OakTree Times
F A L L | W I N T E R 2 0 1 4
Middle SchoolBlockEXPLORING INTERESTS
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Inside :Learning on a Global Level
Kim Phuc at Poly
Panther Pods
OakTree TimesF A L L | W I N T E R 2 0 1 4
Middle School
Block
Poly’s Block program allows Middle
School students to explore interests
outside the classroom.
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Learning on
a Global Level
Global Online Academy links Poly
students with teachers and students
all over the world.
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Features :
A P U B L I C AT I O N F O R T H E P O LY T E C H N I C S C H O O L C O M M U N I T Y
John Bracker installed ... Jordan Wallens ’90 shares his
story ... Kim Phuc speaks about forgiveness ... Tricia
Marrs celebrates 40 years at Poly.
Panther Pods strengthen Lower School bonds.
Fall recap ... winter preview ... Wayne Ellis retires as
baseball coach ... Hunter Worland ’15 recognized.
Poly events ... PolyConnect ... Class Notes ... In Memoriam
... plus alumni profiles: Erik Heger ’93, Rachel Bihary
Myles ’85, and Janet Holt ’02.
Poly first grade teacher Rusty Buchanan reveals a
hidden talent.
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p.09
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The Patio
In the Classroom
Panthers in the Zone
Poly Connections
P.S.
Departments:
ON THE COVER:
Sixth-graders put their hiking skills to the test in Eaton Canyon during Outdoor Education Block.
OAK TREE TIMES EDITORIAL STAFF:
Leslie Carmell, Director of Communications
Michelle Feynman, Communications Officer/Photographer
Jennifer Godwin Minto, Photographer
CONTRIBUTORS:
Lizzie Bonamy, Amanda Edwards ’92, Greg Feldmeth, Katherine Goar, Blaine Ohigashi ’09, Thomas Sale, Alex Veitch ’15, Katie Ward
Stay Connected
facebook.com/poly
twitter.com/polytechnic
twitter.com/polyalumni
04 H E A D O F S C H O O L M E S S A G E
Appreciating the spaces
in between
One morning early this fall while I was helping our students unload from their cars,
I overheard a mom telling her son who was a bit late, “Don’t run, but walk with a
purpose.” Priceless. As I watched him scurry away, I was struck by this great lesson
for all of us who find ourselves bustling to get somewhere. The instinct to run is real.
We rush to be on time without really thinking about why we are in such a hurry.
We pass classmates, colleagues, and teachers with distracted nods and barely audible
hellos. We miss the eye contact that truly connects us as we look ahead to gauge
the distance still to go.
During my first few weeks at Poly, I had to remind myself to “walk with a purpose”
and not to run. It is easy to race from event to event, from meeting to meeting,
without thinking about why I am here or how it all fits into the larger picture.
Middle School flag football, the “Fifth Quarter” open mic event, alumni receptions in
Portland, Seattle, Chicago, and Downtown L.A., birthday ribbons for the Lower School
students, and our back-to-school nights are not meant to exist in a vacuum. While
they might be seen as an inventory of discrete events on an already bulging calendar,
strung together they represent the glorious, occasionally messy, sometimes mundane,
often inspiring process of teaching and learning. It is in seeing these connections that
we witness the thrilling illustration of what makes Poly extraordinary. The spaces in
between add texture, nuance, and personality. “Walking with a purpose” — now,
there is a way to enjoy life!
John W. Bracker
“ It is seeing these connections where we witness the
thrilling illustration of what makes Poly extraordinary. ”
05T H E P A T I O
On the 13th anniversary of 9/11, Jordan Wallens ’90 returned to campus to talk with Grace Hamilton’s AP English classes on Literature of the Pilgrimage about his own pilgrimage as documented in his book “Gridtronic.” Wallens ’88 — whose brother and fellow Poly alumnus, Blake Wallens, perished in the World Trade Center on 9/11 — embarked on a 12-week, 12-city journey to explore the world of college football. His goal, however, was not simply to attend a game every week. “I wanted it to be about everything but the game,” Wallens shared with students, explaining that he wanted to learn about the culture, the traditions, and the people in each city.
Wallens explained that this pilgrimage was inspired by his brother, with whom he took an annual trip to a place they had never been, spending time together and embracing their fear of the unknown. In fact, they were scheduled to take a trip the week of 9/11. He described the “Gridtronic” tour as his “ultimate pilgrimage” and a way to work through the loss of Blake.
Later during the Upper School morning meeting, Wallens shared a bit about his brother and told the students that Blake was their brother, too, with Poly as their connection. He encouraged students to embrace life and adventure as his brother did.
The Patio
Poly alumnus Jordan Wallens ’90 discusses
his book and the brother he lost on 9/11
06 T H E P A T I O
The Patio
John Bracker installed as Poly’s 10th head
School parents, trustees, student leaders, and faculty and staff gathered Oct. 19 in support and witness of John Bracker’s offi cial installation as head of Polytechnic School. The afternoon ceremony in McWilliams Courtyard on the South Campus included introductory words by Alexander B. “Mike” Babcock ’48, who was Poly’s headmaster from 1980 through 1998, as well as a gift and good wishes from Debbie Reed, recently retired head. Rachel Countryman, John Bracker’s wife and also an experienced educator, introduced a key address by her mother, Joan Countryman, who shared insights from her own years of commitment to exceptional education as a leader of independent schools.
Before offi cially installing Bracker, Board of Trustees President Dale Harvey off ered words of gratitude for the quality and depth of the Poly community’s search for a new school head. Harvey said, “The news that John had accepted our off er to lead this school brought an eruption of cheers among the Board of Trustees. We could all feel that we got this choice right.”
In Bracker’s own address to conclude the ceremony, he described the moment he realized what an extraordinary opportunity lay in front of him to join Poly’s endeavors. While admiring the heights reached in this school’s facilities and available technology, Bracker emphasized the true power that is generated through character and curiosity. True innovators, he posited, “stand up when others sit on their hands, they speak up when others mumble, they listen when others won’t, they see in others what they don’t see in themselves, and they see connections where others see a jumble of unrelated
points.” Bracker told community members he admires Poly’s uplifting of new ideas and looks forward to collective discovery here in the future.
Student artists and choral singers from every division level at Poly also off ered their talents in
celebration of the offi cial start of Bracker’s administration.
The Patio
07T H E P A T I O
“The girl in the picture” shares her story
This past October, the Global Initiatives Program invited to campus an influential and world-famous woman whose message of forgiveness is a beacon of hope for those scarred by conflict and war. Kim Phuc, the “napalm girl,” helped turn the tide against the Vietnam War when she was caught by crossfire between Northern and Southern Vietnamese Armies in June of 1972; the photograph that exposed her suffering to the international stage won a Pulitzer Prize and galvanized thousands behind a revitalized anti-war effort.
Phuc shared her story with the Polytechnic and Westridge communities. Nick Ut, the photographer who captured the moment, joined Phuc and spoke about how that moment impacted his life. Middle and Upper School students alike amazedly followed her path to forgiveness and were astonished by the depth of her faith in a peaceful, tolerant future. Phuc’s warmth and humor in the presence of such trauma was truly an inspiration for all who heard her speak, especially those unfamiliar with Vietnam and a complex war whose victims are often forgotten.
Read more about Phuc’s visit at
www.polytechnic.org/webextras.
08 T H E P A T I O
The Patio
Twenty-three new faculty and staff joined Poly this year, recently completing their first semester. These newest members of the Poly community brought with them a wide range of backgrounds and came from all over the country, including Colorado, New York, and Connecticut. The group includes individuals who have previously worked at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, The College Board, and The Huntington Library, as well as a Poly alumna and a triathlete.
New faculty and staff join Poly
Hired by former Poly Headmaster Willis Stork in 1974 when she was right out of college, Lower School art teacher Tricia Marrs is Poly’s longest tenured faculty member. During the 41 years she has been teaching at Poly, Marrs has worked for seven heads of school, has witnessed new construction (including the Garland Fine Arts Center and the Poly pool), read the first issue of The Paw Print, celebrated the school’s centennial, and saw the launch and completion of Poly’s largest capital campaign and campus development project. Through it all, one thing hasn’t changed: She still drives the same car, her treasured 1970 blue Camaro SS, which has its original transmission.
Marrs has taught art to hundreds of Lower School students during her years at Poly, first demonstrating to them the task at hand, then working with them to create the final project. Her students’ work can often be viewed in display cases, the hallways of administration buildings, and in the exhibits in the Poly Pet and Hobby Show.
Celebrating Marrs’ four decades at Poly
Read more about Marrs’ contributions
to Poly and view images of her students’
work online at polytechnic.org/webextras.
Read more about new faculty and staff at
www.polytechnic.org/webextras.
Now in its second year at Poly, the Lower School Panther Pod program consists of cross-age small groups providing social-emotional learning opportunities aimed at strengthening the sense of community in the Lower School.
Panther Pods are composed of one to two students per grade from kindergarten through fifth grade and one to two faculty or staff leaders. Each student remains in the same pod for the duration of his or her Lower School years. Each year, after the Pod’s fifth grade students are promoted, incoming kindergarten students are welcomed into the pod. “I like meeting people across grades,” third-grader Giuseppe D. says.
The pods meet periodically on Friday afternoons over the course of the school year. Each meeting focuses on developing cooperation and teamwork within the pod.
Leaders design and implement activities that encourage students to work together to achieve a common goal. Activities have included an engineering challenge with toothpicks and marshmallows, a painting activity where students “share the brush” to create one communal masterpiece, and a block-matching task during which one podmate provides verbal instructions to other blindfolded podmates. First-grader Sophia F. shares, “I like working together as a group.”
An important component of each meeting is the built-in reflection time, which engages students in thinking about the learning experience in terms of challenges and success.
The Panther Pod program has been an exciting opportunity to extend learning outside of the classroom. Older students have risen to the challenge of being responsible leaders in the Lower School community, while younger students enjoy the attention from the “big kids,” and faculty members are forming new connections with students and each other. However, the most exciting part is that we have just scratched the surface of this program, and we can’t wait to see how it grows.
09I N T H E C L A S S R O O M
In the Classroom
Panther Pods encourage connectionsLIZZIE BONAMY, LOWER SCHOOL COORDINATOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS
AND KINDERGARTEN TEACHER
“ I like working together as a group.” — SOPHIA, FIRST GRADE
Kindergarten assistant teacher Sherlyn Burns assists her pod with a fun team-building activity.
Teacher Malorie Wiebe supervises the “Golden Eagles” pod as they work on a bridge-building activity using gumdrops and toothpicks.
10 F E A T U R E
Middle School Block
Katie Ward,
Middle School history
teacher and sixth
grade coordinator
111
Exploring the Middle School campus during Block period, a visitor will notice a sense of excitement in the air as students step out of the traditional academic program to engage in a wide range of experiences, from outdoor education to robotics. A weekly extended class period, ranging from one-and-a-half to two hours, allows students to take a variety of unconventional courses offered by the members of the Middle School faculty. Implemented in 1993, the program was created to provide space in the Middle School schedule to offer learning opportunities that did not fit easily into a traditional rotation of 45- to 50-minute classes.
Middle School Director Jenn Tolbert explains that “Block honors the principles of self-discovery and exploration in a non-graded forum.” The longer period provides the opportunity for students to try something new and allows them to go off campus to engage in educational experiences beyond the school walls, such as hiking and community outreach. Tolbert also points out that the program energizes the Middle School faculty by encouraging them to teach courses outside of their normal curriculum and allowing them to share experiences and subjects in which they have particular expertise or passion.
In the words of humanities teaching fellow Akunna Uka, “Block period is one of the most special features of the Middle School. The students are being exposed to one of my interests, and, in return, they surprise me each week with their views of the world.” Seventh-grader Will R. comments, “I like seeing how interested teachers are about their respective Blocks.”
Sixth grade programBecause the sixth grade program seeks to expose
students to as varied a curriculum as possible, some Block classes are split into two components. For instance, in Know Your News/Experiments in Color and Light, students are exposed to contemporary events, teaching them to be critical consumers of the media and encouraging them to investigate how they see the world through experiments with colored objects, filters, diffraction gratings, and radiometers. Science teacher Susan Bartow notes, “Many students report that they are thinking about things they have never thought about before.”
In Outdoor Education Block, students practice setting up tents, engage in a scavenger hunt using compasses, shoot paintballs at targets using sling-shots, and hike in the San Gabriel Mountains. According to math teacher Roberto Alvarez, “There are always students who ask for directions so that their parents can take them on a hike.” In Debate/iCivics, students are introduced to the principles of argumentation and learn about the workings of the U.S. government through the iCivics computer game and program sponsored by former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Learning entrepreneurial and computer skills in StartUp Block, sixth-graders create their own fictional businesses, ranging from babysitting to baking to bicycle repair.
Seventh grade programIn seventh grade, the Block program encourages
students to stretch their minds and bodies and to examine and engage in the world outside of Poly. Seventh-graders
F E A T U R E
Sixth-graders in Color and Light Block analyze the interaction of light waves and the motion of a radiometer.
Eighth-graders are able to choose a Block program. Some choose to assist Lower School teachers in their classrooms.
12 F E A T U R E
“ BLOCK HONORS THE PRINCIPLES OF SELF-DISCOVERY
AND EXPLORATION IN A NON-GRADED FORUM. ”
—Middle School Director Jenn Tolbert
Sixth grade students in the Outdoor Education Block learn to navigate using compasses.
tested and judged at the competition. Science teacher Erin Brindley describes the struggles and victories experienced in preparation for Science Olympiad: “The students in this Block face challenges and risk failure many times over before succeeding with a well-built robot, bridge, glider, etc.”
Music enthusiasts explore an American musical art form with Jazz Block. In addition to listening to and learning to appreciate historical and modern-day jazz artists, students create their own pieces using the computer program Garage Band. Students can choose to explore diff erent cultures through fi lm in the International Film Block. “Each fi lm opens a door, provides a sense of common humanity, and at the same time supplies images of local landscape, family interactions, religion, and a tremendous amount of cultural information,” explains Spanish teacher Rosa Puma. Students also may opt to provide service to their school by working with Poly students in kindergarten though second grade, helping out in classrooms, reading to the children, and interacting with them on the playgrounds. Community outreach opportunities include working with children at the Mothers’ Club in Pasadena and La Casita Verde in Highland Park.
Community outreach componentThe two-hour Block period allows students to engage
in meaningful community outreach activities within the school day. “As a school, we value community service,” Tolbert explains, “and in the Middle School, we support that commitment by giving it prime time in our schedule
may take Book Trailer Block, a cross-disciplinary course in which students combine their interest in literature, their powers of persuasion, and their creativity to produce short fi lms promoting books of their choice. Yoga Block introduces students to the basic postures, breathing techniques, and meditation skills that increase their strength, fl exibility, and mind and body awareness,
while reducing stress. Dance teacher Danielle Pignieri notes, “They walk out of class refreshed and invigorated for the rest of their day.” Human Development provides seventh-graders an opportunity for introspection, allowing students “to take risks and feel comfortable sharing personal values and ideas with their peers,” explains Middle School Dean of Students Pat Gray. On the other hand, Bursting the Bubble, in which students watch and discuss documentaries and feature fi lms about young people living very diff erent lives than their own, and Community Service, which includes visits to McKinley School and Chancellor Place (an assisted-living community), take students out of the “Poly bubble” and increase their awareness of and involvement in the world.
Eighth grade programIn eighth grade, a year characterized
by more choices that allow students to pursue their passions, students choose two semester-long Block courses from a selection of off erings. Budding scientists have the opportunity to participate in the LA County Regional Science Olympiad competition, with events ranging from academic tests to the construction of models that are
13F E A T U R E
through Block.” Community outreach plays a prominent role in the Block program in all three grade levels.
Sixth-graders study the issues of hunger and homelessness in Pasadena and the world, analyzing statistics and dispelling stereotypes about who is living on the streets. Community Outreach Coordinator Renée Larios relates that the students experience many “Aha!” moments in which they realize that many homeless people have college and post-graduate degrees but end up on the street because they cannot find work in their fields. Each sixth grade group designs a project, such as a food or toiletries drive, to help the hungry and homeless in Pasadena. Through the field trips made possible by the Block program, students often deliver the fruits of their endeavors in person.
In seventh grade, students go off campus to McKinley School and to Chancellor Place. At McKinley, each Poly seventh-grader is assigned to a group of three students, with whom he or she reads stories and leads activities. Close relationships develop between the Poly students and the residents at Chancellor Place, where students help the elderly residents exercise, play games with them, and engage in other activities. Students are learning sign language so that they can speak to some of the deaf residents.
Eighth grade students visit Mothers’ Club or La Casita Verde, or they help classroom teachers in Poly’s grades K-2. At both off-campus locations, students work in the child
centers while the parents, often single mothers, are taking classes to get job skills, looking for work, or working.
Larios notes that community outreach opportunities like the ones offered in Middle School Block can change the course of students’ lives by getting them off campus and teaching them that they can make a difference in the world. Larios says, “Community service is the best-kept secret to happiness. Let’s try to spread that secret.”
Tolbert recalls that when she first became the Middle School director, she asked the faculty if there was anything that should never change at Poly. At the top of the teachers’ list: the Block program.
The Block program is an integral component of the Poly Middle School experience. It allows Poly students to break free of the traditional boundaries of curriculum and even of the school walls, investigating new subjects, having new experiences, and enjoying a well-deserved change of pace in the middle of the school week. Seventh-grader Addie L. describes her experience: “I think Block really opens people’s eyes to the things they would otherwise not be interested in. For example, I’m in Chancellor Place Block, and I would never have known how fun it is.”
True to its philosophy, Poly encourages students to seek opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. The Middle School’s Block Program fulfills this mission in a challenging, enjoyable, and dynamic way.
A seventh-grader spends a Block rotation visiting and assisting elderly residents at Chancellor Place.
Lower School students enjoy learning from their eighth-grade counterparts.
14 F E A T U R E
LEARNING ON A GLOBAL LEVEL
When Poly joined the Global Online Academy (GOA) consortium in the summer of 2013,
it provided a link between our Upper School students and teachers and students and
teachers in independent schools all over the world. To date, 40 Poly students have taken
courses ranging from Arabic to medical problem-solving to neuropsychology in an
environment that encourages collaboration and creative uses of online learning.
Greg Feldmeth, Assistant Head of School and Global Online Academy Site Director
I have had the opportunity to both serve as the site director for Poly students participating in the program, as well as a teacher of a course, Genocide and Human Rights, with a classroom of students whom I will never meet in person.
GOA courses provide a number of benefi ts to Poly students. They are able to connect and learn with students from all over the world. My class included students from
the U.S., Jordan, China, South Africa, and Indonesia and spanned seven time zones. While this presents logistical challenges (imagine planning a Skype session when it’s 8 a.m. in Pasadena and 11 p.m. in China), it also builds in students an awareness and appreciation of other cultures and learning styles.
As site director, I act as a dean for our GOA participants, helping them with any technical issues and serving as a
Senior Cheyne Minto discusses his Arabic coursework with his GOA instructor in Jordan.
15F E A T U R E
liaison with their teachers, who are from the 45 diff erent schools comprising GOA.
Each GOA course earns full Poly credit, appears on a student’s transcript, and is calculated as part of a student’s grade point average. Students complete evaluations three times during the semester-long courses, providing feedback to teachers who don’t have the typical face-to-face encounters with students in bricks-and-mortar classrooms.
The GOA curriculum also allows Poly students to take courses and build skills that are not part of the Poly course of study. Poly doesn’t currently off er courses in Japanese or Game Theory, for example, but both proved enriching to Poly students. Senior Cheyne Minto shares, “I really wanted to study Arabic, and the course seemed like a unique way to do so.”
In addition, GOA provides an extensive professional growth support network for its teachers. In the summer before teaching my fi rst GOA class, I attended a weeklong training workshop in Seattle. In this intensive setting, we developed course materials and learned to use online tools, and I built connections with a group of wonderfully talented colleagues.
Three times during each semester, GOA instructors meet with instructional support staff to discuss types of assignments and assessments and to off er suggestions as to how best take advantage of online resources. We also participate in virtual faculty meetings where, in addition to hearing announcements and viewing best practices, we work in small Skype cohorts to share ideas about improving instruction. This has been one of the most valuable aspects of the GOA experience. Now in addition to GOA alumni in schools around the world, I have a new set of colleagues with whom I can share ideas and consult.
We recently surveyed Poly GOA students to get a sense of why they took GOA classes and how it was both similar and diff erent from their Poly work. Since it was a sixth class for all of them, a strong work ethic, good time management skills, and a willingness to work independently proved essential.
Senior Erica Goodwin, who took 9/11 in a Global Context, comments, “The hardest part of the course is … in a way, having to teach yourself. Even though my teacher is very active and tries to Skype with us individually once or twice a month, the assignments are mostly discussion posts
in response to readings, and so I have to understand that material on my own rather than having it taught to me.”
For some, this learning style challenged them to step up and eff ectively manage their responsibilities. Senior Matthew Soulanille, who took Multivariable Calculus, points out that while he enjoyed the fl exibility of his GOA course: “This freedom can also be dangerous if I do not make sure to schedule my time well.” As a result, students learn more than just the subject matter — GOA off ers them a taste of independent study and time management.
Emily Tcheng, a senior taking two GOA classes, notes the value of having an international student body in her classes: “Learning and getting to know one another made a big diff erence in my enjoyment of the class. I also appreciated the variety of viewpoints that were provided by taking a class with students from the other schools.”
Stephanie Liu ’14 enrolled in the Multivariable Calculus course as a senior and pointed out that she learned determination and focus as the assignments progressed. She also enjoyed the international mix of students. “While at Poly, we’re learning with people we know,” Liu says. “In this course, we were learning with people from all over the world.”
9/11 in a Global Context
Advanced Statistics and Data Science
Arabic
Comparative Religions
Energy
Game Theory
Graphic Design
International Macroeconomics
Japanese
Java Computer Programming
Medical Problem-solving
Multivariable Calculus
Neuropsychology
GOA COURSES TAKEN BY POLY STUDENTS:
16 P A N T H E R S I N T H E Z O N E
Senior Hunter Worland received the
2014 Dr. Jim Staunton Champions of
Character Award in a ceremony held
in September aboard the Queen
Mary. The CIF-SS Ethics in Sports
Committee created this award in 2003
to recognize athletes, coaches, admin-
istrators, officials, schools, and media
members who successfully combine a
fierce competitive nature with the Six
Pillars of Character: trustworthiness,
responsibility, respect, fairness, caring,
and citizenship. Hunter is the first
individual athlete from Poly to win the
award; Poly received the award as a
school in 2012.
“Hunter is a leader,” shares Doug
Jolly, who has coached him for four
years of Varsity soccer. “He knows
how to balance stepping back when
he needs to with stepping up when
the team needs him.” Those who
attended with Hunter included his
parents, Rene and Chris Worland;
Head of School John Bracker and his
wife, Rachel Countryman; Athletic
Director Steve Beerman and his wife,
Charlene; Assistant Head of School
Greg Feldmeth; Assistant Athletic Direc-
tor for Programs Koko Archibong ’99 and
his wife, Corrina; coach Doug Jolly; and
Assistant Athletic Director for Logistics
Thomas Sale.
“Hunter really exemplifies this
award,” says track and field coach Chris
Schmoke. “He is honest, fair, loyal, and
humble, while at the same time a fierce
competitor. He is a very hard worker
who tries his best and practices hard
but still demonstrates the integrity and
sportsmanship that we expect from
our athletes.”
After 27 remarkable seasons, Poly
Varsity baseball coach Wayne Ellis
recently retired from coaching baseball
at Poly. Originally a basketball coach
at Marshall Fundamental, Ellis came to
Poly in 1987, when his brother, Chuck
Ellis, who then was Poly’s athletic direc-
tor, hired him to take over the baseball
program. “Baseball was my first love
and passion,” Ellis said when reflecting
on his career.
With Ellis at the helm, the baseball
program has seen unprecedented
success, winning the Prep League
championship 25 out of Ellis’ 27 seasons
and a state record 19 years in row.
The humble man that he is, Ellis
doesn’t attribute the success to his
coaching — instead, he describes his
career as one of luck in having talented
players year in and year out. “The kids
who showed up for practice are the
ones we’ve gone with, and it turned
out that they played baseball the right
way,” he explains.
His impact on his players can be
seen all the way to Major League
Baseball. Poly alumnus and Toronto
Blue Jay Rob Rasmussen ’07 shares,
“A lot of quality baseball players and a
lot of quality teams have come out of
Poly during Coach Ellis’ tenure, and he
deserves much of the credit for that.
His passion for the game allows him
to make the game fun for his players
and has truly helped to grow the love
for the game at Poly during his time.
I’m very happy and proud to say that I
played for Wayne and that I was able
to help continue the winning tradition
that he started.”
Coach Ellis finished his career
with a record of 470-143-4 (77 win
percentage), a 252-36 record at home,
25 Prep League titles, the 2011 CIF-SS
Division 6 championship, and the 2011
CIF-SS Division 6 Coach of the Year.
HUNTER WORLAND ’15 RECEIVES CIF CHARACTER AWARD
WAYNE ELLIS STEPS DOWN FROM COACHING POLY BASEBALL
PANTHERS
IN THE ZONEPhoto courtesy of Susan Pinsky
17P A N T H E R S I N T H E Z O N E
PANTHERS
IN THE ZONE
Varsity boys basketballThe Varsity boys basketball team will rely on
the senior leadership of returning starters
Jared Lim and Griffin Carter this season.
The Panthers are coming off a 16-10 record
last year and battled through a competi-
tive Prep League. The boys will participate
in two tournaments this season and will
matchup with Capistrano Valley Christian in
the 13th annual Small School Showcase.
Varsity girls basketballLast year, the Varsity girls basketball team
saw one of its most successful seasons in
Poly’s history, advancing to the CIF-SS Di-
vision 5AA Finals and the second round of
the CIF-State playoffs. The Panthers return
with the reigning CIF-SS Division 5AA Player
of the Year, senior Kiki Yang, along with a
team of young talent. The girls will look to
capture their seventh straight Prep League
title under Head Coach Kim Weber.
Varsity boys soccerThe Varsity boys soccer team is coming
off a season that saw them capture the
Prep League championship after battling
through a very competitive league
schedule. The Panthers returned with a
solid core of experienced upperclassmen
that helped lead them to two playoff
victories and earned them a spot in the
quarterfinals of CIF-SS.
Varsity girls soccer
The Varsity girls soccer team is coming
off of back-to-back 20+ win seasons and
two consecutive Prep League titles. The
Panthers look to reload after graduating
five college-bound players over the last
two years and should have plenty of talent
to do so. The girls will return to the North
Orange County Classic tournament, which
will pit them against Southern California’s
best high school teams.
Varsity girls water polo The Varsity girls water polo team is coming
off a 26-win season and their third straight
Prep League championship. After advanc-
ing to the semifinals of the playoffs last
year, the Panthers will be looking for more
and are projected to be a top-ranked team
in CIF-SS Division 6. They returned with five
All-CIF players and are anchored by seniors
Lindsey Kelleher and Allison Woo.
WINTER PREVIEWThe 2014-15 winter Varsity teams have very promising seasons ahead of them. Last year, the Panthers brought
home four Prep League Championships, and every Varsity team qualified for the playoffs. With returning talent
and senior leadership, the winter teams are looking for another successful season this year.
Cross countryThe Varsity cross country team was young
and hungry in the early season, with
numerous runners posting top times at
their first two meets. The Panthers headed
into their league meets with a lot of momen-
tum and qualified for the CIF-SS finals. The
team was highlighted by Richard Hathaway’s
top-10 finish, which qualified him for the CIF
state meet.
Varsity boys water poloAfter graduating its most successful senior
class last year, the Varsity boys water polo
team made great strides by developing its
young players. The Panthers faced top com-
petition across multiple divisions and won
four Prep League games, highlighted by
impressive wins over Milken and La Salle.
Varsity fencingPoly’s fencing team continues to grow each
year. Led by head coach Laura Holmgren,
the 2014 Varsity fencing team found great
success, with numerous fencers placing at
their first tournament of the season.
Varsity football After an impressive first year under head
coach Chris Schmoke, the Varsity football
team followed up by finishing the regular
season undefeated. The Panthers earned
themselves the second overall seed in the
Northwest Division and advanced to the
semifinals of the playoffs for the first time
since 2010.
Varsity girls golf After returning to Poly Athletics two years
ago, this year’s Varsity girls golf team built
off of last year’s success by winning seven of
their first nine matches, including four Prep
League victories.
Varsity girls tennis The Varsity girls tennis team was one of
the most exciting teams to watch during
the fall season. The Panthers dominated
the competition and went undefeated in
Prep League play. The girls secured the
fourth overall seed in the CIF-SS Division 3
playoffs and beat four other league cham-
pions on their way to winning their fifth CIF
championship in program history.
Varsity girls volleyball The volleyball program has experienced a
great deal of success in recent seasons, and
the 2014 Varsity girls volleyball team followed
in their steps. The Panthers started their
season by winning the Poly Invitational and
followed it by splitting their series with Chad-
wick and Mayfield to secure a share of the
Prep League title. The girls won their first two
playoff games over Paramount and South
Pasadena to advance to the quarterfinals.
Dance Team and Mascots All of the onfield success wouldn’t be possi-
ble without the support of the Dance Team
and Mascots. Year in and year out, Coach-
es Cocumellli and Crass put together a
dedicated group who work to unite the Poly
community and to serve as the foundation
of Poly spirit!
FALL RECAP
During the fall season, Poly Athletics produced its 33rd CIF-SS championship team
overall, three Prep League championship teams, and five Prep League MVPs.
18 P O LY C O N N E C T I O N S
Poly Connections
Events
New board members (left to right): Jim Halferty ’92, Ashley Amato ’00, Kim Wycoff-Bickell ’93, Ezra Callahan ’99, Brittney Kaufman DeClerck ’98, Derek Phillips ’85, David Younger ’88, and junior student representative Laura Fraher ’16. Absent: Lori MacPherson ’85, Elisa Rodriguez ’01, and Logan Tiari ’05
More than 40 alumni returned to campus in August for the annual Alumni Appreciation Dinner, a celebratory event thanking alumni volunteers for their service to Poly and recognizing incoming and outgoing Alumni Board members. As guests were seated, Alumni Board President Larry Perkins ’95 introduced new Head of School John Bracker, who gave a warm welcome and heartfelt thank you to everyone in attendance for giving back to Poly and being leaders in the school community. After dinner, Nominating Committee Chair Alison Edwards Laster ’88 recognized returning Alumni Board members and led the voting in of new members. The program concluded with Larry thanking outgoing board members Aliya Haque Coher ’95, Anne Gillam ’77, Sandra Kulli ’64, and Earle Miller ’77 for their commitment to Poly over their five-year terms.
Alumni Board gathers and welcomes new members
Poly alumni and current parents helped kick off the 2014-15 Annual Fund with great success during fall phonathons. Volunteers reached an exciting single-night record for fundraising on the first evening of calls! Poly’s new Director of Annual Giving Elizabeth Shdo enjoyed jumping into the effort during her first days on campus. “It’s inspiring to see alumni, parents, and staff who are so dedicated to building the Poly community,” Shdo says. “I am thrilled to support them in breaking more Annual Fund records!”
Spring phonathons will offer more opportunities to reach out and strengthen Poly’s programs. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Molly Reed, advancement officer for annual giving and alumni relations, at [email protected] or 626-396-6334.
New energy in phonathons
This fall Upper School students heard about two unique careers when Charles Koch ’75 and Cindy Lam ’02 visited campus for Poly-Connect lunch talks. In October, Koch explained how his path led him from an economics and art history double major at UCLA to the film and television industry before he turned to advertising at the encouragement of his sister, Nancy Koch Chulay ’77. He spent many years in the agency business before joining the marketing and
product-planning teams at Honda, where he has worked for almost 20 years and now manages new business development. Charles presented students the latest technology in the works for cell phone interfacing with the car dashboard, which led to lively discussion about security and liability. Charles encouraged students to hone their presentation skills, essential in any field.
A month later, a group of musically inclined Poly high school students attended the second PolyConnect lunch of the year to hear Cindy Lam ‘02 discuss her career as a pianist. Cindy began by outlining the normal trajectory for a professional musician, contrasted by her own journey, which included setbacks from lack-ing professional instruction to injuring her arm in a car accident as a college freshman. After spending months feeling discouraged and doubting her future in music, “I got tired of feeling sorry for myself,” Cindy said. She buckled down and resumed practicing, earning her way into the USC Thornton School of Music. Grateful for the relationships she built in high school, Cindy reflected, “I feel like every good thing that has happened has been connected in some way to someone I know through Poly.” She offered advice, both musical and general, in response to students’ questions and assured them that there is no singular “right way” to pursue a career.
19P O LY C O N N E C T I O N S
Poly Connections
Events
PolyConnect joins alumni with students
Each year faculty, staff, students, and parent volunteers enjoy welcoming grandparents and other special visitors for a morning at school. Just before Thanksgiving, Poly’s campus filled with the proud enthusiasm of hundreds of grandparents and friends who sat at desks and on rugs, joined in classroom assignments, heard performances, and shared stories of their own. The multi-gener-ational exchange brought smiles and new appreciation for all ages.
Grandparents
and special friends
brighten Poly’s
campus
To view more photos from the day, visit
www.polytechnic.org/webextras.
20 P O LY C O N N E C T I O N S
Poly Connections
Philanthropy
Poly is brimming with tradition. The Pet and Hobby Show, outdoor trips, and the spring musical are just a few prideful examples of the school’s spirit and community effort. Keeping exceptional student opportunities and achievements at the forefront of Poly’s legacy, faculty and staff have generously fostered their own tradition of philanthropy. Each year the Faculty and Staff Annual Fund Committee, comprising three faculty members from each division and one staff member, inspires colleagues to support Poly’s Annual Fund as a gesture of solidarity and pride in the school. “Our support sends a message that we care about our community and learning,” third grade teacher Marie Amaya says in her role as last year’s Lower School Annual Fund chair. “It shows that we value the resources available to us.”
Over the years, the committee has tapped into their creativity to create slide shows, short films, and live
musical numbers to encourage colleagues’ support — all highlighting the good humor and devotion teachers and staff bring to their work. The on-campus effort also reminds employees how much they benefit from each other. “Being a part of the committee allows me to work with colleagues from each division of Poly, and I get to give back to an initiative that affects me personally,” Assistant Athletic Director for Logistics Thomas Sale says. He also emphasizes that the level of giving by faculty and staff — about 81 percent of school employees participated in the most recent Annual Fund — reflects exceptional commitment to Poly’s mission. “Whatever the size of the gift, every donation from those working at Poly is a strong testament to our school philosophy of commitment and service to others.”
Poly faculty and staff boost Annual Fund
21P O LY C O N N E C T I O N S
Poly Connections
Philanthropy
The value of a diverse student body — in ethnicity, socio-economic background, and life experience — is an emphasis of Poly’s philosophy because it enriches every student’s path. Poly’s tradition of inclusion began in the school’s early decades and continues to inspire donor support for a robust tuition assistance program. Almost 40 named scholarship funds are part of the Poly endowment, some of them supporting multiple scholars each year. These gifts promote a unique bond between donor and recipient through a shared appreciation for exceptional educational opportunities.
The George Henry Mayr Foundation has shown special leadership in scholarship support at Poly for decades. Through an endowed fund started at Poly in the 1980s and annual grants, the foundation supports “Mayr scholars,” promising Upper School students who might not otherwise be able to attend Poly. George Mayr, born in 1868 and lacking the family resources for the formal medical education he desired, became a self-made success in real estate and the pharmacy business before discovering a passion for helping young people attend school. Mayr brought his business acumen to Southern California from Chicago and established his scholarship foundation
in 1949. Since then, high school and college students throughout California have received financial aid totaling nearly $20 million from the Mayr Foundation.
Today’s board of advisors for the Mayr Foundation includes past Poly parents Pat Haden and his sister-in-law, Casey Olson, who take particular interest in this school’s long-term accessibility. In 2004 and 2007, the foundation added two more named scholarships for Poly students — the Benjamin “Bud” F. Grier Scholarship, in memory of Olson’s father; and the Chuck Ellis Scholarship, in honor of Poly’s longtime athletic director upon his retirement.
The Mayr advisors regularly visit Poly’s campus to get to know the uniquely talented students they help support. They especially enjoy hearing about the diverse and ambitious interests among scholars when they receive regular letters of gratitude. This fall, one scholar wrote to the foundation, “Thank you so much for all your contributions … I may not be the most academic student in the class, but I work hard and try to contribute by being involved at Poly socially, as a campus Ambassador, and playing Varsity sports.” The benefits of gifts to endowed scholarships do indeed spread throughout the community.
Named scholarship funds: Vital impact of
endowment giving
Cindi Yamoka and Melinda Cook gather with members of the Class of 2014 whom they taught in pre-kindergarten. Many supporters recognize Poly’s student body as its greatest asset.
22 P O LY C O N N E C T I O N S
Poly Connections
Marlowe Delphey Viney ’49 I continue to knit for veterans and
foster children in our area. It keeps my
hands busy and also gratifies the heart
to contribute to those less fortunate. I
enjoyed a visit with my grandson, Isaac
Erbele, who is presently finishing up his
fifth year of residency in E.N.T surgery at
Bethesda-Walter Reed Medical Center.
This past August, Bruce Henry, my
“forever” friend, and I joined the West
Point Class of ’55 Travel Club for a land
tour of Finland. We then travelled by sea
to cruise the coast of Norway before
flying to Copenhagen. We had a wonderful
adventure together. The travel bug
remains in my veins.
Cynthia Crawford Berne ’50
Members of the Class of 1950 held
a mini-reunion in October in Ross,
Calif., at the home of Susan Grandin Taylor ’50. Present were classmates
Martha Doerr Toppin ’50, Sally Corey Karste ’50, Jean Patton Ashcraft ’50, Susan, and myself. In September, Tom
and I visited our grandsons, Chris Ward ’12 at Bates College and Brian Ward ’14 at Connecticut College.
Daniel Crotty ’51
I went from Poly to Thacher to Pomona
College to the U.S. Navy with three years
in WESPAC. Then I was in the CIA, and
married my wife, Jane, in 1968. The Pacific
Northwest welcomed us to Portland, and
from there we moved in 1975 to Ventura.
Marilyn Hubbard Newell ’51
Remembering our Class of 1951’s
wonderful 60th reunion!
Amanda Nyce McIntyre ’52 Just back from the green, serene country
of Iceland — more water, geysers,
waterfalls, springs, and lakes than
they can use. All of Reykjavik is heated
yearlong by their geothermal sources.
Twenty-one hours of light a day make
sleeping with a mask a priority. The native
people have a unique spirit to abide with
low-to-freezing temperatures most of
the year. Yes, I would return, but only
in summer!
Jennith Gilbert Knox ’52
I am happy to be in the Napa Valley close
to family and old friends — a slower pace
with time to quilt and enjoy life.
Peter Young ’53
I want to inform the members of my
class that my wife, Carol, passed away on
July 19. She enjoyed meeting many of you
at our reunions, and she grew to greatly
admire the work Poly does in educating
future citizens. Please know that I have
the support of many friends looking out
for me, so I am doing well and adapting to
this new phase of my life.
Members of the Class of 1957 have
pulled off a real coup! Seventeen
members of the class gathered at Sally Grant Holland’s ’57 house for dinner in
Thousand Oaks. Pictured left to right:
Meg Gertmenian, Betsy Crockett ’57, Mary Test ’57, Sandra Hixon Sarnoff ’57, Mark Bramhall ’57, Don Gertmenian ’57, Wes Dooley ’57, David Williams ’57, Jan
Williams, Herb “Topper” Gooch ’57, Jim Panos ’57, Jill Bennett Polsby ’57, Sally Grant Holland ’57, Marcia Finch Cannell ’57, and Stan Hales ’57. Stan Hales made
a fun comment during the evening —
that it was the 57th reunion year for the
Class of ’57, but then he was always
good at math.
Jill Bennett Polsby ’57 is now the
president of the CW Stockwell Co.,
a hand-printed wallpaper and fabric
business that has been in operation
since the early 1900s.
Class Notes
1939-1959
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to edit class notes (primarily because
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for clarity). We do not have the
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23P O LY C O N N E C T I O N S
Poly Connections
Robert Immler ’62 This is a photo of my daughter, Sasha
Immler, and me at Park City, Utah, in
March.
Priscilla Gillett Hoecker ’64 Our grandson, Jack, is attending
kindergarten at Poly — fourth generation!
Debra Taylor Smith ’64 The Class of ’64 reunion in May was
wonderful. It was so good to see
everyone. Great times and some good
photos! Celebrating 50 years!
Diana Beacom Mattoon ’65 After leaving California in the ’60s, my
husband, David, and I have lived in New
York, Connecticut, Texas, New Mexico,
and, for the last 13 years, New Hampshire.
We are blessed with two sons, daughters-
in-law, and three glorious grandchildren.
My work has centered on drug education
and conservation. David’s passion for
travel has taken us on many wonderful
adventures. I am ever grateful for my Poly
education. It was an excellent foundation
that enhanced every corner of my life
while encouraging social responsibility.
The Class of ’65’s 50th reunion is this
spring. Amazing!
Steve Cohen ’67Still serving in Congress. Still proud
of Poly and have very fond memories
of classmates and teachers.
Class Notes
1960-1969
A L U M N I P R O F I L E
M O R E A L U M N I N E W S A T W W W . P O LY T E C H N I C . O R G
Erik Heger ’93
Though Poly friends might associate athletic performance with Erik Heger ’93, his love of the arts has carved a path for him as a New York–based performer on stage and screen (and subway platform!). Since his days on Poly’s Garland stage, Heger has appeared in numerous plays in regional theater and on and off Broadway, television shows, commercials, and in films. His lifelong love of the harp has also become a source of professional and creative success. His grandfather introduced him to the harp at age five, and Heger’s fascination turned to dedication. He is now a member of Music Under New York, he is the principal harpist for a new rock opera, and he has recorded three solo albums. In 2010, he opened for Roberta Flack, Lou Reed, and David Johansen at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. This diversity of outlets echoes Heger’s multi-sport life at Poly, where he was a leader in Varsity football, basketball, and baseball. “The discipline I developed as an athlete has informed nearly everything I have done as an actor and as a musician,” Heger says. “I used to sneak into Gamble Gym and shoot baskets until 2 or 3 a.m. By my senior year, I had become good friends with the security guards because I saw them every night.” Heger is currently starring as The Bogeyman in “Stalking the Bogeyman,” a widely acclaimed Off-Broadway play based on a true story featured on NPR’s “This American Life.”
24 P O LY C O N N E C T I O N S
For Rachael Bihary Myles ’85, the road that led to studying Chinese medicine and opening a healing arts school was a divergent revelation at an unexpected time. “My professional path had been rather circuitous, ranging from teaching high school, working in telecommunications, and managing the analyst relations department at a large high-tech Fortune 500 company.” Those fast-paced, caffeine-driven, and demanding work hours didn’t leave enough time for the family Myles loves or the work-life balance she craved. Something had to change. She left her analyst relations job and headed to Idaho with her husband, Bill, in search of a new opportunity and lifestyle. In her new community, Myles discovered The Wellspring School for Healing Arts, a comprehensive center for Amma therapy, Chinese medicine, and holistic nutrition. Curious, she began taking classes and quickly understood the benefits holistic and alternative medicine offered. “The complementary health care industry is a huge growth sector and invaluable to preventative health and well being for everyone,” Myles says. As the school looked to expand its offerings and locations, Myles jumped at an opportunity to become co-owner and director at the school’s new Portland location. “Being a part of something larger such as this healing arts school is a real honor. I can promote something I believe in, teach, and apply all of my business and managerial skills in the process. Maintaining a sense of curiosity, being open to challenges as well as changes, and tackling complex issues are all traits that I tie back to my time at Poly.” Outside of running The Wellspring School, Myles enjoys her time with family and coaching her daughter’s basketball team.
Poly Connections
Bruce Nickerson ’68 My son, Jeffrey Nickerson ’01, graduated
with an M.B.A. from Dartmouth’s Tuck
School of Business on June 8.
Daniel Gibbs ’69 My wife, Lois, and I have been living in
Portland, Ore., since 1986. I retired last
year from active practice as a neurologist,
but I still spend three to four weeks a
year teaching neurology in Tanzania, and
I volunteer at a local free clinic in the
Portland area. Two of our three children
live in Portland. My son, Adam, is in
Multnomah County as deputy district
attorney. My daughter Elizabeth teaches
high school theater and English at Catlin
Gabel School, and daughter Susannah
is a doctoral student in public health at
Johns Hopkins University. Adam’s son
and our first grandchild, James William
Gibbs, was born Oct. 7. Eric Haskell ’69
recently stayed with us while he was in
Portland giving talks at the Portland Art
Museum on “Gardening for Grandeur in
17th-Century France” and at the Portland
Garden Club on “The Gardens of Brécy: A
Lasting Landscape.”
Laurie Farber ’73We are permanently settled in Baltimore.
My three kids are well: One is tutoring in
Boston, one is getting her M.F.A. at Rhode
Island School of Design, and one is a
sophomore voice major at Eastman.
Nancy Koch Chulay ’77 My son, Schafer Chulay ’10, graduated
from the University of Arizona in May
and is working in Los Angeles at Deutsch
Advertising in account management. My
daughter, Kate Chulay ’13, transferred
to USC in the fall and joined the Theta
sorority there. She is a communications
major and loves being a Trojan. In his
spare time, my husband, Benjamin Chulay ’70, has enjoyed being the Poly
announcer for Varsity sports, and I have
been active on the Poly Alumni Board.
Class NotesA L U M N I P R O F I L E
Rachael Bihary Myles ’85
1970-1979
25P O LY C O N N E C T I O N SM O R E A L U M N I N E W S A T W W W . P O LY T E C H N I C . O R G
Phil Abrams (Frederick Henriques) ’77 stars in the upcoming feature film “The
Men’s Group” alongside Timothy Bottoms
and Stephen Tobolowsky.
John Horn ’78 recently left the Los
Angeles Times, where he served as a film
writer for 11 years, to become the host
for arts and entertainment at KPCC-FM.
His new show, “The Frame,” is on every
afternoon and available as a podcast on
iTunes. Give it a listen! He works alongside
producers Lauren Osen ’03 and Megan Larson ’91.
Jean Kutner ’82 became the inaugural
chief medical officer at University
of Colorado Hospital on July 1. Jean
remains a professor of medicine at the
University of Colorado School of Medicine,
continuing her clinical work, research, and
teaching in palliative and general internal
medicine.
Holly Ladd ’83 I recently relocated to Nashville, Tenn.,
so my partner could follow her passion
of songwriting in the heart of the music
business. I am building a practice as
a holistic health coach. I empower
my mostly middle-aged clients with
nutritional and lifestyle knowledge and
support to live with optimal vitality and
health. If you’re in Tennessee, look me up.
I’d love to see you.
Tifney Stewart ’86 (left) received a visit
from Heather Bohr Unterseher ’85
(second from left), Aisha Haque ’86 (third
from left), and Victoria Bohr Einhorn ’87
(right), who flew to Sun Valley, Idaho, for
a beautiful weekend in July to visit and
honor the memory of Tifney’s mom,
Joan Anawalt.
John Pomeroy ’88I work as a deputy district attorney for
Los Angeles County, where I currently
prosecute elder abuse cases. It is because
of people like me that you get called to
jury duty so often. I am also a member
of the Board of Education for the Temple
City Unified School District, where my
daughters Kaiya, eighth grade, and
Jacqueline, sixth grade, attend school.
Last spring, I played a concert in Disney
Hall with “the other L.A. Phil” ... The L.A.
Lawyers Philharmonic.
Bill Watkins ’90I’m chasing Mother Teresa, bless her
heart, housing homeless families and
teaching law to kids.
Kriste York ’91 One afternoon this summer, three Poly
alumni joined me at Tumorfest, the
yearly potluck I host in Corvallis, Ore.
to celebrate community and resilience.
Pictured from left to right: recent Corvallis
transplant Bob Duffy ’94, Kriste York ’91, Willis Stork ’90, Jamie Hahn ’92.
Ankarino Lara ’93
This past May, we celebrated the birth
of our third son! Mylohyun Woo Lara was
born on “El Cuatro de Mylo,” and his older
brothers, Kalyxtomar and Tselayeon,
couldn’t be more in love. Catch us in and
around Pasadena for the foreseeable
future, as Kalyx began Poly kindergarten
in September.
Lindsay Feldmeth Westra ’95Rick Westra and I were married on
April 26, in Artesia. The ceremony was
at Trinity Christian Reformed Church,
where Rick is the pastor. Heather Feldmeth Larson ’90 was matron of
honor and Rev. Dr. Nate Feldmeth
officiated the ceremony. Guests included
many Poly friends, including Gillian Andrews ’95, Robert Durff ’95, Ryan Holmes ’98, Catherine Blue Holmes ’95, Pia Luedtke Mason ’95, Casey Revkin-Maugér ’95, and Janice Yeung ’95.
Colleen Dixon Tompkins ’99 We are living in New York with our
son, Brooks.
Poly Connections
Class Notes
1980-1989
1990-1999
26 P O LY C O N N E C T I O N S
Poly Connections
Class Notes
Catherine Karayan Wilbur ’04 joined the
Montecito law firm Ambrecht & Associates
as an associate. Previously, she clerked
for the Honorable Kathleen Kerrigan at
the United States Tax Court in Wash., D.C.
Catherine earned her bachelor’s degree
in classics at Washington University in St.
Louis. She then went on to earn her J.D.
from the USC Gould School of Law, where
she was content editor of the “Southern
California Interdisciplinary Law Journal”
and had a fellowship at the USC Center
for Law, History, and Culture. While there,
she also founded the USC Art Law Society.
Immediately following law school, Catherine
completed her L.L.M., master of laws in
taxation from NYU School of Law. She now
is admitted to the California State Bar.
Kate Woods ’04 My husband, Forrest Perkins, and I
welcomed our daughter, Lillian Fritsche
Woods, on Sept. 29. She decided to come
10 days early, but at 8 lbs. 4 oz., she was
clearly ready to greet the world! Momma
and baby are home and doing well.
Scott Chacon ’05 and Tessa Legato
were married Aug. 9, at All Saints Church
in Pasadena. The reception was at the
nearby home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert
Legato. Seventeen Poly alumni were in
attendance. The event included a surprise
appearance by vocalist Steve Tyrell, who
sang “The Way You Look Tonight” during
the father-daughter dance. Scott and
Tessa live in Santa Monica. Tessa works
in public relations for the fashion house
Salvatore Ferragamo, and Scott recently
left investment banking to start his own
software business. Pictured from left to
right, starting with the top row: Logan Tiari ’05, Kevin Waite ’05, Wolf Klotz ’05, Greg Steinbrecher ’05, Alex Wyman ’05, Peter Wyman ’04, Greg Luna ’05, Pradip Chandrasoma ’05, Allison Horton ’05, Hayley Osen ’05, Shannon Ward ’05, Jennifer Chacon ’03, Alexandra Wiley ’05, Phil Bea ’05, Jennifer Regas Tiari ’07, Scott Chacon ’05, Tessa Chacon,
Rob Ellis ’05.
Francesco Dandekar ’05 received his
medical degree from UC San Diego School
of Medicine with honors in neurology, and
he will be doing his psychiatry residency
at Stanford University.
Christiaan Strong ’05 is living in Zurich
and attending business school in Lucerne,
Switzerland.
Lindsey Dodge ’06 and Peter Scott
Gudritz were married on July 5, at Misty
Farm in Ann Arbor, Mich. Poly’s Director
of Performing Arts Tina Cocumelli and
Andrew McCarthy ’06 attended. Lindsey
is a communications adviser for political,
corporate, and entertainment clients
at Luntz Global, a communications
consultancy in New York. She graduated
from the University of Michigan and
received a master’s certification in
publishing and media from the Columbia
Publishing Course at Columbia University.
Sean Dembowski ’09 is in graduate
school at the University of Minnesota.
Alexandra Paul ’10 and Regina Zmuidzinas ’10 are enjoying post-
graduation life in Wash., D.C. Alex works
for the National Institutes of Health
conducting research on HIV infection
pathways, and Regina is working
in consulting for Accenture. Regina
graduated in May with a degree in
mechanical engineering from Columbia
University, and Alex graduated from Duke
University with a degree in neuroscience.
They welcome all of their Poly friends to
come visit!
2000-2014
27P O LY C O N N E C T I O N S
Poly Connections
Brett Laudeman ’14 matriculated to
Clemson University, South Carolina, to
study political science. During summer
orientation, Brett earned a spot on
Clemson’s club shotgun shooting team. As
a freshman, Brett is also excited to earn a
coveted spot on the travel team. Earlier in
October, independent of collegiate team
events, he traveled from Clemson to Las
Vegas where he competed in the National
Sporting Clays Association Western
Regional Championship. As a first-time
competitor, Brett performed well, taking
home bronze and cash for Class C
preliminary competition.
Richard Sisley I have retired from Loudoun County Public
Schools in Virginia after serving for nine
years as a mathematics instructor for the
Louduon County Academy of Science.
I was hired to design the mathematics
program for the AOS as it opened in 2005.
Academy students do mathematics using
versions of the materials I wrote over a
period of several years at Poly. I am very
grateful to my many former students
at Poly and to former Headmaster Mike
Babcock, who gave me the opportunity to
develop mathematics courses especially
suited for highly capable students. My
wife and I now live in North Carolina,
where I will continue to be active in the
mathematics education community by
serving as a consultant for the National
Math and Science Initiative, as well as
schools experimenting with non-standard
course materials.
Class NotesA L U M N I P R O F I L E
Janet Holt ’02
M O R E A L U M N I A T W W W . P O LY T E C H N I C . O R G
Former Faculty and Staff
Janet Holt ’02 has built her career in the Peace Corps around a sense of joy and fulfillment she first found as a Poly student. “My teachers empowered my belief that education can be transformational and fueled my passion to study education around the world,” Holt says. “I learned how good it feels to serve my community starting in Lower School.” This good feeling continued to inspire Holt as she worked at AIDS Project Los Angeles, with an NGO in Northern Tanzania coordinating HIV prevention campaigns, and most recently, for the Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C. As public health program specialist, she supports the health-sector work of thousands of Peace Corps volunteers worldwide for water quality, sanitation, and hygiene. “I feel inspired every day by the accomplishments of our almost 8,000 volunteers,” Holt says, “especially after serving as a volunteer myself in Mozambique.” This global outlook and commitment to service runs in the family. Holt’s mother, Melinda Cook, has been on Poly’s staff almost 20 years and is now the Lower School service learning coordinator. Her husband, Lucas Arribas Layton, joined her in Mozambique for two years teaching at a rural secondary school and coordinating youth health projects. With their first child expected in March, they are looking forward to their next joint adventure!
For the latest in alumni
news and events, visit
www.polytechnic.org/alumni
00 S E C T I O N N A M E
James D. Fullerton ’32July 14, 2014, Pasadena, CaliforniaPLEASE SEE TRIBUTE ON PAGE 29.
Rosamond Jean Smith Goodrich ’39 March 26, 2012, Santa Barbara, California
Jean was born in Pasadena on Jan. 10,
1925, to Rosamond and Dana Smith. In
1947, she married Calvin Goodrich, and
together they raised three children,
Donald Goodrich ’68, Janet, and
Carolyn. Jean served on multiple boards
and volunteered for many service
organizations. She and her family moved
to Carpenteria in 1975, and she continued
to volunteer in the Santa Barbara area.
Jean is the sister of Dana Smith ’37, Lawson Smith ’39, and Gilbert Smith ’43,
and aunt to Rosamond Smith Miller ’67, Pamela Smith McCall ’69, Shelly Smith ’71,
and Scott Smith ’73.
Betsy Hunter Geiger ’40April 24, 2014, Montecito, California
Betsy was the daughter of Dr. Paul Mallers
Hunter and Elizabeth (Betty) Hixon Hunter ’17 of San Marino. Betsy grew up
in the Pasadena area, where she resided
most of her life. She lived her last eight
years in Montecito. After attending Poly,
Betsy attended UCLA and graduated
with a degree in art history. Shortly
after WWII, Betsy met and married Bill Geiger ’35, a recently-returned Royal
Air Force Eagle Squadron fighter pilot.
They were married for nearly 60 years.
Betsy was a hard-working member of
several nonprofit groups including the
Pasadena Junior League, the Pasadena
Art Alliance, the Rosemary 500 Guild, and
the Pasadena Guild of Children’s Hospital.
Betsy is loved and survived by her
children, Dodd, Devon, and Debra; sisters,
Polly Hunter Turpin ’42 and Barbara Hunter Foster ’47; sister-in-law, Pris
Milliman; brother-in-law, John Frost ’38;
and grandchildren.
James D. Watkins ’41July 26, 2012, Alexandria, Virginia
Admiral James D. Watkins was born in
Alhambra on March 7, 1927, to Edward
Francis and Louise Ward Watkins. After
Poly, James attended UC Berkeley before
entering the U.S. Naval Academy in 1945.
Graduated and commissioned ensign,
he subsequently advanced in rank to
captain. His selection for the rank of rear
admiral was approved by the president
on April 27, 1971. James received
his master’s degree in mechanical
engineering from the Naval Postgraduate
School and received further instruction
at the Nuclear Power Training Unit in
Schnectady, N.Y., and the Bettis Atomic
Power Laboratory in Pittsburgh, Pa. James
served as commanding officer of the
USS Snook beginning in October 1964,
and he led two cruises to the Western
Pacific. He was a decorated naval officer,
receiving the Legion of Merit and the
Navy Commendation Medal, Bronze
Star Medal, and Gold Star Medal for his
professional and technical competence
and sound leadership. After retiring from
the Navy, James led a very active life.
In 1987, he chaired President Reagan’s
Commission on the HIV epidemic,
known as “The Watkins Commission. On
March 9, 1989, James was sworn in as
secretary of energy by President George
Bush. He remained in his position as
energy secretary until 1993. James is
survived by his brother, John Watkins ’40; wife, Janet; six children from his first
marriage, Katherine Coopersmith, Laura
Jo Kauffmann, Charles Watkins, Susan
Watkins, James D. Watkins Jr.,
and Edward Watkins; nephew, Bill Watkins ’90; 11 grandchildren; and
four great-grandchildren.
Poly Connections
In Memoriam
28 P O LY C O N N E C T I O N S
We extend our condolences to the families and friends of those listed below and
hope this section assists those who wish to honor their Poly classmates and friends.
Poly publishes obituaries as space allows when we receive notice that an alumnus/a
or former faculty or staff member has died. If we have neglected to list someone,
please send us biographical information, which we will print in a subsequent issue.
Please note: Listings include those received through November 2014.
Rosemary Millar De Rienzo ’47July 27, 2012, Wilsonville, Oregon
Rosemary, “Rosie,” lived in Pasadena,
San Marino, and Newport Beach before
moving to Oregon in 1994. In addition
to being a very loving mother and wife,
she spent many philanthropic years
giving back to her community. Rosie
was president of the Pasadena Planned
Parenthood, the Crown Guild of the
Pasadena Crippled Childrens Society,
and a member of the Pasadena Junior
Philharmonic. After Poly, she attended
Westridge School and Mills College. Rosie
is survived by her loving children, Jennifer
Marie Miller, Robert E. DeRienzo, and Peter
King, and grandchildren.
Peter S. Sabin ’47July 5, 2011, Newberg, Oregon
Peter was born on Dec. 8, 1932, in
Pasadena. After attending Poly for
first through ninth grades, he received
a bachelor’s degree from Stanford
University and a master’s degree from
UC Berkeley. Peter established his own
architecture practice in 1967, and served
as president of the Santa Clara Valley
chapter of the American Institute of
Architects. He was also an instructor in
architecture at West Valley College for
20 years. He enjoyed coaching and
refereeing youth sports in Palo Alto and
was a member of Rotary International.
Peter is the brother of Dorothea Sabin Barnes ’40, Richard Sabin ’43, and
John Sabin ’45, and uncle of Dr. Edwin Barnes III ’68.
Peter M. Farrand ’50August 17, 2014, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Peter attended Poly for seventh through
ninth grades before attending The
Thacher School and Yale University.
Peter lived in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for more
than 50 years and also had a residence
in Oregon. In Sao Paulo, he worked for
Johnson & Higgins, a large international
insurance brokerage firm. He later
worked for Phillips Petroleum and
then opened his own business, Nova
Petrene, importing petrochemicals. He
was an avid fly fisherman, a hobby he
had from a very young age. He is
survived by his brothers, Alex Farrand ’52
29
and Andrew Farrand ’55; daughters,
Lisa and Allison; two grandchildren; and
wife, Teresinha.
John D. Mellon ’58May 23, 2014, Waikoloa, Hawaii
John worked at Enloe Hospital in the
neuro-trauma unit for many years. He
served his country in the Vietnam War as a
U.S. marine sargent. He earned the Purple
Heart for injuries received in battle. John
is survived by his ex-wife, Joann Mellon-
Spannaus; his stepson, Stephen Sheldon;
two step-granddaughters; three brothers,
Knox Mellon, David Mellon, and Peter Mellon ’62; and two nephews.
Rea Troll Rich ’63July 16, 2014, Fresno, California
Rea was born on Oct. 10, 1945, in Pasadena
to Rea Luella Smith and Conrad Troll.
She was the sister of Kimatha Troll Van Valkenburgh ’69 and stepsister of Conrad W. Troll ’41 and Jesse Troll ’46. After Poly,
Rea attended Marymount High School and
Pasadena City College, graduating with a
nursing degree in 1969. While employed
as an obstetrical nurse at USC Medical
Center, she married Dr. William M. Rich in
1972. She had two children, and the family
moved to Fresno in 1992. Rea always
was involved in many community service
roles, including Junior League member
and zoo docent in both Los Angeles and
Fresno. She was proud of her children and
grandchildren, and she felt privileged as
an obstetrical nurse to help women bring
their children into the world.
John C. Wilson ’64July 23, 2014, Pasadena, California
John was born on Aug. 4, 1946, to John
Cree Wilson Jr. and Anne O’Melveny Wilson ’36 of Pasadena. He lived in
California all his life and is survived by his
three siblings, Stuart Wilson ’67, Theresa Wilson ’69 and Michael Wilson ’74.
Rosamond Smith Miller ’67February 2013
Catherine Coffin Senungetuk ’71December 18, 2010, Anchorage, Alaska
Catherine was born May 21, 1953, in Los
Angeles and grew up in Pasadena and
Newport Beach. Her love of calligraphy
and art started early, with the ocean being
a common theme. She was inspired by her
uncle, Frank Hamilton, among others. In
1974, she graduated from Lewis & Clark
College with a bachelor’s degree in art.
In 1975, she married Robert Doss Jr. and
moved to Alaska, where she opened a
graphic design business and continued
to pursue her art. In 1996, Catherine
graduated from the University of Alaska
Anchorage with a bachelor’s degree in
nursing. She then integrated her art with
nursing by creating the “Art Cart,” a rolling
art studio at The Children’s Hospital at
Providence, to allow children to express
themselves creatively while dealing with
illness. Her honors include the Helene Fuld
Fellow, Sigma Theta Tau, and the National
Collegiate Nursing Award. Catherine
is survived by her husband, Joe; her
stepchildren, William and Jenny; and her
grandchildren and nephews. She is the
sister of the late Chris Coffin ’71.
Bryan R. Bracken ’75August 10, 2014, San Ramon, California
Born in Kansas City, Bryan and his family
moved to San Marino in 1966. After Poly,
Bryan received his bachelor’s degree in
geology from Colorado College, where he
fell in love with geology before earning
his master’s degree from the University of
Texas at Austin in 1982 and his doctorate
degree from the University of Utah
in 1987. When beginning his doctoral
studies, Bryan met Judy, and they married
in September 1983. Bryan was employed
by Chevron after the completion of his
schooling, starting in Hobbs, N.M, then
Houston, and finally settling in San Ramon
in 1991. Judy and Bryan raised three
sons. A natural teacher, he introduced
his sons to his love of nature and the
mountains. An Eagle Scout himself, Bryan
served as a leader of his sons’ scout troop
for several years. At Poly, Bryan was a
recognized scholar and athlete, in part for
his participation as a senior on the 1974
undefeated Varsity football team. Bryan
is survived by his wife of 31 years, Judy;
sons, Cameron, Ryland, and Stewart;
mother, Janice Bracken; and nieces
and nephews.
George Christopher Coffin ’76September 3, 2014, Lake Forest, Illinois
Chris resided in Pasadena and Newport
Beach; Northport, N.Y.; Auckland, New
Zealand; and Lake Forest, Ill. He was
a beloved husband, father, and friend;
respected entrepreneur; and prominent
sailor. He is survived by wife, Donna, and
sons, Will, Stephen, and Alex.
Poly Connections
P O LY C O N N E C T I O N S
The Polytechnic School community lost a dear friend and singular supporter in the passing of James
D. Fullerton ’32. Jim lived in Pasadena for most of his 97 years, where he attended Poly, was a school
parent, served as a trustee, and contributed generously to the campus and its programs. Jim graduat-
ed from Culver Military Academy in Indiana before attending Stanford University as an undergraduate
and later earning an MBA from Harvard Business School. He met his wife, Harriet, at Stanford, and the
two were married for more than 70 years and had three children — daughters, Alexa ’64 and Victoria
’70, and son, Jimmy ’68, who gave his life in the Vietnam War. As an army veteran of WWII, Jim shared
his experiences through his novel, “When We Had the Horses.” After living and writing stories in Mex-
ico City for a period, the majority of Jim’s professional life was at The Capital Group, where he served
as chairman and relished the challenges of investing. In many philanthropic endeavors focused on children, education, and health care,
Jim showed unwavering optimism and integrity. His pride in Poly was especially evident in his colorful storytelling, devoted volunteerism,
and generous gifts. Jim’s good cheer boosted Poly staff with each handwritten note — on personal letterhead designating himself “Lion
Tamer & Piano Tuner” — which he signed off with a favorite phrase, “Onward and upward!”
James D. Fullerton ’32
30 P. S .
P.S.
Rusty Buchanan
I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. I don’t remember wanting to be anything else. My first year teach-
ing at Gorrie Elementary in Tampa, Fla., was overflowing with mentors. I learned so much from my
colleagues at Gorrie. Each of them contributed to the educator I am today.
To always tell the truth, even when it feels like the hardest thing to do.
If I were on Jeopardy and the category was “Who Sang It in the ’80s,” I would be the returning champion.
The most rewarding aspect of my role at Poly are the bonds I have with my students that only grow
stronger as the students make their way through the Lower School and beyond. Once my student, always
my student.
My favorite book is The Color Purple by Alice Walker. I find the story of Miss Celie to be one that goes
beyond human strength and struggle. I found myself learning how to forgive and why to forgive. I’ve
read this book more times than I can count. By the way, the movie and the book are very different. Read
the book!
What led you to a career in education? Were there any special
mentors or moments that guided you to where you are now?
What is your best advice for Lower Schoolers?
What is a hidden talent of yours?
What is most rewarding about your role at Poly?
What is your favorite book?
Q:
Q:
Q:
Q:
Q:
Rusty Buchanan joined Poly as a first grade teacher in September 2011. A graduate of the University of South Florida, Rusty moved to California from Miami, where he most recently taught first grade at Sunset Elementary School. Prior to that, Rusty also taught second and third grade.
C h a n g e S e r v i c e r e q u e s t e d
1030 East California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106
626.396.6300 : www.polytechnic.org
P.S.with Rusty Buchanan
Panthers in the Zone
Class Notes and Alumni Profi les
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