Creative Collaboration: exploring U.S. HiStory

D uring the second semester, students in Maggie Sullivan’s 11th grade Topics in American

History course engaged in a challenging and creative assignment, the Civil Rights Movement Documentary Project, as part of their study of African-American history. Working in pairs, students chose a topic related to the Civil Rights Movement, conducted extensive research and formulated a persuasive thesis. Next, they wrote a script and developed a storyboard. Finally, each pair created, directed and produced a 15-20 minute documentary.

The project, created by Sullivan, is an example of an inquiry-based assignment that seamlessly integrates technology resources into the academic curriculum. “I created this project to give students the opportunity to research one aspect of the Civil Rights Movement, a very broad topic of study, and through their own research they began to see themselves as scholars on their topic,” said Sullivan. “I had a very clear vision of the end

product but needed someone with the technical expertise to guide us through creating the films.” That “someone” was Matt DiGiulio, Whitfield’s librarian and technology adviser. “The Civil Rights Documentary Project is an example of a full partnership between an academic teacher and the technology department where the planning from inception to grading was all done together,” said DiGiulio. “Every step along the way was a true collaboration between our departments.”

In addition to providing experience with iMovie and Windows Movie Maker, the two programs from which students chose to create their films, DiGiulio showed students how to manage project planning and research using Microsoft OneNote, a program that allows for free-form information gathering and synchronized multiuser content sharing. During the research process and particularly in creating their documentary story boards, students

Katie Harris and Billy Gardner’s storyboard created in Microsoft OneNote

Screen shots from the first place documentary “We Shall Overcome:

The Power of Non-Violent Resistance”

Spring/Summer ’10

i n s i g h t si n s i g h t sSpring/Summer ’13 A n i n s i d e L o o k a t W h i t f i e l d S c h o o l

Creative CoLLABORATION cont. on p. 4The Civil Rights Documentary Project is an example of a full partnership between an academic teacher and the technology department where the planning from inception to grading was all done together. Every step along the way was a true collaboration between our departments.”

- Matt DiGiulio

2

WHITFIELD SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

Whitfield School is a small, college-preparatory learning community

that fosters excellent habits of mind, productive social skills, and personal integrity in an innovative, student-

centered environment.

Our core values are: Success of every

student in academics, arts, activities and athletics.

Ethical behavior of the members of our community.

Intellectual, ethnic, religious and social diversity.

Individual and collaborative engagement and achievement.

Learning as a lifelong process.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES, 2012-2013

Paul Diemer (Chair),Ray Van de Riet (Vice Chair),

Myles Kelly (Treasurer),Doug Rubenstein (Secretary),

Suzie Andrews, Raj Bhuyan ’86, Steve Blackwell, Laura Pollnow Bryan ’97, Gerri Clifton, Susan Crandall, Mary Howe,

Lee Kaplan, Lauren Weissman Kerner ’96, Phil Levy, Don McLaughlin, Karen Myers, Dave Nestor, Rick Oertli, David Ott ’91,

Dan Sescleifer, Susan Simons, Jerry Ullman, Connie Williams

Philip B. Cady Jr. ’70, Bruno B. Schmitter, Wayne L. Smith II

(Honorary Lifetime Members)

John Delautre (Ex-officio)

CONTRIBUTORS to INSIGHTS:

John Delautre, Head of School Sheri Diemer, Development Associate

Kelly Edwards, Director of Development Melissa Irvin, Publications Coordinator Casey Jolley, Alumni Relations and

Special Events Coordinator Becky Marsh, Director of Communications

and Marketing Michelle Parsons, Assistant Director

of Development

Studio Altius provided several photos.

Questions or comments should be addressed to: Becky Marsh, Director of Communications

and Marketing, becky.marsh@whitfieldschool.org

Whitfield School 175 South Mason Road

St. Louis, Missouri 63141 314-434-5141

Visit Whitfield School’s Web site: www.whitfieldschool.org

Whitfield School is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory day school for grades 6–12. Whitfield seeks to maintain a student body diverse in

geographic, economic, racial and religious backgrounds. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion or color

in administering its academic policies, admissions policies, athletic policies,

financial aid program or other school activities.

Microsoft showcases whitfielD’s classrooM technology

M icrosoft is showcasing Whitfield’s classroom

technology to educators all around the world through a video on the company’s Partners in Learning website. The video, created by Whitfield Librarian and Technology Advisor Matt DiGiulio, demonstrates the pen/touch technology and Microsoft OneNote implementation that Whitfield students experience every day.

To view the video, go to: www.pil-network.com/Resources/Tools/Details/a5c463e4-30af-4dd7-bdc0-2e1ea4a556e2

“When you take outstanding teachers and empower them with outstanding technology, folks rightly sit up and take notice of the innovative and transformative things they do. Other schools in St. Louis to schools around the state and region already have, and now schools around the world are as well.”

- Mark PaytonWhitfield’s Director of Technology

on the cover Creative Collaboration (cont. on p. 4) contents

2 In the Words Head of School’s Letter

4-7 In the study Creative Collaboration (cont. from cover) Seniors Focus On Solutions For St. Louis Novel Thinking for Analyzing A Novel

8-12 In the life Whitfield Goes to Washington Service-Learning Trips Of A Lifetime Graduation Family Day Awards Assembly

13-15 Inspired Seniors Exhibit Artistry Middle School Music Festival Middle School Spring Play Spring Musical High School Music Festival

16-18 Instep Spring State Champs

Cacciatore Nets Hall Of Fame

Between The Pipes

Lebens Earns National Rowing Championship

Justin Thomas Reaches Scoring Milestone

Stephanie Anderson Commits To U Of Chicago

Julie Candau earns two MSHSAA Medals

19-22 In Support Gift From Parents’ Council

Make A Gift That Will Last For Years To Come

Classroom Named To Honor Laura Lotz ’95

Mary L. Burke Merit Scholarship Program

Another Montage Auction Shines Bright

Annual Fund Update

23 In Touch Alumni News

Dear Whitfield families, friends and alumni,

As the 2012-2013 school year draws to a close, I would like to say thank you to the entire Whitfield community for the warm welcome you have extended to me and my family during our first year. The past 12 months were phenomenally full as I learned the ways of a new school culture and process. Moving into year two I am more enthused than ever by the opportunities that lie ahead for Whitfield and by the people with whom I am privileged to work and share this journey. Late last month as I returned from a rare visit to Louisville, where I first moved in 1963 and my family still resides, I had a strong feeling as I turned onto South Mason Road that now I was home. Thus I am grateful to you all for your support and many gestures of kindness.

While summer is certainly a season of rejuvenation and relaxation, in the life of an independent school summer is also a time for planning and preparing for the coming year. Whitfield’s Strategic Planning Committee continues to make progress and we look forward to unveiling the new strategic plan in the fall of 2013. At the same time my administrative team is taking part in several mini retreats over the next two months where we will review our work from last year and discuss plans for 2013-2014.

In addition to playing golf and watching Cardinals baseball, I enjoy having additional time to read during summer break. This summer, our faculty will be pouring over three books that will inform and enhance their work with students: Quiet by Susan Cain, Invent to Learn by Sylvia Libow Martinez and Gary S. Stager, and World Class Learners by Yong Zhao. We will share our individual perspectives on our summer study during professional development meetings when everyone returns to campus in August.

I hope you’ll include this edition of Insights on your summer reading list. This issue contains highlights from the second semester including stories from our classrooms, photos from theater productions, Awards Day and Graduation, positive news regarding our fundraising initiatives and a recap of this year’s state championships for our wrestling and dance teams. If you’re looking for abundant evidence that the Whitfield experience is a rich, faceted, heady one, you will need to search no further.

Just a few short weeks ago we bid farewell to 56 graduates of the Class of 2013. These talented young men and women were awarded more than $993,000 in honorary scholarships and received admission to 116 of the nation’s top colleges and universities. We are confident that they will continue their successes in college and beyond. You will want to note herein the college destinations of yet another remarkable Whitfield senior class.

And as we say goodbye to the Class of 2013 we look forward to welcoming a new group of incoming students and their families to the Whitfield community this fall. We officially open the 2013-2014 academic year with our annual Green & White Games Friday, August 16th beginning at 6 p.m. I hope you will join Anne, Natalie ’16 and me on campus that evening as we extend a warm welcome to our newest Warriors.

Sincerely,

John Delautre Head of School

I nI n the words of

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4 5

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utilized OneNote to assemble typed and handwritten notes, web pages, videos, photos and other media. Their OneNote notebooks were shared with their partner and with their teachers.

According to Sullivan and DiGiulio, the use of technology increased the teacher-student and student-student collaboration. “Through using OneNote, Matt and I were able to provide students with real time feedback throughout the entire project in addition to our face-to-face conversations and student-teacher conferencing points,” Sullivan said. Students were able to share information effectively during the research and creative process. “It was interesting to see how students used OneNote to work through the accountability inherent in collaboration,” DiGiulio said. “By sharing project notebooks throughout the process, they were able to communicate more effectively about managing their workload, changing direction when needed, and meeting goals.”

The project challenged students as researchers, creative thinkers and storytellers. They were required to find and cite a mix of print and digital resources, including books, academic articles, and primary sources for background research and the images, videos, and music for use in their documentary. They also interviewed experts in the St. Louis area from local colleges and universities as well

as St. Louisans who had been activists in the Civil Rights Movement. Creative skills were important as students made decisions about where to place visual elements to support their script.

For Jimmy Kurten, the Civil Rights Documentary Project was a rewarding experience. “While I found this project difficult, it was in a good way” Kurten explained. “I felt

that it pushed my research skills to the next level. This wasn’t an average school project; it was one that I will always remember.”

Aida Hasanovic agreed. “My favorite aspect of this project was that it felt like we were actually doing something that mattered,” Hasanovic said. “In the process of making the documentary I learned a lot from the research, from my partner and from my classmates. By watching everyone else’s videos, I learned a lot more about the Civil Rights Movement than if I had just read from

a text book. The project was a challenge and yes, it was very time consuming and frustrating at times, but when it was all finished I learned a lot and was very proud of the final product.”

Once the documentaries were completed, each class viewed the films and judged them in the following categories: depth of historical research, technical quality

(light, sound, camera work and music), writing quality, creativity and overall best picture. In addition, a panel of faculty judges evaluated the documentaries and selected the top six that were highlighted in a film festival held on Whitfield’s campus May 2, 2013.

“I was blown away by my students’ effort, creativity, and ability to meet the requirements, along with their dedication and interest level to the project,” Sullivan said. “I believe that this is an example of where students create a product based on the knowledge they acquire through in-depth research versus regurgitating what they have gleaned from a lecture or text book. The skills they learned will transfer to other academic disciplines here at Whitfield, in college and beyond.”

“I believe that this is an example of where students create a product based on the knowledge they acquire through in-depth research versus regurgitating what they have gleaned from a lecture or text book. The skills they learned will transfer to other academic disciplines here at Whitfield, in college and beyond.”

- Maggie Sullivan

SIT-INS AND FREEDOM RIDESMolly Smith and Dimitri Rucker

WOMEN IN THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT Aida Hasanovic and Claudia Oertli

THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT IN ST. LOUISBrittany Dwornick and Isabella Chiodini

ROSA PARKSNoah Mondschein and Trish Terrace

EMMETT TILLLucas Marschke and Emily Esther

RACE RIOTSKatie Harris and Billy Gardner

1ST

2nD

ThE CIv

IL RIGh

TS MO

vEM

EnT

FILM FESTIva

L FIna

LISTSJosh Tyler, Lucy Bhuyan and Saad Raza MIke Shearburn and Aimee Hibler Matt Coatney and Sam Quayle

Videos may be viewed online at www.whitfieldschool.org/cf_media/index.cfm?cat=65. Make your video selection with the upper left drop down menu.

3RD

Creative CoLLABORATION cont. on p. 5

Creative ColLABORATION cont. from p. 1

Creative ColLABORATION cont. from p. 4

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6 7

novel tHinking for analyzing a novels tudents in Laura Lotz’s English 11 class experienced a

new type of literary analysis by using a tool called the Literary Rube Goldberg. Developed three years ago by Lotz with physics teacher Andrew Asikainen, the Literary Rube Goldberg gave students the opportunity to apply what they learned during the second quarter of physics to Richard Wright’s novel “Native Son.” The project is designed to help students better connect with the story. “I’ve included ‘Native Son’ in my curriculum for the past 11 years and I wanted to find a different way for students to connect with the story – specifically with the 1930’s time-frame and the racial strife and hatred of that time period,” Lotz explained. “They are so removed from that experience and, at times, struggle to understand the force behind Wright’s words.”

Using the vocabulary of the Rube Goldberg project, Lotz developed parallel definitions applicable to literary analysis. For example input force/work equates to historical context; output force/work equates to the theme of the novel and/or revelations on the part of characters; and 1st class lever equates to an event or act that changes the direction of a character’s acts/life with some type of lasting effect. “I have always been interested in cross-curricular work and partnering with colleagues in a department that may not be perceived as a ‘natural’ fit with English, such as is social studies,” Lotz said. “I have judged the Rube Goldberg projects in Andrew Asikainen’s class and thought it would be great to incorporate the scientific thinking and analytical process used by his students during that project into my curriculum.”

Working in groups of two or three, students created a “Rube Goldberg” of simple machines that represented group-identified theme development. Each group had to

select a plot line or main character’s experience to be their focus. Students were required to create, using technology, a two-dimensional Rube Goldberg and develop a ten to fifteen minute presentation explaining their group’s rationale of decision-making, choice of simple machines and analysis of the novel’s plot development in relation to the theme of the novel. A list of software programs was

provided and students were given the freedom to make their selection based on what program would work best to create the visual for their project. After trying several programs from the list, Lexi Hubbard continued to explore other software options before choosing the program Algodoo Physics. “I selected Algodoo Physics because it allowed me to change the mass and density and adjust the level of gravity – just like with an actual Rube Goldberg machine,” Hubbard explained. “For me, this project was about problem-solving, something I really enjoy.”

A significant part of the process involved students brainstorming on how the vocabulary of physics and the Rube Goldberg project’s simple machines translates to literary analysis. “This was a very abstract and challenging task that I asked them to undertake – the most difficult this year,” Lotz said. “At first, they were a bit resistant, but once they started the brainstorming process and realized

this wasn’t an impossible task, they began to see the logical connections.” According to Lotz, this project pushes the students to a point in their literary analysis that they would not have otherwise reached in traditional discussions. “Analyzing and deconstructing literature using a more scientific method feels more natural to some students than using the more typically free-flowing literary approach,” Lotz said. “We all get to conclusions in different ways and it was exciting to see how my students were able to analyze the novel differently.”

I nI n The study of

deeper fashion and to be more innovative in developing their solutions,” Hays said. “For many students, this project completely deconstructed what they thought they knew about a particular topic.”

The recipients of the Solutions Foundation project grants for the 2013-2014 fiscal year are listed on the preceding page. The winners were chosen based on a combination

of numerical scores, audience response, Solutions Foundation board member feedback and such qualities as innovation, efficiency and applicability.

To visit The Solutions Foundation website: http://warriorweb.whitfieldschool.org/haysl/SolutionsSite/SolutionsFoundationHome.html

Senior SolUtionS cont. from p. 6

“We all get to conclusions in different ways and it was exciting to see how my students

were able to analyze the novel differently.”

- Laura Lotz

SeniorS foCUS on SolUtionS for St. loUiSwhitfield seniors engaged in a

second semester interdisci-plinary assignment in their English and social studies classes called The Solutions Project. Working individually or in teams over the course of 10 weeks, students identified and explored issues that affect the quality of life in the St. Louis metropolitan community. Topics included adolescent mental health awareness, vacant buildings in the City of St. Louis, the heroin epidemic, emergency and transitional housing and English language acquisition for immigrants. After completing their research, students developed grant proposals and competed for one of five hypothetical grants from The Solutions Foundation.

This is the fourth year for The Solutions Project. It was created by Larry Hays, 12th grade English teacher, and Fran Knechel, 12th grade social studies teacher. Essential skills addressed by the project include critical thinking, character development, collaborative problem-solving, creativity and professional communication. “The Solutions Project is an exercise in globalism, collaboration and innovation that requires students to look at their own community through an entirely different lens as problem-solvers,” said Hays. “There is also a very real undercurrent of service and character to this project,” he explained. “Students learn how they can use academic skills to benefit people in the broader world. This isn’t merely hypothetical; our students are doing real research and prob-lem-solving about important issues in their community.”

As part of the research process, students spent a considerable amount of time interviewing and interacting with community and business leaders. In the past few years the list includes Paul McKee of McEagle Properties, St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, Charles Brennan of KMOX, St. Louis Chief of Police Colonel Sam Dotson, and Superintendent of Schools for the St. Louis Public School District Dr. Kelvin Adams to name just a few. “One of the ways the project has evolved is the addition of interviews as an expectation

for students versus allowing them to just conduct their research online,” Knechel said. “Research feels so much more connected to the world when it is a face to face conversation with someone who is confronted every day by the issue the students are researching. The interview process helped the students become more invested in the project.”

For Maddie Scott, conducting the off-campus interviews gave the project a more “real world” feel.

“The process of going out into the community to do the interviews gave me a feeling of what it will be like outside of school when I’m in the ‘real world’ talking with people in a business environment,” said Scott. “I put a lot of time and effort into meeting with people as part of my research and that really helped me develop my project.” Elizabeth Darrell also valued the interview process. “One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was connecting with people out in the community,” Darrell said. “My group’s topic was school equity and as part of our research, we visited Cleveland High School and

attended a town hall meeting for the school’s stakeholders. The topic of the meeting was the potential closure of their school – that was a very powerful experience.”

While students were required to reach several key deadlines during the 10 weeks, they were granted a great deal of independence and responsibility. “The type of work that we were given the opportunity to do through The Solutions Project, specifically the interviews, is an experience that I don’t think exists in other area high schools,” said Kiri Maasen. “There was a great deal of self-accountability required with this project and learning to communicate with and meet the experts in the

community, as well as learning to budget my own time, was extremely valuable.” Students were also free to construct their solutions without the constraint of target budget. “Because there wasn’t a dollar cap imposed, students had the freedom to consider the issues in a much

Senior SolUtionS cont. on p. 7

PROjECT GRanT RECIPIEnTS

$21,700,000 VACANT BUILDINGS IN THE CITy OF ST. LOUIS

Sarah Whelan

$7,025,890 SUPPORTING STUDENTS IN STL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Kiri Maasen

$4,374,763 EMERGENCy AND TRANSITIONAL HOUSING

Emma Holtzman, Matt Williams and Chris Wilkes

$1,607,821 ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACQUISITION FOR IMMIGRANTS

Hana Crandall and Sam Pepose

$12,905 STUDENT AWARENESS OF MENTAL ILLNESS

Erin Cizek, Alan Eidelman and Nicolette Taber

Michael Alverson

Sam Pepose and Hana Crandall

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WHitfield goeS to WaSHington

a group of 18 Whitfield students and four faculty chaperones travelled to Washington, D.C. on March 17-21, 2013. The purpose of the trip was

two-fold; to give students the opportunity to visit several college campuses and to experience a wide range of museums, monuments and national memorials that connect with Whitfield’s history curriculum.

For the past several years, Whitfield’s College Counseling office has lead student-visit trips to St. Louis area schools including Washington University, Saint Louis University and the University of Missouri, Columbia. Offering a trip to Washington, D.C. was a unique opportunity according to Cyndy Alverson, Whitfield’s director of college counseling. “This was a wonderful learning experience for students who are considering attending college in a more urban setting,” Alverson explained. “We saw four very different schools – American University, The George Washington University, Georgetown University and Howard University – and accessed their campuses and other sites in the District via public transportation. Learning what it is like to get around in a metropolitan environment is important.”

The itinerary of visits to historical sites was developed with the goal of enhancing the students’ American history knowledge base. “This trip provided a broad-based opportunity for us to augment our study of American history and politics and tie in specifically to our study of the U.S. Constitution, specifically the Executive, Judicial and Legislative branches of government,” said Maggie Sullivan, eleventh grade history teacher. “We also spent a great deal of time this year studying President Washington and President Lincoln and the Vietnam War so to see those monuments in person was impressive.” In addition, the group visited a variety of other sites including: the National Museum of the American Indian, National Museum of Natural History, United States Holocaust Museum, National Archives, Arlington National Cemetery, and the National Museum of American History.

The itinerary also included a tour of the NBC News Washington Bureau lead by Whitfield alumnus Andy Salsman ’99, a producer at the station, and a dinner with 25 Whitfield alumni who live in the District.

Isabella Gross ’14 enjoyed the trip’s dual-purpose. “I decided to go on the trip because I am very interested in the colleges we were seeing and I just love Washington

D.C.,” said Gross. “One of my favorite experiences was the tour of the NBC studio. I am considering a major in broadcast journalism and seeing what happens behind the scenes was very exciting for me! I also enjoyed seeing the National Archives where the U.S. Constitution is displayed

since we took the Constitution test earlier this year.” Mike Shearburn ’14 agreed. “I really enjoy studying American history so visiting Washington, D.C., a city of such historical significance, was a great experience,” said Shearburn. “It was also beneficial to visit schools with our college counselors. They helped us identify what to look for during the campus tours.”

ServiCe¯learning tripS of a lifetime

t wo groups of Whitfield high school students spent the first week of this year’s Spring Break engaged in service-learning trips; one to

Poland and one to Costa Rica. Both trips included meaningful service work and incredible cultural experiences.

This was the second consecutive year for a Whitfield-sponsored trip to Warsaw, Poland. The trips correlate with an ongoing curricular exchange and friendship developed by faculty member and trip chaperone Mike Pomatto with teachers and students at an elementary school, Szkoła Podstawowa nr. 84. Before leaving for Poland, Whitfield students created lessons and activities for teaching English language skills to the younger students. The group also visited two high schools and enjoyed social activities with Polish students.

The Whitfield group stayed with host families during their time in Warsaw which provided an authentic experience of the culture. “Staying with a host family was the best part about this year’s trip,” said Emilee Sherertz ’13. “They helped us feel so welcome from the very first day. I could have never imagined that I would develop such a close relationship with my host family – I still talk with my host sister every day!”

The itinerary also included visits to several cultural and historic sites including: Treblenka, the Uprising Museum, National Art Museum, the Royal Castle in Old Warsaw, Malbork Castle and Gda sk. “We saw real examples of historical sites that connect with Whitfield’s history curriculum,” said Pomatto. “Several of the sites tie in with my course’s study of medieval times and other sites connect with Audrey Lampe’s tenth grade world history curriculum.”

Similar to the first Whitfield-sponsored trip to in 2010, the focus of this year’s trip to Costa Rica was to provide students with an opportunity to experience a country and a culture outside of the United States, as well as participate in meaningful service work for the host country.

The service component of the trip included two different ecotourism experiences: working at Proyecto Asis, an organization that supports local environmental and

conservation programs, and an ecoservice experience at the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center.

At Proyecto Asis students cleaned animal cages, learned about the center, prepared food and cleaned an overgrown swamp located on the property. The second experience focused on environmental education and ecotourism. The Whitfield group was assigned to work in a school where their jobs included painting and building a beautification fence. In addition, Whitfield students taught the English alphabet to fourth graders and enjoyed recreational activities with the students. The itinerary also included visits to several sites including the La Paz Waterfall, the Arenal Volcano, a Pozo Azul canopy tour, and a tour of San José.

Through their work at the Sarapiqui Center, Whitfield students had many opportunities to experience the culture and interact with Costa Rican children.

“I went on this trip because I felt it would give me the experience to learn and grow,” said Tony Colarelli ’14. “I have traveled to different countries but Costa Rica is the first country where I had the opportunity to truly

appreciate the different culture and customs. I would highly recommend this trip.”

The group experienced two homestays during the trip and although the host families did not speak English, communication was never an issue according to faculty member and chaperone Michelle Librach. “Sixty percent of the Whitfield students on the trip study Spanish while the rest study French,” said Librach. “We made sure we had at least one of our strong Spanish-speaking students in each of the homes and even our students who did not speak Spanish were resourceful about finding ways to communicate effectively. I was so impressed by how comfortable and confident they were in such a short period of time.”

Whitfield’s international service-learning trips are made possible, in part, by a generous grant from Emerson, a diversified global manufacturing company headquartered in St. Louis, MO.

Poland Trip

Costa Rica Trip

“One of my favorite experiences was the tour of the nBC studio. I am considering a major in broadcast journalism and seeing what happens behind the scenes was very exciting for me!”

- Isabella Gross

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AWARDS WERE PRESENTED TO THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS

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CongratUlationS ClaSS of 2013!w hitfield School awarded diplomas to 56 students during the annual

commencement ceremony held on Thursday, May 30, 2013 in the School’s Cady Athletic Center. Students received their diplomas from Head of School John Delautre and their medallions from Board of Trustees Chair Paul Diemer. The senior class address was given by Morissa Pepose ’13, class president. The commencement address was given by Mischa Wright, Whitfield mathematics department faculty member.

In recognition of their academic excellence, leadership skills and other talents, this year’s graduating class has received $993,322 in honorary scholarships.

COLLEGES anD UnIvERSITIES 2013 GRaDUaTES WILL aTTEnD

CHAIRMAN’S AWARD Don Jubel*

LOUIS LAzARUS AWARD Susan Simons

MARy LEyHE BURKE AWARD Mary Howe

ELIzABETH WOODS BRADBURy ’63 OUTSTANDING

ALUMNI AWARDLaura Pollnow Bryan ’97

Mischa Wright during her commencement speech

Senior Class President Morissa Pepose gives the senior class address

* Don Jubel was unable to attend the commencement ceremony. He received his award from Whitfield Board Chair Paul Diemer and Head of School John Delautre at a later date.

family day fUn!o ver 120 Whitfield

students, younger siblings, alumni children and friends celebrated Family Day at Whitfield School on Thursday, April 11, 2013. The sock hop theme transported everyone back to our 1952 roots. Family Day offers younger members of the Whitfield community a chance to visit campus and connect with their currently enrolled siblings and friends.

Stephanie Anderson University of Chicago

Sarah Ashmore Boston College

Shelby Badami Saint Louis University

Garrett Blackwell Colorado College

Kai Braadbaart Maryland Institute College of Art

Casey Brown Chapman University

Julie Candau United States Naval Academy

Nikki Carey The Culinary Institute of America

Erin Cizek Northwestern University

Morgan Cook Southern Methodist University

Hana Crandall Vanderbilt University

Elizabeth Darrell Syracuse University

Gigi Droesch University of California, Los Angeles

Alan Eidelman Butler University

Will Hahn Duke University

Tommy Hellauer University of Missouri, Columbia

Emma Holtzman Rhodes College

Will Hopkins Missouri University of Science and Technology

Alex Hummel Maryville University

Samara Jatala University of Missouri, Columbia

Amin Karadaghy Saint Louis University

Abby Kelly Miami University, Oxford

Raequel Lankford Howard University

Kiri Maasen Washington University

Will Margulis Miami University, Oxford

Avery Maune University of Miami

Jordan McGuiness Maryville University

Camille Montgomery

Xavier University of Louisiana

Mikayla Mooney Ball State University

Katherine Myers Indiana University, Bloomington

Noemi Fiandra Universidad de Alcalá de Henares

Isabelle Nelson Rhodes College

Annalies Oertli Southern Methodist University

Kishan Patel Saint Louis University

Max Pepose New york University

Morissa Pepose Syracuse University

Sam Pepose Vanderbilt University

Bria Robinson Ball State University

Bridget Sarr Miami University, Oxford

Luke Schmidt Loyola University, Chicago

Maddie Scott Tulane University

Sapna Sharma Saint Louis University

Emilee Sherertz University of Missouri , Columbia

Taylor Simons Texas Christian University

Paris Smith Savannah College of Art and Design

Catie Stephenson University of St. Andrews

Nicolette Taber University of Michigan

Justin Thomas Moberly ACC

Nick Tobias Ohio Wesleyan University

Alex Uskokovich University of Colorado, Boulder

Cody Washington Bradley University

Greg Westphal Missouri University of Science and Technology

Sarah Whelan Case Western Reserve University

Chris Wilkes North Carolina State University

Matt Williams Indiana University, Bloomington

Missy Williamson Texas Christian University

Will Hahn receives his diploma

Bria Robinson and Sam Pepose Chris Wilkes, Matt Williams and Missy WilliamsonBridget Sarr

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InIn Spired

w hitfield’s Awards Assembly was held Friday, May 17, 2013 in Woods Hall. This annual event is a celebration of the school’s tradition of excellence in academics, athletics, the arts, community service and Whitfield spirit. This was

the inaugural year for the Ruth E. Greathouse Achievement in the Arts Award.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients!

Brian Schwarze, Martin and Janet Schwarze, Rickey Goodwin, Julie (Schwarze) Linihan ’96, recipient of the Lola B. Goodwin Building Community Award, and Principal Ruth Greathouse

Mary Schnitzler, recipient of the George A. Newton Outstanding Teacher Award, Head

of School John Delautre and Ginger Newton Jacobi ’73

Director of Athletics Bill Daues and Stephanie Anderson ’13, recipient of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar

Athlete Award

Faculty member Andrew Asikainen and Sara Whelan ’13, recipient of the Student Council Student

of the year Award

Assistant Principal Mike Quante and Elizabeth Darrell ’13, recipient of the

Principal’s Service Award

Max Pepose ’13, inaugural recipient of the Ruth E. Greathouse

Achievement in the Arts Award and Principal Ruth Greathouse

Head of School John Delautre and Mischa Wright, recipient of the Janet

Esrock Spirit of Whitfield Award

Faculty member Laura Lotz and Morgan Leake ’17, recipient

of the Nancy Clukies Middle School English Award

Katie Harris ’14, recipient of the Head’s Leadership Award, with her parents Cecilia and Wil Harris

Awards Day presenters Terry Baer ’73, Jane Piper Gleason ’70, Ginger Newton Jacobi ’73 and Bill Cady ’73

a day of diStinCtion

Gigi Droesch

Sarah Whelan

Isabelle NelsonNoemi Najarro

Shelby Badami

SeniorS exHibit artiStryt he Senior Retrospective is Whitfield’s annual

exhibit that showcases both the best work and the artistic evolution of graduating seniors in

the school’s visual arts program. This year, 26 seniors participated in the show. The work will be on display from the school’s front Emerson Lobby continuing down to the Schmitter Gallery Balcony until August 2, 2013.

“This year’s seniors have put together another outstanding body of work to display,” said Cara Foster, fine arts department chair. “I see a lot of diversity and personalization in their work. From a newspaper dress to a ceramic vessel with teeth, viewers will be entertained and challenged. The opening is a special night for the artists and our community.”

Garrett Blackwell

Maddie Scott

Katherine Myers

Jordan McGuiness

Julie Candau Luke Schmidt

Max Pepose

Thomas Hellauer

Paris Smith

Morgan Cook

Alex Uskokovich Will Margulis Emma Holtzman

Kiri Maasen

Emilee Sheretz

Taylor Simons

Casey Brown Samara Jatala

Nicholas Tobias

Nikki Carey

Kai Braadbaart

14 15

InIn Spired InIn Spired

middle SCHool mUSiC feStival w hitfield band and choir

students performed at the Middle School Music Festival held on Saturday, April 13, 2013 in Jefferson City, Mo. Congratulations to all the musicians on their performances!

teenS endUre after CataStropHe

w hitfield’s middle school spring play, “Rumors of Polar Bears,” was performed March 12-13, 2013. The play tells the story of a group of

teens who are dealing with the challenges of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. In spite of their dismal circumstances, they discover ways to have fun as teenagers. When an outbreak of sickness forces the group to leave their home and relocate to “New San Francisco,” the group is faced with a choice: Do they follow their leader Deme and chase after the rumored polar bears, or do they stay put and do their best to survive?

The following musicians received a “1+” rating:

BAND QUARTET:

Jack Gienke ’17 Alex Lewis ’17

Jonas Mondschein ’17 Elena Sherertz ’17

CHOIR SOLOS:

Medha Murali ’19 Jessie Lebens ’17

The following musicians received a “1” rating:

CHOIR SOLOS

Erica Berman ’18 Catalina Cuevas ’17 Jonathan Elkins ’17 Simon Gelber ’17 Trinity Hodges ’18

Jordan Johnson ’17 Grace Klutke ’17

Abigail Kurten ‘19 Morgan Leake ’17 Sara Mateos ’17

Jamie Masterson ’17 Lily Neary ’17 Alice Piper ’17 Kelly Yazdi ’19

BAND SOLOS

Caroline Cizek ’17 Ella Daniels ’17

Jonas Mondschein ’17 MJ Wheeler ’17

BAND DUETS

Sophia Chrysler ’18 and Ella Pomatto ’18 Jordan Harris ’18 and Makayla Perkins ’18

Griff Meyer ’17 and MJ Wheeler ’17

The following musicians received a “II Rating” (excellent):

BAND SOLOS

Will Georges ’18 Jordan Jones ’17 Alice Piper ’17

Christian Smith ’19 Rachael Webb ’19

Logan Wesolowski ’19

BAND DUETS

Caroline Cizek ’17 and Rachel Webb ’19 Caroline Cizek ’17 and Jordan Jones ‘17

Ella Daniels ’17 and Jordan Jones ’17 Alex Lewis ’17 and Elena Sherertz ’17

BAND TRIO

Sophia Chrysler ’18, Caroline Cizek ’17 and Ella Daniels ‘17

Sleeper Hit roUSeS & deligHtS aUdienCe

w hitfield’s spring theater production, “The

Drowsy Chaperone,” ran April 25-28, 2013. The story begins when a theater devotee, The Man In Chair, plays his favorite musical comedy album on his turntable and the musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” bursts to life in his living room. Set in the late 1920s, the musical tells the hilarious tale of an audacious Broadway starlet who wants to give

up her career in show business to get married, her producer who sets out to sabotage the nuptials, her chaperone, the groom, the Latin lover, aspiring actress and two gangsters who double as pastry chefs.

top ratingS for HigH SCHool mUSiCianS

c ongratulations to the Whitfield vocal and instrumental musicians who participated in the 62nd

annual Missouri State High School Activities Association Solo and Ensemble Music Festival held April 25-27, 2013 in Columbia, Mo.

Emily Esther ’14 2 rating clarinet solo

Zach Godiner ’15 2 rating marimba solo

Hana Crandall ’13, Emily Esther ’14, Will Hopkins ’13

3 rating saxophone trio

Katharine May ’16 2 rating vocal solo

Morissa Pepose ’13 1 rating vocal solo

Emma Severson ’16 2 rating vocal solo

Ba

nD

ChO

IR

Cullen Mertens ’17 as Romulus and Sara Mateos ’17 as Deme

Cast and Crew

Cast and Crew

Company dazzles with a musical number

Matt Coatney ’11 as Man In Chair

Lucas Marschke ’11 (front) & Jon Esrock ’11 as

Gangsters 1 &2

Connor Dakich ’11 as Aldolpho and

Morissa Pepose ’13 as The Drowsy Chaperone

16 17

danCe

w hitfield’s varsity dance team won the Class 1 Missouri Dance

Team State Championship on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at The Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo. The team received first place honors in both the Kick and Mix categories. Seniors Hana Crandall and Elizabeth Darrell served as team captains this year.

This is the fifth state title for Whitfield’s dance program (2008, 2009, 2011, 2012). According to Head Coach Leah Fiske dedication, discipline and commitment are the keys to the Warriors’ continued success. “The varsity dance season is seven months long and during competition season, the dancers practice six days per week including a three-hour rehearsal every weekend,” Fiske said. “They are very self-motivated and committed to the program.”

I nI n step with

“The varsity dance season is seven months long and during competition season, the dancers practice six days per week including a three-hour rehearsal every weekend. They are very self-motivated and committed to the program.”

- Leah Fiskehead coach

I nI n step with

betWeen tHe pipeS

i n three years as the starting goalie for Whitfield’s ice hockey team, Alan Eidelman ’13 compiled an

impressive stat sheet. Highlights include: played and started in all 81 games; 2,375 saves/best in Whitfield history, 87.9% save percentage/best in Whitfield history, 36-39-6 record. After playing his freshman season for Pattonville, a suggestion made by his Whitfield coach to give him more playing time, Eidelman joined the Warriors for his sophomore year focused to improve and develop as a player and leader.

His Whitfield ice hockey career highlight occurred during his junior year when the Warriors, the seventh seed, won the Wickenheiser Cup with a heart-stopping 6-5 shootout victory over Lutheran South on March 7, 2012. Eidelman stopped all three attempts during the shootout. “I was so excited after we advanced to the championship game – that was my goal that season,” Eidelman said. “The game was unreal, first going to

overtime then to the shootout. I had played probably over 1,000 games, and in goal for almost 600, since I started playing hockey at age six and had never been in a shootout in a live game situation before – it was amazing!” Eidelman was also in goal when the Warriors won the Founder’s Cup in 2011. This season, the Warriors lost in the semifinal round of the Founder’s Cup.

In the fall, Eidelman will attend Butler University where he plans to play club hockey.

CaCCiatore netS Hall of fameJ eff Cacciatore, Whitfield faculty member

and head girls soccer coach, will be inducted into the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame on Thursday, October 17, 2013. Coach Cacciatore, now in his 23rd year at Whitfield, is being acknowledged for his successful playing career and contributions to the St. Louis soccer coaching community.

Cacciatore played collegiate soccer at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where he was a member of the Cougar’s 1979 NCAA Division I national championship team. He was inducted into the SIUE Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. After graduating from SIUE, Cacciatore played one season for the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers and reached the North American Soccer League (NASL) championship match in 1980. Cacciatore returned to St. Louis and played the next six seasons with the St. Louis Steamers. During his Steamers’ career, the team advanced twice to the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) championship match and Cacciatore was named

team MVP for the 1982-83 season. Cacciatore won the Over-30 National Championship with SoccerHaus in 1993 and again in 1995 with Kutis when he was named MVP of the finals.

Cacciatore has been the head coach of Whitfield’s girls soccer program since its inception in 1997. Under his leadership, the Warriors have won a district championship (2009) and several MWAA division titles.

“It is an honor to be chosen into the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame,” said Cacciatore. “I always approached playing soccer as an opportunity to prove to myself and others that I could compete and excel, but I could not have done so without my teammates and coaches, so I share this award with them. I want to thank the selection committee, as well as Whitfield School, for their recognition and the support that they have given to me throughout my teaching and coaching career.”

ALAN EIDELMAN CAREER STATS

3 seasons Whitfield/ 1 season Pattonville

106 games GP/GS

50-47-8 record

2,932 saves (1st in Whitfield history)

1st in saves during total four year period in STL area

1st in saves all-time in STL area

88.2% save percentage, 3.88 goals against average,

5 shutouts

WreStling

w hitfield’s varsity wrestling team successfully defended their team title and brought home the Class 1

MSHSAA State Championship on February 16, 2013. The Warriors have won four of the last six Class 1 titles.

Chris Wilkes ’13 and Rodney Hahn ’14 earned individual state championships. Whitfield also received a third-place finish from Will Hahn ’13, fourth-place finishes from Connor Broyles ’16 and Derrick Swaney ’14, and fifth-place finishes from Kurtis Hahn ’16 and Andrew McLaughlin ’14.

POST SEaSOn aWaRDS

MISSOURI WRESTLInG aSSOCIaTIOn aWaRDSClass 1 Coach of the Year - Charlie Sherertz

Class , District 1 Coach of the Year - Charlie Sherertz Class 1, District 1 Assistant Coach of the Year - Ray Harris Class 1, District 1 Wrestler of the Year - Chris Wilkes ’13

aCaDEMIC aLL-STaTE TEaMKurtis Hahn ’16 Rodney Hahn ’14 Will Hahn ’13

ST. LOUIS WRESTLInG OFFICIaLS aSSOCIaTIOn aWaRDS

CLASS 1 WRESTLING TEAM OF THE YEAR: Whitfield School

CLASS 1 FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Connor Broyles ’16

CLASS 1 JUNIOR OF THE YEAR: Rodney Hahn ’16

CLASS 1 MOST IMPROVED WRESTLER: Derrick Swaney ’14

PRESIDENT’S AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: Chris Wilkes ’13

RYAN GRIFFIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT: Chris Wilkes ’13

aLL-ST. LOUIS TEaM (OnE TEaM, aLL CLaSSES)Derrick Swaney ’14 (132 lbs.)

Chris Wilkes ’13 (138 lbs) Rodney Hahn ’14 (152 lbs.)

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPaTCh aLL-METRO TEaMRodney Hahn ’14 - first team Will Hahn ’13 - second team Chris Wilkes ’13 - first teamS

ta

te

CH

am

pS

18 19

lebenS earnS national roWing CHampionSHip

c harlie Lebens ’14 earned a national championship with the St. Louis Rowing Club (SLRC) at the USRowing

Youth National Championships held June 7-9, 2013 in Oak Ridge, Tenn. Lebens and his Men’s Youth 4+ teammates won the gold medal with a time of 6 minutes 43 seconds.

The USRowing Youth National Championships, a 2000 meter sprint race held three days, drew competitors from 119 cities and 30 states.

The SLRC Men’s Youth 4+ (with coxswain) Team includes: BJ Francis ’13 (Ladue), Charlie Lebens (Whitfield), Tom Kendrick ’13 (Ladue), Jimmy Francis ’14 (Ladue) and coxswain Andrew Grant ’15 (Parkway Central).

I nI n step with

JUStin tHomaS reaCHeS SCoring mileStone

w hitfield senior Justin Thomas surpassed the 1,000 career point scoring milestone this season. Thomas finished his Whitfield

basketball career with a total of 1,081 points and was presented with a commemorative basketball at the school’s Morning Assembly on February 25, 2013.

“Justin has developed into one of the area’s best scoring wings averaging 20 points per game,” said Head Coach Mike Potsou. “It is a credit to his love of the game, the dedication and time he has put into developing his skills as a 6’5 wing. His willingness to listen and trust in his coaches is further proof of Justin’s development as a player. He is a special player, a fun loving person, and a great teammate. I am so proud of how far he has come since his freshman year and how he will forever be remembered as one of Whitfield basketball’s top players in school history.” Head Coach Mike Potsou and Justin Thomas

InIn support

Stephanie anderSon ’13 will enroll at The University of Chicago in the fall of 2013 and play basketball for the Division III Maroons. Stephanie and her family participated in a recognition ceremony held at Whitfield School on April 16, 2013.

Julie Candau ’13 earned two medals at the MSHSAA Track and Field State Championships held May 17-18, 2013 in

Jefferson City, MO. She finished in

fifth place in the 3,200m

(11:57.1) and seventh place in the 1,600m (5:26.9).

Pictured with Stephanie Anderson are Whitfield Girls Basketball Head Coach Harold

Barker (seated), Director of Athletics Bill Daues and Head of School John Delautre.

Charlie Lebens (center) with his teammates

gift from parentS’ CoUnCil SUpportS faCUlty development

e arlier this spring, Whitfield School’s Parents’ Council made a generous $20,000 donation to the school in support of

professional development. Whitfield Parents’ Council President Susan Simons and President-Elect Linda Steinberg presented the check during a faculty and staff meeting and thanked the group for all they do each day to deliver an exceptional learning experience for Whitfield students.

Throughout its history, Whitfield’s Parents’ Council has raised funds through various efforts in order to support important needs of the school. This dedicated group of volunteers understands the vital role parent serve to ensure the success of our school.

make a gift tHat Will laSt for yearS to Comew hen you plan a gift

to Whitfield School through your estate, you contribute to Whitfield’s future and make a long-term impact on the success of our students. You have various options in making a gift that can provide tax benefits for you, whether you support us now or benefit us after your lifetime.

Individuals and/or families who make provisions for Whitfield School in their estate plans or through a life income gift become part of The Barnes and Cole Society, named after the school’s founders, John Barnes and Allen Cole. As a member of this society, you will be extended lifetime benefits, including an annual invitation to a private reception hosted by the Head of School.

If you, or your professional advisors have any questions about Whitfield’s planned giving program, contact Kelly Edwards at 314-415-1254 or kelly.edwards@whitfieldschool.org or visit the planned giving page of Whitfield’s website in the “Support Us” section for various options available to you.

2012-2013 Parents’ Council President Susan Simons, Head of School John Delautre and 2013-2014 Parents’ Council President Linda Steinberg

“In a world that is evolving at a lightning pace, it is of vital importance that we provide our faculty with ongoing professional development opportunities. Those experiences will have a direct positive impact on the level of engagement and creativity in our classrooms. We cultivate our students to be life-long learners; we must do the same with our faculty.”

- john Delautre

20 21

InIn support

mary l. bUrke merit SCHolarSHip program

a s a result of a $100,000 gift by an anonymous donor in the spring of 2012, Whitfield School established the Mary L. Burke Merit Scholarship

Program which recognizes talented sixth and seventh grade candidates whose families were new to Whitfield. The program is named in honor of Mary L. Burke, PhD, the passionate, energetic and dedicated visionary who led Whitfield from 1984 until her retirement in 2004.

The recipients, known as Burke Scholars, are students who have demonstrated academic excellence through outstanding performance in a rigorous academic program, with standardized test scores and grades reflective of the student’s ability, including skills and determination necessary for academic excellence at Whitfield. Recipients must also be committed to their community and school and show strength of character. A limited number of $3,500 scholarships are offered and are renewable for students’ middle school years (grades six through eight). The scholarship is applied toward the student’s tuition.

All students applying for grades six or seven who have completed the admission process are considered for the Mary L. Burke Merit Scholarship Program. Students who apply for admission after the deadline will be considered based on available funds.

Burke Merit Scholarships were awarded to six students for the 2012-2013 school year. This inaugural class of scholars included the following students: Erica Berman ’18, Elizabeth Cohen ’18, John Dolan ’18, Will Georges ’18, Katherine Hanrahan ’18 and Anna Platt ’18.

As of June 2013, two students have joined the 2013-2014 class of Burke Scholars: Ben Weas ’20 and Tatiana Escandon ’19.

For more information regarding Whitfield’s Mary L. Burke Merit Scholarship program please contact Lou Sabino, director of admission, at 314-415-1256 or lou.sabino@whitfieldschool.org.

InIn support

anotHer montage aUCtion SHineS brigHt!

a t this year’s Montage, held on Saturday, May 4, 2013, nearly

300 guests were dazzled as they arrived for a great party and to support Whitfield School! This year’s theme was “Diamonds and Denim” and was co-chaired by Anne Cook (Morgan ’13, Catherine ’15) and Marion Oertli (Annalies ’13, Claudia ’14). The theme was embraced by everyone in attendance which included Whitfield parents, teachers, alumni, alumni parents and friends.

Once again the Cady Athletic Center was transformed and featured a sparkling array of silent auction items, including jewelry, gift certificates to area restaurants and boutiques, sports memorabilia and designer clothing. Candi Cherry ’92 (Sam ’19) led the stellar silent auction committee, and the items were artfully arranged by Donna Hibler (Aimee ’14). Ginger Kurten (Lauren ’10, Jimmy ’14), Stacy Carey (Brock ’10, Nikki ’13) and Amy Cordes (Emma ’15) and their decorations committee assured that all the guests were amazed as they entered into a glittering world of diamonds and denim.

An exciting addition to this year’s silent auction was the use of BidPal devices. Guests were able to bid on the entire selection of silent auction items from anywhere in the room~ even while relaxing at their dinner table! At the end of the evening, over $72,000 had been raised on just over 300 silent auction items!

Following a delicious dinner catered by Butler’s Pantry, guests enjoyed the live auction and auctioneer Tom Prestigiacomo. Through the 24 items making up the live auction, including Whitfield parking spots, amazing wine packages, and stunning vacation homes, $103,000 was raised! But the Montage guests continued to show their generosity and support to Whitfield by “Raising Their Paddles” one more time which resulted in another $31,600 in contributions!

Sign-Up Parties, chaired by Kim Chulick (T.J. ’15) were a big hit again this year, raising a combined total of nearly $18,000! These parties are always a fun addition to Montage, and take place throughout the year. And our first ever on-line raffle brought in nearly $3,000!

Whitfield faculty member Jessica Butler, and her band “The J.B.’s”, had Schmitter Gallery rocking once the auction had concluded. Guests danced and listened to music and enjoyed a festive end to a fabulous evening!

Thanks to the tremendous support of our parent volunteers, underwriters, sponsors and attendees, Montage “Diamonds & Denim” brought in over $225,000-fulfilling more than 20% of Whitfield’s million dollar Annual Fund goal! A brilliant finish to a fantastic event!

ClaSSroom named to Honor laUra lotz ’95

w hitfield is pleased to announce the permanent naming of an academic classroom in honor of Whitfield alumna, teacher

and English Department Chair, Laura Lotz ’95. This special honor was made possible due to a generous gift to the school’s endowment from Drs. Jay Pepose and Susan Feigenbaum.

Jay and Susan’s four children, David ’04, Max ’13, Morissa ’13 and Sam ’13 are Whitfield graduates who were all taught by Ms. Lotz. Their collective appreciation and admiration for their teacher was the catalyst behind this heartfelt gesture.

The Pepose siblings (David ’04, Sam ’13, Morissa ’13, Max ’13) and Laura Lotz

“It is neither surprising nor coincidental that all of our children have a deep-seated love of writing. They have all experienced Laura Lotz’s marvelous personal and professional virtues. From the time we handed David over to her and encouraged her to push him to his max, we have seen all of our children flourish in the area of creative expression. Words cannot do justice to Ms. Lotz’s lifelong impact on our family.”

- Susan Feigenbaum, Whitfield alumni parent

Paul & Sheri Diemer, Bryan & Anne Cook, Marion & Rick Oertli and Anne & John Delautre

The Kurtens: Nick, Terry, Ginger, Peter, Tonya, Nancy and Bo ’88Harlan & Traci Hodges

Candy Cady, Missy Hill, Judy Schmitter and Colleen Gates Kim & Tom Chulick Jessica Butler

22 23

$995,467

InIn touch

2012¯2013 annUal fUnd Supporting a tradition of excellent teaching

a s the end of Whitfield’s fiscal year draws near, it is clear that the school’s donors take great pride in supporting

a “tradition of excellent teaching”. Great teaching is at the core of Whitfield. To this end, it is not surprising that Whitfield’s dedicated faculty and staff were first to answer the call to support the school’s 2012-2013 Annual Fund campaign.

“Our faculty and staff understand that gifts to the Annual Fund are essential to the day to day operations of the school,” said Director of Development, Kelly Edwards. “These individuals see firsthand how the generosity of our donors impacts our programs, facilities and the educational experiences of our students. Whitfield faculty and staff are proud to say they are contributing financially to help advance the school’s mission. They are also proud of hitting 100 percent participation in the Annual Fund; a long-standing tradition among this group.

Following the lead of faculty and staff, Whitfield’s Board of Trustees also reached the 100 percent participation mark. The 27 individuals serving on the Board this past year contributed a combined total of $174,492 therefore funding nearly 17% of Whitfield’s charitable needs for the year.

In order for Whitfield to reach the $1 million annual goal, the school depends on the generosity and loyalty

of current families, alumni, alumni families, grandparents and friends. These constituents demonstrated their commitment to Whitfield with gifts totaling $498,356.

Each year, Whitfield teams with a committee of individuals who spread the word about the vital need for support of the school’s Annual Fund. Current parents, Andy

and Lisa Remack (Annie ’14), served as this year’s Annual Fund chairs. In their letter to our current parent community the Remacks so eloquently stated that Whitfield provides “an environment that upholds respect for every individual, yet embraces community, while creating a sense of belonging. Teachers and staff truly commit to the success of every child by supporting, appropriately challenging, encouraging and creating a classroom that is dynamic and joyful.”

It is because of the time, talent and generosity of so many that Whitfield continues to provide its students with a Tradition of Excellent Teaching.

On behalf of our entire school community, thank you for your amazing continued support of Whitfield’s Annual Fund.

2012 - 2013 ANNUAL FUND

Like most private independent schools, tuition does not cover the full cost of a Whitfield education. The difference

between tuition and the full cost is called “the gap,” which is about $3,000 per student. Annual giving helps bridge

this gap and allows Whitfield to maintain the highest quality college preparatory program including excellent teachers,

small class sizes, outstanding technology and exceptional arts and athletics.

The Annual Fund also supports our alumni program. Whitfield alumni share a lifelong connection to each other and

to Whitfield; to help our alumni stay connected, Whitfield hosts various alumni events including Homecoming, class

reunions and several social events throughout the year.

Every gift, no matter the amount, is needed and helps us reach our annual goal of $1,000,000. While our gap of

$3,000 per student is encouraged for those who are able, we recognize that not all families can give at this level. We

ask our families and benefactors to make a gift that is meaningful to them and to consider making Whitfield School the

top priority in their charitable giving.

Make Your Gift or Pledge Today!

Mail Fill out the enclosed giving envelope and return it to Whitfield School.

Online Visit www.whitfieldschool.org/giving to make your gift online.

Phone Call the development office at 314.434.5141 to give stocks or bonds.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Millennium Group (314) 982-0335 (314) 835-0895 Acct #: 203-108-114-206 Acct #: 788-00869 DTC #0015 DTC #0235 Fed. Tax ID: 43-0911366 Fed. Tax ID: 43-0911366

Questions? Contact the Development Office at (314) 434-5141.

Supporting a tradition of excellent teaching.WHITFIELD SCHOOL • 175 South Mason Road • St. Louis, Missouri 63141 • (314) 434-5141 • www.whitfieldschool.org

Annual Fund Brochure '12_FINAL.indd 1 9/4/12 10:52 AM

annual Fund Giving Total (as of 6/20/13): $995,467

InIn support

To submiT informaTion, please e-mail alumni@whiTfieldschool.org, visiT www.whiTfieldschool.org or mail To alumni noTes/insighTs: whiTfield school • 175 souTh mason road • sT. louis, mo 63141

Alumni notes

1990sMATT SOKOLICH ’96 recently joined Enterprise Bank & Trust as a business banking specialist. Matt seeks opportunities to provide banking solutions for privately held businesses with annual revenues ranging from $1M-$12M. Matt and his wife Rachel have two beautiful children, Henri, 6 and Harper, 4, and are expecting their third child in August.

ELISSA CADy ARNOLD ’97 and her husband Ben welcomed a baby girl, Bea Arnold to the world March 4, 2013.

TANyA SCHMITTER MAyER ’99 and husband JR welcomed their second child, Grant Mayer, April 29, 2013. Tanya and the baby are doing well despite Grant’s very early arrival.

2000sCHRIS CADy ‘00 is a helicopter pilot with Helicopters, Inc., a company that contracts with TV stations across the

United States to provide traffic and late breaking news coverage. Chris pilots the KMOV-Channel 4 helicopter during morning and evening drive times.

ROB and JANET LEDFORD MOyLE ’02 welcomed their second child, Brayden, April 21, 2013. The couple lives in Dallas, Texas where Rob is the president and

managing partner for Commercial Tax Group. Janet is staying at home with Brayden and their little girl Katelyn who is 3 years old.

JANE GELFAND ’03 and KELLy NyIKES ’03, who began their 13-year relationship in the halls of Whitfield, were married May 26, 2013. After completing their undergraduate education at the University

of Wisconsin-Madison, the couple spent one year in St. Louis before moving to Chicago when Jane enrolled in medical school at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. They currently reside in the city of Chicago, where Kelly works in the wine and spirits industry and Jane is finishing medical school.

MELISSA HOWE ’08 has been living in Chicago for the past year working on her Certification of Fundraising Management through the Lilly Family School of Philantropy at Indiana University. She just started an internship in the Donor Relations Department at the Lincoln Park Zoo, where she works with the rest of the development team on events that help fundraise in an effort to keep the Lincoln Park Zoo free to the public, much like the St. Louis Zoo.

LANCE JUBEL ’08 recently completed a six month internship with Thom Browne, a New York City-based menswear and womenswear brand. Lance worked in the corporate sales and

production departments selling new merchandise to buyers at boutiques and department stores worldwide. He also had the opportunity to travel to Milan on a sales campaign. Pictured: Lance Jubel (right) with Thom Browne.

KAITLIN BEHAN ’10 and BRITTANy MEDLER ’12 are both members of the University Denver Dancers. Kaitlin was recently elected captain and Brittany was elected to serve as a team officer.

ALEX BLUESTONE ’10 and JACKIE NELSON ’10, best friends since their days at Whitfield, attend Washington University and University of Missouri, Columbia, respectively. This summer they continued

their educational pursuits together in the same study abroad program, DIS, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Alex studied the relationship between design and society in Denmark and Jackie examined how culture influences human behavior and how positive psychology is being applied across Europe.

BLAKE DIEMER ’10 is a rising senior at the University of Southern California. This summer he has an internship in the sports division at Blitz, an advertising agency in Santa Monica, California.

Congratulations to ALEX RUDD ’10 who was named to the 2012-2013 All-Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) First-Team. Rudd, a junior guard on the University

of Redlands men’s basketball team, averaged 14.0 points per game and registered a conference-best shooting mark of 54.2 percent from long range against conference competition.

SavE ThE DaTE

WhITFIELD, MICDS & jBS

YOUnG aLUMnI nETWORkInG haPPY hOUR

Wed., July 24

6:00 – 9:00pm

Double D’s Karaoke in Brentwood

Would you like to help bring your class together for a reunion? Contact Casey Jolley at casey.jolley@whitfieldschool.org.

annUaL FUnD ChaIRS

Our Annual Fund volunteers were an integral part of the appeal process this year, reaching out to fellow grade level parents and grandparents encouraging them to make a commitment.

Overall Lisa and Andy Remack

6th grade Debbie and Rick Maack

7th grade Traci and Harlan Hodges

8th grade Keshia and Alvin Harris

9th grade Linda and Les Steinberg

10th grade Molly Shaffer and Paul Minorini

11th grade Ginger and Terry Kurten

12th grade Julie and Tom Nelson

Grandparent Nancy and Nick Kurten

t he parents of the classes

of 2010 and 2011 each gathered for get-togethers this past spring, proving that friendships made at Whitfield last long after graduation! Pictured here are the parents of the Class of 2011 at their party. Alumni parents as you get together, please forward any photos to Becky Marsh, Whitfield’s director of communications and marketing, becky.marsh@whitfieldschool.org.

NoN-profit org.

U.S. poStage

PAID

St. LoUiS, Mo

perMit No. 2295

PLEASE NOTE: IF yOUR NAME HAS CHANGED OR IF yOU HAVE A CHANGE OF ADDRESS, PLEASE CONTACT MICHELLE PARSONS, 314-415-1213, MICHELLE.PARSONS@WHITFIELDSCHOOL.ORG.

WhItfIelD School

175 South Mason roadSt. Louis, Missouri 63141

Actions speAk

louder thAn

words.

ST. LOUIS AREA AGENCIES SERVED:

Almost Home

Beyond Housing

Boys and Girls Club of St. Louis

Dirks Fund

Father Dickson Cemetery

Forest Park Cleanup with OWLS

Kingdom House

Life Skills - Touchpoint Autism Services

Mary Culver Home

St. Louis Foodbank

Southside Early Childhood Children’s Center

University City Children’s Center

WHitfield in aCtion 2013Over 220 students, parents, faculty and staff participated in Whitfield’s third annual day of service, Whitfield In Action, on Saturday, April 20, 2013. Participants volunteered at one of 12 St. Louis area agencies.

Thank you to everyone who participated! next year’s whitfield in action will be held Saturday, april 5, 2014.