ALMA MA MATTERS

Frank Center Dedication and Opening Reception Homecoming

Flag Flies High over NFA Campus Wynton Marsalis Visits
Spring 2006
Where
tradition
meets the
The Alma Matters is published up
to three times per year for alumni,
parents and friends.

innovative The Norwich Free Academy

305 Broadway
ideas of Norwich, CT 06360
tomorrow... Tel: (860) 887-2505
Fax: (860) 889-4363

Editor: Linda Clang Ververis ’78

Volume 16
Contributing Writer:
Number 1
Kristen Fossum

Photographers:
Alumni Staff, Andrew Fotta,
Contributed

2005-2006
The Norwich Free Academy
Board of Trustees
Robert Staley ’68, Chair
Steven Bokoff ’72, Vice Chair
Jerry Navick ’55, Treasurer
David Whitehead ’78, Secretary
Richard DesRoches
Abby Israelite Dolliver ’71
Lee-Ann Gomes ’82
Thomas Griffin ’70
Joseph Perry ’60
Theodore Phillips ’74
Mark Tramontozzi ’76

2006 Alumni Association

Board of Directors
Sandra Bosko ’72, President
Peter Ballaro ’66, Vice President
Justine Perry Miller ’62, Treasurer
Lynn Fries Casavant ’65
Donald Crooks ’53
Gale Eccleston Ennis ’78
Beverly Freaner Goulet ’61
Ethel Moshier Handley ’60
Dennis Jenkins ’69
Carolyn Downes Kraemer ’64
Norma Wallace Martin ’73
John Mathieu ’70
Mary Barnett Messerschmidt ’63
Sa-on Loilert Morse ’80
Thomas Neilan ’85
William Sabrowski ’61
John Sweeney ’81
Marie Demuth Twomey ’56

The Norwich Free Academy does not

discriminate on the basis of race, color,
national origin, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, or physical impairment
in its educational programs, activities,
or enrollment and employment policies.
 THE SLATER
Table of Contents MEMORIAL MUSEUM
SPRING 2006 EXHIBITIONS
Pages 4-5 Message from our
Superintendent/Principal
Message from the Alumni Association

Page 6 Homecoming 2006

2005 NFA Sports Hall of Fame

Page 7 Homecoming 2005

Pages 8-9 Reunion News

Page 10 Student News

Page 11 Alumni Giving

NFA’s Largest Benefactor Dies

Pages 12-15 Alumni in the News 112TH ANNUAL SATURDAY MORNING

ART CLASSES EXHIBIT
Page 15 Alumni Board Members Retire April 16, 2006 – May 4, 2006
The display features works by elementary
Pages 16-17 Distinguished Service Award Application school children from third to eighth
2005 Distinguished Service Award Recipients grade who take art classes at NFA on
Saturday mornings. Paintings, drawings,
Page 18 NFA Teacher Receives Two National Awards sculpture, mixed-media pieces, self-
portraits, and colorful masks create a
festive atmosphere throughout the gallery.
Page 19 Flag Flies High on NFA Campus

Page 20 Wynton Marsalis visits NFA Campus

116TH ANNUAL
NORWICH ART SCHOOL EXHIBIT
Page 21 Frank Center Dedication & Opening Reception
May 12, 2006 – May 28, 2006
Page 22 150th Anniversary Coverlet The exhibit features artworks by
Academy students who were enrolled in
Pages 22-29 Class Notes the numerous art courses offered during
the current academic year. Paintings,
Page 29 Calling All Alumni drawings, mixed media pieces, prints,
photography and graphic designs,
sculpture, clay objects, metal and jewelry
Page 30 Deceased creations, silkscreen fabrics and wood
works are on display.
Page 31 Momentous Occasions

Page 32 You’re Invited to a Garden Reception HOURS:

Tuesday – Friday, 9.a.m. – 4.p.m.
Weekends 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed Monday & Holidays
Publication Announcement
Visitor parking is available.
Due to the production of the 2004 Alumni Directory and other Call (860)887-2506 for a recording that will
historical anniversary materials, the Alma Matters Magazine will be provide information on current exhibitions,
published twice a year during the 2004 – 2006 anniversary years. days of operation and directions.

ADMISSION
Adults: $3.00, Seniors $2.00
Visit our website at Friends of Slater Museum and Children
www.norwichfreeacademy.com under 12 are free
Guided Group Tours Available
 A Message from our Superintendent/Principal

To the NFA Community,

Farewell letters strike me as awkward at best, with a tendency toward wistfulness and nostalgia. I’m afraid I may be as guilty of that as
the next, but I would like instead to focus on the future, on what is next.

For 150 years now, NFA has been a private institution with a public purpose. Our stated mission is to provide a private school education
to a public school population. Over the years we have watched our population ebb and grow, and change to reflect the larger changes in
our society. We have accepted and celebrated these changes, never losing sight of our duty to meet the needs of our students. We have
helped to shape good citizens, with strong educational backgrounds and a commitment to service.

As an institution we have celebrated diversity, and our students have learned to celebrate with us. We have placed value on character, and
our children have valued character. We have insisted on service, and our faculty and students have given back to our community. Always,
there has been the understanding and commitment to educational excellence. Our immigrant families, the Italians, the Irish, the Poles, the
Greeks, the Russians, the Jews, and now the Latinos, Asians, and Eastern Europeans knew and know that education is the key to a better life.

For 150 years we have nurtured our children and provided what they needed to grow and succeed, and we expected and demanded much
of them in return. That compact remains intact in 2006.

Every time, every age has its challenges. Ours will be to sustain the quality of education and care that is the hallmark of this institution.
Our success, and the changing nature of the environment, has fueled a burst of enrollment growth. Since 1995, when we were at 1,735
students to October 2005, we have added nearly 700 students. In and of itself, growth that rapid in an institution steeped in tradition
creates tensions. Compound it by the issues of immigrant families who do not speak the language, and inadequate schooling in home
countries, and we have the basis for two of our biggest opportunities for improvement.

NFA must manage its growth for the future and provide the same stewardship for our students as we have in the past. Unless all of our
students succeed, we fail as an institution. It will be a challenge to provide for our poor students, our immigrant students, our students
of color, but we can and must. Equity in education is not about giving the same to all; it is about ensuring that all get what they need to
succeed. We are a Blue Ribbon School because we expect and get the best from all our students. We get it because we provide what they
need. It is an ongoing challenge to do so, and one that demands strength of will, focus of purpose, and the resources to make it happen.

That leads to our third issue. Presently, the tuition charged to NFA’s sending communities is nearly 20% less per pupil than the state
average. On the one hand, that is a very good thing; on the other, it constrains the school’s ability to provide for students. I can only
dream of what we could do with an additional half million dollars each year! The boards, towns and administration have some difficult
choices ahead. If we are unwilling or unable adequately to fund the type of education we have in the past on public dollars, we must find
alternative sources of revenue. The endowment is clearly one of those sources, and I believe its growth and prudent use are keys to the
future of the institution. Other sources must be developed as well.

Those are the three big issues as I see them - managing growth, ensuring equity for all, and securing the funding necessary to do so.
Sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it!

We are fortunate. We have an able and willing group of trustees. Their vision and strength of purpose will sustain the school’s
independence and keep us moving forward. Our faculty, staff and administration are beyond wonderful. In 35 years of education, I have
never seen better. I would cheerfully match them to any school, public or private, and be confident they are the best.

Our alumni and friends provide financial and volunteer support, and demonstrate a loyalty often reserved only for “bands of brothers.”
We are blessed.

I will leave knowing that the school is in a pretty good place, and that I have had a hand in that. I leave having been privileged to work
with remarkable people, privileged to work with wonderful students, and privileged in having returned to my alma mater to give back
some of what was given to me.

Warmly,
Mary Lou Bargnesi, Ph.D.

4
 A Message from our
Alumni Association

Dear Fellow Alumni,

It is indeed a privilege to be serving as the Alumni Association president once

again. As I look forward to beginning my term of office, I must recognize
that another’s tenure is ending. I am, of course, speaking of the retirement of
Superintendent Mary Lou Bargnesi. Her strong support of the Association
has been greatly appreciated. Whenever we have gone to her with an idea
for an alumni activity we have received backing, she has made sure that we
have been kept informed of the various goings on at The Academy, and she
has made an effort to be present at all of our events. I’d like, on behalf of the
Alumni Board of Directors, to extend to Dr. Bargnesi a heartfelt thank you
and a wish for a happy retirement.

The NFA Sesquicentennial Anniversary Year is also coming to an end.

To look back and reflect upon the accomplishments large and small of
those who have attended our alma mater is something we should all do.
Lest you think that I am speaking only of the noted authors and scientists,
corporate moguls, accomplished artists and musicians, etc. take note. The
thousands of others who have become the parents, the factory, retail, or
construction workers, the businessmen, etc. are as important, perhaps,
even more so. They have been the hardworking, educated public upon
which the tenets of our nation are founded and without whom we could
not, as a community, as a country, exist. What The Academy, since its
inception, has made available to its students, what those students have
taken with them, and then what those very same students have given to
their communities is indeed impressive. The forward thinking, altruistic
gentlemen who conceived the idea of an institution such as The Norwich
Free Academy would, I’m sure, be very proud were they here to look back
upon one hundred fifty years of “Learning, Industry, Art.”

For almost fifty years of this time the Alumni Association has been a more
active presence in trying to keep close ties to all of you. During the past
twenty-five the Board and the Alumni Office have organized events that
many now expect and look forward to. As the close of the school year
approaches so does the ever-popular Jubilee Reunion, to be held on
May 20th. Then, on graduation day, we’ll host the Fiftieth Reunion Class
Reception followed by a campus tour and breakfast on Saturday morning.
We are always assisted by the ever-diligent staff from the Levanto Alumni
House. Their energy never seems to flag no matter how hectic things get.
We are also lucky to have a few alumni volunteers who are not board
members but who enjoy helping at our activities. We certainly can always use
another pair of hands if you have an inclination to see what we’re about.

In closing I would like to say I that hope the Academy continues to be an

institution where “Tradition and Innovation” will always reign and where
alumni will always return.

Sincerely,
Sandra Ann Bosko ‘72
President, Alumni Association Board of Directors

5
 O
HOMECOMING 2006
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2006

WILDCATS vs BRIDGEPORT BULLARD-HAVENS

GAME TIME 1:30 p.m.

Plan on joining us for tailgating prior to the game

from 12 p.m. ‘til kickoff O Shattuck Building Area
Tickets: Adults $3.00 O Sr.Citizens/ Students $2.00 O under 10 free

2005 NFA Sports Hall of Fame

The Norwich Free Academy has a rich history of great traditions, and a “new”
tradition was started in 2001 with the first induction into the NFA Sports Hall of
Fame. The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize and honor the great tradition
of athletic achievement at NFA. We are pleased to announce the six newest members
who were inducted into the Hall of Fame in a ceremony held the evening of
November 12, 2005 in Slater Auditorium: Bonnie Brehant Doran ’67, Laurie Glass
Martin ’79, Russell Lucy ’67, John Padgett ’65, Frank Gwudz ’38, Donald Scott ’52.

Over 100 guests attended the event that also recognized NFA’s first girls’ varsity
fencing and tennis teams. The evening concluded with a hors d’ oeuvres reception
in the Converse Art Gallery.
2005 Inductees (l-r) Bonnie Brehant Doran ’67, Laurie Glass Martin ’79, Russell Lucy ’67, John
6 Padgett ’65, Stanley Gwudz accepting for his father Frank Gwudz ’38, Donald Scott ’52.
 Homecoming 2005

Homecoming….a
coming to or returning
home. This is what
hundreds of alumni
and friends did on
November 12, 2005.
They not only came
back home, but also
enjoyed good food,
good friends and a
12-7 football win over
the Ledyard Colonels!

Above: 2005 squad ready to take the field

Top Right: Band members prepare to perform
Middle: The Class of ‘54 wins the Pumpkin
Recipe Contest

O
Bottom: Alums enjoy the Donor BBQ

7
 Keep an eye
Reunion Newsout for your
class reunion Class of 1950 55th Year Reunion
information
The Class of 1950 kicked-off their 55th year reunion weekend celebration
on Friday, September 23, 2005, with 105 classmates enjoying a scrumptious
dinner buffet at the Coast Guard Academy Officers Club in New London.
Superintendent/Principal, Mary
Lou Bargnesi ’67 and Alumni
Director, Linda Ververis ’78 were
invited to share the evening with
the class. Friday evening was just
the start of the weekend for
this jovial group from 1950. They
were up bright and early the
following morning and made their
way to the NFA campus where
they enjoyed a tour of the campus
Class of 1950 and a continental breakfast in the Land Library. Upon departing the NFA campus
Reunion
Committee on Saturday morning, the group then headed off to Acorn Acres Campground in
Bozrah where fellow classmate, Marion ‘Sis’ O’Neil, hosted a most memorable day.
As one classmate put it, “the picnic was the icing on the cake.” This most relaxing
and casual get-together gave everyone additional time to talk about the “old times.”
For many it felt like being in high school once again – joking around,
taking a hayride without any hay – and just having some good old fun!
Classmates attended this weekend event from as far away as California,
Washington State, Arizona and North Carolina. This successful event
would not have been possible without the help of a most dedicated
reunion committee. Members of the committee were: Co-chairs Bob
Chabot & Sis O’Neil, Kathleen Angelo, Maureen Caron, Joan
Cosentino, Al Fratoni, Lucille Gignac, Lorraine Kornilieff, Shirley
McCulley, Anna Pepin, Karen Piscatelli, Prudence Scalaro, Bob
A hayride during the class picnic at Acorn Acres Smigiel, Betty Suprenant, Babe Ververis, Don Woodmansee.
campground in Bozrah

Class of 1990 15th Reunion

The Class of 1990 had a blast this summer at Mohegan Park in
Norwich on June 12, 2005. It was a very warm day but the food, conversation and
live band kept us cool!! The picnic style day welcomed classmates from Norwich,
other parts of Connecticut, New England and from as far south as Florida. We had
a blast visiting with friends and getting to meet the extended families of so many of
our classmates. Fifty-eight people were in attendance and it was great to have the
younger attendees help with selecting names for our "Surprise Bag" drawings: Home
Depot, Ruby Tuesdays and Silo Hill Farms donated certificates to celebrate our day.
Our 15th was a blast and we are sorry if you were unable to attend, but please look
to the Spring/Summer of 2010 for our 20th. We are planning on making a grand
night of it at one of the local casinos.

8
Class of 1995
10th Year Reunion
On October 8th, 2005,
the Class of ’95 held their ten
year reunion at the Garde Arts
Center in New London, CT.
Classmates gathered in the quaint
setting to enjoy appetizers, music
and socializing with old friends.
Eighty-five alumni and guests
were able to reminisce as they
looked through old yearbooks
and collages of pictures from
their high school days. Prizes,
such as gift certificates to local
restaurants and hotels, as well as
NFA memorabilia, were raffled
off. Some classmates won awards,
including, Crysta Clifford for
moving the farthest, Jarl Pellinen
for the biggest adventure and
Shawn Bryant for traveling to
the most countries. Some special
guests included Ms. Doreen
Fuller, one of our original class
advisors and Mr. George
Vartenegian, our yearbook
dedicatee. The event was a
great success and everyone had
a wonderful time.
Class of 1921 – 1946
Two class of '95 alumni, Mehgan Niddrie
and Mary Oplinger Evans enjoy a night
out at the Garde Theater to celebrate
their 10th reunion with their old friends
and classmates.
Mini-Reunion – ’61 Buddies
A mini-reunion of four Class of 1961 buddies, Phil Bufithis,
John Organek, Jerome Schwell, and Ken Wells, was held in the wilds
of West Virginia recently. The guys rented a house for the weekend
and reminisced about “old times.” They also toured the mountains,
visited the world’s largest radio telescope site and visited Ken’s college
alma mater, Alderson-Broaddus, in Philippi. Phil retired as a Professor
of English recently, John works for the Homeland Security program,
Jerome retired several years ago from the Naval Undersea Warfare
Center, and Ken works for the communications industry developing
cell phone standards. They are looking forward to future get-
togethers, and would welcome other “long-separated” buddies to join
them. The next get-together is planned for the first week of April,
2006, at a vacation rental on the Maryland shore. For further
information, please contact Jerome at mrjschwell@comcast.net.
Jubilee 2006
The Jubilee Reunion for the Classes of 1921 – 1946 will be
held in the Tirrell (Main) Building cafeteria on Saturday, May 20, 2006.
Registration will begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by a chicken luncheon
that will be served at 12:00 p.m. After a short program, which will get
underway at 1:15 p.m., guests will have the opportunity to socialize with
fellow alumni. A tour of the new Sidney E. Frank Center of Visual &
Performing Arts will be offered from 2:00 –2:30 p.m. Invitations have
been sent. If you have not received an invitation please contact the
Alumni Office at 860-887-2507 ext. 5542.
2006 Reunion Schedule
May 20 – Jubilee Reunion – NFA Campus
Class of 1946 May 20 – Jubilee Reunion – NFA Campus
Class of 1951 September 23 – US Coast Guard Academy, New London
Class of 1956 June 17 – Foxwoods Casino, Ledyard
Class of 1961 August 19 - US Coast Guard Academy, New London
Class of 1966 September 10 – Americus Wharf Marina, Norwich
Class of 1971 November 25 - Lake of Isles, North Stonington
Class of 1976 October 14 – Lighthouse Inn, New London
Class of 1981 August 5 – Chelsea Rose Ballroom-Holiday Inn, Norwich
Class of 1986 August 26 – Americus Wharf Marina, Norwich
Class of 1991 Date/location have not been decided
Class of 1996 November 25 – Best Western Hotel, Mystic
Class of 2001 NO REUNION
9
Student News NFA students spend the night with SEALSS
The evening Twenty-five NFA students were given the opportunity to spend an
found these overnight with the Science Education in Action Linking Students and the Sound
budding (SEALSS) program sponsored by Project Oceanology and housed on the Avery
scientists in Point Campus of the University of Connecticut. A group of teachers and public
school administrators from Southeastern Connecticut recognized the potential
the lab
and importance of the marine environment as an educational resource and formed
analyzing the Project Oceanology in 1972. Over the years, Project Oceanology has grown into
data collected a full-fledged marine science and environmental education program with a
on the boat 22,000 sq. ft. building and a variety of oceanographic equipment and vessels. This
and discussing experiential science program gives high school students a way to contribute to
Project Oceanology’s harbor seal research monitoring study. The seals are actually
the results.
Maine natives who make Long Island Sound their winter destination. The
students and teacher chaperones, Seth Yarish and Heather Botelle, spent five
hours on-board the Envirolab research vessel and traveled to popular winter seal
haunts. They collected and tested water samples and trawled the Sound’s floor.
The evening found these budding scientists in the lab analyzing the data collected
on the boat and discussing the results. The SEALSS program, funded through a
Project Oceanology grant, provides students with the opportunity to observe
behaviors and collect data about a wild population of harbor seals and their habitat
in eastern Long Island Sound. The data generated will help regional researchers
understand the dynamics of the Long Island Sound harbor seal population.
During April vacation three more NFA students attended a weeklong marine
science program, which was also funded by a Project Oceanology grant.

NFA Seniors go to All-Star Game

Senior football players, Zack Lusk and Noah Mandel were selected
to play in the Connecticut/Rhode Island Governor’s Cup (All-Star) Game on
Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 7 pm at Rentschler Field. Tickets are available for
The Class of 1955 $5.00 from the NFA athletic department or are $8.00 at the door.
presented this
aerial sign to the
Class of 2005 at
their graduation
on June 17, 2005.

10
Alumni Giving
Help Us Reach Our Goal!
As NFA's school year draws to a close, so
does the Academy’s 2005-2006 Annual
Fund Drive. With over $200,000 re-
ceived in contributions and pledges so
far, we are within reach of attaining our
$225,000 goal by June 30, 2006.
We hope that you’ll join fellow alumni,
family and friends, whose continued
support enhances all aspects of education
at The Norwich Free Academy. As an
added incentive, if you become a new
donor at the $150 level OR increase your
past support by at least $150, you will
have the exciting opportunity to be a part
of NFA’s One Fifty for 150 program.
Program participants receive a beautiful
gold, two-dimensional commemorative
ornament in honor of NFA’s 150th
Anniversary. This is a limited time offer,
available only through June 2006.
Please help us reach our goal during
this special celebratory year of NFA’s
Sesquicentennial Anniversary, and make
your gift to the Academy’s 2005-2006
Annual Fund today!
To make your gift to NFA’s 2005-2006
Annual Fund:
LOG ON TO:
http://www.norwichfreeacademy.com/
alumni/foundation/annualfund.html
CALL:
Kristen Fossum, Director of Annual
Fund, at 860.887.2507 ext. 5547
NFA’s Largest Benefactor Dies
The Norwich Free Academy
was deeply saddened to learn of the passing
of Sidney E. Frank ’38 on January 10, 2006.
Mr. Frank was a talented businessman,
billionaire, and philanthropist and became
the largest donor in the history of the
Academy, ensuring that his generosity to
NFA will touch generations to come.
In November 2004 it was announced that Mr. Frank would make
a $12 million unrestricted endowment gift to the Academy, the
largest single gift ever made to the school. In recognition of
Mr. Frank's generous financial contributions over the past ten
years, the Academy named its new music and art center
The Sidney E. Frank Center of Visual and Performing Arts.
This newest addition to the NFA campus was dedicated on
October 21, 2005.
NFA Superintendent/Principal Dr. Mary Lou Bargnesi stated,
“This gift is a transforming gift for NFA. To recognize Mr.
Frank’s generosity, we will name the new building to honor him,
but because the gift is to the unrestricted endowment, we will
have the latitude to use the funds as we see fit and apply them to
areas of greatest need.”
As a student at the Academy Mr. Frank was a member of the
football team. The 1938 Mirror predicted that “Sid should go far
in the business world,” and the premonition was correct.
After his graduation from NFA, Mr. Frank attended Brown
University, another school that impacted his life in a major
way. He left Brown for a wartime assignment in Asia for
Pratt and Whitney.
Upon his return to the states, he began what would become his
life's mission. In 1940 he married Louise Rosenstiel. Louise’s
father was the chairman of the board of Schenley Company, then
the largest distillery in the world. Mr. Frank found himself in the
Philippines working for Schenley and he later became involved
in sales, was eventually promoted to sales manager and finally
became president of the company.
Over the years Mr. Frank proved himself to be not only an expert
marketer, but also a generous benefactor. In addition to gifts to
the Academy, his philanthropy has extended to Brown
University and many other organizations.
We are truly grateful for the commitment and loyalty of Mr. Frank
for helping to make NFA such an extraordinary institution.
11
Alumni in the News Monica Miller ’88
Convinces OED Editors to make change

How “Cool” is that?

Monica Miller is currently a professor at Barnard College and a specialist in
African-American and American literature and cultural studies. Monica
received her Ph.D in 2000 from Harvard University and her BA from
Dartmouth College. She has helped Harlem Renaissance luminary Zora
Neale Hurston earn a new claim to fame. Hurston is now listed in the
Oxford English Dictionary as the first writer to use the word “cool” as a hip
way to say “excellent.”

Monica, an assistant professor of English, weighed in on Hurston and her

use of the word “cool” for the BBC television program Balderdash and Piffle,
about word origins. The series seeks to update OED entries based on viewer
input, literary sleuthing and opinions from academics.

Monica’s opinion that Hurston meant “excellent” helped convince OED editors to
rewrite the dictionary’s entry for “cool.” Now Hurston’s line from the story tops a list of
citations, knocking to second place a 1958 quote in The New Yorker about jazz slang.

In a 10-minute segment devoted to “cool” Monica spoke about Hurston’s work, and the
meaning of her use of “cool” in a 1933 short story, The Gilded Six Bits. The story refers
to a gentleman named Joe. “And whut make it so cool, he got his money ’cumulated.
And womens gave it all to ’im,” wrote Hurston.

The producers of the BBC series, which was broadcast in Britain early this year,
contacted Monica as a result of her work as organizer of a two-day conference at Barnard
in 2002 on Hurston’s life and work. Monica had not been aware of Hurston’s importance
when it comes to cool. The interviewer, a jazz musician who also explored the word’s use
among musicians, brought Hurston’s early use of the phase to Monica’s attention. “They
found it. I was surprised and really delighted,” she says. The story is one of Hurston’s
earliest published pieces. It appears in Zora Neale Hurston: Novels and Stories.

Monica, who joined the Barnard English faculty in 2000, often uses the word “cool”
herself. “I’m teaching a class on the Harlem Renaissance and that is very cool,” she said.

Article originally published for Barnard College by Louise Kramer. ed

Diversity Banner
greets visitors at
the entrance of
the Tirrell (Main)
Building

12
Jeannine Phillips ’02
2006 Miss Connecticut U.S.A.
This Class of 2002 graduate was once a painfully shy young lady, but has not only
faced her fears, she has shattered them. Jeannine is one of the top speakers in her
class, is now a successful model and the new owner of the Miss Connecticut USA
crown. Jeannine explains “I was the shyest kid in my class,” during her middle
school years at Lisbon Central School. “I had to force myself to take steps to
overcome social anxiety, including taking drama classes.”

Jeannine is one of only 51 women in the nation honored this year to be a positive
voice and an inspiration for young women throughout the country.

How shocked was she to receive this honor on her first try?

“Had someone told me I would be Miss Connecticut USA four years ago I would have
laughed. I never really thought of myself as a “pageant girl.” I entered the competition
curious about the experience, but I never envisioned myself actually winning.”

A recent graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University with a degree in business

marketing, Jeannine’s academic accomplishments earned her membership in the Delta Mu Delta National Honor
Society for Business Administration. Today she is gaining experience in the business world working in the sales
department at UnumProvident, the largest disability insurance provider in the United States. She plans to go on to
obtain her MBA, and become a successful entrepreneur in the fashion industry - a career that will certainly be
enriched through her professional modeling experience with The Beauty Within Model Management.

Modeling has helped Jeannine develop her self-confidence, which is a key component to success in any career.

A competitive and accomplished athlete, Jeannine excelled in basketball, playing the shooting forward and
center positions. Throughout her six years of play she traveled the East Coast as a member of the Connecticut
Storm AAU basketball team, and competed in national tournaments throughout the US. As a freshman at NFA
she played at the varsity level for the state championship. “I have always loved a challenge. Basketball was a year-
round, full-time obligation that required both endurance and determination, but was also very rewarding. There
is nothing like seeing your teammates cheer after you made a crucial basket, or the adrenaline rush you get when
you block the star player on the opposing team.”

Jeannine also spends time volunteering for High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, a non-profit organization that
offers therapeutic programs for children and adults with physical, psychological, and emotional disabilities. In
addition to modeling and basketball, her hobbies include traveling, dancing, beach volleyball, karaoke, drawing,
and spending time with family.

Jeannine is thrilled to now have the opportunity to serve as a role model to her peers. "The most important thing
I’ve learned from my experiences is that you should never let fears stand in the way of your dreams,” she explains.
“Always find a way to turn intimidation into motivation. I am looking forward to using my own experiences to
inspire others to take a step outside their comfort zones and take advantage of life’s opportunities.”

Jeannine plans to spend her reign as MISS CONNECTICUT USA 2006 as a goodwill ambassador throughout
the state, speaking to various groups and organizations to raise the awareness of Breast and Ovarian Cancer,
which is the official cause of the National MISS USA Organization. She will also continue volunteering her time
to assist community organizations and charities to raise awareness and funds for their causes.

13
 Cont.

Alumni in the News Shaughnessy. . . From Wildcat to Badger

Who can shed the blocks of linemen who outweigh him?
Who can chase down the opposing quarterback with the speed of a linebacker?
Who can somehow hold his ground against combination blocks from tackles and tight ends?

Why, it’s NFA’s own Matt Shaughnessy! A member of the Class

of 2005 and captain of the football team in his senior year,
Matt has quickly made a name for himself in the college football world. While
attending the Academy, Matt was chosen in the SuperPrep All-American selection as
one of the top 30 defensive ends in the nation according to Rivals.com and one of the
top 35 players in the East according to the Prep Football Report. While Matt was a
student here he also lettered three years in basketball and two in track and was named
to the Connecticut High School Coaches Association and the New Haven Register
all-state football teams in 2004. Matt was recruited by the University of Connecticut,
Purdue and Boston College, but decided that the University of Wisconsin was the
place for him.

According to an article in the Madison, Wisconsin Capital Times, when asked how
good a defensive end Matt will be by the time he leaves the University of Wisconsin,
former UW coach Barry Alvarez stated “I think [number] 92 is going to be a great
player some day. Man does he play hard and he's athletic enough he can play the
option and make the quarterback pitch and then chase the running back down.”

UW defensive coordinator Bret Bielema spoke of Matt in this manner: "That's just a
special player, a special kid. [UW defensive line coach] John Palermo made the
comment watching him practice one day that he practices like a fifth-year senior. He
just does everything right."

As the team’s second-leading tackler among defensive linemen, Matt played in 11

games, started 7 of them, racked up 39 tackles, and was a first-team selection by The
Sporting News, ESPN.com and Scout.com. A true freshman, Matt was a second-team
choice of collegefootballnews.com and was also named by them as Wisconsin’s Rookie
of the Year for 2005. Sports Illustrated listed him as one of the top impact freshmen in
the country. Matt is also doing quite well academically and wanted to let his former
NFA teachers know that last semester he received one A, three B’s and one C and
hopes to finish strong this last semester of his freshmen year.

Unfortunately for NFA alums and UW fans, Matt received a severe injury in the
November 11, 2005 game against Iowa. With about ten minutes left in the third
quarter, after fighting to get around the edge, Matt slipped on the turf and immediately
rolled over in pain. After under going an MRI it was determined that Matt had torn
his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and had a little bit of meniscus (torn cartilage)
damage. He underwent surgery in early December. The good news is that Matt is
doing well and so is his knee. He’s been ahead of schedule in his recovery, and although
he will not be participating in spring football, he has taken part in some very light drills
early in practice and has watched some sessions from the sideline in street clothes.

Matt is looking forward to practicing this summer and we can all look forward to the
fall season when Matt will once again be on the gridiron giving Badger fans and
Wildcat alumni another thrilling football season.
14
 Building Named For Alum

Margaret Sullivan Wilson, NFA

Class of 1941 graduate and former ECSU dean
and professor, was honored by Eastern Connecticut State University with the dedication of the Margaret S.
Wilson Child and Family Development Center on the Eastern campus this past March.

Peg graduated from Eastern, which was then known as Willimantic Teachers
College, in 1944. She taught in both the Norwich and Greenwich school districts
before returning to Eastern with some pretty deep-seated ideas about early
childhood education. She said she often was frustrated by the lack of an overall
approach to early childhood education.

Peg was praised for her dedication to individual early childhood instruction,
allowing students to understand English, then math, then social studies that today
closely resembles the integrated curriculum.

The new 40,000 square foot Child and Family center is a new school model for
the state and nation. The program was developed by Eastern and includes a state-
of-the-art child care/education center with services for children and their families,
teaching facilities, faculty offices and related spaces. For Eastern students
preparing for careers as early childhood educators, the center provides a modern
teaching facility, complete with the latest instructional and distance learning technologies.

"I always pushed the fact that every child is special," Peg said. "And this institution will help children and their
families learn that."

Alumni Board Members Retire

On December 6, 2005, six members of the Alumni
Association Board of Directors retired from the board
and were recognized for their combined 110 years of
service. Carol Cieslukowski from the Class of 1958
served on the Board of Directors for 35 years; Irene
Ukarma Donovan, Class of 1965, 22 years; Priscilla
Carlson Class of 1961,18 years; Timothy Cummings,
Class of 1966, 14 years; Bonnie Friswell Levanto, Class
of 1966, 11 years; and Janice Gwudz, Class of 1973, 10
years. We would like to thank each of them for all
their hard work and their dedication to the Academy
and her alumni.

Retired Alumni Board members (clockwise) Tim Cummings,

Priscilla Carlson, Jan Gwudz, Carol Cieslukowski, Bonnie Friswell
Levanto. Missing from photo, Irene Ukarma Donovan.
15
The Norwich Free Academy Alumni Association
Distinguished Service Award
PURPOSE:
To recognize an alumnus/a who have presented himself/herself as a dedicated and loyal alumnus/a through his/her
continued interest in and support of The Norwich Free Academy or The Norwich Free Academy Alumni Association.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
• Must be an alumnus/a of The Norwich Free Academy (one who has attended or graduated from the school)
• Alumni both living and deceased may be considered for recognition
• Excluded are alumni who are serving as active members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors

SELECTION:
The process of selecting the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award shall be the responsibility of the Alumni Association
Board of Directors. The Board will appoint a Selection Committee that will consist of the following:
• The President of the Alumni Association or his/her designated appointee from the Alumni Association Board of Directors
• The Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award Committee
• At least one representative from the school’s Alumni/Development Office

The Selection Committee will review eligible candidates, determine a final selection and present this selection to the Alumni
Association Board of Directors for final approval.

NUMBERS:
A maximum of one (1) award may be presented each year. Presenting the award annually is not obligatory.

RECOGNITION:
The recipient will be honored at the Annual Meeting of the Alumni Association with the presentation of a specially crafted
award. Names of all recipients will be displayed on a permanent plaque in the Levanto Alumni House. Press coverage will
appear in the alumni newsmagazine.

Please complete the form below

MY CANDIDATE FOR THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD IS:

Name (first, maiden, last): Class Year

Address City, State, Zip Code Telephone

Please explain below why your candidate should receive the Distinguished Service Award

Submitted by Class Year (if applicable)

Address City, State, Zip Code Telephone

You may mail, email, or fax your form by AUGUST 1, 2006 to:
The Norwich Free Academy • Levanto Alumni House • 305 Broadway • Norwich, CT 06360
alumni@norwichfreeacademy.com • Fax Number 860-889-4363
16
2005 Distinguished Service Award Recipients
December 10, 2005, was a day to remember for Harry ’36 and Selma Silverman Swatsburg ’34.
On this day the NFA Alumni Association recognized them as the 2005 Alumni Association Distinguished
Service Award recipients.

Harry and Selma have both contributed immensely to the Academy and its alumni. They are both founding
members of the NFA Gulliver Society, which was established in 1997 to recognize those individuals who
have made a provision to leave
a gift to the Academy in their
estate plan. They have both
been members and supporters
of the Slater Memorial
Museum for over 30 years.
Harry has been an active
Class Agent, soliciting his
classmates for gifts to the
Academy since 1990 and has
been heavily involved in the
Jubilee Reunion Committee.
He and Selma generously
contribute door prize drawing
gifts each year for this event.
Amazingly, over a period of
sixty years Harry organized
each one of the reunions for
the Class of 1936!

In 1992, when the Latham Science and Information Center was a new building, the Swatsburgs presented
a gift to the Academy for a garden to be placed on its grounds. This is now known as the Harry and Selma
Swatsburg Garden.

The Swatsburgs’ commitment to education is exemplified in their own lives. After her high school years at
NFA, Selma matriculated at Connecticut College, graduating in 1938. Harry was the class of 1936
secretary at NFA, and he graduated from Baylor University in 1941. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a
pharmacist technician, achieving the rank of sergeant. He then attended the University of Connecticut
School of Pharmacy, graduating in 1949. The Swatsburgs owned and operated Uncas Pharmacy in
Norwichtown from 1951 to 1978.

As a token of appreciation for their dedication to NFA, the Swatsburgs were presented with a personalized,
framed work of art. The unique piece features a drawing of Levanto Alumni House done by Cynthia Rahn,
NFA Class of 1998, while she was a student at the school. This further connection to the Academy is a
fitting tribute to two dear friends – Harry and Selma Swatsburg – who have devoted so much time and love
to their alma mater.

17
Profile Karen has
been teaching
social studies NFA Teacher receives 2 National Awards
at NFA for
seven years Karen Cyr Cook ’89
and believes
that social Selection as NFA’s Teacher of the Year
studies provide
in 2003 was just the beginning of the
academic recognition this teacher would
a unique receive. In October 2005, Karen received
opportunity in the National Council for the Social
education to Studies (NCSS) award and was named
as the nation’s top secondary school
develop critical
social studies teacher. This award, spon-
enquiry skills. sored annually by McDougall Littell,
recognizes teachers that demonstrate
exceptional abilities: developing or using
instructional materials creatively and
effectively; incorporating innovative
instructional strategies; demonstrating
the ability to foster a spirit of enquiry;
and encouraging the development of
democratic beliefs, values and skills
needed to become effective citizens.
Karen has been teaching social studies
at NFA for seven years and believes
that social studies provide a unique
opportunity in education to develop
critical enquiry skills. She aims to
challenge students and encourage them
to learn a process of historical enquiry,
which will teach them how to objectively
assess information and draw conclusions.
Karen was also honored on November 1,
2005 for her exceptional work by
receiving the Milken Family Foundation
National Educator Award at a surprise
assembly in Slater Auditorium. The
Milken Family Foundation Awards were
established in 1985 and are dubbed
the “Oscars of Teaching” by Teacher
Magazine. The award was created to
celebrate, elevate and activate the
highest caliber professionals in our
nation’s schools. Working from recom-
mendations of state departments of
education, it names teachers, principals
and other educational professional as
Milken Educators.

Karen was one of two teachers from

Betty J. Sternberg (left),
CT Commissioner of
Education with Karen
at the November
award ceremony
Karen presented a session, “Preparing
Students for Success in an Inquiry Based
Classroom” at the NCSS conference in
November 2005 and shared her teaching
methods with approximately 4,000 social
studies professionals who attended the
largest gathering of social studies
educators in the country.
Connecticut who received this award,
which is the largest teacher-recognition
program in the United States, giving
each recipient an unrestricted $25,000
award and an all-expense paid trip to
Washington, DC to participate in the
Milken National Education Conference
in May 2006.
Our congratulations go to Karen Cyr
Cook, Class of 1989, NCSS and
Milken Award winner!

18
Flag Flies High over NFA Campus
The Academy received a very moving letter
in October 2005, from James J. Richard, a
graduate with the class of 1983. James is
assigned to the 20th Engineer Brigade from
Fort Bragg, N.C. currently stationed in Iraq.
We would like to take this opportunity to
share his letter with the entire alumni body.

September 30, 2005

Dear Alumni House,

It has been twenty- two years since I graduated from The Norwich Free Academy, with the class
of 1983. I joined the U.S. Army shortly after graduation and I have served faithfully ever since. As
a professional soldier, I have been fortunate enough to have traveled over most of the globe. I count
myself blessed to have seen some of the exotic places that, as a student, I could only read about and try
to imagine. To survive, I have had to use everything I ever learned during my four years at NFA.

I have also had the opportunity to participate in some fairly historical events. My most recent
adventure has been to serve as the Sergeant Major of Engineers on the Multi-National Corps-Iraq
Staff, here in Baghdad. It has been a very long, interesting, and very exciting year. We have helped
a new nation free itself from the shackles of tyranny. We have watched, as the Iraqi people spared no
effort to make their democracy work here. I have witnessed firsthand, free election in Iraq and it is
a beautiful thing.

In two weeks, we will observe the vote on a referendum concerning this nation’s new constitution.
Accepted or rejected, it will be a significant historical event and I am proud to have assisted with the
tottering steps of this fledgling nation.

Twenty-two years ago, The Norwich Free Academy prepared me for a successful path through
life. It has been a wonderful ride. I would not have had the long career, nor attained the rank I have,
without the education I received at NFA. I am grateful and I am proud that I was able to apply that
education and in some small way contribute to the task of bringing freedom to the people of Iraq. In
recognition of your contribution to my life, and indirectly to the lives of all the Iraqi people, I have
flown this flag in your honor. I present it as a gift to The Norwich free Academy. May it find a place
of honor as you see fit.

Sincerely,
James J. Richard
SGM, USA

As a fitting tribute to both veterans past and present, Dr. Bargnesi read this letter to the entire
faculty and student body of the school in honor of Veteran’s Day. The flag did fly over the
Academy on Veteran’s Day and has been retired to the showcase located in the Tirrell (Main)
Building front entrance where it can be viewed by both visitors and students on a daily basis.
19
 Wynton Marsalis Visits NFA Campus

On November 3,
NFA students were
fortunate to benefit from
the words, wisdom and
wit of jazz great Wynton
Marsalis. A passionate
arts education advocate,
Marsalis spoke about the
universal language of jazz
and the power of
improvisation. “Really
deep down, you’re trying
to figure out who you
are,” he said. “That’s why
they get you at this age…
get you to dig something
called ‘teenage music’...
Jazz music is about the
power of now. Jazz forces
you to accept the deci-
sions of others, and to
hold yourself to a higher standard. By paying attention to
[other] musicians every day, I came to see that each musician
opens a door that lets you in to the very center of their being.”
Following his speech and a question & answer period,
Mr. Marsalis critiqued the NFA Jazz Band, working with the
group to better interpret John Coltrane’s “Blue Train.”
Alumnus Robert Burns ’47 and wife Janice, who sit on the
Board of Directors for Marsalis’ non-profit organization,
Jazz at Lincoln Center, generously facilitated the visit.

“All you have to do

is dig it.”
– Wynton Marsalis

20
Frank Center Dedication Ceremony & Opening Reception

The official dedication of

The Norwich Free Academy took place
on October 21, 1856, opening the
doors to its eleven-room structure for
the first time. On the same date, one
hundred forty-nine years later, NFA
held the dedication of its newest, state-
of-the-art building, The Sidney E.
Frank Center of Visual & Performing
Arts. Distinguished members of the
community, including NFA Board of
Trustees President Robert A. Staley ’68
and former Norwich Mayor Arthur L.
Lathrop, addressed more than 250
guests in the Slater Auditorium who
joined us to celebrate the opening of
the building and to recognize Mr.
Frank’s generosity.

The “grand opening” of the Sidney E. Frank Center of Visual and Performing Arts
was clearly a high point of our Sesquicentennial. Following the Dedication Ceremony
in the Auditorium, a larger-than-life Greek puppet and actors from the Flock Theatre
Company led guests to the new building. On all three floors, attendees sampled hors
d’oeuvres, cocktails, dessert and coffee as they were entertained and illuminated by
artistic demonstrations and musical performances throughout the evening. We were
excited to have several members of the Frank family with us, including Mr. Frank’s
sister Edna Frank Nowitz, daughter-in-law Gretchen Frank, and granddaughter
Alexandra Frank. In keeping with our focus at NFA, the party had a distinctly ethnic
flair, with food and music reflecting the diversity that is so much a part of the school.
The long tradition of philanthropy of the NFA family was also much in evidence – Jo
Disco, John H. Lee, Alma Linderson, and Eva Virginia Smith were also honored for
their generosity during the evening.

We are truly grateful for the loyalty and dedication of these generous benefactors and all those
who went before them for helping to make NFA such a wonderful institution.

21
 150th Anniversary Coverlet

Introducing The Norwich Free Academy

150th Anniversary Coverlet
This beautiful coverlet was commissioned by The Norwich
Free Academy and created by We Love Country. It is 100%
cotton, two-layer, Jacquard woven in the USA, preshrunk,
color fast, and machine washable. It is handsome and
practical and measures approximately 46 x 68 inches. It is
fringed on all four sides, is a beautiful blend of Cranberry Red
and Natural, and is available for only $40.00.

The design captures the history and spirit of NFA with the
The design captures the depiction of campus buildings from today and yesterday
and includes the Sesquicentennial Anniversary Seal. The perfect gift for
history and spirit of
alumni, family members and friends both near and far, it will become an
NFA with the depiction instant keepsake.
of campus buildings
Plan ahead for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Graduation when placing
from today and your order, as quantities of this original design are limited.
yesterday and includes
the Sesquicentennial
You can save shipping charges by picking up your coverlet at the NFA Alumni Office.
Anniversary Seal.
Please enter the desired quantity of coverlets:
#____________Coverlets @$40.00 each $__________
$5.00 Shipping (per coverlet) $__________
Subtotal $__________
Sales Tax (CT Resident’s Add 6%) $__________
Total Enclosed $__________

Make checks payable to: NFA Alumni Association

Mail check and order form to:

Levanto Alumni House
305 Broadway
Norwich, CT 06360
Send to:

Name: Class Year:

Address:

Town/State/Zip:

Phone: E-Mail:
22
 What have
Class Notes classmates
and friends
been up to?
What have
you been
up to? Let
us know!
1930's
Sigmund “Rocky” Laren ’33 celebrated his
91st birthday with family and friends at the
Griswold Inn in Essex, CT. A Waterford
CT resident, Mr. Laren spent the summer
of 2005 working on an outdoor home
maintenance project and doing some deep-
sea fishing. Mr. Laren remains active in
the Waterford Senior Center and is an
avid Red Sox and Patriots fan.
Helen Snarski Zaleski ’35 writes she has
land bordering the best part of Gardner’s
Lake. If anyone would like to use the land
for some group occasion, they can call
Helen at 860-859-0882 for additional
information.
Stewart MacGregory ’36 retired from the
National Broadcasting Co, Inc. He was
employed at first as a sound effects
technician in radio, then as a TV
production manager. Stewart worked with
Jack Paar, Perry Como and The Bell
Telephone Hour. During his last year at
NBC he worked on Saturday Night Live.
Robert Brand ’37 a widower for 11 years,
married Dr. Karen E. Blair of Pittsburgh
who has been taking care of him since he
had a serious fall in 1998. Robert also
writes that after three years as President of
the PA Central Orchestra he has passed on
the responsibility to younger and equally
enthusiastic hands.
Barbara Risley Edwards ’37 who suffers
from Alzheimer’s disease, now resides in
the dementia section of the Episcopal
Home in Alhambra, CA. Her husband
Marty is living alone in their condo.
Charles L. Nowosadko ’39 is the retired
owner of Charlie’s Supermarket and
Charlie’s Liquor Store on Hamilton
Avenue in Norwich.
Agnes Robinson Reichert ’39 loves living
in Florida. She writes that fortunately she
had no damage from the hurricanes.
1940's
Charley Weiss ’40 writes that he was
selected All-State in CT 1939 & 1940 and
was inducted into the Norwich Free
Academy Hall of Fame in 2001. Charley is
also a member of Cornell Hall of Fame for
Baseball & Football and as an Academy
student was the editor-in-chief of the
1940 Mirror.
Helen Wisnieski Wojtkiewizc ’42 writes
that at 81 years old she is still helping other
people. She may not make much money
but it gets her going in the morning. She
currently works with Alzheimer and
Parkinson patients staying with them three
hours each day making their meals and
helping them exercise.
John Tumicki ’43 rode out Hurricane
Katrina with three feet of water in his
house. John writes that it was some
experience, wading through the house
pushing the furniture out of the way, even
the refrigerator. House is OK! Fortunately
they have flood insurance to pay for repairs
and new furnishings.
Nancy Tamborra Donner ’46 is still
hosting international students, something
she has been doing since 1979. She just had
her 7th grandchild and invites alums
visiting Portland, Oregon to please call her
at 503-246-6133.
Loretta Leone Rispoli ’47 recently
returned from a pilgrimage to Prague,
Poland, Medjugorje, Rome, Padna &
Vienna and writes that it was awesome!
Loretta is a grandmother to six grand-
sons, six granddaughters and a great
grandmother to Tyler.
Dorothy Peringer Nelson ’48 is semi-
retired from nursing.
Frank Wagner ’48 writes, that he and Kitty
returned to South Alabama in early
November after their usual summer in
Connecticut. Katrina affects there (eastside
of Mobile Bay) were not too bad. He
sends best wishes to the Class of ’48.
Richard “Dick” Curland ’48 contributed
twenty stories as an associate editor to the
new book, The Nine Mile Square, published
by Bill Stanley Books for The Norwich
Historical Society. Four thousand copies
were published on November 25, 2005.
Helen Kobyluck Woronik ’48 recently was
awarded the American Cancer Society’s
prestigious “Lifetime Service Award” for
more than 35 years of volunteerism. As a
breast cancer survivor herself, Helen has
been volunteering in the Reach to
Recovery® program since 1984. In
February 2001 she became a Reach
coordinator and is responsible for
matching newly diagnosed patients with
appropriate volunteers. Helen has become
a role model and is well respected by her
peers for her dedication, empathy, and
willingness to lend a hand and serve. She
was recognized by fellow volunteers at a
reception in November and applauded for
more than 30 years of generosity. Ursula
Pussinen, community executive for the
Cancer Society said, “Helen is a most
elegant, most gracious lady who always has
a smile and brings sunshine into the lives of
those she knows!”
Reid Austin ’49 writes that Bulfinch will
publish his new book “Alberto Vargas” in
autumn ’06. His book is about the artwork
of the Peruvian-born American illustrator.
1950's
Ellecia Ross Sims ’50 and her husband
recently returned from a trip that they
took with members of the senior center to
Beijing, China. Ellecia writes that it was
very interesting to view some of the places
they had read about in school and since.
Her husband, Ray, climbed a section of
the Great Wall, and they also visited
Tiananmen Square, Beijing Zoo, Peking
Opera and Beijing Acrobatic Show.
Maureen Moore Caron ’50 writes that the
Class of 1950 members had a wonderful
time recently celebrating their 55th year
class reunion with a dinner at the U.S.
Coast Guard Officers Club and a class
picnic the following day at Acorn Acres
campground in Bozrah.
23
 Katherine Dennis Landry ’50 is sorry she
missed the 55th class reunion, but she had
just returned to Florida after attending
the June 15 awards night for her grandson,
Andrew W. Perry ’05, who graduated
June 17 from NFA. He is now attending
Georgetown University in Washington
D.C. and doing very well. Katherine writes
that she heard everyone had a super time at
the reunion.
Lucille Larose Gignac ’50 and Charles
Smith were married on November 4, 2004.
Bart Cody ’51 says hello and thanks to Jim
Northup, but asks “wasn’t Pop Congdon
kidding us with all that crazy talk about a
compounding curve?”
Robert & Betty Thiel Schmidt ’51 are so
proud of their granddaughter, Amber
Schmidt, who will be graduating from
NFA with the Class of 2006.
Therese Tessier Allyn ’52 and her husband,
Raymond, have three children, six grand-
children and two great-granddaughters.
Therese is a bookkeeper for Johnson’s
Flower & Gifts and Eastern Connecticut
Rehabilitation Centers in Lisbon.
Gerald Director ’52 is a senior partner in a
150-person litigation firm and a lecturer at
Cardozza Law School, Brooklyn Law
School and Bar Association in New York.
Gerry will be celebrating a 50th wedding
anniversary and is the proud grandfather of
four granddaughters.
Joanne Fearn LeCount ’52 writes “No
more goats after 30 years of goat herding.
What’s next? CHICKENS!”
Loy W. Conley ’53 officially retired in 2005
after 43 years of being self-employed as a
graphic artist.
Deedee Kirby Bosko ’53 is enjoying life in
Southern California! She keeps busy
working part time and visits Groton Long
Point each summer. She still keeps in
touch with Mary Carroll Flynn Fitzgerald.
Mary Jane Smith Papson ’53 and her
husband, Tom, celebrated their 4th
wedding anniversary with a trip to Jiminy
Peak in the Berkshires. Between her
stepsons and her own sons and son-in-law,
she now has 6 sons plus 9 grandchildren.
Mary Jane and Tom visit back and forth
with Carole Sorenson Morell ’53 and her
husband Attorney Konnie Morell ’48, plus
they bring their animals for a visit too!
24
Sandra Orme Grant ’53 and William G.
Grant, Jr. ’53 were wed on May 28, 2005.
They were high school sweethearts in their
senior year at NFA.
Bob Haiman ’53 spent the last week of
July and all of August in the cardiac care
ward of NY-Presbyterian Hospital after
suffering three heart attacks and four heart
operations. The good new is that his
doctors say he is on the mend and he feels
better each day. “Fortunately, I was in the
NY apartment when the first heart attack
happened July 25 and that’s only 14 blocks
from NY-Presbyterian, one of the great
cardiac hospital in the world. I was on my
way – the next week – for five weeks on
safari in Africa. If the attack had happened
just eight days later, I would have been
camped out on the Skeleton Coast of
Namibia, 200 miles into the bush, and the
outcome would have been very different.
The next two attacks, less serious, came
while I still was in the hospital.” Bob says,
“Live every day as if it might be your last,
and thank God for every day you live.”
Henry “Hank” R. Pearson ’53 has flunked
retirement and has returned to the practice
of accounting and financial services on a
part-time basis – or so he claims!
Peter Weiner ’55 retired in January ’04
after 38 years as a psychotherapist at
Bellefaire Jewish Children’s Bureau. Peter
has been married for 45 years and has two
sons and five grandchildren. He has been
traveling and enjoying retirement! He
writes that it was great seeing everyone at
the 50th class reunion.
Carol Ferry Bisagni ’56 was widowed in
2003 after 33 years of marriage. She has
three adult children - one who resides in
California and two in Maryland. Carol has
been keeping herself active within her
church and community.
Marjorie Algiere Whipple ’56 retired in
2003 and since retiring needed a hobby
and became interested in watercolors. Her
artwork is for sale in local galleries and
shops in Maine. Marjorie writes that it is
very exciting that her art pictures have
traveled to all parts of the U.S. Anyone
interested in seeing her collection can
email her at: seabreeze57@midmaine.com
John B. Donovan ’57 retired after 35
years at Mt. St. John Home & School for
Boys as Director of Social Services. He
and his wife, Anne, have three children –
John J. Donovan, Kate D. Sullivan, and
Timothy B. Donovan and eight grand-
children. Now that he is retired, John and
Anne enjoy traveling.
Mary Ann Ludlow Hastings ’57 dropped
us a short note to let us know that many
“57” graduates went on to be the Class of
“60” at Wm. W. Backus Hospital, and
recently held their 45th reunion in
Sprague, CT. They are all looking forward
to their NFA 50th reunion in 2007.
Gabrielle “Gay” Giguere Ingram ’57 a
Texas-based author, whose writing career
began fifteen years ago when she trans-
formed an interest in herbs into a
newsletter offering information on the
topic to others, recently had her third
novel, Troubled Times, published by
PublishAmerica. A local college creative
writing course sparked her interest in
fiction writing and now Gay enjoys writing
about ordinary people overcoming
extraordinary circumstances from her
home in East Texas. Her first novel, ‘Til
Death Do Us Part, was released in 2001 and
was enjoyed by many. Gay visited with
history classes on the NFA campus in
March and led a book discussion and
signing for NFA alumni and friends. Gay
can be contacted at gayingram@att.net.
You can purchase her book at
www.PublishAmerica.com or through your
favorite bookstore.
Joan Aggard Newth ’57 resides in Arizona
and would like fellow alums residing in the
Arizona area to contact her to discuss the
possibility of her hosting another reunion.
She looks forward to getting everyone
together again. You can contact Joan at:
1725 East Kael St, Mesa AZ 85203; via
email: joan.newth@cox.net or phone at
480-641-5555, as they moved after the
most recent alumni directory was
published. Joan and her husband are
looking forward to attending her 50th year
reunion in 2007!
Brenda L. Babbitt ’58 writes that as a
Professor of Business and English she has
been assisting students who are obtaining a
university education since 1989. She has
also assisted children’s homes by donating
items and educational support. Since 2005
she has a new on-going project to assist
the Tarahumara Indian mountain people,
living in the Creel area of the State of
Chihuahua in Mexico with dire needs for
medicine and hospital supplies for their
hospital. Brenda happened to be on a quick
vacation to Copper Canyon/Creel and
discovered the Tarahumara situation. In
her opinion, there are no accidents and she
feels she was directed by a higher power to
assist those in dire need so that they survive
and have a better quality of life in their
country. She lives a happy simple life in
Mazatlan with her little dog, Buddy.
Brenda writes that there is a large retire-
ment community and 26 miles of ocean to
enjoy as a resident or tourist and it would
be a great place for a reunion! Brenda
would love to hear from alumni who can
contact her at profbrenda@yahoo.com.
Laraine Lake Welch ’58 writes that she is
very proud whenever she is visiting in
the Norwich area and brings her family to
the NFA campus. They are always so
impressed over its size, the well-kept
buildings, the opportunities offered and
the Museum leaves most everyone gasping.
The track/football field area is just
fabulous and Laraine especially loves how
the school keeps growing. She writes that
this tells her that so many other students
are as lucky as she was to be a part of NFA.
Sandra Turano Harrod ’58 sends a sunny
hello from San Antonio, Texas. She is
looking forward to retiring in 2006 from
Clear Channel Communications and her
position as Assistant to the Chairman of
the Board to spend time with her husband,
Tom, and their four grandchildren Myles
16, Lindsey 9, Madison 7 and Reese 2.
Diane Albertine Norman ’58 is working
part time at the Otis Library in the geneal-
ogy and local history department. She has
worked twenty-five years as a reference
librarian and eight years as reference
department head. Diane has 3 grandsons,
ages 6 and 11, two living in Boulder, CO
and one living in Mystic, CT. She is
enjoying country living, yoga and research.
Carol Williams ’58 wrote to say that she
has been teaching court reporting and
broadcast captioning for 30 years and this
year was named Sarasota (Florida) County
teacher of the year. She is the daughter of
James A. Williams ’27 (deceased) and
Dorothy H. Williams ’32, who is living
with Carol in Sarasota. Carol said, “As I
graduated from NFA, I told my parents I
would never be a teacher. How wise Dad
was when he told me to take education
classes as my elective. Hope to see y’all at
the 50th.”
1960's
Tanya Arundel Goodman ’60 is married to
a physician and has two sons who live in
San Francisco. One is a real estate broker
and the other an artist.
Jane Niestzyzewski Leone ’60 and her
recently retired husband, Bill Leone ’58,
have three children and 4 grandchildren
that they enjoy babysitting for.
Burton Avery ’61 retired on February 28,
2006 and is enjoying himself, and can not
find enough hours in a day. He is looking
forward to the 45th class reunion.
Donald A Steinman ’61 was the interim
Superintendent of Schools for Norwich
Public Schools from July 1 to November
30, 2005. He resides in Norwich.
Robin C. Spencer ’62 has led a very active
life in New Britian, CT. He is a retired
newspaper editor, a two-term city council-
man, one-time mayoral candidate and
served on numerous boards, commissions
and boards of charitable agencies. As
journalism is not a method to gain wealth,
Robin writes that his value to the
community was his time. He has authored
historical pamphlets and publications. He
was president of the choir in 1962 and has
sung semi-professionally most of his life, as
a church soloist, founder of a barbershop
quartet which raised thousands for charity,
a leader in musical club and a participant
in major musical endeavors. As a journalist
he interviewed such luminaries as Robert
Merrill, Roberta Peters, Victor Borge,
Duke Ellington, Tony Randall, Sammy
Davis Jr., Bob Hope, Bob Cousy, Mickey
Mantle, Larry Bird and many more. He
valued his life at NFA and writes that it
served him well.
Alan & Susan Beller Hyman ’63 dropped
us a note letting us know that they love
spending the winters in Naples, Florida.
Dorothy Conaty Matherne ’63 and her
husband Gene made their home in
Abbeville Louisiana. Her husband passed
away on December 4, 2003. They have two
beautiful daughters: Charlene, their oldest,
is a teacher and her husband Troy Martin
is a doctor. Charlene and Troy blessed
them with two grandsons, Connor 8 1/2
and Jacob 6 1/2. Charlene and Troy are
going to bless the family around July or
August of 2006 by adopting a daughter
from China. Dorothy can hardly wait
to hold her and love her like she does
her grandsons. Her other daughter,
Charlotte, lives at home and works two
jobs. Dorothy loves spending time with
family and friends and would be
interested to hear from classmates from
the Class of ’63.
Susan Stevens McKay ’63 is semi-retired
due to a diabetic condition but is a hostess
at Mary Mac’s Tearoom in Georgia on
the weekends.
Margaret “Maggie” Weir Walker ’63
appeared on the January 11, 2006 airing
of Good Morning America as part of a
feature on baby boomers reaching the big
“60.” It was in connection with a course
that she teaches called “Retirement
Challenge” for the Women’s Resource
Center of Sarasota County.
Carol Chmiel Farrell ’64 has been married
40 years to Joe Farrell Sr. ’62. Together
they have two children, Joe Jr. and Jim,
and two grandchildren, Jim Jr. (12) and
Cindy (10).
Edward Lavallee ’65 was appointed the
City Manager of Newport, Rhode Island
on October 12, 2005. He had been the
interim city manager for three months
prior to his appointment. The city council
conducted a nationwide search for the
position, interviewing many candidates
from across the country, but they
ultimately were so impressed with Ed that
they asked him to apply for the position
based on his performance as the interim
manager and his advanced degrees. Ed
holds a bachelor’s degree in political
science from UConn and a master’s degree
in public administration from the
University of New Haven. He has also
earned an associate’s degree in life science
from Mitchell College and is a graduate of
the advanced executive leadership institute
at Harvard Business School.
Kathleen Kellcher Belinga ’66 is teaching
high school French in Columbia, South
Carolina. She and her husband have three
sons (including a set of twins) in college.
James is attending West Point graduating
in 2006, John attends Boston College,
Class of 2009 and Fritz attends Belmont
Abbey College, also Class of 2009.
Norman Berman ’66 celebrated the 23rd
anniversary of the 1982 founding of
Berman DeValerio Pease Tabacco Burt &
Pucillo, a nationwide law firm prosecuting
class actions on behalf of individuals and
institutions, chiefly victims of securities
fraud and antitrust law violations. The
firm now includes 34 lawyers in MA, CA,
and FL.
Lea Herbst Sage ’67 from North Carolina
writes, “ The longer I teach and work with
students just entering high school, the
more I appreciate the quality of education
offered by NFA. Your programs continue
to stand head and shoulders above
everything I see here.”
25
 Susanna Coffey ’67 recently had some of
her self-portraits featured at the Lyme
Academy “Looking at Herself” exhibition
held in February 2006.
Marjorie Lorinsky Kreschollek ’67 and her
husband, William, became grandparents
for the first time this past September when
their oldest son Bill and his wife Laura
presented them with a beautiful grand-
daughter, Lindsey Elizabeth. Their
younger son, Thomas, will receive his
Ph.D, in Chemistry this coming July from
the University of Texas in Austin.
Sharon Brannegan Slusser ’67 became a
grandmother again for the 13th time on
March 28, 2006. Her son, Richard, and his
wife, Gemma, had their second child, a
boy. Richard will be graduating in May as
a state trooper in Vermont. Sharon also
writes that her daughter, Allison, will be
graduating in May from George Mason
University and her son, Bill, just returned
from his second tour of duty in Iraq and
her twins will be graduating from high
school in June and will be college bound in
the fall.
Daniel K. Anderson ’68 recently became
the Associate Pastor of Congregational
Care at Christ Presbyterian Church in
Edina, MN.
Almyra Tefft Hornberger ’68 will retire in
June 2006 from teaching. She and her
husband will be moving to Maine to come
home to New England. Almyra has taught
in Connecticut, California and Kentucky.
John Slaga ’68 attended the Electronic
World Show at the Hong Kong
Convention Center last October. During a
visit to China. He purchased part of a new
factory which makes cables for the new flat
panel plasma and LCD TV’s.
Michael F. Morosky ’68
was recently elected
President of the Medical
Staff at Johnson Memorial
Hospital in Stafford
Springs, CT after serving
as Chairperson of the
Department of Surgery
and Chief of OB/GYN
for the last 2 years.
Carol Kloss Green ’69 writes that her
daughter turned 21 in December and is a
graphic artist. Her son, who is sixteen, is a
soccer player for the West Genesee High
School in Camillus, NY.
26
1970's
MaryAnn Sardo Grim ’70 welcomed her
first grandchild, Rubystarr Mae Grim,
in 2005.
Donna Brannegan Dutrumble ’72 and her
husband, Jim, celebrated their 30th
wedding anniversary this year with their
children Dan and Amy, and their spouses
Cheryl and Mike. Donna writes that she
has three beautiful grandchildren, Adam,
Anna and Jaden.
Joyce Banas Finlayson ’72 is retiring after
30 years of teaching at Nathan Hale High
School in Moodus, CT.
Donna Smigiel O’Meara ’72 received
national recognition by NSTA, The
National Science Teacher’s Association,
for her young reader’s book entitled Into
the Volcano (Kids Can Press 2005) as an
Outstanding Non-Fiction Book for 2005.
The book was written and photographed
by Donna who is also a National
Geographic Society funded explorer. Her
writing and photographs appear frequently
in National Geographic, Life, Hawaii and
dozens of other magazines. This is Donna’s
first children’s book.
William R. Wilson ’72 has moved his
home back to New England and is living in
Bedford, NH. He continues to build heart
centers and is starting another open-heart
program in South Arkansas. In February
he led a medical mission to Lima, Peru.
Laurie Beller Sklar ’73 writes that she
reinvented herself. She trained at
Connecticut K-9 in Newington, CT to
become a professional groomer. She then
returned to Costa Rica where she lives
with her husband, two yellow napped
Amazon Parrots, a yellow lab and a
shepherd mix puppy. Laurie opened Doggi
Divino Grooming Salon in October 2005
and says “Woof.”
Donna Swedin ’73 received her MBA
from the University of St. Thomas in
Minneapolis, Minnesota on December 16,
2005. She is currently employed as the
Director of Sales Operations for PLATO
Learning, Inc., an educational software
company headquartered in Minnesota.
Michael J. Charron ’74 relocated to the
Killingly area four years ago. He and his
wife, Linda, work in social service areas.
Mike works in a facility that councils
incarcerated male offenders in a Drug and
Alcohol treatment program. Linda is a
group home aide working with older
adults. Mike has also been on staff with the
Martin House in Norwich for the past six
years. He loves working with the Martin
House clients and thinks the world of
them! Mike & Linda enjoy travel and
camping and always plan trips around
Mike’s passion for genealogy research.
Mike’s ancestors were some of the
founders of Kennebunkport, Maine.
Mike jokes, “My family was definitely
in Kennebunkport before the George
Bush’s!” He has traced some branches of his
family tree to the 1600’s throughout New
England. Mike is on the Killingly Public
Safety Commission that is affiliated with
the resident Connecticut State Troopers
Office and is also on the Board of Directors
for Killingly/Brooklyn Ambulance Inc.
James N. Kornilieff ’74 lives in Windsor
Locks with his wife, Lori, in the new home
they built. James is still employed with
Coca-Cola in East Hartford and is getting
ready to start his 27th year with them. He
sends his best to his former classmates.
Robert Faille ’74 writes that he recently
passed the seven month mark in Iraq and
that it has most definitely been a busy
seven months. Bob is the Operations
Officer for the Iraq Assistance Group.
They request, train and deploy all the
military assistance teams that are working
with the Iraqi Security Forces. As the
Iraqis get better, they are able to reduce
U.S. troop presence, so in a sense you can
say what they are doing is part of the exit
strategy for the combat brigades. Bob says
it is still a dangerous place but not like
it’s portrayed on the news and that there is
a lot of good going on. Most of the
provinces are quite peaceful with only
about four of them being the focal point
for what we see on television.
Linda Dingivan Bernard ’75 dropped us
a note letting us know her son, Kyle
Bernard ’01, graduated with honors from
Wentworth Institute of Technology in
Boston, MA. He received a BS in
Mechanical Engineering Technologies
and is employed at Babcock Power in
Worcester, MA.
Brian G. Gauthier ’76 lives in Glastonbury,
CT where he and his wife, Betsy, are busy
raising their two children, Emily (12) and
Joe (8). Brian and Betsy are celebrating
their 20th wedding anniversary in 2006.
Sue Huber Filiatreault ’78 and her
husband, Brian, are both retired and live in
Sprague. Their 11-year-old daughter, Kim,
keeps them busy with soccer and
basketball. In their free time Sue and
Brian love to hunt and fish.
1980's
Laureen Lemire Anthony ’80 lives in
Griswold with her husband, Ron, and kids
Christopher (14) and Rachel (9). Laureen
is a high school English teacher, is active in
cancer advocacy and determined to finish
that novel.
Keven & Lynnette Piacenza Lundy ’81
send congratulations out to their son,
Sean, who will graduate from Montville
High School with the Class of 2006, and
wish him luck and success as he pursues a
career in civil engineering.
Jeffrey A. Crouch ’82 was awarded his
Ph.D. in Political Science and Criminal
Justice in August 2004 from the University
of Idaho. He retired from law enforcement
in Idaho and returned to the Norwich area.
He is the new Criminal Justice Program
Coordinator at Three Rivers Community
College in Norwich and is living in Jewett
City with his wife, Barbara, and their
two children MinaBella (2), and Donald
Howard (16 months).
Jessica Bruce ’83 is still in New York City,
but visits her mother in Norwich regularly.
She is in touch with Jill Sweezey Alexandre
’83 who lives in Provence, France and her
family. Susan Tillinghast Sainsbury ’83
and her wonderful family are in touch
from Illinois, as well. In March Jessica was
named a trustee of Wheaton College in
Massachusetts.
Reva Schlessinger Winston ’83 recently
welcomed a new baby daughter, Lily
Judith, born November 17, 2005 weighing
7 pounds 5 ounces. Big brother, Ethan
Samuel, (10 1/2) and dad, Peter Winston,
are thrilled too! Everyone says “hello” from
Boston, MA and proud Aunt Marla ’80 says
“hi” from Fort Lauderdale, FL!
Jo Pepin Edgar ’83 married Thomas D.
Edgar, on June 12, 2004. Tom is originally
from Arizona. They both work at Gates
Correctional Institution in Niantic, CT
and Jo is now expecting their first child, a
girl, Peyton Renee.
Carl Amt ’84 will have an exhibition
featuring his paintings shown at
Galleryplanb located at 1530 Fourteenth
Street NW in Washington DC from
April 19 – May 21, 2006. Carl is a 1988
graduate of Maryland Institute College of
Art in Baltimore with a BFA degree in
General Fine Arts. Carl’s current work
deals with the human condition, is rich
with sarcasm and irony, and offers a unique
form of social commentary. He uses
stenciled text and bold images to create
double meanings in each piece. Carl’s work
is inspired by things he sees, hears or
experiences but is wide open to the viewer’s
own interpretation. His mixed media
paintings have been exhibited in several
group shows over the past 20 years in
Washington, DC and Baltimore. He is an
original member of “SCAM,” an artists’
group formed in 2000.
Margaret Piechowski Rankowitz ’85
celebrated the birth of her third child on
February 7, 2005. Emma Louise joins her
big brothers, Ethan (5) and Jacob (3).
Peggy also passed the OCN exam in
October 2005 and is now an Oncology
Nurse and an employee of the WW
Backus Hospital Cancer Center.
Laura Olofson Filby ’85 had a baby girl,
Emma Gail, 9 pounds 3 oz. on February 24,
2005. Emma joins her brother, Kyle, who
is now 4 years old. Laura continues to
work as an Emergency Room RN in a busy
Detroit hospital. Laura also is a CPR
Instructor for Oakland City, MI. She
would love to hear from classmates at
Rfilby@aol.com.
Kim Sullivan ’85 married Steven Young in
September 2003. They announce the birth
of Zachary James Young, born on February
20, 2006. Kim is a nurse at the VAMC in
Albuquerque, New Mexico and serves as a
Lieutenant for the Naval Reserves Nurse
Corps. The family resides in Albuquerque.
Vicki Botnick ’86 is married to Joshua
Meyer. They have one daughter, Auden
(2), and another one on the way. Vicki is
working as film historian at the American
Film Institute in Los Angeles.
Karen Fortier ’86 sends greetings from
Alaska! Karen and her husband, Chuck
Tomkiewicz, happily announce the birth of
their daughter, Riley Hazel Tomkiewicz,
on November 2, 2005. Karen and Chuck
have worked for the National Park Service
at Denali National Park for 13 years and
reside in nearby Healy, AK with their 13
sled dogs.
Maureen Leta Ducret ’86 lives in Old
Greenwich, CT with her three children,
Nicole (6 1/2), L. Charles (4 1/2) and
Eric (3).
Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Ramos ’86 was
awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious
achievement and gallantry while serving
in Iraq. He is currently stationed at
Ft. Bragg, NC.
Melissa Perkins-Banas ’88 was inducted
into the latest edition of Who’s Who of
American Women, a national publication of
accomplished women of distinction.
Melissa holds a dual doctorate degree in
psychology – one in clinical and the other
in school psychology – from Albert
Einstein College of Medicine in New
York. She is a school psychologist in the
Plainfield school system.
Sheri Steinman Tardiff ’88 and Marc
Tardiff were married on July 18, 2004 at
the Saybrook Point Inn and reside in
Mystic, CT. Sheri is a kindergarten
teacher in North Stonington and the
cheerleading coach for Wheeler High
School in North Stonington, CT.
Michael A. Davignon ’89 is in the MBA
Program at Wake Forest University, Class
of 2007.
27
 1990's
Jessica Bennett ’90 and her husband,
Stephen Burt, are thrilled to announce
the birth of their first child, Nathan Miles
Bennett Burt, on January 14, 2006. The
family lives in Saint Paul, where Jessica
is a freelance web designer and writer,
and Stephen is chair of the English
Department at Macalester College.
Melissa Allen Brown ’90 just had another
baby! A son, Maxwell Warren, was born
on October 19, 2005. Max has a big
sister, Meredith (4), and a big brother,
Zachery (5 1/2).
Julie Speight Harty ’90 and husband,
Attorney Joseph P. Harty, had their second
son, Brendan Patrick, on Oct. 26, 2005.
They own a small Irish type pub in
Massachusetts and have started a small law
practice in Western Mass. If you would
like to drop a line, your can email Julie at:
hartyjule@yahoo.com.
Chrystal Smith Williams ’90 is employed
as a recreation therapist. She was married
in 2000 to Curtis Williams of Boise, Idaho
and is the mother of Forest, born
December 26, 2005.
Matthew Kapszukiewicz ’91, his wife Jenny
and children Joey and Sophia, have
returned from a four and a half year
assignment in London. Matt is the HR
leader for PWC's Transaction Services
practice based in New York City.
Jason & Tracy Robtoy Wigfield ’91
announced they have a son born June 30,
2004. Jason works as an auto technician
and Tracy is an elementary school teacher
in Montville.
Joel A. Steinman ’91 and his wife, Amy,
are the proud parents of two children.
Bethany, born February 4, 2004 and,
Samuel, born August 17, 2005. They
reside in Colchester, CT and Joel is the
owner of a Minuteman Press located in
Hartford, CT.
Courtney Disch Langford ’91 and Ransom
Langford had a baby girl, Caroline Lucille,
in December 2004.
Zoe K. Athas ’93 earned her Master’s
Degree in Clinical Psychology from Saint
Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont.
Her primary clinical focus is post traumatic
stress and anxiety related conditions.
28
Melissa Davis Gordon ’95 and her
husband, Matt, had a baby girl on July 4,
2005, named Sarah Madison Gordon.
Melissa writes that she’s beautiful, bright
and healthy!
Timothy Lassiter ’95 has just become a
published author. His first book, a
detective novel entitled Three Degrees of
Separation, was just released by Author-
House and is available online through
Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble, as well
as through the publisher. A synopsis of the
book, a preview of the opening chapter, an
author bio and further information may be
obtained at authorhouse.com. Timothy’s
younger brother, Robin Myers, graduated
this past June from NFA. Timothy may be
reached at timlass@comcast.net.
Kristin Hanson Devlin ’96 married
Doug Devlin on September 29, 2003 at
St. Patrick Cathedral in Norwich. Kristin is
currently a Senior Art Director working at
TM Advertising in Dallas, Texas. Doug is
an Attorney and Financial Planner. Kristen
writes that she can’t wait for the reunion!
Amy Brockway ’97 is now living in
Virginia and finishing her MBA studies at
Darden School of Business. She recently
announced her engagement to Matthew
Myer and will be married in Norwich in
September 2006.
Julie Arpin Holt ’98 married Patrick Kevin
Holt on March 19, 2005. They live in
West Des Moines, IA with their cat Hope.
Philip Jones ’98 recently left his job with
Accenture as a technical consultant and is
currently volunteering with a program
called WorldTeach, which is associated
with Harvard’s Center for International
Development. He will be teaching English
in Loja, Ecuador for about a year. As a side
project, he plans to paint a mural together
with members of the community.
Tabitha Lee Banker ’99 was married on
June 14, 2005 to Robert B. Banker Jr.
They have a five-year old daughter,
Samantha. In May of 2005 Tabitha
received her Associates Degree in Science
from Three Rivers Community College.
She is currently attending UCONN where
she is pursuing her BSN at the School of
Nursing and will be graduating in May
2007. Tabitha and her family reside in
Uncasville, CT.
Aaron Bernard ’99 & Heather Moore
Bernard ’99 were married on June 4,
2005. Five of the six members of their
wedding party were graduates of NFA:
Jenna Reinert ’99 maid of honor, Erika
Gustafson ’99 bridesmaid, Kyle Bernard
’01 best man, Matt Sabolesky ’00 usher,
and Dennis Blanchard ’01 usher.
Lisa Coombs Caplet ’99 and Justin Caplet
were married on June 28, 2003. Gideon
Caplet was born on December 14, 2005.
Tisha Morgan Izzarelli ’99 and Anthony
Izzarelli were married on October 4, 2003.
They have two daughters, Allia who is four
years old and Emma who is two. Tisha is a
stay at home mom and resides with her
family in Taftville, CT.
Jacquelyn Malia ’99 graduated cum laude
with a bachelor’s degree in Personality
Psychology from Suffolk University in
Boston, Massachusetts. She moved to
Coram, New York last summer to pursue
her master’s degree in School Counseling
at Long Island University.
ShaunaBeth Mandelburg ’99 and Graig M.
Paradiso ’99 were wed on July 20, 2005 in
Avondale, Arizona. They currently reside
in Arizona where Graig still works for
the United States Air Force. ShaunaBeth
graduated from Charter Oak State College
this year with a Bachelor of Science degree
in Health Studies and Management.
Lauren Sharron Thorstenson ’99 graduated
in May 2003 from Southern New
Hampshire University with a BA in
Psychology and a minor in Sociology.
She is currently working at Lawrence and
Memorial Hospital as a Mental Health
Counselor and is attending the RN
program at Three Rivers Community
College. Lauren joined the Army
National Guard in April 2000 and
currently holds the rank of Lieutenant.
On April 23, 2005 she married Gary
Thorstenson, Jr. who is currently serving
overseas in Afghanistan.
2000's
Sarah Smith Picard ’00 and Richard Picard
’99 were wed last December. They reside
in upstate New York where Rick works for
US Customs and Sarah is the director of an
at- risk youth program.
Kyle Bernard ’01 graduated with honors
from Wentworth Institute of Technology
in Boston, MA. He received a BS in
Mechanical Engineering Technologies and
is employed at Babcock Power in
Worcester, MA.
Bior Guigni ’01 moved to California to
study business and has taken some fashion
design and marketing classes. She
currently works in the hospitality field in a
four-star hotel that she says is one of the
best up and coming companies in the
United States. She states she is very happy
but does hope to move back to the east
before settling on her career.
Amanda Guillemette ’01 graduated from
ECSU in August of 2005 with a degree in
Sociology. She is currently working for
Sound Community Services Inc. in New
London, CT as a Rehab Specialist.
Christine L’Homme ’01 became engaged
to William Snyder Jr. on Father’s Day,
June 19, 2005. They had been together for
about three years when he proposed on
that day, in remembrance of both their
fathers. They currently reside in Groton
and a fall 2007 wedding is planned.
Heather Stone ’01 a Sergeant with the US
Army, recently sent us an email letting us
know that she is doing just fine. She is
living in Germany but currently stationed
in Iraq, where she is about half way
through her second tour of duty.
Krista Rappahahn ’02 took part in the 18th
Annual ESPN College Slam Dunk &
Three-Point Championship that was held
at Butler University in Indianapolis,
Indiana in March 2006. This year Krista
helped Stanford University to the
Elite Eight for the third-straight
season. During the course of the
year, she broke the
school record for
three-point shots
in a single season,
making 91 treys in
her senior year. She
finished the year
ranked No. 12 in the
nation and No. 1 in
the Pac-10 confer-
ence in three-point
percentage (48.8%
from beyond the
arc). Krista was re-
cently on the cover
of the Stanford
University Alumni
magazine, which
highlighted why balancing stellar sports
and serious study are getting harder all the
time for scholar-athletes. Krista mentioned
in the article that as a junior she wanted to
study abroad but it was very difficult to
leave the basketball team for a quarter. She
did, however, find a happy compromise
when she spent two and a half weeks with
a Stanford class in Baja, Mexico. This
gave her the opportunity to cross-train,
experience a new culture and get back to
the team in a relatively short amount of
time. The Pacific-10 Conference recently
recognized her for her academic achieve-
ments, earning All-Academic accolades.
To be eligible for the selection to the
academic team, a student-athlete must
have a minimum of 3.0 overall grade
point average and be either a starter or
significant contributor. Krista will be
graduating this year from Stanford, with a
major in human biology and is planning to
start medical school in a year or two.
William Bashelor ’03, a student at
Dartmouth College, studied philosophy in
Edinburgh, Scotland this past Fall as part
of the college’s foreign study program.
Aaron Robarge ’03 is the drum major for
the Louisiana State University Tigers
Marching Band. As the drum major Aaron
oversees 325 band members, trains band
section leaders, and leads the marching
band during performances. Aaron is a
music education major and would like to
teach music at the high school level.
Nicholas Orzechowski ’04 spent time over
his Thanksgiving break at NFA attending
the Introduction to Politics class and
teaching a lesson “How the Military Has
Become a Tool of Policy.” This was a
planned lesson that he and Laura Binder,
Calling all NFA Alumni:
Let's Stay Connected Name:
The NFA Alumni Association Address:
welcomes information about
events taking place in the Town/State/Zip:
lives of our fellow graduates.
If you have information you Home Phone:
would like us to include in the
magazine, please fill out this
E-Mail Address:
form and mail it to:
Linda Clang Ververis '78
Director of Alumni Relations
The Norwich Free Academy
305 Broadway
Norwich, CT 06360
an NFA history teacher, had worked on.
He brought a wealth of information from
his studies at Virginia Military Institute,
where he is now in his second year. Nick
and fellow NFA classmate, Jonathan
Restivo, were founding members of the
Young Voters’ Society and continue to give
back whenever they come home.
Jonathan Restivo ’04 visited NFA history
teacher, Laura Binder, and her Introduction
to Politics class during his winter break and
had a discussion with the students on his fall
semester internship with the Republican
National Congressional Committee. In
his second year at UConn, Jon was able to
see DC politics up close and shared his
experiences and the process with the
students. Jon and fellow NFA classmate,
Nick Orzechowski, were founding mem-
bers of the Young Voters’ Society.
Kyle Stilwell ’04 joined an NFA Politics
class for a discussion on Senate/House bills
during his winter break from college.
Having just declared his major of
American Politics at West Point, where
he’s in his second year, he was a
tremendous help to Laura Binder’s class.
Forrest Matthews ’04 was awarded the Boy
Scout Eagle Award at a Court of Honor
held in January 2006.
Akiya Abe ’05 a freshman at Connecticut
College is a volunteer for the America
Reads Program. The main goal of the
program is to have all elementary school
students read at grade level. Connecticut
College students complete a reading
training program and are matched with
classroom teachers. The students assist as
teacher aides, provide one-to-one tutoring
and teach small groups.
Class Year:
Business Phone:
 Deceased
The following is a list of NFA graduates who are known to have passed away between September 2, 2005 and
April 1, 2006. We express our deepest sympathy to their families and classmates. They will be missed.

1922 1939 1947 cont. 1965

Charlotte Bentley Foote
1925
Morton Hawkey
1926
Sadie Goldberg Botnick
1929
Wilfrid Cote
Louise Higgins Crowell
Irene Gordon Moore*
1930
Irving Castle
Gertrude Thumm Potter
Anna Ponatishen Wronowski
1931
Mildred Thompson Hastedt
Margaret West McGill
1933
Rose Schwartz Cooper
Caroline Noyes Schieren
1934
Arthur Cotter
John Ouellet
Doris Sandberg Royce
Esther O'Mara Sanford
1935
John Friswell
Charles James
1936
Gertrude Galligan
Joyce Johnson Getchell
Marion LeBuis
Eugenia Frankoff Murphy
Minnie Schoenberg
1937
Cecelia Hoffman Andrzecik
Peter Christopher
Jean Hastedt Clack
Bertha Chmielecki Frechette
Kathleen Donovan Gribbin
Raymond Wheeler
1938
Leona Chinigo Conti
Sidney Frank
Anita Treckmann Hospod
Evelyn Crouch Johnson
Katherine Sullivan Ouellet
William Shugrue,Jr.
30
Virginia Collins Davidson Joseph Stanulonis Allan Huhtala
Zena Ariewitz Goldberg Mae Van Dyke Judith Howard Romanowski
George Gorden John Whitehill
Alexander Kowalczyk 1966
Charlotte Lathrop 1948 Linda Larue Lewis
John McGill,Sr. William Burgess,Jr. Jo Ann Paprocki Parker
Helen Walukiewicz Simkowski Thomas Meagher
Arthur Sylvia Nancy Kerrigan Nowosadko 1967
Dorothy L'Homme Yerkes Larry Laisi
1940 Ralph Liepold,Jr.
Viola Troeger Hafner 1949 Frank Yankiewicz
Virginia Maxson Kay John Kavanaugh
Arthur Murray Hildra Bradbury Ray* 1968
Ann Slaga Matthews
1941 1950
Mary Sakellarides Kizanis Karl Becker 1970
John Morgan Joan Atterbury Griffin Nadine Connell Howard
Robert Papp
1942 1972
Loretta Korenkiewicz Custer 1951 Paulette Luty Larkin
Dorothy Spurgas Mitchell Marshall Dressler Larry Pudvah
Charlotte Ranger Alice Winkler Murphy
Florence Aubrey Remondi 1974
1952 Mark Coleman
1943 Dolores Bujnowski Lookingbill Lisa Donatello Koltiska
Frances Czikowsky Banks Jeanne Weady Prokop Ronald Lepage
Thomas Carberry,Jr. William Schissler
Shirley Seidel Congdon 1976
Enza Pasqualini 1953 Cynthia McGrath
Anthony Fratoni
1944 Lorraine Colburn Nagy 1978
Milton Eccleston Jason King
Richard Herrmann 1954
George Hull Nancy Diehl Stuart 1979
Peter Ladyka Thomas Leclair
1955
1945 Richard Legare 1994
Robert Bokoff Bennie Nowakowski Daniel Grenon
Michael Conway Donald Pineault
Mary Edwards* Philip Rogers 1998
Faith Newbury Gorden Dan Kulp
Teresa Taraskiewicz Onuparik 1956
Shirley Santo Tremblay Ann Berberick Dutilly 2003
Theresa Stanulonis Viadella Kathleen Waldron Starno Debra-Ann Dodds
1946 1957
Dolores Comrack Avery Adele Martin Morrison *Deceased prior to
Frederick Benson September 2, 2005
William Edwardsen 1958
Shirley Mossy King Joseph Coyle
Correction: Sharon Feraco
Henry Pitcher Robert Demis
Richard Rogers Daigle ’74 & Agnes Desmarais
1947 Peltier ’41 were inadvertently
Norman Cramer 1960 listed as deceased in the Fall 2005
Marjorie Stoudt Bahr Peter Olsen,Sr. newsletter. We apologize to
John Hallisey Sharon & Agnes and their family
Lyle Johnson,Jr. 1962 and friends for this error. ed
Kurt Kraemer Sabina Bellezza
Charles Melgey
Momentous Occasions Births
1980’s
Reva Schlessinger Winston ’83 and husband
Peter welcome a new baby daughter, Lily Judith,
born November 17, 2005 weighing 7 pounds 5
ounces.
Edward Gonsowski Jr. ’83 and Lucia Migliaccio
Gonsowski ’84 welcomed a baby girl, Lauren
Margaret Gonsowski on September 13, 2005.
They also have twin boys, Edward III and Colby
Andrew, who were born on December 16, 2003.
Margaret Piechowski Rankowitz ’85 celebrated
the birth of her 3rd child, Emma Louise, on
February 7, 2005.
Kim Sullivan ’85 and Steven Young announce
the birth of their son, Zachary James Young, on
February 20, 2006.
Laura Olofson Filby ’85 had a baby girl, Emma
Gail, 9 pounds 3 oz. on February 24, 2005
Karen Fortier ’86 and husband, Chuck
Tomkiewicz happily announce the birth of their
daughter, Riley Hazel Tomkiewicz, on
November 2, 2005.
1990’s
Jessica Bennett ’90 and her husband, Stephen
Burt, are thrilled to announce the birth of their
first child, Nathan Miles Bennett Burt, on
January 14, 2006.
Melissa Allen Brown ’90 and is pleased to
announce the birth of her son, Maxwell Warren,
on October 19, 2005. Max has a big sister
Meredith (4), and a big brother Zachery (5 1/2).
Chrystal Smith Williams ’90 and her husband
Curtis Williams, announce the birth of Forest
Williams, on December 26, 2005.
Jason & Tracy Robtoy Wigfield ’91 announce
they have a son born June 30, 2004.
Courtney Disch Langford ’91 and her husband
Ranson Langford had a baby girl, Caroline
Lucille, in December 2004.
Janine Chattelle
Santolini ’02 and Kevin Chad Johnson ’93 and Jennifer Johnston
Santolini were married
Johnson ’91 announce the birth
on March 18, 2006.
of their second child, a daughter, Adele
Katherine, on March 7th, 2006.
Melissa Davis Gordon ’95 and her husband,
Matt, announce the birth of their baby girl,
Sarah Madison, on July 4, 2005.
Tracy Adamik ’98 and Kyle Marshall announce
the birth of their baby girl, Kendall Jayne, on
July 5, 2005.
Lisa Coombs Caplet ’99 and Justin Caplet
announce the birth of Gideon Caplet on
December 14, 2005.
Marriages
1950’s
Lucille Larose Gignac ’50 and Charles Smith
were married on November 4, 2004.
Sandra Orme Grant ’53 and William G. Grant,
Jr. ’53 were married on May 28, 2005.
1980’s
Jo Pepin Edgar ’83 and Thomas D. Edgar were
married on June 12, 2004.
Sheri Steinman Tardiff ’88 and Marc Tardiff
were married on July 18, 2004.
1990’s
Kerri Brown Simons ’96 and Todd Simons ’92
were married on September 16, 2005.
Julie Arpin Holt ’98 and Patrick Kevin Holt
were married on March 19, 2005.
Tabitha Lee Banker ’99 and Robert Banker, Jr.
were married on June 14, 2005.
Lisa Coombs Caplet ’99 and Justin Caplet were
wed on June 28, 2003.
Heather Moore Bernard ’99 and Aaron Bernard
’99 were married on June 4, 2005.
ShaunaBeth Mandelburg Paradiso’99 and Graig
M. Paradiso ’99 were wed on July 20, 2005 in
Avondale, Arizona.
Lauren Sharron Thorstenson ’99 and Gary
Thorstenson were married on April 23, 2005.
2000’s
Sarah Smith Picard ’00 and Richard Picard ’99
were wed last December.
Jessica MacKenzie Hewitt ’02 and David Hewitt
were married on August 6, 2002.
Janine Chattelle Santolini ’02 and Kevin
Santolini were married on March 18, 2006.
31
You’re Invited!! The Norwich Free Academy
is hosting an open house
Please join us for a garden reception to honor
Dr. Mary Lou Bargnesi ’67
garden reception… who is retiring after 14 years as
NFA’s Superintendent/Principal.

Place: The Navick Garden

(located behind Allis House)

The Norwich Free Academy

Norwich, Connecticut 06360
e
Date: Thursday, June 8, 2006

Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Punch, cookies & Italian pastries

will be served.

Sponsored by the Norwich Free Academy

Tradition & Innovation Committee
and the NFA Foundation, Inc.

NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE

PAID
Change Service Requested NORWICH, CT
PERMIT NO. 57

Alumni & Development Staff:

Deborah J. Lee, Director of Development

860-887-2507 x5540 leed@norwichfreeacademy.com

JoAnne Forson, Manager, Capital & Major Gifts

860-887-2507 x5545 forsonj@norwichfreeacademy.com

Kristen Fossum, Director, Annual Fund

860-887-2507 x5547 fossumk@norwichfreeacademy.com

Lisa Snide, Research & Information Associate

860-887-2507 x5541 snidel@norwichfreeacademy.com

Linda Clang Ververis '78, Director of Alumni Relations

& Constituent Research
860-887-2507 x5542 ververisl@norwichfreeacademy.com

Susan Donegan Wheeler ‘63, Foundation Accountant

860-887-2507 x5544 wheelers@norwichfreeacademy.com