Bulletin Fall/Winter 2010

BANCROFT

中美教育文化交流

中美教育文化交流

Windows on Bancroft

1 Scene from Grade 8’s fall performance ofCharlie and the Chocolate Factory.

2 Bancroft’s Lower School fostersfriendships.

3 Worcester Partnership students take aneye-level view during their art class.

4 Varsity Cross Country boys win in theirrace against LCA during Homecoming.

5 Solar powered popcorn being popped asa treat for the audience during the SolarDedication ceremony.

6 Pumpkins lined up ready for sale duringthe annual Grade 6 event.

7 Carol Ryan’s freshmen advisory joins inthe UMassWalk to Cure Cancer.

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BANCROFT SCHOOL

Director of Institutional AdvancementLiz Siladi

Editor-In-Chief / Director of Marketingand Communications

Matthew Barone

Editor / Assistant Director of AlumniRelations and Communications

Lynn St. Germain

Director of DevelopmentLaurie Bowater

Administrative AssistantsLydia Barter, Catherine Hanssen

DesignLinda Dagnello

Editorial AssistantDeena S. Madnick

ContributorsRuss Campbell; Terry Coes ‘67;

Christine Jones; Joan Killough-Miller;Amy E. Phillips; Nicky Puccio

Bancroft Bulletin is published biannuallyby Bancroft School, 110 Shore Drive,Worcester, MA 01605-3198. Issues arepublished fall/winter and spring/summer

and mailed to all known alumni ofBancroft School as part of the benefit of

their having attended the School.Bancroft Bulletin provides a medium for

the exchange of views concerningBancroft School affairs; news about theSchool and its alumni; and editorialcontent that relates to the shared anddiverse experiences and interests of

Bancroft alumni.

On the Cover:Great Wall of China near Beijing;

Translation of Chinese reads, (Chinese-American Educational Cultural

Exchange). Photo: Christine Jones.

BANCROFT Bulletin | Fall/Winter 2010

Contents

3 News FeaturesSolar panel dedication...A formerHead remembered...NationalMerit success...Bancroft School ofDistinction...Senior Co-Op... and more...

8 Transgressing PedagogicalBoundariesA new academic partnership withShanghai is born. Bancroft's studentsand faculty are immersed intoChinese culture.

12 Character and Class:1960, Fifty Years LaterCelebrating their 50th Reunion this

year, the accomplished Class of 1960

has plenty of character to go around.

16 Reunion 2010Alumni Reunion Celebration

17 Alumni News

2009 – 10 Annual Report(insert)

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Dear Bancroft Friends:

Thirty years ago I started a career in independent education by teaching at theHarley School in Rochester, New York. One of our country’s premier progressiveschools, Harley attracted some of the most talented students in Western NewYork to an education the purpose of which was to “prepare students for a futurethat can only be approximated.”

That phrase—a future that can only be approximated—has stuck with me allthese years as central to what education is all about. We are, of course, seeking thesame goal here at Bancroft in preparing students to be lifelong learners, teachersof others, and citizens of the globe.

I have spent hours over the last two months meeting individually with ourseniors to chat about their experiences at Bancroft and their plans for the future. What an impressivegroup of young people! They are artists, athletes, and scholars, all. They are also scientists and geneticresearchers, budding physicians and public servants, airplane pilots, writers, social critics, theologians,ecologists, and marine biologists. They are—all of them—very much looking toward the future. Theyare filled with ambition for the good of humankind.

This edition of the Bancroft Bulletin highlights a number of our recent ventures that speak to thissame orientation toward the future. As luck would have it, I write this letter while flying over Siberiaon my way back to China for the second time in two years to continue to build our relationship withour school partners in Shanghai. As you will see in this issue, Bancroft students and faculty have ben-efited from our exchanges and opportunities to live our School’s mission in Asia. We are striving toconnect our students with the future, and to reaching out in collaboration with Chinese educators, withan eye on the future.

This connection is also taking place in efforts on Shore Drive. This past month our School dedicatedour solar panel project, the largest private installation of solar panels in Worcester. Most importantly,this installation has served as an important impetus in curricular reform as we work to integrate renew-able energy studies into our science curriculum, in all three divisions of the School.

Yes, we are working for a future that can only be approximated in preparing students for college andlife beyond the walls of academe. Bancroft is leading by example and testing our mission against newrealities both here and abroad.

Scott R. ReisingerHeadmaster

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NewsFeatures

With the sun shining, the Bancroft Schoolcommunity and local and state officials con-vened outdoors to celebrate the installation

of 462 high-efficiency solar panels atop the McDonoughCenter at a special dedication ceremony on October 8.

The solar electric system is the largest private instal-lation within the city of Worcester, and produces morethan 117,000-kilowatt hours of electricity annually orapproximately 25% of the building’s energy needs over anentire year.

“Bancroft leads by example in providing our studentswith the tools and knowledge to be conscientious citizensof the globe,” said Scott R. Reisinger, Headmaster. “Wehave a strong record of sustainability, and I am proud to seeour School join with the greater Worcester community infurther expanding our clean energy reach.”

Worcester has already been named by the Common-wealth as one of the first green communities inMassachusetts. The solar electric system capacity is ratedat 106.2 kW and will add to the city’s reputation as astronghold of alternative energy-conscious organizations.The project was made possible by Future Solar Systems,LLC of Millbury, MA, which designed the solar electricsystem, coordinated the installation, secured investors,and provided a comprehensive curriculum for solar, wind,and energy efficiency for faculty to incorporate into thescience and math programs.

Johanna ’14 later provided a student perspective: “It’sreally phenomenal that a school as small as ours canmake such a difference just by taking the sun’s energy and

converting it to energy for our school. This is not justgreat for the environment; this is not just great for ourclassrooms; this is great for the community. We try to beconscious of how much energy we use, how much we re-cycle; these panels really epitomize everything we do totry and help the environment.”

Lt. Governor Timothy Murray addressed the audienceof 700 where he said, “The project goes a long way inteaching young people the importance of clean, renew-able energy in a real and tangible way.” He applaudedBancroft’s and Future Solar’s leadership with the project.

“These are the leaders that will take us to a new levelin clean energy and jobs,” said Murray.

Bancroft has a long history of committing to respon-sible choices for its students, staff, and the greater com-munity. With the addition of this solar electric system,Bancroft is able to build on an already impressive sustain-ability policy that spans the entire campus. From organicfertilizer and corn-based compostable plastic cups for thesports teams, to organic, locally-grown produce in thecafeteria and the conversion to all-green cleaning products,the School is leading by example.

Student speaker Solon ’11 said the solar arrayinstallation celebrates the School’s bright future. “It’sprobably the biggest change since we broke ground onthe McDonough Center right here 10 years ago. But, thischange is a little odd because it’s a change that we can’tsee or feel. Our world is left a little cleaner than it wouldhave been had we not put these solar panels up. Isn’t thatcool?”

Bancroft Dedicates LargestPrivate Solar System in theCity of WorcesterSchool sustainability actions lead the way for other public and private organizations.

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News Features

Bancroft StudentsNamed National Merit Semi-Finalists

Bancroft School seniors Nikolai,Joshua, Donald, Tatiana, andRachel were named semi-finalists in

the 56th annual National Merit ScholarshipProgram. Honorees represent the top 1% ofPreliminary SAT/National Merit ScholarshipQualifying Test scores in each state. AtBancroft, they represent almost 10% of the54 students in this year’s senior class.

“We are so very proud, and honored, tohave so many students recognized in thisnational competition for their hard work andperseverance,” says Scott R. Reisinger,Headmaster. “This acknowledgement is atestament to Bancroft’s rigorous academicprogram.”

Those performing in the top 5% of thePSAT exam in each state are recognized ascommended students for their achievement.Additionally, Bancroft had five seniorsnamed to this category: Nicole, Priyanka,Samuel, Prithwijit, and Elisabeth. Otherhonors went to Bryce who scored in the top3% of 160,000 Black Americans and toDonald who was named to the NationalHispanic Recognition Program.

Approximately 16,000 semi-finalistsnationwide have an opportunity to continuein the competition for about 8,200 MeritScholarship awards worth $34 million. Inorder to become a finalist, a semi-finalistmust have an outstanding academic recordthroughout high school, be endorsed andrecommended by the school, and earn SATscores that confirm the earlier qualifyingperformance.

Merit Scholarship winners will be noti-fied between April and July of 2011.

An Invaluable Lesson

Thestart of school is always an excitingtime of the year and this one was noexception. While many students were

either in class or off at various bonding activities,this year the sophomore class spent their firstmorning at school learning cardiopulmonaryresuscitation or CPR.

As of the 2009 school year, CPR has been integrated into thesophomore and senior classes’ curriculum as part of a new graduationrequirement. CPR is presented under the instruction of members ofthe Worcester Fire Department (WFD) along with the BancroftSchool Nursing team. Each student was instructed in infant, child,and adult CPR along with the use of an automated external defibrillator(AED) and foreign body airway obstruction (or Heimlich maneuver).The students practiced CPR on manikins until they felt comfortablewith their technique and were approved by Captain HamptonPerkins of the WFD.Over the years, the majority of Bancroft’s faculty and staff have

received CPR training offered by the School. Now, Bancroft’s com-mitment to training high school-age students as well is applauded bythe WFD and Director of Health Services and School Nurse, JaniceMorello. “Captain Perkins has mentioned that we have one of thehighest percentages of certified people in Worcester schools. I amthrilled that Bancroft values the teaching of this life-long skill. CPRis an invaluable lesson that can be beneficial beyond the Bancroftcampus.”

One recognition is impressive;eleven gives reason to rejoice.

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Bancroft’s former Headmistress Marigolden Tritschler passed awayWednesday, April 28, 2010 from Parkinson’s disease, just two days beforeher 80th birthday. Mrs. Tritschler served as Head of Bancroft from

1981-1992, a time of significant campus and financial growth at Bancroft.Known for her spirit, her passion, her energy and her optimism, she remained inthe last two decades a supportive friend of our school.

Mrs.Tritschler grew up in Butler, PA. She graduated from the former Pennsyl-vania College for Women in 1951 and received her Master’s degree in Englishfrom the University of Chicago in 1952. She held a number of administrativepositions at Kenwood Academy in Albany, NY before becoming Headmistress ofBancroft. After leaving Worcester, she worked in admissions at Skidmore College,and then settled in Austin, Texas where she lived until her death. She is survived byher daughter Sydney, son Charlie, and their families, including five grandchildren.

Mrs.Tritschler is remembered at Bancroft by all who knew and worked withher, as well as by those who hold the title of Tritschler Fellow, an honor bestowedupon a faculty member annually in conjunction with the “Carpe Diem” Awardand supported by the GG Tritschler Fund established in 1992. The award is afitting tribute to a dignified educator and leader who, in every way, taught theBancroft community to seize the day.

Bancroft Mourns Passing of Former Head

Bancroft School is among thefirst schools (and the first inMassachusetts) selected by

the All Kinds of Minds Institute inDurham, NC—today’s preeminenteducation organization dedicated toadvancing the use of a neuroscience-based approach to learning—as oneof its Schools of Distinction. Thisdesignation recognizes schoolsaround the world that have embracedthe organization’s vision of everystudent finding success in school andlife through the practice of “teachingto how minds are wired to learn.”Bancroft School’s mission of prepar-ing college-bound students to pursueand realize their academic, personaland social potential while embracingthe moral and ethical challenges ofbeing life-long learners, teachers of

others, and citizens of an increasinglycomplex global community is alignedwith All Kinds of Minds’ belief thatall students should have opportunitiesfor success in school and in life.

Bancroft began implementing AllKinds of Minds philosophies in 2007,showing a strong commitment toembedding the science of learninginto the art of teaching throughout itsprograms. Headmaster Scott Reisingersays, “Bancroft School serves a groupof academically talented students, andwe embrace a cognitive developmen-tal model to support our pedagogy.The All Kinds of Minds approach,emphasizing each learner’s ‘highly in-dividual neurodevelopmental profile’meets that need, giving us a clear,concise, consistent, and teachable wayto bolster what we do for our students

and their families. We believe it is in-dicative of best practices in teaching.”

All Kinds of Minds’ Schools ofDistinction designation is earned byschools (worldwide) demonstrating arelentless focus on student successthrough application of the latestscientific research on learning and itsvariations. At least fifty percent offaculty members in Schools ofDistinction are applying expertise onbrain-based learning acquiredthrough programs offered by AllKinds of Minds. These educators usenew knowledge and tools to under-stand learning struggles encounteredby students, identify unique strengthsand talents, and integrate teachingstrategies for how each studentlearns. To date, only 32 such schoolshave earned this distinction.

Bancroft School Chosen for National Recognition

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News Features

ADMINISTRATIONAlan HuntChief Financial Officer

Alan holds a B.S. inEconomics from theWharton School,where he graduatedMagna Cum Laude.Previously, Alan wasemployed as CFO at

Miami Country Day School, wherehe managed finance, accounting, in-vestments, construction, grounds andmaintenance, HR, security, and IT.

Jacqueline LefebvreDirector of College Counseling

Jackie holds an M.A.from Boston Collegeand a B.A. in Com-parative Literaturefrom the Universityof Pennsylvania.Previously, she was

the Associate Director of CollegeCounseling at the Dalton School inNew York.

Hanna Kaufman ’03Associate Director of AdmissionUS English Faculty

Hanna will receivean M.Ed. in May2011 from LesleyUniversity and holdsa B.A. in Sociologyfrom Brown Univer-sity. Hanna is a 2003

graduate of Bancroft and has mostrecently worked as a substituteteacher for English.

FACULTY AND STAFFDavid FairUS Mathematics Faculty

David holds an M.S.in Mechanical Engi-neering from TuftsUniversity and aB.S. in MechanicalEngineering fromStanford University.

Catherine HanssenRecords Assistant for Advancement

Catherine holds anM.S. in Leadershipand OrganizationalChange from RegisCollege, and a B.S.in Communicationsfrom Fitchburg StateCollege.

Patricia RimAssistant Librarian

Patti will receive anM.S. in Library andInformation Sciencein December fromSimmons College.She holds a J.D.fromNorthwestern

University School of Law, and a B.S. inEconomics from theWharton School.

Robin SilvermanUS Latin Faculty

Robin holds an M.A.in Education fromTufts University anda B.A. in Classicsfrom WesleyanUniversity.

Peter StearnsWorcester City Scholar Advisor

Peter holds an M.A.in Psychology andGuidance fromAssumption College,and a B.A. inPhilosophy andTheology from St.John’s Seminary.

New Senior CapstoneExperience Announced

Last Spring ten Bancroftseniors helped pilot a newUpper School initiative: The

Bancroft Senior Cooperative program.Set to debut as the new capstoneexperience for all seniors starting inthe spring of 2011, the Co-op willreplace the traditional end-of-yearresearch presentation with servicelearning and workplace experiences.Students will make a significant, andpersonally meaningful, social contri-bution to the greater Worcester com-munity, thereby sustaining the valuesand skills prevalent in Bancroft’sacademic program while also fullyallowing the students to undertake asubstantial, challenging, and mean-ingful final educational experience atthe school.

Program coordinator and USEnglish teacher Mark Taylor wasimpressed with the dedication andprofessionalism of the students aswell as the enthusiastic response oftheir site mentors at the Colleges ofWorcester Consortium, MassAudubon’s Broad Meadow Brook,Princeton Historical Society,YWCA, Worcester Center for Crafts,Worcester Public Library, and WPI’sChemical Engineering Lab. Projectsranged from conducting peer surveysand program marketing to vernalpool monitoring, digital photoarchiving, and fuel cell research.

At the YWCA, Sylvia Parol ’10,now a freshman at WPI, developed apeer leadership program for Worcestergirls ages 14 to 18. Sylvia was able todraw upon her own experiences intheatre and outdoor leadershiptraining to develop 20 hours of pro-gramming that she feels will be bothrelevant and fun for the girls whoparticipate. As for her own experi-ence, she believes that “you won’tunderstand your own potential tocreate change unless you try.” Andthat may be the best lesson of all.

New Bancroft Faculty and Staff 2010-2011

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Teacher Sandy Allen is the 2010 Carpe Diemrecipient, selected for excellence and enthusiasmin teaching.

Babson College (2)Becker College

Bishop’s UniversityBoston University (2)Brandeis UniversityBrown University

Bryant University (3)Clark University (2)Colby-Sawyer College

College of the Holy Cross (2)Connecticut College

Elon UniversityFlorida Southern College

George Washington UniversityHawaii Pacific UniversityHigh Point University

Juniata CollegeKeene State CollegeLehigh University

Massachusetts College of Pharmacyand Health Sciences

Massachusetts Maritime AcademyMiddlebury College (2)

Mount Holyoke College (2)Northeastern University

Parsons School of Design, New School UniversityProvidence College

Rochester Institute of TechnologySalve Regina University

Skidmore CollegeSmith College

Syracuse University (2)Trinity College

University of Central FloridaUniversity of Connecticut (4)

University of Massachusetts AmherstUniversity of Pennsylvania (2)

University of Plymouth, EnglandUniversity of Rhode Island

University of TorontoUniversity of VermontWellesley College (2)

Wheaton CollegeWorcester Academy (post graduate)

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (3)

2010 College List

109th Commencement & Awards

For a complete list of the year-end awards and commencement and closing photo galleries, please visit: bancroftschool.org/2010awards.

Faculty, family, and friends celebrated the accomplishments of the 60 members of the Class of 2010 who graduated from Bancroft on June 10.

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Bancroft junior, Colin, embraces his Number 1School host as the entire group says farewellprior to their return home.

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9Louis Vuitton’s latest 2011 collection reflectsa touch of historical Shanghai as a way toreveal the importance of this city and itsarchetype style. Once hailed the “Paris ofthe East,” Shanghai is not only a leading

trendsetter in fashion and the arts, but serves as a promi-nent financial and economic center in China.

In celebration of China’s 61st National Day this fall,Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, reaffirmedpublicly that the United States will continue to work to-gether with China to strengthen their relationship.“This year we have launched new efforts to promoteeducational and cultural exchanges, including our goal ofsending 100,000 American students to China over thenext four years.”

Bancroft School has already been building and secur-ing new academic partnerships abroad. In October of2009, Bancroft signed a formal agreement with TongjiUniversity’s Number 1 School in Shanghai, indicating anaffiliation between the two institutions. HeadmasterScott Reisinger notes that this partnership with thenewly acquired “sister school” allows for faculty, adminis-trator, and student exchanges.

The global partnership differs from other exchangeprograms, in that the agreement includes a reciprocalrelationship where our faculty has the opportunity to leadsubject-specific lectures to Chinese teachers. Mutualvisits between the two institutions have already occurred.“Bancroft and Number 1 School faculty and administrativeexchanges have already taken place this past year,” saysReisinger. “This past June, several of our students alsovisited Number 1 School, and we anticipate a return visitfrom Shanghai’s students in 2011. Many people have beeninvolved in making this launch a success—none more sothan Lower School parent Nan Zhang who has workedtirelessly over the last two years on coordinating our newrelationship.”

Traveling afar. A group of Bancroft students, facultymembers, and current parents, traveled to Shanghai forwhat would be the first culturally-enriched educationaltrip abroad with a “sister school.” A setting like no other,Shanghai offers a “fascinating urban culture that placesenormous value on education and the arts from an earlyage,” adds Reisinger. “Upon my first trip we toured theregion and spoke with government officials, principals,teachers, and students. From the impressive high-speedtrains, bright city lights, and modern skyline, to the vari-ous education encounters—we thoroughly enjoyed thisunique cultural experience.”

Roger Jones, Head of Bancroft’s Middle School, ledthe Shanghai expedition as the School’s spokesperson,with daily chaperoning support from Nicky Puccio, Ban-croft’s Department Head for foreign language. With four

TransgressingPedagogical Boundaries:

West greeting East, East greeting West

BY AMY E. PHILLIPS

continued on page 10

Bancroft faculty, Maureen Fujimori, Christian Gal, Emmanuelle Jetté, Roger Jones,Nicky Puccio, and Michael Sormrude, pose with students and other exchangeparticipants on the Great Wall near Beijing.

experienced faculty members in tow, the teaching teambrought not only knowledge about their respective sub-jects, but insight into methods of current pedagogies.“Each faculty member was responsible for presenting athree-hour seminar to a large group of teachers in Shang-hai,” Jones notes. “The connecting theme throughout ourpresentations was how to implement student-centeredpractices in an effort to move away from traditional rote,drill, and memorize teacher-centered learning.”

Most of the Chinese teachers in the audience forBancroft’s lectures have been teaching for one to threeyears from a variety of disciplines. Maureen Fujimori,who teaches Middle School math at Bancroft, presentedon the history, development, and philosophy of MiddleSchool in the United States and how it influenced teach-ing practices. “The reaction was most positive to the ex-amples of student work,” says Fujimori. “The teachers hadclearly never seen any projects like the ones I was showing.The examples were open-ended creative works like oursixth grade Great Cell Project inspired by science teacherCarrie Whitney. Students build a 3-D model of a plant oranimal cell and must choose materials that will correlatein a meaningful way to the function of each part of theircell structure. What was so intriguing to the Chineseteachers was the idea that students could learn to makesuch wonderful connections while thinking creativelyand still tying their work into the course objectives.”

An education unfolded. In addition to attendingclasses for a week at the Number 1 School, students lived

in the dorms, befriended fellow Chinese classmates, andused Shanghai’s international setting as a way to enhanceBancroft’s immersion into the culture. Reisinger reflectsthat this experience was “a true cultural exchange, con-sistent with our goals of creating global citizens who arelife-long learners and teachers of others.”

Bancroft students were paired up with Chinese stu-dents from the Number 1 School to shadow them duringthe day. A lottery system had been set up by the Chinesefaculty before the American students arrived to handlefairly the demand to participate in this experience.Bancroft Senior Ronald was paired with a Chinese soph-omore named Michael. “It was interesting to witnesstheir version of science, math, assemblies, and English,”said Ronald. “They were surprisingly proficient in Englishclass, and as at Bancroft, students were not allowed tospeak in their native language. We worked together onan exercise to create an ad campaign for Coke, wrote thescript that included the use of props, and even had toperform the skit at the end.”

Ronald was impressed by how similar he was to Michaeland his peers, though he admits relief in not joining Michaelat their early morning exercises in extreme heat. “They likeWestern music, (are infatuated with Ricky Martin), playsoccer, basketball, and were very friendly to all of us. It feltlike a big deal for us to join them for this new experience.”

“The teachers were immediately engaged, which wasvery encouraging,” said Bancroft’s Lower School Frenchand Spanish teacher Emmanuelle Jetté who presented alecture on elementary school foreign language acquisition.“I gathered examples from units in my language classesand showed them how the same methods can be used bythe Chinese teachers who teach English as a second lan-guage. I demonstrated a sequence of interactive activitiesbefore having the teachers actually engage in some of thegames and skits themselves—it was a very positive expe-rience, and I believe they had fun too.”

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Emmanuelle Jetté leads a lecture on elementary school foreign language to anaudience of Chinese teachers.

Roger Jones receives a Chinese scroll from the principal of Number 1 School.

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Seeing the sights. Colin, a junior at Bancroft,concurs that the experiences he gained during those twoweeks, have created lasting memories. “From seeing thecity of Shanghai at night from a river boat, to viewingthe exhibitions at the World Expo, those two weeks Idefinitely will never forget.”

“We traveled through the mountainous outskirts ofBeijing and witnessed how people lived outside the city,”Colin reminisces. “As we gained elevation, we could seethe mountains surrounding the country’s capital; it was asif they were ‘hugging’ the city with two arms. An ineffa-ble sight; so majestic, no words could do justice to its rawbeauty.”

Jo-Ellen El Khoury, a 2010 graduate of Bancroft,traveled to the Number 1 School only weeks after gradu-ating; it was an offer she could not pass up. “Throughoutmy time at Bancroft, I have been encouraged to embraceopportunities to expand my knowledge and develop agreater appreciation for the diverse cultures of the world,”says El Khoury. “What better way to cultivate this learningthan when I stood gaping at the Great Wall or marveledat the Dragon Boats, which skimmed gracefully across thewater at the Summer Palace?”

Experiences gained. The learning in which Bancroftstudents engaged extrapolated the walls of a traditionalclassroom. And the recent partnership with the Number1 School bridged a gap between Bancroft’s dedication tostudent engagement with citizens of the world. “Studentsare exposed to the cultures of one of the emerging leaderseconomically,” adds Reisinger. “Here they test the limitsand potential of what it means to be both teachers andlearners of others. The cultural understanding that growsfrom students exercising both these roles, in China itself,makes real the mission of our School.”

Nathan Holdstein ’03 is in his third year living inBeijing and currently works for a sustainable farming

project in China. “Exposure to the education system inanother country, especially China, is an invaluable expe-rience that will benefit both teachers and students by giv-ing them a different view of the world,” said Holdstein.“I’m very pleased to see Bancroft’s ties growing withChina, specifically the Number 1 School in Shanghai.”

“Learning doesn’t always have to be in a school,”Colin remarks. Outside of the classroom, there are manylessons. “On this trip, I learned a lot about Chinese cul-ture, its people, and its rich history. After this experience,I feel more like a citizen of the globe because now I havepeople I call friends on the other side of the world.”

Bonding continues. The vision of future partnershipsbetween Bancroft School and Number 1 School will con-tinue to push the boundaries and definitions of pedagogy.“Our current and future partnerships are dedicated tobuilding a cultural awareness that leads to peace andunderstanding between the populations of both institu-tions,” Reisinger concludes.

The boundaries of fashion for cultural icon LouisVuitton have shifted to the “Paris of the East” on therunways. So, too, have the boundaries for learning. Aseducators and students within the borders of Bancroft orNumber 1 School classrooms, these walls have expandedto meet the need of a growing cultural awareness. Noteveryone is able to stand along the Great Wall of China,but those willing to embark upon an educational journeythat reaches across the globe, would, as Reisinger notes,embody Bancroft’s philosophy to “promote understandingwith the potential of leading to a future of greater harmonyand cooperation.”

East and West collaborate for a new generation.

Amy E. Phillips is a freelance writer and Professional WritingInstructor at Syracuse University.

Bancroft students sit next to their Number 1 School hosts outside the main entrance to the facility.

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CHARACTER AND CLASS:1960, Fifty Years Later

BY JOAN KILLOUGH-MILLER

The Class of 1960 came of age in a time of evolving change, for Bancroft and the nation.

The girls and boys were separated after 8th grade graduation because the Upper School

was all female. In their junior year, the girls were among the first students to move from

their homey Sever Street schoolhouse to an expansive, but still unfinished Shore Drive

campus with a stark and modern design.

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A small but loyal group, they pulled together for aspectacular 50th Reunion that broke records forboth attendance and class giving. One of the

highlights of the class reunion was a visit to Sever Street fora special luncheon and a nostalgic tour. The memories cameflooding back—from the joy of ice skating on the frozenpond, to panic at being called into the headmaster’s office forany number of reasons including hitting a softball throughhis window, which counted as an automatic home run.

An accomplished class, they are living their dreams,and they have found what they were meant to do—whetheras authors and artists, adventurers and athletes, businesspeople and educators, activists and philanthropists, healersand humanitarians, or parents and friends.

Here are just some of their stories.

Robert Bicknell: “We Didn’t Miss a Beat”

Although Bob Bicknell leftBancroft four years beforegraduation—along with allthe boys in his class—hejoined class secretary ChristinaGummere Laurie and classagent Lynn MagnusonWegner in tracking down andreuniting the co-ed class forits 50th Reunion. With helpfrom his computer-savvy chil-dren, he started a Facebookpage to help classmates findeach other and to give them aplace to share memories thatdated back to first grade.“Persistence, that’s what

does it,” says Bob, who is re-tired from a career in HVACengineering and sales. “Youjust keep making phone callstill people say yes.” When oneclassmate said she didn’t thinkshe was up to the long drive

from New York City, he said, “Then I’ll send a limo foryou.” His conviction won her over—the next day she calledback to say she would find a way to be there. The enthusi-asm snowballed, drawing in classmates from Montana,Canada, and Germany.

Bob relates that the teenaged boys and girls seizedevery opportunity to see each other after they were partedas classmates. They met up at square dance parties and for-mal cotillions. They took ballroom dance lessons togetherat Mrs. Walker’s Academy (which is now Tuckerman Hall),where the girls learned to twirl in formal ball gowns withgigantic crinoline petticoats.

It was amazing how easily everyone reconnected, saysBob, of the 50th Reunion. “You hadn’t missed a beat. Youmight have missed out on how many kids they had and thedetails of their careers, but you still feel the connection youhad with them so many decades ago. That lasts.”

“I wish that the friendships and relationships started atBancroft could have been part of my life for the last 50years,” he says. “I’m sure our wives, husbands, and childrenwould have been best of friends.”

Christina Gummere Laurie: “The Memory Holder”

“I’ve always thought of our class asthe ‘rebel’ class,” says ChristinaGummere Laurie. “We didn’t havesit-ins or wave protest signs, but wequestioned authority, and we wereespecially vocal about not wantingto leave Sever Street. I think it wasa bonding thing, though—an us-against-them attitude.”A “new girl” in her 8th gradeclass, Christina formed strong con-nections that have served her well.She has helped to hold the classtogether for half a century as one ofBancroft’s longest-serving classsecretaries. Working as a team withLynn and Bob, the trio reached outrelentlessly to the class to encourageattendance and push donations to arecord level.

“Put a contest in front of me, and I’ll kill myself tryingto win it,” she laughs. “I have an outgoing personality, and Iwant to know what’s been going on in your life,” she admits.“But I’m only a catalyst. If you can get people excited aboutwhat you’re excited about, they will light the fires for others.”

Christina coined the term “memory holder” to describethe people who remember things about us that we mayhave forgotten. “As I went through the mourning processfor dear friends and loved ones, I realized that a part of mealso died because they took some memories of me with them.Bancroft people are important memory holders for me.”

A Methodist pastor who heard the call and enrolled inseminary at the age of 46, and a longtime prize-winningpoet, she is the author of Seasons Rising: A Collection ofHaiku, and Inspiration Interludes, as well as children’s books,a memoir, and a murder mystery. In retirement, she is stillwriting and swimming every day.

“Every reunion brings more bonding. I’ve seen ourfriendships grow stronger.” Is she already planning for the55th reunion? Laughing, she says, “I don’t know, we justfinished the 50th. I think I’ll take some time off. But I hopethe momentum will continue.”

Robert Bicknell (l) with former classmateDavid Richards.

Christina Gummere Laurie

Marilyn Richardson: “A Class United in Song”

Marilyn Richardson joined the class in its first year at the newcampus and, as she puts it, “I was a first myself.” She threwherself into extra curricular activities, reviving the dormantDebating Society and putting in long hours on the class play.

“In those days, no matter how modest your singing skills,all seniors were automatically admitted to the chorus. I audi-tioned to see where my voice fit best. A few days later I wastold I could not be a member. There were many joint concertsat boys’ schools, which were followed by mixers; and as Ban-croft’s first and only African American student at the time, Iwas told it would not be appropriate for me to participate insuch events.

“All seniors were eligible,but not all joined. That yearsome of my closest friendsdeclined, claiming lack of time.It took me some time to puttwo and two together to under-stand their gift,” she surmised.

“Graduation came. Ourclass was aglow in our whitesuits and dresses, holding bou-quets of roses. The chorus roseto perform at the front of thestage. Those of us who were notchorus members agreed we’dlook silly scattered about therows of empty seats. As the others filed out row by row we sim-ply joined in turn. We had heard the selections during rehearsaland sang merrily along. We were a senior class united in song.”

“For a few golden, celebratory hours on that day, everysingle member of our class was full of excitement and promise.We were, all of us, Bancroft graduates, Class of 1960.”

Marilyn Richardson remained an activist and was ar-rested as a Freedom Rider and civil rights demonstrator. Aformer MIT humanities professor, she is the author of severalbooks on African American women’s history and has servedas curator of the Museum of African American History andthe African Meeting House in Boston.

Myra Hiatt Kraft: “Making a Difference”

Myra Kraft’s career began at the age of five, when she took apaper bag around the streets of Worcester collecting dona-tions for Holocaust refugees. To this day, she works tirelesslyfor causes she believes in, with a special focus on educationand youth programming. She manages the Myra and RobertKraft Family Foundation and the Patriots Charitable Founda-tion and has served on the boards of numerous philanthropicorganizations.

Myra sees education as a remedy for intolerance. She andher husband, Robert, have funded a chair of Christian studies

at Brandeis (her alma mater), and chairs of Judaic studies atthe College of the Holy Cross and at Boston College. Everyyear, they take an interfaith group to Israel to visit importantholy sites for Christians and Jews. “We think that understand-ing is really important. We hope to combat hatred and bigotrythrough knowledge.”

Myra resists the label “career philanthropist.” “I’m a vol-unteer,” she states. “I’m somebody who does something. If I’mgoing to get involved in an organization, I roll up my sleevesand get involved. It’s one thing to write a check—and that’swonderful, and I certainly do that. But I don’t wake up every-day and say—‘Now I’m going to go to my office to decide whoto give my money to.’ We don’t have a staff for our charitablefoundation, the way many others do.”

As a young mother, she got herstart on the board of her sons’ nurseryschools. Today she knows just what ittakes to run a successful board for a high-profile organization. As the first womanto chair the Boys & Girls Clubs ofBoston, she left behind a stronger, re-structured board that is more diverse andmore fully invested in its mission. “There’ssuch a strong feeling about the Boys andGirls Clubs and what it accomplishes,”

she says. “Kids from the toughest neighborhoods in SouthBoston, Roxbury, and Chelsea talk about how clubs savedtheir lives.”

Asking others for support got easier after her husbandbecame owner of the New England Patriots in 1994. “I’d neverrealized the power of football as far as philanthropy goes,” saysMyra. “All of a sudden people are returning your phone callsright away.” Myra, famously, had never been to a footballgame, and resisted for years, preferring to spend Sundays at agood movie or with the New York Times crossword puzzle. Bythe time she caught the fever, her family had lost patiencewith her, and she had to learn the rules of the game for herself.

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(l) Myra Hiatt Kraft presents the Esther Forbes Award for Distinguished ProfessionalAchievement to Marilyn Richardson at Reunion in 2000. (r) French teacher EdGauthier and members of the class of 1960, including Myra Hiatt Kraft and MarilynRichardson, pose for the yearbook.

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Myra’s best memories of Bancroft include writing anddirecting the senior play “North Atlantic”—a spoof of SouthPacific, and the rigor of Mr. Gauthier’s French class. “He wasa great teacher and a good person. His classes were fun butreally tough.” Fifty years later, her advice to the senior class:“Enjoy it—it goes by too quickly!”

Donald “Sandy” Hight and Susan Wright Hight:“The Road Less Travelled”

For two members of the Class of 1960, the ties they formed atBancroft have led to a lifelong partnership. Donald “Sandy”Hight and Susan Wright Hight met at Sever Street in theeighth grade. Sue was new to Bancroft, and nervous about fit-ting in. Sandy was among a tight-knit group of boys who hadbeen together at Bancroft through much of lower and middleschool. Something clicked for them that year before theywent their separate ways, he to Deerfield and then Dartmouth,she to Bancroft’s high school and then Finch College in NewYork City. They dated long distance, on and off, marryingshortly before Sandy entered Dartmouth’s medical school.

Returning to Bancroft for the 50th Reunion “was likecoming home,” Sue says. “I was really looking forward to it,but had no idea how enriching and wonderful it would be todiscover the incredible things people have done and the livesthey’ve had.”

From their early start at Sever Street, the Hights havefollowed Sandy’s personal mantra to “look to the road lesstravelled and take it as far as possible,” both literally andfiguratively. Avid outdoor adventurers, they have done highaltitude climbing in South America, Alaska, Japan, Europeand Africa. “We enjoy active travel and being engaged inadventure,” Sandy notes. Both also trek, kayak, bike, andhave their pilot licenses. Sue draws the line at motorcycles.“Sandy took a week long course, then went on a motorcycletrip in the Mojave Desert last year. I went to Paris!” she quips.

Their paths converge daily at Connecticut Children’sMedical Center, where Sue is the coordinator of Arts in theEnvironment and Sandy is a pediatric surgeon, having helped

found the center’s Division of Pediatric Surgery. With a career-long research interest in chest wall growth abnormalities,Sandy is proud of his department’s research work, whichincludes artificial lung tissue. His most satisfying accomplish-ment has been “to see the specialty of pediatric surgery growto preeminence both regionally and nationally.”

Sue, who has degrees in fine arts, a master’s in counselingpsychology, and training in art therapy, has a passion foremploying art for healing purposes. At CT Children’s shecoordinates the artwork for all exam and patient rooms aswell as public spaces at both the main hospital and a satellite.She is particularly proud that 90 percent of the art is createdby students, from kindergarten through college. Sue says thismodel allows her to partner with schools to establish commu-nity service programs with the side benefit that talking withchildren about healing through art helps make the hospitalseem less scary to them. “It is also very rewarding to be in aplace in which Sandy has been involved since the beginning.”

From the vantage point of 50 years beyond Bancroft, theHights are united in the belief that one should start with agood education and be open to different experiences. As Sueadds, “it’s important to know one’s self well enough so we canunderstand and have compassion for others. Education helpsbuild security within one’s self that enables us to look outsideand care for others.”

Joan Killough-Miller is a writer at Worcester PolytechnicInstitute and a Bancroft parent. Liz Siladi, Director of InstitutionalAdvancement at Bancroft, contributed to the feature article.

Donald and Susan Hight

Some members of the Class of 1960 gather for photos outside their old Sever Streetcampus in Worcester, MA.

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Visit a photo gallery of the entire weekend’s festivities on our web site at: www.bancroftschool.org/reunion2010.

Alumni Reunion Celebration May 21 & 22, 2010

’85

’90

’60

’80’05

’45

’00 ’75

Alumni Award RecipientsReunion Family Cookout

’55

’70

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AlumniGeorge Brownell II ’35June 5, 2010 in Manchester Center, VT at 92Mr. Brownell attended Bancroft from 1921-1928 and graduated from Loomis ChaffeeSchool, and Yale University. He served inthe U.S. Navy from 1942-1947 before work-ing in various capacities at the family busi-ness in Worcester. He retired as President ofG.L. Brownell, Inc, in 1961. He was marriedto the late Barbara Heywood Brownell ’37and both were dedicated supporters of Ban-croft School. He is survived by his daughterSusan Brownell Woodbury ’61, his sonDavid Brownell ’68, and six grandchildren.

Craig Stewart ’36June 30, 2010 in Southport, NC at 91Mr. Stewart graduated from eighth grade atBancroft in 1932. He attended MiddleburyCollege, lived in western Massachusetts andworked many years in the insurance industry.He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Eileen,their four children, four grandchildren, and14 great-grandchildren.

Barbara Blandy Thomson ’37April 6, 2010 in Waterford, MI at 90Mrs. Thomson attended Erskine Jr. Collegeafter graduating from Bancroft. She and herhusband, Edward, lived and raised their fam-ily in Michigan, where she was active in herchurch, the planning commission and thegarden club. She was predeceased by herhusband and sister Leonice Blandy Bicknell’36, and is survived by her son and grandsonand their families.

Constantina Andreson Nassikas ’39June 26, 2010 in McLean, VA at 88Mrs. Nassikas, known as Deena, graduatedfrom Bancroft, the Katharine Gibbs School,and Bradford Junior College, where she laterserved on the Board of Trustees. After raisingher family, she and her late husband, John,moved to McLean, VA where she becameone of the leading real estate brokers in theWashington, DC area. She is survived by herfour children, and siblings: Phyllis AndresonNassikas ’45, Rene Andreson Camougis ’48,and Nicholas Andreson ’51.

Nancy Dunbar Hawley ’48April 27, 2010 in West Boylston, MA at 80Mrs. Hawley attended Bancroft from 1938until she graduated. She attended the KnoxSchool in NY and graduated from Becker Jr.College with a degree in Secretarial Science.She worked throughout her life, includingfor the family business, Howard Products.She was a member of several communityorganizations including Tower Hill BotanicGarden and the Worcester Art Museum.She is survived by her husband of 58 years,Bradford Hawley, a son and daughter andfour grandchildren. She was predeceased byher brother, and sister Charlotte DunbarD’Amore ’38.

Phyllis Woods McCarthy ’48July 28, 2010 in Worcester, MA at 81Mrs. McCarthy attended Bancroft from 1945until she graduated in 1948. She devoted herlife to raising her six children. She workedalongside her husband in the family businessand loved to travel and paint water colors. Shewas predeceased by her husband of 34 years,Robert McCarthy, and is survived by her sisterMarthaWoods Briggs ’51, six children, includ-ing JohnMcCarthy ’86, and their families.

Viola Tonna Pastorelle ’53June 20, 2010 in Mystic, CT at 75Mrs. Pastorelle attended Bancroft, North-hampton School for Girls, and graduated fromMary C. Wheeler in Rhode Island. Sheattended Skidmore College of Nursing andtrained at New York University Hospital. Shemarried in 1955 and raised three children. Shewas predeceased by her husband, JosephPastorelle. She leaves her daughter, two sons,and several family members including Ban-croft siblings: Mary Tonna Cocaine ’46, JeanTonna Welch ’55, Joan Tonna Christo ’55,Theodore Tonna ’64, and George Tonna ’78.

Cynthia Barrington ’59August 19, 2010 in Branford, CT at 68Ms. Barrington attended Bancroft until 1956,then graduated fromNorthampton School forGirls. She earned her B.A. from Elmira Col-lege in NY, and her M.A. in theater arts fromCaseWestern Reserve University in OH. Shelived in New York City working as a costumedesigner and stage manager on numerous pro-ductions. Later she lived in Maine and Con-necticut where she worked as a floral designeramong other artistic endeavors. She is survivedby her sister Faith Barrington ’61, brotherGerald Barrington ’56 and their families.

Nancy Tarasov England ’59June 4, 2010 in Nantucket, MA at 68Mrs. England attended Bancroft from 1953until she graduated in 1959. She attendedWheaton College and Columbia Universityand founded Peter England Nantucket, Ltd.,a successful luxury knitwear company on theisland of Nantucket. She is survived by hertwo children, one granddaughter, and herbrother Edward Tarasov ’62.

Jean Olson Chaplis ’65April 29, 2010 in Rutland, MA at 62Mrs. Chaplis attended Bancroft from 1959 to1965 and earned a B.A. in International Re-lations from Syracuse University in 1969.She became a commissioned officer in theU.S. Army and was one of the first andyoungest women to command an integratedbattalion. She was awarded the Army Com-mendation Medal for notable achievementsand separated with the rank of major. Shethen became successful in the banking in-dustry. She is survived by her husband of 26years, Russell Chaplis, and three daughtersand their families. She was predeceased byher sister Janis Olson Graham ’67.

In MemoriamLisbet Engelsted ’82June 16, 2010 in Naples, FL at 46Ms. Engelsted attended Bancroft from 1970to 1979 and graduated from Philips ExeterAcademy and Lewis and Clark College. Shewas a skilled sailor and equestrian, a licensedmassage therapist, an accomplished athleteand triathlete, and active in her church andreligious education. She is survived by threechildren, and her siblings, including KarenEngelsted Cronin ’72, Eric Engelsted ’74,Ingrid Engelsted Kruse ’85, and their families.

Extended CommunityDavid H. EllsworthAugust 8, 2010 in Osterville, MA at 80Former parent andWorcester communitybenefactor, Mr. Ellsworth was the owner ofClassic Car Corporation inWorcester beforemoving to Osterville, MA in 1974. A profes-sional actor, he was one of the originalmembers of the Worcester Players Club and acompany actor for the Foothills Theater inWorcester. He also appeared on daytime tele-vision, and in community theater at CapeCod. A graduate of Governor’s Academy andthe University of Virginia, he is survived by anextensive family that includes many Bancroftalumni, among them children DavidEllsworth ’78, and Lucinda EllsworthGottfried ’81, and sister Joy Wetzel Hall ’56.He is predeceased by two brothers and sisterNancy Ellsworth Peterson ’54.

Mary Piper JohnsonSeptember 20, 2010 in Boston, MA at 97Mrs. Johnson was a science teacher at Ban-croft from 1955 to 1968. She was a 1934 grad-uate of Mount Holyoke College and lovedyoung people and science. She taught at Mt.Vernon Seminary, and at Ashley Hall Schoolbefore Bancroft, and loved her years here.Two of her three children attended Bancroft,and she was active in many community organ-izations and supported the School throughouther life. She was predeceased by her two hus-bands, William Piper, and Arthur Johnson,and is survived by her childrenW. StephenPiper, Richard S. Piper ’60, and Elsie PiperHathaway ’61, and their families.

Joan Shiminski MacchiAugust 23, 2010 in Bangor, ME at 81Mrs. Macchi was a member of the faculty andDean of Students from 1952 to 1956. She livedin Maine for many years where she raised herfamily. She was predeceased by her husband, I.Alden Macchi, and is survived by her familyincluding a daughter and three grandchildren.

Anthony PollettaMay 18, 2010 in Worcester, MA at 59Mr. Polletta taught woodworking at Bancroftfrom 1974 to 1983. He was an artist andmost recently had been an executive atWoodmeister Corp. He is survived by hiswife Joan and children including AdriaPolletta ’94 and Adam Polletta ’98.

Marigolden Tritschler (See page 5)

Inspired.After graduating from Bancroft in

2002, Alexis Tumolo attended

Harvard University where she studied

Classics—with some Pre Med thrown

in. Now in her final year at the

University of Massachusetts Medical

School, she intends to work in

cardiology, and eventually teach.

She credits her Bancroft teachers,

who encouraged her to “learn about

everything,” and Bancroft’s

supportive community, for her desire

to be part of a collaborative

environment in the future. “I’ve

discovered that I want to be the kind

of teacher that I had at Bancroft, and

instill in others a love of learning

and a passion for knowledge,”

said Alexis. And every year, Alexis

gives back to the people and

place that gave her so much.

“Whatever Bancroft has given

us, supporting the Annual Fund

is a great way to say thanks.”

Join Alexis and honor someone

special to you with a gift to

the Annual Fund.

THE ANNUAL FUNDvisit us at: bancroftschool.org/giving

“To me, giving back is symbolic, and provides a way tohonor the teachers who helped shape who we are today.”

8 Bancroft fans celebrate theVarsity BoysSoccer win in the NEPSAC quarter-finalmatch.The excitement continued as theboys won the semi-final match, and thenbecame Bancroft’s first boys soccer teamto make the NEPSAC finals.

9 Exchange students from Meaux, France posewith Bancroft students after a round ofPétanque, a French game, during spirit week.

10 Amy Pearson and her Marine Science Iclass research coastal ecosystems during atrip to Cape Cod beaches.

11 Lower School Family Fall Festival returnedto Homecoming.

12 Sunshine and the Friendship Gardenprovide an ideal backdrop for MargaretMcCandless’s Grade 1 drama class.

13 Grade 2 celebrates the spirit of the season.

14 Middle School field hockey team “A”score a win against LCA at Homecoming.

15 Grandparents and special friends get aglimpse of a day in Lower School duringDay of Sharing in October.

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110 Shore DriveWorcester, MA 01605-3198

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