bullis magazine, spring/summer 2013
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Congratulations Class of 2013
Readers Rich With Purpose
Innovations in the Arts
spring-summer 2013
BULLISmagazine
Congratulations Class of 2013
Readers Rich With Purpose
Innovations in the Arts
spring-summer 2013
BULLISmagazine
spring-summer 2013
BULLISmagazine
features2 Class of 2013 Commencement16 Lower School: A Community of Readers Rich With Purpose20 Innovations in the Arts
departmentsacademics15 Model UN Visits the Hague
news22 Gala Success: A Red Carpet Affair22 Bullis Seniors Final at National History Day
arts23 Imagination
athletics26 Outstanding Athletes
alumni 34 Alumni Golf Tournament36 Profile: Nicole Bernard Chaffin ’8338 Class Notes46 Alumnus Revamps Radio Club He Founded48 Brain Teaser
head of school
Gerald Boarman, Ed.D.Michael Reidy, Ed.D., Assistant Head of School
Andrew Delinsky, Upper School PrincipalJamie Dickie, Director of TechnologyConstance Giles, Ph.D., Dir. of Curriculum and Institutional ResearchDarlene Haught, Director of Extended Programs and Emerging TechnologiesBetsy Kelly, Lower School PrincipalKathleen Lloyd, Director of Girls Athletics Todd McCreight, Business OfficerAndres Parra, Director of Boys AthleticsMarilyn Moreno, Middle School PrincipalTim Simpson, Director of Admission and Financial AidJoanne Szadkowski, Dir. of Institutional Advancement
Sherri A. Watkins, Publications ManagerSusie Zimmermann, Director of CommunicationsSusan King, Communications Coordinator
Bullis Magazine is published two times a year by the Office of Institutional Advancement and distributed to alumni, parents, grandparents and friends. Letters and suggestions for future articles are welcome.
Located in Potomac, Maryland, Bullis School is a private, coeducational, nondenominational college preparatory day school for grades 3–12. Bullis admits students of any race, color, religion, and national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid programs and athletic and other school-administered programs. Visit our website at www.bullis.org
board of trustees
offIcers
Tom Sullivan, P’09, ’11, ’13, ChairAdam Greenberg, P’14, ’16, ’19, Vice ChairLesley Lavalleye, P’06, ’08, ’10, Acting Secretary Andrew Blair ’86, P’11, ’12, ’20, Treasurer
MeMbers
Marian C. Bennett, P’06Gerald Boarman, Ed.D., ex-officio, Head of SchoolPatrick Caulfield, P’14, ’20Michelle Cohen ’87, P’14, ’16, ex-officio, President, Bullis Parents AssociationDavid Fink, P’10, ’14,’19Dr. Gary Friedlander ’79, P’11, ’14,’19Holly Funger, P’09, ’10, ’13Jonathan Halle ’88, P’15, ’17Kathryn Hanley, P’03, ’05George Mavrikes, P’14, ’17Tammy McKnight, P’08, ’12Chris Nordeen, P’12, ’13Xiumin Overall, P’07, ’11Milton C. Theo, P’14, ’17Ken Thompson, P’08Berry Trimble, P’10, ’13David Trone, P’12, ’14Cyndi Bullis Vasco ’83Dell Warren, P’10, ’13Mark Weinberger, P’14, ’16, ’18Paula Widerlite, P’11, ’14
Natasha Nazareth, General Counsel
On cover: Outstanding Scholar Justin Schuble ’13 accepts his diploma from Head of School Dr. Gerald Boarman. Graduation highlights begin on page 2.
Heart and Soul
My first three years at Bullis have gone by so quickly. We have experienced great growth
and development, and our trajectory is exhilarating. From a greatly expanded student
body to the establishment of new initiatives and the prospect of new building, we have
much to celebrate and embrace.
Creativity within our community is merging with the opportunities of a 21st century
world. New classes, new buildings, new technologies and new approaches will enhance
our school. Yet what will never change about Bullis is its heart and soul.
When I first visited Bullis its sense of community impressed me most. The enthusiasm,
warmth and dedication that I sensed in every encounter was palpable. Along with
an openness and anticipation for whatever would come, there was a great feeling of
appreciation for what is shared daily. Enjoying today while eagerly looking ahead to
tomorrow remains the common feeling every day on campus.
The stories in this issue illustrate this essential heart and soul of Bullis. Lower School
initiatives are captivating students and readying them for great things to come. Student
athlete profiles highlight some of the many leaders who play with all their heart while
setting an example for their teammates. The Visual Art department challenges students
to take their skills and passions in directions beyond their expectations. Our Model
UN-ers are collaborating to solve some of our planet’s toughest challenges. Six Bullis
students, of thousands who competed, earned spots at National History Day and
two—rising seniors Brian Mitchell and Oriana Theo—were finalists.
Parents and alumni continue to support our school in innumerable and immeasurable
ways. From surpassing our Annual Fund goal to nearly doubling the Gala’s Raise the
Paddle and volunteering every day, they remind us that the heart and the soul of Bullis
extends far beyond our campus.
Amid all of this activity, our Bullis community remains strongly connected. When
we lost senior Cami Baruch tragically in February, the senior class led by example in
honoring her memory, remembering her daily and establishing the Cami Baruch Patio.
Already it has become a peaceful touchstone for a bustling campus, a place to quietly
reflect on what’s most important: the ties that bind us and the strength we give each
other.
head’s perspective
Class of 2013
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Jake Brandon Abelman Oluwatobiloba Adejuwon Adewole Akingbolahan Michael Akinkoye Tyler Alexander Allen Peter Ondua Angeh Nicholas John Barpoulis Camille Marin Baruch Corbin Edgar Blumberg Lisette Gabrielle Booty Antonio Borckardt E. Max Bramson Huntington Andrew BrownPhilandieus Bryant III Brandon Eric Burke Kaitlin Jan Bushkoff
Morgan Jenna Cafritz Amma Calhoun Alessandra Maria Clark Daniel Alexander Copeland Joshua Bruce Czerwiec Dana Bao Daniels Brianna Davis Jonathan Chandler Dyer Nadia Maryam FallahiNicholas Lester Fields David Schreiber FiremanGeorge Vedder Fleming Joshua Lawrence Foreman Kristina Elizabeth Frye
Nicholas Charles Funger Gordon Ellsworth George Badri Glonti Mitchell C. Goldberg Zoe Rachel Goldberg Brooke Margaret Gutschick Kiernan Youngbin Hahn Dazia Brianna Hall David Eugene HarrisonAlexander G. Herbets Adam Nehemiah Holland Brandon Curtis Izzo Brittany J. Jackson Kourosh Kalachi
Class2013of
Class of 2013
2 bullIs magazine SPRING-SUMMER 2013 3
Harris Zachary Kaserman Ga Yeong Kim Winton A. Lyle Keon Bahrami Manesh Roman Connor Matijkiw Andrew James Metz Kendall Marie Mitchell Connor James Mitton Yingxuan Mo Kyle Brett Nemeroff Daniel Jacob Bloch Nielsen Maxwell Andrew Nordeen Amy Rose Oechsler Allison Audra Osterman
Tejas N. Patel Jaikrishan Singh Paton Hanna Rae Pordy Nicole Alexandra Rabovsky Lauren Anne Raffensperger Colette Elizabeth RoaJared Hal Rubens Nicolas E. Ruggieri Joseph Daniel Sageman Kia Alexia Saint-Louis Maris Del SchneemanJustin Michael Schuble Drake Anthony Scott Alexander Siegel
Jackson Alexander Stoner William J. Stroup Jordan Hannah Sullivan William Harris Tavel Anthony Isaia Thompson Jill Kathleen Trimble Alanna F. Walczak Idrienne Alesia Felicia LeShea Walker Dexter Daniel Warren Sean Joseph Watkinson Tiffani Katherine Wills CeMaia Fanicia Wise Yanbing Yang Zhengyang ZhaoYouyang Zhou
Class2013of
Class of 2013 Lifersbullis lifers, from left, Nick funger, William tavel, Zoe Goldberg, Justin schuble, Jordan sullivan, alex herbets, alessandra clark, Kyle Nemoroff, Nadia fallahi, Max Nordeen and Jared rubens
Class of 2013College Matriculations
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Boston CollegeBowdoin CollegeBucknell University (2)Carnegie Mellon UniversityCase Western Reserve UniversityCollege of Charleston (2)Clemson UniversityColgate University (2)College of the Holy Cross (2)Columbia UniversityCornell UniversityDrexel University (3)Emory University (2)Frostburg State UniversityGeorge Mason UniversityGeorge Washington UniversityGeorgetown University (3)Gettysburg College (2)Johns Hopkins UniversityMaryland Institute College of ArtMiddlebury College (2)New York UniversityNorth Carolina A&T State University (2)Occidental CollegeOhio UniversityPennsylvania State University, HarrisburgPennsylvania State University (2)Pitzer College
Stevens Institute of TechnologySt. John’s UniversitySyracuse UniversityTrinity College (2)Tulane University (4)University of AlabamaUniversity of California at Los AngelesUniversity of Delaware (2)University of KentuckyUniversity of Maryland (7)University of Maryland, Eastern ShoreUniversity of MassachusettsUniversity of Miami (2)University of MichiganUniversity of MississippiUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of PittsburghUniversity of Richmond (2)University of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Vermont (2)University of WisconsinVirginia Commonwealth UniversityVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State
UniversityWagner CollegeWake Forest University (2)West Virginia University (2)
Awards for Members of the Class of 2013Award: Recipient: The Founders’ Award ......................................................... Brooke Gutschick
The Outstanding Scholar Award .............................................Justin Schuble
The William H. Price, Jr. Citizenship Award ...........................Justin Schuble
The Manuel Jose Baca, Jr. Joy of Living Award .................. Corbin Blumberg
The Douglas London Award for Excellence in English ........................................................................Joseph Sageman
The Barbara Marks Award for Excellence in Foreign Language .......................................................... David Fireman
The John H. Dillon Memorial Award for Excellence in Science ..............................................................................Hanna Pordy
The John W. Spencer Award for Excellence in Mathematics .....................................................................William Tavel
The Irene Ford Smith Memorial Award for Excellence in Social Studies .................................................. Kristina Frye
The Award for Excellence in Music ..................................... Joshua Czerwiec
The Award for Excellence in Theater .......................................Dexter Warren
The Award for Excellence in Art ................................................... Esther Kim
The Michael Ivey Achievement Award .................................. David Harrison
The Community Service Award .................................................CeMaia Wise
The Alumni Award for Outstanding Achievement in Athletics .................................................Nicholas Fields Idrienne Walker
The David T. Hellekjaer Award ............................................ Daniel Copeland Dana Daniels
*For a description of the awards, visit www.bullis.org/graduation.
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At top, Outstanding Scholar Justin Schuble accepts the William Price citizenship award; above, Hanna Pordy receives the science award from Science Department Chair Tina Zazaris-Davis.
Graduates honored for excellence while at Bullis include, from left, Esther Kim, receiving the art award from art teacher Maire O'Neill ’05; Nicholas Fields, receiving the athletics award from Andres Parra ’99, director of boys athletics; and Brooke Gutschick, receiving the Founders’ award from Former Head of School Lawrence Bullis ’54.
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Bullis Memories
Amy Rose Oeschler
Favorite memory: It’s a tie between
the great times I had in art classes and
making the Bullis Varsity lacrosse team.
Favorite teachers: Ms. O’Neill for her
infectious enthusiasm and love for art and
teaching.
Corbin Blumberg
Favorite memory: It was amazing to be
part of the lacrosse team that defeated
Landon in 2012 because it was the first
time we had beat them in lacrosse. School
spirit vastly improved during each of my
four years at Bullis, so it was particularly
rewarding to experience that game.
Favorite teachers: I loved the spirited
conversations and debates Mr. Chellman
was able to spark every day in his
American Government class. Two other
teachers who had a significant impact
on me were Mr. Zimmer, who taught
me how math can be applied in the real
world and in almost every occupation, and
Mr. Kinder, who showed how interesting
English can be.
Future plans: I am attending the
University of Kentucky where I will study
equine science and management.
Advice for future seniors: Take advantage
of every single moment. It goes fast! It’s
an awesome year. Work hard and have fun.
Favorite lunch: Chicken patties
ceMaia Wise and brooke Gutschick
Phil bryant and hunty brown
from left, Jai Paton, dana daniels, Kourosh Kalachi, tejas Patel and badri Glonti assemble to begin commencement exercises.
alessandra clark, Kaitlin bushkoff and amma calhoun
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Future plans: I am attending Virginia
Commonwealth University School of
Arts where I hope to study graphic or
communication design.
Advice for future seniors: Appreciate the
time you have with your classmates; the
year flies by after college applications are
submitted!
Favorite lunch: Curly fries
Dexter Warren
Favorite memory: The “Children of Eden”
cast singing the finale as a memorial
tribute to Cami Baruch. To me, that
moment showed that Bullis students care
about one another whether or not they are
close, and I found that to be particularly
meaningful.
Favorite teachers: Mr. Johnson helped me
with understanding character development
in the various productions we put on. Mr.
Strunk incorporated lessons from other
classes into choir, and Mrs. Lombardo
always had time for banter before class,
which I enjoyed.
Future plans: I am attending New York
University where I will major in musical
theater.
Advice for future seniors: Get your college
applications done early so you don’t have to
worry about it!
Favorite lunch: Turkey melt
adam holland, dr. Gerald boarman and Michael akinkoye
New graduates Kira Mo, esther Kim and amy Yang
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Senior Lunch
Class of 2013 Counted Down to Graduation
50 Days to Graduation Day
From left, Idrienne Walker ‘13, Tyler Allen ‘13 and Joseph Sageman ‘13 look ahead to graduation over a cup of coffee.
assistant director of alumni Jennifer (hayman) okun ’99 presents newly elected class agents, brooke Gutschick and danny copeland, with their bullis alumni t-shirts.
On May 1, members of the senior
class joined together for the annual
Senior Lunch while learning about the
importance of staying connected to Bullis
after graduation.
Alumna and Middle School Assistant
Principal Kira Orr ’93 told the students
how the Bullis community had always
been there for her, even organizing a
blood drive while she was fighting TTP, a
rare blood disorder. Kira emphasized that
the Bullis community is close-knit and will
continue to be there for each other in the
future.
The Alumni Office also welcomed new
class agents Brooke Gutschick and Danny
Copeland, who will be the direct liaisons
between the Alumni Office and the class
of 2013.
On February 22, the Alumni Office hosted
a “50 Days to Graduation” event for
seniors. Set inside the Commons in North
Hall, a barista served coffee, tea and treats
to the seniors while the Alumni Office
informed them of the important role they
would play as future alumni of Bullis.
Camille “Cami” Marin BaruchForever in Our Hearts
8 bullIs magazine
Along with her family, the Bullis community mourned the loss of senior Camille
Baruch, who passed away suddenly in February. “Cami was an exemplary student
and a beautiful person, kind-hearted, generous and with a great sense of humor,”
wrote Head of School Dr. Gerald Boarman. “Her absence will leave a large gap
in our hearts and in our community and her memory will always be a part of our
School.”
Although illness caused her to miss many school days, she was a member of the
National Honor Society and earned high honors posthumously upon graduation.
“Cami had a quiet confidence about her,” recalled classmate Brooke Gutschick ’13.
“She had a remarkable zest for life, which was reflected in her love of country music
and infectious smile that lit up the room. She always had something insightful to say and was wickedly funny as well. Modest
about her accomplishments and rather thoughtful, one of Cami’s strongest traits was her kind-hearted nature.”
Cami played violin, trombone and piano, and recorded CDs for distribution to patients at local children’s hospitals. Deeply
committed to community service, she also played piano for seniors at a local nursing home and her favorite activity was the
Jensen-Schmidt summer tennis camp at Bullis. Before illness curtailed her participation in athletics, Cami was an exceptional
athlete in soccer, a catcher in softball and played on an Amateur Athletic Union basketball team that twice competed at the
national championships.
Her own health issues undoubtedly contributed to her career interest in medicine. Specifically, according to Ms. Baruch, Cami
“had decided to become a colorectal surgeon—a male-dominated profession that could benefit from a female perspective.”
Cami also loved animals and was fascinated with elephants for their sense of family, gentleness and the fact that they never
forgot those who were kind to them. “People come and go through our lives,” said Brooke, “but Cami isn’t one of those
people. Her strong will, determination and positive attitude will forever live in my heart.”
Friends and family gathered outside The Marriott Family Library before the senior awards celebration for the dedication of the
Camille Baruch Patio—constructed thanks to the generosity of the Class of 2013 and the Sullivan family. Cami’s friends Zoe
Goldberg ’13 and Jordan Sullivan ’13 read the language they
helped draft for the plaque, including the quote selected by
Cami for her senior yearbook page:
“It is our choices… that show what we truly are, far more
than our abilities.”
—Albus Dumbledore
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, J.K. Rowling
Memorial donations can be made to: Save the Elephant
Program at the Wildlife Conservation Network, The Crohn’s
and Colitis Foundation of America or the Ronald McDonald
House of Cleveland.
From the left, Jessica and Nathan Baruch, with younger sister Cami.
The Cami Baruch Patio. Inset, Jordan Sullivan ’13 and Zoe Goldberg ’13 unveil the plaque.
10 bullIs magazine
Legacy Family PortraitsEach graduation we capture photos of families with multiple graduate connections, including siblings, parents, aunts, uncles or cousins who had previously graduated from Bullis.
Generation to
Generation
Alexi ’12, Abi ’11, Andrew ’86 and Kerry Blair
Corbin Blumberg ’13 and Brooke Ludder ’09 Bailey ’10, Jill, Kaitlin ’13 and Michael Bushkoff
10 bullIs magazine SPRING-SUMMER 2013 11
Bailey ’10, Jill, Kaitlin ’13 and Michael Bushkoff
Dominique ’05 and Brianna ’13 Davis
Gabriella ’11 and Alessandra ’13 Clark
George ’13 and Robert ’10 Fleming
Jordan ’06, Morgan ’13 and Erica ’08 Cafritz
Jason ’10, Jordan ’15 and Josh ’13 Czerwiec
Josh ’13, Katelyn ’18 and Sam ’11 Foreman
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Brian ’10, Alex ’13 and Megan ’07 Herbets
Teddy ’09, Nick ’13 and Sam ’10 Funger
Davis ’12 and Max ’13 Nordeen Liana ’07, Allison ’13 and Jennifer ’09 Osterman
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Tejas Patel ’13 and Priya Mehta ’09
Kamar ’11 and Kia ’13 Saint-Louis Jaymi, Justin ’13, Jordan ’11, JR and Jessica ’18 Schuble
Hari ’10 and Jai ’13 Paton
Christina ’08 and Colette ’13 Roa Jared ’13 and Courtney ’10 Rubens
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Jordan ’13, Tommy ’11 and Courtenay ’09 Sullivan
Julia ’09, Sean ’13 and Cory ’05 WatkinsonDexter ’13 and David ’10 Warren
Will ’13 and Michael ’10 Stroup
dignitaries joining this year’s ceremonies included trustee dell Warren, P’10, ’13, upper school Principal andrew delinsky, trustee Marian bennett, P’06, rev. anne benefield, head of school dr. Gerald boarman, former secretary of education richard W. riley, chair of the board of trustees tom sullivan, P’9, ’11, ’13, trustee andrew blair ’86, P’11, ’12, ’20, trustee adam Greenberg, P’14, ’16, ’19, and trustee david trone, P’12, ’14.
14 bullIs magazine SPRING-SUMMER 2013 15
academics
Posing at the iconic “I amsterdam’’ sign are Model UN participants, top row from left, Samantha Zimmerman ’16, Idrienne Walker ’13, Ashlyn Coleman ’15 and Tyler Allen ’13; bottom row, Keon Manesh ’13, Thomas Liu ’16 and Andrew Goldberg ’16.
The Model United Nations (MUN) is
more than an extracurricular club—it’s an
opportunity for Bullis students to travel
and experience first-hand the world of
international diplomacy. For the past two
and a half years the club has traveled to
three or four MUN conferences each year,
including one international trip.
One of the most prestigious conferences
on the Model UN circuit was hosted in
The Hague, Netherlands, last January.
Seven Bullis students traveled there to
represent the United Nations Economic
and Social Commission for Asia and
the Pacific (ESCAP). Chaperoned by
Faculty Sponsor and Social Studies Chair
Lisa Vardi and Dr. Mary Frances Bryja,
director of college counseling, the group
experienced a fantastic trip. Our Bullis
students participated in global MUN
meetings and bonded with other students
from around the world, all of them sharing
a dedication to making the world a better
place.
Environmental sustainability was this
year’s MUN conference theme, “a relevant
topic for young people to discuss, as they
will be the problem solvers of the future,”
Ms. Vardi explains. “It was inspiring
to watch the seriousness with which
the 3,000 attendees approached this
complicated topic and proposed solutions
in the form of resolutions.” Throughout
the five-day conference, Bullis students
represented their school and ESCAP “in an
effective and impressive manner. I was so
proud!” Ms. Vardi remembers.
While attending the conference at the
World Forum Convention Center in The
Hague, the students watched some of the
criminal proceedings against Radovan
Karadzic, the former president of Serbia
now accused of genocide. Despite a busy
schedule, they also found time to visit
Amsterdam, touring the Rijksmuseum
and the Anne Frank house, and toured
the city of Delft, famous for its medieval
architecture and centuries-old pottery
industry. On the blog kept throughout the
trip, Ashlyn Coleman ’15 said the MUN
trip was “life-changing.”
Model UN Visits The Hague
"Young people... will be the
problem solvers of the future."
—Lisa Vardi
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Lower SchoolA Community of Readers Rich With Purpose
Kate Powell and her 4th grade class start every day with a morning meeting.
Lower SchoolA Community of Readers Rich With Purpose
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 17
“The most important method
of developing reading skills
is pure reading volume.”
—Betsy Kelly,Lower School
Principal
Fifth grader Jake Goldberg climbed into
the car one winter afternoon and said,
“Today was the best day ever.” Mom
Tammy Goldberg smiled; Jake had said the
same thing the day before.
Jake and his twin brother Jonnie started at
Bullis this year. “They are so chatty about
everything they’re doing in school and
how much they love their teachers and
everyone at Bullis,” Tammy explained.
“Since coming to Bullis, their confidence
in academics has skyrocketed. They read
without prompting and ask to go to the
bookstore to buy books, not toys!”
The Lower School is bursting with
innovation: Accelerated Reading,
individualized instruction, Responsive
Classroom and much more. This activity
is setting the foundation for students to
successfully take on greater academic
challenges as they advance in school,
while providing a supportive, enriching
and fun environment for students today.
100 MIllIoN Words
The heart of the Lower School’s new
initiatives is its reading program. In
September, Principal Betsy Kelly set a goal
for each student to read one million words
during the year. Students chose their own
books and along with in-school reading
were expected to read independently
for 45 minutes every evening. For each
book, students took a short online quiz
to test comprehension and help teachers
monitor progress. “Most important is the
actual word count,” explains Lower School
Principal Betsy Kelly. “Studies prove a
direct correlation between reading skills
and long-term academic achievement, and
the most important method of developing
reading skills is pure reading volume.”
Each week, students met in small
groups to discuss their reading,
share recommendations and learn
comprehension strategies. In writer
workshops, they studied texts as readers
and practiced them as writers. “Reading
is really at the heart of the students’
daily experience,” says teacher Margaret
Andreadis. “They bound into the room
each morning chatting about their books.”
Demetri Engel ’20 enjoys Read-in Day from the cozy confines of his sleeping bag.
18 bullIs magazine
The Washington Post featured a story about the
100 million word achievement in its
KidsPost Section on June 11, 2013.(tinyurl.com/ohe9b2j)
Ms. Meghan Rose's science class built flexible knee braces as part of their Bodyworks unit.
By Read-In Day in May—when students
settle into classrooms with sleeping
bags, pillows, and an occasional tent to
simply read all day—the Lower School
had collectively read a whopping 100
million words. To kick off the event, the
Lower School celebrated this achievement
and each of the 38 “millionaire” students
who reached their individual goals. Many
millionaires exceeded the goal, including
top-reader Caesar Wain, 5th grade, who
plowed through more than five million
words, and 4th grader Sam Bromberg,
who devoured more than three million
words reading fantasies and mysteries.
Sam’s mother, Julia Beck, believes
the “secret sauce” behind the reading
program’s success is how students are
encouraged to take ownership of their
reading. “Sam poured a great deal of effort
and energy into choosing his books. We
spent time deep in conversation about
what he might read next and he took so
much pride in making those decisions.
The process built great confidence and
self-esteem in Sam. It struck a careful
balance between encouragement and
autonomy and recognized Sam for the
individual he is.”
INdIvIdualIZed INstructIoN aNd
the eMerGeNce of steM
The Lower School has implemented
individualized instruction in other
subjects as well, through a unique hybrid
of approaches that address content
knowledge, skills and critical thinking.
At the beginning of each math unit,
teachers assess students’ proficiency
and group them by ability for practice
and skill development. “The groups are
fluid, changing from unit to unit,” says
Ms. Kelly. “Students may be in a more
advanced group for one unit and in a
different group for another. The focus
is never on what group you’re in but on
the individualized work each student
is doing, and teachers can design their
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 19
“Julian is always challenged,
never bored and never stressed.”
– Livia Christensen,
P’22
instruction around the specific needs of
each student.”
Livia Christensen recalls wondering
at the start of the year how much her
son Julian, who has just completed 3rd
grade, would be challenged at Bullis,
but was impressed early on with the
individualized curriculum. “Teachers are
constantly reevaluating and adjusting
to make sure the challenge is just right
for each student,” she said. “Julian is
always challenged, never bored and never
stressed.”
Another reason students are so engaged is
a burgeoning STEM program integrating
engineering and math with science. Rather
than simply studying the human body in
5th grade, students in Meghan Rose’s class
designed knee braces. The project was
inspired by “Engineering is Elemental,” an
engineering curriculum designed at the
Boston Museum of Science.
resPoNsIve classrooM
Each Lower School class begins every
day with a morning meeting—a key
component of the division’s use of
the Responsive Classroom approach,
which facilitates social, emotional and
academic growth in a strong, safe school
community.
According to 4th grade teacher Kate
Powell, Responsive Classroom enhances
the sense of community. By following
a predictable routine that includes
classroom jobs and a contract that holds
kids accountable for their behavior,
students learn social interaction skills,
empathy and self-control, along with
problem solving and organization. “They
remind each other about behavior and
help each other out more,” she observes.
The combined effect of the Responsive
Classroom and the Lower School’s
individualized approach is evident when
students and parents describe their
experiences at Bullis.
“Everyone at Bullis is connected. This is
the essential structure of our school—
complete support,” said 5th grader
Joe Martin at the year-end recognition
ceremony. “People call to other people
across the halls, always smiling, always
enjoying time together… this is treasured
here. My best word to describe how
everyone is acquainted and connected
here is family. I have never experienced
such a vibe of collegiality. I have been
taught how crucial it is to be part of a
wider family.”
Angie Jones, whose son Brendon, just
finished 5th grade, agrees: “Ms. Kelly and
the teachers help students realize what
they can do, establishing self-worth and
learning to move forward positively.”
looKING ahead
The Lower School’s individualized focus
led to the decision to add 2nd grade to
the program next year. “Our focus is on
kids, not teachers,” said Ms. Kelly. “We
constantly evaluate where students are
and how to move each one forward based
on individual competency. This approach
provides flexibility and resources to
expand.”
New families joining the Lower School
this fall will find students eager to
resume lessons, celebrate each other and
work hard. Removing stress from the
equation—and valuing each student’s
educational trajectory—is achieving great
results.
Most importantly, the students will
progress to Middle School and beyond
with knowledge, skills and a sense of self
that will propel them ahead confidently.
As 5th grader Mark Williams wrote of his
Lower School years: “We became artists,
athletes and learners. We became friends.
We became Bullis!”
For Tammy Goldberg and her family, the
effects have been life-changing. “We are a
happier, stress-free family thanks in huge
part to Bullis. There is nothing better than
picking up your children after a long day
and having them be so happy!”
20 bullIs magazine
Innovations in the Arts
Students from all divisions seized the opportunity to showcase their postcard art with the entire community.
Bullis art students are discovering that
the visual arts involve more than painting,
drawing, sculpting and displaying artwork.
This year, innovative programs are
expanding student experience beyond
technique to the responsibilities and
opportunities of the art world.
While art shows have been a staple of
the Bullis program, students are learning
more about the exhibition process. Co-
captains assigned to AP studio shows
oversee each of four events, critiquing,
curating and installing art pieces as well
as advertising the show. “The students
curate the most cohesive show they
can,” says art teacher Maire O’Neill ’05,
“and make sure that student work is well
represented.”
Organizing the art shows provides
important learning opportunities. “The
students want each show to be more
professionally presented than the one
before,” says Ms. O’Neill. “They hold
critique meetings to continually improve
what they’re doing.” Last fall, student
artists designed tokens and comment
boxes to invite visitor feedback on their
art pieces. In Open Studio classes, older
Bullis students acting as show captains
worked with younger students to critique,
curate and organize younger student
exhibits.
The “Postcard Show” and “Artwalk” in
May provided opportunities for all Bullis
students to showcase their art. Inspired by
“One Day,” Richard Blanco’s Inauguration
poem, students in all divisions wrote
poems, while other students illustrated
the verses on postcards. Swapping
creative efforts allowed students to both
write and illustrate, resulting in nearly 300
postcards displayed in the Blair lobby.
For the Artwalk, student guides escorted
visitors through classroom displays. “They
stamped the hands of guests,” says Lily
Gillette, visual arts chair and Lower School
art teacher, “making it fun to go from
room to room to see all the great work the
students have done this year.”
New as well is Bullis involvement in the
National Art Honor Society (NAHS);
similar chapters for the performing arts
are the Tri-M Music Honor Society and
International Thespians. Sponsored by the
National Art Educators Association, NAHS
inducts art students who meet national
requirements. Many opportunities are
available, including “some outstanding
scholarships at top art schools,” explains
art teacher Louisa Morris.
Interested students meet to discuss new
art projects, such as community service
hours earned through painting scenery
for Lower and Middle School plays, face
painting at the Homecoming celebration
and designing prom tickets. Grade
point averages, meeting attendance and
fundraising activities also help students
satisfy NAHS requirements.
“In previous years, art students always
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 21
Maire O’Neill ’05 inducts Esther Kim ’13 as the National Arts Honor Society chapter’s first president.
pitched in to help with school events, but
we had no real system in place to do so,”
says art teacher Deb Donoghue. “NAHS
provides guidelines and incentives while
encouraging the same kind of art-related
activities.”
In the wider art community, six Bullis
students were selected to exhibit in the
“Best of Independent Schools” show
held at Landon School this spring. The
competition among local Baltimore-
Washington private schools received over
200 submissions, with 83 artworks chosen
for display—including pieces by Bullis
students Nadia Fallahi ’13, Will Gansler
’15, Esther Kim ’13, Qiaoumei Li ’14, Robyn
Mackenzie ’16 and and Jack Zhou ’14.
Art outreach and community spirit is also
encouraged in the Lower School, such as
the successful quilt project for this year’s
Gala. A grant from the Parents Association
made available plenty of materials for
Lower School students to create unique
squares for three quilts auctioned at the
Gala.
What do these initiatives bring to the arts
at Bullis? “More serious art students,”
says Ms. Donoghue. “They understand
that being an art student means showing
work, documenting pieces and giving back
to the community through their talent.”
Ms. Gillette agrees. “Our students are
becoming more invested in their artwork
at a younger age.”
Art at Bullis is more than learning to paint
or draw, says Esther Kim. “This year we
are problem solving—learning to utilize
space in a show or solve a problem in
artwork. The teachers encourage us to
find our own style and to reach out to the
community, too.”
Collaboration among art classes in all
divisions is a key aspect of the program,
“inspiring younger students to think more
seriously about their own art,” says Ms.
O’Neill. “We see more interaction among
students, and they see what goes on in
later art classes.”
The Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA)
offers summer scholarships to two Bullis
students by juried decision, providing a
two-week art intensive taught by college
art professors. “This immersion helps
students understand what art school is
really like,” says Ms. Donoghue. Dayna
Clayton ’14 and Kali Engel ’14 participated
this past summer. Darcy Argain ’14 and
Yasmin Rucker ’14 both received CIA
scholarships for this summer.
“Our teachers are really supportive,” says
Esther Kim of the Bullis program. She will
be attending college at Maryland Institute
College of Art.“I feel so ready to go to art
school now.”
To enable visitors to further appreciate
the array of Bullis talent in visual arts, an
online gallery is updated each trimester on
the Bullis website. View it at www.bullis.
org/arts/Gallery.
22 bullIs magazine
newsGala Success: A Red Carpet Affair
On Friday, March 15, “A Red Carpet
Affair” Gala raised $330,000 in support
of financial aid and professional
development programs, including a new
record for Raise the Paddle of $139,000
to fund a new outdoor video display and
scoreboard.
With great appreciation, we thank Gala Co-
Chairs Audrey Friedlander P’15 and Tammy
McKnight P’15,’18 for their enthusiastic
and dedicated leadership; Total Wine &
More and David and June Trone, P’12,
’14 for their generous sponsorship; and
the many parent volunteers who donated
countless hours of their time to the Gala.
Their efforts, combined with the energetic
participation and generous bidding of the
Gala’s attendees, produced a great event
that displayed the positive impact and
generous contributions of our community.
Finalists Brian Mitchell ’14 and Oriana Theo ’14 at the national competition.
Gala Co-chairs Tammy McKnight and Audrey Friedlander pose with the red carpet backdrop.
More than 600,000 students from all 50
states participate in National History Day
events during the school year, including all
Bullis juniors and those sophomores who
take honors US History. After the school
events, winning students compete at the
county and state levels to qualify for the
national event in College Park, Maryland
each June.
Six Bullis students made it all the way
to this summer's NHD, and two from
our delegation made it to the finals.
Congratulations to Oriana Theo ’14, who
placed 13th for her solo performance,
“When Hope Fell From The Sky: The
Berlin Airlift” and to Brian Mitchell ’14
who placed 7th for his documentary
“Baltimore Polytechnic Institute: A Model
of Desegregation Before Brown” (tinyurl.
com/p2ypadk). Brian also received the
Star Spangled 200 special prize for
incorporating unity in diversity in his entry.
Bullis Seniors Final at National History Day
22 bullIs magazine SPRING-SUMMER 2013 23
artsImaginationA sampling of artwork produced by students across the divisions.
Demi Fragoyannis ’22
Leah Mayo ’18
Adeline Hollars ’20 Sloan Bernstein ’21
24 bullIs magazine
arts
Bridget Conway ’18
Monique Muse ’16
Alonso Flores-Noel ’18
Nadia Fallahi ’13
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 25
Nick Sussman ’14
Minnie Wu ’15
Justin Schuble ’13
Drew Micholas ’14
26 bullIs magazine
athleticsOutstanding Athletes
aNthoNY thoMPsoNbasketball
“Anytime we walked onto the floor,” says
Bruce Kelley, varsity basketball coach, “we
knew we had the best point guard in the
game, and that good things were going
to happen.” That point guard for the last
three years was Anthony Thompson,
who wrapped his senior year leading the
Bulldogs to a 47-7 record over the last two
years, along with two IAC banners and two
IAC tournament championships. He was
also named Montgomery County player
of the year by The Gazette, and named to
2nd team All-Met by The Washington Post.
Anthony heads to Holy Cross College
next year, leaving behind other impressive
statistics as well, including 15.4 points
per game, 106 assists and 62 three-point
shots made during his senior year. “Very
few students make a team win the way
Anthony does,” declares Kelley.
Anthony came to Bullis in 9th grade, and
has played basketball—always at point
guard—since he was four years old. “I
love the passion and the competition of
the game,” he explains, “and it’s great to
see all the hard work pay off.”
He looks forward to playing at Holy Cross,
and might consider playing professionally
here or overseas, but “college is more
for life after basketball,” he says. He
particularly enjoyed his economics classes
here at Bullis, and hopes to work in
business once basketball is behind him.
NIcK barPoulIs
swimming
“I actually love playing hockey,” says Nick
Barpoulis, “but I’m a better swimmer!”
He joined the swim team as a freshman,
but did not get serious about it until the
end of sophomore year when his coaches
saw him begin to truly understand and
appreciate the sport.
“We were shocked at his transition,”
remembers Coach Bryan Jones, “from a
goofy, non-serious swimmer to realizing
that his commitment to get better would
not only help increase visibility for the
program and showcase Bullis but also
aid in his development as a leader.” Nick
became team co-captain as a junior, and
went on to set a school record for 500
freestyle and share records for 200 free
relay and 200 medley relay.
Swimming offers a unique combination
of individual challenge and team spirit
which appeals to Nick, who recognizes
that in swimming “you can be whatever
you make yourself to be. You will get
better if you put in the effort.” Nick, who
will attend Bucknell University this fall,
was recognized for his work ethic and
leadership when he won this season’s
Coach’s Award.
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 27
brIttaNY JacKsoN
basketball
Incredible intensity and passion for the
game gives varsity basketball co-captain
Brittany Jackson the qualities that her
coaches want to see in their players: hard
work, respect and composure. “Brittany
has a loving spirit and a positive word for
her teammates all the time,” observes
Head Coach Rod Hairston, “but her
competitive nature and desire to succeed
takes over once she steps between the
lines. She becomes a warrior with the
determination of a champion.”
Brittany developed skill and leadership
over seven years on Bullis basketball
teams. Like her undefeated 8th grade
season, winning this year’s Independent
School League was momentous. “That
victory was the whole goal,” says Brittany.
“We were working up to it for years.”
Younger players will now fill spots vacated
by graduating seniors, and Brittany
anticipates returning to see “what we’ve
created.”
Off the court, Brittany sang alto with the
Chamber Singers for two years. “I love the
challenge of working with a group. Just like
basketball, the effort requires chemistry to
successfully blend together to accomplish
our ultimate goal.”
With a scholarship to play at George
Mason University, Brittany will also pursue
her other passion—English literature.
College basketball is a big commitment,
so she may not find time for many
activities, but she is certainly among the
many multi-dimensional students that
Bullis helps prepare to meet the world.
28 bullIs magazine
athleticsJosh foreMaNbaseball
Josh Foreman prefers to play baseball
rather than watch it, forgoing major league
fandom for his own games. “I like the
culture of baseball and the combination
of mental and physical it requires,” he
explains. After four years starting on the
Bullis varsity team, he plans to play for
Emory University next year.
As shortstop, Josh is the point guard
of the field, facilitating the defense and
“getting the most balls,” Josh wryly adds.
He started in more than 100 games
during his time at Bullis.
Aside from being a “team-first guy who
leads by example on and off the field,”
braNdoN burKe
Ice hockey and lacrosse
Most Bullis students participate in a
variety of activities, but few are MVPs in
two sports—standout athlete Brandon
Burke ’13 has achieved that.
Brandon played varsity lacrosse and
hockey since his freshman year. The
youngest of three boys, he followed his
brothers onto the field and rink, becoming
a leader in his own right in both sports.
For Brandon, this winter’s hockey season
was the best one in which he has taken
Outstanding Athletes
Coach Brian Lumpkin named Josh the
team’s Most Valuable Player. “He’s the
most reliable defensive player I’ve ever
coached,” says Lumpkin, pointing to
Josh’s career fielding percentage of 93%.
A two-time all-IAC player who also excelled
on offense, Josh finished this season
with 14 RBIs, 12 singles, 3 triples and 7
stolen bases. “Thanks to Josh, the last two
seasons have been the best for baseball in
school history,” said Lumpkin.
Aside from playing, Josh was an avid
writer for The Bulldog, and hopes to
continue in sports media, maybe trying
radio when he gets to Emory.
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 29
ceMaIa WIsesoftball
This summer will be the first in several
years that CeMaia Wise will not be playing
softball. “I’ve played since I was seven,
including summer travel leagues,” she
recalls.
CeMaia started as catcher for all four of
her years on the Bullis varsity team. She
earned all-ISL during her junior and senior
seasons, with 18 put-outs and 20 assists.
“Coaches from every school always
commented on her impressive skills,”
says Coach Heather Patterson. “She puts
fear in her competitors with her strong
arm and quick release, picking players off
repeatedly from first and third.”
Patterson also gave CeMaia the coach’s
Leadership Award for the season, crediting
her unmatched positive support for her
teammates. “She definitely has left her
legacy and will be missed tremendously
for her performance on the field and off.”
Before leaving to attend St. Johns
University in the fall, CeMaia will help
coach softball for Bullis Summer
Programs, where her ever-present smile
will accompany her winning combination
of skills and positive energy: “I try to
encourage everyone—a smile can make
any day better!”
part. Although Bullis ultimately lost
the IAC championship game, the team
fought valiantly: “I’m really proud of how
we stuck together as a team and hope
that for the younger players this will be a
learning experience for next year.” Brandon
received the team’s Most Valuable Player
award.
As goalie for the lacrosse team, Brandon
was awarded All-IAC and All-Gazette, and
the team’s Most Valuable Player. Coach
Robert Pollicino says Brandon “was the
consummate leader who pushed himself
and his teammates to improve every day.”
Brandon will play lacrosse next year at
Colgate University. “At the end of the day,”
he says, “I just want everyone to know that
I left it all out on the field or on the ice.”
NadIa fallahI
lacrosse and field hockey
“Nadia Fallahi handles the pressure-
packed job of varsity lacrosse goalie
wonderfully,” compliments Coach
Kathleen Lloyd. Nadia is a team player
who holds a positive attitude and keeps
the team in mind. “After every goal our
team would score, she would run from
her goal to midfield to congratulate the
players,” Coach Lloyd recalls.
Nadia had a game-changing moment
when she overheard opponents doubting
Nadia Fallahi continues next page
30 bullIs magazine
athletics
KaseY couNtee
tennis
After two years away from competitive
tennis, it took rising senior Kasey
Countee just one year to return to peak
performance, wrapping up his season
with an 11-1 record, the IAC individual
championship and All-Met recognition. He
seems well on his way to fulfilling Coach
Steve Miguel’s prediction: “If he keeps at
it diligently, tennis may be Kasey’s ticket to
a college education.”
Surprisingly, despite his domination
as a singles player, Kasey prefers team
sports, having played lacrosse, soccer
and basketball, and running cross country
since enrolling in Bullis as a 6th grader.
Within a team, acknowledges Kasey,
rallying together as a group is a powerful
motivator. When alone on the court, he
confides, “I sometimes struggle to rely
solely on myself for internal motivation.”
Adding to the challenge this year, Kasey
became team co-captain, calling for
increased focus from a player known
for his talent, energy and enthusiasm—
and for not taking things too seriously.
“Instead of getting caught up in myself,”
Kasey has learned, “I have to lead by
example and make sure others stay on top
of their games as well.”
her ability to defend penalty shots. “That
fired me up to ramp up my game!” Soon
everyone regarded her as a solid goalie.
The Bullis girls will move to the upper
division next year after being undefeated
in the ISL this year. “We went out on a
high,” Nadia says, “and I feel confident
that I contributed to that success.”
For two years Nadia has played forward
on the varsity field hockey team as well.
“I don’t know what I would have done
without sports,” she reflected on the eve
of Graduation. “Playing two varsity sports
helped me mature and learn to balance.”
She hopes to inspire younger players
to help others whether or not they hold
leadership positions.
Next year Nadia plans to study public
relations at University of Southern
California and perhaps continue athletics
on intramural teams.
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 31
Basketball Teams Clinch Victories
The Bulldogs won the ISL tournament with a big win over Georgetown Visitation. Players include, front row from left, Nicole Kittay ’16, Brianna Davis ’13, Brooke Gutschick ’13, Raven James ’16 and Dazia Hall ’13. Back row, Kyla Lewis ’15, Ashley DeLeonibus ’14, Lynee Belton ’14, Kirby Porter ’14, Lawrencia Moten ’16 and Brittany Jackson ’13.
The varsity boys team defeated St. Albans to win a second consecutive IAC title. Front row from left, Jamaal Greenwood ‘14, Jonathan Dyer ’13, Anthony Thompson ’13, Aaron Briggs ’14, Lamonte Armstrong ’14, Kyven Jones ’14 and Justin Herron ’14. Back row from left, Winton Lyle ’13, Joe Sageman ’13, Andre Walker ’14, AJ Metz ’13, Russell Sangster ’14, Brian Kelley ’14 and Chris Aust ’14.
32 bullIs magazine
Engraved bricks are once again available! Purchase a personalized brick in honor or memory of a student, team, teacher, individual or family.
Name: ____________________________________ Relationship to Bullis: _________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: ______________________________ E-mail: __________________________________________
Preferred location: Front of The Marriott Family Library _____ or Kline Alumni Stadium _____
Brick orders are payable in full. Please complete this form and return with a check for $250 made payable to Bullis School.
Mail to: Bullis School Advancement Office, 10601 Falls Road, Potomac, MD 20854
Questions? Please email [email protected]
All contributions are tax deductible to a 501(c)(3) organization in accordance with IRS regulations.
Building Support for BullisOne at a Time
Proceeds from brick purchases help to support the Annual Fund at Bullis. Thank you for supporting Bullis and showing your school spirit!
Please print text as you wish it to be engraved on the brick.Limit: 15 letters per line – 3 lines maximum per brick.
One letter or character per blockPlease use a separate form for each brick ordered.
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 33
“Generosity nurtures this School.”Schools and growth go hand in hand—and this year, Bullis has seen record growth in
every area, much of it due to the remarkable generosity and support of this wonderful
community. Early in the school year we asked parents and the entire giving community to
“Step Up” for Bullis. You did so with such enthusiasm that together we stepped right past
our Annual Fund goal of $950,000—to reach one million dollars! That’s a milestone for
any giving campaign, and we are grateful to all of you.
Your high regard for Bullis and all that it represents for its students and community
made new growth possible in programs and in campus improvements such as the brick
patios outside The Marriott Family Library, including the lovely waterfall and sunny patio
dedicated to Cami Baruch. This summer an impressive video scoreboard will be installed
at the Stadium thanks to the record-setting donations on Gala night for Raise the Paddle.
Every year with your help, we see more facets of the great potential in Bullis. The secret to
our community’s strong culture of giving is not simply an appreciation of the importance
of philanthropy—it’s the realization that generosity nurtures this school, and by extension,
helps to ensure the future of every student who walks across this campus.
Bullis benefits from donations of time and talents as well as resources. We are so grateful
for the many parent volunteers, experienced and new, who stepped forward this year to
help with everything from the snack bar to the Gala and the successful Bullis Gives Back
5K race.
We thank each of you for “stepping up” in countless ways to encourage Bullis’s evolution.
Our future looks bright—and as we move ahead to next year, we know that the School
remains a priority for all of us.
Enjoy a wonderful summer, and I look forward to seeing you in September!
Sincerely,
Joanne Szadkowski
Director of Institutional Advancement and Alumni
advancement perspectives
alumniJerry May Alumni Golf
Tournament
34 bullIs magazine
Top photo, from left, Tom Mavrikes, James Bannister, Ryan Tendall and George Mavrikes P ’14, ‘17. Middle photo, Dean Sclavounos ’63, Glenn Hunter, Bruce Kelley and Andy Marusak ’66. Above, front row, Hunter Gosnell ’06, Josh Basile ’03, Craig Aronoff ’04 and Woody King ’09. Back row, Scott Crow ’11, Alex Friedlander ’11, Keith Cohen ’06, Brian Will ’08, Andres Parra ’99, Adam Janowitz ’00, Drew Prescott ’00 and Neil King ’07.
For the last three years, Bullis Head of
School Dr. Gerald L. Boarman and his
golf partners have dominated the annual
golf tournament. This year, though, a new
team (in top photo at right) comprised of
George Mavrikes P’14, ’17, Tom Mavrikes,
Ryan Tendall and James Bannister,
squeaked by Dr. Boarman’s team to take
the title.
The event attracted more than 70 golfers,
including nearly half who were alumni.
The tournament retained the fun, friendly
competition and happy reunions that
each Jerry May Alumni Golf Tournament
features year after year.
Alumni Turn Out for Annual Hockey Game
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 35
We had a great turnout at the Arc Ice Rink for the November 22 hockey game. Back row from left, Craig Aronoff ’04, Mike Band ’08, Ross Koenig ’02, Paul Davis ’04, Ben Donoghue ’02, Josh Weiner, Brandon Burke ’13, Cory Watkinson ’05, Andrew Prescott ’00, friend, Kyle Newton ’05, Assistant Coach Doug Raeder, Neil King ’07, Michael Fayad ’07, Steven Burke ’08 and Keith Cohen ’06. Front row, Jordan Burke ’05, Zach Weiner ’09, Mark Shesser, Justin Hoch ’14, Alex Jackson ’07 and Ryan Davenport ’07.
34 bullIs magazine
A large crowd returned to campus for June 8’s boys lacrosse game. Back row from left, Mitch Goldberg ’13, Chris Mejia ’06, Ross Koenig ’02, Jordan Burke ’05, Andy Will ’09, Josh Ein ’06, Steven Burke ’08, Robert Fleming ’10, Paul Davis ’04 and Svet Tintchev ’06. Front row, Brooke Slowinski ’07, John Kelly ’11, Danny Dickstein ’10, Nick Avedisian ’09, Sebastian Astrada ’98 and Kylor Bellistri ’12 . At right, Cary Smith ’02 and Katherine Basile ’02 played in the girls game on May 4.
Alumni Lacrosse Games
Alumna was one of the first women to graduate from Bullis.
Nicole Bernard Chaffin ’83
36 bullIs magazine
Nicole Bernard has always been
comfortable being a pioneer. As a member
of the first class of girls to enter the
School in 1981 when she was in 11th grade,
Nicole was a trailblazer then and has
continued to be throughout her career,
including in her current role as senior vice
president for audience strategy at The Fox
Group. The position was a new one at the
organization, where Bernard has worked
since 2005. While many organizations
have departments that focus on diversity,
Fox selected Bernard to take on a broader
challenge “to ensure that each of our
entertainment products, across every unit,
incorporates and engages as diverse an
audience as our country is made of,” she
explains.
Bernard’s department provides
strategy and resources and establishes
partnerships throughout the country
to support all divisions of Fox, and the
position allows her to play to her strengths
as well as her passions to follow her own
path, travel and explore and appreciate
different cultures. “People amaze me and I
have always loved to see, feel and touch all
the things that make a culture so unique,”
she says.
“Having a blank slate to create something
unique fosters the visionary in me,” she
recalls. “I was the only girl on the boys
tennis team at Bullis, and the mere fact
that I sought out Bullis knowing I would
be a first in more ways than one was really
the catalyst for my being confident enough
to move myself in a direction I might
innately know is right for me, even if it
means being the first or only one there.”
Bernard credits Bullis with establishing
this spirit to see things as they could be
and not just how they are.
Bernard still thinks of her days at Bullis
as some of the happiest in her life. She
enthusiastically recalls the School’s
dynamic environment and how it provided
exactly the challenges she sought even
as a teenager. “When my friend Candice
Mitchell ’83 mentioned Bullis and its
academic rigor, prior military foundation
and great tennis team—and the chance
to make history as one of the first women
to integrate the school—I knew it was for
me.” She still remembers feeling both
“terrified and amused” by General Price
when she arrived first on campus, and
loving the focus on college preparation
and an expectation for excellence. “I even
liked that you had to be ‘invited back’ every
semester. The idea sparked the competitor
in me and made me feel like I was joining
an elite club that I would earn the right to
be a part of.”
She talks often about Bullis with her
nieces and nephew, current Bullis students
Gabby McIntosh ’14, Brynn McIntosh ’16
and Alec McIntosh ’18. Today’s dress code
options are a far cry from the blazer and
saddle shoes of Bernard’s era—“those
alumni profile
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 37
saddle shoes were just wrong in so many
ways!” she laughs. Among the many life
skills she developed at Bullis, Bernard is
particularly grateful for the strong work
ethic, determination, appreciation for
healthy competition and the value of
being part of a community as important
foundations for her career success. She
also applauds the expanded opportunities
in the arts at today’s Bullis, along with
the dedication to academic success and
engagement in sports that remain still at
the high levels she remembers.
As her own twin daughters—Hayden
and Leah, now six years old—grow older,
she hopes to find a similar educational
program for them in Los Angeles that
will provide an elite education that
balances fun, friendships and academics.
“Prioritizing and balance are great life
lessons that we learned at Bullis.” Bernard
regularly advises her nieces and nephews
to take advantage of the “dynamic
teachers and to raise questions about
what they are taught and what they wish
to see more.” She encourages them to
recognize and “always remember the
school’s historical belief that discipline,
balance and effort can catapult you to
greatness.” She encourages them to
leverage and try every single opportunity
that the school and the campus offer.
“Experience something that takes you out
of your comfort zone, she urges, “because
you never know how that experience will
serve you later in life.”
Bernard still remembers a particular
personal lesson, when “the fantastically
eccentric Mr. Klinger” had his students
recite the prelude to the Canterbury Tales
in front of the class. This taught Bernard
that “there is no mountain too high!” And
yes, she can still recite it.
Left page, Nicole Bernard's 1983 yearbook photos. Above from left, twin daughters Leah and Hayden share a hug; at right Nicole and her husband Lee vacation in Cabo San Lucas with their daughters.
“Experience something that takes you out of
your comfort zone, because you never
know how that experience will serve
you later in life.”
—Nicole Bernard Chaffin
38 bullIs magazine
1974Carl Taylor reports that he just finished
coaching his 32nd year of youth lacrosse for
the West Hartford Youth Lacrosse League
and he is in his 12th year as a Superior
Court Judge. For the past two years he
has served as the presiding judge in the
Manchester, Connecticut courthouse.
1978Thomas Howe has worked for six years at
Google as an enterprise vertical account
manager in manufacturing. He and his
wife Carrie recently relocated from Chicago
to Key West, Florida.
1985Rick Glasby and his wife Athena had a
daughter, Zoe, on April 13, 2012, who joins
Rick’s first daughter, Leah, 23. Rick and
Athena both work at Bechtel Corporation
and reside in Frederick, Maryland.
1989Lisa Schatz resides in Baltimore and is
the owner and operator of Cupcake, a
contemporary women’s boutique in Fells
Point. Cupcake is in its 7th year of business
and recently launched its e-commerce
website: www.cupcake-shop.com.
1991 Congratulations to Seth Eaton who
won the 2012 SCCA Regional Solo 2
Championship in his Porsche Boxster S.
The battle for the championship was very
close, with Seth carrying a three-point lead
into the 12th final race in December. (See
photo on page 41.)
1993Christy (Pratt) Lucia lives in McLean,
Virginia with her husband Seth and
their four children, daughters Caroline,
Catherine and Elsie and son Nicholas.
Christy also lives two doors down from
former Bullis teacher and coach Bill
Wieand, and says she enjoys seeing him
often. Christy recently attended her 20
year reunion and says it was great to see
everyone who attended! (See photo on
page 42.)
Kira Orr was recently acknowledged an
ACC Women’s Basketball Legend at Duke
University, where she was also the first
Blue Devil to be drafted professionally.
Kira is currently assistant principal of the
Middle School at Bullis.
1997Akilah (Owens) Harris and her husband
Kelvin had daughter Elle Riley, on January
21, who joins big brother Ethan, 1. Akilah
works as a sales manager for Centex
Homes and she and her family live in
Arlington, Virginia.
1998Best wishes to Anna (Buffone) Hurst and
her husband Mike, who recently welcomed
identical twin boys, Harrison Samuel
Hurst and James Thomas Hurst, born
on December 5. Anna works as a senior
recruiter for Salesforce.com and Mike
is the CEO of a start-up company called
Exactuals. The Hurst family lives in Los
Altos, California.
After living in San Francisco and working
at Comcast SportsNet Bay Area since
February 2009, Adam Littlefield has
accepted a job with NBC Sports to help
launch their new English Premier League
soccer coverage. Adam says this is his
dream job, working for one of the most
prestigious networks in sports television
with the added bonus of solely focusing
on the sport about which he is most
passionate. Adam relocated to New York
City in June and began his new position
on July 1.
From left, Zoe Glasby, daughter of Rick Glasby ’85 and his wife Athena; Akilah (Owens) Harris ’97 with her husband Kelvin and children Ethan and Elle; James Thomas Hurst and Harrison Samuel Hurst, sons of Anna (Buffone) Hurst ’98 and her husband Mike Hurst.
alumni class notes
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 39
1999Congratulations to Celeste Melanson
and Joe Sweeney who were engaged on
November 24. The couple resides in West
Chester, Pennsylvania, where Celeste
teaches science and coaches the varsity
girls’ soccer team at Episcopal Academy,
and Joe works for his family’s business,
Medical Equipment Contractors.
Scott Levenson reports that since fall
2008 he has been executive director at
Private Prep, a tutoring service offering
individually customized lessons for a
range of K-12 subjects and standardized
test preparation (www.privateprep.com).
Last summer, Scott co-founded a start-up
called Present Value, a gift registry service
that enables people to make lasting
contributions toward a more secure
financial future for engaged couples and
expectant parents (www.presentvalue.
com). Scott and his wife Tamara are
the proud parents of son Blake, 3, and
daughter Sasha, 1. The Levenson family
lives in New York City.
Jennifer (Hayman) Okun and her
husband Jared are thrilled to welcome
their first child, daughter Olivia Sloane
Okun, born on December 9. Jennifer is the
assistant director of alumni and events at
Bullis and Jared works in commercial real
estate at Rock Creek Property Group.
Elliott Datlow recently traveled to Panama
City, Panama to coach ATP tennis pro
Jesse Witten at the ATP Visit Panama Cup,
a pro tennis tournament. While there,
Elliott also led a tennis clinic for 30 of the
top junior players in Panama. (See photo
on page 41.)
Rachel (Garff) Kirkham and her husband
Jay are proud to announce the arrival of
their son, Gabriel Dennis Kirkham, born
on February 6. Rachel and Jay, along with
their daughters Chloe, 4, and Lucy, 2,
and baby Gabriel, live in Cherry Hill, New
Jersey.
2000Best wishes to Jessica (Rafferty) Marx and
her husband Jeff, who welcomed their first
child, son Nathan Kurt Marx, on October
29. The Marx family resides in Dallas,
Texas.
share Your NewsNewly married? Relocating? Expanding your family?
Celebrating a career transition?
Exotic travel in the works?
Please send in your Class Notes for the next Bullis Magazine to keep your classmates and other Bullis friends up to date. High-resolution photos (JPEG format) are always welcome.
Be sure to "like" us on Facebook—search Bullis School Alumni Association—and follow us on Twitter: @BullisAlumni.
Email your updates to Jennifer Hayman Okun ’99, assistant director of alumni and events, at [email protected].
From left, Celeste Melanson ’99 and her fiancé Joe Sweeney enjoying some quality time together; Scott Levenson ’99 with his wife Tamara, daughter Sasha and son Blake; Jennifer (Hayman) Okun ’99 and her husband Jared with their daughter Olivia Sloane Okun.
40 bullIs magazine
2002Liz Dufresne created and produces
a health TV show on Montgomery
Municipal Cable TV channel 16 called
“Living Healthy,” co-hosted by Sport and
Spine Rehab’s CEO Dr. Jay Greenstein
and CCO Dr. Barton Bishop. Each episode
focuses on a different health topic and
features a guest who specializes in that
area. Liz is also the senior marketing
account representative for Sport and Spine
Rehab. For more information, please visit
www.ssrehab.com.
Ibrahim Diane and Josh Posnick ’03
have teamed up to create “Live from the
Republic,” an annual concert tour held in
Africa that features hip-hop, R&B and pop
musicians. A portion of the proceeds from
tour merchandise is donated to social
causes that benefit children in the African
community. For more information, please
visit www.livefromtherepublic.com.
2003Josh Basile graduated Magna Cum Laude
from UDC’s David A. Clarke School of Law
in May 2013. Josh is taking the bar exam
this summer and is looking forward to
beginning his job as an associate at Jack
H. Olender & Associates.
Lindsay (Gerber) Harris and her husband
Josh welcomed son Mason on October
23, 2012. Lindsay works at Host Hotels
& Resorts and lives with her family in
Gaithersburg.
2004Thomas Rachlin graduated from the
University of Colorado in 2008 with
a degree in Mechanical Engineering
and currently works as a technical
development engineer in research and
development at Covidien. Tom was
featured in the November issue of GQ
Magazine as a finalist in their entrepreneur
contest, “A Gentleman’s Call,” which was
in pursuit of an “idea that matters.” Tom’s
idea was The Clean Water Reserve Project,
and out of 3,000 entries nationwide, Tom
was selected as one of five finalists. Tom
currently lives in Boulder, Colorado. To
view Tom’s video, visit www.youtube.com/
watch?v=1D8ClK1pLq
2005 Jordan Burke was named to the all-decade
lacrosse team at Brown University.
2006Fletcher Schoen joined the United States
Army in May 2012 and is stationed at
alumni class notes
From left, Gabriel Dennis Kirkham, son of Rachel (Garff) Kirkham ’99 and her husband Jay Kirkham; Nathan Kurt Marx, son of Jessica (Rafferty) Marx ’00 and her husband Jeff Marx; Josh Basile ‘03, on right, poses with his classmate John Millar at their law school graduation in May.
Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Fletcher
graduated from Army Sniper School in
February 2013 and went through Special
Forces Selection and Assessment. He has
been selected to begin training to become
a Green Beret.
2008Patrick Schoen graduated from Occidental
College last year with a major in diplomacy
and world affairs. This past year he worked
as a research assistant for AIDS Project
Los Angeles’ community-based research
program. This fall, Patrick will relocate to
London to start an MSc in reproductive
and sexual health research at The London
School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
2009Zachary Weiner graduated from
Muhlenberg College in May with a
degree in accounting and international
business. He will soon begin a new job at
CohnReznick, an accounting firm.
2012Madeline Dahut just completed her
freshman year at Georgetown University
where she is majoring in nursing. This
summer, Madeline is working with a
researcher on a lab project at Georgetown
as well as writing a paper for publication
in an oncology journal.
alumni class notes
IN MeMorIaMWe extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those in our close Bullis circle who have recently passed away:
Camille Marin Baruch ’13
Anthony Carozza ’46
William Clyde Earl ’46
Ashley Ennis ’68
Scott Friedel ’87
Gregory Panawek ’40
Robert C. Wood ’63
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 41
From left, Mori Diane (father of Ibrahim Diane ’02), singer/songwriter/rap artist Ryan Leslie, friend Yasmine Rahmaan, Ibrahim Diane ’02 and Josh Posnick ’03; Patrick Schoen ’08; Davis ’12 and Chris Nordeen represent Bullis at Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Davis Nordeen, along with his father,
Bullis Trustee Chris Nordeen, and his
cousin, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in
December. Though the climb took six
days and the route crossed through five
climate zones, Davis reports that the “top
was gorgeous” and they had a great time.
Davis just completed his freshman year
at the University of Michigan and this
summer, he is interning for a nonprofit
organization in Hong Kong.
Past Faculty/StaffFormer Bullis history teacher and cross
country/track coach Nicholas Kent
has been named high school principal
of Concordia International School in
Shanghai, China, to begin in the 2013-14
school year. Nicholas says that his love for
China and school leadership was founded
at Bullis from 2000-2002. Concordia
International School Shanghai is a pre-
K-12 school serving expat families.
Elliott Datlow ’99 with members of a tennis clinic in Panama.
Seth Eaton ’91 in the Porsche Boxster S with which he won the 2012 SCCA Regional Solo 2 Championship.
alumni class notesalumni class notes
42 bullIs magazine
Young Alumni Day
The fourth annual Young Alumni Lunch took place on January 10, bringing a good crowd of alumni
back to Bullis. The students stopped by to enjoy lunch while reuniting with classmates, teachers and
administrators, and sharing great stories of their time after Bullis. It was wonderful to see everyone!
Back row from left, teachers Michael Chellman and Tim Hanson, KaQuan Little ’10, Aurian Darvishi ’12,
Leigh Ulica ’12, Jay Barrera ’11, Alex Anderson ’11, Nick Mars ’12 and college counselor Lynn Kittel. Front
row, teacher Heda O’Brien, Sam Thomas ’12, Steven Xue ’12, Morgan Williams ’12, Cami Uechi ’12, Tish
Barton ’12, Dr. Mary Frances Bryja and Dr. Jerry Boarman.
Christy (Pratt) Lucia '93 and her husband Seth enjoy time with their four children Caroline, Catherine, Elsie and Nicholas.
42 bullIs magazine SPRING-SUMMER 2013 43
Alumni Return for Annual Turkey Bowl
From left, Jeff Ruben ‘06, Alex Lavalleye ‘06, Tim Conrad ‘06, Sammy Moskowitz ‘06, Claire Olszewski ‘06, Kelly Anderson ‘06, Elyssa Emsellem ‘06, Samantha Havas ‘06, Lauren (Ellie) Prince ‘06 and Ben Judge ‘05 gather at the Prince residence over Thanksgiving.
Informal Reunion for Members of the Class of 2006
Alumni enjoy a game of flag football at Kline Alumni Stadium over Thanksgiving weekend. Above, from left, Will Beck ’07, Travis Lay ’04, Brooke Slowinski ’07, Mike Bombard ’10, Tommy Sullivan ’11, Kevin Clayton ’10, Alex Mattera ’10, Alex Friedlander ’11 and Folabi Masha ’11. At right, Meredith King ’10, Crystal Wilson ’10, Emily Siegel ’10 and Kerry McGovern ’10.
44 bullIs magazine
class reunionsClass of 1993 Celebrates 20 Years!
Class of 2002 Marks 10 Years!
Members of the class of 1993 gathered at RiRa Irish Pub in Bethesda to celebrate their 20 year reunion
in June. Classmates remarked about how wonderful it was to see everyone and that a great time was
had by all!
From left, Kim Forsht, Mike Corrigan, Bradley Raymond, Sally (Kogod) Biederman, Dan Zubari, Christy
(Pratt) Lucia, Lauren Shrensky, Kyle Blackstone, Alison (Colen) Wade, Liz (Myers) Barnhart, Dana
(Gildenhorn) Wancjer and Todd Levine.
The class of 2002 feted their 10 year
reunion at Napoleon Bistro & Lounge
in November. A special thank you
to Courtney Abrams and Candace
(Foulger) Morriss for their help
with planning the evening. At right,
Candace (Foulger) Morriss and Ross
Koenig.
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 45
The class of 2007 celebrated their five year reunion over Thanksgiving weekend at Tommy Joe’s in Bethesda. A big thank you to
Kimberly Segal for all of her hard work in planning such a successful night! Of the night Kimberly said, “it was like a family reunion…
Everyone was so excited to all get together and reunite.”
Above from left, Alex Dresner, Molly Goodman, Megan Herbets, Ali Nemeroff, Andrew Zutz, Shaun Crow, Sarah O’Neill, Brandon
Allen and Jaime Bernstein-Ansaldi.
Below, back row from left, Alex Jackson, Spencer Kelly, Brooke Slowinski, Will Beck and Ben Carroll. Middle row, Andrew Zutz, Doug
Silverstein, Alissa Lichtenstein, Neil King, Joey Goldberg, Molly Goodman and Andrew Gordon. Front row, Shaun Crow, Kimberly
Segal, Sarah O’Neill, Megan Herbets and Ali Nemeroff.
Five Year Celebration for Class of 2007
46 bullIs magazine
class reunionsRichard Hayman ’63 created Bullis’ first
HAM Radio Club over 50 years ago to
combine two of his interests, engineering
and communication. While the Radio Club
eventually dissolved with the move of
Bullis from Silver Spring to Potomac and
the introduction of newer technologies,
Richard stayed active in the HAM Radio
world. This past fall, Richard and a group
of 10 Upper School students started
Bullis’ new RC² club (robotics, computers
and communication). The aim is for “kids
to have fun and be practical with things
they are learning in the classroom,” says
Richard.
While Richard’s expertise with HAM Radio
influenced RC²’s initial projects, the club
also includes building robots and other
computer-focused technologies. Junior
Scott Bettigole ’14 says, “It’s very hands
on. We’re working with real things and can
see the product of our work.”
Richard hopes that the use of radio will
be an extension of what is being learned
in the classroom —for example, foreign
language classes being able to speak to
students in other countries. “HAM Radio
is the original social media. You’re talking
to strangers and making relationships
around the world, but without the use of
the internet.”
Energized after attending the Golden Years
Reunion last fall, Richard reconnected
Alumnus Revamps Radio Club He Foundedwith Bullis to revive the Radio Club. “HAM
Radio is a hobby that’s over 100 years old,
and it’s today’s youth who are going to
keep it thriving,” he says. “The only way to
do that is to expose them to radio and its
capabilities.”
Richard’s interest in HAM began when his
grandfather gave him a short wave radio at
the age of 10. “In fact, my parents bribed
me and said if I got good grades at Bullis,
I could get a newer radio.” It worked, and
in 1960, Bullis’ first radio club was formed.
Over 50 years later, radio is once again
part of Bullis.
For more about the RC² club, watch the
video at www.bullis.org/radio.
At left, Richard Hayman in the 1963 yearbook, developing photos. At right, Scott Bettigole ’14, Adam Cohen ’14, Brian Mitchell ’14 and Richard Hayman ’63 erecting their first radio antenna outside of North Hall.
46 bullIs magazine SPRING-SUMMER 2013 47
Mystery Alumni Photos
Can you identify the people in one of these photos? Please email your answers to Jennifer (Hayman) Okun ’99 at [email protected] by August 15. The first person to answer correctly will win a prize from the Alumni Office!
alumni notes
48 bullIs magazine
1 2
3 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12 13
14 15
16 17
18
19
EclipseCrossword.com
Across
1. Name of the stuffed bulldog Dr. Jung brought with him when he read to Lower School students in the 1990s
3. Lyricist of the Bullis alma mater7. The area in North Hall reserved just
for seniors9. What is the first word of the Bullis
motto on the front entrance to the School?
10. How is lunch served in the dining hall?
11. Name of the Bullis yearbook13. Who first graduated from Bullis in
1983?15. The item that 3rd graders give to
seniors at the beginning of the year to plant on campus
16. How many football IAC championships has Bullis won?
17. Name of the Bullis student newspaper
18. Who first introduced the bulldog as Bullis’ mascot?
19. Name of the terrace between North Hall and the Dining Hall
Down
1. The name of the annual holiday concert
2. First location of Bullis School4. Name of the games that take place
during Homecoming week5. Name of the all-boys area sports
league of which Bullis is part6. Prior to The Marriott Family Library,
the library was located in this building on campus
8. Name of the “pageant competition” for men that took place each year during the 90s
12. In 1995 this document was put in place by the School and signed by each member of the student body and faculty
14. How many alumni currently work at Bullis?
For puzzle solution see www.bullis.org/alumni/crossword
Bullis Alumni Brain Teaser
48 bullIs magazine
THANKS A MILLION!So many of you stepped up for Bullis in a big way this year—
WE SURPASSED OUR ANNUAL FUND GOAL OF $950,000,
totaling more than $1 MILLION!
Because of YOU, this year was another
outstanding success. The generosity and support
that Bullis receives each year enriches the
education experience of every Bullis student.
THANK YOU!
Caroline Martin ’19Watercolor
NON-PROFIT
U.S. Postage
P A I D
Rockville, MD
Permit No. 2158
BU
LLIS
Bullis School 10601 Falls RoadPotomac, MD 20854301-299-8500www.bullis.org
Address Service Requested
spring-summer 2013
BULLISmagazine
features2 Class of 2013 Commencement16 Lower School: A Community of Readers Rich With Purpose20 Innovations in the Arts
departmentsacademics15 Model UN Visits the Hague
news22 Gala Success: A Red Carpet Affair22 Bullis Seniors Final at National History Day
arts23 Imagination
athletics26 Outstanding Athletes
alumni 34 Alumni Golf Tournament36 Profile: Nicole Bernard Chaffin ’8338 Class Notes46 Alumnus Revamps Radio Club He Founded48 Brain Teaser
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Gerald Boarman, Ed.D.Michael Reidy, Ed.D., Assistant Head of School
Andrew Delinsky, Upper School PrincipalJamie Dickie, Director of TechnologyConstance Giles, Ph.D., Dir. of Curriculum and Institutional ResearchDarlene Haught, Director of Extended Programs and Emerging TechnologiesBetsy Kelly, Lower School PrincipalKathleen Lloyd, Director of Girls Athletics Todd McCreight, Business OfficerAndres Parra, Director of Boys AthleticsMarilyn Moreno, Middle School PrincipalTim Simpson, Director of Admission and Financial AidJoanne Szadkowski, Dir. of Institutional Advancement
Sherri A. Watkins, Publications ManagerSusie Zimmermann, Director of CommunicationsSusan King, Communications Coordinator
Bullis Magazine is published two times a year by the Office of Institutional Advancement and distributed to alumni, parents, grandparents and friends. Letters and suggestions for future articles are welcome.
Located in Potomac, Maryland, Bullis School is a private, coeducational, nondenominational college preparatory day school for grades 3–12. Bullis admits students of any race, color, religion, and national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid programs and athletic and other school-administered programs. Visit our website at www.bullis.org
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OFFICERS
Tom Sullivan, P’09, ’11, ’13, ChairAdam Greenberg, P’14, ’16, ’19, Vice ChairLesley Lavalleye, P’06, ’08, ’10, Acting Secretary Andrew Blair ’86, P’11, ’12, ’20, Treasurer
MEMBERS
Marian C. Bennett, P’06Gerald Boarman, Ed.D., ex-officio, Head of SchoolPatrick Caulfield, P’14, ’20Michelle Cohen ’87, P’14, ’16, ex-officio, President, Bullis Parents AssociationDavid Fink, P’10, ’14,’19Dr. Gary Friedlander ’79, P’11, ’14,’19Holly Funger, P’09, ’10, ’13Jonathan Halle ’88, P’15, ’17Kathryn Hanley, P’03, ’05George Mavrikes, P’14, ’17Tammy McKnight, P’08, ’12Chris Nordeen, P’12, ’13Xiumin Overall, P’07, ’11Milton C. Theo, P’14, ’17Ken Thompson, P’08Berry Trimble, P’10, ’13David Trone, P’12, ’14Cyndi Bullis Vasco ’83Dell Warren, P’10, ’13Mark Weinberger, P’14, ’16, ’18Paula Widerlite, P’11, ’14
Natasha Nazareth, General Counsel
On cover: Outstanding Scholar Justin Schuble ’13 accepts his diploma from Head of School Dr. Gerald Boarman. Graduation highlights begin on page 2.
Heart and Soul
My first three years at Bullis have gone by so quickly. We have experienced great growth
and development, and our trajectory is exhilarating. From a greatly expanded student
body to the establishment of new initiatives and the prospect of new building, we have
much to celebrate and embrace.
Creativity within our community is merging with the opportunities of a 21st century
world. New classes, new buildings, new technologies and new approaches will enhance
our school. Yet what will never change about Bullis is its heart and soul.
When I first visited Bullis its sense of community impressed me most. The enthusiasm,
warmth and dedication that I sensed in every encounter was palpable. Along with
an openness and anticipation for whatever would come, there was a great feeling of
appreciation for what is shared daily. Enjoying today while eagerly looking ahead to
tomorrow remains the common feeling every day on campus.
The stories in this issue illustrate this essential heart and soul of Bullis. Lower School
initiatives are captivating students and readying them for great things to come. Student
athlete profiles highlight some of the many leaders who play with all their heart while
setting an example for their teammates. The Visual Art department challenges students
to take their skills and passions in directions beyond their expectations. Our Model
UN-ers are collaborating to solve some of our planet’s toughest challenges. Six Bullis
students, of thousands who competed, earned spots at National History Day and
two—rising seniors Brian Mitchell and Oriana Theo—were finalists.
Parents and alumni continue to support our school in innumerable and immeasurable
ways. From surpassing our Annual Fund goal to nearly doubling the Gala’s Raise the
Paddle and volunteering every day, they remind us that the heart and the soul of Bullis
extends far beyond our campus.
Amid all of this activity, our Bullis community remains strongly connected. When
we lost senior Cami Baruch tragically in February, the senior class led by example in
honoring her memory, remembering her daily and establishing the Cami Baruch Patio.
Already it has become a peaceful touchstone for a bustling campus, a place to quietly
reflect on what’s most important: the ties that bind us and the strength we give each
other.
head’s perspective
2 BULLIS magazine
ClassClass of
Jake Brandon AbelmanOluwatobiloba Adejuwon AdewoleAkingbolahan Michael AkinkoyeTyler Alexander AllenPeter Ondua AngehNicholas John BarpoulisCamille Marin BaruchCorbin Edgar BlumbergLisette Gabrielle BootyAntonio BorckardtE. Max BramsonHuntington Andrew BrownPhilandieus Bryant IIIBrandon Eric BurkeKaitlin Jan Bushkoff
Morgan Jenna Cafritz Amma Calhoun Alessandra Maria Clark Daniel Alexander Copeland Joshua Bruce Czerwiec Dana Bao Daniels Brianna Davis Jonathan Chandler Dyer Nadia Maryam FallahiNicholas Lester Fields David Schreiber FiremanGeorge Vedder Fleming Joshua Lawrence Foreman Kristina Elizabeth Frye
Nicholas Charles FungerGordon Ellsworth GeorgeBadri GlontiMitchell C. GoldbergZoe Rachel GoldbergBrooke Margaret GutschickKiernan Youngbin HahnDazia Brianna HallDavid Eugene HarrisonAlexander G. HerbetsAdam Nehemiah HollandBrandon Curtis IzzoBrittany J. JacksonKourosh Kalachi
ClassClass2013ofof
Classof
Class2013of2013
2 BULLIS magazine SPRING-SUMMER 2013 3
of 2013
Harris Zachary KasermanGa Yeong KimWinton A. LyleKeon Bahrami ManeshRoman Connor MatijkiwAndrew James MetzKendall Marie MitchellConnor James MittonYingxuan MoKyle Brett NemeroffDaniel Jacob Bloch NielsenMaxwell Andrew NordeenAmy Rose OechslerAllison Audra Osterman
Tejas N. PatelJaikrishan Singh PatonHanna Rae PordyNicole Alexandra RabovskyLauren Anne RaffenspergerColette Elizabeth RoaJared Hal RubensNicolas E. RuggieriJoseph Daniel SagemanKia Alexia Saint-LouisMaris Del SchneemanJustin Michael SchubleDrake Anthony ScottAlexander Siegel
Jackson Alexander Stoner William J. Stroup Jordan Hannah Sullivan William Harris Tavel Anthony Isaia Thompson Jill Kathleen Trimble Alanna F. Walczak Idrienne Alesia Felicia LeShea Walker Dexter Daniel Warren Sean Joseph Watkinson Tiffani Katherine Wills CeMaia Fanicia Wise Yanbing Yang Zhengyang ZhaoYouyang Zhou
ClassClass2013ofof
Classof
Class2013of2013
Class of 2013 LifersBullis Lifers, from left, Nick Funger, William Tavel, Zoe Goldberg, Justin Schuble, Jordan Sullivan, Alex Herbets, Alessandra Clark, Kyle Nemoroff, Nadia Fallahi, Max Nordeen and Jared Rubens
Class of 2013College Matriculations
4 BULLIS magazine
Boston CollegeBowdoin CollegeBucknell University (2)Carnegie Mellon UniversityCase Western Reserve UniversityCollege of Charleston (2)Clemson UniversityColgate University (2)College of the Holy Cross (2)Columbia UniversityCornell UniversityDrexel University (3)Emory University (2)Frostburg State UniversityGeorge Mason UniversityGeorge Washington UniversityGeorgetown University (3)Gettysburg College (2)Johns Hopkins UniversityMaryland Institute College of ArtMiddlebury College (2)New York UniversityNorth Carolina A&T State University (2)Occidental CollegeOhio UniversityPennsylvania State University, HarrisburgPennsylvania State University (2)Pitzer College
Stevens Institute of TechnologySt. John’s UniversitySyracuse UniversityTrinity College (2)Tulane University (4)University of AlabamaUniversity of California at Los AngelesUniversity of Delaware (2)University of KentuckyUniversity of Maryland (7)University of Maryland, Eastern ShoreUniversity of MassachusettsUniversity of Miami (2)University of MichiganUniversity of MississippiUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of PittsburghUniversity of Richmond (2)University of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Vermont (2)University of WisconsinVirginia Commonwealth UniversityVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State
UniversityWagner CollegeWake Forest University (2)West Virginia University (2)
Awards for Members of the Class of 2013Award: Recipient: The Founders’ Award ......................................................... Brooke Gutschick
The Outstanding Scholar Award .............................................Justin Schuble
The William H. Price, Jr. Citizenship Award ...........................Justin Schuble
The Manuel Jose Baca, Jr. Joy of Living Award .................. Corbin Blumberg
The Douglas London Award for Excellence in English ........................................................................Joseph Sageman
The Barbara Marks Award for Excellencein Foreign Language .......................................................... David Fireman
The John H. Dillon Memorial Award for Excellence in Science ..............................................................................Hanna Pordy
The John W. Spencer Award for Excellence in Mathematics .....................................................................William Tavel
The Irene Ford Smith Memorial Award for Excellence in Social Studies .................................................. Kristina Frye
The Award for Excellence in Music ..................................... Joshua Czerwiec
The Award for Excellence in Theater .......................................Dexter Warren
The Award for Excellence in Art ................................................... Esther Kim
The Michael Ivey Achievement Award .................................. David Harrison
The Community Service Award .................................................CeMaia Wise
The Alumni Award for Outstanding Achievement in Athletics .................................................Nicholas Fields Idrienne Walker
The David T. Hellekjaer Award ............................................ Daniel Copeland Dana Daniels
*For a description of the awards, visit www.bullis.org/graduation.
4 BULLIS magazine SPRING-SUMMER 2013 5
At top, Outstanding Scholar Justin Schuble accepts the William Price citizenship award; above, Hanna Pordy receives the science award from Science Department Chair Tina Zazaris-Davis.
Graduates honored for excellence while at Bullis include, from left, Esther Kim, receiving the art award from art teacher Maire O'Neill ’05; Nicholas Fields, receiving the athletics award from Andres Parra ’99, director of boys athletics; and Brooke Gutschick, receiving the Founders’ award from Former Head of School Lawrence Bullis ’54.
6 BULLIS magazine
Bullis Memories
Amy Rose Oeschler
Favorite memory: It’s a tie between
the great times I had in art classes and
making the Bullis Varsity lacrosse team.
Favorite teachers: Ms. O’Neill for her
infectious enthusiasm and love for art and
teaching.
Corbin Blumberg
Favorite memory: It was amazing to be
part of the lacrosse team that defeated
Landon in 2012 because it was the first
time we had beat them in lacrosse. School
spirit vastly improved during each of my
four years at Bullis, so it was particularly
rewarding to experience that game.
Favorite teachers: I loved the spirited
conversations and debates Mr. Chellman
was able to spark every day in his
American Government class. Two other
teachers who had a significant impact
on me were Mr. Zimmer, who taught
me how math can be applied in the real
world and in almost every occupation, and
Mr. Kinder, who showed how interesting
English can be.
Future plans: I am attending the
University of Kentucky where I will study
equine science and management.
Advice for future seniors: Take advantage
of every single moment. It goes fast! It’s
an awesome year. Work hard and have fun.
Favorite lunch: Chicken patties
CeMaia Wise and Brooke Gutschick
Phil Bryant and Hunty Brown
From left, Jai Paton, Dana Daniels, Kourosh Kalachi, Tejas Patel and Badri Glonti assemble to begin Commencement exercises.
Alessandra Clark, Kaitlin Bushkoff and Amma Calhoun
6 BULLIS magazine SPRING-SUMMER 2013 7
Future plans: I am attending Virginia
Commonwealth University School of
Arts where I hope to study graphic or
communication design.
Advice for future seniors: Appreciate the
time you have with your classmates; the
year flies by after college applications are
submitted!
Favorite lunch: Curly fries
Dexter Warren
Favorite memory: The “Children of Eden”
cast singing the finale as a memorial
tribute to Cami Baruch. To me, that
moment showed that Bullis students care
about one another whether or not they are
close, and I found that to be particularly
meaningful.
Favorite teachers: Mr. Johnson helped me
with understanding character development
in the various productions we put on. Mr.
Strunk incorporated lessons from other
classes into choir, and Mrs. Lombardo
always had time for banter before class,
which I enjoyed.
Future plans: I am attending New York
University where I will major in musical
theater.
Advice for future seniors: Get your college
applications done early so you don’t have to
worry about it!
Favorite lunch: Turkey melt
Adam Holland, Dr. Gerald Boarman and Michael Akinkoye
New graduates Kira Mo, Esther Kim and Amy Yang
8 BULLIS magazine
Senior Lunch
Class of 2013 Counted Down to Graduation
50 Days to Graduation Day
From left, Idrienne Walker ‘13, Tyler Allen ‘13 and Joseph Sageman ‘13 look ahead to graduation over a cup of coffee.
Assistant Director of Alumni Jennifer (Hayman) Okun ’99 presents newly elected class agents, Brooke Gutschick and Danny Copeland, with their Bullis alumni t-shirts.
On May 1, members of the senior
class joined together for the annual
Senior Lunch while learning about the
importance of staying connected to Bullis
after graduation.
Alumna and Middle School Assistant
Principal Kira Orr ’93 told the students
how the Bullis community had always
been there for her, even organizing a
blood drive while she was fighting TTP, a
rare blood disorder. Kira emphasized that
the Bullis community is close-knit and will
continue to be there for each other in the
future.
The Alumni Office also welcomed new
class agents Brooke Gutschick and Danny
Copeland, who will be the direct liaisons
between the Alumni Office and the class
of 2013.
On February 22, the Alumni Office hosted
a “50 Days to Graduation” event for
seniors. Set inside the Commons in North
Hall, a barista served coffee, tea and treats
to the seniors while the Alumni Office
informed them of the important role they
would play as future alumni of Bullis.
Camille “Cami” Marin BaruchForever in Our Hearts
8 BULLIS magazine
Along with her family, the Bullis community mourned the loss of senior Camille
Baruch, who passed away suddenly in February. “Cami was an exemplary student
and a beautiful person, kind-hearted, generous and with a great sense of humor,”
wrote Head of School Dr. Gerald Boarman. “Her absence will leave a large gap
in our hearts and in our community and her memory will always be a part of our
School.”
Although illness caused her to miss many school days, she was a member of the
National Honor Society and earned high honors posthumously upon graduation.
“Cami had a quiet confidence about her,” recalled classmate Brooke Gutschick ’13.
“She had a remarkable zest for life, which was reflected in her love of country music
and infectious smile that lit up the room. She always had something insightful to say and was wickedly funny as well. Modest
about her accomplishments and rather thoughtful, one of Cami’s strongest traits was her kind-hearted nature.”
Cami played violin, trombone and piano, and recorded CDs for distribution to patients at local children’s hospitals. Deeply
committed to community service, she also played piano for seniors at a local nursing home and her favorite activity was the
Jensen-Schmidt summer tennis camp at Bullis. Before illness curtailed her participation in athletics, Cami was an exceptional
athlete in soccer, a catcher in softball and played on an Amateur Athletic Union basketball team that twice competed at the
national championships.
Her own health issues undoubtedly contributed to her career interest in medicine. Specifically, according to Ms. Baruch, Cami
“had decided to become a colorectal surgeon—a male-dominated profession that could benefit from a female perspective.”
Cami also loved animals and was fascinated with elephants for their sense of family, gentleness and the fact that they never
forgot those who were kind to them. “People come and go through our lives,” said Brooke, “but Cami isn’t one of those
people. Her strong will, determination and positive attitude will forever live in my heart.”
Friends and family gathered outside The Marriott Family Library before the senior awards celebration for the dedication of the
Camille Baruch Patio—constructed thanks to the generosity of the Class of 2013 and the Sullivan family. Cami’s friends Zoe
Goldberg ’13 and Jordan Sullivan ’13 read the language they
helped draft for the plaque, including the quote selected by
Cami for her senior yearbook page:
“It is our choices… that show what we truly are, far more
than our abilities.”
—Albus Dumbledore
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, J.K. Rowling
Memorial donations can be made to: Save the Elephant
Program at the Wildlife Conservation Network, The Crohn’s
and Colitis Foundation of America or the Ronald McDonald
House of Cleveland.
From the left, Jessica and Nathan Baruch, with younger sister Cami.
The Cami Baruch Patio. Inset, Jordan Sullivan ’13 and Zoe Goldberg ’13 unveil the plaque.
10 BULLIS magazine
Legacy Family PortraitsEach graduation we capture photos of families with multiple graduate connections, including siblings, parents, aunts, uncles or cousins who had previously graduated from Bullis.
Generation to
Generation
Alexi ’12, Abi ’11, Andrew ’86 and Kerry Blair
Corbin Blumberg ’13 and Brooke Ludder ’09 Bailey ’10, Jill, Kaitlin ’13 and Michael Bushkoff
10 BULLIS magazine SPRING-SUMMER 2013 11
Bailey ’10, Jill, Kaitlin ’13 and Michael Bushkoff
Dominique ’05 and Brianna ’13 Davis
Gabriella ’11 and Alessandra ’13 Clark
George ’13 and Robert ’10 Fleming
Jordan ’06, Morgan ’13 and Erica ’08 Cafritz
Jason ’10, Jordan ’15 and Josh ’13 Czerwiec
Josh ’13, Katelyn ’18 and Sam ’11 Foreman
12 BULLIS magazine
Brian ’10, Alex ’13 and Megan ’07 Herbets
Teddy ’09, Nick ’13 and Sam ’10 Funger
Davis ’12 and Max ’13 Nordeen Liana ’07, Allison ’13 and Jennifer ’09 Osterman
12 BULLIS magazine SPRING-SUMMER 2013 13
Tejas Patel ’13 and Priya Mehta ’09
Kamar ’11 and Kia ’13 Saint-Louis Jaymi, Justin ’13, Jordan ’11, JR and Jessica ’18 Schuble
Hari ’10 and Jai ’13 Paton
Christina ’08 and Colette ’13 Roa Jared ’13 and Courtney ’10 Rubens
14 BULLIS magazine
Jordan ’13, Tommy ’11 and Courtenay ’09 Sullivan
Julia ’09, Sean ’13 and Cory ’05 WatkinsonDexter ’13 and David ’10 Warren
Will ’13 and Michael ’10 Stroup
Dignitaries joining this year’s ceremonies included Trustee Dell Warren, P’10, ’13, Upper School Principal Andrew Delinsky, Trustee Marian Bennett, P’06, Rev. Anne Benefield, Head of School Dr. Gerald Boarman, Former Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley, Chair of the Board of Trustees Tom Sullivan, P’9, ’11, ’13, Trustee Andrew Blair ’86, P’11, ’12, ’20, Trustee Adam Greenberg, P’14, ’16, ’19, and Trustee David Trone, P’12, ’14.
14 BULLIS magazine SPRING-SUMMER 2013 15
academics
Posing at the iconic “I amsterdam’’ sign are Model UN participants, top row from left, Samantha Zimmerman ’16, Idrienne Walker ’13, Ashlyn Coleman ’15 and Tyler Allen ’13; bottom row, Keon Manesh ’13, Thomas Liu ’16 and Andrew Goldberg ’16.
The Model United Nations (MUN) is
more than an extracurricular club—it’s an
opportunity for Bullis students to travel
and experience first-hand the world of
international diplomacy. For the past two
and a half years the club has traveled to
three or four MUN conferences each year,
including one international trip.
One of the most prestigious conferences
on the Model UN circuit was hosted in
The Hague, Netherlands, last January.
Seven Bullis students traveled there to
represent the United Nations Economic
and Social Commission for Asia and
the Pacific (ESCAP). Chaperoned by
Faculty Sponsor and Social Studies Chair
Lisa Vardi and Dr. Mary Frances Bryja,
director of college counseling, the group
experienced a fantastic trip. Our Bullis
students participated in global MUN
meetings and bonded with other students
from around the world, all of them sharing
a dedication to making the world a better
place.
Environmental sustainability was this
year’s MUN conference theme, “a relevant
topic for young people to discuss, as they
will be the problem solvers of the future,”
Ms. Vardi explains. “It was inspiring
to watch the seriousness with which
the 3,000 attendees approached this
complicated topic and proposed solutions
in the form of resolutions.” Throughout
the five-day conference, Bullis students
represented their school and ESCAP “in an
effective and impressive manner. I was so
proud!” Ms. Vardi remembers.
While attending the conference at the
World Forum Convention Center in The
Hague, the students watched some of the
criminal proceedings against Radovan
Karadzic, the former president of Serbia
now accused of genocide. Despite a busy
schedule, they also found time to visit
Amsterdam, touring the Rijksmuseum
and the Anne Frank house, and toured
the city of Delft, famous for its medieval
architecture and centuries-old pottery
industry. On the blog kept throughout the
trip, Ashlyn Coleman ’15 said the MUN
trip was “life-changing.”
Model UN Visits The Hague
"Young people... will be the
problem solvers of the future."
—Lisa Vardi
Lower SchoolA Community of Readers Rich With Purpose
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 17
“The most important method
of developing reading skills
is pure reading volume.”
—Betsy Kelly,Lower School
Principal
Fifth grader Jake Goldberg climbed into
the car one winter afternoon and said,
“Today was the best day ever.” Mom
Tammy Goldberg smiled; Jake had said the
same thing the day before.
Jake and his twin brother Jonnie started at
Bullis this year. “They are so chatty about
everything they’re doing in school and
how much they love their teachers and
everyone at Bullis,” Tammy explained.
“Since coming to Bullis, their confidence
in academics has skyrocketed. They read
without prompting and ask to go to the
bookstore to buy books, not toys!”
The Lower School is bursting with
innovation: Accelerated Reading,
individualized instruction, Responsive
Classroom and much more. This activity
is setting the foundation for students to
successfully take on greater academic
challenges as they advance in school,
while providing a supportive, enriching
and fun environment for students today.
100 MILLION WORDS
The heart of the Lower School’s new
initiatives is its reading program. In
September, Principal Betsy Kelly set a goal
for each student to read one million words
during the year. Students chose their own
books and along with in-school reading
were expected to read independently
for 45 minutes every evening. For each
book, students took a short online quiz
to test comprehension and help teachers
monitor progress. “Most important is the
actual word count,” explains Lower School
Principal Betsy Kelly. “Studies prove a
direct correlation between reading skills
and long-term academic achievement, and
the most important method of developing
reading skills is pure reading volume.”
Each week, students met in small
groups to discuss their reading,
share recommendations and learn
comprehension strategies. In writer
workshops, they studied texts as readers
and practiced them as writers. “Reading
is really at the heart of the students’
daily experience,” says teacher Margaret
Andreadis. “They bound into the room
each morning chatting about their books.”
Demetri Engel ’20 enjoys Read-in Day from the cozy confines of his sleeping bag.
18 BULLIS magazine
The Washington Post featured a story about the
100 million word achievement in its
KidsPost Section on June 11, 2013.(tinyurl.com/ohe9b2j)
Ms. Meghan Rose's science class built flexible knee braces as part of their Bodyworks unit.
By Read-In Day in May—when students
settle into classrooms with sleeping
bags, pillows, and an occasional tent to
simply read all day—the Lower School
had collectively read a whopping 100
million words. To kick off the event, the
Lower School celebrated this achievement
and each of the 38 “millionaire” students
who reached their individual goals. Many
millionaires exceeded the goal, including
top-reader Caesar Wain, 5th grade, who
plowed through more than five million
words, and 4th grader Sam Bromberg,
who devoured more than three million
words reading fantasies and mysteries.
Sam’s mother, Julia Beck, believes
the “secret sauce” behind the reading
program’s success is how students are
encouraged to take ownership of their
reading. “Sam poured a great deal of effort
and energy into choosing his books. We
spent time deep in conversation about
what he might read next and he took so
much pride in making those decisions.
The process built great confidence and
self-esteem in Sam. It struck a careful
balance between encouragement and
autonomy and recognized Sam for the
individual he is.”
INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION AND
THE EMERGENCE OF STEM
The Lower School has implemented
individualized instruction in other
subjects as well, through a unique hybrid
of approaches that address content
knowledge, skills and critical thinking.
At the beginning of each math unit,
teachers assess students’ proficiency
and group them by ability for practice
and skill development. “The groups are
fluid, changing from unit to unit,” says
Ms. Kelly. “Students may be in a more
advanced group for one unit and in a
different group for another. The focus
is never on what group you’re in but on
the individualized work each student
is doing, and teachers can design their
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 19
“Julian is always challenged,
never bored and never stressed.”
– Livia Christensen,
P’22
instruction around the specific needs of
each student.”
Livia Christensen recalls wondering
at the start of the year how much her
son Julian, who has just completed 3rd
grade, would be challenged at Bullis,
but was impressed early on with the
individualized curriculum. “Teachers are
constantly reevaluating and adjusting
to make sure the challenge is just right
for each student,” she said. “Julian is
always challenged, never bored and never
stressed.”
Another reason students are so engaged is
a burgeoning STEM program integrating
engineering and math with science. Rather
than simply studying the human body in
5th grade, students in Meghan Rose’s class
designed knee braces. The project was
inspired by “Engineering is Elemental,” an
engineering curriculum designed at the
Boston Museum of Science.
RESPONSIVE CLASSROOM
Each Lower School class begins every
day with a morning meeting—a key
component of the division’s use of
the Responsive Classroom approach,
which facilitates social, emotional and
academic growth in a strong, safe school
community.
According to 4th grade teacher Kate
Powell, Responsive Classroom enhances
the sense of community. By following
a predictable routine that includes
classroom jobs and a contract that holds
kids accountable for their behavior,
students learn social interaction skills,
empathy and self-control, along with
problem solving and organization. “They
remind each other about behavior and
help each other out more,” she observes.
The combined effect of the Responsive
Classroom and the Lower School’s
individualized approach is evident when
students and parents describe their
experiences at Bullis.
“Everyone at Bullis is connected. This is
the essential structure of our school—
complete support,” said 5th grader
Joe Martin at the year-end recognition
ceremony. “People call to other people
across the halls, always smiling, always
enjoying time together… this is treasured
here. My best word to describe how
everyone is acquainted and connected
here is family. I have never experienced
such a vibe of collegiality. I have been
taught how crucial it is to be part of a
wider family.”
Angie Jones, whose son Brendon, just
finished 5th grade, agrees: “Ms. Kelly and
the teachers help students realize what
they can do, establishing self-worth and
learning to move forward positively.”
LOOKING AHEAD
The Lower School’s individualized focus
led to the decision to add 2nd grade to
the program next year. “Our focus is on
kids, not teachers,” said Ms. Kelly. “We
constantly evaluate where students are
and how to move each one forward based
on individual competency. This approach
provides flexibility and resources to
expand.”
New families joining the Lower School
this fall will find students eager to
resume lessons, celebrate each other and
work hard. Removing stress from the
equation—and valuing each student’s
educational trajectory—is achieving great
results.
Most importantly, the students will
progress to Middle School and beyond
with knowledge, skills and a sense of self
that will propel them ahead confidently.
As 5th grader Mark Williams wrote of his
Lower School years: “We became artists,
athletes and learners. We became friends.
We became Bullis!”
For Tammy Goldberg and her family, the
effects have been life-changing. “We are a
happier, stress-free family thanks in huge
part to Bullis. There is nothing better than
picking up your children after a long day
and having them be so happy!”
20 BULLIS magazine
Innovations in the Arts
Students from all divisions seized the opportunity to showcase their postcard art with the entire community.
Bullis art students are discovering that
the visual arts involve more than painting,
drawing, sculpting and displaying artwork.
This year, innovative programs are
expanding student experience beyond
technique to the responsibilities and
opportunities of the art world.
While art shows have been a staple of
the Bullis program, students are learning
more about the exhibition process. Co-
captains assigned to AP studio shows
oversee each of four events, critiquing,
curating and installing art pieces as well
as advertising the show. “The students
curate the most cohesive show they
can,” says art teacher Maire O’Neill ’05,
“and make sure that student work is well
represented.”
Organizing the art shows provides
important learning opportunities. “The
students want each show to be more
professionally presented than the one
before,” says Ms. O’Neill. “They hold
critique meetings to continually improve
what they’re doing.” Last fall, student
artists designed tokens and comment
boxes to invite visitor feedback on their
art pieces. In Open Studio classes, older
Bullis students acting as show captains
worked with younger students to critique,
curate and organize younger student
exhibits.
The “Postcard Show” and “Artwalk” in
May provided opportunities for all Bullis
students to showcase their art. Inspired by
“One Day,” Richard Blanco’s Inauguration
poem, students in all divisions wrote
poems, while other students illustrated
the verses on postcards. Swapping
creative efforts allowed students to both
write and illustrate, resulting in nearly 300
postcards displayed in the Blair lobby.
For the Artwalk, student guides escorted
visitors through classroom displays. “They
stamped the hands of guests,” says Lily
Gillette, visual arts chair and Lower School
art teacher, “making it fun to go from
room to room to see all the great work the
students have done this year.”
New as well is Bullis involvement in the
National Art Honor Society (NAHS);
similar chapters for the performing arts
are the Tri-M Music Honor Society and
International Thespians. Sponsored by the
National Art Educators Association, NAHS
inducts art students who meet national
requirements. Many opportunities are
available, including “some outstanding
scholarships at top art schools,” explains
art teacher Louisa Morris.
Interested students meet to discuss new
art projects, such as community service
hours earned through painting scenery
for Lower and Middle School plays, face
painting at the Homecoming celebration
and designing prom tickets. Grade
point averages, meeting attendance and
fundraising activities also help students
satisfy NAHS requirements.
“In previous years, art students always
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 21
Maire O’Neill ’05 inducts Esther Kim ’13 as the National Arts Honor Society chapter’s first president.
pitched in to help with school events, but
we had no real system in place to do so,”
says art teacher Deb Donoghue. “NAHS
provides guidelines and incentives while
encouraging the same kind of art-related
activities.”
In the wider art community, six Bullis
students were selected to exhibit in the
“Best of Independent Schools” show
held at Landon School this spring. The
competition among local Baltimore-
Washington private schools received over
200 submissions, with 83 artworks chosen
for display—including pieces by Bullis
students Nadia Fallahi ’13, Will Gansler
’15, Esther Kim ’13, Qiaoumei Li ’14, Robyn
Mackenzie ’16 and and Jack Zhou ’14.
Art outreach and community spirit is also
encouraged in the Lower School, such as
the successful quilt project for this year’s
Gala. A grant from the Parents Association
made available plenty of materials for
Lower School students to create unique
squares for three quilts auctioned at the
Gala.
What do these initiatives bring to the arts
at Bullis? “More serious art students,”
says Ms. Donoghue. “They understand
that being an art student means showing
work, documenting pieces and giving back
to the community through their talent.”
Ms. Gillette agrees. “Our students are
becoming more invested in their artwork
at a younger age.”
Art at Bullis is more than learning to paint
or draw, says Esther Kim. “This year we
are problem solving—learning to utilize
space in a show or solve a problem in
artwork. The teachers encourage us to
find our own style and to reach out to the
community, too.”
Collaboration among art classes in all
divisions is a key aspect of the program,
“inspiring younger students to think more
seriously about their own art,” says Ms.
O’Neill. “We see more interaction among
students, and they see what goes on in
later art classes.”
The Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA)
offers summer scholarships to two Bullis
students by juried decision, providing a
two-week art intensive taught by college
art professors. “This immersion helps
students understand what art school is
really like,” says Ms. Donoghue. Dayna
Clayton ’14 and Kali Engel ’14 participated
this past summer. Darcy Argain ’14 and
Yasmin Rucker ’14 both received CIA
scholarships for this summer.
“Our teachers are really supportive,” says
Esther Kim of the Bullis program. She will
be attending college at Maryland Institute
College of Art.“I feel so ready to go to art
school now.”
To enable visitors to further appreciate
the array of Bullis talent in visual arts, an
online gallery is updated each trimester on
the Bullis website. View it at www.bullis.
org/arts/Gallery.
22 BULLIS magazine
newsGala Success: A Red Carpet Affair
On Friday, March 15, “A Red Carpet
Affair” Gala raised $330,000 in support
of financial aid and professional
development programs, including a new
record for Raise the Paddle of $139,000
to fund a new outdoor video display and
scoreboard.
With great appreciation, we thank Gala Co-
Chairs Audrey Friedlander P’15 and Tammy
McKnight P’15,’18 for their enthusiastic
and dedicated leadership; Total Wine &
More and David and June Trone, P’12,
’14 for their generous sponsorship; and
the many parent volunteers who donated
countless hours of their time to the Gala.
Their efforts, combined with the energetic
participation and generous bidding of the
Gala’s attendees, produced a great event
that displayed the positive impact and
generous contributions of our community.
Finalists Brian Mitchell ’14 and Oriana Theo ’14 at the national competition.
Gala Co-chairs Tammy McKnight and Audrey Friedlander pose with the red carpet backdrop.
More than 600,000 students from all 50
states participate in National History Day
events during the school year, including all
Bullis juniors and those sophomores who
take honors US History. After the school
events, winning students compete at the
county and state levels to qualify for the
national event in College Park, Maryland
each June.
Six Bullis students made it all the way
to this summer's NHD, and two from
our delegation made it to the finals.
Congratulations to Oriana Theo ’14, who
placed 13th for her solo performance,
“When Hope Fell From The Sky: The
Berlin Airlift” and to Brian Mitchell ’14
who placed 7th for his documentary
“Baltimore Polytechnic Institute: A Model
of Desegregation Before Brown” (tinyurl.
com/p2ypadk). Brian also received the
Star Spangled 200 special prize for
incorporating unity in diversity in his entry.
Bullis Seniors Final at National History Day
22 BULLIS magazine SPRING-SUMMER 2013 23
artsImaginationA sampling of artwork produced by students across the divisions.
Demi Fragoyannis ’22
Leah Mayo ’18
Adeline Hollars ’20 Sloan Bernstein ’21
24 BULLIS magazine
arts
Bridget Conway ’18
Monique Muse ’16
Alonso Flores-Noel ’18
Nadia Fallahi ’13
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 25
Nick Sussman ’14
Minnie Wu ’15
Justin Schuble ’13
Drew Micholas ’14
26 BULLIS magazine
athleticsOutstanding Athletes
ANTHONY THOMPSONBasketball
“Anytime we walked onto the floor,” says
Bruce Kelley, varsity basketball coach, “we
knew we had the best point guard in the
game, and that good things were going
to happen.” That point guard for the last
three years was Anthony Thompson,
who wrapped his senior year leading the
Bulldogs to a 47-7 record over the last two
years, along with two IAC banners and two
IAC tournament championships. He was
also named Montgomery County player
of the year by The Gazette, and named to
2nd team All-Met by The Washington Post.
Anthony heads to Holy Cross College
next year, leaving behind other impressive
statistics as well, including 15.4 points
per game, 106 assists and 62 three-point
shots made during his senior year. “Very
few students make a team win the way
Anthony does,” declares Kelley.
Anthony came to Bullis in 9th grade, and
has played basketball—always at point
guard—since he was four years old. “I
love the passion and the competition of
the game,” he explains, “and it’s great to
see all the hard work pay off.”
He looks forward to playing at Holy Cross,
and might consider playing professionally
here or overseas, but “college is more
for life after basketball,” he says. He
particularly enjoyed his economics classes
here at Bullis, and hopes to work in
business once basketball is behind him.
NICK BARPOULIS
Swimming
“I actually love playing hockey,” says Nick
Barpoulis, “but I’m a better swimmer!”
He joined the swim team as a freshman,
but did not get serious about it until the
end of sophomore year when his coaches
saw him begin to truly understand and
appreciate the sport.
“We were shocked at his transition,”
remembers Coach Bryan Jones, “from a
goofy, non-serious swimmer to realizing
that his commitment to get better would
not only help increase visibility for the
program and showcase Bullis but also
aid in his development as a leader.” Nick
became team co-captain as a junior, and
went on to set a school record for 500
freestyle and share records for 200 free
relay and 200 medley relay.
Swimming offers a unique combination
of individual challenge and team spirit
which appeals to Nick, who recognizes
that in swimming “you can be whatever
you make yourself to be. You will get
better if you put in the effort.” Nick, who
will attend Bucknell University this fall,
was recognized for his work ethic and
leadership when he won this season’s
Coach’s Award.
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 27
BRITTANY JACKSON
Basketball
Incredible intensity and passion for the
game gives varsity basketball co-captain
Brittany Jackson the qualities that her
coaches want to see in their players: hard
work, respect and composure. “Brittany
has a loving spirit and a positive word for
her teammates all the time,” observes
Head Coach Rod Hairston, “but her
competitive nature and desire to succeed
takes over once she steps between the
lines. She becomes a warrior with the
determination of a champion.”
Brittany developed skill and leadership
over seven years on Bullis basketball
teams. Like her undefeated 8th grade
season, winning this year’s Independent
School League was momentous. “That
victory was the whole goal,” says Brittany.
“We were working up to it for years.”
Younger players will now fill spots vacated
by graduating seniors, and Brittany
anticipates returning to see “what we’ve
created.”
Off the court, Brittany sang alto with the
Chamber Singers for two years. “I love the
challenge of working with a group. Just like
basketball, the effort requires chemistry to
successfully blend together to accomplish
our ultimate goal.”
With a scholarship to play at George
Mason University, Brittany will also pursue
her other passion—English literature.
College basketball is a big commitment,
so she may not find time for many
activities, but she is certainly among the
many multi-dimensional students that
Bullis helps prepare to meet the world.
28 BULLIS magazine
athleticsJOSH FOREMANBaseball
Josh Foreman prefers to play baseball
rather than watch it, forgoing major league
fandom for his own games. “I like the
culture of baseball and the combination
of mental and physical it requires,” he
explains. After four years starting on the
Bullis varsity team, he plans to play for
Emory University next year.
As shortstop, Josh is the point guard
of the field, facilitating the defense and
“getting the most balls,” Josh wryly adds.
He started in more than 100 games
during his time at Bullis.
Aside from being a “team-first guy who
leads by example on and off the field,”
BRANDON BURKE
Ice Hockey and Lacrosse
Most Bullis students participate in a
variety of activities, but few are MVPs in
two sports—standout athlete Brandon
Burke ’13 has achieved that.
Brandon played varsity lacrosse and
hockey since his freshman year. The
youngest of three boys, he followed his
brothers onto the field and rink, becoming
a leader in his own right in both sports.
For Brandon, this winter’s hockey season
was the best one in which he has taken
Outstanding Athletes
Coach Brian Lumpkin named Josh the
team’s Most Valuable Player. “He’s the
most reliable defensive player I’ve ever
coached,” says Lumpkin, pointing to
Josh’s career fielding percentage of 93%.
A two-time all-IAC player who also excelled
on offense, Josh finished this season
with 14 RBIs, 12 singles, 3 triples and 7
stolen bases. “Thanks to Josh, the last two
seasons have been the best for baseball in
school history,” said Lumpkin.
Aside from playing, Josh was an avid
writer for The Bulldog, and hopes to
continue in sports media, maybe trying
radio when he gets to Emory.
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 29
CEMAIA WISESoftball
This summer will be the first in several
years that CeMaia Wise will not be playing
softball. “I’ve played since I was seven,
including summer travel leagues,” she
recalls.
CeMaia started as catcher for all four of
her years on the Bullis varsity team. She
earned all-ISL during her junior and senior
seasons, with 18 put-outs and 20 assists.
“Coaches from every school always
commented on her impressive skills,”
says Coach Heather Patterson. “She puts
fear in her competitors with her strong
arm and quick release, picking players off
repeatedly from first and third.”
Patterson also gave CeMaia the coach’s
Leadership Award for the season, crediting
her unmatched positive support for her
teammates. “She definitely has left her
legacy and will be missed tremendously
for her performance on the field and off.”
Before leaving to attend St. Johns
University in the fall, CeMaia will help
coach softball for Bullis Summer
Programs, where her ever-present smile
will accompany her winning combination
of skills and positive energy: “I try to
encourage everyone—a smile can make
any day better!”
part. Although Bullis ultimately lost
the IAC championship game, the team
fought valiantly: “I’m really proud of how
we stuck together as a team and hope
that for the younger players this will be a
learning experience for next year.” Brandon
received the team’s Most Valuable Player
award.
As goalie for the lacrosse team, Brandon
was awarded All-IAC and All-Gazette, and
the team’s Most Valuable Player. Coach
Robert Pollicino says Brandon “was the
consummate leader who pushed himself
and his teammates to improve every day.”
Brandon will play lacrosse next year at
Colgate University. “At the end of the day,”
he says, “I just want everyone to know that
I left it all out on the field or on the ice.”
NADIA FALLAHI
Lacrosse and Field Hockey
“Nadia Fallahi handles the pressure-
packed job of varsity lacrosse goalie
wonderfully,” compliments Coach
Kathleen Lloyd. Nadia is a team player
who holds a positive attitude and keeps
the team in mind. “After every goal our
team would score, she would run from
her goal to midfield to congratulate the
players,” Coach Lloyd recalls.
Nadia had a game-changing moment
when she overheard opponents doubting
Nadia Fallahi continues next page
30 BULLIS magazine
athletics
KASEY COUNTEE
Tennis
After two years away from competitive
tennis, it took rising senior Kasey
Countee just one year to return to peak
performance, wrapping up his season
with an 11-1 record, the IAC individual
championship and All-Met recognition. He
seems well on his way to fulfilling Coach
Steve Miguel’s prediction: “If he keeps at
it diligently, tennis may be Kasey’s ticket to
a college education.”
Surprisingly, despite his domination
as a singles player, Kasey prefers team
sports, having played lacrosse, soccer
and basketball, and running cross country
since enrolling in Bullis as a 6th grader.
Within a team, acknowledges Kasey,
rallying together as a group is a powerful
motivator. When alone on the court, he
confides, “I sometimes struggle to rely
solely on myself for internal motivation.”
Adding to the challenge this year, Kasey
became team co-captain, calling for
increased focus from a player known
for his talent, energy and enthusiasm—
and for not taking things too seriously.
“Instead of getting caught up in myself,”
Kasey has learned, “I have to lead by
example and make sure others stay on top
of their games as well.”
her ability to defend penalty shots. “That
fired me up to ramp up my game!” Soon
everyone regarded her as a solid goalie.
The Bullis girls will move to the upper
division next year after being undefeated
in the ISL this year. “We went out on a
high,” Nadia says, “and I feel confident
that I contributed to that success.”
For two years Nadia has played forward
on the varsity field hockey team as well.
“I don’t know what I would have done
without sports,” she reflected on the eve
of Graduation. “Playing two varsity sports
helped me mature and learn to balance.”
She hopes to inspire younger players
to help others whether or not they hold
leadership positions.
Next year Nadia plans to study public
relations at University of Southern
California and perhaps continue athletics
on intramural teams.
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 31
Basketball Teams Clinch Victories
The Bulldogs won the ISL tournament with a big win over Georgetown Visitation. Players include, front row from left, Nicole Kittay ’16, Brianna Davis ’13, Brooke Gutschick ’13, Raven James ’16 and Dazia Hall ’13. Back row, Kyla Lewis ’15, Ashley DeLeonibus ’14, Lynee Belton ’14, Kirby Porter ’14, Lawrencia Moten ’16 and Brittany Jackson ’13.
The varsity boys team defeated St. Albans to win a second consecutive IAC title. Front row from left, Jamaal Greenwood ‘14, Jonathan Dyer ’13, Anthony Thompson ’13, Aaron Briggs ’14, Lamonte Armstrong ’14, Kyven Jones ’14 and Justin Herron ’14. Back row from left, Winton Lyle ’13, Joe Sageman ’13, Andre Walker ’14, AJ Metz ’13, Russell Sangster ’14, Brian Kelley ’14 and Chris Aust ’14.
32 BULLIS magazine
Engraved bricks are once again available! Purchase a personalized brick in honor or memory of a student, team, teacher, individual or family.
Name: ____________________________________ Relationship to Bullis: _________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: ______________________________ E-mail: __________________________________________
Preferred location: Front of The Marriott Family Library _____ or Kline Alumni Stadium _____
Brick orders are payable in full. Please complete this form and return with a check for $250 made payable to Bullis School.
Mail to: Bullis School Advancement Office, 10601 Falls Road, Potomac, MD 20854
Questions? Please email [email protected]
All contributions are tax deductible to a 501(c)(3) organization in accordance with IRS regulations.
Building Support for BullisOne at a Time
Proceeds from brick purchases help to support the Annual Fund at Bullis. Thank you for supporting Bullis and showing your school spirit!
Please print text as you wish it to be engraved on the brick.Limit: 15 letters per line – 3 lines maximum per brick.
One letter or character per blockPlease use a separate form for each brick ordered.
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 33
“Generosity nurtures this School.”Schools and growth go hand in hand—and this year, Bullis has seen record growth in
every area, much of it due to the remarkable generosity and support of this wonderful
community. Early in the school year we asked parents and the entire giving community to
“Step Up” for Bullis. You did so with such enthusiasm that together we stepped right past
our Annual Fund goal of $950,000—to reach one million dollars! That’s a milestone for
any giving campaign, and we are grateful to all of you.
Your high regard for Bullis and all that it represents for its students and community
made new growth possible in programs and in campus improvements such as the brick
patios outside The Marriott Family Library, including the lovely waterfall and sunny patio
dedicated to Cami Baruch. This summer an impressive video scoreboard will be installed
at the Stadium thanks to the record-setting donations on Gala night for Raise the Paddle.
Every year with your help, we see more facets of the great potential in Bullis. The secret to
our community’s strong culture of giving is not simply an appreciation of the importance
of philanthropy—it’s the realization that generosity nurtures this school, and by extension,
helps to ensure the future of every student who walks across this campus.
Bullis benefits from donations of time and talents as well as resources. We are so grateful
for the many parent volunteers, experienced and new, who stepped forward this year to
help with everything from the snack bar to the Gala and the successful Bullis Gives Back
5K race.
We thank each of you for “stepping up” in countless ways to encourage Bullis’s evolution.
Our future looks bright—and as we move ahead to next year, we know that the School
remains a priority for all of us.
Enjoy a wonderful summer, and I look forward to seeing you in September!
Sincerely,
Joanne Szadkowski
Director of Institutional Advancement and Alumni
advancement perspectives
alumniJerry May Alumni Golf
Tournament
34 BULLIS magazine
Top photo, from left, Tom Mavrikes, James Bannister, Ryan Tendall and George Mavrikes P ’14, ‘17. Middle photo, Dean Sclavounos ’63, Glenn Hunter, Bruce Kelley and Andy Marusak ’66. Above, front row, Hunter Gosnell ’06, Josh Basile ’03, Craig Aronoff ’04 and Woody King ’09. Back row, Scott Crow ’11, Alex Friedlander ’11, Keith Cohen ’06, Brian Will ’08, Andres Parra ’99, Adam Janowitz ’00, Drew Prescott ’00 and Neil King ’07.
For the last three years, Bullis Head of
School Dr. Gerald L. Boarman and his
golf partners have dominated the annual
golf tournament. This year, though, a new
team (in top photo at right) comprised of
George Mavrikes P’14, ’17, Tom Mavrikes,
Ryan Tendall and James Bannister,
squeaked by Dr. Boarman’s team to take
the title.
The event attracted more than 70 golfers,
including nearly half who were alumni.
The tournament retained the fun, friendly
competition and happy reunions that
each Jerry May Alumni Golf Tournament
features year after year.
Alumna was one of the first women to graduate from Bullis.
Nicole Bernard Chaffin ’83
36 BULLIS magazine
Nicole Bernard has always been
comfortable being a pioneer. As a member
of the first class of girls to enter the
School in 1981 when she was in 11th grade,
Nicole was a trailblazer then and has
continued to be throughout her career,
including in her current role as senior vice
president for audience strategy at The Fox
Group. The position was a new one at the
organization, where Bernard has worked
since 2005. While many organizations
have departments that focus on diversity,
Fox selected Bernard to take on a broader
challenge “to ensure that each of our
entertainment products, across every unit,
incorporates and engages as diverse an
audience as our country is made of,” she
explains.
Bernard’s department provides
strategy and resources and establishes
partnerships throughout the country
to support all divisions of Fox, and the
position allows her to play to her strengths
as well as her passions to follow her own
path, travel and explore and appreciate
different cultures. “People amaze me and I
have always loved to see, feel and touch all
the things that make a culture so unique,”
she says.
“Having a blank slate to create something
unique fosters the visionary in me,” she
recalls. “I was the only girl on the boys
tennis team at Bullis, and the mere fact
that I sought out Bullis knowing I would
be a first in more ways than one was really
the catalyst for my being confident enough
to move myself in a direction I might
innately know is right for me, even if it
means being the first or only one there.”
Bernard credits Bullis with establishing
this spirit to see things as they could be
and not just how they are.
Bernard still thinks of her days at Bullis
as some of the happiest in her life. She
enthusiastically recalls the School’s
dynamic environment and how it provided
exactly the challenges she sought even
as a teenager. “When my friend Candice
Mitchell ’83 mentioned Bullis and its
academic rigor, prior military foundation
and great tennis team—and the chance
to make history as one of the first women
to integrate the school—I knew it was for
me.” She still remembers feeling both
“terrified and amused” by General Price
when she arrived first on campus, and
loving the focus on college preparation
and an expectation for excellence. “I even
liked that you had to be ‘invited back’ every
semester. The idea sparked the competitor
in me and made me feel like I was joining
an elite club that I would earn the right to
be a part of.”
She talks often about Bullis with her
nieces and nephew, current Bullis students
Gabby McIntosh ’14, Brynn McIntosh ’16
and Alec McIntosh ’18. Today’s dress code
options are a far cry from the blazer and
saddle shoes of Bernard’s era—“those
alumni profile
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 37
saddle shoes were just wrong in so many
ways!” she laughs. Among the many life
skills she developed at Bullis, Bernard is
particularly grateful for the strong work
ethic, determination, appreciation for
healthy competition and the value of
being part of a community as important
foundations for her career success. She
also applauds the expanded opportunities
in the arts at today’s Bullis, along with
the dedication to academic success and
engagement in sports that remain still at
the high levels she remembers.
As her own twin daughters—Hayden
and Leah, now six years old—grow older,
she hopes to find a similar educational
program for them in Los Angeles that
will provide an elite education that
balances fun, friendships and academics.
“Prioritizing and balance are great life
lessons that we learned at Bullis.” Bernard
regularly advises her nieces and nephews
to take advantage of the “dynamic
teachers and to raise questions about
what they are taught and what they wish
to see more.” She encourages them to
recognize and “always remember the
school’s historical belief that discipline,
balance and effort can catapult you to
greatness.” She encourages them to
leverage and try every single opportunity
that the school and the campus offer.
“Experience something that takes you out
of your comfort zone, she urges, “because
you never know how that experience will
serve you later in life.”
Bernard still remembers a particular
personal lesson, when “the fantastically
eccentric Mr. Klinger” had his students
recite the prelude to the Canterbury Tales
in front of the class. This taught Bernard
that “there is no mountain too high!” And
yes, she can still recite it.
Left page, Nicole Bernard's 1983 yearbook photos. Above from left, twin daughters Leah and Hayden share a hug; at right Nicole and her husband Lee vacation in Cabo San Lucas with their daughters.
“Experience something that takes you out of
your comfort zone, because you never
know how that experience will serve
you later in life.”
—Nicole Bernard Chaffin
38 BULLIS magazine
1974Carl Taylor reports that he just finished
coaching his 32nd year of youth lacrosse for
the West Hartford Youth Lacrosse League
and he is in his 12th year as a Superior
Court Judge. For the past two years he
has served as the presiding judge in the
Manchester, Connecticut courthouse.
1978Thomas Howe has worked for six years at
Google as an enterprise vertical account
manager in manufacturing. He and his
wife Carrie recently relocated from Chicago
to Key West, Florida.
1985Rick Glasby and his wife Athena had a
daughter, Zoe, on April 13, 2012, who joins
Rick’s first daughter, Leah, 23. Rick and
Athena both work at Bechtel Corporation
and reside in Frederick, Maryland.
1989Lisa Schatz resides in Baltimore and is
the owner and operator of Cupcake, a
contemporary women’s boutique in Fells
Point. Cupcake is in its 7th year of business
and recently launched its e-commerce
website: www.cupcake-shop.com.
1991 Congratulations to Seth Eaton who
won the 2012 SCCA Regional Solo 2
Championship in his Porsche Boxster S.
The battle for the championship was very
close, with Seth carrying a three-point lead
into the 12th final race in December. (See
photo on page 41.)
1993Christy (Pratt) Lucia lives in McLean,
Virginia with her husband Seth and
their four children, daughters Caroline,
Catherine and Elsie and son Nicholas.
Christy also lives two doors down from
former Bullis teacher and coach Bill
Wieand, and says she enjoys seeing him
often. Christy recently attended her 20
year reunion and says it was great to see
everyone who attended! (See photo on
page 42.)
Kira Orr was recently acknowledged an
ACC Women’s Basketball Legend at Duke
University, where she was also the first
Blue Devil to be drafted professionally.
Kira is currently assistant principal of the
Middle School at Bullis.
1997Akilah (Owens) Harris and her husband
Kelvin had daughter Elle Riley, on January
21, who joins big brother Ethan, 1. Akilah
works as a sales manager for Centex
Homes and she and her family live in
Arlington, Virginia.
1998Best wishes to Anna (Buffone) Hurst and
her husband Mike, who recently welcomed
identical twin boys, Harrison Samuel
Hurst and James Thomas Hurst, born
on December 5. Anna works as a senior
recruiter for Salesforce.com and Mike
is the CEO of a start-up company called
Exactuals. The Hurst family lives in Los
Altos, California.
After living in San Francisco and working
at Comcast SportsNet Bay Area since
February 2009, Adam Littlefield has
accepted a job with NBC Sports to help
launch their new English Premier League
soccer coverage. Adam says this is his
dream job, working for one of the most
prestigious networks in sports television
with the added bonus of solely focusing
on the sport about which he is most
passionate. Adam relocated to New York
City in June and began his new position
on July 1.
From left, Zoe Glasby, daughter of Rick Glasby ’85 and his wife Athena; Akilah (Owens) Harris ’97 with her husband Kelvin and children Ethan and Elle; James Thomas Hurst and Harrison Samuel Hurst, sons of Anna (Buffone) Hurst ’98 and her husband Mike Hurst.
alumni class notes
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 39
1999Congratulations to Celeste Melanson
and Joe Sweeney who were engaged on
November 24. The couple resides in West
Chester, Pennsylvania, where Celeste
teaches science and coaches the varsity
girls’ soccer team at Episcopal Academy,
and Joe works for his family’s business,
Medical Equipment Contractors.
Scott Levenson reports that since fall
2008 he has been executive director at
Private Prep, a tutoring service offering
individually customized lessons for a
range of K-12 subjects and standardized
test preparation (www.privateprep.com).
Last summer, Scott co-founded a start-up
called Present Value, a gift registry service
that enables people to make lasting
contributions toward a more secure
financial future for engaged couples and
expectant parents (www.presentvalue.
com). Scott and his wife Tamara are
the proud parents of son Blake, 3, and
daughter Sasha, 1. The Levenson family
lives in New York City.
Jennifer (Hayman) Okun and her
husband Jared are thrilled to welcome
their first child, daughter Olivia Sloane
Okun, born on December 9. Jennifer is the
assistant director of alumni and events at
Bullis and Jared works in commercial real
estate at Rock Creek Property Group.
Elliott Datlow recently traveled to Panama
City, Panama to coach ATP tennis pro
Jesse Witten at the ATP Visit Panama Cup,
a pro tennis tournament. While there,
Elliott also led a tennis clinic for 30 of the
top junior players in Panama. (See photo
on page 41.)
Rachel (Garff) Kirkham and her husband
Jay are proud to announce the arrival of
their son, Gabriel Dennis Kirkham, born
on February 6. Rachel and Jay, along with
their daughters Chloe, 4, and Lucy, 2,
and baby Gabriel, live in Cherry Hill, New
Jersey.
2000Best wishes to Jessica (Rafferty) Marx and
her husband Jeff, who welcomed their first
child, son Nathan Kurt Marx, on October
29. The Marx family resides in Dallas,
Texas.
Share Your NewsNewly married? Relocating? Expanding your family?
Celebrating a career transition?
Exotic travel in the works?
Please send in your Class Notes for the next Bullis Magazine to keep your classmates and other Bullis friends up to date. High-resolution photos (JPEG format) are always welcome.
Be sure to "like" us on Facebook—search Bullis School Alumni Association—and follow us on Twitter: @BullisAlumni.
Email your updates to Jennifer Hayman Okun ’99, assistant director of alumni and events, at [email protected].
From left, Celeste Melanson ’99 and her fiancé Joe Sweeney enjoying some quality time together; Scott Levenson ’99 with his wife Tamara, daughter Sasha and son Blake; Jennifer (Hayman) Okun ’99 and her husband Jared with their daughter Olivia Sloane Okun.
40 BULLIS magazine
2002Liz Dufresne created and produces
a health TV show on Montgomery
Municipal Cable TV channel 16 called
“Living Healthy,” co-hosted by Sport and
Spine Rehab’s CEO Dr. Jay Greenstein
and CCO Dr. Barton Bishop. Each episode
focuses on a different health topic and
features a guest who specializes in that
area. Liz is also the senior marketing
account representative for Sport and Spine
Rehab. For more information, please visit
www.ssrehab.com.
Ibrahim Diane and Josh Posnick ’03
have teamed up to create “Live from the
Republic,” an annual concert tour held in
Africa that features hip-hop, R&B and pop
musicians. A portion of the proceeds from
tour merchandise is donated to social
causes that benefit children in the African
community. For more information, please
visit www.livefromtherepublic.com.
2003Josh Basile graduated Magna Cum Laude
from UDC’s David A. Clarke School of Law
in May 2013. Josh is taking the bar exam
this summer and is looking forward to
beginning his job as an associate at Jack
H. Olender & Associates.
Lindsay (Gerber) Harris and her husband
Josh welcomed son Mason on October
23, 2012. Lindsay works at Host Hotels
& Resorts and lives with her family in
Gaithersburg.
2004Thomas Rachlin graduated from the
University of Colorado in 2008 with
a degree in Mechanical Engineering
and currently works as a technical
development engineer in research and
development at Covidien. Tom was
featured in the November issue of GQ
Magazine as a finalist in their entrepreneur
contest, “A Gentleman’s Call,” which was
in pursuit of an “idea that matters.” Tom’s
idea was The Clean Water Reserve Project,
and out of 3,000 entries nationwide, Tom
was selected as one of five finalists. Tom
currently lives in Boulder, Colorado. To
view Tom’s video, visit www.youtube.com/
watch?v=1D8ClK1pLq
2005Jordan Burke was named to the all-decade
lacrosse team at Brown University.
2006Fletcher Schoen joined the United States
Army in May 2012 and is stationed at
alumni class notes
From left, Gabriel Dennis Kirkham, son of Rachel (Garff) Kirkham ’99 and her husband Jay Kirkham; Nathan Kurt Marx, son of Jessica (Rafferty) Marx ’00 and her husband Jeff Marx; Josh Basile ‘03, on right, poses with his classmate John Millar at their law school graduation in May.
Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Fletcher
graduated from Army Sniper School in
February 2013 and went through Special
Forces Selection and Assessment. He has
been selected to begin training to become
a Green Beret.
2008Patrick Schoen graduated from Occidental
College last year with a major in diplomacy
and world affairs. This past year he worked
as a research assistant for AIDS Project
Los Angeles’ community-based research
program. This fall, Patrick will relocate to
London to start an MSc in reproductive
and sexual health research at The London
School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
2009Zachary Weiner graduated from
Muhlenberg College in May with a
degree in accounting and international
business. He will soon begin a new job at
CohnReznick, an accounting firm.
2012Madeline Dahut just completed her
freshman year at Georgetown University
where she is majoring in nursing. This
summer, Madeline is working with a
researcher on a lab project at Georgetown
as well as writing a paper for publication
in an oncology journal.
alumni class notes
IN MEMORIAMWe extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those in our close Bullis circle who have recently passed away:
Camille Marin Baruch ’13
Anthony Carozza ’46
William Clyde Earl ’46
Ashley Ennis ’68
Scott Friedel ’87
Gregory Panawek ’40
Robert C. Wood ’63
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 41
From left, Mori Diane (father of Ibrahim Diane ’02), singer/songwriter/rap artist Ryan Leslie, friend Yasmine Rahmaan, Ibrahim Diane ’02 and Josh Posnick ’03; Patrick Schoen ’08; Davis ’12 and Chris Nordeen represent Bullis at Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Davis Nordeen, along with his father,
Bullis Trustee Chris Nordeen, and his
cousin, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in
December. Though the climb took six
days and the route crossed through five
climate zones, Davis reports that the “top
was gorgeous” and they had a great time.
Davis just completed his freshman year
at the University of Michigan and this
summer, he is interning for a nonprofit
organization in Hong Kong.
Past Faculty/StaffFormer Bullis history teacher and cross
country/track coach Nicholas Kent
has been named high school principal
of Concordia International School in
Shanghai, China, to begin in the 2013-14
school year. Nicholas says that his love for
China and school leadership was founded
at Bullis from 2000-2002. Concordia
International School Shanghai is a pre-
K-12 school serving expat families.
Elliott Datlow ’99 with members of a tennis clinic in Panama.
Seth Eaton ’91 in the Porsche Boxster S with which he won the 2012 SCCA Regional Solo 2 Championship.
alumni class notesalumni class notes
42 BULLIS magazine
Young Alumni Day
The fourth annual Young Alumni Lunch took place on January 10, bringing a good crowd of alumni
back to Bullis. The students stopped by to enjoy lunch while reuniting with classmates, teachers and
administrators, and sharing great stories of their time after Bullis. It was wonderful to see everyone!
Back row from left, teachers Michael Chellman and Tim Hanson, KaQuan Little ’10, Aurian Darvishi ’12,
Leigh Ulica ’12, Jay Barrera ’11, Alex Anderson ’11, Nick Mars ’12 and college counselor Lynn Kittel. Front
row, teacher Heda O’Brien, Sam Thomas ’12, Steven Xue ’12, Morgan Williams ’12, Cami Uechi ’12, Tish
Barton ’12, Dr. Mary Frances Bryja and Dr. Jerry Boarman.
Christy (Pratt) Lucia '93 and her husband Seth enjoy time with their four children Caroline, Catherine, Elsie and Nicholas.
44 BULLIS magazine
class reunionsClass of 1993 Celebrates 20 Years!
Class of 2002 Marks 10 Years!
Members of the class of 1993 gathered at RiRa Irish Pub in Bethesda to celebrate their 20 year reunion
in June. Classmates remarked about how wonderful it was to see everyone and that a great time was
had by all!
From left, Kim Forsht, Mike Corrigan, Bradley Raymond, Sally (Kogod) Biederman, Dan Zubari, Christy
(Pratt) Lucia, Lauren Shrensky, Kyle Blackstone, Alison (Colen) Wade, Liz (Myers) Barnhart, Dana
(Gildenhorn) Wancjer and Todd Levine.
The class of 2002 feted their 10 year
reunion at Napoleon Bistro & Lounge
in November. A special thank you
to Courtney Abrams and Candace
(Foulger) Morriss for their help
with planning the evening. At right,
Candace (Foulger) Morriss and Ross
Koenig.
SPRING-SUMMER 2013 45
The class of 2007 celebrated their five year reunion over Thanksgiving weekend at Tommy Joe’s in Bethesda. A big thank you to
Kimberly Segal for all of her hard work in planning such a successful night! Of the night Kimberly said, “it was like a family reunion…
Everyone was so excited to all get together and reunite.”
Above from left, Alex Dresner, Molly Goodman, Megan Herbets, Ali Nemeroff, Andrew Zutz, Shaun Crow, Sarah O’Neill, Brandon
Allen and Jaime Bernstein-Ansaldi.
Below, back row from left, Alex Jackson, Spencer Kelly, Brooke Slowinski, Will Beck and Ben Carroll. Middle row, Andrew Zutz, Doug
Silverstein, Alissa Lichtenstein, Neil King, Joey Goldberg, Molly Goodman and Andrew Gordon. Front row, Shaun Crow, Kimberly
Segal, Sarah O’Neill, Megan Herbets and Ali Nemeroff.
Five Year Celebration for Class of 2007
46 BULLIS magazine
class reunionsRichard Hayman ’63 created Bullis’ first
HAM Radio Club over 50 years ago to
combine two of his interests, engineering
and communication. While the Radio Club
eventually dissolved with the move of
Bullis from Silver Spring to Potomac and
the introduction of newer technologies,
Richard stayed active in the HAM Radio
world. This past fall, Richard and a group
of 10 Upper School students started
Bullis’ new RC² club (robotics, computers
and communication). The aim is for “kids
to have fun and be practical with things
they are learning in the classroom,” says
Richard.
While Richard’s expertise with HAM Radio
influenced RC²’s initial projects, the club
also includes building robots and other
computer-focused technologies. Junior
Scott Bettigole ’14 says, “It’s very hands
on. We’re working with real things and can
see the product of our work.”
Richard hopes that the use of radio will
be an extension of what is being learned
in the classroom —for example, foreign
language classes being able to speak to
students in other countries. “HAM Radio
is the original social media. You’re talking
to strangers and making relationships
around the world, but without the use of
the internet.”
Energized after attending the Golden Years
Reunion last fall, Richard reconnected
Alumnus Revamps Radio Club He Foundedwith Bullis to revive the Radio Club. “HAM
Radio is a hobby that’s over 100 years old,
and it’s today’s youth who are going to
keep it thriving,” he says. “The only way to
do that is to expose them to radio and its
capabilities.”
Richard’s interest in HAM began when his
grandfather gave him a short wave radio at
the age of 10. “In fact, my parents bribed
me and said if I got good grades at Bullis,
I could get a newer radio.” It worked, and
in 1960, Bullis’ first radio club was formed.
Over 50 years later, radio is once again
part of Bullis.
For more about the RC² club, watch the
video at www.bullis.org/radio.
At left, Richard Hayman in the 1963 yearbook, developing photos. At right, Scott Bettigole ’14, Adam Cohen ’14, Brian Mitchell ’14 and Richard Hayman ’63 erecting their first radio antenna outside of North Hall.
46 BULLIS magazine SPRING-SUMMER 2013 47
Mystery Alumni Photos
Can you identify the people in one of these photos? Please email your answers to Jennifer (Hayman) Okun ’99 at [email protected] by August 15. The first person to answer correctly will win a prize from the Alumni Office!
alumni notes
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EclipseCrossword.com
Across
1. Name of the stuffed bulldog Dr. Jung brought with him when he read to Lower School students in the 1990s
3. Lyricist of the Bullis alma mater7. The area in North Hall reserved just
for seniors9. What is the first word of the Bullis
motto on the front entrance to the School?
10. How is lunch served in the dining hall?
11. Name of the Bullis yearbook13. Who first graduated from Bullis in
1983?15. The item that 3rd graders give to
seniors at the beginning of the year to plant on campus
16. How many football IAC championships has Bullis won?
17. Name of the Bullis student newspaper
18. Who first introduced the bulldog as Bullis’ mascot?
19. Name of the terrace between North Hall and the Dining Hall
Down
1. The name of the annual holiday concert
2. First location of Bullis School4. Name of the games that take place
during Homecoming week5. Name of the all-boys area sports
league of which Bullis is part6. Prior to The Marriott Family Library,
the library was located in this building on campus
8. Name of the “pageant competition” for men that took place each year during the 90s
12. In 1995 this document was put in place by the School and signed by each member of the student body and faculty
14. How many alumni currently work at Bullis?
For puzzle solution see www.bullis.org/alumni/crossword
Bullis Alumni Brain Teaser
48 BULLIS magazine
THANKS A MILLION!So many of you stepped up for Bullis in a big way this year—
WE SURPASSED OUR ANNUAL FUND GOAL OF $950,000,
totaling more than $1 MILLION!
Because of YOU, this year was another
outstanding success. The generosity and support
that Bullis receives each year enriches the
education experience of every Bullis student.
THANK YOU!
Caroline Martin ’19Watercolor
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LLIS
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