Spring/Summer - Whitfield School

in s i g h t s
SSpr
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mmer
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priin
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An inside Look at Whitfield School
Creative Collaboration:
Exploring U.S. History
D
uring the second semester,
students in Maggie Sullivan’s
11th grade Topics in American
History course engaged in a challenging
and creative assignment, the Civil Rights
Movement Documentary Project, as
part of their study of African-American
history. Working in pairs, students
chose a topic related to the Civil Rights
Movement, conducted extensive research
and formulated a persuasive thesis.
Next, they wrote a script and developed
a storyboard. Finally, each pair created,
directed and produced a 15-20
minute documentary.
Screen shots from the first place
documentary “We Shall Overcome:
The Power of Non-Violent Resistance”
The Civil Rights
Documentary Project
is an example of a full
partnership between
an academic teacher
and the technology
department where the
planning from inception
to grading was all done
together. Every step
along the way was a true
collaboration between
our departments.”
- Matt DiGiulio
The project, created by Sullivan, is an
example of an inquiry-based assignment
that seamlessly integrates technology
resources into the academic curriculum.
“I created this project to give students
the opportunity to research one aspect of
the Civil Rights Movement, a very broad
topic of study, and through their own
research they began to see themselves
as scholars on their topic,” said Sullivan.
“I had a very clear vision of the end
product but needed someone with the
technical expertise to guide us through
creating the films.” That “someone” was
Matt DiGiulio, Whitfield’s librarian and
technology adviser. “The Civil Rights
Documentary Project is an example of
a full partnership between an academic
teacher and the technology department
where the planning from inception to
grading was all done together,” said
DiGiulio. “Every step along the
way was a true collaboration between
our departments.”
In addition to providing experience
with iMovie and Windows Movie
Maker, the two programs from which
students chose to create their films,
DiGiulio showed students how to
manage project planning and research
using Microsoft OneNote, a program
that allows for free-form information
gathering and synchronized multiuser
content sharing. During the research
process and particularly in creating their
documentary story boards, students
CREATIVE COLLABORATION cont. on p. 4
Katie Harris and Billy Gardner’s storyboard created in Microsoft OneNote
I n the words of
Dear Whitfield families, friends and alumni,
As the 2012-2013 school year draws to a close, I would like to say thank
you to the entire Whitfield community for the warm welcome you have
extended to me and my family during our first year. The past 12 months were
phenomenally full as I learned the ways of a new school culture and process.
Moving into year two I am more enthused than ever by the opportunities
that lie ahead for Whitfield and by the people with whom I am privileged to
work and share this journey. Late last month as I returned from a rare visit to
Louisville, where I first moved in 1963 and my family still resides, I had a strong
feeling as I turned onto South Mason Road that now I was home. Thus I am
grateful to you all for your support and many gestures of kindness.
While summer is certainly a season of rejuvenation and relaxation, in the life
of an independent school summer is also a time for planning and preparing for
the coming year. Whitfield’s Strategic Planning Committee continues to make
progress and we look forward to unveiling the new strategic plan in the fall of 2013. At the same time my administrative
team is taking part in several mini retreats over the next two months where we will review our work from last year and
discuss plans for 2013-2014.
In addition to playing golf and watching Cardinals baseball, I enjoy having additional time to read during summer break.
This summer, our faculty will be pouring over three books that will inform and enhance their work with students: Quiet
by Susan Cain, Invent to Learn by Sylvia Libow Martinez and Gary S. Stager, and World Class Learners by Yong Zhao.
We will share our individual perspectives on our summer study during professional development meetings when
everyone returns to campus in August.
I hope you’ll include this edition of Insights on your summer reading list. This issue contains highlights from the second
semester including stories from our classrooms, photos from theater productions, Awards Day and Graduation, positive
news regarding our fundraising initiatives and a recap of this year’s state championships for our wrestling and dance
teams. If you’re looking for abundant evidence that the Whitfield experience is a rich, faceted, heady one, you will need
to search no further.
Just a few short weeks ago we bid farewell to 56 graduates of the Class of 2013. These talented young men and women
were awarded more than $993,000 in honorary scholarships and received admission to 116 of the nation’s top colleges
and universities. We are confident that they will continue their successes in college and beyond. You will want to note
herein the college destinations of yet another remarkable Whitfield senior class.
And as we say goodbye to the Class of 2013 we look forward to welcoming a new group of incoming students and
their families to the Whitfield community this fall. We officially open the 2013-2014 academic year with our annual
Green & White Games Friday, August 16th beginning at 6 p.m. I hope you will join Anne, Natalie ’16 and me on
campus that evening as we extend a warm welcome to our newest Warriors.
Sincerely,
John Delautre
Head of School
2
WHITFIELD SCHOOL
MISSION STATEMENT
Whitfield School is a small,
college-preparatory learning community
that fosters excellent habits of mind,
productive social skills, and personal
integrity in an innovative, studentcentered environment.
Microsoft Showcases
Whitfield’s Classroom
Technology
Our core values are:
Success of every
student in academics, arts,
activities and athletics.
M
icrosoft is showcasing
Whitfield’s classroom
technology to educators all
around the world through a
video on the company’s Partners
in Learning website. The video,
created by Whitfield Librarian
and Technology Advisor Matt
DiGiulio, demonstrates the pen/
touch technology and Microsoft
OneNote implementation
that Whitfield students
experience every day.
Ethical behavior of the
members of our community.
Intellectual, ethnic,
religious and social diversity.
Individual and collaborative
engagement and achievement.
Learning as a lifelong process.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES, 2012-2013
Paul Diemer (Chair),
Ray Van de Riet (Vice Chair),
Myles Kelly (Treasurer),
Doug Rubenstein (Secretary),
Suzie Andrews, Raj Bhuyan ’86,
Steve Blackwell, Laura Pollnow Bryan ’97,
Gerri Clifton, Susan Crandall, Mary Howe,
Lee Kaplan, Lauren Weissman Kerner ’96,
Phil Levy, Don McLaughlin, Karen Myers,
Dave Nestor, Rick Oertli, David Ott ’91,
Dan Sescleifer, Susan Simons,
Jerry Ullman, Connie Williams
To view the video, go to:
www.pil-network.com/
Resources/Tools/Details/
a5c463e4-30af-4dd7-bdc02e1ea4a556e2
Philip B. Cady Jr. ’70, Bruno B. Schmitter,
Wayne L. Smith II
(Honorary Lifetime Members)
“When you take outstanding teachers and empower them with
outstanding technology, folks rightly sit up and take notice of
the innovative and transformative things they do. Other schools
in St. Louis to schools around the state and region already have,
and now schools around the world are as well.”
John Delautre (Ex-officio)
CONTRIBUTORS to INSIGHTS:
John Delautre, Head of School
Sheri Diemer, Development Associate
Kelly Edwards, Director of Development
Melissa Irvin, Publications Coordinator
Casey Jolley, Alumni Relations and
Special Events Coordinator
Becky Marsh, Director of Communications
and Marketing
Michelle Parsons, Assistant Director
of Development
- Mark Payton
Whitfield’s Director of Technology
Studio Altius provided several photos.
Questions or comments should be
addressed to: Becky Marsh,
Director of Communications
and Marketing,
becky.marsh@whitfieldschool.org
Whitfield School
175 South Mason Road
St. Louis, Missouri 63141
314-434-5141
Visit Whitfield School’s Web site:
www.whitfieldschool.org
Whitfield School is an independent,
coeducational, college-preparatory day
school for grades 6–12. Whitfield seeks
to maintain a student body diverse in
geographic, economic, racial and religious
backgrounds. It does not discriminate
on the basis of race, religion or color
in administering its academic policies,
admissions policies, athletic policies,
financial aid program or other
school activities.
on the cover
Creative Collaboration (cont. on p. 4)
2 In the Words
Head of School’s Letter
4-7 In the study
Creative Collaboration (cont. from cover)
Seniors Focus On Solutions For St. Louis
Novel Thinking for Analyzing A Novel
8-12 In the life
Whitfield Goes to Washington
Service-Learning Trips Of A Lifetime
Graduation
Family Day
Awards Assembly
13-15 Inspired
Seniors Exhibit Artistry
Middle School Music Festival
Middle School Spring Play
Spring Musical
High School Music Festival
contents
16-18 Instep
Spring State Champs
Cacciatore Nets Hall Of Fame
Between The Pipes
Lebens Earns National Rowing Championship
Justin Thomas Reaches Scoring Milestone
Stephanie Anderson Commits To U Of Chicago
Julie Candau earns two MSHSAA Medals
19-22 In Support
Gift From Parents’ Council
Make A Gift That Will Last For Years To Come
Classroom Named To Honor Laura Lotz ’95
Mary L. Burke Merit Scholarship Program
Another Montage Auction Shines Bright
Annual Fund Update
23 In Touch
Alumni News
I n The study of
Josh Tyler, Lucy Bhuyan and Saad Raza
I n The study of
MIke Shearburn and Aimee Hibler
Matt Coatney and Sam Quayle
CREATIVE COLLABORATION cont. from p. 4
(light, sound, camera work and music), writing quality,
creativity and overall best picture. In addition, a panel of
faculty judges evaluated the documentaries and selected
the top six that were highlighted in a film festival held on
Whitfield’s campus May 2, 2013.
“I was blown away by my students’ effort, creativity,
and ability to meet the requirements, along with their
dedication and interest level to the project,” Sullivan
said. “I believe that this is an example of where students
create a product based on the knowledge they acquire
through in-depth research versus regurgitating what they
have gleaned from a lecture or text book. The skills they
learned will transfer to other academic disciplines here at
Whitfield, in college and beyond.”
CREATIVE COLLABORATION cont. from p. 1
utilized OneNote to assemble typed and handwritten
notes, web pages, videos, photos and other media. Their
OneNote notebooks were shared with their partner and
with their teachers.
as St. Louisans who had been activists in the Civil Rights
Movement. Creative skills were important as students
made decisions about where to place visual elements to
support their script.
4
1st
Sit-ins and Freedom Rides
Molly Smith and Dimitri Rucker
Rosa Parks
Noah Mondschein and Trish Terrace
Women in the Civil Rights Movement
Aida Hasanovic and Claudia Oertli
Emmett Till
Lucas Marschke and Emily Esther
2n d
3rd
The Civil Rights Movement in St. Louis
Brittany Dwornick and Isabella Chiodini
Race Riots
Katie Harris and Billy Gardner
The Civil Rights Movement
Film Festival Finalists
According to Sullivan and DiGiulio, the use of technology
For Jimmy Kurten, the Civil Rights Documentary Project
increased the teacher-student and student-student
was a rewarding experience. “While I found this project
collaboration. “Through using OneNote, Matt and I were
difficult, it was in a good way” Kurten explained. “I felt
able to provide students
that it pushed my research
with real time feedback
skills to the next level. This
throughout the entire project
wasn’t an average school
in addition to our face-to-face
project; it was one that I will
“I believe that this is an example
conversations and studentalways remember.”
of where students create a product
teacher conferencing points,”
Aida Hasanovic agreed.
based on the knowledge they
Sullivan said. Students were
“My favorite aspect of this
able to share information
acquire through in-depth research
project was that it felt like
effectively during the
versus regurgitating what they
we were actually doing
research and creative
have
gleaned
from
a
lecture
or
something that mattered,”
process. “It was interesting
Hasanovic said. “In the
text
book.
The
skills
they
learned
to see how students used
process of making the
OneNote to work through
will transfer to other academic
documentary I learned a
the accountability inherent
disciplines
here
at
Whitfield,
in
lot from the research, from
in collaboration,” DiGiulio
my partner and from my
college and beyond.”
said. “By sharing project
classmates. By watching
notebooks throughout the
- Maggie Sullivan
everyone else’s videos,
process, they were able
I learned a lot more about
to communicate more
the Civil Rights Movement
effectively about managing
than if I had just read from
their workload, changing
a text book. The project was a challenge and yes, it was
direction when needed, and meeting goals.”
very time consuming and frustrating at times, but when
The project challenged students as researchers, creative
it was all finished I learned a lot and was very proud of the
thinkers and storytellers. They were required to find and
final product.”
cite a mix of print and digital resources, including books,
Once the documentaries were completed, each class
academic articles, and primary sources for background
viewed the films and judged them in the following
research and the images, videos, and music for use in
categories: depth of historical research, technical quality
their documentary. They also interviewed experts in the
St. Louis area from local colleges and universities as well
CREATIVE COLLABORATION cont. on p. 5
Videos may be viewed online at www.whitfieldschool.org/cf_media/index.cfm?cat=65.
Make your video selection with the upper left drop down menu.
5
I n The study of
Seniors Focus on Solutions for St. Louis
novel Thinking for analyzing a Novel
hitfield seniors engaged in a
for students versus allowing them to
second semester interdiscijust conduct their research online,”
plinary assignment in their English
Knechel said. “Research feels so much
and social studies classes called
more connected to the world when
The Solutions Project. Working
it is a face to face conversation with
individually or in teams over the
someone who is confronted every
course of 10 weeks, students
day by the issue the students are
identified and explored issues that
researching. The interview process
affect the quality of life in the
helped the students become more
St. Louis metropolitan community. invested in the project.”
Topics included adolescent mental
For Maddie Scott, conducting the
health awareness, vacant buildings
Sam Pepose and Hana Crandall
off-campus interviews gave the
in the City of St. Louis, the heroin
project
a more “real world” feel.
epidemic, emergency and transitional
“The
process
of
going
out
into
the community to do the
housing and English language acquisition for immigrants.
interviews
gave
me
a
feeling
of
what it will be like outside
After completing their research, students developed grant
of
school
when
I’m
in
the
‘real
world’
talking with people
proposals and competed for one of five hypothetical
in a business environment,” said Scott. “I put a lot of
grants from The Solutions Foundation.
time and effort into meeting with people as part of my
This is the fourth year for The Solutions Project. It was
research and that really helped me develop my project.”
created by Larry Hays, 12th grade English teacher, and
Elizabeth Darrell also valued the interview process.
Fran Knechel, 12th grade social studies teacher. Essential
“One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was
skills addressed by the project include critical thinking,
connecting with people out in the community,” Darrell
character development, collaborative problem-solving,
said. “My group’s topic was school equity and as part
creativity and professional communication. of our research, we visited Cleveland High School and
“The Solutions Project is
attended a town hall meeting
an exercise in globalism,
for the school’s stakeholders.
Project Grant Recipients
collaboration and innovation
The topic of the meeting
that requires students to
was the potential closure of
Vacant Buildings in
$21,700,000 the City of St. Louis
look at their own community
their school – that was a very
through an entirely different
powerful experience.”
Sarah Whelan
lens as problem-solvers,” said
While students were required
Hays. “There is also a very real
Supporting Students
to reach several key deadlines
$7,025,890
undercurrent of service and
in STL Public Schools
during the 10 weeks, they
character to this project,” he
Kiri Maasen
were granted a great deal
explained. “Students learn how
of independence and
they can use academic skills to
Emergency And
$4,374,763
responsibility. “The type of
Transitional Housing
benefit people in the broader
work that we were given the
world. This isn’t merely
Emma Holtzman, Matt Williams and Chris Wilkes
opportunity to do through The
hypothetical; our students are
Solutions Project, specifically
doing real research and probEnglish Language
$1,607,821
the interviews, is an experience
Acquisition
for
Immigrants
lem-solving about important
that I don’t think exists in other
issues in their community.”
Hana Crandall and Sam Pepose
area high schools,” said Kiri
As part of the research
Maasen. “There was a great
Student Awareness
$12,905
process, students spent a
deal of self-accountability
of Mental Illness
considerable amount of time
required with this project and
Erin Cizek, Alan Eidelman and Nicolette Taber
interviewing and interacting
learning to communicate with
with community and business
and meet the experts in the
leaders. In the past few years the list includes Paul
community, as well as learning to budget my own time,
McKee of McEagle Properties, St. Louis Mayor Francis
was extremely valuable.” Students were also free to
Slay, Charles Brennan of KMOX, St. Louis Chief of Police
construct their solutions without the constraint of target
Colonel Sam Dotson, and Superintendent of Schools
budget. “Because there wasn’t a dollar cap imposed,
for the St. Louis Public School District Dr. Kelvin Adams
students had the freedom to consider the issues in a much
to name just a few. “One of the ways the project has
Senior Solutions cont. on p. 7
evolved is the addition of interviews as an expectation
tudents in Laura Lotz’s English 11 class experienced a
select a plot line or main character’s experience to be their
new type of literary analysis by using a tool called the
focus. Students were required to create, using technology,
Literary Rube Goldberg. Developed three years ago by
a two-dimensional Rube Goldberg and develop a ten
Lotz with physics teacher Andrew Asikainen, the Literary
to fifteen minute presentation explaining their group’s
Rube Goldberg gave students the opportunity to apply
rationale of decision-making, choice of simple machines
what they learned during the second quarter of physics
and analysis of the novel’s plot development in relation to
to Richard Wright’s novel “Native Son.” The project is
the theme of the novel. A list of software programs was
designed to help students better
provided and students were given the
connect with the story. “I’ve included
freedom to make their selection based
Michael Alverson
‘Native Son’ in my curriculum for the
on what program would work best to
past 11 years and I wanted to find a
create the visual for their project. After
different way for students to connect
trying several programs from the list,
with the story – specifically with the
Lexi Hubbard continued to explore
1930’s time-frame and the racial strife
other software options before choosing
and hatred of that time period,” Lotz
the program Algodoo Physics. “I
explained. “They are so removed from
selected Algodoo Physics because it
that experience and, at times, struggle
allowed me to change the mass and
to understand the force behind
density and adjust the level of gravity –
Wright’s words.”
just like with an actual Rube Goldberg
machine,” Hubbard explained. “For
Using the vocabulary of the Rube
me, this project was about problemGoldberg project, Lotz developed
solving, something I really enjoy.”
“We all get to
parallel definitions applicable to literary
analysis. For example input force/work
A significant part of the process
conclusions in different
equates to historical context; output
involved students brainstorming
ways and it was exciting
force/work equates to the theme of
on how the vocabulary of physics
the novel and/or revelations on the
and the Rube Goldberg project’s
to see how my students
part of characters; and 1st class lever
simple machines translates to literary
were able to analyze the
equates to an event or act that changes
analysis. “This was a very abstract
novel differently.”
the direction of a character’s acts/life
and challenging task that I asked them
with some type of lasting effect. “I
to undertake – the most difficult this
- Laura Lotz
have always been interested in crossyear,” Lotz said. “At first, they were a
curricular work and partnering with
bit resistant, but once they started the
colleagues in a department that may
brainstorming process and realized
not be perceived as a ‘natural’ fit with English, such as
this wasn’t an impossible task, they began to see the
is social studies,” Lotz said. “I have judged the Rube
logical connections.” According to Lotz, this project
Goldberg projects in Andrew Asikainen’s class and
pushes the students to a point in their literary analysis
thought it would be great to incorporate the scientific
that they would not have otherwise reached in traditional
thinking and analytical process used by his students
discussions. “Analyzing and deconstructing literature
during that project into my curriculum.”
using a more scientific method feels more natural to
some students than using the more typically free-flowing
Working in groups of two or three, students created a
literary approach,” Lotz said. “We all get to conclusions in
“Rube Goldberg” of simple machines that represented
different ways and it was exciting to see how my students
group-identified theme development. Each group had to
were able to analyze the novel differently.”
W
6
I n The study of
S
Senior Solutions cont. from p. 6
deeper fashion and to be more innovative in developing
their solutions,” Hays said. “For many students, this
project completely deconstructed what they thought they
knew about a particular topic.”
The recipients of the Solutions Foundation project grants
for the 2013-2014 fiscal year are listed on the preceding
page. The winners were chosen based on a combination
of numerical scores, audience response, Solutions
Foundation board member feedback and such qualities as
innovation, efficiency and applicability.
To visit The Solutions Foundation website:
http://warriorweb.whitfieldschool.org/haysl/
SolutionsSite/SolutionsFoundationHome.html
7
I n the life of
I n the life of
Whitfield Goes To Washington
Service¯Learning trips of a Lifetime
group of 18 Whitfield students and four faculty
chaperones travelled to Washington, D.C. on
March 17-21, 2013. The purpose of the trip was
two-fold; to give students the opportunity to visit several
college campuses and to experience a wide range of
museums, monuments and national memorials that
connect with Whitfield’s history curriculum.
wo groups of Whitfield high school students
spent the first week of this year’s Spring Break
engaged in service-learning trips; one to
Poland and one to Costa Rica. Both trips included
meaningful service work and incredible
cultural experiences.
A
This was the second consecutive
year for a Whitfield-sponsored trip to
Warsaw, Poland. The trips correlate with
an ongoing curricular exchange and
friendship developed by faculty member
and trip chaperone Mike Pomatto with
teachers and students at an elementary
school, Szkoła Podstawowa nr. 84. Before
leaving for Poland, Whitfield students
created lessons and activities for teaching
English language skills to the younger
students. The group also visited two high
schools and enjoyed social activities with
Polish students.
For the past several years, Whitfield’s College Counseling
office has lead student-visit trips to St. Louis area schools
including Washington University, Saint Louis University
and the University of Missouri, Columbia. Offering a trip
to Washington, D.C. was a unique opportunity according
to Cyndy Alverson, Whitfield’s director of college
counseling. “This was a wonderful learning experience
for students who are considering attending college in
a more urban setting,” Alverson explained. “We saw
four very different schools – American University, The
George Washington University, Georgetown University
and Howard University – and accessed their campuses
and other sites in the District via public transportation.
Learning what it is like to get around in a metropolitan
environment is important.”
The itinerary of visits to historical sites was developed
with the goal of enhancing the students’ American history
knowledge base. “This trip provided a broad-based
opportunity for us to augment our study of American
history and politics and tie in specifically to our study of
the U.S. Constitution, specifically the Executive, Judicial
and Legislative branches of government,” said Maggie
Sullivan, eleventh grade history teacher. “We also spent
a great deal of time this year
studying President Washington
and President Lincoln and the
Vietnam War so to see those
“One of my favorite experiences
monuments in person was
was the tour of the NBC studio.
impressive.” In addition, the
group visited a variety of other
I am considering a major in
sites including: the National
broadcast journalism and seeing
Museum of the American Indian,
what happens behind the scenes
National Museum of Natural
History, United States Holocaust
was very exciting for me!”
Museum, National Archives,
- Isabella Gross
Arlington National Cemetery,
and the National Museum of
American History.
The itinerary also included a tour
of the NBC News Washington Bureau lead by Whitfield
alumnus Andy Salsman ’99, a producer at the station, and
a dinner with 25 Whitfield alumni who live in the District.
Isabella Gross ’14 enjoyed the trip’s dual-purpose.
“I decided to go on the trip because I am very interested
in the colleges we were seeing and I just love Washington
8
T
D.C.,” said Gross. “One of
my favorite experiences was
the tour of the NBC studio.
I am considering a major in
broadcast journalism and
seeing what happens behind
the scenes was very exciting for
me! I also enjoyed seeing the
National Archives where the
U.S. Constitution is displayed
since we took the Constitution test earlier this year.”
Mike Shearburn ’14 agreed. “I really enjoy studying
American history so visiting Washington, D.C., a city of
such historical significance, was a great experience,” said
Shearburn. “It was also beneficial to visit schools with our
college counselors. They helped us identify what to look
for during the campus tours.”
conservation programs, and an ecoservice experience
at the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center.
At Proyecto Asis students cleaned animal cages, learned
about the center, prepared food
and cleaned an overgrown swamp
Poland Trip
located on the property. The second
experience focused on environmental
education and ecotourism. The
Whitfield group was assigned to work
in a school where their jobs included
painting and building a beautification
fence. In addition, Whitfield students
taught the English alphabet to fourth
graders and enjoyed recreational
activities with the students. The
itinerary also included visits to several
sites including the La Paz Waterfall, the
Arenal Volcano, a Pozo Azul canopy
tour, and a tour of San José.
The Whitfield group stayed with host
families during their time in Warsaw
which provided an authentic experience
of the culture. “Staying with a host family was the best
part about this year’s trip,” said Emilee Sherertz ’13. “They
helped us feel so welcome from the very first day. I could
have never imagined that I would develop such a close
relationship with my host family – I still
talk with my host sister every day!”
The itinerary also included visits to several
cultural and historic sites including:
Treblenka, the Uprising Museum, National
Art Museum, the Royal Castle in Old
Warsaw, Malbork Castle and Gda sk.
“We saw real examples of historical sites
that connect with Whitfield’s history
curriculum,” said Pomatto. “Several of
the sites tie in with my course’s study of
medieval times and other sites connect
with Audrey Lampe’s tenth grade world
history curriculum.”
Similar to the first Whitfield-sponsored trip
to in 2010, the focus of this year’s trip to
Costa Rica was to provide students with an
opportunity to experience a country and
a culture outside of the United States, as
well as participate in meaningful service
work for the host country.
Through their work at the Sarapiqui
Center, Whitfield students had many
opportunities to experience the culture
and interact with Costa Rican children.
“I went on this trip because I felt it would give me the
experience to learn and grow,” said Tony Colarelli ’14.
“I have traveled to different countries but Costa Rica is
the first country where I had the opportunity to truly
appreciate the different culture and
customs. I would highly recommend
this trip.”
Costa Rica Trip
The service component of the trip included two different
ecotourism experiences: working at Proyecto Asis, an
organization that supports local environmental and
The group experienced two homestays
during the trip and although the
host families did not speak English,
communication was never an issue
according to faculty member and
chaperone Michelle Librach. “Sixty
percent of the Whitfield students on
the trip study Spanish while the rest
study French,” said Librach. “We made
sure we had at least one of our strong
Spanish-speaking students in each of
the homes and even our students who
did not speak Spanish were resourceful
about finding ways to communicate
effectively. I was so impressed by how
comfortable and confident they were
in such a short period of time.”
Whitfield’s international service-learning trips are made
possible, in part, by a generous grant from Emerson, a
diversified global manufacturing company headquartered
in St. Louis, MO.
9
I n the life of
I n the life of
Congratulations Class of 2013!
W
hitfield School awarded diplomas to 56 students during the annual
commencement ceremony held on Thursday, May 30, 2013 in the
School’s Cady Athletic Center. Students received their diplomas from Head
of School John Delautre and their medallions from Board of Trustees Chair
Paul Diemer. The senior class address was given by Morissa Pepose ’13, class
president. The commencement address was given by Mischa Wright, Whitfield
mathematics department faculty member.
In recognition of their academic excellence, leadership skills and other talents,
this year’s graduating class has received $993,322 in honorary scholarships.
Senior Class President Morissa Pepose
gives the senior class address
Bria Robinson and Sam Pepose
Mischa Wright during her
commencement speech
Bridget Sarr
Will Hahn receives his diploma
Chris Wilkes, Matt Williams and Missy Williamson
Awards were presented to the following individuals
Chairman’s Award
Don Jubel*
Louis Lazarus Award Susan Simons
Mary Leyhe Burke Award
Mary Howe
Elizabeth Woods
Bradbury ’63 Outstanding
Alumni Award
Laura Pollnow Bryan ’97
* Don Jubel was unable to attend the commencement ceremony. He received his award from Whitfield Board Chair Paul Diemer and
Head of School John Delautre at a later date.
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Colleges and Universities 2013 Graduates will attend
Stephanie Anderson
University of Chicago
Sarah Ashmore
Boston College
Shelby Badami
Saint Louis University
Garrett Blackwell
Colorado College
Kai Braadbaart
Maryland Institute College
of Art
Casey Brown
Samara Jatala
University of Missouri,
Columbia
Luke Schmidt
Loyola University, Chicago
Maddie Scott
Tulane University
Sapna Sharma
Saint Louis University
Emilee Sherertz
University of Missouri ,
Columbia
Taylor Simons
Texas Christian University
Paris Smith
Savannah College of Art
and Design
Catie Stephenson
University of St. Andrews
Nicolette Taber
University of Michigan
Justin Thomas
Moberly ACC
Amin Karadaghy
Saint Louis University
Abby Kelly
Miami University, Oxford
Raequel Lankford
Howard University
Kiri Maasen
Washington University
Chapman University
Will Margulis
Miami University, Oxford
Julie Candau
United States Naval
Academy
Avery Maune
University of Miami
Jordan McGuiness
Maryville University
Nikki Carey
The Culinary Institute of
America
Camille
Montgomery
Xavier University of
Louisiana
Mikayla Mooney
Ball State University
Nick Tobias
Ohio Wesleyan University
Katherine Myers
Indiana University,
Bloomington
Alex Uskokovich
University of Colorado,
Boulder
Noemi Fiandra
Universidad de Alcalá de
Henares
Cody Washington
Bradley University
Isabelle Nelson
Rhodes College
Greg Westphal
Missouri University of
Science and Technology
Annalies Oertli
Southern Methodist
University
Sarah Whelan
Case Western Reserve
University
Chris Wilkes
North Carolina State
University
Erin Cizek
Northwestern University
Morgan Cook
Southern Methodist
University
Hana Crandall
Vanderbilt University
Elizabeth Darrell
Syracuse University
Gigi Droesch
University of California,
Los Angeles
Alan Eidelman
Butler University
Will Hahn
Duke University
Kishan Patel
Saint Louis University
Tommy Hellauer
University of Missouri,
Columbia
Max Pepose
New York University
Rhodes College
Morissa Pepose
Syracuse University
Matt Williams
Emma Holtzman
Indiana University,
Bloomington
Missouri University of
Science and Technology
Sam Pepose
Vanderbilt University
Missy Williamson
Texas Christian University
Will Hopkins
Bria Robinson
Ball State University
Alex Hummel
Maryville University
Bridget Sarr
Miami University, Oxford
Family
Day Fun!
O
ver 120 Whitfield
students, younger
siblings, alumni children and
friends celebrated Family
Day at Whitfield School on
Thursday, April 11, 2013. The sock hop theme
transported everyone back to our 1952
roots. Family Day offers younger members
of the Whitfield community a chance to visit
campus and connect with their currently
enrolled siblings and friends.
11
I n the life of
I n Spired
A Day of Distinction
Brian Schwarze, Martin and Janet Schwarze, Rickey Goodwin,
Julie (Schwarze) Linihan ’96, recipient of the Lola B. Goodwin
Building Community Award, and Principal Ruth Greathouse
Seniors Exhibit Artistry
T
he Senior Retrospective is Whitfield’s annual
exhibit that showcases both the best work and
the artistic evolution of graduating seniors in
the school’s visual arts program. This year, 26 seniors
participated in the show. The work will be on display from
the school’s front Emerson Lobby continuing down to the
Schmitter Gallery Balcony until August 2, 2013.
“This year’s seniors have put together another
outstanding body of work to display,” said Cara Foster,
fine arts department chair. “I see a lot of diversity and
personalization in their work. From a newspaper dress
to a ceramic vessel with teeth, viewers will be entertained
and challenged. The opening is a special night for the
artists and our community.”
Mary Schnitzler, recipient of the George A.
Newton Outstanding Teacher Award, Head
of School John Delautre and Ginger
Newton Jacobi ’73
Alex Uskokovich
Taylor Simons
Will Margulis
Emma Holtzman
Garrett
Blackwell
Kiri Maasen
Head of School John Delautre and
Mischa Wright, recipient of the Janet
Esrock Spirit of Whitfield Award
Faculty member Andrew Asikainen
and Sara Whelan ’13, recipient
of the Student Council Student
of the Year Award
Director of Athletics Bill Daues and
Stephanie Anderson ’13, recipient of
the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar
Athlete Award
Morgan Cook
Shelby Badami
Maddie Scott
Julie Candau
Luke Schmidt
Emilee Sheretz
Max Pepose
Faculty member Laura Lotz
and Morgan Leake ’17, recipient
of the Nancy Clukies Middle School
English Award
Assistant Principal Mike Quante and
Elizabeth Darrell ’13, recipient of the
Principal’s Service Award
Max Pepose ’13, inaugural recipient
of the Ruth E. Greathouse
Achievement in the Arts Award
and Principal Ruth Greathouse
Nikki Carey
Noemi Najarro
Isabelle Nelson
Katherine Myers
Thomas Hellauer
Gigi Droesch
Kai Braadbaart
Nicholas Tobias
Jordan McGuiness
Katie Harris ’14, recipient of the Head’s Leadership
Award, with her parents Cecilia and Wil Harris
Awards Day presenters Terry Baer ’73, Jane Piper Gleason ’70,
Ginger Newton Jacobi ’73 and Bill Cady ’73
Sarah Whelan
W
hitfield’s Awards Assembly was held Friday, May 17, 2013 in Woods Hall. This annual event is a celebration of the
school’s tradition of excellence in academics, athletics, the arts, community service and Whitfield spirit. This was
the inaugural year for the Ruth E. Greathouse Achievement in the Arts Award.
Paris Smith
Casey Brown
Samara Jatala
Congratulations to this year’s recipients!
12
13
I n Spired
I n Spired
Middle School Music Festival
W
hitfield band and choir
students performed at
the Middle School Music
Festival held on Saturday,
April 13, 2013 in Jefferson City,
Mo. Congratulations to
all the musicians on
their performances!
The following musicians received a “1” rating:
Choir Solos
Erica Berman ’18
Catalina Cuevas ’17
Jonathan Elkins ’17
Simon Gelber ’17
Trinity Hodges ’18
Jordan Johnson ’17
Grace Klutke ’17
Abigail Kurten ‘19
Morgan Leake ’17
Sara Mateos ’17
Jamie Masterson ’17
Lily Neary ’17
Alice Piper ’17
Kelly Yazdi ’19
Band quartet:
Jack Gienke ’17
Alex Lewis ’17
Jonas Mondschein ’17
Elena Sherertz ’17
Choir Solos:
Medha Murali ’19
Jessie Lebens ’17
The following musicians
received a “II Rating” (excellent):
Band Solos
Will Georges ’18
Jordan Jones ’17
Alice Piper ’17
Christian Smith ’19
Rachael Webb ’19
Logan Wesolowski ’19
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hitfield’s spring theater
production, “The
Drowsy Chaperone,” ran April
25-28, 2013. The story begins
when a theater devotee, The
Man In Chair, plays his favorite
musical comedy album on his
turntable and the musical, “The
Drowsy Chaperone,” bursts to
Company dazzles with a musical number
life in his living room. Set in the
Matt Coatney ’11
late 1920s, the musical tells the
as Man In Chair
hilarious tale of an audacious Broadway starlet who wants to give
up her career in show business to get married, her producer who sets out to sabotage the
nuptials, her chaperone, the groom, the Latin lover, aspiring actress and two gangsters who
double as pastry chefs.
Band Duets
Band Solos
Caroline Cizek ’17
Ella Daniels ’17
The following musicians received a “1+” rating:
Sleeper Hit rouses
& Delights Audience
Jonas Mondschein ’17
MJ Wheeler ’17
Band Duets
Sophia Chrysler ’18 and Ella Pomatto ’18
Jordan Harris ’18 and Makayla Perkins ’18
Griff Meyer ’17 and MJ Wheeler ’17
Caroline Cizek ’17 and Rachel Webb ’19
Caroline Cizek ’17 and Jordan Jones ‘17
Ella Daniels ’17 and Jordan Jones ’17
Alex Lewis ’17 and Elena Sherertz ’17
Lucas Marschke ’11
(front) & Jon Esrock ’11 as
Gangsters 1 &2
Band Trio
Sophia Chrysler ’18, Caroline Cizek ’17
and Ella Daniels ‘17
Connor Dakich ’11 as
Aldolpho and
Morissa Pepose ’13 as
The Drowsy Chaperone
Cast and Crew
Emily Esther ’14
2 rating
clarinet solo
Zach Godiner ’15
2 rating
marimba solo
High School Musicians
Hana Crandall ’13,
Emily Esther ’14,
Will Hopkins ’13
3 rating
saxophone trio
C
Katharine May ’16
2 rating
vocal solo
Morissa Pepose ’13
1 rating
vocal solo
Emma Severson ’16
2 rating
vocal solo
W
Cullen Mertens ’17 as Romulus
and Sara Mateos ’17 as Deme
14
hitfield’s middle school spring play, “Rumors of Polar Bears,” was
performed March 12-13, 2013. The play tells the story of a group of
teens who are dealing with the challenges of survival in a post-apocalyptic
world. In spite of their dismal circumstances, they discover ways to have fun as
teenagers. When an outbreak of sickness forces the group to leave their home
and relocate to “New San Francisco,” the group is faced with a choice: Do they
follow their leader Deme and chase after the rumored polar bears, or do they
stay put and do their best to survive?
Top Ratings for
ongratulations to the Whitfield vocal and
instrumental musicians who participated in the 62nd
annual Missouri State High School Activities Association
Solo and Ensemble Music Festival held April 25-27, 2013
in Columbia, Mo.
Choir
Teens endure after Catastrophe
Band
Cast and Crew
15
I n step with
State Champs
I n step with
16
cacciatore nets Hall of Fame
J
eff Cacciatore, Whitfield faculty member
and head girls soccer coach, will be inducted
into the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame on
Thursday, October 17, 2013. Coach Cacciatore,
now in his 23rd year at Whitfield, is being
acknowledged for his successful playing career
and contributions to the St. Louis
soccer coaching community.
Wrestling
W
hitfield’s varsity wrestling team successfully defended
their team title and brought home the Class 1
MSHSAA State Championship on February 16, 2013. The
Warriors have won four of the last six Class 1 titles.
Dance
W
hitfield’s varsity dance team
won the Class 1 Missouri Dance
Team State Championship on Saturday,
February 23, 2013 at The Family Arena in
St. Charles, Mo. The team received first
place honors in both the Kick and Mix
categories. Seniors Hana Crandall and
Elizabeth Darrell served as team captains
this year.
This is the fifth state title for Whitfield’s
dance program (2008, 2009, 2011,
2012). According to Head Coach
Leah Fiske dedication, discipline
and commitment are the keys to the
Warriors’ continued success. “The varsity
dance season is seven months long and
during competition season, the dancers
practice six days per week including a
three-hour rehearsal every weekend,”
Fiske said. “They are very self-motivated
and committed to the program.”
Chris Wilkes ’13 and Rodney Hahn ’14 earned individual state
championships. Whitfield also received a third-place finish
from Will Hahn ’13, fourth-place finishes from Connor
Broyles ’16 and Derrick Swaney ’14, and fifth-place finishes
from Kurtis Hahn ’16 and Andrew McLaughlin ’14.
Cacciatore played collegiate soccer at Southern
Illinois University Edwardsville where he was a
member of the Cougar’s 1979 NCAA Division I
national championship team. He was inducted into the
SIUE Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. After graduating from
SIUE, Cacciatore played one season for the Ft. Lauderdale
Strikers and reached the North American Soccer League
(NASL) championship match in 1980. Cacciatore returned
to St. Louis and played the next six seasons with the
St. Louis Steamers. During his Steamers’ career, the
team advanced twice to the Major Indoor Soccer League
(MISL) championship match and Cacciatore was named
Missouri Wrestling Association Awards
Class 1 Coach of the Year - Charlie Sherertz
Class , District 1 Coach of the Year - Charlie Sherertz
Class 1, District 1 Assistant Coach of the Year - Ray Harris
Class 1, District 1 Wrestler of the Year - Chris Wilkes ’13
during competition season,
the dancers practice six
days per week including
a three-hour rehearsal
every weekend. They are
very self-motivated and
committed to the program.”
- Leah Fiske
head coach
“It is an honor to be chosen into the
St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame,” said Cacciatore. “I always
approached playing soccer as an opportunity to prove
to myself and others that I could compete and excel, but
I could not have done so without my teammates and
coaches, so I share this award with them. I want to thank
the selection committee, as well as Whitfield School, for
their recognition and the support that they have given to
me throughout my teaching and coaching career.”
Between the pipes
I
n three years as the starting goalie for Whitfield’s
ice hockey team, Alan Eidelman ’13 compiled an
impressive stat sheet. Highlights include: played and
started in all 81 games; 2,375 saves/best in Whitfield
history, 87.9% save percentage/best in Whitfield history,
36-39-6 record. After playing his freshman season for
Pattonville, a suggestion made by his Whitfield coach
to give him more playing time, Eidelman joined the
Warriors for his sophomore year focused to improve and
develop as a player and leader.
Academic All-State Team
Kurtis Hahn ’16
Rodney Hahn ’14
Will Hahn ’13
St. Louis Wrestling Officials
Association Awards
Class 1 Wrestling Team of the Year:
Whitfield School
Class 1 Junior of the Year: Rodney Hahn ’16
is seven months long and
Cacciatore has been the head coach of
Whitfield’s girls soccer program since its
inception in 1997. Under his leadership, the
Warriors have won a district championship
(2009) and several MWAA division titles.
Post Season Awards
Class 1 Freshman of the Year: Connor Broyles ’16
“The varsity dance season
team MVP for the 1982-83 season. Cacciatore
won the Over-30 National Championship with
SoccerHaus in 1993 and again in 1995 with
Kutis when he was named MVP of the finals.
Class 1 Most Improved Wrestler:
Derrick Swaney ’14
President’s Award of Excellence: Chris Wilkes ’13
Ryan Griffin Memorial Scholarship
Award Recipient: Chris Wilkes ’13
Alan Eidelman Career Stats
All-St. Louis Team (one team, all classes)
Derrick Swaney ’14 (132 lbs.)
Chris Wilkes ’13 (138 lbs)
Rodney Hahn ’14 (152 lbs.)
3 seasons Whitfield/
1 season Pattonville
1st in saves during total four
year period in STL area
106 games GP/GS
St. Louis Post-Dispatch All-Metro Team
Rodney Hahn ’14 - first team
Will Hahn ’13 - second team
Chris Wilkes ’13 - first team
50-47-8 record
1st in saves
all-time in STL area
2,932 saves
(1st in Whitfield history)
88.2% save percentage,
3.88 goals against average,
5 shutouts
His Whitfield ice hockey career highlight occurred
during his junior year when the Warriors, the seventh
seed, won the Wickenheiser Cup with a heart-stopping
6-5 shootout victory over Lutheran South on March 7,
2012. Eidelman stopped all three attempts during the
shootout. “I was so excited after we advanced to the
championship game – that was my goal that season,”
Eidelman said. “The game was unreal, first going to
overtime then to the shootout. I had played probably
over 1,000 games, and in goal for almost 600, since
I started playing hockey at age six and had never been
in a shootout in a live game situation before –
it was amazing!” Eidelman was also in goal when
the Warriors won the Founder’s Cup in 2011. This
season, the Warriors lost in the semifinal round of
the Founder’s Cup.
In the fall, Eidelman will attend Butler University where
he plans to play club hockey.
17
I n support
I n step with
Lebens Earns National Rowing Championship
C
harlie Lebens ’14 earned a national championship with
the St. Louis Rowing Club (SLRC) at the USRowing
Youth National Championships held June 7-9, 2013 in Oak
Ridge, Tenn. Lebens and his Men’s Youth 4+ teammates won
the gold medal with a time of 6 minutes 43 seconds.
Gift from Parents’ Council Supports
Faculty Development
“In a world that is evolving
at a lightning pace, it is
The USRowing Youth National Championships, a 2000 meter
sprint race held three days, drew competitors from 119
cities and 30 states. Charlie Lebens (center) with his teammates
hitfield senior Justin Thomas surpassed the 1,000 career point
scoring milestone this season. Thomas finished his Whitfield
basketball career with a total of 1,081 points and was presented with
a commemorative basketball at the school’s Morning Assembly on
February 25, 2013.
“Justin has developed into one of the area’s best scoring wings
averaging 20 points per game,” said Head Coach Mike Potsou. “It is a
credit to his love of the game, the dedication and time he has put into
developing his skills as a 6’5 wing. His willingness to listen and trust
in his coaches is further proof of Justin’s development as a player. He
is a special player, a fun loving person, and a great teammate. I am
so proud of how far he has come since his freshman year and how
he will forever be remembered as one of Whitfield basketball’s top
players in school history.”
Stephanie
Anderson ’13
will enroll at The
University of Chicago
in the fall of 2013
and play basketball
for the Division III
Maroons. Stephanie
and her family
participated in
a recognition
ceremony held
at Whitfield
School on
April 16, 2013.
with ongoing professional
development opportunities.
Those experiences will have
2012-2013 Parents’ Council President Susan Simons,
Head of School John Delautre and 2013-2014
Parents’ Council President Linda Steinberg
a direct positive impact on
E
arlier this spring, Whitfield School’s Parents’ Council made
a generous $20,000 donation to the school in support of
professional development. Whitfield Parents’ Council President
Susan Simons and President-Elect Linda Steinberg presented
the check during a faculty and staff meeting and thanked the
group for all they do each day to deliver an exceptional learning
experience for Whitfield students.
W
18
we provide our faculty
The SLRC Men’s Youth 4+ (with coxswain) Team
includes: BJ Francis ’13 (Ladue), Charlie Lebens (Whitfield),
Tom Kendrick ’13 (Ladue), Jimmy Francis ’14 (Ladue) and
coxswain Andrew Grant ’15 (Parkway Central).
Justin Thomas Reaches Scoring Milestone
Pictured with Stephanie Anderson are
Whitfield Girls Basketball Head Coach Harold
Barker (seated), Director of Athletics Bill
Daues and Head of School John Delautre.
of vital importance that
Throughout its history, Whitfield’s Parents’ Council has raised
funds through various efforts in order to support important needs
of the school. This dedicated group of volunteers understands the
vital role parent serve to ensure the success of our school.
the level of engagement
and creativity in our
classrooms. We cultivate
our students to be life-long
learners; we must do the
same with our faculty.”
- John Delautre
Head Coach Mike Potsou and Justin Thomas
Julie Candau ’13
earned two medals
at the MSHSAA
Track and Field State
Championships held
May 17-18, 2013 in
Jefferson City, MO.
She finished in
fifth place in
the 3,200m
(11:57.1) and
seventh
place in the
1,600m
(5:26.9).
Make a Gift That Will Last
for Years to Come
W
hen you plan a gift
to Whitfield School
through your estate, you
contribute to Whitfield’s
future and make a
long-term impact on the
success of our students.
You have various options
in making a gift that can
provide tax benefits
for you, whether you
support us now or
benefit us after your
lifetime.
Individuals and/or families who make provisions for
Whitfield School in their estate plans or through a life
income gift become part of The Barnes and Cole Society,
named after the school’s founders, John Barnes and Allen
Cole. As a member of this society, you will be extended
lifetime benefits, including an annual invitation to a
private reception hosted by the Head of School.
If you, or your professional advisors have any questions
about Whitfield’s planned giving program, contact
Kelly Edwards at 314-415-1254 or kelly.edwards@
whitfieldschool.org or visit the planned giving page of
Whitfield’s website in the “Support Us” section for various
options available to you.
19
I n support
I n support
Classroom Named to Honor Laura Lotz ’95
“It is neither surprising nor
coincidental that all of our
children have a deep-seated
love of writing. They have
all experienced Laura Lotz’s
marvelous personal and
professional virtues. From the
time we handed David over
to her and encouraged her
to push him to his max, we
The Pepose siblings (David ’04, Sam ’13, Morissa ’13,
Max ’13) and Laura Lotz
have seen all of our children
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hitfield is pleased to announce the permanent naming of an
academic classroom in honor of Whitfield alumna, teacher
and English Department Chair, Laura Lotz ’95. This special honor was
made possible due to a generous gift to the school’s endowment
from Drs. Jay Pepose and Susan Feigenbaum.
Jay and Susan’s four children, David ’04, Max ’13, Morissa ’13 and
Sam ’13 are Whitfield graduates who were all taught by Ms. Lotz.
Their collective appreciation and admiration for their teacher was
the catalyst behind this heartfelt gesture.
flourish in the area of creative
expression. Words cannot do
justice to Ms. Lotz’s lifelong
impact on our family.”
- Susan Feigenbaum,
Whitfield alumni parent
Mary L. Burke Merit Scholarship Program
A
s a result of a $100,000 gift by an anonymous
donor in the spring of 2012, Whitfield School
established the Mary L. Burke Merit Scholarship
Program which recognizes talented sixth and seventh
grade candidates whose families were new to Whitfield.
The program is named in honor of Mary L. Burke, PhD,
the passionate, energetic and dedicated visionary who
led Whitfield from 1984 until her retirement in 2004.
The recipients, known as Burke Scholars, are students
who have demonstrated academic excellence through
outstanding performance in a rigorous academic program,
with standardized test scores and grades reflective of
the student’s ability, including skills and determination
necessary for academic excellence at Whitfield. Recipients
must also be committed to their community and school
and show strength of character. A limited number of
$3,500 scholarships are offered and are renewable for
students’ middle school years (grades six through eight).
The scholarship is applied toward the student’s tuition.
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All students applying for grades six or seven who have
completed the admission process are considered for the
Mary L. Burke Merit Scholarship Program. Students who
apply for admission after the deadline will be considered
based on available funds.
Burke Merit Scholarships were awarded to six students for
the 2012-2013 school year. This inaugural class of scholars
included the following students: Erica Berman ’18,
Elizabeth Cohen ’18, John Dolan ’18, Will Georges ’18,
Katherine Hanrahan ’18 and Anna Platt ’18.
As of June 2013, two students have joined the
2013-2014 class of Burke Scholars: Ben Weas ’20
and Tatiana Escandon ’19.
For more information regarding Whitfield’s
Mary L. Burke Merit Scholarship program please
contact Lou Sabino, director of admission, at
314-415-1256 or lou.sabino@whitfieldschool.org.
Another Montage Auction Shines Bright!
A
t this year’s Montage,
held on Saturday,
May 4, 2013, nearly
300 guests were dazzled as
they arrived for a great party
and to support Whitfield
School! This year’s theme
was “Diamonds and Denim”
and was co-chaired by Anne
Cook (Morgan ’13,
Catherine ’15) and Marion
Oertli (Annalies ’13,
Claudia ’14). The theme
was embraced by everyone
in attendance which included
Whitfield parents, teachers,
alumni, alumni parents
and friends.
Paul & Sheri Diemer, Bryan & Anne Cook, Marion & Rick Oertli and Anne & John Delautre
Once again the Cady Athletic
Center was transformed and
featured a sparkling array of
silent auction items, including
The Kurtens: Nick, Terry, Ginger, Peter,
Tonya, Nancy and Bo ’88
jewelry, gift certificates to area
Harlan & Traci Hodges
restaurants and boutiques,
sports memorabilia and
designer clothing. Candi
Cherry ’92 (Sam ’19) led
the stellar silent auction
committee, and the items
were artfully arranged by
Donna Hibler (Aimee ’14).
Ginger Kurten (Lauren ’10,
Jimmy ’14), Stacy Carey
(Brock ’10, Nikki ’13) and
Candy Cady, Missy Hill, Judy Schmitter
Kim & Tom Chulick
Jessica Butler
and Colleen Gates
Amy Cordes (Emma ’15) and
their decorations committee
assured that all the guests were amazed as they entered
Sign-Up Parties, chaired by Kim Chulick (T.J. ’15) were a
into a glittering world of diamonds and denim.
big hit again this year, raising a combined total of nearly
An exciting addition to this year’s silent auction was the
use of BidPal devices. Guests were able to bid on the
entire selection of silent auction items from anywhere in
the room~ even while relaxing at their dinner table! At
the end of the evening, over $72,000 had been raised on
just over 300 silent auction items!
Following a delicious dinner catered by Butler’s Pantry,
guests enjoyed the live auction and auctioneer Tom
Prestigiacomo. Through the 24 items making up the
live auction, including Whitfield parking spots, amazing
wine packages, and stunning vacation homes, $103,000
was raised! But the Montage guests continued to show
their generosity and support to Whitfield by “Raising
Their Paddles” one more time which resulted in another
$31,600 in contributions!
$18,000! These parties are always a fun addition to
Montage, and take place throughout the year. And our
first ever on-line raffle brought in nearly $3,000!
Whitfield faculty member Jessica Butler, and her band
“The J.B.’s”, had Schmitter Gallery rocking once the
auction had concluded. Guests danced and listened to
music and enjoyed a festive end to a fabulous evening!
Thanks to the tremendous support of our parent
volunteers, underwriters, sponsors and attendees,
Montage “Diamonds & Denim” brought in over
$225,000-fulfilling more than 20% of Whitfield’s
million dollar Annual Fund goal! A brilliant finish
to a fantastic event!
21
I n support
I n touch
2012¯2013 Annual Fund
Supporting a tradition of excellent teaching
A
s the end of Whitfield’s fiscal year draws near, it
is clear that the school’s donors take great pride
in supporting
a “tradition of excellent
teaching”. Great
teaching is at the core
of Whitfield. To this
end, it is not surprising
that Whitfield’s
d giving envelope and return it to Whitfield School.
dedicated faculty
school.org/giving to make your gift online.
and staff were first
nt office at 314.434.5141 to give stocks or bonds.
to answer the call to
ey
Millennium Group
(314) 835-0895 support the school’s
Acct #: 788-00869
2012-2013 Annual
DTC #0235
Fed. Tax ID: 43-0911366
Fund campaign.
the Development Office at (314) 434-5141.
“Our faculty and staff
understand that gifts
St. Louis, Missouri 63141 • (314) 434-5141 • www.whitfieldschool.org
to the Annual Fund
are essential to the
day to day operations
of the school,” said Director of
Development, Kelly Edwards.
“These individuals see firsthand
how the generosity of our
donors impacts our programs,
facilities and the educational
experiences of our students.
Whitfield faculty and staff
are proud to say they are
contributing financially to help
advance the school’s mission.
They are also proud of hitting
100 percent participation in the
Annual Fund; a long-standing
tradition among this group.
In order for Whitfield to reach the $1 million annual
goal, the school depends on the generosity and loyalty
of current families,
2012 - 2013 ANNUAL FUND alumni, alumni
families, grandparents
and friends. These
constituents
demonstrated their
commitment to
Whitfield with gifts
totaling $498,356.
Each year, Whitfield
teams with a
committee of
individuals who
spread the word
about the vital need
Supporting a tradition
of excellent teaching.
for support of the
school’s Annual Fund.
Current parents, Andy
and Lisa Remack (Annie ’14),
Annual Fund Chairs
served as this year’s Annual
Our Annual Fund volunteers were an
Fund chairs. In their letter to
integral part of the appeal process this year,
our current parent community
reaching out to fellow grade level parents
the Remacks so eloquently
and grandparents encouraging them to make
stated that Whitfield provides
a commitment.
“an environment that upholds
respect for every individual, yet
Overall Lisa and Andy Remack
embraces community, while
6th gradeDebbie and Rick Maack
creating a sense of belonging.
Teachers and staff truly commit
7th gradeTraci and Harlan Hodges
to the success of every child
8th gradeKeshia and Alvin Harris
by supporting, appropriately
challenging, encouraging and
9th gradeLinda and Les Steinberg
creating a classroom that is
10th gradeMolly Shaffer and
dynamic and joyful.”
Paul Minorini
It is because of the time, talent
11th gradeGinger and Terry Kurten
and generosity of so many that
12th gradeJulie and Tom Nelson
Whitfield continues to provide
its students with a Tradition of
Grandparent Nancy and Nick Kurten
Excellent Teaching.
Following the lead of faculty
and staff, Whitfield’s Board
of Trustees also reached the
100 percent participation mark.
The 27 individuals serving
on the Board this past year
contributed a combined total
of $174,492 therefore funding nearly 17% of Whitfield’s
charitable needs for the year.
9/4/12 10:52 AM
On behalf of our entire school
community, thank you for your amazing continued
support of Whitfield’s Annual Fund.
Annual Fund Giving Total (as of 6/20/13):
22
$995,467
Alumni Notes
To submit information, please e-mail alumni@whitfieldschool.org, visit www.whitfieldschool.org
or mail to Alumni Notes/Insights: Whitfield School • 175 South Mason Road • St. Louis, MO 63141
1990s
Matt Sokolich ’96 recently joined
Enterprise Bank & Trust as a business banking
specialist. Matt seeks opportunities to
provide banking solutions for privately held
businesses with annual revenues ranging
from $1M-$12M. Matt and his wife Rachel
have two beautiful children, Henri, 6 and
Harper, 4, and are expecting their third child
in August.
Elissa Cady Arnold ’97 and her husband
Ben welcomed a baby girl, Bea Arnold to the
world March 4, 2013.
Tanya Schmitter Mayer ’99 and husband
JR welcomed their second child, Grant Mayer,
April 29, 2013. Tanya and the baby are doing
well despite Grant’s very early arrival.
2000s
Chris Cady ‘00 is a
helicopter pilot with
Helicopters, Inc., a
company that
contracts with TV
stations across the
United States to provide traffic and late
breaking news coverage. Chris pilots the
KMOV-Channel 4 helicopter during morning
and evening drive times.
Rob and Janet
Ledford Moyle ’02
welcomed their second
child, Brayden, April 21,
2013. The couple lives in
Dallas, Texas where Rob
is the president and
managing partner for Commercial Tax
Group. Janet is staying at home with Brayden
and their little girl Katelyn who is 3 years old.
Jane Gelfand ’03 and
Kelly Nyikes ’03, who
began their 13-year
relationship in the halls of
Whitfield, were married May
26, 2013. After completing
their undergraduate
education at the University
of Wisconsin-Madison, the couple spent one
year in St. Louis before moving to Chicago
when Jane enrolled in medical school at the
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine.
They currently reside in the city of Chicago,
where Kelly works in the wine and spirits
industry and Jane is finishing medical school.
T
he parents
of the classes
of 2010 and 2011
each gathered
for get-togethers
this past spring,
proving that
friendships made
at Whitfield last long after graduation! Pictured here are the parents of the
Class of 2011 at their party. Alumni parents as you get together, please
forward any photos to Becky Marsh, Whitfield’s director of communications
and marketing, becky.marsh@whitfieldschool.org.
Melissa Howe ’08 has been living in
Chicago for the past year working on her
Certification of Fundraising Management
through the Lilly Family School of
Philantropy at Indiana University. She just
started an internship in the Donor Relations
Department at the Lincoln Park Zoo, where
she works with the rest of the development
team on events that help fundraise in an
effort to keep the Lincoln Park Zoo free to the
public, much like the St. Louis Zoo.
Save the date
Whitfield,
MICDS & JBS
Young Alumni
Networking Happy Hour
Wed., July 24
6:00 – 9:00pm
Double D’s Karaoke
in Brentwood
Lance Jubel ’08 recently
completed a six month
internship with Thom
Browne, a New York
City-based menswear and
womenswear brand.
Lance worked in the
corporate sales and
production departments selling new
merchandise to buyers at boutiques and
department stores worldwide. He also had
the opportunity to travel to Milan on a sales
campaign. Pictured: Lance Jubel (right)
with Thom Browne.
Kaitlin Behan ’10 and
Brittany Medler ’12
are both members of the
University Denver Dancers.
Kaitlin was recently elected
captain and Brittany was
elected to serve as a
team officer.
Alex Bluestone ’10 and
Jackie Nelson ’10, best
friends since their days at
Whitfield, attend
Washington University and
University of Missouri,
Columbia, respectively. This
summer they continued
their educational pursuits together in the
same study abroad program, DIS, in
Copenhagen, Denmark. Alex studied the
relationship between design and society in
Denmark and Jackie examined how culture
influences human behavior and how positive
psychology is being applied across Europe.
Blake Diemer ’10 is a rising senior at
the University of Southern California. This
summer he has an internship in the sports
division at Blitz, an advertising agency in
Santa Monica, California.
Congratulations to
Alex Rudd ’10 who was
named to the 2012-2013
All-Southern California
Intercollegiate Athletic
Conference (SCIAC)
First-Team. Rudd, a junior
guard on the University
of Redlands men’s basketball team,
averaged 14.0 points per game and
registered a conference-best shooting
mark of 54.2 percent from long range
against conference competition.
Would you like to help bring your class together for a reunion? Contact Casey Jolley at casey.jolley@whitfieldschool.org.
23
Non-profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
W h i t f i e l d S c hool
175 South Mason Road
St. Louis, Missouri 63141
St. Louis, MO
Permit No. 2295
Please Note: If your name has changed or if you have
a change of address, please contact Michelle Parsons,
314-415-1213, michelle.parsons@whitfieldschool.org.
St. Louis area
agencies served:
Almost Home
Beyond Housing
Actions
speak
louder
than
words.
Boys and Girls Club
of St. Louis
Whitfield In Action 2013
Over 220 students, parents, faculty and staff participated in Whitfield’s
third annual day of service, Whitfield In Action, on Saturday, April 20, 2013.
Participants volunteered at one of 12 St. Louis area agencies.
Dirks Fund
Father Dickson Cemetery
Forest Park Cleanup
with OWLS
Kingdom House
Life Skills Touchpoint Autism Services
Mary Culver Home
St. Louis Foodbank
Southside Early Childhood
Children’s Center
University City
Children’s Center
Thank you to everyone who participated! Next year’s Whitfield In Action will be held Saturday, April 5, 2014.