Toaxnoes Summer 2011

A W A R D S & H O N O R S M A T R I C U L A T I O N L I S T P e N P A L S R e U N I O N 2 0 1 1

Summer 2011

119th Commencement

A. Josh Finkelstein ’11, JoJo Tantillo ’11, Alexandra Mathews ’11 and Patrick Thompson ’11

B. Jake Morris, who received this year’s Verdian dedication, and Nicolette Winder ’11

C. Joe Avino delivers the student speech.

D. Haley Welch ’11

E. Alumni Board President, Mary Giallanza Carney ‘89, presents Mary Rech Rockwell with the 2011 William Nichols Award.

F. Five Montani family siblings graduated from Nichols over the past nine years: David ’06, Rosemary ’09, Stephen ’11, James ’02 and Christine ’04.

G. Jane Cox Hettrick ’78 shares her Nichols memories with the Class of 2011.

CommencementA. B.

E.

G.F.

C. D.

On Friday, June 3, Nichols held the 119th Commencement on a gorgeous day in the Quadrangle. Head of School, Rick Bryan, shared opening remarks, reflecting on the shared experiences of the members of the Class of 2011. He also remarked about the number of students who are Legacies or one of several children

in their family to attend the School. He shared fond memories of the students from over the years, starting from the Middle School and leading right up through the Senior Dinners he hosted at his home in the final exciting months of the school year.

President of the Board of Trustees, Jane Cox Hettrick ’78, shared anecdotes about the graduating seniors, noting that she has watched many of them grow over the years. She related the story of her own Commencement, sitting in the same seats on a day much like their own graduation day, listening to speakers and talking with her friends around her. She noted that the friends to her left, right and front all went on to impressive careers. She stressed that they were not necessarily the top academic performers in their class, but they all had one thing in common: a Nichols education – which served them well and inspired them to succeed and accomplish extraordinary goals.

Alumni Board President, Mary Giallanza Carney ’89, presented the William Nichols Award to longtime faculty member, Mary Rech Rockwell, Director of Studies and Upper School history

The 119th Commencementby Nina Barone

teacher. The award recognizes members of the faculty and/or staff who have significantly contributed to the overall quality of the Nichols education. Honored for many years of leadership at Nichols, Dr. Rockwell was commended for her intellect, her passion for teaching, her unwavering support of her colleagues and students, and her enthusiasm for all she does at the School.

“You always seek ways to help students and fellow faculty explore new possibilities,” read Dr. Rockwell’s citation. “You generously lend your support and enthusiasm however Nichols may need it…We often hear that your lessons were everlasting, staying with alumni through college, career and life.”

This year’s student speaker was Joe Avino ’11. He opened with a story about his Middle School peers and him getting into mischief six years ago, which he described as “easily one of our least thought out plans in our even less notable lives.” The antics ended with him and the others in Mr. Munro’s office, receiving an appropriate punishment for their mischief.

“I tell this story primarily for entertainment, but I believe it also demonstrates an important difference between my character pre and post-Nichols Upper School,” Joe said. “What I most appreciate about Nichols is that it educates students in a manner that exceeds the scope of difficult academic coursework. Not to say that isn’t a priority (I have a stack of Mr. Cockerill’s geometry tests to prove it), but the Nichols experience is about

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Samantha Logel ’11, Margaret George ’11 and Ryan Best ’11

3 Summer 2011

so much more than simply doing schoolwork every day. Nichols students are educated on an entirely different level than basic academics. That’s why we refer to it as an ‘experience.’ The school promotes a culture of personal growth and development that is invaluable down the road. It educates students both academically and as responsible citizens of the world.”

Joe talked about his lessons learned over the years, how Nichols helped him develop as a student and become a person with integrity of character, and inspired him in ways he did not anticipate, but wholeheartedly appreciates today. He shared how he grew from doing the minimum to get by in his freshman and sophomore years to truly enjoying the challenge of assignments and looking forward to diving into rigorous work in his junior and senior years.

“Nichols is a second home for many students, and the faculty recognizes that by allowing students to pursue their passions through clubs, research and other extracurricular activities,” Joe said.

“Like every other graduating class, Nichols has given the Class of 2011 an opportunity to excel and succeed in life,” he concluded. “But if you take one thing from this speech, take this. Nichols has given us a lengthy head start in life. Please do not waste it. It is no longer anyone’s responsibility to create opportunity but your own.”

President/CEO of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, former Trustee and past Nichols parent, Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker, served as the guest speaker. She enlisted graduating senior, David Zakalik ’11, to read a famous Chinese proverb in Mandarin: “Tell me and I might forget; show me and I may remember; engage me and I will learn.”

“Over the past four years, Nichols has engaged you in a learning process that has lead to new insights and knowledge,” Mrs. Dedecker said. “The School has started you down the path which turns information into knowledge for the purpose of applying that knowledge to everyday life and, in doing so, build your store of personal wisdom.”

Prior to that day, Mrs. Dedecker surveyed the members of the Class of 2011, seeking answers about what they value, what motivates them and moves them. She learned that family, friends and education were very important to all. Their answers indicated that relationships and learning were among the core values of the class. When asked what they wanted in the world, Mrs. Dedecker heard ideals of peace, justice and equity repeatedly.

“Many of you shared dreams that spoke to a more peaceful

world with less hunger, less pain and less prejudice,” she said.“Some of you noted that the challenges before us are

riddled with complexities that can seem insurmountable,” she continued. “Where and how to begin? Is it realistic to try? Can one person make a difference?”

Her response to them was inspiring: this world is yours to create. She agreed that there are great challenges before us as a society, but she stressed that individuals and strong leaders can and do make a difference.

Mrs. Dedecker told the story of Jerry Sternin, a humanitarian tasked with solving the colossal problem of improving childhood malnutrition in Vietnam. When he arrived in the unfamiliar country without speaking the language and minimal resources, he approached the problem in a grassroots manner that got to the heart of what was working for some families, and then devised a plan to introduce it to the rest.

Jerry spoke with mothers in a village who were yielding better results – healthier, well nourished children. He found that most malnourished children were fed twice a day, with larger meals consisting of mostly rice, but the healthiest children were fed smaller meals several times a day. The latter mothers were adding shrimp, crabs and sweet potato greens to the rice. Although these were typically unconventional food for children, they added sorely needed protein and vitamins to the children’s diet. This insight changed the lives of 2.2 million children for the better. Jerry’s story is a powerful example of how one person can make a huge difference when driven to do so.

If given a magic wand, members of the Class of 2011 said they would do everything from find cures for cancer and AIDS to strengthen our economy to end discrimination. Mrs. Dedecker told the students they can write their history because they have the ability to change and better the world.

“Whether you touch one or countless lives…each of you will command a sphere of influence in which to wave your personal magic. Use it wisely and use it generously. I wish you each a life with meaning, an existence with purpose, and days filled with actions that engage others in finding solutions,” she ended.

The morning culminated with the awarding of diplomas by Dr. Aranya Maritime, Head of Upper School.

Congratulations to the Class of 2011! We wish you all the best as you enter this new chapter of your lives!

Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker delivers her address as the guest speaker; David Zakalik ’11 (right) shares a proverb in Mandarin.

Mr. Bryan shakes hands with An Jiang ’11.

4 Nichols School4 Nichols School

Darcy BrewerUpper School science teacher, Mr. Brewer, joined the Nichols faculty five years ago. He is relocating with his family to Princeton, N.J., and will teach at The Lawrenceville School. He formerly served as a Boys Hockey coach and acted as an advisor for the Investment Club.

Patricia FreresUpper School Latin teacher, Dr. Freres, taught at Nichols for 15 years. Head of the Student Conduct Committee, she also played an important role in the Latin students’ beloved event, the Roman Banquet, and led cultural trips to Italy. Earlier this year, Dr. Freres was featured in Business First of Buffalo’s “Teachers of Merit: 20 outstanding educators.”

Jim KramerDirector of College Counseling and Upper School economics teacher, Mr. Kramer, started his Nichols career 33 years ago. He served as a successful longtime Boys Varsity Basketball coach, is a Nichols Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, and was awarded the Olive R. Ringo Award this year. His daughter, Kait, graduated from Nichols in 2005.

Steve MoscovSophomore Dean and Upper School Spanish teacher, Mr. Moscov, has been a part of the Nichols faculty for 32 years. He also acted as Boys Tennis coach for many years. He will continue to work at Nichols on a part-time basis. His children, Ellie ’07 and Danny ’05, both graduated from the School.

Farewell to our FriendsThis spring was filled with tributes to honor several beloved Nichols teachers who retired this year. Four

longtime faculty members will retire from teaching and one other will move on to a new opportunity. We are

grateful for their devoted service to our community and wish them the best!

Don WagnerUpper School math teacher, Mr. Wagner, joined Nichols nine years ago, after retiring from a teaching career in the East Aurora public schools. He also served as Boys Varsity Soccer coach.

Retiring Faculty

5 Summer 2011

The Olive R. Ringo Faculty Award recognizes outstanding contributions by members of the Nichols faculty to the education of Nichols students. Each recipient is nominated by his/her peers and selected by a committee made up of previous faculty awardees. The 2011 recipient is Jim Kramer, longtime Economics teacher and Director of College Counseling, who retired following the 2010-2011 school year.

In addition to years of service to Nichols and obvious contributions to the School community, professional and personal characteristics are considered including: enthusiasm about teaching and learning; ability to communicate clearly and effectively; knowledge of subject area; organization, flexibility, and dedication; respect for students and a genuine concern for their development; intellectual curiosity and creativity; and high standards of excellence.

George J. Kloepfer II ’68 and Gordon Gannon ’50, co-trustee of the Olive R. Ringo estate, presented the award at a reception held on Wednesday, June 8, to honor our retiring and departing faculty members. Excerpts from Mr. Kramer’s citation follow:

“It’s hard to imagine any graduate during your tenure who hasn’t been impacted by your extraordinary work over your many years at Nichols.

For decades, you have championed the importance of academic rigor and the dangers of grade inflation to the School’s reputation. In the classroom, as a member of the History Department, you successfully squired seniors through the difficult challenges of global economic theory in your AP Economics classes.

When you arrived on campus in 1978, expectations were high as one of your main duties was to take over the helm of the Boys Basketball program from legendary Athletic Hall of Fame coach, Andy Anderson. For the next 21 years, you not only maintained

Awards

Olive R. Ringo Faculty Awardby Nina Barone

the excellence that has become synonymous with Nichols Basketball, but you took it to historic levels, producing several of the most outstanding teams in school history. Your teams won an unprecedented four state championships in the ’80s and ’90s, playing the game as you taught them to play it so well each day at practice. No teams were better prepared for competition than your teams. And your teaching was not just confined to your players, as just about every official in Western New York can attest;

in fact, many of your interactions sent myriad officials scurrying for dictionaries at halftime, searching for such words as ‘tendentious’ and, your favorite, ‘egregious.’…Most importantly, you shared your passion for the game you love with your players, and they always responded by playing hard and playing smart basketball. Is it any wonder that Christian Laettner ’88 had such a smooth transition to play for that other Coach K? For your extraordinary accomplishments on the hardwood, you were inducted into the School’s Athletic Hall of

Fame in 2007.Finally, it has been in your role as Director of College Counseling

where you have had the greatest influence on our graduating seniors for over 30 years…You educate each of your charges about the intricacies of the marketplace that is higher education, challenging them to make informed, competent decisions about their pursuits after Nichols…No one is a better advocate for Nichols students in this process than you have been. One Admissions Director of a well-known liberal arts college in New England observed once that your recommendations were amongst the best written that they received each year…Your wealth of knowledge, of expertise, and of experience has made you one of the most highly regarded college counselors in the nation and, as such, one of Nichols’ greatest assets.”

Congratulations and best wishes to Mr. Kramer!

Gordon Gannon ’50, Jim Kramer and George J. Kloepfer II ’68


Laurie Wright and Stephanie Angelakos

Mitchell Award by Nina Barone

During the Parent Volunteer Appreciation Brunch on Tuesday, June 6, Director of Development, Leslie Garcia, presented Laurie Wright with the Mitchell Award. Established in 2000, the award is named in honor of John A. “Jock” Mitchell ’66. The award is presented “to that individual or individuals whose volunteer efforts have made [the] School stronger and whose commitment to the mission of Nichols School is outstanding.”

Laurie and her husband, Doug, have been a part of the Nichols community for many years now, starting with the education of their oldest son, Andy ’06, followed by T.J. ’08. Their daughter, Lindsay ’12, is a rising senior.

Laurie has served in many leadership roles at the School, including Grade Representative, Parent Mentor, President of the Parents’ Council, and most recently, Co-Chair of the Derby Day Auction. Laurie and Doug have also been members of the Headmaster’s Society and are supportive of the School’s fundraising efforts from The Nichols Fund to the nicholsfuture.org Capital Campaign to Derby Day.

We are grateful to Laurie for her years of dedication and service to Nichols. She is a wonderful parent leader for the School!

Summer 2011

EditorNina Barone

[email protected]

ContributorsStephanie Angelakos

Nina BaroneRichard C. Bryan

Genevieve CarboneLeslie S. Garcia

Elizabeth Stevens Gurney ’75Chuck Ptak

Blake Walsh ’98

DesignerKelley Rechin, Duffy Moon Design

PhotographersJ. Matthew KiankaTom Maynor ’81

Front Cover: Blue skies prevailed for the Class of 2011 on the day of the 119th Commencement.

Staff

– means “that which is true” and is pronounced “taw alay théss.”

is published twice a year by the Development Office.

Telephone: 716.332.5151 • Fax: 716.875.3931Third Class postage paid at Buffalo, New York.

Nichols is an inclusive community. Acceptance granted to qualified students.

Nichols School 1250 Amherst St., Buffalo, NY 14216

716.332.6300 • www.nicholsschool.org

7 Summer 2011

At the Upper School

Morning Meeting on

Thursday, April 28,

20 seniors were named

to the prestigious Cum

Laude Society. The honor

represents the top 20%

academically in the

talented Class of 2011.

Cum Laude Society President, Dr. Dan Rosenblum, and Secretary, Dr. Andrew Sutherland, were pleased to induct the following graduating seniors:

The words cum laude form a Latin phrase meaning “with high praise.” The Cum Laude Society was founded in 1906 by Dr. Abram W. Harris of the Tome School in Maryland to recognize students of exceptional scholarship and good character. In 1918, Nichols School was the thirteenth school to be admitted to membership in the Cum Laude Society. At Nichols, criteria for admissions of students to the Cum Laude Society is based on: academic excellence; scholarship and love of learning; consistency in performance across the four years, with special attention to achievement in grades 11 and 12, degree of difficulty of course load; and character, honor and integrity in all aspects of School life.

Congratulations to this year’s inductees!

Cum Laude InducteesMatthew Benedict ’11Ryan Best ’11Gaelin Carrig ’11Michael Che ’11Paige Dedrick ’11Alyssa Henry ’11Andrea Hoerner ’11

Maya Jackson-Gibson ’11Kerry Kennedy ’11Karen Kim ’11Conor Leary ’11Donata Lorenzo ’11Derek Marks ’11Alexandra Mathews ’11

Emily Pfalzer ’11Maria Philip ’11James Randaccio ’11Victoria Salmon ’11Nicolette Winder ’11David Zakalik ’11


Martha AlfordCollege of Charleston

Alexandros Anas, IIAcademy of Art University (CA)

Michael AndersonUniversity of San Diego

Joseph Avino Roanoke College

Lauren BasilUniversity of Rochester

Matthew BenedictMiddlebury College

Ryan BestUniversity of Richmond

Bethany BisoneSUNY at Binghamton

Evan Brannen The University of Alabama

Colin CampbellKenyon College

Emily CarlsonGoucher College

Gaelin Carrig Mercyhurst College

Gerald CathcartSUNY at Buffalo

Rachel CatipovicRochester Institute of Technology

B. William Chambers, Jr.University of Pittsburgh

Michael CheUniversity of Western Ontario

Connor ChevliCase Western Reserve University

Cameron CollinsVillanova University

Kerry CollinsBoston College

Austin CorbettHobart and William Smith Colleges

Kellie CorwinBoston College

William CuthbertMiami University (OH)

Elizabeth DalyCanisius College

Alexandra DawesKansas State University

Paige DedrickCarleton College

Peter Dudek, Jr.Junior Hockey

Sibel ErkCanisius College

Marissa FasoMercyhurst College

Joshua FinkelsteinNew College of Florida

Brian FranzHobart and William Smith Colleges

Margaret GeorgeLoyola University (MD)

Ryan GoodnoughChamplain College

David HamiltonEmory University

Ellie HayesUniversity of New Hampshire

Meaghan HeldweinHoly Family University

Alyssa HenryFordham University (Honors)

Andrea HoernerWake Forest University

Michael HoernerUniversity of Miami (FL)

Steven HolevinskiSUNY at Buffalo

Rebecca HotungUniversity of Vermont

Luai IbrahimUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Maya Jackson-GibsonAmherst College

Katielynn JanigaCollege of Charleston

An JiangRensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Lauren JonesUniversity of Vermont

Brendan KaretHobart and William Smith Colleges

Colin KennedyUniversity of Cincinnati

Kerry KennedyKenyon College

Yoon-Kyoung KimJohns Hopkins University

Kevin KirisitsClarkson University

John KnoxNiagara University

Alexander KotridesNiagara University

Conor LearyBoston College

Sung Hyun LeePurdue University

Jessica LewisPace University

Samantha LogelSUNY at Buffalo

Donata LorenzoSkidmore College

Ingrid LundUniversity of California at Berkeley

Mary-Kate MacKinnonHobart and William Smith Colleges

Pamicka MarinelloFranklin & Marshall College

Derek MarksSUNY at Geneseo

Shannon MartinKent State University

Alexandra MathewsUniversity of Chicago

Leah McDonaldCanisius College

Haley McNamaraBoston University

Stephen MontaniFurman University

Catherine NascaRoanoke College

Njideka NobleSpelman College

Class of 2011 Matriculation List

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9 Summer 2011

A.

C.

George Ostendorf, IIIThe University of Alabama

Paige PeltanThe George Washington University

Max PergamentSt. Lawrence University

Emily PfalzerBoston College

Maria PhilipGeorgetown University

David PiercePhillips Exeter Academy (PG)

Sarah PlunkettSUNY at Buffalo State

Jocelyn PridgenAlbany State University (GA)

James RandaccioTufts University

Heather RinowSUNY at Oswego

Keith RubinsteinSUNY at Fredonia

Victoria SalmonAmherst College

Erika SchoeneSUNY at Geneseo

Osman SharifSUNY at Buffalo

Ryan StaynerJunior Hockey

Charles SteinLake Forest College

Joseph SternUniversity of Vermont

Joseph TantilloUniversity of St. Andrews (UK)

Patrick ThompsonUniversity of St. Andrews (UK)

William TiftickjianNiagara University

Brittney TomaniCanisius College

Sophie UmbrasFashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (CA)

Kristen VillalobosUniversity of Rochester

Ashley WagstaffBarnard College

Christopher WalterHartwick College

Sloane WaltonSUNY at Buffalo

Colin WegnerRobert Morris University

Haley WelchElmira College

Christopher WhiteSiena College

Emerald WielbonCanisius College

Nicolette WinderWake Forest University

Christian YingThe George Washington University

Nathaniel YoodHobart and William Smith Colleges

David ZakalikCornell University

Jacob ZimmerBentley University

8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony June 8, 2011


A.

C. D.

B.

E.

A. Sam Jones ’15 and Chloe Keating ’15 are the class speakers.

B. The Class of 2015

C. Head of Middle School, Paul Errickson, Alex Castiglia ’15 and Head of School Rick Bryan

D. Brady Stevens ’15 presents Mr. Bryan with the class gift, a TV to display school photos, in memory of Mr. Kim Kimberly ‘47.

E. Matthias Williams ’15

8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony June 8, 2011

11 Summer 2011

Class of 1961, Meet the Class of 2018by Genevieve Carbone

One of the most anticipated events of Reunion Weekend is the exchange of letters between the 50th Reunion class and the current 5th graders. Affectionately called “Pen Pals,” the class of 2018 began preparing in March by sending letters inviting a friend from the class of 1961 to join them for a tour of the school and refreshments while in town for their 50th Reunion. The 5th graders scoured through old Verdians to become more acquainted with their pen pal and enclosed many questions. The class of 1961 eagerly responded to the written letters and explained what Nichols was like when they were there.

Whether funny or informative, the letters drew one parallel that age couldn’t take away: an appreciation and love for Nichols. The event is a chance for the 5th graders to reflect on their first year at Nichols and get a glimpse into life at Nichols 50 years earlier. The subsequent exchange with their pen pal undoubtedly reaffirms the value of a Nichols education and an appreciation for the School that continues on into adulthood. The letters bring together a curiosity for the past and a yearning for a bright future.

On Friday morning of Reunion Weekend, members of the Class of 1961 had the opportunity to meet their pen pals in an informal gathering in Regan Hall. Read on for excerpts from the 2018 and 1961 classes’ letters and pictures from their meeting!

“I enjoy many sports such as soccer, ski racing, hockey, track, dance, swimming and much more. My favorites are probably soccer and ski racing. Nichols is very different now than it was when you were here. We have computers, and we also don’t write in cursive as much as you did.”Andee Berberich ’18 to Ron Benderson ’61

“After graduating Nichols, I attended Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla., where I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree. After leaving Rollings I went into business washing cars. I am still in that business today.P.S. I would have written in cursive but you would not have been able to read it.”Ron Benderson ’61 to Andee Berberich ’18

Cate Fitzpatrick ’18, Andee Berberich ’18 and Ron Benderson ’61


Class of 1961, Meet the Class of 2018“I am an artist. I do paint on canvas, in fact, Nichols has an art class now. Actually it has drama, art, music and computer. I also play hockey on the B team and I love it!”Nina Calleri ’18 to Philip Trask ’61

“Although the campus and the teachers have changed, the quality of education you are receiving is as good or better than in my day…So, my advice to you is to take advantage of Nichols in every way you possibly can. Work hard. Play hard. Enjoy every minute.”Philip Trask ’61 to Nina Calleri ’18

“Nichols probably changed a lot since you were at school. They have lots of land for sports, and we get to walk outside for lunch. I would love to know about how Nichols was back when you came here. How have the buildings changed and what kind of sports did you do or try?”Toriana Todaro ’18 to Rick Reiser ’61

“We had Albright and Mitchell Halls, a hockey rink that was the second oldest in the U.S. and an old gym with a new addition. Everything else you see on your campus came after me, but schools are not so much buildings as they are students and faculty and courses.”Rick Reiser ’61 to Toriana Todaro ’18

“In fifth grade at Nichols, the hardest and probably my favorite class is Central Studies, which includes medieval history, reading and writing. Was Nichols hard?” Jacob Dolan ’18 to Fredrick Cohen ’61

“Yes, Nichols was hard; but I loved every day of it and appreciate what it did for me as a person.” Frederick Cohen ’61 to Jacob Dolan ’18

Fred Cohen ’61, Caleb Herskind ’18 and Jacob Dolan ’18

Maren Geiger ’18, Nina Calleri ’18, Phil Trask ’61 and Katie Trask

Toriana Todaro ’18 and Rick Rieser ’61

13 Summer 2011

“In my family, I have one brother and one sister and they both are attending Nichols with me. My hobbies are playing tennis, soccer, squash, basketball, lacrosse and hockey. I am not sure when you were at Nichols if you were able to choose the sport you wanted to play.”Jack Vanderhorst ’18 to Henry Rubin ’61

“We had some great teachers at Nichols and I look back at my time there as the real foundation of my education. Excellence was not exceptional; it was normal.”Henry Rubin ’61 to Jack Vanderhorst ’18

“There are four foreign languages that you can choose from: Latin, Spanish, French, Chinese. I study Latin and really enjoy it. I would love to know what your job is now and what the school lunches were like.”Quinn Rifkin ’18 to Bob French ’61

“I am retired from the workplace…As far as your question about Nichols School lunches: I thought they were terrific (some of my schoolmates might disagree with me), and my favorite was Swiss Steak the staff prepared occasionally. Hope you are having even better lunches now!”Bob French ’61 to Quinn Rifkin ’18

“I have three siblings and my family is from over 10 countries. Also, I’m a philatelist. I take French and I am one of the best geographers in the Middle School. I am a red Sox fan and I want to become an architect when I grow up.” Bradley Castiglia ’18 to John Buyers ’61

“You and your parents have made a life changing choice by enrolling at Nichols. It is without a doubt the finest school, for people who want to become the best they can, in Western New York. You will find it difficult yet challenging and at times quite frustrating. Only later in life will you truly realize the advantages of graduating from Nichols.” John Buyers ’61 to Bradley Castiglia ’18

John Buyers ’61, Abhinav Kumar ’18 and Bradley Castiglia ’18

Michael Watkins ’18, Henry Rubin ’61 and Jack Vanderhorst ’18

Quinn Rifkin ’18, Bob French ’61 and Eric Dhillon ’18


Cottle Award:Alexandra Mathews ’11

Faculty Prize:Josh Finkelstein ’11

Williams Cup:Emily Pfalzer ’11

McCarthy Prize:Gerald Cathcart ’11

Joseph L. Hudson, Jr. ’49 Award:Andrea Hoerner ’11

Headmaster’s Awards:Michael Che ’11Paige Dedrick ’11Maya Jackson-Gibson ’11Maria Philip ’11Emerald Wielbon ’11David Zakalik ’11

Dudley M. Irwin, III ’45 Memorial Award: Tommy Noonan ’12

Nottingham Award: Caroline Fenn ’12

Harvard Prize Book:Nick Shea ’12Allison Stenclik ’12

Williams College Book Award: Jenna Herskind ’12

Yale Award:Un-Pil Baek ’13Jack Faso ’13

Christopher Wadsworth Award:Monica Manney ’14Seth Meyer ’14Jason Zhou ’14

George Knight Houpt Senior English Prize:Bethany Bisone ’11Paige Dedrick ’11Andrea Hoerner ’11Kerry Kennedy ’11Alexandra Mathews ’11Maria Philip ’11

Brown Junior English Award: Jenna Herskind ’12.

Red Jacket Poetry Award:1st Place: Paige Dedrick ’112nd Place: Jenna Herskind ’122nd Place: Christine Moloney ’13

Purdy Short Story Award:1st Place: Caroline Fenn ’122nd Place: Lorena Lyon ’14

Faith Davis Visual Arts Award: Karen Kim ’11

Nichols Dance Award:Allison Stenclik ’12

Nichols Theatre Award:Josh Finkelstein ’11Margaret George ’11Alexandra Mathews ’11

Nichols Vocal Music Award: Josh Finkelstein ’11Alexandra Mathews ’11Sophie Umbras ’11Emerald Wielbon ’11

Nichols Instrumental Music Award: Pamicka Marinello ’11

Charles E. Balbach Art Prize: Emily Carlson ’11

Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award: Shannon Nachreiner ’12

Keating Science Award: Sameera Toenjes ’12

Baldwin Science Award: Cameron Collins ’11

Mayer Science Award: Jack Faso ’13

Millard Sessions History Award:Eleni Anas ’12Allison Stenclik ’12

Senior Social Science Award - AP Macroeconomics:Cameron Collins ’11Colin Campbell ’11

Senior Social Science Award - AP Art History: Kerry Kennedy ’11

Senior Social Science Award - AP Government: Maria Philip ’11

Senior Social Science Award - AP Human Geography: Patrick Thompson ’11

Senior Social Science Award - Urban Studies: Michael Che ’11

Tracy E. Tuthill Mathematics Award:Andy Jiang ’11

RPI Mathematics & Science Award:Austin Kubiniec ’12

American Mathematics Competition Award:Jason Zhou ’14Austin Kubiniec ’12Un-Pil Baek ’13Andy Jiang ’11

Latin Award: Ashley Wagstaff ’11

French Award: Alexandra Mathews ’11

Spanish Award:Maria Philip ’11

Dual Spanish and French Award: Rebecca Hotung ’11

Chinese Award: David Zakalik ’11

Alumni Cup:Pamicka Marinello ’11Matt Benedict ’11James Randaccio ’11

Maisel General Information Test: Nick Shea ’12

G. Robert Strauss, Jr. ’79: Peter Borgesi ’12

Bonnie Lerner Posmantur Award:Andrea Hoerner ’11 Dann ’49 Community Service Award: Donata Lorenzo ’11

Verdian DayUpper School AwardsOn Friday, May 27, Upper School students, parents, faculty and staff gathered in the Flickinger Performing Arts Center to celebrate the accomplishments of our students, particularly the graduating seniors. The Verdian was dedicated to Upper School science teachers, Jake Morris and Lisa Sauer. The 2010-2011 awardees are as follows:

15 Summer 2011

Western New York Spelling Bee:1st Place – Diana Lynn Henry ’162nd Place – Saloni Kumar ’18

Red Jacket Poetry Contest:1st Prize – Lorena Miller James ’181st Prize – Paige Fiona Spangenthal ’152nd Prize – Sumayyah Tasleem Haq ’17

Purdy Short Story and Personal Narrative Prize:1st Prize Short Story – Erin Constance Nebbia ’152nd Prize Short Story – Leah Jane Kramer ’171st Prize Personal Narrative – Thomas Lynch Draper ’15 and Diana Lynn Henry ’16

Geography Bee:1st Place – Samuel Maxwell Jones ’152nd Place – Bradley Edward Castiglia ’18

New York State Math League Contest:6th Grade: 1st Place – Samantha Elaine Lazar ’172nd Place – John Michael Millar ’173rd Place – Alexandra Rose Jehle ’174th Place – Caroline Lewis Magavern ’175th Place - Leeanne Russell Jones ’17

7th Grade:1st Place – Madeleine Julia Welchoff ’162nd Place – Evan Frederick Brason ’163rd Place – Maeanna Mary Merrill ’164th Place – Diana Lynn Henry ’165th Place – Leyton Walker Johnston ’16

8th Grade:1st Place – David Christopher Fulton ’152nd Place – Anna Sophia Magavern ’153rd Place – Samuel Maxwell Jones ’154th Place – James Patrick Taggart II ’155th Place – Zachary Daniel Weinberg ’15

Music AwardsOrchestra:Most Improved Musician – Saloni Kumar ’18

Music Leadership Award – Paige Fiona Spangenthal ’15Outstanding Musician – Diana Lynn Henry ’16

Chorus:Most Improved Musician – Rebecca Esther Regan ’15Music Leadership Award – David Christopher Fulton ’15Outstanding Musician Award – Dann Brady Stevens ’15Choral Award – Samuel Maxwell Jones ’15

Band:Most Improved Musician – Mikyle Hassanali ’17Music Leadership Award – Matthias Oshon Williams ’15Outstanding Musician Award – Jessica Wei Zhou ’15

National French Exam Recognitions:1st Place – Anna Sophia Magavern ’152nd Place – Dann Brady Stevens ’15 National Latin Exam Recognitions:Summa Cum Laude – David Christopher Fulton ’15 and Rebecca Esther Regan ’15Maxima Cum Laude – Chloe Joy Keating ’15, Kathryn Heintz Riter ’15, Zachary Weinberg ’15 and Jessica Wei Zhou ’15Cum Laude – Thomas Lynch Draper ’15 and Grace Margaret Tomczak ’15

National Spanish Exam Recognitions:Premio de Oro (Gold) – James Patrick Taggart II ’15Premio de Plata (Silver) – Jacob Aaron Zarzecki ’15Premio de Bronce (Bronze) – Rachel Shannon Larson ’15Premio de Excelencia (Honor) – Emma Armstrong Elia ’15, John Arthur Ennis ’15, Kelly Caroline McNamara ’15, Benjamin Michael Muggia ’15 and Will Edward Yerkovich ’15

H.R. MacKinder General Information Test (G.I.T.): 5th Grade: 1st – Bradley Edward Castiglia ’186th Grade: 1st – Brian Compton Tank ’177th Grade: 1st – Madeleine Julia Welchoff ’168th Grade: 1st – James Patrick Taggart II ’15

Middle School Overall G.I.T. Winner:James Patrick Taggart II ’15

Cornelia Dopkins Awards:5th Grade – Rockwell Peiyuan Tang ’186th Grade – Jayne Hansen Appelbaum ’177th Grade – Emma Geraldyne Hobika ’168th Grade – Jeremy D. Dabney ’15

Henry D. Waters Awards:5th Grade – Michael Joseph Berdysiak ’186th Grade – Leeanne Russell Jones ’176th Grade – John Michael Millar ’17 Pliny H. Hayes III Award:7th Grade – Maeanna Mary Merrill ’16

The Bruce Anderson Award :Samuel Maxwell Jones ’15 The Nichols Coaches Awards:Sydney Rae Bueme ’15Chloe Joy Keating ’15

E. Webster Dann Faculty Awards:John Clarke Alford ’15Jean Jennings Beecher ’15David Christopher Fulton ’15Dann Brady Stevens ’15Grace Margaret Tomczak ’15

The Charles I. Kleiser Award:Rebecca Esther Regan ’15

Verdian DayMiddle School AwardsThe Verdian was dedicated to Middle School history teacher, Jim Cammarata. The 2010-2011 awardees are as follows:


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Reunion 2011by Blake Walsh ’98

On Friday, June 3, following the 119th Commencement and a much needed week of blue skies, Nichols alumni gathered for Reunion 2011, which included campus tours, a “Welcome Back” program in the Glenn and Awdry Flickinger Performing Arts Center and a reception in the Quadrangle. The Reunion celebrations began early in the day, with the 50th Reunion Class of 1961 meeting their Pen Pals in the Class of 2018, and went well into the weekend, with class parties and activities through Sunday. With 350 people in attendance over the weekend, Reunion 2011 was a true success.

The “Welcome Back” program opened with a student perspective of life at Nichols today, courtesy of Marie Zaccagnino ’14. Head of School, Rick Bryan, provided a school update. Jane Cox Hettrick ’78, President of the Board of Trustees, spoke about Nichols’ bright future and how the continued support of alumni and friends will allow the School to reach even greater heights.

Joan Bukowski ’81, current President of the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society’s Board of Managers, was back on campus for her 30th Reunion. Joan’s presentation focused on art and the way history

influences our decision making. She also addressed how the arts in education and at Nichols are critical to broadening our thinking.

Bill Franklin ’61, an attorney in Savannah, Ga., and former U.S. Army Captain, celebrated his 50th Reunion with over 30 classmates who came back to campus for the weekend. Bill effectively used humor to reinforce how appreciative he and his classmates should be for Nichols getting them to where they are today.

Thank you to the volunteers and all members of the Reunion Planning Committees. We could not have a successful Reunion weekend without your hard work and enthusiasm. Thank you to everyone who came back to campus to celebrate. The door is always open and we will continue to work hard to ensure that you remain proud of your alma mater!

For those of you celebrating next year, now is the time to get involved! Planning is already underway and we welcome more of you to join us. Save the date for Friday, June 8 and Saturday, June 9. We look forward to seeing you back at Nichols!

by Blake Walsh ’98

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2011 ReunionA. B.

F.E.

C. D.

A. Doug Hamberger, Jen Jarvis Hamberger ’81, Brian Gasuik ’81, Joe Banach ’81, Jim Ennis ’81, Jackie Ennis and Ellen Considine Miller ’81

B. Abbe Walsh ’06, Rob Greene ’90 and Hannya Boulos ’06

C. Ellen De Rose ’06, Steve Moscov and Stephen Ruotsi ’06

D. Rich Adams ’61 presents Rick Bryan with the Class of 1961, 50th Reunion Class gift.

E. Gretchen Sanford Bohmaker ’71, Beverly Johnson ’71, Nancy Gibbons Fisher ’71 and Karen Mathews ’71

F. Hank Deperro ’66 and Jonathan Wright ’66

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDBuffalo, NY

Permit No. 3658

1250 Amherst St.Buffalo, NY 14216

Save the DateSaturday, Oct. 1Homecoming

Sunday, Oct. 16Admissions Open House

Friday, Nov. 18Big Green Athletic Dinner

Friday. Dec. 9Old Guard Luncheon

Thursday, Dec. 22Alumni Holiday Gathering

Toaxnoes Summer 2011

Documents

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nichols memories

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years of leadership

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