FALL 2014
ALUMNI AND SCHOOL NEWS FOR THE ENTIRE OVERLAKE COMMUNITY
TheOverlakeSchool
Women in Science
PAGE 6
Teachers and
Technology
New Faculty
and Staff
Where Are
They Now?
Sports Wrap-Up
and Preview
PAGE 4
PAGE 9
PAGE 12
PAGE 15
FALL 2014
CONTENTS
ARTS
ALUMNI NEWS
2 New After-School Music Program for
Overlake’s Younger Students
2 Spring in Italy for Overlake’s
Chamber Choir
12 Where Are They Now?
13 ’77 Grad Returns to Overlake as the
New Alumni Manager
13 Overlake Alumnae Write How-To Book
and Start Inspirational Website
14 Alumni Reunion 2014
3 On a Roll with Robotics
3 Summer is Coming to Overlake
OVERLAKE TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE
4 Teachers and Technology: Examples
of Enhanced Education
ATHLETICS
15 2014 Fall Sports Wrap-Up
16 2014–15 Winter Sports Preview
FEATURE: WOMEN IN SCIENCE
6 Three Women, Three Career Paths,
One Common Beginning
9 Meet Our New Faculty and Staff
THE OVERLAKER
EDITOR:
Susan Messier, Director of Communications, [email protected]
Christian Fulghum, Alumni Manager, [email protected]
ALUMNI NEWS:
COVER PHOTO: Audrey Hur, 9th Grade
2014–2015 Overlake Board of Trustees
Katharine Barrett
James Chattra
Beau Damon
Anoop Gupta, Vice President
Randi Hedin, Secretary
Matt Horvat, Head of School
Rachel Kirschner, Alumni President
Maria Lubienski, PFSA President
Joe Peterson
Anita Prasad, Treasurer
Bill Sample
Kevin Steiner
Lena Tuffaha
Chris Williams, President
Seated, left to right: Joe Peterson, Rachel Kirshner, Bill Sample, Maria Lubienski, Beau
Damon. Standing, left to right: Kevin Steiner, Katharine Barrett, Hassan Natha (resigned
in Oct.), Chris Williams, Anoop Gupta, Randi Hedin, James Chattra, and Lena Tuffaha.
Not pictured: Anita Prasad, Debbie Black (former board chair)
Dear Overlake Community,
Welcome to the refreshed Overlaker!
We’re hoping that the new look and feel will provide a terrific avenue for
learning about not only our current programs but also the accomplishments and adventures of our alumni.
In tandem with our website and several other information sources, we
are eager for all constituencies to be connected with the school and with
each other and to stay current on campus-based and alumni endeavors.
In this issue we celebrate the achievements of several Overlake alumnae
in the sciences. Their work is especially noteworthy given that all three
women are thriving in fields that have traditionally been dominated by men.
As their stories reveal, their passion for science was nurtured at Overlake. We also know that
encouraging current Overlake young women to pursue such fields as physics and computer science
is an ongoing challenge. We are proud of the female role models in the Science Department: every
day Overlake girls see women doing science and learn from them.
We are hopeful that the stories here will inspire current students to imagine themselves doing similarly
challenging and innovative work. Further, it’s our hope that all Overlake students will discover their
passions and find the support and encouragement here to pursue and persevere in pursuit of them.
Enjoy!
MATT HORVAT, HEAD OF SCHOOL
ARTS
New After-School Music Program for
Overlake’s Younger Students
N
ew this year, an after-school music program for 5th grade students or any other middle
schoolers with the time to participate.
The students can choose from three
beginning ensembles for Band, Choir,
and Strings. Each offered twice a week,
after school.
“These new offerings allow our youngest
students to have a chance to begin an
instrument or sing for the full year,”
explains Erin Gabriel, Chairperson of the
Arts at Overlake. “Additionally, it creates
an after-school activity for our fifth
graders who do not have the option of
joining a sports team yet.”
These performance ensembles are an
excellent supplement to the Arts classes
the 5th graders already have all year in
Art, Drama, and General Music. The
instructors are Andy Jackson for Band
and Choir and Mark Lotz for Strings. petition. Each choir not only performs
a 20-minute program of their own, but
gets to spend the days listening and
interacting with these choirs from
all over the world.
sometimes meaningful beyond words.
I have seen lessons in beauty, selflessness, compassion, and friendship happen
on this trip that would never have
happened in the classroom. I am so
grateful to be able to share this journey
with my students.”
Spring in Italy
for Overlake’s
Chamber Choir
I
magine spending your spring break in Italy, absorbing the culture in a com pletely different way—through music.
“The Italy trip is life-changing for many
students. To sing for other choirs, and
with other choirs, really puts what we do
every day into perspective. We are all
doing the same thing, with the same
language, and it truly does bring us closer
together,” explains Erin Gabriel, Chair of
the Overlake Arts Department.
“The Italy trip is life-changing for
many students. To sing for other
choirs, and with other choirs, really
puts what we do every day into
perspective.” – ERIN GABRIEL
Gabriel will be taking 40 students in the
upper school Chamber Choir to Italy to
compete in the International Choral
Festival outside of Verona. Around 30
choirs will participate in the festival from
all over the world, including choirs from
Croatia, Germany, France, Hungary,
Australia, and Ireland. Although trophies
are handed out, the festival is more of a
celebration of choral music than a com-
2
THE OVERLAKER FALL 2014
The students will also be part of a cultural
exchange program spending time with
students and families from Alessandro
Volta School outside of Florence prior to
their competition.
“The experience of being in these places,
and making music in these places is
This will be the fourth trip for Erin Gabriel
and the Chamber Choir. The choir has
previously travelled to Italy for the same
festival in 2003, 2008, and 2012.
On a Roll with Robotics
O
verlake’s Robotics Team has been gaining some serious momentum. In fact, this winter
we will be hosting the Eastside FIRST
Tech Challenge League this season. FIRST Tech Challenge
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Beginning at 12p.m.
Overlake Gym
“Our students are really quite capable
in developing and handling robotic
machinery. The lessons in programming,
robotics and engineering they learn here
will follow them no matter what field
they choose to go into once they grad-
uate,” says Brian Husted, one
of the coaches of the Robotics
Team.
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is
a robotics competition in which
teams of students from grades
9–12 create robots based on
sound engineering principles to
perform various actions. As part
of the challenge, the students
are limited in building materials
and constrained in size. The students design, build and
program the robots to compete in an
alliance format against other student
teams.
Approximately 18 teams from area
public and private schools will be com-
peting in Overlake’s Gym on Sunday,
December 14th at noon.
If you can’t make it to campus, we will
be live streaming the competition on
our website, overlake.org.
Summer is Coming to Overlake
T
he regular school season ends at Overlake in early June, but that doesn’t mean the learning stops.
Quite the opposite.
“We have several working families that
need engaging opportunities for their
children over the summer,” explains Matt
Horvat, Head of School. “We have the
capacity to offer a rich, dynamic summer
program to not only Overlake students,
but the general public.”
The Summer Program will offer classes
in crime scene investigation, creative
writing, robotics, photography, stopmotion animation, African drumming, to
name a few. There will also be various
athletic camps and clinics, as well as
outdoor educational trips returning to the
campus again this summer that have
been part of an Overlake summer
experience for many years.
The Middle School Program for students
in grades 5–8 will offer morning,
afternoon, and full day programming
during three, two weeks sessions from
June 15 – July 26. During the day students will engage in project-based,
hands-on learning experiences that will
not only develop their intellect but also
spur their creativity.
There will also be an extended day
program for families that need additional
child care opportunities at the end
of their work day.
For students in grades 9–11, Overlake
will offer an Accelerated Geometry
Course for credit and ACT/SAT Prep
from the test preparation company
Academic Approach during the weeks
of June 15 – July 26.
Registration opens in January 2015.
For more information about Overlake’s
Summer program, visit www.overlake.
org/programs/summer or scan the
QR code below.
Scan this QR code
to learn more
about Overlake’s
Summer Program
THE OVERLAKER FALL 2014
3
OVERLAKE
TECHNOLOGY
INITIATIVE
Teachers and Technology:
Examples of Enhanced Education
Office Mix Part of 6th Grade Math
I
“
t changes the way I can teach because it takes the lecture part away in the classroom,” explains ’Becca Flora, with Overlake’s math department.
Flora has been using Office Mix in the classroom this year.
It is a PowerPoint add-on that enables teachers, like Flora, to
create interactive presentations and lessons for her students.
Online Textbooks and IXL
Learning Support 5th Grade
English and History
“It allows the students to learn at their own pace at home with
the presentations, where I embed quizzes along the way. Then
they bring their questions and projects back to class, where
we can work on them together,” says Flora.
It’s the opposite focus in Allisen Haworth’s 5th grade English
class. Haworth, along with other members of the 5th grade
team, use IXL Learning, an online platform that allows teachers
to take grammar skills practice digital.
Flora likes the fact that there is more practice done in the
classroom. She can also see where her students are in assimilating the information through built-in software analytics that
show completion rate, time of lesson completion and accuracy
of quiz.
“We don’t have to do practice time in class anymore. This allows
for more time for lessons in language arts and history,” explains
Haworth.
“The students tell me they can stop, rewind, or fast-forward
through various aspects of the presentation—so that they
4
come back to the classroom with a much better understanding
of the math concepts,” explains Flora. “They can then test
those concepts here in class.”
THE OVERLAKER FALL 2014
Instead, Haworth’s students practice their grammar skills online
at home where she can see how they are progressing with
robust analytics.
“It’s very clear to me who understands and who does not. I like
OVERL AKE TECHNOLOGY INTIATIVE
that I can see who needs more support and I’m able to provide
that,” says Haworth.
Haworth is able to assign different practice experiences based
on each student’s level of understanding. “Think of it as the
green option to all those paper practice sheets that we used
to send kids home with.”
And speaking of paper, Haworth is also embracing the use
of online textbooks, when they make sense in her lessons.
For instance, Haworth uses an online textbook for her history
class. Students pay a subscription to the online version of the
physical book they use in class. The online version has options
the hard copy book does not, such as interactive maps, games,
chapter review quizzes, and the option of reading materials
back to the students.
Along with quizzes, Quizlet also has interactive flashcards and
games. “I use it as a reinforcement of what has been taught
in the class.”
Technology Enhanced Teaching
“Technology is not the be-all and end-all for our students”
admits members of Overlake’s Technology Committee. “But,
technology has the ability to enhance student’s understanding
of subject matter and provide for dynamic learning, and clearly
that has been happening in the examples mentioned.”
Later this school year, families of current students will have
the opportunity to learn more about the new student device
requirements for the 2015–2016 school year.
“I have students tell me that before a test in class, they have
the book read sections back to them as they are cleaning their
room, for example. They have it in the background and are
absorbing the material in a different way.”
This initiative provides an opportunity for not only dynamic
learning but digital literacy building. Students will be able to
connect, communicate and collaborate with fellow classmates
and teachers from a dedicated device—thereby streamlining
learning between classroom and home.
Using Quizlet for Foreign
Language Classes
But members of the Tech Committee are careful to add that this
initiative does not replace the fundamental elements of an
Overlake classroom experience, which is to provide thoughtful,
engaging and interactive learning from dedicated faculty
committed to excellence.
In Heather Jasper’s French and Spanish classes, her middle
school students are using Quizlet to support their lessons in a
new way.
“Office Mix allows students to learn at
their own pace at home with the
presentations, where I embed quizzes along
the way. Then they bring their questions
and projects back to class, where we can
work on them together.”
– ’BECCA FLORA
“It’s interactive and can make homework an online social
activity. Students can make their own vocabulary sets and share
them with their classmates,” explains Jasper. “I’ve had an 8th
grade student make a vocabulary set in Spanish involving her
favorite animal, the seal.”
The quizzes Jasper mentions are first approved by her before
they are shared with fellow classmates. There are no grades
associated with the quizzes completed at home. They are purely
for content understanding.
Scan this QR code to learn
more about Overlake’s
upcoming technology initiative
THE OVERLAKER FALL 2014
5
WOMEN IN
SCIENCE
Three Women
Three Career Paths
One Common Beginning
Science at Overlake
In the next few pages you’ll hear some amazing stories of science
in action from three Overlake alumnae who are charting their course in
science careers. Each of these women has earned Doctorate Degrees
in their respected fields — Materials Science & Electric Chemistry,
Geology and Biophysics.
6
THE OVERLAKER FALL 2014
WOMEN IN SCIENCE
O
verlake’s science program has been preparing students to continue their interests in science for decades. Lisa Orenstein has been the Chair of the Science Department for 22 years, and has taught all of the alumnae mentioned here.
“Throughout my tenure at Overlake we have always had women working in the Science Department who have
been wonderful role models for the young woman working through our program. These faculty members came to
Overlake with experience in all disciplines of science, giving all students insight into how they might use the knowledge gained here in their studies after Overlake,” says Orenstein.
Overlake’s science program offers a broad range of lab-based classes in all disciplines with the overall goal of
developing students with a deep understanding of biological and physical principles.
Leah (Kang) Thompkins ’99
R&D at EnerG2
As a young girl, Leah Thompkins never envisioned science as
a future career. And who could blame that perception as she
looked around in her AP Physics class at Overlake to find there
was just one other girl in the room.
“I was also only one of two juniors who took that class of mainly
seniors. It was very challenging, but it sparked something in me,”
remembers Thompkins.
Thompkins also took computer science at Overlake and actually
helped wire the campus for the technology is uses today.
She took those early interests and went to Mount Holyoke
where she graduated with a Bachelor degree in Physics with a
minor in Art History.
After realizing that her physics classes were very theoretical,
she decided to go into engineering. Thompkins went to the
University of Southern California where she graduated with a
Master in Aerospace degree. After attending an all-girls
undergraduate school, it was a surprise to learn that every
professor in her department there was male.
“I get to build better batteries. If I have an idea, I can invent it
and it can be in your IPhone tomorrow.”
Speaking of tomorrow, Thompkins offers this advice to current
Overlake women currently enjoying science classes- “Don’t let
your own pre-perceptions of what you can’t do impact you.
Keep pushing hard. As an Overlake Grad, don’t plan your life
this early on. It’s an organic path that you choose.”
Lia Ball ’03
Postdoctoral Researcher, UC San Francisco, Jacobson Lab
“I really liked my science classes at Overlake, remembers
Lia Ball. They were fascinating because you could see how the
world works, in particular Gerald Blycker’s physics class in
10th grade.”
But as Ball began to understand that biology held more of the
big unknowns in science, she started thinking about blending
the two and going after a career in biophysics.
Upon graduation, Thompkins returned to the classroom, but this
time as a teacher.
“I taught high school physics. I wanted to give back and I had
such a positive experience with physics courses at Overlake.”
But she added that teaching is very difficult; “hats off to teachers
everywhere.”
After three years molding young minds, it was time for Thompkins
to return to her career path. She went to the University of
Colorado in Boulder and earned a PhD in Materials Science and
Electric Chemistry.
She now works as Director of Research and Development at
EnerG2, a Seattle-based startup that produces next generation
batteries and other energy storage options.
THE OVERLAKER FALL 2014
7
WOMEN IN SCIENCE
Ball took AP Biology and AP Physics her senior year at Overlake
and then continued on this path at Middlebury College.
“In my senior class of physics at Middlebury there were only five
women out of a class of 20 students,” says Ball. “Women don’t
see a lot of other women continuing in higher education in
physics. I would love to do things to help other women to feel
more confident to pursue science careers if that is what they’re
interested in.”
And so, that’s what Ball did. She went on to earn her Doctorate
in Biophysics from the University of California, Berkeley. Her
work there revolved around computational and experimental
research with a particular protein found in Alzheimer’s Disease.
That type of work continues now, but instead of Alzheimer’s,
Ball is tackling a T-cell protein affected by the HIV virus. Her
work at Jacobson Lab in San Francisco is interdisciplinary.
“Biophysics is a broad
discipline that allows for
a lot of collaboration,”
explains Ball.
She works in a lab running
simulations of how a protein
moves. Since the protein is
too small to be seen, Ball
uses computational physics
to predict the movements.
Her work is showing some interesting results that she will be
ready to test soon.
“There’s so much still to learn.”
Ball’s goal is to publish her findings from her work in Jacobson
Lab and then look for a faculty position teaching physics at a
small, undergraduate college where she will have time to
continue to do her research. In the meantime, she will teach a
physics class for engineering students at Santa Clara University
this spring.
Her advice? “If current students don’t like the actual problem
sets that they see in the science classroom, don’t be deterred.
Keep at it. In the real world science is like an art project. You
don’t know the outcome in the field of science. It’s more
exploratory and creative outside the classroom, and that’s
where it gets fun.”
Lizzy (Trower) Stefurak ’05
Recent Stanford graduate, PhD Geology
Lizzy Stefurak wants to know what Earth was like three and a
half billion years ago. And you could say that fascination with
rocks began with her time spent climbing a few at Overlake.
“I went on some rock climbing trips beginning in ninth grade at
Overlake and actually met my future husband, Luke Stefurak
(’03) on a Project Week climbing trip,” explains Stefurak.
8
THE OVERLAKER FALL 2014
Stefurak first got into science while taking chemistry at Overlake.
She had Lisa Orenstein’s class and loved it. “She’s one of my
favorite teachers. She was really good about balancing experiments with lectures,” remembers Stefurak.
Stefurak went on to earn her Bachelor degree in Geology from
Caltech and then recently received her Doctorate in Geology
from Stanford.
“I went to Stanford because I had the opportunity to study some
of the oldest rocks exposed on Earth’s surface in South Africa.”
In particular, she studied the cycling of the element silicon. Her
dissertation involved understanding how this element moved
into and out of seawater 3.3 billion years ago. Now she wants to
expand her knowledge of the silica cycle to younger parts of
history and see what it was like 700 million years ago.
“My work started with the ancient history of silicon when it was
just a chemical cycle, but will move to a more recent history
when it became a biological cycle involving small organisms
that make their skeletons with silica. If we have a better understanding of the history of the earth, we can better inform our
predictions for its future.”
While Stefurak’s particular science discipline sees more women
than others, she feels going forward it will be more difficult
being a female scientist. She explains that many women in
geology do not go the route of academia, but rather work in the
industry, perhaps working for oil or mining companies.
“I know it will be a challenge moving forward, wanting to have
my own research lab and working on answering some of the
big questions in geology. I also want to have a work-life balance.
I’m recently married and at some point we will want to expand
our family.”
Her advice to young women entering science — “You should go
for it.” She also tells women to be open to change. She thought
she would go into chemistry or engineering, but instead moved
to geology. “Be enthusiastic, but try to be flexible about it.”
Meet Our New
Faculty and Staff
Motoko Abe, Upper School Japanese
Motoko joins the Language Department at
Overlake after extensive experience
teaching at a variety of schools in Tennessee, Japan, Florida and Texas. Motoko
earned her Bachelor’s degree at University
of the Air (The Open University of Japan)
majoring in Sociology. Motoko is a member
of the Japanese National Honor Society and has translated
books from English to Japanese.
Stephanie Belières, Upper School Science
Stephanie joins the Overlake faculty from
previous experience teaching Chemistry
and Biology at Interlake High School in
Bellevue and Chandler High School in
Chandler, Arizona. Stephanie earned a
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Education
from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN
and a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State
University. Stephanie both studied and worked in France and
is fluent in the language.
Chris Border, Middle School/Upper School Math
Aloha Chris! Chris joins the Overlake faculty
from Maui Preparatory Academy where
he taught US Geometry, Pre-Calculus/
Trigonometry, AP Calculus AB, Chemistry,
Physics, Engineering Science and Astronomy. Chris has a Bachelor of Science in
Physics from the University of Rochester,
and his Master of Science in Physics from the University of
Washington, and his Master of Arts in Teaching from the
University of Alaska Southeast. Chris has published several
papers, including Identifying and Addressing Difficulties with
Aperture, Wavelength, and Resolution.
Nate Edmunds, Upper School English
Nate is no stranger to independent
schools. He’s an alumnus from Cranbrook
Kingswood Upper School in Michigan.
And after receiving his BA from Middlebury
College in Vermont and Masters at the
University of Pennsylvania, he taught
English at The Field School in Washington,
D.C. While at Field, Nate also developed the New Teacher
Professional Development Program. Nate has been a Head
Tennis Professional and a 4-time All-American for the
Middlebury College Men’s Tennis Team.
Sabine Friedman, PT Middle School/Upper School French
Sabine is a native of France, but has lived
in the Seattle area for eight years. Sabine
earned Bachelor’s degrees in English
Literature and Teaching French as a
Foreign Language. As a certified teacher in
Washington State, Sabine has experience
working with elementary and middle school
students, as well as adult learners.
Manuela Garcia Luque, Middle School Spanish
Manuela joins the Overlake faculty from
Southern Florida. Most recently, Manuela
taught Spanish at Tampa Preparatory
School. She also taught Spanish and
ESL at the University of South Florida.
Manuela received her Bachelor of Science
in Environmental Studies from Rollins
College in Orlando and a Master of Arts degrees from both
the University of South Florida and Confederacion de
Empresarios de Andalucia in Spain. Manuela enjoys hiking,
biking, snowboarding and rock climbing.
Jessica Hanson, Instructional Coach
Jessica joins Overlake as the school’s first
Instructional Coach. Jessica is a former
Academic Dean, Science Instructor and
Middle School Director at University Prep
Academy in Seattle. Jessica has a BA in
Biological Studies from Dartmouth College,
a Master of Education from Harvard, and a
Doctorate Degree in Microbiology from University of California,
Davis. Jessica has published several papers and presentations,
including Workshop on Teaching Boys.
Barb Herbert, Interim Director of Development
Barb joins the Advancement Team at
Overlake from both the healthcare and
fitness world. Barb previously worked as
the Executive Director of the Good
Samaritan Hospital Foundation for seven
years. Prior to her work there, Barb also
worked for various YMCA’s throughout the
country helping that organization with its philanthropic and
development mission. When she’s not helping raise funds for
THE OVERLAKER FALL 2014
9
MEET OUR NEW FACULT Y AND STAFF
non-profits, Barb can be found raising her endurance level
through early morning runs or biking several mountains in a
charity ride.
Mike Hufstader, Middle School PE
Mike comes to Overlake from Berkeley Hall
School in Los Angeles, where he taught
Physical Education and coached afterschool sports. Mike earned his Bachelor of
Business Administration from Northwood
University in Michigan and his Master of
Coaching and Athletic Administration from
Concordia University in Irvine, CA. Mike is a marathoner, having
completed the 2013 Boston Marathon in 2:53.
Andy Jackson, PT Middle School Choir/Band
Andy joins Overlake from the International
School of Communications where he taught
Upper School Concert and Chamber Choir.
Prior to his work in Washington, Andy lived
in Idaho working at the Dietrich School
District. Andy graduated from Brigham
Young University – Idaho with a Bachelor of
Music Education and a Master in Music in Music Education
from Kent State University.
Heather Jasper, Middle School French
Heather may have received her dual
Bachelor’s degrees in French and Spanish
Education and Master of Education at
Boise State University, but her career
path has taken her Morocco, Turkey and
Bangladesh. Heather arrives at Overlake
from the International School Dhaka where
she taught French, Spanish, English as well as Coordinator of
the school’s IB Diploma program’s Creativity, Action, and
Service (CAS).
Amanda Jones, Upper School History
Amanda joins the Overlake faculty from the
East coast. Amanda most recently taught
History at Buckingham Browne & Nichols
School in Cambridge. She has also taught
History at The Governor’s Academy in
Byfield, MA. Amanda earned a Bachelor of
Arts degree from Williams College in
Williamstown, MA and a Master of Arts degree in Art History
from the University of Pennsylvania. Early in her career,
Amanda helped develop the educational outreach program for
the then, new Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, NM.
10
THE OVERLAKER FALL 2014
Trevor Layman, Middle School/Upper School Latin
Trevor joins the Overlake faculty from
experience working in classrooms across
the region as a Latin tutor and substitute
teacher. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree
in Classics, History from the University of
Washington and a Master of Arts in
Archaeology from Koc University in Istanbul,
Turkey. Trevor speaks nine languages, including Turkish and
Ancient Greek. He has travelled to Israel five times to participate in archaeological digs.
Sarah Mansour, PT Middle School Latin
Sarah is coming back home to the Overlake
community after an 11 year sabbatical.
Sarah taught Latin at Overlake from
1996–2003. Prior to then, she was a Latin
teacher at The Santa Catalina School in
Monterey, CA. Since leaving Overlake,
Sarah held volunteer positions at Moorlands
Elementary School and was Class Coordinator for the Lake
Forest Park Cooperative Preschool Board. Sarah graduated
from the University of Washington with a BA in Latin.
Susan Messier, Director of Communications
Susan joins the Overlake community from
the healthcare industry. Prior to Overlake,
Susan worked at MultiCare Health System in
the South Sound. A communications junkie
at heart, Susan started her career as a
broadcast journalist, working at various TV
stations across the country. When not
writing about all things Overlake, you’ll find Susan chasing
after her young son.
Teri Negrin, Receptionist
Teri is familiar working in a school front
office. She worked at St. Joseph School in
Issaquah prior to coming to Overlake. Teri
believes in the adage “the customer is
always right” from her early days working
at Nordstrom. When Teri is not answering
phones or assisting parents and visitors,
she can be found either working in her gardens, boating with
her husband, or spending time with her young granddaughter.
Mollie Page, Upper School Science
Mollie comes to Overlake from Pasadena,
California where she taught Biology,
Chemistry and Environmental Science at
Westridge School for Girls. Mollie earned a
Bachelor of Arts at Duke University, and her
Masters at Loyola Marymount University.
MEET OUR NEW FACULT Y AND STAFF
She is a National Board Certified Teacher. Before heading into
the classroom, Mollie began her career as an Environmental
Engineer developing post 9/11 environmental terrorism contingency plans. When not in class, you’ll find Mollie deep in the
blue, as a SCUBA certified diver.
Ashley Powel, Upper School Science
Ashley comes to Overlake from just up the
road in Woodinville at Chrysalis School.
Ashley taught in the science program at
Chrysalis, including honors biology, organic
chemistry, anatomy and physiology. Ashley
earned a Bachelor of Science degree in
Biology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Psychology from the University of Washington, as well as her
Masters in Teaching. Beside Science, Ashley has also taught
horsemanship, dressage and jumping at various stables in
the area.
Lou Sabino, Director of Admission & Financial Aid
Lou has a deep background in admissions
work at independent schools. He has
worked at Whitfield School in Missouri,
San Francisco University High School, and
Woodberry Forest School in Virginia, and
Blue Ridge School, also in Virginia. Lou
has a love of sports, and has worked as a
consultant with the NBA, as well as coached boys lacrosse.
During his spare time, you’ll likely find Lou running or biking
along most any trail.
Tage Singh, Upper School Math/Science
Tage joins the Overlake faculty after
working as a student teacher at Hazen High
School in Renton. Prior to that, Tage worked
as a substitute teacher for the Rockford
Illinois School District. Tage earned a
Bachelor of Science in Physics from the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
and a Masters in Teaching from Seattle Pacific University.
Megan Vasavada, PT Upper School English
Megan joins Overlake after spending
several years teaching English and Writing
at the University of Oregon and the
Community College of Baltimore County,
Baltimore, MD. Megan has a Bachelor of
Arts degree in English and Anthropology
from Johns Hopkins University, a Master of
Arts in Humanities from the University of Chicago, and a
Doctorate Degree in English from the University of Oregon.
Megan has been a guest speaker at many conferences and
workshops across the country.
Marisa Vitiello, PT Middle School Video Production &
Art and Technology
Marisa joins Overlake from a long and
varied art background. Most recently Marisa
taught Art at University Prep. Besides
teaching high school students, Marisa has
also taught instructional and graphic design
and media to a variety of different audiences
including teachers internationally. Marisa
started a Media Arts program at The Athenian School, where
she was a member of the Art Faculty. When Marisa is not in a
classroom, she is busy setting up art installations at museums
and venues across the country.
Zoey Wilson, Counseling Assistant
Zoey joins Overlake as a recent graduate
of Seattle Pacific University (SPU) where
she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Creative
Writing. Zoey has worked at One Day’s
Wages in Seattle, a grassroots movement to
alleviate global poverty. Zoey also worked
for SPU in the English Department as a
Blog Assistant and Research Assistant. When not assisting
Counseling, you may find Zoey on stage, as she has experience
choreographing High School musicals.
Chen Tang, Middle School/Upper School Mandarin Chinese
Chen joins the Overlake faculty after
spending several years teaching in the
Bellevue School District and Seattle Public
Schools. Chen also has experience as a
private tutor. Chen obtained a Bachelor
of Management from Shanghai Maritime
University and a Master of Education
from the University of Washington. Prior to her work in the
classroom, Chen worked for Emirates Airline as a member
of the Cabin Crew, flying to more than 120 destinations over
six continents.
THE OVERLAKER FALL 2014
11
ALUMNI
NEWS
Where Are They Now?
Class of 2014 — College Enrollment Plans*
Kristi Abbott�����������������������������Tulane University
Rajas Agashe���������������������������University of Washington
Serena Ahuja���������������������������University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign
Tania Arciniega�����������������������University of Washington
Bijoya Basu�������������������������������Washington University in St. Louis
Lauren Bazley��������������������������Wellesley College
Alexa Berg���������������������������������Purdue University
Erika Boettcher����������������������Seattle University
Jenay Brown�����������������������������University of Washington
Nicole Buecker������������������������University of Washington
Anna Chaiken��������������������������University of Massachusetts,
Amherst
Christopher Chin�������������������University of California Berkeley
Andrew Chouinard���������������University of Maryland
Madeleine Clelland��������������Santa Clara University
Marcel Colvin���������������������������University of California, Davis
Sarah Cornett��������������������������Fashion Institute of Design & Merch
William Corrin�������������������������Chapman University
Lucas Crowley�������������������������University of Puget Sound
Devin Daher������������������������������University of Southern California
Emily Daly����������������������������������Columbia University
Charles Drake��������������������������Dickinson College
Tammy Eydelman������������������Northeastern University
Annaliese Fries�����������������������Brown University
Michael Galbato���������������������Cornell University
Andrew Gavrila�����������������������University of Colorado, Boulder
Andreea Gavrilescu�������������Washington University in St. Louis
Grant Gibson����������������������������Chapman University
Andrew Gold����������������������������Chapman University
Alexandra Golitz��������������������Santa Clara University
Alexander Gosanko�������������Univ. of Southern California
Ryan Gravley����������������������������Ithaca College
Armaan Gulamani�����������������Chapman University
Preston Gulledge������������������University of Washington
Katherine Hill���������������������������Claremont McKenna College
Stephen Hitchcock���������������Stanford University
Emma Howard������������������������Washington University in St. Louis
Graham Husick�����������������������Macalester College
12
THE OVERLAKER FALL 2014
Sonja Johnson-Yu�����������������Stanford University
Matthew Kennedy����������������Georgia Institute of Technology
Rohan Kher�������������������������������University of Michigan
Caroline Lauer�������������������������Dartmouth College
Tony Lee��������������������������������������University of Michigan
Elliot Long����������������������������������Chapman University
Teodora Lupu���������������������������University of Southern California
Natalie McFall��������������������������University of Pennsylvania
Emma Moran����������������������������University of San Diego
Robert Neir��������������������������������University of Southern California
Rebecca Nelson����������������������University of Washington
Emma Radich���������������������������Bard College
Rajneil Rana������������������������������University of Washington
Dylan Reynolds�����������������������University of Washington
Erika Sasaki������������������������������Santa Clara University
William Spencer���������������������Stanford University
Srinidhi Srinivasan���������������Harvey Mudd College
Matthew Stewart�������������������Stanford University
Rachel Stockdale�������������������Washington University in St. Louis
Troy Stolarczuk����������������������University of Washington
Philip Trubee����������������������������Grinnell College
Colton Umberger�������������������Rollins College
Sean Underwood�������������������University of Washington
Anuv Vaghul�����������������������������University of Washington
Akarsh Vaidyanathan���������University of California Berkeley
Clara Voss����������������������������������Purdue University
Elijah Waalkes�������������������������Boston College
Justin Weisbly�������������������������Arizona State University
Nathan Whitaker��������������������Boston College
Tyler Wilcox������������������������������University of Arizona
Cecilia Wilson��������������������������Northwestern University
Olivia Wilson����������������������������University of Puget Sound
Veronica Wilson���������������������Tulane University
Sara Youmans�������������������������Whitman College
* List as of August 1, 2014
ALUMNI NEWS
I
’77 Grad Returns to Overlake
as the New Alumni Manager
t’s our pleasure to announce that Christian Fulghum has joined the school as the new Alumni Manager.
Christian grew up in Seattle and attended
both Lakeside and Overlake, graduating
in 1977. He then attended the University
of Washington in the honors program
and wrote for the UW Daily. For 30
years Christian managed various
companies ranging from manufacturing
and software to a current partnership
in an independent record company and
recording studio.
It’s Christian’s extensive volunteer work
where he found his passion for education, which he looks forward to sharing
at Overlake. He served on the board of
trustees at Overlake in the 1990’s until
a move to Seattle made it too challenging. Christian then served as a trustee
and board chair for the Evergreen
School working on annual giving and the
endowment campaigns. volunteer conducting fun alumni events
and reunions, networking alumni with
each other and introducing alumni to the
many ways they can stay engaged with
the school year round.
He most recently served as the President
of the Lakeside/St Nicholas Alumni
Association where he was an active
Christian Fulghum, Alumni Manager
[email protected]
(425) 868-6191 x604
Please give Christian a shout out and
introduce yourself and consider coming
back on campus for a fun walk and talk.
He hopes to learn all of your Overlake
stories!
Overlake Alumnae Write How-To Book
and Start Inspirational Website
T
o be an expert in something, sometimes you just have to walk through the experience. That’s
the idea behind a new book that two
Overlake alumnae are releasing this
spring. Lauren Jessen (2009) and
Catherine Jessen (2011) are authors of
Youth’s Highest Honor: Your Guide to
Earning the Congressional Award.
This how-to book helps students achieve
the Congressional Award, an Award
both Jessen sisters have earned. Last
summer, Lauren went to Washington D.C.
to be recognized as one of the 283 youth
to be awarded a Gold Medal in 2014, and
next summer Catherine will return to
our nation’s capitol to be presented her
Gold Medal from Congress. Less than
300 people per year have earned the
Congressional Award Gold Medal since
its inception in 1979.
The Congressional Award is the United
States Congress’ award for young
Americans. It recognizes 14 to 23 year
old youth who achieve certain levels of
hours in four program areas
— Voluntary Public Service,
Personal Development,
Physical Fitness and
Expedition/Exploration.
Similar to the Olympics,
this program awards Bronze,
Silver and Gold Certificates
and Medals based on levels
of achievement.
For the Jessen sisters, being
involved started at Overlake.
“Overlake is where we first
got involved in everything,”
says Lauren Jessen.
“My sister and I were ASB President
and Vice President; we started clubs at
Overlake and played on varsity sports
teams. We were encouraged to try all
sorts of activities.”
After achieving the award, Lauren says
she has continued the mission of
personal development, and continues to
take opportunities to try new things.
In 2013 the Jessen sisters co-founded
Carpe Juvenis, an online community
for young people to share their own
achievements and be inspired by others
(www.carpejuvenis.com).
Editor’s note: Youth’s Highest Honor:
Your Guide to Earning the Congressional
Award is available on Amazon beginning
this spring.
THE OVERLAKER FALL 2014
13
ALUMNI NEWS
Overlake Reunion 2014
T
he 2014 gathering of Overlake alumni on Saturday, August 23rd was blessed with beautiful weather
and record turnout. We were able to
hold the entire event outdoors, and the
sunshine, delicious food and beverages
contributed to the festive atmosphere.
Faculty and Staff were on hand to catch
up with everyone’s lives and adventures.
Members of the Alumni Committee
greeted attendees and made everyone
feel welcome.
We had over 100 alums and their guests,
including members of the classes of
’74, ’79, ’84, ’89, ’94, ’99, ’04 and ’09,
with ’89 and ’04 being most strongly
represented. Guests remarked on the
continuing evolution and improvement
of the campus, and members of the class
of ’74 were especially impressed with our
cafeteria, as there was no food served
on campus until the very end of the
seventies.
Head of School Matt Horvat welcomed
everyone and enjoyed conversing with
a number of alums, including Cora
(Willett) Nally ’89 who told him the story
of Denver Ulery’s carving which she has
carried around the world on her travels,
and Diana Toma ’09, who shared how
Overlake had instilled in
her a sense of service,
which she felt was unique
among her peers.
Overlake’s newes
t Parliament of
Owls (Class of
A group of alums and friends also
participated in our Alumni Golf
Tournament at Redmond Ridge Golf
Course earlier that day, which allowed
an opportunity for some friendly
competition and a widely varied display
of skills.
Here are a few photos from the event,
and if you have any you would like to
share, please send them to alumni@
overlake.org.
See you next year!
1989)
SEND US YOUR ALUMNI NEWS: Contact Christian Fulghum, Alumni Manager, at [email protected]
14
THE OVERLAKER FALL 2014
ATHLETICS
2014 Fall Sports Wrap-Up
AS THE WEATHER COOLED THIS FALL, OUR BEST TEAMS HEATED UP. WE HAD A MIX OF REBUILDING
PROGRAMS TO LEAGUE FAVORITES. HERE’S A RECAP OF THE SEASON, AS OF PRESS TIME, OCT. 27TH:
squad finished 2nd in the league championships, with the lowest
score in their history. In fact, the finishing total of 58 points is 20
points better than any previous effort at the league championships. This caps off a great regular season of improved personal
records (PRs) for many of these runners on a weekly basis.
Boys
Girls
GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL – Overlake’s Volleyball team is led by four
great seniors, Maddy Klineman, Carly Silvernale, Maria Steen
and Sakthi Vetrivel, all of whom were named co-captains by
new head coach Allison Prohn. The Owls battled through a
tough early season non-league schedule which included
1A powerhouses like Cedar Park Christian and 4A King County
opponents like Redmond High School. The Owls also had to
conquer their share of injuries, including significant stretches
where three of the co-captains were out. However, the Owls got
it going, stringing five league wins in a row to clinch a playoff
spot. Of the nine Emerald City League schools, Overlake has
secured the #3 spot and will host the league tournament. The
home court advantage will hopefully springboard the Owls to a
deeper playoff run.
GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY has flourished during the five-year
Overlake head coaching career of the talented Micah Orr. The
girls’ side has grown to 12 varsity runners and this year has been
a record-setter for the program on the course as well. Our girls
BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY – Orr’s “other team,” our varsity boys’
runners, battled all season overcoming injuries to senior runners
by building up the abilities of their younger, talented harriers.
There were signs that they were going to be there when it
mattered though. A key league meet victory in late September
at Lower Woodland in Seattle was encouraging as was the State
Coaches poll which consistently ranked the Owls in the top ten
all season. But it was the Emerald City League Championships
which brought out their best, upsetting the #2 program in the
state, The Northwest School, and passing everyone else as well
to claim the League Championship. Overlake placed five runners
in the top ten, Jack Toland ’15 (3rd), Cole Tsang ’15 (5th), Kai
McConnell ’16 (7th), Spencer Arons ’18 (8th), and Tyler Stafford
’18 (10th).
BOYS’ TENNIS – Boys’ Tennis has been gaining momentum
like no other tennis program in the state this fall. After opening
up the season with a 3–2 record, the Owls won their last eight
matches. Their fall season culminated with their best performance: winning the Bi-District Championship at Amy Yee Tennis
Center. Overlake entered two doubles teams and two singles
in the field. The singles entries netted a 4th place finish and a
possible state berth for Loucas Tsilas ’17 but it was their doubles
effort which stole the show. One of our entries, unseated Rick
Chavez ’15 and Keshav Ummat ’15 beat duos from Friday
Harbor, University Prep, and the #1 seeded team from Seattle
Academy. Who did they see in the finals? Overlake’s other
doubles entry, Pranav Harikrishnan ’15 and Declan Daly ’16.
Rick and Keshav prevailed, 6–4, 6–4 but both doubles teams
will go to State in Yakima.
THE OVERLAKER FALL 2014
15
ATHLETICS
2014–15 Winter Sports Preview
OWL FANS HAVEN’T BEEN THIS EXCITED FOR A BASKETBALL SEASON TO START FOR MANY YEARS.
ALUMS, IF YOU HAVEN’T FOUND THE TIME TO RETURN TO OVERLAKE DURING THE WINTER,
THIS IS THE WINTER FOR YOU. BOTH OUR BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ PROGRAMS HAVE DIFFERENT REASONS
TO HAVE HOPE OF GREAT SEASONS.
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – There is reason to believe that the Owls
have found their next charismatic coach to lead this program in
the right direction. In June Overlake hired Dennis Black, a former
college basketball standout at University of Portland, NBA
draft pick, and 12 year veteran head coach at Portland’s Oregon
Episcopal School where he had a long run of great teams. He is
being joined by local basketball legend Yaz Fuller as an assistant
coach, the former WIAA State Tournament MVP at Kennedy
and University of Pittsburgh star, and Rachel Herbert, a player
and graduate assistant coach at Colorado School of Mines (D2).
This group will help develop a great group of returners into an
exciting squad, revolving around Overlake’s only three sport
letter winners last year, Madeline Klineman ’15, Cat Cunningham
’15, and Allie Hill ’16. Look for the Owls to be a contender for the
girls’ league title.
BOYS’ BASKETBALL – This senior class is the most talented
and balanced in the five years since head coach Justin Prohn has
been at the helm. Size? Oh yeah. The Friend Brothers, Charlie ’15
(6’8) and Owen ’17 (6’9) are the biggest duo in school history.
Experience? Check. These
seniors each have two to
three years of varsity
experience and the juniors include the lightning quick, all-league
forward LT Cosmos. The schedule is favorable as well, including
tests like the opening tournament at Friday Harbor
and an invite to the Wilbur-Ellis Shootout in the Yakima Sun
Dome, where they will be matched against perennial state
contenders Kalama and Toledo high schools. The roster is deep
and the expectations are high for these Owls whose motto is,
“Do it better than it’s ever been done before.” If that’s going to
happen, let’s just say that it will be a great ride.
Streaming Season
The Owl Sports Broadcasting Network, otherwise known as
talented Owl sports-loving seniors Cole Paxton, Aaron Mell,
and Pranay Sharoff, have come together to bring the Owls to
you this winter hoop season. Of course the fall has been fun too,
broadcasting some home volleyball matches, even roping the
athletic director into color analyst duties. So if you can’t make it
to the games, go to goowls.com and click on ‘live stream’ and
watch the action in the comfort of your own home.
Remember to follow
Overlake athletics
@owlsnews on
Twitter and Instagram
16
THE OVERLAKER FALL 2014
TheOverlakeSchool
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20301 NE 108th Street
Redmond, WA 98053-7499
SE ATTLE, WA
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Carnevale raises great funds!
The annual Overlake Auction is always spectacular fun and this year’s event
was top notch. The theme of a Brazilian carnival infused with a Venetian festival
lent itself to fun fellowship between parents, alumni, faculty, staff and many
friends of Overlake.
The bidding was furious on silent auction items and the fabulous live auction
items had many friends in a bidding war — but all for the good of the school.
This year’s Fund-A-Need will help to improve the library and in total
raised a preliminary $320,000*.
Thank you to our sponsors and auction package
donors for your support. Special thanks go out
to the dedicated volunteers from the auction
committee and especially to the auction chairs;
Elizabeth Huang and Elaine McCall (pictured
right) for your tremendous leadership.
* before corporate matching