119th Commencement - Nichols School

CommencementA. B.C. D.E.F.G.A. Josh Finkelstein ’11, JoJo Tantillo ’11, Alexandra Mathews ’11 and Patrick Thompson ’11B. Jake Morris, who received this year’s Verdian dedication, and Nicolette Winder ’11C. Joe Avino delivers the student speech.D. Haley Welch ’11E. Alumni Board President, Mary Giallanza Carney ‘89, presents Mary Rech Rockwell with the 2011 William Nichols Award.F. Five Montani family siblings graduated from Nichols over the past nine years: David ’06, Rosemary ’09, Stephen ’11, James ’02 and Christine ’04.G. Jane Cox Hettrick ’78 shares her Nichols memories with the Class of 2011.

Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker delivers her address as the guestspeaker; David Zakalik ’11 (right) shares a proverb in Mandarin.Mr. Bryan shakes hands with An Jiang ’11.so much more than simply doing schoolwork every day. Nicholsstudents are educated on an entirely different level than basicacademics. That’s why we refer to it as an ‘experience.’ Theschool promotes a culture of personal growth and developmentthat is invaluable down the road. It educates students bothacademically and as responsible citizens of the world.”Joe talked about his lessons learned over the years, how Nicholshelped him develop as a student and become a person with integrityof character, and inspired him in ways he did not anticipate, butwholeheartedly appreciates today. He shared how he grew fromdoing the minimum to get by in his freshman and sophomoreyears to truly enjoying the challenge of assignments and lookingforward to diving into rigorous work in his junior and senior years.“Nichols is a second home for many students, and the facultyrecognizes that by allowing students to pursue their passions throughclubs, research and other extracurricular activities,” Joe said.“Like every other graduating class, Nichols has given the Classof 2011 an opportunity to excel and succeed in life,” he concluded.“But if you take one thing from this speech, take this. Nichols hasgiven us a lengthy head start in life. Please do not waste it. It is nolonger anyone’s responsibility to create opportunity but your own.”President/CEO of the Community Foundation for GreaterBuffalo, former Trustee and past Nichols parent, ClotildePerez-Bode Dedecker, served as the guest speaker. She enlistedgraduating senior, David Zakalik ’11, to read a famous Chineseproverb in Mandarin: “Tell me and I might forget; showme and I may remember; engage me and I will learn.”“Over the past four years, Nichols has engaged youin a learning process that has lead to new insights andknowledge,” Mrs. Dedecker said. “The School has startedyou down the path which turns information into knowledgefor the purpose of applying that knowledge to everyday lifeand, in doing so, build your store of personal wisdom.”Prior to that day, Mrs. Dedecker surveyed the members ofthe Class of 2011, seeking answers about what they value, whatmotivates them and moves them. She learned that family, friendsand education were very important to all. Their answers indicatedthat relationships and learning were among the core values ofthe class. When asked what they wanted in the world, Mrs.Dedecker heard ideals of peace, justice and equity repeatedly.“Many of you shared dreams that spoke to a more peacefulworld with less hunger, less pain and less prejudice,” she said.“Some of you noted that the challenges before us areriddled with complexities that can seem insurmountable,”she continued. “Where and how to begin? Is it realisticto try? Can one person make a difference?”Her response to them was inspiring: this world is yoursto create. She agreed that there are great challengesbefore us as a society, but she stressed that individualsand strong leaders can and do make a difference.Mrs. Dedecker told the story of Jerry Sternin, a humanitariantasked with solving the colossal problem of improvingchildhood malnutrition in Vietnam. When he arrived inthe unfamiliar country without speaking the language andminimal resources, he approached the problem in a grassrootsmanner that got to the heart of what was working for somefamilies, and then devised a plan to introduce it to the rest.Jerry spoke with mothers in a village who were yielding betterresults – healthier, well nourished children. He found that mostmalnourished children were fed twice a day, with larger mealsconsisting of mostly rice, but the healthiest children were fedsmaller meals several times a day. The latter mothers were addingshrimp, crabs and sweet potato greens to the rice. Althoughthese were typically unconventional food for children, theyadded sorely needed protein and vitamins to the children’sdiet. This insight changed the lives of 2.2 million childrenfor the better. Jerry’s story is a powerful example of how oneperson can make a huge difference when driven to do so.If given a magic wand, members of the Class of 2011 saidthey would do everything from find cures for cancer andAIDS to strengthen our economy to end discrimination. Mrs.Dedecker told the students they can write their history becausethey have the ability to change and better the world.“Whether you touch one or countless lives…each of you willcommand a sphere of influence in which to wave your personalmagic. Use it wisely and use it generously. I wish you each a lifewith meaning, an existence with purpose, and days filled withactions that engage others in finding solutions,” she ended.The morning culminated with the awarding of diplomasby Dr. Aranya Maritime, Head of Upper School.Congratulations to the Class of 2011! We wish you allthe best as you enter this new chapter of your lives!4 Nichols School

Retiring FacultyFarewell to our FriendsThis spring was filled with tributes to honor several beloved Nichols teachers who retired this year. Fourlongtime faculty members will retire from teaching and one other will move on to a new opportunity. We aregrateful for their devoted service to our community and wish them the best!Darcy BrewerUpper School science teacher, Mr. Brewer,joined the Nichols faculty five yearsago. He is relocating with his family toPrinceton,N.J., and willteach at TheLawrencevilleSchool. Heformerlyserved as aBoys Hockeycoach andacted asan advisorfor theInvestmentClub.Patricia FreresUpper School Latin teacher, Dr. Freres,taught at Nichols for 15 years. Head ofthe Student Conduct Committee, she alsoplayed animportantrole inthe Latinstudents’belovedevent, theRomanBanquet, andled culturaltrips toItaly. Earlierthis year,Dr. Frereswas featured in Business First of Buffalo’s“Teachers of Merit: 20 outstandingeducators.”Jim KramerDirector of College Counseling and UpperSchool economics teacher, Mr. Kramer,started his Nichols career 33 years ago. Heserved as asuccessfullongtimeBoys VarsityBasketballcoach, isa NicholsAthleticHall of Fameinductee, andwas awardedthe Olive R.Ringo Awardthis year. Hisdaughter, Kait, graduated from Nichols in2005.Steve MoscovSophomore Dean and Upper SchoolSpanish teacher, Mr. Moscov, has been apart of theNicholsfaculty for 32years. He alsoacted as BoysTennis coachfor manyyears. Hewill continueto work atNichols ona part-timebasis. Hischildren,Ellie ’07 and Danny ’05, both graduatedfrom the School.Don WagnerUpper School math teacher, Mr. Wagner,joined Nichols nine years ago, afterretiring froma teachingcareer inthe EastAurora publicschools. Healso served asBoys VarsitySoccer coach.Summer 20115

AwardsOlive R. Ringo Faculty Awardby Nina BaroneThe Olive R. Ringo Faculty Award recognizes outstandingcontributions by members of the Nichols faculty to the educationof Nichols students. Each recipient is nominated by his/her peersand selected by a committee made up of previous faculty awardees.The 2011 recipient is Jim Kramer, longtime Economics teacher andDirector of College Counseling, who retired following the 2010-2011 school year.In addition to years of service to Nichols and obviouscontributions to theSchool community,professional andpersonal characteristicsare consideredincluding: enthusiasmabout teaching andlearning; ability tocommunicate clearlyand effectively;knowledge of subjectarea; organization,flexibility, anddedication; respectfor students and agenuine concern fortheir development;intellectual curiosityand creativity; and highstandards of excellence.George J. KloepferII ’68 and GordonGannon ’50, co-trusteeof the Olive R. Ringoestate, presented the award at a reception held on Wednesday, June8, to honor our retiring and departing faculty members. Excerptsfrom Mr. Kramer’s citation follow:“It’s hard to imagine any graduate during your tenure who hasn’tbeen impacted by your extraordinary work over your many years atNichols.For decades, you have championed the importance of academicrigor and the dangers of grade inflation to the School’s reputation.In the classroom, as a member of the History Department, yousuccessfully squired seniors through the difficult challenges of globaleconomic theory in your AP Economics classes.When you arrived on campus in 1978, expectations were highas one of your main duties was to take over the helm of the BoysBasketball program from legendary Athletic Hall of Fame coach,Andy Anderson. For the next 21 years, you not only maintained6 Nichols SchoolGordon Gannon ’50, Jim Kramer and George J. Kloepfer II ’68the excellence that has become synonymous with NicholsBasketball, but you took it to historic levels, producing severalof the most outstanding teams in school history. Your teams wonan unprecedented four state championships in the ’80s and ’90s,playing the game as you taught them to play it so well each dayat practice. No teams were better prepared for competition thanyour teams. And your teaching was not just confined to yourplayers, as just about every official in Western New York can attest;in fact, many of yourinteractions sent myriadofficials scurrying fordictionaries at halftime,searching for suchwords as ‘tendentious’and, your favorite,‘egregious.’…Mostimportantly, you sharedyour passion for thegame you love with yourplayers, and they alwaysresponded by playinghard and playing smartbasketball. Is it anywonder that ChristianLaettner ’88 had such asmooth transition to playfor that other Coach K?For your extraordinaryaccomplishments onthe hardwood, youwere inducted into theSchool’s Athletic Hall ofFame in 2007.Finally, it has been in your role as Director of College Counselingwhere you have had the greatest influence on our graduating seniorsfor over 30 years…You educate each of your charges about theintricacies of the marketplace that is higher education, challengingthem to make informed, competent decisions about their pursuitsafter Nichols…No one is a better advocate for Nichols students inthis process than you have been. One Admissions Director of a wellknownliberal arts college in New England observed once that yourrecommendations were amongst the best written that they receivedeach year…Your wealth of knowledge, of expertise, and of experiencehas made you one of the most highly regarded college counselors inthe nation and, as such, one of Nichols’ greatest assets.”Congratulations and best wishes to Mr. Kramer!

StaffMitchellAwardby Nina BaroneDuring the Parent Volunteer Appreciation Brunch on Tuesday,June 6, Director of Development, Leslie Garcia, presented LaurieWright with the Mitchell Award. Established in 2000, the awardis named in honor of John A. “Jock” Mitchell ’66. The award ispresented “to that individual or individuals whose volunteer effortshave made [the] School stronger and whose commitment to themission of Nichols School is outstanding.”Laurie and her husband, Doug, have been a part of the Nicholscommunity for many years now, starting with the education of theiroldest son, Andy ’06, followed by T.J. ’08. Their daughter, Lindsay’12, is a rising senior.Laurie hasserved in manyleadership rolesat the School,including GradeRepresentative,Parent Mentor,President ofthe Parents’Council, andmost recently,Co-Chair ofthe Derby DayAuction. Laurieand Doughave also beenmembers of theHeadmaster’sSociety and Laurie Wright and Stephanie Angelakosare supportiveof the School’s fundraising efforts from The Nichols Fund to thenicholsfuture.org Capital Campaign to Derby Day.We are grateful to Laurie for her years of dedication and serviceto Nichols. She is a wonderful parent leader for the School!Summer 2011EditorNina Baronenbarone@nicholsschool.orgContributorsStephanie AngelakosNina BaroneRichard C. BryanGenevieve CarboneLeslie S. GarciaElizabeth Stevens Gurney ’75Chuck PtakBlake Walsh ’98DesignerKelley Rechin, Duffy Moon DesignPhotographersJ. Matthew KiankaTom Maynor ’81Front Cover: Blue skies prevailed for the Class of 2011 on the day of the119th Commencement.– means “that which is true”and is pronounced “taw alay théss.”is published twice a yearby the Development Office.Telephone: 716.332.5151 • Fax: 716.875.3931Third Class postage paid at Buffalo, New York.Nichols is an inclusive community.Acceptance granted to qualified students.Nichols School1250 Amherst St., Buffalo, NY 14216716.332.6300 • www.nicholsschool.orgSummer 20117

Cum Laude InducteesAt the Upper SchoolMorning Meeting onThursday, April 28,20 seniors were namedto the prestigious CumLaude Society. The honorrepresents the top 20%academically in thetalented Class of 2011.Cum Laude Society President, Dr. Dan Rosenblum, and Secretary, Dr. Andrew Sutherland,were pleased to induct the following graduating seniors:Matthew Benedict ’11Ryan Best ’11Gaelin Carrig ’11Michael Che ’11Paige Dedrick ’11Alyssa Henry ’11Andrea Hoerner ’11Maya Jackson-Gibson ’11Kerry Kennedy ’11Karen Kim ’11Conor Leary ’11Donata Lorenzo ’11Derek Marks ’11Alexandra Mathews ’11Emily Pfalzer ’11Maria Philip ’11James Randaccio ’11Victoria Salmon ’11Nicolette Winder ’11David Zakalik ’11The words cum laude form a Latin phrase meaning “with high praise.” The Cum LaudeSociety was founded in 1906 by Dr. Abram W. Harris of the Tome School in Maryland torecognize students of exceptional scholarship and good character.In 1918, Nichols School was the thirteenth school to be admitted to membership in the CumLaude Society. At Nichols, criteria for admissions of students to the Cum Laude Society isbased on: academic excellence; scholarship and love of learning; consistency in performanceacross the four years, with special attention to achievement in grades 11 and 12, degree ofdifficulty of course load; and character, honor and integrity in all aspects of School life.Congratulations to this year’s inductees!8 Nichols School

Class of 2011Matriculation ListMartha AlfordCollege of CharlestonCameron CollinsVillanova UniversityMeaghan HeldweinHoly Family UniversityAlexander KotridesNiagara UniversityAlexandros Anas, IIAcademy of Art University (CA)Kerry CollinsBoston CollegeAlyssa HenryFordham University (Honors)Conor LearyBoston CollegeMichael AndersonUniversity of San DiegoJoseph AvinoRoanoke CollegeLauren BasilUniversity of RochesterMatthew BenedictMiddlebury CollegeRyan BestUniversity of RichmondBethany BisoneSUNY at BinghamtonEvan BrannenThe University of AlabamaColin CampbellKenyon CollegeEmily CarlsonGoucher CollegeGaelin CarrigMercyhurst CollegeGerald CathcartSUNY at BuffaloRachel CatipovicRochester Institute ofTechnologyB. William Chambers, Jr.University of PittsburghMichael CheUniversity of Western OntarioConnor ChevliCase Western ReserveUniversityAustin CorbettHobart and William SmithCollegesKellie CorwinBoston CollegeWilliam CuthbertMiami University (OH)Elizabeth DalyCanisius CollegeAlexandra DawesKansas State UniversityPaige DedrickCarleton CollegePeter Dudek, Jr.Junior HockeySibel ErkCanisius CollegeMarissa FasoMercyhurst CollegeJoshua FinkelsteinNew College of FloridaBrian FranzHobart and William SmithCollegesMargaret GeorgeLoyola University (MD)Ryan GoodnoughChamplain CollegeDavid HamiltonEmory UniversityEllie HayesUniversity of New HampshireAndrea HoernerWake Forest UniversityMichael HoernerUniversity of Miami (FL)Steven HolevinskiSUNY at BuffaloRebecca HotungUniversity of VermontLuai IbrahimUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignMaya Jackson-GibsonAmherst CollegeKatielynn JanigaCollege of CharlestonAn JiangRensselaer Polytechnic InstituteLauren JonesUniversity of VermontBrendan KaretHobart and William SmithCollegesColin KennedyUniversity of CincinnatiKerry KennedyKenyon CollegeYoon-Kyoung KimJohns Hopkins UniversityKevin KirisitsClarkson UniversityJohn KnoxNiagara UniversitySung Hyun LeePurdue UniversityJessica LewisPace UniversitySamantha LogelSUNY at BuffaloDonata LorenzoSkidmore CollegeIngrid LundUniversity of California atBerkeleyMary-Kate MacKinnonHobart and William SmithCollegesPamicka MarinelloFranklin & Marshall CollegeDerek MarksSUNY at GeneseoShannon MartinKent State UniversityAlexandra MathewsUniversity of ChicagoLeah McDonaldCanisius CollegeHaley McNamaraBoston UniversityStephen MontaniFurman UniversityCatherine NascaRoanoke CollegeNjideka NobleSpelman Collegecontinued on next pageSummer 20119

A.George Ostendorf, IIIThe University of AlabamaPaige PeltanThe George WashingtonUniversityMax PergamentSt. Lawrence UniversityEmily PfalzerBoston CollegeMaria PhilipGeorgetown UniversityDavid PiercePhillips Exeter Academy (PG)Sarah PlunkettSUNY at Buffalo StateJocelyn PridgenAlbany State University (GA)James RandaccioTufts UniversityHeather RinowSUNY at OswegoKeith RubinsteinSUNY at FredoniaVictoria SalmonAmherst CollegeErika SchoeneSUNY at GeneseoOsman SharifSUNY at BuffaloRyan StaynerJunior HockeyCharles SteinLake Forest CollegeJoseph SternUniversity of VermontJoseph TantilloUniversity of St. Andrews (UK)Patrick ThompsonUniversity of St. Andrews (UK)William TiftickjianNiagara UniversityBrittney TomaniCanisius CollegeSophie UmbrasFashion Institute of Design andMerchandising (CA)Kristen VillalobosUniversity of RochesterAshley WagstaffBarnard CollegeChristopher WalterHartwick CollegeSloane WaltonSUNY at BuffaloColin WegnerRobert Morris UniversityHaley WelchElmira CollegeChristopher WhiteSiena CollegeEmerald WielbonCanisius CollegeNicolette WinderWake Forest UniversityChristian YingThe George WashingtonUniversityNathaniel YoodHobart and William SmithCollegesDavid ZakalikCornell UniversityJacob ZimmerBentley University8th GradeJune 8, 2011C.10 Nichols School

B.D.E.Moving Up CeremonyA. Sam Jones ’15 and Chloe Keating ’15 are the class speakers.B. The Class of 2015C. Head of Middle School, Paul Errickson, Alex Castiglia ’15 and Head ofSchool Rick BryanD. Brady Stevens ’15 presents Mr. Bryan with the class gift, a TV todisplay school photos, in memory of Mr. Kim Kimberly ‘47.E. Matthias Williams ’15Summer 201111

“I enjoy many sports such as soccer, skiracing, hockey, track, dance, swimmingand much more. My favorites are probablysoccer and ski racing. Nichols is verydifferent now than it was when you werehere. We have computers, and we alsodon’t write in cursive as much as you did.”Andee Berberich ’18 toRon Benderson ’61“After graduating Nichols, I attendedRollins College in Winter Park, Fla., whereI earned my Bachelor of Arts degree.After leaving Rollings I went into businesswashing cars. I am still in that businesstoday.P.S. I would have written in cursive but youwould not have been able to read it.”Ron Benderson ’61 toAndee Berberich ’18Cate Fitzpatrick ’18, Andee Berberich ’18 and Ron Benderson ’61Class of 1961, Meetby Genevieve CarboneOne of the most anticipated events of Reunion Weekend is theexchange of letters between the 50th Reunion class and thecurrent 5th graders. Affectionately called “Pen Pals,” the classof 2018 began preparing in March by sending letters inviting afriend from the class of 1961 to join them for a tour of the schooland refreshments while in town for their 50th Reunion. The 5thgraders scoured through old Verdians to become more acquaintedwith their pen pal and enclosed many questions. The class of 1961eagerly responded to the written letters and explained what Nicholswas like when they were there.Whether funny or informative, the letters drew one parallel thatage couldn’t take away: an appreciation and love for Nichols. Theevent is a chance for the 5th graders to reflect on their first year atNichols and get a glimpse into life at Nichols 50 years earlier. Thesubsequent exchange with their pen pal undoubtedly reaffirms thevalue of a Nichols education and an appreciation for the Schoolthat continues on into adulthood. The letters bring together acuriosity for the past and a yearning for a bright future.On Friday morning of Reunion Weekend, members of the Classof 1961 had the opportunity to meet their pen pals in an informalgathering in Regan Hall. Read on for excerpts from the 2018 and1961 classes’ letters and pictures from their meeting!12 Nichols School

“In my family, I have one brother and onesister and they both are attending Nicholswith me. My hobbies are playing tennis,soccer, squash, basketball, lacrosse andhockey. I am not sure when you were atNichols if you were able to choose the sportyou wanted to play.”Jack Vanderhorst ’18 to Henry Rubin ’61“We had some great teachers at Nicholsand I look back at my time there as the realfoundation of my education. Excellence wasnot exceptional; it was normal.”Henry Rubin ’61 to Jack Vanderhorst ’18Michael Watkins ’18, Henry Rubin ’61 and Jack Vanderhorst ’18“There are four foreign languages that you can choose from:Latin, Spanish, French, Chinese. I study Latin and really enjoy it.I would love to know what your job is now and what the schoollunches were like.”Quinn Rifkin ’18 to Bob French ’61“I am retired from the workplace…As far as your question aboutNichols School lunches: I thought they were terrific (some of myschoolmates might disagree with me), and my favorite was SwissSteak the staff prepared occasionally. Hope you are having evenbetter lunches now!”Bob French ’61 to Quinn Rifkin ’18Quinn Rifkin ’18, Bob French ’61 and Eric Dhillon ’18“I have three siblings and my family is from over10 countries. Also, I’m a philatelist. I take Frenchand I am one of the best geographers in the MiddleSchool. I am a red Sox fan and I want to become anarchitect when I grow up.”Bradley Castiglia ’18 to John Buyers ’61“You and your parents have made a life changingchoice by enrolling at Nichols. It is without a doubtthe finest school, for people who want to becomethe best they can, in Western New York. You willfind it difficult yet challenging and at times quitefrustrating. Only later in life will you truly realize theadvantages of graduating from Nichols.”John Buyers ’61 to Bradley Castiglia ’18John Buyers ’61, Abhinav Kumar ’18 andBradley Castiglia ’1814 Nichols School

Verdian DayUpper School AwardsOn Friday, May 27, Upper School students, parents, faculty and staff gathered in the Flickinger Performing Arts Centerto celebrate the accomplishments of our students, particularly the graduating seniors. The Verdian was dedicated toUpper School science teachers, Jake Morris and Lisa Sauer. The 2010-2011 awardees are as follows:Cottle Award:Alexandra Mathews ’11Faculty Prize:Josh Finkelstein ’11Williams Cup:Emily Pfalzer ’11McCarthy Prize:Gerald Cathcart ’11Joseph L. Hudson, Jr. ’49 Award:Andrea Hoerner ’11Headmaster’s Awards:Michael Che ’11Paige Dedrick ’11Maya Jackson-Gibson ’11Maria Philip ’11Emerald Wielbon ’11David Zakalik ’11Dudley M. Irwin, III ’45 Memorial Award:Tommy Noonan ’12Nottingham Award:Caroline Fenn ’12Harvard Prize Book:Nick Shea ’12Allison Stenclik ’12Williams College Book Award:Jenna Herskind ’12Yale Award:Un-Pil Baek ’13Jack Faso ’13Christopher Wadsworth Award:Monica Manney ’14Seth Meyer ’14Jason Zhou ’14George Knight Houpt Senior English Prize:Bethany Bisone ’11Paige Dedrick ’11Andrea Hoerner ’11Kerry Kennedy ’11Alexandra Mathews ’11Maria Philip ’11Brown Junior English Award:Jenna Herskind ’12.Red Jacket Poetry Award:1st Place: Paige Dedrick ’112nd Place: Jenna Herskind ’122nd Place: Christine Moloney ’13Purdy Short Story Award:1st Place: Caroline Fenn ’122nd Place: Lorena Lyon ’14Faith Davis Visual Arts Award:Karen Kim ’11Nichols Dance Award:Allison Stenclik ’12Nichols Theatre Award:Josh Finkelstein ’11Margaret George ’11Alexandra Mathews ’11Nichols Vocal Music Award:Josh Finkelstein ’11Alexandra Mathews ’11Sophie Umbras ’11Emerald Wielbon ’11Nichols Instrumental Music Award:Pamicka Marinello ’11Charles E. Balbach Art Prize:Emily Carlson ’11Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award:Shannon Nachreiner ’12Keating Science Award:Sameera Toenjes ’12Baldwin Science Award:Cameron Collins ’11Mayer Science Award:Jack Faso ’13Millard Sessions History Award:Eleni Anas ’12Allison Stenclik ’12Senior Social Science Award - APMacroeconomics:Cameron Collins ’11Colin Campbell ’11Senior Social Science Award - AP ArtHistory:Kerry Kennedy ’11Senior Social Science Award - APGovernment:Maria Philip ’11Senior Social Science Award - AP HumanGeography:Patrick Thompson ’11Senior Social Science Award - UrbanStudies:Michael Che ’11Tracy E. Tuthill Mathematics Award:Andy Jiang ’11RPI Mathematics & Science Award:Austin Kubiniec ’12American MathematicsCompetition Award:Jason Zhou ’14Austin Kubiniec ’12Un-Pil Baek ’13Andy Jiang ’11Latin Award:Ashley Wagstaff ’11French Award:Alexandra Mathews ’11Spanish Award:Maria Philip ’11Dual Spanish and French Award:Rebecca Hotung ’11Chinese Award:David Zakalik ’11Alumni Cup:Pamicka Marinello ’11Matt Benedict ’11James Randaccio ’11Maisel General Information Test:Nick Shea ’12G. Robert Strauss, Jr. ’79:Peter Borgesi ’12Bonnie Lerner Posmantur Award:Andrea Hoerner ’11Dann ’49 Community Service Award:Donata Lorenzo ’11Summer 201115

Verdian DayMiddle School AwardsThe Verdian was dedicated to Middle School history teacher, Jim Cammarata. The 2010-2011 awardees are as follows:Western New York Spelling Bee:1st Place – Diana Lynn Henry ’162nd Place – Saloni Kumar ’18Red Jacket Poetry Contest:1st Prize – Lorena Miller James ’181st Prize – Paige Fiona Spangenthal ’152nd Prize – Sumayyah Tasleem Haq ’17Purdy Short Story andPersonal Narrative Prize:1st Prize Short Story – Erin ConstanceNebbia ’152nd Prize Short Story – Leah JaneKramer ’171st Prize Personal Narrative – ThomasLynch Draper ’15 and Diana Lynn Henry ’16Geography Bee:1st Place – Samuel Maxwell Jones ’152nd Place – Bradley Edward Castiglia ’18New York State Math League Contest:6th Grade:1st Place – Samantha Elaine Lazar ’172nd Place – John Michael Millar ’173rd Place – Alexandra Rose Jehle ’174th Place – Caroline Lewis Magavern ’175th Place - Leeanne Russell Jones ’177th Grade:1st Place – Madeleine Julia Welchoff ’162nd Place – Evan Frederick Brason ’163rd Place – Maeanna Mary Merrill ’164th Place – Diana Lynn Henry ’165th Place – Leyton Walker Johnston ’168th Grade:1st Place – David Christopher Fulton ’152nd Place – Anna Sophia Magavern ’153rd Place – Samuel Maxwell Jones ’154th Place – James Patrick Taggart II ’155th Place – Zachary Daniel Weinberg ’15Music AwardsOrchestra:Most Improved Musician – SaloniKumar ’18Music Leadership Award – Paige FionaSpangenthal ’15Outstanding Musician – Diana LynnHenry ’16Chorus:Most Improved Musician – RebeccaEsther Regan ’15Music Leadership Award – DavidChristopher Fulton ’15Outstanding Musician Award – DannBrady Stevens ’15Choral Award – Samuel Maxwell Jones ’15Band:Most Improved Musician – MikyleHassanali ’17Music Leadership Award – Matthias OshonWilliams ’15Outstanding Musician Award – Jessica WeiZhou ’15National French Exam Recognitions:1st Place – Anna Sophia Magavern ’152nd Place – Dann Brady Stevens ’15National Latin Exam Recognitions:Summa Cum Laude – David ChristopherFulton ’15 and Rebecca Esther Regan ’15Maxima Cum Laude – Chloe Joy Keating’15, Kathryn Heintz Riter ’15, ZacharyWeinberg ’15 and Jessica Wei Zhou ’15Cum Laude – Thomas Lynch Draper ’15and Grace Margaret Tomczak ’15National Spanish Exam Recognitions:Premio de Oro (Gold) – James PatrickTaggart II ’15Premio de Plata (Silver) – Jacob AaronZarzecki ’15Premio de Bronce (Bronze) – RachelShannon Larson ’15Premio de Excelencia (Honor) – EmmaArmstrong Elia ’15, John Arthur Ennis ’15,Kelly Caroline McNamara ’15, BenjaminMichael Muggia ’15 and Will EdwardYerkovich ’15H.R. MacKinder GeneralInformation Test (G.I.T.):5th Grade: 1st – Bradley Edward Castiglia ’186th Grade: 1st – Brian Compton Tank ’177th Grade: 1st – Madeleine JuliaWelchoff ’168th Grade: 1st – James Patrick Taggart II ’15Middle School Overall G.I.T. Winner:James Patrick Taggart II ’15Cornelia Dopkins Awards:5th Grade – Rockwell Peiyuan Tang ’186th Grade – Jayne Hansen Appelbaum ’177th Grade – Emma Geraldyne Hobika ’168th Grade – Jeremy D. Dabney ’15Henry D. Waters Awards:5th Grade – Michael Joseph Berdysiak ’186th Grade – Leeanne Russell Jones ’176th Grade – John Michael Millar ’17Pliny H. Hayes III Award:7th Grade – Maeanna Mary Merrill ’16The Bruce Anderson Award :Samuel Maxwell Jones ’15The Nichols Coaches Awards:Sydney Rae Bueme ’15Chloe Joy Keating ’15E. Webster Dann Faculty Awards:John Clarke Alford ’15Jean Jennings Beecher ’15David Christopher Fulton ’15Dann Brady Stevens ’15Grace Margaret Tomczak ’15The Charles I. Kleiser Award:Rebecca Esther Regan ’1516 Nichols School

y Blake Walsh ’98Reunion 2011by Blake Walsh ’98On Friday, June 3, following the 119 th Commencement and a muchneeded week of blue skies, Nichols alumni gathered for Reunion2011, which included campus tours, a “Welcome Back” programin the Glenn and Awdry Flickinger Performing Arts Center and areception in the Quadrangle. The Reunion celebrations began earlyin the day, with the 50 th Reunion Class of 1961 meeting their PenPals in the Class of 2018, and went well into the weekend, with classparties and activities through Sunday. With 350 people in attendanceover the weekend, Reunion 2011 was a true success.The “Welcome Back” program opened with a student perspectiveof life at Nichols today, courtesy of Marie Zaccagnino ’14. Head ofSchool, Rick Bryan, provided a school update. Jane Cox Hettrick ’78,President of the Board of Trustees, spoke about Nichols’ bright futureand how the continued support of alumni and friends will allow theSchool to reach even greater heights.Joan Bukowski ’81, current President of the Buffalo & Erie CountyHistorical Society’s Board of Managers, was back on campus for her30th Reunion. Joan’s presentation focused on art and the way historyinfluences our decision making. She also addressed how the arts ineducation and at Nichols are critical to broadening our thinking.Bill Franklin ’61, an attorney in Savannah, Ga., and former U.S.Army Captain, celebrated his 50th Reunion with over 30 classmateswho came back to campus for the weekend. Bill effectively usedhumor to reinforce how appreciative he and his classmates should befor Nichols getting them to where they are today.Thank you to the volunteers and all members of the ReunionPlanning Committees. We could not have a successful Reunionweekend without your hard work and enthusiasm. Thank you toeveryone who came back to campus to celebrate. The door is alwaysopen and we will continue to work hard to ensure that you remainproud of your alma mater!For those of you celebrating next year, now is the time to getinvolved! Planning is already underway and we welcome more of youto join us. Save the date for Friday, June 8 and Saturday, June 9.We look forward to seeing you back at Nichols!194119511946Summer 201117

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2011 ReunionA. B.C. D.E.F.A. Doug Hamberger, Jen Jarvis Hamberger ’81, Brian Gasuik ’81, Joe Banach ’81, Jim Ennis ’81, Jackie Ennis and Ellen Considine Miller ’81B. Abbe Walsh ’06, Rob Greene ’90 and Hannya Boulos ’06C. Ellen De Rose ’06, Steve Moscov and Stephen Ruotsi ’06D. Rich Adams ’61 presents Rick Bryan with the Class of 1961, 50th Reunion Class gift.E. Gretchen Sanford Bohmaker ’71, Beverly Johnson ’71, Nancy Gibbons Fisher ’71 and Karen Mathews ’71F. Hank Deperro ’66 and Jonathan Wright ’66

1250 Amherst St.Buffalo, NY 14216Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDBuffalo, NYPermit No. 3658Save the DateSaturday, Oct. 1HomecomingSunday, Oct. 16Admissions Open HouseFriday, Nov. 18Big Green Athletic DinnerFriday. Dec. 9Old Guard LuncheonThursday, Dec. 22Alumni Holiday Gathering