BrewsterConnections - Brewster Academy

BrewsterConnections 

Fall 2011 

Inside: 

Celebrating 125 Years 

Alumni Who Embody Brewster’s Core Values 

Return to Campus: Reunion Moments

Expect to Stay Cool: Brewster Academy Summer Session students enjoy the lake on a hot July afternoon. 

Retiring Trustees 

Helen S. Hamilton, Secretary 

board member since 1974 

A.B. Whitfield 

(Trey ’89) 

board member since 2008 

Daniel T. Mudge, President 

(Tapley-Ann ’98, Ashley ’02) 

Leslie N. H. MacLeod, Vice President 

(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 

Karey Fix 

(Will ’11, Keenan ’13) 

Peter Ford ’80 

Michael Keys 

(Matthew ’04) 

Barbara Naramore 

Arthur O. Ricci 


The Reverend Nancy Spencer Smith 


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)


Fall 2011 

Head of School 

Dr. Michael E. Cooper 

Director of Admission 

and External Affairs 

Lynne M. Palmer 

Editor, Director of Communications 

Marcia Eldredge 

Contributors 

Sarah Anderson, Jim Bastis, Steve 

Burgess, Mike Cooper, Marcia Eldredge, 

Beth Hayes ’81, Matt Hoopes, Kristy 

Kerin, Lynne Palmer, Bob Richardson, 

Shirley Richardson, Sally Smith, Martha 

Trepanier ’83 

Photography 

Steve Allen, Andrea Cooper, Marcia 

Eldredge, Paul Horton, John McKeith, 

Sally Smith, Phil Stiles 

Inside 

2 Headlines 

The Year Ahead, the Years 

Behind 

4 Celebrating 125 Years of 

Strength and Spirit 

5 Grace Tells Graduates 

“Life is About Extra 

Credit” 

10 We Know What They 

Did Last Summer 

Students share stories from 

summer “vacation” 

12 Opening of School: 

Giving Meaning to 

the Brewster Principle 

Also, meet faculty award 

winners, Curvey Scholars, 

and new faculty 

17 After 37 Years of 

Service, Helen 

Hamilton Retires 

22 Return to Campus: 

Reunion 2011 


is published twice a year 

and mailed to alumni, parents of 

students, and friends of 


80 Academy Drive 

Wolfeboro, NH 03894 

www.brewsteracademy.org 

©2011 Brewster Academy. All Rights Reserved. 

Reproduction in whole or in part 

without permission is prohibited. 

26 Core Values: 

Matt Hoopes Profiles 

Graduates Serving 

Themselves and Others 

With Their Best 

Departments 

19 On the Road 

20 Newsmakers 

34 Class Notes 

40 In Memoriam 

42 Writing Brewster’s History

The Year Ahead, 

the Years Behind 

At our opening faculty meeting, 

I spent a few minutes sharing a 

portion of The Beloit College Mindset 

List. First created in 1998, each year’s 

list reflects the “world view” of college students 

entering their freshman year. Since our seniors are 

close to the same age as these students, I thought 

it was worth taking a few minutes to get everyone 

in the “mindset” of some of our incoming students. 

Here’s just a sampling from the list: 

The only significant labor disputes in their 

lifetimes have been in major league sports. 

Ferris Bueller and Sloane Peterson could be their 

parents. 

As they’ve grown up on websites and cell phones, 

adult experts have constantly fretted about their 

alleged deficits of empathy and concentration. 

Refer to LBJ, and they might assume you’re talking 

about LeBron James. 

Their school’s “blackboards” have always been 

getting smarter. 

They’ve always wanted to be like Shaq or Kobe: 

Michael Who 

Life has always been like a box of chocolates. 

Now that you can relate to the “world view” of some 

of our students, let me offer a few demographics on 

this year’s student body. 

We welcomed 144 new students to campus. For 

the first time in the school’s history, girls represent 

65 percent of the freshman class: 35 girls out of 54 

freshmen! This year’s overall student body represents 

20 foreign countries and 28 states. Of our 364 

students, 295 are boarding students and 69 are day 

students. With three freshmen entering as Curvey 

Scholars, we now have nine area day students 

benefiting from the generosity of the Curvey family 

(Meet the scholars on page 13). 

HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEAR 

Celebrating 125 Years 

The 2011-2012 year is special in that we begin 

celebrating 125 years since the founding of Brewster 

Academy. The “Academy” dates back to 1820 when 

it was founded as Wolfeborough and Tuftonborough 

Academy; however, in 1886, upon his death, it was 

the will of John Brewster to provide for an Academy 

in his home village of Wolfeboro. Through John’s 

wishes and his endowment, the following year the 

school would become known as Brewster Academy. 

Born in Wolfeboro, John had attended Wolfeborough 

and Tuftonborough Academy before enjoying a 

successful career as a Boston businessman. John 

never forgot his roots and understood the value of 

an education and how important it was for young 

people to have the prospect of attending school to 

gain the skills and knowledge to pursue a career. 

It was John’s determination to make a difference 

in the lives of young people that led him to make 

a remarkable contribution to educating not only 

the youth of this small village but to students who 

would travel to central New Hampshire to enroll as 

boarding students. Through his lasting endowment 

to the Academy, he left a wonderful legacy and 

example for us all. 

Throughout this year, special note will be made of 

these remarkable 125 years of teaching and learning 

at Brewster Academy. To read about our efforts 

to celebrate the Academy and leverage its strong 

reputation, see the article on page 4. 

Next Phase of Project-Based Learning 

Our academic program continues to evolve to 

ensure that we are instilling in our students the 

skills needed to meet the challenges they will face 

as college students and professionals in a rapidly 

changing world. 

Work completed on the curriculum this summer 

will allow us to expand the two-week project-based 

learning period that all sophomores and juniors took 

part in last year to include freshmen. For seniors, 

the project-based learning experience will take on 

an even more significant role. Seniors will have the 

opportunity to work all year on a capstone project 

that will be an engaging and stimulating way for 

students to integrate and express the range of 

skills that they have developed over their time at 

Brewster. This has been designed as a constructive 

and authentic way for seniors to demonstrate their 

preparedness for graduation. 

2 BrewsterConnections – Fall 2011

Blended Learning 

Additionally, we are piloting two significant 

enhancements to our use of technology as we 

continue to take advantage of new resources that 

can help us deliver our program. We have introduced 

Rosetta Stone into some of our foreign language 

classes as a way to bring more personalization to 

that learning experience. We also are piloting the 

use of the course management system Moodle in 

some selected courses as a way to support us in 

delivering our curriculum to students in a robust, 

uniform online environment. We are excited about 

the opportunities that these two tools will provide 

for making the classroom experience even richer for 

our students. 

Social and Emotional Literacy 

After a year of intensive training with faculty and 

administrators, this fall marks the beginning of 

bringing the RULER Approach to our students. We 

knew from the initial discussions in our training that 

in order for the approach to be effective, it would 

take the whole school. Feedback from researchers 

at Yale who have worked with our trainers and staff 

attests to our readiness and ability to introduce the 

RULER Approach to our students. 

Throughout the year, we will continue to partner 

with researchers at Yale, along with collaborative 

help from the University of New Hampshire, as 

we embark on the implementation of the RULER 

Approach: Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, 

Expressing, and Regulating emotions. Evaluation and 

monitoring of our progress is a priority and to this 

end, students will complete a baseline assessment of 

their emotional literacy skills in the fall and then will 

complete a follow-up evaluation in the spring. 

On the athletic fields, in the dormitories, and in 

classrooms students will be engaged in strategies 

to assist them in skills essential and integral to 

learning, becoming more self-aware, making sound 

judgments, and achieving success in school and 

beyond. We are confident that our commitment 

to social and emotional literacy will enhance our 

students’ experience and overall development. At a 

time when adolescents can benefit the most from 

knowing more about their emotions and how they 

can impact themselves and others, we are providing 

them with a vital ingredient in their growth and 

development in a most intentional manner. 

We will continue to update the website on RULER 

and implementation of it, so please refer to 

www.brewsteracademy.org/headlines for updates 

or to become familiar with it. 

The Face of Campus 

Over the summer six residence halls underwent 

extensive renovations. The dorms on Lamb and 

Mason courts – some of you may remember these 

as Houses One through Six – received new roofs 

and windows; insulation upgrades; and individual 

room heating controls, all of which will help tighten 

the buildings, increase energy efficiency, and add to 

the comfort of our students. Additionally, they all 

received new carpets, furniture, fixtures, and painting 

throughout. 

A section of the lower level of Hughes House was 

converted into a “quad” (a popular space) for four 

lucky boys assigned to this dorm. 

The front of Avery House received a facelift thanks 

to the efforts of faculty member Matt Found and 

alumnus Cory Hunter ‘95. Hydrangeas and window 

boxes have replaced the shrubs, offering a more 

open and welcoming walk up to this small girls’ 

dorm. Cory also further enhanced the beautification 

project begun in Mason Court a few years ago by the 

Tambone family. 

The tuned track in the Smith Center was replaced 

with a more solid decking and a new generation of 

track surface material. This track surface is in use 

in several schools and colleges in the Northeast 

and will be the track material used in the 2012 

London Olympics. Additionally, the lanes alternately 

incorporate Brewster colors adding to the Bobcat 

spirit of this showcase facility. 

Finally, in helping to get into the mindset of our 

students, I’m pleased to announce that I’m on 

Twitter. I hope you will follow me at: BA_DocCoops 

Dr. Michael E. Cooper, Head of School 


3

Strength of Reputation 

Showing the Brewster Spirit 

By Lynne Palmer 

Over the past 10 years, Brewster has spent much time and 

attention considering and researching Brewster’s image and 

perception to develop the strongest brand value that alumni, 

students, parents, and friends can be proud of when they talk about their 

school and their experiences. Overwhelmingly, the Brewster brand is 

strong and continues to attract families who prioritize education and are 

seeking Brewster because of the strength of its reputation that delivers on 

the promise of a truly customized learning environment. 

This enrollment year witnessed some measurable accomplishments that 

attest to Brewster’s strength of program, including: 

• the strongest enrollment yield from spring Revisit Days; and 

• the largest percentage of female students in the lower school in the 

history of Brewster. 

Your personal experiences with Brewster – whether as a day student 

during the Cold War era, a boarding student during the early period 

of laptop computers, or a new parent today – are linked to images 

remembered and recalled from time to time or are now envisioning for 

your child. 

As we begin this year celebrating our 125th anniversary as Brewster 

Academy, there are many milestones to reference and more achievements 

ahead. We hope that the images that you recall or experiences yet to 

happen will generate a sense of familiarity, inspire you to become more 

connected with your school, and provide a valuable source of pride. 

To that end, we have worked with our resident graphic designer and 

faculty member, Steve Burgess, creating the logos and images on this 

page (and the cover) that will now become a consistent and celebratory 

representation of Brewster Academy in the area of the arts, athletics, and 

our 125th anniversary year. 

The images that you see here are extensions of the branding exercise that 

we have applied most recently to all of our recruitment materials and 

publications and incorporate the colors and existing designs that have 

been associated with those programs. We hope that these images will 

become recognizable elements of Brewster Academy as we weave them 

throughout our efforts to promote the school to prospective families, 

celebrate the lives and achievements of our alumni, and celebrate our 

accomplishments as a school. 


Brewster Alumnus Topher Grace Tells 

Graduates That Life is About Extra Credit 

and Finding a Door and Going Through It 

By Marcia Eldredge 

On May 28, Brewster Academy graduated 117 students at its 191 st 

Commencement, and graduate Topher Grace ’97 returned to campus 

to deliver the commencement address to the Class of 2011. 

The ceremony took place in the Smith Center for Athletics and Wellness with 

Head of School Dr. Michael E. Cooper presiding. Day students Beth Duffy and 

Dana Hughes were the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. 

“Just doing what is expected is no longer enough” 

Grace began his remarks by recalling his own graduation and how familiar he was 

with his fellow Bobcats’ Brewster experience. 

“I have done this all before. I know all about being a Brewster Bobcat and living 

in Sargent Hall and eating every meal at the Estabrook. I know about having an IS 

teacher and trying to get JBS scholar. I know all about the Ac and study hours and 

work hours and the long winters up here at Wolfeboro and the Polar Bear Club 

and the winter carnival and the BAPA book and the Bubble and headmaster’s 

holidays and how beautiful it is when it all turns to spring here. I know about the 

great teachers here.” 

He promised to be brief and to the point but wanted to make sure the Class of 

2011 knew that “just doing what is expected is no longer enough.” 

“As wonderful as it is to go off into the world – and there are so many great 

experiences that lie ahead for you guys – high school graduation is the end of 

something. It is the end of anyone else really caring about what you do with your 

life. Sure there is homework and grades in college and when you go to work you 

have to be on time, and I promise you, if you do something illegal, you will be 

arrested, but the days of adults really getting into your business are over. 

Topher Grace ‘97 

“What a relief some of you are saying to yourselves, and you’re right. It’s great to 

have all that freedom. But no one is going to be there anymore to pester you to 

hand in an assignment or try again to make it better, or no one is going to make 

you sign up for sports or encourage you to paint or do theater. Your parents and 

teachers here at Brewster have given you the tools but now it is up to you, no 

one is going to force you to do a good job, in fact, no one is going to force you to 

do anything. 

“And I promise you, if you want to get by and be average, it will work. The world 

is not only full of average people who do only the minimum required, it is built 

for them. See it’s hard to find opportunities, and it’s even harder work to take 

advantage of them.” 

Spencer Montgomery 

and Meredith Haynes 

Sarah MacDonnell 

and Mitch Chapman 

Ryan Ingram 

and Peter Mann 

Maggie Hess and 

Markus Kennedy 

Yutaka Morino 

and Maria Found 


5

He then reflected on all the well meaning advice he received at his Brewster 

graduation. What stayed with him, however, was something his father said: “Life 

is like a hallway. And if a door opens, go through it.” 

“I didn’t really get what he meant when he first said it to me. It didn’t make a lot 

of sense until I got a call from Bonnie and Terry Turner, the parents of a friend of 

mine here at Brewster, my freshman year at USC. They had seen me in a musical 

that I did here with Mr. Campbell, and they wanted to know if I wanted to 

audition for That ‘70s Show. 

“I had no intention of becoming an actor. I’d never been to an audition in my life. 

In fact I was pretty nervous that I was going to really stink and embarrass myself. 

I didn’t know how to act with other professional kids there. I didn’t know how to 

memorize lines. Hell, I didn’t even know how to find the building. But I’m pretty 

glad that when that door presented itself, I went through it. 

“Life is about extra credit. It’s about finding a door and going through it. Yes, it 

will take more work, it will take hard work but here’s the good news, there are 

doors everywhere and college is the perfect place and time to explore different 

hallways, different doors, and find out what you’re passionate about. So freshman 

year of college when someone asks you if you want to try out for an a cappella 

group but you can’t sing and you get terrible stage fright, or join an ultimate 

Frisbee league but you’re a total klutz, or intern at a Fortune 500 company for 

peanuts or go on a date, or try pottery or go skydiving, say yes, go through that 

door … you never know what’s going to be on the other side. 

Trust me, when I was sitting here at my Brewster graduation, I never thought that 

going through one of those doors would lead me to standing up here at your 

Brewster graduation. Thank you.” 

Following Grace’s remarks, the HOWL chorus performed “On My Way,” as sung 

by Phil Collins in the movie “Brother Bear.” 

Next, and perhaps most exciting for the graduates, was the awarding of diplomas. 

Yearbook dedicatee and Associate Director of Athletics Kate Turner read the 

names of the diploma recipients as they were presented. 

Before closing the ceremony, Cooper reminded the graduates to 

remain steadfast to the kind of legacy they want to leave 

behind in their journeys. In referring to their recently 

published Winnipesaukean yearbook, he said “All one has to 

do is to look at the theme of your yearbook to know how 

important the notion of legacy is to the class.” 

guarantee happiness. Your 

challenge will be ‘Do I want to 

leave the kind of legacy of a 

Harmon Killebrew And what 

will it take to accomplish 

that’ 

“I know I speak for 

everyone when I wish you 

all the best in your next 

chapter and hope that 

there is lots more to be 

written in your book of life 

and that the notion of how 

you want to be remembered 

only further guides and directs 

how you continue to grow 

across adulthood. Don’t ever 

lose that sense of obligation.” 

Cooper then congratulated 

the Class of 2011 in the eight 

languages of their home countries. 

Following the 

benediction by 

The Rev. Harry 

G. Widman, 

graduates 

recessed out 

of the Smith 

Center into the 

congratulatory 

arms of their 

teachers, 

families, and 

friends. 

Laura Duffy, Lynne Palmer, and Jaime Laurent 

Mike Cooper presents the Arthur 

M. Hurlin Award to Taylor Booth 

Commencement speaker Topher Grace ’97 and underclassmen 

He referred to the recent death of professional baseball 

player Harmon Killebrew, saying that although his prowess as 

a power hitter was one part of his legacy it was his character 

and the class that he brought to the game that was perhaps 

his most important legacy. 

“So, Class of 2011, your goal of wanting to leave a legacy helps 

to put you on the path to lasting happiness, but it doesn’t 

Mike Cooper and the 46 “Lifers” (four-year students) were 

ready to celebrate at a May dinner in their honor. 


Effort Does Matter 

The Ivy 

The Ivy Address marked the opening of the Commencement celebration and 

took place on the eve of commencement exercises. Keeping with tradition, 

the top academically ranked postgraduate and the third academically 

ranked senior offered reflective remarks to graduates, their families, 

and faculty. The ceremony concluded with Academic Dean Marilyn Shea 

presenting the senior prefects with an ivy plant – a lasting and living symbol 

of the graduating class. The ivy was planted in the gardens around the 

Academic Building where it will comingle with the ivy of previous classes. 

Dana Hughes, a three-year student from Wolfeboro, offered the salutatorian 

address to his classmates. In his introduction of Hughes, Mike Cooper referred 

to Hughes as “a distinguished scholar whose work ethic and readiness to reach 

out and help many students helped him earn the Math Department Award his 

sophomore year and the Harvard Prize Book Award for science his junior year. His 

senior year, he earned the role as president of our National Honor Society. He 

has served admirably in our Math Tutor Center and excels at tennis … He has 

captained the boys’ junior varsity hockey team and received the MVP award. He 

has led teams over the past two years to participate in the highly competitive 

Moody’s Math Challenge.” 

This year’s Ivy Address speakers were senior Stephanie Menezes and 

postgraduate Max Hooper. 

Hughes told his fellow graduates that rather than talking about class memories 

and the great times he had at Brewster, he owed them something meaningful 

and chose to speak about the one thing he felt was most important to achieving 

success no matter where someone is in life: prioritizing. 

“You need to know what takes priority in your life and when you figure that out, 

it becomes considerably easier to make the right choices,” Hughes said. 

He encouraged his fellow graduates to always give 100 percent to all that they 

do. “It’s important that you put work and effort in on a regular basis. … No 

amount of studying at the very last minute will ever equal the work put in over 

a long period of time. … A two-week project with one day of effort will not have 

the same successful outcome as 14 days of effort.” 

In reference to this he recalled his interview with the director of admission of 

the College of Engineering at the University of Miami. The director reminded 

him that a grade of 91 in physics might seem good enough, and in fact it is 

an accomplishment to be proud of, but if an engineer only has 91 percent of the 

relevant knowledgeable of the task at hand that doesn’t make for the best engineer. 

Hughes asked his classmates to consider his favorite quote by basketball coach 

John Wooden: “If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to 

do it over” 

In closing he said, “You all – current Brewster students and the graduating class 

of 2011 – are some of the most benevolent individuals I have come across in 

my lifetime and created one of the kindest communities that you can’t just find 

anywhere in the world. … I most certainly would not be the person I’m today 

without the influence of this great community. Thank you everyone for the past 

three years [that] I will not be forgetting anytime soon.” 

Putting Down Roots: Senior prefect Jolie Wehrung holds the ivy to be planted 

on behalf of the Class of 2011. She is joined on her right by Ivy Address 

speakers Max Hooper and Stephanie Menezes, on her left by senior prefect 

John Wadlinger; and Mike Cooper and Dan Mudge (P ’98, ’02), president of 

Brewster’s board of trustees, are in the back. 

The Class of 2011 by the Numbers 

117 - number of graduates 

46 - number of graduates who were Lifers 

54 - number of graduates who held leadership positions 

33 - number of graduates who will play sports in college 

13 - number of graduates who left behind at least one 

sibling at Brewster 


7

Embrace Change 

2011 Commencement Awards 

Beth Duffy, a four-year student 

from Wolfeboro, delivered 

the valedictorian speech. In 

introducing Duffy, Mike Cooper 

said: “Our next student speaker 

this morning is a Brewster Lifer 

whose history with us actually 

began at age 3 in 1995 when her 

mom joined the Brewster faculty. 

She was one of five students 

selected to the National Honor 

Society in her junior year. She has 

been a member of the Judicial 

Board for the past three years and 

this year was named one of the 

three chief justices of the board. 

A four-year member of HOWL, 

she has also favored us with her 

talented performances on the 

Brewster stage, including her much 

celebrated role as the princess in 

our winter musical production of 

Once Upon a Mattress.” 

Duffy’s remarks focused on all the inevitable changes that she and her 

classmates encountered during their years at Brewster. Admitting that she was 

not very comfortable with change, she nonetheless learned that life without 

change leads to a stagnant and boring existence and, that although she doubts 

she will ever be in love with the unknown and unexpected, she has come to 

accept them. 

“Many of my classmates were in the same boat of awkwardness and confusion 

as to who we would become. Tiny boys and girls crowded the Bubble, and, above 

the sounds of cracking voices and shrill screams, we forged bonds and friendships 

that are still in place today. As time went on, those scrawny boys were replaced 

with their more muscular counterparts, and the awkward girls grew into 

confident young women.” 

“These physical transformations were accompanied by other changes in maturity 

and respect levels. Brewster has turned even the most scatterbrained, frazzled 

individuals into well-organized students ready to succeed. Our school has also 

taught us to advocate for ourselves. Instead of students turning to indifference 

toward their schoolwork and grades, we were taught to communicate with a 

teacher if we were confused about an assignment or redo a test or paper if we 

weren’t fully satisfied with our grades.” 

Duffy thanked her classmates and almost-graduates for being a group filled with 

such camaraderie and acceptance. “We’re now headed towards real life, but if we 

take what we’ve learned, from Brewster and from each other, and if we accept 

the changes that are sure to come our way, things will only get better from here.” 

Athletic Director’s Award • Chelsiea Goll • Yegor Bezuglyy 

The Headmaster’s Prize • Beth Duffy 

The Postgraduate Award • Max Hooper 

Faculty Service Award • Hannah Pope 

Faculty Service Award • Ashley Rose 

Ronald “Buzzy” Dore Memorial Award • Will Fix 

Jill Carlson Memorial Award • Chelsiea Goll 

Faculty “Growth Achievement” Award • Hilary Greeff 

Mabel C. Tarr Award • Beth Duffy 

David Sirchis School Service Award • Stephanie Menezes 

Arthur J. Mason Foundation Award • Calder Billings 

Burtis Vaughan Award • Sarah MacDonnell 

Arthur M. Hurlin Award • Taylor Booth 

To learn more about these awards, visit: 

www. brewsteracademy.org/commencementawards 

Members of the Class of 2011 are attending 

the following colleges and universities: 

Assumption College 

Babson College 

Bentley College 

Boston University (4) 

Bowdoin College 

Brooklyn College 

Bryant College 

California Lutheran University 

Colby-Sawyer College 

College of Idaho 

College of the Holy Cross (2) 

Concordia University, Canada 

Dalhousie University, Canada 

DePauw University 

Elmira College 

Elon University 

Emerson College 

Endicott College 

Fairfield University 

Gettysburg College 

Gilmore School 

Hartwick College 

Harvard University 

High Point University (4) 

Hobart and William Smith Colleges (5) 

Keene State College 

Lewis & Clark College 

Loyola University 

Marist College 

Marymount Manhattan College 

Miami University 

New Jersey City University 

New York University (2) 

Northeastern University (3) 

Norwich University (1) 

Pennsylvania State University 

Providence College (2) 

Purdue University (2) 

Quinnipiac University (2) 

Roger Williams University (3) 

Rollins College (2) 

Rutgers University 

Siena College 

Smith College 

South Kent School 

St. John’s University 

St. Michael’s College (3) 

Stetson University (3) 

Suffolk University 

Susquehanna University (4) 

Syracuse University (2) 

Texas A & M University 

Texas Christian University 

Trinity University 

University of Arizona 

University of Colorado, Boulder 

University of Connecticut (2) 

University of Hartford 

University of Kansas 

University of Massachusetts, 

Amherst (2) 

University of Miami 

University of Mississippi 

University of New Hampshire 

University of Pittsburgh 

University of Prince Edward Island, 

Canada (2) 

University of Redlands 

University of Rhode Island 

University of Tampa (2) 

University of Vermont (4) 

University of Washington (2) 

Villanova University 

Virginia Military Institute 

Wentworth Institute of Technology 

Western State College 

Whittier College (2) 

Wittenberg University 

Xavier University 


Name 

Address 

City, State, Zip 

The Brewster Story: 

The Definitive History of Brewster Academy 

“The Brewster Story is a must read for anyone who has attended the school or 

has an interest in the Academy. The Story relates the early philosophy of John 

Brewster and how the school has followed those ideals in creating the current 

Academy. It was of great interest to read of the many hurdles that were overcome 

in the early years and to see the perseverance of a number of key people that 

kept the school functioning during war years, fires, personnel adjustments, and 

financial woes. … Thank you for the history lessons, Bob and Shirley Richardson.” 

Gifts of History 

Bruce H. Crowther ‘64 (GP ’14) 

Grandparent Chair 2011-2012 

With the publication of The Brewster Story in May, Brewster Academy wishes to 

acknowledge the individuals who contributed their time and resources to bring 

the history of the Academy alive in the pages of The Brewster Story: 

Former faculty members Bob and Shirley Richardson, who, upon their 

retirement in 2004, spent seven years researching, conducting interviews, poring 

over archival material, writing, and editing The Brewster Story; 

Richard Joseph (Sam ’11) for donating the publishing and printing costs of 

The Brewster Story. “With a page count at 352 and an initial printing of 600 

books it was no small undertaking, and Brewster is forever grateful for 

Richard’s contribution to the history of Brewster,” said Mike Cooper in 

acknowledging Richard Joseph at the Ivy Address in May; and 

Alumni, faculty and staff, and friends for sharing their stories and photos with 

Bob and Shirley 

Country Code, Country 

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Phone Number 

Number of books: 

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Shipping Within U.S. 

(1 Book) @ $4.95 

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Total: 

You also may order by 

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Return form, with check made 

payable to Brewster Academy, to: 

Campus Store 




www.brewsteracademy.org 9

We Know What They Did Last Summer 

Brewster students are adventurous and giving of their time. Here Connections 

shares the stories of how some students spent their summer days and, for at 

least one stargazer, his nights. 

Rebecca 

Marisseau 

‘12 (Wolfeboro) 

spent two weeks 

at an Archaeology 

Field School at 

Strawbery Banke 

Museum in 

Portsmouth, New 

Hampshire. 

Why archaeology The Field School was excavating near the 1762 Chase 

House, which belonged to Stephen Chase, a wealthy Portsmouth merchant. 

Recently, Strawbery Banke staff began looking at old 18th century insurance 

maps and noticed that there were other structures on the property in 1762 that 

are not currently standing. Further research and archaeological investigation 

revealed that the structures were the original privy and carriage house. 

What Rebecca learned: Archeologists are very interested in excavating 

privies because when they were no longer privies they were used as trash 

receptacles. The families would throw food scraps, ceramics, glass, and anything 

else they deemed trash into the privy. This leaves evidence of day-to-day 18th 

century life for the archaeologists. 

I participated in the excavation of the former carriage house and privy 

foundations. Though I was fortunate enough to not have to dig in the privy itself, 

I was given a unit with many artifacts in it! 

What Rebecca and her team excavated: Two 1780-1820 pearlware 

teacups, Victorian thimble, animal bones (shows what they ate), part of a carriage 

wheel, leather, keys, horseshoes, thermometer, and a toothbrush. 

cover, and light from 

nearby stars to obtain 

accurate photometrical 

measurements. 

Why this course 

I chose this endeavor 

because of my strong 

interest in astronomy, 

which was inspired 

when I competed in 

the New Hampshire 

Astronomy Bowl last 

March. 

What Raymond 

learned: I learned 

about stellar/galactic 

formation, sky geography, atmospheric interference, and planetary processes. At 

the CTAS, I am learning how to set up and operate the observatory telescope, 

use various filters to determine the quality of camera exposures, and that the 15 

different exoplanets change in position and luminosity as they interfere with the 

light of nearby stars. 

My experience at CTAS has taught me to pay close attention to every detail 

on the computer data, since any error can possibly result in inaccurate 

measurements that can change the overall outlook of the transit observation(s). 

I have three mentors who are highly educated in physics, chemistry, and 

engineering. They are very detailed in all that they do in sharing their knowledge 

of astronomy. At UC Berkeley, I learned from my experience that life in a large 

university requires a huge responsibility from an individual to succeed because 

there is no supervision inside and outside of class. 

Raymond Soriano ’12 (Laredo, Texas) enrolled in a six-week course in 

astronomy and oceanography at the University of California, Berkeley. When he 

wrote the following, Raymond was in the middle of a two-week research project 

on the 15 exoplanet transit observations at the Central Texas Astronomical 

Society (CTAS). 

In particular, I am recording the luminosity of the exoplanets with various 

calibration filters as a means of taking into account signal-to-noise ratio, cloud 

Amy Misira ’12 (Cockeysville, 

Maryland) interned for the nonprofit 

Children Across Borders headquartered 

in Tampa, Florida. This organization 

provides sustained support in the form of 

education, health, housing, and wellness 

to underprivileged children throughout 

the world. 


Why this endeavor Some day I would like to start a foundation, and I 

was offered the opportunity by family friends, so I could learn the inner workings 

of a nonprofit organization (NPO). 

What Amy learned: I learned it is a lot of work to start and maintain a 

nonprofit. I know it’s not just about raising money. You need a lot of connections. 

I learned that running an NPO is a team effort. Everything works better when 

you have people who believe in the cause and are there for you. For my nonprofit, 

I want to support and offer supplies to Orphanage 2 in Samara, Russia. 

Alberto Rivera- 

Barletta ’13 (Mexico City, 

Mexico) spent three weeks 

on a 50-foot sailboat with 11 

other teenagers in the waters 

off the British Virgin Islands. 

in Moultonborough. When the center decided to sell it, it was passed into town 

ownership and became a public island. 

To preserve the island, the houses not being used were taken off island, leaving 

their sites to be cleaned up. Our priority was getting rid of glass, pipes, and 

anything with nails, including wooden shingles, structural planks, and siding. 

There are two main beaches open to the public, as well as a set of bathrooms, so 

we need to keep it clean. 

I chose this project originally because of the loons. I love the loons on the lake. 

From our lake house on Cow Island, you can hear them every night, calling to 

each other. It’s magical. Ragged Island is a very popular nesting site for loons and 

after I had learned that they were becoming endangered, I wanted to help them. 

I have found that I now do it because I enjoy it. I love seeing the island loved by 

so many taken care of. I like seeing the happy people when they go to the island. 

It gives me a feeling of worth to have seen this island grow from being dirty and 

unkempt to being a well-respected destination on the lake. 

Why a sailboat with all those teenagers One reason I chose 

this ActionQuest adventure program is the fact that it was a different summer 

experience. Most summer programs, students/campers, stay in cabins or tents. 

But we lived on a sailboat. This unusual set up for a summer program intrigued 

me. They offer a variety of programs, from community service to marine biology. 

What Morgan learned: I learned many things but mostly about work 

ethics and about striving for something bigger than myself. I volunteer because 

it helps me feel like a part of a community, and I feel it’s my job to commit to 

something that is bigger than myself. My mom always told me that helping 

others was the right thing to do, and now I can relate to it. 

What Alberto learned: After two summers in ActionQuest, I have 

become an advanced diver and have received my sailing license and community 

service hours picking up trash in a local town. 

Being out there for 21 days without TV, cell phones, Internet, cooking the meals, 

cleaning the boat, being with great staff, and 11 other people my age on a 50- 

foot sailboat is different. You learn how to be comfortable with yourself. It helps 

to realize who you really are. As I began realizing who I was becoming, who I 

really was, I began to define future goals. 

How he grew from this experience: The three weeks I spent with 

ActionQuest, was the best three weeks of my summer. I feel I have become more 

aware of global issues, my self-confidence increased, I have developed social skills 

I use today, and I have defined future goals. The BVIs, which, believe me, is not 

the most modern or sophisticated region in the world, does have its own spark. 

That spark made me more aware of countries like the BVIs, and that they are not 

as lucky as many of us. It made me feel more thankful for what I have. 

Overall this experience was amazing, and I will always treasure it. 

Morgan Robinette ’12 (Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire) was part 

of a team of volunteers helping to keep a public island on Lake Winnipesaukee 

“beautiful and running smoothly.” 

Why Ragged Island Ragged Island used to be a part of the Loon Center 

How she grew from this experience. I believe that what you do will 

always affect who you are as a person. I feel as though I have more to contribute 

to this world. I know that I will not stop here. My work on Ragged Island has 

confirmed that for me. I grew as a person on this project, more aware of my 

impact on others, and how I can make it positive. 

Morgan also spent much of her summer interning in Brewster’s Technology Office. 

Daisy LePere ’12 (Belmont, 

Massachusetts) travelled across the 

globe to northern India to participate in 

a community service project with the 

nonprofit Mountain Cleaners in the state 

of Himachal Pradesh. Mountain Cleaners 

is committed to cleaning up India, little 

by little, through a combination of direct 

action, liaison, and awareness raising. 

Why India I chose to go to India because I love to travel, and I wanted to get 

a sense of what life was like for other people, and we got to work with kids. 

What she learned and how she grew: I learned about the customs 

and traditions in India as well as the problems there. I grew from this experience 

by seeing the differences between how life is for me and how life is for others. It 

was very eye opening and very humbling. 


11

“Let’s Give 

Meaning 

to the 

Brewster 

Principle” 


One of a few bouquets placed on September 11 at a campus memorial. 

This year the opening All-School Assembly coincided with the 10th 

anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11. It seemed appropriate 

then that Dr. Cooper focused his remarks on the connection that 

those events had to the Brewster community. 

“As you walk through campus or head out to the athletic fields, you will 

no doubt notice two signs: one that reads Fry Field and one that reads 

Palazzo Field. You might also notice the plaque in the “flagpole garden” 

near the Smith Center,” Cooper said. 

“Today, especially, the names on these signs and the plaque deserve our 

pause and reflection. They bare the names of two graduates who lost their 

lives in the World Trade Center on September 11.” 

He shared a little about each alumnus. Peter Fry, class of 1983, was just 36 

years old, married with two young daughters. Tommy Palazzo, class of 

1975, was 44 years old, also married and with three daughters. 

“At Brewster, Peter was a stabilizing influence, a leader by example, 

a young man who knew what was the right thing to do under any 

circumstance, both cool and cool headed. He always represented what 

was right and that combination led to his being highly respected by the 

entire community. At Curry College, he became an All-American lacrosse 

player,” Cooper said. 

Tommy and his brother Robbie ’74 (to whom Palazzo Field is also 

dedicated) were outstanding athletes. At the dedication of Palazzo Field, 

Robbie spoke about how much Brewster had meant to the brothers and 

how they had matured at Brewster saying, ”They were the finest years of 

our lives as we learned how to become adults here.” 

Mike continued, as students Peter and Tommy were respected by their peers 

in the Brewster community. As adults they lived honorable lives. “I ask you 

to honor them by upholding the Brewster Principle: Respect, Integrity, and 

Service: serve yourself and others with your best in all you do.” 

“Lets give meaning to the Brewster Principle. Let’s have a great year and 

let’s have some fun.” 

Mike and Andrea Cooper and senior prefect Evan 

Cohn greet a new student. 

It wouldn’t be orientation without the annual 

swim test! 

Welcome Back! Returning students at registration. 


Brewster Welcomes Three 

More Curvey Scholars 

Currently nine local students are recipients of the Curvey family’s generosity 

The 2011-2012 school year marks the 

third year of welcoming Curvey 

Scholars to the Brewster community. 

In December 2008, James C. Curvey and his 

family donated 11 acres of waterfront property 

in Alton to Brewster Academy. Through the 

land donation, it was Curvey’s desire to create 

scholarships so that more local students would 

have the opportunity to attend Brewster. 

In September 2009, the first three Curvey Scholars 

entered Brewster as members of the Class of 

2013. A year later, three more local students 

entered as freshmen. The most recent scholars 

bring the total to nine students benefiting from 

the generosity of the Curvey family. 

Mike Cooper and James C. Curvey at a spring luncheon with Patrick Perry, Sean Cassidy, and Rebecca Jones, now 

sophomores; and Bianca Barcelo, Ashley Rogers, and Cristina Adams, current juniors. 

This year’s freshman scholars – Thomas “Tre” 

Galligan III, Chase Gardner, and Isabella “Bella” 

Monzione – are leaders in their class and will no 

doubt take advantage of all the opportunities 

that await them at their new school. 

The Scholars 

Tre is from Gilford and wanted to attend a 

school that encouraged the development of the 

learner and the athlete in order to challenge him 

on both levels. Tre’s former teachers describe 

him as “a quiet leader who leads by example” 

and a hard working young man who is a 

positive influence in the classroom. A football 

player, last season Tre was named offensive 

player of the year, which he attributes to his 

constant positive attitude. 

Chase Gardner is from Wolfeboro where he 

earned a 4.0 GPA in an accelerated curriculum 

at Kingswood Regional Middle School. He has 

been playing basketball and soccer for eight 

years and also plays the trombone. His most 

rewarding subject is English because he believes 

that “having the ability to read and write is 

Class of 2015 Curvey Scholars: Tre Galligan, Chase Gardner, and Bella Monzione with Mike Cooper on the first 

day of classes. 

invaluable – I like expanding my vocabulary by 

being exposed to new words.” 

Chase’s former teachers describe him as an 

active member of the team’s leadership group, 

highly respected by faculty and peers. “Chase is 

well balanced and very thoughtful for a person 

his age.” 

Bella is from Alton and attended Cornerstone 

Christian Academy. She is an avid equestrian, 

enthusiastically committed to all aspects of 

horsemanship. She was looking for a school 

with the same small community aspect as 

Cornerstone Christian as well as diverse 

opportunities where she could get more 

involved. Bella’s former teachers see her as 

“very inquisitive, taking the initiative to learn 

and to be successful.” 

Tre, Chase, and Bella join current Curvey 

Scholars juniors Cristina Adams and Ashley 

Rogers from Alton and Bianca Barcelo from 

Wolfeboro; and sophomores Rebecca Jones and 

Patrick Perry from Wolfeboro and Sean Cassidy 

from Alton. 


13

Teachers Gorrill and O’Blenis 

at the Top of the Class 


Each year since 1997 Brewster has honored two or three faculty 

members for their outstanding efforts and accomplishments in 

one of two areas, Excellence in Teaching and Career Growth. They 

are nominated by faculty, administration, students, parents, and trustees. 

Additionally, “He loves working and living at a boarding school,” and 

“He steps in to help in other areas of the school when he sees a need.” 

“Our students and Brewster are fortunate to have him.” 

At the opening All-School Assembly in September, Mike Cooper 

announced that this year’s faculty award recipients were long-time faculty 

member Bruce Gorrill and Rob O’Blenis, both science teachers. 

Career Growth 

Given in recognition of the faculty member who, over the course of the 

year, has demonstrated the most accelerated professional growth within 

the Brewster program, the Career Growth Award was presented to Rob 

O’Blenis, science teacher and community life parent who started teaching 

at Brewster in 2005. In nominating Rob for the award, colleagues had the 

following to say about him: “This award is the perfect match for him.” 

“He has been extremely supportive of colleagues as they step into the 

classroom.” “He has great integrity and a great attitude.” 

In 2010, Rob was asked to become one of a select group of faculty and staff 

to be trained in and then become a staff trainer in the newly introduced 

Emotional Literacy program and he has done “an amazing job.” In fact, 

“he is the ‘meta-moment king’.” 

Students also praised ‘Mr. O,’ as he is known, for his dedication and 

teaching style. 

Examples of Career 

Growth at Brewster: 

• Utilizing support offered 

• Productivity and degree of excellence in the curriculum they 

have developed 

• High evaluations in five different classes from their director, 

peers, and students 

• Demonstrated excellence in the delivery of best practice pedagogies 

• Strong and valuable contributions made to all team efforts 

• Significant use of technology in curriculum design and 

delivery and taking advantage of the Internet 

• Building an awareness and sensitivity within the community 

of the needs of the students 


“I think that Mr. O is a really good teacher. I really like that his teaching 

style is very hands on. I am doing very well in science this year, and 

I think that is because of the way he teaches and the fact that he is 

organized with homework and well organized in the classroom, which 

makes it that much easier to understand. I also appreciate the fact that he 

is always there for extra help and he really wants us all to be the best we 

can be.” 

“Your class is my favorite class this year. I love how you do notes in class, 

that you always make sure I understand what is going on, and all of the 

opportunities you give to help me. You seem to love what you are doing 

and that makes me want to love it, too.” 

Examples of excellence 

in teaching at Brewster: 

• Professionalism in all aspects of their endeavors 

• Assisting others in support of students 

• Fair assessment 

• Effort to assist core teachers in their efforts in support of their 

students 

• Tenacity and drive to see that students are fairly assessed and 

assisting in the development of adaptations for them 

• Consistency, fairness, and quality of action plans and great follow 

through—Team primacy 

• Positive attitude in all interactions 

Excellence in Teaching 

This award is given in recognition of demonstrated excellence in teaching 

practices and overall contributions within the Brewster program. The 

recipient of the 2011 Excellence in Teaching Award is Bruce Gorrill, science 

department chair. This is the second time that Bruce has been awarded the 

Excellence in Teaching Award, having first received it in 2001. 

Bruce’s colleagues have a lot of respect for his abilities and in nominating 

him for the award, praised his high standards and leadership. “He is an 

excellent role model in the classroom, creating and maintaining a very 

student-centered classroom.” 

Colleagues agree that Bruce is one of the most technology-savvy faculty 

members, taking the time to learn how new classroom technology tools 

can best benefit students and his delivery of coursework. 

“He has an impressive use of technology in the classroom and within 

the curriculum developed in his department.” “His use of technology 

encourages other faculty to incorporate technology and to embrace new 

ideas and changes in their classrooms.” “He is one of the reasons Brewster 

maintains our technology edge.” 

“He has been at the forefront of Brewster’s programmatic changes, such 

as the Brewster Model, project-based learning, and Moodle.” 

“Bruce has never lost the sense of ‘it’s all about the kids.’ He is very vested 

in our students.” 

Students, too, have high praise for Bruce Gorrill. “Good job keeping the 

class always on task. I like the fact that you use a lot of technology in class; 

it really advances my skills not only in physics but also for other classes.” 

“Science isn’t usually my strong point, but I’m loving physics this year. 

Mr. Gorrill is an amazing teacher and I’m learning a lot. I feel challenged 

but not overwhelmed.” 

“Mr. Gorrill, I like the fact that you always are there to answer any 

questions and that you are willing to go over a problem if people don’t 

understand how to do it. Great job drawing everything out on the smart 

board for visual learners.” 

“Mr. Gorrill cares about each individual in our class and he is willing to 

help each student in a way that they can learn the best.” 

Current faculty who are past recipients of the 

Excellence in Teaching Award 

Laura Cooper (2010) 

Bret Barnett (2009) 

Matt Butcher (2008) 

Janis Cornwell (2006) 

Raylene Davis (2005) 

Barb Thomas (2004) 

Julianne Lopez (2003) 

Kim Yau (2003) 

Bruce Gorrill (2001) 

Maria Found (1997) 

Current faculty who are past recipients of the 

Career Growth Award 

Tom Sullivan (2010) 

Jamie Garzon (2009) 

Lauren Shealy (2008) 

Lauren Hunter (2007) 

Matt Butcher (2006) 

Bret Barnett (2005 

Yu Lui (2003) 

Raylene Davis (1998) 


15

New Community Members 

Over the summer, Brewster Academy welcomed three new administrators 

and seven new faculty members to the community. 

Kristy Kerin joined the Alumni and Development Office team on 

June 1 as the director of advancement. In this role, she oversees 

the Annual Fund, major gifts, and campaign planning. Most 

recently she was the director of donor relations at Middlebury College in 

Middlebury, Vermont, her alma mater. 

Kristy brings broad experience working with leadership donors, annual 

fund campaigns, events, and donor stewardship. As a member of 

Middlebury’s annual fund team, she helped establish strategies that led 

to record-breaking alumni giving rates as high as 62 percent participation. 

Kristy credits these outstanding alumni participation results in large part 

to alumni volunteers, and she is eager to help build robust volunteer 

networks at Brewster. 

insight for comprehensive implementation and streamlining of events 

at Brewster Academy. She looks forward to working with numerous 

campus offices in the planning and oversight of events on and off campus 

involving different constituents. 

“My years as a student at Williston-Northampton School naturally 

influenced my desire to serve in a boarding school environment. I am 

fortunate to be part of the Brewster community,” she said. 

A native of the Lakes Region, Sally lives in Center Harbor with her 

two children. Her daughter is currently in her first year at High Point 

University in North Carolina and her son is a sophomore at Inter-Lakes 

High School. 

When asked what it was about Brewster that attracted her, she replied: 

“This is an exciting and critical time for the Academy. I was impressed 

with the school’s leadership under Dr. Cooper, the unique teaching model, 

the personalized approach to education, and the inspirational vision for 

the future. I am excited to partner with Brewster’s alumni, parents, and 

friends to help advance the Academy’s goals.” 

Kristy also served as the assistant track and field coach at Middlebury. 

She was ranked internationally as a high jumper and competed in the 2004 

U.S. Olympic Trials. Her husband, David, and their two sons, Daniel and 

Matthew, join Kristy here. 

Carrie MacDonald has joined the community as the director of student 

health services. She began her career as a pediatric nurse on a medical 

surgical unit at Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical 

Center. Most recently she worked for a behavioral, developmental, genetic 

pediatric specialist where she worked with children and adolescents with 

ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism. She has a B.S. in Nursing from 

the University of Southern Maine. 

Sally Smith joined the Office of Admission and External Affairs on July 

1 as special events and programs coordinator. She comes to Brewster 

with 20 years experience in higher education and independent boarding 

schools. Her experience includes director of alumni relations at Plymouth 

State University where she received her master’s in counseling and 

human relations. 

Sally’s previous work in offices of alumni, admissions, and college 

counseling involved extensive event planning and provides her with the 

Some of Brewster’s new community members: from the top Carrie MacDonald, 

Maureen Edmonds, Sally Smith, Elizabeth Bonsu, Karl Edmonds, and Jen Smith 

New Faculty 

Elizabeth Bonsu is an instructional support teacher on the freshman 

Team Cooper. She has worked with both adolescents and adults in 

community health resource centers and organizations in Connecticut and 

Massachusetts. Elizabeth has a B.A. in psychology from Curry College. 

Jonathan Browher is teaching U.S. history on the junior Team Thomas. His 

history background includes a primary concentration in U.S. history and 

a secondary concentration in Latin American history. He holds a master’s 

in education from Plymouth State University and a B.A. in history from 

Bates College. He is the community life parent in Bearce Hall. 


Karl Edmonds teaches algebra and geometry on the freshman Team 

Cooper. He also is the boys’ varsity soccer coach. Originally from Liverpool, 

England, Mr. Edmonds came to New Hampshire in 1989 when he earned an 

athletic scholarship to play soccer at Southern New Hampshire University. 

He holds a master’s in international business and a B.S. in business 

administration from SNHU. 

Maureen Edmonds is an instructional support teacher on the senior Team 

Yau and the community life parent in Brown Hall. Maureen has extensive 

teaching experience at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She 

has a master’s in education and a B.A. in communications and English 

from Niagara University and has special education certification from the 

University of New Hampshire. 

a master’s in psychology from Connecticut College and undergraduate 

degree in history and psychology from Williams College. 

Zach Ross, a 2005 graduate of Brewster, is an instructional support 

teacher on the sophomore Team Martin and the community life parent 

in Sargent 3. Previously at Brewster he has been a substitute teacher and 

assistant coach in the boys’ crew program. He has an MBA from the Royal 

Melbourne Institute of Technology and an undergraduate degree from 

Susquehanna University. 

Jen Smith is a math teacher on the junior Team Lopez. She has a degree 

in mathematics and education from Shippensburg University and is the 

community life parent in Haines House. 

Ellissa Popoff teaches modern world history on the sophomore Team 

Martin and is the head coach of the girls’ varsity ice hockey team. She has 

Trustee Steps Down After Long Tenure 

Helen Hamilton’s Passion for Education Still Strong 

By Sarah Anderson 

Not many people can say they 

have been involved with an 

organization for 37 years, but 

Helen Hamilton of Bow, New Hampshire, 

can. At age 80, she just stepped down from 

Brewster’s board of trustees, having served 

as secretary of the board and chair of the 

education and personnel committees. 

Despite ending her long tenure on the board, 

she is far from finished with dedicating her 

life to helping others. Her commitment to 

education is life-long. 

Not an alumna or even an alumni parent, 

Hamilton was drawn to Brewster simply 

because of her passion for education. She 

brought much expertise and experience, 

having been the dean of students at 

Springfield College, the dean of student 

affairs at the University of New Hampshire, 

and a YWCA executive/administrator in 

Springfield, Massachusetts, Toledo, Ohio, and 

Manchester, New Hampshire. She also taught 


17

in Manchester and at Easthampton High School, 

in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. 

Hamilton worked as the executive director 

of Kids Voting New Hampshire Inc., a youth 

development organization, and she founded 

the Capital Area Student Leadership Program 

(CASL) for high school sophomores. 

Clearly recognized as an active member of her 

community, Hamilton and her husband were 

named Distinguished Citizens of the Year in 

Concord in 2004. 

Not only has she been active by contributing 

to her community, she also has always been 

physically active. An athlete all her life, 

Hamilton did not start running road races until 

she was about 42. Then for more than five years, 

she became nationally ranked as number one in 

her age category for the 5K. “I love racing, and I 

still miss it today,” Hamilton said. 

them “tremendous changes in education,” 

referring to those in the disciplinary realm, 

faculty and student retention, technology, the 

leveling of the classroom, team teaching, and the 

Emotional Literacy Program. 

“Students are really getting into more places 

and being able to attend the colleges and 

universities of their choice.” Hamilton also 

praised Brewster’s athletic department, saying, 

“All of the students are in programs in which 

the coaching is far superior.” 

When asked “What’s next” Hamilton laughed 

and said she is always pursuing projects. She 

still works with CASL and is on the scholarship 

committee for Concord Hospital. 

She is always involved in education somehow. 

“What it will be now, I don’t know, but it will 

be something. Maybe I will go back to school 

myself!” 

Welcome, Karey Fix 

Brewster parent Karey Fix of Chicago has 

joined the board of trustees. She and husband 

Bob are the parents of Keenan ’13 and Will, 

who graduated from Brewster in May. Karey 

previously taught at a private elementary 

school in Winnetka, Illinois, before beginning her 

own business, Fix-Tex: a line of high-end hand 

painted fabric and furniture. 

She was actively involved in Keenan and Will’s 

elementary school, chairing the school’s primary 

fundraiser for eight years. She has served on the 

boards of The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, 

Lincoln Park Zoo, and Rush NeuroBehavioral 

Center and has been an active participant of the 

Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation. 

In a recent interview, Hamilton spoke about 

her time as a member of Brewster’s board of 

trustees. She addressed some of the changes the 

school has experienced during this time. “It was 

a very different scene in 1974,” Hamilton said. 

She highlighted the implementation of 

technology as a positive change. “We were 

really a leader in that area.” She also spoke 

about the Brewster Model as a significant shift. 

Hamilton was on the selection committee for 

now Head of School Dr. Michael Cooper. She 

said that choosing a new head of school was a 

long process and that the board made “a terrific 

decision.” She commented on Dr. Cooper’s 

steady progress and the “significant, intelligent 

changes” he has brought about. Hamilton called 

Hamilton stressed the crucial role education 

plays in her life. “Education is a very important 

thing for me,” she said. “I am really concerned 

about what’s happening in public schools. These 

kids (Brewster students) are really lucky to be 

able to go to a private school and to learn how 

to be good citizens and contributing ones.” 

Hamilton learned about being a contributing 

member of society at a young age. After 

attending Springfield College and the 

University of Maine, she was travelling into 

the inner city of Toledo, Ohio, and Springfield, 

Massachusetts, at night by herself to work with 

individuals from all walks of life. “I really had a 

good perspective on people from all categories 

of wealth.” She is confident that this kind of 

experience – contributing to one’s community 

– benefits one’s growth and development. She 

encourages young people to start early with this 

kind of involvement. 

Always fascinated by education, Hamilton 

continues to expand her mind and is currently 

reading a book about language and how it 

begins as she watches her baby grandchild 

begin to navigate the world of language. 

“In today’s age, it is very rare to find someone 

like Helen, who selflessly devoted 37 years as 

a trustee to an institution. Her guidance and 

wisdom will be missed,” said board president 

Dan Mudge. “We will continue to treasure our 

long-standing friendship with Helen.” 

LIVE LEARN LEAD 



On The 

Road 

New York City 

September – Current parents and friends of 

Brewster gathered for a reception at the home of 

Lisa and Michael Kurtz (Zoe Lindgren ’13). Mike 

Cooper and Lynne Palmer shared news about the 

opening of school and updates from campus. 

While in New York City, Mike Cooper had the 

opportunity to connect with young alumni at a 

business breakfast hosted by Colin Foster ’88 at his 

downtown office of Virtual Doorman. 

Bermuda 

The Stephens siblings – Keely ’13, 

Wilson ’12, and Holly ’15 – are 

among 10 students from Bermuda 

studying at Brewster this year. 

September 

– Mike and 

Andrea 

Cooper and 

Lynne Palmer 

represented 

Brewster at a 

boarding school 

fair in Hamilton, 

Bermuda. 

In conjunction 

with the fair, Mike, Andrea, and Lynne visited with 

current Brewster families at a reception at the 

Rosemont Guest Suites, hosted by Samantha and 

Neal Stephens (Wilson ’12, Keely ’13, and Holly ’15). 

Boston, Head 

of the Charles 

October 23 – Join us at the Head of the Charles to 

cheer on Brewster rowers as they compete in the 

world’s largest crew regatta. Stop by the Brewster 

tent expected to be near the Finish Area Launching 

Site (FALS) and the Elliot Bridge. 

The 

Middle 

East 

October 20 - 23 – 

Admission officer 

Jay Anctil will 

Brewster parent representative 

represent Brewster 

Maria- Dulce Smith (Max ’12, at boarding school 

Sarah ’05) at a school fair in 

Saudi Arabia last year. fairs in Dharan, 

Saudi Arabia, 

sponsored by Saudi Aramco. Jay will discuss the 

Brewster program with prospective students and 

families. Currently five students attend Brewster 

whose families live in Saudi Arabia. 

Nevada and Texas 

November – Lynne Palmer will represent Brewster 

at a boarding school fair in Las Vegas on November 

5 and at a national conference for educational 

consultants in Dallas on November 10. 

Asia 

November 7 - 17 – Jim Bastis, director of alumni 

and development, will visit with parents and alumni 

in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, and 

Taipei and Taichung City, Taiwan. 

Massachusetts 

January 15, 2012 – The Brewster boys’ basketball 

team will play in the 2012 Spalding HoopHall Classic 

in Blake Arena at Springfield College in Springfield. 

Game time is tentatively schedule for 4 p.m. and will 

be broadcast on ESPN. For more information: 

www.thehoophallclassic.com/index.php 


19

Newsmakers 

National Geographic 

Features Nieman Photo 

Simply Beautiful Landscapes, National Geographic’s 

2011 Engagement Calendar, features a photo by 

David Nieman ’11 (Wolfeboro). Nieman’s image of 

Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, was 

among 52 “evocative nature scenes” selected for the 

calendar. 

He took the photo a few years ago in late December 

while visiting family on the Maine coast. “I noticed 

the snow on the roof of the lighthouse first. The 

contrast between the powdery snow and the dark 

rocks creates a really nice effect. I think what really 

pulls the shot together is the black and white quality, 

the fog, and the crashing water.” 

Nieman is now studying film and photographer at 

Emerson College. 

McGary Blogging for 

ESPN, Played in Elite 

For the upcoming school year, Mitch McGary ’12 

(Hinsdale, Indiana), the top-ranked power forward in 

the ESPNU 100, has agreed to chronicle his thoughts 

on everything from his recruitment to pop culture in 

a blog for ESPNHS. 

In August, McGary played 

in the Boost Mobile Elite 

24 event, which featured 

24 of the top high school 

basketball players in 

the United States. The 

game was televised live 

on ESPN. McGary is the second Brewster player to 

be selected for this showcase game. Will Barton 

‘10, who now plays for the University of Memphis, 

played in the 2009 game. 

TW Foundation Honors 

Blair and Francis 

Recent graduate 

Keshia Blair ’11 and 

Najee Francis ’15 

were among the 

academic honorees at 

the 19 th Annual Trey 

Whitfield Foundation 

Awards Banquet. 

Both students are 

graduates of the Trey 

Whitfield School 

(TWS) in Brooklyn, 

New York. 

Blair, an honors student and lifer at Brewster, 

is originally from Guyana. She is now studying 

humanities and Spanish at Stetson University and 

working toward her dream of becoming a criminal 

justice attorney. 

A Brooklyn native and salutatorian of TWS’s class of 

2011, Francis carries on the legacy of Trey Whitfield 

graduates continuing their education at Brewster. 

The Trey Whitfield Foundation was founded in 1989 to 

commemorate the life and spirit of Trey Whitfield ’89. 

Its mission is to pursue Trey’s dream that everyone, 

regardless of ethnic background, has equal access to 

the educational opportunities that they need to reach 

their potential in life; that every child will have a 

helping hand and every young person will get support 

from someone who cares about their future. 

Wolfeboro Brochure 

Features Walker’s Work 

Marlee Walker’s ’11 (Wolfeboro) photo of 

downtown Wolfeboro appears in the 2011 

Wolfeboro Area Chamber of Commerce brochure. 

Walker captured the photo as part of an assignment 

in her digital photography class. She is studying at 

the University of Vermont. 

All-American Mitch Chapman 

Lacrosse player Mitchell 

Chapman ‘11 (Oshawa, 

Ontario) was voted All- 

American, which is the 

highest distinction a high 

school lacrosse player 

can achieve. Chapman is 

the seventh Brewster lacrosse player to receive this 

honor. He will play for Bryant University next season. 

Shaw is Pitcher of the Year 

Brennen Shaw ‘11 

(Presque Isle, Maine) 

was named Lakes Region 

Pitcher of the Year. Shaw 

plans to play hockey at 

Assumption College. 


All Stars Around the Diamond 

Steve Balsamo ’11 

(Atkinson, New 

Hampshire), Spencer 

Montgomery ’11 

(Kensington, Prince 

Edward Island), and Josh 

Gallant ’12 (Exeter, 

New Hampshire) were 

named Lakes Region 

League All-Stars. Despite 

these honors, Balsamo 

and Montgomery 

plan to play hockey in 

college at Hobart and 

William Smith Colleges 

and the University of 

Prince Edward Island, 

respectively. Gallant will 

be back on the diamond 

for his senior year at 

Brewster. 

First Team Lax All Stars 

Lacrosse players Jimmy Murphy ’11 (Duxbury, 

Massachusetts), Trey Adams ’12 (Akwesasne, New 

York), Calder Billings ’11 (Bridgewater, Vermont), 

and Patrick Eaker ‘11 (Redding, Connecticut) earned 

First Team All Stars this spring. Next spring Murphy 

will play for the University of Hartford, Billings for 

the University of Vermont, and Eaker for Marist 

College. Goaltender Adams will return to Brewster 

for his senior year. 

For the girls, Emma Jones ‘11 (Wolfeboro) and Sarah 

MacDonnell ’11 (Quispamsis, New Brunswick,) 

earned All Star lacrosee team honors. Jones plans to 

play lacrosse and soccer at Susquehanna University. 

MacDonnell will play ice hockey for the University of 

Connecticut. 

Dearborn Competes in 

World Mountain Running 

Championships 

Former Bobcat runner 

Krisztina Dearborn 

‘11 (Mirror Lake, New 

Hampshire) competed 

in the World Mountain 

Running Championships 

in Tirana, Albania, on 

September 11. She led 

her U.S. teammates and 

placed 24th out of 45 

female runners in the 4.5 

km up/down lap course. 

This summer, Dearborn became one of three women 

and four men selected to the under-19 U.S. Junior 

Mountain Running Team. 

She is a sophomore at Central Connecticut State 

University where she is a member of the crosscountry 

and indoor and outdoor track teams. Until 

June 2011, she had never run a mountain race. 

“You definitely have to get your mind out of the 

track setting and think about your strength rather 

than your speed to get yourself up the mountain,” 

she said. “This is beyond what I could have imagined 

a year ago,” Dearborn said. “It’s unbelievable.” 

CEO Drouin Raises 

$1.2M for Startup 

In July Nate Drouin ’10 was the subject of articles in 

Bloomberg News and Boston Business Journal. Drouin, 

originally from Wolfeboro, is CEO of Fundraise.com, 

an online fundraising company that he launched 

in March 2011. In July, the company was infused 

with $1.2 million from investors. Fundraise.com is 

marketed as an easy to use fundraising platform for 

charities large and small spanning a variety of causes 

and fields including education, politics, sports, and 

faith-based organizations. Drouin expects Fundraise. 

com to generate more than $2 million by the end 

of 2011. 

Campbell Part of 9/11 

Composition for Symphony 

Brewster music director 

Andy Campbell was 

commissioned to 

compose a piece for 

the New England Wind 

Symphony for their 

concert honoring the 10th 

anniversary of 9/11. In creating the composition, 

Campbell worked closely with Clayton “Skip” Poole, 

the music director for the symphony, and Elliott 

Markow, the guest violin soloist. 

It is an arrangement of Scott Joplin’s Solace, a fitting 

title for the piece that was performed at the Capital 

Center for the Arts “Salute to the American Spirit” 

concert on September 11. 

www.brewsteracademy.org 21

Return to Campus: 

Reunion 2011 

Compiled by the Office of Alumni and Development 

June 3-5, 2011 – Brewster alumni were welcomed to Reunion Weekend by sunny 

Wolfeboro skies and a sparkling Lake Winnipesaukee. From the Class of 2006 to 

the Class of 1941, alumni came together from around New Hampshire, across the 

country, and from Canada, Bermuda, Germany, Mexico, the Bahamas, and Turkey. 

Across campus and throughout the weekend were alumni gatherings of all sizes, 

from quiet reflections by the lake, to the All-School Assembly and Reunion dinners, 

friends old and new came together for a memorable celebration weekend. 

While alumni and former faculty come from varied places and different 

generations, our alumni family is bound together by their shared Brewster 

experiences. Here’s a look back at that June weekend. 

Celebrating their 50th Reunion are 1961 classmates (front row) Carol 

Chamberlin-Clough, Dottie (Fuller) Leonard, Tony Leitner, Rollie Rodrigues, 

Victor Elios, Dom Gentile, Dick Flaherty, (row two) Donna (Wagenfeld) Cann, 

Noel (Wright) Cantwell, Linda (Stevens) Roeder, Marion (Barrows) Rines, 

Joanne (Michaud) Moody, Barbara (Hersey) St. Gelais, Jim Maxwell, Bob Berry, 

Posey (Leavitt) Funkhouser, Judy (Wasson) Kelley, Kay (Lord) Witham, Mickey 

(Pineo) O’Brien, Gail (Bourden) Antonucci, Martha (Letteney) Wlajnitz, Emery 

Trowbridge, (row three) Patsy (Perry) Jones, Rick Rain, Ralph Ferguson, Jim 

Nelson, Tiffany (Eckoff) Philman, Dotti (Johnson) Kay, Mark Whitehead, Head of 

School Michael Cooper, Joe Hassett, Rick Hale, Barbara (Kimball) LaPlume, and 

Bob Kennington. Missing from the photo but in attendance at Reunion were Jim 

Clough and Joyce Brown. 

Reunion Highlights … 

50 Years Later: the Class of 1961 

More than 30 members of the Class of 1961 returned for their 50th Reunion 

dinner. It was the first time this group had gathered in 50 years! “We had a 

wonderful, wonderful time,” wrote a class member in a thank you note. 

The hard work of four energetic and organized class members – Linda Stevens 

Roeder, Dotti Johnson Kay, Noël Wright Cantwell, and Posey Leavitt Funkhouser – 

pulled this celebration, and all those who made it a wonderful evening, together 

(see page 28 for an article on the teamwork that went into planning). One of the 

highlights of the evening was watching a presentation of their senior yearbook on 

video. There were many laughs and even a few tears. 

So many of those who attended had not been on campus since the day they 

graduated. All promised not to stay away again for too long. Saying goodnight was 

not the easiest thing to do for many in this group. 

Standing: Sarah (Fallon) Morrison ‘82, Jock Bradley ‘80, Kristianne Widman- 

Johnson ‘80, Beth Hayes ‘81, Andy Laubi ‘81. Seated are Sam Kramer ‘81, David 

Gorfine ‘81, Bill Esty ‘81, Peter Engisch ‘81, and Barry Sanel ‘81. The banner was 

for Griff Campbell ‘80 who could not attend but helped to get many folks back to 

Reunion! 

25 Years Later: the Class of 1986 

On a beautiful night on Wolfeboro Bay, the Class of 1986 enjoyed a special dinner 

in their honor on Saturday at the Pinckney Boathouse. They were joined by Head 

of School Mike Cooper and wife Andrea, former Headmaster David Smith and wife 

Sheila (P ’91, ’93, ’95), Tim and Peg Radley (P ’90, ’92), Doug and Mary Fallon (P ’94, 

’00), Ed Rothfus, Bob and Maureen Simoneau (P ’90, ’93, ’02, ’07), Matt Hoopes, 

and Bob and Shirley Richardson (P ’77, ’81, ’84). 

After cocktails and a sunset class photograph, alumni and faculty enjoyed a 

delicious three-course dinner. During dinner each class member received a booklet 

of bios, written by classmates, about their “Life After Brewster” adventures.

The Class of 1986 extended a special invitation to Ed Rothfus, to whom they had 

dedicated their yearbook. It was the first time he had visited in 25 years. “I will 

never forget the great weekend with my family at Brewster,” wrote Ed about the 

weekend. Alumni received individual videos of their yearbook, which they watched 

on a large screen TV, bringing down the house with reels of laughter. 

Class member Peter-Bruce Wassitsch and wife Ana Elissa traveled the longest 

distance – from Nassau, Bahamas – to attend Reunion. Peter-Bruce had not been 

back in 25 years but was obviously enjoying himself, pointing to the sailing team 

banner hanging on the wall above him, which announced his team’s winning season. 

Alumni All-School Assembly 

Mike Cooper began the alumni assembly on Saturday by commenting on a remark 

he often hears from alumni, which is that “Brewster has changed so much.” He 

couldn’t disagree with this refrain; however, he reminded those in attendance that 

if we didn’t change, we wouldn’t be the great school that we are today. 

Celebrating their 25th Reunion at the Pinckney Boathouse were (back row) 

Geraldine Griffin ‘86, former Headmaster David Smith, former faculty and alumni 

icon Matt Hoopes, former admissions officer Sheila Smith, former faculty member 

Ed Rothfus, Jaime Bonazoli ‘86, former faculty Doug Fallon, Head of School Mike 

Cooper and Andrea Cooper. (front row) former faculty Shirley Richardson, Bjorn 

Otterness ‘86, former faculty Mary Fallon, former faculty Bob Richardson, Betsy 

(Lurie) Ross ‘86, Liddie (Kimball) Hayes ‘86, Rob Shickel ‘86, Kate (DeWitt) Nelson 

‘86, faculty Bob Simoneau, and (kneeling) Peter-Bruce Wassitch ‘86. 

Cooper, along with Lynne Palmer (P ’08, ’09, ’12), director of admission and 

external affairs, and Matt Lawlor, athletics director, then shared some of Brewster’s 

points of pride with those gathered. 

In preparing students for college and careers, Brewster has a commitment to its 

students to prepare them to achieve success and adapt in a rapidly changing world, 

Cooper explained. This means evolving the curriculum to best position our students 

for such success. 

Part of Brewster’s curriculum evolution is educating the whole person by giving 

students the skills to effectively relate to and work with individuals in all areas of 

their lives. Extensive research on success and readiness in the workplace shows 

that social and emotional intelligence is more important to professional success 

than IQ, Cooper explained. Equipped with this knowledge and a partnership with 

researchers at Yale University, Brewster is implementing an emotional intelligence 

program to ensure that students have all the skills – academic, personal, and social 

– necessary for success in a university or college and for life. 

Palmer spoke about leadership athletics in the admission process. Explaining 

that about 10 years ago Brewster made a decision to identify specific sports and 

focus on recruiting both student-athletes and highly qualified coaches for these 

teams. The sports are girls and boys’ soccer, basketball, ice hockey, and lacrosse. 

Anyone who follows Bobcat sports knows that most of these teams have met with 

considerable success in the past decade, including earning numerous New England 

and Lakes Region League titles and even one national championship. 

Enjoying the 1991 20th Reunion were (back row) Brian Corsi ‘91, Megeen 

Simoneau ‘02, Hadley Clark ‘91, Heather Tarter ‘91, Susan (Aranosian) McTague 

‘91, Beth Dales ‘91, Jen (Dabney) Nystrom ‘91, (front row) Henry Lord ‘91, Lee 

Edwards ‘91, John Burfeind ‘91, Colin Douglass ‘91, and Max Holzman ‘91. 

To see more photos or to purchase photos 

from Reunion 2011, please go to: 

www.brewsteracademy.org/Reunion2011

Lawlor followed by offering a few specifics, such as nearly 25 percent of the Class 

of 2011 will play sports in college, including 12 students at Division I schools. 

Currently, Brewster counts 58 alumni playing at the Division I level. This past year 

Brewster celebrated a Lakes Region Runner of the Year, a US Lacrosse Coach of 

the Year, an All-American lacrosse player, watched two students represent their 

countries in world games, and, for the first time in many years, sent sailors to a 

national competition. The year ended with the boys’ baseball team earning the 

Lakes Region League title, a feat that hadn’t been accomplished since 1983! 

Celebrating their 10th Reunion are (bottom row) Margery Grella and Alana 

Diaz; second row: Shannon Thibodeau, faculty member Shadow Gorrill, Georgia 

Christofouro, Matt Dacier, Chris Lake, Liz Hutchins; back row: Zac Tartol, faculty 

member Bruce Gorrill, Carrie Richards, faculty member Andy Campbell, and Matt 

Sykes. 

Reunion attendees, led my the Class of 1961 and 

Mike Cooper, “paraded” to Saturday’s lunch in 

the Estabrook. 

The Brewster Story 

During the assembly, Cooper 

recognized former faculty 

members Bob and Shirley 

Richardson, who began 

researching and writing 

Brewster’s history in 2004. 

After hundreds of interviews, 

endless hours of poring over 

long-ago archived photos, 

news articles, and internal 

documents as well as 

documenting history in the 

making, they wove together 

The Brewster Story: The 

Definitive History of Brewster 

Academy, published in May. 

“They have gone above and beyond to bring an exciting project to fruition,” 

acknowledged Cooper before presenting the Richardsons with a framed panoramic 

photographic of campus. 

Celebrating their 5th Reunion, members of the Class of 2006 (back row) Sam Brown, 

Steve Hard, Leif Cameron, Stephen Lopez, Andrew Reyes, Malcolm Collins, Luke Pelz, 

Ashton Tierney, Henrik Schmitz-Sieg, (Front row) Molly Dorko, Rachel Berman, Liz 

Bennett, Tori Neal, Sarah Moin, Erin Wadlinger, Veronika Payne, Tara Gangi

Save the Date 

Reunion 2012 

June 1-3 

Classes ending in 2 and 7 will celebrate special 

reunions in June. The Alumni Office is working 

with volunteers from these classes to make 

Reunion an amazing and memorable event. If 

you would like to be a Reunion volunteer, please 

contact Beth Hayes ‘81 in the Alumni Office at 

beth_hayes@brewsteracademy.org 

(603) 569-7133 

Rick Rain ‘61 and Jim Clough ‘61 

share a laugh at their 50th 

Reunion dinner. 

From the Class of 2001: Margery Grella, Georgia 

Christoforou, Alana Diaz, and Shannon Thibodeau. 

Tiffany (Eckhoff) Philman ‘61 and Helen Chamberlain ‘49 share a 

moment in the Estabrook Dining Hall. 

The Rev. Harry Widman was honored at the Saturday luncheon for his 

many years of service and dedication to the Academy. Head of School Mike 

Cooper acknowledged Harry’s years of teaching history (1972-1981), 

many subsequent years of substitute teaching of nearly every subject, and 

his role at Commencements over the years, delivering the invocation and 

benediction. Following a few remarks of his own, and in true Harry Widman form, 

Harry blessed the Reunion luncheon meal and received a loud round of applause. 

Joining Harry at Reunion were his children Greg Widman ‘78 (seated next to Harry) 

and (l to r) Greg’s wife Cheryl, Jeanne (Widman) Vargus and her husband Charles, 

Sara Widman ‘76, and Kristianne Widman-Johnson ‘80. 

Lucinda Mayberry-Ming ‘79, Brewster faculty member Shamar Whyte, 

Marona Graham-Bailey ‘02, a friend, and Sonette Gilbert ‘80 front right.

HOOPLA 

by Matt Hoopes 

Core Values: 

Serving Themselves and Others With Their Best 

I 

’m not sure most readers would believe the 

incredible number of cards, phone calls, or e-mails 

that I’ve received over the past almost 40 years that 

have included variations of “What I learned during 

my years at BA has been the core that’s directed me 

through my life.” Others have ended their praises 

with statements such as “... And I don’t mean just the 

reached). In some cases, it was a class, a sport, a 

teammate, a teacher, a coach, or one enlightened 

classroom discussion that helped connect students 

to their education and what could be their path after 

Brewster. Regardless of the decade, the relationships, 

adventures, and new found knowledge were rolled 

together into a life-lasting “Brewster Experience.” 

classes ... really the whole experience, the spirit, the 

bonding, community serving ... all of it!” 

The stories of the alumni profiled in this Connections 

illustrate the personal successes that have come in 

This same feeling is echoed each June when alumni 

return to campus for Reunion Weekend and the 

praises of their Brewster years continue. Over the 

years it has become obvious that Brewster has helped 

make many lives more meaningful, more productive, 

and more successful. 

part, small or large, due to their Brewster experience. 

While the program has evolved and may look 

different for today’s students than it looked 40 years 

ago, the core values of a Brewster education have not 

wavered and to this day find their basis and direction 

from “The Brewster Principle: Respect, integrity, and 

service: serve yourself and others with the best in all 

Brewster’s approach to educating young people has 

you do.” 

remained grounded in responding to the needs of its 

students with programs that reflect best practices 

in education. Whether it was the first-of-its-kind 

Learning Skills Program begun in the 1970s or the 

comprehensive school reform initiative of the early 

1990s, Brewster has always sought to apply proven 

education research to evolve its program and provide 

a truly student-centered approach to learning. 

As a former faculty member and now alumni 

correspondent, I feel that Brewster has always found 

a way to reach and connect with every student 

(even those few not particularly interested in being 

Through their accomplishments we have attempted 

to illustrate specific core values – character education, 

teamwork, service, and best practices – embraced by 

alumni. 

I hope you will agree that these alumni, like so many 

others, have served themselves and others with their 

best in all that they do. 

Matt Hoopes was a faculty member from 1975 to 

1996. During this time he and his journalism students 

founded The Brewster Browser, the Outcroppings 

literary magazine, and the BAPA (Brewster Academy 

Photo/Address) book. Since his “retirement” from the 

classroom in 1996, Hoopes has worked as the Young 

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. 


HOOPLA 

Character Counts 

Former Bobcat Dogus Balbay Named Most Valuable Student 

“A team that drafts him will gain a player of enormous talent and even 

higher level of character.” 

Dogus Balbay ’07, the point guard who led the 

Bobcats to a 29-6 record and a runner up finish 

at the 2007 NEPSAC Class A Championship, took 

his talents to the University of Texas and quickly 

became known throughout Texas and the college 

basketball community as one of America’s top 

players. His junior and senior years at Texas he was 

named an Academic All-Big 12 Men’s Basketball 

Team honoree, having maintained a 3.2 GPA or 

higher. In June the point guard signed a three-year 

contract with the Turkish professional team Anadolu 

Efes S.K. and also is a member of Turkey’s senior 

men’s national team. 

As talented a player that he is, however, it is often 

his character that distinguishes Dogus both on and 

off the court. 

To cap off his U.S. basketball career, he was awarded 

the Most Valuable Student for the Class of 2011, an 

honor bestowed on Balbay by Study In America Inc., 

an organization that helps Turkish and Azerbaijani 

students research and apply to universities and 

colleges in the United States. 

“In selecting the Most Valuable Student for the 

Class of 2011, we looked for the student who not 

only achieved extreme success in and out of the 

classroom but also one who possesses a character 

that inspires and impacts others. A student who 

is well rounded and demonstrates intelligence, 

strength, and character,” explained Tamer Turkman, 

president of StudyInAmerican.com. 

“A team that drafts him will gain a player of 

enormous talent and even higher level of character,” 

he added. 

Dogus’ Texas coach, Rick Barnes, couldn’t agree 

more. “You can’t put into words the impact that 

Dogus has had on our program. He truly defines the 

term student-athlete. He has been a great team 

leader and the ultimate teammate. Everyone in our 

program who has played with Dogus respects him. 

More important, I can’t tell you how many players 

and coaches from opposing teams have mentioned 

their respect level for Dogus. Because of his work 

ethic and perseverance and the way he has carried 

himself throughout his career.” 

Although Dogus spent 17-hour days training with 

team Anadolu Efes this summer, he found the time 

to offer his perspective on his own character and 

success thus far. 


27

HOOPLA 

How did Brewster influence your 

development and success 

Coming to Brewster without knowing a word of 

English was very frustrating for me. My friends, 

coaches, and the teachers at Brewster helped me 

out to pick up the language in six months. The 

environment at Brewster was extremely friendly, 

from international students to staff members, from 

equipment managers to dining hall members; they 

were all friendly and made my journey at Brewster 

much easier and smoother. 

How is teamwork a factor in your 

life, and how has it strengthened 

your character 

Being thousands of miles away from my family 

and friends I knew that I had to organize my life by 

myself and take some responsibility. That’s when the 

“teamwork” factor actually came into my life. Having 

a good relationship with my teammates, classmates, 

teachers, and the coaches has strengthened my 

character and leadership skills, because I earned their 

trust by doing my job. Not just on the court, off the 

court and in the classroom as well. 

Your Texas coach says you truly 

define the term student-athlete and 

that you are a “great team leader 

and the ultimate teammate.” Can 

you think of a time at Brewster 

where you felt that you succeeded 

as a teammate with your classmates 

and in your classes 

Well, that’s one of the reasons I came to the 

States. It’s been always my dream to play basketball 

and continue to get my education at the same time. 

When I came to the BA, I wanted to be perfect at 

both. Since I have taken four different ESL classes, my 

classes were all diverse. There were many students 

from different countries. Just having conversations 

with them and interacting with a group of people 

who came from different cultures changed my 

perspective and actually opened my mind to the 

world. 

In the classroom we always had group assignments 

where we had to help each other to basically 

complete the puzzle. We all needed each other 

to finish the assignments, and I felt like I was 

succeeding when I helped my classmates doing work. 

One of the most important things in learning a 

language is being talkative and outgoing. I felt like I 

led my classmates to be more talkative and outgoing 

rather than being shy and being afraid of talking in 

front of class. 

Your character was a significant 

factor in your being selected Most 

Valuable Student for the Class 

of 2011. Where do you feel your 

strength of character comes from 

It definitely comes from my parents. All my family 

members are well educated. They always wanted me 

to have very strong personality. Knowing that they 

will have my back whatever decision I make in life 

also made me a better person and leader. 

How did you learn about Brewster 

Being a basketball player opened lots of new doors in 

my life. At the age of 14 I received a scholarship from 

Fenerbahce Egitim Kurumlari (high school). I was a 

decent student in high school, but I had missed a lot 

of classes since I was traveling at least once a week 

with the professional club team. That’s when I realized 

that school and basketball were not going well 

together especially in Turkey. After I made my decision 

to come to the States, the University of Texas offered 

me a scholarship, but I did not know enough English 

to pass the required tests to attend the college. One 

of the assistant coaches at UT suggested I go to 

Brewster. He is also a good friend of Coach [Jason] 

Smith. After doing a little research about Brewster’s 

athletic program and education system, without any 

question I decided to come to BA. 

I read that you felt it important 

to educate friends about Turkish 

culture and history. Why As an 

international student, how did 

Brewster’s diverse student body 

impact you 

I think Turkey is one of the most significant countries 

in the world, because of its culture, history, and, 

most importantly, its location. It is a bridge between 

Europe and the Middle East. It has a mixture of both 

cultures. I have tried to educate my friends and 

teammates about my country. I wanted to change 

the perspective of people on Middle East. Not all the 

Middle East people are bad or terrorist. Most people 

in the states are predetermined about what they see 

on TV. They think that’s what happens in the Middle 

East on a daily basis. That’s why I wanted to change 

this point of view and try to educate people about 

Turkish history and culture. Brewster had a lot of 

international students from different countries. It 

was a little easier for me to have a conversation with 

my classmates about international relationships 

among countries. 

Teamwork and Early Planning: The Key 

to a Great Reunion By Noël Wright Cantwell ‘61 

The “self-appointed” committee of four: Posey Leavitt 

Funkhouser, Linda Stevens Roeder, Dotti Johnson Kay, 

and me started work about two and half years before 

the big event in June 2011. The first official meeting 

was held on campus on the senior patio, followed by 

luncheon meetings whenever we could get together. 

Ideas were bandied about as to just how we would 

accomplish all we wanted to do. Communication was 

key as was allowing each committee person to work 

on what she was most interested in. 

Getting valid phone numbers and e-mail addresses 

was a priority in order to contact as many 

classmates as possible and encourage them to come 

to our 49th reunion as a “rehearsal” for the BIG one. 

The Brewster Alumni Office supplied us with much 


of the information. We also searched the web for any 

missing or invalid addresses. 

In the 12 months leading up to Reunion, we sent 

four separate letters encouraging classmates to join 

us on our 50th. The Alumni Office kindly supplied 

the postage. The letters went out on a rotating basis 

so each classmate would received a letter from a 

different committee member each time. After the 

letters were completed, we all gathered to address 

the envelopes, write a personal note, and sign them. 

The first letter was a tri-fold flyer, loaded with color 

photos of the 15 classmates who attended the 2010 

Reunion with our personal notes mentioning how 

much we missed those who hadn’t attended. 

The letters were printed in the Brewster colors 

and included visuals of our era. They contained 

information such as the reunion dates, missing 

classmates, a request for permission for their e-mails 

and telephone numbers to be published for all to 

see, hoping that there would actually be groups of 

classmates encouraging each other to attend. In 

one letter we included “remember when” of people, 

events, and sayings that we all could relate to from 

our Brewster days. Classmate Debbie Davis Keniston 

helped set up a Class of 1961 blog and website. 

This, along with e-mails, helped us tremendously! 

Enclosed in one letter were the “save the date” 

Brewster magnets, supplied by the Alumni Office. 

The purpose of the letters and e-mails were threefold: 

to update the classmates on the progress 

of the reunion; communicate who was attending 

and encourage each to contact one another; and 

to solicit ideas for a class gift and suggestions for 

reunion souvenirs. Rather than have the committee 

make all the decisions, we wanted it to be a class 

effort. The committee members’ names, addresses, 

and telephone numbers were all listed. 

Of course, there are always those who would neither 

respond nor give reasons as to why they could not 

attend. Unfortunately, as well, there were some who 

were not well enough to make the trip to Wolfeboro. If 

anyone was “iffy,” we continued to keep them on our 

call list with the hope that they would change their 

mind. In some cases, it proved to be a positive effort. 

Brewster graciously hosted a 

private 50th Reunion dinner 

in Hall of Fame at The Smith 

Center where we had a great 

time getting re-acquainted 

with each other. Along with the 

delicious sit-down dinner and 

open bar, each classmate was 

presented with a 50th class 

pin and a coffee mug with the 

50th Reunion and Brewster 

logo. Upon arrival, we were 

given a yearbook photo, which 

hung from a necklace. We were The fabulous four from 1961: Linda (Stevens) Roeder, Mary-Ann “Posey” 

(Leavitt) Funkhouser, Dotti (Johnson) Kay, and Noël (Wright) Cantwell. 

entertained with and each 

class member presented with 

a video of our 1961 yearbook with interludes of the summer for those unable to attend in June, 

memorabilia from our wonderful years at Brewster. extending our fun for two additional months. 

It brought back many fun memories of our days 

there! 

Our 50th class reunion gift was dedicated to the 

Burtis F. Vaughan Memorial Scholarship Fund. All 

We encouraged everyone to bring in memorabilia for donations, great or small, were greatly appreciated. 

all to see. A table was set up for the display. At the Although the fund had about $6,000 as a base, and 

reunion dinner, the committee had a memory board while we received some generous donations, we 

of the 12 class members who are deceased. Their were still unable to meet our goal to fully endow 

photos from the class yearbook, along with their this fund at the $25,000 level needed to generate 

date of birth and death, were nicely displayed on a scholarship funds. Our hope is that next year we will 

large poster board. 

be able to complete it so that a deserving local day 

student will reap the benefits. 

Along with the event filled weekend planned 

by Brewster, there were many class parties held The classmates were very much impressed with the 

throughout the weekend. Some members traveled campus buildings and the whole campus atmosphere 

from as far a way as Mississippi and Florida. 

in general, finding Brewster and Wolfeboro just as 

Classmates had such a good time, they promised to wonderful as the place they left 50 years ago! 

recruit even more so that our 51st would be even 

larger! And we also held several get-togethers over We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the 

wonderful assistance from the Alumni Office. 

They were very 

receptive to any 

and all of the ideas 

we presented as 

well as we were 

theirs. It was great 

teamwork and we 

thank them, so 

very much, for all 

they did to help 

make it the best 

1960 Lakes Region Champs (l to r): Victor Elios, Rollie Rodrigues, Joe Hassett, Dom 

Gentile, Bob Berry, and Dick Flaherty celebrate at their 50th Reunion. 

reunion ever! 


29

HOOPLA 

A Life of Service 

A volunteer from a young age, Dominique Aubrey’s time at Brewster allowed 

her to continue helping others, a passion she continues to embrace. 

cause people distress or pain and wanted to fix 

them. In addition, my family was very giving and 

we often had exchange students and foster students 

stay with us, which gave me insight into other 

worlds and perspectives. Lastly, but probably as important, 

I am of Haitian decent (which is only more 

relevant now because of the recent earthquake). But 

when you are first generation (both my parents were 

born and raised in Haiti), even though you did not 

have the same struggles you understand struggle 

much more clearly. I believe that is one of the 

reasons why I always wanted to volunteer because 

I realized quickly that everyone is struggling in one 

way or another and sometimes all people need is a 

little help to make it through. I believe volunteering 

was and still is my way of giving back and thanking 

the world for my life and opportunities. I believe 

that volunteering is part of service and your “thank 

you” for being on this earth … especially if you are 

healthy and happy because you have even more to 

be thankful for. 

Dominique Aubrey ’02 is the director of 

talent, strategy, and operations for Teach For America 

Miami-Dade in Florida. She holds a master’s in 

education policy from the University of Pennsylvania 

and a B.A. in political science from Lehigh University. 

She spent a year as a City Year AmeriCorps member, 

dedicating 1,700 hours of service teaching sixth, 

seventh, and eighth grade students with emotional 

support needs. While a corps member she designed a 

service learning curriculum, implemented math and 

science programs, and designed, organized, and led a 

300-person school-based service day. She serves on 

the boards of numerous professional organizations 

and associations, including the Brewster Academy 

Alumni of Color Group. Dominique is a shining 

example of serving herself and others with her best 

in all she does. 

30 BrewsterConnections – Fall 2011 

What first attracted you to 

volunteering At what age did 

you start I think it is first important to note 

that if individuals are not naturally inclined to 

volunteer (through school or your parents or church 

or the Girl Scouts) they probably never will. It 

doesn’t mean that they do not care but that they 

would rather give their money than their time 

unless they have a particular cause that moves them 

enough to give of themselves. However, I find that 

to be rare. 

I started volunteering regularly in middle school. I 

was the president of Future Homemakers of America, 

and we went regularly to the local nursing home 

and played games with senior citizens. I think from 

a young age I always cared about issues that would 

When I got to Brewster I believe I started the first 

community service club under the tutelage of Mr. 

Radley, who was so kind and helpful that he made 

you want to help. Our first service project was volunteering 

at a nursing home every two weeks. I also 

connected with the local high school’s afterschool 

center where I would help out once a week for an 

hour or two. I even got Brewster to do a coffeehouse 

at the location with donations going to the center. 

We also did various candy and food drives for local 

nonprofits in the area. There were about 20 students 

in that club – I made everyone I could participate – 

and since volunteer hours were required, it worked 

out really well and people enjoyed it all around, 

which was the most important part. 

Often people don’t want to give, because they feel 

they have so little or they feel like they have their 

own issues and so they can’t or won’t help others. It 

was important for me to help students understand

why they volunteer and to make it as easy as possible 

for them to get involved. I hope this made a 

lasting impression on my peers. 

Gap Year with AmeriCorps 

After I graduated from Brewster, I deferred college 

for a year and became a City Year AmeriCorps 

member. I worked in Philadelphia teaching sixth, 

seventh, and eighth grade students with emotional 

support needs. AmeriCorps members are required 

to participate in numerous community service 

opportunities as well as become engaged citizens 

(i.e., obtain a public library card, attend town hall 

meetings). I think that my experience during City 

Year solidified the relationship between volunteering 

and citizenship and what it means to actually be 

an engaged citizen. Engaged citizens are no longer 

outsiders or exempt from what is happening around 

them; they are not only part of the environment 

but they are part of the change and the solution to 

problems around them. Volunteering is a handson 

approach to understand the world and your 

relationship to it. If it does nothing else (not even 

help) it does show the individual a glimmer of the 

impact they can have and the joy they can bring. In 

its purest form volunteering is probably one of the 

few true win-win situations. 

Volunteering Takes Many Forms 

Upon beginning college at Lehigh University, the 

way in which I volunteered changed. It was no 

longer nursing homes and weekly tutoring. Instead, 

I became involved in many organizations supporting 

endeavors I cared about. As you volunteer more, you 

begin to understand where you fit and what your 

skill sets are. Volunteering is a great way to soul 

search. I began looking at how I could assist large 

institutions and ideological frameworks, how I could 

make a large-scale impact, and how I could affect 

decision making as a volunteer. 

Volunteering is not just about finding a cause 

to contribute your time; it also is about sharing 

your skills and adding value to an organization or 

institution simply because you care. At Lehigh I 

participated in the Association of Student Alumni, 

working to bring alumni back to campus. I also sat 

on the student judicial board wanting to contribute 

my student perspective and insight to the board. I 

was president of our campus step team, which was 

the first year my school had a multi-cultural step 

team, and we were asked to perform at various 

school events to exemplify diversity and camaraderie. 

I became the first and only student to sit on 

the University’s summer reading committee with 

all the school deans. I also created a multi-cultural 

recruitment program for which my alma mater used 

a template for a new position they created. 

Should students be required to 

volunteer 

Yes, the young should be required to volunteer and 

not just their time but also their efforts in finding 

solutions to problems. The beautiful thing about 

students is that they still have an imagination 

and can think of awesome ways to do things that 

reinvigorate adults. Though volunteering should 

be something that one chooses to do, I liken it to 

making children eat their vegetables; they may not 

want to but it’s a good thing. And, in a sense, even 

if students are reluctant about volunteering, often 

once they get involved most enjoy it and have a 

little fun. 

Volunteering should be something a young person 

is required to do until they leave college; it must 

become a habit. If an individual is not forced to see 

hardship then he or she is not likely to be grateful 

(unless they are extremely thoughtful) but most 

need one to understand the other, as most people 

see things and understanding things in dichotomies 

and simply cannot assess something without being 

able to assess the absence of that thing. Either way, 

it is important for all humans to feel heartbreak for 

another person who is unlike them for one reason or 

another, from that experience they realize that our 

humanness is what connects us to each other and 

are able to feel for them and experience empathy. 

Why do you volunteer 

I volunteer foremost because I believe it is a civic 

duty. Second, it is a way to share my God-given 

talents with the world, and third because it makes 

me feel good (and it helps the person on the other 

end). I give my time (and not money) because that 

is the way in which I believe I can have the most 

impact. Currently, I sit on a lot of organizations’ 

boards, helping them grow and become sustainable 

entities. I also help with event planning and 

community building. 

What advice do you have for the 

many folks who have busy lives 

I think like everything else, if you want something to 

get done you have to make it a priority. Choose one 

to three events or organizations to be involved with 

and help where you can. Many boards, organizations, 

and steering groups have committees where people 

can volunteer at a less formal and time-consuming 

level. For those who want to work directly with 

individuals contact a few organizations that serve 

children or the elderly and learn what some of 

the specific needs are. Perhaps they need a small 

donation basket for school supplies or volunteers to 

hand out water for a cancer walk. 

There are a million ways to get involved. The first 

step is acknowledging your interest to become a 

volunteer. Then consider what you like and find an 

organization that supports this interest. Next, look 

at your schedule to figure out when and where you 

can help. Don’t worry if what you like is obscure, 

there is always someone who is doing it – and if 

there is not, then it is a great place for you to build 

something new. 

What are your thoughts on the Peace 

Corps or AmeriCorps as possible 

alternatives to military service, and 

do you think individuals should be 

encouraged to volunteer for a year 

between high school and college 

I believe volunteering is great whatever the time. I 

volunteered between high school and college and it 

was a great time for reflective pause before I started 

my next journey in life. Although volunteering during 

this time is not for everyone, it can be helpful in 

framing and positioning their college experience. 

However, volunteering in any capacity, especially for 

a year will definitely increase a person’s level of civic 

engagement and this is always a good thing. 

And, yes, I support the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps 

as alternatives to military service. 


31

HOOPLA 

Best Practices in Professional Tree Management 

Peter Sortwell ’72, CEO of Arborwell 

Upon graduation from Brewster in 1972, Peter 

Sortwell wanted to be an artist. “Photography was 

my passion,” he said. Faculty member Bob Richardson 

– who many may remember wore many hats at that 

time – was the photography teacher and convinced 

Peter’s mother to buy him a telephoto lens. 

Although Peter did not pursue the art of 

photography following his Brewster graduation, he 

found his passion in the potential of landscapes, 

specifically trees. 

After Brewster he went to neighboring Maine 

to study the science of plants, trees, and soil – 

knowledge that would serve him well in his family’s 

landscaping and tree business where he spent 

summers working. Upon completing his degree 

in plants and soil sciences from the University of 

Maine, he returned to the Beverly Farms area north 

of Boston to help run S&S Tree and Landscape, the 

family business. 

Breaking Ground 

After working for nearly 10 years at his family’s 

business, a business that Peter described as seasonal 

and dysfunctional, he decided to uproot and head 

west, settling in the San Francisco Bay area. Realizing 

that tree management was what he knew, he took 

a job with one of the leading company’s in the 

industry, Davey Tree Expert Company, as their San 

Francisco district manager. According to Peter he 

worked long hours but learned a great deal about 

the business and how to organize and manage a 

growing company. 

Next he joined Environmental Care Inc. (now Valley 

Crest) with the goal of opening a tree care division 

for the largest landscape maintenance company in 

the country. This same year, 1986, he would achieve 

that goal when he opened Arbor Care in San Jose 

as a division of Environmental Care Inc. He spent 

15 years growing and developing Arbor Care to 12 

operating locations throughout the country. Then on 

his 48th birthday, he was told that his services were 

no longer needed. 

After months of reflection about his future, in 

2001 he and wife Anne decided to start their own 

business. They purchased Arborguard Inc., and 

upon Anne’s suggestion, re-named the company – 

Arborwell Professional Tree Management. 

Under Peter’s leadership the company has grown 

into one of the fastest growing businesses in the 

country, earning a place on the Inc. 5000 list for 

the past four years. The tree management company 

now services commercial, residential, and estate 

properties as well as municipalities and golf courses 

from Sacramento to San Diego. 

For the past five years Arborwell has appeared on the 

San Francisco Business Times fast 100 list. Peter is an 

ISA-certified arborist and in February 2011 became a 

board member of the Tree Care Industry Association 

(TCIA), a leading industry resource and accrediting 

body for tree care companies and professional 

arborists nationwide. 

Learned Leadership Skills 

With the founding of Arborwell, Peter said he was 

both excited to leave the corporate world and, for 

the first time in his working career, he was happy 

to be using his learned leadership skills to create a 

“people business” in which communication between 

his team members allowed the company to grow, 

quickly, in the right way: “Hire the right people, give 

them the tools needed to succeed, and let them do 

their job.” 

Peter credits his dorm parent and mentor, a very 

young David Smith (who would become headmaster 

within two years of Peter’s graduating), with instilling 

the basis for his organizational and leaderships skills. 

Peter was a student leader, helping bring student 

concerns and desire for change, such as the student 

dress code, to the administration. At times, he and 

other leaders would work late into the evening with 

David working on their plans for change. 

David recollected the late 1960s and the early 1970s 

on campus, noting that their were few students 

who were somewhat conservative and preppy in 


these days. “We didn’t have many students then 

that would fit the mode of the preppy, but we had 

one in Peter. He both dressed the part and acted the 

part,” David shared. “I can still picture Peter riding his 

bike through a foot or so of freshly fallen snow after 

formal dinner, wearing his checkered jacket, tie, and 

pressed pants.” 

Peter has lots of enthusiasm for his years at Brewster 

and remembered activities and friends with fond 

chuckles. He was well thought of by friends with a 

dorm mate, Bob Arnold, ‘70, commenting “Great guy. 

We had lots of fun with Pete: music, long hair, he 

wore the best mod ties of anyone in the school!” 

Arborwell’s website is evidence that Peter has not 

lost his excellent taste in handsome ties. 

Best Business Practices 

Asked about the best practices in putting together 

an organization that has grown to 15 operating 

locations in California and produced over 16 million 

dollars in revenues, Peter explained that it was 

a combination of leadership and management 

skills committed to early on in the company’s 

development. 

Because Peter knew many in the tree business in 

the Bay area, including the best in the business, he 

was able to recruit many talented experts to join 

the Arborwell team, and he credits his team of 128 

employees (125 more than he had at S&S!) with the 

company’s success. 

“I quickly learned to delegate, let everyone contribute 

their ideas. I bought laptops for all so that they could 

work from home. I learned not to micro-manage, but 

to give various levels responsibilities so that they 

actually were part of the team,” he explained. 

In a profession that is very high risk, Peter has 

created a culture of safety, with some employees 

even certified by the TCIA in professional tree care 

safety. 

Arborwell also counts 21 ISA-certified arborists 

among its employees, including Peter. These certified 

individuals have passed a comprehensive knowledge 

and competency exam, adhere to a professional 

code of ethics, and must continue their education to 

maintain their certification. 

As a former board member of the National Arborist 

Association (now Tree Care Industry Association 

or TCIA) he has been involved in developing many 

industry safety and quality standards that have 

contributed to Arborwell’s success. 

Additionally, Arborwell is one of about a 

dozen companies in California to receive TCIA 

accreditation. This certification ensures customers 

that Arborwell has implemented best business 

practices, among other important safety, quality, 

ethical, and government standards. 

“TCIA accreditation is important because it ensures 

our customers of professionalism, proper insurance, 

and up to date on all industry and government 

standards,” Peter said. 

Peter’s industry awards are a testament to his 

commitment to best business practices. As a former 

board member of the National Arborist Association 

(NAA), he helped develop industry safety and quality 

standards, including the A-300 pruning standard, 

that have played a role in Arborwell’s success. He is 

a past recipient of the President’s Award for his work 

in designing the Excellence in Arboriculture Awards 

program for the NAA. The East Bay Business Times 

named him 2007 Entrepreneur of the Year, and 

in 2009 the San Francisco Business Times 

named Peter the Most Admired CEO. 

As a current TCIA board director his focus is 

on helping the tree management industry 

better itself. 

“I would like to build on the marketing of 

accreditation and begin the process of 

establishing industry metrics and 

measurements for standards of learning 

and education for running a tree 

company. I want to give back and to 

help our industry better itself.” 

Peter’s volunteer efforts aren’t directed solely within 

his industry. He also is a member of JobTrain, which 

assists educational and job training preparation 

for youth aged 14-21; the Students Rising Above 

program, which invests in low-income, first 

generation college students who have demonstrated 

a commitment to educational achievement and 

strength of character in overcoming tremendous 

odds of poverty, homelessness, and neglect; and the 

San Mateo Rotary Club as well as TCIA’s Voice for 

Trees PAC. 

Peter lives in San Mateo with his wife Anne. They 

have two sons: Alex, 20, and Tom, 18, who, no doubt, 

both want to be photographers too! Peter confessed 

that the name of their powerboat is “Swell,” and no 

doubt it is a wooden boat! 

Turning Business 

Growth Into Energy 

As Arborwell grew, so did the ‘landfill’ and when 

the company reached the point where they were 

hauling 300 tons of wood chips a day, Peter 

knew there had to be another way, another use 

for the limbs, logs, and brush or biomass. 

When Arborwell initially approached California 

electric companies about recycling the biomass, 

it was turned down because other companies 

had made similar offers but were unable to 

produce the quantity and quality of wood 

chips needed to produce enough electricity. 

With Arborwell’s commitment to meet the 

requirements, both entities soon benefited. 

In fact, Arborwell was able to reduce its 

transportation and landfill costs – approximately 

$300,000 annually – while the state gained 

power: wood chips are burned in a furnace, 

which provides heat that produces steam. This 

steam turns the turbines and generators that 

send power into California’s electrical grid. 

According to Arborwell’s website: “Through 

Arborwell’s wood chip recycling program, we 

generate enough clean energy to power an 

average of 330 three-bedroom houses every year.” 


33

Class Notes 

1957 

Cecily (Ballou) Quimby writes: “Celebrated our 50th 

anniversary July 1, enjoying our grandchldren and all 

of their activities.” 

1965 

Frank Jaarsma retired after 32 years with Celanese/ 

Ticona Corporation as a staff engineer “I will be 

relocating to Florida with my wife to enjoy the mild 

winters and lots of sunshine.” 

1970 

Zeke Bates has been happily married to Kathy 

Strout for eight years and lives in Epping, New 

Hampshire. His son Chris works at Zeke’s store, Tiles 

GoneWild, while his other son is working on his 

doctorate in chemistry at Northeastern. 

1976 

Peter DeJager, wife Karen, and their children Jeff and 

Jaime live in Wolfeboro. Peter owns and manages 

commercial properties in southern New Hampshire 

and is actively involved as men’s ministry director at 

the First Congregational Church of Ossipee and leads 

the weekly Lakes Region Men’s Fellowship Meeting 

at the Pinckney Boathouse. 

Stephen Tarbell writes: “[Matt] Hoopes said it 

was 421 months since I was last in touch, which 

struck me as a long time. I’m still living in Walpole, 

Massachusetts, and managing Rocky’s Ace Hardware. 

Suits me just fine as I get to give advice to my 

friends and family all day long.” 

1978 

Chip Tothill writes: “I am still finding my main 

income to be from ‘professional house painting.’ 

Yet, I do have an eclectic range of other skills and 

trainings ... I have tried the last two years to actually 

get a job at Brewster Academy. No openings for me 

(as yet!).” 

1981 

Michael Kiesling writes that while business in 

surgical implants has picked up, with the uncertainty 

of future health care reimbursements, he is 

searching for a career opportunity with a bigger 

medical company. “The family is great, and my wife, 

Susan and I are enjoying watching our kids grow, 

though I’m still getting used to my sons now being 

6 and 10! They both love fishing, boating, and 

swimming. I can’t get them to water ski ever since I 

broke some ribs showing off!” 

1982 

Harold Parker wrote that he was appointed 

prospects director for U.S. Congressman Charles F. 

Bass and works in Concord. 

1983 

Kenneth Benson was tired of the congestion in 

New York City and moved to Stamford, Connecticut, 

where he is a territory manager at Lane Sales Inc. 

Mary Ann Stewart, her partner Michele Yelk, and 

their Papillon puppy Casey live in St. Petersburg, 

Florida. In March 2011 Mary Ann wrote: “Enjoying 

spring training here in Florida. Going to Disney World 

for our birthday, April 14. Both Michele and I have 

it on the same day! We will be having a meal with 

Mickey Mouse, family, and friends.” 

1984 

Glen Gordon writes: “Our restaurant just celebrated 

its five-year anniversary. I live in Durham, North 

Carolina, still single, and enjoying living in the South. 

Patricia (Glidden) Hanson ‘53, Patricia “PD” (Quinlan) Dawson ‘53, Monie Zarinksy ‘54, Ron “Red” Curran ‘54 and 

his wife Sally during Reunion brunch. 

After five years, I love just saying ‘Ya’ll’ at least 10 

times a day!” 


Bill Moore writes: “Karen and I are still doing well, 

living in sunny Ft. Lauderdale. I’ve changed jobs and 

am now the director of quality for a turbine engine 

shop. We overhaul engines for 747s and DC10s.” 

Rhonda (Valade) Vappi is back in the business of 

helping people, working at Northern Human Services 

in the Human Resources department. “My daughter 

is finished with school and is a licensed massage 

therapist. Our son Dan is going into 10th grade and 

working to become an engineer. All is good!” 

1985 

Andy Russell just moved to Florida and has a 

condo in St. Thomas. “I plan to spend the warmer 

months back in Vermont and Maine. I still run a 

manufacturing company, and when I’m not traveling 

to one of my factories, I’m working via the internet.” 

1986 

Julie (Konheim) Abt and husband Jon have three 

children: Austin, Jordon, and Dylan. They live in 

Highland Park, Illinois, where Julie is a stay-at-home 

mom. 

Nina Assimakopoulos and her children, Ibana, 16, 

and Isaac, 12, live in Bowling Green, Ohio, where 

she is a flute professor at Bowling Green State 

University. “I still enjoy running and watching my 

kids swim in meets. I have accomplished many of the 

life dreams I had as a student at Brewster, including 

producing a CD recording, getting a Fulbright 

scholarship to study flute in Germany, and remaining 

physically fit.” 

Jon Brown lives in Penfield, New York. He heads up 

the interactive group for an advertising agency and 

is president of a local mountain bike club. His wife 

Mio teaches arts at a local college, sons Avery and 

Ciaran are in college, and daughter Amy is in high 

school. 

Chris Butler lives in Plymouth, Massachusetts, 

with his wife Michelle and their son Ryan, 7. He is 

a U.S. Army veteran, holds a master’s in criminal 

justice from Curry College, and is a sergeant with 

the Plymouth police department. With his family, 

he enjoys traveling and spending time on their boat 

around Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. 

Recollections 

Experienced Alumni Recall 

Their Brewster Days 

Mary Roberts Goodrich ’41 

Alton, New Hampshire 

In June Mary attended her 70th reunion at 


“There were about 100 students when I 

came in my freshman year. Most were from 

Wolfeboro, only my family – five brothers 

and sisters – came over from Alton. My 

older brother Leslie was 16 when my twin 

brother Preston and I enrolled. Leslie had an 

International pickup truck, which he drove 

over in. We all had farm chores to do so as 

soon as classes were over, we’d all drive 

directly home.” 

When asked to compare today’s Brewster campus 

with that of the late 1930s, Mary laughed. 

Eliot Assimakopoulos lives in Niskayuna, New York, 

with his five children. He is the global sales director 

for GE Digital Energy’s Smart Substation business. 

He also is the commercial leader for GE’s Microgrid 

Solution. He was a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, 

is a graduate of Virginia Military Institute, and holds 

an MBA from American Intercontinental University. 

Liddie (Kimball) Hayes, Betsy (Lurie) Ross, and Geraldine 

Griffin at their 25th Reunion dinner in June. 

Alex Dexter is still commercial fishing and recently 

appeared on the TV show, “Lobster Wars.” “I’ve 

captained my boat for 11 years. I’ve been married for 

21 years, and my wife and I worked with the Disney 

Channel for four years. No children, just one spoiled 

rotten dog and one nameless cat.” 

Mike Farraher and wife Allison welcomed their first 

child in January, daughter Calabrese. 

Steve Frothingham lives in Colorado with 

his children Andrew, 16, and Elizabeth, 13. 

“After a few years with The Associated 

Press, I returned to my cycling passion 

(and the Rockies) three years ago. I’m 

editor of VeloNews.com, a bike racing 

website and magazine in Boulder.” 

Shon Greenblatt grew tired of Los 

“There was just the one building, the 

Academic Building. No gym, no library, no 

tennis courts, but we did have an ice rink, 

toboggan track, and fields for football and 

hockey. The day students ate their lunches in 

the locker rooms in the basement.” 

“A large group of students enjoyed skiing, 

and my brother usually carried skies in his 

pickup while the Thurrell brothers often 

drove their high-sided truck, filled with a 

goodly amount of hay for the other skiers 

to sit on, and would drive over to the 

Ossipee slope. More often they’d go to the 

Abenaki Ski slopes where there was a rope 

tow available so as to make the skiing more 

enjoyable. Our coaches often spent more 

time keeping the tow running than they did 

coaching. It was fun to watch the boys and all 

were good sports.” 

A favorite memory: The annual spring dance 

held at the Wolfeboro Casino near the lake. 

“The students all chipped in and did the 

decorations and the refreshments.” 


35

Class Notes 

Angeles so he moved his family east to New York Institute of Photography and son Tommy is a senior 

a few years ago. “I fell into the exciting world of at Hebron Academy. 

online advertising and marketing, where I work 

today for Media Holdings in the financial district of Jamie Hill is the founder and CEO of admarketplace. 

Manhattan.” 

com “I’m still not married but have been dating the 

same wonderful girl for the past two years.” 

Geraldine Griffin is a former criminal defense 

attorney who is now a professor of legal writing at Joy Lambert lives in St. Maarten where she teaches 

Suffolk Law School in Boston. She and husband Tom art and works as the college counselor at the 

have two daughters, Caroline, 7, and Jane, 4. Tom is American school on the island. “There isn’t much 

an attorney and a writer. 

time to develop my own art, and I’m not painting 

every day as I’d like. I can’t complain, life is good, and 

Lucy Hartford has been working in the private jet I have a fantastic view of the beach from my porch.” 

industry since 2007. “Amidst all my different careers, 

I’ve traveled the world from Mumbai, India, to Matt Libby lives in Florida where he started a tile 

Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the coast of northern and marble company. He has twins, a girl and a boy. 

Africa. In my spare time I raise funds for Children’s 

Hospital in Los Angeles.” 

Jon Linde and Sara (Merrena) Linde were married in 

1998 and live in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Jon is 

Chip Haselton and wife Pam have two children. “I an attorney, practicing antitrust and transportation 

worked for Sears for 20 years, leaving when Sears regulatory law. Sara is a senior marketing analyst. 

merged with Kmart. Worked for Best Buy until I They have two children, Teddy, 8, and Caroline, 6, and 

started my own company five years ago.” 

a geriatric mutt, Prudy. 

John Heyl lives in the Wolfeboro area. “I’m trying 

to slow down in masonry as it accelerates the Valerie (Norfleet) McMorrow writes, “I’m loving 

aging process. Considering writing or teaching.” Vermont and our snowy winters and skiing and 

His daughter Ashley, 21, is a graduate of Hallmark snowboarding with my three beautiful children.” 

Dave Merrill lives 

in Neptune Beach, 

Florida, and writes: “I 

graduated from Eckerd 

College, got married, 

had four kids, started a 

company, got divorced, 

played some golf, got 

fat, got skinny, got fat 

again. Got married last 

May to a wonderful 

person. Now I spend 

time running my 

company, traveling, 

and hanging out with 

my kids.” 

John Burfeind ‘91 and former faculty member Barbara Douglass. 

William Merrill lives in Lafayette, California, 

northeast of San Francisco. He is married with two 

children: Jared, 3, and Sylvie, 1. “I work as a senior 

vice president of trading at First Republic Securities, 

a broker-based dealer in San Francisco.” 

Bjorn Otterness lives in Ledyard, Connecticut, and 

earned an MBA in Organization and Management 

from the University of New Haven in 2000. “A fluke 

accident occurred in the summer of 2002 when I 

fell 50 feet onto an incline and some bushes. When I 

woke up the next day, I learned that I was paralyzed 

from the waist down. I have since adjusted to life 

in a wheelchair. I drive my own car and returned to 

school to receive my BS in accounting from Eastern 

Connecticut State College. I do taxes three months 

of the year, and I enjoy traveling.” 

Bruce Pennypacker works in information technology 

at Tufts University. “I’ve helped run five statewide 

and regional theater festivals. I’m currently on the 

board of directors of a community theater and 

also the executive vice president of the Eastern 

Massachusetts Association of Community Theaters. 

Lastly and most importantly, I’m engaged to a 

wonderful woman, Heather.” 

Dennis Phipps lives in New York City where he started 

DKP Media Group (www.dkpmg.com) “It has been a 

really adventurous 25 years working with some fun, 

talented, difficult, insightful, … world renown artist/ 

performers, along with a few business mavens.” 

Susan (Janfaza) Poverman has a master’s in 

severe special needs and worked in the Lowell 

(Massachusetts) public schools for seven years 

before taking time off to raise sons Max, 9, and 

Adam, 6. “I changed careers three years ago, and I am 

now a weight loss consultant with Jenny Craig.” 

Trey Rhian and wife Stacy live in Hattiesburg, 

Mississippi, with their three children: Regan, 13, 

Alden, 10, and Jillian, 10. Trey and his brother run 

Parthenon Envelope Company. He also owns the 

recycling company Renewable Options. 


Jim Rice Is a principle software engineer for Dassault 

Systemes. He and his wife have two daughters ages 

7 and 5 and a son almost 1. “I still have family and a 

summer home in Wolfeboro.” 

Joanna (Lavarello) Robenson is an ER nurse. She 

has been married for five years and became one of 

Jehovah’s Witnesses 17 years ago. “I’m busy with 

building projects, disaster relief, and teaching people 

the Bible. So, actually, I’m saving lives in my secular 

career and in my real career!” 

Mark Roelli lives in Rockaway, New Jersey, and works 

at General Electric’s corporate flight department as 

an avionics technician. Mark and wife Simone have 

two daughters: Gabriella, 5, and Sofia, 3. “Life is good, 

but hectic!” 

spent on the coast of Maine and the beaches 

of Massachusetts. Winters include skiing and 

snowboarding while spring and fall are full of 

baseball, lacrosse, and horse riding.” He is vice 

president of Risk Management and Operational 

Security for Devonshire Investors in Boston, a part of 

Fidelity Investments. 

Peter Stein lives in Aventura, Florida, and has 

two girls ages 4 and 11. “I’ve had my own online 

marketing business (www.steindigital.com) for 

over 10 years.” 

Mike Sullivan is a partner at Schlesinger Associates, 

a global market research company that specializes 

in qualitative and quantitative research. He and wife 

Catherine have three children: Nick 11, Will, 8, and 

Cate, 2. “We spend a lot of time skiing in Vermont 

and sailing in the Florida Keys and the Northeast 

when we can get away from the kids’ sports 

schedules.” 

For 18 years, Matt Symmes has worked for the 

Massachusetts Department of Corrections. His wife 

is a nurse for a local Visiting Nurse Company in 

Rhode Island. They have two boys, ages 12 and 9. 

To support his car racing habit, Will Turner started 

a BMW parts supply company in 1995. “Turner 

Motorsport employs over 35 people in its parts 

division and our three BMW race teams compete 

in the Grand AM ROLEX Sports Car Series. In 2002 

I married my college sweetheart. We have two 

beautiful girls, 4 and 6.” 

Betsy (Lurie) Ross and her husband have three 

children: Ben, 11, Veronica, 9, and Boula, 4. She 

volunteers with the Community Garden movement 

in Columbus, Ohio. 

Mystery Photo 

Tom Rossi, married to Jordana, is a self-described 

“Brewster rebel/poet/musician” and current 

“Brooklyn singer-songwriter/music producer/ 

multi-instrumentalist/music therapist.” He has 

studied in Africa, Cuba, and Brazil, and taken spiritual 

journeys to Turkey. He plays healing music for 

hospice patients and has released several recordings 

in a few musical genres (www.TomRossi.com). 

Katie (Wolfe) Ruesch is a teacher assistant for St. 

Ann’s School, working with a special needs class. “I 

was hoping to get my degree in special education, 

but with three daughters – Emma, 13, Charlotte, 12, 

and Grace, 9 all playing soccer – I just don’t have the 

time right now.” 

Chris Seifert lives in Boston and is married to 

Patricia. He is the father of Mila and Lily and 

stepfather to Clementine. 

Rob Shickel lives in Hingham, Massachusetts, 

with his wife and two children. “Summers are 

Bobcat Cheer: The first alumna/alumnus to identify all five of the cheerleaders 

in this 1958 photo will win a $25 gift certificate to the campus store (on campus or 

online). Send your answer to marcia_eldredge@brewsteracademy.org 

Congratulations to Katie O’Brien ’06 who was the first person to correctly identify the 

staff member celebrating her silver anniversary at Brewster. Katie identified Kate Turner 

by her silver shoes and the silver anniversary clue that appeared in the Spring 2011 issue. 


37

Class Notes 

Peter-Bruce Wassitsch and wife Ana Elisa have two 

children Helena, 14, and Max, 10. “I’m in the business 

of building vacation homes and the work has taken 

me to most of the Bahamian islands. We still live 

in Nassau and continue to enjoy boating, sailing, 

fishing, and the island life.” 

the fairy tale, going strong, and 

loving life!” After the brutal 

New Hampshire winter he 

just went through, Michael 

is thinking of moving in with 

Hoopes next winter! 

1988 

Randy Berenson writes: “Hi, All! I hope that life is 

treating you well wherever you are. I teach high 

school math at an international boarding school in 

Squaw Valley, California, and absolutely loving it! 

Imagine the irony ...” 

Pamela (Pisciotta) Munoz and husband are “busy 

raising three boys, one bird, and one rescue beagle.” 

Eric Schwartz is out of the seafood business and 

working at SkylineBoston, which designs and 

manufactures trade show exhibits. He was married in 

2000 and has a daughter, 1. 

1989 

Dobro Goodale writes: “Life is cruising right along 

California style! Luna got a full scholarship to 

Groton. Kiteboarding season just started and still 

playing lacrosse. Brewster remains a strong thread 

in my life!” 

Grant Hays writes: “Things are going well for 

me in Los Angeles with lots of opportunities in 

broadcasting at the highest possible level. I am 

currently working for the California Angels baseball 

team. The corporation owns AM 830 KLAA. I 

broadcast games, edit highlights and production, and 

produce talk shows.” 

Corey Levy has moved back to the States after 10 

years in China. “I still need to travel frequently, but 

Boulder, Colorado, is home again and I love it here, 

though I do miss the beaches and close proximity to 

diving there.” 

Michael Snyder and Jennifer Riley live in Hampton 

Falls, New Hampshire. He writes: “We are still living 

Michele (Giannone) Talwani 

is the director of economic 

development and marketing 

at Families in Transition. 

“We provide transitional and Shayla Coleman ’96, Jill Penrose ‘96 and Katie Boote ’96 reunited in June. 

permanent affordable housing 

and services to homeless 

individuals and families in Manchester and Concord, networks for apartment buildings and public venues.” 

New Hampshire. An incredible organization and one 

in which I’m happy to be a part. Friends, find me on Keith Keeler and wife Kim are approaching 10 years 

Facebook – let’s connect!” 

of marriage and son Paul is 6. “We have been back in 

New England for about five years, nice to see family 

Kristin Van Wagner wrote that in May she was and friends (five winters – we will be going back to 

leaving her desk job to try her hand at earning a warmer weather soon!). Hope everyone is well!” 

living on small expedition cruise ships: first stop – 

Borneo and Southeast Asia this fall. 

1992 

Jennifer Finn-Gonzalez and husband Eric welcomed 

Matt Woodward confessed that time has flown daughter Reagan in summer 2010. They live in Silver 

by since his marriage to Monique last year. Before Spring, Maryland. Jennifer works with abused women 

their marriage they completed the restoration of and children as a mental health counselor, and she 

Matt’s house before they put it on the market and loves her job. She said that she and her family live 

started the remodeling of their 1894 Denver home. very busy and wonderful lives and thanks Brewster 

Matt offered that while 100+ years is not old for for the part the school played in her development. 

a New England home, it is for Colorado! Along the 

way they managed to plan a wedding in Colorado, Laura (Sills) LeBrun writes: “Hi, everyone. I am busy 

small enough so they could spend time with their being a second grade teacher and a mom. My family 

guests. Matt and Monique honeymooned in Guyana, really likes Steamboat [Springs] because we enjoy 

Suriname, and French Guiana. 

our time outside. Quinn is in first grade and likes 

skiing. Ryan is playing hard in preschool. My husband 

1990 

Paul is a chef.” 

Matthew Baker is doing well in Northfield, Illinois, 

and says hello to everyone. “I will hit the big 40 in Gregory McLean writes that “Life is good! I’ve been 

October.” 

married to Elizabeth for four years, and we have two 

sons, Deelan, 17 months and Mason, 4 months.” 

Jonathan DeWoskin and his girlfriend remodeled a 

loft in downtown Chicago. “I started a new company, Kate Radley ’92 and Lynn Ellis were married in June. 

Roam Free Solutions LLC, to put a brand on my Among those attending the Denver nuptials were TJ 

consulting services. We install large scale wireless and Lynne Palmer; Peg and Tim Radley and son Mark 


‘90; David and Sheila Smith and sons James ’95, Tim 

’91, and Dan ’93, along with his wife Inese. 

The mother of the bride reported, “The ceremony 

was a beautiful reflection of Kate and Lynn’s love 

and values and was officiated by our own David 

Smith. A familiar David sentiment celebrated the 

conclusion of their union as he declared it the 

beginning of ‘the first day of the rest of their lives.’” 

Russell “Rusty” Starmer and wife Kristin live in 

Truckee, California, with their Labradoodle, Ponzi. 

In March, 2011 Rusty wrote: “We had a great ski 

season in Tahoe this winter. Soon I will be preparing 

customer boats for the 11th season of All-Star Boat 

Care, but first we will be headed back to Baja for a 

month of fishing and kiteboarding.” 

1996 

Hamilton Cochran has lived in San Francisco, New 

York City, and Rochester, New York, in the recent 

past. “I hated being at a desk all day, but the two 

years of experience and training at a well known 

IT company in Rochester led me to my new job in 

Aspen, Colorado.” He works in IT support for a resort 

with mountain and hotel properties and on occasion 

in the winter he has to ski to the various properties 

to offer support. “Basically my dream job!” 

1998 

Scott Bixler was planning to wed Kathleen Kissane in 

his parents’ backyard in Maryland on September 17. 

Lee Denslow writes that on a recent visit to the 

Bahamas he couldn’t make it to Eleuthera to visit 

Matt Hoopes. “I am the vice president of sales 

and marketing for Tradewinds, the Bloomberg of 

commercial shipping. I am also in the process of 

selling the clothing company GreenLobsterUSA, 

which I created with two friends from St. Lawrence 

University six years ago.” 

Tapley-Ann (Mudge) Paxson and husband Dave 

welcomed Tavin Ann Paxson on July 17. Everyone is 

healthy and life is good. David and Tapley-Ann live in 

Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where Tapley-Ann teaches 

children with learning disabilities at The Janus 

School. They look forward to Tavin Ann’s first tour of 

Brewster soon. 

1999 

MaryJane (Haynie) Dowling and husband Carl 

live in Atlanta with their three children: Sophia, 4, 

Mya, 2, and Garrett, who they welcomed in March. 

MaryJane wrote that she is “the proud mom of three 

beautiful children and so lucky that I get to be a 

stay-at-home mom. I live in Atlanta and volunteer 

for Youth for Understanding, a nonprofit exchange 

program that I participated in during high school.” 

Travis Larsen and Melissa Harding live in Oak Bluffs, 

Massachusetts, with their daughter Violette born in 

January and their two dogs, Sophie and Phoebe. 

Jenna (Marks) O’Donnell and husband Mark 

welcomed son Greyson George on May 2. Jenna 

describes Greyson as a mini-version of Mark and is 

enjoying every moment of her time with him and 

feels incredibly blessed. 

2000 

Dustin Carlson writes that “Life out here in 

Minneapolis has been very blessed. Jessica and I just 

celebrated our third anniversary. No kiddies on the 

horizon, but our friends are very busy with that stage 

Topher Grace ’97 with recent alumni at Commencment in May. Greyson O’Donnell, son of Jenna (Marks) O’Donnell ‘99 


39

Class Notes 

In Memoriam 

Class of 1930 

Valma (Long) Elliott 

July 3, 2011 

Wolfeboro 

of life. .. and it’s been fun to watch and see it unfold. 

The family is doing well. Plenty of challenges came 

along … over the past two years, but we all banded 

together to face them and it feels like we’re coming 

through the other side now.” 

Class of 1935 

Philip J. McBrien 

March 2, 2011 

Union, Maine 

Class of 1938 

Lillian (Osgood) Brookes 

March 20, 2011 

Wolfeboro 

Class of 1940 

Mary C. Brewster 

February 1, 2011 

Wolfeboro 

Class of 1948 

Joseph P. Ford 

August 9, 2011 

Lee, New Hampshire 

Class of 1949 

Mr. John C. Rico 

October 26, 2010 

Wolfeboro Falls 

Class of 1951 

Delbert C. Haley Jr. 

December 31, 2010 

Melvin Village, New Hampshire 

Class of 1953 

Alfred L. Bickford 


Homosassa, Florida 

Class of 1953 

Orion M. Lord 

March 28, 2011 

Ellijay, Georgia 

Class of 1955 

Susan K. Broman 


Bow, New Hampshire 

Class of 1957 

Donald A. Clark 

April 2, 2011 

Bedford, New Hampshire 

Class of 1959 

Matthew L. Collins 

November 3, 2010 

Wake Forest, North Carolina 

Newlyweds Morgan and Jen 

Huntley in June. 

Morgan Huntley 

was married to 

Jennifer Fulham 

on June 11 in 

Newport, Rhode 

Island. Morgan’s 


roommate 

for two years, 

Hunter Strupp, 

and his wife 

attended. 

Blair Pyne Facebooked an update: “I got married 

in October 2010 and moved to League City, Texas, 

just south of Houston and across the lake from 

NASA. I’m now working for my uncle at his company, 

Kirby, which is the barge company that transports 

petroleum products via the inland waterway. I am 

in a new position that deals with treating the water 

that we use to wash the cargo tanks of our barges. 

I’ll have help doing the lab work, which will be nice, 

hopefully saving my hair from falling out!” 

2001 

Katie McCarthy wrote that she is married and 

expecting a baby in December. She has opened an 

organic farm, www.KatesOrganics.com. She received 

her masters in secondary education, is a realtor 

(Green/ABR/Notary), and is currently studying for an 

LPN-RN nursing program. 

Douglas Miller, brother Patrick Miller ’03, and Marie 

Maseng ’02 work together at the Ascend Realty 

Group in Boston. Doug is a managing partner and 

Patrick and Marie are associate brokers. 

2002 

Ashley Mudge has relocated from Wyoming to New 

Marianna Sychterz, 2, joined mom Kim (Rawson) 

Sychterz ‘01 at Reunion. 

York City where she is teaching at The Cathedral 

School. 

Rylan Okie is living and working in Boston. 

2005 

George Dohrmann graduated from the University 

of Denver in June with a degree in economics and is 

going to graduate school. He still plays competitive 

hockey and enjoys spending time with his two-year 

old Bernese Mountain dog, Bentley. 

Gabrielle “Bri” Gatta is back in New York City and 

still working for UBS the Investment Bank. “I work 

in the Leveraged Finance Group and was recently 

extended a third year offer as a financial analyst. I 

spent my first year concentrating on UBS’ oil and gas 

industry in the Houston office, but am now covering 

every sector (healthcare, energy, retail, media, 

gaming). I moved back to Manhattan in October 

2010, and it has been an incredible experience. 


In Memoriam 

Class of 1961 

George Lee Eldridge 

June 29, 2011 

Jamestown, California 

Class of 1962 

John B. Kelley 

May 27, 2011 

Arlington, Massachusetts 

Former classmates Mary Seaman ’06 and Ginger Lieb ’06 worked together at Mammoth Mountain last winter. 

NYC is my second home, and I am happy to be Congratulations to Columbia graduate Niko Scott 

back. I am still juggling the 100-plus-hour work on being named 2010-2011 England Basketball 

weeks, which initially was an adjustment but is now League Division 1 Player of the Year. Scott plays for 

a welcomed challenge. I am training for the New the Reading Rockets. 

York City Marathon in November.” Bri was looking 

forward to reuniting with the Cabin Crew up at Lake 2007 

Winnipesaukee over the summer. 

Alyssa Palazzo has moved to a new apartment in 

Boston to finish her final year of college and live 

Roger Greene finished a Brewmaster’s course in closer to her Brewster friends. 

Germany in June and is working on a master’s in 

brewing and distilling in Scotland. 

2009 

Daniel Csete spent the summer interning for head 

2006 

coach Mario Cristobal and staff on the Florida 

International University football team. He is back 

at Goucher College for his junior year and playing 

varsity tennis. Daniel suggests that we “Keep those 

tennis courts busy at Brewster!” 

Class of 1965 

Kathleen (Nichols) Lucas 


Wolfeboro 

Class of 1975 

Richard S. Joyce 

November 11, 2010 

Andover, Massachusetts 

Former Faculty 

Marie D. Forsberg 


Lakeport, New Hampshire 

George H. “Pete” Hall 

June 17, 2011 

Wolfeboro 

Margaret “Peg” Hertz 

(spouse of the late former faculty 

member Walter P. Hertz) 

June 20, 2011 

Newburyport, Massachusetts 

Joe Montana ’06 and Matt Hoopes in the 

Bahamas. 

Joe Montana visited Hoopes on Eleuthera, Bahamas, 

last winter. Joe is living in San Francisco and is the 

marketing media coordinator at Rickshaw Bagworks. 

Mary Seaman wrote in April 2011 that she was out 

in California working at Mammoth Mountain with 

Ginger Leib, bringing a little bit of Brewster to the 

west. Mammoth Mountain had record-breaking 

snowfall and in December 2010 was home to the 

most snow in the world. 

In the spring Peter Rizzo studied abroad at Regent’s 

College in London. “When I wasn’t studying theatre, 

the history of England, or Shakespeare, I was 

traveling. Over the course of fours months abroad, I 

visited seven countries. My most profound experience 

was visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp 

in Poland. It was an indescribable trip. … I witnessed 

the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. It 

was incredible to be immersed in the British culture 

during such a historical event. To be a part of the 

festivities as the royal family drove by was an event I 

will never forget.” 

Peter was back on campus over the summer working 

with the Brewster Academy Summer Session students. 

Douglas Miller ’01, Marie Maseng ’02, and Patrick 

Miller ’03 outside their Ascend Realty Office. 

Send us your Class Note, and we 

will do our best to include it in 

the next BrewsterConnections: 

alumninews@brewsteracademy.org 


41

History 

History 

History History 

Writing 

Brewster’s 

History 

Campus circa 1980. Note the library, and the tennis courts but the absence of the Wilson Center, 

the Pinckney Boathouse, the dorms of Mason Court, and Brown Field. 

The 1980s Brought a New Look and 

Feel to Campus Students React to Changes 

By Bob and Shirley Richardson 

As we completed the manuscript for The Brewster Story, we were 

frustrated when the final format of the book required that we 

trim the manuscript by more than 150 pages. Fortunately, an 

unabridged copy of The Brewster Story manuscript soon will be included in 

the Brewster Academy archives. Here, in “Writing Brewster’s History,” we 

will share material that was omitted due to space limitations. In this issue 

we report on the tremendous campus change and growth of the 1980s. 

If there is one common experience that students of the 1980s lived 

through, it was this observable fact: on campus there was earth-moving 

equipment in constant motion; construction workers seemed to be a 

permanent fixture across campus; new buildings were erected while others 

were moved; and lawns disappeared to be replaced by new pathways. 

The norm became ongoing confusion and change, and one was never quite 

sure where a new path would lead and where an old path would end. 

Headmaster Smith thoroughly understood this dilemma. While observing 

the last few inches of snowfall from his office window one afternoon and 

noting the various footpaths created by the students, he remarked, “When 

it is time to build sidewalks, we will know exactly where they should be 

placed for all we have to do is follow the students’ tracks in the snow.” 

The Beginning of Major Changes 

The addition of the first Kenison Library – as a separate building behind 

the Academic Building – in 1978 was the hallmark of what was to come. In 

just over a decade, significant improvements and additions were made to 

the physical plant and campus, including: 

• Enhancements to the main Academic Building to better accommodate 

new academic programs and a new front entrance design 

• Renovations to The Estabrook: a new bookstore and mail center 

with individual student mailboxes; renovation of student and 

faculty quarters on the top floor; expansion of the kitchen and 

dining facilities; and an addition of a Student Center on the south 

side of the building that greatly expanded student services; 

• A new master plan for roadways and walkways was developed 

and implemented; 

• The construction of six new faculty/student residences within the 

areas of what is now known as Lamb Court (Harris, Lamb, and 

Vaughan houses) and Mason Court (Spencer, Mason, and Hughes 

houses) 


• The purchase and remodeling of the Admission House, which 

provided prospective students and their parents a comfortable 

place for interviews 

• The relocation of the Alumni and Development Office building, 

followed by the redesign of the space into an arts and writing 

center; 

• The design and construction of the Pinckney Boathouse to serve as 

the headquarters of the sailing and crew programs (downstairs) 

while the upstairs offered meeting and gathering space; 

• The purchase of Berry and Piper houses and the renovation of 

Kimball House. 

And as the physical facilities grew, so did the Academy’s academic, 

athletic, and community life programs. 

From interviews and written reminiscences, we were fascinated to learn 

how students, faculty, and parents adapted to changing circumstances, 

facilities, and programs. Below we share the reflections of two students 

from this busy decade: Chuck Michaels ’88 and Matt Woodward ’89. 

Their commentaries first appeared in 1988 in different editions of the 

student newspaper, The Brewster Browser. 

Chuck Michaels ’88 at the 

new Admission Office, which 

was relocated from its office 

in the Academic Building to 

its own building in 1982. 

Chuck Michaels ’88 

When a student came to Brewster four years ago, the campus seemed 

pure, lush with natural tradition. There was no growth, no construction. 

The groomed campus lacked facilities, but the young student managed. 

Since then he has watched the needed buildings bring new opportunities. 

He was an unopened flower whose blooming was well overdue. He 

and the school underwent growth together. Sadly enough though, the 

boy blossomed first and will miss the glorious awakening of his school. 

More growth will come to both the boy and the school. Both will change. 

Graduation will come and what he knew the school to be will not be the 

same in years to come. Each will go about new business, but knowing, too, 

they both will grow and change. 

Brewster is indeed a different school from 

what it was three years ago. … It’s easy to see 

the school’s progress. We are strengthening 

our standards in academics, thrashing our 

opponents in sports, and charging full speed 

ahead in campus development. 

Future students will receive their mail from 

personal mailboxes, and I’ll remember the days 

when Dean of Students Dick Weeks wandered the 

halls handing out stacks of mail. When the future 

athletes can’t make up their minds as to whether 

to take crew or track, I’ll remember walking past 

Mt. Brewster’s grave of tennis courts. If there 

The building that is the current Arts Center sits between Memorial Field and the Estabrook. It was 

moved to its current location on the other side of the Estabrook in 1988. 

comes a time of a future headmaster, one who’ll 

be able to relax, as most of his work will have 


43

already been done for him, I’ll remember Mr. [David] 

Smith dreaming of improving the community. I 

dread leaving my beloved school. I’m unsure of 

what it will be like when I next visit. Perhaps I just 

envy those who will follow me in that they will have 

opportunities I didn’t have. Yet I had the chance to 

grow with Brewster. I will always be proud to have 

been a part of that growth. One aspect, I’m sure, won’t 

change, and that is the community. I bid farewell to my 

Brewster and say hello to future Brewster.” 

Matt Woodward ’89 

At the end of our freshman year Houses One, Two, and 

Three were built. The construction of the three dorms 

improved living conditions for both the students and 

the faculty. The new buildings and the area around them 

soon became the focus of the campus. The next major 

change came during our junior year when House Four was 

constructed in the Bearce Hall area. While this put two dorms in the area, 

they were still rather isolated from the rest of the campus. 

During these three years the school’s population continued to grow, 

slowly but steadily. In order to help accommodate the increased student 

body, two new classrooms were constructed. The Business Office was 

moved to a newly leased building on the far side of the campus and the 

building that house the Alumni and Development Office became the new 

[Arts and] Writing Center. The greatest changes have taken place during 

this past summer and as seniors we are the only class to have been able 

to watch the new growth all come together, and the only class to really 

appreciate what we have in the new facilities. 

We returned from the summer to find House Five and Six completed and 

this construction has made the Bearce Hall area the focus of the campus. 

The completion of the boathouse that our class has lived with in one stage 

or another for our four years has changed the waterfront dramatically 

and has given the school an area where the entire school can gather for 

meetings. Not only have new buildings been built, but also old buildings 

have undergone a lot of renovation. New siding has been put on Sargent 

Hall, making it conform to looks of the new houses. All of the smaller 

dorms along Main Street have also been insulated and covered with 

siding. The three entrances to the Academic Building have had new steps 

and brickwork completed and the main steps have been greatly enlarged. 

All the old buildings look much better than when we arrived for our 

freshman year. 

Today they are Spencer House and Mason House but in the 1980s they were simply Houses One and 

Two, the first of the six residences built in the mid- to late eighties. 

additions are completed and formal dinner has had to be revised. When 

the school meets together in the First Congregational Church, the building 

is filled to its maximum. 

While Brewster’s growing pains are yet to be over, they have been exciting 

to live with for our class, especially the 12 lifers, and now as seniors we are 

fortunate to be the first to benefit from the new facilities. The school year 

has just started and there will be many months ahead for us to enjoy the 

new campus, but although the school has grown and changed, the people 

are the same. And our friends and faculty will be with us forever as we 

remember Brewster. 

Brewster’s Success 

Why did Brewster continue to be successful and attract new enrollment 

while other schools were having difficulties Was it the beautiful location, 

the expanded facilities, or a program that was earning a reputation of 

educating the whole person All of these factors were likely reasons. 

Headmaster Smith often reminded faculty and staff that they were here to 

serve the needs of young people during a crucial stage of their lives. Those 

teachers who have walked the Academy’s halls since the school’s founding 

and long after have known what a great opportunity Brewster has to 

positively influence the next generation within this beautiful environment. 

But as the reflections of Chuck and Matt remind us, the essential 

ingredient of Brewster Academy is its community of students, faculty, and 

staff who bond together to support each student in his or her growth into 

self-confident, respectful adults. 

Along with all the new buildings, the student and faculty population has 

grown to be the largest in the school’s private boarding history. With more 

people on campus there is less space in the dining area until the Estabrook 

Bob and Shirley Richardson were long-time faculty members who 

retired in 2004. They are the authors of The Brewster Story: A Definitive 

History of Brewster Academy, published in May 2011. 


Who knew it could be so easy 

Dominique Aubry ’03 has a lot on her plate: 

• Facilities contract manager for the Philadelphia school district 

• Active volunteer roles for UPenn and Brewster 

• A new consulting business with her brother Pierre. 

• With so many demands on her time, she is happy that one 

of her priorities is so easy to fulfill. Dominique set up a 

recurring gift to Brewster’s Annual Fund. Each month, she 

makes an automatic gift to Brewster via her credit card. 

“Being so busy, this is the easiest way for me to give, making 

smaller monthly gifts while making a great impact annually. 

I just set it and forget it! I’m so glad Brewster offers this.” 

Just as your monthly gifts will add up, your giving, combined 

with that of other alumni, makes a significant impact for Brewster. 

To learn more about setting up a recurring gift with Brewster, please 

contact Beth Hayes ’81 at beth_hayes@brewsteracademy.org. 

For a spotlight on Dominique, please see the Hoopla column on page 30. 

Monthly Debit Annual Gift 

To Do List: 

Pick up dry-cleaning 

Book vacation 

Caitlin’s Halloween costume 

Change oil 

Make my annual gift to Brewster 

 

$10 $120 

$25 $300 

$50 $600 

$100 $1,200




Non-Profit Org 

U.S. Postage 

P A I D 

Wht Riv Jct, VT 

Permit #86 

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 Return 

For your child or grandchild’s 

summer school experience 

For your wedding 

For endless summer opportunities, 

contact the Office of Summer Programs at Brewster Academy. 

Summer Programs Office • 603-569-7155 • summer@brewsteracademy.org

BrewsterConnections - Brewster Academy

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