even got a bite.” Laurence Seiterle ‘91
“Senior year. The girls
from Brown Hall won
a competition, and
we got to enjoy a
hot tub party.” Julia
Gordon ‘05
“My second year
at BA when I met
Erin Quirk ‘09, her
first year at BA. I
saw her and Anna
Parker ’09 walking
around campus and they told
me they were bored and I told them to go and find something fun to
do, to run around on campus, and they started laughing. After that we
became really good friends and later Erin became my sister. I will never
forget that day for the rest of my life.” Emmanuel Negudu ‘08
This is not Ac study: Julia Gordon ’05 (left front) and
dorm mates enjoy a great hot tub moment.
“I have fantastic
memories of such
simple things as
going into town to
get a sub or buy
comic books. I had
the opportunity to
play Rugby. I did
stand up comedy
for the first time at
Brewster. However,
I think my fondest
memory is not
what happened
when I was there but 20 years later. My 20 th reunion
was amazing! It was a weekend that I will hold with me for the rest of
my life. Not only did I have a glorious time with my 1990 classmates,
but I reunited with my high school rock band, S.O.M. When we played
together, it was like we never left each other. I had an absolutely magical
time, which ended with bonding by the lake and late night brisket.” Rob
Gorden ‘90
Reunited at Reunion 2010: Rob Gorden ’90 on
vocals and band mates (l to r) Chris Barry ’90,
Temple Peterson ’89, and John Gibbs ’90.
“My great moment was four years long.” Jean (Douglas) Orr ‘54.
www.brewsteracademy.org
15

Living the Dream, Brendan Quirk ’12 (Portsmouth, New Hampshire)
Go! Study in This Window, Yung Ching Yang ’14
(Kaohsiung City, Taiwan)
Untitled, Preye Okara ‘12
(Canton, Massachusetts)
In Between, Jaruwan Amtawong ‘12
(Nakhonpathom, Thailand)
Reaching for the Light, Yoshiaki Tomita ‘14
(Kanagawa, Japan)
16 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012

Untitled, Makenzie Moon ’14 (New York, New York)
Karma, Bella Monzione ’15 (Alton, New Hampshire)
Juliet Hadley’s
’15 (Tuftonboro,
New Hampshire)
Backbone was juried
into the Friends of
the Arts show at the
Silver Center for the
Arts at Plymouth
State University. The
artist explained her
work: “This art piece
was made to be a
19” vase but it never
fully reached 19”.
During the processes
of making it, it caved
in to form a more humanly figure. I like more of the
organic look and shapes and added earth tone colors.
It was made of coils that were later smoothed out.”
Hiroshi Tanaka’s ’12 (Aichi, Japan) Love Story
earned the “Award for Excellence in Sculpture” at
the Friends of the Arts show at the Silver Center
for the Arts at Plymouth State University.
After School, Ruby Lin ’12 (Taipei City, Taiwan)
Follow the Light, Addie Simmons ’12 (Wolfeboro)
www.brewsteracademy.org
17

Staying
Connected
Whether you are an alumnus/a parent,
or a friend of Brewster, we have
many ways to keep you connected,
the latest of which is a mobile version of
www.brewsteracademy.o rg. Clicking on the
icons and text headers (displayed in the graphic),
will give you instant access to news and updates.
Mobile Site
www.brewsteracademy.org
Brewster’s
Champion
Trees
Brewster Academy was recently recognized
for being the stewards of two Champion
Big Trees: a white oak (pictured below)
and a black locust. Both are the largest reported
specimens of their species growing in Carroll
County.
Twitter
twitter.com/BA_DocCoops
twitter.com/BrewsterHoops
twitter.com/BrewsterKitchen
YouTube
The Bobcat Channel: youtube.com/user/BrewsterBobcat
Facebook
facebook.com/BrewsterAdmissions
facebook.com/BrewsterAcademyAlumni
facebook.com/BrewsterBasketball
Brewster Commended
by NEASC
In November the Commission on Independent Schools of the New England Association
of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) commended Brewster on the school’s five-year
interim evaluation report.
The Academy last went through its re-accreditation and self-study process in 2006,
as required by the NEASC of independent schools every 10 years. In that review, the
accrediting board recommended specific areas in which Brewster could improve.
“The list of ways Brewster has improved is laudable,” said William M. Bennett, director of
the commission, in a letter to Head of School Dr. Michael E. Cooper. “The school has taken
specific steps to deepen and broaden its development efforts, to initiate ways faculty can be
part of the policy-setting process, to establish exciting directions in the curriculum, and to
open communication among many areas of school life.”
The white oak, located in front of Sargent Hall,
stands 69 feet tall, is 175 inches in circumference,
and has an average crown spread of 101 feet.
The black locust, located near Memorial Field
across from Brown Hall, is 72 feet tall and
measures 126 inches in circumference with an
average crown spread of 43 feet.
The New Hampshire Big Tree Program is an
outreach of the University of New Hampshire
Cooperative Extension. The purpose of the New
Hampshire Big Tree Program is to locate the
most outstanding examples of the various tree
species that grow in New Hampshire, to obtain
the cooperation of the tree owners to protect
and preserve specimens as landmarks for future
generations to enjoy, and to stimulate interest in
and greater appreciation for trees as a natural
resource. Next time you are on campus, take time
to stop and admire these champions.
During its re-accreditation process in 2006, the visiting committee members voted
unanimously in the affirmative on 67 of 77 standards necessary for accreditation. Of the
10 standards that did not receive a unanimous affirmative response, each one received
between five and seven affirmative responses; overall, an excellent “grade” report. It was
the improvements in these areas to which Bennett referred in his letter.
“The Commission feels Brewster is poised to become an even stronger school going
forward. The Commission commends the school on its work of the last three years as well
as the report itself,” Bennett added.
Brewster has received continued accreditation since its initial membership with the NEASC
in 1933. The NEASC is the regional accrediting body, providing accreditation services
for more than 2,000 public and private institutions for programs from pre-kindergarten
through the doctoral level.
18 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012

Live on
the Brewster Bobcats
The top-ranked prep school team in the country draws live coverage this season
Brewster’s 14 th win of the season was like no other for the Brewster
boys’ varsity basketball team. The victory didn’t come in the
Smith Center, and they didn’t earn it on their opponent’s court.
They held on to their number one ranking against another top-five
nationally-ranked team at the Spalding Hoophall Classic, which was
televised nationally on ESPN.
Although 350,000 basketball fans viewed the game from around the
country, the support from the Brewster community at the game was the
difference maker, said head coach Jason Smith. With alumni and a busload
of students and faculty in the stands, the Bobcats defeated Tilton School
57-53.
“The Hoophall Classic is the premier high school basketball event, and
Brewster was very fortunate to be included this year, since only the
top programs are invited annually,” Smith said. “For our game to be
selected to be aired on ESPN was a tremendous honor. It was a wonderful
opportunity for our team, as well as the entire Brewster community who
provided outstanding support! We are excited about being invited again
to next year’s Hoophall.”
The top-ranked prep school basketball team in the country: the Brewster Bobcats
Game Highlights
Florida State- signee Aaron Thomas (Cincinnati) had a game-high 23
points, while North Carolina State-bound TJ Warren (Raleigh, North
Carolina) added 14 points. Unsigned forward JaKarr Sampson (Barberton,
Ohio) added 13 points and 5 rebounds, while Michigan-signee Mitch
McGary (Chesterton, Indiana) had game-high 12 rebounds. Unsigned
guard Joe Bramanti (Andover, Massachusetts) played yet another
outstanding game on the defensive end of the floor for the Bobcats.
Pre-game Reception
Nearly 50 alumni, parents, faculty, and friends gathered for a pre-game
reception on the Springfield College campus anticipating the Hoophall
Classic matchup. Representation covered the span of classes from 1954,
1958, 1965, 1978, 1989 through 2011. Several alumni from the Springfield
area reconnected with classmates and learned more about what’s
happening on the Brewster campus, including the ongoing celebration of
our 125 th anniversary.
Former Bobcat Mike Clark ‘89, sporting his 1987-1888 Lakes Region League
Champions basketball jacket, brought son Nate to the Hoophall Classic.
Following the reception, the group joined the spirited busload of Brewster
students in the Blake Arena – all showing their Bobcat pride on the
ESPN-televised event. Fans were not disappointed by the high level of
competition and ultimate victory for Brewster! Go Bobcats!
Lester Kligerman ’65, Ralph Lockwood ’65, Carolyn and Peter Dulong ’71, Margaret
and Bob Schwarz ’65, and Jon Skrzyszowski ’65 enjoy the pre-game reception.
www.brewsteracademy.org
19

Newsmakers
Artists’ Work
Selected for Exhibition
Hiroshi Tanaka ’12 (Aichi,
Japan) and Juliet Hadley
’15 (Tuftonboro, New
Hampshire) had artwork
selected to exhibit at the
Friends of the Arts show
at the Silver Center for
the Arts at Plymouth
State University. Hiroshi
also won the “Award for
Excellence in Sculpture”
for his “Love Story”
sculpture. His other
piece that will display is
his textile work “Denim Bag.” Juliet’s 19” ceramic
“Backbone” was also selected to exhibit (see page 17
for artwork photos)
In total 117 pieces of art were submitted from
12 schools; 59 were selected for the show and 18
received awards.
Moon’s Writing Earns Honors
Makenzie Moon ‘14
(New York, New York)
was recently recognized
by the Alliance for Young
Artists & Writers and the
National Writing Project in
New Hampshire through
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
Her collection of poems – “My Dear Child,” “13 Ways
of Looking at the Moon,” and “An Artist’s Lover” –
was among 300 submissions sent to the Scholastic
Writing Awards by New Hampshire students. It
was selected by a panel of writers, teachers, and
literary professionals as the best work submitted
by New Hampshire teenagers. The collection will
be published in the 2012 edition of Middle/High
School Voices, and she has been invited to attend the
Middle High School Voices conference and the New
Hampshire regional awards ceremony in May.
Bobcat Skaters
Play for Canada
Juniors Catherine LeBoeuf (Dieppe, New Brunswick),
on right, and Laurence Porlier (Maria, Quebec), on
left, represented their provinces at the National
Women’s U18 Championship in Saguenay, Quebec,
in November. Laurence, a forward, played for Team
Québec, which won the silver medal. Catherine, who
plays defense, played for Team Atlantic, which lost
the bronze medal game to Team Manitoba.
“The Championship was one of the best athletic
competitions I’ve had the opportunity to
experience. I got to play against and with some of
the best female U18 players in Canada. It can’t get
any cooler than that,” LeBoeuf said.
McDonald’s All American
Brewster forward T.J.
Warren ‘12 (Raleigh,
North Carolina) was
selected to participate
in the McDonald’s All
American Game on March
28 at the United Center in
Chicago to be televised live on ESPN. Warren signed
in the fall with North Carolina State University. In
the past 10 years, about 80 Brewster players have
been nominated as McDonald’s All Americans but TJ
is the first Brewster player to be selected to play in
the premier high school boys’ all-star game.
Bobcat Goalkeeper
Globe All Star
Danielle Tidd ’13 (Alton
Bay, New Hampshire),
goalkeeper for the girls’
varsity soccer team was
selected as a Boston
Globe NEPSAC All Star.
She was one of 19
players selected from
more than 100 schools
in the NEPSAC league.
Field Hockey Seniors Named
to All-Tournament Team
20 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012

Seniors Hanna Skelley (Wolfeboro) and Amy
Misera (Cockeysville, Maryland) were named to the
New England Preparatory School Athletic Council
(NEPSAC) Class C Field Hockey All-Tournament
Team. The midfielders were two of the team’s four
captains and also are the captains of the varsity
lacrosse team. “We are a dynamic duo on the field,”
Misera commented.
Misera, a two-year member of the team, plans to
play field hockey at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
This season she was awarded Most Valuable Player
for the Bobcat squad. Skelley is a three-year member
of the team. She plans to play ice hockey in college.
The Brewster players were among 15 girls selected
to the All-Tournament Team. Currently 31 teams
comprise NEPSAC’s Class C division.
Field Hockey Players
Named Gladiators
Butcher Named
Coach of the Year
Varsity field hockey
players Lottie Barton
‘12 (Kenai, Alaska), Allie
Hughes ‘12 (La Canada,
Califorina), and Goldie
Paul ’12 (Hampstead,
New Hampshire) earned
the honor of the 2011
Gladiator by SGI/National
Field Hockey Coaches
Association High School
Academic Squad. The
National Academic Squad
program recognizes
those high school seniors
who have achieved a
cumulative, unweighted
GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 or
the equivalent through
the first quarter of the
2011-2012 school year.
Girls’ varsity soccer coach Matt Butcher was named
Regional Prep School Coach of the Year by the
National Soccer Coaches Association of America
(NSCAA). Coach Butcher
led the Bobcats through
a dramatic 2011 season
ending with a 16-2-1
overall record.
He has served as head
coach of the girls’ varsity
soccer program since 2002. During this time, the
team has earned three New England championships
(2009, 2007, and 2004); one co-championship
(2002); eight invites to the New England playoffs;
and six Lakes Region titles. His overall coaching
record at Brewster is 133-25-10.
Butcher was honored in mid-January at the annual
NSCAA convention in Kansas City.
Douglass on NPR’s
Morning Edition
In late 2011, pianist and guitarist Gregory Douglass
’98 was interviewed on a segment of National Public
Radio’s Morning Edition. The year-end segment
looked at music it missed over the past 12 months.
Host Linda Wertheimer interviewed Douglass, who
discussed his latest album Lucid and the ups and
downs of working as an independent artist. Visit
www.gregorydouglass.com to learn more about
Douglass.
Broom’s Work on Exhibit
in Florence, Chelsea
The work of photographer Adrien Broom ’98 is on
exhibit at the Center for Contemporary Culture at
Palazzo Strozzi in Florence, Italy. Her photography is
part of the exhibition: “American Dreamers. Reality
and Imagination in Contemporary American Art.” The
show runs through July 15. A little closer to home,
Broom also has work on exhibit as part of a twoperson
show at the Tria Gallery in Chelsea (NYC)
through April 15.
“The Florence exhibit feels like a dream to me. I
remember going to that Museum when I studied in
Italy back in 2003. The title of the exhibit (American
Dreamers) is perfectly fitting,” Broom said.
Broom is also working on a children’s book and
an event based around food, photography, and
storytelling to showcase at the Chelsea Market later
this year. Visit www.adrienbroom.com to learn about
Broom’s work.
ESPN Profiles
Thomas Robinson
In January, ESPN released a video on University of
Kansas forward Thomas Robinson ’09. “Family Over
Everything” profiles Robinson and his dedication
to basketball and his younger sister one year after
losing his grandmother, grandfather, and mother in
a span of 25 days. The video includes footage from
Brewster and is available at www.espn.com.
Morgan Huntley’s ‘00 company Vanquish Boats
was the featured cover story in the October issue
of Soundings magazine. In the article, Huntley talks
about his passion for boatbuilding, his designs, and
his vision for the company he founded in 2010.
Visit www.vanquishboats.com to learn more about
Huntley’s boats.
Jordan Weaver ’11, a freshman at Syracuse
University, is the communications director for
Students for Solvency. This national non-profit
organization educates young voters on the threat of
the national debt and advocates for fiscal reforms
necessary for the long-term health of the United
States. Weaver, former editor of the Brewster
Browser, is studying journalism at Syracuse.
www.brewsteracademy.org 21

Trey Whitfield ’89 Memorial Celebration
The Year’s “Best All School”
By Beth Hayes ‘81
Head of School Mike Cooper opened the annual Trey Whitfield
Memorial Celebration with a warm welcome to Brewster’s
“extended family” from the Trey Whitfield School in Brooklyn,
New York. Trey’s parent’s, AB Whitfield and Janie Whitney, brought
friends, faculty members, and the Trey Whitfield School Choir to this
celebration of Trey’s life. Cooper described today as the year’s “best All
School.”
together on and off the basketball court. He talked of his “dynamic,
charismatic, and charming” friend who had an amazing ability to relate to
everyone on Brewster’s campus. “I loved Trey, and I miss him, but I’m so
glad the world is a better place because he was here.”
True to form, the choir gave a heartwarming and energizing performance,
bringing our students to their feet and in some cases, up onto the stage.
Cooper remarked, “Every year I walk away from this event with a
renewed sense of purpose and direction.” With a nod to Brewster’s
inclusion of emotional intelligence, Cooper noted that he was in a pretty
good place on the mood meter when he reflects upon this event.
Guest speaker Steve Promislo ’88 brought tears to more than a few eyes
when he recalled memories of his friendship with Trey and their time
Whitney spoke at the conclusion of the event and left our captivated
students with this thought, “At Brewster nothing is more important than
the relationships you form; take those with you in life.”
Following the All School, former Brewster Dean Joyce Ferris thoughtfully
commented, “We know when our moments in life are good ones. We need
to remember, however, to look back and cherish those moments.”
22 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012

A Night With the Stars
A Red Carpet Evening Supports Brewster’s Annual Fund
By Kristy Kerin
Resplendent with a red carpet, gold starred walls, celebrity
teachers, a martini bar, and fabulous donations displayed
throughout – this was last fall’s auction fashioned after the
Academy Awards to raise funds for Brewster’s Annual Fund.
Cooking With a Purpose
For the past 13 years, Brewster parents Don and Bev Clements (Jessica
’02, Jennifer ’07) have opened their Crescent Lake home to a group of
Brewster students for a Thanksgiving-style dinner. “Winter Feast” has
become one of the most sought after items at Brewster’s fall auction.
The concept is simple: The Clements offer a home-cooked turkey dinner,
with all the fixins’, for one lucky student – and his or her entire dorm! A
bidding war ensues at the live auction and a generous family purchases the
dinner for their child’s dorm. The proceeds benefit Brewster’s Annual Fund.
Don is famous for his stuffing and potatoes; Bev is a gourmet baker,
and no student leaves without a goody bag of cookies and bars to enjoy
later. The feast is served family style around a large table on Bev’s
grandmother’s china, and Jessica and Jennifer join the fun.
This year, the item was so popular, the Clements kindly allowed Brewster
to double the offer. Over the past 13 years, the Winter Feast has raised
more than $50,000 for Brewster Academy!
By the Numbers
250
people attended “A Night With the Stars”
$105,000
total raised at the 2011 auction proceeds benefit the Annual Fund
159
number of items donated to the live and silent auctions
75
martini glasses purchased for the iPad raffle
$50,000
raised by the Winter Feast over the past 13 years
23
plus volunteers who made the evening a success
By the Numbers
Food for Thought
For anyone who has raised teenagers, it should be no surprise that auction
items involving food are extremely popular. Another premier item at
this year’s auction was donated by Brewster’s athletic Equipment Room
Manager Angelo “G-Lo” Varrone. G-Lo’s Italian feast for 10, with many
recipes derived from his Italian-born mother, was the top bid of the night,
selling for an impressive $11,500 – times two!
Homemade Touch
Brewster’s faculty and staff support the auction in a variety of ways,
including homemade contributions such as jams, gift baskets, and cookies.
This year, a group of faculty and staff knitted a one-of-a-kind afghan that
kicked off the live auction.
G-Lo’s Italian Dinner was the high bid at the auction.
Exotic Escapes
Africa; Bermuda; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Park City, Utah;
Summerland Key, Florida; Topsail Island, North Carolina. A wide variety
of travel options were up for bid at this year’s auction thanks to the
generosity of our Brewster families.
So much more!
All told, this year’s auction featured 159 items and raised more than
$105,000 for the Annual Fund. Brewster is grateful to the many donors
and volunteers who make this auction an annual success. Special thanks
go to auction co-chairs, Josephine Grayson (Bradley ’14), Darla Monzione
(Bella ’15), and Raquel Rogers (Ashley ’13) and auctioneer Bill Zafirson
(Blake ’11).
Makers of the afghan: Maya Pettit-Scott, Linda Larson, Ellissa Popoff, Allie Cooper,
Andrea Cooper, Raylene Davis, Jan Kaskiewicz, Kate Turner, and Robin Found.
www.brewsteracademy.org
23

Brewster
On The
Road
Europe
October 2011 – The Class of 1954 has been at it
again! Brewster classmates and friends, spouses, and
guests, shipped out for a 15-day Grand European
Tour with Viking River Cruises this past October.
Alumni on the trip included David Carlson ’54,
Jean (Douglas) Orr ’54, Larry Thurrell ’54, husband
and wife Stuart Stinchfield ’54 and Jean (Clough)
Stinchfield ’59, Bob Harrington ’53, and Jack
Reever ’60. Joining the group from Brewster’s Alumni
Office was Beth Hayes ’81.
Following the Rhine, Mein, and Danube Rivers,
the cruise began in Holland and traveled through
Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and ended in Hungary.
“The sites and sounds, and the people and places
were amazing, to say nothing of the cuisine,” Hayes
reported. “The most unforgettable part of the journey,
however, was how much this group of alumni and
friends enjoyed taking this journey together. “
To read a daily blog of the group’s adventures go to
http://www.brewsteracademy.org/Class-of-1954.
Globetrotting Bobcats tour Melk, Austria, on the Grand European Tour.
Boston
October 2011 – Faculty, alumni, and parents
gathered on the banks of the Charles River to cheer
for Brewster’s varsity 1 boat in the 47 th Head of the
Charles Regatta. Overall the Bobcats finished 45 out
of 77 boats in 18:33.73 for the three-mile race.
Brewster has been a mainstay at this competition
over the past few years and is considered to be
among the elite throughout the region. “This is a
huge event for us,” said head coach Nick Docter ‘97.
“The kids look forward to this race all year and it is
just so exciting to be part of an event this big on a
national level.”
Martha Trepanier ‘83 and Kate Turner, associate
athletic director, took photos and caught up
with a few alumni, including former rower David
Neiman ’11 and Abi Putnam ‘00. Bob and Maureen
Simoneau, whose son James ’07 rowed for Brewster,
cheered rowers from the finish line. “We are so
fortunate to be able to be a part of this,” noted Matt
Lawlor, director of athletics. “To have these alums
and faculty make the trip to this race is great; Bobcat
Nation is very much alive today!”

Maria-Dulce Smith (far left) and Walter Smith (Sarah ’05, Max ’12) hosted a gathering at their Ras Tanura home for
current and prospective families.
Saudi Arabia
October-November 2011 – Admission officer Jay
Anctil travelled to Saudi Arabia in October to attend
the Saudi Aramco Schools Fair. His trip included
attending a school fair at the Dhahran Middle
School where he had the opportunity to talk about
the Brewster program with Aramco families and
interview prospective students. Within the Aramco
company, there are four different school regions:
Dhahran, Ras Tanura, Abqaiq, and Udhailiyah, each of
which had students interested in Brewster.
Currently, five students whose parents work in Saudi
Arabia attend Brewster. Their families – the Smiths,
Fords, Turners, Johnsons and Gardiolas – held two
Brewster receptions, providing an opportunity for
prospective families to inquire about Brewster with
Jay and current families.
The Admission Office sends a big thank you to
these families for hosting the receptions and for
promoting Brewster in Saudi Arabia.
Texas
January 2012 – Martha Trepanier ’83 visited with
Texan Bobcats including Laurence Seiterle ’90,
Bob Bishop ’47, Reagan Jobe ’01, Jack Pilon ’11,
and Mitch Wolfe ’00. Wolfe is partnering with the
Alumni and Development Office to coordinate
a Dallas Brewster alumni chapter. Watch for an
invitation to an upcoming Dallas event! Seiterle, a
commercial real estate developer, will visit campus
this spring to speak with the Brewster Business Club
about his entrepreneurial ventures and watch a boys’
lacrosse game.
Martha Trepanier ’83 and Laurence Seiterle ‘90 in San
Antonio.
Asia
November 2011 – For the past three years, Jim Bastis,
director of alumni and development, has travelled to
Asia to visit parents and alumni. This past November
he made the trip again, this time to Korea and China.
In Seoul, the Korean Parents’ Association hosted a
dinner for his visit. Beau Jackson ’87, an English
teacher in Seoul, joined them for dinner.
Jim’s next stop was Shanghai where he visited with
the parents of students from this region on the East
China Sea. He then took a bullet train west to visit
with families from the Hangzhou region.
Hong Kong and nearby Shenzhen were next where
he met with both parents and alumni. In Hong Kong
Mark Wong ’92, Howard Kwong
’99, and Lauren Lok ’99 joined
Jim for dinner. The China visit
concluded with a trip to Beijing
for a final get-together with
Beijing parents.
New York City
January 24, 2012 – New York City area alumni and
friends gathered at Connolly’s Pub and Restaurant
on 47th Street for a fun evening of catching up and
reminiscing. Thank you to Bri Gatta ‘05 for her help
in organizing the evening. Keep an eye out for the
next NYC area gathering and join us!
Jim Bastis, Beau Jackson ’87, and the Brewster Bobcat enjoyed a dinner
hosted by the Korean Parents’ Association.
Brewster currently has 34
students from Korea and China.
Kori Gatta ’03, Danah Gordon ’04, Jasmine Hamlor ’04,
Bri Gatta ’05, and Kat Knarr ’05 catch up at a New York
City alumni reception.
www.brewsteracademy.org
25

By Kristy Kerin
This year Brewster celebrates its 125th
anniversary and one group of alumni
and parents hopes to commemorate this
milestone in a special way. Armed with the belief
that a school is only as strong as the commitment of
its alumni, they have joined together to sponsor a
generous challenge. They are calling it the Strength
in Numbers Challenge and the goal is simple: to
increase alumni participation in Brewster’s
Annual Fund.
This year, if at least 600 alumni make a
gift to Brewster, a group of challenge
donors will give Brewster $100,000.
Simple, right? According to Annual Fund
Director Beth Hayes ’81, “It is simple! To
count for the challenge, alumni simply
have to make a gift to Brewster of any
size, to any area of their choosing. Last
year, 8 percent of alumni made a gift to
Brewster. These challenge donors believe we can do better, and they have
offered this generous challenge to help us spread the word that alumni
participation really matters.”
“We know that Brewster alumni love their school,” said Martha Trepanier
’83, associate director of development. “We know this by talking with
alumni and hearing their stories. Brewster has made a significant impact
on so many alumni across the decades, and it is time for us to join together
as alumni to say thank you. Alumni giving is vital.”
Alumni giving is particularly vital for a school like Brewster with a limited
endowment and the significant operational costs of a boarding school.
Brewster’s endowment per student is only a fraction of that of its peer
schools, yet Brewster stretches its resources to offer competitive financial
aid, attract top-notch faculty, and maintain its stunning campus.
“Education is fundamentally a people business,” said Lisa Braiterman,
chief financial officer. “Sixty percent of our total budget is directed to
people – financial aid for talented students and personnel costs. Very little
of that funding comes from endowment, so we must look for other sources
of support.”
Ronn Bronzetti ’92 and Stephanie O’Connor Leahey ’92
are co-chairing their 20th Reunion Committee and they
are two of the Strength in Numbers Challenge sponsors.
“I consider myself fortunate to have attended Brewster
and I feel compelled to give back so that other students
might enjoy the same type of educational opportunities
that I did,” Bronzetti shared. “More than a fundraising
effort, the Strength in Numbers Challenge is really about
people. It is about honoring the teachers and coaches who
supported us while we were at Brewster, and it is about
the kind of impact that we can make as alumni to ensure
that Brewster Academy’s best days lie ahead.”
Leahey adds, “As a parent, I often reflect on turning
points in my life. Attending BA was a key decision that
changed the trajectory of my life. I am so grateful for
the opportunity I had to attend a school with a safe and
nurturing environment that allowed me to be a better
version of myself. I feel I owe it to give back. “
Gifts to Brewster’s Annual Fund support every
aspect of the school. Alumni contributions help
Brewster support financial aid for deserving
students, attract and retain top faculty, offer a competitive athletics
program, maintain its idyllic campus, and create a top-notch learning
environment. Donors may choose to direct their gifts to a specific area or
program of their choosing, and they may make gifts in honor of a favorite
faculty member, mentor, or coach.
Dan Mudge, chair of the board of trustees and Brewster parent (Tapley-
Ann ’98 and Ashley ’02) shared his reasons for supporting the challenge:
“I want to give back, so that deserving young students, who otherwise
might not have the chance, now will have an opportunity to build a solid
foundation for their future. Seeing young Brewster graduates succeed is a
rewarding feeling. Brewster needs alumni support to continue its mission.
Every gift will help make a difference.”
Alumni have until June 30 to make a gift to support the Strength in
Numbers Challenge.
Brewster thanks its challenge donors:
David Carlson ’54, Tony Leitner ’61, Candace Crawshaw ’64,
David Hunter ’90, Mitch Wolff ’90, Ronn Bronzetti ’92,
Stephanie O’Connor Leahey ’92, and Dan and Kathy Mudge P’98, ’02.
www.brewsteracademy.org/giving
26 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012

Return to Campus
Reunion
2012
June 1-3
Friday, June 1
25th and 50th Reunion Class Dinners
Class Gatherings, organized
by individual classes, check
www.brewsteracademy.org/reunion2012
for information
Late Night Snacks at Estabrook
Saturday, June 2
Kayaks, Canoes, Sailboats
All-School Assembly
Alumni Cruise on
Lake Winnipesaukee
Lunch in the Estabrook
Tennis Round Robin
Lobster Bake Under the
Tent Overlooking the Lake
Music and Dancing at
Pinckney Boathouse
NEW Bonfire
Dorm rooms available
Friday and Saturday nights
Sunday, June 3
Brunch at Pinckney Boathouse
Family-Friendly Weekend!
Children under 12 eat and
sleep for free on campus
Babysitting information
available by request
www.brewsteracademy.org
27

HOOPLA
by Matt Hoopes
The Quarter-Century Club
Nine faculty and staff members reflect on 25-plus years
of living, learning, and leading in the Brewster community.
In his introduction to the Academy’s 1975 catalog,
then headmaster David Smith wrote that the
“strength of Brewster Academy is its faculty.” I had
just arrived on campus and was very taken by that
statement. The publication continued by devoting
a full page, containing a portrait photograph and a
detailed resume, of each faculty member – all 15 at
that time. At the time many boarding schools were
judged by the loyalty and longevity of their faculty
As Brewster celebrates the 125th anniversary of
John Brewster’s endowment of the Academy, we
pay tribute to faculty and staff members who have
contributed their talents for at least one fifth of that
time span. Their recollections offer reminders of how
much the school has grown and changed over the
past quarter-century. They also point out, modestly,
each in his or her way, how they helped make the
school what it is today.
and staff. Alumni often returned to a school primarily
to seek out a former teacher, introduce their spouse,
and playfully warn them that their son or daughter
would soon be arriving to disrupt their classroom.
Matt Hoopes was a faculty member from 1975 to 1996. During this time he and his journalism students founded
The Brewster Browser and the Outcroppings literary magazine. Since his “retirement” from the classroom in
1996, Hoopes has worked as the alumni correspondent from his hilltop banana farm on the island of Eleuthera,
The Bahamas, helping to keep the alumni connection alive. In each issue he brings life-after-Brewster stories to
the pages of his Hoopla column.
Do you have your copy of The Brewster Story: A Definitive History
of Brewster Academy by Robert and Shirley Richardson?
Order online: www.brewsteracademy.org/thebrewsterstory
28 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012

HOOPLA
TJ Palmer, Bobcat Since 1987
History Teacher, Coach
T.J. Palmer came to Brewster from a junior boarding school (The Rectory School)
where he had one weekend off a month. “I was surprised at how much time off
I had at Brewster. Rectory scheduled every minute of the day whereas Brewster
didn’t, but then the days began filling with non-scheduled times: more extra
help, longer athletic practice times, and teaching at the high school level meant
more class prep time. The first fall ... three course preps, soccer (with an assistant
who didn’t have cleats), and a dorm parent in Sargent Hall meant a very busy
schedule, especially for a newlywed!”
In what ways do you feel the Brewster
Model improved the school and your
work? The foundation of the Model fit my view of teaching from the very
beginning. I hated to lecture. I always wanted students actively engaged. Cabinet
meetings, debates, and court trials where students are active is fun and exciting
for the students and me. I love the competitive nature of these activities. I had
to get used to the massive preparation required outside of class, but I really
enjoy when the students both learn a lot and enjoy learning. The Model greatly
improved the school as the teaching faculty became more professional in their
thought as to what they were teaching and why they were teaching it.
In coaching the same principals of the classroom fit the rink or the playing
field. As a coach you review the previous game, consider the areas of weakness
that we want to work on, and then set up drills that effectively work on those
weaknesses. And, you can never forget the fun element. Input from the players
is always important, and that same input comes from the students in the
academic setting with the Model. In my view there no longer is a Model – it is
just Brewster!
What do you consider to be your greatest
contribution to the school?
One contribution has been bringing varsity hockey back to Brewster from a
long hiatus after Pop Whalen (Brewster’s legendary athletic director) left. Pop
built some great teams back in the 1960s, but times had changed and there
were doubts whether a respected team could be formed at Brewster, especially
given the hockey facilities offered by our competitors. Now we have earned the
respect of the Lakes Region teams and other top programs in New England and
play them every season – schools including Phillips Exeter, Phillips Andover, and
Cushing, to name a few. Recently we beat South Kent (twice), one of the top 10
New England teams this year.
A 25-year faculty member by the numbers
1,260 hockey practices
150 weekend duty assignments
54 hockey pre-game meals at the Palmer’s
48 coaching seasons of soccer, hockey, baseball,
and softball
34 “Varsity III” soccer coaching victories
18 years as a hockey coach
7 Faculty “loaner” computers
2 Yearbook dedications
3 days my wife spent in Wolfeboro not employed by
Brewster Academy
0 teachers who have been at Brewster longer than me
Another contribution was running the first Model dormitory and being a Team
Leader when the Model was first implemented in the early 1990s. I worked
closely with Dr. Alan Bain, former associate headmaster and architect of the
Model, and produced my portfolio with his guidance. I learned a great deal from
him during that work, and I believe he learned a lot from me about the reality
of teaching and dorm parenting in the ‘trenches’ every day. As a result of our
collaboration, I became more convinced that great teaching is one part proven
best practices and two parts a real “feel” for what works and what doesn’t.
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Lynne Palmer, Bobcat Since 1987
Director of Admission and External Affairs
I remember visiting Brewster with my soon-to-be-husband TJ Palmer for his
on-campus interview. As the fiancée, I was encouraged to attend, and I thought
it was “nice” for the school to include me in the visit. Now that I know what
the expectation and commitment of being a boarding faculty member is, I
understand the importance for the school to know what a family can bring to
the community.
The strong sense of community and people who seemed to really enjoy being a
part of something intense was evident early, and for me the idea of living with
a lot of people and sacrificing some privacy was normal (I grew up in a family of
eight with one full bathroom!).
Then headmaster David Smith indicated that there was likely “something for
me to do” within the community, and I called upon that vague promise
about three weeks into the school year. I started working for Brewster in the
Development Office, which was a two-person operation at that time. I had no
direct experience but had always been a good event planner and had a strong
customer-relationship background, which was quickly put to good use.
David was a great mentor for me. We were both problem solvers in nature and
relished in the resolution of a strategic puzzle. I loved the process of getting
to know our families, alumni, and prospective students. It’s a very rewarding
job to meet a student at his or her most nervous moment (interviewing) and
then watch him or her grow over the years and finally walk across that stage at
Commencement with a sense of pride and accomplishment in which we all get
to share .
There have been many challenging times on the job. The current economic reality
and its impact on enrollment has been one of the most challenging. While many
schools decreased their enrollment goals, Brewster has actually seen a rise in our
enrollment, a testament that our program has much value in today’s world.
Our impact on students’ growth and maturation is a reflection of great
leadership (historically and currently) that is foundationally firm but willing
to adapt to ensure that our program always remains relevant as well as a
commitment from individuals who give so much to the students to whom they
feel privileged to teach.
Over the years, Brewster has remained committed to teaching a variety of
learners. We really do celebrate that responsibility here, and our students know
it. They each matter individually, and collectively they are stronger for it. I
think that many other schools struggle with who they are and who they serve,
and without that definition, it’s difficult to do the job well in admissions. The
only change to our selectivity has been in realizing the emphasis on student
expectation and thus a stronger focus on what we call the “good kid factor” as a
high priority in the application process. When you have such an emphasis as we
25 Years by the Numbers:
7,514 applications reviewed
820 student interviews
21 countries and 32 states visited
do in collaborative and cooperative learning, it is a must to bring students who
care about learning and appreciate the value of working hard.
Still, there are times that test the rewards of the job: when there are just not
enough resources in financial aid to make Brewster possible for more deserving
families, when you know you have to break a heart with a decision, or watch the
departure of someone who wasn’t quite ready for the experience as you thought.
I think my greatest contribution to Brewster, professionally, has been my
involvement in the implementation of our Leadership Athletics Program. Our
focus on integrating recruitment efforts with institutional support has brought
highly talented student athletes to our community, balanced our gender
representation, and exposed Brewster Academy at a global level that raises our
reputation overall.
Personally, it has been the relationships forged with alumni, parents, students, and
partners in enrollment that have enriched my experiences. Receiving the phone
call from an excited first-time father or watching the marriage of someone you
watched mature is one of the most rewarding moments “on the job.”
Looking back on 25 years astounds me. How did it go so fast? Brady upcoming
graduation will close another chapter for the Palmer’s – bittersweet feeling at
Commencement will be a little heavier this year.
30 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012

Marilyn Shea, Bobcat Since 1987
Academic Dean
My first day at Brewster was truly daunting. I had never taught at a school
that devoted so much time to preparing for the opening of school, and I felt
overwhelmed with it all. I could appreciate how the efforts would make for a
much smoother start to the year for students, but I will never forget the feeling
of struggling to process it all at once. It sticks with me to this day and always
makes me very sensitive to the experience of new faculty.
During my early years I watched the school grow slowly, year by year, but the
real enrollment increases came with the reorganization of the school into the
Model’s small teams of students, which I found to be a wonderful way to work
with students. It allows you to really focus on the students with whom you are
working and allows more time to build relationships.
I have been pleasantly surprised each year to find that I have ample
opportunities to get to know students. Initially, I worried that an administrative
role might limit these opportunities or that my role would become overly
focused on working with students only when they got into trouble,
but this has not been the case. Of course, I am in my element when I
am teaching a class and doing that is one way of staying connected to
students. There is something magic about Brewster’s students. They are
so open and accepting that relationships seem to develop naturally, and
I find myself still very involved in the lives of students and grateful to
have it that way.
Over the years, changes in the school’s physical plant allowed for more
needed classroom space. I was a little saddened to see the familiar
give way to a new look as changes took place, and I still catch myself
reminiscing when I walk past the space that used to be the late Peter
Friend’s classroom or the old computer lab. When I walk into what is
now our Tech Office, I get a twinge of nostalgia remembering this was
the space where I first taught 10th grade English. I can still see Heather
Vaillancourt ‘90 talking about the “Allegory of the Cave” when we read
The Republic or John Gibbs ‘90, Eric Kanov ‘90, and Jon Davenport ’90 working
on a project of Utopian literature. There are so many memories of old rooms
behind new doors.
The growth in facilities hasn’t changed my work as much as technology has,
however. Although the printing press made access to materials easier and did
much to standardize spelling, surely it made the world seem very different to
anyone who lived during its introduction and evolution. Computers and the
Internet have changed how much we can know and how quickly we can access
information, and they have given us completely new ways to acquire learning.
They have changed how we connect to each other in ways that are at once
wonderful and horrifying – at least if you are an old lady! And they change how
I work largely because they keep
changing, so I must, in turn, keep
changing. It’s exciting. And some
days it’s exhausting!
With the arrival of the Model I felt liberated to do so much of what my instincts
had always told me was the best way to teach. At its heart, the Model asserted
that all students can learn if given the right curriculum and materials and the
time needed to learn as well as being frequently assessed to discover what they
have learned and what they still need to master. I disliked the idea that I needed
to fail a few students if my grading was to be taken seriously by colleagues. And
it seemed to me an unfortunate paradox to put a deadline on learning and tell
a student he or she needs to get it right the first time. What was wrong with
letting students get retested? Isn›t the point that you learn? It felt to me as
though schools were places where learning was secondary to the race. So I guess
I was simply already posed to embrace the tenets of the Model. I really found
very little in it that did not reinforce what I already believed. In the early years,
www.brewsteracademy.org
31

HOOPLA
I often wondered if the concerns about it came more from efforts to define it here that I had no desire to move on to any other school, because I had landed
rather than the program itself. I think it’s fair to say it was an initiative that took where I really wanted to be.
hold and one that has served Brewster very well.
At first, the attraction was a kinship with colleagues,
Looking back over these past many years, I wonder
how my life might have been different if I had never
come to Brewster? I arrived at Brewster in 1987,
having just turned 40. I was hardly a youngster, and
I had some useful experience behind me. I had done
enough things to know that teaching satisfied me
more than anything else. It never occurred to me
I knew by the end of my second
year here that I had no desire to
move on to any other school ...
a feeling that the school was led by someone I
truly respected, and the most wonderful bunch of
students I had ever worked with. The attraction
evolved into a changed perspective on what I really
think great teaching is about, however. It isn’t about
reading the right novels and mastering chemistry.
It›s about what can happen to you while you are
that I was actually still working at growing up. The people here, and community I doing that if you are in the right kind of school. I came to realize that, for me,
joined, led me to discover what it feels like to completely invest, not just because making whatever contribution I could make as a teacher would come from
I wanted to do a good job, or because I really like kids, but because every person joining a community, committing to it, and working through the magical kind of
I worked with was part of my community. I knew by the end of my second year fellowship that happens when you do that.
Gail Antonucci ’61, Bobcat Since 1985
Payroll and Benefits Coordinator
Nearly 25 years after graduating from Brewster, Gail Antonucci left her job as
deputy town clerk of Wolfeboro and returned to Brewster to work in the Business
Office. She enjoyed reconnecting with her former teachers when they called
with questions regarding payroll or retirement plans. At this time, the Business
Office was located in what is now the Academic Building conference room and
the faculty room was located in what is now the Dean of Students’ Office. Here
faculty would come for coffee, donuts, and cigarettes, she explained.
As the number of students increased, the Business Office moved to the Goodwin
Building and finally to its present location in Cate House on South Main Street.
Gail noted that by moving out of the Academic Building, she and her office
workers lost the closeness to the students that
they had all enjoyed. As the workload increased,
more Business Office employees were hired,
whom Gail trained, while she continued her
role as payroll and benefits coordinator.
Over the past 27 years Gail has been both
proud and pleased to represent Brewster
Academy to the community in which she has
lived all of her life. She loves her work, the
people with whom she’s worked, the school
itself – and golfing in the Bobcat Open!
32 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012

Bob Simoneau, Bobcat Since 1985
Foreign Language Teacher, Business Manager 1986-2009
Bob Simoneau’s long trek from California to New Hampshire in a 10-year-old VW
Microbus was just the beginning of a long, exciting, and continuing Brewster career.
Bob had spent every summer between 1950 and 1972 at his parents’ summer
home in nearby Ossipee. During the early summer of 1985, his cousin, local
businessman Cliff Simoneau, introduced Bob to Headmaster David Smith,
noting that in addition to teaching French, Latin, and Spanish, Bob also had a
background in public municipal financing at the state and local school levels.
It wasn’t long after that that Bob received a job offer to teach Latin and Spanish
part-time at Brewster.
Bob, his wife, Maureen, Andre (13), Paulo (9), Maureen’s son Michael (5), and
their daughter Megeen (18 months), along with their Italian greyhound, Wags,
piled into their 1975 VW pop-top camper and their 1976 Toyota Corona
and began the cross-country trip to New Hampshire.
Although the VW camper broke down in Wyoming and they had to rent
a truck to tow it (they were sleeping in it at night), the Simoneau family
arrived on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee just six days late.
With a resume that included assistant superintendent of schools for
the Compton Unified School District and deputy director of the Office
of Economic Opportunities for then California Governor Jerry Brown, it
was not long before Bob was tapped for the assistant business position.
Within a year, he became the business manager for the Academy.
“When I first arrived, I found the setting of the campus on the edge of
the lake to be charming, but once I became assistant business manager,
I became very familiar with the amount of deferred maintenance. With
student admissions growing in excess of 25 percent per year, the new dorms, now
Spencer, Mason, Hughes, Vaughan, Lamb, and Harris were quickly constructed.”
Prior to leaving San Pedro, California, Bob and Maureen had purchased an old
church parsonage in Wolfeboro Falls, which they moved into on their arrival. They
had planned to eventually run it as a B&B, however, changes in the town’s zoning
laws did not allow the B&B to become a reality. Instead of hosting tourists, the
parsonage became an off-campus dormitory, and in the 12 years they remained
owners, Bob and Maureen were dorm parents to 48 students.
For 17 years David Smith and Bob worked closely together, taking on the financial
master plan, investing in a rainy day fund, working with the state legislature
to permit non-profit schools to use municipal bonding, and working to ensure
financial viability for the Academy.
This included bond refinancing,
enabling the completion of the
Wilson Center, renovating family and
student housing, and the expansion
of the Estabrook Dining Hall and the Spaulding-Emerson Student Center.
For the past 12 years, Bob and Maureen have been dorm parents in Holmes
House (more commonly referred to as Simoneau House). Since stepping down
from his position as business manager in 2009, Bob has returned to his love of
teaching languages, and Maureen continues in her role as assistant librarian.
Brewster Academy is indeed fortunate to have had the services of this devoted
couple, and is fortunate that both continue to work with students.
27 Years by the Numbers:
9,000 classes taught
275 ELS classes taught
10 languages spoken
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Kate Turner, Bobcat Since 1986
Associate Director of Athletics
I reported to the Emerson Student Center, which was housed in the Rogers
Gymnasium, for my first day on the job, somewhat nervous, not really knowing
what to expect. We were gathered there for the new faculty orientation
presentation, and I remember being introduced to Julie and Kevin Bradley,
Wendell Shaffer, and Dick Fahy.
One fond memory I had from those early days is of the late Peter Friend, chair of
the English Department. I was walking down the main hallway in the Academic
Building and evidently had the “deer in the headlights expression.” Peter stopped
me and asked “How are you doing, Kate?” Tears welled up in my eyes as he guided
me into the faculty room, which was then in what is now the Dean of Students’
Office. He gave me a pep talk and told me that he had heard many good things
about my work. I’m positive that he hadn’t heard a word about me, but it got me
through my early insecurities, and I always remember him fondly for that.
This was 1986 and the school enrollment was about 240 students. I knew them
all by name prior to Thanksgiving. The current enrollment of 364 students has
really affected my work, and I have loved the impact of the increased enrollment
on athletics, particularly for the girls. We have junior varsity teams in every
sport, which was not the case in the
earlier days. We now recruit athletes for seeing a single girl working out in
I have loved the impact
varsity level teams in many sports, but that area. Now the entire school and
of the increased
we also have junior varsity teams where even the outside community uses
enrollment on
beginners can compete, learn, and have a and enjoys the facility.
athletics, particularly
meaningful athletic team experience.
Although I embraced the Model, I
for the girls. We have When I came to Brewster, it never crossed was skeptical about how it related
my mind that I would remain for more to athletics, but it has proven to be
junior varsity teams
than a couple of years. By nature, I’m a really effective tool for coaches to
in every sport, which a person who relishes change and new evaluate and reward their players.
was not the case in the
challenges. I imagined being at Brewster Prior to the Model, the coaches didn’t have a fair and systematic method to
earlier days.
until something different, more exciting evaluate their players. I would say that what filtered out of the Model for the
came along. Something different and Athletic Department was its help with our overall recognition system.
more exciting did come along – right at
Brewster. When the Brewster Model’s technology was introduced, I embraced it (to
this day my grandchildren call me Techno-Gran), and I continue to thrive on the
next Big Thing, whether it’s emotional literacy or Moodle. In fact, a couple of weeks
If I had to cite just a single, fun addition I made, in all modesty, I’d have to say
that I have, or at least have tried to, liven up some of the sports assemblies with
my iMovies. I think the students look forward to them.
ago, I decided that I was bored with Facebook and am now moving on to Twitter.
I would like to add that I have been extremely fortunate to have worked for
Considering the growth of the school’s physical plant, the Smith Center has
impacted my job in uncountable ways. When we were all crammed into the
Rogers Gym, the Admission Office would tell their tour guides that unless
prospective students specifically asked to see the gym, it was okay to leave it
off the tour. Now the Smith Center is a highly featured stop. While Brewster
three different – very different – and excellent athletic directors – Bill Pottle (13
years), Doug Algate (11 years), and Matt Lawlor (2 years and counting!) The one
attribute that they have all shared is that they each have listened to me carefully
and have thoughtfully considered my opinions. All three gentlemen have made
my job one that I’m so grateful to have had for 26 years.
has always valued its sports programs and athletes, it wasn’t
that obvious with the gym that we had outgrown years before
the Smith Center became a reality. We now attract the critical
numbers of athletes that we need for viable teams with the
beautiful and functional center. Those who remember the old
weight room in Rogers, also remember that very few wanted to
use the area. There were a few diehard lifters, but I don’t recall ever
26 Years by the Numbers:
831,006 miles Brewster “vans” have traveled to and from games;
about 33 times around the earth!
6,394 buses hired and vans assigned for games
1,152 medallions ordered for MVP’s, MIP, and Coaches Award winners
78 sports awards assemblies organized (and 38 iMovies)
34 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012

Susan Nichols, Bobcat Since 1987
Secretary to the Head of School
I remember my first day as the Headmaster’s secretary. It was the middle of
September and classes had begun only about a week earlier. My desk sat pretty
much in the same location as it does today, but the office itself has gone through
many physical changes since. At this time, the Business Office was located
across from the Headmaster’s Office and there was always a lot of activity
with students and faculty coming and going. The floors in the hallway were not
carpeted, but were beautiful old wooden floors that creaked and groaned when
walked on so the noise level was something when classes changed, but I could
always tell when someone was coming. The mailroom was closed on Saturdays
so all the mail came in to the main office, and we sorted piles for students to
pick up.
Of course, being new it all felt a little
overwhelming the first few days, but everyone
was extremely nice, helpful, and patient while
I got familiar with my new job. I was used to
working in a school environment having just
moved from Connecticut with my husband
where I had worked in the Business Office of a
private day school for eight years. What I wasn’t
used to was the fact that at a boarding school
there are classes on Saturdays and no “snow
days” in the winter, but I also felt a greater sense
of community and family.
The changes and improvements over the years, especially in technology, have
greatly influenced my job. The first few years I worked at Brewster the secretaries
only had typewriters with a two-page memory capacity. If we were typing
anything longer than two pages, we had to make sure work was corrected and
revised before moving on to additional
pages. Everything was typed on carbon
copies, and I always had a dictionary and
bottle of whiteout handy for spell check
and corrections. The secretaries would have
to carry their typewriters to “Rip and Tear,”
which was the term used for grade report
night when the faculty would gather in
the old Kenison Library and faculty would seek out someone on a typewriter to
make any corrections before sending reports to parents. Today’s computers and
the portal have come a long way in making the offices more efficient and saving
our backs!
There have been many physical changes on campus as well. Before the third
floor of the Academic Building was renovated for the first year of the Brewster
Model, pigeons would fall through the old air ducts that ran through the walls. I’d
hear their cooing, open the grate, and release the pigeon out the side door. We
frequently had bats come to visit from the third floor as well but would call the
maintenance department to come with their net to catch these!
Pigeons would fall through the old air ducts
that ran through the walls. I’d hear their
cooing, open the grate, and release
the pigeon out the side door.
When I first arrived at Brewster, the Development and Alumni
Office was located in a small building that had been the former
boathouse, which had been moved up from the lake and placed where the visitor
parking lot is now. It also housed the journalism studio on the second floor. The
building was eventually relocated to where it sits today as the Arts Building.
The completion of the Pinckney Boathouse, moving Chamberlin House across
campus, and the construction of both the
Wilson Center and the Smith Center are
just a few of the many additions I have seen
over the past 25 years.
I am grateful for all the opportunities I have
to work with and get to know so many
wonderful people here at Brewster. I’m now
in my second year of being a co-community life parent at Spencer House, which
offers an even greater opportunity for getting to know the students and being a
part of the Brewster family.
My children and I are forever grateful for being part of this extraordinary
community.
25 Years by the Numbers:
125,000 phone calls answered
25,000 meetings scheduled
100 trustee meeting preparations
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HOOPLA
Kim Ross, Bobcat Since 1987
Dean of Academic Support Programs
We’ve picked up the pace and accomplished a lot in the 25 years that I have
been at Brewster. When I first arrived at Brewster as a learning skills teacher,
the Learning Skills Program was in its early stages of recognizing the importance
of meeting each student’s individual needs. My previous school specialized in
working with students with learning differences, and I knew within the first
week that I could help bring about changes that would advance student learning
because it was no longer acceptable to have one lesson plan to reach all students.
A few years after my arrival, Dr. Alan Bain was hired as the learning skills director.
Brewster was moving toward a more intentional, researched-based set of
practices and the learning skills faculty would attend a two-week pre-Brewster
Summer Institute training session to prepare to pilot practices that would be
implemented systemically. This was the year that I stepped into the role of
dean of Academic Support Programs, and Dr. Bain moved to assist in a
whole school reform known as the Brewster Model. The changes were
very directive, prescriptive, and evaluative. It was the art and craft of each
teacher that had been valued and now the direction was swinging toward
the science being of higher value.
I played a role in helping to establish a clearly defined set of expectations
by which we functioned from the admission stage through graduation. On
top of mastering educational best practices, teachers were expected to
use laptops as a tool for sharing and managing information. The objective
was for all teachers and students to have equal access to educational
tools so that when skills are taught students can practice them using
interactive software that best matches their learning styles while increasing
engagement. Since that time, technology has advanced to leveling the playing
fields for students with learning differences, and its integration has made learning
more interesting and interactive.
Excellent schools look for innovation and change that is rooted in best practices
that support student-based outcomes. The Model seemed to be the road map
that would guide us toward advancing student growth and performance. It
appeared to have all the right ingredients, however, with change came growing
pains that caused us to step back and reflect on our path.
Recognizing the importance of supporting newly hired teachers as they
transition into the boarding school environment, I have worked to implement
a Faculty Mentor Program. Its purpose is to promote a healthy attitude and
outlook on the teaching profession while fostering professional standards that
are embraced by all faculty.
Many independent schools throughout the years have asked how we do what
we do and my first response is that we have established a systemic and holistic
approach that allows us to carry out
our mission to best serve students.
Our Instructional Support Program
has a long history of being one
of the strongest in the nation, because we have developed a fully integrated
approach to ensure students acquire academic, social, and emotional skills
necessary for success. We provide skills during individual sessions and then have
the student apply them in the classroom while we observe and provide feedback
necessary for change. I have been fortunate to work with so many talented
teachers who have become leading specialists in the field of education. There are
now 16 instructional support teachers, whose primary focus is supporting the
student to become an independent learner.
Brewster continues to stay on the leading edge in advancing students’ skills to
prepare them for success in college and the work place. As long as we remain
innovative, embrace diversity, celebrate abilities, and stay true to our mission
then all students will grow with confidence and self-assuredness.
25 Years by the Numbers:
4,000 application folders read
400 student or faculty observations completed
102 independent schools have sought advice about
Brewster’s Academic Support Program
36 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012

Matt Hoopes, Bobcat Since 1975
Alumni Correspondent
Having been a burned-out administrator of an all-male pre-prep school for 11
years prior to my arrival at Brewster, I was excited by the prospects of teaching
older students and especially looking forward to working with the attentive,
polite female students. To say that I was a tad shell-shocked by the end of the
first day would barely be an exaggeration.
I had been hired as a part-time employee with just two essay composition
courses to teach. By nightfall, however, I’d been awarded the positions of adviser
to the Student Court and to the yearbook. It was explained to me, briefly, that
to be a good teacher at Brewster, one had to be involved in everything and so I
found myself with nights of dormitory supervision as well as weekend duties. The
most distressing lesson of that first day was that I found the female students to
be less than attentive, and not necessarily polite. But it was only the first day,
things would improve.
I settled in and for the next 21 years I thoroughly enjoyed my involvement in
all sorts of extracurricular activities, including advising the Student Council,
the Class Gift Committee, and even helped students set up WBAR, the school’s
short-lived radio station. For more than 12 years I taught all the sophomore
English classes, some years with five sections.
When I arrived in 1975, the Academic Building, the Estabrook Dining Hall, the
Rogers Gymnasium, and the three dorms: Bearce, Brown, and Sargent comprised
all the school facilities. There was a tiny, one-room library, one science lab in
the basement of the Ac, and one small yellow school bus that broke down
regularly while transporting the two varsity and junior varsity teams we had
each season. Each dorm had one phone in the hallway and one black and white
TV in a cramped mini-lounge. The Estabrook kitchen provided a set menu per
meal, no optional choices. In comparison to Brewster today, it might seem like
we suffered, but with 118 students and just 15 faculty and staff members but we
were a small close-knit community in which everyone knew each others’ name
and personality. With so much work to do and with so few to do it, there was a
clear understanding that we all needed to pitch in for the benefit of the school.
Students helped out in the kitchen, in the dorms, and in the classrooms. Special
occasions such as Parents’ Weekend would find all 140 individuals working
toward the goal of preparing the entire campus for the event.
We had no idea that in the next 30 years the school would be transformed by
technology, major curriculum enhancements, and growth of the physical plant.
In that sense, perhaps, one could say ignorance is bliss, yet at the time I was very
content with what Brewster had and what Brewster was.
I think I’m most proud of what the students and I were able to do in the way of
student publication. With blessings from the English chair, the late Peter Friend,
I attempted to establish a journalism program. Admittedly, with no credit given
at first, it was a rough start, and yet when the first issue of our mimeographed
Outcroppings was published, we were off and running. The Browser (first known
as The Students’ Voice) followed the next year. We produced six issues a year,
sometimes with as many as 16 pages, including zinging editorials, often making
the administration
cringe. The two
journalism classes
were busy as they also
produced the yearbook
and the BAPA (Brewster
Academy Publications
and Address) Book –
nine publications a year
with one typewriter
and zero computers.
According to our
yearbook printer in
1995, we were the
only school in New
Hampshire still using
the glue and paste
method of prepping pages. Definitely a change was needed, and I was not the
person to lead that change.
In 1996 with the arrival of computers that I didn’t know how to turn on,
I crossed Main Street and went to work for the Alumni Office. One of my duties
was to organize an event at which alumni who were still in college would return
and hold a meeting with the senior class, detailing the ins and outs of college.
At first these events seemed helpful and instructive, but as they later tended to
focus on the social side of campus life, I was told I no longer needed to organize
them. My position, however, as the alumni correspondent has been helpful in
keeping alums in touch with the school and with each other. I know I’ve certainly
enjoyed working with 37 years worth of alumni!
This is my 16th year of helping former student Beth Hayes ’81 with Reunion
Weekend, and while Beth does the brunt of the organizing and is a whiz at all the
details, she lets me pitch in and I truly love working with the gradually maturing
alums, meeting and getting to know their spouses and children. While it does
take a lot of effort to round up everyone for the three-day event of rehashing
good times and memories, it is so much fun to see all having such a great time,
teasing each other with early nicknames, and simply re-connecting and bonding
with Brewster.
In ending my memory jaunt, I should point out a pleasant twist of fate:
The scary computers that drove me from the classroom are now the friendly
ones that allow me to continue to work for Brewster from a much warmer clime.
Hopefully not all my marbles will roll away, at least not for a few more years, as I
still have more fascinating Hooplas to write.
25 Years by the Numbers:
97 Browsers produced
3,629 Days worked in temperatures above 80 degrees
36,200 Personalized postcards sent to alumni
www.brewsteracademy.org
37

Class Notes
1936
Cecil Wentworth writes: “My education at Brewster
was a major contribution to my success with the
Corps of Engineers and private consulting. I have
great memories, particularly of the professional
leadership of Mr. Sargent, Bob Page, and Miss
Hubbard. Retired on a farm in Brookfield and South
Berwick, Maine.”
1944
Lucille Macolino and husband celebrated 62 years of
marriage in November. “We have six grandchildren
and five great-grandchildren. We are very happy.
They all play sports.”
1945
Iris Paul lives in Redding, Connecticut, and she has
four grandchildren, ages 8 to 30.
1947
Bob Bishop and wife Carol are building a home in
Houston. He fondly recalled his all-time favorite
teacher Burtis Vaughan and performing in the play
Our Town with classmates.
1948
Jacquellyn “Lynn” Ryan-Cameron has two sons
and three grandchildren. “I moved recently from
Camarillo, California, (where I lived after I retired)
to Long Beach, California, to live closer to my
sons David and Garth Ryan. I just celebrated my
81st birthday and would love to reconnect with
classmates, especially Lucia Jutras, who was
my closest and dearest friend when I attended
Brewster.”
1950
Brad Barker and wife Sindy live in Chapel Hill, North
Carolina. He misses hearing news from the Class of
1950 and especially would like to hear from Paula
Garvey or Sylvia Gould Denton.
1951
Janet Noland worked for the government at the
Pentagon and was assigned to Tokyo for two years,
where she met her husband through the U.S. Army.
She was married in Tokyo and was an Army wife in
Maryland, Texas, New Mexico, and Germany. Janet is
now retired and returned to New Hampshire in 1986.
1953
Leo Kravchuk writes: “I’m retired as a special
agent with the Criminal Investigation Division
of the Internal Revenue Service and also retired
as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Enjoying my retirement – family, traveling, and
oenology.”
1959
Jane (Clow) Smalley writes: “I enjoy traveling and
I just returned from a trip to Russia and Mongolia;
the Hermitage in St. Petersburg; and the Kremlin in
Moscow, including five days riding the Trans-Siberian
Railroad to Mongolia. We went horseback riding for
several days and slept in tents in the snowy Altai
Mountains in western Mongolia. We also enjoyed
meeting the families living on the steppes – the
seemingly endless grasslands that went on forever
– herding their yaks, goats, and sheep. We had our
meals in a ger, a round felt-like structure similar to
a yurt with a small stove for cooking and warmth.
We completed the trip by attending a festival to
watch the centuries-old traditions of eagle hunting.
The eagles are used to hunt small game, including
Super Fans at a basketball game in the Smith Center. Among the Super Fans are David Pollini ’57, former teacher
Mal Murray, Jackie (Lord) Murray ’54, David Douglas ’59, Grace (Campbell) Douglas ’58, and Bruce Crowther ’64.
Photo taken by Monie (Stevens) Zarinsky ’54.
Jane (Clow) Smalley ’59 recently travelled through
Russia and Mongolia.
38 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012

abbit and fox. Experiences and sights like this made
Mongolia a very special place for me to visit.”
Recollections
1961
Roland Rodrigues will be inducted into the Rhode
Island Interscholastic League’s Hall of Fame in May.
Roland was an outstanding member of Brewster’s
1960-1961 football team. A native of Bristol, Rhode
Island, he was a Providence Journal-Bulletin All-
State halfback and played football for the University
of Rhode Island. After college, he taught at Bristol
High School and became a legendary wrestling and
football coach.
1964
Don Grout and Dale Whittemore dated during their
freshman and sophomore years at Brewster. After his
sophomore year, Don returned to his hometown in
Massachusetts to attend school while Dale stayed
Brewster and graduated with her class. Don entered
the U.S. Navy, married and raised a family. He retired
in 1987 as a Chief Warrant Officer (CW04) after
24 years of service. After graduation, Dale married,
raised a family, and helped her husband start his
carpet business. During their 35th Class reunion,
they reunited, and in 2000, were married. In 2009,
Dale became the owner of Johnson Paint and
Wallpaper in Wolfeboro. Don and Dale have three
grown children and six grandchildren.”
Richard Hildebrand retired from Yale University in
November 2011 after 14 years with the Athletic
Department and was looking forward to enjoying
retirement with his wife Carol and family.
1967
Eugene Fox returned to New Hampshire seven years
ago to again work in public education – counseling
students in course selection, college placement
testing, and college counseling. “I finally hung up
my soccer coaching jersey after 30 years off and on
the field. Ended with my best coaching record for a
season, coaching jv girls and assisting varsity with
a 14-0-1 record – thank you girls! Still skiing with
frat brothers and friends. Thanks to Brewster, Copple
Crown, and the view across the lake out my dorm
window at Gunstock.”
Steve Morrissey ’71 lives in Wilmington, North Carolina.
1971
Steve Morrissey of Wilmington, North Carolina,
credits his postgraduate year at Brewster for his
success in the technology business.
1976
Richard Coupland is a civilian engineer at the Naval
Underwater Warfare Center in Newport, Rhode
Island. “I’ve been here since 1980, but I’ve done a lot
of different things, and I’m on about my third career
within the organization. I’ve been married to my
wonderful wife Lynne since 1984, and we’ve raised
two children. Paul, 25, has degrees in auto mechanics
and business (and has a job!). Katie, 22, graduated
from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in
environmental science.”
Mel Foster and wife Brenda enjoy wintering in
southwest Florida.
Thomas Trieschmann, wife Susan, and dog Taz live in
Illinois. Their son Trevor, 23, graduated from Indiana
University last May and daughter Anna, 20, is a
junior at Boston College.
1977
Eric Haucke claims he will attend his reunion next
June and is hoping someone can find former faculty
member Gary Waldron and drag him along! When
he wrote, he had just returned from canoeing
Experienced Alumni Recall
Their Brewster Days
Mildred Beach ’42
Wolfeboro
“The one reflection that stays with me is
that while there have been many changes at
Brewster over the years, the beautiful view
of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Belknap
Mountain Range, as seen from the campus,
remains the same.”
Nancy Hoppe ’49
Largo, Florida
“When, in my senior year at Brewster, I was
assigned the part of Penelope in George
Kaufman’s play You Can’t Take It With You,
my love of acting was ignited and the flame
has never died.”
“I have never forgotten how Mrs. [Barbara]
Zulauf, Brewster’s drama director, among
many other talents, guided and supported
us in our roles and made it all seem so easy
and so much fun. And we did it all in that
beautiful place by the lake. Throughout my
life, any time a chance to act or encourage
acting has come up, I have been ready and
fortunate to participate.”
“And while every one of the characters
associated with my four years at Brewster
enriched my life, from teachers and staff to so
many friends and acquaintances, the process
has not ended. Every time I attend a reunion
it is always a gift to see my old friends from
so long ago, but it is just as thrilling to meet
new and often challenging actors like the two
Nancys (Nancy Greer and Nancy Moulton ‘65)
and the very special Matt Hoopes. I intend
to keep on coming back so I can embrace the
next exciting act.”
www.brewsteracademy.org
39

Class Notes
and fossil hunting in North Carolina and Virginia
with his brother. “I attempted several times to
contact Preston Williams ‘77 without luck. Jogging
and working out, I’m still at my Brewster weight
(although I couldn’t play soccer at age 17 either!).
Peter Lewin and wife Valerie live in Salisbury,
Connecticut, with their three cats: Dan, Jim, and
Brooklyn.
1978
Debbie Al-Harbi writes: “My daughter Naseem
works for Harvard University in international
relations and is studying there for her third degree.
Adam is studying to be a nurse, and Samuel is
studying economics. I was married 31 years in
December.”
Scott Mason writes: “Hi to all my old Brewster
friends! I’m living in Maine with the love of my life.
Proud father to two great kids and loving life.”
1979
Keith Magovern says hello to all his classmates. He
recently worked nights doing construction inspection
on New York City’s Triborough Bridge and writes:
“The views of the city during the full moon were
great.”
Richard O’Brien writes that life is good. He is still
in Colorado, single with no children. He is sorry
he’s been out of touch for so long, but the last few
years had been kind of crazy. “My best years were at
Brewster. I loved that school!”
1981
Andrew Brennan lives in the high desert of Arizona,
not far from Sedona, and enjoys photography, target
shooting, and hiking. Catholic spiritually has become
important to him in recent years, and he recently
attended a mini-retreat at a monastery in northern
Alabama. He’s still single and is a consultant in the
digital media business.
1982
Bruce Boyarsky writes that life is going well. He has
four kids, the oldest soon to graduate from Boston
College. He volunteers with Habitat for Humanity
every year in the Gulf Coast. After receiving a
handwritten letter from one of his fellow workers –
the first one he’s received in 15 years (not counting
Hoopes’ postcards) – Bruce has started his own
letter-writing campaign, writing one letter a week to
people who have been important in his life.
1984
Steven Smith, a lawyer practicing in Palm Beach
Gardens, Florida, and a man of few words, wants
all to know that “Things are great. Morgan is 3 and
Stella is 2; I’m trying to keep my head above water.
Florida is pleasant, but miss New England.”
Wendel Wirth recently reconnected with news that
she sold her dog business in 2007 and that she will
complete her master’s in photography within the
year. She was planning a visit to the Bahamas in
March where she would try
to find Hoopes.
Keep up with Alumni Bobcats of the
Month at www.brewsteracademy.org.
Most recently featured were soccer players
Shaka Pilgrim ’09 and Chanelle Roy ’08.
community. Giving Charlotte the same opportunity
is the finest gift I can give her.”
1987
Charles “C.B.” Currier, wife Melissa, and twins
Charles and Eleanor, live in Stratham, New
Hampshire. “No politics for now. I am director
of engineering for network security appliance
manufacturer, Resilience. The twins turned 5 in
November and are in a great program here in New
Hampshire and life has stabilized nicely.” He is
focused on racing his Melgas 24 and cruising an
Albert 30 this season.
Tamah French-Proops writes: “So looking forward
to our reunion – can’t believe it’s been 25 years!
Hoping so many of us can celebrate together.”
Tamah’s third child, daughter Poppy, arrived in
December 2011.
James Gregg writes that he is recovering from an
injury and getting stronger every day. He is looking
forward to getting back to work. Last summer he
rode his bike to and from the beach along the coast
of Maine where he swims (with a wetsuit on!). His
family ties keep him very busy.
1980
Paige Livingston writes that she and her family
are in culture shock, having moved from Sydney,
Australia, where she lived for the past 21 years, to
Los Angeles. “Let’s see, I’m married, am an aging
hippie! My son Ziggy is 12, daughter Dexter is 10.
My hubby Thomas does special effects in film, and I
am a producer. Did a feature kids animation for TV
last year.”
40 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012
1985
Rachel Garfield of Cary,
North Carolina, reports that
daughter Charlotte can’t
wait to become a Brewster
Bobcat. Rachel shared that
“My years at Brewster were
wonderful. I succeeded
academically and developed
into the person I am today
because of the faculty and
Rachel Garfield ‘85 of Cary, North Carolina, and daughter Charlotte who is
thinking of becoming a Bobcat.

Krista Magnifico lives in Pennsylvania with husband
Joe and their three dogs, six cats and one pig. She
is a veterinarian and writes: “I’m busting my butt
trying to save the four-legged world!”
Emile “Anton” Rainold is going to try and make the
25th Reunion. He and wife Tavi and son AJ are doing
well and still enjoying the Colorado mountains.
Anton enjoys hunting bull elk during archery season.
Adam Renner writes: “My wife and I welcomed our
new boys Evan and Eli on September 25, 2011, and
they join their twin brothers, Caleb and Connor, 4.
Yes, you read right, two sets of twins ... To say our
life is chaotic would be an understatement.”
1989
Michael Snyder announced that after 22 plus years
Jennifer Riley finally accepted his proposal for
marriage, and they’ve bought a home outside of
Boston.
Pun Chavalitdhamrong and Kristin “Kit” Van
Wagner caught up over lunch in Bangkok. “I’m
spending four and a half months in Southeast Asia
working on a small expedition ship. Have quit the
desk jockey world forever – I hope!”
Matt Woodward and wife Monique restored a
historic house in the heart of Denver. Matt works in
technology, doing backup for corporate databases
and other systems. “If someone deletes something,
we get it back for them, maybe. I like it because
most of the time someone else makes the mistake
and has to come to us for help. The downside is that
no one notices you unless something goes wrong!”
1990
Jonathan DePeyer admitted that he prefers to keep
a low profile but has kept in touch with his former
roommates and has fond memories of his time at
Brewster. He earned a master’s in counseling at the
University of Laverne and counsels and coaches at
a private all-boys’ high school where he also works
with special needs students. Jon is a martial arts
instructor and has written a book, Rebuilding the
Mitch Wolff ’s ’90 daughter Channing Elizabeth Wolff
recently celebrated her first birthday.
Foundation. He lives with his wife and one-year-old
son on the outskirts of Los Angeles.
David Hunter says: “Life is good! Daughter Peyton is
7 and daughter Eliza just turned 1.”
Mitch Wolff is a principal at the commercial real
estate firm Newmark Knight Frank in their Dallas
location. He and wife Carrie recently celebrated
daughter Channing’s first birthday. Mitch is
partnering with the Alumni and Development Office
to coordinate a Dallas Brewster alumni chapter. We
look forward to working with him and the chapter
in the coming months – watch for an invitation to a
Dallas event this spring!
1991
Jen (Feldman) Barkon, is living the American
dream in the middle of Los Angeles. “Husband Gil
and I have been married for seven years, which has
resulted in Eli, 5, and Sydney, 3, who are managing
to give it back to me ... in spades. All the Brewster
faculty can rest assured that I am getting what I’m
due! I’m climbing the corporate ladder (very tired)
and have left fashion (at least literally) for the
greener pastures of advertising and am very happy.
I’ve kept in touch with Susie Maggard and Mark
Radley ‘90 and recently had dinner with Tim Smith
in San Francisco. All are doing fine!”
Elizabeth Dales wrote in last summer describing
life with her son Jack as very busy. At the time,
Jack was in computer camp, sailing lessons, and
preparing for an upcoming wilderness camp and a
Mystery Photo
Be the first alumna/us to tell us which faculty
member hosts this Uncle Sam in his or her
classroom and win an autographed copy of The
Brewster Story: A Definitive History of Brewster
Academy, by Robert and Shirley Richardson.
We had many alumni correctly identify the six
cheerleaders in last issue’s Mystery Photo but
Jane Clow Smalley ’59 was the first to do so.
Jane commented “I remembered every one of
the names before I went to my yearbook to look
for the picture! Amazing how it comes back to
us. I may not remember everyone who was on a
hike I led two weeks ago – but 52 years ago …”
The Bobcat cheerleaders in the 1959 photo were
(l to r): Posey (Leavitt) Funkhouser ‘61, Carol
(Johnson) Appleton ‘59, Betsy Fernald-Maier ‘61,
Mary (Glidden) Cleary ‘59, Helena “Joy” (Jutras)
Thurston ‘59, and Peggi (Reissfelder) Smith ‘59.
www.brewsteracademy.org
41

Class Notes
Mark Wong ‘92, Lauren Lok ‘99, and Howard Kwong ‘99 in Hong Kong with
Jim Bastis.
week at Camp Belknap, just outside of Wolfeboro.
Beth attended her 20th Reunion last June and “loved
seeing everyone and have gotten together with
friends since. Brewster has made such an impact on
my life and continues to be a reminder of how many
wonderful people I made friends with – such a great
experience keeps on giving!”
Lesley Grinberg and husband Gyl welcomed Isabella
Rose on January 21. “She joins her two big brothers,
Ari and Max, in our wonderful family.”
Laurence Seiterle lives in San Antonio where he
works at Zurich US Properties. Laurence looks
forward to visiting campus this spring with wife
Jeannie and son Sebastian to watch a boys’ lacrosse
game and speak with the Brewster Business Club
about his entrepreneurial ventures.
Pick up Those STX
Sunday, May 20 at 2 p.m. is the annual
alumni vs. boys’ varsity lacrosse game.
This springtime tradition brings alumni,
parents, and friends back to campus for
an afternoon of friendly competition on
Palazzo Field. A player BBQ follows at the
Pinckney Boathouse.
More Information:
Bill_Lee@brewsteracademy.org
Sebastian “Bastian”
Smallegange and wife
Heather live in Jupiter,
Florida, with their two
daughters, Alivia, 10, and
Isabella, 4. Bastian writes
that he is living in fantasy
land, building “monster
estates for the 1 percent
of the population that can
afford them!”
1992
Timothy Keating works
for American Eagle Airlines
at O’Hare International
Airport in Chicago.
Gregory McLean, wife Elizabeth, and children Declan,
2, and Mason, 1, live in Melrose, Massachusetts. Greg
still has “fond memories of the people I met, the
experiences I had, and the structure that Brewster
put in place for me to set goals and work hard to
achieve them.”
Ilya Musicante lives in Vail Valley, Colorado, running
her own recruiting business, and says “Life is good
working from the chairlift.”
Stephen Spanger, wife Susan, and son Gavin, 2, live
in Weehawken, New Jersey.
1993
Mark Carlson still lives on Beacon Hill and works in
fixed-income management. “I’m engaged, and we have
a great older dog we adopted from a rescue league.”
Daniel McCoy is working on his master’s in adult
and post-secondary education at the University
of Wyoming. “While I work, I still run the outdoor
program and have been busy with elk hunting;
hoping for a great ski year.”
Elizabeth (Palmer) Traverso’s newest baby, daughter
Isla Elizabeth Traverso, was born on November 4,
2011. Elizabeth writes: “Hugo, 4, wanted a sister! We
are happy, blessed, and excited. We look forward to
being in Wolfeboro in June, 2013.”
Justice Rines is a J.D. and MBA candidate at the
University of New Hampshire School of Law, Class
of 2014.
1995
Molly (Kirkpatrick) Abrahamson writes: “Things are
wonderful in North Carolina, though we had a very
hot summer. I was married in 2005, and my husband
and I (and our then 5-week old daughter) moved
from Rhode Island to North Carolina in 2006. We
now have three toddlers (ages 4, 3, and 2)! We live
just north of Charlotte in the Lake Norman area and
love it.”
A. Alexis and Mat Roberson ‘93 and daughter Mikel,
5, live in New Hampshire with their cat, Tuna. Alexis
writes: “It’s great to hear how old friends are doing.
Life is so busy it’s hard to keep in touch. We are
enjoying watching our daughter grow and are trying
our best to slow down and treasure these times.”
1997
Jessica Ridgeway writes that she and Seth bought
a house in Aptos, California, in January 2011 and
were expecting their second child in February 2012.
“I still run the Live Earth Farm Discovery Program,
teaching kids of all ages about local food systems
and sustainable agriculture.”
David Simon and wife Jennifer live in Richmond,
California, with their two dogs, Sutro and Ellie.
1999
Ramsey Cotherman writes: “2011 was super busy
for me. I turned 30, got engaged, bought a house,
graduated from college, and had another baby. Ha
Ha! Best year yet!”
Gregory Douglass writes, “I was featured on
National Public Radio’s “Morning Edition” on
December 28, 2011, and it was, quite frankly, a
dream come true. The interview really told my story
as an independent artist and it may have been the
42 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012

most humbling coverage I’ve ever received. The
interview is still up on NPR’s website if you missed
it and want to listen. I was also recently featured
on Boston’s MIX 104.1 (CBS Radio) “15 Seconds of
Fame” for my Adele cover of Set Fire To The Rain.
Gregory also took Top 3 honors in the New Stage
web series that he was a part of with Jersey Shore’s
Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino and thanks friends
for all their votes. “It was a fun ride!”
Vanessa Tamanini writes: “I have been the business
manager for the New England region of a global
engineering/architecture management firm in
Boston for the past four and a half years and
absolutely love what I do. I still always make time to
travel. Sending best wishes to my classmates and the
rest of the Brewster family.”
2001
Bruce Hawkins is living in Stone Mountain, Georgia,
where he is practicing law. “After taking the bar exam
in Georgia, I realized that there is a great learning
curve. It takes so much reading, observing, and
applying what you’ve learned to be a good lawyer. I
chose to focus primarily on criminal defense, and I
love what I do. I meet people at their lowest points
and try to help them back up.”
(l to r): Shawn Houde ’04, Ryan Lafond ’01, Matt Rogers ’02, Lynne Palmer, Ray Bourque, and TJ Palmer at
Matt’s December wedding.
Reagan Jobe is the director of photography and
digital media at Sotheby’s International Realty.
2002
Nicole Black lives in White Plains, New York.
“Looking forward to our 10th Reunion! I can’t believe
how time flies!”
Matt Rogers married Melissa Bourque in December
2011 at St. Cecilia’s Church in Boston. His best man
was Ryan Lafond ’01, and Shawn Houde ’04 was in
the wedding party. Lynne and TJ Palmer joined the
Rogers for the celebration.
Abby Wood writes: “I have started my fifth year of
teaching middle school social studies and am in the
last year of working on my master’s. I hope to make
it back to Brewster in summer 2012.”
Ian White and dog Bently live in Davie, Florida. Ian
is working for the Norweigan Cruise Line next to Ft.
Lauderdale. “I’m not missing the New Hampshire
cold weather winters!”
Attorney and author Bruce Hawkins ’01 lives in Stone
Mountain, Georgia.
Jasmine Hamlor ’04, Clarissa Segars ’03, and Daneira Fuller ’03 enjoyed brunch and shopping in New York City
on December 26.
www.brewsteracademy.org
43

Class Notes
(l to r): Lambert de Ganay, Christina Strong, Scott Morgan, Bri Gatta, Michael Milone, Julia Gordon, and Curran
Robinette all members of the Class of 2005 gathered in Chatham, Massachusetts, to celebrate 10 years of
friendship, the close of 2011, and the start of 2012!
2004
Jeremy Krumsick is working in mid-town Manhattan
but was recently in Wolfeboro where he visited Mr.
Mann, Mr. Kiley, and Mr. Fouser.
Alyssa Spagnolo is getting married in October. Her
fiance, Carlos, graduated from Kenyon College and
coaches at Wellesley College.
2005
Bri Gatta was in Wolfeboro over Labor Day weekend
for a mini-reunion with classmates. “The reunion
included Julia Gordon, Christina Strong, Scott
Morgan, Michael Milone, and Curran Robinette. I
also ran into a few from the class above us, including
Hunter Smith ’04 and Josh Sims ’04. I also visited
with Curran’s sister, Morgan Robinette ’12. Many
from this same group also gathered on Cape Cod to
ring in the New Year.
2007
Annabelle Knight graduated from Boston University
in 2010 and earned a master’s in education from
Lesley University in 2011. “I moved to the San
Francisco Bay area in September 2011, and I am
currently working as an early childhood educator.”
Members of the Class of 2011 gathered at the
Tambone’s in Massachusetts for a holiday party.
Standing (l to r): Jacob Alden, Connor Nolan, Brennen
Shaw, Stephen Balsamo, Johnny Wadlinger, Joey
Grasso, Dana Hughes; Seated on couch: Courtney
Piper, Emma Jones, Meredith Haynes, Tori Tambone,
Tori Webster, Lindsey Tambone; in front: Jackson
Callahan, Anna Chaletzky, and Calder Billings
Will Archibald ‘00
Will Archibald,
30, of Morrisville,
North Carolina,
passed away on
January 27.
A 2009
motorcycle
accident left
Will paralyzed
from the waist
down, but he
had made tremendous strides learning to live as
a paraplegic. He learned to kayak and competed
at Lake Placid in the Paralympic trials. He
also learned to play sled hockey and recently
travelled to Philadelphia to play in a national
tournament. He was a two-time participant at
the “Life Rolls On” surfing event at Wrightsville
Beach in North Carolina, and he monoskied in
North Carolina and New Hampshire.
His sister Emily Johnson shared the following:
“Will was an inspiration to us all. He will always
be a hero to me. While he encountered many
challenges in life, the most recent being his
spinal cord injury, he persevered and went on
to get involved in kayaking, sled hockey, and
monoskiing. He didn’t let anything hold him
back. He had an infectious smile and a kind
heart.”
Holly O’Donnell ’05 and Daniel Szklarz were married last summer. Pictured with the couple are Kelly O’Donnell
’07, Peggy O’Donnell, Katherine Szklarz, Brian O’Donnell (holding Holly and Daniels’s son Keagan) and Jared
O’Donnell ’14.
Send us your Class Note, and we
will do our best to include it in
the next BrewsterConnections:
alumninews@brewsteracademy.org
44 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012

In Appreciation Remembering Alex Rogers ‘89 By Matt Hoopes
Alex Rogers ‘89 relaxing at the 2010 Reunion with Jennifer Riley ‘90, MIchael
Snyder ‘89, and Jon Gibbs ‘90.
now I’m minus a very special one. His classmates shared the following remembrances of Alex:
Alex Rogers ’89 passed away on
December 8 after a second battle with
cancer. I last saw Alex at Reunion 2010,
but I had known him for 26 years and
have wonderful memories of dog sledding
and sailing with him during his Brewster
weekends. In 2010 we had a lot of fun
working on a Hoopla column (spring
2010) we wrote together about his
antique business. Even after the return of
his cancer, his final e-mails were upbeat,
cheerful, strong, and positive. I know as a
teacher I’m not supposed to have favorite
students, but I did, many actually, and
“He would much rather you open and share a nice bottle of wine than to shed tears over him. …I want Alex’s
classmates to think about Alex’s loss. He had so much left to do. I think of the wonderful women he leaves behind, Adel
and his kind mother. I cry for them!” –Michael Snyder ’89
“Alex had a heart of gold. He brought happiness, positive energy, and comfort to every situation at Brewster. … He
loved to share himself and was always there when a friend needed help. Alex’s incredible energy, smile, and warmth
made him truly amazing to be around.” –Brad Appel ’89, former roommate
“I went to Alex’s memorial service at his mother’s home in North Hampton, New Hampshire. Megan Boyle ’89 also
attended. It was a wonderful, informal gathering, his close friends and family all together, remembering and sharing
stories about Alex. We talked about the boy and the man. His partner, Adel, recounted her first meeting with Alex. She
was walking her active Terrier when it began to rain, and she took shelter under the awning of Alex’s antique store in
Portsmouth. Alex opened the door and invited her in out of the rain. Shaking her head, Adel refused, pointing out that
her dog was too hyper for an antique shop. Alex responded, ‘It’s only stuff. Come on in.’ A man without pretension,
but with a true heart and soul. I will miss my good friend Alex, a person I could always rely on to be there.” –Temple
Peterson ’89
In Appreciation Charles “Hank” Spaulding By Martha Trepanier ‘83
David M. Smith, Tom Spaulding ’85 and wife Mary, and Hank and Anne
Spaulding at the Brewster Medal evening in January 2009.
On Thanksgiving Day 2011, the Brewster
family lost a dear friend, Charles “Hank”
Spaulding (P ’85). Spaulding, from
Kennebunk Beach, Maine, was 84.
The Spaulding family enrolled son Tom
as a freshman member of the Class of
1985 and, as many families do, quickly
became engaged with the community
and Brewster’s vision for the future,
helping the school evolve with annual
and capital support. The Spaulding name
is well known to Brewster and represents,
in the words of former Headmaster David
M. Smith, “an example of extraordinary
partnership, in every sense of the word.”
In Memoriam
Class of 1937
Jane (Smith) Piltz
July 2, 2011
Cedar City, Nevada
Class of 1945
Donald W. Tibbetts
September 9, 2011
Woburn, Massachusetts
Class of 1947
Nancy (Flanders) Buell
October 2009
Miami, Florida
Class of 1949
R. Conrad Poelman
July 26, 2011
Moscow, Pennsylvania
Class of 1950
Harold “Skip” Taylor
January 5, 2012
Sun City, Arizona
Class of 1957
Roger A. Leclerc
Summer 2011
Ocala, Florida
Class of 1961
Robert H. Berry
February 5, 2012
Naples, Florida
Class of 1962
Douglas C. Elliott
November 23, 2011
Sebastian, Florida
Class of 1989
F. Alexander Rogers
December 7, 2011
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Class of 2000
William Archibald
January 27, 2012
Morrisville, North Carolina
Friends
Dr. Jeanne H. Kenison
January 13, 2012
Hampton, New Hampshire
Charles “Hank” Spaulding (P’85)
November 24, 2011
Kennebunk Beach, Maine
Hank Spaulding and wife Anne have been quiet but loyal supporters. When
championship jackets were needed when the budget had no funds, they were there.
When additional scholarship aid was needed for a student, they were there; when a student center was needed within the Estabrook complex, again, the Spaulding
family was there. Their generous support continued long after Tom had graduated – funding the Smith Center’s retractable turf – and the family’s support
continues today.
A civil engineer, Hank began his professional career designing and building bridges at Parsons Brinckerhoff. He then moved on to Cabot, Cabot & Forbes (CC&F)
where he developed a 7,000-acre ranch in Laguna Niguel, California, into a residential town with a population of 30,000. At CC&F, he also helped develop some
of Boston’s iconic downtown office towers and suburban industrial parks. In 1967, Hank co-founded Spaulding & Slye Corporation and went on to develop office
properties in Boston, Washington, DC, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Hank was passionate about his work and had a lifelong devotion to contributing his time and energy to the communities and institutions close to him, including
Brewster Academy.
Since its early days, families have partnered with the Academy to provide students with a variety of learning opportunities to develop into and succeed as adults.
At this special 125th year marker, we pause and reflect and gratefully say thank you to the Spauldings for being such extraordinary partners.
www.brewsteracademy.org
45

History
History
History History
Writing
Brewster’s
History
125 Years:
Ten Turning Points
By Bob and Shirley Richardson
1899 Chemistry Lab
As we researched and later wrote The Brewster Story, we
discovered a number of critical points in the school’s rich
history where, had the board and principals and headmasters
responded differently at these crucial times, the school would likely have
been weakened considerably and the likelihood of its continued existence
questioned. Looking back, as we celebrate 125 years of history, several
turning points or crossroads stand out and are worth reflection.
organized with dress dinner parties in The Estabrook followed by dancing.
Looking ahead, the Academy acquired substantial acreage extending to the
lake and along Main Street, the heart of the present-day Academy campus.
Just 13 years later another defining event occurred which would change
life on campus forever. The Great Fire in 1903 destroyed the Academic
Building and shook the confidence of the board, faculty, and students.
Amazingly, classes continued without interruption and eventually a new
Academic Building and stronger programs emerged from those ashes. The
school opened its new facility on September 11, 1905, with 133 students
and eight teachers. Classes in elocution, music, and physical education
were added to the curriculum, and room in the basement of the new
building provided a rudimentary gymnasium. Chapel exercises were held
each morning in the newly designed second floor multi-purpose meeting
hall that provided space for the entire school community and, at times, the
town of Wolfeboro to gather for various activities. Communication and
cooperation between the school and town grew stronger.
The first defining moment in the history of Brewster came in 1887 with
the appointment of Edwin Lord as principal, and with this appointment
John Brewster’s dream of a quality college preparatory school to serve the
students of his hometown began to come true. Working with trustees of
John Brewster’s will, Principal Lord almost immediately began to recruit
a faculty, design a curriculum, and plan a campus. An Academy Building,
a four-story structure that included recitation rooms and a science
laboratory, was ready in late 1890; it was followed by The Estabrook, Lord
House, Kimball House, Sargent House (the old infirmary; not Sargent
Hall), and Haines House.
The curriculum was designed for college-bound students. Teams were
fielded in basketball, baseball, and football. Social events were formally
Students relax in the Estabrook living room,
circa 1925
46 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012

A World at War
Within 12 years the world was at war and the operation of a boarding
school campus became an extremely difficult task for administration,
faculty, and the board of trustees. The town and school joined together
and published information about the efforts of the Red Cross, YMCA and
YWCA, food drives, liberty bond sales as well as announcements about
important speakers and the letters that arrived from graduates serving
overseas. Slogans of “Save Food,” “Do Your Bit,” and “Save Water”
were seen and heard across campus. The girls gathered to sew and knit
gloves, mittens, socks, and sweaters, and they rolled linen bandages for
the wounded. Young people had to face the reality of death with anguish
and bravery. Young male students left the classroom to enlist in the army,
and full enrollment became a challenge. Influenza, measles, and mumps
epidemics were on the rise. Of four students who had gathered to play
games on a Friday night, two had died from influenza by Monday morning.
unsupervised automobile usage, and promoted a courteous regard for the
wishes of the school.
As the Depression set in, fewer boarding students applied for admission,
vacancies went unfilled, and funds from tuition decreased. Estabrook Hall
and Kimball House were the only two dorms, as Brown Hall had been
closed due to lack of students.
This rapidly declining boarding population was troubling. Another
concern was the high attrition rate of incoming freshmen who left school
before graduating. Thus, in 1939, with declining enrollment, school
facilities in disrepair, little funds for athletics, the realities of another world
war looming, and the worry about fiscal responsibilities, for the first time,
tuition was charged for day students. A change in financial management
of the school was imminent.
As the war ended, the trustees commissioned a bronze plaque in
remembrance of the 116 male and four female students from Brewster
who had served their country. That plaque continues to hang in a
prominent place in the Academic Building. School spirit was high after
the war with sports competitions and annual plays and dances.
The happy opening of the 1919 school year turned to sadness, however,
with the deaths of two prominent, original members of the board of
trustees who had long served Brewster so well: William Brewster (John’s
son) and Arthur Estabrook.
The next turning point came during the 1930s when the country faced a
downturn in the economy, which impacted Brewster as well. Maintenance
delays left academic and dormitory areas in disrepair, and unbecoming
behavior was reflected in some students. A new document, “The Code
for Brewster Students,” stipulated home study hours, approved school
and town organization memberships, required attendance at churches,
restricted unsupervised night travel outside the home, curtailed
A Second War
Another critical period in the school’s history arrived with World War II.
After the seventh of December 1941, life in Wolfeboro and Brewster would
never be the same. The Brewster yearbook records that 231 local boys had
enlisted or were drafted into the armed services. On campus Brown Hall
became the control center for the Civilian Defense Committee, the Civil
Air Patrol, and the headquarters for obtaining ration stamps for food
and gasoline. Students were involved in Savings Stamps, Savings Bonds,
planting Victory Gardens, and participating in wartime clubs.
As the war ended the presence of GIs as students became significant. In
1946 the school enrollment was 279 students, 86 of whom were veterans.
Classrooms were overcrowded, and combat-hardened GIs became
restless and bored with school routine, creating problems for students
and teachers alike. A tension developed between the members of the
senior class and the GIs who were unfamiliar with school traditions. On a
positive note, however, all athletic teams prospered with the contributions
of the GIs. Soon the GIs would move on and the ever-growing need for a
Commencement 1939 Bobcat Nation’s first tennis courts, 1896
www.brewsteracademy.org
47

multipurpose athletic and recreational facility would be the next turning
point for the Academy.
Brewster’s First Gymnasium
With most of the concerns over GIs resolved, attention focused on physical
education facilities. Two rooms in the basement of the main building and
a makeshift outdoor basketball/tennis court area, usable only in fall and
spring, could not meet the school’s growing needs. Pressure on the board
to act on plans for a Brewster recreational center and museum grew.
After a tremendous fund-raising effort on the part of the board, town, and
student body, the long-anticipated construction of a new gymnasium/
recreational building became a reality in 1954. The new Rogers
Gymnasium not only enhanced the athletic program, it freed up space
in other buildings for art and more academic programs. The growth of
music, dramatics and choral work, and a vocational training program
seemed to explode.
The new building further strengthened the bond between the Academy
and town. School spirit soared and within two years the school won the
New England championship in basketball and women’s basketball began.
Enrollment was high but another turning point lurked on the horizon.
Gaining Independence
In the early 1960s, with increased enrollment, Brewster Academy faced the
challenge of becoming a public school or returning to its roots as a college
preparatory boarding school.
On opening day in 1960, 332 students, including 88 boarding students,
arrived. This brought enrollment of the average class size from 15 to
25 or 30, which was cause for alarm. By 1963 enrollment was 366 and
overcrowding was critical. After considerable deliberation, the idea of
serving as a regional high school was rejected by the board of trustees. In
1964 when Kingswood Regional High School opened its doors one mile up
the street, Brewster’s opening day enrollment dropped to 132: 96 boarding
students and 36 day students.
To increase boarding enrollment, the board decided to build a new
dormitory, Sargent Hall, and seek greater numbers of postgraduates, as
the very survival of Brewster Academy was at stake. To continue John
Brewster’s vision and commitment, the school would have to pursue a new
direction, a new beginning. It was one of the most difficult challenges the
school has ever faced, and the Academy encountered great obstacles along
the way. It would be many years before enrollment would begin to increase
as families began to see the value of Brewster’s independent education.
Looking for Leadership
To reestablish itself as an independent college preparatory boarding
school, the trustees realized the leader of the Academy must be someone
with boarding school experience and wisdom in order to develop the
infrastructure of academic, athletic, and personal standards needed
for a competitive
college preparatory
school. The first two
headmasters, Wilfred
Paro and C. Richard
Vaughan, brought
such experience and
successively laid the
foundation for the
future. Instituting
customs and
traditions presented
a major challenge, as
did modifying the
school program to
more effectively
meet the needs of students. Even with expanded athletics, a
new direction in delivering curriculum, and the acquisition of Bearce
Hall, enrollment and the ever-present need for more effective fund raising
continued to be major challenges for many years and even threatened,
again, the existence of the school during the late sixties and early seventies.
The Kenison Library opened in the Wilson Center in 1995
A major step in overcoming this threat was taken in 1974 when the board
of trustees appointed the youngest headmaster in the history of the
school – teacher and former dean, David M. Smith. As headmaster, Smith
immediately faced a shortfall of almost half the annual budget, and 90
percent of the school’s line of credit had been expended. Enrollment was
below expectations, the Admission Office demanded new leadership
and direction, faculty morale was low, and the physical plant needed a
comprehensive facelift. Smith led the Academy through three decades of
continuous improvements in school facilities, in the depth and breadth
of the faculty, in the talent and diversity of the student body, in financial
stability, and ultimately in development of the Brewster Model curriculum.
With the Brewster Model firmly and successfully in place, Smith’s
successor Head of School Dr. Michael E. Cooper would evolve and expand
program components to ensure that Brewster students are prepared for the
challenges of the 21 st century. These initiatives included teaching the habits
of mind, character education, project-based learning, and introducing a
school-wide emotional literacy program. These initiatives responded to
the challenges of teaching and learning in the 21 st century, not only in the
academic program but in every facet of school operations.
With its forward-looking, innovative mindset, Brewster remains at
the forefront of secondary education, a position that provides a solid
foundation for the Academy’s response to the continuing challenges of our
rapidly changing world.
Note: Read more about these turning points and the full history of the Academy in
The Brewster Story: A Definitive History of Brewster Academy available in the
Campus Store, local stores, and at https://www.brewsteracademy.org/thebrewsterstory
48 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2012

STRENGTH
IN NUMBERS
ALUMNI
PARTICIPATION
CHALLENGE
What if you could give Brewster $100,000?
You can!
Alumni support is at the heart of every great school. Last year, 8 percent of alumni
made a gift to Brewster. A group of alumni and parents believes we can do better, and they
feel so strongly about it that they have issued a challenge to double alumni participation this year.
If at least 600 alumni make a gift to Brewster this year, a group of
challenge donors will contribute $100,000 to the Annual Fund.
These donors are sending a simple but powerful message – your participation matters.
Make your gift online today at
www.brewsteracademy.org/Strength-In-Numbers-Challenge or call 603.569.7485

Brewster Academy
80 Academy Drive
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
Non-Profit Org
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Parents of alumni:
If this magazine is addressed to your son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address
at your home, please e-mail us at alumninews@brewsteracademy.org with his or her new address.
EXPECT TO LEARN, EXPECT TO HAVE FUN
Brewster Academy Summer Session
It’s a school
It’s a camp
It’s a blend of academics and adventure recreation
To learn more or reserve your place on the lake,
contact the Office of Summer Programs at Brewster Academy.
Summer Programs Office • 603-569-7155 • summer@brewsteracademy.org