COMMENCEMENT 2008 - Shady Side Academy

ShadySideAcademywww.shadysideacademy.org MAGAZINE

Special Parents’ Edition

COMMENCEMENT 2008

2 Shady Side Academy Magazine

Dear ShadySide AcademyParents:As reflected in thisissue of the maga-zine, what anotherwonderful year wehave had at ShadySide Academy! Oneonly need look backat this year’s past

issues of the magazine or look through thiscurrent edition to be reminded of the valueand difference of the Shady Side Academyexperience and education. Thanks to ourlongevity of excellence for 124 years, ShadySide Academy has the benefit of a powerfulmomentum propelling us, not only into our125th anniversary year, but also deeper intothe opportunities of the 21st century.

My father, also an educator, in response tomy referring to one’s “coasting,” reminded

me that “the only way one coasts for anylong period of time is down hill.” I havenever forgotten this as a school administra-tor and have tried always to seize theopportunity of the momentum while realiz-ing that to coast (on our laurels) for longcould be tragic to our ultimately being ableto achieve our mission. Keep on movingforward; no time to coast (for long). “Keepon keeping on.”

As we enter this benchmark year of ourfounding, and as we celebrate the manyaccomplishments of this past year, this new125th year and the many years to come, Iam reminded of a couplet written by JohnFlorio in 1591:

“When you are an anvil, hold you still;When you are a hammer; strike your fill.”This provides an insight into a deep truth,

that in order to live our lives we need the twobalanced but related qualities of humility andresolution; of patience in suffering and

strength in action. We are both object andsubject, both subservient to fate as well as itsmaster. There are some situations in whichwe are unable to take action. Losses, bereave-ments, disappointments, diseases, wars,depressions — these may strike humans orinstitutions such as Shady Side at any hourwith immense force. In such circumstanceswe can only brace ourselves against theshocks. These are our anvil moments.

However, there are other situations inwhich we have the power to act, and that iswhen we need all of our firmness and single-ness of purpose; a mission-driven response.We must move wisely, move in a timely man-ner, and above all, be on task and target.

With these two qualities — patience andstrength — Shady Side Academy has“endured all” for nearly 125 years. As youread this issue of the magazine, certainlyenjoy the many evidences of student successand the richness their experiences at the

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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Commencement Issue 2008 3

In this issue…

2 President’s Message

4 Senior School Commencement

14 Middle School Closing Exercises

20 Junior School Moving-Up Day

22 Junior School Closing Exercises

26 Posner Awards

28 Sports Briefs

On the front cover: Senior School students and faculty members meet following Commencement 2008.

Cover photo by: Regis N. Werling, Town and Country Studio

Editor: Jennifer Roupe

Associate Editors: Jamie Brush ’98 and Lauren Gilchrist ’03

Contributors: Jamie Brush ’98, Karen Fedusa, Lauren Gilchrist ’03, Robert Grandizio Jr. ’91, Rick Munroe ’84, Tom Southard

Photography: Jamie Brush ’98, Tron McConnell ’71, Dudley Parr, Jennifer Roupe, Regis N. Werling, Jack Wolf

Design Consultant: Peggy Warnock

Printed by: Herrmann Printing & Litho, Inc.

If you are interested in becoming a contributor to the Shady Side Academy Magazine, please contact Jennifer Roupe [email protected] for details.

Shady Side Academy Magazine is published by Shady Side Academy for its alumni, parents and friends of the school.Letters and suggestions are welcomed and should be sent to Jennifer Roupe, Director of Communications, Shady SideAcademy, 423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238. Address corrections should be sent to the Alumni Office, ShadySide Academy, 423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238.

Junior School, 400 S. Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, 412-473-4400

Middle School, 500 Squaw Run Road East, Pittsburgh, PA 15238, 412-968-3100

Senior School, 423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238, 412-968-3000 www.shadysideacademy.org

Academy. However, on the eve of this spe-cial anniversary year, please be especiallyreflective of how the strength of ourlongevity, the courage of our “anvilmoments” and the momentum of our 124years combined with decades of timelypatience and strength have brought us tothe beginning of our 125th consecutiveschool year. And because “coasting” is notan option, we ask you to continue to walkwith us, imagine with us and be with us asour future together unfolds in the manypromising meaningful years to come. “SoStand Throughout the Years.”

Sincerely,

Thomas N. Southard, PresidentShady Side Academy

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Shady Side Academy officially launched the Class of 2008 on Friday, June 6,

2008. The 125 members of the senior class were honored by faculty, friends and family during the

traditional outdoor ceremony on the Senior Quad. Christine Rua ’08 delivered the senior speech,

reminding the class of who they have become during their four years at the Senior School and

charging the underformers and rising seniors not to be afraid to make a positive impact. Roger

Goodell, commissioner of the NFL, delivered the commencement address. A Posner Award for mer-

itorious faculty service was presented to Frank McCarthy, Senior School mathematics teacher, and

several students from all forms were honored with commencement prizes.

Senior School CommencementCommencement


Lifers of the Class of 2008.

Academy President Thomas N. Southard, Commissioner of the NFLRoger Goodell, Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney, Steelers Presidentand Current Parent Art Rooney II.

Nancy Blubaugh, recipient of the Ruth and F. Walter Jones ServicePrize, with Walter Jones, Faculty Emeritus.

2008 Senior School Commencement Prize Winners

First Honor Student in Senior Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua Stuart Falk ’08

Second Honor Student in Senior Class. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessica Kay Chang ’08

Raymond F. Arnheim Memorial Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Elizabeth Bagamery ’08

The Alfred C. Dickey Memorial Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua Stuart Falk ’08

The Richard S. ’39 and Kenneth L. ’41 Simon Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Margaux Lorraine LeMaster ’08

The Princeton Alumni Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua Ko-Lun Lee ’09

Frankie Joseph Costa Jr. ’10

Haley Elizabeth DeJulio ’11

The John H. Cohen Family Improvement Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meredith Leigh Crimmins ’09

Karl Frederick Bruch IV ’10

Jatara J. McGee ’11

The Joseph Bole Hare Steffey Memorial Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Ann Dawson ’08

The Edward Ernest Ebbert Memorial Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hannah Ferrar Foster ’08

Trevor Randolph Scheid ’08

The Ruth and F. Walter Jones Service Prize. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Blubaugh

The All-Round Cup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelsey Marie Olander ’08

The Todd Drelles Memorial Prize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Elizabeth Wampler ’08

The Lowell Innes Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Ann Dawson ’08

The President’s Prize. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vijay Kedar ’08


Christine Rua, Class of 2008 Senior Speaker.

2008 College Choices The students and their college choices listed here are those for whom Shady

Sophia Aivaliotis Drexel University Ayse Baybars Harvard University

David Allen University of Dayton Andrew Begg Playing Junior Hockey

BobbiLyn Anthony University of Pittsburgh Robert Bennett Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Laura Bagamery Princeton University Hannah Berkowitz George Washington University

Rachel Balog University of Pittsburgh Seth Bernstein Wake Forest University

Kaitlin Bauer St. Mary’s College Gregory Bidula John Carroll University

“Alfred Lord Tennyson once wrote, “I am a part of all I have met,” in whichcase, I could not ask for a better group of peers to grow and learn from. Our class is composed of truly amazing individuals who are not only dedicated

to what they do, but dedicated to making an impact in the SSA community as well.”

— Christine Rua, Class of 2008


Head of Senior School Jeremy LaCasse, Commissioner of theNFL Roger Goodell, Current Parent Laura Dawson and Presidentof Alumni Council J. Brendan McLaughlin ’86.

From left: Ben Cohen ’08, Jessica Cohen ’05, Carl Cohen and Hillary Cohen.

Seated from left: Diane Fisher, J.R. Fisher ’08 and John Fisher. Standing fromleft: Richard Fisher ’52, George Fisher ’04, Barbara Fisher and Mike Fisher ’09.

Side Academy Magazine received permission to print.

Alexandra Bodnarchuk Ohio University Katherine Byrnes Cornell University Molly Cunningham Duquesne University

Kurt Brendel Princeton University Jeffrey Caruso Skidmore College Christine Currie Columbia University

Jeffrey Broad Furman University Jessica Chang Stanford University Jennifer Dawson Furman University

Marissa Brooks Syracuse University Andrea Chavlovich Allegheny College Vishal Desai Carnegie Mellon University

Brian Burnett Penn State University Benjamin Cohen University of Pennsylvania Kara DiBiase Miami University (Ohio)

Nomin Buuch University of Pittsburgh Jacob Cohen University of Georgia Joshua Diggs Emory University


Seated from left: Linda Mates, Stacey Mates ’08 and Jeff Mates ’70.Standing from left: Marcella Apter, Jenna Mates ’10 and Dorothy Mates.

Commissioner of the NFL Roger Goodelladdresses the Class of 2008.

Seated from left: Martha Banwell, Hannah Berkowitz ’08 and Dr. DanielBerkowitz. Standing from left: Ed Berkowitz and Barbara Berkowitz ’78.

Seated from left: Mark Giallonardo ’79, Andrew Giallonardo ’08 and Susan Giallonardo ’78. Standing from left: Dr. David Hiles ’51,Barbara Hiles, Lindsay Giallonardo, Dana Giallonardo ’06, Nancy Giallonardo and Ron Giallonardo.

David Edwards Yale College Michael Farrell Penn State University Hannah Foster Princeton University

Jamie Egan Villanova University Joshua Ferraccio University of Colorado at Boulder Luke Franchuk Westminster College

Brendan Eisenbrandt Sewanee: University of the South Paige Ferrise New York University Andrew Giallonardo Westminster College

Stephen Epple Carnegie Mellon University Chase Fisher St. Lawrence University Jonathan Ginsberg Wesleyan University

Joshua Falk Stanford University John R. Fisher Stanford University David Gookin Bard College

Katie Falloon Yale University Linda Flaherty Miami University/Ohio Daniel Gordon Boston University

2008 College Choices


Seated from left: Drew Bauer ’75, Kate Bauer ’08 and Kathy Bauer.Standing from left: Megan Rigos, Andy Bauer ’10 and Joan Horgan.

Seated from left: Kara Flaherty ’16, Shawn Flaherty ’78, LindaFlaherty ’08 and Debbie Flaherty. Standing: Patrick Flaherty ’18.

From left: Laurie Singer, Drew Singer ’08 and Paul Singer.

Lauren Greco University of Miami/Florida Lucas Herman Alfred University

Arlen Greenberg Amherst College Natalie Herrington Allegheny College

Ryan Gurrentz University of Miami Samuel Heuck Kenyon College

Brendan Hannon Lehigh University Joan Hilton Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Emily Harmon Princeton University Peter Hirsch University of Virginia

Carolyn Hepler-Smith University of Pittsburgh Alexa Hunter University of Delaware

“...once you think you know it all, you’re in trouble, and I would encourage all of you

to recognize that when you finish schooling and your academics you will learn more, every day, throughout

your life. And if you don’t, you’re making a mistake.” — Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the NFL


Seated from left: Cindy Mino, Nicole Mino ’08 and Ralph Mino.Standing from left: Katie Mino ’14, Rachel Mino and Mindy Mino ’04.

Seated from left: Mary Modoono, Elizabeth Modoono ’08 and Gerry Modoono.Standing from left: Emily Modoono Sadler ’97 and Jesse Modoono ’99.

Seated from left: Nancy Byrnes, Kay C. Byrnes ’08 and Ed Byrnes ’59.Standing: Madison Byrnes.

Remington Jackson College of Wooster Neil Lax University of Pittsburgh Stacey Mates University of Michigan

Evin Jethroe George Washington University Margaux LeMaster Ithaca College Kristen McKnight Penn State University: Schreyer Honors College

Benjamin Kander Emory University Alexander Lemberg Wake Forest University Owen McLean New York University

Vijay Kedar Harvard University Tara Magge Duke University John Menniti Carnegie Mellon University

Andrew Klein Bucknell University Hina Mahmood Northwestern University Rohan Menon George Washington University

Ross Lampl Valley Forge Military College John Marous Emory University Joanna Meyer Ithaca College

“...when you get that opportunity to find what you want to do, strikeat it with passion and strike at it with a sense of determination, because

it’s a powerful force when you combine those two.” — Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the NFL



Seated from left: Judy Hannon, Brendan Hannon ’08, MichaelHannon ’74. Standing from left: Conor Hannon ’12, Mary Puckett,Bob Puckett, Marguerite Hannon, Jack Hannon, Sean Hannon ’09and Brian Hannon ’13.

Seated from left: Laura Dawson, Jenny Dawson ’08 and Bill Dawson.Standing: Karen Dawson ’10.

Seated from left: Peter Hilton ’77, Joan Hilton ’08 and Tekla Hilton ’77.Standing from left: Amy Hilton ’10 and Kurt Pankopf ’76.

Seated from left: John C. Marous Jr., Jack Marous ’08, John C. Marous III ’77.Standing from left: Lucine Marous, Leslie Davis ’81, Maureen Lally-Green,Maggie Marous, Andy Marous, Dan Marous ’14, Kelly Marous ’12, MollyMarous ’10 and Carlie Marous ’07.

Diana Miller Washington and Jefferson College Matthew Moran Wake Forest University Alex Petraglia Rhodes College

Katharine Miller Allegheny College Julie Nelson Culinary Institute of America Charles Phillips Bucknell University

Vincent Miller Wesleyan University Edwin Niederberger Allegheny College Nia Phillips Wellesley College

Nicole Mino West Virginia University Kelsey Olander Boston College Alexandra Pitz New York University

Adriana Mistick University of San Francisco Jayant Parepally Boston University Accelerated Medical Program Gina Poerio Syracuse University

Elizabeth Modoono University of Delaware Morgan Paul University of Pittsburgh Helen Pratt University of Pittsburgh


Seated from left: Paul Bodnarchuk, Alexandra Bodnarchuk ’08 and LeslieBodnarchuk. Standing from left: Marian Begala and Larisa Bodnarchuk ’10.

Seated from left: David Gookin ’73, Dave Gookin ’08 and Marcy Gookin.Standing from left: Kate Gookin ’02 and Ann Gookin ’01.

Seated from left: Greta Rooney, Dan Rooney ’08 and Art Rooney II.Standing from left: Meghan Rooney ’05, Mary Rooney ’10 and Annie Rooney ’11.

Seated from left: Christine Farrell, Mike Farrell ’08 and Michael Farrell. Standing from left: Jake Farrell ’13 and Chris Farrell ’10.

Amar Rao Carnegie Mellon University Julian Rudolph Rollins College

Varun Reddy Duke University Anna Rued University of Richmond

Mark Reynolds Wake Forest University Jayme Satterwhite University of Kentucky

Daniel Rooney Dartmouth College Trevor Scheid Stanford University

Samantha Rossi Northeastern University Daniel Shaffer US Military Academy at West Point

Christine Rua Davidson College Gautam Sharma Stanford University

“I am strong, confident, and capable. I do not take my education for granted. And I am ready for new challenges. I am

raised me, the faculty who taught me, the coaches who challenged me, and the peers who influenced me, and to all these people I owe

fear of failure dominate me, and I am not afraid of change. I am blessed with great privilege, and I accept the responsibility that coincides.

graduate, and most importantly, I am a member of the graduating class of 2008.” — Christine Rua, Class of 2008



Seated from left: Dr. Paul J. Burkhart II, Katie Miller ’08 and Karin Miller. Standing from left: Jeff Miller, Sam Miller ’11 andEli Miller ’18.

Seated from left: Kate Begg, Andrew Begg ’08 and Richard Begg ’76.Standing from left: Frank Begg, Chelsea Begg ’11 and Sue Begg.

Seated from left: Hilary Stroud, Glenn Sutula ’08 and Deirdre Sutula’06. Standing from left: Ginny Maddux, John Sutula and Ma Yan.

Seated from left: Melinda Edwards, David Edwards ’08 and Jamie Edwards ’74.Standing from left: Clara Jean Molyneaux, John Edwards ’03 and Catherine Edwards ’07.

Dhiren Shetty George Washington University Michael Sternberg Rochester Institute of Technology Kenneth Toler Loyola University Chicago

Drew Singer Lafayette College Lianne Sufrin Hofstra University Emily Wampler Loyola University Chicago

Pamela Singh Washington and Jefferson College Allyson Supowitz Northwestern University Caroline Washburn Brown University

Kristen Slinkard Grove City College Glenn Sutula Denison University Andrew Weber New York University

Philip Soeder Washington and Jefferson College Jaimie Szuhay University of Pittsburgh Katie Williamson University of Gloucestershire (U.K.)

E. Thomas Sprague Bucknell University Robert Tisherman Carnegie Mellon University

a product of the parents who

great thanks. I will not let my

I am a Shady Side Academy


Middle School Closing Exercises were held

Thursday, June 5, 2008, at 11 a.m. in the McKnight Hockey Center. The 75

members of the Class of 2012 were officially promoted to the Senior School and

welcomed by Head of School Jeremy LaCasse. Fondly recalling memories of the

Middle School and looking forward to the Senior School, Form II President

Rashaad Phillips delivered remarks on behalf of his class.

Middle School Closing ExercisesClosing Exercises


The Form II Chorus provides a musical interlude for the audience. The Middle School Band plays the Star-Spangled Banner.

Head of Junior School Cheryl Little, Middle School Assistant Headand Director of Studies John Curry, Head of Middle School AmyNixon Mindlin, Academy President Thomas N. Southard and Head of Senior School Jeremy LaCasse.

Middle School faculty member Paul Bodnarchuk with his wife, Leslie, also a Middle School faculty member and winner of the Kenneth M. VaskoMemorial Award.


The Supowitz Family

The Phillips Family

Rashaad Phillips, Form II class president, speaks to his classmates.

The Brown Family

2008 Middle School Graduation Prize WinnersBetty C. Labun Citizenship Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Claudia M. MihmErwin W. Cole Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hibiki SakaiForm I Improvement Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elizabeth C. RocksDavid McNaugher Marsh Memorial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Athena I. PetredisE. Bruce Hill Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erin E. GorseDavid A. Mancosh Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Molly C. MagovernBetsy Watkins Form II Improvement Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grant W. ZentgrafForm II Art Award for Best Artist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter T. Kann

Alessandra C. Davy-FalconiForm II Computer Literacy Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Athif I. WulandanaForm II Ethics Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James A GroteWillard E. Mead English Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alessandra C. Davy-FalconiIldra H. Eller Award (French) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christopher L. LeechForm II Latin Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vivek U. NimgaonkarForm II Mathematics Achievement Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Algebra I – Adi A. Krupski

Geometry – Vivek U. NimgaonkarCharles P. Shriver Mathematics Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew M. BoyleForm II Music Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chorus – Monica Srinivasa

String Ensemble – Oliver D. Ebeling-Koning & Joseph P. AnolikBand – Naveen J. Menon

Jazz Band – Joshua M. SilverForm II Science Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Max F. KaplanForm II Social Studies Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vivek U. NimgaonkarForm II Spanish Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua M. SilverSpeech Contest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6th Grade – Grant H. Newman

7th Grade – Antonio D. Satryan8th Grade – Lindsay J. Cozen

6th Grade Academic Award Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel R. MarousBlanche C. Wick Mathematics Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apoorva K. Annamraju


The Gorse Family

The Hannon Family

The Zentgraf Family

The Leech Family

The Samad Family

The Levy Family


Junior School Moving-Up Day took

place on Tuesday, June 3, 2008. Tour guides, the Safety Patrol and library assis-

tants were recognized for their hard work during the academic year, and book

prizes were presented by Junior School Head Cheryl Little to honor exemplary

achievements. Highlights of the event included the 2007-2008 slide retrospective

and the presentation of medallions by the current fifth grade to fourth grade stu-

dents, followed by the Moving-Up Song.

Junior School Moving-Up DayMoving-Up Day


Fifth-grade students transfer their medallions to their fourth-grade counterparts during the Medallion Ceremony.


On Wednesday, June 4, 2008, at 10 a.m., the

37 members of Shady Side Academy’s Class of 2015 were officially promoted

to the Middle School and presented with diplomas by Academy President

Thomas N. Southard, recognizing their achievements to date. In addition to the

formal program, fifth-grade students shared their favorite memories of the Junior

School, and parents were treated to musical interludes and a slideshow.

Observing Junior School tradition, Connor Jones ’15 passed the gavel to

Sarah Anania ’16.

Junior School Closing ExercisesClosing Exercises


The Curry Family

The Germinaro Family The Colville and Dauer Family


The Thai Family

The Horne Family

The passing and acceptance of the gavel.


The Veneziano Family

The Scherbarth Family

The Martin Family


Mr. Frank McCarthySenior School Mathematics30 Years

For his love of mathematics, those whom heteaches, the integrity with which he teachesand the respect he commands from all, FrankMcCarthy, Senior School mathematics facultymember, was presented with the 2007-2008Posner Award for Meritorious FacultyPerformance at Shady Side Academy.

Attesting to his continued impact on theirlife, one alumna shares: “As a young person,the fact that he made math make sense for mefor the first time, that he gave me confidence,was everything to me. As an adult, it is hisintegrity, his complete commitment to teach-

ing rigorously and without egotism, that Iadmire and deeply respect.”

McCarthy’s students’ success in the class-room, as well as on the AP Calculus Exam, isno surprise to those who are familiar with histeaching. Says one parent, “His straight for-ward approach with students may be his keyto success. From the first day of classes, stu-dents are told what they need to do to achievecertain results. Students know what is expect-ed of them and how to achieve success. Whilehis character and methods are more thanadmirable, it is his results which are exem-plary. He has turned many a student havinghad difficulty in mathematics earlier in theirschooling into ‘A students’ in his classroom.”

Dr. Mike O’NeilMiddle School Social Studies32 Years

As a member of the Middle School facultyfor 32 years, Dr. Mike O’Neil has inspiredgenerations of students to understand theimpact historical events have had on shap-ing our world. His colleagues hold him inthe highest regard, and his students lookforward to beginning their days in his class-room. These are just a few reasons why Dr.O’Neil was a recipient of the 2007-2008Posner Award.

A parent shares that Dr. O’Neil hasencouraged her children to learn aboutevents that have taken place in the past aswell as to understand the impact theseevents have had on shaping our countryand our lives. “My boys will routinelyquote things he has said in class or offer toshare interesting facts and stories he haspassed along. He has a real passion forwhat he does and that is evident to anyonewho ever sits in his class.” A student sharedthis about Dr. O’Neil: “(He is) the bestteacher for which a student can hope andthus proving that it doesn’t matter the con-tent of any course as much as it’s the teacherwho makes the difference in making a classinteresting and inspiring. Our opinions aresolicited, valued, challenged and must bebased upon fact and data. Dr. O’Neilinspires all those in the classroom; we wantto do well, because we know the teacherwants us to do well!”

“Thirty-two years ago this week I wastold by Mr. Mancosh [Dave Mancosh, theMiddle School head at that time] that I hadthe job at the Middle School. I came homewild with excitement. My wife, Mary, said‘Mike will you be happy there?’ I said, ‘I’mgoing to love this place.’ I loved it then andI love it now.”

Two Posner AwardsPresented During 2008 Commencement Week

To recognize faculty, an award lifting up the excellence of instruction from all who teach atShady Side Academy through the celebration of the accomplishments of one or two fac-

ulty each given year, there has been established, through endowed funds, The Posner Awardfor Meritorious Faculty Performance at Shady Side Academy. With the utmost appreciation toHenry ’37 and Helen Posner and the Posner family, the purpose of this Award is to recognize,inspire and reward those faculty members at Shady Side Academy who, through their special“gift of teaching” and mentoring, have made a significant impact in the learning, developmentand lives of their students. This Award assumes quality teaching, but is also designed to cele-brate all teachers through a faculty member who has had a uniquely beneficial and enduringimpact on the academic and personal lives of students. Nominations are submitted by stu-dents, parents, alumni and administrators of Shady Side Academy. Traditionally there are oneto two recipients each year from among our pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade faculty.

This year, there were two recipients of this award, which includes a cash stipend of $25,000.


SPRING SEASON 2008

SportsBRIEFS

■ Girls’ CrewBy Lauren Laufe ’10 This spring, for the first time, Shady SideAcademy offered girls’ crew as a varsitysport. Initially started as a club this pastwinter, parents donated four rowingmachines/ergs for the girls to train on overthe winter months. SSA then joined forceswith the Steel City Rowing Club, whichprovided the team with not only boats of allsizes, but coaches as well. The team launch-es from a dock in Verona, Pa. and rows onthe Allegheny River five days a week afterschool. This spring season, the SSA girlscompeted in the Cooper Cup in New Jersey,the Midwest Scholastic Rowing Champ-ionships in Cincinnati, Ohio, and also intwo scrimmages in Pittsburgh, rowing inboats ranging from doubles to quads andeven an eight-person boat. These 10 girlshave been learning to sweep row and toscull as well. Look for us on the water!

■ Boys’ Track and FieldBy Remington Jackson ’08

Unfortunately, the 2008 season began with-out a track due to the football field renova-tions. However, this year’s captains,Remington Jackson ’08 and Rob Tisherman’08, were still able to motivate the team. Theseason started with wins over Springdaleand Ford City and close losses to Deer Lakesand Kittanning. The low point of the seasonoccurred with losses to Riverview, Freeportand Mars. Luckily, the team’s performanceand attitude both changed for the betteralong with the weather. After very closecompetition with Valley and Apollo Ridge,the team was ready for the Mars and Pine-Richland Invitational. All members whoattended performed well in their own heats,and some performed exceptionally well inthe invitational. With the runners in fullstride, they were more than ready forWPIAL qualifiers. Tisherman and Charlie

Phillips ’08 both qualified in their respectiveevents, while Jackson placed ninth overall.Special thanks to team newcomers DaveAllen ’08 and Mike Farrell ’08 and to VivekSharma ’10, Sy Lampl ’10, Dan Gordon ’08,Karl Bruch ’10, Michael Sternberg ’08,Edwin Neiderberger ’08, Jake Bajada ’10,Dhiren Shetty ’08 and Roman Sandoval ’09for their contributions.

■ Girls’ Track and FieldBy Kelsey Olander ’08

This past spring, the girls’ track and fieldteam finished the season with a winningrecord of 7-2. In the field, Raediah Lyles’09, Marissa Brooks ’08 and SaraMangold ’09 took control of the shot put,discus and javelin events. Lyles made it tothe WPIAL finals, where she placed sev-enth in the shot put, two places awayfrom advancing to the state champi-onships, and also breaking the schoolrecord. In the high jump, Kay C. Byrnes’08, Alexandra Bodnarchuk ’08 andKelsey Olander ’08 qualified for WPIALsbut didn’t get to the final round. TaylorGlenn ’09 competed in the long jump.Tory Bruuch ’10 and Katrina Jueng ’10made it to WPIAL finals in the mile andtwo-mile races. Jueng placed third in bothevents and advanced to the state meet atShippensburg. Glenn placed fifth at theWPIAL finals in the 400 meters andmoved on to states, where she placedninth overall. The 4x4 relay placed thirdat the WPIAL finals, crushing the schoolrecord by six seconds, and ran at states,where they broke the school record again.The girls’ track and field team had anincredible season overall, and they’re onlygoing to get better. Nice work, ladies!

■ Girls’ LacrosseBy Caroline Washburn ’08

This year, the Shady Side girls’ lacrosse teamwelcomed a new coaching staff, includinghead coach Alison Francis and assistantcoach Harry Dadts. Easing into the new sea-son, the girls struggled to maximize theirskills on the playing field in the first fewgames. However, during the away gameagainst backyard rival Fox Chapel, the teamshowcased skill and heart in a close loss tothe undefeated team. From then on, theteam played with great confidence to finishthe season with a record of 5-8.

■ Boys’ LacrosseBy Seth Bernstein ’08

The 2008 Shady Side Academy boys’lacrosse team lived up to the surroundinghype this season. Led by senior captainsSeth Bernstein ’08, Jeff Caruso ’08, BrendanEisenbrandt ’08 and Chase Fisher ’08, theteam battled through an incredibly tight D1North Division as well as a difficultMSLCA schedule. The Western PA resultsfell short of expectations; however,Midwest play matched Shady Side history.In the MSLCA tournament, Shady Sideplaced into the B bracket for only the thirdtime in school history. The team ended itsseason with an 11-8 overall record.

■ BaseballThe 2008 SSA baseball season was markedby a strong and consistent team effort andexcellent individual performances. Headcoach Bob Grandizio Jr. ’91, along withassistant coaches John Cappa, HarryFleishman and Jason Zoeller ’03, weredetermined to lead the team back to theplayoffs after a one-year absence. The teamfinished 14-7 overall and 10-2 in sectionplay, enabling them to compete in theWPIAL playoffs for the ninth time in the last10 years. The strong leadership of captainsJake Cohen ’08 and Tim Giel ’09 was thedriving force behind the team’s turnaround.The pitching staff, led by assistant coachCappa, was one of the best in recent teamhistory, holding opposing teams’ hitters to a.210 batting average with a team ERA of1.94. Giel’s efforts on the mound earnedhim a position as a finalist for WPIAL AAPlayer of the Year and team MVP whilepitcher Arlen Greenberg ’08 set a schoolrecord with a 0.69 ERA. Second basemanDrew Singer ’08 was named to the WPIALSenior All-Star Game, while Giel, Greenberg


and outfielders Ben Kander ’08 and SeanHannon ’09 earned all-section honors. Thefuture is bright as next year’s team will boast10 seniors, including captains Giel, Hannon,first baseman Zach Jones ’09 and severalvery capable underclassmen.

■ SoftballDespite losing every game this season (0-15), the girls’ softball team showed its met-tle in the final game of the season by play-ing hard and losing by only a small margin.Coach Frank McCarthy spoke the truthwhen he said that the spirit of the team wasmore important than its record.

■ Boys’ TennisShady Side Academy boys’ tennis hadanother outstanding season in 2008, quali-fying for states for the second consecutiveyear and finishing second in the WPIALteam tournament. At the top of the lineup,Chris Mengel ’10 enjoyed an undefeatedseason and also won the WPIAL DoublesTournament with partner Josh Ferraccio’08. Led by captains Dan Shaffer ’08 andFerrracio, as well as seniors Jack Marous’08 and Rohan Menon ’08, the team rolledinto the state tournament and proved they

were one of the strongest teams there.Rounding out the starting lineup were BenCohen ’11 and Justin Hunt ’11. The othervarsity players included Michael Anthony’10, Craig Pentrack ’09, Asher Saperstein’10, Nandeesh Prasad ’10 and Sam Miller’11. This season showed the dedication ofthe players as well as their continued com-mitment and leadership. The 2008 boys’tennis season is one that former players andalumni can be proud of.

2008 Spring Sports Records

WinningVarsity Sports Win Loss Tie Percentage League StandingBaseball 13 7 0 .651 Section Runner-UpSoftball 0 15 0 .000Boys’ Tennis 13 3 0 .813 WPIAL Runner-UpBoys’ Track 2 7 0 .222Girls’ Track 5 4 0 .556 Third Place SectionBoys’ Lacrosse 11 8 0 .579Girls’ Lacrosse 5 8 0 .385Totals 49 52 0 .485

Junior Varsity and Freshman SportsBaseball 5 12 0 .294Softball 0 4 0 .000Boys’ Tennis 6 7 0 .462Boys’ Lacrosse 4 4 0 .500Girls’ Lacrosse 4 7 1 .364Totals 18 34 1 .346Season Totals 67 86 1 .485

Shady Side Academy423 Fox Chapel RoadPittsburgh, PA 15238www.shadysideacademy.org

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Non-ProfitU.S. PostagePAIDPittsburgh, PAPermit No. 609

Shady Side Academy Homecoming 2008Celebrating 125 years

Friday, October 10 and Saturday, October 11.Reunion classes include: 1943, 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003.

The classes of 1958 and 1983 will be celebrating their 50th and 25th Reunions respectively. Stay tuned for a more detailed schedule of weekend events.

For more information, call the Alumni Office at 412-968-3015 or visit www.shadysideacademy.org.

The Alumni Art Show will feature the photography of Rick Byerly ’93 on display.

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COMMENCEMENT 2008 - Shady Side Academy

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