Selectnews
Friends Select School
Fall/Winter 2015-2016
COLLEGE OF ARTS SCIENCES
CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC
RISD
TH E COLLEGE ISSUE
4
3
2
7
15
12
CONTENTS
20
2 COMMUNITY NOTES
Penn Partnership, Cum Laude, MS Academic Awards
4 FALCON NOTES
Spring Sports Highlights, Playing Sports in College
6 SPECIAL SECTION
College List, College Choices, College Admission, College Tips and Life Advice
15 CLASS NOTES
Largest bequest in FSS history, marriages, births, careers
18 OUT AND ABOUT
Alumni/ae travel to Nepal, John Colgan-Davis retires, Alumni/ae Weekend 2015,
Mr. Ed Smiley celebration
Selectnews
Friends Select School
17th & Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.561.5900, x145 fax 215.864.2979
friends-select.org
Editorial Team
Editor
Colleen Puckett, Assistant Head of School
for External Relations and Marketing
Writer
Jennifer Barkowitz
Join us:
friends-select.org/fss-connect
Design
Tina Dougherty, Associate Director
Marketing, Creative and Visual
Communication
Feature Photography
Connor Augustine, Tina Dougherty, Felix
Hunt ’16, Lynda Greenwade
Selectnews
Select News is the magazine of Friends
Select School. It is published by the
marketing department twice a year and
distributed to alumni/ae, parents and
friends of the school.
Cover: Recent FSS College Choices
fall/winter 2015-2016 Volume 27 Number 1
A Message from the Head of School
“If life is a run-on sentence, we believe college is
a semi-colon, and not a hard stop.”
College. It’s the number one question
asked by families when they tour Friends
Select. It doesn’t matter if it is a parent
of a pre-kindergartner or a rising 9th
grader. Everyone wants to see our college list. Everyone wants to know how
we prepare students for college.
In this issue of Select News, we deconstruct the college admission process
from all angles. We interview two FSS
college counselors, then and now, who
together combine close to 60 years of
experience in the field. We offer application tips from college admission officers
and life tips from an alumnus. We
explore how the FSS educational program supports students as individuals to
discover their authentic selves and, by
doing so, helps them develop a construct
to guide what may be the first major
decision of many they will make in their
lives.
We do know this. Children unfold over
time. Their interests and passions emerge
as they become acquainted with the
world. Who they are at 4, or 9, or 14, is
not who they are when they apply to college. So we believe college choice
should reflect the unique person each
child has become at that point of time. If
life is a run-on sentence, we believe college is a semi-colon, and not a hard stop.
It is not the consummate determinant of
one’s career or life path.
Our college list appears on page 6. As
robust and diverse as it is, however, it
does not give the full picture. To fill in
the stories behind the list, we talked to
10 members of the graduated Class of
2015 to ask them about their college
choices. Each choice is as individual as
the person who made it.
We believe college should be an intentional and lived experience for the four
years one attends rather than a checkmark against a list of items one must get
through before real life begins.
Rose Hagan
Head of School
About Friends Select
The mission of Friends Select School is to provide
a challenging, college–preparatory academic program to its diverse, coed student population, from
pre–kindergarten to 12th grade. The school offers
a full complement of athletic, art and community
service options. Its unique identity includes an
intentional, sequential emphasis on research, writing and oral presentation and a commitment to
interactive learning in a city–wide classroom.
Members of the Friends Select community
believe in the Quaker values of respect for all,
simplicity, the peaceful resolution of conflict and
a constant search for truth. We work to achieve a
balance between the needs of individuals and the
community in an atmosphere of cooperation and
concern for the betterment of all. We value the
rich diversity of our urban setting and the
opportunities and challenges it provides for the
education of our students.
Under the caring oversight of dedicated
faculty and staff, Friends Select students gain
the knowledge, skills and character that will help
them to live full lives.
fall/winter2015-2016 1
Communitynotes
52
2015 Cum Laude Inductees with Faculty Presenters
Annual Cum Laude
Society Induction
Ceremony
Friends Select Cum Laude
Society. Inductees had the
support of faculty, staff, family and fellow Cum Laude
members Athena Braun, Nick
Duval, Jeremy Lee and
Emmett Orts, who were
inducted in spring 2014.
On May 14, 2015, Class of
2015 members August
Dichter, Eric Hua, Sydney
Leffler and Timothy Wu and
Class of 2016 students Wei
Chen, Max Frantz, Laura
Haskin, Jasper PerryAnderson and Ella Serpell
were inducted into the
Alumnus Corey Riley ’94
returned to Friends Select as
the evening’s featured speaker. Riley, a fellow Cum
Laude member, traveled from
New York City where he currently serves as a Special
Agent with the Federal
Bureau of Investigation
(FBI). Riley also is a member
nd
of the Athletic Hall of Fame
and currently serves on the
school’s National Alumni/ae
Board.
Eleventh grade students with
academic standing in the top
10 percent and twelfth grade
students in the top 20 percent
are eligible for induction.
Faculty members Brian Kors,
Ian Lockey, Natalie Mayer,
Suzanne Morrison, Margaret
Smith and Cum Laude faculty members Jim Brubaker,
Wendy Buckingham, Herb
Kerns and Ralph Reinwald
presented awards to
inductees.
Suzann and Eric Frantz with their
son, Max
Cum Laude speaker Corey Riley
’94, back row center, surrounded
by family members and faculty
member Herb Kerns, far right
2 Selectnews
A Cross-Divisional
Partnership with
UPenn
Each year,
science
department cochair
Natalie
Mayer’s
eleventh
grade
advanced
biology
class studies
developmental
biology and genetics. As part of
an ongoing partnership between
Friends Select and University of
Pennsylvania, UPenn last spring
worked with the advanced biology class to explore zebrafish, a
tropical freshwater fish belonging to the minnow family.
Mayer and first grade teacher
Linda Patterson then collaborated to arrange for the eleventh
grade to spend two days teaching first grade what they had
learned from UPenn. First grade
students began by making lists
of what they knew (or thought
they knew) about life cycles.
“We are teaching them that
knowledge is something that
you are always tweaking,”
Patterson said.
MS Celebrates
Academic
Achievement
Middle School launched the
academic awards program in
2014. Mirroring the upper
school academic awards
process, the program seeks to
recognize academic excellence
throughout the Friends Select
educational experience, covering all subject areas as well as
citizenship.
Friends Select also has begun
to recognize overall academic
excellence in sixth through
eighth grade for students who
attain honors for each semester. The criteria for honors is an
A- (90%) or above average in
each academic class at the
semester.
One Special Award
On May 26, 2015, the middle
school community gathered at
the Race Street Friends
Meetinghouse for the Second
Annual Middle School Academic
Awards Assembly.
Fifth Grade Class Awards
Academic Award - Oscar Gerber
Friend Award - Zion Todd
Sixth Grade Class Awards
Honors
Jeremy Cohen, Mia Cohen,
Hannah Dubb, Maddy Dumont,
Izzy Ebede, Alex Haurin, Julian
Haurin, Ethan Pastor, Lewis
Shaw, Carly Siegel, Olivia
Shuman, Sierra Wei, Maia
Weintraub
Academic Award - Julian Haurin
Friend Award - Izzy Ebede
Seventh Grade Class Awards
Honors
Sophia Becker, Lily Cohen,
Olivia Maltz, Max SchneiderWhite, Alex Shapiro, Jonah
Taranta, Dean Wang
Departmental Awards
Music - Sofia Rodriguez-Burno
Drama - Sydney Bladen
Art - Poli Sotnik-Platt
World Languages - Alex Shapiro
English - Olivia Maltz
History - Sophia Becker
Math - Jonah Taranta
Science - Max Schneider-White
Friend Award Sofia Rodriguez-Burno
Using zebrafish provided by
UPenn, the eleventh grade class
then discussed with the first
grade the similarities between
the developmental biology of
zebrafish and humans. Rapid
movement, beating hearts and
the presence of skin were just a
few of the similarities noted by
the young scientists.
Eleventh grade wrapped lesson
one by placing two fish in each
tank overnight. The following
day first grade students were
astonished to find some of the
zebrafish had laid eggs. The
eleventh grade finished the lesson by answering questions and
assisting children in removing
eggs from the tanks and demonstrating how to use a microscope to view the eggs.
2015 MS Academic
Awards
Eighth Grade Class Awards
Honors
Adrian Altieri, Bea Gerber, Noah
Davidson, MaryElizabeth
Greeley, Luc Santilli
Middle school honored history teacher
John Colgan-Davis, who retired after
29 years of service to Friends Select
School. The 8th grade history award
will now be called The John ColganDavis Award in Middle School History.
Departmental Awards
Music - Sophia Green
Drama - Dasha Sotnik-Platt
Art - Quinn Doran
World Languages - Adrian Altieri
English - Bea Gerber
History - MaryElizabeth Greeley
Math - Camryn Harvie
Science - Luc Santilli
Friend Award - Noah Davidson
Leadership Award - Izzy Dean
fall/winter2015-2016 3
Falconnotes
Spring Sports Highlights
The Falcons enjoyed an amazing spring 2015 season!
Softball
The varsity team, led by captains Syd
Leffler and Zina Robbins-Maldonado,
continued their success in both the
Friends League and Districts.
Their 17-1 record earned the Falcons the
#1 seed in the FSL playoffs as well as
the #1 seed in the PIAA District I playoffs! This was the first team ever at
Friends Select to be a #1 seed in
Districts.
Tennis
The tennis program continues to grow.
More than 50 players competed on five
different teams throughout middle and
upper school, taking advantage of talented
coaches. The strong interest has led to
many changes. Girls’ tennis will now
compete in the fall season and boys’ tennis will compete in the spring season.
FSS Crew
The crew team was very successful in the
Manny Flick Regattas in early April and
it really started heating up as the season
progressed.
At the Cooper Cup, Emmett Orts and
Jacob Jamison finished 1st place, Anthony
Williams finished 4th place and both
novice squads finished in 4th place.
Rowers included Philip Sieg, Matt Chin,
T.J. Fallon, and Bill Han for the boys, and
girls’ quad Ahana Rosha, Yunyi Anderson,
Rachel Anthony, and Kelly Wu.
At City Champs, there also were high
finishers for the crew team—Orts and
Jamison at 3rd place, and Sammi Kozin in
4th. Maya Zarate-Ramirez earned a silver
medal while Williams, Hannah Achiepo
and Hannah Cramer earned 1st place victories!
Many records were broken this season.
Robbins-Maldonado became the most
successful pitcher in the program’s history. She also recorded the 100th hit of her
career. She, along with Leffler, Gabby
Hebden-Pearl, and Sesley Cruz, represented FSS in the Friends School League
Post Season Classic. Cruz earned the
win as pitcher that day.
Three of our players tried out for the
Carpenter Cup, a prestigious college
showcase tournament that has 16 franchises representing different leagues and
regions in our area. Of 40 tryouts, only 16
players made this team. RobbinsMaldonado, Cruz, and Alyssa Spiller
made the cut and represented FSS on the
Philadelphia team.
4 Selectnews
During the Stotesbury Cup Regatta, the
largest high school regatta in the world,
Friends Select’s lightweight double of
Acheipo and Cramer finished in 4th place.
The boys varsity double of Orts and
Jamison completed their race with an
unbelievable 1st place victory!
Baseball
Varsity enjoyed a six-win season in 2015
and ended the year with an amazing victory over Academy of the New Church!
They also finished with a winning record
at home. Three players represented FSS at
the Friends School League Post Season
Classic: August Dichter, Jack Cohen and
Max Frantz. Senior Dichter ended his
extremely successful baseball career at
FSS with a home run at his final at bat!
FSL All-League Selections:
August Dichter, Syd Leffler,
Zina Robbins-Maldonado,
Sesley Cruz, Jack Cohen HM,
Gabby Hebden-Pearl HM
Varsity Tennis
Outstanding Player - Frank Xu
Most Dedicated Player - Jake Shapiro
Most Improved Player - Elvis Chen
Sportsmanship - Nate Fletcher
JV Tennis
Most Dedicated Player - Richard Chen
Most Improved Player - Stacey Chen
Sportsmanship - Gab Dondici
Varsity Softball
Outstanding Players - Zina RobbinsMaldonado & Sesley Cruz
Most Dedicated Player - Syd Leffler
Most Improved Player - Kiara Kahan
Sportsmanship - Martha Abrams
Varsity Baseball
Outstanding Player – August Dichter
Most Dedicated Player –
Jack Gontowski
Most Improved Player – Jack Cohen
Middle School Athletics Awards
Baseball
Outstanding Players Mark Aaronson & Alec Kane
Most Dedicated Player - Miles Asali
Most Improved Player Zuni Zarate-Ramirez
Sportsmanship - Jonah Taranta
A Softball
Outstanding Players - Izzy Dean &
Hannah Sieg
Most Dedicated Player - Mia Cohen
Most Improved Player - Lydia Cunitz
Sportsmanship - Alex Shapiro
B Softball
Outstanding Player - Izzy Ebede
Most Dedicated Player Grace Gontowski
Most Improved Player - Dakota Tee
Sportsmanship - Rachel Luce
A Tennis
Outstanding Players - Madeline and
Amelia Squires
Most Dedicated Player MaryElizabeth Greeley
Sportsmanship - Casey Lam
B Tennis
Most Dedicated Players - Lily Cappello
& Maya Brand
Most Improved Player - Taariz
Heavner-Mbaraka
Sportsmanship - Kenny Park
C Tennis
Most Improved Players - Alex Piven &
Kayla Alston
Crew
Outstanding – Emmett Orts &
Jacob Jamison
Most Dedicated – Hans Horst-Martz
Most Improved – Matt Chin &
Rachel Anthony
Sportsmanship – Sammi Kozin
Emmett Orts (front) and Jacob Jamison
Photo: David Mailetti/Philadelphia Inquirer
How to Pursue College Athletics
By Tim Litz
Associate Athletic Director
The following was adapted from the
Friends Select website friendsselect.org/college-athletics
Many Friends Select student athletes
wish to pursue athletics at the collegiate level and numerous graduates
have gone on to play sports at
Division I, Division II and Division III
colleges and universities.
Students should begin to
market themselves
freshman year. There is a
lot of information to
disseminate and many
decisions have to be
made in order to find a
school that best suits your
individual needs.
There are differences between each
division of competitiveness on the
college level and differences between
the levels of sports at different institutions. Students should research
schools that will be a good fit both
athletically and academically.
Role of the Coach
The coach will advise the student
through the recruiting process educating him/her in the differences
among Division I, II and III schools
and steering him/her toward schools
that match her/his level of play. The
coach will also advise the student as
to the appropriateness of a video and
the content of the video that will be
sent to coaches. Finally the coach will
supply information about camps,
showcases and other venues for
exposure to collegiate coaches.
Role of the Student
Students should research colleges
that match both their academic and
athletic needs. Your coach and/or
director of athletics can advise you
through this process. Fill out online
recruiting forms and begin to contact
college coaches early on in the
process. Maintain contact with coaches throughout the duration of your
decision- making process. Be sure to
talk to your parents throughout the
process to help determine a school
that is appropriate financially for your
family. Register for the NCAA Initial
Eligibility Clearinghouse at the beginning of your senior year.
Visit ncaa.org/student-athletes for
more information.
The following
Friends Select
students matriculated to colleges/universities in Division
I-III sports over the
past five years.
Sam Winward '11 Soccer
Oberlin College—Division III
Wylie Wilson '11 Crew
Boston College—Division I
Oliver Ingram '11 Crew
Columbia University—Division I
Ed Bavaria '12 Hockey
Muhlenberg College—Division III
Grace Finkbiner '12 Softball
Denison University—Division III
Shannon Griffin '12 Track
Bates College—Division III
Alex Koditschek '13 Soccer
Bard College—Division III
Ben Holl '13 Basketball
Wilson College—Division III
Antonia DePace '13 Softball
Emerson College—Division III
Kayla Kahan '14 Swimming
Dickinson College—Division III
Emmett Orts ’15 Crew
Georgetown University—Division I
Jacob Jamison ’15 Crew
Brown University—Division I
fall/winter2015-2016 5
APPLYING TO COLLEGE
to thine own self be true
This above all:
Polonius in Hamlet
College is not one size fits all. For
every student who longs for the big
university experience there is one
who envisions himself at a small
liberal arts school. For every student who knows exactly what she
is looking for, there are others with
no clue.
With roughly 2,000 4-year nonprofit colleges in the United States,
and roughly double that if you
include 2- and 4-year profit and
non-profit schools, there are as
many types of colleges as there are
students.
The challenge is to help students
find the right fit for their unique
profiles and life circumstances.
The List
College Acceptances &
Matriculations for the
Class of 2015
Friends Select strives to
ensure students have
choices when they
decide where to take
their talents next.
6 Selectnews
How does FSS prepare students
for this journey? We start early.
We foster self-discovery by providing a rich and varied educational
environment that exposes students
of all ages to the full menu of
resources of a world-class city.
Our program allows students to
make connections, to try on different hats. By the time they apply to
college, FSS students have a clearer sense of who they are, and what
truly makes their hearts sing.
These factors, along with academic
achievement, are paramount considerations to college admission
officers.
Friends Select strives to ensure students have choices when they
decide where to take their talents
next. Choosing which college to
go to is a deeply personal decision,
and one in which many factors
come in to play.
A quick glance at our college list
will tell you that FSS is well represented in all college categoriesfrom the Ivies to large state
schools, from small liberal arts colleges to prestigious performing arts
and arts schools.
In short, our college list is as
diverse and all-encompassing as
are our students’ talents, interests,
and achievements.
Albright College
Allegheny College
American Musical and Dramatic Academy College
and Conservatory of the Performing Arts
American University (2)
Bard College
Berklee College of Music
Boston University (2)
Brown University
Bucknell University (2)
Case Western University (2)
Clark University (4)
Colgate University
The College of New Jersey
Cornell University (2)
Davidson College
Dean College
Delaware College of Art and Design
Dickinson College
Drexel University (7)
Earlham College
Eckerd College
Elon University
Emerson College
Emory University
Fairfield University
Fordham University
Franklin & Marshall College (2)
Georgetown University (2)
Gettysburg College
Goucher College (2)
Guilford College (2)
Harvard University
High Point University
Hofstra University (2)
Indiana University
Ithaca College
Kutztown University of PA
Lehigh University
Lincoln University
Loyola University New Orleans
Maine College of Art
Marist College
Marymount Manhattan College (2)
Miami University (Ohio)
Michigan State University
Millersville University of PA
Moore College of Art & Design
Muhlenberg College (5)
Neumann University
Class of 2015
New College of Florida
Northeastern University (5)
Oberlin College
Occidental College
Pace University
Parsons The New School for Design
Pennsylvania State University (4)
Point Park University
Pratt Institute
Purdue University
Quinnipiac University
Reed College
Rhode Island College
Rhode Island School of Design
Rider University
Robert Morris University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rutgers University
Sarah Lawrence College (2)
Shippensburg University of PA
Skidmore College (4)
St. John’s University (NY)
Stony Brook University (3)
Suffolk University
Susquehanna University
Syracuse University
Temple University (7)
Temple University-Fox School of Business
Temple University-Tyler School of Art
Trinity College Dublin (Ireland)
University of Arizona
University of California-Davis (2), Irvine (2),
San Diego (2), Santa Barbara
University of Colorado at Boulder
University of Delaware (2)
University of Hartford
University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign (2)
University of Massachusetts-Boston (2)
University of Miami
University of New Hampshire
University of Pennsylvania (4)
University of Pittsburgh (5)
University of Rochester (2)
University of Tampa (2)
University of Vermont (3)
Ursinus College (3)
Washington and Jefferson College
Yale University
fall/winter2015-2016 7
Q
&
A
Select News
met with
members of the
Class of 2015
to discuss why
they made the
college choices
they did.
8 Selectnews
Maya Bogle
Jeremy Lee
Applied and Accepted:
American University, Boston University,
Bucknell University, Emory University,
University of Colorado-Boulder,
University of Pennsylvania and
University of Pittsburgh
Applied and Accepted:
Bucknell University, Colgate University,
Cornell University, Lehigh University,
Marist College, The College of New
Jersey, Northeastern University, Rutgers
University, New Brunswick and SUNY
Stony Brook University
Years at Friends Select: 6
Attending: Boston University
Major: International Relations
Why did you choose Boston University
over the others?
At first I was stuck between Penn, B.U.,
and Emory. I really wanted an urban
campus. But when I visited B.U., I was
in the city. In my dorm I could see
Boston. I was making a choice for a new
city, a new place. I wanted a new start.
Was it a difficult choice?
I wanted to get out and do my own
thing. B.U. offered that with the academic programs for what I want. They just
started a new international relations
school. I was really excited about that.
When I left the campus tour I said to my
parents, this is where I’m supposed to
be.
What did you like most/least about the
college process:
I didn’t like the standardized tests. I was
intense about college, very anxious
about it. But over the summer, I took a
pre-college program at Northwestern,
which helped to get me in the mindset of
college. I think visiting was the best part
because it helps you figure out what you
do want and don’t want.
Advice for underclassmen:
I would tell them to calm down. Keep
doing everything you’ve been doing the
past 3 years. Have outside activitiesyou will need somewhere to release the
tension.
Won’t go to college without . . .
If I could bring Wawa, I would. And
water ice and all the foods I’m going to
miss.
Notable B.U. Alumna:
Faye Dunaway (Actress, Mommy Dearest,
Chinatown, Bonnie and Clyde)
Years at Friends Select: 4
Attending: Cornell University
Major: Computer Science
Why did you choose Cornell University
over the others?
Of the places I applied to, Cornell has
the best Computer Science program in
the country and an opportunity to take
other courses, too.
Was it a difficult choice? A little bit, but of
the places I applied to, Cornell was the
obvious choice.
What did you like most/least about the
college process:
I liked getting to travel and go visit the
colleges. And I really liked being able to
explore my interests. The actual application work and essays were not that
interesting.
Advice for underclassmen:
I think it’s really important to keep an
open mind during the college process.
Won’t go to college without . . .
Coats and boots
Notable Cornell Alumnus:
E.B. White (Author, Charlotte’s Web)
Syd Chin
Ben Abrams
Athena Braun
Applied and Accepted:
Drexel University, Emerson College,
Ithaca College and Temple University
Applied and Accepted:
Berklee College of Music, Goucher
College, Hofstra University, Muhlenberg
College, Skidmore College, University of
Hartford, University of Rochester and
University of Tampa
Applied and Accepted:
Georgetown University, Harvard
University, New College of Florida,
University of Pennsylvania and
Yale University
Years at Friends Select: 7
Attending: Emerson College
Major: Film Production
Why did you choose Emerson over the
others?
I wanted to go to a different city.
Emerson has an LA program and that’s
a good route to meet people in the film
industry.
Was it a difficult choice?
No, Emerson was my first choice!
What did you like most/least about the
college process:
I didn’t like being represented by numbers. My SAT and ACT scores are not
representative of who I am as a student.
But I liked writing the essays because I
feel that I can show more with my creative portfolio.
Advice for underclassmen:
Stay committed to your extracurricular
activities. Start early with the essays
especially.
Won’t go to college without. . .
My Canon 70D camera.
Notable Emerson Alumnus:
Jay Leno (Comedian)
Years at Friends Select: 4
Attending: Hofstra University
Major: Music Minor: Communications
Years at Friends Select: 14
Attending: Harvard University
Major: Linguistics
Why did you choose Hofstra University
over the others?
I decided a university with a good music
program would be a better fit than a
conservatory [like Berklee College of
Music].
Why did you choose Harvard over the
others?
I went to the Linguistics open house and
there are so many courses! It was amazing. I think the problem I am going to
have at Harvard is—how can I do as
much as I want to do and still sleep?
Was it a difficult choice?
At first, it was a really tough choice. Not
only the school, but what type of school.
Music is really important to me, but I
have other interests I want to get into.
Was it a difficult choice?
It came down to Harvard and
Georgetown. After three weeks of agonizing, it just hit me. I am going to go to
Harvard.
What did you like most/least about the
college process:
I liked that I was able to see what
numerous schools had to offer. The
search process and doing all the applications can certainly be a pain to do,
even though it is necessary.
What did you like most/least about the
college process:
I didn’t like all of the hype leading up to
it [applying]. When the “C” word started
popping up in 10th grade, I would seize
up and try to avoid the conversation.
Once I began [the process], it wasn’t
that bad.
Advice for underclassmen:
Get it [the application process] done as
early and as quickly as you can, while
still doing everything sufficiently. I got
almost all of them out of the way by
October/November. I was fortunate
enough to really be on top of things. I
felt like a weight had been lifted off of
my shoulders. And, don’t hesitate to ask
for help.
Won’t go to college without . . .
My guitar. That will go everywhere. And
a calendar or planner of some sort.
Advice for underclassmen:
Don’t stress, but know that your grades
matter. Don’t slack off early thinking an
upward trajectory will get you somewhere. Colleges look at everything.
Won’t go to college without . . .
A coat. I am so afraid of the winter up
there. And I would like to sneak in my
cat, too.
Notable Harvard Alumnus:
Robert Frost (Poet)
Notable Hofstra alumnus:
John DeBella
(Radio Personality, WMGK Philadelphia)
fall/winter2015-2016 9
Jacob Jamison
Emma Chiaravalli
Sophie Behrend
Applied and Accepted:
Boston University, Brown University,
Drexel University, Northeastern
University and University of
Pennsylvania
Applied and Accepted:
Parsons The News School of Design,
Pratt Institute, Rhode Island School of
Design and Temple University- Tyler
School of Art
Attending: Brown University
Major: Biology
Attending: Temple University-Tyler
School of Art
Major: Art
Applied and Accepted:
Drexel University, University of
Massachusetts-Boston, University of
New Hampshire, Penn State University,
University of Pittsburgh, Temple
University and University of Vermont
Years at Friends Select: 4
Why did you choose Brown over the others?
When I visited, I saw myself there and
thought it was the place for me. It
reminded me of Friends Select in a lot of
ways. It’s very open and very diverse.
Was it a difficult choice?
No, Brown was a good fit for me athletically and academically.
What did you like most/least about the
college process:
Keeping everything organized was a lot
of hard work. I wouldn’t be where I am
without my advisor. I loved visiting the
schools and seeing the students on
campus was really nice.
Advice for underclassmen:
Apply consistent effort over four years.
Even when you are tired and counting
down the days until spring break, hang
in there. Remember what inspires you
and remember what motivates you. Try
to imagine yourself where you want to
be and keep working towards that goal.
Won’t go to college without . . .
I want to take [printed] photographs of
friends, family and the crew team and
frame them.
Notable Brown Alumnus:
John Krasinski (TV Sitcom, The Office)
Years at Friends Select: 4
Why did you choose Tyler School of Art
over the others?
I’m not the most competitive person,
which is and isn’t a good trait.
Anticipating that much competition within [RISD] must be crazy, because RISD
is the top art school.
Was it a difficult choice?
I chose Tyler because it was really
important for me to be in an urban area.
What did you like most/least about the
college process: The college process
pushed me to be more motivated. You
have to be really organized. What I liked
least is that once the process got started, I had no time to myself.
Advice for underclassmen:
For art schools, definitely start your portfolio before senior year. If I had done
that, I would have been in a better position. For everyone, research the school’s
requirements and see what you can do
now. It could end up being more than
you anticipated.
Won’t go to college without . . .
My makeup and my sketchbooks.
Notable Tyler Alumnus:
Albert Paley (Modernist Metal Sculptor)
Years at Friends Select: 13
Attending: University of Vermont
Major: Humanities/Social Sciences.
Why did you choose University of
Vermont over the others?
I’m a city kid and I grew up here, so I
wanted something completely new.
Was it a difficult choice?
I wasn’t sure at first, but once I went for
accepted students weekend, I thought,
this is great! It is the most beautiful campus.
What did you like most/least about the
college process:
I was frustrated for me and for my
friends during the process. There are
millions of [students like] me out there.
For colleges to say yes or no can break
your heart. As frustrating as it is, I think
you really do get to learn a lot about
yourself. The process really gives you an
incredible sense of independence.
Advice for underclassmen:
Ask for college recommendations at the
end of your junior year. By the time
September comes, everybody is looking
for those. Apply to schools that are within your range and ask for help! Be open
to what schools have to offer.
Won’t go to college without . . .
A little piece of Philly, whether it’s a
poster or cream cheese… something
like that.
Notable Vermont Alumnus:
John LeClair
(Former Philadelphia Flyers Left Wing)
10 Selectnews
Donnay Burden
Emma Luckman
Applied and Accepted:
American Musical & Dramatic Academy,
Dean College, Kutztown University of
Pa., Marymount Manhattan College,
Point Park University and
Ursinus College
Applied and Accepted:
University of Delaware, Fairfield
University, Miami University (Ohio) and
Quinnipiac University
Years at Friends Select: 4
Attending: Ursinus College
Major: Dance Minor: Communications
Why did you choose Ursinus College
over the others?
I was thinking about my major. I am really passionate about both subjects. At
Ursinus, the majority of the student body
is double majors and the scheduling
and courses are flexible. When I went for
my audition/interview, I felt that I found
my niche.
Was it a difficult choice?
The only reason it was a hard choice
was because I wanted to go to New
York. But I feel that I can always go to
New York and do an audition, it’s only 2
to 2 ½ hours away.
What did you like most/least about the
college process:
I found it the most rewarding to receive
acceptance letters from the schools. It
feels like all the hard work is worth it.
Narrowing down the list of where to
apply was the most difficult. At the end
of the day, you can only go to one
school.
Advice for underclassmen:
Don’t worry too much. Coming from
Friends Select, you will have the credentials you need to get into college. Enjoy
the college process and enjoy your senior year- try not to fall behind.
Won’t go to college without . . .
My best friend (FSS classmate) Angela
Bey.
Notable Ursinus Alumnus:
J.D. Salinger
(Author, The Catcher in the Rye)
Years at Friends Select: 4
Attending: Miami University (Ohio)
Major: Special Education
Why did you choose Miami University
over the others?
Miami University was my top choice
because I wanted to skate for my
school.
Was it a difficult choice?
At first, but I wanted that rah! rah! college feel. I never skated for my school.
Miami gave me the option to represent
my school in synchronized ice-skating
without commuting.
What did you like most/least about the
college process?
I disliked the SATs and writing essays. I
liked the process of finally getting to
apply to my top choices.
Advice for underclassmen:
Stay true to your [college] choices. Don’t
let others influence your decision. Don’t
apply to too many schools, make it easier on yourself [when it comes to making
a decision.]
Won’t go to college without . . .
My skates and a pair of soft guards
[blade covers] that I’ve had since freshman year.
Notable Miami University Ohio Alumnus:
Paul Ryan (U.S. Congressman)
Q
&
A
fall/winter2015-2016 11
SN: Tell us about the college
process then vs. now?
DH: There are certainly major differences.
There was no college counselor when I
began. I had to learn fast. Fortunately, I
teamed up with Friends Central,
Germantown Friends and Wilmington
Friends and I did a lot of travelling and
learning with them. The headmaster Larry
Blauvelt was very helpful. We used to have
a lot of military kids because of the Navy
Base. Most of those kids were transients.
We would get them for a year, 2 years. It
made for a different kind of college counseling. My first class was the class of
1967. Of the 33 students in that class, 10
went to Penn.
CRACKING
the case of
COLLEGE
ADMISSION
with
Dick & Tracy
TM: Oh, wow! The senior class this year
2015 has 39 students, but the junior class
2016 is 53. That’s a big jump in one year.
DH: The class of ’88 had 72!
DH: Do you still send a paper transcript?
TM: Unless it’s a school that does not
allow for electronic submission, everything is electronic. There are a number of
state schools that you still have to put transcripts in the mailbox. The process has
become faster. The Common Application,
that’s been around for years. Now there are
more than 550 colleges that accept the
Common App.
DH: When I first remember the Common
App, maybe there were 20-25 colleges that
took it. That number has grown exponentially.
TM: Even the schools that said they’d
never take it, like the Ivies, they are all on
the Common Application. Some international colleges and universities use it, too.
Because of that, the process has become a
lot easier for students. But it has also
12 Selectnews
DH: I think in the class of ’67 most people
applied to two or three. By the 1970s, I
had to put restrictions on because they
were putting in 12 to 15. One thing I instituted was we charged for anything over six
applications, which cut it down.
TM: I did that my first couple of years.
For the most part, students go about this
process thoughtfully. They have on average 7 to 8. The national average is about 7
per student. The international students
apply to a whole lot more. Strategically,
that makes sense because it is more competitive for international students. They
apply to 20, sometimes 30 schools. Which
is a lot to manage and with every application there is a fee attached.
SN: What is the average fee?
SN: Tracy, we know that back then
college applications were sent via
snail mail. Was it that way when
you first came to FSS?
TM: When I came to Friends Select the
college office was established. I didn’t
have to start from scratch. Fortunately,
Dick was still here so I could ask him
questions too, which was helpful. My first
year Josie Whitlock was still here, she prepared transcripts the old fashioned wayshe typed them up. I did hand address
envelopes and stamp them. But in 2004,
we subscribed to Naviance. Students use
Naviance as a resource to identify schools,
possible majors based on a personality
assessment, identify jobs and so forth. You
can also print out labels. With our
Blackbaud system you can print out transcripts.
caused application glut. It’s easier for students to apply to many schools. I don’t
know what the average application per student was back then?
TM: About $50. It can range anywhere
from $50-$75. Some schools, as an incentive to apply, will make the application
free.
DH: Some places it was $5-$10.
SN: Is there a common misconception about this process?
Meet the Detectives:
Dick Hoffman is currently
the longest standing faculty
member of the Friends Select
community. A 52-year veteran, Hoffman served as director of college guidance from
1966-1999, amongst many
other positions. After 33 years
in the role, he passed the
torch to Susan Staggers and
then to Josie Whitlock.
Hoffman currently serves as
campus archivist. His column,
The Archivist’s Closet, will
resume next issue.
Tracy Matthews joined
the Friends Select community
in 2002 as Director of College
Counseling and Testing.
Matthews’ current title is
Director of College Planning
and Testing and Registrar. TM: When students start this process they
have the misconception that colleges are
just concerned with their grades and SAT
scores. Grades and SATs do matter, that’s
the most critical part of what admission
officers look at. Most colleges, if not all of
them, take a very holistic approach to the
application process. Qualities like initiative, leadership, and achievement, those
are all important. Some students sell themselves short because they think that stuff
doesn’t matter. It really does matter
because it makes you interesting and it
paints a picture for the admissions people.
The goal of the admission department is to
admit a community filled with intelligent,
engaged, interesting students. They look at
the academics but there’s also a whole lot
more that goes into it. Whatever your passion, pursue that and demonstrate that
interest because colleges really want to see
that.
DH: One thing I learned early on is to
start at least opening the door to college
admissions earlier than senior year. I
don’t know where you start with them
now?
TM: We have a 9th and 10th grade college
night to make students aware of what they
should be doing now and what they should
be thinking about. So that when they get to
be 2nd semester juniors or into their senior
year, they will have created the path that
would make them attractive to colleges. The
junior year college night is their introduction
into the whole college process and then senior
year is all about the application process.
such that they’re looking for specific things or
they overenrolled the class the year before and
they are pulling back on the number they’re
enrolling. I tell students, if I had a crystal ball,
I’d tell you exactly where to apply!
Recently, we started doing more direct test
prep. We started working with Kaplan (I know
that was a no-no back then) to do practice tests
(SAT/ACT) with our juniors to identify which
test they would be better suited for. We also
hold a mock application workshop (See article
pg. 14) and mock college interviews for juniors to give them the opportunity to see what
that’s like. People don’t know the process; it’s
mysterious to them. We have these programs
to allay some of their fears.
DH: One other thing that I learned over the
years is, if you are always honest with the college people and you don’t inflate kids, they are
more likely to give you a call and say,“how
about this kid?”
DH: In the ’60s, the SAT was not that big of a
deal. By the time we got into the ’70s, pressure
for tests was growing and in the early ’80s
there was a group of parents that wanted all of
the teachers to be teaching to the SATs. We
just said NO! We didn’t want to teach to the
test and discourage students from exploration
and discovery. SN: The selectivity in the college
admissions process has remained consistent over the years. Would you
agree?
TM: The challenge of our job is that you never
know. You can recommend students; you can
go by the data and knowledge of how decisions were made on our students in the past.
However, that year they might have 10,000
more applications, or institutional priorities are
SN: Do colleges still do that today?
TM: We still have conversations with admissions counselors to advocate for our students.
Those conversations are critical and sometimes
work in our benefit. SN: So, what can students and parents do now?
DH: From the moment you enter upper
school, it’s always good to be thinking ahead.
Kids and parents need to begin to think about
what their strengths and interests are. It’s
never too early to start that, even in middle
school.
TM: That’s right. The courses you take in 8th
grade dictate what level course you are going
take in 9th grade. Start not only the academic
resume but also the extracurricular resume. If
you start out as class secretary, by the time
you get to senior year, you could be president
of student government. Find out what your
interests are and really cultivate those. You are
building those blocks that you will need senior
Life Advice from
an FSS Alum
Corey Riley ’94 almost missed his
chance to speak at the Cum Laude
induction ceremony last May. As
Riley, an alum of Princeton
University, was heading to
Philadelphia from his New York
home with his wife, his car broke
down in the Cherry Hill, N.J.,
area. “My wife stayed to wait for
the tow truck; I owe you,” he said,
facing the camera held by one of
his family members. Several of
Riley’s family members were in
attendance that day, one of whom
went to pick him up on the side of
the road and bring him to FSS.
When Riley stepped to the podium, he wanted to give his fellow
Cum Laude members some advice
on what they should know as they
begin the next chapter of their
lives.
year.
SN: Anything to add?
TM: You
are currently going
to a fine, secondary, independent school that’s
teaching you all the skills
you need to be a successful
student in college.
You are learning how to read analytically,
think critically and you belong to a community
full of different types of students where you
learn to interact with differences. Relax. Do
the work and know that there is a college out
there for everyone. You will find a home!
DH: I used to say that back then!
TM: Also, know what kind of environment
you will thrive in. With the seniors, I have
them answering a number of questions just to
find out about who they are so that we can
steer them in the right direction.
DH: I used to have 4x6 index cards on every
student. The cards had questions, like size of
the school, location. Students filled them out
and we worked with those cards and the students for the next two years. Last year I finally
tossed them. It was 33 years of classes!
n Stay in touch with family.
n Be nice to everyone. It will take you further in life.
n Ask yourself often, “What am I doing to make someone
else’s life better?”
n Know that with education, comes obligation.
n Value yourself- Know what information to disclose. Riley
used social media as an example of the importance of this.
n Hang out with people like you who are motivated and
smart. You will push each other to do great things.
n Don’t think you need to have it all figured out right now.
n Join your alumni/ae society early. Alumni/ae love to help
other alumni/ae. Ask the guidance office to connect you to
alumni/ae in your field.
n Reach out and follow up with guest speakers.
n Make connections and build a network.
n Your financial education is important. Have a plan for
your money.
n Take care of yourself. You can’t do everything you want to
do if you’re not healthy. “Eat a vegetable or two,” Riley
urged the group.
fall/winter2015-2016 13
Universities Host Mock
Application Workshop at FSS
Director of college planning and testing/registrar Tracy Matthews is
always looking for creative ways to prepare students and parents for
the college process.
Last spring, for example, admission officers from American University,
Johns Hopkins University, Lafayette College, Muhlenberg College and
Oberlin College met with FSS junior class members and their families
to conduct a mock application workshop.
Their mission seemed simple— review three college applications and
determine which student would be accepted, denied or wait-listed at
the fictitious Red Brick University. Once groups began discussing the
applicants, they found it wasn’t so simple after all. “I would not want
your job,” one parent said of her initial thoughts on the exercise. “I
would have accepted all of them.”
2015 Alumni/ae and
Teaching Awards
Ceremony
John W. Chin '83
Distinguished Alumni/ae Award
Although admissions reps assured the group that the idea of choosing
to accept, deny and wait-list one student is quite rare, the exercise is
designed to give parents and students a richer understanding of critical
factors in admission decisions. Groups also discussed what makes a
student stand out in a competitive pool of applicants, and the process of
how applications are read, reviewed, and decided upon.
Introduction by Andy Toy,
Philadelphia Chinatown Development
Corporation
The workshop ended with a Q&A before admissions representatives
gave students what could easily be the best advice on how to approach
the process: “Everyone will find a home. It might not be your first
choice, but it will be a place that is a good fit for you.”
Meritorious Service Award
R
Joseph E. Ronan, Jr. '72
Introduction by Robin Switzenbaum '72
R
Walter Palmer "Bok" Read,
Distinguished Teaching Award
TOP TIPS FOR COLLEGE APPLICANTS:
All applicants have strengths and weaknesses. The
department of admission wants to know if you have
what it takes to be successful at their school.
Be honest and forthcoming.
Colleges look closely at applications and letters of recommendation to determine if you will be a good fit.
Be yourself during the interview.
Schools track how a student initiated contact and kept in
touch. Lack of contact translates that a student has little
to no interest.
Utilize all available space on the Common
Application where you can give information. Make
sure you tell the school everything you want them to
know about you. This is your time to shine!
When you answer the question, “why do you want
to come here?” give specific reasons. For instance,
14 Selectnews
Science (1970 to 1990)
Introduction by
Ann-Christine "Tina" Bak-Brevik '75
R
Charlotte Blake Alston,
Lower School (1981 to 1990)
Introduction by Bevin Gwiazdowski '99
R
Norka Maldonado,
Spanish (2002-2013)
Posthumously
Introduction by Ethan Giles '13
Class Notes
1943
Henrietta M. Jaeger
I just wrote a book, Five Strolled into
Madness. It’s a true story about a psychiatrist and his family who lived on the
ground of Norristown State Hospital in
the 1950s and how it affected them. It’s
available at Barnes & Noble.
1945
G. Edward Thompson
I’ve had a couple of visits to the UK for
family reunions over the last two years.
Otherwise, I have a quiet life in North
Carolina.
1946
Andrew Lucine
Sally (Leonard) and I are rejuvenating
ourselves after our respective spouses
have died - see you all in 2016 (70th
reunion!).
1951
Leslie Eustace Mulder
I went to South Africa last summer and
enjoyed an indescribable safari. It was a
trip of a lifetime! Ginger Sabin is correct,
it is time for another reunion.
Dr. Jay J. Basch
Hiya you all, Class of ’51! As your representative, I am trying to make the 65th
reunion happen in the spring of 2016. I
hope you will attend!
1955
Ann Krupnick
I continue to be involved in volunteer and
study groups and Osher Lifelong
Learning Institute at Temple University.
I’m looking forward to our reunion.
1958
Margaret Supplee-Smith
FSS gave me a good start! After years as
a college professor I have retired but am
still writing books, most recently
American Ski Resort: Architecture, Style,
Experience (OUP, 2013).
1959
Llewellyn Kramme-Rinald
I am still a professional artist living in
Mexico for half the year. This year I have
shown my work more in the state of
Oaxaca, Mexico, but also have won ribbons in Highlands, Colo., Florida, and
Teziutlan, Mexico. I still enjoy my four
grandchildren, who are off to college.
One is finishing college locally. I live in
the same town as Anne Reynolds (née
Nichols)—a FSS pal.
1964
Barbara Weisberg
Editor’s Note: Space Creatures, a children’s book by alumna Barbara Weisberg,
is now available on amazon.com! Barbara
has experience with independent publishing and has worked with houses such as
HarperCollins - check out Talking to the
Dead: Kate and Maggie Fox and the Rise
of Spiritualism for another great read. If
you’re looking for some advice in writing
or publishing, let us know; Barbara
would be happy to connect.
1965
Andrea Hanaway
I just retired from 40 years of emergency
medicine. I have more time now to ride
my horse and play with my grandchildren, and I’m thinking of learning to play
the mandolin!
Carol Polis-Pearson
Hello to everyone and especially Carol
Lisker Kennedy in Philadelphia. I am
retired from the practice of law and enjoy
living in the Lincoln Center area in
Manhattan. My son Eric Pearson graduated Cornell and is working in finance in
New York City.
1966
Carol Lisker Kennedy
Janet Brady, Susan Lonker and I are starting to talk about our 50th Class reunion
in 2016. Please contact one of us if you
are interested!
Peter O. Price ’58
At the fall Benefactors Society
Reception, Peter announced
his bequest of $3 million to
Friends Select School. His
monumental, planned gift will
have a lasting impact on the
future of Friends Select and
its students. Peter's planned
gift makes him an official
member of the Julia H. Wetzel
'27 Society, which honors
members of the Friends Select
community who include the
school in their estate plans.
Go to friends-select.org
videos page to watch a video
of Peter.
op
1936
Renee (Spur) Teyssier Fitzgerald
Greetings from The North Wood. I am
living in a care facility in Manistee,
Mich. I enjoy activities, visits and especially summer, when all of my greatgrandchildren come to the area to swim
and sail.
Wetzel
Society
Friends Select Planned Giving
fall/winter2015-2016 15
1967
Sally Weiner Grotta
A note from Daniel Grotta: Proud husband alert! Since the publication of Sally
Weiner's newest novel The Winter Boy,
the buzz about it has been steadily building. The latest honor is that the book is
on the prestigious annual Locus Awards
ballot. Sally continues to be very active
creating and exhibiting her American
Hands narrative photographs, as well as
accepting speaking engagements and
writing other books.
Susan Weiss Wallner
I’m still living in Bethesda, Md., near
my daughter, Judith. In May, she was
married to Ted Stern, so it’s been a
happy and busy year.
1970
Christian Roop
At the end of 2013 I was laid off from
MetLife after 15 years. They relocated
my job to North Carolina and I decided
not to move. I’m currently doing property management (my own) and doing all
the improvements I put off for the last 18
years. I’m healthy and active and participated as security marshal at the People's
Climate March in September 2014 in
New York City.
1971
Alexandra Tyng
In May, I had a solo show, Ways and
Intersections, at Gross McCleaf Gallery
in Philadelphia. I want to tell you about
the cityscapes I'm working on: most of
the paintings are from high vantage
points.This year I've been climbing to
the tops of Philadelphia's skyscrapers to
take reference shots for a new series of
paintings.
1982 - 1988
Bonnie Valiente
Bonnie Valiente, who attended FSS from
first grade through sixth grade, has
opened Liberty Vet Pets, a comprehensive vetinerary hospital and pet boutique
on Rittenhouse Square.
1988
Rachel Gross and Jennifer Zarro
Editor’s Note: This summer, Jennifer
Zarro curated classmate Rachel Gross’
summer exhibit: Panels and Works on
Paper at Hooloon Art in Old City.
16 Selectnews
1993
Namibia El-Burke
Editor’s Note: Namibia is running for
Camden City Council Ward 2 in the
November 2015 election. Her “Voice of
Action” campaign aims to represent
those who repeatedly have been overlooked, ignored, and underserved for
decades in Camden.
1994
Corey Riley
Editor’s Note: Corey returned to FSS
last spring to serve as keynote speaker at
the annual Cum Laude Society induction
ceremony. Corey is a member of the FSS
Cum Laude Society, the Athletic Hall of
Fame, and currently serves on the
school’s National Alumni/ae Board. He
is a special agent with the FBI, New
York City Division.
1998
Kristen Cox
Santiago
I wanted to share
that my husband
David and I welcomed Lucy
Evelyn Santiago
into our lives on
April 24, 2015,
and could not be
happier!
Maris Curran
Editor’s Note: Maris wrote and directed
Five Nights in Maine, a film that premiered at the Toronto International Film
Festival on Sept. 13, 2015.
Maris Curran (right) with Five Nights in
Maine actors Rosie Perez and David
Oyelowo. Photo: Indiewire.com
1996
Editor’s Note: Jordan Shapiro was featured in a May 2015 National Public
Radio article on the future of education.
In the article, Jordan was interviewed
about common misconceptions about the
use of technology in education. He currently teaches courses in the Intellectual
Heritage program at Temple University.
Be sure to mark
your calendars for
Alumni/Ae
Weekend 2016,
April 29-May 1!
Kusi Hornberger
I recently moved back to the U.S. with
my wife, Laura, and our 7-month old
daughter, Ariana, from São Paulo, Brazil.
We are only a few miles away from former classmate and long-time friend
Asaph Glosser in Seattle, Washington.
2000
Rachel Kaadzi Ghansah
Editor’s Note: In April, Rachel Kaadzi
Ghansah published an article in The New
York Times Magazine entitled “The
Radical Vision of Toni Morrison” about
the author and the audio recording of her
new book God Help the Child.
2001
Bill Morlok
Editor’s Note: Bill, of McDonald Wilson
& Morlok, LLC, returned to FSS this fall
as keynote speaker at the 9th Grade
Convocation ceremony.
2012
Ben Behrend
Editor’s Note: This past April, Ben
directed the annual Quadramics Theatre
Co. Spring Fling Show at the University
of Pennsylvania’s Iron Gate Theatre.
“Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” is a
comedic, emo-rock rendition of the
founding of the Democratic Party led by
rugged rock star Andrew Jackson.
2002
Mindy Paul
Editor’s Note: Last May, Mindy (left) visited FSS with her sister Ariel and students
from the ITB School of Sustainability in Wynnewood. The visiting students had a
blast with Tr. Anne Thomforde-Thomas and her classroom pets. They also made
jewelry with Tr. Lynda Greenwade (Thorp) in her metalsmithing studio, and they
reconnected with a 10th grade friend from a joint day of service.
2003
Cliff Smoot
I got married! To Darcy Nelson, on Sept.
12 at the Fairmont Hotel in San
Francisco. Two other FSS alums attended: Morgan Pierce ’02 and Tyler Cope
’03. Here’s a goofy photo to prove it.
Marissa Sellers
Editor’s Note: Marissa recently received
her master of applied theater degree
from City University of New York. This
past spring she directed a play about the
race riots in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1921.
She created the concept for the play,
which was structured after Chekhov's
"Three Sisters,” and it was performed at
the Secret Theatre in Long Island City,
N.Y.
2006
Alex Winthrop
Editor’s Note: Alex Winthrop is living in
Portland, Maine, where he paints and
sculpts by day and is an artistic mixologist by night.
2007
2015
Angela Bey
Editor’s Note: PhillyVoice.com chose
Angela as one of eighteen young people
who are making an impact on
Philadelphia’s arts and culture scene.
Angela is a playwright and theater artist
who has testified before City Council to
advocate for more arts funding in
Philadelphia.
Emmett Orts
Editor’s Note: Emmett and the Crescent
Boat Club under-19 men’s quad won the
gold medal at the 2015 Royal Canadian
Henley Regatta. Emmett and his FSS
rowing partner Jacob Jamison ’15, also
won the Boys Senior Double during the
Stotesbury Regatta in May.
Former director of upper school Doug
Brophy (center) caught up with Will
Steinberger ’07 (left) and Terry Foley
’07 at the Drama League in Tribeca last
April. Will’s workshop-performance of
"The Most Excellent and Undead
Tragedie of Romeo and Juliet" took
place on April 10th and featured FSS
alumna Kate Hopkins ’05.
2009
Zach Winthrop
Editor’s Note: Zach is attending Hershey
Penn State Medical School and has finished his first year. He spent one week in
Panama with Doctors Without Borders.
Emmett Orts, second from left, at the 2015
Royal Canadian Henley Regatta
2010
Claire Cocroft
Editor’s Note: Claire is a proud alumna
of Carleton College.
fall/winter2015-2016 17
OUT AND ABOUT
Nepal, Spring 2015 FSS alumni/ae, faculty and friends traveled to Nepal over spring break. Next up in 2016: Cuba.
L to R: Buddhist monk, Lynda Greenwade, Dale Pearlstein, Mary Clare Reinwald, Hailey Thorp '12, Lori Jardines, Kim Siebert,
Prudence Haines, Bruce Haines, Danielle Olivieri '80 (with hat), Ralph Reinwald, Aileene Halligan Cantiello '03, Destouches
Beauvais, Buddhist monk. Kneeling: Judelka Beauvais
John Colgan-Davis Retires After 29 Years at FSS
FSS threw a rooftop musical bash last spring to serenade John Colgan-Davis on the occasion of his retirement from the school.
Joining John were FSS alums through the decades.
L to R: Mindy Paul '02, Allison Homer '03, Allie Monaco '03, Leah Gelb '03, Sarina Chernock '03, Hailey Thorp '12,
Cara Fiordimondo '12 (front), Caitlin Chamberlain '12, John Colgan-Davis, Danielle Fitzgerald '11, Jack Cotter '05, Ned
McConaghy '03, Athena Braun '15, Will Epstein '15, Andrew Chachoute '15 (back row), Emma Horst-Martz '14, Lee Payton '95,
Tom Noonan '10 (back row)
In Memoriam
Gwynedd Wood Wade ’42,
May 30, 2014
Kimberly Everett ’77,
May 2, 2015
Genevieve Moore Holmes ’34,
January 18, 2015
Catherine Robinson Yanak
’35,
May 18, 2015
Joan Schoeck Schmidt ’47,
February 6, 2015
Louise Lyons Coons ’42,
February 8, 2015
Paul "Bin" Haviland, Jr. ’53,
February 19, 2015
Arlene Parris Soslow ’57,
March 16, 2015
Joan Robb Witlin ’47,
April 18, 2015
18 Selectnews
Elliot Levick ’49,
June 3, 2015
John Moon ’38,
July 3, 2015
Lenor Goldman Gutnick ’40,
July 15, 2015
Steven Kravitz ’89,
August 2015
Arthur Quell ’67,
October 12, 2015
On July 20, 2015,
Friends Select’s beloved
upper school Spanish
teacher Norka Maldonado,
who taught upper school
Spanish at Friends Select
since 2002, passed away
at her home. Norka’s family arranged a beautiful
Quaker service to celebrate her life on Saturday,
August 8, at the Monthly
Meeting of Friends of
Philadelphia.
ALUMNI/AE WEEKEND 2015
National Alumni/ae Board
member Rob Einhorn ’81
(right) with Ralph Reinwald.
Class of 1980
Danielle Olivieri hosted the Class of 1980 35-year reunion. Back row, L to R: Lisa Chapman
Napoleon '80, Pat Noonan. Fourth row, L to R: Kymberli Morrell '80, (hidden person), Cherie
Turchi '82, Danielle Olivieri '80. Third row, L to R: Steve Lawrence '81, Rob Einhorn '81. Second
row, L to R: Rebecca Abrams Sayles '80, Evie Ward '78, Debra Domsky, Bevan Lawson '80.
Front row, L to R: Mark Hing '80, Diane Tillman '78, Jennifer Lipman-Bartel, Amy Cohen '82,
Frank Olivieri '82, Mike Noonan, Lynda Greenwade
Class of 1965
Members of the
class of 1965 and
their guests visit
campus before
their 50th reunion.
L to R: Hayden
Fitts, Peter
Watham-Dunn,
Muriel Morisey,
Barry Zitin,
Jeanine Feldman,
Robert Feldman,
Erni Di Massa
Class of 1955
Members of the
class of 1955
visit PAFA.
L to R: Janet
Taylor, Joann
Soloff Green
Breuer, Frances
Sussman Israel,
and Barbara
Gillam
Andrew Williams ’05 (left) and
Bryan Purcell ’05 ran the
Independence Blue Cross
Broad Street Run with the FSS
team.
Janet Mendell Goldstein ’57
with Dick Hoffman after their
mini-lectures.
Class of 2008 Reunion Nick Gibbons ’04
(left) and Aileene Halligan Cantiello ’03 with former faculty member Jayden Sampson. Jayden held
a mini-lecture for young alumni/ae on the topic of
career agility.
fall/winter2015-2016 19
FSS Honors Mr. Ed Smiley
40 Years of Service
More than 100 people gathered at the
Power Plant in Old City on Sept. 10 to
honor and celebrate Mr. Ed Smiley, maintenance supervisor, who retired from Friends
Select after four decades of loyalty and
service to the school. The crowd swapped
stories, viewed a special video, and shared
chocolate cake, a personal favorite of Mr.
Smiley’s.
how much Mr. Smiley’s presence had
meant to them when they attended the
school.
Joining Mr. Smiley were family, current
and former colleagues, faculty, former faculty, parents, trustees, and more than a few
alumni/ae, many of whom talked about
Rose Hagan concluded her remarks by saying, “We will miss him. He’ll be quiet
about it, but he will miss us too.”
Darryl Ford ’83 noted, to much laughter,
how unfair it was that “I came here in 5th
grade and now, 40 years later, I stand here
as an old, gray-haired man, and Mr. Smiley
looks the same.”
Mr. Smiley takes the floor
Mr. Smiley
and family
members,
from left, Aja
Morris,
Michelle and
Ciara
Mr. Smiley is flanked by Tracy Matthews (left)
and Deneen Young
Emcees Rose Hagan and Mike Noonan
Mr. Ed Smiley with Darryl Ford ’83,
head of school at William Penn
Charter School
Alumna Lara Nalbandian’92 (left)
with FSS parent Dana Leaventon
Former faculty member Pat Noonan
reconnects with Marc Rothman ’81
20 Selectnews
Academic dean Abbi Smith joins FSS alumna
Danielle Fitzgerald ’11 (center) and her mother,
Chioma Fitzgerald
Former FSS director of institutional advancement Bob Cotter poses next to (from right) Tina
Dougherty, Colleen Puckett, and Christa Quint
Selectnews
NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION
US POSTAGE
FRIENDS SELECT
PAID
PHILA., PA
PERMIT NO. 2640
17th & Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Save the date
Alumni/ae Weekend
2016
April 29th - May 1st
Join friends and faculty for
reunions, mini lectures, trips, parties and much more!