BrewsterConnections - Brewster Academy

BrewsterConnections
Spring 2010
Inside:
Delivering Confidence and Independence Through IS
Kings of the Court: Bobcats Win National Championship
An Emmy Award-Winning Alumnus

Daniel T. Mudge, President
(Tapley-Ann ’98, Ashley ’02)
Leslie N. H. MacLeod, Vice President
(Todd ’97)
Roy C. Ballentine, Treasurer
(Brian ’97, Susan ’94)
Helen S. Hamilton, Secretary
Michael Appe
Nancy M. Black
(Nicole ’02, Robbie ’05)
C. Richard Carlson
Estate Trustee
David L. Carlson ’54
Arthur W. Coviello Jr.
Candace Crawshaw ’64
Claudine Curran
(Alex ’06, Gen ’11)
George J. Dohrmann III
(George ’05, Geoffrey ’12)
Stephen Farrell Sr.
(Stephen Jr. ’12)
Peter Ford ’80
Douglas H. Greeff
(Hilary ’11)
Brewster Ac A d e m y
2009-2010
Board of Trustees
Rex V. Jobe
(Reagan ’01)
Michael Keys
(Matthew ’04)
Barbara Naramore
James E. Nicholson
Arthur O. Ricci
Estate Trustee
The Reverend Nancy Spencer Smith
Estate Trustee
Shawn K. Smith
(Susan ’08)
Steven R. Webster
(Brooke ’08, Tori ’11)
A.B. Whitfield
(Trey ’89)
Trustee Emeriti
Walter N. “Rink” DeWitt ’54
(Kate ’86)
P. Fred Gridley ’53
(Deborah ’81)
Grant M. Wilson
(Grant ’87, Kirsten ’88)
BrewsterConnections
Head of School
Dr. Michael E. Cooper
Director of Admission
and External Affairs
Lynne M. Palmer
Editor
Marcia Eldredge
Director of Communications
Assistant Editor/Layout/Design
Peggy Comeau
Assistant Director of Communications
Contributors
Mike Cooper, Matt Hoopes, Doug Kiley,
Emily Lesko ’08, Bob Richardson, Shirley
Richardson, Kim Ross, Jordan Weaver ’11
Photography
Steve Allen, Tawna Callahan, Peggy
Comeau, Andrea Cooper, Mark DeNitto,
Marcia Eldredge, Margaret Enos, B.G.
Hodges ‘66, Paul Horton, Mayu Kudo ’11,
Jaime Laurent, Lena Rukhadze ’10, Phil
Stiles
BrewsterConnections
is published twice a year
and mailed to alumni, parents of
students, and friends of
Brewster Academy
80 Academy Drive
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
www.brewsteracademy.org
©2010 Brewster Academy. All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without
permission is prohibited.
Inside
2 Head Lines
Reflections From Mike Cooper
Departments
19 Newsmakers
34 Class Notes
41 In Memoriam
42 Writing Brewster’s History
Spring 2010
4 Creating Competent, Lifelong Learners
Brewster’s Instructional Support Program Delivers Confidence and Independence
9 Emmy Award Winner Jon Siskel ’85
Attributes Success to Lessons Learned at Brewster
11 Saturdays at the New England Conservatory
Preparatory Program Offers More Than Instruction to Brewster Students
16 Bobcat Athletics
Teams Continue to Make Their Mark in
New England and Beyond
21 Welcome Julie Zahn
New Director of Alumni and Parent Events
and Programs
22 Brewster on the Road
in Asia, California, Philadelphia, and Texas
14 Celebrating Civil Rights on
Martin Luther King Day
An Open Letter to Dr. King
15 Trey Whitfield Memorial Lecture
Parents’ Example Inspired Courage,
Strengthened Community
25 Hoopla – Visual Delights: Antiques and Interior Design
Alex Rogers ’89, Susanna Maggard ’91, Andrea (Richardson) Nugent ’84,
Cedric Dupont ’94
On the cover: Leah Soboroff ’12
Twin Day –
sophomores Goldie Paul
and Kate Silvia

When
Clarity
sets in
“It has become increasingly
apparent from our studies, and
feedback that we are receiving
from various quarters, that one
of the distinguishing aspects
of a Brewster education is how
well we serve the variety of
learning needs of our students.”
I
was at a meeting at the end of January when
another head of school who was chairing the
gathering made the comment that this was
a “time of year when clarity sets in.” I was immediately
struck by his words and wrote them down,
as it was one of those moments when a few words
said a great deal. I am not sure whether he knew at
the time just how prescient his words were. When
I heard these words we had just been through our
winter Board of Trustee meeting where we talked
about our budget for the next fiscal year, enrollment
trends, and, most importantly, strategic planning.
And, with strategic planning, we discussed the
importance of creating a compelling vision with
equally compelling strategic goals aimed at helping
us give meaning and direction to our future. While
we, like many, had just gone through what we all
hope is the worst of the financial crisis and current
recession, it was apparent from our discussions that,
if we are to move forward, it will take crisp, focused
thinking and a sound bearing … more simply put,
great clarity. Closely aligned with the need for clarity
is creating conditions for success particularly during
times of great stress and what sometimes feels
rather chaotic.
One of the areas of clarity that has captured our
attention is within the realm of academic support. It
has become increasingly apparent from our studies,
and feedback that we are receiving from various
quarters, that one of the distinguishing aspects of a
Brewster education is how well we serve the variety
of learning needs of our students. For some, it is
specific and focused learning support, for others it
would be more akin to a tune-up – the engine is
working okay, but with a little tweaking and adjustment,
it can hum on all cylinders. We are finding that
more and more families and students are looking to
us for that kind of educational experience – not a
full-blown instructional support plan but an opportunity
to get things on track in a more intentional
way. As we have begun to explore where what we
do so well can position us moving ahead, we have
started to take a closer look at how we can further
round out our students’ educational experience. We
strongly believe in and are committed to our academic
support program, yet are recognizing through
our own research and analysis that there are other
educational goals that all students want to achieve
that we need to be paying more attention to as we
help our students become their best. We, like many
independent schools, talk about educating the whole
student. While we have a solid character development
program exemplified by our recognition system,
we feel that we can and need to do more. The
question becomes, how can we build on what we do
to offer greater value to a Brewster education?
Our thinking has brought us around to examining
more closely the question, “How can individuals with
a high degree of intelligence, often measured by IQ,
have difficulty in the personal aspects of their lives?”
Much of the focus and discussion on the answers
to that question stem from early work by noted Harvard
educator Howard Gardner in the area of multiple
intelligences, with others building off his work:
Daniel Goleman on emotional intelligence and Karl
Albrecht on social intelligence. In Gardner’s original
work on multiple intelligences he posited that
individuals have a mixture of intelligences in varying
proportions and degrees, and as a result, educating
students with a singular approach may not be the
best method. Examining each of the aforementioned
works reveals a direction that we have begun to give
serious consideration, and that is, how can we assist
students as part of their education here to address
the “blind spots” that they might have?
As Albrecht has stated, “It seems reasonable to posit
that the ability to behave skillfully in a wide range
of social situations – talking to one’s boss, taking
part in a meeting, sharing experiences with a spouse
or significant other, interviewing for a job – rests
on something more than simply knowing a set of
specific skills or procedures.”
Goleman talks about it in terms of self-awareness,
self-management, social awareness, and relationship
management. Since a desired outcome of what we
are looking to offer as part of a Brewster education
is one that encompasses the whole person, we have
been taking a close look at how we can apply this dimension
to each student’s experience in a way that
adds tangible value to attending Brewster Academy.
While the challenges to how we address multiple
intelligences are many, one that leaps to the top of
the list is how we are going to ascertain what each
student needs within this realm. Closely tied to this
Sunrise at the Beaver Brook campus
is the need to do so in a manner that is consistent
with how we match a student to our curriculum. In
fact, this is where our efforts are currently being directed,
in how best to assess the other components
of intelligence beyond IQ. While the programmatic
piece that is developed in response is critical, we
believe that knowing where we are at the start of a
student’s matriculation and where we end up is of
equal importance. Thus another important supporting
ingredient is how we assess and determine the
efficacy of our program.
We believe that offering this component to the
student experience will further distinguish ourselves
within the independent school world. Given what
we know about the skills needed to navigate in the
21st century, a whole-person education of substance
and meaning that is tailored to the needs of the individual
student brings great coherence to what we
do and offer. So, yes indeed, this is a time of great
clarity and great expectations for ourselves and for
the students whom we are educating. I invite your
feedback and look forward to seeing you on campus
during the academic year, at Reunion, or whenever
you are looking to connect with this great school. l
Referenced Works:
Social Intelligence: The New Science of Success
by Karl Albrecht (2006)
Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences
by Howard Gardner (1983)
Primal Leadership: Realizing the Power of Emotional Intelligence
by Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis, and Annie McKee (2002)
2 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2010 www.brewsteracademy.org 3

Creating Competent,
Lifelong
Learners
Brewster’s Instructional Support Program
Delivers Confidence and Independence
Dean of Academic
Support Programs Kim
Ross joined the Brewster
faculty in 1994. She
holds a master’s in
education from Grand
Canyon University and
a bachelor of science in
communication disorders
from the University
of New Hampshire.
By Kim Ross
“I have improved on working on assignments more
thoroughly with more detail. I have remained organized
throughout this trimester while showing I am
capable of excelling across the board. I have shown
I am capable of handling … freedom and responsibility,
and I have grown exponentially in my own
confidence and independence as a student. Some
examples of specific actions that demonstrate this
growth are how I have become more comfortable
self-advocating, reaching out for help from teachers
or speaking to teachers when I have late/missing
assignments. I have also [been more consistent]
turning in homework, doing my best and as a result
receiving good grades. My confidence has soared
with my grades being the best they have ever been
in my LIFE! I have learned that I am capable of being
a confident and independent student!” ~ Kate
“I made JBS (John Brewster Scholar status), and IS
has been transforming me into a more organized
and independent individual. … The areas that I have
improved in are brainstorming, making outlines, and
making sure my grades are above mastery. I have become
used to organizing my previous homework and
using them as ideas or outlines to help me maintain
a solid grade. I brainstorm before I write essays now.
Before I would just start to write, but I have found
out that it’s more effective to write down ideas and
plan out what you’re going to write. … I have maintained
a binder that is organized and updated daily.
I continue to use the application called Stickies. On
the Stickies I record the date, assignment and it’s
also a reminder for me to stay on task. IS so far has
been really helpful, and I have learned a lot of new
information on how I learn and how to advocate for
myself.” ~ Steve
“Our daughter has gained much self-confidence
this year. I believe the test-taking strategies she was
taught contributed greatly to this. Also, the help she
received when writing term papers was also a factor.
Mr. Martin understood our daughter’s strengths and
weaknesses and in a very supportive way knew how
high to raise the bar.” ~ parent of a junior
Program Evolution
More than 30 years ago, the original Instructional
Support Program established roots in room
5 on the first floor of the Academic Building.
Former faculty member Ed Hooper spearheaded
the initial program focused on the individual
student and specific learning skills. Hooper was
“always intensely interested in how kids learn,”
according to Bob Richardson, former faculty
member and Brewster historian.
The program marked the beginning of a new
chapter for Brewster, one that would challenge
all faculty to recognize individual learning
styles and appreciate that learning and life skills
were as important to student success as mastering
subject content. Moving toward a more
student-centered approach, we began looking
at how students learn and how to best design
and deliver subject content that matched the
student’s learning style. We also knew, however,
that although we were engineering a program of
instructional support, all students would be best
served by a customized approach to maximizing
their potential cognitively and emotionally.
In 1993 Alan Bain, Ed.D., a learning specialist,
was hired as director of the Instructional Support
Program. Part of the program’s evolution
was to change the emphasis from learning skills,
which was more of a finite focus, to instructional
support, which connotes ongoing action.
Brewster recognized that tutoring students in
specific core subjects was a Band-Aid approach,
a very short-term way of gaining success. We
were interested in teaching learning and life
skills that would lead to long-term success be-
yond Brewster. Realizing the critical importance
of having well-trained faculty versed in a common
philosophy and identified best practices,
Bain launched a two-week intensive training
program for IS faculty. The training program
was the predecessor to today’s Brewster Summer
Institute (BSI).
Best Practices for All Learners
A five-year plan was laid out providing organizational
systems and learning structures
designed to support a student-centered, collaborative
approach to meeting the unique and
diverse needs of all learners. Changes began
with identifying best practices that were wellestablished
approaches for all learners, building
a leveled curriculum, ensuring what was tested
was taught and mastered, and integrating technology
as a tool for accessing and communicating
knowledge. Academic teams were created
within grades to maintain a low student-teacher
ratio. As soon as plans were in place for how to
best educate the student, the physical space underwent
change to support the educational model.
The Wilson Center for Teaching and Learning
was designed to optimize the team approach
– clustering core and IS classrooms, faculty
team rooms, and labs within each of the seven
academic team areas. Instead of one classroom
for all students enrolled in instructional support,
students could attend IS classes in their academic
team area. Teachers now had a common
area where they could effectively collaborate in
support of students. With classrooms just steps
away, IS teachers could observe the student
implementing a newly learned skill in a core
subject. A student might practice notetaking
using Inspiration software during his history
class while his IS teacher observes. Shortly after,
the IS teacher and student would use their class
time to discuss the effectiveness of the tool and
its application.
By 1995 I became dean of Academic Support
Programs overseeing both the Instructional Support
and English as a Second Language (ESL)
programs. Each team included two IS teachers
whose role as learning specialists was to educate,
guide, and advocate for the student’s learning
strengths and needs, along with playing a
collaborative role in designing and modifying
curriculum to place the student in the best position
to master both skills and content.
4 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2010 www.brewsteracademy.org 5

The IS Program evolved from tutoring and
teaching skills in isolation to using the bestestablished
practices for teaching skills for
lifelong learning. These skills and strategies,
once learned, are applicable to all aspects of
life – if a student struggles with organization it
most likely affects other aspects of his life not
just academics.
Gabe offers a glimpse of how his IS strategies
extended beyond the classroom. “We worked
on time management and I learned how to
chunk assignments to make them easier to do.
My writing has improved and I have gotten
better at brainstorming. I learned the test-taking
strategy DETER (Directions, Examine, Time,
Easiest, and Review) … I’ve also become much
more organized – my papers are usually filed
now and my room is much cleaner than it was
so I can easily find things. I talked to my science
teacher about moving up to standard because I
think I can do it. I’m looking forward to the next
term of IS to continue improving in areas that
could be better.”
The Whole Student
IS is not just about strengthening a student’s
weakness. Knowing the student is key to
helping the student have a successful learning
experience. We recognize that although there
are similarities in the way students learn, there
are also differences, and identifying these patterns
empowers not only the teacher but, most
importantly, the student. The key is to recognize
the student’s strengths and to carefully select
the best learning approach – like selecting the
appropriate tool out of toolbox for the best result.
We want to provide the best tool to address
the deficit while advancing the student in his
learning journey.
“I understand my learning style and pinpoint
things that don’t work for me every day,”
reflected Jacob. “My active study skills have
grown a lot, and I think I’m improving as I use
these study skills during my school day and at
home while doing homework.”
Understanding the whole person – emotionally,
intellectually, and socially – is critical in knowing
what strategies will equip students to not
only become better learners but help them understand
their own learning style and advocate
for themselves.
“My IS teacher has helped me gain more confidence
in approaching my teachers by giving
me helpful strategies to talk to them if I have a
question,” wrote Maggie. “Now I just go up to
my teachers or [go] to team studies if I have any
questions.”
Integrating IS Instruction and
Curriculum
As the program has evolved, the skills and
training of the instructional support teachers
to deliver a truly integrated program remains
paramount. Short, frequent practice in real-life
situations allows for true mastery of a skill.
Thus the role of the IS teacher is an integrated
approach. In addition to individualized instructional
sessions, the IS teacher conducts observations
in the classroom to ensure that the skills
and strategies taught in IS are consistently being
applied. As a member of an academic team, the
IS teacher’s role is to assist team members in
understanding the learner at a deep, meaningful
level in order to position the student for success
the first time. Whether it is co-designing or
modifying the lesson, the IS teacher works with
(Continued on page 8)
A College Student Reflects on Her IS Experience
My name is Emily Lesko ‘08. I was a fouryear
“lifer” at Brewster where I participated
in the Instructional Support Program for
my first three years. I am now a sophomore
international relations major with
an African studies minor at Saint Joseph’s
University. At St. Joe’s I am a co-director of
a community service group called National
Community Day, and I am serving as a
senator on the University Student Senate. I
was recently accepted into a service learning
study abroad program and in fall 2010
will be traveling to Cape Town, South Africa.
While abroad I will be taking courses in
community development and social analysis
focused on the South African culture and
working with different organizations that
provide support to the South African people.
This program will be a life-changing experience
and I cannot wait to go!
What skills and strategies or experiences in IS helped
prepare you for success in college?
IS provided many different skills and strategies for
college, but the most valuable tool I received was the
ability to know which styles of teaching work for me.
In college, students are allowed to pick their classes
and teachers each semester. IS showed me what kinds
of teachers worked best with my strengths and weaknesses
as a student and gave me the ability to choose
teachers wisely so that I do well in school.
How have the skills you learned in IS helped you become a more productive person?
The program gave me the confidence to speak to teachers when I didn’t understand the material
being taught and also showed me how to budget my time more effectively. I know how to use my
time and my resources wisely because my IS teachers gave me the skills to do so and thus helped
me become a more productive person.
Did your experience in IS help you understand yourself more as a learner and if so how?
IS did help me learn more about myself as a student because it helped me strengthen my weaknesses
and provided me with the ability to use my strengths toward my school work. When I
struggle in school, I know what resources to utilize and what kinds of questions to ask so that I
can overcome my struggles. IS has given me the skills I need to continue to grow as a student.
Were there any particular events or moments that you can recall that had a personal impact on your
Brewster experience?
Each year at Brewster brought new experiences and memories that impacted my experience
on campus. The Brewster faculty and students provided me with memories that will last me a
lifetime. They helped to shape me into the person I have become, and continually encouraged me
to work hard and make an impact in the world. If it weren’t for the confidence that the teachers at
Brewster gave me, I wouldn’t be able to travel to South Africa in the fall and embrace foreign situations
with a positive attitude. I wouldn’t be doing the things that I am doing today if I chose to
go to another school. I am a proud Brewster Bobcat and knowing what I know, I would absolutely
choose Brewster all over again.
6 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2010 www.brewsteracademy.org 7

(Continued from page 6)
the team to optimize the learning opportunity.
If an IS teacher knows that a challenging area
for a student is written expression, he or she collaborates
with the classroom teacher introducing
tools and resources to assist the student with
organizing prior to stepping into the writing
assignment.
“The core teachers are very open to providing
information regarding lessons and for the most
part providing the skeletal outlines completed
so that as [IS] teachers we can guide students to
the correct answers,” explained Janis Cornwell,
an IS teacher.
“I have been working with [a classroom teacher]
regarding one of my student’s testing. We sat
down together and analyzed her last test with
her and when she took her retake I gave it to
her orally and recorded her answers. She felt
this was easier to comprehend the questions,”
Cornwell said.
For more than a decade instructional support
teachers have been involved in acquiring strategies
and skills that meet the needs of the 21st
century student. Specific IS training within BSI
involves conducting a learning styles inventory;
understanding and interpreting various types of
assessment and testing; selecting learning strategies;
monitoring and measuring goals; extending
and modifying subject curriculum; implementing
strategies with the team; engaging the
student in developing and using his specific
learning strategies; and teaching students how
to self-reflect and use advocacy skills.
“The IS teacher understands [our daughter’s]
unique strengths and weaknesses and has
taken numerous creative initiatives to help her
overcome learning traits that can inhibit her
progress,” wrote the parent of a senior. “The IS
teacher has gone well beyond accepting simple explanations
for [our daughter’s] learning difficulties.
Reaching Into the Technology Tool Kit
Technical strategies are empowering tools for
today’s students, and Brewster’s IS program is
committed to new technologies that expand our
toolbox. Keeping a close eye on balancing the
needs of the student, we introduce both handson
and electronic tools for learning. Proven
resources are selected to match the interest and
ability level of the student. It makes perfect
sense to use an iPod for “on the go” listening
and studying – along with advanced text to
speech, dictation, and electronic planning tools
as mechanisms for capturing the interest of the
adolescent in a meaningful context.
“In economics I have done better with working
with terms and vocabulary and have felt more
confident with my work. Using Kurzweil and
other speech functions like books on tape have
made it easier to comprehend and understand
readings,” wrote Kelsey.
Although the abundant technology available
to students might be seen as a distraction, our
philosophy has been that when you create
an environment and offer a program that is
dynamic, integrated, and customized to meet
the diverse styles of its learners, then students
will recognize their potential and develop into
confident, self-aware, independent learners.
And becoming proficient in technology-based
applications gives Brewster students an advantage
in today’s world.
At Brewster we realize that the skills students
need in today’s world are not necessarily the
skills we were taught and that it is through
relationship and skill building that we are able
to provide students with the tools with which
to practice and apply new knowledge that allows
them to grow as competent, contributing
individuals. An environment that celebrates
all diversity is a healthy one in which Brewster
students can learn, live, and lead. l
Note: The testimonials within this article are
from student and parent reflections and comments
written in instructional support surveys.
By Marcia Eldredge
Last September Brewster alumnus Jon Siskel ’85 and his company Siskel/
Jacobs Productions won three Primetime Emmys, including Outstanding
Non-Fiction Special for the documentary 102 Minutes That Changed
America. The documentary reconstructs – in real time – the events of September
11, 2001, in New York City, using only sound and video from that morning. With
more than five million viewers, it became the second most-watched telecast on
the History Channel. In addition to 102 Minutes That Changed America, Siskel/
Jacobs has produced Forensics Under Fire for the National Geographic Channel’s
Naked Science series and Head On, a documentary about team demolition derby,
for the Discovery Channel. Siskel/Jacobs is also in post-production with Louder
Than a Bomb and two National Geographic Channel specials: Witness: Katrina and
Witness: D.C. 9/11.
In recent correspondence with Brewster, Siskel recalled: “I still reflect on my years
there with great fondness and attribute much of my success to lessons learned
while at Brewster.” BrewsterConnections’ editor recently spoke with Siskel about
those lessons learned while a student at Brewster and his career path.
How did you end up at Brewster?
I grew up in Highland Park, Illinois, and went to public high school for two years.
Mostly for academic reasons I started looking at boarding schools and found
Brewster – it was the perfect place for me – and I really had a great experience
there. Dave Peterson and Peter Friend were teachers and mentors who meant
a lot to me, as well as [former headmaster] David Smith. The big difference
between public school and Brewster was having a close mentor relationship … I
needed that and I got that from Brewster and that was good for me.
Jon Siskel ’85
Emmy Award Winner
Siskel/Jacobs Productions’
102 Minutes That Changed America
won three Primetime Emmys
Siskel Attributes Success
to Lessons Learned at Brewster
What was your favorite class?
Peter Friend’s class was definitely the highlight for me … studying Shakespeare
and Canterbury Tales.
You attribute much of your success to lessons learned while at Brewster.
What were some of those lessons?
I think for me it was probably more of a personal thing. And I think it has to do
with leaving home and even though Brewster is very much a nurturing family
environment … I definitely felt this new found sense of confidence, being on my
own gave me a new sense of confidence in the world. Also, Brewster is very different
from a public high school.
I guess the other thing I loved about Brewster is the community … and the blurring
of the lines between faculty [and students]. I remember one night walking
into town, it was a cold and foggy night, and I bumped into Peter Friend and
he and I just strolled into town talking. I don’t even remember what we talked
about but it was a feeling that he wasn’t just a teacher, that he was a friend and
someone I could talk to about anything.
In my professional life now I try to be that [friend or mentor] for younger students
… I do feel like being part of a community and giving back is something I
attribute to Brewster.
Where did you go after graduating from Brewster? After I graduated, I went
back to the Midwest to Beloit College where I was an English literature major … I
thought I would be a poet or a short-story writer but ultimately journalism was
my interest. Then I had one of those moments where I wanted to explore the
8 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2010 www.brewsteracademy.org 9

Jon Siskel ’85 with sons Nathan, 6, and Jonah, 5.
world … and I traveled to Thailand and spent two
years teaching English and writing freelance pieces
for various English-language newspapers and magazines
… Bangkok was my home base but I traveled to
Burma, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
You eventually freelanced for the Chicago Tribune,
the Chicago Sun Times, and Chicago Magazine. How
did you break into journalism?
… After doing those travels my uncle, Gene Siskel,
and I were having dinner in Chicago, and we started
having one of those ‘where are you going with
your life?’ conversations … I wanted to find a way
to marry my interests in traveling and writing. A
friend of his had just been made president of the
Travel Channel and [my uncle] suggested that I push
my stories to him … I pitched all my ideas I had
feverishly put together overnight … [I got hired] and
I moved to L.A. spending evenings and weekends
learning how to shoot and direct and watching the
producers direct the editors … I spent two years in
L.A. of totally absorbing that world.
While at the Travel Channel I became aware of Bill
Kurtis, a documentary producer of natural history
type shows. He had a production company, Kurtis
Productions, here in Chicago. I started writing
him and telling him if something opened up in his
production company that I was interested in joining
his team. Eventually I moved back to Chicago and
worked for him as one of his producers for about
four years. During this time I produced documentaries
on the American cowboy, spent three summers
following an expedition in Mongolia searching
for the tomb of Genghis Khan, and went back to
Thailand and produced a documentary on a Burmese
drug lord who was attempting to turn his opium
fields into rice fields.
How did Siskel/Jacobs Productions come about?
I kind of got to the point with Kurtis that I felt I
should go out on my own and freelance. I did a lot of
work freelancing and then Greg Jacobs and I (we had
met each other through our wives) started Siskel/
Jacobs about five years ago.
Tell us about 102 Minutes?
[Greg] had heard about sound archives from 9/11
and we talked about how in documentaries one
of the secret weapons is the audio. It plays such
an important role. People tend to think about the
picture but the audio can be just as effective in moving
the story and the emotions. We started exploring
YouTube and started searching for audio and video
and it was the three of us (including our producer
Nicole Rittenmeyer) putting it all together and then
we pitched the History Channel this unique style
– not having narration – but immersing the viewer
in the video and sounds of what happened on that
morning.
And your most recent project, Louder Than a Bomb?
We are constantly looking for interesting stories.
[This poetry festival in Chicago] has been going for
about eight years. It was something that we became
aware of … It was very moving and it grabbed us. …
we reached out and we really fell in love with the
spirit of the event and the kids. We spent about a
year meeting different kids around high schools in
Chicago. … we wanted to find four teams and one
kid from each [who would become the focus]. We
wanted to make it something like Mad Hot Ballroom
or Spellbound. Those were the touchstones for this
one.
What advice do you have for Brewster students
thinking about pursuing a career in film production?
I would encourage them first and foremost to follow
their passions and let their instincts lead them,
however circuitous that road may be. The technology
is such that access is out there to grab a camera and
dig in and start telling stories – even if it’s just about
your grandmother or your neighborhood – and just
start learning about those storytelling techniques
even in a rough form.
Editor’s Note: Siskel/Jacobs has submitted Louder
Than a Bomb to film festivals. An acceptance could
lead the way for theatrical distribution. l
Jon Siskel lives in Highland Park, Illinois, with wife
Sophia and sons Nathan, 6, and Jonah 5. To learn more
about Siskel’s projects visit: www.siskeljacobs.com.
He may be reached at jon@siskeljacobs.com.
Saturdays at the
New England Conservatory
Preparatory Program Offers More Than Instruction to Brewster Students
By Marcia Eldredge
Every Saturday morning, while their classmates are in class or catching
up on their sleep, four students pack up their musical instruments and
homework and walk across campus to meet their carpool to Boston.
Their destination: the New England Conservatory (NEC.)
Joo Hyun Chae ’11 (Daegu, South Korea),
Stephanie Menezes ’11 (Amesbury, Massachusetts),
Young Sun Park ’12 (Gwangju, South
Korea), and Shira Braiterman ’13 (Wolfeboro)
spend the day at the NEC where three of the
girls have a one-hour private lesson and all four
participate in ensembles commensurate with
their level of play.
It’s the third year that Brewster students have
had the opportunity to complement their music
interest and study at Brewster with the New
England Conservatory Preparatory School
program. “They all have to get permission
from their academic team, and they all have to
maintain excellent academic standing to remain
in the program,” explained Candice Graham,
Brewster’s music programs supervisor and
Winds Ensemble director.
Each of the girls ultimately plans to play and
participate in ensembles when they go to college
but only Braiterman might consider majoring in
a music discipline.
“It’s kind of an amazing feeling to know that we
are working with some of the best musicians in
this part of the country,” said Braiterman, who
plays flute. She also plays the “sax family” and
the cello, but the flute is her focus at NEC.
“Our students have a wonderful opportunity
to study in private lessons and be
coached in ensembles by the faculty
of NEC, a truly world-class group
of musicians,” explained Andy
Campbell, Brewster’s director
of music.
To these girls, the NEC is
about more than instruction
at a world-class conservatory
that boasts stellar faculty and
opportunities to be members of
10 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2010 www.brewsteracademy.org 11
New England Conservatory musicians: (clockwise from top left) Young Sun Park ‘12, Shira Braiterman ‘13, Stephanie Menezes ‘11, and Joo Hyun Chae ‘11

an ensemble alongside some of
the best young musicians in New
England, however. There is a
sophisticated music culture that
is evident to Brewster’s young
musicians on their weekly trips
into the city.
“It’s refreshing to go there every
Saturday. There is like a mood
and you can see it as soon as
you enter the NEC,” says Chae,
who plays the trombone (and the
piano). “You have to behave like
a musician, you have to control
yourself, but you fit in with
everyone else there.”
“The NEC is kind of artistic and it’s refreshing
in that way, and we get away from sports and
find a different variety of diversity. Here [at
Brewster] obviously it’s diverse but there aren’t
that many music people. … they usually just do
independent [music study],” added Menezes,
who plays the oboe.
“[At NEC] no one judges you for carrying around
an instrument,” Braiterman adds. “It’s so normal
to see people carrying a cello into Starbucks.”
“Study at NEC offers our students a great opportunity
to work and socialize with other serious
music students from around New England,”
Campbell offered. “Peer interaction with these
like-minded teens encourages our students to
feel even more positive about their musical
pursuits. Where the rigorous, disciplined study
of classical music is less than fashionable, this
kind of support is crucial.”
Once the girls arrive at the NEC the young
musicians disperse to their separate schedule
of classes and practices. Chae and Menezes will
Young Sun Park ‘12 and Shira Braiterman ‘13 perform at Brewster’s holiday concert.
meet later where they practice together in the
Baroque Preparatory ensemble. Park and Braiterman
practice with different trios.
“I think NEC is kind of like Brewster where you
get the option to advance when you are ready
so it’s not like you have to stay in one ensemble
“It’s kind of an amazing feeling to know
that we are working with some of the best
musicians in this part of the country.”
for the entire year. And that motivates you,”
Menezes explained.
“Going to NEC really motivates us to get bet-
ter,” Chae added.
In the middle of the afternoon, depending on
schedules, a couple of the girls might meet and
grab a snack at Burger King or a Starbucks’
coffee. Of course between the fries and espresso
drinks, the girls also work on their homework
and work missed from their Saturday classes.
More than one student mentioned the “torture”
of no freely available nearby Wi-Fi. “I don’t
mind it [no Wi-Fi], because it makes me get my
math done,” Chae admitted.
The girls also make sure they take
the time to appreciate and enjoy
the beautiful music coming from
the various music halls throughout
the Conservatory.
“I get Starbucks and come back
and listen to the orchestras rehearse,”
Braiterman said.
“You look in the room and see
like fingers flashing,” Menezes
says. “There are pre-teens that
are amazing. I love that (second)
floor. It’s the most amazing
sound.”
But the mood and the music aren’t confined
to the inside halls. “This guy has his window
open in the middle of winter, and he sings and
he’s probably on the 10th floor and you hear
him [outside],” Braiterman says. “Whenever I
hear him singing, I wave at him, and he always
waves back.”
For these girls, their Saturday at the NEC winds
down at 5 p.m. when the last lesson ends and
Chae, Menezes, Park, and Braiterman meet their
carpool for the return trip to Wolfeboro.
“The four of them have committed to the pur-
suit of excellence in music despite the sacrifices
involved,” Campbell said. “Not only are they
expected to put in many hours of practice each
week, but each Saturday they endure a threeand
a half-hour round trip commute, not returning
to campus until after 8 p.m. Still, they are all
excited about the program and are looking for
ways to recruit more Brewster students to NEC
and more musicians to Brewster.”
Back on campus at the beginning of the week,
“you might feel weird” because music is just
a part of your day here, Chae explained. But
then the weekend arrives and “when you get
[to the NEC] on Saturday you feel normal and
that maybe you should have practiced a little
more.”l
Reunion
2010
Return to Campus June 11-13
FRIDAY, JuNE 11
Welcome Reception
25th Reunion Class Dinner
SATuRDAY, JuNE 12
Rise and Shine Yoga by the Lake
5K Fun Run
Alumni Parade
Cruise the Lake on the Winnipesaukee Belle
Dinner and Dancing
50th Reunion Class Dinner
SuNDAY, JuNE 13
Farewell Brunch
Golf at Kingswood Golf Club
Questions?
Contact Julie Zahn
Director of Alumni and Parent Events and Programs
at 603-569-7173 or Julie_Zahn@brewsteracademy.org.
Check www.brewsteracademy.org/Reunion
for updates and to register online.
12 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2010 www.brewsteracademy.org 13

On Martin Luther King Day Doug Kiley, history department chair, addressed the community
with an “open letter” to Dr. King, thanking him for his courage and for risking his life for
basic civil rights. Kiley prefaced his letter by saying that it wasn’t about race but rather “a
celebration of a person who fought for the rights of all people.”
Thank you Martin Luther for being born when
you were. Your fight for Civil Rights came
at a time when we needed someone with
your spiritual strength. Inertia and momentum were
pushing back the strange laws from the 1800s that
made it legal to separate blacks from whites. Although
the Declaration of Independence proclaimed
in 1776 quite plain: “all men are created equal,”
100 years later, after the Civil War, Jim Crow laws
essentially made any treatment of blacks legal short
of enslavement.
It was legal to whip people of color. It was legal to
give people of color elaborate and complicated essay
tests to prove they could vote. Schools, restaurants,
trains, and the most perverse example – drinking
fountains – strange laws protected the separation of
all these things.
In 1954, the seeds of the modern Civil Rights movement
were planted. Legal protection of segregation
was overturned when the U.S. Supreme Court, the
highest court of law in the United States, declared
it illegal for towns to separate white schools from
black schools.
Thank you Martin Luther King for carrying the banner
of liberty Rosa Parks picked up in 1955. After
the law required desegregation of schools in 1954,
courageous people like Rosa Parks set their sites on
equality in public places like busses, trains and restaurants.
You were a new minister at Dexter Avenue
Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, when you
watched people boycott all public busses in support
of Rosa Parks “legal” arrest. You were only 26, and
this was the start of your 13-year struggle for Civil
Rights in the United States.
Thank you Dr. King for choosing the most unlikely
and courageous path. You moved to Atlanta in 1960,
in some ways the heart of the national conflict
for Civil Rights, and although the nation assumed
violence lay ahead, you chose a path of non-violence.
An Open Letter to Dr. King
Juan Williams wrote in his book Eyes on the Prize:
“As the Ku Klux Klan held counter demonstrations
in the Atlanta streets, you were arrested for sitting
in the Magnolia Room restaurant of Rich’s department
store.” As the newly elected President John F.
Kennedy proclaimed the torch had been passed to a
“new generation of Americans,” I am fortunate you
offered a peaceful way forward for my parents and I.
Despite this proclamation from President Kennedy,
you still spent as much as three years of your life illegally
imprisoned, much of it in solitary confinement.
Dr. King, thank you for choosing non-violence even
though the following was happening around the
country to young African Americans. Daisy Bates, the
first black student at Little Rock Central High School,
had rocks thrown through her windows several
times. The governor of Arkansas said “Blood will run
in the streets if black students attempt to enter
Little Rock Central High school.” Weeks later, at
the order of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, over
a thousand troops from the 101st Airborne were
needed to peaceably escort nine black students into
Little Rock Central High School. That night, President
Eisenhower went on national television to explain
his deep regret and sadness at needing to use soldiers
to integrate one high school.
Black and white students who organized “sit ins”
(eating meals in diners with segregated lunch
counters) were being harassed with verbal taunts,
punches, and other humiliating gestures. Southern
lawyers who defended sit-in activists had their
homes firebombed. The Alabama governor used
trained attack dogs and fire hoses to “manage”
peaceful protesters.
Martin Luther King, thank you for gathering a
strange new political alliance in 1963 for your
famous March on Washington. You gathered labor
leaders, white liberals, church leaders, and Civil
Rights activists. You managed to make John Kennedy
take the political risk of endorsing the famous March
on Washington where you delivered your “I Have
a Dream” speech. After the nation had seen raw
violence toward people of color the months before
your speech, an outpouring of people traveled to
Washington on that hot August day. As the opening
speaker pointed out, it was the largest protest gathering
in the history of the United States. As a result,
the nation saw gathered on television, side by side
that day, white, black, Jew, Catholic, and Protestant
gathered in the name of basic human and civil rights.
Thank you Martin Luther for inspiring the students
of Brewster Academy. Between the years 1996-1999,
the entire Brewster community
went to the capital
building in Concord, New
Hampshire. At that time,
the state of New Hampshire
made no official
recognition of the day.
Celebrating Civil Rights on MLK Day
Although thousands participated, Brewster was a
key advocate for official recognition of you in New
Hampshire.
And finally Dr. King, a thank you from me. Every
generation of Americans since yours has the luxury of
reflecting on race in a peaceful way based on equal
rights for all. We have the luxury of witnessing racial
taunts as a rarity and instead regularly reflect on respect
for peers and community. Because of heroes like
you, my generation is inspired to continue what the
Declaration of Independence started more than 200
years ago: all are created equal, and all are guaranteed
the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Bless you and God Speed. l
Trey Whitfield ’89 Memorial Lecture
Brewster Community Inspired by Parents’ Courage and Strength
The Trey Whitfield School Choir comprises students in grades three to eight.
Trey Whitfield School Alumni: Sakari Joseph ‘11, Keshia Blair ‘11, Isiah Pringle ‘10, and
Amanda Graham ‘10.
The 21st Annual Trey Whitfield ’89 Memorial Lecture assembly
began with a prelude by Amanda Graham ’10, Sakari Joseph ‘11,
Keshia Blair ‘11, and Kaija Thomas ’13 in remembrance of Trey
Whitfield ’89 and in honor of their alma mater, the Trey Whitfield School
in Brooklyn, New York. Graham sang “I Need You Now” by Smokie Norful,
accompanied by Brewster Music Director Andy Campbell on piano,
while the others danced.
The guest speaker, Todd Parola ’89 said he returned to campus “without
hesitation” to speak about how the loss of a friend was not just a time to
mourn but to celebrate a life. Parola only spent eight months at Brewster,
but they were the most impactful eight months of his life, he said.
Parola’s remarks focused on Trey’s parents, A.B. Whitfield and Janie
Whitney, and the strength and leadership they provided to the community.
During the time when Whitfield and Whitney had to absorb and deal with
the devastating loss themselves, they wanted nothing more than to make
sure Trey’s friends and the community he loved so much were cared for.
Parola described how their courage would carry him through another devastating
loss – that of this brother Jeffrey – killed in the line of duty as a
Maine state trooper, years later. During this tragedy, Parola would help his
family cope by helping them understand that any death is also a time to
celebrate a life regardless of how short lived. Parola applauded Whitfield
and Whitney and the Brewster community for continuing to honor and
celebrate Trey Whitfield’s compassionate life.
In conclusion, Parola described Whitfield and Whitney as two of the most
selfless people he has ever met, thanked them personally, and called them
inspiring.
Then the joyful voices of the Trey Whitfield School Choir filled Anderson
Hall. With incredible power, their voices transformed into a bigger force
than anyone could have imagined. With messages of encouragement and
solos filled with hope, the singers were inspiring.
Following the assembly, Trey’s father talked about his favorite Brewster
memory of his son, which was watching the bond grow between Trey and
his teammates, on and off the court, and also watching them face challenges
with every game. He also spoke about how he thought Trey would
have felt about this annual event: “Trey would have loved it, felt inspired
about it, nothing made Trey happier than a sense of community.” l
Jordan Weaver ’11 contributed to this article.
14 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2010 www.brewsteracademy.org 15

Teams Continue to Make Their Mark
in
New
England
and
Beyond
Brewster athletes continue to showcase excellence and leadership
on the playing fields, ice arenas, and waterways of New England and
occasionally beyond. Here is a summary of the accomplishments of
a few teams from the fall and winter seasons. For individual athletic
accomplishments, see Newsmakers on page 23.
Boys’ Basketball Wins New England
and National Championships
The second week in March was a busy and productive
week for the boys’ basketball team. Just
three days after proving they were number one
in the New England Preparatory School Athletic
Council (NEPSAC) Class A competition, the
Bobcats showed they have what it takes to own
the national title.
Naadir Tharpe ’10 in regular season action.
At the National Prep School Championship,
#2 seed Brewster defeated #5 seed Northfield
Mount Hermon 79-76 in overtime for the championship.
This single elimination tournament featured the
top eight prep school teams in the country. According
to the New England Recruiting Report,
“For Brewster the win was the culmination of a
steady development throughout the season. Projected
by most as one of the top two teams in the
country in the pre-season, Brewster lived up to
that and more as they are the first team to capture
the NEPSAC Class A title and the National
Prep Championship in the same year.”
In the semifinal matchup, Brewster ousted #6
seed St. Thomas More 74-69. The day before the
Bobcats convincingly defeated #7 Westwind
Prep 93-83 in quarterfinal play. Will Barton ‘10
(Baltimore) earned team MVP honors with a
game-high 23 points.
A few days earlier Brewster captured the NEP-
SAC Class A title, defeating Winchendon School
72-69. It’s the second New England title in three
years for the Bobcats.
Five players have made collegiate commitments:
Will Barton to the University of Memphis; CJ
Fair (Baltimore) to Syracuse University; Austin
Carroll (Bedford, Mass.) to Rutgers University;
Melvin Ejim (Brampton, Ontario) to Iowa State
University; and Ashton Khan (Scarborough, Ontario)
to Canisius College. During the 2009-2010
season, Brewster Academy counted 35 alumni in
NCAA Division 1 programs.
Talent on the Ice
The boys’ hockey team earned a playoff berth
in the New England Small School tournament
while the girls’ team earned a bid in the NEP-
SAC Division 1 tournament.
The third seed boys’ team lost in overtime 5-4
to #6 seed Hebron Academy in their quarterfinal
game where the Bobcats scored three
unanswered goals in the third period to tie
the game at four and force an overtime. The
team completed a solid season with 18 wins,
including road victories over Tabor Academy,
Winchendon School, and twice against Proctor
Academy. Ridge Garbutt (Toronto) set a singleseason
record of 79 points and a two-year career
record of 140 points. His line became the second
leading scoring line in Brewster history. Brian
Hart (Cumberland, Maine) set the record for
sophomores with 51 points. Garbutt will play at
Utica College next season.
The #2 seed Brewster girls’ team suffered a 5-2
upset against #7 seed Lawrence Academy in
the quarterfinals. The quarterfinal match up
showcased some of the best high school talent
in North America with both teams fielding
national level players and Division I college
prospects.
The Bobcat team experienced extraordinary success
this season and finished the regular season
with an overall record of 25-1-1. Highlights
included playing in the championship game at
Cushing Academy’s E.G Watkins Tournament,
capturing the Philips Exeter New Year’s Tournament
championship, defeating Tabor Academy
Kiana Nauheim ’10 takes it to the net for the Bobcats. Team captain Ridge Garbutt ’10 set a single-season Brewster record of 79 points.
16 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2010 Above: Kate Rendall ’10 in the finals of the New England tournament.
www.brewsteracademy.org 17

5-1, posting a 3-1 victory over Loomis
Leah Soboroff ’12 (Pacific Palisades,
Chaffee School, and a 5-3 victory over
California) as coxswain, John Steensma
Berkshire School.
’12 (Tuftonboro) in the stroke seat, Connor
Dunn ’10 (Lutherville, Maryland)
Four girls will play college hockey next
in the third seat, Cameron Bierwith ’11
year: Louise Warren (Pembroke, On-
(Alameda, California) in the second seat,
tario) and Kiana Nauheim (Fairbanks,
and Ben Goldlust ’10 (Concord, Mas-
Alaska) at Division 1 Boston University
and the University of Connecticut,
sachusetts) comprised the V-1 team.
respectively, while Maeve Connelly
This achievement earned Brewster an
(Needham, Massachusetts) and Kelly
invitation to enter a second boat in next
Sharlow (Potsdam, New York) will play
Sailors with the Cummings Cup: (l -r) George Luber ‘13, Kelsey Durham ‘12,
year’s Head of the Charles Regatta,
for Lake Forest University and the Uni- Phil Pilon ‘13, Nate Drouin ‘10, Maddie Drake ‘10, Austin Colcord ‘12.
which was the team’s goal. “Special
versity of Massachusetts, respectively.
commendation goes to Soboroff for
with 12 boats on the line, sophomores Kelsey steering a very aggressive line down a highly
Soccer Girls Take Back Title
Durham (Hamilton, Bermuda) and Austin Col- technical course. The rowers could not have
At the end of the fall season, the third seed cord (Wolfeboro) sailed flawlessly, finishing first done it without her bold and skillful maneuver-
Brewster girls’ soccer team earned its second with a two-boat lead. In race two, again Durham ing and vocal motivation and superb manage-
New England title in three years with a 2-1 win and Colcord made it look easy, sailing into first ment of the race strategy,” offered Head Coach
over Groton School to win the NEPSAC Class C place. With the best overall score of the day, Mark DeNitto.
title. In the quarterfinal match, Brewster defeat- Durham and Colcord won the championship.
ed Pingree School 2-0 and then met the Wheeler
Frostbite Regatta
School in the semifinals where penalty kicks History Made at Head of the Charles A few weeks later and a little farther south,
determined the 4-3 overtime victory. Angela At the world’s largest rowing regatta and in the same team took gold at the Philadelphia
Cotherman (Lake Forest, Illinois), Joanna-Marie nearly freezing temperatures, with high winds, Frostbite Regatta. The conditions were wet,
Lawlor (Lexington, Massachusetts), and Kate rain, and intermittent hail, Brewster’s V-1 but warm, and the water was flat. Especially
Rendall (Gilmanton, New Hampshire) all plan crew boat made history. The team raced the impressive was V-1’s victory by at least two
to play in college next season.
three-mile course down the Charles River in lengths of open water on the nearest competitor.
a Brewster record time of 18:29. The Bobcats The V-2 team of coxswain Addie Murray ’12
Sailors Capture Cummings Cup placed 22 out of 75 crews and out-rowed peren- (Wolfeboro), Hunter Holtz ’11 (Charlestown,
For the first time in Brewster history, sailors nial rowing powerhouses Belmont Hill School Massachusetts), Brandon Poole ’10 (Wolfeboro),
brought home the Cummings Cup at the
(2008 New England champions), Brooks School, David Nieman ’11 (Wolfeboro), and Ryan
Gloucester Fall Fleet Regatta. Twelve schools Deerfield Academy, Chaminade High School, Ingram ’11 (Belvedere, California) took the gold
attended and 32 boats competed for four slots Wayland-Weston High School, and St. Antho- in their division. l
in the finals. In the first race of the final heat ny’s High School.
Newsmakers
Barton to Play for Team US at
Nike Hoop Summit
Will Barton ’10 (Baltimore) was among the first
nine members named to represent the United States
on the U19 Junior National Select Team at the Nike
Hoop Summit on April 10 in Portland, Oregon. ESPN.
com and Scout.com have ranked Barton the #1
shooting guard in the nation. Barton will play for
the University of Memphis next season. Emmanuel
Negedu ‘08 (Kaduna, Nigeria) represented the World
Team in the 2008 Nike Hoop Summit.
Warren Named Division 1
Hockey Player of the Year,
Soccer All-Star
Louise Warren ’10 (Pembroke, Ontario) was named
Division 1 Ice Hockey Player of the Year by the
New England Preparatory School Athletic Council
(NEPSAC) and also was among 25 players selected
to the Boston Globe 2009 (NEPSAC) All-Star Soccer
team. Drawing from all four NEPSAC classes, more
than 100 schools, and about 1,800 players, the
NEPSAC All-Star team comprises only the best of the
best. Prior Brewster selections to the team include
Chanelle Roy ’08 (2007) and Joanna-Marie Lawlor
‘10 (2008).
Sarah MacDonnell ’11 (Quispamsis, New Brunswick),
forward, and Kiana Nauheim ‘10 (Fairbanks,
Alaska), defense, also were named to the NEPSAC
Girls’ Ice Hockey All-Star Team.
Ejim: Gatorade Player of the Year
In March, Gatorade announced that Melvin Ejim ’10
(Brampton, Ontario) was its New Hampshire Boys’
Basketball Player of the Year. The award recognizes
outstanding athletic excellence as well as high
standards of academic achievement and exemplary
character demonstrated on and off the court. Ejim
has maintained a 3.83 GPA. “Melvin Ejim is probably
the most college-ready athlete we have in our program,”
said Head Coach Jason Smith. “Physically and
mentally, he really stands out. The way he defends
and plays so hard all the time, he is truly one of the
most impressive players I’ve seen.”
Ejim, who is now a finalist for Gatorade’s National
Player of the Year Award, plans to play for Iowa State
University next season. He joins Emmanuel Negedu
’08 as the second Brewster student selected as Gatorade
Player of the Year for New Hampshire.
Players Compete in National,
World Championships
Sarah MacDonnell ‘11
Three hockey players recently represented their
countries in elite competition. In November Chloe
Desjardins ‘11 (Sainte-Prosper, Beauce, Québec) and
Sarah MacDonnell ‘11 (Quispamsis, New Brunswick)
competed in Canada’s U18 National Championship
Tournament. Desjardins was the starting goalie
for Team Quebec who earned the bronze medal in
the tournament. For the second year, MacDonnell
represented Team Atlantic and this year was named
assistant captain of the squad.
In December, Bobcat
forward Yegor Bezuglyy
’11 (Karkhov, Ukraine)
helped his Ukrainian team
to a fourth-place finish
at the International Ice
Hockey Federation World
U20 Championship in
Paris, France.
Chloe Desjardins ‘11
18 BrewsterConnections Morning practice: Connor – Spring Dunn 2010 ’10 and John Steensma ’12 in the foreground; David Nieman ’11, Ryan Ingram ’11, and Addie Murray ’12 in the second boat.
www.brewsteracademy.org 19
Louise Warren ’10

Gorrill: Environmental
Educator of the Year
Bruce Gorrill, chair of Brewster’s science department,
was named New Hampshire Environmental Educator
of the Year by the New Hampshire Environmental
Educators group in March. Gorrill was one of three
kindergarten through university-level teachers in
the state honored for outstanding environmental
education.
Gorrill was recognized for his personal commitment
to the environment and his innovative teaching
techniques that allow students to make real-world
connections in their scientific studies. Additional
criteria he met for the selection include being an
inspiration to colleagues and helping students make
connections between their studies and their community.
His work in developing a freshwater ecology
class that is centered around real-world projects that
are facilitated through the use of technology was a
major factor in his receiving this honor.
Arseneault, Buesser Play
Against Olympic Team
Former Bobcats Emilie Arseneault ’08 (Union
College) and Kate Buesser ’07 (Harvard University)
were selected to the Eastern College Athletic
Conference (ECAC) All-Star Ice Hockey Team that
played against the U.S. Women’s National Team
as part of a tour created to give the U.S. National
Team play against elite competition in preparation
for the Olympics. The National Team posted an 8-2
win against the ECAC All-Stars; Buesser recorded an
assist in the game.
In February, Buesser was nominated for the Patty
Kazmaier Memorial Award, which recognizes the
accomplishments of the most outstanding player in
NCAA Division I women’s ice hockey each season.
Buesser also was one of three finalists for ECAC
Player of the Year and was selected to the All-ECAC
Hockey first team.
Sager: Fulbright Scholar
Weston Sager ’05 was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship
by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs of the U.S. Department of State. Sager spent
the fall studying colloquial and formal Arabic at the
Arabic Language Institute in Fez, Morocco. In January
he went to Rabat to research how Moroccan Arabic
daily newspapers depict other Arabic countries. Sager
graduated from Dartmouth College in June 2009
where he majored in Arabic and minored in history.
While a student at Dartmouth, Sager spent time
studying in Fez and Kuwait City, Kuwait.
The Fulbright Program is an international educational
exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government
designed to increase mutual understanding
between the people of the United States and other
countries. The Fulbright Scholars are selected for
their academic merit and leadership potential –
with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct
research, exchange ideas, and contribute to finding
solutions to shared international concerns.
“Obsession” as interpreted by photographer Adrien Broom ’98 .
W Magazine Names Broom
as a Top Photographer
Photographer Adrien Broom ’98 was among five
finalists for W Magazine’s “W: The Art Project,” in its
search for America’s most talented young photographer.
In the fall, photographers submitted one photograph
that captured the theme “Obsession.” Judges
selected 20 finalists and then the public was invited
to vote online for the top five finalists. Broom’s
image is her interpretation of the myth of Apollo
and Daphne. Broom says, “Obsession, as a state of
being, tends to be romanticized, visually portrayed
as hot burning passion.” But in truth, “Obsession is
claustrophobic ... cruel-edged and organically woven
into our being.”
“From here my work will be placed in front of a panel
of amazing judges, including W Magazine’s editor,
a museum curator, and gallery owners,” explained
Broom. “No matter what happens just getting my
work in front of these people is a dream come true.”
Broom’s work is also featured in the April 2010 edition
of Rolling Stone magazine. Her photos of Grace
Potter and the Nocturnals appear within “The Best
New Bands of 2010’s Most Candid Shots From the
Road” spread. (www.adrienbroom.com)
Changes in the Alumni and Development Office
Welcome Julie Zahn
Beth Hayes ’81 Takes on New Role
Julie Zahn is the new director of alumni and parent events
and programs at Brewster. Julie comes to Brewster from St.
Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire, where she was the
young alumni events and programs coordinator, working with
the graduating class up to the 25th reunion. She also planned
the school’s alumni and development events and annual
reunion for 2,000 alumni and guests. Although Julie is new to
her position in the Alumni Office at Brewster, she is a familiar
face around campus. Julie, husband Mike, and their daughter
Madeline moved to Brewster in 2007. Mike is the freshman
English teacher and a coach, and Julie has been the community
life parent in Lamb House. With the arrival of son Oliver this
past summer, Julie is proud to say that she is the mother of a
newborn, a toddler, and 15 high school girls!
Save the Date!
Thursday, October 21
Family Weekend
Brewster Academy
Bobcat Open
Beth Hayes ’81, who served as director of alumni and par-
ent events and programs for 10 years, is now the director
of the Annual Fund. In her new role Beth is responsible for
organizing and managing all aspects of the Academy’s Annual
Fund.
Completing the Alumni and Development Office team are
Jim Bastis, director of alumni and development; Martha
Trepanier ’83, associate director of development; Brenda
Fuller, assistant to the director of alumni and development;
Susan Repplier, researcher; and out of the Bahamas office,
Matt Hoopes, alumni correspondent. l
Grandparents’ Day is May 12
to benefit
The John Naramore Scholarship Fund
Bald Peak Colony Club
Melvin Village, New Hampshire
20 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2010 www.brewsteracademy.org 21

California
San Francisco: Mike Cooper, Richard Baum (Zach ’12),
Gregory Ingram (Ryan ’11), and Denis Roy (Taylor ’10)
Napa Valley: Rob Long ’97 offered the Coopers and
the Palmers a tour of his family’s winery Montagna
Vineyards where he is the general manager.
(www.montagnavineyards.com)
Los Angeles: Former classmates Gordon Kaywin ’97
and Topher Grace ’97 dined with the Coopers and the
Palmers in Beverly Hills.
Brewster
On The
Road
Philadelphia
A Race, Reception, and Dinner
In November Jim and Kathy O’Brien (Jimmy ‘04 and
Katie ‘06) hosted the second annual Brewster reception
at the Union League in Philadelphia. Mike and
Andrea Cooper and faculty member Doug Kiley enjoyed
connecting with parents, alumni, and Brewster
friends. Special thanks to the O’Brien family for a delicious
dinner following the reception and to guests
Marisa and Emiko Edwards for the wonderful music.
Mike Cooper, Kathy O’Brien, Andrea Cooper, Jim O’Brien
Earlier that day, the Brewster boys’ varsity (four)
crew boat competed in the Philadelphia Frostbite
Regatta on the Schuylkill River. That evening Steve
Peikin and Lori Snodgrass (Ari Peikin’10) treated the
team, coaches, and traveling parents to a first-class
dinner at their home. ~ Martha Trepanier ’83
associate director of development
Mike Cooper, Steven Peikin, and Lori Snodgrass
The Lone Star State
Dallas and Houston
Mike Cooper and Lynne Palmer traveled to Texas in January
and found the temperature to be as chilly as New Hampshire.
They met up with Mitch Wolff ’90 and fiancee Carrie who
were preparing for their January 23 wedding in Dallas. “We
were amazed at how calm they both were given the looming
date and the expected 250 guests who were still making arrival
plans,” Palmer said. “Wishing them the very best!”
Rex and Sharon Jobe (Reagan ’01) hosted a reception at Brook
Hollow Golf Club in Dallas where the common thread around
the table was a wonderful friend to Brewster, Rhea Wolfram,
who helped most of the people represented there find
Brewster Academy. “We missed Rhea’s presence that evening,
but glad to report that she’s back on the mend,” Palmer commented.
In Houston, Gina Galasso (Peter ’10) greeted Mike and Lynne
– and brought University of Texas sweatshirts for both to wear
that evening as UT took on Alabama for the college football
title.
“Priscilla and Matt Pilon (Jack ’11 and Phil ’13) hosted us
in their home for an intimate gathering of Brewster friends
including past parents, current parents, educational counselors,
and alumni,” Palmer said. “As Mike updated the group on
the happenings on campus, Dennis McCollum received a text
from son Sean ’10 celebrating the varsity hockey team’s win
over Tabor!”
“Thank you to all who joined us for these events and to
our fabulous hosts. It was a busy trip with school visits and
interviews, and we’re happy to report that Texas is well represented
at Brewster!” l
Top: Priscilla Pilon; Colleen Curran, head of Middle School at St.
Francis Episcopal Day School in Houston; Mike Cooper; and Kathy
Goodwin (Tristan Thompson ’07)
Center: Kit and Page Haines (Cal ’11), Joe Rizzo ’03, and Kathy
McCollum (Sean ’10).
Left: Dennis McCollum, Matt Pilon, Lucy Fred, and Charles Fry
(Peter ’83)
www.brewsteracademy.org
23

Brewster on the Road
South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand
In December Raylene Davis, director of ELS and international
students and programs, and I traveled to
Seoul, Korea, onto Taipei and Kaohsiung City, Taiwan,
and then to Bangkok, Thailand.
Raylene briefed parents on their children’s progress at
Brewster while I offered a state of the Academy presentation.
More than 20 families warmly welcomed
us to their countries and immersed us in their culture.
Surachai Tangjaitrong, father of Bank Tangjaitrong ‘07,
with Raylene Davis and Jim Bastis.
Jim Bastis and Raylene Davis (seated in the center) dine with Brewster families in Taipei.
24 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2010
The trip was also an opportunity to visit with some
prospective families.
In Taiwan, we visited with WanYi “Winnie” Lin ’05
who now works in the international division of a
financial company in Taipei.
Dinner with Brewster’s Korean Parents’ Association in Seoul.
Brewster counts 46 current students who are from
Asia, 29 of whom are from Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand.
~ Jim Bastis, director of alumni and development.
HOOPLA
by Matt Hoopes
Visual Delights:
Antiques and Interior Design
I’ve lost the exact count, but this might be my 27th Hoopla column,
covering more than 100 alumni working or playing in assorted fields. I
constantly ask for suggestions from visiting alumni as well as readers
for other professions they’d like me to investigate. When no suggestions
flood my mailbox or my e-mail inbox, however, I’m pretty much
left with my personal favorites, two of which you’ll find on the following
pages – antique collecting and interior decorating. I probably would
have tried my hand at either or both of these fields had I not been a
teacher for all those years.
I do have a request for readers for a future Hoopla column. I’d like to
hear from any alums who may have re-created themselves or their
careers due to the economy’s recent plunge. Perhaps some of you lost
your jobs and decided that it was finally time to pursue another career,
possibly even turning an interest or hobby into a full-time job. If that’s
happened to you, or you know of a classmate who’s made the happy
transition, please contact me as soon as possible:
• by e-mail at islesman@batelnet.bs
• by fax at 1-242-335-0535
• by leaving a phone message in New Hampshire at
603-544-2222 (forwarded to me in the Bahamas)
• or write me at my mail-forwarding address:
Matt Hoopes, P.M.B.# 100
411 Walnut Street
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
Those celebrating their 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, and 25th reunions in
June 2010 have already heard from me and will receive more mailings
shortly, including updated class lists with telephone numbers and e-mail
addresses. If you have not returned the postcard I sent you, please be
certain to send me your contact information soon so we can keep you
informed of Reunion happenings.
And finally, please send in news of your life, your family, your job, your
travels, and any good rumors (substantiated, of course) for Class Notes.
You like to read about others – but others want to read about you, too!
Hoopes and his 1964 Morris Minor convertible. Evan Shone ’83 of Ferrari of San
Francisco found the car and arranged to have it shipped to the Bahamas in 1990.
Help Harried Hoopes with Hoopla Topics!
PLEASE jam my mailbox and my e-mail in-box – ‘til then, very best
wishes to all,
(Bionic)
Matt Hoopes was a faculty member from 1975 to 1996. During this time he and
his journalism students founded The Brewster Browser, the Outcroppings literary
magazine, and the BAPA (Brewster Academy Photo/Address) book. Since his
“retirement” from the classroom in 1996, Hoopes has worked as the Young Alumni
Correspondent from his hilltop banana farm on the island of Eleuthera, The Bahamas,
helping to keep the alumni connection alive. In each issue he brings life-after-
Brewster stories to the pages of his Hoopla column.
www.brewsteracademy.org
25

HOOPLA
Alex Rogers ’89
Co-Owner and Manager
J. Covington, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
A veteran of my English 10 Honors class, Alex
always had a flare for writing and still does. He
also was one of Dick Fahy’s pugnacious debaters.
Combining these talents, Alex used to write to me
from college – drafts of poems, layered with possible
interpretations; and ferocious reviews of novels and
required texts, to which he often made comparisons to
quotes from Joyce’s Finnegans Wake. At Brewster
Alex loved to be outdoors – fishing if possible – and
would often come to my place on weekends to go dogsledding
down the Melvin River.
Sesquipedalian Latin speakers bore me,
but rare antiques take my breath away;
mundane ones give me pleasure; and the
places I find them are the core of my soul.
Often I dwell in a reverie, a hallucinatory state,
dreaming of antiques (and trout) … the less
accessible they both are the more infatuated I
become. My feet get hot, my arms get twitchy,
and I start eye-balling maps and planning a
disappearing act the moment passion becomes
passage. Naturally this ingenious frame of mind
comes with a glorious price, but I’ve come to
accept it like a movie arc: The hero’s goal plus
the obstacle equals conflict.
A few weeks ago on a nicely polished October
day, I was buying in central England when I
came across a 16th-century Virgin and Child
painting that had been found in Scotland. Time
had been hard on it, or it had lived well – I am
not sure which – but in that cosmically unfair
moment, it took my breath away. That is the
antiquing dilemma – the euphoric discoveryhigh
followed by the sobering decision to keep
or to sell – and my place is already packed to
the gutters.
This is how I work and live: persistently preoccupied
with finding old pieces or rare ones from
the past that have a story – and after I have
enjoyed them for a short while – setting them
free. Or to state it in a commercial tone, sell it
and buy more. Those in the business understand
the addiction is only curbed by finding more – a
Promethean struggle of catch and release. There
is an all-consuming collector’s drive to find that
one more elusive piece somewhere around the
next bend in the road. At least it isn’t a ruinous
addiction!
I am not sure when I truly “got into” antiques,
but I think I was around 17 or 18 and since
then I have never strayed far from them. As
I write this article, a couple walked into my
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, store and after
looking around, asked if I ever worked on
Antiques Roadshow. What a compliment – I think.
But I guess I let them down when I said no …
I could see it in their faces and at that moment
I experienced a commonality in the business –
what’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever
found? People love to hear about treasured finds
and the ones that got away – and that’s just it. I
am self-educated in antiques; I’ve spent my life
around them, studying them in museums and
books or talking to other dealers. It’s a learning
curve and what you should never forget is that
you’ll never know enough – or I wouldn’t have
sold an Imperial piece of blue and white Chenghua
porcelain for $300, only to discover a year
later it was re-sold for several million dollars.
This is when I truly understood the depth of the
saying, “Ignorance is bliss.”
I spend most of my time hunting antiques in
France, Belgium, and England. I simply do not
have the time it takes to put collections together
by hunting them down here in the States. I think
some of the finest pieces are still in Europe, and
it is easier to go over for a 10-day run and buy
as much as possible. In England I just found a
1774 lead putti from Oakley Court near Windsor
Castle – and a 1765 lead water cistern covered
in fleur-de-lis! In France I found nine folio pages
of bees and wasps by Jules César Lélorgne de
Savigny who at the age of 21 was a member of
Napoleon Bonaparte’s Egypt campaign in 1798-
1802; Charles Darwin references his invertebrate
studies several times. On the cool side, I found:
• a fly-fishing creel ink well
• a Boar pen wipe
• several 1840 police truncheons
• some lovely Black Forest pieces
• a Swiss-made brass bittern-head paper clip
• several Imari platters
• two dozen French wine-barrel ceramic numbers
• six 1870 enamel wall-clock faces with
painted scenes
and a number of other beautiful and intriguing
objects. This is what is becoming my specialty
and trademark – the small one-of-a-kind items
that are so special. These are what make a home
unique and collected and tell a story about the
owner. I love these glorious small pieces that
have such beauty and class and, though they
may be small, they have depth of character and
are big in soul.
And this is what my store is about, how a home
is lovingly collected and put together over time,
and the depth of character it reveals about the
owner. I have folded antiques into a selected
group of modern home furnishings to make my
store or your home look like a home in Veranda
magazine. Or, as I have been told by a few great
clients, I give Atlanta interior design stores Mrs.
Howard and Suzanne Kasler a run for their
money. It is interesting having a store like this in
New Hampshire – so far away from the mainstream
market that I occasionally question my
sanity! But the Internet is an amazing sales tool,
as I sell about 30 percent of my small antiques
online – and most of them go to California,
Texas, and Georgia. Of course I’ve also sent
them to such far-flung places as New Zealand,
France, and Sweden.
What I’ve found most interesting is that people
– both young and old – who have grown up
with antiques end up appreciating and buying
them, while those who do not have this
background usually do not. But I know of many
non-collectors who have seen an antique in a
magazine or somewhere else, and for some reason
appreciate it, become drawn to it, and then
begin collecting. This is something that I receive
a great pleasure from – watching people become
energized and passionate about something – it
is a very rewarding experience. This is what
antiquing and collecting is really about – exploring
the world and its history and where we fit
in. And then for some it is about the money and
having the most or the best, but that is another
story.
“A well-told lie is worth a thousand facts,”
should be carved onto every buyer’s wallet,
and buyers should remember an item is only
worth what the highest bidder is willing to pay
for it based on their knowledge about the item.
Every day someone asks me about the valuation
of an item, and I say that the best place to
start is on Google. Just place quotes around the
search term – this reduces all the clutter – and if
you are lucky, you’ll find a half a dozen or more
references to your item, along with some sales
data.
Just remember that most antiques enter the
marketplace via the three Ds – death, divorce,
and dealers – which is why we’ll never run
out of antiques. And like most business deals,
someone has to make a living – and dealers tend
to have a lot of overhead and have spent many
years gaining the experience and knowledge
they have.
A tricky area to address is investment buying.
True investment buyers – those who buy the
million-dollar pieces and high-end art – are of a
caliber that is out of my league. The old adage
“buy the best you can afford” is applicable here
– fine-quality pieces tend to hold their value and
appreciate over time.
Of course fads and popularity can help turn a
quick profit or sink you. I suppose this advice
– buy what makes you happy – is the best I can
give. If you smiled when you bought it, you’ll
always be content. l
Alex may be reached at alex@jcovington.com;
www.jcovington.com or 603-431-4222.
26 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2010 www.brewsteracademy.org 27

HOOPLA
Susanna Maggard ’91 Interior Designer, New York City
It’s always nice when some things never change!
When I first asked Susanna if she would help me with
this column and she graciously agreed to do so, I told
her just to think of it as another English 10 weekend
essay assignment – so she did – and our agreed-upon
deadline came and went. I pestered but got no reply.
Then came a message: “I’ve gone to Paris to pick
up a few things.” When she made it back with her
French treasures in tow, she finished the piece – still
on “Susanna time,” right under the wire, and still as
charming as ever!
Hoopes: When did you become interested in
designing? Is there a possible connection to your
years at Brewster? Susanna: Actually, there was
a Brewster connection – when I was asked to be
the chair of our prom. Mrs. [Shirley] Richardson
drove me to the potential prom site, which
I immediately vetoed as I only could imagine
holding the prom at nearby Bald Peak Colony
Club, envisioning pink tablecloths. She loved
the idea and together we made it happen. I
was completely immersed in every detail. Mrs.
Richardson really had confidence in me, and the
night turned out to be a great success. My study
habits and grades had always been a challenge
Have you had to reinvent yourself
and/or your profession
in this tough economy?
If so, share your story
with Matt Hoopes.
for me, so this made me feel great about myself.
I decided early on that I wanted to major in
interior design and at the New York School of
Interior Design I was exposed to a world of
courses that I never dreamed could exist. Little
did I realize that I would soon be working harder
than I could ever imagine, including many
all-nighters. Again, I was totally immersed and
found success on a daily basis.
Hoopes: When you were young were you aware
of how the homes of others you visited were
decorated? Did you examine the furniture,
paintings, rugs, and wood floors? Susanna: Yes!
My mother is a decorator and both my parents
have always had a passion for houses. I was
exposed to various houses and how they were
decorated from early on. Visits to show rooms,
antique shops, flea markets, and museums were
always on the agenda. And I listened intently
as my mother and others had discussions about
what we saw.
Hoopes: Are you restricted by the owner’s
wishes and/or do you often have to persuade
the owner that their ideas won’t work well?
Susanna: A lot of times a client will have furniture
or a painting that they are adamant about
using, and I will incorporate this request into
the scheme and make it look fantastic. There is
usually an idea that a client has that won’t work
well, and it is my job to show them why that is.
Sometimes the client comes around to realizing
that what I have been saying is correct and that
is rewarding in itself. In the end, however, it is
the client’s house, and I really want it to reflect
them, using my incredible taste, of course!
Hoopes: Why do people hire designers – is it
possible that they have no ideas of their own?
Susanna: Everyone has their own style and
ideas but being able to organize them and make
them flow correctly is another story. Mistakes
can cost a lot of money and one cannot imagine
the many different things that can go wrong.
It does take, I think, a lot of confidence for
one to admit that someone else can do a better
designing job with something as personal as
one’s home. Designers also have access to a lot
of trade-only show rooms where many items
are available only to designers. Other pieces
are custom-made specifically for a particular
Susanna Maggard ’91 in Istanbul buying fabrics A project in progress
space – and that means a lot of details need to
be worked out prior to the installation. A lot
of times using a designer is a luxury and yet a
necessity. I do love it when a client wants to be
involved because by the end of the project they
have actually learned a great deal through the
process. This is very rewarding to me.
Hoopes: Let me follow that up with, “What do
you like best – and least – about your work?”
Susanna: I like creating beautiful environments
for people because this can really change a person’s
outlook on life. I have seen it happen over
and over again and it gives me good “chills”
just thinking I have helped in more than just a
material way. There’s not a lot that I don’t like
about my work. I have seen couples trying to
restore their relationships/marriages through
doing a major project, but that’s never the solution.
I’ll save that for another article to write at
another time!
Hoopes: Do you take on all kinds of jobs? Do
you turn some down, and if so, why? Susanna:
I prefer to work on residential projects and have
worked on apartments here in New York as well
as houses in Westchester, Connecticut; Wellesley,
Massachusetts; and Palm Beach, Florida. I have
turned down jobs due to budget or time issues.
A project can take several months to years to
complete so naturally a long relationship with
the client develops. I think this is important as
a project requires a certain amount of chemistry
and respect.
Hoopes: Describe how you approach a job.
What are you most concerned with when first
visiting the site? Do many of your projects
require serious remodeling? Susanna: I try to
get a sense of the scope of the project during the
first phone conversation, and I ask them about
the budget for the project. I request that before
the first meeting that they try to collect images
of the rooms as they’d like to see them, even if it
is just one thing they like or one thing they wish
to avoid. We review this at the first meeting and
this usually tells me volumes. Visually, I take in
everything I can on the first visit. A lot of jobs
undergo major construction, and I work side by
side with architects, contractors, painters, and
craftsmen. Other times a project may only be
cosmetic.
Hoopes: Do clients give you a rough idea
of what they expect to spend on a project?
Susanna: The term rough idea will get you into
trouble in this business! Most of the time a client
has no idea how much things cost or what is
involved to complete a project. I feel it is my
responsibility to educate the client, to hold their
hand throughout the process, and to make it fun
as well. I always provide clients with a detailed
budget based on the scope of their project.
Hoopes: Are you an independent designer or
do you work for a company? How do you get
your clients? Are you busy year round? And has
the recession affected your field? Susanna: I’m
an independent designer, and I get my clients
by word of mouth. Things tend to slow down
a bit in the summer, but there’s always a rush
after the kids go back to school and people want
things done for the holidays. The recession has
hit the interior design field, but I am confident
that things soon will start to turn around.
People are spending money, just not as much of
it. However, I do believe that the mega-mansion
and unlimited banker-budget era is over, but
you never know! l
Susanna may be reached at susannamaggard@
yahoo.com or 917-678-2460.
28 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2010 www.brewsteracademy.org 29

HOOPLA
Andrea (Richardson) Nugent ’84
Allied Member, American Society of Interior Designers
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
The term “lifer” usually refers to a student who arrives as a freshman and spends
all four high-school years at Brewster. Andrea arrived on campus at the age of
three months, the third daughter of former academic dean and history teacher, Bob
Richardson and former English teacher and dean of college counseling, Shirley
Richardson. Andrea therefore earned the title of “All-Your-Lifer.” As Andrea
mentions, she was involved and influenced by both art and drama while at
Brewster – and she attended every event held on campus. Popular and fun loving,
Andrea also was an excellent skier and a three-year member of the ski team. She
excelled on the tennis court despite having a dubious coach, Bob Richardson.
As I look back on my life I realize what an impact Brewster Academy
had on my career choices. It was while I was a student
that I became interested in the arts. With the encouragement
of teachers Evan Matheson, Susan White, Jennifer Rose, and Christine
Howe Cousar my eyes were opened to art and drama. As a little girl
growing up on campus, I found the handsome pen-and-ink drawings of
all the Brewster buildings by Lee Gridley ’57 that hung on the walls in the
academic building fascinating and intriguing. I recall thinking how cool it
would be to create something valuable and lasting like he had.
Over the years I took for granted the beauty of the green from Main Street
looking past Lord House to the Estabrook and beyond to the flag pole
garden and then to the massive classical columns that welcome everyone
to the entrance of the main building. It is an impressive sight and the
powerful architecture has had an enduring effect on me as I travel down
my career path.
Another significant Brewster influence on my life were the study trips
to Europe that were offered during March breaks that I participated in.
Seeing all those wonderful museums and historical sites made a lasting
impression on me. It was this exposure to European art, culture, and
architecture that later inspired me to major in art in college.
After graduating with an art degree from New England School of Arts &
Design at Suffolk University, what I thought would be a temporary job in
Boston as an assistant in a Back Bay interior design firm for some excellent
designers ended up changing my life. It turned out to be a two-year
stint – eager to learn, I did anything they asked while having the opportunity
to study the historical homes and unique architecture of Beacon Hill
and Back Bay. The knowledge gained by doing things hands-on became
a valuable work experience. To be successful in the design business,
particular skills cannot be learned in the classroom – it takes on-the-job
training by experienced designers.
But then Timothy Nugent came into my life and after we were married
in 1998 we moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, an old historic
city with many magnificent southern homes built during the wealthy
Reynolds-tobacco era of the early 20th century. The rich traditions and history
of Winston-Salem were not unlike Boston’s so the job transition was
smooth. I found a design firm that worked with a sophisticated clientele
where I was able to adapt my interior design skills to the homes of members
of the savvy, genteel, southern culture.
As my focus is mainly residential interior design, my job offers me the
unique pleasure of getting to know new people, affecting their surroundings,
and influencing their perspectives of their personal spaces. It is a
wonderful opportunity that requires a special spark between patron and
designer. My attention deficit disorder personality has found a unique
opportunity to be engaged, energetic, and enthusiastic.
Hiring an interior designer can help a person or couple discover an
exceptional decorating scheme that makes a home special. Sometimes it is
the low-budget project that demands ingenuity and imagination that is far
more rewarding for the designer than a large decorating project with an
unlimited budget. My special knack is using what a client already has and
providing special touches that add luxury and style.
It is important to understand that if you are working with a limited budget
it is a good idea to work in stages. A good designer can assess what
must be done now and what can wait until later without making costly
mistakes.
There are a few types of clients I see that make my job interesting:
Next are the “do it yourself“ people and “I found it online” people.
30 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2010 www.brewsteracademy.org 31
•
The first are the people who love their homes – who enjoy working
on them whether it is putting in an addition, redecorating a special
guest room, or finding the right piece for the living room. These
clients truly appreciate what an interior designer can help them
accomplish, and they often become long-term contacts with whom I
build a friendly relationship.
•
•
“Another significant Brewster influence on
my life were the study trips to Europe that
were offered during March breaks ...”
These individuals really need your help; they will solicit your
services, but in the middle of the project want to find – or try to find –
pieces somewhere else, resulting in a mess and the discovery that it is
not so easy to pull everything together. This client often has a false
perception that they are alone in making important decorating
investment decisions during a project, but a designer‘s knowledge is
invaluable when it comes to presenting the best options available.
Realizing this, the client then quietly asks you to fix it and make it
right. Ultimately, they understand that the Internet is a very powerful
tool and the design industry uses it to its advantage. I always make
sure that when a project is over, the clients are satisfied and that what
we have accomplished not only looks great but also pleases everyone.
The final clients are the capricious clients who keep you on your toes
and really tap into your creativity. These clients know their stuff and
are usually collectors of antiques and/or live in a historic home. Usu-
ally, they enjoy decorating in a particular style and like to pick your
brain. One such client was a southern lady who wanted me to make
the inside of her home look just like the one at Tara, the O’Hara’s plan-
tation in Gone with the Wind.
My intention above was not to poke fun at my clients, but to point out that
every project is different and unique, just as individuals are different and
unique – we all have peculiarities. When I deal with someone’s personal
space – whether it’s a home, apartment, or just one room – I use my skills
to make the interior reflect their passions in life. My goal is to find that
need or want and use it to create a spectacular look.
I also enjoy helping people feel comfortable and delighted about their
surroundings. Creating a relaxing, soothing master bedroom in hushed
neutrals and restful pastels makes one feel cocooned in tranquility. On
the other hand, an executive office saturated with classic colors, dark and
smoky accents, strong, subdued patterns, and a range of tweedy textures
creates a subtle richness. These techniques can keep any executive‘s stock
sheets on the rise.
Although my heart remains in New England, I have learned to appreciate
the southern lifestyle, architecture, and design. Together with my husband
Tim, an attorney, and our two-year-old son Spencer Reed, Winston-Salem
is now my home, but there are frequent visits to Wolfeboro and my
family.l

HOOPLA
Even though Cedric was smart enough to avoid my
English and journalism classes, I got to know him
shortly after his arrival at Brewster, as he was so
interested in the school and what it had to offer that
he was everywhere – he was involved in numerous
activities. I worked with him on either the Judicial
Board or Student Council. He also was a good skier
and tennis player. However, I never would have bet
even a small portion of my fortune on Cedric’s becoming
a very knowledgeable and successful collector
of art and antiques. Wondering whether a particular
history course or perhaps an individual teacher might
have pointed Cedric in his career direction prompted
my first question.
Hoopes: Did your years at Brewster have any
influence on you as far as your interest in
antiques is concerned – perhaps one of T.J.
Palmer’s inspiring history classes – or a stroll
through some of Wolfeboro’s historic houses
or antique shops? Cedric: I wish I could say that
Brewster had a strong influence on my passion
for the arts and important antique pieces, but
as I started at the age of seven and had already
accumulated a certain amount of inventory by
the time I was at Brewster, it would not be true.
Nonetheless, my really enjoyable experience at
Brewster did teach me about independence, responsibility,
and making friends from all walks
of life – which is helpful in my personal life and
my business life as well.
Hoopes: Have you always been interested in
antiques? Did you grow up surrounded by
them? Cedric: The answer is yes to both questions.
I was raised around antiques all of my
life. My parents – also antique dealers (now
retired) – taught me how to appreciate quality,
and I loved learning about styles, periods, and
everything else I could absorb. I remember not
being able to run around the house as a child,
but don’t worry – we had a yard!
Hoopes: Where did you get your training?
Was any of it formal, and if so, how important
was that knowledge? Cedric: I feel extremely
fortunate in having known from a really early
age what I wanted to do in life. At age seven
Cedric DuPont ’94
Cedric DuPont Antiques , West Palm Beach, Florida
“... my really enjoyable experience at Brewster did teach me about
independence, responsibility, and making friends from all walks of life
– which is helpful in my personal life and my business life as well.”
while living in Palm Beach, my parents loaned
me a small sum of money with which to make
purchases – it wasn’t much but I think I was
hooked from the start. Part of the deal was that
whatever profit was made would have to be
reinvested. I loved doing this so much that I
even started putting my own pocket money in
the pot. Of course, at that age, I had my parents’
guidance in purchasing the right piece, but I
was the one who got to point out what I liked.
The piece would eventually be placed in my
parents’ gallery to be sold.
While I was at Brewster my own inventory of
antiques was definitely piling up – and part of
the reason I ended up at Stetson University was
to be closer to my growing business. Eventually
I was renting a space out of my parents’ gallery
and had my own clients, and I was driving back
home every Friday to take care of my clients and
my inventory. I only stayed at Stetson for a year
as I preferred focusing on my business and also
felt that the courses I was taking really didn’t fit
in with my career path.
Hoopes: What is the secret to your success?
Cedric: It’s easy to answer – it is impossible
for me to sell something I wouldn’t want and
wouldn’t love living with and cherishing. Having
picked each piece individually, my gallery is
a perfect example of my taste – a little country
and a lot formal. Other important aspects are:
• Traveling is a really huge aspect of this
business – and yes, I do have a lot of
frequent-flier miles. I travel a lot in Europe
to find my pieces and do most of my buying
in the summer months, as I am needed in my
gallery during the winter months, the height
of our season in Palm Beach.
• There is not a part of my business I dislike.
The hunting and buying is fantastic and I
really love meeting the people who are selling.
Because of what I deal in, I buy from
people with old family lines, meeting with
them in their manors and grand estates, and I
have been in many castles. Some of the
stories I hear make the pieces come even
more alive to me. If only all of the pieces
could talk ... I would be listening intently!
• Restoration is another big part of my business
and possibly part of my success. It is
important to restore these pieces the oldfashioned
way. I have a large full-time restoration
facility nearby staffed with European
craftsmen using only European materials
and catering only to the pieces I have
shipped back from France.
• And of course, the other aspect is selling. I
have an amazing clientele from young,
affluent couples to the elite. It is always
great to purchase a piece from a home and
place it in its new home.
Hoopes: When I think of antiques, Florida
doesn’t necessarily pop into my mind. Perhaps
in West Palm Beach it’s different as you seem
to be doing very well with your gallery and
your restoration shop – antiques must be
popular in West Palm. Do you cater mostly to
the wealthy? Has the recession slowed business
a tad? Cedric: The season down here brings
a wonderful mix of people. You always think of
old people living in Florida but clients of mine
like Donald Trump, Céline Dion, and Rush Limbaugh
– among others – appreciate living in a
formal rather than a beach-house setting. These
celebrities have done a lot in promoting the area
and have brought a new, younger crowd to the
region. Palm Beach has become an area known
for antiques – many clients are here on vacation
and have the time to visit galleries and ponder
over possible purchases.
Also, since the overhead of a gallery here is far
less expensive than having a gallery in Manhattan,
our prices are much more attractive to
collectors.
As for the economic times we are currently
dealing with – my business is doing very well.
I work with one-of-a kind antiques of a certain
quality. Therefore instead of investors buying
stocks, they prefer buying something from me
they can enjoy without having the headaches
that stocks bring these days.
I still do make purchases in Europe but currently
with the unfavorable exchange rate of the dollar
against the euro it is a much tougher situation
for me. And so I made purchases this past summer
in Palm Beach and in New York from collectors
who suffered through the Madoff scandal.
Hoopes: Do individuals come to you searching
for a special piece or type of piece? Do
you hunt for individual pieces for individuals,
or do they simply look through your large
assortment? Cedric: I have learned that it is best
to make purchases not thinking of a particular
client, since most of the time that client can feel
pressured to purchase what I picked, and that is
really not the way I do business. In choosing any
piece, whether new or antique, I always feel that
the piece should speak to me. This doesn’t mean
that I have never purchased a piece thinking of a
client, but I do it less than you may think.
Hoopes: Do you find that antiques are popular
with the younger generation? Have you found
pieces that you enjoy so much that you decide
to keep them for yourself? Cedric: When I started
with my first gallery – next to my parents’
gallery – it was funny when my parents’ older
clientele came in with their 40-year-old kids. I
ended up selling to the kids, as I was closer in
age and less intimidating. I also feel that having
a European background but having been raised
in America that I have a different eye than my
very traditional parents.
One could say that an antique is an antique but
since there are different styles in antiques and
purposes for each piece, I find myself purchasing
items for my own collection that are functional.
If you are going to invest in antiques, buy
pieces that you can use and you will find that
you will appreciate them even more. Antiques
should not be of the type just to be looked at,
but you should want to use it while it grows in
your heart as well as in value.
Subsequent to this interview, Cedric informed
me that he is building a new 20,000-square-foot
space just a mile from his rented 9,000-squarefoot
present location. He also mentioned that
he opens his refinishing workshop to clients for
restoring their own collections, using his staff of
four for expertise. l
Cedric may be reached at:
Cedric DuPont Antiques
820 South Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, Florida
561-835-1319
www.cedricdupontantiques.com
32 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2010 www.brewsteracademy.org 33

Class Notes
1944
Lucille (Jutras) Macolino writes: “We have a new
great-grandson and that makes four and one on
its way. We also celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary
on November 26, 2009. Hello to all my
classmates!”
1945
Muriel Beach writes: “I’ve worked on political campaigns,
and I’m active in a number of organizations.
In today’s world, with so many issues, it’s all too
easy to give up and throw the covers over your head.
We are of a generation that fought in the sixties;
we’re out there doing it again.” At 81 years of life experience,
Muriel is no longer concerned about what
to do during her retirement, maybe because she is
no longer retired. Since graduating from the Institute
for Senior Action in 2003, Muriel is a member of
the Joint Public Affairs Committee, the Institute
for Senior Action, the Gray Panthers, the Chelsea
Reform Democratic Club, the N.Y. State Chapter of
N.Y. Statewide Senior Action Council, and a founding
member of the Senior Outrage Coalition.
1957
Margery (Ter Weele) Gagne writes: “Had two weeks
of celebration for my 70th birthday. First my three
children, their spouses, and my seven grandchildren
gathered here in Lexington, Virginia. Next my three
siblings and I and our spouses celebrated at my
brother’s house in Castleton, Virginia. Great fun,
especially as everyone was in good health.”
1959
Jane (Clow) Smalley writes: “Along with my family
and friends I completed my quest of 11 years on
November 20, 2009, hiking the Applachian Trail
(AT) – finishing 2,178 miles on Springer Mountain,
Georgia! Margaret Freifeld, a steady hiking partner
Muriel Beach ’45 was honored on December 8 for her
outstanding community leadership and service by the
Hudson Guild in New York City.
for more than three-quarters of the trail, and I
hiked the last eight miles to Springer, the southern
terminus of the AT. Three other friends from our local
Adirondack Mountain Club joined us along with my
brother, Fred, who hiked the last mile from the parking
lot. The weather was warm and sunny with views
at the top of the north Georgia mountains. I started
the AT hikes as a club activity on May 2, 1998, near
the Bear Mountain Bridge in New York. It’s hard to
believe that we have hiked through 14 states; north
to Maine and south to Georgia, section by section,
year by year. All have been day hikes (5 - 25 miles
a day) except for four nights backpacking in the
Great Smoky Mountains. It has been an unforgettable
experience; a journey on foot trails with spring
flowers, woods, roads, autumn colors, grassy balds
at high elevation, rocky trails with summit views for
miles, trails with more roots than you can imagine,
through small towns, around ponds and lakes, across
highways and large dams, over rivers, some with
bridges built just for the AT, and one via a canoe. We
have hiked in all seasons and weather conditions;
sun, snow, sleet, rain, fog, early morning light, the
setting sun, and sometimes darkness. It has been a
wonderful walk and a journey that I will always cherish.
Thanks to all of you who have hiked with me on
the trail and supported me through the years.” Jane
added, “Much of my athletic skills and leadership
skills developed and grew during my two years at
Brewster.”
1965
Frank Jaarsma writes: “I have retired after 32 years
with Celanese-Ticona Corp. as a staff engineer and
team leader working with high-performance polymers.
I live in Rochester Hills, Michigan, with my wife
of 40 years, Shirley. We have two children and three
wonderful grandchildren with whom we expect to
be spending much more time.”
1972
In November 2009 the San Francisco Business Times
named Peter Sortwell one of the San Francisco
Bay area’s Most Admired CEOs in a small business.
Whether it’s a job change, a promotion,
a marriage, a new baby, a book you
wrote, or any other news (and/or a
photo) you’d like to share with your
classmates, let us know, and we’ll
do our best to include it in the next
BrewsterConnections, and online.
Send your news to:
Office of Alumni
Brewster Academy
80 Academy Drive
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
or e-mail us at:
alumninews@brewsteracademy.org
Jane Smalley ’59 (second from right) completed her 11-year quest to hike the Appalachian
Trail. Shown with her at the southern terminus of the 2,178-mile-trail are hiking club friends
and on her left, brother Fred who provided shuttle service between trailheads.
Peter is CEO of Arborwell Professional Tree Management.
According to the Business Times he brought
Arborwell from six employees and $500,000 in
annual sales in 2001 to 85 employees and more than
$12 million in sales, and two new branches in 2009.
Arborwell’s team of ISA-certified arborists studies a
tree’s overall system to ensure longevity and vitality
from the ground up. It serves the San Francisco Bay
area, Sacramento, Orange County, Inland Empire, and
San Diego communities.
1976
Tom Trieschmann has a new job with Fabbri North
America, as an area manager responsible for the
central United States. Fabbri, based in Bologna, Italy,
is the manufacturer of gelato and pastry ingredients.
Tom and wife Susan share their Illinois home with
their dog Taz. Their son Trevor is at Indiana University,
and daughter Anna is a freshman at Boston
College.
1977
Charlie Dearborn writes: “I have spent the past
19 years working as a referee for the Connecticut
Department of Labor Employment Security Appeals
Division. I live 600 yards from a small lake and enjoy
kayaking and tennis. My beautiful daughters are now
20, 19, and 14! The 20-year-old already has a B.A.
and is now getting her M.B.A. Time flies.”
Lauren (Richardson) Hammond writes: “Happy
to say that both of my children (Sean ’09, Kelsey
’10) will be Brewster alumni this May! Living in
Wolfeboro and working at the Libby Museum in the
summer. If you are in town, stop by the museum.”
1978
Bill Clarke writes that son Brian is a freshman at
Shippensburg College in Pennsylvania, and son
Kevin is in the 10th grade at Downingtown High
School. Bill has been working as a salesman for Alan
McIlvain Lumber Co. for the past 20 years. He races
sailboats in the summer.
Jon Samuelson writes: “I married in 1987 and my
wife Joanie and I have three girls. My oldest daughter
Emily is at the University of Michigan where she
trains in figure skating ice dance. She and her skating
partner competed in the Olympics in February.
I retired from the rat race in February 2007. My last
position was CFO of one of Textron’s businesses. In
May 2008 we moved from Michigan back to New
Hampshire to the house my father built and where
I lived when I went to Brewster. Katie, my middle
daughter, is now a senior at Brewster. She’s on the
cross-country running team and plays tennis in the
winter and spring and has been the number one
singles player for the past two years. She is pushing
to be valedictorian since I was for my senior year.
Recollections
Experienced Alumni Recall
Their Brewster Days
By Matt Hoopes, Alumni Correspondent
During last June’s Reunion Weekend, alumni from
the 1940s and 1950s commented on a previous
Hoopla column in which I had interviewed winners
of the prestigious Hurlin Award. It was the
first time I’d written about students who I had not
taught, since I didn’t arrive at Brewster until 1975.
Those who spoke with me asked if I would continue
to share news and memories of their classes. I
explained that I seldom heard from those I didn’t
know, yet if I received letters or e-mails from their
classmates, I’d be more than happy to share their
thoughts. In this new Recollections column, I will
share memories collected from alumni who attended
Brewster before my time. I hope these Recollections
will inspire others to share memories from their
earlier days at Brewster.
Ann (Merrow) Burghardt ‘49
Center Sandwich, New Hampshire
“When I was a student, a walk downtown for
girl boarding students necessitated a woman
chaperone, usually a teacher who also lived
in the Estabrook, which was the girls’ dorm.
Favorite downtown haunts were the two drugstores
on Main Street, which had marble soda
fountains plus booths where we – always hungry
students – savored mounds of ice cream.”
Beatrice (Jutras) Lavery-Corf ‘54
Winchester, Massachusetts
“Whoever heard of playing basketball without
a gym? Well, we did! Our basketball team
traveled away for every game, practicing on
an outdoor court, even in the snow. Brewster’s
gym was completed in 1954. That year there
were six boys’ sports teams and two girls’
sports teams. I played on both, field hockey
and softball.”
See Hoopla (page 29) for Matt Hoopes’ contact
information.
34 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2010 www.brewsteracademy.org 35

Class Notes
My youngest, Ashley, is in the seventh grade at
Cornerstone Christian Academy in Ossipee, New
Hampshire. She is involved with guitar and dancing ...
she is quite the dancer.”
Chip Tothill still lives in Alton, New Hampshire, with
his two cats, Snubby and Clover, on three plus acres.
He is renovating this home and hopes to sell it and
start over with a high-efficiency solar home. For
now, he is primarily a professional house painter.
1980
John Abbe writes: “My wife Doreen and I have a very
active eight-year-old daughter, Hannah, who has
a cell phone and wants to know what kind of a car
she’s getting. My mother died five years ago, but my
father is still chasing golf balls and trout. I’ve had a
great job as food service director at a large rehabilitation
hospital for a while now. I’m on the church
council for our Lutheran Church, and I’m also active
in our family trust that has secured rights to all the
shoreline of our lake so that the lake and our island
in Maine will never be developed. I garden a lot and
just finished making 30 pounds of pickles, salsa, and
strawberry jam.”
William Wadleigh produces video slots for Bally
Technology in Las Vegas. He and wife Susan and son
Ben, 14, live in nearby Henderson. A few years ago he
stopped by Brewster and was amazed at the change
since 1980. “It seems like only yesterday that the
students formed a bucket brigade to transfer all the
books to the ‘new library.’ Happy thoughts to all
from Sin City!”
Kristianne Widman-Johnson writes: “After a downsizing
at Staples in 2008, I started at Citizens Bank in
March 2009 as an employee relations consultant, V.P.
I work out of Worcester, Massachusetts, most of the
time. I had a great time in June catching up with Lisa
(Knaak) George and her family at Reunion ’09. Lisa
is still Lisa – thank goodness!”
1981
Curt Garrett wrote: “It’s fall and that means it’s
football season! Chad is playing strong safety at
Saddleback College. Connor is playing receiver/ corner/
kicker at Mission Viejo Jr. All-American Football,
36 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2010
Mystery Photo:
Remember These Stylin’ Faculty?
Who are these people? The first alumnus/a who correctly identifies the most faculty
members in this photo wins a $25 gift certificate to the Campus Store (on campus or
online) – not to mention the amazement of all who read BrewsterConnections. E-mail Peggy
Comeau at peggy_comeau@brewsteracademy.org with your guess.
Congratulations to Susan
(Aronosian) McTague ’91 for
correctly identifying the most
Wildcat Mountain skiers in the
Summer 2009 issue!
l-r: Peter Hess,
Deb Garner,
Terri Moyer,
Ted Bucknam,
Maureen Davis,
Tris Wood,
Kate Turner,
Vicky Greenwald Stigum,
and Lynn Herrick Snyder
and Cole is headed to the University of Southern
California.”
B. Michael Kiesling wrote: “I do exist and still live
in the Philadelphia area. I started my own medical
implant rep company in 2007, and I have to add that
health insurance companies are nuts!”
Andy Laubi opened a pub in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
“Black Watch Pub – 266 Dartmouth Street,
featuring unique brews and pub menu – a function
room is also available. Stop by when you’re in town
to say hello! Check out the pub on Facebook.”
Barry Sanel commented on this year’s pink card
from Hoopes. “Hoopes, can’t believe you hand write
all the messages. Looking at the picture on the card,
you need to put on some weight! I’m still plugging
away as a packaging consultant. The family is doing
well.”
Lani and trustee Peter Ford ’80, with daughters Rachel and Summer,
both 6, and Rufus.
Kim (Eisener) Sozio writes that daughter Danielle
started high school this year and son Nick went off
to college.
1982
Jaime Higgins writes that in 2006 he was diagnosed
with Asperger’s Syndrome, which is an autism
spectrum disorder. Reflecting back on his time at
Brewster he recalls: “ … I felt socially isolated and
often had difficulty in interacting with my peers. I
realize now this was due to my having Asperger’s. I
still find it difficult today to interact socially and in
being able to communicate clearly with others. …
I knew that I was different but never could explain
it. …” Jaime is a retail associate at CN Tower in
Toronto. He would love to hear from classmates and
hopes to see you at an upcoming reunion. (ttjhiggins@hotmail.com)
Robin (Schaub) Vandeweghe wrote: “Four kids
have kept me busy for the past 20 years. The boys
are 20 and 18 and the girls are 14 and 12. The fun
never ends! I have run a consignment/art store for
the past 10 years, but had to let it go with the poor
economy and my health. I have Chiari Malformation
which keeps progressing. I’m doing all I can without
having brain surgery. It is almost time to move to a
warm region as winter without skiing seems senseless!
Hope I can get back to Wolfeboro for a reunion
soon!”
1983
Rick Clay-Storm has taken a new job at Salmon
Press, heading the advertising sales department at
Carolyn, 7, and Michael, 10, children
of Associate Director of Development
Martha (Weyand) Trepanier ’83 and
husband Bob.
the Mountain Ear in the Mount Washington Valley.
His wife Pam is a nurse at Kennett High School with
aspirations to someday join the Brewster Academy
nursing staff. Oliver, 9, and Ethan, 5, are a handful.
Lillie, 3, and Glen, 1, children of Cristine and Colin Foster ’85
Clifford Goodman and wife Mary married in June
2009 and welcomed son Cooper Frederick in October
2009. Clifford also has a son Evan, 7-1/2.
Jon Hibbard writes: “Things are going well. Had a
great time at the 2009 Reunion. Can’t wait till next
year. Started raising chickens and the eggs are coming.
My son started college this year at Rochester
Institute of Technology. I’m so proud of him. I’m
expanding my business – have to do something to
take up my time since I’m retired. Facebook me.
Would love to keep in touch.”
1985
Jonathan Siskel writes: “I wanted to share this exciting
news with the Brewster family. I still reflect on
my years there with great fondness and attribute
much of my success to lessons learned while at
Brewster.” Chicago-based Siskel/Jacobs Productions
is pleased to announce that its most recent docu-
Turner, 11, and Dillon, 9, children of Paulette and
Michael T. Hope ’85
mentary, 102 Minutes That Changed America, has
won three Primetime Emmys, including Outstanding
Nonfiction Special. The awards were presented
at the Creative Arts Emmy ceremony in September
in Los Angeles. 102 Minutes That Changed America
reconstructs – in real time – the events of 9/11 in
New York City, using only sound and video from
that morning. For additional information on this
documentary or any of SJP’s projects, go to www.
siskeljacobs.com. See page 9 for an interview with
Jon.
1986
Peter Stein writes that he is doing great. He and
wife Andrea have a daughter Luna, 3; he also has
a daughter Skyler, 10. Peter moved from Miami to
Aventura, Florida, where he has a company called
Stein Digital Media, and an interest in several other
ventures.
Michael Sullivan is enjoying life as part of a family
of five. “Our three children keep us very busy with
Stefan Mandanis ’85, wife Melodie, and their family
www.brewsteracademy.org
37

Class Notes
their sports and hobbies. We spend our summers
sailing and on the beach and winters skiing. Hope
everyone from the Class of ’86 is well.”
1987
Adam Renner writes: “Things are going good – still
in Tucson, Arizona. We spend our free time chasing
twins Caleb and Connor, 2. They keep us on our
toes.”
1988
Lara Dowdall and husband Andy live in Eugene,
Oregon, with their children Jason, 8, Diego, 5, and
Mia, 3, and their chocolate Lab Sadie.
Jon Konheim wrote: “I have my household of estrogen
with my beautiful wife and three rambunctious
girls. I’m working my butt off with two jobs: running
an aerospace business and running the inside sales
for a dental implant company. I don’t get much
sleep!”
Holly Sexton is glad to have made it through
another hurricane season without a major storm
and just had her 10-year anniversary working for
John Hancock.
Mandy Clark Scheel ’87, Maggie Sutherland ’87, Heather Monroe Rohner ’87, George Ide ’87, Tamah
French-Proops ’87, John Hamblett ’87, Barb Matthew’s Hamblett ’88 , Cara Douglass-Graff ’87, Jenny Ryan
Haugh ’88, Sarah Graham Hayes ’87, Liz Scully ’87, and Joanne Zammer Iverson ’87 got together for a minireunion
at the home of French-Proops in Massachusetts in September 2009. Some of the attendees were
local, but some traveled from as far as New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Ohio. “It was an amazing weekend
with old friends!” French-Proops declared.
38 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2010
1989
Nancy Walsh Gonzalez has
been living in Miami for the
past 15 years. “I’ll be married
20 years next March. Can you
believe that!? I have two sweet
boys, Lawrence and Alexander,
ages 12 and 8, and I work for
Tiffany & Co. Got diamonds? I
visit Wolfeboro every summer
to see my mom.”
Todd Parola ‘89, David Lynch ‘89, and Mike Clark ‘89 returned to campus for
the Trey Whitfield Memorial Lecture in January. Parola was the guest speaker
Ted Latham, wife Barbara, and (see page 15.)
their three children Alexa, 6,
Todd Willens moved his family from Capitol Hill in
Edward, 3, and Isabella, 2, live in Miami. He is busy
Washington, D.C., to the suburbs of Denver about 18
being a dad and is working hard.
months ago. “Greatest thing I ever did for my kids.
I have four (8,7, 4, and 2). My wife wanted to make
A busy Sydney Sklar dashed off a quick note saying
the kids her full-time job, and I was coming to the
that he was on a first responder training course in
end of my position with the Bush-Cheney Adminis-
Colorado for a week and then back to Joliet, Illinois,
tration, so we made it happen. I’m doing consulting/
where he now lives. This summer he will take some
lobbying for a variety of clients before the federal
of his college students on a wilderness canoe trip in
government. My office is in D.C. and I pretty much
the Boundary Waters.
commute. While it’s hard to believe, I see my family
more than I did before and the quality is much better.
Business is slow but hopefully picking up. But the
important parts of life are good and strong!”
1990
Kate Goldberg is “Waiting for Mr. Right!” But in the
meantime, she plays golf and tennis at the local
country club, does charity work, and (along with her
boyfriend) is remodeling her house.
Lauren (Sheahan) Zelko writes: “Our fourth baby
arrived in January 2009 – a girl, Rowan Kerith Shea
Zelko. She joins her brothers Keegan, 8, and Torin,
3, and sister Maille, 5. We are a very busy, active
household!”
1991
Lesley (Casty) Grinberg writes: “It’s my10-year anniversary
with my husband Gyl Grinberg, a Gunnery
alumnus. We have two boys, 6 and 8, who have so
much energy they could power the space shuttle. We
live in Atlanta and love where life has taken us. Thank
you, Brewster!”
Susan (Aranosian) McTague graduated from New
England College in July 2009 with her master’s
degree in education/special education. “I have yet to
find a job, but I did get a substitute teaching job at
Concord High School in Concord, New Hampshire.
I also applied to Kingswood High School so I might
Chrissie and Katerina, daughters of Daniella and Alexis
Pappas ’88
Daughters of Megan (Boyle) O’Niell ’89 and husband
Kevin: Adare, Catherine, and Margaret
Former faculty member Barbara Douglass lunched
with Jae Young Shin ’92 and his wife and two-year-old
daughter in December in Wolfeboro. Shin is an associate
director at the Macquarie Group.
be back in Wolfeboro. I’m planning to return to
Brewster for our 20th reunion in 2011.”
1992
Austin Connors writes: “After Brewster I made it
through three years at the University of Vermont
and stepped out to figure out what it was I actually
wanted to do. At first I got involved in building
America’s Cup racing boats, but after four years
I took six months off and toured the States. I got
into doing finish-work carpentry, custom cabinetry.
I moved on to building large custom homes, got
licensed, and started my own construction business. I
moved to Hermosa Beach, Californina, to run a highend
residential company. Fun times ensued with live
music hookups in L.A. and San Fran ... lots of surfing
and recreating. And hard work too. Started my own
business in Manhattan Beach, California, but just
recently moved back to Gloucester, Massachusetts,
to be with my father who’s quite ill with cancer.”
All is well in Colorado for Jennifer Finn.
Chrystie O’Brien writes that she finally graduated
from college in 2009 with a B.A. in psychology and
a substance abuse certificate. “Believe it or not, it
only took me 17 years! I finally found a passion that
I’m good at. In 1998 I was diagnosed with Bipolar 1
Disorder, which was a hard diagnosis to swallow (so
were the pills!). I was fortunate to get the best care
there is at the Harvard Bipolar Research Center in
Boston. I also fought substance abuse and addiction
for probably the past 20 years. I got sober in January
2003, and I gave up smoking a little over three years
Cameron, 9, and Ellie, 5, children of Charlie and Kim
(Boyce) Seefried ’90
ago. Now I battle with shopping and eating! I can
find some humor in it all! I’m excited about starting
a new chapter in my life.”
1993
Sarah (Bunker) Kern, husband Daniel, and daughter
Samara welcomed Sedge Edmund Warren Kern on
January 5. “Everyone is happy, healthy, and grateful.”
Walter Newell writes that he gave up hockey after
a brief stint in the minors. He’s now a professional
golfer and the head pro of a golf club in Florida. He’s
been on the golf circuit since he was 22 and loves it.
1994
Jeffrey Pricher reports: “Life has been a total
adventure. Skydiving, mountain climbing, kayaking,
anything outdoors. I spent six months at the South
Pole working for the National Science Foundation as
their lead paramedic for the search and rescue team,
worked for a few different fire departments, and now
I’m the chief of a small agency (been writing a lot
of grants lately), and started a consulting business
for the film and sporting industry. I have traveled
the country coordinating safety, medical, and rescue
methods for major sporting events, worked for MTV
for two years, and visited nine countries. I’m also
a member of a Federal Emergency Management
Agency team that worked with the Katrina aftermath.
During the summers, I moonlight with the U.S.
Forest Service, working the major fire circuit. I live
on the Columbia River Gorge in the Northwest with
my two dogs. Once again I’ve fallen in love with film
and photography, and in my free time I’m making
Hugo, 2, son of Michael and Elizabeth (Traverso)
Palmer ’93, with Mr. T. and Lily
www.brewsteracademy.org
39

Class Notes
Standing, from the left: Jeremy ’04, Jill ’98, and at far right, Jamie Krumsick ’95, with their family.
films of the mountains and nature. Toying with the
possibility of a career change and heading to New
York University film!”
1995
Geoffrey Pomeroy wrote that we was planning to
move to New York City in January. He desperately
needs a change of scenery from his past 10 years in
L.A., and he’s looking forward to pursuing his career
in acting and music in New York.
1997
Bridget (Buckler) Demers and husband Christian
moved to their new place in Dover, New Hampshire,
and are quite happy with it. They enjoy exploring the
new area and were looking forward to 2010. They
send greetings and best wishes to all.
1999
Rebecca Randall is happily living in Oakland,
California. “I am the camp director for the Boys &
Girls Clubs of San Francisco, and 2009 was my first
summer running a 2,000-acre camp in northern California.
I have worked with at-risk urban youth for the
past seven years and love it! I earned my master’s in
social work and also do several groups and individual
therapy.”
2000
William Archibald wrote the following letter last
October. Matt Hoopes sent copies of it to Will’s
classmates, but those in other classes who knew Will
might not have received the word and may wish to
help support him as he works his way through reha-
40 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2010
bilitation. Those wishing to do so should visit Will’s
blog at http://willarchibald.blogspot.com
“I graduated from Endicott College in Beverly,
Massachusetts, with a sports management degree.
I then went on to work a few different jobs within
the construction field until I decided that I really
liked the health and fitness industry. I got a job with
The Vitamin Shoppe as an assistant manager, and
returned to school part time to work toward getting
my master’s in nutrition.
Things were going well until last Mother’s Day when
I was returning home from work on my motorcycle.
Somehow I lost control and crashed. I’ll never know
what actually happened, but as a result I suffered a
brain and spinal cord injury. I was med-flighted to
Boston Medical Center where I underwent a spinal
fusion. I am now paralyzed from the mid-chest level
down. I spent 11 days in Boston in the ICU and then
was flown to Atlanta to the Shepherd Center, which
is well known for spinal cord injury rehab. After two
months of therapy there, I have settled in North
Carolina with my sister. I am continuing therapy
three days a week and am in the process of getting
back to driving. At this point I have some feeling in
my lower body, and I’m able to move my big toe on
my right foot. I hope to walk again and return to the
Cape, but it is a long road I have to go down.”
Meaghan (Apostolec) Figlioli, husband Tim, and
daughter Isabella are excited that they will have a
new addition to their family in March 2010 - a little
boy. They live in Plymouth, Massachusetts,with their
dog Rocky.
Bridget (Buckler) Demers ’97 and her husband Christian
Adam Spagnolo and Sarah Kantrowitz, “a lovely
young lady from Louisiana” plan to wed on May 30
in Louisiana. Both Adam and Sarah are graduates
of Syracuse University and both work in New York
City. Sarah is an associate editor at Travel & Leisure
magazine, and Adam is a communications designer
at Ann Taylor.
Kirk Walsh writes, “Loving life and look forward to
seeing you all in June for the 10th year reunion!”
2001
Josh Ackerman, wife Kristyn, and dog Rosco welcomed
Lilly-Ann Addison Ackerman in June 2009.
Josh is currently serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the
USS Ronald Reagan.
Ira Martin graduated from Suffolk University and
lives in Boston. At Suffolk he received the Psychology
Student of the Year Award, with a full academic
scholarship to Boston University where he earned a
master’s in counseling in 2009. At BU he was awarded
the Glen Fellowship Scholarship for a doctorate in
counseling, with a specialty in sports psychology. He
is assistant teaching at the university and counseling
athletes while he is enrolled in the doctoral program.
(ira4mb@hotmail.com)
2002
Alexander Phillips, faithful correspondent, writes:
“The desert has that same magical, powerful spaciousness
that the open sea has. However, a good
book and sunbathing is an appealing thought as I
look out at heavy wet snow. I’ve been climbing a
little, reading a lot, hosting dinners, breaking up with
a girlfriend, developing a modest odds-maker/bettaker
role at the local amateur kickboxing events, all
the while unemployed these last weeks. I am starting
a job working with developmentally disabled women
with behavorial issues who require round-the-clock
supervision. I’m so glad to be bringing some structure
back into my life.”
2003
Adam Goldman is engaged to Liza, whom he met
at the University of Hartford. “We plan on getting
Mary ’06, Bobby ’03, and Rebekah ’97 with mom
Kathy Seaman
“The Laboratory” for Build it Green New England –
founded by 2005 graduates Chris and Scott Morgan –
under construction in Melvin Village, New Hampshire.
From bobcat to hawk: Mark Deering ’09 has joined the
elite team of Roger Williams University students who
are Swoop the mascot.
married on July 25 in Brooklyn. We live together in
Boston.”
2004
Alyssa Spagnolo is an interior designer with her
dad’s firm in Massachusetts.
2005
Brothers Chris Morgan ’05 and Scott Morgan ’05
are the founders of Build It Green New England.
Along with a partner, the Morgans design and build
environmentally friendly straw bale and timber
frame homes. They are based out of Melvin Village,
New Hampshire. Visit www.builditgreenne.com to
view projects.
Robbie Black writes, “I’m still in college and studying
to be a paramedic and firefighter. Hope to see
everyone from our class at Reunion.”
2007
Andrew Lowrie is enjoying his years at Bucknell
University as an engineering student, majoring in
mechanical engineering.
2009
Former Bobcat Mark Deering is doing well at Roger
Williams University where he is the mascot Swoop
the Hawk. He works in the admissions office, sings in
the chorus, and takes some classes, too. He did not
row in the fall but plans to in the spring. l
Relax by the lake ...
In Memoriam
Class of 1937
Mary E. (Hansen) Horne
November 29, 2009
Alton, New Hampshire
Class of 1946
Diana (Kirkpatrick) Johnson
September 12, 2009
Middletown, Pennsylvania
Bertha (Taylor) Weeks
March 11, 2010
Wolfeboro
Class of 1950
Charlton L. Beach
July 22, 2009
Duarte, California
Shirley E. Libby
December 10, 2009
Somerville, Massachusetts
Class of 1954
Thelma R. Chamberlain
August 11, 2009
Stowe, Vermont
Class of 2006
Oliver James “Ollie” Tombeno
February 6, 2010
Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Former Faculty/Staff
Donald French
July 22, 2009
Ossipee, New Hampshire
Warren “Kirby” Lufkin
September 15, 2009
Center Ossipee, New Hampshire
June 11-13
Reunion 2010
www.brewsteracademy.org
41

History
History
History History
Writing
Brewster’s
History
Around the World and on Campus,
The Times, They Are A-Changin’
By Bob and Shirley Richardson
When the trustees voted in 1964 for the Academy to remain
a private school, Headmaster Wilfred Paro (1965-1969) followed
by Headmaster C. Richard Vaughan (1969-1974) were
both eager to re-establish Brewster as a competitive independent school.
At the same time, however, a national unrest was sweeping down from
universities to secondary schools. At Brewster, topics such as dress code,
hair length, curriculum, required church and chapel attendance, formal
dining room meals, and required study halls had ignited controversy
among trustees, faculty, and students. TV film clips of student protests and
riots at colleges and universities had students questioning whether they
would spend the near future in Army green or college sweatshirts. Adding
to the uncertainty was the new draft law that required all males aged 18
to 25 to report to the local Selective Service Board for registration with the
Selective Service – and a possible call to active duty.
C.K. Neilson, Brewster’s president of the board of trustees, appointed a
trustee-faculty development committee to meet occasionally to discuss
student unrest issues and offer detailed reports to the trustees.
The changing times hit home for Brewster boys when John Staples, a
respected history teacher and coach, responded to his sense of duty by
rejoined the U.S. Marine Corps and left campus with his wife and young
son. Staples, a dedicated teacher and semi-professional athlete, coached
varsity football and basketball teams as well as many junior varsity teams.
His presence commanded confidence and skill in his charges, and he was
42 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2010
A campus “hootenanny,” 1965.
loved for his enthusiasm. “Hi! Say, I liked the way you blocked that shot
last night at the game. Now, keep it up!”
Meanwhile 1950 graduate Daniel F. Ford’s novel Incident at Muc Wa was
published in 1967. The story centers on an American Special Forces unit,
accompanied by a detachment of South Vietnamese soldiers, ordered to
secure the small village of Muc Wa. When they arrive at the village, they
find the physical remains of a French army battalion, who had perished
years before under fire from the Viet Cong. Ford used the image evoked
by ancient Greek writer Simonides’ epitaph for the 300 soldiers who
died fighting Persian invaders at Thermopylae, Greece in 480 B.C. “Go,
stranger, and tell the Spartans that we lie here in obedience to their laws.”
In 1978 Incident at Muc Wa was made into the film Go Tell the Spartans starring
Burt Lancaster. The book played a significant role in reflecting student
and adult anguish over the tragic war and increased tension in the country
and on campuses.
Political Turmoil and Cultural Changes Hit Campus
These dark shadows in national and international affairs gradually created
deep concern among teenagers, including Brewster students. The country
became polarized by peace demonstrations, draft card burnings, and
marches on the White House. Sons and fathers found themselves facing
each other, square jawed and white knuckled, as the Vietnam War heated
up through the sixties. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was beginning his
peaceful demonstrations against racial discrimination and black poverty.
Angry impoverished blacks in the North began the “Long, Hot Summers”
of looting and burning in major cities, and in the South, they demanded
their civil rights. Young men who refused to be inducted into the armed
forces fled to Canada.
In addition to political unrest, cultural changes seemed to infiltrate every
corner of American life. Women of the younger generation questioned
authority, rejected their parents’
values, and intensified the clash
between the traditional values
of the older generation and the
emerging demands of a newer
one. The birth control pill became
readily available to American
women who were open to
lifestyle changes not previously
available. Helen Gurley Brown’s
book Sex and the Single Girl
championed career women,
open sexuality, and being single.
Changing roles intensified
female demands for pay equal to men’s, unfettered
access to advancement on the job, and an open door to safer medical treatment
for abortions.
Paro and Vaughan both struggled with the changing times, and, of course,
the challenges facing the youth whom they sought to lead. Mixed emotions
ran high and the leadership of the school was tested.
Boarding schools often appear to be insulated from the outside or real
world but that is an illusion. One of the greatest challenges to the Academy
came when a national movement at colleges and high schools called
for a moratorium on usual academic activities one day each month – in
which Brewster participated – using this class time to learn more about
Southeast Asia’s lands and people.
There were times when students held candlelight vigils and protest discus-
sions regarding the unpopular and apparently ineffective war in Vietnam.
Students with protest signs and anti-war buttons demonstrated along
Main Street in front of the campus.
Some faculty supported the students’ desire to change with the times,
while others demanded to hold to the letter of every school regulation. The
conflict between students and faculty escalated: some students threatened
to leave if they didn’t have freedom of speech, while some faculty
members tossed letters of resignation on the headmaster’s desk when
they felt he didn’t hold firm to school regulations. Eventually compromise
prevailed, balancing protests and academic obligations.
To address and alleviate some of the unrest on campus, Headmaster
Vaughan targeted the 1971-72 school year to implement part of his master
plan for the school, which he referred to as the “environmental-human-
izing” phase. Paro had made proper student behavior a priority and had
stuck by a strict curriculum. A kind of “us vs. them” atmosphere permeated
the community, and Vaughan wanted to soften that barrier.
This plan would bring broad revisions to the current, so-called regular or
traditional academic, athletic, and disciplinary tone of the school. Many
yearlong courses in social studies, English, and some science courses were
made into elective
trimester courses
while most math
and foreign language
courses remained
yearlong studies. To reduce
the spring “senior
slump,” two proposed
projects became realities:
Student Assistant Volunteers in Education (SAVE) and Senior Project.
Student Assistant Volunteers in Education
SAVE was designed for those seniors who had completed their graduation
requirements early but who wished to remain on campus during the
final term, still enrolling in four major courses but participating in SAVE
as their fifth course. SAVE students became teacher helpers at the local
elementary and high schools, assisting students who were behind in their
schoolwork. Each SAVE senior reported to his or her Brewster advisor
weekly and at the end of the term presented to the Brewster faculty an
oral and written recounting of their teaching experience.
Senior Project
The 1960s: (left) Students
“hangin’ out” at the Bobcat recreation
hall, and (below) listening
to a Beach Boys album on a record
player in their dorm.
During the winter months, seniors could complete a four-week study
on a specific topic of interest and this became their Senior Project. Most
seniors involved in Senior Project worked in a corporation or business
learning the operation of the organization. Several seniors used this time
to complete Outward Bound programs in Maine or Colorado, while others
developed projects at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution with
Dr. Robert D. Ballard, whose son attended Brewster. The final examination
www.brewsteracademy.org
43

consisted of an oral presentation
to the Brewster
faculty, an evaluation by
their program director,
and a graded written
report on their experiences.
Senior Project was
popular because it was
not typical classroom
work and was mostly
self-directed; students
had to be diligent and
responsible.
Athletic Program
Brewster’s athletic program also underwent modifications. In 1970,
with a school enrollment of only about 100 students, the football
team was small and played against competitive teams. In the opening
games of 1971 the team suffered several bad injuries, forcing the
coaching staff to recommend that the remainder of the games be
dropped. Headmaster Vaughan agreed, and as English teacher and
soccer coach Trevor Petard recalled: “It was the happiest day of my
Brewster life, as all the remaining football players ran over to my practice
field and wanted to be on my team! We finished with a great season with
many victories!”
Vaughan saw interscholastic sports as a part of athletic fitness but believed
that such sports were just one area of physical development. Traditionally,
Brewster had placed interscholastic football, basketball, soccer, hockey,
and baseball as a top priority in its sports program with few other choices
for students. Vaughan decided that the requirement of three terms of interscholastic
sports was too confining and changed the requirement to two
seasons, with one season of a recreational activity. Outing Club, sailing,
crew, golf, tennis, biking, fishing, fencing, and recreational skiing became
options. The Father’s Club had just purchased three new sailboats and
donated the money for three new tennis courts, originally located on the
present Brown Field. Teachers supervised instruction for each activity and
science teacher Bill Morrison became the first sailing coach.
44 BrewsterConnections – Spring 2010
(left) C. Richard Vaughan, headmaster
from 1969-1974.
(below) The Class of 1972 was the first
to benefit from Headmaster Vaughan’s
master plan calling for a more studentfocused
program – along with a relaxation
of the rules on hair length for male
students.
With the changing times, Vaughan decided that the student handbook
written during Paro’s tenure as headmaster was far too rigid for students
during the 1970s – calling for close supervision of a student’s free time,
limiting free time, specifying formal dress codes, mandating church attendance,
defining a much hated haircut rule (no sideburns, no long hair, no
beards or moustaches), and requiring formal dress and family-style meals
three times a day.
The Outing Club on Mount Chocorua, 1974
A Student-Focused Program
Tempers flared and threats were exchanged whenever
teachers and students discussed personal
grooming. Under Vaughan’s leadership, breakfast
became optional, and he compromised on the
haircut rule, allowing longer hair and sideburns
but still prohibiting moustaches and beards. He
had little choice, with students protesting by refusing
to cut their
hair or emphatically
refusing to
return to Brewster.
Again, some
faculty members
objected, stating
“the school gave
in” and feared that
Brewster students
would become
long-haired hippies,
but other
faculty members
thought the issue
was reasonably
settled.
The vision that C. Richard Vaughan brought to the school was new
and unfamiliar to many in the Brewster community, but it gave hope to
most board members. This vision saw an academic program focused on
individual student achievement and success while offering more flexibility
for students in class choice and electives. It was the beginning of a
more student-focused program, a beginning that was logical and made
good educational sense given the state of American education at the
time. Brewster was at the watershed of the old versus the new and was
taking the first steps into the unknown. In time it would establish itself as
a leader in educational pedagogy in the field of independent secondary
education. •
Bob and Shirley Richardson were long-time faculty members who retired in 2004. Bob
came to Brewster in 1965 and wore many hats during his 39 years, including history
teacher, director of studies, college admissions director, dorm parent, and coach.
Shirley joined the faculty in 1974 and throughout her tenure taught English, history,
ESL, and learning skills. From 1984 to 2004, Shirley headed the College Office. Since
their “retirement” the Richardsons have embarked on “writing Brewster’s history.”
Mary
Fallon
has shared her gift for writing
and her passion for literature
for 26 years.
She follows in a long line of teachers who have
had a profound affect on so many students
who have studied at Brewster.
As Mary and her husband Doug prepare
to retire this year, consider saying thank you
with a gift to the Mary Fallon Scholarship Fund.
www.brewsteracademy.org/giving

fsc fpo
Br e w s t e r Ac A d e m y
80 Ac A d e m y dr i v e
wo l f e B o r o, NH 03894
Parents of alumni:
If this magazine is addressed to your son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address
at your home, please e-mail us at alumninews@brewsteracademy.org with his or her new address.
EXPECT TO LEARN
EXPECT GREAT THINGS.
OF US. OF YOURSELF.
Office of Admission • 800-842-9961 • admissions@brewsteracademy.org
postal
indicia
To be responsible, honest, and self-disciplined.
To listen, observe, and apply your mind. To master the fundamentals
and persevere in the pursuit of specific interests.
To speak, persuade, and apply what you learn in preparing
for a life of success and meaning.