commencement 2008 - Shady Side Academy

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MAGAZINE
Special Parents’ Edition
COMMENCEMENT 2008
4
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear Shady
Side Academy
Parents:
As reflected in this
issue of the magazine, what another
wonderful year we
have had at Shady
Side Academy! One
only need look back
at this year’s past
issues of the magazine or look through this
current edition to be reminded of the value
and difference of the Shady Side Academy
experience and education. Thanks to our
longevity of excellence for 124 years, Shady
Side Academy has the benefit of a powerful
momentum propelling us, not only into our
125th anniversary year, but also deeper into
the opportunities of the 21st century.
My father, also an educator, in response to
my referring to one’s “coasting,” reminded
2 Shady Side Academy Magazine
me that “the only way one coasts for any
long period of time is down hill.” I have
never forgotten this as a school administrator and have tried always to seize the
opportunity of the momentum while realizing that to coast (on our laurels) for long
could be tragic to our ultimately being able
to achieve our mission. Keep on moving
forward; no time to coast (for long). “Keep
on keeping on.”
As we enter this benchmark year of our
founding, and as we celebrate the many
accomplishments of this past year, this new
125th year and the many years to come, I
am reminded of a couplet written by John
Florio in 1591:
“When you are an anvil, hold you still;
When you are a hammer; strike your fill.”
This provides an insight into a deep truth,
that in order to live our lives we need the two
balanced but related qualities of humility and
resolution; of patience in suffering and
strength in action. We are both object and
subject, both subservient to fate as well as its
master. There are some situations in which
we are unable to take action. Losses, bereavements, disappointments, diseases, wars,
depressions — these may strike humans or
institutions such as Shady Side at any hour
with immense force. In such circumstances
we can only brace ourselves against the
shocks. These are our anvil moments.
However, there are other situations in
which we have the power to act, and that is
when we need all of our firmness and singleness of purpose; a mission-driven response.
We must move wisely, move in a timely manner, and above all, be on task and target.
With these two qualities — patience and
strength — Shady Side Academy has
“endured all” for nearly 125 years. As you
read this issue of the magazine, certainly
enjoy the many evidences of student success
and the richness their experiences at the
In this issue…
14
2
4
14
20
22
26
28
President’s Message
Senior School Commencement
Middle School Closing Exercises
Junior School Moving-Up Day
Junior School Closing Exercises
Posner Awards
Sports Briefs
20
28
Academy. However, on the eve of this special anniversary year, please be especially
reflective of how the strength of our
longevity, the courage of our “anvil
moments” and the momentum of our 124
years combined with decades of timely
patience and strength have brought us to
the beginning of our 125th consecutive
school year. And because “coasting” is not
an option, we ask you to continue to walk
with us, imagine with us and be with us as
our future together unfolds in the many
promising meaningful years to come. “So
Stand Throughout the Years.”
22
On the front cover: Senior School students and faculty members meet following Commencement 2008.
Cover photo by: Regis N. Werling, Town and Country Studio
Editor: Jennifer Roupe
Associate Editors: Jamie Brush ’98 and Lauren Gilchrist ’03
Contributors: Jamie Brush ’98, Karen Fedusa, Lauren Gilchrist ’03, Robert Grandizio Jr. ’91, Rick Munroe ’84, Tom Southard
Photography: Jamie Brush ’98, Tron McConnell ’71, Dudley Parr, Jennifer Roupe, Regis N. Werling, Jack Wolf
Design Consultant: Peggy Warnock
Printed by: Herrmann Printing & Litho, Inc.
Sincerely,
If you are interested in becoming a contributor to the Shady Side Academy Magazine, please contact Jennifer Roupe at
jroupe@shadysideacademy.org for details.
Shady Side Academy Magazine is published by Shady Side Academy for its alumni, parents and friends of the school.
Letters and suggestions are welcomed and should be sent to Jennifer Roupe, Director of Communications, Shady Side
Academy, 423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238. Address corrections should be sent to the Alumni Office, Shady
Side Academy, 423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238.
Thomas N. Southard, President
Shady Side Academy
Junior School, 400 S. Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, 412-473-4400
Middle School, 500 Squaw Run Road East, Pittsburgh, PA 15238, 412-968-3100
Senior School, 423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238, 412-968-3000
www.shadysideacademy.org
Commencement Issue 2008 3
Shady Side Academy
officially launched the Class of 2008 on Friday, June 6,
2008. The 125 members of the senior class were honored by faculty, friends and family during the
traditional outdoor ceremony on the Senior Quad. Christine Rua ’08 delivered the senior speech,
reminding the class of who they have become during their four years at the Senior School and
charging the underformers and rising seniors not to be afraid to make a positive impact. Roger
Goodell, commissioner of the NFL, delivered the commencement address. A Posner Award for meritorious faculty service was presented to Frank McCarthy, Senior School mathematics teacher, and
several students from all forms were honored with commencement prizes.
Senior School
Commencement
4 Shady Side Academy Magazine
Lifers of the Class of 2008.
Academy President Thomas N. Southard, Commissioner of the NFL
Roger Goodell, Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney, Steelers President
and Current Parent Art Rooney II.
Nancy Blubaugh, recipient of the Ruth and F. Walter Jones Service
Prize, with Walter Jones, Faculty Emeritus.
Commencement Issue 2008 5
“Alfred Lord Tennyson once wrote, “I
am a part of all I have met,” in which
case, I could not ask for a better group of peers to grow and
learn from. Our class is composed of truly amazing individuals who are not only dedicated
to what they do, but dedicated to making an impact in the SSA community as well.”
— Christine Rua, Class of 2008
2008 Senior School Commencement Prize Winners
First Honor Student in Senior Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua Stuart Falk ’08
Second Honor Student in Senior Class. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessica Kay Chang ’08
Raymond F. Arnheim Memorial Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Elizabeth Bagamery ’08
The Alfred C. Dickey Memorial Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua Stuart Falk ’08
The Richard S. ’39 and Kenneth L. ’41 Simon Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Margaux Lorraine LeMaster ’08
The Princeton Alumni Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua Ko-Lun Lee ’09
Frankie Joseph Costa Jr. ’10
Haley Elizabeth DeJulio ’11
The John H. Cohen Family Improvement Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meredith Leigh Crimmins ’09
Karl Frederick Bruch IV ’10
Jatara J. McGee ’11
The Joseph Bole Hare Steffey Memorial Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Ann Dawson ’08
The Edward Ernest Ebbert Memorial Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hannah Ferrar Foster ’08
Trevor Randolph Scheid ’08
The Ruth and F. Walter Jones Service Prize. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Blubaugh
The All-Round Cup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelsey Marie Olander ’08
The Todd Drelles Memorial Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Elizabeth Wampler ’08
The Lowell Innes Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Ann Dawson ’08
The President’s Prize. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vijay Kedar ’08
Christine Rua, Class of 2008 Senior Speaker.
2008 College Choices The students and their college choices listed here are those for whom Shady
6 Shady Side Academy Magazine
Sophia Aivaliotis Drexel University
Ayse Baybars Harvard University
David Allen University of Dayton
Andrew Begg Playing Junior Hockey
BobbiLyn Anthony University of Pittsburgh
Robert Bennett Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Laura Bagamery Princeton University
Hannah Berkowitz George Washington University
Rachel Balog University of Pittsburgh
Seth Bernstein Wake Forest University
Kaitlin Bauer St. Mary’s College
Gregory Bidula John Carroll University
Head of Senior School Jeremy LaCasse, Commissioner of the
NFL Roger Goodell, Current Parent Laura Dawson and President
of Alumni Council J. Brendan McLaughlin ’86.
Seated from left: Diane Fisher, J.R. Fisher ’08 and John Fisher. Standing from
left: Richard Fisher ’52, George Fisher ’04, Barbara Fisher and Mike Fisher ’09.
From left: Ben Cohen ’08, Jessica Cohen ’05, Carl Cohen and Hillary Cohen.
Side Academy Magazine received permission to print.
Alexandra Bodnarchuk Ohio University
Katherine Byrnes Cornell University
Molly Cunningham Duquesne University
Kurt Brendel Princeton University
Jeffrey Caruso Skidmore College
Christine Currie Columbia University
Jeffrey Broad Furman University
Jessica Chang Stanford University
Jennifer Dawson Furman University
Marissa Brooks Syracuse University
Andrea Chavlovich Allegheny College
Vishal Desai Carnegie Mellon University
Brian Burnett Penn State University
Benjamin Cohen University of Pennsylvania
Kara DiBiase Miami University (Ohio)
Nomin Buuch University of Pittsburgh
Jacob Cohen University of Georgia
Joshua Diggs Emory University
Commencement Issue 2008 7
Commissioner of the NFL Roger Goodell
addresses the Class of 2008.
Seated from left: Linda Mates, Stacey Mates ’08 and Jeff Mates ’70.
Standing from left: Marcella Apter, Jenna Mates ’10 and Dorothy Mates.
Seated from left: Martha Banwell, Hannah Berkowitz ’08 and Dr. Daniel
Berkowitz. Standing from left: Ed Berkowitz and Barbara Berkowitz ’78.
2008
College
Choices
David Edwards Yale College
Seated from left: Mark Giallonardo ’79, Andrew Giallonardo ’08
and Susan Giallonardo ’78. Standing from left: Dr. David Hiles ’51,
Barbara Hiles, Lindsay Giallonardo, Dana Giallonardo ’06,
Nancy Giallonardo and Ron Giallonardo.
Michael Farrell Penn State University
Hannah Foster Princeton University
Jamie Egan Villanova University
Joshua Ferraccio University of Colorado at Boulder
Luke Franchuk Westminster College
Brendan Eisenbrandt Sewanee: University of the South
Paige Ferrise New York University
Andrew Giallonardo Westminster College
Stephen Epple Carnegie Mellon University
Chase Fisher St. Lawrence University
Jonathan Ginsberg Wesleyan University
Joshua Falk Stanford University
John R. Fisher Stanford University
David Gookin Bard College
Katie Falloon Yale University
Linda Flaherty Miami University/Ohio
Daniel Gordon Boston University
8 Shady Side Academy Magazine
“...once you think you know it all, you’re in trouble, and I would encourage all of you
to recognize that when you finish schooling and your academics you will learn more, every day, throughout
your life. And if you don’t, you’re making a mistake.” — Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the NFL
Seated from left: Drew Bauer ’75, Kate Bauer ’08 and Kathy Bauer.
Standing from left: Megan Rigos, Andy Bauer ’10 and Joan Horgan.
Seated from left: Kara Flaherty ’16, Shawn Flaherty ’78, Linda
Flaherty ’08 and Debbie Flaherty. Standing: Patrick Flaherty ’18.
From left: Laurie Singer, Drew Singer ’08 and Paul Singer.
Lauren Greco University of Miami/Florida
Lucas Herman Alfred University
Arlen Greenberg Amherst College
Natalie Herrington Allegheny College
Ryan Gurrentz University of Miami
Samuel Heuck Kenyon College
Brendan Hannon Lehigh University
Joan Hilton Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Emily Harmon Princeton University
Peter Hirsch University of Virginia
Carolyn Hepler-Smith University of Pittsburgh
Alexa Hunter University of Delaware
Commencement Issue 2008 9
“...when you get that opportunity to find what you want to do, strike
at it with passion and strike at it with a sense of determination, because
it’s a powerful force when you combine those two.” — Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the NFL
Seated from left: Nancy Byrnes, Kay C. Byrnes ’08 and Ed Byrnes ’59.
Standing: Madison Byrnes.
Seated from left: Mary Modoono, Elizabeth Modoono ’08 and Gerry Modoono.
Standing from left: Emily Modoono Sadler ’97 and Jesse Modoono ’99.
2008
College
Choices
Seated from left: Cindy Mino, Nicole Mino ’08 and Ralph Mino.
Standing from left: Katie Mino ’14, Rachel Mino and Mindy Mino ’04.
Remington Jackson College of Wooster
Neil Lax University of Pittsburgh
Stacey Mates University of Michigan
Evin Jethroe George Washington University
Margaux LeMaster Ithaca College
Kristen McKnight Penn State University: Schreyer Honors College
Benjamin Kander Emory University
Alexander Lemberg Wake Forest University
Owen McLean New York University
Vijay Kedar Harvard University
Tara Magge Duke University
John Menniti Carnegie Mellon University
Andrew Klein Bucknell University
Hina Mahmood Northwestern University
Rohan Menon George Washington University
Ross Lampl Valley Forge Military College
John Marous Emory University
Joanna Meyer Ithaca College
10 Shady Side Academy Magazine
Seated from left: Judy Hannon, Brendan Hannon ’08, Michael
Hannon ’74. Standing from left: Conor Hannon ’12, Mary Puckett,
Bob Puckett, Marguerite Hannon, Jack Hannon, Sean Hannon ’09
and Brian Hannon ’13.
Seated from left: Peter Hilton ’77, Joan Hilton ’08 and Tekla Hilton ’77.
Standing from left: Amy Hilton ’10 and Kurt Pankopf ’76.
Seated from left: Laura Dawson, Jenny Dawson ’08 and Bill Dawson.
Standing: Karen Dawson ’10.
Seated from left: John C. Marous Jr., Jack Marous ’08, John C. Marous III ’77.
Standing from left: Lucine Marous, Leslie Davis ’81, Maureen Lally-Green,
Maggie Marous, Andy Marous, Dan Marous ’14, Kelly Marous ’12, Molly
Marous ’10 and Carlie Marous ’07.
Diana Miller Washington and Jefferson College
Matthew Moran Wake Forest University
Alex Petraglia Rhodes College
Katharine Miller Allegheny College
Julie Nelson Culinary Institute of America
Charles Phillips Bucknell University
Vincent Miller Wesleyan University
Edwin Niederberger Allegheny College
Nia Phillips Wellesley College
Nicole Mino West Virginia University
Kelsey Olander Boston College
Alexandra Pitz New York University
Adriana Mistick University of San Francisco
Jayant Parepally Boston University Accelerated Medical Program
Gina Poerio Syracuse University
Elizabeth Modoono University of Delaware
Morgan Paul University of Pittsburgh
Helen Pratt University of Pittsburgh
Commencement Issue 2008 11
“I am strong, confident, and capable. I do not take my education for granted. And I am ready for new challenges. I am
raised me, the faculty who taught me, the coaches who challenged me, and the peers who influenced me, and to all these people I owe
fear of failure dominate me, and I am not afraid of change. I am blessed with great privilege, and I accept the responsibility that coincides.
graduate, and most importantly, I am a member of the graduating class of 2008.” — Christine Rua, Class of 2008
Seated from left: Paul Bodnarchuk, Alexandra Bodnarchuk ’08 and Leslie
Bodnarchuk. Standing from left: Marian Begala and Larisa Bodnarchuk ’10.
Seated from left: David Gookin ’73, Dave Gookin ’08 and Marcy Gookin.
Standing from left: Kate Gookin ’02 and Ann Gookin ’01.
2008
College
Choices
12 Shady Side Academy Magazine
Seated from left: Greta Rooney, Dan Rooney ’08 and Art Rooney II.
Standing from left: Meghan Rooney ’05, Mary Rooney ’10 and
Annie Rooney ’11.
Seated from left: Christine Farrell, Mike Farrell ’08 and
Michael Farrell. Standing from left: Jake Farrell ’13 and
Chris Farrell ’10.
Amar Rao Carnegie Mellon University
Julian Rudolph Rollins College
Varun Reddy Duke University
Anna Rued University of Richmond
Mark Reynolds Wake Forest University
Jayme Satterwhite University of Kentucky
Daniel Rooney Dartmouth College
Trevor Scheid Stanford University
Samantha Rossi Northeastern University
Daniel Shaffer US Military Academy at West Point
Christine Rua Davidson College
Gautam Sharma Stanford University
a product of the parents who
great thanks. I will not let my
I am a Shady Side Academy
Seated from left: Hilary Stroud, Glenn Sutula ’08 and Deirdre Sutula
’06. Standing from left: Ginny Maddux, John Sutula and Ma Yan.
Seated from left: Kate Begg, Andrew Begg ’08 and Richard Begg ’76.
Standing from left: Frank Begg, Chelsea Begg ’11 and Sue Begg.
Seated from left: Dr. Paul J. Burkhart II, Katie Miller ’08 and
Karin Miller. Standing from left: Jeff Miller, Sam Miller ’11 and
Eli Miller ’18.
Seated from left: Melinda Edwards, David Edwards ’08 and Jamie Edwards ’74.
Standing from left: Clara Jean Molyneaux, John Edwards ’03 and
Catherine Edwards ’07.
Dhiren Shetty George Washington University
Michael Sternberg Rochester Institute of Technology
Kenneth Toler Loyola University Chicago
Drew Singer Lafayette College
Lianne Sufrin Hofstra University
Emily Wampler Loyola University Chicago
Pamela Singh Washington and Jefferson College
Allyson Supowitz Northwestern University
Caroline Washburn Brown University
Kristen Slinkard Grove City College
Glenn Sutula Denison University
Andrew Weber New York University
Philip Soeder Washington and Jefferson College
Jaimie Szuhay University of Pittsburgh
Katie Williamson University of Gloucestershire (U.K.)
E. Thomas Sprague Bucknell University
Robert Tisherman Carnegie Mellon University
Commencement Issue 2008 13
Middle School Closing Exercises
were held
Thursday, June 5, 2008, at 11 a.m. in the McKnight Hockey Center. The 75
members of the Class of 2012 were officially promoted to the Senior School and
welcomed by Head of School Jeremy LaCasse. Fondly recalling memories of the
Middle School and looking forward to the Senior School, Form II President
Rashaad Phillips delivered remarks on behalf of his class.
Middle School
Closing Exercises
14 Shady Side Academy Magazine
The Form II Chorus provides a musical interlude for the audience.
The Middle School Band plays the Star-Spangled Banner.
Head of Junior School Cheryl Little, Middle School Assistant Head
and Director of Studies John Curry, Head of Middle School Amy
Nixon Mindlin, Academy President Thomas N. Southard and Head
of Senior School Jeremy LaCasse.
Middle School faculty member Paul Bodnarchuk with his wife, Leslie,
also a Middle School faculty member and winner of the Kenneth M. Vasko
Memorial Award.
Commencement Issue 2008 15
The Supowitz Family
2008 Middle School Graduation Prize Winners
Rashaad Phillips,
Form II class president,
speaks to his classmates.
The Phillips
Family
16 Shady Side Academy Magazine
Betty C. Labun Citizenship Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Claudia M. Mihm
Erwin W. Cole Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hibiki Sakai
Form I Improvement Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elizabeth C. Rocks
David McNaugher Marsh Memorial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Athena I. Petredis
E. Bruce Hill Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erin E. Gorse
David A. Mancosh Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Molly C. Magovern
Betsy Watkins Form II Improvement Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grant W. Zentgraf
Form II Art Award for Best Artist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter T. Kann
Alessandra C. Davy-Falconi
Form II Computer Literacy Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Athif I. Wulandana
Form II Ethics Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James A Grote
Willard E. Mead English Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alessandra C. Davy-Falconi
Ildra H. Eller Award (French) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christopher L. Leech
Form II Latin Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vivek U. Nimgaonkar
Form II Mathematics Achievement Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Algebra I – Adi A. Krupski
Geometry – Vivek U. Nimgaonkar
Charles P. Shriver Mathematics Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew M. Boyle
Form II Music Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chorus – Monica Srinivasa
String Ensemble – Oliver D. Ebeling-Koning & Joseph P. Anolik
Band – Naveen J. Menon
Jazz Band – Joshua M. Silver
Form II Science Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Max F. Kaplan
Form II Social Studies Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vivek U. Nimgaonkar
Form II Spanish Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua M. Silver
Speech Contest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6th Grade – Grant H. Newman
7th Grade – Antonio D. Satryan
8th Grade – Lindsay J. Cozen
6th Grade Academic Award Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel R. Marous
Blanche C. Wick Mathematics Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apoorva K. Annamraju
The Brown Family
The Gorse Family
The Hannon Family
The Leech Family
The Zentgraf Family
The Samad Family
The Levy Family
Commencement Issue 2008 17
Junior School Moving-Up Day
took
place on Tuesday, June 3, 2008. Tour guides, the Safety Patrol and library assistants were recognized for their hard work during the academic year, and book
prizes were presented by Junior School Head Cheryl Little to honor exemplary
achievements. Highlights of the event included the 2007-2008 slide retrospective
and the presentation of medallions by the current fifth grade to fourth grade students, followed by the Moving-Up Song.
Junior School
Moving-Up Day
18 Shady Side Academy Magazine
Fifth-grade students transfer their medallions to their fourth-grade
counterparts during the Medallion Ceremony.
Commencement Issue 2008 19
On Wednesday, June 4, 2008
, at 10 a.m., the
37 members of Shady Side Academy’s Class of 2015 were officially promoted
to the Middle School and presented with diplomas by Academy President
Thomas N. Southard, recognizing their achievements to date. In addition to the
formal program, fifth-grade students shared their favorite memories of the Junior
School, and parents were treated to musical interludes and a slideshow.
Observing Junior School tradition, Connor Jones ’15 passed the gavel to
Sarah Anania ’16.
Junior School
Closing Exercises
20 Shady Side Academy Magazine
The Curry Family
The Germinaro Family
The Colville and Dauer Family
Commencement Issue 2008 21
The Horne Family
The Thai Family
The passing and acceptance of the gavel.
22 Shady Side Academy Magazine
The Scherbarth Family
The Veneziano Family
The Martin Family
Commencement Issue 2008 23
Two Posner Awards
Presented During 2008 Commencement Week
o recognize faculty, an award lifting up the excellence of instruction from all who teach at
Shady Side Academy through the celebration of the accomplishments of one or two faculty each given year, there has been established, through endowed funds, The Posner Award
for Meritorious Faculty Performance at Shady Side Academy. With the utmost appreciation to
Henry ’37 and Helen Posner and the Posner family, the purpose of this Award is to recognize,
inspire and reward those faculty members at Shady Side Academy who, through their special
“gift of teaching” and mentoring, have made a significant impact in the learning, development
and lives of their students. This Award assumes quality teaching, but is also designed to celebrate all teachers through a faculty member who has had a uniquely beneficial and enduring
impact on the academic and personal lives of students. Nominations are submitted by students, parents, alumni and administrators of Shady Side Academy. Traditionally there are one
to two recipients each year from among our pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade faculty.
This year, there were two recipients of this award, which includes a cash stipend of $25,000.
T
Mr. Frank McCarthy
Senior School Mathematics
30 Years
For his love of mathematics, those whom he
teaches, the integrity with which he teaches
and the respect he commands from all, Frank
McCarthy, Senior School mathematics faculty
member, was presented with the 2007-2008
Posner Award for Meritorious Faculty
Performance at Shady Side Academy.
Attesting to his continued impact on their
life, one alumna shares: “As a young person,
the fact that he made math make sense for me
for the first time, that he gave me confidence,
was everything to me. As an adult, it is his
integrity, his complete commitment to teach24 Shady Side Academy Magazine
ing rigorously and without egotism, that I
admire and deeply respect.”
McCarthy’s students’ success in the classroom, as well as on the AP Calculus Exam, is
no surprise to those who are familiar with his
teaching. Says one parent, “His straight forward approach with students may be his key
to success. From the first day of classes, students are told what they need to do to achieve
certain results. Students know what is expected of them and how to achieve success. While
his character and methods are more than
admirable, it is his results which are exemplary. He has turned many a student having
had difficulty in mathematics earlier in their
schooling into ‘A students’ in his classroom.”
Dr. Mike O’Neil
Middle School Social Studies
32 Years
As a member of the Middle School faculty
for 32 years, Dr. Mike O’Neil has inspired
generations of students to understand the
impact historical events have had on shaping our world. His colleagues hold him in
the highest regard, and his students look
forward to beginning their days in his classroom. These are just a few reasons why Dr.
O’Neil was a recipient of the 2007-2008
Posner Award.
A parent shares that Dr. O’Neil has
encouraged her children to learn about
events that have taken place in the past as
well as to understand the impact these
events have had on shaping our country
and our lives. “My boys will routinely
quote things he has said in class or offer to
share interesting facts and stories he has
passed along. He has a real passion for
what he does and that is evident to anyone
who ever sits in his class.” A student shared
this about Dr. O’Neil: “(He is) the best
teacher for which a student can hope and
thus proving that it doesn’t matter the content of any course as much as it’s the teacher
who makes the difference in making a class
interesting and inspiring. Our opinions are
solicited, valued, challenged and must be
based upon fact and data. Dr. O’Neil
inspires all those in the classroom; we want
to do well, because we know the teacher
wants us to do well!”
“Thirty-two years ago this week I was
told by Mr. Mancosh [Dave Mancosh, the
Middle School head at that time] that I had
the job at the Middle School. I came home
wild with excitement. My wife, Mary, said
‘Mike will you be happy there?’ I said, ‘I’m
going to love this place.’ I loved it then and
I love it now.”
Sports BRIEFS
SPRING SEASON 2008
Phillips ’08 both qualified in their respective
events, while Jackson placed ninth overall.
Special thanks to team newcomers Dave
Allen ’08 and Mike Farrell ’08 and to Vivek
Sharma ’10, Sy Lampl ’10, Dan Gordon ’08,
Karl Bruch ’10, Michael Sternberg ’08,
Edwin Neiderberger ’08, Jake Bajada ’10,
Dhiren Shetty ’08 and Roman Sandoval ’09
for their contributions.
■
Girls’ Track and Field
By Kelsey Olander ’08
■
Girls’ Crew
By Lauren Laufe ’10
This spring, for the first time, Shady Side
Academy offered girls’ crew as a varsity
sport. Initially started as a club this past
winter, parents donated four rowing
machines/ergs for the girls to train on over
the winter months. SSA then joined forces
with the Steel City Rowing Club, which
provided the team with not only boats of all
sizes, but coaches as well. The team launches from a dock in Verona, Pa. and rows on
the Allegheny River five days a week after
school. This spring season, the SSA girls
competed in the Cooper Cup in New Jersey,
the Midwest Scholastic Rowing Championships in Cincinnati, Ohio, and also in
two scrimmages in Pittsburgh, rowing in
boats ranging from doubles to quads and
even an eight-person boat. These 10 girls
have been learning to sweep row and to
scull as well. Look for us on the water!
■
Boys’ Track and Field
By Remington Jackson ’08
Unfortunately, the 2008 season began without a track due to the football field renovations. However, this year’s captains,
Remington Jackson ’08 and Rob Tisherman
’08, were still able to motivate the team. The
season started with wins over Springdale
and Ford City and close losses to Deer Lakes
and Kittanning. The low point of the season
occurred with losses to Riverview, Freeport
and Mars. Luckily, the team’s performance
and attitude both changed for the better
along with the weather. After very close
competition with Valley and Apollo Ridge,
the team was ready for the Mars and PineRichland Invitational. All members who
attended performed well in their own heats,
and some performed exceptionally well in
the invitational. With the runners in full
stride, they were more than ready for
WPIAL qualifiers. Tisherman and Charlie
This past spring, the girls’ track and field
team finished the season with a winning
record of 7-2. In the field, Raediah Lyles
’09, Marissa Brooks ’08 and Sara
Mangold ’09 took control of the shot put,
discus and javelin events. Lyles made it to
the WPIAL finals, where she placed seventh in the shot put, two places away
from advancing to the state championships, and also breaking the school
record. In the high jump, Kay C. Byrnes
’08, Alexandra Bodnarchuk ’08 and
Kelsey Olander ’08 qualified for WPIALs
but didn’t get to the final round. Taylor
Glenn ’09 competed in the long jump.
Tory Bruuch ’10 and Katrina Jueng ’10
made it to WPIAL finals in the mile and
two-mile races. Jueng placed third in both
events and advanced to the state meet at
Shippensburg. Glenn placed fifth at the
WPIAL finals in the 400 meters and
moved on to states, where she placed
ninth overall. The 4x4 relay placed third
at the WPIAL finals, crushing the school
record by six seconds, and ran at states,
where they broke the school record again.
The girls’ track and field team had an
incredible season overall, and they’re only
going to get better. Nice work, ladies!
■
Girls’ Lacrosse
By Caroline Washburn ’08
This year, the Shady Side girls’ lacrosse team
welcomed a new coaching staff, including
head coach Alison Francis and assistant
coach Harry Dadts. Easing into the new season, the girls struggled to maximize their
skills on the playing field in the first few
games. However, during the away game
against backyard rival Fox Chapel, the team
showcased skill and heart in a close loss to
the undefeated team. From then on, the
team played with great confidence to finish
the season with a record of 5-8.
Commencement Issue 2008 25
and outfielders Ben Kander ’08 and Sean
Hannon ’09 earned all-section honors. The
future is bright as next year’s team will boast
10 seniors, including captains Giel, Hannon,
first baseman Zach Jones ’09 and several
very capable underclassmen.
■
■
Boys’ Lacrosse
By Seth Bernstein ’08
The 2008 Shady Side Academy boys’
lacrosse team lived up to the surrounding
hype this season. Led by senior captains
Seth Bernstein ’08, Jeff Caruso ’08, Brendan
Eisenbrandt ’08 and Chase Fisher ’08, the
team battled through an incredibly tight D1
North Division as well as a difficult
MSLCA schedule. The Western PA results
fell short of expectations; however,
Midwest play matched Shady Side history.
In the MSLCA tournament, Shady Side
placed into the B bracket for only the third
time in school history. The team ended its
season with an 11-8 overall record.
■
Softball
Despite losing every game this season (015), the girls’ softball team showed its mettle in the final game of the season by playing hard and losing by only a small margin.
Coach Frank McCarthy spoke the truth
when he said that the spirit of the team was
more important than its record.
■
were one of the strongest teams there.
Rounding out the starting lineup were Ben
Cohen ’11 and Justin Hunt ’11. The other
varsity players included Michael Anthony
’10, Craig Pentrack ’09, Asher Saperstein
’10, Nandeesh Prasad ’10 and Sam Miller
’11. This season showed the dedication of
the players as well as their continued commitment and leadership. The 2008 boys’
tennis season is one that former players and
alumni can be proud of.
Boys’ Tennis
Shady Side Academy boys’ tennis had
another outstanding season in 2008, qualifying for states for the second consecutive
year and finishing second in the WPIAL
team tournament. At the top of the lineup,
Chris Mengel ’10 enjoyed an undefeated
season and also won the WPIAL Doubles
Tournament with partner Josh Ferraccio
’08. Led by captains Dan Shaffer ’08 and
Ferrracio, as well as seniors Jack Marous
’08 and Rohan Menon ’08, the team rolled
into the state tournament and proved they
Baseball
The 2008 SSA baseball season was marked
by a strong and consistent team effort and
excellent individual performances. Head
coach Bob Grandizio Jr. ’91, along with
assistant coaches John Cappa, Harry
Fleishman and Jason Zoeller ’03, were
determined to lead the team back to the
playoffs after a one-year absence. The team
finished 14-7 overall and 10-2 in section
play, enabling them to compete in the
WPIAL playoffs for the ninth time in the last
10 years. The strong leadership of captains
Jake Cohen ’08 and Tim Giel ’09 was the
driving force behind the team’s turnaround.
The pitching staff, led by assistant coach
Cappa, was one of the best in recent team
history, holding opposing teams’ hitters to a
.210 batting average with a team ERA of
1.94. Giel’s efforts on the mound earned
him a position as a finalist for WPIAL AA
Player of the Year and team MVP while
pitcher Arlen Greenberg ’08 set a school
record with a 0.69 ERA. Second baseman
Drew Singer ’08 was named to the WPIAL
Senior All-Star Game, while Giel, Greenberg
26 Shady Side Academy Magazine
2008 Spring Sports Records
Varsity Sports
Baseball
Softball
Boys’ Tennis
Boys’ Track
Girls’ Track
Boys’ Lacrosse
Girls’ Lacrosse
Totals
Win
13
0
13
2
5
11
5
49
Loss
7
15
3
7
4
8
8
52
Junior Varsity and Freshman Sports
Baseball
5
12
Softball
0
4
Boys’ Tennis
6
7
Boys’ Lacrosse
4
4
Girls’ Lacrosse
4
7
Totals
18
34
Season Totals
67
86
Tie
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Winning
Percentage
.651
.000
.813
.222
.556
.579
.385
.485
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
.294
.000
.462
.500
.364
.346
.485
League Standing
Section Runner-Up
WPIAL Runner-Up
Third Place Section
Shady Side Academy Homecoming 2008
Celebrating 125 years
Friday, October 10 and Saturday, October 11.
Reunion classes include: 1943, 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003.
The classes of 1958 and 1983 will be celebrating their 50th and 25th Reunions respectively.
Stay tuned for a more detailed schedule of weekend events.
For more information, call the Alumni Office at 412-968-3015 or visit www.shadysideacademy.org.
The Alumni Art Show will feature the photography of Rick Byerly ’93 on display.
Shady Side Academy
423 Fox Chapel Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
www.shadysideacademy.org
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