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Head of <strong>School</strong> Report“So, What’s Next?”by Richard C. BryanThe celebration for the end of thenicholsfuture.org Capital Campaign and thededication of The Class of 1963 Center forMathematics and Science were only twodays past when someone asked me wherethe <strong>School</strong> was heading. It occurred to methat we had been working on the campaignfor over four years, and it had been an allconsuming focus. I could see that others hada similar question, “So, what’s next?”Successful schools in the 21 st century caneasily provide an answer to this question,because they are engaged in continuousstrategic planning. Today’s schools areunder the pressure of persistent change,and therefore real-time strategic thinkinghas replaced what were formal intervalsof strategic planning. Time has a way ofcondensing in this mode; at times, planningand doing seem to operate concurrently.<strong>School</strong> Trustees and administratorshave been engaged in continuous strategicplanning for the past four years. It hasallowed us to constantly take stock, makeadjustments as needed, and provide aroadmap for the short and long term future.In turn, our planning process has providedgoals for Board Committees, brought groupsof community members together to solveissues, and provided a basis to measureprogress as well the efforts of individuals.Our plan has a cover page, which includesthe <strong>School</strong>’s mission statement, core valuesand vision for the future. These words mustbe at the center of what we are planning orexploring, so that we remain grounded. FiveStrategic Pillars represent the core areasof concentration. There are three to fiveinitiatives that follow; beginning strategiesfor each initiative, and a measureableoutcome for each initiative.The first strategic pillar concerns theeducational mission of the <strong>School</strong>: Fosterthe ideal learning environment and adynamic educational program. In thepast five years, we have concentrated onthe development of our 21 st century CoreCompetencies. This year, our focus is ontechnology integration, and one initiative inthis pillar is devoted to this concentration.The major priority in this pillar is astudy on the future use of Moot Hall, nowvacated by the opening of the Class of 1963Center for Mathematics and Science. Wehave a number of beginning steps includingthe establishment of a Board of TrusteesSubcommittee and the commission of athorough engineering study of the building.Other initiatives in this section focus onbalance of program, differentiated learning,and the implementation of the Fritz ZellerInitiative on Character and Leadership.Market and enroll a 5-12 student bodythat is both talented and diverse, is thefocus of the second pillar. Independentschools, especially in economicallychallenged areas, must devote attention andresources to attracting <strong>new</strong> students to theschool. We seek to further coordinate ouradmissions strategies with our marketingand communications efforts, includingempowering members of our community– faculty and staff, parents, alumni andfriends – to be effective ambassadors for ourrecruiting efforts, and implement a thoroughreview of our financial aid process.The third pillar: Attract, retain anddevelop the highest caliber of facultyand staff. Our major concentration is toimprove opportunities for the professionaldevelopment, mentoring and trainingof faculty and staff. We are targetingtechnology knowledge and application,the advisory program, and understandingdifferences in student learning styles.Communication is the main themeof the fourth pillar: Support ongoingefforts to improve communication amongparents, alumni and the community. It isessential for schools to model and exhibitstrong communication skills for teaching,partnering, informing and nurturing allmembers of the school community. Basedon feedback from last year’s parent survey,we have concentrated efforts this year onimproving faculty communication withparents on student academic progress.Building on the many recent improvementsto our website, another initiative involvescontinued integration of the site intothe fabric of school life, particularly thepassword-protected Parents Portal and ourweekly e-mail updates.Our final pillar is Sustain a strongfinancial condition both short-term andfor a debt-free future. With the generosityof so many parents, friends, alumni, facultyand staff, the successful conclusion of thenicholsfuture.org Capital Campaign allowsus first-rate facilities, advanced technology, astronger endowment and a debt-free future.New initiatives include the creation ofstronger summer programs, the continuedreduction of the <strong>School</strong>’s carbon footprint,and careful budgeting for the upcomingschool year.If this seems a bit daunting, it is. Suchis the nature of good independent schoolstoday. The status quo is unacceptable, andchange must be explored in order to keep<strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong> strong and mission-focused.Tell me what you think of this snapshotof our strategic planning. Are we missingan area of major focus? Do you have anysuggestions or comments? Feel free to e-mailme at rbryan@nicholsschool.org. We willalways welcome your insights as we strive tocontinue to improve.Fall 20105


Whitney NucherenoWhitney taught Middle <strong>School</strong> Spanishand French at Greenwich Country Day<strong>School</strong> in Greenwich, Conn., from 2006-2009. She previouslysubstituted at the<strong>Nichols</strong> Middleand Upper <strong>School</strong>sas well. She is agraduate of SkidmoreCollege, with dualbachelor’s degrees inSpanish and French,and most recentlycompleted master’sdegrees in Spanishand French from Middlebury College.Whitney is the Middle <strong>School</strong> Spanishteacher, covering five sections of Spanishin grades 5-8. She also serves as an 8 th gradeadvisor and assists with Middle <strong>School</strong>Girls Tennis and Basketball.Jennifer PeresieFor the past three years, Jen served as theOffice Manager of Thermo MechanicalService Corporation.Prior to that position,she was a SeniorAccount Executivewith Ingram MicroIncorporated for eightyears.Jen is the <strong>new</strong>Development OfficeAssociate.Blake Walsh ’98Blake returns to <strong>Nichols</strong> after graduating 12years ago. For four years, Blake worked for theHarvard UniversityAlumni Associationin Cambridge, Mass.He coordinated thereunion events eachyear and managedthe Freshman CareerForum. Since 2008,Blake served as theAssistant Director ofDonor Relations andStewardship at SUNY at Buffalo. He holds abachelor’s degree in American Studies fromWesleyan University.As the Director of Alumni Relations,Blake oversees alumni activities, events andcommunications, as well as the AlumniDivision of The <strong>Nichols</strong> Fund. In addition, heserves as coach of the JV Boys Soccer team.Andrew ZajdelAndrew recently completed a master’sdegree in Mathematics from SUNY atBuffalo and served as a MathematicsTeaching Assistant atthe university. Thispast year at <strong>Nichols</strong>Middle <strong>School</strong>, heregularly acted as asubstitute teacher.Andrew earned abachelor’s degreein Mathematicsand Statistics fromCanisius College,and served as a mathtutor in the Mathematics Department atCanisius.Andrew is a 7 th and 8 th grade math teacherand assistant coach of the 7/8 Boys Soccerteam. He also serves as a 7 th grade advisorand leads the Middle <strong>School</strong> Math Club.Internal AppointmentsLaura Lombardo Yusick ’96Laura, previously the Director ofAdmissions, is the <strong>new</strong> Director ofFinancial Aid. Her responsibilitiesinclude overseeing the transition toa <strong>new</strong> financial aid system, FAST,as well as handling all financial aidimplementation and education withfamilies. She also manages NamedScholarships. Laura assists seniorsand their parents with collegefinancing options as well.Michele Speach and Annie NewallIn addition to Michele and Annie’sduties in the Middle <strong>School</strong>, the pairwill serve as the <strong>new</strong> Co-Directors ofSummer Programs. They are creatingand overseeing the <strong>School</strong>’s entiresummer school program offering,including academic, extra-curricular,day camp, athletic and off-campusactivities.Are YouMissingOut?Like <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>.Follow <strong>Nichols</strong><strong>School</strong>.Join the <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>Alumni Network.Save the Date!Friday, June 3 andSaturday, June 4Special celebrations forclasses ending in 1 and 6.All alumni welcome!Visit www.nicholsschool.org/reunion or call 716.332.5151.Fall 20107


A.Former Board Chair DinnerOn May 6, we held a Former Board Chair Dinner, which gave us a wonderful opportunity to honor our many pastBoard Chairs. We thanked outgoing Chair, Bill Gisel ’70, for his years of service and leadership, and welcomed JaneCox Hettrick ’78 as our first female Chair. Since the event, our most senior member, Jack Walsh ’39 has passed.Please see the tribute to Jack on page 57.B.A. (back, l-r) Jack Walsh ’63, Neil Farmelo, Ted Walsh ’72, Robert Gioia,Rick Bryan; (front) Bill Gisel ’70, Jane Cox Hettrick ’78, Jack Walsh’39 and Jock Mitchell ’66B. Bill Gisel ’70, Hannah Gisel ’06 and Mary Gisel8 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>


The 2010-2011 Alumni Board gathered in the Alumni Room for their opening meeting.Pictured (standing, l-r): Todd Brason ’76, Alexis Muscato Agnello ’98, Jesse Baier ’05, MichelleRosenberg Parentis ’86, Diane Gardner ’79, Mary Giallanza Carney ’89, Theresa Giallanza Tantillo ’81,Craig Semple ’98; (seated , l-r): Scott Saperston ’90, Wendy Lebowitz Pressman ‘83,Christen O’Mara Smith ’92, Ellen Hassett ‘84 and Jane Arcadi ‘05. Not pictured: Kevin Burke, Jr. ’91,Thomas Caulfield ’72, Edward Franz ’91, Adam Greenberger ’89, Jennifer Jarvis Hamberger ’81,Ian Jones ’80, Rakhi Kohli ’95, William Reich ’88, David Tiftickjian ’78 and Katelyn Todd ’05.New AlumniBoard Membersby Blake Walsh ’98Mary Giallanza Carney ’89Mary is the <strong>new</strong> <strong>Nichols</strong> Alumni BoardPresident. Having succeeded Hugh M. RussIII ’78, who recently completed his threeyearterm, Mary looksforward to workingwith the Board toprovide <strong>Nichols</strong>with energeticalumni counseland programmingwherever necessary.Mary, an attorneyat Carney &Giallanza, her family’slaw firm in downtownBuffalo, also is a current parent of John ’17.A graduate of Kenyon College and UB Law<strong>School</strong>, she resides in Amherst with herhusband Mark and two children.We welcome the following <strong>new</strong> membersto the Board:Alexis Muscato Agnello ’98Alexis is Assistant Vice President forCommercial Banking and RelationshipManager at M&T Bank. Dedicatedto various boards and causes aroundWestern New York,Alexis is excited toadditionally lendher time and effortsto the AlumniBoard. A graduateof the Universityof Vermont andUB <strong>School</strong> ofManagement, Alexisresides in Buffalowith her husband, Jon.Tom Caulfield ’72Tom is Administratorof CapitalImprovements forthe Buffalo SewerAuthority, as wellas an AdjunctInstructor/Lecturerat Daemen College,Hilbert College andthe State Universityof New York atBuffalo. An active supporter of Irish-American arts and cultural organizations,Tom resides in South Buffalo and Wilson,N.Y., with his wife, Nancy. Tom has twochildren and two grandchildren, and is amember of the 2010 <strong>Nichols</strong> Athletic Hallof Fame inductee class.Theresa Giallanza Tantillo ’81Theresa is the proud parent of threecurrent <strong>Nichols</strong> students, Joseph ’11, Anna’13 and John ’18. She also is the sister ofour Alumni BoardPresident, Mary. Witha working backgroundin fashionmerchandising andreal estate, as wellas a fundraisingbackground with theJuvenile DiabetesResearch Foundation,Theresa is now adedicated <strong>Nichols</strong> mom who brings aninvaluable current parent perspective tothe Board.Kate Todd ’05Kate is an Equity Analyst and InterviewCoordinator for the New York AnalyticsDepartment of Bloomberg News in NewYork City. Aftergraduating fromSyracuse with aManagement/Psychologydual degree inAdvertising, Kate hasserved tirelessly tokeep <strong>Nichols</strong> alumniin New York Cityconnected. Kate willserve the Board wellas a much needed “big city” representative.10 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>


Alumnus ReflectionsBuilding aCommunity of Trustby Tyler Tokarczyk ’08In the spring of 2007, I was a junior at<strong>Nichols</strong> and just beginning my college search.Walker Williams, a student from Washingtonand Lee University, came to <strong>Nichols</strong> toshare his experiences withthe Honor System at theuniversity. The <strong>Nichols</strong> HonorCode was roughly a year oldand still lacked a significantpresence in life at <strong>Nichols</strong>.After listening to Walker’sspeech in Morning Meeting,I took the opportunity totalk to him individuallyabout his time at W&L andthe advantages of being in acommunity of complete trust.It was this conversation and the suggestionsof my college counselor, Mr. Kramer, andmy English teacher, Mr. Desautels, thatencouraged me to visit W&L. While takingthe campus tour, I vividly remember walkingthrough the university commons and seeinga laptop sitting completely unattended.This image stuck in my mind as the tourguide explained how <strong>test</strong>s and exams are notproctored and how dorm rooms arealmost always left unlocked. Fromthat point forward I k<strong>new</strong> I wantedto be part of a community in whicheveryone holds himself or herself toa high set of standards.Now as a junior at W&L, Ipride myself on being part of sucha community. The one questionthat everyone asks is “Do peopleactually cheat?” And my responseis always “No.” The reciprocatedtrust between professors andstudents is why cheating is not an option atW&L. Professors take students at their wordand students return the trust by completingtheir own work.On Friday, Sept. 24 I had the pleasure toreturn to <strong>Nichols</strong> and share my experiencesliving with the Honor System at W&L.This was something I wanted to do sincemy freshman year because I remember theeffect Walker’s speech had on me. I wasfinally able to make the trip courtesy of theOwings Fellowship, a fellowship designedfor W&L students to visit secondary schoolsand alumni chapters to engage in dialogue onacademic integrity and honor systems.I made the trip with the two OwingsFellows for 2010-2011, Austin Branstetterand Pearson Nibley. We spoke to the Upper<strong>School</strong> in Morning Meeting and then metwith members of the Student Council andthe Student Conduct Committee in theJunior-Senior Lounge during X-period. Inthe latter meeting we had an open discussionabout the strengths and weaknesses of theHonor Code at <strong>Nichols</strong>. In the three yearssince I have left <strong>Nichols</strong>, the Honor Codehas improved significantly but still has minorshortcomings. The more the students andfaculty put their trust into the Honor Code,the stronger the <strong>Nichols</strong> community will be.Hopefully in the coming years the HonorCode will continue to grow and become acornerstone of <strong>Nichols</strong> and inspire students tolead honorable lives, both inside and outsideof the classroom.Girls Soccer and FieldHockey State Champs!by Holly FewkesBoth the Girls Varsity Soccer and Girls Varsity Field Hockey teamsenjoyed tremendous success this past fall.The soccer team finished with an impressive record of 20-1-1.They won the Monsignor Martin League Championship the firstweekend in November with a decisive 8-1 win over Sacred Heartin the finals. From there, they traveled to Staten Island the nextweekend to meet St. Joseph of the Sea in the Catholic State Semi-Finals. The girls defeated their opponent 5-0. The team met theirtoughest competitor in St. Anthony’s in the finals the next day. Lessthan one minute into the game, Catherine Williams ’12 scored on apass from Lauren Randaccio ’13. St. Anthony’s was not accustomedto playing catch-up and a physical battled ensued. With the scoretied 1-1 with 20 minutes left in the game, Haley Welch sent a passto Maddie Elia ’13 who buried it in the net. The final score was 2-1,resulting in a Catholic State Championship for <strong>Nichols</strong>! The girlsoutscored their opponents 106-6 en route to this fantastic finish.The field hockey team finished with an excellent 16-1-2 record!They met Ridley College in the CISAA Semi-Finals and defeatedthem 2-0 to force a rematch between <strong>Nichols</strong> and St. JohnKilmarnock, who tied 1-1 earlier in the season, in the CISAAFinals. A last minute goal by SJK forced overtime; the result wasa heartbreaking loss for the Vikings on the fifth penalty shot ofovertime. This loss only set the stage for the New York StateAssociation of Independent <strong>School</strong>s tournament, where the girlswere determined to bring home the championship! The rainy,muddy, quarter final game resulted in a 3-0 win vs. Hackley <strong>School</strong>.The Semi-Finals saw <strong>Nichols</strong> upset the #2 seed Rye Country Day<strong>School</strong>, 4-2. Two goals scored by Marissa Faso ’11 and one each byShannon Martin ’11 and Shannon Nachreiner ’12, and RCD neverk<strong>new</strong> what hit them. <strong>Nichols</strong> moved on to the NYSAIS Finalswhere the team put on a field hockey display and Holy Child nevergot into the game. Two goals by Marissa Faso ’12, plus each by ToriSalmon ’11 and Lauren Basil ’11, and the Lady Vikings dominatedthe game, resulting in the NYSAIS Championship! The field hockeyteam outscored their opponents 62-8 throughout the season.Congratulations to both teams on their outstandingaccomplishments this year!Fall 201011


(l-r) George Kloepfer II ’68, Roddy Potter ’82, Tom Franz ’76, Sandy Smith Cunningham ’93 and Greg Plumb ’96 are among the <strong>School</strong>’s alumni coaches.Alumni Return the Favorby Coaching Today’s Athletesby Holly Fewkes<strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong> has had a long history oftraditions and Big Green school spirit. TheAthletic Department is fortunate to have15 graduates of <strong>Nichols</strong> on the coachingstaff. Seven of those coaches work full timeat the <strong>School</strong> and eight are employed asoutside coaches. Some of these coacheshave been here for over 30 years, whileseveral recent alumni are back coachingour students in their first year.These special people dedicate timeabove and beyond the typical schoolday to enhance the lives of our studentsthrough sports. Many of these coacheshave wonderful memories of their time at<strong>Nichols</strong> and want to return the favor tocurrent <strong>Nichols</strong> students.12 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>Adam Bellows ’05 won the CISAAChampionship for Boys Hockey hissophomore year in 2003 and wants to giveback to the hockey program and help themreturn to the CISAA finals. He said that<strong>Nichols</strong> Hockey helped him further hishockey career after high school and hehopes to do the same for current players.“<strong>Nichols</strong> keeps athletics and academicsin proper perspective. Its studentsand faculty strive for excellence ineverything,” said Colin Brinson ’85,<strong>Nichols</strong> Football coach. He remembersbeing a member of the 1985 StateChampion Basketball team where 7 of the10 players were three-sport athletes.Blake Walsh ’98 recently startedworking at <strong>Nichols</strong> in the DevelopmentOffice as the Director of Alumni Relations;he coaches JV Boys Soccer. His fondest<strong>Nichols</strong> athletic memory is soccer in hissenior year when he captained the teamto the position of #1 small school in WNYand the NYSAIS finals. He enjoys using hisown <strong>Nichols</strong> experience to help freshmenadapt to the <strong>School</strong> and calm any fearsthey have.Roddy Potter ’82, the current GirlsCross Country coach, has been coachingboys and girls in cross country since 1997,and dabbled in soccer and lacrosse in thelate 1980s. His best coaching memoriesinclude the NFL Girls Championshipin 1998. A 2 nd place Boys NYSAIS


Championship finish in 2002 wassignificant and the current girls’ programis heading for their fifth straight winningseason!“My <strong>Nichols</strong> experience, from 6 th gradeto senior year was awesome in everysport I played,” said Charlie Barth ’06,who has been named the head coach ofBoys Squash, beginning this winter. He islooking forward to relating to the playersand helping them improve their squashskills.“<strong>Nichols</strong> prepared me to attend YaleUniversity and play lacrosse at thehighest level which included the Final 4my senior year. I want to give somethingback to <strong>Nichols</strong> and hopefully providethe groundwork for current students toenjoy similar success and experiences,”said Mike Parentis ’86. Mike, the 7/8 BoysLacrosse coach, won three straight WNYLacrosse Championships and two straightNY State Basketball Championships.Homecoming has always been a fondmemory for Liza Walsh Keenan ’97. Shecurrently coaches the JV Field Hockeyteam and loves being part of everyday lifeat the <strong>School</strong> again, including seeing the<strong>Nichols</strong> of today through the players’ eyes.“I still gets a thrill out of competition,”said Tom Franz ’76, an Upper <strong>School</strong>history teacher at <strong>Nichols</strong>, who has beencoaching Boys Lacrosse, Wrestling andFreshman Football since the mid-1980s. Hehas many fond memories of his coaches at<strong>Nichols</strong>, including Coaches Waltz, Dugan,Fitzhenry, Cockerill and Kloepfer. Heenjoyed hearing lacrosse players of all agesmeet and greet at a recent Reunion.“I was ready to give back to the <strong>School</strong>and sport which both have given so muchto me over the years,” said Ted Marks’78. In his fourth year as the head coachof Boys Crew, defines himself as a stellarJV <strong>Nichols</strong> athlete. He rowed outside ofschool at WSRC and had an outstandingcareer at Boston University, as a U.S.Lightweight team member and the WorldChampionship Regattas.“There is no shame in losing if anindividual or team has given absolutelyeverything it has to give during thecon<strong>test</strong>, and we certainly did that day,”said George Kloepfer ’68, recounting a2-point loss to the St. Joe’s football team in1984 when current coach, Colin Brinson’84, was on the team. St. Joe’s was pickedto destroy <strong>Nichols</strong> and a great 2-pointgame ensued. George has been coachingand teaching at <strong>Nichols</strong> for 39 years. Inhis senior year, he was a member of twoundefeated teams – football and tennis –and went 17-1 in basketball.Danielle Vallas ’95, Director ofWellness, Upper <strong>School</strong> Dean and physicaleducation teacher, has fond memoriesof both hockey and lacrosse. She was amember of the first Girls Hockey team at<strong>Nichols</strong> and now coaches the 5/6B teamand is thrilled to see how far the sport hascome at <strong>Nichols</strong>. Vallas also is presidentof the MSLA Lacrosse League, of which<strong>Nichols</strong> was a founding member. She nowcoaches at <strong>Nichols</strong> with Beth Stone, whowas her coach, and they led the team to 2 ndplace in the MSLA this past spring.Greg Plumb ’96 has been coaching andteaching at <strong>Nichols</strong> for eight years, whilecoaching basketball, soccer and lacrossefor four years. Currently coach of BoysVarsity Basketball and Boys 7/8 Soccer,he was a member of the Class C StateChampionship basketball team and lastyear he led the Boys Varsity Basketballteam to the Class A State Championship.Plumb’s two siblings, Chris ’93 and Catie’01, also are <strong>Nichols</strong> graduates and areboth very successful swimming coaches inIndiana.“Being a <strong>Nichols</strong> athlete teaches ourstudents lessons that reinforce and alsotranscend those taught in the classroom.Our athletes learn the value of patienceand collaboration, sportsmanship andteamwork, managing priorities and time,what it feels like to be on top of theworld, and how to pull together whenyou feel as though you’ve hit the bottom.Every day on the fields, in the gym andin the rink, students are learning thevalue of pushing beyond their comfortlevel and are achieving results betterthan they could have imagined the daybefore,” said Sandy Smith Cunningham’93, coach of Girls 7/8 Field Hockeyand Girls 7/8 Basketball. She has alwaysvalued the lessons she learned through<strong>Nichols</strong> athletics, including priorities, rigor,responsibility, respect, sportsmanship, timemanagement and perspective. She hascontinued to instill these important valuesfor the past 13 years to her basketball,volleyball and softball student athletes.Sandy has seen many student athletesemerge as leaders at <strong>Nichols</strong>.“Being a part of such a dominant andcompetitive soccer team is something Iwill always be proud of and rememberfondly,” said Elizabeth Koelmel ’05about making it to the state soccer finalsfour years in a row. Koelmel returned to<strong>Nichols</strong> this fall as the assistant for GirlsVarsity Soccer. She wanted to coach at<strong>Nichols</strong> because of the great competitiveenvironment that is fostered here. She saidit was appealing to work at a school wherethe students are challenged and pushed tosucceed both in the classroom and on theplaying fields.Another young alumna coach isCourtney Ball ’07 (Girls 7/8 Softball).Thank you to these 15 alumni whodedicate many hours enhancing ourstudents’ lives both in and out of theclassroom!Join us forWinter Sports Night!Friday, Jan. 28Celebrate our athletic teams!Visit www.nicholsschool.org/athleticsfor game details.


2009-2010Report onGivingBy the time you are reading this, we are well into a <strong>new</strong> school year and the2009-2010 school year seems a distant memory. What has not faded is ourappreciation to all those who supported us so generously last year. Whetheryou supported us by giving of your time or talent by volunteering in somecapacity, or giving of your treasure by supporting us financially, we aregrateful to you. The 2009-2010 school year was a terrific one, filled withgrowth and achievement on many personal, individual and institutional levels.Our enrollment was at a 10-year high; our Annual Fund grew by over $30,000 above thepast year; our capital campaign, nicholsfuture.org made steady progress toward its ambitious$23.3 million goal. We credit our continued success to the dynamic leadership of our Headof <strong>School</strong>, Rick Bryan, and his wonderfully talented and dedicated faculty and staff. Hisvision and focus on strengthening this great school to be the very best it can be has and willcontinue to sustain us.We must acknowledge our Annual Fund leaders, John Farmelo ’77 and Hugh Russ ’78who led our Annual Fund effort under the guidance of our Director of Alumni Relationsand Annual Fund, Sarah Gelman Carney ’92. They went out with a bang, exceeding our$770,000 goal. We acknowledge all their many years of service to <strong>Nichols</strong> and look forwardto their continuing support of the <strong>School</strong> in different roles. Our Headmaster’s Societyleadership team of stalwarts, Amy Habib and Bill Hudson ’60, joined by Wayne and MaryBacon, led a terrific effort resulting in nearly $100,000 above last year in gifts of $1,000 ormore for our Headmaster’s Society.In addition to raising over $770,000 in unrestricted dollars for the Annual Fund, wereceived nearly $600,000 from special events and through restricted giving. We also addednearly $1.3 million to our Capital Campaign.Thank you to each and every one of you who supported us last year. We thank you andhope that we can count on your continued support. Your gifts, whatever the size, whateverthe purpose, enrich our school community and we wish to express our heartfelt thanksto each and every one of you. We hope many more of you will join the impressive list ofdonors this year! On behalf of all of us at <strong>Nichols</strong>, especially our students, who benefitdirectly from your generosity, thank you very much!On a personal note, after 25 years at <strong>Nichols</strong> and the conclusion of our third CapitalCampaign, I will be taking a brief sabbatical starting in January and will return to <strong>Nichols</strong>on a part time basis following our spring break in early April. I am looking forward to theopportunity and know that I leave everything in good hands under the capable leadership ofour <strong>new</strong> Director of Development, Leslie Garcia, and the terrific team in the DevelopmentOffice. I look forward to seeing you all in the spring!Elizabeth Stevens Gurney ’75Assistant Head for Advancement2009-2010 Gift SummaryThe <strong>Nichols</strong> Fund $774,307Restricted $31,292Financial Aid Gifts $293,398Endowment $29,061Auction $191,559 *Wrapping Paper Sale $7,310 *Big Green Auction $29,830*Total $1,356,757* Figures represent gross receiptsnicholsfuture.orgCapital Campaign GiftsUnrestricted $139,910Building/Grounds $776,712Endowment $383,318Total Gifts to <strong>Nichols</strong> $2,656,697** This reflects cash gifts or pledgesreceived between 7/1/09 and 6/30/10.Total Capital Campaign as of 6/30/10$22,074,073Annual GivingConstituency Amount in DollarsTrustees $59,535Former Trustees $34,317Alumni $443,307Current Parents $87,556Former Parents $75,152Grandparents & $30,915Former GrandparentsFaculty/Staff $3,350Friends $37,631(Alumni Family, Corporations,Foundations,Former Faculty/Staff)TOTAL $771,763Headmaster’s Society $579,152(gifts of $1,000+)Note: Gifts to the Headmaster’s Society also areincluded under donor’s primary constituency.14 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>


Verdian Dayby Nina BaroneThe Class of 2010 poses for a Verdian Day photo in the Quadrangle.On May 28, Verdian Day, Upper and Middle <strong>School</strong> students, parents, faculty and staff gathered in theGlenn and Awdry Flickinger Performing Arts Center to celebrate the accomplishments of our students.2009-2010 Upper <strong>School</strong>Awardees:Senior AwardsCottle Award: Siobhan Hanley ’10Faculty Prize: Ed Spangenthal ’10Williams Cup: Elliot Johnston ’10and Kelsey Ryan ’10McCarthy Prize: Jarrett Almand ’10Joseph L. Hudson, Jr. ’49 Awards:Isaiah New ’10 and Tess Williams ’10Headmaster’s Awards: SebastianAugustine ’10, Katie Flaschner ’10,Francesca Fulciniti ’10, Jake Herskind ’10,Will Regan ’10, Will Savino ’10,Rami Sherif ’10 and Jake Stark ’10Chester G. Dann ’49 Community ServiceAward: David Pegado ’10 andEd Spangenthal ’1018 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>Junior AwardsG. Robert Strauss, Jr. ’79 MemorialScholarship: Donata Lorenzo ’11Dudley M. Irwin, III ’45 MemorialAward: Matt Benedict ’11Nottingham Award: Emily Pfalzer ’11Harvard Prize Book: AlexandraMatthews ’11Williams College Book Award:Paige Dedrick ’11Sophomore AwardYale Award: Nick Shea ’12Freshman AwardsChristopher Wadsworth Award:Alex Aylward ’13, Jack Faso ’13 andCoumba Winfield ’13English DepartmentGeorge Knight Houpt Senior EnglishPrize: Sebastian Augustine ’10,Francesca Fulciniti ’10,Siobhan Hanley ’10, Michelle Ho ’10and Kelsey Ryan ’10Brown Junior English Award:Kerry Kennedy ’11Red Jacket Poetry Con<strong>test</strong>1 st place: Krystyna Nowakowski ’102 nd place tie: Sebastian Augustine ’102 nd place tie: Sam Milito ’10Purdy Short Story Con<strong>test</strong>1 st place: Francesca Fulciniti ’102 nd place: Michelle Ho ’103 rd place: Jenna Herskind ’12


Arts Department<strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong> Arts Contribution Award:Will Savino ’10Faith Davis Visual Arts Award:Elliot Johnston ’10<strong>Nichols</strong> Dance Award: Paige Dedrick ’10and Isaiah New ’10<strong>Nichols</strong> Theatre Award: SebastianAugustine ’10, Bridgid Danahy ’10 andTess Williams ’10<strong>Nichols</strong> Vocal Music Award: Isaiah New ’10,NJ Solis ’10 and Tess Williams ’10<strong>Nichols</strong> Instrumental Music Award:Will Savino ’10Charles E. Balbach Art Prize:Dillon Joseph ’10Justin Webb Technical Theatre Award:Dillon Joseph ’10Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award:Michael Che ’11Science DepartmentKeating Science Award:Maya Jackson-Gibson ’11Baldwin Science Award:Samuel Milito ’10Mayer Science Award:Shannon Nachreiner ’12History DepartmentMillard Sessions History Award:Maria Philip ’11Senior Social Science Award (APEconomics): Will Savino ’10 andElliot Johnston ’10Senior Social Science Award(AP Art History): Jessica Briatico ’10and Francesca Fulciniti ’10Senior Social Science Award (AP Govt.):Siobhan Hanley ’10Senior Social Science Award (Capitalism& Democracy): Jacob Herskind ’10Senior Social Science Award (AP HumanGeography): Connor Gilbride ’10Senior Social Science Award (UrbanStudies): Katie Flaschner ’10Senior Social Science Award (China &Japan): Christian Young ’10Mathematics DepartmentTracy E. Tuthill Mathematics Award:Sam Milito ’10RP I Mathematics & Science Award:Andy Jiang ’11American Mathematics CompetitionAward: Sam Milito ’10American Mathematics CompetitionAward: Austin Kubiniec ’12Foreign Language DepartmentLatin Award: Sebastian Augustine ’10 andRami Sherif ’10French Award: Will Savino ’10 and JacobStark ’10Spanish Award: Jessica Briatico ’10Aranya Maritime and Rick Bryan congratulateIsaiah New ’10, one of two recipients of theJoseph L. Hudson, Jr. ’49 Award.Dual Latin and Greek Award:Siobhan Hanley ’10Triple Chinese, Latin, Spanish Award:Krystyna Nowakowski ’10Triple Chinese, French, Spanish Award:Hannah Sorgi ’10Chinese Award: Jordan Sternberg ’10AthleticsAlumni Cup: Ron Canestro ’10 andJill Tokarczyk ’10OtherLucy and Sherman Maisel ’35 GeneralInformation Test: Will Savino ’10Bonnie Lerner Posmantur Award: PaigeMatecki ’10 and Bethany Novak ’102009-2010 Middle <strong>School</strong>Awardees:Western New York Spelling Bee1 st place: Alexandra Marie Castiglia ’152 nd place: Aarti Chandan ’14Red Jacket Poetry Con<strong>test</strong>1 st place: Sumayyah T. Haq ’172 nd place: Alexandra Marie Castiglia ’152 nd place: Paige Fiona Spangenthal ’15Purdy Short Story Prize1 st place: Paige Fiona Spangenthal ’15Geography Bee1 st place: Alexandra Castiglia ’152 nd place: Sam Jones ’15New York State Math League Con<strong>test</strong>6 th grade:1 st place: Madeleine Welchoff ’162 nd place: Ryan DiPaolo ’163 rd place: Stephen Dhillon ’16 &Leyton Johnston ’167 th grade:1 st place: David Fulton ’152 nd place: Will Yerkovich ’153 rd place: Patrick Taggart ’158 th grade:1 st place: Seth Meyer ’14 (1 st place in region)2 nd place: Jason Zhou ’14 (3 rd place inregion)3 rd place: Teddy Marks ’14Music AwardsOrchestra:Most Improved Musician: Will Hibbard ’16Outstanding Musician: Diana Henry ’16Music Leadership Award: Jason Zhou ’14Chorus:Most Improved Musician: Callie Keavey ’14Music Leadership Award: Jason Zhou ’14Outstanding Musician Award:Anthony DeRose ’14Band:Most Improved Musician:Aubrey Borgesi ’16Music Leadership Award: Rena Lyon ’14Outstanding Musician Award:Jessica Zhou ’15National French Exam Recognitions1 st place: Anna Magavern ’152 nd Place: Brady Stevens ’15National Latin Exam RecognitionsSumma Cum Laude: Jason Zhou ’14,Armen Soukiazian ’14 and Joel Brinson ’14Maxima Cum Laude: Nicola Marcucci ’14,Zachary Cole ’14, Zach Tone ’14 andMichael Geiger ’14Magna Cum Laude: Callie Keavey ’14Cum Laude: Fred Maynor ’14, JackHourihane ’14, Katie Hobika ’14 andEmma Raddatz ’14National Spanish Exam RecognitionsPremio de Oro (Gold): Lorena Lyon ’14Premio de Plata (Silver): Seth Meyer ’14,Robert Kubiniec ’14 andAlexandra Montesano ’14Premio de Bronce (Bronze):Spencer Bacon ’14, Aarti Chandan ’14,Cameron Hejna ’14 and Austin Egri ’14Premio de Excelencia (Honor): EvaSchlehr ’14, Jennifer Sauter ’14 andElliot Biltekoff ’14H.R. MacKinder General Information Test(G.I.T.)5 th grade: Teodoro Marcucci ’176 th grade: Leyton Johnston ’167 th grade: David Fulton ’158 th grade: Jason Zhou ’14Middle <strong>School</strong> Overall G.I.T. Winner:David Christopher Fulton ’15Cornelia L. Dopkins Award5 th grade: Thomas Alan Elia ’176 th grade: Emma Geraldyne Hobika ’167 th grade: Ethan Daniel Carrow ’158 th grade: Kathryn Alexandra Hobika ’14Fall 201019


Henry D. Waters AwardMaxwell Martin Scott ’16 and Mia GraceTirabassi ’14Pliny H. Hayes III AwardDavid Christopher Fulton ’15 and AnnaSophia Magavern ’15The Bruce Anderson AwardSeth Anderson Meyer ’14 and AnthonyDavid Tirabassi ’14The <strong>Nichols</strong> Coaches AwardCaroline Mary Hogan ’14 and Emma JeanRaddatz ’14E. Webster Dann Faculty AwardMadeleine Wells Brason ’14, AartiChandan ’14, Leah Marie Finkelstein’14, Walter Robert Robinson ’14, ArmenSoukiazian ’14 and Jason Wei Zhou ’14The Charles I. Kleiser AwardCaroline Mary Hogan ’14 and SethAnderson Meyer ’14Congratulations to all of the year’s awardwinners!The Nottingham Award recipient, Emily Pfalzer ’11,is greeted by Marilynn Propis Militello, a graduateof Nottingham Academy.G. Robert Strauss, Jr. ’79Memorial ScholarshipBob Strauss was a member of thegraduating class of 1979. To honor hismemory, this award is given to a risingsenior who espouses the qualities mostnoteworthy in Bob – commitment tocommunity service, academic growthand athletic participation. The followingcitation was presented to DonataLorenzo ’11, the 2010 recipient of theaward.A member of Chorus and the softballteam, you embody many of the qualities ofBob Strauss ’79. You have steadily grownas an academic over the past three yearsand are currently enrolled in four AP andadvanced senior electives. In the past fewyears you have given over 60 hours of yourtime to organizations such as OlmstedParks Conservancy, Roswell Park CancerInstitute, First Night, Music is Art Festival,St. James Food Pantry, Chestnut RidgePark, St. Cyril’s and Kids Day. Thosewho have volunteered with you value yourpresence because you make service fun.AP Achievements of the Class of 2010by Nina BaroneAn outstanding 67 members of the Class of2010 took at least one Advanced Placementexam. <strong>Nichols</strong> offers 18 AdvancementPlacement courses, with teachersrecommending students for sectioning inAP courses. Most <strong>Nichols</strong> students take atleast one AP during their time in the Upper<strong>School</strong>, with many receiving college creditfor their efforts.The CollegeBoard AP announced thatthe following 38 graduates of the Class of2010 received AP Scholar Awards for theirperformance:AP ScholarsGranted to students who receive scores of 3or higher on three or more AP exams.Julia Accetta ’10Ari Goldfarb ’10Abhi Khurana ’10Kristina Lutz ’10Graham Marks ’10Adam Shafik ’10Madalyn Vershay ’1020 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>AP Scholars with HonorGranted to students who receive an averagescore of at least 3.25 on all AP examstaken, AND scores of 3 or higher on four ormore of these exams.Boris Borovcanin ’10Sean Griffin ’10Stephen Kellogg ’10Grace Munro ’10Krystyna Nowakowski ’10Jacob Shedd ’10Tess Williams ’10AP Scholars with DistinctionGranted to students who receive an averagescore of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken,AND scores of 3 or higher on five or more ofthese exams.Jordan Berninger ’10Jess Briatico ’10Andrew (Jake) Cappucino ’10Francesca Fulciniti ’10Michelle Ho ’10Edwin Johnston ’10Eric Larson ’10Lauren Lewis ’10Isaiah New ’10Seong Oh ’10Caroline Russ ’10Kelsey Ryan ’10William Savino ’10Rene Sobolewski ’10Ed Spangenthal ’10Jake Stark ’10Thomas Unger ’10National AP ScholarsGranted to students in the United Stateswho receive an average score of at least 4on all AP exams taken, AND scores of 4 orhigher on eight or more of these exams.Sebastian Augustine ’10John Paul Gillmeister ’10Siobhan Hanley ’10Jacob Herskind ’10Sam Milito ’10Rami Sherif ’10Congratulations to the members of theClass of 2010 who earned these exceptionalacademic achievements!


Commencementstudent speaker,Will Savino ’10,delivers his address.The <strong>118th</strong> Commencementby Nina Barone<strong>Nichols</strong> held the <strong>118th</strong> Commencement on Friday, June 4,with students receiving their diplomas on a beautiful day in theQuadrangle. Head of <strong>School</strong>, Rick Bryan, opened the ceremonyby recognizing the collective and individual talents of the class of2010.William G. Gisel, Jr. ’70, President of the Board of Trustees,shared that he assumed his role as President of the Board whenthe graduating class members were freshmen. He addressed howdifferent <strong>Nichols</strong> is today from when they entered the Upper<strong>School</strong>; and he remarked how many extraordinary advancementshave been made to the curriculum, while simultaneously, physicalchanges have taken place on campus. He added that, thanks to thecore competencies developed during their time at <strong>Nichols</strong>, theyhave expanded their capabilities and ultimately grew into studentsprepared to move on to the next phase of their lives.Student elected speaker, Will Savino ’10, addressed his fellowclassmates with a combination of wit and sincere advice. Heopened by telling the story of Turkmenbashi, the former Presidentof Turkmenistan, who began life as an orphan and eventuallytransformed his country’s identity – with much of it being areflection of himself. He renamed landmarks and items to mirrorhis own name, and he eventually made a myriad of conceivablyinsignificant changes. While they may not have been important inglobal politics or praiseworthy in the overall history of the country,he made many changes nonetheless. As Will put it, “he madeTurkmenistan, Absurdistan.”Although Turkmenbashi was not an incredible leader, whenhe set out to do something, he did just that. Will continued: “theworld in which we live now has infinite social mobility…the leadersof tomorrow will not be decided by birth, but by their dreams.”He also shared several anecdotes from the school year, recallinga Morning Meeting Meditation given by Dr. Aranya Maritimeregarding the installation of cameras on several busy city streets.Will spoke about the benefits of increased technology, saying heappreciates that “Facebook and Twitter are running logs of ourevery move.” To Will, this indicates that we are moving closer toa society without secrets and filling the world with evidence. Hestressed that we will not have trouble if we follow our own personalHonor Codes.Will continued: “Over the past five years or so, a lot of literaturehas been produced that tries to answer the question of whysuccessful people are successful. The consensus is that there is anenormous amount of luck involved. One has to be raised in theright environment, encouraged to thrive, and going to great schoolsalong the way doesn’t hurt. This should come as no surprise to you.So much of life is chance, and success depends on being born inthe right place at the right time. But more than luck, the decidingfactor in greatness is something Malcolm Gladwell refers to as the10,000 Hour Rule. This rule states that if you work on somethingfor 10,000 hours, you will most likely be incredibly skilled at it. Hespecifically cites the Beatles and Bill Gates, both the top of theirfields and both with absurd amounts of practice in what they do.”Will went on to emphasize the value in working hard towardsomething, citing examples of his classmates who identified whatthey wanted to achieve – be it academic, athletic or otherwise –and did so. He said, “<strong>Nichols</strong> is filled with talented students witha variety of skills, but the drive and fire to excel in what you do,is what makes the difference…I’m not trying to scare you, I’mFall 201023


challenging you.” Will continued, “Find what you love to do and doit until you are amazing. We must challenge ourselves to achieve.”In closing, Will reminded his classmates of his overall messages:“I urge you: dream big, stick to your Honor Code and work hard.”Following the presentation of diplomas, Commencement speaker,Michael Angelakos ’05, front man of the famed band, Passion Pit,shared the following inspirational and heartfelt words to end theceremony:As I just turned 23 years old, I speak to you today not only frompast experiences, but from current ones. These are experiences thathave somehow led me to a situation where I am now supposed to impartsome sort of wisdom or advice to 100 or so extraordinarily talented,intelligent and promising young adults – an experience itself, I assureyou all. With few exceptions, these experiences are much the same ifnot very familiar to the experiences you, class of 2010, are either facingnow or will inevitably face at some point in the near future. Overall,these experiences tend to be emotionallyconfusing, draining, or flat-out defeating.And, as most people here have gone throughmuch of the same that you have to begraduating today, it is quite obvious to usall that you have endured your share ofpeaks and troughs throughout the years.The emotional turbulence of high school isno small matter, and it will most certainlyresonate with you for years to come…The past few years have brought aboutmuch analysis and many studies in regardsto our development as a generation. Wehave become increasingly aware of ourselvesas a generation bred to think and worrymore about our respective futures ratherthan our day-to-day lives. In essence, weare living more in the future rather thanthe present. This is obviously the modusoperandi of all preparatory schools: you arepreparing for undergraduate and perhapseven graduate studies. But particularly inthis age, it can sometimes bring out ourhave adopted in a better, smarter, and more positive way as they becomemore and more ubiquitous and commonplace…I now yearn to be someone who is truly aware of how lucky he is,someone who does not take anyone or anything for granted, someo<strong>new</strong>ho is as gracious as he is generous, honest, and sensitive to others. Asthis career fell into my hands, I have since been catching up to it, workingharder and harder each day, giving much thought to how I treat the peoplearound me. But to be fair, I didn’t go into this career or change of lifestylewith the mindset that it would help shift my perspective on how to live. Ialso did not even think in anyway that it would make me mindful of myways in dealing with others and, ultimately, myself. This was all verymuch a natural development. And let me tell you, I am not even close tobeing where I would like to be, but I am fairly certain I am on the rightpath, and that is good enough for now.Almost all of these developments were a result of a series of eventsthat involved my emotional health, leading me to dangerous and lifethreateningplaces. My narcissism and self-consciousness jeopardizedthe unexpected opportunities that I waspresented with. When I finally admittedthat I had problems and needed help, Iwas lucky enough to find the help andlove of my family, friends, and variousother types of support to help me put mylife back together. If there is one thingI can truly say from past experience,it is that planning your future is notsomething you should invest too muchtime in – it is highly likely you will endup where you least expected, for betteror worse. For me, one of the highesthighs of my life was coupled with one ofthe lowest lows. But what is interestingto me now is that the lows I experiencedhelped me build the need and urge to riseto the occasion. With a once in a lifetimeopportunity presented with the worstpossible timing, I had no choice but toimprove myself immediately. I neededto get healthier. I needed to put the timeand energy into improving my well-beinggeneration’s grea<strong>test</strong> weaknesses, namelyour paranoia and anxiety…So now we are what theorists,columnists, researchers, and <strong>new</strong>scastersMichael Angelakos ’05 of the band, Passion Pit, served as the118 th Commencement speaker.first, before I really took the plunge withmy career. I quickly came to realize thatmy success was hanging on by a thread,and my only chance of achieving it wouldcall the “me generation.” We are the generation that expects the word“yes” more than any other. We rely on our parents and schooling for anunprecedented amount of support, and tend to be, well, <strong>general</strong>ly moreinterested in our own success than anyone else’s. The disturbing sideto this is that we would like to succeed even at the demise of our peers,maybe even our friends. This sink or swim, Darwinian atmosphere isvirtually inescapable, and we are forced to work within its confines…So, graduates, with all this being said, let me really start by posing afew perfectly reasonable questions: if you and I are the most coddled,spoiled, self-centered, and narcissistic generation – and we are madeso aware of it – what do we then do with this <strong>information</strong>? How do webest assimilate into society? How do we grow into better, more secureindividuals? Most of the time, people seem to prefer theorizing as to whythis massive behavioral change has taken place. Let’s stop pointing fingersand wasting time on why. There is a plethora of <strong>information</strong> regarding itavailable already. Perhaps we should find a way to utilize these traits webe to take care of myself. And with this opportunity also being so fleeting,it was a risk I had to take knowing the consequences…But it is absolutely imperative to note that today, tomorrow, andin the years to come, setbacks will be as common as successes. Thesesetbacks could be emotional, mental, physical, or spiritual, and everyo<strong>new</strong>ill have their fair share of them. My close friend and teacher here at<strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>, who you all know very well, Roddy Potter, wished uponme “great pain and anguish” not too long before I graduated. He wasspeaking in the context of a certain Buddhist philosophy but, regardless,I understood how it applied to me, someone who doesn’t subscribe to anyparticular belief. What he was referring to, in his notoriously deadpan,matter-of-factly manner, was that in order for me to really appreciate allthe things that I have and will have, I am going to need to suffer, at leastto a certain degree. This is not exactly something you really want to hear,especially right before you graduate and go out on your own. It is alsosomething that no one really wants to come to terms with, but he was24 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>


Paige Matecki ’10, Madeleine Waters ’10, Kelsey Ryan’10 and Jill Tokarczyk ’10 don their ivy crowns.right. Any and all suffering to date has essentially increased the impactof all the positive aspects of my life. And I always hate it when Roddy isright…Many of you graduating have various outlets, such as the arts or evena mentor here at school. I was lucky enough to have both. I quicklyrealized, when contemplating the message of this speech, that I had moreemotional support from my mentors at <strong>Nichols</strong> than in any other pointin my life. But that mentoring was really just the tip of the iceberg, soto speak. Expressing myself to the people I looked up to during schoolhere at <strong>Nichols</strong> helped me significantly when I realized I had seriousproblems that I needed to deal with later in my life. When the safety netsof school and home are taken away and we are left to our own devices,such experience sets a precedent for us to open ourselves up more. This isabsolutely essential in moving out of this so called “me generation,” andbecoming more whole and secure people…But most importantly, paying more attention to the emotional self isperhaps our generation’s way of becoming better people. It starts withyou, in that if you are not healthy emotionally, you will not be a healthyperson for anyone else. And it is your responsibility to recognize that orhopefully be mature enough to allow other people to recognize it for you,then agree to get help. So, taking the self-obsession and narcissism of the“me generation” and making a concerted effort to utilize the negativeattributes of it in a positive fashion is the key. Illuminate yourself, openup, admit your faults, be honest with yourself. Heightened self-awarenesscan become one of your grea<strong>test</strong> assets and no longer your apparentgenerational flaw. And as we look in the mirror and pick out all ourfaults and dislikes about ourselves, in the end, the only thing we can dois deal with what we have been given, improve upon them if we can, andmake the most of it.The things I have said today are essentially just theories that I amworking out in my head as I continue this very strange, exhausting, butincredibly rewarding journey. I am in no way perfect in any sense of theword. Absolutely not. Nor do I intend to pretend to be. I am tired ofwanting to be perfect. I have learned to love my flaws. Sometimes I haveto remind myself that my flaws that cause such inner anguish and selfconsciousnesshave helped me create art and build a career that I love andstand by. And none of my success has been achieved on my own.I have wonderful people who have helped guide me to where I am today.To this day, I do not do my taxes. I don’t schedule my days. I don’t cook. Ican barely clean up after myself. To all of the teachers that have taught andknow me well, I still hand everything in late, and somehow, most of thetime, manage to get away with it. I don’t do my laundry and I can’t evenfold a shirt properly. But I believe that coming to terms with my problemsand improving myself has made working with the people directly involved inmy life and career so much more wonderful and secure. I have found love,I have rejuvenated my family life, and I have found hope when hope wasjust a word I had removed from my vocabulary. The difference in just twoyears has been absolutely astounding.And if I experienced it, I have no doubt so can each and every one ofyou in your own way. I am so proud of all of you. I cannot express howmuch faith I have that you all will overcome the obstacles that come yourway. Learn from them, and allow yourselves to grow in light of them.Enjoy today, and deal with tomorrow, tomorrow. Because today, class of2010, you’ve succeeded. Congratulations and best of luck.Fall 201025


Class of 2010 Matriculation ListCharles Abdel-NabiOxford College of EmoryUniversityTarek Abdel-NabiReed CollegeOmar AbialmounaNiagara UniversityJulia AccettaThe George WashingtonUniversityJarrett AlmandRochester Institute of TechnologyMatthew AngelakosUniversity of HartfordAliena AubrechtSavannah College of Artand DesignSebastian AugustineHarvard UniversityAshley AyersMercyhurst CollegeAmber BallSUNY at BuffaloJordan BerningerHamilton CollegeBoris BorovcaninUniversity of RochesterJessica BriaticoThe George WashingtonUniversityLarkin BrinkworthThe George WashingtonUniversityConrad BurgosUniversity of RochesterClaire BuscemiHobart and William Smith CollegesRon CanestroRochester Institute of TechnologyAndrew CappuccinoJohns Hopkins UniversityLaura CarlessUniversity of PittsburghBen CertoundecidedEric ChevliCase Western Reserve UniversityJon ClarkCanisius CollegeDieter ClaussCazenovia CollegeElizabeth CookSUNY at Buffalo StateRachel CromwellStetson UniversityBridgid DanahyLoyola University (IL)Hannah EpsteinRochester Institute of TechnologyJulia FerinUniversity of RochesterKatie FlaschnerUniversity of RochesterDevin FriedlanderThe George WashingtonUniversityHaley FromenHobart and William Smith CollegesFrancesca FulcinitiHarvard UniversityRamsey GaylesColumbia College (IL)Alexander GeorgeUniversity of Puget SoundMichael GeorgeRochester Institute of TechnologyConnor GilbrideRochester Institute of TechnologyJ.P. GillmeisterHarvard UniversityAri GoldfarbUniversity of Maryland,College ParkEvan GrendaUniversity of South CarolinaSean GriffinBoston UniversityBo GurneyHobart and William Smith CollegesSiobhan HanleyYale UniversityCokie HasiotisUniversity of St. Andrews(Scotland)Jacob HerskindPrinceton UniversityMichelle HoJohns Hopkins UniversityElliot JohnstonUniversity of PennsylvaniaDillon JosephSkidmore CollegeTony JulianoAlfred UniversityBrandon KaczmarzSUNY at BuffaloStephen KelloggCase Western Reserve UniversityAbhilasha KhuranaThe George WashingtonUniversityThaddeus KucharskiSUNY at MorrisvilleEric LarsonSUNY at BinghamtonLauren LewisWake Forest UniversityPeter LoreeSt. Lawrence UniversityKristina LutzSt. Lawrence UniversityAndy MacKinnonUnited States MerchantMarine AcademyGraham MarksBoston UniversityPaige MateckiNiagara UniversitySam MilitoRensselaer Polytechnic InstituteTia MillerCanisius CollegeAnne MontesanoSUNY at BuffaloTeresa MoscatiDaniel Webster CollegeGrace MunroHamilton CollegeIsaiah NewColumbia UniversityBethany NovakNazareth CollegeKrystyna NowakowskiUnited States Naval AcademyJack O’ConnorCastleton State College (VT)Seong OhCornell UniversityDavid PegadoSt. Lawrence UniversityJonathan PlotkinUniversity of MissouriWill ReganUniversity of VirginiaCaroline RussCornell UniversityKelsey RyanUniversity of ChicagoHaylee SauberanLake Erie CollegeWill SavinoAmherst CollegeAmanda SchoeneSUNY at BuffaloAdam ShafikSUNY at GeneseoJacob SheddRensselaer Polytechnic InstituteRami SherifUniversity of PennsylvaniaBri SmithCanisius CollegeBridget SmithSUNY at Buffalo StateKatie SmithDuquesne UniversityRene SobolewskiVanderbilt UniversityN.J. SolisEast Carolina UniversityHannah SorgiHobart and William Smith CollegesEd SpangenthalColorado CollegeJaclyn StaffordSUNY at FredoniaJake StarkWilliams CollegeAndrew SteinLake Forest CollegeJordan SternbergSUNY at BuffaloAndrew ToenniessenSUNY at BuffaloJill TokarczykHamilton CollegeThomas UngerBoston UniversityConner VandegriffHobart and William Smith CollegesMaddie VershayJohns Hopkins UniversityTori VosslerSt. Lawrence UniversityMaddie WatersHobart and William Smith CollegesTess WilliamsCornell UniversityChristian YoungSUNY at GeneseoDavid ZemskyIthaca College26 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>


After <strong>Nichols</strong>Mara Moscato ’97 LeadsContamination CleanupsWhere do you live currently?I recently moved from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where I lived for sixyears, to Flagstaff, Ariz.Where did you go to college?I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology andAnthropology from Cornell University. After working in the socialsciences, I earned a Master’s of Public Health in Environmental andOccupational Health fromthe University of Minnesotain Minneapolis.How did <strong>Nichols</strong> prepare youfor college and life beyondcollege?<strong>Nichols</strong> has high expectationsfor students. Good grades arenot handed out – you haveto earn them. That instillsa work ethic that benefitspeople during college andafter.What are you up to now? Tellus about your life and career.I am happily married to my husband, Greg Thorhaug, who I metin college and married 10 years later. We spend a lot of timecamping, hiking and kayaking, and hope to do some extendedtraveling in the near future. For the past six years, I have workedfor TerraGraphics Environmental Engineering, which specializes inremediating mining-related heavy metal contamination. I managethe soil sampling of properties in the Bunker Hill superfund site inthe Silver Valley in North Idaho, an area that was once the largestsilver producer in the U.S. and has widespread lead and arseniccontamination. Each year, we collect more than 15,000 soil andwater samples from 400 residential and commercial properties andanalyze them for lead and arsenic. Contaminated soils are removedto a depth of 12-24 inches, disposed of in a designated repository,and replaced with clean soil or gravel. When the cleanup firststarted, children in the Silver Valley had the highest blood leadlevels in the country, but in the past few years, the average bloodlead levels are close to the national average.Recently, I have conducted similar remediations in Senegal andNigeria. In 2009, more than 20 children died from lead poisoningin a suburb of Dakar, Senegal, where people recycled lead acid carbatteries. I went with three colleagues to assess the extent andmagnitude of contamination in the soils and interior house dust.We trained Senegalese government officials and local crews tosafely conduct the remediation, and we oversaw the removal anddisposal of the contaminated soil, placement of clean soil, anddecontamination of the interiors of the homes. I have returnedtwo additional times to collect samples and continue to overseeprogress.This past spring, more than 300 children died from leadpoisoning in the course of a fewmonths in remote, mud-housevillages in northern Nigeria.Villagers were illegally miningfor gold and processing ore intheir homes. In July, we workedwith the Nigerian government,Medecins Sans Frontieres(Doctors Without Borders), theCenter for Disease Control, theWorld Health Organization, andBlacksmith Institute, to conductan emergency cleanup in twovillages. I helped train crews toremove the contaminated soilwith pickaxes, bag it, haul it awayin wheelbarrows, and dispose ofthe bags in a landfill that we created. Work halted in July due tothe rainy season and the lack of funding. We now have funding toclean five additional villages where children have continued to die,but several larger villages have also been identified and will requireremediation in the future.Did anything from your time at <strong>Nichols</strong> inspire your career path?Attending <strong>Nichols</strong> is a privilege. Many of its teachers are betterteachers and more interested in teaching than most professors I hadin college. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to receivesuch a solid education and felt that I should do something whereothers may benefit from it. The experience that directly motivatedme occurred while working at an alcoholism clinic on the Navajoreservation. There were few older men in town, as most of themhad been miners in Uranium mines and died from lung disease.Families are still fighting for compensation, and there are hundredsof open, abandoned mines. The combination of social justice,environmental problems and politics intrigued me and motivatedme to work in the field of environmental health.continued on page 32Fall 201027


Athletic Hall of Fameby Blake Walsh ’98On Friday, Oct. 15, <strong>Nichols</strong> held a ceremony and dinner reception to honor the <strong>new</strong> Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.Special thanks to our Selection Committee Chair, George Kloepfer ‘66, and his entire committee for all their work. Weare pleased to honor the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2010. Nominations for future inductees are welcome at any time.Thomas Caulfield ’72• Three-year starter in football, wrestlingand baseball.• In football, was the right guard andanchored the line for the undefeated1970 Interstate Championship team.• In wrestling, he won many crucialmatches throughout his career and wasteam captain his senior year; he placedfirst in his weight class in multipletournaments.• In baseball, he hit over .300 for hiscareer and served as captain his senioryear; he led the team to two InterstateChampionships under Hall of FameCoach, Andy Anderson.• He wrestled and played baseball atSt. Lawrence University and has runin various marathons over the years,including the New York City Marathonseveral times.Lauren Gioia ’94• Served as the captain of the field hockeyteam, and selected to the All-WesternNew York team.• She also was captain of the lacrosse teamand played as a two time All-American.• Off campus, she was a championequestrian throughout the Midwestand took 2nd and 3rd place ribbonsat the National Horse Show in 1992,and 1st and 3rd place in classes at thePennsylvania National Horse Show in1994.• She was awarded the 1994 Alumni Cupher senior year.• At Williams College, she achieved All-American status in both field hockey andlacrosse during freshman, sophomore andjunior years. In her senior year, she wascaptain of both teams. Her 1996 lacrosseteam was ranked #1 in the countryand went on to win the New EnglandSmall College Athletic ConferenceChampionship that year.• She was named the Defensive Player ofthe Year, a title awarded by the Inter-Collegiate Lacrosse Coaches Association.28 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>Lila Morris Hyde ’85• She played varsity tennis from 8th gradethrough 12th grade, earning five letters;she was elected captain as a junior and asa senior.• She earned Most Valuable Player in hersophomore, junior and senior seasons.• Dominating the squash court throughoutall four high school seasons, she served ascaptain her senior year; she was electedsquash MVP as a junior and a senior.• She played varsity lacrosse freshmanthrough senior year, serving as captainand MVP; she also earned a variety ofall-star awards on behalf of <strong>Nichols</strong>.• She went on to play squash andlacrosse at Trinity College; while onan academic exchange in her junioryear at Dartmouth College, she helpeddefeat Trinity for the Howe Cup, theWomen’s National Intercollegiate TeamsChampionship.• In her senior year in squash, she earnedAll-American status.Paula Fronckowiak Krupa ’82• She played varsity volleyball for fouryears.• After switching from soccer to fieldhockey in her sophomore year, sheearned MIP honors that year, was electedcaptain of the team in her senior year,and was awarded the MVP award thatsame season.• She earned four varsity letters on thelacrosse team; earned MVP award asgoalie in her sophomore, junior andsenior years; and was captain of the teamher senior year.• She continued her lacrosse careerat Ursinus College for a team thatwon the United States Women’sLacrosse Association (pre-NCAA)Championships in 1983 and 1984.• In 1985, the first year of the NCAADivision III Women’s LacrosseChampionships, her Ursinus teamfinished 2nd to Trenton State, butshe led her team to the championshipgame again the following year, this timedefeating the defending champions towin the NCAA trophy.• She was selected to the All-Pennsylvaniaand All-Philadelphia All-Star Teamsin 1985 and 1986; she was named anAll-American her senior year and wasselected to play in the North/SouthSenior All-Star Game – one of the fewDivision III players chosen to participatein this prestigious event.Richard Oleksiak ’66• Played varsity football for three seasons,from 1963-65, and led the 1965 team toan undefeated season and the InterstatePrep <strong>School</strong> League Championship.• He earned three letters on varsitybasketball from 1964-66, and led theteam in rebounding his junior and senioryears, setting a (then) record of 33rebounds in a single game.• He was a physical force on the <strong>School</strong>’sfirst undefeated team in 1964-65.• His junior and senior year teams hada combined 35-1 record, winning theIPSL Basketball Title his junior year forthe first time since 1938, and winning itagain his senior year.• From 1963-66, he earned four letters onthe varsity track team; he was co-captainof the team and holds three school trackand field records: 6’0’’ in the high jump,51’1” in the shot put and 152’8” in thediscus.• He lettered in track at ColgateUniversity, throwing the shot and discus.• Also, he started a longtime affiliationwith rugby, playing on Colgate’s firstrugby team.Frank Sacheli• He played hockey at Brown Universityand was recognized as the leading scorerfor the Ivy League in 1968; he alsoreceived All-Ivy League and All-ECACrecognition.• During his tenure at <strong>Nichols</strong>, he coachedBoys Varsity Soccer, Boys Varsity Golf,Girls Varsity Softball, Girls VarsityHockey and 18 years of Boys VarsityHockey.


SportsThe Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2010 (front, l-r):Richard F. Oleksiak, Jr. ’66, Elizabeth Morris Hyde’85, Frank J. Sacheli, Paula Fronckowiak Krupa’82, Lauren E. Gioia ’94, H. Ward Wettlaufer ’54;(back): Jonathan R. Wright ’66, Jeffrey S. Weber’86, Joseph J. Tomizzi ’83, David M. Weber ’86and Thomas E. Caulfield ’72.• In 2008, he coached the Girls VarsityHockey team to the championships inthe CISAA, and later led the girls ina perfect 16-0 season in the NAPHAleague and to the Championship in2010.• As head coach of the Boys VarsityHockey Team, he achieved a record 421wins, 124 losses and 18 ties in 563 gamesplayed; he also boasts 25 tournamentchampionships.• He won seven <strong>Nichols</strong> New Year’sChampionships, five Ridley InvitationalChampionships, five St. AndrewsMcPherson titles and four LawrencevilleChampionships.• In one three-year stretch, his teamswon 69 consecutive regular season andplayoff games, including 10 straighttournaments.Joseph Tomizzi ’83• In his senior year, he led the baseballteam to the 1983 Georgetown CupChampionship against St. Francis at theOld Rock Pile (War Memorial Stadium).• In football, he was one of the topreceivers in school history; at the time ofgraduation, he was ranked in the top 10in Western New York history for careerreceiving yards.• He earned 1st Team All-Catholic andAll-WNY honors and was chosen to the2nd Team All-State (large schools) squadin his senior year.• He was a tenacious 5’10” center for threeyears on the varsity basketball team.• He earned 10 varsity letters in a fouryear career in football, basketball andbaseball.David Weber ’86• He played varsity soccer for three yearsand was captain of the team his senioryear.• He played varsity lacrosse for threeyears and earned All-Western New Yorkhonors in his senior year.• A part of one of the most successfulvarsity hockey teams in school history, heplayed for three years, accumulated 124points, served as captain his senior year,and was selected co-MVP that same year.• For his outstanding athleticachievements, he was the recipient ofthe Alumni Cup in his senior year.• He played four years of Division I hockeyat the University of Vermont, serving ascaptain of the team his senior year andwinning the Jim Cross Coaches’ Awardthat same year.Jeffrey Weber ’86• He played two seasons of varsity soccerand earned Second Team All-NFL in theprocess.• He played three years of varsity lacrosse,earning Honorable Mention All-WNYhis senior year.• On the varsity hockey team for threeyears, he was the leading scorer andMVP his sophomore year, and assistantcaptain his senior year.• He went on to Colgate University, wherehe played four years of varsity hockey (89games).• In 1990, his senior year, he received theCoaches’ Award – a year that saw theRaiders make it to the final game of theNCAA Division I Tournament, wherethey lost to Wisconsin.• After graduating from Colgate, he playedone year in the East Coast HockeyLeague for the Louisville Ice Hawks, anaffiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks andthe long lamented Hartford Whalers.H. Ward Wettlaufer, Sr. ’54• He earned three varsity letters on thebaseball team, including pitching a nohitgame.• While attending Hamilton College, hebecame a two-time member of the NCAAFirst Team All-American Golf Team.• He won several prestigious golftournaments, including the InternationalJunior Masters, Tam O’Shanter WorldAmateur Championship, BermudaAmateur, the Porter Cup, EasternAmateur, and the North and SouthAmateur.• He played on the 1959 Walker Cupteam with teammate, Jack Nicklaus, andplayed in two U.S. Opens, three Mastersand one Senior Open.• Country Club of Buffalo has namedits annual scratch tournament in hishonor, as he has won 22 Country Club ofBuffalo Championships.• For four years, he was ranked in thetop 10 of the National Senior Amateurrankings.Jonathan Wright ’66• He played varsity hockey for four yearsand set the (then) school record for mostgoals in a season.• As captain of varsity football, he ledthe 1965 team to the first undefeatedseason and Interstate Prep <strong>School</strong> LeagueChampionship since 1949.• During his “off” season in track, was anoutstanding discus thrower, consistentlythrowing over 120’ to register many wins.• At Princeton University, he was captainof the undefeated freshmen team.• As the single wing quarterback for theTigers, he lettered for two years beforeswitching to hockey and lettering inhockey the same season, making him oneof a very few <strong>Nichols</strong> graduates to letter intwo varsity sports at the Division I level.Fall 201029


Spring 2010 Athletics Recapby Holly FewkesBaseball (10-12-1)Baseball had a successful season, finishing as the CISAA RegularSeason Champions! The team lost an unbelievable nine heartbreaking one run games in the regular season Monsignor MartinLeague. Most Valuable Player was Andrew MacKinnon ’10. TheCoaches Award went to Tom Noonan ’12 and the Most ImprovedPlayer was Ryan Stayner ’11. The four seniors, Ron Canestro, EvanGrenda, Andy MacKinnon and Jack O’Connor, will be greatlymissed. Thank you for your four years of contributions!Boys & Girls CrewThe Crew team had quality performances at six regattas this spring.At the John Bennett Regatta, the Girls Senior 4 and the GirlsFlyweight boats both placed 2 nd . The Girls Junior 4 had the bestshowing of the season at the All High Championships, taking firstplace. They also qualified for the National Regatta where theymade the semi-finals. Coxswain Nyrie Soukiazian ’12 was the MostImproved Rower for the boys’ team. The Boys Coaches Awardswent to the Senior Boys team of Jarrett Almand ’10, ConnorGilbride ’10, Jake Herskind ’10 and Graham Marks ’10. MVP of theGirls Crew team was Ingrid Lund ’11 and the Coaches Award wentto Brigid Daly ’12. Thank you to the seven seniors!Girls GolfGirls Golf enjoyed a very successful season, culminating witha third consecutive CISAA tournament championship! Theydefeated Ridley by 11 strokes with Rene Sobolewski (2 nd ), PamickaMarinello (3 rd ), Gaelin Carrig (6 th ) and Marla Murrett (10 th ) allplacing in the top 10 in the tournament. The team also placed firstin two other tournaments and defeated Dunkirk / Fredonia in ahead to head match. The Coaches Award went to Rene Sobolewski’10 and the Most Improved Golfers were Kayla Brannen ’13 andHeather Rinow ’11. Seniors Anne Montesano ’10, Rene Sobolewski’10 and Madalyn Vershay ’10 will all be missed. Best of luck!Boys Lacrosse (10-6)Boys Lacrosse had a successful season, finishing with a record of10-6. The team had two exciting regular season wins over Canisius,one in double overtime. They lost to St. Joe’s in the regular seasononly to come back in the playoffs and defeat them 6-5 in overtime.This victory allowed them to reach the finals of the MonsignorMartin League where they lost to Timon. Most Valuable Playersof the team were Jordan Berninger ’10 and Tony Juliano ’10. MostImproved Players were Peter Borgesi ’12 and Derek Marks ’11. Thesix seniors will be greatly missed! Thank you for your contributionsover the years.Girls Lacrosse (10-5-1)Girls Lacrosse enjoyed one of their finest seasons in recent memory!They had a successful trip to Detroit, defeating both DetroitCountry Day and Cranbrook-Kingswood. They also made it to thefinals of the MidWest Tournament losing a close 7-5 championshipgame to Hathaway Brown. Lauren Basil ’11, Paige Matecki ’10 andJill Tokarczyk ’10 were named 1 st team All-MidWest. 2 nd team All-MidWest was Marissa Faso ’11 and Haley Welch ’11. Julia DiTondo’12 was named MVP of MSLA championship game. All MSLATournament Team included Julia DiTondo ’12, Marissa Faso ’11 andKristen Winter ’12. Team awards included MVP’s Jill Tokarczyk ’10and Paige Matecki ’10. Coaches Awards went to Lauren Basil ’11and Marissa Faso ’11; and Most Improved Players were Tori Salmon’11 and Kristen Winter ’12. Thank you to the 11 seniors! You willbe missed.Softball (4-9)Softball had a season marked by improvement. The team had earlyseason victories over Cardinal O’Hara and Niagara Catholic andthen ended the season with a key win over Nardin, 4-2. The teamplayed well in the quarter finals of the league, losing to a strongImmaculata team. Jenna Holevinski ’12 was named Most ImprovedPlayer. Morgan McDermott ’13 and Pearl Guerin ’13 receivedCoaches Award. Ashley Lyman ’13 was named MVP, as well asbeing named 2 nd Team All-Catholic. The team thanks Ashley Ayers’10 and Amber Ball ’10 for their four years of dedication to thesoftball program!Tennis (14-2)The Boys Tennis team once again feasted on success in theMonsignor Martin League and across the area. One of their mostimpressive wins came over The Harley <strong>School</strong>, 3-2. The teamwon the regular season Monsignor Martin League and dominatedthe league playoffs, sweeping the championships for the All-Catholic Championship trophy. Boris Borovcanin ’10 won theMML 1 st singles title, defeating his teammate Jonah Epstein ’12.Ryan Cromwell placed 3 rd in the singles event. It was quite anaccomplishment for <strong>Nichols</strong> players to take the top three spots.Dieter Clauss ’10 and David Hamilton ’11 were the MML 1 stDoubles Champions. MVP of the team was Jonah Epstein ’12.The Coaches Award went to Michael Hoerner ’11 and the MostImproved Player was Boris Borovcanin ’10. Boris Borovcanin,Dieter Clauss, Eric Chevli ’10 and David Zemsky ’10 will all bemissed. Thank you for your contributions!30 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>


William <strong>Nichols</strong> AwardAlumni Board President, Hugh M. Russ III ’78, read the citationfor the William <strong>Nichols</strong> Award, which was presented to John R.Munro, Jr., departing Assistant Head and Director of the Middle<strong>School</strong>. Here are the words he shared:You arrived in 1997, fresh from America’s heartland – Indianapolis,Indiana. Immediately you set about, positively transforming how the<strong>Nichols</strong> Admissions Office operated. You brought best practices fromNAIS, you began reaching out with parent coffees, you had an eyetoward increasing diversity, and in the ensuing five years, you admittednearly 600 <strong>new</strong> students to the <strong>School</strong>.Following the move from the Nottingham campus in 2001, we neededan experienced Middle <strong>School</strong> educator to take the reins and create acohesive community in Regan and Donaldson Halls. You did just thatand more.You helped make our <strong>School</strong> think of itself as one community. Youcreated the Middle <strong>School</strong> House system, strengthened the advisoryprogram, introduced the teaching of character, and promoted arts,athletics and extracurricular offerings in the Middle <strong>School</strong>. You arealways willing to learn and to try <strong>new</strong> programs, which has kept theMiddle <strong>School</strong> at the forefront of pursuing <strong>new</strong> ideas. With yourrefreshing enthusiasm, you have developed many customs and traditionsthat define our Middle <strong>School</strong>. We are thrilled that the House trophy willforever be known as the Munro Cup.But it is your humanity and character that is referenced most byparents, students and faculty. Students fondly remember you standingin the foyer of Regan Hall, greeting everyone by name every morning.As a result, you make everyone feel comfortable, even on those firstdays when any <strong>new</strong> school can seem scary. Others talk about how youmanage to be everywhere – at every play, musical performance, skiAwardsclub trip and athletic con<strong>test</strong>. Parentsconstantly seek your advice throughbook club meetings, in your office,grade level coffees or on the telephone.Faculty relate that every conversationultimately centers around what is rightfor the students, that you were thebest advisor in the Middle <strong>School</strong>, andthat the Thursday Morning Meetingswere so successful because of yourleadership.On Thursdays in the Pond, you area combination of witty game show host,talent scout, cheerleader, master of John R. Munro, Jr.ceremonies, and the wise <strong>School</strong> mastersharing insights and advice. Witha constant eye on the clock, you made sure students got their shiningmoments and that faculty announcements were relayed. Sprinkledaround all this are always valuable little nuggets about character. John,you always reminded us to believe the best in people, and hundreds ofMiddle <strong>School</strong> students will carry that lesson for the rest of their livesbecause of your example.We are sad to see you depart, but are excited for your <strong>new</strong> adventureas the Headmaster of Fairfield Country Day <strong>School</strong>. We will miss yourpoems on Verdian Day; our faculty days at the Chautauqua Institute;your love of nature and the environment, which led to many clean-updays around Hoyt Lake; your love of athletics and natural ability in somany areas; your wonderful energy, optimism and sincerity. You leavean incredible legacy that will be long remembered.For all these reasons, we salute you, John R. Munro, Jr., and proudlyaward you with the 2010 William <strong>Nichols</strong> Award.Pennies for PeaceIn early November, <strong>Nichols</strong> participated in Pennies for Peace, a program founded by author and philanthropist, Greg Mortenson. It teachesstudents about the global community, particularly the need to fund education opportunities in impoverished countries, and shows them thatthey can make a positive impact on the world, one penny at a time. Our drive collected $2,009.64 – more than any other area school!Our student leaders metwith Greg Mortenson priorto the UB DistinguishedSpeaker Series lecture.Fall 201031


Olive Ringo AwardWhile you began your recent tenure at <strong>Nichols</strong> eleven years ago, we got toknow you a few years before that when you filled in for a veteran teachergoing on sabbatical. We were immediately struck by your ease with multiplesubject areas, your intellect, your compassion, your kindness, and yourquirky, spot-on sense of humor. Perhaps it was the “Maya Quest” project ofthat spring (who can forget the human sacrifice on the patio of Nottingham),but you left us for a couple of years to consider what teaching at <strong>Nichols</strong> wasreally all about. And to say that we were thrilled when you did return wouldbe a gross understatement.A gifted teacher, you communicate clearly and effectively, relating tostudents of all levels of competence. You took a geography course that haddevolved to map memorizing and made it a rich cultural study. In your classdiscussion and writing assignments, you challenge students to be on the higherend of Bloom’s Taxonomy, empathizing with other cultures around the world(your students will never forget carrying gallons of water, as millions of peoplehave to do in other parts of the world, to a picnic in Delaware Park). Youcontinually push yourself and others to be better. Your curiosity, creativityand dedication to any undertaking has served you well as you have taken onthe challenge of teaching outside of your field of expertise more than anyonein the school and have done so with singular success.As an advisor (the only male teacher in the 6 th grade), you are oftengiven challenging advisees whom you gently, but firmly, guide to betterhabits and choices. You are an advocate for what Middle <strong>School</strong> studentsneed, not only in the classroom and advisory, but also on a schoolwidelevel. You have continued to organize the extraordinary 6 th gradecommunity service project at <strong>School</strong> 54. Your unflinching support forathletic locker room supervision, particularly during hockey season, has youforever in the athletic department’s debt. Your focus is always on ways tomake the school a better place to live in, to learn in, and to play in.Gordon Gannon ’50 (left), co-trustee of the Olive R. Ringo estate, andGeorge Kloepfer II ’68 (right), proudly present Michael Salmon with hisaward citation.Another realm where you have excelled is in the field of music asfounding father of the <strong>Nichols</strong> Ringing Society. Those who shared aclassroom wall with you had the opportunity to hear you turn a motleycrew of Middle <strong>School</strong>ers, Upper <strong>School</strong>ers and a random smattering offaculty into a happy, cohesive ensemble capable of turning out beautifulmusic on the hand bells. Your high standards and integrity serve as amodel for colleagues and students alike.Clearly, a Renaissance man, you are the soul of the <strong>School</strong>. For allof your efforts, to which you put your hand, heart and mind, to make<strong>Nichols</strong> the best school it can be, we award the 2010 Olive R. RingoAward to you – Michael Salmon.After <strong>Nichols</strong> – continued from page 27What advice do you have for others who may want to work inyour field?Environmental Science and Environmental Health are extremelydiverse fields, and there are no designated career paths as thereare in other fields like medicine, education or law. Be prepared tocreate your own path. Take classes that interest you, along with asmany science courses as possible. You can learn a lot of job skillswhile on the job, but you can’t learn chemistry, physics or statisticson-the-fly.What is the most valuable lesson you learned at <strong>Nichols</strong>?<strong>Nichols</strong> stresses the importance of clear writing, which is anessential form of communication in my field.What is your favorite <strong>Nichols</strong> memory?Studying out in the Quad on a sunny spring day is my favoritememory at <strong>Nichols</strong>.What do you like to do for fun?Camping, kayaking, hiking, traveling and listening to good music.Save the date!Derby Day AuctionSaturday, May 7, 2011This year’s auctionCo-Chairs areJackie & Jim Ennis ’81 andLaurie & Doug Wright.For more <strong>information</strong> orto donate an item,call 716-332-5151.32 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>


After <strong>Nichols</strong>Duncan Sisson ’98Bikes for a Better Worldby Blake Walsh ’98We first told you about Duncan Sisson ‘98 and his then <strong>new</strong> non-profit organization “Biking For A Better World” in our Fall 2006 issue. Duncan, Co-Founder of BBW and a ski patrol rescue worker, lives in Lake Tahoe and is a graduate of Hartwick College. After riding his bike 18,000 miles from Alaskato Argentina in 2007, and stopping in Nicaragua to build a school along with way, Duncan and BBW have continued to ride for great causes. Here’s aglimpse at what Duncan has accomplished and where the trails will take him next. You can visit their website at www.bikingforabetterworld.org.How has your life changed since completing your eight month biketrip from Alaska to Argentina in 2007/2008?That trip was Biking For A Better World’s first project. BBW is anon-profit that I created in 2006 with my friend Jake Spero. Ourgoal is to use bicycle tours to raise money for our non-profit and toassist communities in need, helping improve their everyday life.In 2007, we completely funded the construction of an Elementary<strong>School</strong> in La Bonansa, Nicaragua.Rather than wearing me out and calming me down, that triphas had the reverse effect. I constantly look for <strong>new</strong> challengesand places to travel. I was surprised that I had an urge to travel soshortly after returning home from eight months on the road.What were your favorite parts of theAlaska to Argentina ride?It’s tough to say. There are so manymemories worthy of inclusion! Ridingthrough the Andes comes to mind…we got a taste in Colombia, gotworked (physically and mentally),slowed down and intimidated.Because of this we changed plans,went due west for the coast andflat terrain. Then in Lima, Peru wedecided to re-enter the Andes to makeour complete crossing into Bolivia.Our route took us from sea level, onthe coast of Peru, up and over one ofthe biggest mountain ranges in theworld. It was epic on many levels.The terrain, the roads, the climate, the culture – everything. Theclimbing was the toughest I had experienced in my life. Someof these passes/summits could not be reached in an entire day ofpedaling. The roads were remote, steep and narrow. Up high, theair was thin. It was exhausting.Traveling through the Andes let us experience a part of Peruthat has been unaffected by modern culture. Scenery included oxdragging plows, tilling the land, while women followed tossing seedsin the fresh soil; clay hut houses; dirt roads and towns with limitedelectricity. What we witnessed was rugged, hard living. But thepeople were kind and curious. The entire adventure was wild, rawand simple. I learned that enormous tasks can be completed. Take therisk, scare yourself and try. Feed off of those who doubt you. Do it!What events/rides have taken place since you completed your bigtrek in 2008?Upon the completion of Alaska to Argentina, we realized that weneeded to continue to ride and fundraise. If we didn’t pick up wherewe left off, people would lose interest. My fear was that peoplewould think that BBW was a one-time deal. We are not. In the fallof 2009, Jake Spero and I took on a <strong>new</strong> project: The ContinentalDivide Trail, spanningfrom Canada to Mexico. With thistour we chose to raise funds for a LakeTahoe non-profit called Disabled SportsUSA. We raised $5,000 to help thempurchase adaptive bicycles for theirsummer programs.We also are encouraging those whoare interested in creating their ownbicycle tours to contact us. We wantto do more than just ride. We wantto help others make a difference asthey tour on bicycles. We also host anumber of annual events in the Tahoearea (road and mountain bike rides,bike path clean-up, wine dinners, etc.).What trips/goals are on the horizon forBiking For A Better World?BBW is currently in the middle of a project called “Bikes to LaBonansa.” This project is a continuation of the 2007 project,“Alaska to Argentina.” In the fall of 2011, BBW will bring roughly50 bicycles to Nicaragua and outfit each one of the young studentsat our school.This program does not have a bicycle tour element paired withit, but we have a few in the works. I am currently planning anotherbig trip: “Peak to Pyramid,” set for the spring of 2013. This ski/mountaineering/bike expedition will take me and one teammatefrom the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro to Cairo, Egypt, more than 4,000miles across Northern Africa. It will be difficult but fun!Fall 201033


William <strong>Nichols</strong> Societyby Neil FarmeloA bequest to <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong> is a gift that represents the donor’s concern for and commitment to the <strong>School</strong>’s excellence in education. TheWilliam <strong>Nichols</strong> Society cites and honors all persons who have named <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong> in their estate plans, usually by will or trust.Following are the names of alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends who are members of the William <strong>Nichols</strong> Society. Please note that(D) represents a deceased member.AlumniClass of 1914Mr. Clark T. Roberts (D)Class of 1916Mr. Edward B. Archbald (D)Class of 1921Mr. Harry D. Yates (D)Class of 1924Mr. Robert L. Crane (D)Class of 1926Mr. Wilcox B. Adsit (D)Mr. Hubert L. Perry (D)Class of 1929Hon. Henry P. Smith III (D)Dr. Robert Warner (D)Class of 1931Mr. Matthew N. Hayes (D)Mr. George B. Kellogg (D)Mr. Julian R. Oishei (D)Class of 1932Dr. Warren R. Montgomery, Jr.(D)Mr. Harry B. Pinkerton, Jr. (D)Mr. Philip M. Schneckenburger(D)Class of 1933Mr. Richard R. Chellas (D)Mr. Bryant H. Prentice, Jr. (D)Class of 1936Mr. Scott McFarland (D)Class of 1937Mr. Karr Parker, Jr. (D)Class of 1938Mr. Richard E. MootMr. Robert S. ScheuMr. Edward C. Schlenker, Jr. (D)Class of 1939Mr. Thomas H. DanforthMr. Richard P. Hunt (D)Class of 1940Mr. James G. Hurley, (D)Class of 1941Mr. Edwin C. AndrewsMr. John BradyMr. John P. HalsteadMr. R. Alfred Kirchhofer (D)Mr. Richard C. Smith (D)Mr. S. Thompson VieleMr. Murray W. Warner (D)Class of 1942Mr. Roderic B. MacDonald (D)Mr. Donald S. Rumsey (D)Mr. Edward M. Scheu, Jr. (D)Class of 1943Mr. Allen ShortMr. Edward F. WalshClass of 1944Mr. Fulton M. CookeMr. John R. GriffisMr. E.W. Dann Stevens (D)Class of 1945Mr. John P. Hoffman (D)Dr. James M. Orr (D)Mr. Donald B. Scully (D)Class of 1946Mr. Lawrence OsgoodDr. Ray G. SchiferleClass of 1947Mr. Whitworth Ferguson, Jr. (D)Mr. Rodney W. GartnerMr. Allan S. Lerner (D)Mr. Carlton K. <strong>Nichols</strong>onMr. John G. Putnam, Jr. (D)Mr. Calvin G. RandMr. John A. WilliamsMr. G. Frederick Zeller, Jr. (D)Class of 1948Mr. Walter G. Goldstein (D)Mr. Charles S. LauerMr. William H. OrrMr. Malcolm Strachan IIMr. Henry D. WatersClass of 1949Mr. Richard W. CuttingMr. Robert E. DillonMr. William H. DonaldsonMr. Hoyt M. Long (D)Dr. J. David SchnatzDr. Bernard D. WakefieldMr. Reginald V. Williams, Jr.Mr. Charles L. YeagerClass of 1950Mr. Thomas R. FlickingerClass of 1951Mr. James M. DillonMr. Stephen S. GurneyMr. Edwin M. Johnston, Jr.Mr. David W. McCainMr. William J. Regan, Jr.Mr. Alfred W. Rossow, Jr.Mr. Roger D. SeveranceMr. Richard W. ShaughnessyMr. John H. Wood (D)Class of 1952Mr. Harold M. Graham (D)Mr. Richard W. Miller (D)Class of 1953Mr. Willard C. Frank, Jr.Class of 1954Mr. Denis DoyleMr. James H. ParkMr. Kalman Ruttenstein (D)Mr. Albert B. WendeMr. C. Penn Wettlaufer (D)Class of 1955Mr. Wyndham EatonDr. John M. WadsworthClass of 1957Mr. F. Peter BoerDr. James R. ColeMr. James W. Greene IIMr. John B. HenryDr. Charles A. Smith IIMr. David Wharton III (D)Class of 1958Mr. Stuart H. AngertDr. William F. ClaytonMr. Howard T. Saperston, Jr.Class of 1959Mr. John W. HenrichClass of 1960Mr. William N. Hudson, Jr.Mr. Donald W. Koch (D)Class of 1961Mr. Richard B. AdamsMr. G. Robert Moeschler, Jr.Mr. Kenneth M. NeilClass of 1962Mr. Robert P. Lentz IIIClass of 1963Mr. Warren B. GelmanMr. William B. LowethDr. L. Sandy MaiselMr. John N. Walsh IIIClass of 1964Mr. P. Jeffrey BirtchMr. Howard L. SchweitzerMr. Kevin M. WyckoffClass of 1965Mr. Richard B. BensonClass of 1966Mr. Theodore C. Jewett IIMr. Bertram B. ParkerMr. John A. MitchellMr. Robert F. RahnClass of 1969Mr. Jerry S. IversClass of 1970Mr. William G. Gisel, Jr.Mr. Edward W. Suor34 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>


Class of 1972Mr. John MineoMr. Edward F. Walsh, Jr.Class of 1974Mrs. Elizabeth Rydzynski HulleyMr. Gregory D. StevensClass of 1975Mr. Neal V. Fatin IIIMrs. Elizabeth Stevens GurneyClass of 1976Mr. Brian D. DillonMs. Katharine Jebb NortonMr. Stephen J. WydyshClass of 1977Mr. John C. FarmeloMrs. Anne Desbecker SofarelliClass of 1978Mrs. Stacey Fell MilneClass of 1979Mr. Jeffrey T. CliffordClass of 1980Dr. R. Reed StevensClass of 1984Ms. Susan E. HanifinMiss Joy C. TrotterClass of 1987Mr. Mark H. YellenClass of 1990Mr. W. Scott SaperstonClass of 1991Mr. Kenneth R. RobinsonClass of 1992Capt. Elizabeth Boll-FarisFaculty and StaffMr. Richard C. Bryan, Jr.Dr. Anne R. ClaussMr. Neil R. FarmeloMr. Guy M. JohnsonMr. H. Richard MacKinder (D)Mr. Millard Sessions (D)Mrs. Mary SykesMr. Albert Sutter (D)Mrs. Ginna WalshFriendsMr. David K. Anderson (D)Mrs. Marian C. Arms (D)Mr. Charles E. BalbachMrs. Margaret C. Balbach (D)Mr. James Benson (D)Mr. Keith A. BlakeleyRev. Judith B. BryanMr. David N. CampbellMrs. Gay CampbellMr. Joseph J. CastigliaMrs. Virginia L. Duffy (D)Mrs. Doris FarmeloMrs. Sue GardnerMrs. Patricia GelmanMrs. Marion Goodyear (D)Dr. Lewis J. Greenky (D)Mr. Richard M. Hemenway (D)Mrs. Gerald B. Henry (D)Mrs. Margaret W. Henry (D)Mr. Sherlock A. Herrick, Jr.Mr. Charles R. HoffMrs. James G. HurleyMr. Clinton F. Ivins, Jr.Mrs. Thomas A. JebbMr. N. Michael Keiser (D)Mr. Chauncey C. KennedyMrs. Patricia M. KennedyMrs. Jean KnoxMr. Seymour H. Knox III (D)Dr. Richard LeeDr. Oscar J. LluganyMrs. Kate Ennis Mabette (D)Mrs. Claire McGowanMrs. Garfield L. Miller, Jr.Mrs. Elizabeth S. MitchellMrs. Alice L. PeekMrs. Jane Perry (D)Mrs. Sharon A. RandaccioMr. Wayne R. ReillyMrs. Mary SaperstonMrs. Martha S. Scheu (D)Mrs. Carolyn SchnatzMrs. Catherine SchweitzerMrs. Alma C. ScullyMr. Robert L. Stone (D)Mrs. Marilyn Stradella (D)Mr. Gerald R. StraussMrs. Sue W. StraussMrs. Harlan J. Swift (D)Mr. Christopher WadsworthMs. Peggy Jane Wells (D)Ramsi P. Tick2011 ConcertSeries LineupRamsi P. Tick had a simple idea: bring worldacclaimed musicians to Buffalo and create a highcaliberrecital series. The series would be totallyfunded by its membership base with nearly 100%of the subscription price paying the artists’ fees.Beginning with the 2009-2010 season, theRamsi P. Tick Concert Series proudly announced itschange of location and partnership with<strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>. The concerts take place inthe state of the art Glenn and Awdry FlickingerPerforming Arts Center, with rave reviewsfor the space.There are three concerts remaining for the year,each featuring several renowned musical artists:Tuesday, February 8, 2011Leonidas Kavakos, violinEnrico Pace, piano7:30 p.m.Monday, April 18, 2011Chanticleer, male vocal ensemble7:30 p.m.Monday, April 25, 2011David Finckel, celloWu Han, piano7:30 p.m.To buy subscriptions, call716-759-4RPT (4778).


The 2010 Lucy and Sherman Maisel ’35General Information TestAt <strong>Nichols</strong>, the Upper <strong>School</strong>’s General Information Test – a tradition that began in the school’s 1911yearbook, Verdian – is compiled from questions submitted by the <strong>Nichols</strong> faculty on an annual basis andis administered to students in grades 9-12 as a measure of <strong>general</strong> knowledge. The highest score of recordis 81, earned by four-time winner George Binette ’78. The GIT is created and coordinated by Englishteacher, Richard Stratton. It is funded through the generosity of Lucy and Sherman J. Maisel ’35.Questions1. Since the early 1980s, HOSNIMUBARAK has been President of thisNorth African country._________________________________________2. JOE BIDEN served as U.S. Senator fromthis state for over 30 years before beingchosen as Barack Obama’s running mate._________________________________________3. In what classic 20th century novel areJordan Baker and Meyer Wolfsheimimportant secondary characters?_________________________________________4. The Mississippi River ends its course byemptying into the Gulf of Mexico at NewOrleans. In what northern state does thisriver have its source?Illinois Iowa MinnesotaOhio Wisconsin5. Which early American Presidentcommissioned MERIWETHER LEWISand WILLIAM CLARK to explore thefar west of the American continent?John AdamsJohn Quincy AdamsAndrew JacksonThomas JeffersonJames Monroe6. Of what country is REYKJAVIK the capital?_________________________________________7. What is the capital of Norway?_________________________________________8. What Republican President twice defeatedDemocrat Adlai E. Stevenson in theelections of 1952 and 1956?_________________________________________9. Former Republican N.Y. GovernorThomas E. Dewey lost consecutivePresidential elections to two differentDemocrats – Franklin D. Roosevelt in1944 and _________ ____________in 1948.10. In 2007, China narrowly surpassed theUnited States in the production of carbondioxide emissions. Which nation rankedthird?Canada India JapanRussia South Korea11. How many of the 100 currently servingU.S. Senators are female?10 12 14 17 1912. The opening line of T.S. Eliot’s 1922poem “The Waste Land” proclaims that“____________ is the cruelest month.”13. Which of the planets in our solar system isclosest to the sun?Earth Jupiter MarsMercury Saturn14. In what sport did Billie Jean King gainfame?Figure Skating Golf SoccerSwimming Tennis15. The Zodiac sign of Capricorn(Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) is represented by a_______________.Bull Crab GoatLion Ram16. What is the collective name for the first10 Amendments to the Constitution ofthe United States?_________________________________________17. The classic 1980 movie “Raging Bull”starred Robert DeNiro as the boxer___________.Carmen Basilio Jack DempseyRocky Graziano Jake LaMotta18. He spent his entire 22-year career withthe St. Louis Cardinals and won sevenbatting titles and three Most ValuablePlayer Awards. Name him.Rogers Hornsby Joe MedwickJohnny Mize Stan MusialEnos Slaughter36 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>


GIT19. What river forms the border between thestates of Indiana and Kentucky?_________________________________________20. North America’s highest mountain islocated in Alaska. Name it._________________________________________21. What world famous novel (and character)was based on the experience of an 18thcentury Scottish sailor named AlexanderSelkirk?_________________________________________22. Known as the first “singing moviecowboy” he later became owner ofbaseball’s California Angels.Gene Autrey Gary CooperWilliam S. Hart Tom MixRoy Rogers23. Which European country was known inancient times as Lusitania?Belgium Bulgaria TheNetherlands Portugal Switzerland24. Which U.S. Supreme Court Justice’sretirement left a vacancy which was filledby President Obama’s appointment ofSonia Sotomayor?Stephen Breyer Ruth Bader GinsbergAntonin Scalia David Souter25. A MUZHIK is a Russian________________________________________.Boot Musical InstrumentPeasant Whip Wolf26. What two island nations are separated bythe Tasman Sea?_________________________________________27. “The rest is silence.” These are theappropriate last words of Shakespeare’smost talkative character. Name him._________________________________________28. Kareem Abdul Jabhar scored morepoints over his entire career than anyother player in NBA history. Who rankssecond?Larry Bird Wilt ChamberlainMichael Jordan Karl MaloneJerry West29. What species of creature is called a“sidewinder” in the American West?_________________________________________30. What western state was originally calledDESERET by its first white settlers?Arizona Colorado IdahoNevada Utah31. Which two of these National Parks arenot located in California?King’s Canyon SequoiaVoyageurs Yosemite Zion32. The Italian phrase OTTAVA RIMAdescribes a poetic stanza having howmany lines?_________________________________________33. What human organ is affected by thedisease of MYOPIA?_________________________________________34. The father of Odysseus in “The Odyssey”and the brother of Ophelia in “Hamlet”share the same name. What is it?_________________________________________35. On what mountain did Moses receive TheTen Commandments?_________________________________________36. A HOMILY is a kind of____________________________________.Breakfast dish Carpet PuzzleQuizSermon37. In what country was the Boer Warfought?_________________________________________38. Which two countries clashed in theOPIUM WAR of 1839 – 1842?_________________________________________39. Of what nation is RECEP ERDOGANPrime Minister?_________________________________________40. In what English novel does everycharacter visited by the local doctor(named Kenneth) die soon afterwards?_________________________________________41. HERA, wife or consort of Zeus, wascalled ____________ by the Romans.42. With what country is the song “WaltzingMatilda” associated?_________________________________________43. What metal is designated by the AtomicSymbol FE?_________________________________________44. Name the South American Revolutionarywho liberated much of the continent fromSpanish rule._________________________________________45. At 89, he is the oldest member of thecurrent U.S. Supreme Court. Namehim._________________________________________46. Which of these islands is not located in thePacific Ocean?Mauritius New CaledoniaOahu Saipan Tonga47. Which African nation was once known asABYSSINIA?Chad Ethiopia MaliNiger UgandaFall 201037


48. Who was the only world heavyweightboxing champion to retire undefeated inhis professional career?Jim Jeffries Jack JohnsonJoe Louis Rocky MarcianoGene Tunney49. Which of these 19th and 20th centurycomposers completed the largest numberof symphonies (15)?Bruckner Mahler ShostakovichSibelius Stravinsky50. Exaggeration for emphasis or effect inpoetry is knows as ____________.Allegory Antithesis EuphemismHyperbole Oxymoron51. What French phrase denotes a socialblunder or a false step?_________________________________________52. A SOBRIQUET is a kind of___________________________.Ballad Dessert HangoverNickname Sword Cut53. At 12:00 noon Eastern StandardTime in Buffalo, what time is it inANCHORAGE, ALASKA?_________________________________________54. The Matterhorn is located in whatEuropean mountain chain?_________________________________________55. What mythical traveler encountered asedative-ingesting race known as the“Lotos-Eaters”?_________________________________________56. The Caribbean island of HISPANIOLAis divided geographically between twonations, The Dominican Republic and_______.Antigua Belize HaitiJamaica Puerto Rico57. Ho Chi Minh City was formerly knownas ___________________ when it was thecapital of South Vietnam during the U.S.war in Vietnam.58. Formerly a California Congresswoman,HILDA SOLIS is now Secretary of_____________________ in PresidentObama’s Cabinet.Defense EnergyHousing & Urban DevelopmentLabor Transportation59. The entertainer LIZA MINELLI is thedaughter of a more famous entertainerwho became a star in “The Wizard ofOz” (1939). Name her._________________________________________60. JOHN McCAIN was the secondArizona Senator to run as the Republicancandidate for President. Who was thefirst? (Hint: he lost to Lyndon Johnson in1964)._________________________________________61. COSTA RICA (where many <strong>Nichols</strong>students have traveled) is bordered by____________ on the North and by_________ on the South and East.62. In Biology, the smallest unit of lifecapable of living independently is a____________________________.63. Which continent was explored byROALD AMUNDSEN, ERNESTSHACKLETON AND ROBERTSCOTT?Africa Antarctica AsiaAustralia64. A VALETUDINARIAN is unlikely tobe _________________.Dishonest Feeble IrritableRobust Willful65. Two great American novellas – Melville’s“Billy Budd” and Henry James’ “TheTurn of the Screw” – were turned intogreat operas by the English composer,_________ _________.Benjamin Britten Edward ElgarMichael Tippett William Walton66. “West Side Story” was the operaticmasterpiece of this great Americancomposer-conductor.Leonard Bernstein Aaron CoplandJerome Kern Richard Rogers67. HIPPOCRATES and GALEN wereancient Greek __________.Admirals MusiciansPhysicians Poets Tyrants68. In Greek Mythology, a three-headed__________ named CERBERUSguarded the entrance to the underworld.69. What Turkish mountain was reputed tobe the final resting place of Noah’s Ark?_________________________________________70. ALICIA DeLARROCHA, who died lastyear at age 86, was a renowned Spanish__________.Actress Dancer PianistPoet Singer71. Also deceased in 2009 (at age 76), wasthe gifted and prolific American writer,author of the “Rabbit” sequence of novels.Nelson Algren Norman MailerWilliam Styron John Updike72. ROBERT GATES has served in boththe George W. Bush and Barack Obamacabinets as Secretary of _____________.73. The U.S. declared war on Spain in1898 shortly after the U.S. battleship___________________ was blown upin the harbor of Havana, Cuba.74. What American <strong>general</strong> was defeatedand slain by the SIOUX at The Battle ofLittle Big Horn in Montana, 1876?_________________________________________38 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>


GIT75. Which of these terms is closest in meaningto a FEN?Brook Desert GrasslandJungle Marsh76. The KALEVALA is the national epicof which of these northern Europeancountries?Denmark Finland IcelandNorway Sweden77. Which of these cities has been awarded the2016 summer Olympic games?Buenos Aires Chicago MadridRio De Janiero Tokyo78. Among the wealthiest magnates in late19th century America were EdwardHarriman, James J. Hill and Collis P.Huntington. What was the primarysource of their wealth?Coal Meat-PackingPublishing Railroads Steel79. The first Jewish Supreme Court Justicewas nominated by President WoodrowWilson in 1916. Name him.Louis Brandeis Benjamin CardozoAbe Fortas Felix Frankfurter80. Nancy Pelosi is the first woman to achievethis position of Congressional Leadership._________________________________________81. What six-letter word beginning with “P”denotes an “outcast; one despised insociety.”_________________________________________82. Which of these words is closest in meaningto FEALTY?Bravery ConstancyCourage EnduranceRecklessness83. Which of these natural phenomenacharacterizes a SAVANNA?Grass Hills IceTundra Wetlands84. RAMADAN is a holy month in whichreligion?85. What ancient empire was ruled byCYRUS THE GREAT?_________________________________________86. What great Russian novel had as itscentral episode Napoleon Bonaparte’s1812 invasion of Russia?_________________________________________87. Name the author of “Emma,”“Persuasian” and “Pride and Prejudice.”_________________________________________88. An URSINE person would have__________-like characteristics.Bear Bull DeerRodent Sheep89. Two musical masters of the __________are James Galway and the late Jean-Pierre Rampal.Cello Flute HarpPiano Trumpet90. In Norse Mythology ____________ isthe God of Thunder.91. By what name was the African country ofZIMBABWE known in the early and mid20th century?_________________________________________92. A MACHINATION is a kind of__________.Construction Exercise PlotRetreat Untruth93. Who was JoAnn Falleta’s most recentpredecessor as Musical Director of theBuffalo Philharmonic Orchestra?Semyon Bychkov Julius RudelMichael Tilson ThomasMaximiano Valdes94. LUMBAGO is a malady most likely toafflict the ___________.Back Head HipKnee Neck95. What legendary figure of Englishfolklore “hung out” in SherwoodForest?_________________________________________96. Known as the “Pathfinder,” thiscelebrated western explorer became thefirst Presidential candidate of the <strong>new</strong>lyformedRepublican Party in 1856._________________________________________97. The 1500-mile Appalachian (Hiking)Trail extends from the states of_________ in the north to ___________in the south._________________________________________98. One of Charles Dickens’ grea<strong>test</strong> novelsis narrated in the first person by its centralcharacter known as PIP. Name it.“Bleak House”“Great Expectations”’“Hard Times”“Little Dorrit”“Our Mutual Friend”99. Which of these nations has the largestMuslim population?Egypt India IndonesiaIran Turkey100. One of the most famous English writersof the 20th century was born Eric ArthurBlair. What was his pen name?Noel Coward Graham GreeneGeorge Orwell Evelyn WaughTo check your answers,please see page 56.Fall 201039


A.B. C.HomecomingSaturday, Oct. 16A. Joseph Stern ’11 and Alex Anas ’11 fire up the Homecoming crowd.B. We are grateful to our many parent and alumni volunteers who helped at ourHomecoming Tent!C. Pamicka Marinello ’11 of the Girls Varsity Tennis team warms up before her match.40 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>


D.E. F. G.D. Alumni Board members Michael Parentis ’86, Wendy Lebowitz Pressman ’83, JenniferJarvis Hamberger ’81 and Ellen Hassett ’84 serve up eats at the BBQ.E. Liza Walsh Keenan ’97, Haley Keenan and Sean Keenan enjoy the day.F. Senior Vikings show their Homecoming spirit before the games begin.G. The Boys Varsity Soccer team huddles before a big win over City Honors.Fall 201041


Pliny Hayes III ’35, with sons, Roland ’72 and Mike ’67 Bud Graves ’40Reunion 2010by Blake S. Walsh ’98On Friday, June 4, following the 118 th Commencement, <strong>Nichols</strong>alumni gathered for Reunion 2010, which included campus tours,a “Welcome Back” program in the Glenn and Awdry FlickingerPerforming Arts Center and a wonderful reception in theQuadrangle. The Reunion celebrations began early in the day, withthe 50 th Reunion Class of 1960 meeting their Pen Pals in the Classof 2017, and went well into the weekend, with class parties andactivities through Saturday.The “Welcome Back” programopened with Isaiah New ’10 andAlexandra Mathews ’11, withaccompaniment by Upper <strong>School</strong>Chorus Director, Tim Socha,performing a beautiful renditionof “The Prayer,” by Carole BayerSager and David Foster. Headof <strong>School</strong> Rick Bryan welcomedthe audience back to campus andprovided a school update. JaneCox Hettrick ’78, incomingPresident of the Board ofTrustees, spoke to <strong>Nichols</strong>’ brightfuture and how the continuedsupport of alumni and friendswill allow the <strong>School</strong> to reachFrits Abell ’90, Founder and Creator of BEN, the Buffalo ExpatNetwork, was back on campus celebrating his 20 th Reunion. Speakingto his affection for Buffalo and a drive to keep all ex-patriots united,Frits certainly exemplified the spirit of Reunion and the importance ofkeeping connected with school, city, mentors and friends.All enjoyed being back on campus and many marveled at seeing thecampus for the first time with the Class of 1963 Center for Mathematicsand Science, <strong>new</strong> athletic turf fields and <strong>new</strong>ly landscaped grounds.Everyone reacted to theirvisit on campus by saying that“<strong>Nichols</strong> has never lookedbetter!”Thank you to thevolunteers and all membersof the Reunion PlanningCommittees. We could nothave a successful Reunionweekend without your hardwork and enthusiasm. Thankyou to everyone who cameback to campus to celebrate.The door is always open andwe will continue to work hardto ensure that you remainproud of your Big Green almaeven greater heights.Jim ’45 & Priscilla Orr and Bob Miller ’45mater.42 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>


Reunion1950A.B.1955C.A. Wyatt Arthurs ’00, Lindsay Aquilina ’00and Scott Aquilina ‘80B. Henry Waters ’48, Ann Merrill, MauraCohen and Joanne & Jim Biltekoff ’65C. Jim Wadsworth ’57, Nancy Potter ’85,Kate Wadsworth ’85 and Lila MorrisHyde ’851960Fall 201043


A.1965B.C.A. Jodi Priselac de Riszner ’93 andDick StrattonB. Jane Cox Hettrick ’78 andDavid Alexander ’75C. Kristen Tripp Kelley, Jaime Ferrentino ’05and Carlie Wopperer ’05197044 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>


Reunion19751980Fall 201045


1985199046 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>


Reunion20002005Fall 201047


Class of 1960, Meetby Nina Barone and Jen PeresieIn 1998, <strong>Nichols</strong> initiated the Pen Pal Program between the5th grade class and the 50th Reunion class. The purpose isto instill in each child an appreciation of what it means to bea <strong>Nichols</strong> student, and eventually, an alumnus. At the sametime, it gives the 50th Reunion celebrant authentic insightinto the life of a current <strong>Nichols</strong> student.In March, the Class of 1960 alumni received letters fromtheir Pen Pals describing life at <strong>Nichols</strong> and asking about theirexperiences. The students anxiously awaited the arrival ofeach day’s mail delivery until their Pen Pal’s response arrived.On the Friday morning of Reunion weekend, members ofthe Class of 1960 had the opportunity to meet their Pen Pal ata gathering with the students and their classmates in ReganHall.All 50th Reunion classes feel that this Pen Pal gathering isone of the highlights of the Reunion celebration. We are gladto carry on this special tradition for many years to come!The following are excerpts from the letters exchanged amongmembers of the Class of 2017 and the Class of 1960:Jack Pfalzgraf ’17, Joe Tomczak ’17, Mitch Carrow ’17 and John Richmond ’60“<strong>Nichols</strong> today is beautiful and you will really like theAtrium and the 5 th grade space. Did you hear we have a <strong>new</strong>math and science building? It’s called Center ’63. I love ithere!!!!!!!!”Jack Pfalzgraf ’17“Our education at <strong>Nichols</strong> was FIRST RATE!!! I don’tbelieve I k<strong>new</strong> how well <strong>Nichols</strong> made us learn until myfreshman year at college (Denison University – Granville,Ohio). Halfway through my freshman year at Denison, Irealized <strong>Nichols</strong> had put me on an education level equal toJunior year at Denison!!! Amazing!!!”Thomas M. Klepfer ’60Al Dold ’60, Paul Brinson ’17 and Aidan Balbach ’1748 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>


Pen Palsthe Class of 2017(l-r) Sumayyah Haq ’17, Gracie Newman ’17, Art Yates ’60, John Carney ’17,John Fitch ’17 and Robert Raiser ’60“I am in Math Club after school on Thursdays. I love sports! I playtennis, golf, lacrosse, hockey (<strong>Nichols</strong> team) and I love to swim.I play the violin…What sports did you do? What was your favoritesubject? What were your favorite hobbies?”Isabelle Steeves Schlehr ’17“I also loved math and was in the Math Club for two years. I wasmanager of the football team, captain of the fencing squad, andwas in the Drama Club. My time at <strong>Nichols</strong> was exciting and Iconsider myself lucky for having had the opportunity to attend.Take advantage of all the opportunities that <strong>Nichols</strong> will afford you.They will truly prepare you for what waits ahead and paybig dividends in the future.”Henry Nathan ’60“In history, we spend the whole yearlearning about medieval Western Europe.My favorite subject to learn about is differentancient civilizations…What was your favoriteclass? After going to <strong>Nichols</strong>, where didyou go to college and what career did youpursue?”Parker Sanders ’17“I was blessed to have the finest teachersat <strong>Nichols</strong> and love all of the classes…it isreally true! After <strong>Nichols</strong> I went to Yale andthen entered a career in medicine.”John DeMarchi ’60Fall 201049


“I heard you were a member of the French Club.Were there any other kinds of clubs then too?Did <strong>Nichols</strong> have more than one language classwhen you went to school? I take Chinese as mylanguage.”Pearl Steinzor ’17“Latin, French and Spanish were offered aslanguages when I attended <strong>Nichols</strong>. I am glad tohear you are learning Chinese. Being fluent inChinese should be very helpful to you in futureyears. Last year, my wife, Frances, and I visitedHong Kong prior to traveling to Vietnam, Thailandand Singapore.”Bill Hudson ’60Bill Hudson ’60, Pearl Steinzor ’17 and Jayne Appelbaum ’17“I would like to know about your time on thetrack squad, the dance committee and mathclub, if you remember .”Hannah Garis ’17“I can tell you have been reading The Verdianfrom 1960…One thing I remember about theMath Club was learning how to count on onlyeight fingers. I think it helped me understandcomputers later on…when I was working,I was a computer specialist and worked withsome of the oldest ones right up to the reallyfast ones we have now. Back in the 1960s,big huge computers that took up whole roomscouldn’t even do what today’s cell phones cando. I look back on the changes I’ve seen; youcan look forward to even more dramaticchanges to come.”Alden Harwood ’60Alden Harwood ’60, Hannah Garis ’17, Lauren Pollina ’17 and Grace Montante ’1750 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>


Pen Pals“I would love to know what <strong>Nichols</strong>was like back when you were inschool. Are you still interested in the<strong>new</strong>s business, because I see that youwere co-editor of the ‘<strong>Nichols</strong> News’when you were in high school.”Will Aubrecht ’17“I am not sure how or why I becameeditor of the school <strong>new</strong>spaper butprobably it was the culminationof years of active participation. Istarted as a <strong>new</strong>s photographer…The photography stayed with me asa lifelong hobby while my <strong>new</strong>spapercareer ended with high school.”Brian Block ’60Angelia Priest ’17, Steven G. Biltekoff ’60, Georgia Gurney ’17, Alice Munro ’17 and Kendra Jones ’17“I have a pet starfish named Patrick and a clown fish namedNemo. In fifth grade at <strong>Nichols</strong>, we study the Middle Ages inCentral Studies. I also take Latin, math, science, grammer,playmaking, and I go to art club every day.”Alice Munro ’17“I had tropical fish when I was younger and I know howmuch work they can be, especially when it is in addition toyour schoolwork. I took many of the same courses as you aretaking now, but there was no art club. I wish there had been ascontemporary art has been one of my great interests for manyyears. I have been a volunteer at the Albright-Knox Art Galleryfor over 30 years. I hope you are able to visit the gallery.”Steven G. Biltekoff ’60“I have a brother in 7 th grade and a twin sister in 5 th grade, both goto <strong>Nichols</strong> with me. When I was in second grade, my family tookeight months off to travel the world, and we visited many differentplaces!”Kendra Jones ’17“I have fraternal twin daughters – age 38. They used to fight likecats and dogs…They have always had their separate identities,which we encouraged. They are the best of friends today as I am sureyou and your sister will be.”Peter Blakeslee ’60Henry Nathan ’60, Alexandra Jehle ’17, Isabelle Schlehr ’17 andBrian Tank ’17Fall 201051


Storytelling: Pervasivethroughout Learning and Lifeby Susan Allen, Carol Sue Stapleton, Kate Olena, Deb Howe, Kristen Kelley and Elaine GardnerIn the days of cell phones, text messaging and Facebook, are peopleso busy flashing images that they no longer know how to tell astory? Not according to our 6 th graders. Deb Howe asked her 6 thgrade class, “When do you tell stories?” and their answers werenumerous and eclectic: at sleepovers, at holidays, at dinner time, inEnglish class, at funerals, and on a delayed plane. They tell storiesto entertain, to get a reaction, to remember, and even to get out oftrouble.Clearly, storytelling continues to be a necessary and magicalhuman activity. This is what we hoped to hear when at the end ofthe 2008-2009 school year a group of faculty from the Upper andMiddle <strong>School</strong>s got together in a brainstorming session to try toinitiate a grassroots school wide theme for the coming year thatwould incorporate several of our competencies and demonstratethe similar themes that run through the curriculum and the grades.Storytelling was the year long theme selected, with storytellingin four cultures to be spotlighted, Latin America, Africa, NativeAmerican and Asia. This project took on two aspects: practitionersof storytelling of specific cultures were brought in and curricularinitiatives were undertaken. A sample of the visits and curricularinitiatives are as follows:Practitioners of StorytellingLatin American Storytelling by Carol Sue StapletonEvery culture has its stories that reveal their moral values and theirway of life. We needed to select one of the numerous countries ofLatin America. Our search began at El Buen Amigo, a specialtyboutique where we met Santiago Masferrer, the owner, coordinatorof Buffalo’s Latin American Cultural Association, and storyteller.Santiago is from Chile where he lived his life actively helpingthe poor of his community as he still does today. His storytellingis non-traditional using a hands-on exercise, “Character Tower,”to teach the values of his people. Student participants from theMiddle and Upper <strong>School</strong>s collaborated to build the tallest andsturdiest structure. Their towers exemplified: goal and purpose;principles and values; foundation and center of gravity; linkingand communication; patience and character. Students were alsoexposed to Latin ballroom dancing with expert Samantha Kenneyfrom the State University of New York at Fredonia. She led classesfor our students taking Spanish in the Middle and Upper <strong>School</strong>s.Students appreciated the skills needed to sway so gracefully withthe Latin dance beats.Asia Storytelling by Kate OlenaIn February, Mary Hirtzel visited <strong>Nichols</strong> with an authenticJapanese kamishibai set and told stories to the 6 th grade, theFreshman Survey of the Arts class, the Creativity class, and theJapan and China Cultures class. Kamishibai uses 12” x 18” picturesslotted into a frame to illustrate each story. Upper <strong>School</strong> dramateacher, Kristen Kelley, said, “Because of the [small] scale of it,the students had to really lean in and engage.” Mary held theirattention using both the kamishibai stories and playing songs onthe koto. The 6 th grade gleaned much about Japanese culture fromthese children’s stories that they discussed in their geography class.The Upper <strong>School</strong> classes asked Mary many questions followingthe presentation, when she revealed that she had been a little girlin Japan during WWII. Fascinated with her real-life stories, DanNolan invited her to come back next year to talk to his 8 th grade20 th Century History class.African Storytelling by Deb HoweIn May, as 6 th graders began their study of African countries, KarimaAmin came to tell them stories. Students saw what a real cowtailswitch looks like and learned how Karima researched language andhistory to make the stories true, and how she used song to enhancethe telling. Karima also visited the 7 th grade history classes and one9 th grade history class to talk about how stories traveled from Africato America on the Middle Passage and became tales of a characterwe know as Brer Rabbit.Native American Storytelling by Kristen KelleyIn December, students explored culture through the storytellingtheme with celebrated potter and sculptor, Peter B. Jones, memberof the Onondaga-Seneca Nation, Beaver Clan. Middle and Upper<strong>School</strong> students learned about Iroquois pottery and the storiesand traditions that lie within the art form. Peter demonstratedhis pottery techniques and also helped some students to createtheir own pots. In addition, he shared slides of his beautiful andprovocative contemporary sculptures, which are heavily influencedby his culture and environment.Curricular InitiativesElaine Gardner:The dance program and Creativity arts elective, as well as theFreshman Survey of the Arts class benefitted from the crosscurricular storytelling work all year. The Dance Ensemble presenteda Latin inspired dance piece in their fall show created by danceexpert, Samantha Kenney.Native American potter, Peter Jones, worked closely with theCreativity class. He shared his contemporary work/philosophy andhis traditional pottery with these very interested students. Thestudents had previously read about aboriginal ideas on storytelling,mythic tradition and the meaning of dreams.The Creativity class enjoyed the Kamishaibai and askedfundamental questions about Mary’s background. The students alsocontinued to work with Asian themes and created Chinese NewYear posters in honor of the exchange and they decorated the wallsat the International dinner.52 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>


After <strong>Nichols</strong>Eric Berlow ’86 Takes Beinga TED Fellow to New HeightsWhere do you live currently?Ever since growing up in Buffalo where we migrated to theCanadian shore of Lake Erie every summer, I have lived a seasonallife. I currently split my time between: Yosemite National Park,where I run a research and education center through the summer;Berkeley, Calif., where I spend the fall, winter and spring as aVisiting Scholar at UC Berkeley; and my home, the Swall Institute,where I go intermittently to mix work with outdoor adventures andhopefully get creative inspiration from nature.Where did you go to college?I went to Brown University, which was an amazing experience,mostly because of the students I met. Brown seems to attract a lot ofindependent thinkers who want to carve out their own path in life.How did <strong>Nichols</strong> prepare you for college and life beyond college?When I arrived at Brown the first semester, I was terrified that theymade a mistake. That I was a fake and they would soon find out.But then I quickly learned that it wasn’t that much more difficultthan the rigorous workload I had at <strong>Nichols</strong>. I saw many otherstudents who were very bright, but clearly had not been trained inhow to study effectively, how to organize their time, and how tomanage a demanding and diverse workload. These were things Ididn’t even realize I had learned until I was thrown into a differentenvironment. <strong>Nichols</strong> also taught me a lot about the value ofintegrating athletics with academics. I continued to play soccer andlacrosse at Brown, and even while in graduate school at OregonState University. Now I realize that my productivity and creativityin work actually depend on getting out of the office to run, hike andski. Most of my best research ideas have come while climbing upmountains, running in the hills, or simply walking to work insteadof driving. Finally, even though I am primarily a scientist now, Ibenefited enormously from doing art at <strong>Nichols</strong>. It was essentialon many fronts – exercising and developing a different part of mybrain, encouraging me to take risks, and nudging me to look atthings from different perspectives. I use all of these thinking toolsregularly today to tackle <strong>new</strong> problems in creative ways.What are you up to now?I currently wear a few different professional ‘hats.’ At the Universityof California, Merced, I am the Director of an EnvironmentalResearch and Education Center inside Yosemite National Park.Since this is a brand <strong>new</strong> institute, and the first university facilityinside the park in Yosemite’s history, I had the privilege of definingits vision and building something <strong>new</strong> from scratch. I also ama Research Scientist with the U.S. Geologic Survey where ICourtesy of TED/James Duncan Davidsoncollaborate with a great team of scientists to better understand howclimate change is impacting threatened species in Yosemite and theSierra Nevada. In this job, I get to run around all over Yosemiteto look for tadpoles of the Yosemite Toad. On the side, I’m partowner of a fun café in downtown Oakland – part of revitalizing thecity with a green business that attracts young and creative people.I’m really excited right now to forge more collaboration betweenacademia and the private sector. My current pet project is to workwith businesses who want to ‘go green’ and use ecosystem modelingto analyze energy use and carbon emissions for their entire networkof supply chains and target where a small change of operations cancause big reductions in costs, energy use, and emissions.Tell us about your involvement with TED (TechnologyEntertainment and Design).TED is a global set of conferences curated by the American privatenon-profit Sapling Foundation, formed to disseminate “ideas worthspreading.” TED is now known worldwide for the amazing, inspiringand thought-provoking talks from the conference that they startedposting online about five years ago. When I saw my first TED talks,I really wanted to go to the conference, but then I quickly realizedthere was a lengthy application process, and if I was selected itwould cost me thousands of dollars. A few years ago, TED startedthe TED Fellows program to help “world-changing innovatorsfrom around the globe become part of the TED community and,with its help, amplify the impact of their remarkable projects andactivities.”54 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>


The first way they help is simply by offering you an all expensepaid trip to one of the conferences. They also organize a specialpre-conference Fellows workshop where you get coaching onpublic speaking, presentation design and networking. At theconference, they do a remarkable job of opening doors to facilitateand encourage meeting <strong>new</strong> and interesting people. After theconference, they provide to each Fellow the chance to have apersonal coach for the year to help you realize your dreams.Finally, the part that I did not anticipate was the access you get to aphenomenal network of innovative, creative, thoughtful and extremelyfriendly people with which I can share ideas, get advice, and evenstart <strong>new</strong> professional collaborations. Since the people in the TEDcommunity are really doers, you almost have to be careful whom youcontact, because they will get back to you. Before you know it, youwill be embarking on a <strong>new</strong> project! The group of TED Fellows was soinspiring to me that last month I co-organized with another Fellow the1 st Annual TED Fellows THINK WEIRD GO BIG workshop at mywork retreat in the Sierra. We gathered to continue to help each otherconvert our crazy visions into big realities.What motivated you to get involved in this line of work?The main reason why I am where I am in my career is because I amcurious. At <strong>Nichols</strong>, I always felt encouraged to follow my curiosityand think critically.What advice do you have for others who may want to workin your field?Don’t worry about starting in that field or specifically preparingfor it! I got a Ph.D. in Marine Ecology, and now I work in themountains on alpine meadows. I’m often an ‘un-trained’ outsider atthe discussion table, and others seem to really value that I have adifferent perspective to offer. I personally believe the key to successin any field is to be curious about other fields and to be able toextract ideas and concepts that are transferable.What do you like to do for fun?For starters, my work is extremely fun, and I <strong>general</strong>ly wake upevery day excited about that. I’m also passionate about backcountryskiing and spend as much time as I can climbing mountains andskiing down them. I’m not that into traveling, but if I do, I love todo it by bicycle. I also love to cook – as a creative outlet, and as away to share time with friends.UpcomingEventsMonday, Dec. 28 –Wednesday, Dec. 30Belmont Hill Hockey TournamentMonday, Jan. 24Chicago Area Alumni EventThe Chicago ClubFriday, Jan. 28Winter Sports NightWednesday, Feb. 9NYC Area Young Alumni EventClass of 1988 to 2010Location: TBDThursday, Feb. 24Washington, D.C. Area Alumni EventLocation: Hosted at the home ofPatricia Gaughan Burke ‘79 & Liam BurkeSaturday, March 5Young Artists’ WorkshopThursday, March 10Boston Area Alumni EventTD Banknorth GardenWednesday, April 13New York City Area Alumni EventLocation: Racquet & Tennis ClubHosted by Bill Constantine ‘62Saturday, May 7Derby Day AuctionFriday, June 3119 th CommencementFriday, June 3 –Saturday, June 4Reunion WeekendWednesday, June 8Middle <strong>School</strong> Moving Up Day


The 2010 Lucy and ShermanMaisel ’35 General InformationTest Answer Sheet1. Egypt2. Delaware3. “The Great Gatsby”4. Minnesota5. Thomas Jefferson6. Iceland7. Oslo8. Dwight D. Eisenhower9. Harry Truman10. Russia11. 1712. April13. Mercury14. Tennis15. Goat16. The Bill of Rights17. Jake LaMotta18. Stan Musial19. The Ohio River20. Mt. McKinley21. Robinson Crusoe22. Gene Autrey23. Portugal24. David Souter25. Peasant26. Australia and New Zealand27. Hamlet28. Karl Malone29. Rattlesnake30. Utah31. Voyageurs, Zion32. 833. The eye34. Laertes35. Sinai36. Sermon37. South Africa38. China and Great Britain(or England)39. Turkey40. “Wuthering Heights”41. Juno42. Australia43. Iron44. Simon Bolivar45. John Paul Stevens46. Mauritius47. Ethiopia48. Rocky Marciano49. Shostakovich50. Hyperbole51. Faux Pas52. Nickname53. 8:00 a.m.54. Alps55. Odysseus56. Haiti57. Saigon58. Labor59. Judy Garland60. Barry Goldwater61. Nicaragua, Panama62. Cell63. Antarctica64. Robust65. Benjamin Britten66. Leonard Bernstein67. Physicians68. Dog69. Mr. Ararat70. Pianist71. John Updike72. Defense73. Maine74. George Armstrong Custer75. Marsh76. Finland77. Rio De Janiero78. Railroads79. Louis Brandeis89. Speaker of the House ofRepresentatives81. Pariah82. Constancy83. Grass84. Islam85. Persian86. Tolstoy’s “War and Peace”87. Jane Austen88. Bear89. Flute99. Thor91. Rhodesia92. Plot93. Maximiano Valdes94. Back95. Robin Hood96. John C. Fremont97. Maine, Georgia98. “Great Expectations”99. Indonesia100. George OrwellNeighborhood Tree PlantingOn Nov. 6, nearly 50 members of the <strong>Nichols</strong> community planted over 50 trees in the neighborhood surrounding our <strong>School</strong>. In collaborationwith the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, students and parents, members of the Alumni Board, faculty and staff, teamed up to make adifference in improving upon our neighborhood’s greenery. As part of the <strong>School</strong>’s Big Green Initiative for environmental consciousness andsustainability, volunteers planted a variety of trees on both sides of Amherst Street, between New Amsterdam and Colvin. For years, <strong>Nichols</strong>students, faculty and staff have volunteered for the Olmsted Parks, and it was an exciting opportunity to lead this special project.A. B. C.A. Ian Jones ’80 (right) and his daughter, Lauren ’11, plant a tree together.B. With help from Otis Glover, Olmsted Parks Conservancy, andMichael J. LoCurto, Delaware District Common Council Member,students and parents plant a tree in front of campus.C. Tom Franz ’76 passed shovels to fellow volunteers.56 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>


In MemoriamPaul Seamans,Former Faculty MemberIt is with sadness that we learned about the death of Paul Seamans,who died on May 24, at his home in Corfu, N.Y., at the age of 92.Paul became a biology teacher at <strong>Nichols</strong> in 1947, after servingin World War II and earning a bronze star. He received his degreefrom SUNY at Buffalo.For the next 39 years, Paul was one of the most respectedmembers of the <strong>Nichols</strong> faculty. In addition to teaching biology,Paul offered the first course in health and a popular elective inpsychology. Paul also was the respected chair of the StudentConduct Committee for many years.Paul retired to his home in Corfu in 1985. He was involvedin community activities in Corfu and East Pembroke, the townwhere he had grown up. He was a member of the Pembroke Boardof Education for 15 years, a Corfu Village Trustee for four years,and a member of the committee to organize Genesee CommunityCollege. He also was past President of the biology section of theWestern New York State Teachers’ Association and was a longtimemember of the Western New York Science Congress.Paul’s two sons are graduates of <strong>Nichols</strong>. Doug is a member of theclass of 1966 and Tom graduated in 1971.Paul Seaman’s received the dedication of the Verdian in 1985.The citation noted: “There is a certain kind of teacher whoseinfluence remains with his students throughout their lives. Heteaches them not only facts and ideas, but to think with a broadand open mind, to carry themselves with pride and spirit, and tobe a true and caring friend. All these he teaches simply throughexample-by sharing with his students his integrity of character andhis friendship through all their trials and triumphs. The retirementof such a teacher after 39 years of dedication to <strong>Nichols</strong> is a greatloss to us all.”John N. Walsh, Jr. ’39A tribute to his life and service to <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong> was delivered by JaneCox Hettrick ’78 to the Board of Trustees at their opening meeting onSept. 23, 2010.We lost a great friend when Jack Walsh ’39 died on Sept. 17.He leaves a lasting legacy at <strong>Nichols</strong>, in the Western New Yorkcommunity and beyond – certainly he has left many fond memoriesand impressions with his family and friends and all of us at <strong>Nichols</strong>.Jack was an alumnus, a loyal member of the class of 1939, formerPresident of the Board of Trustees, former parent, grandparent andloyal fan of <strong>Nichols</strong>. He served as President of our Board from 1964to 1969. Among the many accomplishments during his tenure,he led the charge to build the Dann Memorial Rink and MootHall. His term ended in 1969 coinciding with the retirement oflongtime Headmaster Phil Boocock. Jack oversaw the search forChris Wadsworth, who was only the eighth Headmaster – and just29 years old.Jack was a student at <strong>School</strong> 64 and <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong> before goingon to graduate from Phillips Academy and Yale University. Jack andSally are quite possibly the best fans <strong>Nichols</strong> has ever had. Theyrarely missed a game even if they did not have a child or grandchildplaying on the team. When Sally was named as an honorary alumnawe estimated that they had been to over 2,000 different <strong>Nichols</strong>events, con<strong>test</strong>s, concerts, parties, plays, reunions, dedications, andaward assemblies. Few have been so loyal and supportive!It is fitting that the Project Room in our <strong>new</strong> Class of 1963Center for Mathematics and Science has been named in his honorby the Cummings Foundation, one of the countless agencies in ourcommunity that he served so well.Jack and Sally recently celebrated their 67 th wedding anniversary.He leaves a lasting legacy in Sally, their children – Jack ’63,Michael ’70, Barney ’73 and Demi – and grandchildren, six of them<strong>Nichols</strong> graduates and one current student, Lucas, a junior.Jack’s presence and his passion for <strong>Nichols</strong> will be missed, butnever forgotten.AlumniJames M. Benson, Jr. ’62 – June 29, 2010Patrick T. Butler ’94 – July 7, 2010Herbert A. Gamler ’39 – April 27, 2010Dwight F. Hanny ’50 – July 9, 2010Richard F. Healy ’53 – July 27, 2010Allen S. Lerner ’47 – Oct. 25, 2010Sherman Maisel ’35 – Sept. 29, 2010Welles V. Moot, Jr. ’38 – Oct. 21, 2010James Orr ’45 – Oct. 10, 2010Charles R. Penney ’41 – Aug. 1, 2010Paul K. Taefi ’96 – May 27, 2010John N. Walsh, Jr. ’39 – Sept.17, 2010Sanford Zeller ’61 – Aug. 25, 2010FriendsMurray Andersen – Aug. 8, 2010 –Grandfather of Noel ’13 and Elizabeth ’16AndersenCorky Becker – Oct. 4, 2010 –Wife of Max Becker ’46; mother ofMax, Jr. ’70Irving Berger – July 13, 2010 – Grandfatherof Seth Seegert ’98Paul A. Cappola – Aug. 8, 2010 –Father of Zachary Cappola ’09 andVincent Cappola ’12John Cullen – Sept. 12, 2010Alice L. Currie – June 17, 2010 –Grandmother of Christopher Galvin ’88,Kate Galvin Porter ’91, Grace Waters ’08 andMaddie Waters ’10Virginia Hanley – July 8, 2010 –Grandmother of Patrick Hanley ’05Nelson Hubbell, Jr. – Aug. 21, 2010David T. Karzon – Aug. 26, 2010Henry R. Keller – July 25, 2010 –Father of Eric Keller ’68Richard J. Kieffer – Sept. 1, 2010 –Father of Daniel Kieffer ’84Elsa Kreiner – Sept. 19, 2010 –Wife of Bud Kreiner ’39; mother of Chuck’63 and George ’66; grandmother of Will ’93,Betsy Kreiner McCarthy ’95, Sarah ’99 andChas ’02Virginia R. Lane – May 21, 2010 –Mother of Stephen Lane ’76Ronaldo A. Machado – July 24, 2010 –Father of Annette Machado ’87, AimeeMachado ’90 and Becky Machado ’91Willis C. Rech – May 17, 2010 – Fatherof Mary Rech Rockwell; grandfather ofRocky ’06 and Charlie ’09Jane Schoellkopf – Aug. 2, 2010 –Grandmother of Dean Jewett, Jr. ’99 andAlexandra Jewett McPherson ’92A. Warren Smith, Jr. – May 15, 2010Casey Waligora – May 14, 2010 –Grandfather of Samuel Witkowski ’17Faculty/StaffPaul Seamans – May 24, 2010 – Formerfaculty member; father of Douglas ’66and Thomas Seamans ’71Fall 201057


1953John A. Talbott and 10 other French andAmerican restaurant/food bloggers havelaunched a website, www.parisbymouth.com, which publishes snippets from theirindividual blogs. “John Talbott’s Paris,”http://johntalbottsparis.typepad.com/john_talbotts_paris, features luscious photos and“best of” lists. By year’s end, John plansto host a forum on it that will answerquestions and post readers’ comments.1955Thomas Rumsey writes, “Regards to all.Unfortunately, I will not be attending theReunion. Gosh that’s a long time ago! I’mstill working selling paper and janitorialproducts and playing racquet ball. Achesand pains starting to catch up.”1956Gene Richard Moss writes, “I am pleased toannounce the publication of my la<strong>test</strong> book,a novel entitled ‘Inescapable Consequences.’The book represents the first, majornovel based upon behavioral science in ageneration and the first ever reflecting thebio-behavioral orientation. The website iswww.inescapableconsequences.com.”1962Governor Edward G. Rendell has namedRobert L. Pratter to serve as acting InsuranceCommissioner for the PennsylvaniaInsurance Department. Robert has served asthe Executive Deputy General Counsel forLitigation with the state’s Office of GeneralCounsel since 2008. During his extensivelegal career, Robert has specialized inregulatory, corporate and judicial proceedingsaffecting the insurance industry. He has alsoled complex commercial litigation and hasextensive experience in regulatory mattersbefore various commonwealth agencies. Priorto his public service, Pratter had been SeniorVice President and General Counsel forPMA Capital Corporation.Class Notes1966Robert Rahn has moved from TheEconomist to the Financial Times.1970Steve Bangert writes, “My wife, Peggy,and I live in the Hudson Valley. Wecelebrated 30 years of marriage. I am theAssistant Superintendant for business atValley Central <strong>School</strong> district. Two of ourgrandchildren are still in college.”1971Alumni and friends gather at the LacPythonga Club in Quebec, Canada: (back,l-r) Larry Desautels, Jeff Birtch ’64,Greg Desautels ’95, Sharon Kennedy’76, Caralyn Desautels Foster ’99(back), Lucie Kennedy Desautels N’71,Michael Kennedy, Harry Dent ’75, GinaWettlaufer ’98; absent: Carl Yerkovich ’75,Peter Dent ’78, Ryan Arthurs ’01, WyattArthurs ’00, Lindsay Arthurs ’03, DavidTalley, Meaghan Booth ’98, Kim Cardwell’74, Jake Dann, George Smith ’75.Larry Giordano has been selected forinclusion in the 2011 edition of “TheBest Lawyers in America.” A shareholderbased in the Knoxville offices of Lewis,King, Krieg & Waldrop, P.C., Larry’spractice focuses primarily on representingpeople and companies involved inbusiness disputes and the representation ofnumerous Tennessee public school systems.1972Edward “Ted” F. Walsh, Jr. has beenelected to John R. Oishei Foundation’sBoard of Directors. Ted is currently thePresident and COO of Walsh DuffieldCompanies, Inc. “Ted’s long track recordof volunteerism, service and leadershipillustrate his commitment to our community.His familiarity with the needs of WesternNew York and his superior leadershipskills will be tremendous assets to ourFoundation,” said Robert D. Gioia, OisheiFoundation President and former Presidentof the Board of Trustees at <strong>Nichols</strong>.1975Erie County Judge Thomas P. Franczykreceived the Bar Association of ErieCounty’s Outstanding Jurist Award. Hewas among members honored duringthe bar group’s 123 rd annual dinner inthe Hyatt Regency Buffalo. Franczyk,who oversees the local law student mocktrial competition, was honored for hisservice on the bench and his devotion toenhancing law school studies. Once oneof the top prosecutors in the Erie CountyDistrict Attorney’s Office, Franczyk, aformer Buffalo City Court judge, is Founderand now Co-Director of the six-year-oldBuffalo-Niagara Mock Trial competition,now the largest such competition for lawschool students nationwide.1976Eight years ago, Lee Carlson was hitby a car, suffered a Traumatic BrainInjury, and spent the next several yearsin rehabilitation. He recently publisheda memoir, “Passage to Nirvana,” whichchronicles his personal battle with aTraumatic Brain Injury and the long, slowclimb back to normal life. Spurned bythe mainstream publishing communitybecause of the book’s subject matter, Leeformed his own publishing company andpublished the book himself. Lee writes,“Many of my <strong>Nichols</strong> classmates, and58 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>


other family and friends from Buffalo and<strong>Nichols</strong>, contributed financially to thepublishing of the first edition in a kind ofgrassroots support for the writing arts.” Thebook’s acknowledgement section thanksBill Morris, Sue Schapiro and Austin Fox,three of Lee’s favorite <strong>Nichols</strong>’ teachers,whom he credits with contributing to hisdevelopment as a writer, and by extension,to his book. “Passage to Nirvana” is nowavailable for purchase. Lee also visited<strong>Nichols</strong> on Dec. 3 to speak at a MorningMeeting and meet with English students.Visit www.passagetonirvana.com for more<strong>information</strong> about the book.1980Lynn Azurin Accetta writes, “Ouryoungest daughter, Julie Lynn ’10 has beenaccepted to the honors program at GeorgeWashington University where she will bejoining her sister, Emily Esther ’07, whowill be a senior this fall.”Scott Aquilina AIA, Project Manager forAnn Beha Architects, was part of a teamengaged in a comprehensive renovationand restoration of the Diana ChapmanWalsh Alumnae Hall at WellesleyCollege. Alumnae Hall now serves <strong>new</strong>audiences and programs, reflects theCollege’s commitment to its historicresources, and integrates contemporarydesign and <strong>new</strong> academic and communityprogramming within the historic setting.The accomplishment of the project isthe subtlety in which many technicaland programmatic initiatives weredeftly inserted into the re<strong>new</strong>ed historicbuilding. This project is on track toreceive LEED certification, the first suchbuilding on the Wellesley College campus.1981W. Michael White has started his ownprint brokerage company called StandingStone Printing LLC. Handling largeprint and promotional projects across thecountry, Standing Stone provides highquality, cost efficient printing productsand services to the Native Americancommunity.The Mentholatum Co., an over-thecounterhealth care products companybased in Orchard Park, N.Y., promotedJennifer Jarvis Hamberger to Directorof U.S. Marketing. Hamberger has beenwith the company for 10 years managing avariety of different brands. She now leadsthe company’s New Business Developmentefforts and manages the marketing of OXYClinical and OXY, the company’s acnemedication lines. Jennifer also is a memberof the <strong>Nichols</strong> Alumni Board.1984Justin Webb has completed his 12 th seasonof the 76 University of Georgia Women’sGymnastic Television show. The team hopesto win their 11 th national title this year.1984Eric Berlow, ecological networks scientist,American ecologist, and entrepreneurresearching networks and environmentalsustainability, participated in TEDGlobal2010, TED’s annual conference in Oxford,U.K. TED, a small nonprofit devoted to“Ideas Worth Spreading,” started out in1984 as a conference bringing togetherpeople from three worlds: Technology,Entertainment and Design.1985At a party for the Class of 1985 overReunion weekend, Joy StieglitzGottschalk, Judy Lansky Saffan, MarkRoberts and Ryan Gellman talk to BetsyTreadway Adachi (on laptop) via Skype.1986Mark Preisler, Sr. Coordinating Producerfor Baseball and ESPN, released a book inSeptember titled “Ready, Set, Play! Parentsand Children Bonding Through Sports.”Co-written with ESPN NFL Analyst,Mark Schlereth, the goal of the book isto encourage parents to take the time toplay with their children. Mark says, “Wedo this by interviewing some of the world’sgrea<strong>test</strong> sports stars about their childhoods,relationships with their parents, and howthey parent their kids.”Rick Zacher writes, “I thought the <strong>School</strong>might like to see that the alumni are stillbringing home hardware!” Pictured isthe <strong>Nichols</strong> Alumni/Legacy Health CareLLC team, left to right: Les Kuntar ’87,Tim Vanini ’87, Paul Sullivan ’88, RickZacher, Buffalo Sabre Darryl Shannon,Phil Noble ’88, Jim Lorentz ’99 and BobWeston ’95 (front).1987Deborah J. Saltzman writes “In Marchin Los Angeles (where I have been livingfor 12 years), I was sworn in as a U.S.Bankruptcy Judge for the Central Districtof California. I’m thrilled to be starting this<strong>new</strong> stage of my career.”1988Nanette Burstein directed “Going theDistance,” her first major budget fictionalfilm, featuring Drew Barrymore, JustinLong, Christina Applegate and RonLivingston. The song “The Reeling”by Passion Pit, the band of MichaelAngelakos ’05, is on the music soundtrack.Fall 201059


1990Rajeev Sharma, Cory Kasimov, NanditaShenoy and Brett Benderson catch up at aparty over Reunion weekend.Dan Williams wrote prior to Reunion2010, “I am so sorry to be missing ourReunion again, but this time I actuallyhave a good excuse. I’m getting marriedto Lindsay Millsup in Keystone, Colo.! Ilook forward to introducing Lindsay to the<strong>Nichols</strong> community over the upcomingyears.”1991Kate Galvin Porter and husband, Mark,welcomed daughter Elouise “Ellie” GracePorter. All are well!1994Deborah Karet married Doug Gordon inBuffalo, N.Y., on May 30, 2010.Brennan Keating writes, “My wife and Iare thrilled to announce the arrival of ourdaughter, Evelyn Ryan Keating. Eve wasborn on May 28 at 12:39 a.m., weighing7 lbs., 11 oz. and measuring 20” long.Everyone is doing great!”In September, Lisa Trotter appeared onJeopardy as a guest expert, providing ananswer to con<strong>test</strong>ants. She has workedfor the last decade in Antarctic tourismand currently serves as the Palmer StationWinter Site Manager.1995Tad Brown visited <strong>Nichols</strong> in May to speakto Upper <strong>School</strong> History classes. For thepast 10 years, he has worked for the FederalGovernment in the Department of State.His world travels and cultural experienceshave given him many insights into theglobal community. Primarily serving inSouth Asia and Africa, Tad has manyexperiences with country development,including poverty, trade, gender, AIDSand other health issues, corruption, as wellas Iraq/Afghanistan/Pakistan and U.S.foreign policy. Tad recently completedHindi training and also learned French andBengali from the U.S. Government; helearned Spanish while at <strong>Nichols</strong>. Studentsand faculty alike were grateful he was ableto visit and share his experiences with ourstudents.1996Jamie Weston and his wife, Erin, justcelebrated their seventh weddinganniversary. They own and operate anoptometry practice in Boca Raton, Fla.Jamie, a chemical engineer, continues toenjoy his position at Diamond Innovationsas Plant Manager and Operations Leaderfor the company’s two Florida facilities.1997Chad Creelman writes, “I recently gotmarried to Michele Rihlmann-Burke whowas happy to drop her hyphenated lastname and become a ‘Creelman.’ I also willbe going to back to school in the fall topursue an MBA at UNLV. Living underthe Las Vegas sun is not our first choice,but we are making the most of it. Picturedis the growing Creelman family: Evan ’99,Michele, Chad ’97, and Maggie & Wayne,(Chad and Evan’s parents).”1998Meaghan Booth writes, “On Nov. 6,my husband, Mike, and I welcomed ourdaughter, Gabrielle Grace Mansfield intoour family. I am currently enjoying being astay at home mom.”1999Ellie Walsh Beasley and her husband,Andrew, welcomed their first child on May18 – Grant Bass Beasley. Ellie, Andrewand Grant will moved this summer fromCharlottesville, Va., where Ellie workedin Development for the University ofVirginia’s Darden <strong>School</strong> of Business andAndrew earned his MBA at Darden. Theynow reside in Boston, Mass.John Kloepfer released his first novel,“The Zombie Chasers,” illustrated bySteve Wolfhard, on June 1. The story isintended for the 8-12-year-old audience.Although the story is set in Arizona, it drawsinspiration from North Buffalo and <strong>Nichols</strong>.John, having received a deal for three books,is currently working on the next book inthe series. ALA Booklist said of the novel:“What makes this la<strong>test</strong> entry into thedeveloping middle-grade zombie canonstand out is Kloepfer’s gleeful insistence ongore and Wolfhard’s squiggly drawings thatreally bring the laughs. Stick around for thenext vomitous volume.” John also visited<strong>Nichols</strong> this fall to share his writing processand talk about what it takes to have a bookpublished. He met with students in grades5-8, as well as the 12 th grade Children’sLiterature and Creative Writing classes.2000Sarah Scarselletta graduated from UBMedical <strong>School</strong> and is currently in her 2 ndyear residency at Tufts/Baystate MedicalCenter in a combined internal medicineand pediatric residency program.60 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>


Members of the Class of 2000 and friendsgathered over the summer at the weddingof Ashley Robb and Patrick Lewis. A large<strong>Nichols</strong> contingent was in attendance:front, l-r: Emily Hochreiter Barron, EddieMarlette ’99, Perry Marlette, MelissaHurley, Spencer Carbone, Haley DeCarlo,Ashley Robb Lewis, Patrick Lewis, MaggiePfohl Dehler, Derek Reinhold and LizzieJacobs Reinhold; back, l-r: John Mineo ’72,Jonna Wopperer ’02, Tony Enstice ’99,Christina Hynes Arthurs, Dan O’Connor,Rob Drake, Josh Feine, Jim Foreman ’56,Tara DeCarlo ’02, Michael Sheets ’99,Kate Lewis ’93, Wick Hannan ’65, EmilyDeCarlo ’96, Adrienne DeCarlo Ptak ’98,Wendy Sheets Mathias ’81, Jacquie Greco’09 and Elliot Sheets ’06.Cynthia Shin is currently in Buffalo, N.Y.,in the Pediatric Neurology ResidencyProgram after graduating from medicalschool in Poland.2001Megha Jain started Taara, a jewelrycompany featuring statement pieces, in2009 in Hong Kong. Tired of the longhours at Morgan Stanley and wanting toexplore her creative side, she took a leap offaith and moved to Hong Kong to pursuea different career path. Living in HongKong allows her to be closer to India andenables her to easily travel back and forthwhile working on the business. Taara is anoffshoot of a small company that was setup by Megha’s aunt, Kalpana Jain, in India.Wanting to revamp the company, designand clientele, Megha saw an opportunityand took it. Megha’s collections includerings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets andpendants. She focuses on stones that notonly have an interesting story, but a greathealing power. She recently teamed upwith Lisa Keating ’82, owner of Leeleein Williamsville, N.Y., to unveil her la<strong>test</strong>collection.2002First Lt. Nicholas Arnold (far right), hiscommanding officer, Lt. Col. Rick Fuerst,and two crew members pose in front oftheir MV-22 Osprey during a visit toBuffalo on April 18. Nicholas deployed forAfghanistan in June 2010.Dionne Fabiatos graduated from New YorkLaw <strong>School</strong> in New York City on May 14,2010.2003Lee Fabiatos has completed his first year oflaw school at Thomas Cooley in Lansing,Mich.2004Max Brown was married on May 15,2010 in Buffalo, N.Y., to ChristineElizabeth Basil. She graduated in Junefrom Philadelphia College of OsteopathicMedicine and has been accepted for aResidency in Pediatrics at Kaleida Health,Women and Children’s Hospital. Maxworks for Garret Leather.2005Ensign Will Olena (USNA ’09) marriedJessica Smith (USNA ’10) on June 19,2010. (l-r) Michael Kawi and CharlotteOlena ’08 were members of the weddingparty; Jillian Phallen and Alicia Dezikwere in attendance. The <strong>Nichols</strong> studentssang the chorus of “Green You as WeGrow” at the reception!2006Emily Regan’s rowing boat, the Varsity8, won the marquee race of the day indominating fashion for her and MSU’sthird consecutive Varsity 8 Big 10 title. Asan added bonus, Emily did several piecesfor the Big 10 Network that aired thisspring. Emily also was named to the firstteam All Big 10 and named a first teamAll American by the Collegiate RowingCoaches Association, in addition tomaking the U23 USA Women’s NationalTeam. She rowed in the 8+ in July andwon a gold medal for her performance. Theworld Rowing championships took place inBrest, Belarus.Will Gurney graduated from VanderbiltUniversity in May and has taken a job inthe advertising industry at the ad agency,Arnold Worldwide in Boston. He started asan Assistant Account Executive workingon the Panasonic account. He is currentlyliving in the Back Bay area of Boston.2007Amelia Kermis has been very involvedwith the Cornell Forensics Society. Sheis an officer of the group and has debatedat the Oxford Union, in Slovenia andToronto. She presented a paper at aninternational Rhetoric meeting in Zurich,Switzerland. She was one of the onlyundergraduates who presented papers. Forfun she is involved with the women’s clubgolf team, for which she is an officer, andthe freshman orientation program.2008The winning goal – also the only goal – ofthe final game of the North AmericanRoller Hockey Championships was scoredby Geoff Abrahams. Geoff plays withthe Buffalo Wings Roller Hockey at thehighest level, the platinum division. Thetournament, which is considered the SuperBowl of Roller Hockey, included hundredsof teams from across North America,as well as some from Europe and SouthAmerica.Fall 201061


James Avino is finishing his second yearat Georgetown University and traveled toEcuador this summer.Rachel Kermis has been very involvedwith the student run Emergency MedicalServices squad. She became a certifiedEMT last summer and is currently a crewchief in training on the Cornell squad.She also has been student leader for thepre-med section of the Cornell freshmanorientation.2009Adele Jackson-Gibson won an awardfor excellence in English compositionin her freshman year at Yale University.A book prize for excellence in Englishcomposition in the freshman year, theWinston Trowbridge Townsend award wasestablished by Judge William K. Townsend,Yale B.A. 187l, in memory of his son, amember of the Yale Class of 1901.2010Jonathan Clark won the InternationalJunior Masters at East Aurora CountryClub this summer and then moved onto compete in the Buffalo District GolfAssociation Junior Boys Match PlayChampionship.Ramsey Gayles and Andrew Toenniessenrepresented <strong>Nichols</strong> at the KensingtonLions Club North/South All-Star Gameon July 28 before a standing room onlycrowd at Depew High <strong>School</strong>. Both playersplayed key roles in the North offensivebackfield. Gayles and Toenniessen are the20 th and 21 st <strong>Nichols</strong> representatives inthe game’s 35-year history. They join thefollowing alumni who have participated inthe game: Mike Supples ’76, John Meegan’77, Tom Hersey ’80, Matt Martin ’80,Mike Sullivan ’80, Mark Schmidt ’81,Paul Danieu ’82, Joe Tomizzi ’83, MikeMcDonnell ’85, Colin Brinson ’85, ChrisPetrik ’87, Jerry Hughes ’89, AnthonyHabib ’91, Jeff Tamulski ’92, BradTamulski ’96, Ben Andrews ’97, GreggBarton ’97, AJ Wright ’97, Ashish Lall’98 and Tom Juliano ’07.Canisius College freshman, Brianna Smith,was named the Metro Atlantic AthleticConference Rookie of the Week threetimes this year. She also earned the honorof being named Offensive Player of theWeek during the season..Rene Sobolewski took first in the 81 stState Women’s Amateur GolfChampionship this summer, posting athree-shot victory in the Championship.She attends Vanderbilt University, whereshe is playing Division I golf.Dear Friends,Last summer, at a Zeller Family reunion in Vermont, we talked about our wishes to thank all those who have sogenerously donated to the Zeller Fund for Ethics and Character. Many of Fritz’s fondest memories were of the years hespent with <strong>Nichols</strong> students, their families, the faculty and staff. So many memories – coaching on the fields, workingin the office, interacting in the hallways.We marvel at Fritz’s impact, the resulting legacy, and what is being done in his memory and we deeply appreciate allwho have contributed creative ideas, time, talent and donations to the initiative in his name. Before the school yearstarted at <strong>Nichols</strong> this fall, the senior class leaders along with team captains and club presidents attended a four-daysymposium on leadership and character. The faculty had a workshop on effective advising. We understand support forthese programs came from donations to the Zeller Fund. Fritz would have valued their content and would be thrilledwith the <strong>School</strong> as it is today.Our thanks to those who established the Zeller Fund and to all who have generously contributed in his memory.Our family and Fritz were truly blessed by our many years in Buffalo and at <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>. We will be forever grateful.Sincerely,The Zeller Family62 <strong>Nichols</strong> <strong>School</strong>


Faculty ProfileJulie Genco Alford ’84What is your position at <strong>Nichols</strong>?I teach sixth grade science and math.How long have you been teaching at<strong>Nichols</strong>?This is my ninth year teaching at <strong>Nichols</strong>.Tell us about your education andprofessional background before <strong>Nichols</strong>.After graduating from Skidmore College,where I studied biology and psychology, Iwent to the State University of New Yorkat Buffalo; the Roswell Park division ofgraduate studies. I worked and studied inthe Department of Clinical Immunology.I was lucky to land my first job workingat Bristol-Myers Squibb, here in Buffalo,N.Y, known as Westwood-Squibb. Iworked for nine years in the Departmentof Biochemical Pharmacology, where wedeveloped assays for compound screening.We were mainly designing and studying<strong>new</strong> anti-inflammatory compounds. Itwas fascinating work. After leaving BMS,I stayed home for several years with myyoung children, Mimi ’11, Jack ’15 andGrace ’17.Tell us about any <strong>new</strong> projects or programsyou are doing this year?This year we are going to the Penn DixieSite in Hamburg, N.Y., to do some fossilexcavating. With a little luck, we mayunearth some brachipods and trilobites!We will also be participating in their EarthScience Day activities. I am also planninga spring bike trip for our students and theirfamilies to the birthplace of Niagara Falls.I think a deeper understanding of geologyand earth science comes from directinteraction with it, so we often ventureout of the classroom.What is it like having attended <strong>Nichols</strong> asa student and teaching at the <strong>School</strong> now?I am so pleased to be at <strong>Nichols</strong> teaching, itis like coming home. This school is a gem,and I felt honored to be a student here, andI feel honored to teach here now.What is your favorite <strong>Nichols</strong> memoryas an alumna?Dance was my passion, and every yearour dance instructor, Donna Armistead,would choreograph a fabulous ballet andcast us all. One year, I think I was ineighth or ninth grade, she choreographed“A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and Iwas Mustard Seed and danced with Mr.Kimberly! He was cast as a town’s man.We have a lot of laughs together aboutthat performance.What is your favorite <strong>Nichols</strong> memory asa teacher?Every year in sixth grade science we do aproject on black boxes. I give the studentsa black box which they cannot open, andtheir task is to draw conceptual modelsand build physical models of what theythink the interior looks like. Not beingable to open the boxes is pretty frustratingfor the some of the students, so I begantelling them that they could come backto my classroom when they graduate highschool and I will open the box. Now, I reallythought they would forget after all thoseyears, but to my surprise and delight, theseniors have come back to open the boxes!What do you like to do on the weekends?I enjoy skiing with my family, both downhilland water-skiing, playing tennis, gardening,boating, cycling, reading and traveling.This past summer, my husband and I cycledthe entire Niagara Peninsula, and rodealong four distinct water ways: Lake Erie,the Welland Canal, Lake Ontario and theNiagara River. It was a great adventurealong several bike paths and I highlyrecommend it!


1250 Amherst St.Buffalo, NY 14216Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDBuffalo, NYPermit No. 3658In the Next Issue: The Alumni Holiday Gathering & Awards CeremonyVineyardVines ® ItemsSilk Ties: $ 65Canvas & Silk Trim Totebags: $ 75www.nicholsschool.org/storeItems are available online in our<strong>new</strong> Campus Store, with payment via PayPal.You may also call 716.332.6392 or visit us on campus!

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