February 2007

Monthly Musings

This is part of an ongoing series of informal communications with Portsmouth Abbey School's constituents.  Current parents, alumni/ae, past parents and friends have all expressed an interest in hearing more about our school, more often.  It is meant to be one element among a number of activities designed to keep you better informed about the School, the Monastery and our community.

Office of Admissions Hosts 2007 Diman Scholar Weekend:  A record number of gifted students arrived on campus Friday, February 9, to participate in the Diman Scholar Weekend hosted by the Office of Admissions. The nine applicants, who came from all over the country, dined at The Carnegie Abbey Club on Friday with Dr. and Mrs. De Vecchi, faculty, students and admissions officers.

The following morning, each applicant accompanied his or her host to classes and then sampled the cuisine from the Stillman Dining Hall, while their parents took part in the Fifth Form College Counseling Seminar and attended various classes.  The event provided a good opportunity for the Diman Scholar candidates to see the School in session and to meet many members of the Portsmouth Abbey School community.  The full four-year scholarship, named for School founder Rev. Dom Hugh Diman, O.S.B., was awarded to Miss Taylor Smariga of Southlake, TX.  More details about Taylor will be announced in the March edition of Monthly Musings.

Important Upcoming Admissions Dates:  The Admissions Office will mail decision letters on March 10.

Fifth Form College Seminar Weekend:   Also taking place on campus over the weekend of February 9-10 was the Fifth Form College Seminar, which gave Fifth Formers and their parents a glimpse into the highly competitive world of selective college admissions along with tools and advice for successfully navigating that process.  The Friday evening opening program placed parents in the role of college admissions committee members. Parents were divided into small groups to review five hypothetical college applications. The program was led by Charles Hughes and Sara Cronin, both former admission officers, who now work with Road to College, a college consulting firm based outside of Boston.  The deliberations were lively, and at times zealous, as parents discussed the merits of an essay or recommendation. The reading and discussion of the applications highlighted the subjective and often arbitrary reasoning that goes into making a college admission decision.

Saturday morning all Fifth Form students joined with parents to hear a substantive and informative presentation by Daniel Saracino, vice provost for enrollment at the University of Notre Dame.  Mr. Saracino opened his remarks reminding students that they are the ones applying to college, not their parents, and it is their process to control.  His remarks prompted numerous questions from students and parents touching on a wide array of topics, including the appropriate number of college applications a student should submit, the college interview, essays and the importance of standardized testing.   The parents of more than 50 Fifth Form students attended the program, and the College Counseling office is looking forward to working with all Fifth Form families over the next 15 months. View photos of Mr. Saracino's lecture.

Winter Musical, West Side Story, Plays to Full House:  In continuing their tradition of turning out first-rate productions, The Abbey Players in February presented West Side Story, a musical adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.  This moving and impressive production, with original music by Leonard Bernstein, highlighted the many talents of students and faculty at Portsmouth Abbey School. Under the skilled direction of Performing Arts Head Jay Bragan, the impeccable performances were delivered to a standing room-only auditorium.  Technical Director Dom Joseph Byron oversaw the stage crew who worked hard to create a vibrant set and complex lighting sequences.  Maggie Moran '07 also created impressive murals on the sides of the stage (when she was not singing and dancing in the show).  Musical Director Blake Billings '77 delivered a fresh rendition of the familiar score, directing an orchestra of gifted students, faculty, and five members of the United States Navy Band.  Sandra Barbieri choreographed the extraordinary and challenging dances, which were performed by every member of the cast.  With their outstanding voices, Traver Tischio '07 and Caroline Mason '08 gave remarkable performances as Tony and Maria, the star-crossed lovers.  Solos by Katie O'Hearn '07 as Anita, Kyle Boston '07 as Riff, Alex Reinman '07 as Action, and Liz Dennis '08 as Rosalia were also highlights of the night.

Although the audience reveled in seeing their classmates as rival Sharks and Jets, it was the performances of teachers Cliff Hobbins as Doc, Kelly Christopher as the affable Glad Hand, John Platt as Officer Krupke, Lizzie Benestad as Shrank, and Feryal Sacristan as Maria's mother (in hair curlers and a bathrobe) that ultimately brought down the house.  Bravo to all who put so much time, energy and talent into a production that delighted the entire Abbey and local community.  See photos of the production by Geoff Larson '07 in our Web Gallery.            

"World of Portsmouth Abbey School" Auction:  On February 10, the Stillman Dining Hall was transformed into the "World of Portsmouth Abbey," the first gala dinner and auction held by the School in more than three decades.  Organized by The Parents' Committee, the event was a resounding success, with the auction raising more than $95,000 toward the renovation of the Tuck/Student Center. The evening, attended by more than 200 parents, friends and School supporters, started with a silent auction and fantastic hors d'oeuvres prepared by the Dining Services staff.  Dom Caedmon Holmes, along with Jim DeVecchi and Auction Co-Chairs Tish Behan and Kristin Hughes, pulled the winning Grand Prize raffle ticket for His 'n Hers Vespas, which were won by Dr. Wolfgang Klietmann, father of Max '07. Traver Tischio '07 and Caroline Mason '08 entertained the crowd with a beautiful rendition of Tonight from the Abbey Players' Winter Musical, West Side Story. Chef Art outdid himself and served a delicious feast of beef tenderloin and shrimp.  Before the live auction began, Tish Behan led the audience in the "bling raffle game," which was won by Margaret Holden, parent of Harry '08.  Margaret is now the proud owner of a pair of diamond earrings!  The evening topped off with a wild live auction, auctioneered by Mike Corcoran '46 of Gustave J.S. White, Inc.  Special thanks go to the Auction Committee, especially Tish Behan and Kristin Hughes, and their "right hand," Mary Johnstone, for organizing a fabulous evening.

DeBlois Gallery's 11^th Annual Student Art Exhibit: The 11th Annual Student Art Exhibition, which showcases the artistic talents of area high school students,  was held at Newport's DeBlois Gallery on the weekend of February 9-11. The exhibit highlighted the work of numerous Abbey students, led by Portsmouth's Art instructors John Fulweiler, Colleen Sanchez and Dom Gregory Havill. The Show represents work done in various media including painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and photography.  Congratulations to Portsmouth's talented artists: Stacey Beletsky '07; Nicole Biewenga '08; Sohyun "Claire" Chung '07; Alley Curran '07; Lilli Donahue '09; Kasey Geremia '09; Caroline Gralton '07; Peter Horan '08; Kerry Klemmer '09; Cathy Lessard '07; Pippa McCafferty '09; Elena McCarthy '09; Liz Papi '08; Chantra Pimolwatana '07; Susan Skakel '09; and Ross White '07.   

Students Display Culinary Flair at International Student Dinner:  General Tsao's Chicken, Sausage and Bean Burritos, Weiner Schnitzel, Chipotle Mashed Potatoes, Bulgogi Korean Beef Stir Fry, Curry Chicken and Benne Cake were among the featured items at the February 8 International Student Dinner, where Abbey students prepared dishes from their home countries to share with their fellow students.  Some 30 international students donned aprons and took to the kitchen at Stillman Dining Hall, slicing and dicing as they transformed ordinary victuals into nearly 10 culinary masterpieces that received rave reviews from diners in attendance.  The student's international dishes were supplemented by dining specialties prepared by the Dining Hall staff.

Diners were treated to a colorfully decorated Dining Hall, complete with flags from numerous countries.  Music matching the international cuisine livened the festive atmosphere.  Thanks to the parents who provided recipes for their children to prepare, and kudos to Dr. Fred Zilian for once again organizing the event and to Bob Cicerone and his staff for helping turn out a delicious meal.  Most of all, congratulations to our student chefs, led by Mary Chegwidden '07, Na Hyun Lee '07, Raoul Oloa '07 and Yong Seok Kim '07, who dazzled everyone with their culinary talents and had a lot of fun doing it!  Check out the fun in our on-line Photo Gallery.           

Sixth Form Alumni Speaker Series:  On Saturday, February 17, Sixth Form students gathered to hear the latest installment in the Alumni Lecture Series entitled, "Life After College." Six alumni participated in a panel discussion fielding questions from students about all aspects of their college experiences and their current careers. The Alumni Lecture Series has been planned and produced by Patrick Hewett '00, officer for development and alumni affairs.

Returning to Portsmouth for the event were Heather Breen '96, senior manager for integrated marketing at Golf Digest, Golf Digest Index, Golf World and Golf for Women; Meghan Patterson '97 MPH, director of the Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities Office at the Boston Public Health Commission; Brian Walsh '97, a policy specialist for U.S. Senator Mel Martinez; Jason Weida '98, law clerk to the Honorable William E. Smith of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island; Cara Gontarz '99, a human resources department head for a division of General Electric; and Tom Winter '01, a news editor for NBC News and NBC News Worldwide.  Portsmouth Abbey School is proud of these dedicated young alumni and grateful for the time and energy they have donated in giving back to the School.

Physics Battle in the Winter Garden:  Ingenuity was king this year as a record number of design/build teams and spectators took to the treacherous waters of the Winter Garden pool on February 20. Race Committee Official and Physics teacher Bob Rainwater called the seven entries "a set of more serious, powerful boats than we have had in several years."  The students entering boats were limited to strict set of regulations outlining the size, materials and power sources that are acceptable in creating each racing craft.

The registered teams included the following students: Max Klietmann '07 and Lucas Zipp '07; Zach Bazarsky '07, Jay Popham '07, Glenn Shorey '07, and Ryan DaPonte'07; Dan Flanigan '09, Shane McComiskey '09, Michael Popham '09, and Adam Hobbins '09; Chris O'Reilly '07, Ian Parks '07, and Laura Dobbs '07; Sam Shore '09 and Kwasi Amoako-Ayim '09; Yong Kim '07 and Andrew Lee '08; and Nick White '08.

The crowd went wild as boats were launched into heated rounds of competition, each vessel struggling to push a ping-pong ball to the opposite side of the pool.  Team O'Reilly prevailed in the championship round with entry number 4.  According to Mr. Rainwater, special recognition goes to boat number 2, entered by Team Bazarsky.  "When the contest was first developed more than 10 years ago, there was a section in the rules about weapons that could be permitted," Mr. Rainwater explained.  "No one has ever included a weapon before, but Zach Bazarsky did install one on his boat this year - a large modified mousetrap.  It successfully impaled some other boats, but still did not result in victory for boat number 2.   It sure added an extra thrill for the spectators, though."   Visit our Web gallery to see photos of the action.

Upcoming Alumni and Development Events: Come One, Come All!

San Francisco, CA:  Thursday, March 8, 6:00 pm, Cocktails and Appetizers with Jim and Deb De Vecchi at Fog City Diner
Naples, FL:  Sunday, March 11, 12:00 noon, Naples Brunch at Baleen Restaurant, La Playa Resort
Miami, FL:  Tuesday, March 13, 7:00 pm, Miami Young Alumni Reception at Lucky Strike Lanes, Miami Beach
Vero Beach, FL:  Wednesday, March 14, 6:00 pm, Vero Beach Reception, at the home of James '79 and Susan Mulholland.

Dr. and Mrs. De Vecchi, Dom Damian Kearney '45, and Pat Hewett '00 and Polly Carter from the Alumni and Development Office will be at the Florida events.   Email Fran Cook (fcook@portsmouthabbey.org) or call 401-643-1281 if you have additional questions or would like to RSVP.  All are invited!

Volunteers Needed for Tall Ships Rhode Island 2007:  Dr. Fred Zilian, History Department head, is leading the International Village Committee for Tall Ships Rhode Island 2007 and needs your help!  As part of the Tall Ships festival this summer in Newport, an International Village of tent-pavilions will be erected June 28-30, including a tent for each country represented at the festival.  To date this includes Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Cook Islands/New Zealand, Germany, India, Indonesia, Netherlands, United Kingdom, and the United States.  To make the International Village a genuine success, the Committee is searching for individuals and groups with roots, or simply interest in these countries, to share their personal distinctive items from these countries, to prepare displays and attractions for the tents, and also to man these tents during the three-day festival (10 am to 6 pm).  This will be a tremendous opportunity to portray the distinctive art and artifacts, crafts, dress and cultural attractions of each particular country.  If you would like to contribute in some way, please contact Fred Zilian at zilianf@aol.com; (cell) 401-714-4667.

Answer to January Question:  In what year did Portsmouth Priory institute the Portsmouth Chapter of the Cum Laude Society, the national honor society?  Answer:  The Portsmouth Chapter of the Cum Laude Society was instituted for the 1934-35 School year, eight years after Portsmouth Priory was founded, for sixth formers who demonstrate both intellectual interests and high academic achievement.  The Cum Laude Society was founded in 1906 to promote scholarship in secondary school.

February Question: What infamous event marked the opening day of the 1938-39 School year?  Please email your answers to: communications@portsmouthabbey.org.

We Welcome Your Input:  If you have questions, comments or ideas for Monthly Musings, please send them to the School's Communications Department at communications@portsmouthabbey.org.

 

Kathy Heydt Director of Communications

Kathy Stark Asst. Director of Communications

 

Jim De Vecchi Headmaster