Classroom Dedicated to English Faculty Member Jim Connolly
The sunlit classroom well-known to students and alumni — located now in “the new” Warren Hall (formerly in the Link), is now officially dedicated to the teacher at the center of its table: Jim Connolly.  Dottie Altman Weber '60 and Steve Weber, parents of Meredith Weber ’04 made a generous gift to support Milton’s needs, and chose to honor Jim and recognize his work motivating and inspiring students to write, and write well. Meredith, who began writing intensively at Milton, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2008 and now works with the New Victory Theatre, a nonprofit theater for children and families in New York City.

Jim’s classroom walls have long been known as a gallery of poetry. The spreading collage of short works leaves little bare space; the honor of seeing your work on the wall is a thrilling salute from a valued mentor. Graduates of several decades can (and do) visit and find a past poem. Many of those early poets are novelists, playwrights, journalists, non-fiction writers and filmmakers today. Others simply write well and appreciate the power of the written word in their diverse lives every day.

The Class of 2009 has left the quad

"For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning." – T.S. Eliot, Class of 1906

Family, faculty and friends stood witness as members of the Class of 2009 made an end to their time at Milton Academy during the School's 210th graduation exercises on Friday, June 5. Seniors began the morning's festivities with a traditional procession around campus, bidding farewell to underclassmen at each of the eight houses. With flowers in hand, the graduating class made its way to the formal ceremony on the lawn outside Apthorp Chapel. Elected by Milton's seniors to speak on their behalf, Chloe Cole and Matthew Trammell addressed the audience. Alumnae Erika Mobley '86—who leads business development and licensing for Apple's App Store—delivered the commencement address.

Click here to read the commencement speeches and view photos of the day.

Science Center Walls are Transformed into Art Students’ Canvas
During their final days of visual art classes, Class IV students have been studying graffiti as a radical form of visual communication. Influenced by pictures of graffiti lining the walls of the West Bank that divide Palestine and Israel, students in Emilie Stark-Menneg’s class were assigned the task of creating their own provocative images addressing social justice.  On Wednesday afternoon, the class climbed to the second floor of the Pritzker Science Center construction site to spray-paint their work on the plywood exterior of the building.

“I felt it was important for the students to graffiti their stencils onto a real wall in order that they engage with street art’s transient nature, one that parallels the rapid evolution and decay of our urban landscape,” said Emilie about the project.

“Students drew upon a variety of sources, such as internationally recognized graffiti artists, Banksy, BLU and Shepard Ferry.  They incorporated their own fantasies with a mixture of pop-cultural icons and ready-made clichés; these appropriations spawned a vibrant dialogue on the grounds of ownership and authorship of public domain images.”

Click here to view more photos.

Pianist Satto Tonegawa '11 Performs at Caregie Hall
Sophomore Satto Tonegawa was awarded first prize by the American Fine Arts Festival (AFAF), a program that recognizes young musicians and provides them with the opportunity to perform in formal concert settings at the best concert halls in New York City. Selected from thousands of students who auditioned nationwide, Satto won the unique honor of performing at the AFAF Winners’ Concert in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on May 23. The last musician to take the stage at the concert event, Satto performed Chopin Etude Op. 25.

Apart from his talent as a pianist, Satto is also an accomplished cellist.  He is now working on Chopin Ballad #1 and Rachmaninoff Etude Tableauz Op39 #1 for piano and Tchaikovsky Lococo Variations and Schumann Concerto for the cello.

Undefeated Boys' Tennis Team Takes Home ISL Trophy
The varsity tennis squad’s victory over Nobles on May 22 earned the Mustangs a perfect regular season record of 17-0 (15-0 in the Independent School League) and sealed the team’s claim to the coveted R.K. Irons ISL Championship trophy.  Both Nobles and Milton went into this final match of the season with a 14-0 record in the ISL in what was to be a winner-take-all bout of the two top teams. 

“The winner would not only have bragging rights in the rivalry, but would also become the only remaining undefeated team and the undisputed League champions,” said Milton’s head coach, Michael Duseau.

Milton led early, winning two of the three doubles pro-sets. When the match score stood at 7-5 in favor of Milton, the Mustangs only needed one win out of the four remaining singles sets in progress. That win came from Milton’s captain, Will Hunnewell.

“Will Hunnewell summoned his best tennis of the season and won four straight games to record a 6-4 victory and seal the win for the Mustangs,” said Coach Duseau. “He was mobbed by his teammates in celebration of a hard-fought and well-deserved victory.”

Taking Performance to the Next Level: Workshop Introduces Cutting-Edge Technology to Milton’s Dancers
New York-based composer, Daniel Iglesia, visited campus to conduct a workshop for Milton dancers in the Kellner Performing Arts Center on Monday, May 18. Daniel creates performance events that combine live audio and video mixing using cutting-edge computer models he creates himself. He and performing arts faculty member, Tze Chun, have collaborated on a number of projects to combine his video and music events with Tze’s dance choreography. 

“I thought it would be exciting for the students to use technology to expand the possibilities for performance,” said Tze.  “Daniel [Iglesia] and I held a workshop for interested students and faculty, in which they created small movement phrases that Daniel then replayed with different effects and layers.”

Daniel Iglesia writes for humans, computers and broad interactions of the two. He is especially interested in live manipulations of sound, with notions of automation and algorithmic composition, the magnification of inherent chaos in sounds, and real-time performance with traditional instruments. Since working in New York, he has expanded his interests to the interaction of sound and video, creating both live performance systems and generative pieces that subsume the role of the creator. His work has been presented throughout New York City—in such diverse venues as the Lincoln Center, Eyebeam Gallery, the Stone, Ontological-Hysteric Theatre, Merce Cunningham Studio, Roulette, the Public Theater, the Delancey and the Knitting Factory—and international festivals in the United States, France and Spain. A graduate of Princeton University, Daniel is a teaching fellow at the Columbia University Computer Music Center.

Sophomore Sam Karlinski Selected for National Harp Competition
Selected from the most talented harpists under the age of 19, Sam Karlinski (III) has been chosen to compete in the National American Harp Society Competition at Westminister College in Salt Lake City, Utah. To be considered for the honor, Sam composed a CD with a repertoire of music required by the American Harp Society (AHS) including Sonata in C minor, Fantasie on a Theme of Haydn and Whirlwind. He is one of a dozen finalists who will perform in the Intermediate II Division of the competition. Sam will travel to Salt Lake City on June 28 and perform before three nationally recognized judges, as well as an audience of harpists from across the United States. The winner of the competition receives a monetary prize and is awarded AHS Concert Artist status.

The American Harp Society aims “to promote and foster the appreciation of the harp as a musical instrument, to encourage the composition of music for the harp, and to improve the quality of performance of harpists.” (www.harpsociety.org)

Not Your Grandfather’s Odyssey
Milton’s unique take on the time-honored tale
Milton theater productions are never what you might assume they would be. This weekend’s production of The Odyssey, directed by performing arts faculty member Shane Fuller, turns Homer’s epic poem into a welcoming evening of storytelling. The goal is, as Shane puts it, to create “more than a show; the goal is to create a theatrical experience for the audience.”

Homer’s ancient work chronicles the hero Odysseus’s ten-year voyage home after the fall of Troy. Though a complex work, Shane saw in it the opportunity for something unique. “I was interested in doing a work with which we could be creative and explore,” Shane says, “which would allow us to devise the show ourselves, to create our own adaptation. This show will focus on how perspectives change as a story is told over time. We’re taking an age-old tale and finding out what happens when we tell the story in modern day.”
[Read More]

Mustangs Face ISL Teams: Ijeoma Duru Earns Championship Title
On Saturday, May 2, Independent School League (ISL) teams battled on the track and field of Governor’s Academy in Byfield, Massachusetts, during the 2009 ISL Championships.

Milton’s girls’ and boys’ track teams fared well in the daylong meet against stiff competition, placing fifth and sixth overall, respectively. Individual athletes on Milton’s squad achieved their personal bests. Ijeoma Duru, with her throw of 32 feet and nine and a quarter inches in the shot put event, claimed the top spot in the ISL and became the 2009 ISL Champion. Kate Ballinger also reached a personal best with a nine-foot jump to finish second in the pole vault event.  Kate, who’s in Class IV, also placed fourth in the 300-meter hurdles, proving that the future is bright for the girls’ squad.

Andre Lima, Adrian Altson-Moore, James Keefe and Vincent Kennedy took fourth place in the 4 x 100 relay. James Keefe also set season and personal bests in the 100-meter (11.42) and 200-meter (23.32) dashes taking fifth and second, respectively. Senior Captain Andre Lima took second place in the 400-meter dash with his personal best of 51.60.

Milton travels to Andover for the NEPSTA Championships on Saturday, May 16.

Service: A Day to Appreciate Its Value

Last week Milton Academy students and faculty teamed up to tackle seasonal tasks at 11 sites in the Town of Milton and many in Greater Boston. Community Service Day was the opportunity and, with their adult advisors, all students contributed — from cleaning up grounds to planting and moving; to entertaining with choral, speech and drama presentations; to serving lunch, reading to children, and talking with elders. Students in the Upper and Middle Schools fanned out throughout town and to sites beyond, 37 in all. Biennially, Milton honors the notion and the experience of serving by involving everyone for a full morning in a project that supports others. The SGA co-heads originally proposed Community Service Day ten years ago. It has become a tradition that includes important goals, such as exposing students to social needs and the opportunity to make a difference; creating interest in a fuller commitment to service; and stepping outside busy lives to learn about the real world. Students learned first hand that every effort was a chance to learn and grow. Service providers receive as much as they give. Click here to view photos.

Estou Te Esperando in Milton’s Nesto Gallery
On Tuesday, May 5, Milton’s Nesto Gallery opened its doors to Estou Te Esperando (I Am Waiting For You), an exhibition by documentary artist Emma Raynes.  As a Lewis Hine Fellow at the Center for Documentary Studies, Emma developed a letter-writing project with families of sugarcane workers in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The exhibit that runs in the Gallery from May 5 to May 29 is a product of her work on this project.

"I began by making photographs and sound recordings of the workers with their children before they departed to cut sugarcane,” said Emma. “While working on this project, I lived with families whose lives and experiences are reflected in these photographs.  The work was driven by their openness, generosity, and enthusiasm."
[Read More]

Swinging For the Fences: Girls’ Softball Squad Leads ISL
Adding another convincing win on Wednesday against Southfield by a score of 22-13, the varsity girls’ softball team upped their season record to 8-1, and stand undefeated in the Independent School League (ISL). Head Coach Amy Hickey attributes the latest win to the Mustang’s “steady” defense, consistency of pitchers Isa Gell-Levey and Maddie Gallagher, and Milton’s “patience at the plate.”

“Milton's offense was led by Jane Ghublikian who was two for three, including two homeruns, five RBIs and four runs scored,” said Coach Hickey. “Alana Dovner was three for six with one homerun, four RBIs and two runs scored. Dovner also had a nice double play, catching a line drive at third and throwing out the advancing runner in the fourth to end a Southfield rally. Alex Jaeger was two for three, including two doubles, two RBIs and three runs scored. Isa Gell-Levey was also two for three with two RBIs and four runs scored.”

The team’s only loss this season was against a strong Tabor squad in mid-April.  Since that day, the Mustangs have bested a line of tough teams including Brooks, Thayer, Lawrence and Southfield.  The success of Milton’s squad and their first place standing in the ISL has even caught the attention of the Boston Globe.  Click here to read the Globearticle. The girls’ next bout will be against Governor’s at home on Saturday, May 2, starting at 3 p.m.

Audiences Watch As Bees in Honey Drown
On Thursday, April 30, the doors of Wigg Hall opened to the first of three performances of Douglas Carter Beane’s As Bees in Honey Drown. In this 1212 production, a young writer gets caught up in the conflict of fantasy and reality and is enticed by access to fast fame and fortune. In a society obsessed with celebrity, this comic satire on contemporary popular culture, the allure of success, and the true value of art and of love, is a reflection on Warhol’s “15 minutes of fame.” Fame like honey, may taste sweet but it can also be a sticky, enveloping mess.

“As Bees in Honey Drown is a play about art and artifice,” said performing arts department chair and director of the 1212 Play, Peter Parisi. “In the play, art imitates life, life also imitates art. Are we who we were meant to be, as opposed to being who we were born? Is there a difference between who we were meant to be and who we want to be, or who we think we should be? Is a life of celebrity an empty one? Does the pursuit of it take someone further away from who they truly are meant to be?” 

The second performance on Friday, May 1, begins at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, May 2, the show begins at 7 p.m.

Going Outside Themselves: Students Earning National Writing Awards
Being in Jim Connolly’s creative writing classes for two years has “completely changed my viewpoint on the art of creative writing,” says Chloe Cole (I). Chloe’s talent and focus recently earned her a silver medal in the National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards for her poem “Pregnant.”

“I’ve always loved reading and writing, and I love discussing what I’ve read,” says Chloe. “I had always done a lot of writing on my own, but taking this class changed my approach to how I write, and how to read someone else’s work. This class sparks a lot of questions about art in general. We’ve asked in class, ‘What’s the point of art?’— a question we haven’t been able to answer yet. We had a conversation the other day about whether good art can have a happy ending; so much of what teenagers write is angst-ridden, so this made for a great discussion.”
[Read More]

This Weekend’s Concerts: Ready to Help You Believe in Spring

The Ruth King Theatre is the setting; Friday, April 24 is the date. At 7:30 p.m. weeks of practice will be behind them, the tune up will be finished, and the musicians will open the 2009 Spring Orchestra Concert.

The Chamber orchestra begins the program with works of Chopin, Mozart, Monn, Weber and Beethoven. Five Class I soloists, playing in their final Milton formal concert, highlight this part of the program: Jaclyn Siu, Kim Chang, Drew Douglas-Steele, Alisha Magnus-Louis and Will Yu. The Chamber musicians will close this performance with the first movement of the Beethoven 5th Symphony.
[Read More]

Bingham Visiting Reader Takes Students on Inaugural Voyage of Here and Gone
Dr. Donald Johnson—English professor and poet in residence at East Tennessee State University—was this spring’s Bingham Visiting Reader. Meeting with students in Class I and II, he read several pieces from his newly published collection of poetry titled Here and Gone. As he told the students, this reading was the “inaugural voyage” of the collection. Dr. Johnson describes Here and Gone as having an “elegiac feel to it;” the poems focus around “holding on to things, living in the moment, and how we try to keep things from slipping away.” Students were transported from the banks of the Tennessee River to Dr. Johnson’s mother’s kitchen as he read half a dozen selected poems from the collection.

Dr. Johnson has been a faculty member at East Tennessee State University for 25 years, where he served as English department chair for six years and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for seven. An avid sports fan and accomplished sports writer, Dr. Johnson served for 16 years as general editor of Aethlon: the Journal of Sport Literature; he is now the publication’s poetry editor. He has published many articles on literature and sport in American culture and is the author of The Sporting Muse: A Critical Study of Poems about Athletes and Athletics and the editor of Hummers, Knucklers, and Slow Curves: Contemporary American Baseball Poems.

CultureFest: A Biennial Extravaganza
Volunteers Make It Happen

CultureFest—Sunday, May 3, 2009 from 4 to 7 p.m.—celebrates Milton’s diversity: our differences and our connectedness. We share aspects of ourselves so that we can appreciate who we are and who our neighbor is.

CultureFest delights the senses with dancing, food, performances, music, and more. The community’s talent is on display. The Fizgibbons Convocation Center is ringed with booths representing our heritages from around the world and regions of the United States. Flags brightly decorate the booths that display country or regional artifacts and often people add to the color by coming in national dress.

If you are interested in being a volunteer, many opportunities are available, large or small, depending on your skills and interests. We need booth leaders to organize and coordinate the food and offerings as well as help to set up and decorate booths and to prepare food. Choose a cultural group from one of the more than 25 groups that have appeared in past years, or add one of your own. Pull out your grandfolk’s famous recipes, share a traditional dance or play some music. If someone in your family is interested in performing, cooking or decorating, we need you. We’ll need help to staff the ticket booth and to clean-up after the event, also.

For more information contact Heather Flewelling at 617-898-2150 or Heather_Flewelling@Milton.edu. If you live nearby and can come to CultureFest, please join us—the Milton K-12 community of students, families, faculty and staff—while having a good time and great food.

Erika Mobley ’86 is Milton's 2009 Graduation Speaker
This year, Erika Mobley, Class of 1986, will address the graduating class. Erika’s background is in international copyright law; she began her career within the digital and music industry. She worked for the Recording Industry Association of America (R.I.A.A.), Palm, RealNetworks and Amazon.com in roles that expanded her expertise into global business strategy and marketing as well as anti-piracy law. Today, Erika leads business development and licensing for Apple’s App Store, the online location for new applications—from books and business through entertainment, games, finance and fitness—that are being developed for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Applications in the worlds of TV, music and movies are Erika’s responsibility. The App Store has been open for eight months and is now available in 77 countries; at its seven-month mark, downloads of applications, free and purchased, numbered 800 million. Over all areas, 25,000 applications are available for download. Prior to her current role, Erika developed global business initiatives in Australia and New Zealand as senior product marketing manager for iTunes.
[Read More]

Ian Cheney ’98 Wins Prestigious Peabody Award
Alumnus Ian Cheney has joined the ranks of the elite in radio and television broadcasting as a Peabody Award-winner for his documentary film, King Corn. Established in 1940, the George Foster Peabody Awards honor excellence in broadcasting and recognize the most outstanding achievements in electronic media, including radio, television and cable. (www.peabody.uga.edu) In King Corn, Ian and best friend Curt Ellis move to the heartland of America to learn where our food comes from. With the help of friendly neighbors, genetically modified seeds and powerful herbicides, Ian and Curt plant and grow a bumper crop of America’s most-productive, most-subsidized grain on one acre of Iowa soil. When they try to follow their corn into the food system, what they find raises troubling questions about how we eat—and how we farm. Ian will receive his award at a ceremony hosted by NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams in New York City’s Waldorf-Astoria on May 18. Click hereto read a Milton Magazine article about Ian and his documentary.

Students Work on Navajo Reservation

Over Milton’s spring break, students experienced the unique opportunity of working on Navajo land outside of Flagstaff, Arizona, during the fourth annual community service trip. Sponsored by the Community Service Program, the trip included 16 students and two adults who, among other things, painted two buildings, cleaned a storage facility damaged by fire, dug outhouse holes, and repaired a children's merry-go-round and swing set. During their time on the reservation, volunteers learned about Native-American culture and enjoyed Navajo cuisine. The voyage concluded with a visit to the Grand Canyon. In past years, Milton’s community service groups have traveled to the Mississippi Gulfcoast and Belize.
Click hereto view more photos of the trip.

Milton’s Jazz Tour Makes Its Way Home
Forty-nine Milton Academy students and parents journeyed to South Africa and Botswana over spring break for the jazz program’s seventh annual musical tour. Following a successful overseas adventure that included performances in Gaborone, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, the students are back on campus and ready to perform one last show to end their 2009 tour. This last performance, the South Africa Tour Return Concert, begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 3, in King Theatre. Admission is free and all are welcome to help celebrate the jazz program’s return.
Click here to enlarge the poster.

Milton Musician Selected for All-State Orchestra
Cellist Eric Fishman (Class II), a member of the Milton Academy orchestra and chamber orchestra, has been selected to participate in the 2009 Massachusetts All-State Orchestra. Selected for this honor through auditions hosted by the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA), Eric will perform with top high school musicians from across the state at the MMEA music festival on March 26–28.  As part of the festival, Eric will perform Respighi Pines of Rome with the All-State Orchestra at Symphony Hall in Boston on Saturday, March 28, at 1 p.m.

The Massachusetts Music Educators Association is a federated state unit of the National Association for Music Education. MMEA is comprised of over 1,500 members, and its goal is to advance and strengthen music education in the state of

New York is Where There’s Water
 On Thursday, March 19, the Lohin Geduld Gallery in Manhattan opened its doors to Where There’s Water, a solo exhibition by Milton visual arts faculty member, Anne Neely.

“Although painting is personal, these paintings also address the ecological and ultimately cultural issues of our time as we fight over, transport, over use, pollute, dry up and neglect water,” said Anne Neely about her latest work.

Where There’s Waterwill be exhibited at the Lohin Geduld Gallery at 531 West 25 Street until April 25. For more information, call the gallery at 212-675-2656.

Anna Bulbrook ’00 Rocks with The Airborne Toxic Event
Alumna and viola player Anna Bulbrook might never have imagined that she would be the musical guest on the Late Show with David Letterman, or that she would sell-out a performance at Boston’s famed rock-haven the Paradise Lounge, or that she would find herself on a whirlwind musical tour of 30 shows in 30 days. Anna has done all that and more as the sole female member of The Airborne Toxic Event, one of this year’s most talked about rock bands.

The Airborne Toxic Event—named for a phrase from Don DeLillo’s novel White Noise—is a Los Angeles–based quintet whose music has been described as “an appealing mix of edgy power pop [with] soaring, anthemic qualities” (Patriot Ledger) and who have been likened to The Killers, The Strokes and U2.Photo by Kristy Sparow.
[Read More]

Grant Jones, Class II, Selected for the Governor's Statewide Youth Council
One of 28 teenagers representing the counties throughout the Commonwealth, Grant Jones will participate on Governor Deval Patrick’s recently created Statewide Youth Council. The Youth Council was formed to give young people access to the governor, to increase youth participation in government, and to give young people a significant voice in the decision-making process. Council members’ responsibilities motivate them to be involved in their communities and to participate in problem solving through leadership and planning roles. At quarterly meetings, the members discuss issues important to the young people in their communities and learn from other communities. They reach out to other young people, recruiting their participation in local councils and considering with them ways to address youth-related issues. Ultimately, Youth Council members submit recommendations to the Governor's Office about issues important in the lives of Massachusetts teenagers and about projects that young people might implement. Council members serve for two years, and during that time they participate in leadership training, educational events and development opportunities.

David Van Vactor, Ph.D., Milton Class of 1981, Visits Milton Science Classes
“How Nerve Cells Find Their Destination,” was Dr. Van Vactor’s subject when he spoke to Milton science students in Classes II and III on Wednesday. According to Dr. Van Vactor, “The cues that guide neuronal processes to their ultimate sites of synaptic contact are crucial for establishing the complex architecture of the nervous system, yet are one of the oldest, most challenging issues in developmental neurobiology.” Dr. Van Vactor’s laboratory at Harvard Medical School, the Van Vactor Lab, is interested in finding the key molecules that control axon guidance and target recognition and, ultimately, in determining how they act in concert to specify the direction of axonal outgrowth.

A member of the Harvard Medical School faculty, David Van Vactor was appointed Assistant Professor in Cell Biology in 1995, after completing his postdoctoral research at University of California, Berkeley. He received his undergraduate degree in Behavioral Biology from The Johns Hopkins University in 1985 and earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1991.

The Great Latke-Hamantash Debate Comes to Milton
On Monday, March 9, the ever-popular and always hilarious Latke-Hamantash Debate made its way to Milton’s campus. Students took sides to argue the “merits and meaning” of two Jewish cuisines, Latke and Hamantash. This pseudo-academic pursuit that began in 1946 at the University of Chicago has since spread to universities across the country, featuring notable scholars such as Milton Friedman and Alan Dershowitz (P '08). This was one of the first times that a high school has hosted the debate.

Members of the Hamantashen side argued that the Hamantashen symbolizes the transcendence of cultural boundaries, the importance of civil rights, and the very foundation of democracy itself. Supporters of the Latke contended that their cuisine is a metaphor for James Joyce's Leopold Bloom, a representation of the circle of life, and a healthier choice than the Hamantash.

“Everyone who attended the event—students, faculty, and the academic dean—thought it a tremendous success,” said Ross Lerner (II), an organizer of the event. “It was a lot of fun and we were able to prove, once and for all, that Latke is superior.” Brennan Robbins (II), another organizer, concurred that the event was enjoyable, but felt that the Hamantash ultimately came out on top. “To me, it's not even a question,” said Brennan. “The Hamantashen won the debate, just as we knew it would.”

Undefeated Girls’ Varsity Squash Team are League Champions

Milton’s girls’ varsity squash team finished their season with an impressive 11-0 record, marking only the second undefeated season in the history of the program. Winning 68 of 77 matches this season, and competing in the strong Independent School League (ISL), the girls earned the title of 2009 ISL Champions. Senior co-captains Alli Rubin and Sarah Loucks were members of Milton’s first undefeated team as seventh graders, and led this year’s team along with other Class I members Casey Cortes, Amara Warren and Caroline Palmer. According to coach Chris Kane, Milton’s Class of 2009 graduates some of the most talented female squash players in Milton Academy history and in New England.

In addition to their league success, the team finished second in the Groton Invitational, fourth at the New England Interscholastic Tournament, and a remarkable fourth at the U.S. High School National Championships. The fourth place finish at Nationals matched the best finish in School history and gave the girls the unofficial title of “Best of the Boarding Schools.”

Florida’s First State Surgeon General is Margo Johnson Endowed Speaker
Ana M. Viamonte Ros P’02 ’04, state surgeon general of the Florida Department of Health, visits Milton on Wednesday, March 4, as the 2009 Margo Johnson Endowed Speaker.

In January of 2007, Governor Charlie Crist appointed Dr. Viamonte Ros as secretary of the Florida Department of Health. Later that same year, under new legislation, she officially became Florida's first state surgeon general—the first woman and Cuban-American to hold this position.

Surgeon General Viamonte Ros is committed to advancing healthcare delivery systems in public health settings and has volunteered with programs like the Camillus House Homeless Initiative in Miami, the Health through Walls International Health Outreach, and the Brookside Community Health Center in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. Throughout her community volunteer projects, she has been an advocate for disadvantaged individuals and minority communities. She has written several articles in the areas of mental health, radiology and family health, in addition to lecturing at numerous health care symposia. (www.doh.state.fl.us)

Surgeon General Viamonte Ros will speak to students during Wednesday’s assembly in the FCC and answer questions in Straus Library immediately following the assembly.

The Margo Johnson Lecture, named for Margo Johnson, headmistress of the Milton Academy Girls' School from 1949–1982, brings accomplished women to the Milton campus.

Internationally Renowned Takács Quartet Performs at Milton

One of the world’s premiere string quartets, the Takács Quartet, performed on Sunday, February 22, at the 79th Annual Gratwick Concert in Straus Library.

The Takács Quartet performs ninety concerts a year worldwide, performing throughout Europe as well as in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Korea. The Quartet's multi-award winning recordings include the Late Quartets by Beethoven that in 2005 won Disc of the Year and Chamber Award from BBC Music Magazine, a Gramophone Award and a Japanese Record Academy Award. Their recordings of the early and middle Beethoven quartets collected a Grammy, another Gramophone Award, a Chamber Music of America Award and two further awards from the Japanese Recording Academy (www.takacsquartet.com).

“Designed primarily to give students the rare opportunity to hear world class artists in an intimate setting,” said Don Dregalla, music department chair, “the Gratwick concert is held in Straus Library, a beautiful room with unparalleled acoustics.”

The Gratwick performance series was established by former Milton Academy faculty member Dr. Mitchell Gratwick as a gift to the School in memory of his wife Katharine Perkins Gratwick, a cellist and graduate of the Girls’ School, Class of 1924.  Fostered through the present by family members, it has continued as an unbroken tradition for 79 years.

Unveiling a Gift for the Ages
John Wilson Etching of Dr. Martin Luther King
Milton Academy’s recently mounted etching of Martin Luther King is expressive, complex, intense and striking. The drawing of Dr. King is the work of artist John Wilson, born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, in 1922. Mr. Wilson was selected in 1985 as the winning sculptor in a national contest to procure a bust of Martin Luther King for the U.S. Capitol Building. Mr. Wilson's drawing—a study for the sculpture—was recalled by its original lending institution from a traveling exhibition sponsored by the Smithsonian celebrating Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr's life and message. Artist, printmaker and Milton parent Jim Stroud suggested to Mr. Wilson that together they immortalize his drawing by rendering it as a copper plate etching. The marriage of drawing and copper plate was a challenging one. The two worked for months and developed successive, but less than satisfactory, results before the final image. In fact, 20 state proofs pulled from the copper plate witnessing the painstaking effort are now owned by the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Jim Stroud and Janine Wong, parents of Ryder Stroud, Class I, made the decision last month to give the Wilson etching to Milton. Milton was especially fortunate that John Wilson was able to join Jim, Janine, students and faculty as the work on the wall of the Cox Library was unveiled and admired.

The renowned painter, sculptor and printmaker John Wilson graduated from Tufts University in 1947 and studied in Paris and Mexico City. He served as professor of art at Boston University from 1964 to 1986. He won prizes in national exhibitions from 1951 to 1969. His work is in the collections of the DeCordova Museum, the Smith Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the University of Wisconsin. His most notable work, Eternal Presence, is at the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists in Boston.

Five Milton Seniors Honored as NFAA Award Recipients
Dylan Tedaldi (pictured here) has been named a finalist in the modern dance category of this year’s youngArts competition—an annual, nationwide search for artistically talented youth held by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA). Along with other finalists from around the country, Dylan traveled this month to Florida where he performed, attended seminars, worked with professional dancers and coaches, and met with other young artists.

Every year, the NFAA awards a select group of high school students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in areas such as performance, music and creative writing. Four other Milton students received recognition from the NFAA in the 2009 youngArts search. Samara Oster earned an honorable mention for her work in spoken and musical theater. Michael Bartley and Caroline Lester both received merit recognition for their creative writing—Michael in poetry, and Caroline for her short stories “Modern Romance” and “Liar.” Lexie Carr also earned merit recognition in the photography category for her digital portfolio submission. Award winners were selected by a panel of professional artists and were chosen from among thousands of submissions. Each student is awarded a cash prize for his or her accomplishment.

Community Service is Strong at Milton

On Sunday, February 8, the community service program at Milton Academy sponsored a Special Olympics basketball tournament—hosting 170 athletes from 14 teams. These teams, including our own Milton-Quincy Mustangs, competed in the ACC in preparation for the Special Olympics state games.

“The event was a success thanks to the help of volunteers from Upper School and K–8 students and their families who coached teams, helped referee, kept time and score, served lunch, and cheered on the athletes,” said community service director, Andrea Geyling.

This week’s basketball tournament is just one of several events organized throughout the year by the community service program and Milton’s student volunteers.  According to the community service Web page, “On average, about 200 students perform weekly service at over 30 different organizations in the Greater Boston area. Another 200 students participate in multi-annual events such as the Greater Boston Foodbank, Special Olympics tournaments, the Blood Drive and holiday giving events. The entire Milton community participates in the annual Oxfam Hunger Banquet and the bi-annual Community Service Day. Each year, the program also supports individual and group initiatives for particular causes, such as overseas orphanages, tsunami and hurricane relief.”

For this year’s annual community service spring break trip, faculty and students will travel to a Hopi reservation in Arizona to assist with repairs of the reservation’s school buildings.  A faculty talent show and raffle hosted by the community service program in January raised funds needed for materials, and 19 volunteers will use that money and their time to help fix the schools.

Artist Lorna Williams Showcases Work in Nesto Gallery
New Orleans-native Lorna Williams visited Milton on Tuesday, February 10, to talk with students and attend the opening of her exhibit, Redefining Womb Space, in Milton’s Nesto Gallery.

Inspired by the body as a revealer of life’s mysteries, Lorna Williams continues her voyage and reflection on human figure and place in her current exhibition.  In her words, “My body is central to my understanding of self and the way I communicate myself through my art to others.  It is an instrument that produces the music of my birth place, New Orleans.”

Through a variety of innovative techniques using collage with paper and fabric and carving on wood, Lorna creates figures that are sculptural in their presentation and emotional in their impact. These disparate elements, combined with music, send out a powerful release from the creative core of the artist to the viewer.

Redefining Womb Space exhibits in the Nesto Gallery, located in the lower level of the Science Building, from February 10 through March 6.  The Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  For more information, please contact art faculty member, Anne Neely, at anne_neely@milton.edu.

Witnesses to History Meet a Major Player
Ruby Bridges Hall Visits Milton
Millions of Americans have been moved, over more than four decades, by Norman Rockwell’s poignant illustration of Ruby Bridges, a six-year-old black girl walking into school alone except for the tall figures of male guardians that preceded and followed her. The image memorializes Ruby’s integration of the William Franz Public School in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1960. Today, Ruby Bridges Hall, along with her teacher at that time, Barbara Henry, often work together with teachers and students. On January 29 and 30, Ms. Hall was a guest at Milton, invited by the K–8 division. After spending a full class day in the Lower and Middle schools, visiting with Grades 6, 7 and 8 and then with Grades 2–5 in Thacher, she talked with Upper School history students about her experiences on Friday afternoon in Kellner.  From the Upper School, students in American History, U.S. and the Modern World II, History of Civil Rights and Senior Seminar in History had the opportunity to connect with a figure whose early bravery in the face of institutional racism affected the course of history.

Black History Month: So Much Happening in February
First thing Monday morning, on a cold second day of February, Onyx co-heads Matt Trammell and Taylor Parker kicked off Black History Month for the community. The celebration at Milton is full: visiting artists, films, assemblies, dining and dancing to a live Reggae band, and an Onyx hosted Chapel are among the events on the calendar. February is alive with culture, learning and fun. The kickoff assembly set the tone. Matt Trammell began with his thoughtful reflection about the ways Milton cultivates thought and learning about the African American experience, and the ways the community should still grow. An elegant, warm and inspirational rendition of Lift Every Voice followed, sung by Grant Jones, Lami Olatunji and Laitan Oladipo.  Members of Onyx then highlighted the extensive and interesting series of events that will surround those of us lucky enough to be on campus for Black History Month at Milton.
[View Schedule of Events]

Rich Wilson ’68 Will Complete His Solo Sail Around the World
Only Frenchmen have won the Vendée – “A sailing race around the world, for singlehanders, without any stopover,” according to Vendée globe.org. Rich Wilson, Milton Class of 1968, who rounded Cape Horn last week in his boat, Great American III, will not win. Brian Harris, the general manager of the Maine Yacht Center where Rich Wilson’s boat was retrofitted for the race, said in the New York Times “What Rich wants is to be sure to finish,” he said. “In the Vendée, finishing is winning.”
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Trustees Offer Tribute to Franklin W. Hobbs IV ’65, Who Championed Science, Athletics, Student Life, and Faculty Compensation
Trustee Emeritus, January 31, 2009
President, April 2002 to January 2009
Member of the Board of Trustees since 1990

On January 31, 2009, the Milton Academy Board of Trustees expressed their gratitude for the loyal and vigorous service of Franklin W. Hobbs ’65, a member of the board since 1990, and president since 2002. Fritz Hobbs’ unwavering commitment to the pursuit of excellence has enhanced Milton’s strength and distinction over the last 18 years. Fritz advanced those characteristic attributes of a Milton education that are shared and valued by generations of alumni, as well as today’s students, faculty and parents: intellectual excitement and challenge; numerous opportunities for personal growth; relationships with diverse and remarkable faculty mentors and classmates.
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Bradley M. Bloom Named President of the Board
On January 31, 2009, the Milton Academy Board of Trustees elected Bradley M. Bloom president of the board, succeeding Franklin W. Hobbs IV ’65.  Brad became involved in Milton Academy nine years ago when his daughter, Elizabeth ’08, entered the fourth grade at the Lower School.  Brad’s son, Ross ’06, joined the seventh grade at the Middle School the following year.  Along with his wife, Terrie F. Bloom, Brad became active immediately in the life of the School.  They both served as members of the Head of School’s Council, and on the Parents’ Fund Special Gifts Committee.  They co-chaired the Class I ’06 Gift Committee, and each year helped Milton reach Annual Fund goals by contacting Milton families.
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Creating Obama’s Iconic Imagery
Photography by Elizabeth (“Scout”) Tufankjian ’96 Shapes the Man and His Historical Moment

Scout Tufankjian’s images of Barack Obama’s campaign, some of the most evocative and expressive printed, described his engagement with the country over time.  They appeared in major newspapers and magazines throughout the world including Newsweek, Rolling Stone, and Esquire.  They are now collected in Scout’s first book: Yes We Can: Barack Obama’s History-Making Presidential Campaign (powerHouse Books).

A political science major at Yale and politically active during her Milton days, Scout committed herself to following what would become Barack’s campaign after she covered a book-signing by Barack in December 2006. The effect of the senator from Illinois on his audience deeply impressed her; she spent the next 23 months close at hand, visually documenting not only the candidate, but the response of the people who increasingly came to believe in him. Photo by Scout Tufankjian/Polaris Images.
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Austan Goolsbee ’87 is Chief Economist on Obama’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board
A key economic advisor to Barack Obama both before and during the presidential campaign, Austan Goolsbee ’87 was named by President-elect Barack Obama to become staff director and chief economist on his newly created Economic Recovery Advisory Board.  Austan will also assume a position on the Council of Economic Advisers. 

The office of the president-elect announced that the Economic Recovery Advisory Board “will be charged with offering independent, nonpartisan information, analysis and advice to the President as he formulates and implements his plans for economic recovery. The Economic Recovery Advisory Board will provide regular briefings to the President, Vice President and their economic team. Paul Volcker, the chairman of the Federal Reserve from 1979–1987, will serve as chair of the board.
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Alumna Published in Prestigious Collection
Best African American Essays—a collection of previously published essays by 30 well-known and up-and-coming writers—features the work of Milton alumna Lori Cullen ’87. The new collection, released this week, is “the first-ever annual anthology of writing solely by African Americans,” according to Bantam Books. “Here are remarkable essays on a variety of subjects informed by—but not necessarily about—the experience of blackness as seen through the eyes of some of our finest writers.”  Lori’s essay, “Jamaica Girl,” was selected for the publication along with the works of Malcolm Gladwell, Jamaica Kincaid, James McBride, Walter Mosley and President-elect Barack Obama.

Apart from her success as a writer, Lori founded The Writing Center for the Greater Capital Region, an organization that works to strengthen children’s writing skills and give its members a taste of real-world journalism.  Click here to read an article from Milton Magazine’s Fall 2007 edition about Lori’s work. 

Dr. Marc Lamont Hill is 2009 Martin Luther King Speaker
Dr. Marc Lamont Hill — activist, scholar and cultural critic — spoke to Milton students yesterday as the Martin Luther King speaker of 2009.  Dr. Hill’s work, which covers topics such as hip-hop culture, politics, sexuality, education and religion, has appeared in numerous journals, magazines, books and anthologies. He has lectured widely and provides regular commentary for media outlets like NPR, The Washington Post, Essence magazine and The New York Times. He is a political contributor for Fox News Channel, where he appears on programs such as The O’Reilly Factor and Hannity & Colmes. Prior to joining Fox News, Dr. Hill was a regular guest on CNN, MSNBC and CourtTV.
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A Weekend’s Worth: Humor on Friday, Music on Saturday

The “hot spot” on campus this weekend is the Kellner Performing Arts Center as Milton hosts an evening of improvisation on Friday, January 16, and a night of a cappella music on Saturday, January 17. Friday’s Improv Night features the talents of 14 students from the Advanced Drama: Improvisation class. As part of their semester exam, these students will perform a series of short-form improvisation games that have been part of their first semester work. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Studio Theatre. All are welcome, and come early because seating is limited.

On Saturday, Milton’s a cappella groups—The Miltones, Octet, Three For Each of Us and Epic—take the stage in King Theatre along with four college groups, including The Wellesley Blue Notes, The Dartmouth Aires, The Tufts Beezlebubs and The Amalgamates (also from Tufts). Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. show and tickets will be on a first-come-first-served basis. A live feed from the theatre to Pieh Commons will share the tunes with the overflow crowd.

Feature Film by Tze Chun ’98 Accepted to Sundance Film Festival
Children of Invention, a film written and directed by alumnus Tze Chun, will premiere at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival this week in Park City, Utah. Based on Tze's own award-winning short film, Windowbreaker, which screened at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, Children of Invention is a drama about the influence of an adult world on children, the immigrant experience and shortcuts to the American dream.

“When I wrote the film, I was writing a personal story about the world I grew up in—a subculture of Americans trying to get-rich-quick in order to get themselves out of a financial hole,” said Tze. “I didn't foresee the current financial crisis. But with the economy tanking now and foreclosures going through the roof, it seems like everyone's living through some version of what the Chengs go through in the film.”

Many Milton alums were part of the effort: Milton alumnus Paul Bercovitch ’98 worked on the sound design for the film; Emmy Award-winner Cara McKenney ’98 produced the main titles; Tze-Cheng Chun ’02 crewed for the film; and younger brother of Victoria Chen (IV), Michael Chen, stars in the movie along with Cindy Cheung and Crystal Chiu.

Click here for more information about the film and the screening dates at the Festival.

Faculty Talent Show Funds Community Service Trip to Hopi Reservation

During the March break, a group of students and faculty will have the rare opportunity to work on a Hopi reservation in Arizona. As part of this trip organized by Milton’s community service program and Peacework, these 19 volunteers will spend a week helping repair school buildings on the reservation. To rally support and funds for the trip, Milton will host a faculty talent show in Pieh Commons of the Kellner Performing Arts Center on Friday, January 9, at 7:30 p.m. The event includes entertainment from the talents of Lori Dow, Carlotta Zilliax, David Smith, Jessica Bond, Wes Williams, Michael Kassatly, Mark Hilgendorf, Ted Whalen, Gregg Reilly, Elaine Apthorp and former faculty member Brick Moltz. The night will also include a raffle of a Cameron Diaz autographed Milton Academy bag, gift certificates, an iPod Nano and more. Raffle tickets may be purchased at the door for five dollars each. Donations of any amount are welcome. Proceeds from the talent show and raffle will pay for the building supplies.

In Double OT, Deutsch Lifts Milton to Tabor Tournament Title
Championship Game: Milton 5, Governor's 4 (2-OT)

After more than 14 minutes of overtime in the championship bout of this weekend’s Tabor Tournament, Milton defenseman Aaron Deutsch (III) scored on a wrist shot, lifting Milton to a 5–4 victory over Governor's Academy. Milton robbed Governor's of a 3–1 lead in the third period with three straight goals to make the score 4–3. Governor's then tied the game with 1:53 to go. Aaron’s goal in double overtime sealed the win for the Mustangs and brought home the coveted title of Tabor Tournament Champions.

In the first game of the tournament, Milton defeated St. Sebastian’s 5–1 on the backs of George Pantazopoulos (III) and Jay Haseley (I), each of whom scored two goals. Milton faced Tilton in the second round; senior goaltender Thomas Tysowsky stopped 36 shots in three periods and blocked all of Tilton’s shots in the overtime shootout. Jonathan Mleczko (II) and Aaron Deutsch scored in the overtime shootout to put Milton in the final showdown against Governor’s.

Timing is Everything: December’s Gifts are Powerful
This year, your year-end gift to Milton means more than ever. Universities and schools are reporting that donors are redoubling their efforts to support school operations, financial aid, and faculty compensation. They understand how much is at stake when the economy spirals downward. While endowments that fund annual operations are declining, families are experiencing greater need. Schools and colleges, including Milton, are scrutinizing their budgets, reducing spending, working to extend student financial aid and to retain faculty and staff. Planning by trustees, administration, faculty and staff is focused on sustaining the identity and character of the School with fewer dollars.

Your gift before the close of 2008 has never been more important. As tangible support for the education that Milton provides—your gift by December 31 will help the Annual Fund support the Milton essentials. Hundreds of Milton alumni, parents and friends have already supported Milton this year. You can join them in a great effort at a key time by making a 2008 tax year gift online by December 31. Other giving options are available and welcome, as well.

Recycling the Old as We Make Way for the New
Construction crews demolished the Health Center today; it stood on land within the footprint of the Pritzker Science Center, now underway. All of the debris from the Health Center will go to a recycling center. According to Mark Rollins of Shawmut Design and Construction, "the typical recycling rate for this type of mixed debris is on the order of 75 percent. All of the wood, metal and concrete will be recycled. Concrete is usually broken down and used as clean fill. The metal has a high value for reuse and is melted and reused in creating many new products. The wood is most often broken into small bits and used in the creation of composite woods and decking." Students and staff now use an interim Health Center in Faulkner House while Milton looks forward to a new Health and Counseling Center. Construction should begin this spring and the Center should be open by year end, 2009.
Click hereto enlarge the photo.

Dr. Bruce Walker Visits Milton in Honor of World AIDS Day
Bruce Walker, M.D., professor of medicine, director of the Harvard Initiative for Global Health at Harvard University, esteemed researcher and Milton parent spoke with students today to honor World AIDS Day 2008.  He talked with student about the progress of his AIDS clinical research. Dr. Walker seeks to determine how the immune system controls chronic viral infections and to augment antiviral immunity for therapeutic benefit.

Bruce Walker says he is now doing the most important work of his career as a physician-scientist combating AIDS.

He is leading an international research effort to understand how some rare people who are infected with HIV but have never been treated can fight the virus with their immune system. He hopes such knowledge could lead to a vaccine and new treatments for the disease.

He also has spearheaded the creation of advanced clinical and laboratory facilities at the front lines of the AIDS epidemic in South Africa, where he and his colleagues at Harvard routinely collaborate with the medical, scientific, and support staff.

Walker is motivated today by the same drive that brought him to medicine more than three decades ago. "As a physician you have the chance to make a difference," Walker said, "to be involved in people's lives at really critical junctures…and that is a privilege, honor, and a really precious thing to be able to do."

Milton Presents Annual Winter Concerts

Though the weather outside was frightful, the music in King Theatre delighted audiences as Milton presented the much-anticipated Winter Concerts. 

On Friday, December 12, Milton’s Chamber Singers kicked off the night with back-to-back pieces by brother and sister, Felix Mendelssohn and Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel. Later in the evening, Milton’s full orchestra introduced its rendition of lesser-known composers such as Emma Lou Diemer, Jaromir Wienberger and Georges Bizet, and performed The Sea’s Swallow, a piece written by Milton Academy senior Jonah Francese.

On Sunday, December 14, the Chamber Orchestra performed Johann Hummel—featuring senior soloist Chris Cote on trumpet—Ralph Vaughan Williams, Bela Bartok and Juventino Rosas. Following a brief intermission, Milton’s Glee Club took the audience on a journey around the world with an arrangement of international folk songs.

Click here to view a full list of pieces performed during the two concerts.

Felipe Fernández-Armesto is the 2008 Heyburn Lecturer

According to the New York Times, Dr. Fernández-Armesto, who spoke to students as the Heyburn lecturer on December 3, “makes history a smart art.”  His print journalism makes him “one of the most formidable political commentators in the world” (The Independent).  His broadcasting is “the voice of reason” (The Guardian). Reviewers have likened him to Montesquieu, Gibbon, Toynbee and Braudel. Among his prizes are the World History Association Book Prize for Pathfinders, the Tercentenary Medal of the Society of Antiquaries for services to scholarship, the Caird Medal and the John Carter Brown Medal for his work on colonial and maritime history, the Premio Nacional de Investigación of the Sociedad Geográfica Española for his work on environmental history, the Premio Nacional de Gastronomía for his book on the history of food, the IACP Prize for best food-writing, and the Commendation of the Library Association of the UK for his contribution to works of reference.
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Milton Academy Hosts Conference on the Impact of the Economic Crisis
Deans of Admission from across the country gathered at Milton recently to share analysis and strategy in response to the national and global economic crisis. Plummeting endowment values predict serious reductions in crucial revenue streams for school operating expenses. At the same time, the recession environment threatens families and increases the demand for and the importance of financial aid funding.
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First Milton Alumni Webinar
Many sign on for another look at the presidential election
James Mills of the history department at Milton connected with alumni from the Classes of 1940 through 2007 on Thursday, November 20 when he conducted his online class, “‘YouTubers,’ ‘Hockey Moms’ and ‘Earlies’:  Why Barack Obama won the Presidency.”

James continued the national preoccupation: analyzing the roles of key demographic groups in the election, and speculating about the impact of our evolving voting system, including the dynamics of early voting.  The presentation, shared by 75 alumni who reserved places in the program, reflected the work and ideas that are alive in the AP American Government classes going on right now at Milton.  In typical Milton form, email questions appeared early and often and the session included discussion of questions by phone before it closed. A number of questions focused on what students’ activities were during the election season; others focused on the major political and social issues: the economy, immigration, foreign policy and the environment.  James’ presentation was the first of others to follow.  Alumni can look forward to other opportunities for online learning with Milton faculty in the near future.
Click here to view the Webinar.

Goodwin Goes Green

The boys of Goodwin House celebrated earlier this week when they learned the results of their house-wide energy saving/recycling competition sponsored by the student group Goodwin Goes Green (3G). Over eight weeks of competition—led by student environmental proctors and 3G members—the boys tried to cut down on unnecessary energy use by turning off lights, fans and computers when they were not in their rooms. They’ve been matching discarded items with the correct recycling containers. Further they have prepared containers for recycling by removing lids from plastic bottles, emptying them, and keeping recyclables from straying into the trash bins.

Goodwin faculty members tracked students’ progress weekly and, together with 3G members, they devised a prize structure. With an efficiency track record of over 90 percent, the boys earned the top prize of a house feast. In addition, each week the occupant of one of the “green” rooms earned the title Eco Hero of the Week—an honor accompanied by five dollars worth of snack bar bucks.

Environmental Proctor Chris Cote is “stoked,” and he “can’t wait to get this going in other dorms.” Members of Hathaway House and Robbins House are discussing plans for similar competitions.

The Largest Musical Staged at Milton in Some Time: Pippin Opens in Kellner

Milton’s much-anticipated musical brings song, dance, and according to director and performing arts faculty member Pam McArdle, “quite a spectacle” to Kellner’s main stage. Pippin, written by Stephen Schwartz in 1972, is loosely based on Pippin the Hunchback, the son of King Charlemagne. The play is set in “780 A.D., or thereabouts” in “The Holy Roman Empire, or thereabouts.” 

Home from college and ready to find truth, to discover his calling, Pippin attacks the questions that every young person asks. “What’s great about this play,” says Pam, “is that it could be any time, any place, any person of that age.” In his attempts to find himself, Pippin experiments: he goes to war, gets involved in politics, has an “experience of the flesh.” Finally he meets the lovely, ordinary, widow Catherine, “and that’s all I’ll tell you,” Pam says, not giving anything away.
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Jazz Musician Aaron Goldberg '91 Performs at Milton
Alumnus Aaron Goldberg returns to Milton’s campus to take part in a fund raising concert in Straus Library on Sunday, November 23.  Along with music faculty member Bob Sinicrope (bass) and Jon Hazilla (drums), Aaron performs in the benefit concert to raise money for Milton Academy’s South Africa jazz tour in March 2009.

Aaron’s recorded credits include work with a diverse spectrum of artists ranging from Guillermo Klein to Terry Gibbs and Buddy DeFranco, as well as with fellow leaders of the next generation including John Ellis, Jimmy Greene and Eli Degibri. The New York Times writes that Aaron “doesn't set out to demonstrate virtuosity, speed or heat, though all three are at his disposal. He's versatile and impressive, and he swings hard."

Sunday’s concert starts at 3 p.m. in Straus Library. Tickets are $10 for students and $20 for adults.  For ticket reservations, email jazz@milton.edu.

Sustainability Catalyst Energizes the Milton Faculty
Josh Hahn of Stone Bridge is Faculty Meeting Speaker
Josh Hahn, an activist and educator known in the school world for his work promoting sustainable practices, spoke to the Milton faculty at their meeting on November 19. Josh persuasively makes the case that schools—as small, facile organizations, more capable of rapid change than corporations—are natural leaders in the movement toward responsible living on the planet Earth. Schools, particularly independent schools, can and should leverage the full force of the learning environment to involve students, faculty and staff in building a healthy future. Schools begin by paying attention to principles of sustainability and integrating them into the institutions’ systems and decision-making processes. That redirection helps schools transition toward being regenerative organizations.
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Advertising’s Power in the World of Alcohol, Tobacco and the Image of Women
Expert Jean Kilbourne is the 2008 Talbot Speaker
Jean Kilbourne, internationally recognized for her pioneering work on alcohol and tobacco advertising and the image of women in advertising, visited Milton on Wednesday, November 19, as the Samuel S. Talbot Speaker. Dr. Kilbourne is the co-author of the recent book So Sexy So Soon: The New Sexualized Childhood and What Parents Can Do to Protect Their Kids.  Her first book, Can’t Buy My Love: How Advertising Changes the Way We Think and Feel, won the Distinguished Publication Award from the Association for Women in Psychology.
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Milton’s Mustangs Win Samson Lorden Bowl
On Saturday, November 15, Milton’s football team defeated King Low Heywood Thomas by a score of 29-14 in the Samson Lorden Bowl at Kingswood-Oxford in West Hartford, Connecticut. The Mustangs qualified for the Bowl based on the strength of this season’s schedule and on their impressive 7-1 record. Saturday’s game marked the sixth straight victory for Milton and the first loss of the season for the unbeaten King Low Heywood Thomas team.

Captained by seniors George Haydock and Josh Scott, and bolstered by a core of 19 returning seniors, the team has had a remarkable season, more often than not beating their opponents by more than 20 points. Aaron Whitmore, the team’s defensive ends coach, says, “The team has worked so hard this season. George and Josh have led by example, both on and off the field, and have done a great job of creating a family-like atmosphere on the team. We’re lucky to have a strong senior class—guys that have been playing in the program for a while, who are committed to succeed and do well. These players love football.” Many of the team’s graduating seniors plan to continue their football careers at the college level, some of whom will be playing in Division I.

The Samson Lorden Bowl is named for Bob Samson and Joel Lorden, both coaches in the New England Prep School Football Coaches Hall of Fame.

Milton Hosts Annual Oxfam Hunger Banquet

Sponsored and run by the Community Service Board, Milton hosted the Oxfam Hunger Banquet in Forbes Dining Hall on Monday, November 10.  Each year, students and faculty are issued lottery tickets at lunch on Oxfam Day to let them know whether they would eat a regular meal, rice and gravy, or just a bowl of rice. The goal of the event is not only to raise awareness of world hunger, but also, by donating the money saved at the dining hall, raise funds for the humanitarian Oxfam charity.

“Hopefully students felt inspired by the banquet, and felt encouraged to find ways to conserve resources as best they can, whether that means not throwing away food in Forbes, or deciding to volunteer at the local Food Bank once a week,” said John Nimmo (I). “All in all, Oxfam was a success again, and the Community Service Board looks forward to hosting the event next year.”

If you would like to help more, visit
www.thehungersite.com. With every click, sponsors donate 1.1 cups of food—consider visiting the site every day.

Internationally Known Concert Organist Returns to Milton’s Apthorp Chapel
Cherry Rhodes, international award-winning organist, will visit Milton as a Melissa Dilworth Gold visiting artist on Sunday and Monday, November 16 and 17. Ms. Rhodes will play in Apthorp Chapel on Sunday evening, and during third period on Monday.

This is not Ms. Rhodes’ first visit to Milton. On November 12, 1971, Cherry Rhodes gave the second inaugural performance on the new George Sloan Oldberg Memorial Organ, which was dedicated on September 24, 1971, to the memory of George Sloan Oldberg, Class of 1954, and in honor of A. Howard Abell, a beloved teacher of music at the Academy. 
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Big Day for the Orange and Blue

A day of heartfelt tributes, auspicious beginnings and many, many thank you’s: On Saturday, November 8, at Celebrate 2008, the community raised a collective cheer for Milton Academy. We dedicated Millet House, broke ground for the Pritzker Science Center, shared a tailgate lunch in between Milton-Nobles games, and finally, at dinner, thanked generous donors who contributed more than $85 million to Milton over the past five years. Everyone was invited—faculty, students, alumni and parents—to be part of the numerous happy events. Images from the day track the different recognitions of Milton’s learning and living environment, as well as the individuals who helped Milton achieve these notable successes—including Mr. Millet, and J. B. Pritzker ’82. Whether you were part of the crowd or not, click hereto enjoy this gallery of photographs that give some of the flavor of the day.

Playwright and Pulitzer Prize Winner David Lindsay-Abaire ’88 Pens Two New Productions for the Stage and Screen
Alumnus David Lindsay-Abaire ’88—recipient of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for his drama Rabbit Hole—recently wrote the book and lyrics for the musical adaptation of Shrek, the show that opened the 2008–2009 season for The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle. The story of the beloved ogre Shrek—a character created by author and illustrator William Steig and made popular by Dreamworks Animation—is a unique look at the fairytales so many of us grew up with, featuring an unlikely hero with friends and foes who are not always what they seem.
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Class IV Students Perform in La Casa Nova
Curtains opened in King Theatre on Thursday, November 6, for the Class IV Play La Casa Nova, an eighteenth-century comedy written by Italian dramatist Carlo Goldoni. La Casa Nova, which translates to “The New House” or “The Superior Residence,” was Goldoni’s solution to legitimizing the comedic theatrical performances of Italy during his time. Prior to this, Italian comedies were largely improvised, in the form of Commedia dell’Arte skits, and rife with stock characters—the old man, the young lovers, the saucy servant. La Casa Nova takes the well-known scenarios of traditional Commedia dell’Arte, but broadens and develops them into a real play.

Peter Parisi, chair of the performing arts department, directs the Class IV Play, and he explains that it’s different than other Milton productions. “Because so many Class IV students are involved in the play in some way—whether they’re acting, working on the set, helping to direct, selling tickets, being ushers—they can all be proud of this as a class. It’s a bonding experience for them, and it’s something they’ll look back on.  For many students, it’s their first experience with a production, and they come into it with all levels of experience, which is something we embrace in our department. A lot of teaching has to happen at this level.  We also have to work a bit harder at risk-taking at this stage. But the students are into it; they’re not afraid.”

The play itself lends certain challenges to the young actors: “There is plenty of room in this play for moments of physical comedy, but these moments aren’t written in,” Peter says. “It’s up to the performers to build it in. One of the challenges—good challenges—with working on this play with the Class IV students has been helping them find the places to develop that physical comedy.”
Click here to view a photo gallery of the production.

Internationally Known Claremont Trio Visits Milton
Alumni Emily Bruskin '98 and Julia Bruskin '98, along with pianist Donna Kwong, return to Milton's campus on Sunday, November 2–Tuesday, November 4, as this year's Melissa Gold Visiting Artists.

Twin sisters Emily Bruskin (violin) and Julia Bruskin (cello) formed the Claremont Trio with Donna Kwong (piano) in 1999 at The Juilliard School. Widely regarded as the premier piano trio of its generation, the Claremont Trio is sought after for its thrillingly virtuosic and richly communicative performances. First winners of the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson International Trio Award and the only piano trio ever to win the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, the Claremonts are consistently lauded for their "aesthetic maturity, interpretive depth, and exuberance" (Palm Beach Daily News). To celebrate their tenth anniversary season, the trio returns to New York's Carnegie Hall and Washington D.C's Kennedy Center, and appears in more than 60 halls throughout the country.

The Trio performs in Straus Library on Sunday at 6 p.m. and leads workshops in Kellner, Room 167, during third period on Monday as well as fourth and seventh periods on Tuesday. For details about the Trio’s visit, please contact music department chair Don Dregalla at Don_Dregalla@milton.edu.  For more information about the Claremont Trio, please visit www.claremonttrio.com.

Former Milton Sailors Star in Disney Documentary
Kit Will ’03 and Charlie Enright ’02 are two of the fifteen young men and women featured in the newly-released Disney documentary Morning Light, which tracks the selection and rigorous training of a team participating in the 2007 Transpacific Yacht Race (Transpac). Selected from over 500 applicants, Kit, Charlie and their 13 teammates raced “Morning Light,” a high-performance 52-foot sloop, from California to Honolulu.  The team—the youngest to ever sail the Transpac—placed third in their division, competing against boats crewed with professional sailors, in a 2,300-mile race.

Charlie graduated from Brown University in 2006 and sailed for Brown’s team in the College Nationals. One of a family of boat builders and sailors, Charlie has been sailing since he was six years old. Kit, a graduate of Connecticut College, began his sailing career off the coast of Cape Cod at an early age. Of the challenges of sailing “Morning Light,” Kit says, “While I was very confident about my sailing ability, I had no doubt this race would push all of us to the extreme of our abilities and test our character. I knew it would be immensely rewarding, regardless of the final outcome.”

The film opened in theaters across the country on October 17.  Click here for more information about Morning Light and the Transpac race.

French Singer Eric Vincent Performs at Milton
Renowned French singer-songwriter Eric Vincent performed on campus at the Bustin Concert on Sunday, November 2, in King Theatre. Widely acknowledged as a representative for the tradition of French song or chanson, Mr. Vincent tours schools in the United States and other countries to support the teaching and learning of French. With a career spanning 30 years, Mr. Vincent has sung in 140 countries around the world and in 48 of the 50 states. The Bustin Concert will include his original work—written and composed entirely in French—as well as songs by American artist James Taylor adapted by Mr. Vincent into the French language.

The Bustin Concert at Milton Academy is made possible by the Francine L. Bustin Memorial Fund. Established in 1985, the Fund brings French scholars, lecturers, teachers and artists on campus to promote French language and culture.

A Time For All of Milton Academy

Look for a colorful spectacle, historic events, pithy remarks and exceptional people. Add a tailgate feast, athletic contests and the whole Milton community in a celebratory mode. Don’t miss it. You are invited to Celebrate 2008 on Saturday, November 8.

Marking the successes of the last decade, and building on the Milton tradition: Join us for two historic events and the camaraderie that will follow. The Dedication of Millet House on the Millet House lawn followed by the Groundbreaking for Pritzker Science Building at 127 Centre Street is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. The Grand Tailgate starts at 11:30 a.m. on the North Tennis Courts. Click here for times and locations of the Milton-Nobles games and to view a map of event locations. Click here to read about the tribute to Frank D. Millet.

Two Graduates From the Class of 1983 Elected to the Board of Trustees

Bob Cunha ’83 P’15 ’19
Bob Cunha is a principal at Market Metrics, a market research firm whose clients are leading providers of financial services.  He began his career at Monitor Group, a strategy consulting firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he worked with senior managers in the fields of finance, industrial equipment, and telecommunications. Bob subsequently joined BellSouth in Atlanta and served in several capacities, including president of BellSouth Products. He later became president of Artisan Network, a venture-backed Internet firm, and served as executive director of Cape Range Wireless, a publicly traded telecommunications equipment supplier.
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Elisabeth (Lisa) Donohue ’83
A graduate of Brown University, Lisa Donohue is president of the Truth & Design Group at MediaVest Worldwide, a division of the Starcom MediaVest Group. One of the largest brand communications groups, Starcom MediaVest Group encompasses an integrated network of over 5,800 contact architects specializing in media management, internet and digital communications, response media, entertainment marketing, sports sponsorships, event marketing and multicultural media. Lisa has been honored with several top industry awards including Chicago Magazine Association’s prestigious Vanguard Award; she has also twice won both Media Week’s “Plan of the Year” and the Cannes Media Lion.
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Nesto Gallery Presents Political Cartoonist Dan Wasserman

On Tuesday, October 21, the Nesto Gallery opens its doors to the second exhibit of the academic year with the work of Dan Wasserman. An editorial cartoonist for the Boston Globe since 1985, Mr. Wasserman is the author of two books, We've Been Framed and Paper Cuts, and his work can be seen in 40 papers around the world. His exhibit, Out of Line: The Art of Political Cartooning, will run in Nesto Gallery from October 21 to November 21. An opening reception will be hosted at the Gallery on Tuesday, October 21, from 5:30–7 p.m., and Mr. Wasserman will present an art lecture on Wednesday, October 22, starting at 9:10 a.m. in Greeley Auditorium. For more information, please contact art faculty member Gordon Chase at Gordon_Chase@milton.edu.
[Enlarge cartoon]

Theodorick (Todd) B. Bland Will Be the Twelfth Head of Milton Academy

The Milton Academy Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Mr. Theodorick (Todd) B. Bland will become the twelfth head of the Academy on July 1, 2009. Todd Bland’s swift rise as a gifted, energetic and visionary school leader recommends him particularly for head of school at Milton, where academic excellence and developing strong, independent thinkers has been a centuries-long tradition. Mr. Bland’s career has been devoted to independent education—teaching, coaching and serving in administrative leadership positions—since his graduation from college in 1990. Over the last eight years, Mr. Bland has served at The Seven Hills School, a K–12 school with 1,060 students in Cincinnati, Ohio. At Seven Hills, Todd has been assistant head of school (2001-2002), head of the Upper School (2002–2007), and now serves as interim head of school. “We are delighted to welcome Todd to Milton; he is a leader who is highly esteemed by his community and his peers,” said Franklin W. Hobbs, president of the board of trustees. “Todd’s successful experiences in three schools earned each community’s trust and confidence as he assumed numerous roles integral to the schools’ strength and effectiveness. He will build upon Milton’s traditions and closely held values.”
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China, Africa, United States: can all three work together to benefit Africa?
Distinguished Hong Kong Lecture Series brings Dr. David Shinn

Dr. David H. Shinn, professor of international relations at George Washington University, an ambassador for 37 years in the U. S. Foreign Service, and an expert in African issues, is the 2008 Hong Kong Distinguished Lecture Series guest at Milton.  Dr. Shinn helped students explore and contrast the strategic foreign policies of China and the United States with Africa.  Dr. Shinn posed the question: “What does China, with a population of 1.3 billion people, have in common with the continent of Africa with 53 countries and a total population approaching 1 billion people?”  The short answer is globalization, Dr. Shinn explained, but the important aspects of the relationship between China and Africa are both complex and growing in importance and impact over time.
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Alumna Cara McKenney Wins Emmy
Producer Cara McKenney ’98 was awarded the Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Main Title Design by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for her work on the cable television series, Mad Men. Along with art directors Mark Gardner and Steve Fuller, Cara was part of a team at Imaginary Forces hired by Mad Men creator Matt Weiner to produce the opening title sequence. Mad Men, a hit drama series about a fictional ad agency in 1960’s New York, took home a total of four Emmys.

“It was one of the most creatively rewarding experiences for my team,” said McKenney in an interview with the Boston Globe.

After graduating Milton in 1998, Cara studied film at Middlebury College and moved to New York to pursue film production.  Cara and her team at Imaginary Forces are currently finishing work for a Discovery documentary series and will soon begin the production of a title sequence for Pink Panther 2.

Jazz Combos Present Tribute to Duke Ellington

Over the past month, students have studied the work of jazz great Duke Ellington in preparation for the Milton Academy Jazz Combos concert on Friday, October 3, at 7 p.m. in King Theatre. Under the direction of music faculty member Bob Sinicrope, A Tribute to Duke Ellington promises to be one of the most diverse Milton jazz performances in terms of styles and presentation. Over 30 students will present selections that include big band versions of Take the A Train and Rockin’ In Rhythm; a solo piano of Duke’s first composition, Soda Fountain Rag; a brass quintet samba version of Satin Doll; vocal features on Love You Madly and Lush Life; a trio funk version of It Don’t Mean a Thing; and a specially commissioned arrangement of Duke Ellington tunes by former Tonight Show arranger Hal Crook. The concert is open to the public.  For more information, contact Bob Sinicrope at bob_sinicrope@milton.edu.

Faculty Art Show Opens Saturday
On Saturday, October 4, the Alpha Gallery on Newbury Street in Boston opens its doors to a solo exhibition by Milton visual arts faculty member, Anne Neely. Her first show in Boston in four years, Just the Elements: New Paintings is described by Anne as addressing "the ecological and ultimately cultural issues of our time as we fight over, transport, over use, pollute, dry up and neglect water."

"The little paintings are a clue to the big ones," says William Corbett in his essay about the show. "They tell the viewer that what Neely absorbed underwent the powerful compressing force of her imagination. Her big paintings are packed but have a lyrical flow. She is painting all of what her imagination has given her in a mosaic of earthy and ethereal colors. This show may be ‘just’ the elements but it achieves a powerful simultaneity of means and ends."

Just the Elements: New Paintings will be exhibited at the Alpha Gallery until October 29.  For more information, call the gallery at 617-536-4465 or visit www.anneneely.com.

Jazz Students Help Celebrate Milton

Students from the Milton Academy Jazz program performed at the Milton festival held at Milton High School on Sunday, September 28. The group was part of an afternoon event designed to bring together the many different residents of the town of Milton. The students played a spirited program of three songs by Herbie Hancock and Abdullah Ibrahim. Student performers were Eileen Kim (II) doing vocals; Kate Ballinger (IV), Adam Beckman (IV) and James McHugh (IV) on saxophone; Vincent Kennedy (IV) and Cydney Grannan (IV) on piano; Alex Conway (II) on guitar; Zach Whalen (IV) on bass; and D Stokes (II) and Nick Deveau (IV) on drums.

Ron Carter is Melissa Dilworth Gold Visiting Artist

Ron Carter, world-renown saxophonist and jazz educator, visits Milton this week as the year’s first Melissa Dilworth Gold Visiting Artist.  Mr. Carter is a professor and the coordinator of the Jazz Studies Program at Northern Illinois University’s School of Music.  Having worked as a professional musician on saxophone, clarinet, flute, and as a vocalist, Mr. Carter is foremost an educator, with accolades including Down Beat Magazine’s Jazz Educator’s Hall of Fame, the Milken National Distinguished Educator Award, and the Excellence in Teaching Award from both Southern Illinois University and the St. Louis American newspaper.  Mr. Carter is also the director of the celebrated NIU Jazz Ensemble.  He was quoted in NIU’s magazine Northern Now saying, “I love music and I love teaching, so I’m able to combine two things together that I really enjoy and make a living doing it.”

On campus Wednesday, September 24 through Friday, September 26, Mr. Carter will teach jazz classes during the day, conduct workshops in the evenings, and help students prepare for next week’s concert that will feature the music of Duke Ellington.

Spanish Exchange Students Visit the State House

Students from El Pilar in Madrid made their annual visit to the Massachusetts State House last week and met with State Representative Paul Donato and aide, Jack Ryan, father of modern languages faculty member Jim Ryan. These fourteen students from Spain are here as part of the Spanish Exchange, one of Milton's oldest off-campus programs. 

First initiated at Milton Academy in 1979, the Spanish Exchange is a school-to-school program that runs jointly with Colegio El Pilar, a private school in Madrid. Milton students travel with two faculty members to Spain at the beginning of June and welcome the Spanish group to Milton Academy in September. Students have the opportunity to visit historical and cultural sites, participate in the daily activities of their counterparts, and improve their foreign language skills. Milton students who traveled to Madrid this past June were fortunate to be a part of El Pilar's centennial celebration.

“This year's group is one of the nicest ever,” says Jim Ryan, director of the Spanish Exchange program.  “Many of the students have made lifelong friends.”

Save the Date for Parents' Weekend 2008
On Friday, October 17, and Saturday, October 18, Milton Academy parents are invited to share in their child’s school lives by attending classes, meeting with teachers, talking with advisors, cheering on athletic teams, and learning about Milton programs. The schedule of events for this year's Parents' Weekend includes an open forum about the college process, presentations on off-campus opportunities, Parents' Association receptions, performances and remarks on the School by Interim Head of School Rick Hardy.

Click here to download a printable schedule (PDF) of Parents' Weekend activities. For more information, please contact the Upper School office at (617) 898-2145.

Nesto Gallery Presents Installation by Peter Evonuk
The Nesto Gallery at Milton hosted an opening reception on Tuesday, September 16, to launch its first exhibit of the year, Paradigm tipping (and other questionable activities) by Peter Evonuk. 

Peter Evonuk’s pieces slide on a slippery edge between sculpture, physics and engineering that redefines the ordinary object found in everyday materials, tools and instruments. By extolling the virtues of common objects, Mr. Evonuk makes us explore the deeper meaning of their existence. The concept of his show is based on the statement: “You can learn a lot about an idea by smashing it to pieces with a blunt instrument. You can learn even more by putting it back together with crazy glue and duct tape.”

Peter Evonuk received his M.F.A. at Cranbrook Art Academy and now lives in the Boston area where he is an adjunct instructor of sculpture and metalsmithing at Massachusetts College of Art.

Paradigm tipping will be at the Nesto Gallery until October 14.  The Nesto Gallery—located on the first floor of the old Science Building—is open Monday–Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, please contact Anne Neely at 617-898-2335.

Seniors Set the Course for 2008 at Milton
Head monitors exhort students

Milton launches school with style: contrasting rituals on two separate days get the year underway. Class Day officially celebrates the senior class; and the senior class takes its rightful leadership role. The antithesis of boring, Class Day is colorful, humorous, imaginative and warm. At the center, among the costumed revelers, are the Class I Councilors, with their messages to the School about how to make the most of this unique school, give the most to the community, and gain the most personal growth. 

Convocation is a more formal, traditional expression of School life. It signals the beginning of the academic year: new opportunities, new faculty, and new classmates.  Once again, messages from students are pivotal points in the ceremony. The two head monitors respond to having been awarded the James S. Willis, Jr. Memorial Award by sharing their thoughts at this poignant moment in their Milton experience.
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Michael Kassatly Holds the Lee Family Teaching Chair

Students cheered when they learned that Michael Kassatly, who joined the mathematics department at Milton in 2006, is the ninth holder of the George C. Lee Family Teaching Chair.  Head of School Rick Hardy announced the award. “The chair supports excellence in teaching and helps new faculty find a sense of belonging at the School,” Mr. Hardy said. “Finding [their] way, getting to know one another as well as their colleagues who have been here, and figuring out how Milton works, is easier to do with some leadership and some financial support.”  The family of George C. Lee ’17, realizing the importance of retaining extraordinary teachers, “invested in this vital part of Milton’s future,” Mr. Hardy said,  “those new faculty members who bring their life experiences, their energy, and their creativity to complement the talents of our veteran faculty.” 
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Who's New at Milton
Dean Rebuck welcomes the entering class

“Getting to know you and your families has been a privilege,” said Paul Rebuck, dean of admission.  “You have distinguished yourselves as exceptionally capable students and, more importantly, outstanding human beings.  You are gifted both in and out of the classroom, and you have a love of learning and an intellectual curiosity that is compelling.  We are thrilled that you are joining us and truly believe you will thrive within our community. 

“Your former teachers described you with phrases such as ‘funny, compassionate and thoughtful, she will brighten any teacher’s day,’ ‘his personality and attitude make our school a better place,’ ‘she is always true to herself and her values,’ ‘an independent thinker who consistently reaches for a deeper understanding,’ and ‘a top student, leader in the school and, most importantly, a wonderful human being.’"
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“Team 50” Wins Boston Scavenger Hunt

Class II students and their advisors rummaged around the streets of Boston on Class Day to compete in the Class of 2010 Scavenger Hunt event.  The rules were simple—teams traveled by foot or by T train through the city to garner the most points by collecting items and performing tasks on a scavenger list.  Tasks included taking a photo of their group in front of the oldest statue in Boston, finding the name of the 24-hour bakery in the North End, and naming the café in Harvard Square that hosted folk singers like Tracy Chapman, Suzanne Vega and Martin Sexton. 

“We organized the hunt in order to get students into Boston and help them to work with each other,” said Class II dean, Kim Samson.

While all groups did a great job developing strategies to use limited resources to accomplish their tasks, in the end, “there can only be one.”  That one is “Team 50” and, as part of their reward, the team receives praise on Milton’s homepage. Good job.  Click here to enlarge the photo of the winning team.

“Can we question the culture of distraction?”
Maggie Jackson, Class of 1978, author and journalist, talks with faculty about reinvigorating the ability to pay attention
Maggie Jackson '78 has written about our “distraction-plagued, split-focus” culture.  Not only does this culture define adults’ lives, it affects every aspect of child development, including their experience of learning, in and out of the classroom. Milton faculty begin each school year by exploring a timely issue integral to teaching and learning.  On Wednesday, September 4, they talked with Maggie about her book, Distracted: The Erosion of Attention and the Coming Dark Age. Distracted was published in June and has been featured on National Public Radio, in the New York Times, BusinessWeek, Vanity Fair, The London Sunday Times, and in publications around the world. It was chosen as a best summer book of 2008 by the Seattle Post Intelligencer.
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Trustees Will Welcome Two New Board Members at the September Meeting
Erika Mobley ’86 was elected as a member of the Board of Trustees in April 2008. Active in global business development initiatives at Apple, Inc., Erika recently moved back to California from Australia, having just completed an international assignment as senior product marketing manager, iTunes for Australia and New Zealand. In her work with Apple, RealNetworks, Amazon.com and Palm, Erika has had extensive experience in legal matters, global business strategy and deal-making, international law, global product marketing, strategic branding, anti-piracy and copyright law enforcement in the music industry, from the traditional through the digital era.

Erika is a graduate of Yale University and Georgetown University Law Center. A member of Milton’s Head of School Council, Erika has also served as a class agent and a reunion committee member, and has faithfully attended many San Francisco Milton events. She lives with her husband, Andrew Speight, and their children, Colin and Avery, in Brisbane, California. 

V-Nee Yeh ’77, one of the first students to enroll at Milton from Hong Kong, was elected to the Board of Trustees in April 2008. V-Nee is the founder and director of Cheetah Investment Management Limited. Cheetah is a Hong Kong-based investment advisory firm that specializes in absolute return strategies and hedge funds. With extensive experience in corporate finance—including roles with the Lazard Group in London, Hong Kong and New York—V-Nee has held positions on the Listing Committee of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and on China’s CSRC Listing Committee.  According to Cheetah’s Web site, V-Nee is a “pioneer in applying value investing in Asia, having been a co-founder of one of the largest value fund managers in Hong Kong.”

V-Nee is a graduate of Williams College and Columbia University’s School of Law. He is an active volunteer for Milton’s admissions efforts in Hong Kong and in 2007 established the Yeh Family Scholarship Fund, which assists students from Greater China. He and his wife, Mira, have one daughter, Nadya.

Faculty Art Exhibits in Boston

As the community prepares for the opening days of school, two of Milton’s art faculty members, Maggie Stark and Anne Neely, also prepare for the opening of their art exhibitions in downtown Boston.  Maggie Stark’s show, THERE, will be held at the Boston Sculptor’s Gallery from September 3–October 5, opening with a reception hosted in the gallery this Friday, September 5, from 5–8 p.m. A mixed media installation of new work by artist Maggie Stark, THERE uses mirror, light and video to create a series of discrete objects that form a meditation on our relationship to the paradox of time as simultaneously linear and circular. 

Opening in October is Anne Neely’s exhibit, Just the Elements: New Paintings, at the Alpha Gallery on Newbury Street. “This year I shifted from vertical paintings to work on a horizontal plane and, as a result, I felt a return to the earth and to landscape,” says Anne about her paintings. “In doing so I have discovered water, strangely wonderful and mysterious, which has guided me towards this new body of work.”

Another Milton faculty artist, Jim Ryan, displayed his paintings at the Arts on the Arcade festival this summer on Boston’s City Hall Plaza. While most of Jim’s work is inspired by his extensive travels to Spain, he also states that he “enjoys capturing in watercolor the wonderful light and colors of New England.”

In Case You Missed It: Success of a Milton Golfer
Leif Jacobsen ’08 won this year’s New England PGA Junior Championship, held at Brookline Golf Club on July 9 and 10.  Leif shot rounds of 71 and 74 to finish the two-day tournament at three over par.  Tied with Ian Thimble of Hyde Park, Leif and his opponent competed in a one-hole playoff.  Leif made a two-putt par on the eighteenth hole to clinch the trophy and a trip to the National PGA Junior Championship, which was held in August at TPC River Bend, outside of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Leif was the senior captain of Milton’s golf team this past spring and is beginning his first year at Wesleyan University.

Alyson Friedensohn ’08 Receives National All-American Award from U.S. Lacrosse
Alyson Friedensohn (I) has been recognized by U.S. Lacrosse as a National All-American Honorable Mention. Alyson has been a starter on the varsity lacrosse team all four years of her high school career. This season she was the team’s co-captain and led the Mustang squad statistically in both goals (65) and assists (29). Coach C.J. Navins says of Alyson, “She is a dominant presence on the field. Her innate field sense, speed, accuracy and depth of shot selection make her the kind of dynamic attacker that other teams strategize ways to defend, as she inevitably tallies the majority of Milton’s goals. Her offensive creativity and ability to find the back of the net speaks for itself with 224 career goals and 80 career assists.” Alyson was voted Milton’s MVP by her teammates and received ISL All-League first team honors. She will continue her lacrosse career this fall at Division I Johns Hopkins University.

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