the lantern spring summer 2012

LanternTHE

the magazine of Landmark School

Spring/Summer 2012

Landmark High School Class of 2012

Iinspire. innovate. initiate.

Lantern Spring Summer 2012 FINAL 07_13_Layout 1 8/13/12 6:21 AM

our mission

phot

o©20

12 W

inslo

w M

artin

Landmark School’s

mission is to enable and

empower students with

language-based learning

disabilities (LBLD) to

reach their educational

and social potential

through an exemplary

school program

complemented by

outreach and training,

assessment, and research.


Landmark School


LA

ND

MA

RK

President and HeadmasterRobert Broudo

Vice President of FinanceMark Brislin

Assistant Head of School andDirector of Outreach

Dan Ahearn

Head of Elementary • Middle SchoolRob Kahn

Head of High SchoolChris Murphy

Director of The Prep ProgramSuzanne Crossman

Director of AdmissionCarolyn Orsini Nelson

Chief Development OfficerMaureen Flores

Leadership Gifts OfficerRyan DeJoy

Leadership Gifts OfficerLisa Robinson

Director of The Landmark FundJeff Fauci

Director of Marketing and CommunicationsSusan Tomases

ContributorsDenise Bankston P’05

Deborah BlanchardSam Bresnahan

Bob Broudo P’11Deborah Chandler

Anna DiPernaJeff Fauci

Maureen FloresTyler Gaw ’12

Carl GasowskiPeter Harris

Jaquelin HubbardBeth Jamieson

Stephanie Johnston P’17Jim and Jen KuhnsJohn Manning ’16

Chris MurphyChristine Ozahowski

Sarah PattLisa Robinson

Brook SumnerColby TallmanDoug Walker

David Williams ’12

LanternTHE

Spring/Summer 2012

The Lantern is published twice yearly by the Marketing and CommunicationsDepartment at Landmark School, Post Office Box 227, Prides Crossing, MA 01965-0227.

The Lantern is available online: landmarkschool.org

LANTERN EDITORIAL BOARDEditor and Designer

Dede GraceManager of Design Services

Managing EditorSusan Tomases

Contributing EditorRob Kahn

Graduation/Transition photographyand printing graciously donated by

lifetouch services

PhotographyErin CurranKathleen HamonKara HealeyWinslow MartinRich Nagle P’12Jake Pike ’05David PrattBrook SumnerSusan TomasesSteve Webster P’17

To paraphrase Norman Geschwind “most humans who haveever lived have been illiterate, [and] dyslexia has in fact rarelybeen a disability…it is our task to outwit nature by preserv-ing the high talents without the disadvantages.” We are nowfortunate to live in an age where the stories of “high talent”are publicized. Our generation is increasingly aware that lan-guage-based learning disabilities such as dyslexia conveyadvantages as well as challenges. The mission at Landmarkinspires, fosters, and preserves innovative teaching, and leadsstudents to initiate change that stems from those advantagesand share gifts that might otherwise have remained hidden.This issue of The Lantern highlights the many ways in whichLandmark School inspires, innovates, and initiates.

inspire. innovate. initiate.



FeaturesHighlight

5-13 High School Graduation 2012

6 Graduation Keynote Address: “Resilience” by Dr. Robert Brooks

14-21 Elementary • Middle School Transition 2012

24 Landmark’s Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam: A Formula for Success

30 Reach: The College Readiness Program at Landmark

34 FOTO:Friends of The Orphans – Making the World Seem Smaller at EMS

36 Tough Mudder – Energy and Teamwork: No One Gets Left Behind

50 Landmark Matters. Initiatives from The Office of Development

Limelight22 Landmark. A Love Story: Jim and Jen Kuhns

DepartmentsHeadlight

4 Message from the Headmaster:Inspire. Innovate. Initiate. Removing the “Dis” From Disabled

Penlight26 In His Own Words: by David Williams ’12

The Process of Invention: Impacting the Present. Inspiring the Future.

31 In His Own Words: by John Manning ’16Taking the Initiative: Looking Ahead

Backlight27 In Appreciation

Charles P. Harris: Scholar. Archivist. Gentleman.

Twilight28 In Memoriam: Alice DeSousa

A Steel-Trap Mind and A Heart of Gold

29 In Memoriam: Bob Van de WaterGenerous. Talented. Wise.

TABLE of CONTENTSSpring/Summer 2O12

36

34

24


Spotlight32 Faculty Profile: Jaquelin Hubbard

Ironwoman: In the Water. On the Road.

42 Student Profile: Tyler Gaw ’12 Hard Work and a Positive Attitude, On and Off the Stage

48 Donor Profile: Denise Bankston P’05 Sharing What Works in Education

58 Alumnus Profile: Sam BresnahanUnswerving Self-Determination

Starlight38 Viking Athletic Team Awards

Danny Czerkawaski ’12: An Inspiring MVP

39 Alumni Field: From a Rocky Glacial Landscape Into a Field of Dreams

40 Landmark Performing Arts Spring MusicalYou’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

44 The Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards 2012

46 Foundations of ArtAnimal Invasion! It’s a Jungle Out There.

Sidelight57 MECCA

Max E. Clayman Compassion Award

Floodlight52 “Destination Landmark” Spring Auction • April 2012

54 7th Annual Casino Night • June 2012

55 20th Annual Landmark Golf Benefit • June 2012

56 Homecoming Save the Date • October 2012

60 Alumni Notes

32

TABLE of CONTENTSSpring/Summer 2O12

46

52inspire. innovate. initiate.


Most students diagnosed with language-basedlearning disabilities (LBLD) are not “disabled’at all. Rather, they are “dis-enabled” by school

systems that do not see these learners for who they are orteach them according to theirneeds. It is not a question ofwhether these students can learn,but a question of how they learnand how they are taught. Becauseof these issues, Landmark Schoolwas founded.

Since its inception, Landmark hasfully embraced the role, responsi-bility, and vision inherent in itsmission to enable and empowerstudents diagnosed with LBLD toreach their educational and social potential. We haveworked to initiate awareness, understanding, and practicalprograms. Landmark’s administrators and teachers havebeen innovative in assimilating, creating, and refining pro-gram models, curricula, materials, and methodologies.Powerful stories of success constantly reinforce our visionand drive our strategic planning, while providing inspira-tion to our faculty and others.

Looking ahead, we have a firm foundation on which tobuild a future constructed on our exemplary school pro-gram, constantly improving physical plant, expansive out-reach and training activities in public and private schools,and evolving collaboration as a research school withHarvard Graduate School of Education. Our passionateownership of our role, responsibility, and vision will con-

tinue to motivate us to inspire, innovate, and initiate. Toenable our students, Landmark will always encourageresearch-based program development in all areas of thecurriculum. To enable the faculty, staff, and students, we

will continue to set priorities anddevelop our physical sites, with apresent focus on new classroomsfor the high school and middleschool. To enable the future, wewill work to build our endowmentand business model for sustain-ability. We will make a concertedeffort to reach more teachers andstudents worldwide through thedevelopment of on-line applica-tions of Landmark methodologiesand courses. We will continue to

develop our own professionals, maintain a strong andvibrant outreach and training program, and market theLandmark brand for increased awareness of Landmarkand venues for creating success for all types of learners.We will expand our relationship with Harvard to supportincreased outcome-based research. And we will find waysto improve on-site facilities in support of performing andvisual arts, student life activities, athletics, etc.

Landmark’s role, responsibility, and vision all relate tobeing an influential change agent. Inspiring, innovating,and initiating are the critical elements of our success thatenable us to fulfill our own mission. With the investmentof the entire Landmark community, we will continue toremove the “dis” from disabled and disenabled, and launchour students as successful life-long learners.

headlightmessage from the Headmaster

I

inspire.

innov

ate. in

itiate. “Landmark’s role, responsibility,

and vision all relate to being an influential change agent.Inspiring, innovating, andinitiating are the critical elements of our success that enableus to fulfill our own mission.”

inspire. innovate. initiate.Removing the “Dis” From Disabled

by Bob Broudo

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o©E

rin

Cur

ran

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Graduation photos©2012 Lifetouch Services 5

r e a d y f o r t h e n e x t s t e p s .

l a n d m a r k h i g h s c h o o lg r ad uati o n 2 0 1 2


6

highlightfeature

KE

YN

OT

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DD

RE

SS RESILIENCE

by Dr. Robert Brooks

Today I want to talk about what has been the passion of my 40-yearcareer as a psychologist and educator, and that has to do with thetopic of resilience. Years ago, I became very interested in the question

of why some children who have faced noteworthy struggles grew up to beadults who were hopeful, optimistic, and leading successful lives while othershad less fortunate outcomes.

In my practice I constantly ask myself what adults can do to help kids who areunhappy or experiencing despair to become more resilient. Researchers andpsychologists have asked adults who overcame adversity, what made the difference in their lives. The number one reply was that there was at least oneadult who believed in them and stood by them. In an article written in l988one of my heroes in the field of psychology, the late Julius Segal, referred tothat person as a charismatic adult, a person whom he defined as “someonefrom whom a child or adolescent gathers strength.” To the graduates who aresitting here today, please remember that you are surrounded by many charis-matic adults who have made a significant difference in your life, including your,parents, grandparents, faculty, and friends. They share in this day with you.

I have often been asked what adults do that earns them the label “charismatic.”One very important thing is that they identify and reinforce the strengths ofeach child. Thirty years ago I started to use a metaphor to capture the imageof strengths. I noted that every child, adolescent, and adult has what I callislands of competence. While adults must not ignore the problems and vul-nerabilities of children, they must focus much more time and energy on identi-fying and reinforcing each youngster’s islands of competence. We must helpchildren to recognize, value, and follow their strengths, passions, and interestssince by doing so children will experience genuine success and happiness.

“Continue to demonstrate the courage that led you to where you are today and to where you will go tomorrow.”

grad

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Another key characteristic of charismatic adults is thatthey appreciate the courage of children and adoles-cents to overcome problems. The graduates here areexamples of courageous young men and women.

When I use the word “courage,” I am reminded ofKate, a girl I saw in therapy many years ago. She hadsignificant learning problems and was bullied inschool. She was 10 years old but looked about sixbecause she had a growth hormone problem.Consequently, she had to take growth hormone shotsevery day. When I first started to see Kate, she was achild who had difficulty seeing any strengths in herself. In one of our first sessions that included Kateand her mother, I asked, “Kate, what do you enjoydoing? What do you do that’s pretty good?” I couldbarely get the words out before Kate emphaticallyreplied, “Nothing! Dr. Brooks, do you know what itfeels like to go to school everyday and think you’re a dummy?Do you know what it feels likewhen you are always the last onechosen at games?” Not surpris-ingly, upon hearing these com-ments, Kate’s mother lookeddepressed and became teary-eyed. Kate also lookeddepressed and I know that I felt depressed. However,after a few moments Kate started to smile. I remem-ber wondering, “Why is Kate smiling?” Kate then said,“Dr. Brooks, I just thought of something I do betterthan any kid in the whole school. I take shots betterthan any kid in the whole school.”

At that moment Kate’s mother expressed a thought Ishall never forget. She looked at Kate and then at meand said, “Dr. Brooks, you will find as you work withKate that she is one of the most courageous childrenyou will every work with.” With these words Kate’smother poignantly captured that for some children,especially those with learning problems, going to

school every day is an act of courage. For some childrento play on a little league team or a soccer team is an actof courage since they are not well-coordinated and eventheir own teammates utter negative remarks aboutthem. For some children going to something as simpleas a birthday party is an act of courage since they sensethat no one likes them and they often feel rejected.

I told Kate’s teacher, who was a wonderful and cre-ative woman, that Kate’s island of competence wasthat she was an “expert shot-taker.” Kate’s teachertold me that she could apply that information inKate’s school program. She told Kate that many chil-dren had to take shots, but there weren’t any books inthe school library that would prepare them to do so.She encouraged Kate to write a book about “How toTake Shots.” After Kate finished the book it wasplaced in the school library. Her classmates wereinformed that there was now a book in the library that

would help kids prepare for any shots they had totake. Having her book in the school library was a bigboost to Kate’s self-esteem and her sense of accom-plishment. In essence, her island of competence wasdisplayed for the entire school to see.

I want to offer my congratulations to the Landmarkgraduates and to encourage you to discover yourislands of competence and build upon them.Continue to demonstrate the courage that led you towhere you are today and to where you will go tomor-row. And remember to thank your charismatic adultswho have been at your side and believed in you. I wishyou much success and happiness and I believe thatone day you will be those successful and charismatic

7

island of confidencer e s i l i e n c e

charisma

“I have often been asked what adults do that earns themthe label ‘charismatic.’ One very important thing is thatthey identify and reinforce the strengths of each child.”

inspire. innovate. initiate.r e s i l i e n c e


8

Paul Z. AcciavattiBeverly, Massachusetts

Westfield State UniversityWestfield, Massachusetts

Elena Boaz AdkinsLong Beach Township, New Jersey

Florida Gulf Coast UniversityFt. Myers, Florida

Margaret Ashley AlevizosWellesley, Massachusetts

Endicott CollegeBeverly, Massachusetts

MacKenzie D. AmigoMerrimack, New Hampshire

Keene State CollegeKeene, New Hampshire

Spencer C. BaldwinKeene, New Hampshire

Paul Smith’s CollegePaul Smiths, New York

Taylor Aram BalemianSparta, New JerseyAdelphi University

Garden City, New York

*Corinne Michal BaneDayton, Ohio

Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester, New York

Alexander Michael BelyeaLexington, Massachusetts

Colby-Sawyer CollegeNew London, New Hampshire

Miguel Angel BenaventeAmesbury, MassachusettsBenjamin Franklin Institute

of TechnologyBoston, Massachusetts

*Elena A. BennettLexington, Massachusetts

Colby-Sawyer CollegeNew London, New Hampshire

Mikaela Marie BialeckiMarlborough, MassachusettsFramingham State UniversityFramingham, Massachusetts

Taylor Leigh BoniniWhite River Junction, Vermont

High Point UniversityHigh Point, North Carolina

Derek C. BowmanMelrose, MassachusettsColby-Sawyer College

New London, New Hampshire

Conor P. BruceWest Newbury, Massachusetts

Northern Essex Community CollegeHaverhill, Massachusetts

Mark Edward BurnsRockland, Massachusetts

Massasoit Community CollegeBrockton, Massachusetts

Pelagia Graciela CandelasArlington, Massachusetts

University of MassachusettsAmherst, Massachusetts


highlightfeature

Sara Nagle

l. to r.: Etta Resnick/Field, Sophie Southwick, Ciara Southwick, Sara Nagle, Julia Stavins, Corinne Bane,Tyler Gaw, Zachary Staude, Derek Bowman, Derek Dexter, James Furrier, Sam Seckler

Alex Belyea

gr aduateDESTINATIONS

*The Prep Program at Landmark School


9

*Bretton Schumacher ClarkStratham, New Hampshire

Wheelock CollegeBoston, Massachusetts

John P. CollinsWest Roxbury, Massachusetts

Boston CollegeChestnut Hill, Massachusetts

Christopher CowderoyLondon, United Kingdom

Africa VentureUganda, Africa

Daniel L. CzerkawskiCohasset, Massachusetts

High Point UniversityHigh Point, North Carolina

Harry James DayBerkeley, California

University of California at Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California

Derek F. DexterNewburyport, Massachusetts


*Samuel Giffen DikBoxford, Massachusetts

American UniversityWashington, District of Columbia

*Sarah DiRicoSouth Hamilton, Massachusetts

University of Colorado at BoulderBoulder, Colorado

Nickolas Santino DiVitoMedway, Massachusetts

Dean CollegeFranklin, Massachusetts

Larissa Marie DoucetteEast Bridgewater, Massachusetts


*Brittany Nicole Dzugas-SmithSouthhold, New York


*Daniel Patrick FaheyTopsfield, Massachusetts

University of VermontBurlington, Vermont

Thomas John FaheyWestford, Massachusetts

Lyndon State CollegeLyndonville, Vermont

Nicholas Mathieu FalveyWestborough, Massachusetts

Nichols CollegeDudley, Massachusetts

Madeleine Dodd FerryWest Newton, Massachusetts

Brehm/OPTIONSCarbondale, Illinois

Matthew Thornton Fries Old Lyme, Connecticut

University of New HampshireDurham, New Hampshire

Adam Maxwell FritzNarberth, Pennsylvania

American UniversityWashington, District of Columbia

*James J. FurrierTopsfield, Massachusetts

University of HartfordWest Hartford, Connecticut

Parker Scott GanassinPeru, Illinois

Lynn UniversityBoca Raton, Florida

Tyler David GawLynnfield, MassachusettsUniversity of Rhode Island

Kingston, Rhode Island

Bretton Clark

Margaret Alevizos and Connie Theokas

Nicholas Falvey

Miguel Benavente

Elena Bennett, Mikaela Bialecki, Taylor Bonini

Paul Acciavatti



10 Student Marshals Tyler Gaw and Larissa Doucettewith Connie Theokas

Sam Seckler

Ciara Southwick

Eric L. GottliebLawrence, New YorkUniversity of Arizona

Tuscon, Arizona

Timothy Peter Guertin Jr.Framingham, Massachusetts

Wentworth Institute of TechnologyBoston, Massachusetts

Sean Patrick HardimanSherborn, Massachusetts

Iona CollegeNew Rochelle, New York

Savannah Jayne Elizabeth Hartigan

North Reading, MassachusettsColby-Sawyer College

New London, New Hampshire

Gregory Emil LevesqueMethuen, Massachusetts

United States Marine Corps

Benjamin H. LindsayPortland, Oregon

Johnson & Wales UniversityDenver, Colorado

Sean Charles MaloyWakefield, Massachusetts

Universal Technical InstituteNorwood, Massachusetts

Julia Nancy MalynnRowley, MassachusettsSalem State UniversitySalem, Massachusetts

Kenneth Leroy ManningCambridge, Massachusetts

Principia CollegeElsah, Illinois

Christopher J. MayShrewsbury, MassachusettsUniversity of Massachusetts

Amherst, Massachusetts

Kyle Andrew McCormickMinneapolis, Minnesota

Coe CollegeCedar Rapids, Iowa

*Matthew P. McDonaldLexington, MassachusettsUniversity of New England

Biddeford, Maine

Eric Matthew MurrerBoxford, Massachusetts

Curry CollegeMilton, Massachusetts

Mark A. MuskaRiver Vale, New Jersey

Bergen Community CollegeParamus, New Jersey

*Christopher Mills MyersBeverly, Massachusetts

Adelphi UniversityGarden City, New York

Sara Katherine NagleBoxford, Massachusetts

Adelphi UniversityGarden City, New York

Joseph R. OcchipintiBeverly, Massachusetts

New England Institute of ArtBrookline, Massachusetts

l. to r.: Parker Ganassin, Timothy Guertin, Sean Hardiman, Savannah Hartigan Sean Maloy, Kenneth Manning, Kyle McCormick, Christopher May, Mark Muska



11

Matthew Fries

Matthew FriesWilliam Joseph OuelletteGardner, Massachusetts

Mount WachusettCommunity College

Gardner, Massachusetts

Marc Anthony PuglieseAndover, Massachusetts

North Shore Community CollegeDanvers, Massachusetts

Etta Mather Resnick/FieldSomerville, Massachusetts

Hartwick CollegeOneonta, New York

Matthew Yuri RiberdyFeeding Hills, Massachusetts

Washington CountyCommunity College

Calais, Maine

*William Thomas RoughanHopkinton, Massachusetts

Allegheny CollegeMeadville, Pennsylvania

Tyler Caley RuddockBoxford, Massachusetts


Mary Frances SahlasArlington, Massachusetts

Endicott CollegeBeverly, Massachusetts

Drew Edward SanbornDanvers, MassachusettsWestfield State UniversityWestfield, Massachusetts

Faisal SbitanRiyadh, Saudi Arabia


Nathaniel Thomas SecklerBrussels, Belgium

Utah Valley UniversityOrem, Utah

Samuel Micah SecklerBrussels, Belgium

Utah Valley UniversityOrem, Utah

Ciara Killoran SouthwickHamilton, Massachusetts

Savannah College of Art and Design

Savannah, Georgia

Sophie Haffenreffer SouthwickHamilton, Massachusetts

Savannah Collegeof Art and Design

Savannah, Georgia

Zachary H. StaudeStoneham, Massachusetts

Massachusetts Collegeof Art and Design

Boston, Massachusetts

Julia Melissa StavinsNewton, Massachusetts

Curry CollegeMilton, Massachusetts

Ryne Joseph SteinbornLexington, Massachusetts

University of MassachusettsAmherst, Massachusetts

Sean Maloy, Kenneth Manning, Kyle McCormick, Christopher May, Mark Muska



12

*Benjamin Hagan Danielsen StrawbridgeBelmont, MassachusettsNortheastern UniversityBoston, Massachusetts

Alana Katherine SullivanQuincy, Massachusetts


Levi J. TourignyFitzwilliam, New HampshirePlymouth State UniversityPlymouth, New Hampshire

Alyona UedaBrookline, Massachusetts

Cosmetology

Kaitlyn Ann Rose UntietBedford, New HampshireFranklin Pierce UniversityRindge, New Hampshire

Vincent W. J. Van PouckeMonroe, New York

Nichols CollegeDudley, Massachusetts

David Robert WilliamsCohasset, Massachusetts

Minnesota State University-Moorhead

Moorhead, Minnesota

LANDMARK PREP PROGRAMMorgan Barlow

South Hamilton, MassachusettsNew Hampton School

New Hampton, New Hampshire

Anna Rosalie DiMaggioWestford, Massachusetts

Brewster AcademyWolfeboro, New Hampshire

HIGH SCHOOLTrevor DiTrani

Cambridge, MassachusettsCambridge Rindge and Latin School

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Leah KalfelWest Newbury, Massachusetts

Whittier Regional VocationalTechnical High School

Haverhill, Massachusetts

Danny Czerkawski and Parents

Maddy Ferry and Family

Kyle McCormick and Family

undergr aduateDESTINATIONS



13

LPA AWARD

Brittany Dzugas-Smith

David Williams

Danny Czerkawski and Parents

Each spring, every senior is invited to apply for the Landmark Parents Association Award for OutstandingAccomplishment. We received 17 applications for this year’s award. The application requires the candidate to seektwo recommendations (Case Manager and Guidance Counselor) in addition to writing a self-reflective “ApplicantStatement.” The completed application packet is then reviewed by a committee of seven – a mix of faculty mem-bers and parents. The entire process is a culmination of the self-advocacy skills that are characteristic of Landmarkstudents. In addition to the honor of winning the award, each of the four Award recipients is presented with a$500 check at the Graduation Ceremony. Karen Hatch P’10,’13, Co-president of The Landmark Parents Association,was pleased to present the 2012 Award for Outstanding Accomplishment to:

Brittany Dzugas-Smith • Christopher May • Eric Murrer • David Williams

Christopher May

Eric Murrer

LANDMARK PARENTS ASSOCIATION

FOR OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENT



14

-

When we first came to

Landmark, our son was starting

fifth grade. We were told by Karl

Pulkkinen that it’s never tooearly to start thinking about

transition. And now, his

words ring all too true.

For parents of typical learners, the

path is fairly clear: one can be

reasonably sure that at the end of

each grade level their child will be

ready to move on to the

next grade, the next school, the

next step. For parents of chil-

dren with learning differences the

path can be unclear, progress

unpredictable or uneven. Our

children work hard while we hope,

cajole, encourage, worry, and yes –

celebrate their victories!

Nicholas Dalissandro

Transition photos©2012 Lifetouch Services

l a n d m a r k e l e m e n ta r y • m i d d l e s c h o o ltr an s iti o n cere mo n y 2 0 1 2

transitionEMS


-

We rejoice at our son’sgains and the foundation he

is building at Landmark. We

are excited about the time

remaining as he enters eighth

grade in September. We step

back and see the person he is

becoming: a capable reader, mathematician,

creative writer, and this year

for the first time, an activeparticipant in sports.

Whether our son transitions next

year to Landmark High School or

to another school, we will keep

the big picture in mind: the

foundation he has begun to

build will be substantialenough to support the

cathedral of his future hopesand dreams.

-Stephanie Johnston P’17

15

Natalie Clark

BU ILD ING a c at h e d r a l o f h o p e s a n d d r e a m s

transitioninspire. innovate. initiate.


highlightfeature

16

Eliza Wildes

Cameron Walter and Family

Victoria Smith

Alec Salzer and Family

Michelle Authelet Cumberland, Rhode Island

Landmark High School

Matthew Bailey Sudbury, MassachusettsLandmark High School

Rachel Bussone Danvers, MassachusettsLandmark High School

Ernest CarabilloLexington, Massachusetts


John Carney Wellesley, Massachusetts


Natalie Clark Topsfield, MassachusettsLandmark High School

Emma Colcord Andover, MassachusettsLandmark High School

Patrick Cunningham Topsfield, MassachusettsLandmark High School

Nicholas Dalissandro Beverly, Massachusetts

Essex Agricultural and Technical High School Hathorne, Massachusetts

DESTINATIONSEMS


8GRADE


17

John Carney

Katherine Cutler

Anna DiPerna and Celeste Falzone

Christopher McKernanand Justin DiPlatzi

Grace Allen

8GRADE

Michael Dalzell Rowley, MassachusettsLandmark High School

Rebecca DeNatale Malden, MassachusettsLandmark High School

Molly Early Quincy, MassachusettsLandmark High School

Bradley Ellis Hamilton, MassachusettsLandmark High School

Celeste Falzone Melrose, MassachusettsLandmark High School

Brennan Hill Quincy, MassachusettsLandmark High School

Linnea Janes Hamilton, MassachusettsLandmark High School

Nicholas Kovalchik Westford, MassachusettsLandmark High School

Tanner Lane Marblehead, Massachusetts


DESTINATIONSEMS

inspire. innovate. initiate.Lantern Spring Summer 2012 FINAL 07_13_Layout 1 8/13/12 6:23 AM

18

Brennan HillMolly Early

Griffin Patrican and Family

Alex Loring

Bo Levine Quincy, MassachusettsLandmark High School

Alex Loring Prides Crossing, Massachusetts


Jacqueline MahoneyQuincy, MassachusettsLandmark High School

John ManningGroveland, Massachusetts

Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School

Haverhill, Massachusetts

Ariane Mills Salem, MassachusettsLandmark High School

Anthony Nickas Hamilton, MassachusettsLandmark High School

Griffin Patrican Boxford, Massachusetts

Pingree SchoolHamilton, Massachusetts

Matthew Pramas Andover, MassachusettsLandmark High School

DESTINATIONSEMS


8GRADE


19

Rachel Palleschi and Linnea Janes

Rachel Bussone and Family

Max Barrett and Family

Samantha Putur Beverly, Massachusetts

undecided

Thomas Quirk Lincoln, MassachusettsLandmark High School

Timothy Regan Newton, MassachusettsLandmark High School

Joshua Richards Essex, MassachusettsLandmark High School

Alec Salzer Woburn, MassachusettsLandmark High School

Victoria SmithMiddleton, Massachusetts


Brandon Strasnick Swampscott, Massachusetts


D. Alex Sullivan Sherborn, Massachusetts


Mercer Therrien Carlisle, MassachusettsLandmark High School

DESTINATIONSEMS


8GRADE


20

Richard Keesler and Ernest Carabillo

Emma ColcordMacKenzie Kelley

Elizabeth Davis andJacqueline Mahoney

Cameron Walter Boxford, Massachusetts

Malden Catholic High SchoolMalden, Massachusetts

Nicole Whalen Groveland, Massachusetts


Eliza Wildes Groveland, Massachusetts


Marcus Wright Wenham, MassachusettsLandmark High School

Max Barrett Brookline, MassachusettsBrookline Public SchoolsBrookline, Massachusetts

Katherine Cutler South Hamilton,Massachusetts

Brookwood School Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

MacKenzie KelleyNeedham, Massachusetts

Montessori SchoolPutney, Vermont

Thomas KourkoulisNahant, Massachusetts

Swampscott Middle School Swampscott, Massachusetts

8GRADE

7GRADE

DESTINATIONSEMS


21

Rebecca DeNatale

John Manning

Samantha Putur

Michelle Authelet

Matthew Pramas

Mercer Therrien

Grace Allen Beverly Farms, Massachusetts

Briscoe Middle School Beverly, Massachusetts

Olivia Carbone Danvers, Massachusetts

Holten Richmond Middle School Danvers, Massachusetts

Justin DiPlatzi North Reading, MassachusettsNorth Reading Middle School

North Reading, Massachusetts

Austin Begien Wenham, Massachusetts

Brookwood School Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

Angus Hawley Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

Brookwood SchoolManchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts

S. Lee Dalzell Rowley, Massachusetts

Pine Grove Elementary School Rowley, Massachusetts

6GRADE

5GRADE

4GRADE

DESTINATIONSEMS


The KuhnsJen andJim

22


A Love StoryLandmark.

by Christine Ozahowski

limelightfeature

“Landmark. A Love Story” is a regular feature of The Lantern showcasing couples who met at Landmark and continue to be part of the Landmark family.

23

Finding Equilibrium: A LEVELS SYSTEM OF THEIR OWN


They are one of those couples that just belong together. Their mutual affection isobvious and flows over to their family and to the extended family they callLandmark. Jim and Jen Kuhns make it clear that the Landmark community they

have embraced has influenced their lives.

Jim’s first impression of Jen was that she was a girl with a huge heart and beautiful long blonde hair. That first brief meeting led to a long distance relationship between Niagara Falls, NY and Amherst, MA.Jen finished a degree in Environment Science and Jim, having finished a degree in Mass MediaCommunications, worked for his father’s company.

Jim wanted to do something meaningful with his life, and after an interview at Landmark, he found whathe wanted. Jen’s job at Landmark followed shortly thereafter when she found herself being recruited for ajob that, according to Chris Murphy, was hard, with long hours including dorm duty, and paid less thanshe was already making. Jen took the proverbial “leap of faith” and started teaching a few weeks later.

Jim immediately loved teaching and admits, “I was a bit of a ham.” Remembering the years before theLevels System in the dorms, he acknowledges that his sense of humor helped a lot. Jen calls herself natu-rally shy and found stepping in front of a class challenging. Teaching became intuitive when she realizedthat she knew what the kids needed because she had never received it herself. “It is the kids that sustainyou because they are just so brave,” she says.

Their children, Lily, born in 1998, and twins Elizabeth and Julia, born in 2000, grew up on campus.With three kids in diapers, Jim and Jen remember being young and exhausted but loving the studentsthey worked with and the people in their community. They found that everyone learns when there areyoung children on campus. Their girls were quiet during study hall and the “big kids” were quiet duringnaptime. Often, when alumni return, the first question they ask is “How are the girls?” Eventually theKuhns moved off campus but “Our kids are Landmark kids and always will be,” says Jen. In fact, shortlyafter settling into their new home and not wanting to leave too much of their life at Landmark behind,the Kuhns girls asked for, and got, a Levels System of their own!


24

Landmark’s Lemelson-MIT

InvenTeamA Formula for Successby Susan Tomases

highlightfeature

“I love working on this project. I can work with my hands andfigure out how to build stuff. Every time I come here I learnsomething new. If you miss one day you really feel lost.”

-Cal Robbins ’16



25

Take a small group of students who like to tinker and lovescience, add two passionate and talented teachers, com-bine parents with ingenuity and encouragement, and

you’ve got a formula for success. Landmark School’s InvenTeam:Nate Douglass ’14, Kevin Fraga ’13, James Furrier ’12, EmileeMiller ’14, James Petrillo ’13, Cal Robbins ’16, Will Tylko ’13, LBWallace ’14, and David Williams ’12 took this winning formula tothe next level and may be changing lives in the process.

At the suggestion of parent Ernie Carabillo P’16, LandmarkHigh School faculty members Carl Gasowski and Doug Walkerapplied for a Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam grant. Recipients of theprestigious award receive up to $10,000 to invent technologicalsolutions to real-world problems. In the fall of 2011 the news wasannounced: Landmark School was one of only 15 high schoolteams selected nationwide.

After the excitement faded, the industrious group of students ,“Landmark Water Systems,” guided by Gasowski and Walker,began developing the desalination drip irrigation system outlinedin their proposal. The device was projected to be site-built byindividuals or villages in emergent nations, particularly in areas ofminimal annual rainfall. The unit could also be used as a waterpurification system for potable water. The intent was to allow indi-viduals to build units using local, recycled parts as much as possible.

Since October, the group has been busy designing 11 prototypeswhich they presented at EurekaFest at MIT in June. They nar-rowed their most affordable and efficient prototypes down tothree models: a parabolic flash boiler, a passive solar homogeniza-tion unit, and a bottle trough cabinet that they brought to exhibit.The four-day event included presentations by the $500,000 and$100,000 professional award winners for improving our worldthrough technological invention and innovation, master classes,an InvenTeam showcase, and a full day high school design challenge. One of the highlights was hearing the Secretary ofEnergy Steven Chu speak on behalf of the top prize winner.

Team member Cal Robbins ’16 says of his experience, “I loveworking on this project. I can work with my hands and figure outhow to build stuff. Every time I come here I learn somethingnew. If you miss one day you really feel lost.”

As with many inventions, the byproducts are often more valuablethan the initial project. The team is currently developing a device tohelp hearing-impaired people, and they are also hatching a plan tomake the program a permanent part of the Landmark curriculum.

To learn more about Landmark’s InvenTeam:

landmarkwatersystems.com

l. to r.: Mr. Doug Walker, LB Wallace ’14, Emilee Miller ’14, Will Tylko’13, Cal Robbins ’16,James Petrillo ’13, Mr. Carl Gasowski


penlightin his own words

26 inspire. innovate. initiate.

The Landmark InvenTeam is a team spon-sored by MIT to participate in theirLemelson Project. My jobs are team

manager, treasurer, and leader. It is my responsibilityto be communicating back and forth between MITand other contacts, organizing interviews, visits fromMIT, and companies for possible sponsorships. It isalso my job to make sure everyone is doing what heor she is supposed to be doing and making sureeverything is on schedule.

Over the year, we had deadlines with MIT that involvedsending in materials such as prototype information andmonthly progress reports. In June we attendedEurekaFest, MIT’s gathering with all teams, to showour inventions. I organized the logistics for the visit– making sure the proper forms were filled out and sub-mitted on time, organizing the stay at MIT, and arrang-ing transportation for members and our inventions.

Being part of this team, along with myentire Landmark experience these pastthree years, has allowed me to develop lifelong skills in group management andleadership. Without Landmark, I would nothave been able to come so far in my abilities and what I hope to accomplish inthe future. Landmark has taught me how tomanage my time, work around my learningdisability, and advance more than I wouldhave at any other school. Landmark hasbecome a huge influence on my life.

During my three years at Landmark, I found a lovefor the sciences and helping others through community service. I have been inspired to become adoctor. I plan on double majoring in Biosciences withan emphasis in Medicine and Athletic Training atMinnesota State University, Moorhead, MN. I hopeto continue on to medical school to receive an MDand follow my path into Sports Medicine andInternal Medicine.

The many abilities I have absorbed through being partof the Lemelson Project and attending LandmarkSchool will help me in my everyday life once I entercollege and will assist me down my path for thefuture. For that I am thankful.

THE PROCESS OF

INVENTION:Impacting the Present. Inspiring the Future.

by David Williams ’12

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Charles (Charley) Harris participated in initial dis-cussions with Landmark’s founder, Dr. CharlesDrake about opening a school for dyslexic students

in the late 1960s. Shortly after its inception, Charley joinedLandmark as its Assistant Headmaster. Charley’s presence,expertise, and networking helped greatly to smooth the pathfor the school’s evolution, from its early years to the present.Administratively, professionally, and personally, CharleyHarris has enriched Landmark in every role he played.

In the critical role of Clerk of the Corporation, Charley’scontributions to the school’s governance reflect his organiza-tion, judgment, and legendary knowledge of institutionalhistory and culture. The Clerk is responsible for keeping theBoard on course by sending notices of meetings, takingmeeting notes, maintaining and updating bylaws and policies, assuring that actions are appropriately distributed

and discussed, presenting necessary annual votes, and guiding meetings through parliamentary procedures.

Although the cyclical duties of Clerk will pass to anotherperson after four decades of service, folks throughoutLandmark will no doubt continue to seek out Charley tochat about an issue, get advice, recall some obscure bit ofLandmark lore, discuss literature, proofread a sensitive letter,talk about golden retriever dogs, or just say hello. The Boardof Trustees will continue to welcome Charley in an emerituscapacity for many years to come.

Thank you for your tenure as Landmark’s Clerk of theCorporation, Charley Harris: Assistant Headmaster andClerk Emeritus, and life-long member of the LandmarkSchool Community to the benefit of everyone associatedwith the school.

Changing of the Clerks: The Trustees Salute

CHARLES P. HARRISScholar. Archivist. Gentleman.

by Bob Broudo

Many names and personalities have comprised Landmark’s Board of Trustees throughoutthe school’s history. Of all those illustrious tenures, however, the longest service to the Boardrecently came to an end when Charley Harris stepped down as Clerk of the Corporation.

backlight

THANK YOU CHARLEY!

inspire. innovate. initiate.in appreciation

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A28

twilightin memoriam

Alice

AliceDeSousa1921-2012

Alice C. DeSousa, 91, of Manchester-by-the-Sea,

MA, died on February 22, 2012, following a brief ill-

ness. She was born in Beverly, MA and graduated from

Cambridge High and Latin School in Cambridge, MA.

She was a secretary for several businesses and worked

at the Fuller School in Gloucester as a receptionist. In

1981, she became the receptionist at Landmark where

she worked until 2011. She is survived by her daughter,

Donna C. (DeSousa) Slade and her husband Daniel B.

Slade, and her grandson, Daniel D. Slade; several nieces

and nephews; and best friend, Peggy LaBare and her

companion George Cooper.

a steel-trap mind and a heart of goldby Dede Grace

For 30 years, anyone who stepped into the reception area at Landmark or called the schoolphone number crossed paths with Alice DeSousa. She was the ever-friendly, always-welcomingface and voice of Landmark. If you were visiting our school for the first time, she would make

sure you felt at ease – offering coffee, tea, water, maybe a piece of chocolate…whatever she could findor say to make your butterflies disappear. If it was raining and you came without an umbrella, you can besure Alice would have offered you hers. And she would have insisted that you take it. She stopped atDunkin’ Donuts every morning on her way to Landmark and if you saw her early enough, she would giveyou the donut she had bought...just for you.

Alice was the “go-to” lady if you needed to locate anyone on campus; she knew every Landmarkemployee’s phone extension by heart. When a colleague was sick, she would send a get-well card theold-fashioned way – through the post office – sometimes daily until that person came back to work.Alice had beautiful, rhythmic handwriting, the cursive style that used to be taught in grade school.When you found an Alice-addressed envelope in your mailbox, you knew right away who it was from.

Alice was devoted to her family – especially her daughter Donna and grandson Danny. She delighted incooking a special meal for Danny every week for just the two of them to enjoy. And if you shared anything with Alice about your own family, she would always ask about them later. She remembered theimportant details and treated you like you were her own.

Alice treasured her Landmark family and was loved by everyone here. You couldn’t put much past Alice.She was a small woman, but she sure left big shoes to fill.

F


twilightin memoriam

Robert Holmes Van de Water, an original member of theLandmark School faculty and the first Director of LandmarkElementary • Middle School, passed away in Portland, Maine on

April 23, 2012 after a long battle with IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis).Bob was a veteran, educator, and banker, a prolific gardener, chef, and aMason. He was predeceased by his first wife, Janice Mancinelli, LandmarkHigh School’s first art teacher. Bob’s sister Jane is also a former Landmarkfaculty member and Campus Director.

Bob was well-travelled, having lived in Eritrea and Saudi Arabia. Afterreturning to the U.S., following his service in the armed forces, he metLandmark’s founder, his mentor and friend, Charles “Chad” Drake Ed.D.and developed the philosophies that would guide him through his profes-sional life. Primary among them was “Listen to what is being said, not justthe words.” and “Put employees in positions that maximize their strengthsand minimize their weaknesses.”

Family members, former and current Landmark faculty, and other friendsgathered at Landmark’s Elementary • Middle School campus on Saturday,May 12 for a Memorial Service remembering Bob. His children and grand-daughter Kiley spoke of his love and his determination, his strength, andsuccess at being a presence in their lives even as he battled illness in recentyears. Annekje St. John, Bob’s oldest daughter, and Rob Kahn, EMS Head,dedicated Annekje’s first Christmas tree on the EMS campus in memoryof Bob and Jan. A military color guard presented the colors to Bob’s wifeBeckie, and played a moving rendition of Taps in honor of Bob’s service.Former Landmark High School Director Archie Campbell rememberedBob’s friendship and his special connection to the Masons.

In a moving eulogy, Mark Merrill, Dean of Students when Bob wasDirector, recounted anecdotes spotlighting Bob’s generosity, talents, wis-dom, and friendship, including Bob and Beckie’s recent trip to visit Mark inVirginia, complete with oxygen tanks, and a special pie that Bob knewMark would appreciate.

Bob leaves his wife Beckie, sisters Mary Elizabeth and Jane, brother Davidand his wife Seline, daughter Annekje and grand-daughter Kiley St. John,daughter Alicia, and son William and his wife Amy.

RobertVan de Water1943-2012

Bob Van de Watergenerous. talented. wise.by Rob Kahn

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reach30

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reach and endicott collegeThe program is designed to give high school graduates, ages 18 – 20, a unique opportuni-ty to focus on key skills like college level reading and writing, research, study skills, timemanagement, and more. The Reach Program is partnering with neighboring EndicottCollege where students will take two to three full-credit courses during the 10-month pro-gram, applying what they learn in their Reach courses to college level material.

In the fall of 2013 we will launch Reach, the College Readiness Program at LandmarkSchool. We will begin to promote the program this fall to attract juniors and seniors con-templating a move to college but realizing that they may not have the skills to thrive there.

the reality

To learn more about the Reach Program:landmarkschool.org/reach • 978.236.3407

For a growing number of young people, getting a college degree is a natural continuationof the educational process. So what do students who have graduated from high school butaren’t thoroughly prepared for the rigors of college do? Far too many Americans getaccepted to college but are unable to keep up with the demands long enough to have asuccessful experience there. In fact, data from the U.S. Census Bureau reports that one inthree Americans drops out of college. U.S. News and World Report reveals that 30 percentof college and university students leave after their first year.

the solution

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ifetouch ServicesReach2013the college readiness program at landmark school


Thomas Jefferson once said, “I like the dreamsof the future better than the history of thepast.” As I look back on my past, I struggledwith my dyslexia, which frustrated me andmade me feel different. I fell behind in schooland I lost my confidence. Landmark Schoolhelped me realize my future is not limited bymy dyslexia and has encouraged me to dream of my future.

As I transition from middle school to high school,I have set challenging goals for myself. I want tocontinue to develop my writing skills. I want tobecome more fluent in reading as well as toimprove my study skills. If I reach my goals, then Iwill set new challenges for college. At Landmark,my writing and reading skills have improvedgreatly and made me ready for new milestones.

Throughout the next decade of my life, I hopeto become more independent and gain greaterresponsibility. In my four years at LandmarkSchool I have become more mature, and nowthat I am an eighth grader, more is expectedfrom me. I am seen as a role model to theyounger students and must think about thechoices I make. Landmark has turned me from aneedy and helpless student to an independentleader. As I move to a new school away fromLandmark, I hope to be a leader there as well.Throughout life, I hope to continue to gainmaturity and Landmark School has helped metake a huge step in the process.

In the words of the Greek philosopher Plato, “The direction in which education starts a man,will determine his future in life.” Landmark haspaved for me a path of education, which willhopefully lead to a prosperous future. And forthat I am thankful.

Taking the Initiative: looking aheadby John Manning ’16

in his own wordspenlight

ready for new milestones


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spotlightfaculty profile

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tri•ath•lon

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IRONWOMANIN THE WATER. ON THE ROAD.by Sarah Patt and Rob Kahn

“The rush of endorphinsand pushing myself physically

motivates me.”


While “triathlon” may be a great multisyllable word for JaquelinHubbard’s tutees to decode, it’s also her passion – something she can’timagine life without.

Spending Saturday morning swimming a half mile, biking twelve miles, and running over three miles in sequence and without a break isn’t for everyone, butJaquelin, a 4th year math teacher and tutor at the Elementary • Middle School,says: “The rush of endorphins and pushing myself physically motivates me. I enjoy competing against myself the most, but also love the race atmosphere where people allaround me are achieving what they once thought impossible.”

Through college, Jaquelin played basketball and held only disdain for running, asit was basketball’s “punishment.” As a sophomore in high school, she was loungingin front of the TV one day when her older sister asked if she wanted to go for arun. Jaquelin adored her sister, and in mere seconds she agreed to give it a try.From that day forward, “I was hooked.”

Jaquelin has raised over $5,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as partof her training. This past September she faced her biggest endurance challenge,the Ironman – a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile foot race.While she is proud of this achievement, she is most proud that she can be success-ful without having the typical physique of an avid marathon runner, and she hopesto inspire others who may dismiss their own fitness goals or aspirations because oftheir body type. This past April Jaquelin was the first female and third overall tofinish a triathlon at Gordon College.

Jaquelin’s athletic accomplishments briefly took a back seat to another goal thispast year, an appearance on Wheel of Fortune. “The Wheel” held auditions inBoston in November and Jaquelin received a callback, and an invitation to be acontestant. Her show aired in March, and much to the delight of her Landmarksupporters, family, and friends: she won!


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34

CarlosEl Rancho Santa Fe Orphanage, Honduras

This year at Landmark Elementary • Middle School, one teacher’sinitiative has led to an innovative school partnership with aninspiring twist.

In December 2011, EMS faculty member Anna DiPerna visited El Rancho Santa Fe in Honduras, part of the Nuestros PequenosHermanos (NPH) orphanages funded by the Friends of the Orphans(FOTO). Her trip “exceeded every expectation.” Children were happyand loving and she felt a true sense of family. The 1,500 acres of beautiful property along with eight other orphanages in Latin Americaand the Caribbean provide education and support for the life of each child.Their major source of income is through sponsorships of their children.

Inspired by the staff and caretakers at El Rancho, Anna joined FOTO’sAssociate Board of Young Professionals. She now proudly supports Jesuswho has physical disabilities and Ivania who has dyslexia. After sheshared her experience and showed slides to the EMS student body, theyoverwhelmingly wanted to help by sponsoring a young boy Anna hadmet named Carlos. To have a student body sponsor a child would be a

FOTOFRIENDS of The ORPHANS

Making the World Seem smaller at EMSby Deborah Chandler


35FOTO

first for the newly founded Northeast/Atlantic FOTO office,and the Carlos Fundraising Team at EMS would need to com-mit to raising $360 every year.

Carlos is eight years old, and loves soccer, pancakes, and hisfriends. He joined El Rancho in late 2010 and experiencedschool for the very first time, at the age of 7. Carlos loves math,but finds reading and writing challenging. Landmark studentshave been writing to Carlos and have received one letter backwritten by his caretakers. The students are eagerly anticipatingCarlos’s first letter written on his own.

The Carlos Fundraising Team has 8-10 students who havedesigned campus events to raise money. “Slam Jam,” the firstmajor school-wide event, raised $427. It included a precedingPancake Breakfast, an elementary Knock-Out basketball tournament, and a Staff/Middle School three-on-three basket-ball tournament. Brock Foods donated supplies and staffing for

the Pancake Breakfast, and made an additional monetary donation. Anna and the Carlos Fundraising Team also plannedan all-school movie night successfully held in May.

In April, a touring group from NPH-Haiti, dancers and drummers Roberto, Joseph, Edeline, and Magdaline, performedfor EMS to show appreciation for the efforts of the CarlosFundraising Team. The performers enjoyed jump rope and basketball with the students, and went home proudly sportingLandmark gear. As one teacher said, “The world felt a little bitsmaller today.”

Landmark EMS has raised over $550 to date for FOTO, and inreturn students are gaining cultural knowledge and connection toa young person in another country, opportunities to write meaningful letters, and leadership skills as they develop ideas forfundraising and put them into action. We are so looking forwardto seeing how this relationship continues to grow.


photo©2012 Winslow Martin

back row: Eliza Wildes ’16, Ryan Dumont ’17, Alex Loring ’16, Keegan Smith ’17front row: Nathaniel Dekin ’17, Philip Popken’ 17, Ms. Anna DiPerna, Philip Tsoukalas ’18, Max Gesner ’20


ake determined athletes, a grueling 10–12 mile obstacle course designed by the British Special Forces, and more mud than you can ever imagine, and you’ve got Tough Mudder.

On May 6, 2012 at Mt. Snow in Vermont, a team of ten Landmark HighSchool faculty members were inspired to take on one of the ultimate endurancechallenges lead by Landmark alumnus and residential staff member DerrickNeal ’04. The obstacle course includes demands that offer up fire, ice water, 12-foot-high walls to climb, and underground mud tunnels. It is a true test ofstrength, stamina, and mental grit. “The secret to the energy and effectivenessof the experience is teamwork – no one gets left behind. That’s what ToughMudder is all about,” says Neal.

There was much more to the venture than just taking on one of the toughestobstacle courses around though. The group members each kicked in approxi-mately $150 to participate in the event that supports the Wounded WarriorProject (WWP), an organization that offers comprehensive help to injuredservice members and their families. Since Tough Mudder teamed up withWWP in 2010, 500,000 athletes worldwide have helped raise over $3 millionfor the cause.

Bill Barrett, Director of Faculty Recruiting at Landmark School, said of hisfirst Tough Mudder competition, “we carpooled together and were joined bysome Landmark friends and parents. The theme was not about finishing firstbut about supporting the team and making sure everyone finished safely andtogether. It’s what we talk about all the time here at Landmark!” Barrett continues, “That spirit definitely typified our group and, combined with thecheers of encouragement from our supporters, made it easier to face the nextchallenge. At the end we were all exhausted but exhilarated. Next year, I knowour team will be larger, we’ll have just as much fun, and we’ll be able to contribute even more to the Wounded Warrior Project.”

To learn more about Tough Mudder:

toughmudder.com36

ENERGY and TEAMWORK:No One Gets Left Behindby Susan Tomases

Sean Anastasia-MurphyBill BarrettJohn Clark

Chase CollinsJennifer Fortin

Tucker HarrisonDerrick NealTom O'RiordanKyle PietrowskiKevin Roberts

Kevin

highlightfeature


37

Sean Anastasia-MurphyBill BarrettJohn Clark

Chase CollinsJennifer Fortin

Tucker HarrisonDerrick NealTom O'RiordanKyle PietrowskiKevin Roberts

Kevin

Sean

Tom

Bill

Jennifer

Kyle

Derrick

Chase

John

Tucker


“The theme was not about finishing first but about supporting the team and making sure everyone finished safely and together. It’s what we talk about all the time here at Landmark!”

photo©2012 K

athleen Ham

on

Landmark’s Tough Mudder Ten


Boys’ Varsity LacrosseMost Valuable Player: Daniel Czerkawski ’12Most Improved Player: Connor Hooper ’14Coaches’/Sportsmanship Award: Alex Belyea ’12

Boys’ JV LacrosseMost Valuable Player: Jackson Silverstein ’13Most Improved Player: Warren Cohen ’13Coaches’/Sportsmanship Award: A.D. Sullivan ’14

Girls’ Varsity LacrosseMost Valuable Player: Rachel Smith ’13Most Improved Player: Cathryn Garrett ’15Coaches’/Sportsmanship Award: Ashley Holmes ’13

Boys’ Varsity BaseballMost Valuable Player: Johnny Barrett ’14Most Improved Player: James Perkins ’14Coaches’/Sportsmanship Award: Tom Fahey ’12,

Chuck Phelan ’14

Girls’ Varsity TennisMost Valuable Player: Margaret Alevizos ’12Most Improved Player: Kelly Cheney ’13Coaches’/Sportsmanship Award: Brittany Dzugas-Smith ’12

Boys’ Varsity TennisMost Valuable Player: Adam Fritz ’12Most Improved Player: Jonathan Ten Eyck ’13Coaches’/Sportsmanship Award: Gabe Cullinane ’13

Girls’ Varsity SoftballMost Valuable Player: Maria Tashjian ’13Most Improved Player: Tori Smith ’16Coaches’/Sportsmanship Award: Summer Kelly ’15

Independent Girls’ Conference All-League PlayersSoftball: Maria Tashjian ’13, Summer Kelly ’15Girls’ Lacrosse: Rachel Smith ’13Girls’ Tennis: Margaret Alevizos ’12, Katie DiRico ’15NEPSWLA All Stars: Rachel Smith ’13,

Morgan Barlow ’15

Eastern Independent League All-League PlayersBaseball: Johnny Barrett ’14Boys’ Lacrosse: Danny Czerkawski ’12, Levi Tourigny ’12

starlight

38

VIKINGSViking Athletic Team AwardsSpring 2012

MVP

Danny Czerkawski ’12: An Inspiring MVP

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photo©2012 Winslow Martin

David Sacal-Slovik ’13

Most Valuable Player(MVP) is an award that is earned on the practice fieldand in competition. A true MVP is both a leader for his teammates and a voicefor his coaches. This year’s Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse MVP, Danny Czerkawski,took it to another level. Danny is a natural leader, a coachable player, and isquite simply the most skilled midfielder to ever step on Collins Field.

Danny completed an impressive high school career by tallying 47 goals and 16assists to lead the Eastern Independent League in both goals and total points.He was recognized as an All League midfielder and finished second in votingfor league All-American.

But perhaps most importantly after his four years as a starting midfielder,Danny will leave the Landmark lacrosse program in a better place than whenhe arrived. Danny pushed his teammates to improve when necessary, andincreased his own level of play when required.

Look for him next year at High Point University in North Carolina as he joinsthe Panthers for their inaugural Division I Lacrosse season.


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ALUMNI FIELDfield dedication

homecoming • october 13, 2012

From a Rocky Glacial Landscape Into a Field of Dreams

by Brook Sumner


photo©2012 Brook Sumner

When Landmark High School greets students for the opening of the 2012-2013school year in September, there will be a new playing field on campus readyfor use. Alumni Field, carved out of the rocky, glacial landscape behind the

Automotive Shop, will have a fresh carpet of grass covering the 120-yard-long by 75-yard-wide playing surface. This fantastic addition will provide the Athletic Department theability to schedule simultaneous soccer and lacrosse games on campus and provide anadditional place to practice. The field will also provide space for numerous other activi-ties for the enjoyment of the entire community. Perhaps Alumni Field will provide a newhome for the Annual Field Day next spring.

The project began in May 2011 and continued through the summer months into last fall.Before seeding the field, a deep well and an irrigation system were installed, guaranteeinga healthy field through the driest of stretches. Now, after months of watching the grasstake root, grow, and mature, we are ready to take to the field! Mark your calendars –Saturday, October 13. After the Landmark 5K, there will be a Field Dedication for AlumniField just prior to the Boys’ Varsity Soccer game versus rival Waring School.

we hope to see you all on october 13!

photo©2012 B

rook Sumner

Morgan Barlow ’15 and Rachel Smith ’13

Alumnus Cole Morton ’08 Lia Giber ’14David Sacal-Slovik ’13


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starlight

SPRING MUSICAL

You’re a Good Man,

CHARLIE BROWNpresented by the

LANDMARK PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT

PIG PEN: Robbie Kamenz ’13

RERUN van PELT: Nathan Hammond ’15

SHERMY: Zander Manning ’14

SCHROEDER: Chris Meyers ‘12

SNOOPY:

Ailey Rivkin ’ 15


DIRECTOR: Will FraserMUSICAL DIRECTION: Joe StroupCHOREOGRAPHY: Kelli-Ann NaveTECHNICAL DIRECTION: Andy Knox

and SET DESIGN

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MARCIE: Tyler Gaw ’12

LINUS van PELT: Simon English ’14

CHARLIE BROWN: Will Klinar ’15

VIOLET: Etta Resnick/Field ‘12

SALLY BROWN: Elena Bennett ’12

LUCY van PELT:

Anna Gupta ’15


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Waiting in the wings...

ready for the next role


s Tyler Gaw crossed the stage at Graduation in June, it was thefinal bow in a long and successful run at Landmark School for this shining star of the class of 2012 and veteran of Landmark’s Performing Arts Program at the High School.

Tyler arrived at Landmark’s Elementary • Middle School in 2002 tobegin third grade. His story was similar to many – an early diagnosis of a language-based learning disability and a school experience that was rapidly falling apart. He credits his parents Debbie and David for realizing early on that he needed to be at Landmark and points to hisolder sister as a true academic role model.

Tyler’s years at Landmark have had a constant theme running throughthem – his lifelong love of music and musical theater. Tyler enjoyed hisyears at EMS where he left his mark on every afterschool drama club production, with his expressive face and flair for acting. But his true passion for the performing arts found a mentor in Richard Fish and ahome on the Landmark High School stage.

Mr. Fish recalls “When Tyler first arrived at Landmark, he was shy onstage, and had difficulty singing. He was always willing to work veryhard, on a daily basis, to learn everything he could. More than this, hewas truly happy with whatever part he received in any production, anddid a great job with it. During production of Beauty and the Beast, Tylerwas asked to move into a principal role from understudy. His performanceas Maurice, Belle’s father, was truly well-sung and well-acted in allrespects. I was, and remain, immensely proud of Tyler. He not onlyproved to himself, but to everyone who saw him, that hard work and apositive attitude are really the ‘magic’ that makes performances great!”

Case Manager Adam Hickey made the strong connection betweenLandmark’s Performing Arts Program and the academic work that happened for Tyler in the classroom. “Tyler brought the same dedication,motivation, and spirit to his academic life at Landmark. What I found reallyinteresting in my work with Tyler was how his skills in performing artstransferred to his oral reading development. I credit the growth in his oralreading fluency and prosody, in part, to his control over language, which hedeveloped working on his craft as an actor.”

As Tyler heads off to the University of Rhode Island in the fall, his manyyears at Landmark, the friends he made, the roles he played, and theadventures of the Chorus Tours will be the memories he carries with him.Knowing that his family and the Landmark community are waiting in thewings to support and encourage him, he is ready to step into the nextscene and play the part of a confident, successful Landmark graduate.

inspire. innovate. initiate.Hard Work and

A Positive Attitude

ON and OFFTHE STAGEby Maureen Flores

“Maurice” (Tyler gaw) and “Belle” (Brett Clark ’12)in The Landmark Stage Company Production

“Beauty and The Beast”

Tyler Gaw ’12

a

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Sophie Southwick ’12 • Gold Key Samantha Cusson ’14 • Gold Key

Phoebe Britton ’13 • Gold Key Lia Giber ’14 • Gold Key

Pelagia Candelas ’12 • Gold Key

Sophie Southwick ’12 • Gold Key Zachary Staude ’12 • Gold Key

Zachary Webster ’17 • Gold Key

Chloe Mills ’13 • Silver Key

Abby Kennelly ’13 • Gold Key

Natalie Mack ’13 • Gold Key

Sophie Southwick ’12 • Silver KeyNora Sullivan ’13 • Silver Key

Olivia Wise ’13 • Silver Key

44

inspire.

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Scholastic Art Awards 2012starlight

Abby Kennelly ’13 andSamantha Cusson ’14were National Finalists inThe Scholastic Artand Writing Awards,recognized at a ceremonyat Carnegie Hall in June.


Sarah DiRico ’12 Honorable Mention

Katy DiRico ’15 Honorable Mention

Meghan Doolan ’14 • Honorable Mention

Maddy Ferry ’12 • Honorable Mention

Pelagia Candelas ’12 • Honorable Mention

Oliver Hatch ’13 • Silver Key

Julia Malynn ’12 • Honorable Mention

Isabel Winston ’13 • Honorable Mention

Alex Belyea ’12 • Honorable Mention

Zachary Webster ’17 • Honorable Mention

Sarah DiRico ’12 • Honorable Mention

Oliver Hatch ’13 • Honorable Mention

Chloe Mills ’13 Honorable Mention

Ashley Holmes ’13 • Silver Key

Nate Douglass ’14Honorable Mention 45


46

sidelight

We've all heard the expression “save the best forlast.” Despite the public praise students in ourHigh School art department have achieved this

year, the final display – an animal invasion of sorts –they shared with the community was on the last day ofschool in June. Students in the Foundations of Art classsculpted larger-than-life animal heads out of papermaché, painted them, and then adorned them withmaterial befitting that particular animal. Among themany animals crafted – the sea turtle wore seashells

and pebbles, the chipmunk was covered in small woodchips and acorn tops, the owl was festooned with afeathery fringe of newspaper, and the toucan was blan-keted in fruit loops. The pieces were exhibited in theAlexander Building lobby and the high school diningroom and made for a spirited and fun year-end mark-er. "I am absolutely blown away by the talent of ourart students. Just when we think they've outdonethemselves, they manage to amaze us again," saidChris Murphy, Head of Landmark’s High School.

ANIMAL Invasion!It’s a Jungle Out there.

by Susan Tomases

ELEPHANT • styrofoam peanuts


SEA TURTLE • shells & pebbles

TOUCAN • fruit loops

f o u n d at i o n s o f a r t

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47BEAR • gummy bears OWL • newsprint

CHIPMUNK • wood chips & acorn tops

HAMMERHEAD SHARK • nails

FLAMINGO • erasers

LION • feathers


Hug Day

Curtis Elementary School

spotlightdonor profile

48

When you meet Denise Bankston, the archetype of asouthern woman comes to mind: charming, quickwith a laugh, warm, and hospitable. What you

soon learn is that she is also feisty, motivated, and determined tomake an impact on public education in Bossier Parish, Louisiana.

Her passion stems from the journey she and her son JTembarked on in his 3rd grade year. Struggling to read and write,feeling totally misunderstood in school, JT was diagnosed withdyslexia, and Bankston looked unsuccessfully for a school thatwould fit his needs.

By the time 9th grade arrived, the quest had led 1,700 milesfrom home to Landmark School. Bankston temporarily left husband and family behind to move to Massachusetts, where JTsoon thrived as a student and athlete, graduating in 2005. Seeinghow a fitting education allowed him to reach his potential ignit-ed a fire in Bankston. In 2010 she established A Kid’s ChoiceFoundation to systematically improve elementary education inBossier Parish.

Bankston and A Kid’s Choice generously adopt three schoolseach year and provide funding for Smartboards, iPads, and othereducational tools. She is also a strong presence in the schools,purchasing necklaces for all students, faculty, and staff to raisefunds for hungry children in the US, journals for documentinggoals, and hosting a day where she moves from classroom toclassroom showering students with hugs and her love.

Perhaps the most profound gift that Bankston gives to heradopted schools is sending eight teachers each year to LandmarkOutreach’s Professional Development Summer Institute. Lastyear teachers from Curtis, Legacy, and Meadowview ElementarySchools attended a week-long graduate course on establishing alanguage-based classroom. Teacher Laurie Selsor who attendedthe course said, “I have seen firsthand the joy that Ms. Bankston’sloving, caring heart has placed on student faces. I have also seenthe lightbulb of learning illuminate above my students’ headsafter they begin to benefit from the strategies I learned during mycourse at Landmark. She [Ms. Bankston] is definitely givinglearning differences a voice. Thank you for giving me an unfor-gettable learning experience at Landmark.”

Legacy Day NecklacesLegacy Elementary School

To learn more about Ms. Bankston and A Kid’s Choice Foundation:

akidschoicefoundation.comThe Bankston Eight

2011 Summer Professional Development Institute

at Landmark

inspire. innovate. initiate.DENISE BANKSTON

Sharing What Works in Educationby Susan Tomases

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Priority #1: High School Classroom BuildingTwo very generous lead gifts at the high school arefunding some much-needed upgrades to theClassroom Building. When students return this fall,the building will have new siding, windows, and anew entryway. As funds become available, the class-rooms will be further renovated, providing additionalupgrades to this important building on campus.

Priority #2: Elementary • Middle School GymnasiumAt the Elementary • Middle School, we raised morethan $75,000 to replace the old, well-worn gym floorwith a new, state-of-the-art, hardwood floor. The newfloor is a “floating floor,” which is an important safetyfeature, lessening the impact of a fall and chance of aresulting concussion.

Both of these projects were identified as high priori-ties by the campus heads, but were outside the scopeof our capital budget this year. By raising all of themoney to fund these projects, work can take placeover the summer and both projects should be com-pleted by the start of the school year in September.

Initiatives

Initiatives From The Office of Development


Landmark Matters.

highlightfeature

Classroom Building Upgrades High School • Fall 2012

Alice Ansara Athletic Center High School • 2010

Dining RoomHigh School • 2006

Gym Floor ReplacementElementary • Middle School • Fall 2012

An education at Landmark School is an investment in excellence. Although tuition is a

vital source of revenue for our school, it does not cover the total cost of educating our

students, building and maintaining a quality environment in which to work, learn,play, and ensuring that Landmark attracts and retains the highest caliber of faculty and staff.

Several important financial initiatives have been completed and new projects are being considered

for the near future as Landmark remains committed to providing the best possible

intellectual, educational, and physical environment for our entire community.

1.what projects has landmark been raising money for this year?

This spring, two projects were identified as priorities for the school and our immediate fund-raising efforts.

by Maureen Flores


51

Meeting RoomElementary • Middle School • 2006

New ClassroomsElementary School • 2004, 2008

Dining RoomHigh School • 2006

2.what is landmark’s recent history

with capital campaigns?

Landmark has conducted two successful capital cam-paigns since 2,000, resulting in the school’s firstendowment fund, which now totals over $9 million. Inaddition, these campaigns funded much-needed facili-ties at both the High School and the Elementary •Middle School:

• High School Dining Room

• Elementary • Middle School Meeting Room

• Elementary School Classrooms

• Alice Ansara Athletic Center at the High School

Since the completion of these initiatives, we haveundertaken some smaller capital projects without enter-ing a full campaign. Completed projects include a newsoccer and lacrosse field at the High School and HighSchool Classroom Building refurbishments, both ofwhich will be completed by the opening of school inSeptember. At the EMS gym, a new hardwood floorwith additional refurbishment of the facilities will alsobe ready for use by the opening of school in September.These projects were fully funded through donationsfrom families, alumni, and friends of Landmark.

3.will landmark launch another capital

campaign soon?Capital Campaigns are usually undertaken at a school tofund major initiatives above and beyond what the stan-dard operating budget supports. Landmark is focusingon two major capital priorities for the future.

Priority #1: ClassroomsThrough the recent self-study undertaken for ourNEAS&C (New England Association of Schools andColleges) accreditation, the faculty, staff, and trusteeshave identified new classrooms at both the High Schooland EMS campus as a priority for the future. We are inthe very early stages of planning for those projects andwill spend the next several months determining wherethose buildings might go, what they might look like, andmost importantly – how much they will cost.

Priority #2: Financial Future of Landmark SchoolA second priority is to assure and protect the school’sfinancial future. One of the best ways to secure aschool’s future is to have an endowment that will pro-vide an ongoing source of income in perpetuity. Byfocusing on building our endowment, we will be able toguarantee that we can keep faculty salaries at a level thatis competitive. Our greatest resource at Landmark is theteaching faculty – they have the expertise, passion, andcommitment to ensure that our students have the sup-port they need to become successful.

We still have a lot of work to do before we embark onthe next formal Capital Campaign. In the meantime, wewill continue to focus on The Landmark Fund, whichprovides support to the school’s operating budget eachyear. Our families are extremely generous in their sup-port of the school and we are grateful for their partner-ship each year through gifts to The Landmark Fund.

InitiativesLandmark Matters.


floodlight

52

events

25 APRIL 2012 TT

Robert and Ellen Gaffney P’16

EMS teachers Sasha Ozahowski and Jen McKernan All roads lead to Landmark.

Linda and Keith Mills P ’13Kerri Carbone P’18 and Katy Furey P’20

Peg Cook GP’15 and son Doug Cook P’15

Event tri-chairs Cara Hutchins P’15 Carolyn Nickas P’16, and Susan Blake P’13

Steven Van Poucke P’ 12

Headmaster Bob Broudo P’11 takes the Vespa for a spin.

Karen Hatch P’10,’13 and Maryann Cataldo P’13

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Nancy Ellis P ’16 and Ned Flynn


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Dear Landmark Community,Thank you for making Landmark your "Destination" on April 25!With your help, we raised over $95,000. More than 300 guestswere in attendance, including current and past parents, faculty andstaff, alumni, and trustees. The donations were better than everand our volunteers really outdid themselves transforming the AliceAnsara Athletic Center into an International Marketplace.

We couldn't have done it without you!Frank and Ellen DiPersio P’14

Billy Costa and Landmark chefs from Brock & Co.

Auctioneer Extraordinaire Billy Costa

Winner of the Vespa, Donald Kamenz P’13Wayne Dunbar P’13 with wife and trustee Sandra Jesse P’13, and Headmaster Bob Broudo P’11

Nancy and Neal Shrier P’15


July 2012


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floodlightevents

former faculty member Matt Schu

Athletic Director Brook Sumner and Jeff Gladney ’06

Casino Night sponsor Harvey Alter’81 (left)and Fred Ferris ’89

Saturday • June 2, 2012

CASINO NIGHTan

nual

7seve

nth

LandmarkElementary • Middle

SchoolThere are plenty of opportunities to renew your

ties to Landmark School at events sponsored by

the Alumni Council throughout the year. One of

the most popular is Casino Night. At the

Seventh Annual Casino Night, alumni, faculty,

and parents were well-represented with over 120

guests rolling the dice for a chance to win some

fabulous prizes. Thanks to our sponsors, donors,

volunteer dealers, attendees, and especially the

Alumni Council, for making this event a huge

success. With your help, we raised $10,000 to

support The Landmark Fund.

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l. to r.: Colby Tallman, Maureen Flores, Jeanette Clough, Cathy Slark P’01 Greg Tancreti ’11 (2nd from left) and friends

John and Kerri DeJesus P’07

l. to r.: EMS faculty Kim Davis, Peter Harris, Tara Joly-Lowdermilk, and Dining Services Director John Scopelites

20th Annual Landmark School

Golf Benefit06.04.12

What a turnout for Landmark’s 20th Annual Golf Benefit, hosted by IpswichCountry Club! The rain and chilly weather did not deter the field of 116 golferswho took on the 18-hole championship course in support of Landmark Schooland The Landmark Fund. By the end of the day we raised just over $163,000 –a record for our Annual Golf Benefit.

A special thank you to all of our sponsors, participants, and auction donors who helped raise crucial funds for LandmarkSchool. We are proud to have such a supportive community and look forward to next year’s tournament!

l. to r.: Dave Craig, Mike Bradley P’08, Golf Benefit sponsor Martin Slark P’01, and Bob Clapp

55

photos©2012 Jake Pike ’05



floodlightevents

10:30 A.M.WALK OR RUNSTART AND FINISHALICE ANSARA ATHLETIC CENTER

56

12:00 NOONBBQ

ALICE ANSARA ATHLETIC CENTER

HOMECOMINGSaturday, October 13, 2012

1:00 P.M.ALUMNI FIELD DEDICATIONANDBOYS VARSITY SOCCER GAMEVS. WARING SCHOOL

for more details

and registration:

landmarkschool.org/alumni

3:00 P.M.ALUMNI SOCCER GAME

7’s and 2’s!

evening reunion celebrations

6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

governor’s landing

high school campus

you're all invited. the success of your reunion is up to you!

5-year • Class of 2007



20-year • Class of1992

sign up for your reunion celebration:



sidelightinsp

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e.MECCA

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kindword, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act ofcaring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

2012

Award Recipients

MIDDLE SCHOOLMercer Therrien ’16

HIGH SCHOOL Danny Czerkawski ’12

Brittany Dzugas-Smith ’12Mark Pugliese ’12

MAX E. CLAYMAN COMPASSION AWARD

57

Max Clayman, a graduate of the class of 2010, had been astudent at Landmark School since 4th grade.Throughout his time here, Max distinguished himself

with an unusual ability to connect to other students – a connec-tion that reflected his natural ability to listen well, to support themany who chose to talk with him, and to display genuine compas-sion for those from all walks of life. What Max meant to people isbeautifully described by the author Leo Buscaglia:

Because we believe the world was a better place because of Maxand that compassion is an important attribute that should be cul-tivated, expanded, and recognized, The Clayman Family estab-lished this award to honor Max’s memory. The Award goes to astudent(s) graduating from the Middle School and the HighSchool, who has naturally incorporated regular acts of kindnessand compassion into their daily practice and as a result, havemade their schools better, more positive places.

To this year’s Award recipients,

Thank you for making the world a better place. Thank you for keeping Max’s memory alive.

M


spotlightalumnus profile

58

Sam BresnahanUNSWERVING SELF-DETERMINATIONby Peter Harris


59

Sam Bresnahan left Landmark at the end of seventh grade to attend MilesRiver Middle School in nearby Hamilton, Massachusetts. As hisLanguage Arts teacher during his final year at the Elementary • Middle

School, I was impressed by Sam’s work ethic and intrinsic motivation to surpass teacher expectations. As we moved into the spring of that year, talk oftransition began. Would Sam succeed back in public school? Was he ready toface the challenges of a less structured academic environment? These were thequestions that Sam’s case manager, Jay Flannery, and his teachers were helpingto answer. Everyone who had worked with Sam at Landmark had observed onehighly reassuring factor – Sam’s initiative. Sam had acquired the ability to inde-pendently assess an academic challenge, institute a strategy, and see that planthrough to a superior outcome. Last November, Sam’s English teacher askedhim to write a narrative composition about a time when he gained new per-spective. Sam chose to write about his experience at Landmark, and how itimpacted his life. The following is an excerpt from Sam’s narrative.

Sam will be a sophomore in the fall at Hamilton Wenham Regional High Schoolwhere he is a three-sport athlete and honor roll student. He plays football, icehockey, and lacrosse for the Hamilton Wenham Generals. In the classroom aswell as on the field or ice, Sam’s formula for success remains unchanged: set agoal and go after it with a resolute and unswerving self-determination.


“ After three years at Landmark, I was able to come back into the public school system. When I wasat Landmark, I learned some skills that helped me learn in a different way. The Landmark teachingmethods helped me to understand concepts better. These skills helped me tremendously so thatwhen I came back into the public school system, I was able to get high honors for all four quarters ofmy eighth grade year. This was a big accomplishment for me because I did not know if I could suc-ceed transferring back into public school.

The new perspective that I have gained is that when something in life is not going well, you need tomake a change. For me, Landmark School was that change. Another lesson I learned is that if youtake the time and work hard at fixing something, it will pay off for you in the long run. I think that Iwill have even more of a new perspective about my experience at Landmark School when I am olderbecause I will be able to gauge how much this experience has helped me.” -Sam Bresnahan


John Benvenuto ’75“I attended Landmark School back in the days of Charles Drake

and Roger Whynot (1972-1976). I can still remember looking out

of my dorm window over Marblehead bay with the lighthouse in

the distance, while Endicott College was just a stone’s throw away.

My years at the school have never faded away. I visited about ten

years ago and I am looking forward to some day coming back

againand walking the grounds and remembering what it was like.

I was at the North Campus (now EMS) and South Campus (now

HS). I have long since graduated from Norwalk Community

College in 1995 and Iona College in 1998. I appreciate the time I

spent at Landmark, and the people I met.”

Darryl Silva ’79After Landmark, Darryl went to Central Catholic High School and

then Johnson & Wales University. He was a barber/hairdresser for 25

years and loved styling hair. Darryl shares a memory about

Landmark: “I enjoyed when Dr. Drake would come to the

Manchester campus and he would tell the younger students scary

stories before we went to bed.” Darryl now lives in Lawrence, MA.

Stephen Moschella ’80After Landmark Stephen attended Malden Catholic High School and

RETS Electronics School. He now works at BOSE as a hardware tech.

Charles Durso ’82Charles has attained his Ordination Certificate and is now an

ordained minister. He will attend college in the fall to complete

majors in Psychology and Anthropology and minors in Art,

Theater, and Religion. Charles shares his favorite Landmark mem-

ory, “Sailing through the Cape Cod Canal on the When and If.”

Robert Liddy ’82“I graduated from high school in Hartford, CT in 1982, and from

the University of Wisconsin in 1989. After returning from the

Peace Corps I went back to college from 1992-1994 and graduat-

ed in 1994. My degrees are in History and Animal Science. After

returning from the Peace Corps, I worked in the Virginia State

Prison System for seven years as a Corrections Officer. I also did

armed and unarmed security for private companies. As a member

of the US Army Reserves I was called to Bosnia with the NATO

Peace Keeping Forces from 1999-2000. Then the second time I

was called to Iraq from 2003 to 2004. I spent most of my time in

Fallujah. I am now in the Active Duty Army, stationed at Patrick

Air Force Base in Florida. My Military Occupation specialty is 25V,

Combat Camera and Video Production Sergeant. During full time

duty I was stationed at Fort Meade, MD from 2007- 2009. From June

2009 to October 2010 I was in Korea and Afghanistan doing AFN

(American Forces Network). I have been married twice and have two

wonderful daughters.”

Stephen Broadbridge ’85“I still own and run Caribbean Discovery Tours, an eco travel com-

pany in Trinidad and Tobago (www.caribbeandiscoverytours.com)

and do wildlife photography but have been getting more involved in

video. I have co-produced a few television programs and recently got

a contract with a local TV station here in Trinidad and Tobago called

Earth Wise. This TV series is designed to create environmental

awareness. I am also a co-founder of an environmental Facebook

group called Trini Eco Warriors. We have 12,000+ members and are

responsible for laws made to protect endangered wildlife including

leatherback turtles. Last year the government of Trinidad and Tobago

requested that I assume the position of deputy chairman of a state-

owned company called Estate Management Business Development

(EMBD). This company manages thousands of acres of land. This has

been a very new experience for me. In 2012 I have been invited to be

an honorary game warden.”

Jose Zegarra ’86Jose has recently shared his “life changing experience” with us and

requested it be shared with the community. “I remember the day

mini reunion

The rainy day at the 20th Annual Landmark School Golf Benefitdidn’t stop these alumni from an impromptu reunion. pictured above l. to r.: Chris Cronin ’87, Matt Murphy ’02,Spencer Smitherman ’08, Jack DeJesus ’07, Harvey Alter ’81,Greg Tancreti ’11, Jake Pike ’05, Taylor Patten ’07, Derrick Neal ’04,Guido Meade ’81, and AJ Lopardo’92

Ipswich Country Club • June 4, 2012

60

LMK ALUMNISend us your [email protected]

alumninotes

reunion class

ph

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©2012 J

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61

my life changed. It was September 17, 1980. I had problems with

reading, writing, and my language skills were not good. I was

scared because I felt I was dumb; during the first days at

Landmark I was so afraid that I preferred to hide instead of going

to class. A teacher, Miss Hunter, asked me, “Why aren’t you com-

ing to class?” Since I was from Puerto Rico and spoke more

Spanish than English, I hardly managed to tell her, with the little

English I knew. “I am scared to go to class because I think I am

dumb.” She wiped the tears from my face and told me, “I don’t

think you are dumb; it’s just that your school did not teach you

well enough.”

She became my tutor for the following two years and I was

lucky because she knew both English and Spanish. Day by day I

got more confident with myself. Then, when I transferred to the

High School, I met Mr. Dudley, an excellent teacher. He was very

nice to me and made my days more comfortable in school. I also

remember with joy the first day of my computer science class with

Mr. Ferguson, a teacher I came to love and respect. I spent hours

after class, on my free time, working in all aspects ofcomputer sci-

ence. The fruits of my hard work made me proud of myself. Mr.

Ferguson told me, “I think you are going to be great at this field of

work,” and he was right. I am now a computer technician fixing and

programming computers. During my school days I loved spending

my summers at Landmark.

My aunts in Puerto Rico asked my mother why I was staying

during the summer at Landmark. “Are his grades bad?” they asked.

My mother told them that my grades were fine. “It just happens that

he feels better there than here.” I spent half the day in classes and

the other half in the Seamanship Program. There I learned to sail.

Now I sail my uncle’s sailboat and love the sea. Because of these and

other experiences, Landmark became a very important part of my life

from 1980-1986. And now that I write about it, I am sure it still is.

I would like to thank Landmark and their wonderful teachers for

changing my life.”

Vincent MacDonnell ’87“I have been married 10 years and have a 6-year-old daughter.”

John Peterson ’87After leaving Landmark, John graduated from Northeastern

University. He is now married and has two little girls. He lives in

Danvers, MA and works as a quality engineer for a medical device

manufacturing company.

Jim Sonda ’88“I attended Landmark Prep the summer of 1987 and the following

school year, graduating in 1988. I want to share an article with you

(website below) from Charlotte Magazine about the chapel at

Levine Children's Hospital, which as it turns out shines a light on

my work as chaplain. The team at Landmark made a lasting differ-

ence in my life. Giving me the tools I needed opened up a world of

opportunity that otherwise would not have been available to me. In

turn, I have the opportunity almost daily to make a difference in

the lives of other children and their families. Thank you for the

important work you do. The impact you have on the lives of your

students does not stop with them; they impact others who in turn

impact others. It is exponential. To read more about the Levine

Children’s Hospital chapel and its impact, please visit the website:

www.charlottemagazine.com/Charlotte-Magazine/December-2011.Click on: Levine Children’s Hospital Chapel: A Place of Hope.

Sincerely,

Jim Sonda, The Rev. James D. Sonda, Jr., M.Div., BCC

Staff Chaplain, Levine Children’s Hospital

Mary Devereaux ’91I was recently let go after ten years as a receptionist and went back to

school at Quincy College, graduating in January of 2011 with certi-

fication in early childhood education. I now work at Hugs Plus

Learning Center in Braintree as a Toddler/Infant and Preschool

Teacher Assistant.

Christopher Mattson ’91Christopher is a firefighter and a police officer. He has four children.

Sam Boardman ’99Sam is engaged to Kristel Cahill and they will be married next

June in Newport, RI.

Chris Capaldi ’00After leaving the Elementary • Middle School, Chris went on to

graduate from high school and college, spending a majority of his

semesters on the Dean’s list. He played various sports including

football; he was part of a team that won two Super Bowls. He

works fulltime at a sales agency in Foxboro, MA and is getting

married this summer to a lovely schoolteacher. He bought a house

in Marlboro and has lived there for a little over a year. He shares

these remarks about Landmark, “I couldn’t have accomplished any

LMK ALUMNIalumninotes

inspire. innovate. initiate.reunion class


of these things if it wasn’t for Landmark focusing on me and car-

ing about me. I remember sailing and learning how to manage

tasks on my own, and the obstacle course we needed to complete

to focus on problem-solving. The one-on-one tutoring and small

classes allowed me to form into an adult and work out my learn-

ing disability. People ask me all the time how I overcame my learn-

ing disability and I tell them that I haven’t; I just learned how to

deal with it. I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate every-

thing Landmark has given me. I owe a lot to Landmark, and I

wouldn’t be where I am today without the education and mentor-

ing I received at Landmark.” Chris was kind enough to appear on

a recent alumni panel at EMS.

Seth Larner ’02Seth ran and completed the 2012 Boston Marathon! He was gen-

erous enough to contribute part of his fundraising efforts to The

Landmark Fund.

John Chaffin ’05After Landmark, John graduated from the University of Arizona

with a BFA in Technical Theater Direction. He now works for

Cirque de Soleil in Machu, China.

Brittany King ’06After leaving Landmark Elementary • Middle School, Brittany

attended the Cape Ann Waldorf School. She continued on to

Proctor Academy graduating in 2006. Brittany attended Wheaton

College where she was named a Student Artist/Athlete/Scholar

and was selected to have her art presented at the NCAA annual

convention in her junior year. Brittany finished her master’s degree

in Education from Lesley University in 2011 and is currently

teaching at Rectory School in Pomfret, Connecticut where she is a

dorm parent, teaches art, and is starting up Rectory’s lacrosse program.

Jason LeBlanc ’06Jason graduated on April 21, 2012 from Northeastern University with

a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology, Magna

Cum Laude.

Jessica Ness ’06Jessica graduated from Landmark and went on to receive a B.A.

from the University of Arizona in the winter of 2010. She now

lives in New York City and works at the New York Public Library

in fundraising and development.

Ethan Sedman ’06Ethan graduated from Landmark and completed his undergradu-

ate studies in 2010 at Adelphi University in New York with a 3.8

GPA. Ethan is now enrolled in a Ph.D. program at New York

Medical College to become a Physical Therapist.

Jessica Occhipinti ’07Jess graduated from Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, MA in

2011. Jess returned to campus for a Prep alumni panel and shared

that she is starting to develop her own photography company.

Emma Pare ’07After graduating from The Landmark Prep Program, Emma com-

pleted her undergraduate and graduate studies at Regis College in

3� years. Emma now works in Boston at Robert Half as a head-

hunter. Emma returned to campus this past spring for an alumni

panel offered to students in The Prep Program.

Gabby Pecoraro ’07Gabby was the alumni speaker at the 2012 Senior and Parent

Dinner at the Danversport Yacht Club this past April. Gabby did

an amazing job sharing her life experiences thus far. Her words of

wisdom and advice were extremely well-received by the senior

class and their families. Gabby currently works in Boston at John

Hancock Financial Services.



Seth Larner ’02

reunion classwww.facebook.com/landmarkschool

62


Matt Cohen ’08Matt graduated from Syracuse University days before returning to

campus for an alumni panel offered to students in The Prep Program.

Matt graduated with a major in Sports Management. During his time

in school, he had multiple internships with teams like the Lowell

Spinners and Boston Cannons.

Jessica Glassman ’08Jessica graduated from Suffolk with her B.A. in Public Relations

with a minor in Education. She is most appreciative of all her time

at Landmark.

Luke McMahon ’08Luke graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design with a

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television on June 2, 2012.

Molly Pugsley ’08Molly returned to campus in February for an alumni panel offered

to seniors and later returned to the EMS for an alumni panel held

there. She is currently studying at Mt. Ida College in Newton,

MA and working at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Chloe Sernet ’08“Hello! Here is an update since the last time we spoke...almost

four years ago. After graduating in 2008 I chose to attend the

University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. It was risky choosing

to attend such a big school but it was worth it! When I started I

was majoring in biology in the pre-med program with hopes of

attending medical school, but that didn’t last long. I was ready to

give up on medicine all together until I learned about the emer-

gency medical service program through the school of medicine.

During my junior year I changed my major and fell in love with

the world of emergency medicine. In March of 2012 I took a

chance and applied to the paramedic program. I recently found out

I was one of 30 applicants accepted out of 80 applications. I will

begin the program in the fall of 2012 and graduate with a Bachelor

of Science in Emergency Medical Services in 2013. It has been

one crazy roller coaster ride but it has been an amazing journey. I

am looking forward to next year!”

Patrick Shea ’08On May 19, 2012, Patrick graduated from Marist College in

Poughkeepsie, NY, with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

He completed this while swimming four years in Division I. He

will be starting a new career at a major corporation, Sig Sauer, in

Exeter, NH.

Spencer Smitherman ’08Spencer graduated from Bentley University this past spring and

will be moving to San Francisco for work.

Stephen Darby ’09Stephen is attending Syracuse University and will graduate in 2013. He

recently studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic at the Fakulta

Akademie Muzickych Umeni (FAMU), the Film and TV School of

Academy of Performing Arts in Prague – considered one of the best

film schools in Europe.

Alex Cassell ’10Alex is a sophomore at Merrimack College in North Andover,

MA and is majoring in Athletic Training.

63



Matt Cohen ’08 (back left) with his fraternity brothers

Stephen Darby ’09 (center) in action while filming.



64

On February 2, four positive and energetic alumni returned to campus for an alumni panel offered to

the senior class. Kaitlin McGowen ’06, Briana Sommer ’05, Molly Pugsley ’08, and Jake Schneider ’08

offered advice and insight about life after Landmark to the attending seniors. One panelist shares,

“I really enjoyed coming in and speaking to the students. I remember when I was in their place and

I hope I help them be more confident about going to college.”

l. to r.: Jake, Briana, Kaitlin, and Molly

alumninotes

l. to r.: Kaitlin, Briana, Molly, and Jake

inspire. innovate. initiate.insights

Life After Landmark

High School Alumni Panel

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Life After Landmark

Harvey L. Alter ’81Glenview, IllinoisVice PresidentThe Alter Group

Robert J. Campbell P’04Rockport, MaineInvestment CounselorBeck, Mack, & Oliver

Jeffrey Carney P’16.’18Wellesley, MassachusettsExecutive Vice President, Branch NetworkCharles Schwab & Co., Inc.

Lynne Darling ’98Hampden, MaineRental Director and Finance Manager Darling’s Automotive Group

Amy O. FitzpatrickSwampscott, MassachusettsLandmark Past Parent and Volunteer

Linda G. Gersh P’06Beverly Hills, CaliforniaLandmark Past Parent and Volunteer

William A. Goldthwait ’86Brookline, MassachusettsManaging Director RBS Global Banking & Markets

William M. Graves Jr. ’86Atlanta, GeorgiaEducation Consultant

Sandra L. Jesse P’13Manchester, MassachusettsVice President & Chief Legal Officer Haemonetics Corporation

John J. McDonoughAndover, MassachusettsExecutive Vice President & CFOAmerican Renal Associates

Robert S. Merowitz P’06Sudbury, MassachusettsPresidentUniversal Realty Corporation

Joseph H. Morgart P’12Weston, MassachusettsSenior Vice President Pyramis Global Advisors

William T. Patten P’07Hamilton, MassachusettsDirector of Sales & MarketingConstruction Management & Builders, Inc.

David G. Peterson P’08Bedford, MassachusettsSales Management Consultant

Edward W. Probert Jr. P’15Newburyport, MassachusettsDirector of Alumni Affairs and DevelopmentPhillips Exeter Academy

George W. Ratermann ’79Livermore, CaliforniaFounder and Owner Ratermann Manufacturing, Inc.

Catherine Slark P’01Burr Ridge, IllinoisLandmark Past Parent and Volunteer

Michael D. Tancreti P’09, ’11Nashua, New HampshireCEO Ashwood Development Company

David A. Tessier P’10Beverly, MassachusettsExecutive VP & Chief Investment OfficerTurnberry Associates

*Suzanne H. Sears P’02Hamilton, MassachusettsLandmark Past Parent and Volunteer

Nicholas A. Lopardo P’92, GP’20, ’22Chairman

Newburyport, MassachusettsFounder and President

Susquehanna Capital Management Co.

Robert J. Broudo P’11President and Headmaster

Beverly, MassachusettsLandmark School, Inc.

Martin P. Slark P’01Vice Chair for

Organizational DevelopmentBurr Ridge, Illinois

President and CEOMolex, Inc

Moira McNamara James P’10Vice Chair for Advancement

Marblehead, MassachusettsLandmark Past Parent and Volunteer

Mark R. BrislinVice President of Finance

Hamilton, MassachusettsLandmark School, Inc.

Gia F. MeicherClerk


Charles P. HarrisClerk Emeritus

Winchester, MassachusettsLandmark School, Inc.

*Trustee Emerita

Landmark founded 1971 landmark school board of trustees


Harvey L. Alter ’81Glenview, IllinoisVice PresidentThe Alter Group

Robert J. Campbell P’04Rockport, MaineInvestment CounselorBeck, Mack, & Oliver

Jeffrey Carney P’16.’18Wellesley, MassachusettsExecutive Vice President, Branch NetworkCharles Schwab & Co., Inc.

Lynne Darling ’98Hampden, MaineRental Director and Finance Manager Darling’s Automotive Group

Amy O. FitzpatrickSwampscott, MassachusettsLandmark Past Parent and Volunteer

Linda G. Gersh P’06Beverly Hills, CaliforniaLandmark Past Parent and Volunteer

William A. Goldthwait ’86Brookline, MassachusettsManaging Director RBS Global Banking & Markets

William M. Graves Jr. ’86Atlanta, GeorgiaEducation Consultant

Sandra L. Jesse P’13Manchester, MassachusettsVice President & Chief Legal Officer Haemonetics Corporation

John J. McDonoughAndover, MassachusettsExecutive Vice President & CFOAmerican Renal Associates

Robert S. Merowitz P’06Sudbury, MassachusettsPresidentUniversal Realty Corporation

Joseph H. Morgart P’12Weston, MassachusettsSenior Vice President Pyramis Global Advisors

William T. Patten P’07Hamilton, MassachusettsDirector of Sales & MarketingConstruction Management & Builders, Inc.

David G. Peterson P’08Bedford, MassachusettsSales Management Consultant

Edward W. Probert Jr. P’15Newburyport, MassachusettsDirector of Alumni Affairs and DevelopmentPhillips Exeter Academy

George W. Ratermann ’79Livermore, CaliforniaFounder and Owner Ratermann Manufacturing, Inc.

Catherine Slark P’01Burr Ridge, IllinoisLandmark Past Parent and Volunteer

Michael D. Tancreti P’09, ’11Nashua, New HampshireCEO Ashwood Development Company

David A. Tessier P’10Beverly, MassachusettsExecutive VP & Chief Investment OfficerTurnberry Associates

*Suzanne H. Sears P’02Hamilton, MassachusettsLandmark Past Parent and Volunteer

Nicholas A. Lopardo P’92, GP’20, ’22Chairman

Newburyport, MassachusettsFounder and President

Susquehanna Capital Management Co.

Robert J. Broudo P’11President and Headmaster


Martin P. Slark P’01Vice Chair for

Organizational DevelopmentBurr Ridge, Illinois

President and CEOMolex, Inc

Moira McNamara James P’10Vice Chair for Advancement

Marblehead, MassachusettsLandmark Past Parent and Volunteer

Mark R. BrislinVice President of Finance

Hamilton, MassachusettsLandmark School, Inc.

Gia F. MeicherClerk


Charles P. HarrisClerk Emeritus

Winchester, MassachusettsLandmark School, Inc.

*Trustee Emerita

Landmark founded 1971 landmark school board of trustees



LanternLANDMARK SCHOOL

THE

Post Office Box 227Prides Crossing, Massachusetts 01965-0227

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Spring/Summer 2012


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the lantern spring summer 2012

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