bullis school magazine, spring 2011
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Bullis School magazine, Spring 2011TRANSCRIPT
spring 2011
BULLISmagazine
Farewell Class of 2011
Beyond the Books
Outstanding Community Support
features2 Farewell Class of 201110 Beyond the Books
departmentsnews14 Celebrating Outstanding Community Support
academics16 Global Studies Expands the Classroom Experience17 8th Graders Major in Technology18 Young Playwright Enjoys Early Recognition
arts19 Imagination: Student Artwork Showcase22 Choral Program/Roncalli Theater Festival23 Diversity in Dance Residency
athletics24 Season Highlights27 New Baseball Field for a New Season
service28 Students Give Back in Countless Ways
faculty29 Long-Term Faculty Honored for Their Service29 Dean’s Day: A Fond Farewell to Sclavounos
alumni profi les32 Karen Kuhn Campbell ’9134 Thomas Boughton Silliman ’64
36 class notes
spring 2011
BULLISmagazine
Gerald Boarman, Ed.D., Head of SchoolMichael Reidy, Ed.D., Assistant Head of School
Carol Conrad, Dean of FacultyAndrew Delinsky, Upper School PrincipalJamie Dickie, Director of TechnologyConstance Giles, Ph.D., Academic DeanDarlene Haught, Director of Extended Programs and Emerging TechnologyAmy Jones, Lower School PrincipalKathleen Lloyd, Director of Girls’ Athletics Michael-Anne Lowry, Head LibrarianTodd McCreight, Business Offi cerAndres Parra, Director of Boys’ AthleticsTamara Schurdak, Middle School PrincipalTim Simpson, Director of Admission and Financial AidJoanne Szadkowski, Director of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations
Sherri A. Watkins, Publications ManagerSusie Zimmermann, Communications ManagerSusan King, Communications Coordinator
Bullis Magazine is published two times a year by the School’s Offi ce of Institutional Advancement and sent to alumni, parents, grandparents and friends. Letters and suggestions for future articles are welcome.
Located in Potomac, Maryland, Bullis School is a private, coeducational, nondenominational college preparatory day school for grades 3–12. Bullis admits students of any race, color, religion, and national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, fi nancial aid programs and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Visit our website at www.bullis.org
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OFFICERS
Ken Thompson, P’08, ChairTom Sullivan, P’09, ’11, ’13, Vice ChairHolly Funger, P’09, ’10, ’13, SecretaryAndrew Blair ’86, P’11, ’12, Treasurer
MEMBERS
Marian C. Bennett, Esq., P’06Gerald Boarman, Ed.D., ex-offi cio, Head of SchoolDr. Gary Friedlander ’79, P’11, ’14.’19Adam Greenberg, P’14, ’16, ’19Kathryn Hanley, P’03, ’05Lesley Lavalleye, P’06, ’08, ’10George Mavrikes, P’14, ’17 Allan McKelvie, P’08, ’12Chris Nordeen, P’12, ’13Xiumin Overall, P’07, ’11Milton C. Theo, P’14, ’17Berry Trimble, P’10, ’13David Trone, P’12, ’14Cyndi Bullis ’83 VascoDell Warren, P’10, ’13Mark Weinberger, P’16, ’18Paula Widerlite, P’11, ’14, ex-offi cio, President, Bullis Parents Association
head’s perspectiveMaking it happen every day
When I fi rst began at Bullis last summer, the Administrative Team and I decided that
“Make it Happen” would be our faculty and staff theme for the 2010-11 school year.
Throughout my career, I’ve pushed hard for action and results, but Bullis is exceeding
my expectations. This has been a busy year and a great year, and I am very proud of
who we are and where we are headed.
“Make it Happen” means taking on ideas and turning them into action. It means
empowering people to take ownership and do what they think needs to be done—and
it means looking ahead instead of looking back. The faculty, staff and students have
been agents of change and energy, and because of them, this campus is buzzing with
excitement.
What did we make happen this year? More things than I can list here, from the Blue
and Gold competition to a relief effort for Japan…from task forces forging new paths
in curriculum, evaluation and diversity to new and exciting uses of technology…from
the founding of the Gay Straight Alliance to the victory over Georgetown Prep in boys’
lacrosse for the fi rst time in 22 years…and so much more. I urge you to read through
this magazine and visit the news archive of our website, www.bullis.org, to browse
through the scores of accomplishments and initiatives we celebrate as a community.
Yet with all we’ve done, there is always more to do. We’ll soon kick off a new marketing
campaign that will promote Bullis to prospective families by heralding the excellence
we achieve through our balanced approach. Our task forces will turn planning into
practice. A new strategic plan for the next fi ve years will be rolled out. Our new Lower
School principal will bring her energy to the campus. And our students will have more
academic achievements, sports victories, performances and challenges to cherish every
day.
As we end this school year, we can look back with great pride on the accomplishments
of everyone in our community—and we can look ahead to the blank canvas that is
next year. Just as our children grow dramatically from one year to the next, so does our
School. I can’t wait to see how far we’ll go.
2 BULLIS magazine
Class of 2011Caroline Sarah AbushakraAkingbolabo Daniel AkinkoyeAlexander AndersonEmma Leigh AndersonBrandon Victor AschenbachJoellyn Beth AuerbachNicole P. AustTaylor Noelle AyreSusan Patricia BairJespersen Mikal BarreraIrene Caroline BaumlerAbigail Marina BlairJulia Rose BonnerRyan Craig Bradshaw
Andrew John CarrasThomas Fahyao ChaoKadeem Jamaal ChungGabriella Montara ClarkColleen Elaine CroninScott R. Crow Andrew Michael DavisChukwuemeka Scott DurujiTiffany Nadia EscandarMaxwell James FabiszewskiJason Talcott FlackDavid Trevor FloodSamuel Jake ForemanJarrod Frank
Alex Brandon FriedlanderMarni Sloane FriedlanderAnna Leigh FunstenRyan Johnson GareyCary Garfi nkelLouís A. GhanemCatherine Barrs GillespieFlorence Holleman GordonJustin Oliver GrantDaniel Joshua GrayAaron Steveland GreenAmos Joshua GreenJessica Emma GreenbergAdam Jacob Greenwald
SPRING 2011 3
Margaux Lauren RichmanJason Fields RothNathaniel Doyle RussKamar Akil Saint-LouisJordan Matthew SametJordan David SchubleAmelia ScottEmily Lee ShannyConstantine Sidamon-EristoffDiona SmithLogan Patrick SnyderMary-Clare Frances StuckyThomas Bradlee SullivanMeredith Emmert SwagartKevin James TenenbaumCatherine Milburn TroupBryant TuckerClark Harris TyraElise Callie Widerlite
Lilynaz Arabi HashemiLeah Sumi HerrickMatthew Litchfi eld HicksNathaniel Donald HoffmanLynne Paige HowardSamira Alexis JacksonChristopher Marshall JaffeAlexandra JooAndrew Kojo KamyaCaroline KaufmannJohn Patrick KellyKelly Ann KleifgesChristopher KondratLincoln Evans LeahyRachel Danielle LeinsonYvette Marie LindlerChristina Angelique LundeliusTyler Alexander MartinezIsmail Afolabi Masha
Catherine Ryan McCafferyRyan Andrew McMahonElizabeth Marlene MendelsonKyuyeon MinAshley Sinclair NelsonWilliam Taylor NelsonMisha Neudachin-GreerMaame Ama Appiaa OseiKhalid Mohammed Khalil OsmanJohn Clay OverallIman Laya PahlaviTaiying PanLaurence Scott Peel, Jr.Alexis Newelle PeltNina Alessandra RandazzoStephen Charles RedlackWilliam Glennon Reilly IIJames David RiceDavis Oliver Richardson
4 BULLIS magazine
“I will always
remember you
fondly, my fi rst
graduating class at
Bullis.”
—Dr. Gerald
Boarman,
Head of School
Rachel Leinson and Cate McCaffery enter The Blair Center for the Arts to begin the ceremony.
The Bullis Class of 2011 capped its
year with several celebratory activities,
including the annual Senior Supper, when
physics teacher Dr. Duruhan Badraslioglu
was chosen by the students to provide
the traditional address. At a program
the evening before graduation, students
were honored for accomplishments in
academics, citizenship, athletics, service
and arts.
This year, along with caps and gowns,
graduates wore bronze Bullis medallions
featuring the Bullis seal and the
graduating year. A new Bullis banner,
carried by junior Nick Mars, preceded
the students in the processional, and the
message of welcome was delivered by
senior Cate McCaffery, who won the honor
based on a speechwriting competition
among the students.
Valedictorian Nina Randazzo delivered
the Outstanding Scholar Address,
and Dr. Boarman then introduced the
Commencement guest speaker, Andrew
Card, chief of staff in President George W.
Bush’s administration.
After the diplomas were presented, Dr.
Boarman shared his own refl ections on
the year. “I will always remember you
fondly, my fi rst class at Bullis,” he told
the students, as he recalled the warm
welcome of seniors when he fi rst visited
the campus. He reminisced about
some of the year’s highlights, including
Homecoming, the dodgeball tournament,
the seniors-faculty basketball game,
and prom, and he thanked the students
for their leadership, the meaningful
relationships they have forged, and the
legacy they leave behind.
SPRING 2011 5S
Awards for Members of the Class of 2011Award: Recipient:
The Founders’ Award .......................................................................... Nicole Aust
The Outstanding Scholar Award .................................................. Nina Randazzo
The William H. Price Citizenship Award ........................................... Julia Bonner
The Manuel Jose Baca, Jr. Joy of Living Award .............................Rachel Leinson
The Douglas London Award for Excellence in English ................................................................................. Nina Randazzo
The Barbara Marks Award for Excellence in Foreign Language ......................................................................Abigail Blair Maxwell Fabiszewski
The John H. Dillon Memorial Award for Excellence in Science ............................................................................. Kevin Tenenbaum
The John W. Spencer Award for Excellence in Mathematics ........................................................................... Logan Snyder
The Irene Ford Smith Memorial Award for Excellence in Social Studies .................................................. Lilynaz Hashemi
The Award for Excellence in Music ......................................................Jason Roth
The Award for Excellence in Theater ....................................Christopher Kondrat
The Award for Excellence in Art ............................Constantine Sidamon-Eristoff
The Award for Excellence in Dance ............................................. Catherine Troup
The Michael Ivey Parents Association Award .......................... Meredith Swagart
The Community Service Award ..................................................... Gabriella Clark
The Alumni Award for Outstanding Achievement in Athletics .............................................................. Nicole Aust John Kelly
The David T. Hellekjaer Award ...................................................Emma Anderson Justin Grant
An excerpt from the address of Outstanding
Scholar Nina Randazzo:
Of course we will take with us the
academic lessons that our teachers have
imparted, but for me, the most important
lesson is that we can all connect despite
our differences. I know the importance of
meeting people who aren’t like me and
I’ve been enriched by these relationships.
Most importantly, I fi nd that I can relate
to practically anyone, regardless of that
person’s interests, background or social
circle.
All us have expanded our horizons. We
not only embrace each others’ differences
but also make ourselves more diverse
by trying new activities and meeting new
people.
My experiences illustrate that pushing
yourself to try new things is rewarding,
that we can be friends with people who
are different from us, and that a sense
of community is often the most valuable
aspect of any organization. Going into
college and beyond, we will carry these
lessons learned at Bullis. Great things lie
ahead. Good luck Class of 2011!
Address from the Outstanding Scholar
6 BULLIS magazine
Cate McCaffery delivers the Message of Welcome.
Cate McCaffery was selected by her peers to
present the Message of Welcome, excerpted
here:
My Lifer status has given me the
opportunity to really get to know this class.
As a group, we are smart, hard-working,
creative, fun, competitive, ambitious,
quirky, and my personal favorite:
motivated. In other words, we are exactly
what our nation needs as we prepare to
confront an unending list of challenges.
On any given day, the newspaper
headlines list crisis after crisis. These
challenges may seem hopelessly
overwhelming. In the not too distant
future, whether we like it or not, these
issues will become our responsibility.
But I look at it this way: if the rest of our
generation is at least half as talented as
this graduating class, we’re going to be
just fi ne.
Whether a member of this class since
3rd grade or a more recent addition,
each of you has added to our community
in a unique way while simultaneously
accomplishing your own individual
goals—and that deserves to be celebrated
here today: the individual growth and
accomplishments of all 99 of us who
together form one unforgettable class.
I’m truly thankful to have been a part of
this class.
Together, we’ve overcome challenges.
Together, we’ve earned the respect of an
entire community.
Message of WelcomeTogether, we’ve become role models.
Together, we’ve formed unbreakable
bonds.
Together, we’ve celebrated victories, and
picked each other up after defeats.
Together, we’ve experienced what it means
to be Bullis.
And most importantly—together we’ve
grown into incredible young adults ready
to face the future.
And to the challenges that lie ahead in that
not so far away future, I have just three
words: Bring. It. On.
SPRING 2011 7
Andrew Card invites the Class of 2011 to welcome all of life’s opportunities.
From left, physical education teacher Ali Elias celebrates at post-Graduation reception with Tommy Chao and Clark Tyra; Abigail Blair shares the proud moment with her father Andrew Blair ’86, P’11, ‘12, ‘20.
Andrew Card, White House Chief of Staff
in the administration of President George
W. Bush, was the guest speaker at this
year’s Graduation. These excerpts are from
his address:
So many events in our lives start with
invitations, like my invitation to speak
here today. Today’s generation receives
invitations faster than any generation in
history. Many are fabulous and accepted
without much thought. People hit “send”
faster than they should. But many
invitations accepted will end up defi ning
you.
You are entering a time in your lives
when you will receive new invitations
and make decisions about them on your
own. Be careful with those you make and
those you accept, as all can lead to new
opportunities. Don’t worry about those
invitations you don’t receive. Celebrate
those that do come and make good
choices when you get them.
Address to the Class of 2011One invitation I hope you’ll accept right
away is to serve your fellow man. That is
an opportunity you will never regret.
I am confi dent that most of you will accept
great invitations to stand in places I got
to stand, and do a better job than I did.
Congratulations.
8 BULLIS magazine
American University (2)Babson CollegeBaylor UniversityBerklee College of Music (2)Boston University (2)Bryant UniversityCarnegie Mellon UniversityClemson University (3)Coastal Carolina UniversityColby CollegeColorado CollegeColumbia UniversityDavidson CollegeDickinson CollegeDrexel UniversityFranklin and Marshall CollegeFrostburg State UniversityThe George Washington UniversityGeorgetown University (3)Hampton UniversityHigh Point University (2)College of the Holy CrossIthaca College James Madison UniversityJohns Hopkins University (2)Liberty UniversityMaryland Institute College of ArtMcDaniel CollegeMiami University (2)Middlebury CollegeNaval Academy Preparatory SchoolNortheastern UniversityOhio Wesleyan UniversityPennsylvania State University (5)
Pepperdine UniversityRensselaer Polytechnic InstituteSarah Lawrence CollegeSewanee: The University of the SouthSouthern Methodist UniversitySt. John’s UniversitySt. Mary’s College of MarylandSuffolk UniversitySyracuse University (3)Temple UniversityTexas Christian UniversityTowson University (2)Tulane University (2)University of Alabama (2)University of ArizonaUniversity of ChicagoUniversity of Colorado, Boulder (2)University of IllinoisUniversity of Maryland, College Park (4)University of Maryland, Baltimore County (2)University of Maryland, Eastern ShoreUniversity of MassachusettsUniversity of Michigan (5)University of MississippiUniversity of Pennsylvania (2)University of RichmondUniversity of Southern California (2)University of St. Andrews, ScotlandUniversity of VirginiaUrsinus College (2)Wake Forest University (2)Warren Wilson CollegeWellesley College
Class of 2011College Matriculations
Bullis Lifers from left: Kojo Kamya, Tommy Chao, Tommy Sullivan, Alex Friedlander, Marni Friedlander, Abi Blair, Cate McCaffery, Margaux Richman, Caroline Abushakra, Max Fabiszewski, Jordan Schuble, Elise WIderlite, Mary-Clare Stucky, Yvette Lindler and Leah Herrick
Class of 2011 Lifers
SPRING 2011 9
Alumni faculty, from left, prepare for send-off to the Class of 2011: Brian Lumpkin ’00, Kira Orr ’93, Dean Sclavounos ’63, Celeste Melanson ’99, Andres Parra ’99 and Andy Marusak ’66 (Not pictured: Kate Ramella ’99).
Faculty alumna Celeste Melanson ’99 pins Catherine Gillespie to welcome her as one of Bullis’ newest alumni.
2011 Faculty Awards
David S. Stone Award For her innovative use of technology in the classroom and her contributions
to new curricula that focus on engaging students: Stacey Roshan (Upper School Math)
Richard K. Jung Faculty First Awards Given to faculty members who demonstrate excellence in teaching and
embody the enduring values of Bullis:
Molly Chehak (Upper School English) Evelyn Beckman (Middle School Latin) Carolyn Cohen (Lower School)
10 BULLIS magazine
Beyond the BooksA day off from academics
yields big benefi ts
Keynote speaker Marc Elliott gives an inspiring lesson on tolerance by sharing his personal experience with Tourette Syndrome.
SPRING 2011 11
By the second trimester, Upper School
students are wondering when it will
happen. They listen for clues in their
teachers’ assignments. They may even
eavesdrop on faculty conversations
and place friendly wagers with friends
regarding when it will happen. Some may
even contemplate not doing homework
when they think it’s imminent.
What is it?
“Beyond the Books” is a day designated
for everyone in the Upper School to step
away from academic classes so that
students can refl ect, develop personal
goals and learn to make good personal
choices and decisions. “We came up
with the idea in 2007 to address the
restlessness and doldrums of mid-
winter,” says Lisa Gray, Upper School
counselor, “but the program is much
more substantial than just entertaining
the students. Through it we encourage
mindfulness and empower the students
to think of how they’re living their lives
and the decisions they are making as
individuals.”
The Middle School this year brought
back a similar event called “Community
Day.” The difference, as Middle School
Counselor Karen Phillips explains, is
that “Community Day focuses less on
the individual and more on concepts
of tolerance and acceptance as key
components to building community.”
Middle School Principal Tamara Schurdak
adds that “middle school students are
at a key time in their lives. They are
beginning to understand themselves and
their interests and are becoming more
aware of others. They want to be fi ercely
independent, and part of a community as
well. Community Day provides focused
time to appreciate ourselves and each
other, and the community we collectively
create.”
Both events refl ect the balanced approach
Bullis provides for all students. “Beyond
the Books gives us the opportunity to
stretch the normal classroom walls
and engage students in essential and
challenging conversations about life as
a teenager and global citizen,” explains
Upper School Principal Andrew Delinsky.
“It encourages students to confront and
discuss key issues with the ultimate goal
Stephen Clement ’15 enjoys a community-building arts exercise with Middle School teacher Andy Marusak.
12 BULLIS magazine
of making each child a better and more
informed person. Character education is a
key component of our curriculum, and this
program gives us the chance to address
directly the whole child.”
COMMUNITY DAY
The fi rst Community Day occurred in
2007 with a focus on bullying. “We didn’t
have time in advisory to cover the topic
appropriately,” says Phillips, “so we
decided to expand the discussion into
a full day of events and workshops that
would focus on kindness, respect and
getting along in Middle School.” The
program included a talk given by a police
offi cer who was an expert on the Internet
and taught students how to avoid online
harassment.
In the second year, the theme was
team-building and working together as
a community. “We looked at how we fi t
together in our school, in our community,
and in the world,” Phillips says. This year
the event focused on the progression from
tolerance to acceptance and community.
Keynote speaker Marc Elliott talked about
his experiences with Tourette Syndrome
and encouraged students to “live and let
live.”
BEYOND THE BOOKS
Beyond the Books helps students
look at their own internal growth and
independence. “Teenagers face so
many obstacles and challenges and
distractions,” says Gray. “This event tells
students that we know there’s a lot inside
you and your world that’s not addressed
in the classroom. We recognize all that
makes up who you are, and want to spend
time helping you sort through it to build
independent strength of character and
mindfulness in your decisions.”
Previous speakers have included
motivational speaker Scott Greenberg
talking about teen pressures, insecurity
and the road to happiness. Other
events of the day have included fi lms,
workshops on healthy relationships and
the pervasiveness of social media, and
even yoga. This year’s keynote speaker,
“We look at how
we fi t together in
our school, in our
community, and in
the world.”
—Karen Phillips,
Middle School
Counselor
Shanterra McBride, founder of Preparing Leaders of Today, challenges students to explore their own views on healthy dating relationships and the responsible use of social media.
SPRING 2011 13
Scot Robinson, presented the story of his
experiences with drugs and alcohol to
drive home the danger behind the intrigue
of substance abuse.
KEYS TO SUCCESS
While Community Day and Beyond the
Books have different goals, the approach
each takes is similar, including some key
elements:
Start with a bang• . Surprising
the students lets them know
immediately that this day will not be
a regular school day.
Bring in a dynamic speaker• . Recent
event favorites Scot Robinson and
Marc Elliott have energized their
audiences with gripping personal
stories that teach lessons without
preaching to the students.
Mix up the day• . Combine speakers
and performances with fi lms,
interactive discussions, hands-on
activities and time to talk both with
adult facilitators and peer mentors to
hash through the content and appeal
to all kinds of learners.
Speak to the kids at their level and •
remind them that all opinions are
valid. Acknowledge what you know
is going on and don’t ignore the
obvious even if it can be diffi cult
to discuss. Students will rise to the
occasion and become engaged.
Allow plenty of time to plan• and
involve a committee broad enough
to address all aspects of the day.
Both Phillips and Gray often plan a
year in advance for their events, and
bring together planning committees
that involve administrators and
faculty. Phillips said she may even
include a few students in planning
next year’s event.
Encourage ongoing discussion• after
the event. Students have emailed
and Facebooked with favorite
speakers. Advisories often circle
back to follow-up on key items of
the discussion. “Give students time
to process,” reminds Gray, “and let
them know that this was not just a
one-day discussion.”
LISTEN TO THE STUDENTS
Aside from enjoying a day off the books,
students enjoy the opportunity to talk and
think about issues close to them. “It was
inspirational and gives us something to
think about in our day-to-day life beyond
school,” said Justin Grant ’11. Eliana
Roseen ’15 said, “We came together,
learning about each other and made a
good community.”
In the student newspaper, The Bulldog,
Davis Richardson ’11 wrote, “Beyond the
Books is something students look forward
to as a means to dive into themselves and
their own decision making…it’s a much
loved day of exploration.”
“Beyond the Books is
something students
look forward to as a
means to dive into
themselves and their
own decision making…
it’s a much loved day
of exploration.”
—Davis Richardson ‘11
for The Bulldog
Speaker Scot Robinson forges connections with students while sharing the story of his journey through substance abuse and beyond.
newsCelebrating Outstanding Community Support
14 BULLIS magazine
“We would like to make a contribution…
Maddie has had wonderful, supportive
teachers at Bullis…the gifted teachers have
truly been inspirational.”
–Bill and Karen Dahut P’12
Each year Bullis is privileged to have the
support of an outstanding community.
That wonderful spirit was even more
evident this spring at this year’s Gala,
in the tremendous response to the E. E.
Ford grant match, and at a new event, the
Head of School’s reception for leadership
donors and volunteers.
E. E. FORD GRANT
The fall issue of Bullis Magazine featured
news of a signifi cant grant awarded to
Bullis by the Edward E. Ford Foundation.
The $50,000 grant was contingent upon
a matching $50,000 fund donated by the
School’s constituency. Thanks to Bullis
Trustees and families, we are pleased to
announce the successful completion of
these required funds.
The total of $100,000 will go toward
professional faculty development and,
in keeping with the E. E. Ford grant, will
focus on training teachers in the use of
new classroom technology. These funds
will provide excellent opportunities to
further support our teachers and create a
dynamic educational experience for every
student.
Every donor who assisted with matching
funds had already committed to our
Annual Fund this year, and yet they
stepped forward again for this worthwhile
cause. We are especially grateful for their
generosity and for demonstrating such
faith in the School:
Ms. Marian C. Bennett, Esq., P’06
Mr. & Mrs. Alan D. Cohen, P’14, ‘15
Dr. & Mrs. William Dahut, Jr., P’12
Dr. & Mrs. Gary S. Friedlander, P’11, ’14, ‘19
Mr. Jerome Friedlander, P’78, ’79, ’82, ’86;
GP ’10, ’11,’11, ’12, ’13, ’14, ’19
Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Hanley, P’03, ’05
Mr. David M. Leahy, P’09, ‘11
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Mars, P’09, ‘12
Mr. & Mrs. Allan D. McKelvie, P’08, ‘12
Mr. & Mrs. Ken Samet, P’11
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Schuble, P’11, ’13, ‘19
Mr. & Mrs. Simon Sidamon-Eristoff, P’11
Mr. & Mrs. Milton Theo, P’14, ‘17
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Thompson, P’08
Mr. & Mrs. Dell D. Warren, Jr., P’10, ‘13
GALA 2011: FIRE & ICE
On March 11, over 350 attendees enjoyed
this year’s “Fire and Ice” Gala, which raised
$260,000 in support of fi nancial aid and
professional development programs at
Bullis. Chaired by Bullis parent Crystal
Boudreau P’16, the event featured both
silent and live auctions of hundreds of
items, including fabulous trips, impressive
wine collections, jewelry, home items,
restaurant meals, sports memorabilia and
unique opportunities. Fun offerings such
as acting as student principal or head
of school for a day also generated great
interest. Dinner was catered by RSVP
Catering, owned by Bullis parents Larry
and Charo Abrams P ’18, and all beverages
were provided by Total Wine & More,
courtesy of Bullis parents (and Trustee)
David and June Trone P’12, ‘14.
A highlight of every Gala is our “Raise the
Paddle” auction, which this year raised
funds for new classroom furniture to
complement the repainting and carpeting
currently underway in North and South
Halls. The $57,000 raised will outfi t
seven classrooms at a cost of $8,000 per
classroom.
Thanks are due to the parent volunteers
who generously dedicated countless hours
to the Gala, and who can be credited for
much of its success.
Laura Heymann and Gala Chair Crystal Boudreau take a brief break during the silent auction bidding.
SPRING 2011 15
Dr. Gerald Boarman with Head’s Reception honorees, from left, Bill Clement, Laura Heymann, Lesley Lavalleye, Paula Widerlite, Kathryn Hanley and David Trone .
HEAD’S RECEPTION FOR LEADERSHIP DONORS AND VOLUNTEERS
Bamboo plants, symbols of luck and
prosperity, were given to the more than
100 donors and volunteers who made
leadership contributions of time and
resources throughout this school year.
Guests, faculty and staff gathered for this
new Bullis event at the campus home
of Head of School Dr. Gerald Boarman,
who saluted an outstanding group and
presented special awards to several
individuals.
Honorees included Annual Fund Co-
Chairs Lesley Lavalleye P’06, ’08, ’10,
and David Trone P’12,’14, and outgoing
Parents Association President Paula
Widerlite P’11, ‘14. Volunteer of the Year
awards went to Laura Heymann P’14, ‘16
and Bill Clement P’15, ’19, while Kathryn
Hanley P’03, ’05 received the Philanthropy
Award. Other distinguished guests were
honored for their longstanding support of
the Bullis Annual Fund: Brigadier General
(Ret.) Lou Newman ’39 for 24 years of
consecutive giving, and Jerry Friedlander—
proud father of four and grandparent of 10
Bullis alumni and current students—was
thanked for 33 years of consecutive giving.
We are very grateful for the generous
and giving nature of our entire Bullis
community. Year after year, their varied
contributions touch the heart of the
School, greatly enhancing the quality of
the Bullis experience for all.
NEW PLAYING FIELD
This spring, a group of parents dedicated
time and resources to create an improved
baseball and softball experience for our
teams. They helped to plan the changes
and raise the money, and reached out
to local businesses for donations. Over
the course of a single week, our baseball
and softball fi elds were transformed. This
included reorienting the batter position to
adjust for the angles of afternoon sunlight,
and providing for future team dugouts.
“The enthusiasm and the follow-through
for this project demonstrated the power of
a great community coming together for a
worthy cause,” notes Joanne Szadkowski,
director of institutional development, of
the joint effort.
We are very grateful for the generous
and giving nature of our entire Bullis
community. Year after year, their varied
contributions touch the heart of the
School, greatly enhancing the quality of
the Bullis experience for all.
academics
16 BULLIS magazine
Global Studies Expands the Classroom ExperienceFantastic journeys took place in the Global
Studies and Service Program this year.
“Fewer students going on more interesting
trips” is the current trend for the program,
according to Lisa Vardi, Global Studies
coordinator and social studies teacher.
“This year the trips are entirely curriculum
and service-oriented,” she adds. Since the
fall of 2010, student groups have visited—
or soon will visit—places as far-fl ung as
Russia and Cambodia.
Some Global Studies and Service trips
relate to academics or the arts. Over
spring break, 14 students traveled with
Ms. Vardi and English teacher Molly
Chehak to St. Petersburg, Russia, to
participate in a model United Nations that
hosted students from all over the world.
Global Studies can have a local orientation
as well. In April, 10 students attended a
model Arab League held in Washington,
D.C. For a June art studies trip, 11 students
went to France and Italy with art teachers
Winnie Thompson and Deb Donoghue to
visit art museums and other sites while
creating their own work.
Theater arts was the theme when eight
students participated in the Roncalli
Drama Festival in Italy. Students competed
in dramatic performances, stayed in local
Italian homes, and met students from
Italy, Spain and Great Britain. “I saw our
students’ lives change each day as their
horizons broadened,” college counselor
Lynn Kittel says of the trip to the Roncalli
Festival. (Read more about the trip on
p. 22.)
Other trips are for community service,
such as the May trip a group of students
took with Director of College Counseling
Dr. Mary Frances Bryja to the Dominican
Republic to build a house with Habitat
for Humanity. In June, as part of the
“Caring for Cambodia” outreach program,
11 students—the fi rst American group
for this project—traveled with science
teacher Dorothy Yen to Siem Reap to build
a house for the librarian of the Amelio
School there. This summer, in cooperation
with LearnServe, two students will go to
Paraguay with math teacher Dan McCarron
while another student will travel to Zambia.
“A lot of important learning takes place
outside the classroom,” says Ms.
Vardi. “Students experience a different
perspective of the world when they have
a chance to stay with local families and
interact directly with people in other
countries.”
Idrienne Walker ’13, Tyler Allen ’13 and Priscila Tavares ’12, from left, enjoy the beauty and opulence of Catherine Palace’s Great Hall of Light at Tsarskoe Selo after participating in the St. Petersburg Model UN Conference.
“I saw our students’
lives change each
day as their horizons
broadened.”
—Lynn Kittel
Associate Director,
College Counseling
SPRING 2011 17
8th Graders Major in TechnologyExcitement fi lls a corner of Middle
School technology teacher Rita Gerharz’s
classroom as Joey Hall and Stephen
Clement pair up to produce the end-
of-year 8th grade video in collaboration
with English teacher Liberty Okulski. The
project was produced previously by a
teacher after school, and is well suited
for these students. “I like being original
and creative,” says Joey, eager to show off
his video clip. “It’s a good way to express
myself.” Plus, creating the video during
class time allows students the benefi t of
teacher direction and support.
Joey and Stephen are two of a dozen
students enrolled in the fi rst year of an 8th
grade technology major, an opportunity to
build upon students’ existing technological
knowledge through a progressive
exploration of multiple media platforms
under the guidance of Ms. Gerharz.
Technology majors spend alternating days
focusing on communication through the
use of blogs, robotics, personal webpage
development and video production.
Ask the students and most will point to
video production as their favorite class
activity. While they are tempted to delve
into the use of technology for its own sake,
technology majors are encouraged to learn
through developing projects designed
for use in the larger community. A close
relative’s recent breast cancer diagnosis
served as the catalyst for the video that
Kyah Ayers produced using the Premier
video editing program. ”We were required
to take technology last year and I actually
found I liked learning about the different
programs,” says Kyah, proudly previewing
her video, which includes information
on donating to charities as well as breast
cancer survivors’ inspirational stories for
other patients. A few seats away, Jamal
David is working with a program called
Weebly to create his Learning is Fun
website, which teaches younger students
how to do multiplication.
“When creating any type of media,
students examine and analyze pop culture
media to become aware of stereotypes,
types of humor, relationships and how
problems are solved,” says Ms. Gerharz.
The goal is to create media that has a
positive and useful message.
Arman Salmasi’s social media
website contains many features
similar to Facebook, and will facilitate
communication with his relatives in
Iran who cannot access more traditional
Arman Salmasi’s social networking site promises to strengthen bonds with his family across the globe.
social media due to fi ltering. Users can
post messages, photos and videos,
comment on posts and read the latest
news. Though his site could eventually
ease communication between family in
the United States and abroad, Arman has
already discovered some limits of social
media: “The main thing is to work on
getting more members or no one will want
to use it.”
The students’ greatest asset is their ability
to maximize the potential of software.
“Given the opportunity to explore,
they’ll take something and run with it,”
says Ms. Gerharz. “Kids have no fear
of technology.” She admits that rather
than being the expert sometimes, she is
learning much of the technology along
with the students.
academics
18 BULLIS magazine
Third grader Fiona Caulfi eld has an
impressive career ahead of her as a
playwright, should she decide to follow
up on the promise of her recent award.
Her play "Tea Trouble" received special
recognition in the 25th Annual Young
Playwrights Festival at Center Stage
theater in Baltimore. Out of the 300
entries the festival received, 11 were
chosen for in-school readings, and Fiona
was the youngest of all those awarded.
Fiona received her award at a special
ceremony at Center Stage in early May
and a few weeks later actors from the
theater came to Bullis to perform an in-
school reading of the play in The Marriott
Family Library. In her play, "Tea Trouble,"
Lola and Lisa have a mystery to solve:
their world-famous special recipe for chai
tea has been stolen! Naturally, Lola and
Lisa contact the FBI, who after an initial
hesitation in taking on the mystery, dive
wholeheartedly into solving the case of the
recipe robber.
Festival evaluators who reviewed all
the entries said of Fiona's play, "The
writing quality was very advanced for
the playwright's age," and "What a
fi ne imagination and cohesive plot for
someone so young!"
Fiona fi rst drafted her play as part of a
unit in school on playwriting. Visiting
playwright John Morogiello came to Bullis
via a grant from the Parents Association
and worked with Lower School students
to teach them about playwriting. After
Fiona's play was awarded by Center
Stage, she was invited to work with the
theater's dramatic staff to learn a bit more
about the craft and make some minor
modifi cations to her play. "They suggested
that I add more dialogue from the
criminals," explained Fiona, after students
heard the play read in its entirety. If the
audience applause is any indication, look
for more inspired and imaginative plays
from Fiona.
“What a fi ne
imagination and
cohesive plot for
someone so young.”
—Annual Young
Playwrights Festival
organizers
Fiona Caulfi eld, seated center, along with actors from the Center Stage theater following their dramatic reading of “Tea Trouble” in The Marriott Family Library.
Young Playwright Enjoys Early Recognition
Imagination
SPRING 2011 19
William Westbury ’15
Anthony Heymann ’16
A sampling of artwork produced by
students across the divisions.
arts
Willi W b ’
A hth H ’ 6
Caroline Peterson ’15C li P ’
arts
20 BULLIS magazine
Eliana Maia Goldstein ’14Yanbing (Amy) Yang ’13
Lamonte Armstrong ’14 Lauren Raff ensperger ’13LL RR ffffff ’’LL t AA t ’’
SPRING 2011 21
Nathalia Buckley ’16
Geoff Gibson ’12 Marni Friedlander ’11
h l klKyle McKenzie ’15
arts
22 BULLIS magazine
Senior members of the Chamber Singers kicked off their successful season at Washington National Cathedral in October. Front row from left, Tina Lundelius, Tiffany Escandar, Elizabeth Mendelson, Elise Widerlite, Emily Shanny. Back row, from left, Aaron Green, Clark Tyra, Choral Director Jason Strunk and Amos Green.
Choral Program Hits Highest NotesThis year’s Maryland State Choral Festival
at Morgan State University attracted
some of the top school choral groups
from around the state. All had competed
and received top scores at their local
district assessment festival to be eligible
to compete at the state event. The Bullis
Chamber Singers were the smallest
group participating in the festival, yet
had the strongest performance, with
scores of “1” for superior performance
from every judge. Bullis was also the
only independent school to receive this
superior ranking.
Choral Director Jason Strunk emphasizes
excellence in his work with the students
and challenges them to master
increasingly diffi cult material. “They
have grown as
singers and
intellectual minds.
I encourage them
to be global citizens
and thinkers, to
understand and
connect with the
music’s history and
emotion as well
as the science of
sound. Getting the
high state rating
shows great respect
for the program we
have here at Bullis.”
Eight theater students wowed the
audience at the Roncalli Theater Festival
in Poggibonsi, Italy, in April. The festival
attracts schools from around the world
for a week of performances and theater
workshops. The students—advanced
theater students and Bullis theater
participants—performed “Too Much
Light,” written by the Chicago-based
theater group the Neo-Futurists.
In the production, the students are
challenged to perform 15 plays in 30
minutes. The plays are short but powerful,
and range from serious topics to comedy
and action. The audience chooses the
order of the plays from a list of options
provided at the beginning of the show, and
the students attempt
to perform all 15 plays
before 30 minutes have
elapsed. When the
timer went off at the
start of the 15th play,
the audience cheered
the Bullis students
on to complete the
performance!
Roncalli Theater Festival
Joining their new international friends at an Italian cafe are, from left, Kenna Hinton ‘12, two British students, Lisette Booty ‘13, Virginia O’Connor ‘12, Jazmine Newton ‘12, Anya Fasolyak ‘14, Rebecca Mazer ‘14 and two more British students.
Diversity in Dance Residency
SPRING 2011 23
Dance teacher Nikki Gambhir leads students Jessica Howard ‘14 and Alanna Walczak ‘13 in a lively Bollywood workshop.
Thanks to a generous grant from the
Parents Association, the Bullis dance
program has hosted guest instructors
to teach a variety of dance styles from
throughout the world to the School’s
dance classes.
In February, local performer Nikki Gambhir
taught Indian Bollywood dance techniques
to the students. Lesole Maine came
in March to teach Gumboot Dance, a
South African dance style used by slaves
to communicate with one another while
working in coal mines. In April, dancer
Juliana Calderon introduced classes to
Cumbia and Puya dance styles from
Colombia that refl ect the variety of
cultures in Colombia’s history, including
African descendents, Spanish settlers and
indigenous people.
Dance students wrote journal entries
about their experiences in the workshops,
and all expressed the fun they had learning
dance styles outside of their own culture.
The teachers were very impressed with
all of the different levels of Bullis' dance
classes, from introductory through to the
advanced dance ensemble.
At the completion of the program, dance
students shared what they learned during
a special assembly for the entire student
body, bringing down the house with their
energy and talent.
“The residency took
our dance students
around the world,
discovering styles from
Africa, Colombia and
India, and opened their
eyes to the richness
and diversity of dance
beyond our daily
experiences.”
—Alana Hill,
Bullis Dance Instructor
athletics
24 BULLIS magazine
UPPER SCHOOL BOYS’ SPORTS
Winter 2011 was a busy season of
basketball, wrestling and ice hockey.
The varsity boys’ basketball team had
a successful season with 16 wins and a
third place IAC fi nish. A highlight for the
team was defeating number two ranked
Episcopal in overtime. Jonathon Tshibuy
’12 and Nigel Pruitt ’12 were both named
to the IAC all-conference team.
The wrestling team ended the season
8-8, fi nishing second in the IAC and
12th in the Maryland state tournament.
Among many standout efforts at the IAC
tournament, Ryan Garey ’11, Amos Green
’11 and Randall Hernandez ’11 each came
in fi rst place in their divisions. Ryan Garey
also completed his Bullis career with 151
wins and only 12 losses, the second best
all-time record for the School.
The ice hockey team had key IAC victories
this season over Calvert Hall and St.
Stephens St. Agnes, as well as great
wins against tough Montgomery county
opponents Bethesda-Chevy Chase and
Churchill. The team looks forward to
next season with twelve returning varsity
players, including leading scorer and All-
IAC player Brandon Burke ‘13 and All-IAC
goaltender David Harrison ’13.
The varsity boys’ tennis team had a
rebuilding year after losing eight starters
from the previous school year. Despite this
challenge, the team had some strong wins
and played well at the IAC Conference
Tournament, fi nishing second and losing
the championship by only one point.
Daniel Gray ’11 won the MVP award for the
conference and placed fi rst in #1 singles.
In addition, three players made the All-IAC
Conference Team: Kasey Countee ’14,
Daniel Gray ’11 (who also made the all-
Met team) and Reginald Lesesne ‘12.
Varsity golf had a great year, with an
overall record of 11-5. The team went 5-1 in
the IAC, losing only to Georgetown Prep
and beating Landon for the fi rst time in
history. We were undefeated at home and
upgraded the schedule to play the best
from Baltimore and the WCAC. Brian Bank
’12 and John Brundred ’12 made the All-
IAC team.
Varsity track and fi eld had a good
season with several IAC meet wins and
Nigel Pruitt ’12 leads team in drive against Georgetown Prep.
Season Highlights
SPRING 2011 25
close meet scores. Based on his
solid performances throughout
the season and at the IAC
Championships, Justin Grant ‘11
was named to the All-IAC team.
A number of returning athletes
will provide a strong core for even
more IAC success next season.
A strong group of seniors led
varsity baseball, displaying great
leadership throughout the season;
they will be missed next year. A
new ballfi eld, built with the help of
many generous parents, provided
the perfect backdrop for exciting
IAC wins over St. Albans and
Episcopal. Kevin Tenenbaum ‘11
was selected to the All-League IAC
All-IAC team member Justin Grant ’11 shows a strong performance in the relay.
From left, Jordan Samet ’11, John Kelly ’11 and Ryan McMahon ’11 protect the goal.
Continued on p. 26
athletics
Girls’ softball players, from left, Kristina Frye ‘13, Alessandra Clark ‘13, Krista Kelly ‘14 and Susie Bair ‘11 celebrate the camaraderie that buoyed the team all season.
26 BULLIS magazine
team for his outstanding play during the
regular season. The Bulldogs look forward
to next year with seven starters returning.
Varsity boys’ lacrosse team fi nished 13-6,
with a 4-1 IAC record that included a win
over Georgetown Prep for only the second
time in school history and the fi rst time
since 1989. After the victory, Bullis was
ranked #1 in The Gazette (for the fi rst time
in School history), #4 in The Washington
Post and #35 in the country by ESPN Rise.
For the second straight year the team was
ranked in the top 10 in The Washington
Post for the entire season. Several players
garnered post-season awards including
All-Met and All-Gazette. John Kelly ’11
made All-Met fi rst team; Ryan McMahon
’11 and Kylor Bellistri ’12 made second
team. The senior class leaves with a 28-11
record over the past two seasons and a
lasting legacy for what it means to be a
Bullis lacrosse player.
A highlight of the varsity girls’ and
boys’ swimming season was when the
Men’s 200 Free Relay record was broken
during the fi nals of the WMPSSDL’s
championship by Max Bramson ’13, David
Fireman ’13, Nick Barpoulis ’13 and Gabriel
Melrod ’14. The swimmers, along with
their coaches, are excited to see what the
team will bring next year, as they continue
to develop the program and add more
swimmers to the team.
UPPER SCHOOL GIRLS’ SPORTS
The varsity girls’ basketball team, headed
by Coach Kira Orr ’93 and assisted by Tony
Edghill and Safi Mojidi ’04, had a very
successful season, fi nishing with a 21-7
record, impressive for such a young team.
With only three seniors, the girls won
the Bullis Holiday Classic Tournament,
and Taylor Jenkins ‘12 and Ashley Nelson
‘11 made the All Tournament team while
Lynee Belton ‘14 was named MVP. After
the winter break, the team won the
Westfi eld Bulldog Bash in Virginia. Taylor
and Ashley were again named to the All
Tournament team and once again, Lynee
was awarded the tournament MVP. A very
competitive regular season included a
big win over Flint Hill and a second place
fi nish in the ISL. Although the girls lost in
the second round of the ISL Tournament,
Taylor and Lynee made the All-ISL League
team. Lynee was also named to the All-
County team by The Gazette.
The JV girls’ basketball team, coached by
Anne Gunning and assisted by Heather
Patterson, also boasted a successful
season record at 10-3, with big wins over
rivals Flint Hill and Stone Ridge.
The varsity girls’ lacrosse team fi nished
the season with a 12-11 record. Nicole Aust
’11 and Meredith Swagart ’11 made the
All-League team, and the girls enjoyed big
wins over rivals Holton-Arms and Wooton.
The junior varsity team had a rebuilding
year, but enjoyed a big win over Flint Hill.
The team is excited about the prospects
for next year.
SPRING 2011 27
New Baseball Field for a New SeasonThe fi rst phase of the new baseball fi eld
was completed over spring break, just in
time for the fi rst games of the season. The
fi eld direction has been reoriented to a
more optimal location and a new backstop
and fencing were installed. Plans for phase
two include new dugouts for both the
baseball and softball fi elds, and phase
three will provide a variety of cosmetic
improvements, including new infi eld
grass.
These changes are the result of the
generosity and dedication of a group of
parents, alumni and friends who have
donated in many ways to this project. The
formal dedication of the new fi eld will
likely take place in the spring of 2012. In
the meantime, our baseball players are
enjoying games and practices on a great
new fi eld.
Players benefi t from the generosity of baseball supporters who made possible the improved fi eld.
The girls’ softball team fi nished the
season 7-12. Krista Kelly ’14 and CeMaia
Wise ’13 made the All-League team and
the team enjoyed big wins over Holton-
Arms and Georgetown Day School. The
junior varsity team started the season
with several players new to softball. The
girls pulled off a big win over Madeira,
improved tremendously during the season
and look forward to next year when they
will build on this growth.
Varsity track and fi eld had a good season
with several ISL meet wins and close meet
scores. A number of returning athletes will
provide a strong core for even more ISL
success next season.Team leader CeMaia Wise ’13 made the girls’ softball All-League team.
service
28 BULLIS magazine
Students Give Back in Countless Ways
CASA book drive volunteers, facing camera from left, include Will Evans ’18, Nicky Borden ‘18 and Morgan Schwartz ’18, joined by Nicky’s older brother Matt (far left).
BOOKS FOR CASA
In celebration of the Martin Luther King,
Jr. Day of Service, members of the Bullis
community created and stocked a new
children’s library for CASA de Maryland’s
Langley Park center. More than 1,600 new
and gently used books were donated and
organized by Bullis volunteers to create
a special place for children to go while
their parents gain job training or legal
assistance at CASA.
“Receiving these books is extremely
valuable. Our kids have little access to
extracurricular activities, and these books
will allow them to read outside of school,”
said Mauricio Lopez, executive assistant
of CASA. Coordinator of the project and
Upper School social studies teacher
Sara Romeyn hopes to continue the
relationship of Bullis with CASA next year
by providing tutoring and reading support.
“Our kids have
little access to
extracurricular
activities, and these
books will allow
them to read outside
of school.”
—Mauricio Lopez
Executive Assistant
of CASA
JAPAN RELIEF
Students throughout Bullis reacted
quickly to the news of the earthquake and
tsunami in Japan, creating fundraisers to
generate support for the victims. Nicole
Aust ’11 and Tiffany Escandar ’11 designed
wristbands that say “Bullis for Japan” in
English and Japanese, and quickly sold
out, raising more than $2,000 for the
Red Cross from students throughout the
school.
BULLIS GIVES BACK
Doubling its success from last year,
the Bullis Gives Back 5k Run/2.5k Walk
generated $23,000 for Stepping Stones
Shelter in Rockville. More than 350
runners, walkers and volunteers turned
out and were cheered on by guest emcees
Julie Wright of Fox 5 TV and Carson Daly
of radio station MIX 107.3 FM. Members
of the Bullis National Honor Society also
organized a fun run and games for the
youngest of the event’s attendees.
An iPod raffl e raised more than $3,000
for the Bullis arts program. Parent
Association event chairs Nikki DePandi,
Roz Tavel and Debbie Friedlander
coordinated every detail and are already
planning next year’s event for May 20,
2012. Mark your calendars!
SPRING 2011 29
faculty notesLong-Term Faculty Honored for Their Service
Dean’s Day: A Fond Farewell to Sclavounos
Recognized for their service were, from left, Jeff Bellistri, Jennifer Houston, Glenn Hunter and Rita Gerharz.
Middle School and Upper School health
teacher and coach Dean Sclavounos ’63
has retired after 21 years of teaching at
Bullis. Sclavounos, who also coached JV
football and JV baseball as well as golf,
was celebrated at a special assembly with
tributes from friends and colleagues Glenn
Hunter (Middle School social studies)
and Jack Kinder (Upper School English).
Each year, Bullis faculty and staff who
reach the milestone of a decade of service
to the School are recognized at a special
assembly. “Staff who are with us a shorter
time give us the breath of fresh air that
keeps us on our toes, and those who
devote decades to Bullis give us deep
perspective and a precious stability that
allows us to grow with confi dence,” said
Dean of Faculty Carol Conrad.
Jennifer Houston, was honored as a
calm, fl exible 5th grade teacher who always
makes classes fun. Students call her
spunky, fair and nice, while colleagues
recognize her generous spirit and
mentorship. She is known for unwavering
integrity and as an amazing actress.
Rita Gerharz was praised for integrating
technology into her Middle School
classroom while championing
environmental awareness and
sustainability. An exemplary teacher,
leader and community member, Ms.
Gerharz is a founding member of the
Day School Green Challenge as well as a
grade level coordinator and Middle School
technology coordinator. She is interested
in giving students a global perspective
and participates in foreign study trips with
various student groups.
Jeff Bellistri has taught 7th–12th grades
at Bullis, and has served as 9th grade
coordinator, wrestling coach, and an
outstanding lacrosse coach. He has
been designated as a “Senior Teacher”
in recognition of his leadership and work
with students, and was a 2007 recipient of
the Dr. Richard Jung Faculty First Award.
Recognized for 30 exemplary years of
service, Glenn Hunter has taught history in
the same Middle School classroom—South
Hall 4—for 30 years. With an unwavering
commitment to dignity, honor and character,
he sets examples in the classroom as well
as on the fi eld during countless seasons
coaching and/or refereeing basketball,
football and baseball.
The day was declared in his honor, with a
school-wide cookout and baseball-themed
“Dean’s Day” buttons worn by all.
Mr. Kinder spoke of Mr. Sclavounos’
unwavering optimism and focus on doing
better every day. “You know that the
glint in his eye and the smile that creeps
across his face means that he is genuinely
interested in what you’re saying. You know
that he loves to teach. You know that he
loves to compete,” Kinder explained.
“He has made a difference in the lives
of countless students and athletes,”
contributed Mr. Hunter, “gone about
his work modestly, consistently and with
class, and has ennobled the profession of
teaching and coaching.”
We sincerely apologize to the following donors who were erroneously omitted from Bullis School’s
Annual Report for the 2009-2010 fi scal year. Thank you for your support!
Alumni Giving
Class of 2002
Mr. Ross W. Koenig
Class of 2003
Ms. Kasel Lesak
Mr. John M. Kalas
Class of 2004
Ms. Julia Bartlett
Mr. James D. Hague
Ms. Mackenzie Staffi er
Class of 2005
Ms. Chloe Tarpley
Ms. Jennifer Zutz
Class of 2006
Ms. Samantha Havas
Ms. Allison Scheurer
Mr. Fletcher R. Schoen
Ms. Tracy L. Wertheimer
Class of 2007
Mr. Christopher Hague
Ms. Kari Putterman
Class of 2008
Mr. Nasser Mikdadi
Mr. Patrick M. Schoen
Class of 2009
Mr. Harper Leahy
Head of School’s Circle and Capital/Restricted
Giving
Mrs. Dale Schuble
Head of School’s Circle
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Schuble
Honor Circle
Ms. Regina Alston
Ms. Marisa M. Leasure ’84
Mr. Matthew Magassy ’91
Mr. Stephen Magassy ’91
Mr. & Mrs. Clayton R. ’88 Simmers II
Bulldog Circle
Mr. Brandon Chasen ’04
Mr. Elliott C. Jones ’02
2009-2010 Annual Report Addendum
30 BULLIS magazine
What a generous year this has been for Bullis! We received tremendous support from
parents, alumni, faculty and staff for the Annual Fund, events and causes. Last fall,
we renewed Bullis pride through Blue and Gold competitions, a record-breaking 91%
faculty/staff participation in the Annual Fund, and a successful dinner for major donors.
In November, we held the fi rst annual “Turkey Bowl” on Thanksgiving weekend, when
40 young alumni braved chilly weather to reconnect on campus, share breakfast and
enjoy some touch football.
The new year brought more success with our annual Wine Tasting event, when
donors brought wines to be auctioned at the “Fire & Ice” Gala. This year’s Gala,
chaired by Crystal Boudreau P’16, raised a signifi cant $260,000 for fi nancial aid and
teacher development funds. We also achieved the highest amount ever for “Raise the
Paddle”—$57,000 for classroom remodeling!
Another unique opportunity and giving success came with the raising of a $50,000
match to supplement a grant from the Edward E. Ford Foundation for teacher
professional development and technology training. Several donors in our community
came through for us in a matter of weeks—a huge joint accomplishment. Our sincerest
thanks go to the 15 Trustees and families who made this grant possible.
In this supportive community, there are always families who go above and beyond in
what they do for Bullis. This spring, a group of parents pooled their efforts to improve
the baseball and softball fi elds. Special thanks go to all who contributed to this project,
and to the businesses who also gave so willingly of their resources.
At Bullis, we value the giving spirit and recognize the many ways to contribute. Recently,
we honored major donors and major volunteers at an event that expressed the Bullis
philosophy of cherishing the contributions of time as well as resources from our
community. The annual Alumni Golf Tournament once again brought out the best of
Bullis when alumni, parents, faculty and staff gathered for friendly competition while
fundraising for our golf team and the alumni association.
Everyone in our community gives in so many ways, which makes Bullis such a caring
place. For all that you do to help make Bullis School the best it can be—my sincerest
appreciation and heartfelt thanks.
Sincerely,
Joanne Szadkowski
P. S. Please note that as of July 1, our offi ce is newly named the Offi ce of Institutional
Advancement to more accurately refl ect the mission and goals of our department.
developmentperspectives
“I brought many
lessons from my time
at Bullis to the real
world—and learned
that confi dence
contributes
signifi cantly to
success.”
—Karen Kuhn
Campbell ’91
Karen Kuhn Campbell ’91
32 BULLIS magazine
For Karen Kuhn Campbell ’91 and her
husband, Jason, a 2001 vacation to visit
family in Hawaii led to a dream come
true. Visiting the historic town of Waialua
on Oahu’s North Shore, Karen and Jason
were inspired to revitalize an old-fashioned
soda tradition. Two years later, they began
Waialua Soda Works and now produce
100% natural gourmet sodas in six
fl avors, made with local Hawaiian island
ingredients including cane sugar, vanilla
and honey. The sodas are sold primarily in
fi ve states and some nationwide accounts.
Most recently Karen was featured in the
June issue of O Magazine.
As a Bullis student, Karen remembers
how much she enjoyed her Upper School
years, including athletics and serving
on the student council. She had a great
time at Bullympics and remembers a
particularly fun senior class camping trip.
English, economics and U.S. history were
among her favorite subjects, and she
fondly remembers some of her teachers,
including health teacher and soccer
coach Mrs. Nancy Bluthardt, who was
the mother of one of Karen’s best friends,
Molly Bluthardt Henry ‘91.
“So many experiences at Bullis made a
lasting impression,” Karen says. “One
aspect of attending a small high school
was the connection with both teachers
and classmates. I made some truly
wonderful friends”—with whom she has
reunited via Facebook and email—“and
I am thrilled to be back in touch. I look
forward to reconnecting with many friends
at our upcoming reunion.”
After graduating in 1991, Karen earned a
B.A. in English from Indiana University
and began a professional career with an
environmental consulting fi rm in Denver,
Colorado. As a director of marketing, she
moved to Laguna Beach, California, but
after several mergers and acquisitions with
the company, she decided that corporate
life was not for her. She and Jason moved
to Oahu shortly after their marriage in
2003 and began their Waialua Soda Works
venture.
In some ways, a Bullis education
helped prepare Karen for an unexpected
alumni profi le
SPRING 2011 33
life opportunity as a tropical soda
entrepreneur. “I brought many lessons
from my time at Bullis to the real world.
I learned to trust and respect my peers. I
was taught that a teacher—or ‘the boss’—
will help you succeed if you are willing
to do the work.” And she learned “in the
classroom and on the fi eld that confi dence
contributes signifi cantly to success.”
In the eight years Karen and Jason have
lived in Oahu, their family has expanded
with two young children, Oscar, 4, and
Audrey, 3, while the sales of their soda
company have grown beyond Hawaii with
distribution in California, Arizona, Nevada,
Texas and even Japan. They plan to expand
distribution into Maryland and Virginia.
Ever since deciding to go to Hawaii and
establishing a business there, Karen says
her greatest reward is “the time I get to
spend with my children in their formative
years and not miss a step—literally.”
For more information about Waialua Soda
Works, including a list of local retailers
such as Bethesda Market, visit www.
waialuasodaworks.com.
From left, Oscar and Audrey join their mom to sample some Waialua Soda.
I Remember Bullis by Thomas Boughton Silliman ’64
34 BULLIS magazine
“My six years as a
day student changed
my life for the better
tenfold.”
—Thomas Silliman ’64
There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not
thankful for my time at Bullis. My six years
as a day student changed my life for the
better tenfold. I would never have been
accepted into Cornell University otherwise,
and thanks to superior mathematics
classes at Bullis, my freshman year at
Cornell in electrical engineering was easier
than my senior year at Bullis. Mr. Dillon
taught me physics, Admiral Foster taught
me calculus and analytical geometry and
Mr. Spencer taught me trig. These men
were the best of the best.
I started at Bullis in the fi rst 7th grade
offered at the school and was soon
introduced to Admiral Bruce Ware, who
taught us math. Admiral Ware’s middle
initial was “B” which we were told stood
for “BeWare.” Back in those days, if one
didn’t pay attention, Admiral Ware would
fi re off a piece of chalk which would often
land squarely on the offender’s forehead.
I loved math starting in that fi rst year and
continued to love it all the way to my fi nal
term there.
I struggled to adjust in the 8th and 9th
grades. Once I had settled down, though,
I worked toward being a better student,
played JV and varsity football, joined
the swimming team and the fi rst Bullis
lacrosse team and served on the student
council. We had two classes every day in
English and simultaneously studied Latin.
The Latin, I think, taught us to get our
English grammar correct. Every night, I
would have four hours of homework, so
Bullis kept me out of trouble and kept me
disciplined.
Every summer we were required to read
two classic novels which we could select
from a reading list we were given at the
end of each school year. We were tested
on this. At the time, I resented this fi nal
assignment, but now I love to read, so
once again, Bullis was right on track.
alumni refl ection
SPRING 2011 35
I captained the 1964 high school football
team (B Squad), coached by Jerry May.
In the spring of my senior year I had the
pleasure of playing on the fi rst Bullis
lacrosse team, and later at Cornell I played
lacrosse for four years. The combination
of a great learning program and the
opportunity to be in the Bullis athletics
programs was just the ticket for me.
The all-boys environment at Bullis was
interesting. For example, if there was
a fi ght on campus, an upper classman
would be assigned to break it up. Since
we were technically a Navy Prep School in
those days, our prep football team would
always play the Naval Academy Freshman
Football Team, and this was a big deal.
Thanks mostly to my second chance in
life—Bullis School—I now hold a fi ve-year
bachelor’s in electrical engineering and
a master’s in electrical engineering from
Cornell.
I have been invited several times to speak
at our local Warrick County educational
facility for troubled students. I use my
experiences at Bullis and Cornell to show
what I accomplished, and then show a
slide showing how I fl unked out of public
school in the 7th grade. The school loves
it. Then I show how high school English,
math and physics come into daily life in
my work. The point of it all is, “Hey, don’t
give up.” Because of my education at
Bullis, I started out ahead at Cornell and
have never looked back.
Thomas Boughton Silliman, Class of
1964, attended Cornell University for his
undergraduate and graduate degrees. He
is President of Electronics Research, Inc., in
Chandler, Indiana.
From far left, Thomas Silliman at work in his ERI shop; Silliman’s 1964 yearbook portrait; co-captains Tom Silliman and Gil Blandford meet with coaches Jerry May and Richard Brown before the Charlotte Hall game.
36 BULLIS magazine
CLASS OF 1958Corwin M. “Mickey” Metcalf was
elected an associate professor of law and
management by the trustees of Gardner-
Webb University in Boiling Springs,
North Carolina. Metcalf holds a B.A.
from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta,
an M.B.A. from the University of South
Carolina in Columbia and a J.D. from
Wake Forest University School of Law
in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He
resides in High Point, North Carolina, with
wife Jan and a Yorkie named Lex Luther,
where he enjoys the retirement life of
full-time teaching after a 45-year business
career in senior executive and ownership
positions.
CLASS OF 1985Matthew Redding runs an investment
advisory practice in Austin, where he
has resided for over 20 years. He is an
avid golfer and spends leasure time
refurbishing a 70 year old arts and crafts
style home in downtown Austin.
CLASS OF 1987Three alumni—Clay Sebring, Tom
Drummond and Ted Boone—triumphed
in the Masters division at the Greenhorn
Adventure Swim Bike Run Race, coming in
fi rst place with a time of 2-1/4 hours.
CLASS OF 1990Carrie (Contract) Zisman and husband
Matt announce the birth of their second
child, Zachary Nathan, on February 7. He
joins big sister, Arielle, 3.
CLASS OF 1993 Bullis Director of Physical Education Kira
Orr was one of four high school head
coaches selected as court coaches for
the 2011 USA Basketball Women’s U16
National Team Trials, which took place in
May at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in
Colorado Springs.
CLASS OF 1995Matt Marks and his wife, Amy, welcomed
their fi rst child, Alexis Erin Marks in
February. Matt lives in Gaithersburg and
works as a social worker at Rock Creek
Academy in Washington, D.C.
CLASS OF 1996Larry Miles and Hannah Pass were
married in Gualala, California on October
2. Hannah is a tennis coach at Bullis
and the couple resides in Darnestown,
Maryland.
Share Your News Newly married? Relocating?
Celebrating a career transition?
Announcing an expanding family?
Undertaking some exotic travel?
Please send in your Class Notes for the next Bullis Magazine to keep your classmates and other Bullis friends up to date. High resolution photos are always welcome.
Email your updates to Joanne Szadkowski, Director of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations, at [email protected].
alumni class notes
From left, Arielle Zisman holds her newborn brother Zachary; Alexis Marks
SPRING 2011 37
CLASS OF 1997Nikki (Herson) Eberstein gave birth to her
second child, Jamison Rose, in July. Her
eldest, Jackson, loves his new role as the
big brother and everyone is doing well.
Andrea Sotela and Nicholas Segura were
married on October 16, 2010, at The
Links at Union Vale in LaGrangeville, New
York. Nick and Andrea live in the Hudson
Valley and enjoy taking advantage of
outdoor activities.
CLASS OF 1999Ike Sanni is the founder and CEO of the
commodity trading advisor Iron Fortress
FX Management. Any alumni interested
in networking can contact him at ike@
ironfortressforex.com.
CLASS OF 2000Tanner Cerand has left UBS in New York,
to accept a job with Gerson Lehrman
Group as a research manager in the
healthcare and biotech division in Austin,
Texas.
Chris Kelly was recently awarded Capital
One Financial Advisor of the Year 2010 for
DC/VA. Chris lives in Bethesda and plays
tennis in his spare time.
Since receiving her masters of public
health at Yale, Sarah Littlefi eld has been
working at global nonprofi t the Population
Council, with HIV-prevention research.
She is a clinical trial specialist, advancing
microbicides, a potential new HIV-
prevention method.
CLASS OF 2001Kimelia Weathers is currently seeking
fi nancing for her indie fi lm, ELEVENS, a
teen comedy about the sneaker culture.
In January, Russell Simmons’ lifestyle
website Global Grind featured the project
and exclusively premiered the fi lm’s teaser,
which debuted to positive reviews and an
on-line audience of thousands. An alumna
of the University of Maryland College
Park, Kimelia recently worked with Tom
Hanks and Julia Roberts in the upcoming
fi lm Larry Crowne.
June (Ventura) Wheatley married
Stephen Wheatley last May. Classmates in
attendance were Ben Brundred ’01, Maia
Matthews ’01 and Stella Emsellem ’01.
June is a real estate agent and Steve is a
professor at Montgomery College. They
live in Arlington, Virginia.
CLASS OF 2002Courtney Abrams recently switched
careers from commercial to residential
real estate. She is licensed in D.C. and
employed at Evers & Co. Real Estate.
CLASS OF 2003Geoff Bender is serving in the U.S. Air
Force. He will graduate from basic training
in San Antonio in June and serve for six
years.
CLASS OF 2005Hilary (Sigmund) Montgomery attended
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University,
where she majored in aeronautical
science. She earned her wings upon
graduation and has since been a fl ight
instructor at Montgomery County Air Park.
Recently she was accepted for the Federal
Aviation Administration Academy for Air
Traffi c Control in Oklahoma City. Hilary
married fellow Embry graduate and pilot
Sean Montgomery in 2010.
Jeremy Steed and his wife of three years,
Tori, welcomed their fi rst child, Patrice,
who weighed a healthy 7 pounds 10
ounces.
From left, Jamison Rose and Jackson Eberstein; Nicholas and Andrea Sotela; Nick Petkovich with Warren Flood
38 BULLIS magazine
alumni class notes
Save the Date!Homecoming Weekend 2011October 14-15We’re looking forward to celebrating reunions for the classes ending in 1 and 6 at a special reception on campus Friday evening. Volunteer to help your class have the best reunion ever!
Contact the Alumni Offi ce at 301-983-5707 or [email protected].
IN MEMORIAMWe extend deepest sympathies to the families of those in our close Bullis circle who have recently passed away:
Lt. Col. Barry Nicholas Bittner ’50
Jack Blackwood ’48
Michael Brazel ’62
Frank “Fox” Delano ’56
Warren Flood, P ’09,’12
Michael Kronstadt ’07
Mark Peloquin ’83
Stay connected with your fellow alumni through the “Bullis Alumni Page,” the offi cial Facebook page for Bullis School alumni. Keep informed of upcoming events, from reunions to Homecoming. It’s a great way to keep in touch!
See you on See you on
FacebookFacebook
CLASS OF 2006After graduating from Northwestern
University last spring, Claire Olszewski
had the opportunity to intern in First Lady
Michelle Obama’s White House Offi ce
of Scheduling and Advance. She recently
relocated back to Chicago to work on
the Midwest Finance team for the 2012
Obama re-election campaign. Claire is
eager to connect with any Chicago-area
Bullis alums.
CLASS OF 2007Nicole King graduated from Purdue
University in May with a B.S. in youth,
adult and family services. She is
relocating to Boston and teaching at
the New England Center for Children, in
Southborough.
CLASS OF 2008Two former Bullis basketball players,
Nick Petkovich ’08, now at Lafayette
College, and Warren Flood ’09, recently
reconnected at an American University
basketball game.
Junior Colgate University lacrosse goalie
Christina Roa was named the Patriot
League defensive player of the year,
earning the fi rst major postseason award
of her career.
CLASS OF 2009Taylor Johnson was selected as one of The
Root.com’s “Young Futurists, 25 under
21” (http://www.theroot.com/views/2011/
young-futurists). This group of budding
innovators was described by President
Barak Obama as “the young people to
watch if you want to know where America
is heading.” Currently double majoring
in African-American studies and creative
writing at Ohio’s Oberlin College, Taylor
is also chair of the school’s Black Student
Union.
BULLIS SCHOOL STORE
www.bullis.org/schoolstore
Reopening Monday, August 29, during book distribution
GET YOUR BLUE AND GOLD ON!GET YOUR BLUE AND GOLD ON!
See you on
Several members of the Bullis Class of 1956 were among those
celebrating their 50th United States Naval Academy class reunion
in October. Pictured above with 6th Company attendees is Lee
Seligman, Bullis ‘56, standing second from right. Other Bullis
alumni in attendance at the reunion were J.J. Kirkpatrick ‘56, Dick
Super ‘56 and Joe Tranchini ‘56.
As part of their reunion weekend, USNA classmates William “Bill’
Schroeder III and Marshall “Willie” Willenbucher, Bullis ‘56, and
their wives Sharon Schroeder and Joan Willenbucher, join Lee
Seligman for the NAVY Homecoming game.
Alumni from the Class of 1990 reconnected at
Gaithersburg’s Buca di Beppo in November.
Front, from left, Shelly (Schneiderman)
Ducker, Heather Ruth Hunter, Jason
Goldberg, Erica Schaumberg Satlof, Carrie
(Contract) Zisman, Shana (Gordon) Godfrey,
Corey Feldman, Sam Passman, Granville
Smith. Back, row: Jeff Hochberg, Marnie
Abramson, Otto Anderson, Andrea (Mulvihill)
Beane, Patrick Hurson, Jamie Armstrong,
Travis Wells, Ray Kimsey. Not pictured: Kim
(Burman) Wolfberg, Jay Luchs, Julie (Luchs)
Smigel ‘91, Brandon Rippeon and Amir Assili.
Class of 1990 Celebrates 20 Years
Bullis Alumni Observe 50th Reunion of their USNA Graduation
SPRING 2011 39
40 S P R I N G 2 0 1 0
Kline Alumni Stadium inscribed bricks are once again available! Purchase a personalized brick in honor or memory of a team, teacher, coach, individual or family.
Name: ____________________________________ Relationship to Bullis: _________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: ______________________________ E-mail: __________________________________________
Brick orders are payable in full. Please completely fi ll out this form and return with a check for $250 made payable to Bullis School.
Mail to: Bullis School Development Offi ce, 10601 Falls Road, Potomac, MD 20854
Questions? Contact Joanne Szadkowski, Director of Institutional Advancement, at [email protected] or 301-983-5707.
All contributions are tax deductible to a 501(c)(3) organization in accordance with IRS regulations.
Building Support for BullisOne at a Time
Proceeds from brick purchases will support the Annual Fund at Bullis. Thank you for supporting Bullis and showing your school spirit!
Please print text as you wish it to be engraved on the brick:Limit: 15 letters per line – 3 lines maximum per brick.
One Letter or Character per BlockPlease Use a Separate Form for Each Brick Ordered
Registra on S ll Open!
For ages 3 ½ - 18One- to three-week sessions available
Choose from Specialty & Day, Academic, or Athle c campsJune 20-August 12, 2011
www.bullis.org/summerprograms
Avia onGolfSign LanguageSewingMad ScienceRobo csCircusCSIand more...
Registra on S ll Open!
Bullis SummerPrograms
BU
LLIS
Bullis School 10601 Falls RoadPotomac, MD 20854301-299-8500www.bullis.org
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