Magazine for Winchester Thurston School community.

1. Thistle
T
TALK
ALK
The Power of
Partnership
in this issue:
City as Our Campus
Partnership with Pitt Asian Studies Center Young Alum Leadership Council
Builds a Bridge to Beijing and Beyond Reunion 2009
Urban Arts Revealed Connects WT Students Reflections on the G-20
to Pittsburgh’s Vibrant Arts Community
Winchester Thurston School Winter 2010

2. Malone Scholars
Thistle
TALK
M A G A Z I N E
Volume 37 • Number 1 • Winter 2010
Thistletalk is published two times per year by
Winchester Thurston School for alumnae/i,
parents, students, and friends of the school.
Letters and suggestions are welcome. Contact
Maura Farrell, Winchester Thurston School, 555
Morewood Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
Editor
Maura Farrell
Assistant Head for Planning
farrellml@winchesterthurston.org
Alumnae/i Editor
Gaylen Westfall
Director of Development and
Alumnae/i Relations
westfallg@winchesterthurston.org
Contributors
David Aschkenas
Kathleen Bishop
Dionne Brelsford
Jason Cohn
Lisa Kay Davis ‘97
Max Findley ‘11
John Holmes
Ashley Lemmon ‘01
Karen Meyers ‘72
Lee Moses A’98
Melissa Rostek ‘11
Jennifer Scanlon
Jane Schilling
Jonathan Springer ‘10
Karyn Vella
Justin Weinstein ‘12
Gaylen Westfall
Printing
Winchester Thurston School proudly acknowledges our Herrmann Printing
2009 - 2010 Malone Scholars. Design
Anne Flanagan
Congratulations to this year’s Malone Scholars: Alexander Zukoff ’12, Noah Vito ’12,
Kyle Czurko ’14, and Alexa Yu ’11. These outstanding students received this distinction School Mission
Winchester Thurston School actively engages
as the result of a $2 million grant from the Malone Family Foundation in recognition of each student in a challenging and inspiring
learning process that develops the mind,
WT’s challenging academics and its excellence in serving the needs of gifted and talented motivates the passion to achieve, and cultivates
the character to serve.
students. WT was selected as one of only three schools for this prestigious award in 2007.
Core Values
We activate our Mission by creating a learning
envir onment that pr omotes and instills
appreciation for these five Core Values: Critical
Thinking, Integrity, Empathy, Community,
Inspired minds. Record enrollment! and Diversity.
Thistletalk content represents opinions, ideas,
Winchester Thurston School opened its 123rd year with record enrollment of 639 students. and perspectives of the authors that are not
necessarily those of the Trustees or Administration
From their athletic and artistic accomplishments to their exceptional scores on the entrance of Winchester Thurston School. The editors
exams, from their leadership accolades to their demonstrated commitment to thinking also reserve the right to accept, reject, or edit any
content submitted for publication in Thistletalk.
of the comfort and the rights of others, we are pleased to welcome 110 new students in
Winchester Thurston School is a member of the
grades PK -12 for the 2009 - 2010 school year. National Association of Independent Schools.
Winchester Thurston School is accredited by the
Our new families hail from more than 30 zip codes, 50 schools, five states, and four countries. Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools.
More than 23 percent are students of color, and a significant number of families speak more Winchester Thurston School does not discriminate
than one language at home. We welcomed 24 siblings and have more than 20 legacy children on the basis of race, color, national and
ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age,
in attendance this year. WT also offered over $2 million in financial aid and scholarships. religion, or disability in the administration of its
educational policies, admission policies, financial
Each year over 80 percent of our families learn about WT from a current parent, a WT alum, aid programs, and athletics or other school-
administered programs.
or a colleague. Thank you for referring your friends and helping to build the WT community!
Contact the Admission Office at admission@winchesterthurston.org if you would like us to Copyright © 2010 Winchester Thurston School.
All Rights Reserved.
include a friend of yours in WT Admission monthly emails or mailings.

3. VOL. 37 • NO.1 WINTER 2009
contents
Great Teaching:
Imagination, Dedication
Make the WT Difference
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL Gary J. Niels 2
FEATURES:
Young Alum Leadership Council
Formed 4
COVER STORY:
The Power of Partnership:
Dynamic City as Our Campus Programs
15
Emerge from Meaningful Partnerships that
Benefit WT Students and the Community 5 DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNAE/I NEWS:
Gerard Michael D’Emilio ’07 24
WT TODAY:
Young Alum Profile
SCHOOL NEWS Fall Arts, Academics, and Athletics
Highlights…New Boats for the Crew Team…Warhol Alums Reconnect
at WT…Girls in Science…Joseph Cornell Shares in Manchester-by-the-Sea 25
Nature with North…Upper School Students Reflect
on the G-20…Eighth Grade Holocaust Museum Loretta Lobes Benec ’88
Enters the Public Realm…Faculty Highlights 14 and the Miss Mitchell Society 26
Judy Apt Nathenson ’69
Lessons and Legacies 27
29
Reunion ’09 28
Janet Marstine ’77:
This Is Not Art. Or Is It? 30
20 Class Notes 31
www.winchesterthurston.org 1

4. Winchester Thurston School
BOARD OF
Great Teaching: New Faces on the Board TRUSTEES
2009-2010
Imagination, Dedication Deborah L. Acklin ’80 is Chief Operating Officer for WQED Multimedia. As Executive
Producer at WQED from 1996-2000, she developed blockbuster music specials for PBS,
Make the WT Difference
Henry Posner III
generating more than $45 million for public television; oversaw production of national
documentaries for PBS; and created WQED’s nightly magazine program “OnQ.” President
Her many awards include a national Emmy nomination for a documentary on the Ralph L. Bangs
legendary Fred Rogers; seven Emmy awards (Mid-Atlantic); a CINE Golden Eagle; Vice President
imaginative, disciplined, knowledgeable, recommendations for seniors applying White House Press Association honors; the Catholic Communicators Conference
and dedicated! The common thread is to college. Gabriel Award; the Pearl Award from the descendants of the Warner Brothers; the Kathleen Buechel
Daughters of the American Revolution Pennsylvania TV/Film award; Associated Press
their desire to play a role in developing Under the leadership of a few honors for Best Newscast; Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters awards for Excellence in Broadcasting; one
Vice President
young people. In choosing this vocation faculty members WT is engaging in an of Pittsburgh’s “40 Under 40”; YWCA Leadership award in Arts and Culture; and one of Pittsburgh’s Outstanding
Stephen G. Robinson
they have made significant lifestyle important discussion of how we might Women in Science by the Women & Girls Foundation.
Vice President
decisions. Teachers, it is widely known, more effectively “reward and support Acklin serves as chair of the Three Rivers Arts Festival board, and is on the boards of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG
do not become wealthy through teaching. great teaching.” This has been identified Aquarium; Carlow University; The Steeltown Entertainment Project; St. Vincent Seminary; and The Pittsburgh Douglas A. Campbell
Psychoanalytic Society. She holds a B.A. from Duquesne University and completed the prestigious Advanced Treasurer
However, they are enriched by teaching as a vital component in our strategic Management Program at Harvard Business School.
children who want to learn and whose future. One of the ways that we wish to Deepak Kotwal
families have high aspirations for them. implement this goal is through a more Choreographer, performer, and teacher Elsa Limbach studied dance in Pittsburgh Secretary
Gary J. Niels and at the University of Michigan, Banff School of Fine Arts, Pennsylvania Ballet, and
with numerous teachers in New York City. As a founding member and artistic director Gary J. Niels
T
alk to anyone about t heir “WT teachers of the past and present are a of Dance Alloy Theatre in Pittsburgh, she performed in works by such contemporary
choreographers as Bill T. Jones, Victoria Marks, Charlie Moulton, and Mark Taylor.
Head of School
educational experiences and the special group of human beings—imaginative, She has performed and taught in the United States and abroad, particularly in Bulgaria, Deborah Acklin ’80
first thing you will hear is a story
about a life-changing teacher. The stories
disciplined, knowledgeable, and dedicated!” where she worked with the Ballet Arabesque and the State Musical Theater in Sofia. She
was awarded a Fulbright Lectureship to the Bulgarian National Academy of Theater
Ronald J. Bartlett
Barbara Abney Bolger ’52
are sometimes dramatic, and not always and Film Arts. Limbach’s recent work includes a collaborative venture, Ensemble John B. Christie-Searles
romantic. Undergirded by a deep belief Our class sizes are smaller than effective evaluation system that will Palimpsest, whose first project, “Stalking the Sublime,” premiered in Costa Rica in 2007. Robert I. Glimcher
in the student, these accounts are often those in public and parochial schools, the also enable us to reward exceptional Limbach has served on the boards of the Bulgarian Macedonian National Educational and Cultural Center, Dance Rosanne Isay Harrison ’56 ◊
Alloy, Shady Lane School, and Society for Contemporary Craft. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science Diane Holder
of a teacher’s challenging the student to curriculum is demanding, and the faculty teaching. Pat Bassett, the President of from Chatham College. Elizabeth S. Hurtt ’74
a higher level of performance. Invariably has a remarkable commitment to develop the National Association of Independent Limbach’s daughter Karolina Karagyozova attends WT (Class of 2016), as does her nephew Angel Karagyozov Ian James
the student recounts that the teacher’s each student intellectually and ethically. Schools, often says, “Give me 30 minutes (Class of 2010). Angel’s brother Nikolay graduated in 2008 and attends Roanoke College. Dusty E. Kirk
passion for her or his subject or craft To achieve all of this, WT teachers in your school and I’ll tell you who the Elsa Limbach
became infectious. It is not uncommon must be dedicated to more than just great teachers are!” Bassett explains that David L. Porges has been president and COO of EQT since 2007, after serving as senior Steve Loevner
vice president and chief financial officer. He has served on the board of directors of Carole Oswald Markus ’57 ◊
to hear adults say that they chose their transmitting knowledge. They also serve every school has teachers about whom
EQT since 2001 and was named vice chairman and executive vice president, Finance Linnea Pearson McQuiston ’69
careers because of the influence of a as mentors and advisors to students. In students, parents, and administrators & Administration in 2005. Douglas H. Ostrow
particular teacher. addition to teaching their regular classes, speak openly and effusively because Porges joined EQT from Bankers Trust Corporation, where his positions included David L. Porges
Nowhere are these stories more during a typical school day a WT teacher of the impact that they have on their leading Bankers Trust’s energy advisory efforts as managing director for the firm’s BT Martin E. Powell
prevalent than at Winchester Thurston. is likely to spend his or her “free periods” students’ lives. The challenge of our Wolfensohn Mergers & Acquisitions unit. Prior to joining Bankers Trust, Porges was Susan Santa Cruz ’60
In my eight years as Head of School meeting with students for academic faculty committee is to determine a with Exxon Corporation in various managerial positions, first with the Asian head- Nancy T. Scott
quarters in Houston and later with its Esso Australia unit in Sydney and Melbourne. Stephen B. Thomas
I have heard countless stories about and non-academic guidance, planning system that quantifies truly exceptional
A Chicago native, Porges holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor’s degree in Jane Arensberg Thompson ’57 ◊
such legendary and beloved teachers classroom activities, and communicating performers both in and outside the industrial engineering and operations research from Northwestern University. He serves on the board of directors
as Ann Peterson in Art History, Fae with parents; they teach elective courses, classroom, and recognizes and rewards at City Theatre and is a member of the Independent Producers Association of America. ◊
Emeritus Trustee
MacCamy and Jinny Sheppard in History, advise clubs, coach sports teams, direct such excellence. Porges and his wife, Gabriela, have two children at WT: Victoria (Class of 2021) and Amelia (Class of 2022).
Selma Kress in Music, Dorothy Seif in performing arts shows, and attend I’ve talked to countless alums over
Science, Genevieve Yagodkin and Annie games and performances. They serve the years and witnessed that which is
Winchester Thurston School Patrick Dowd, Member of City Council, Pittsburgh City Council District 7
Guentner in French, Fran Hein in Math, on committees, mentor colleagues, special about WT today. One of the most
Gloria Acklin in English, and Judy Apt and meet with their fellow teachers to important aspects of our history is the ADVISORY BOARD Lee B. Foster, President and CEO, L.B. Foster Company
Nathenson in Kindergarten. I did not review and evaluate curriculum with the “hall of fame” of dedicated, talented, 2009-2010 Tori Haring-Smith, President, Washington and Jefferson College
have the privilege of knowing many of student’s learning at the center of the demanding, supportive, and truly John T.S. Keeler, Dean and Professor, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School
Carol R. Brown, Former (Retired) President and CEO, of Public and International Affairs
these great teachers who transformed conversation. Yet, it is what teachers take exceptional teachers who have called and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
Indira Nair, Vice Provost for Education, Carnegie Mellon University
the lives of WT alums, but I do know the home at night that is often so demanding who currently call themselves members Esther L. Bush, President and CEO, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh
Jim Roddey, Senior Consultant, McCrory & McDowell LLC
teachers who are influencing the lives of of their personal lives—lesson plans of the WT faculty. Year after year, day Ronald Cole-Turner, H. Parker Sharp Chair of Theology and Ethics,
Alan J. Russell, Director, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine
current students and recent alums. to develop or review, tests to correct, after day these are the people who make Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
WT teachers of the past and present papers to read and comment on, and the WT experience so outstanding. Lisa Schroeder, Executive Director, Riverlife Task Force
Thomas Detre, Emeritus Distinguished Senior Vice Chancellor for
are a special group of human beings— such invisible responsibilities as writing Health Sciences, UPMC Tom Sokolowski, Director, The Andy Warhol Museum
Aradhna Dhanda, President and CEO, Leadership Pittsburgh Inc. Janera Solomon, Executive Director, Kelly-Strayhorn Theater
Nathaniel Doyno ’02, Vice President, Clean Technology, The Ecolibrium Jane Werner, Executive Director, Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
2 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 Group, President, Doyno Consulting LLC www.winchesterthurston.org 3

5. feature story cover story
Winchester Thurston School
Young Alumnae/i Leadership Council
THE
POWER
YOUNG ALUM
Co-Chairs
Jennifer Gonzalez McComb ’89, Physician,
West Penn Hospital Pulmonary and Intensive Care
LEADERSHIP COUNCIL FORMED
Adam Witt ’97, Vice President, Witt Pest Control
Ann Stanton Adams ’93, Volunteer Project Manager,
Grow Up Great, PNC Financial Services Group
Lauren Ames ’95, Attorney, Davies, McFarland &
Carroll, P.C.
Azadeh Masalehdan Block ’98, Teaching Fellow,
OF
PARTNERSHIP
University of Pittsburgh, Outpatient Therapist, UPMC
Eric Brown ’94, CEO, ImpactGames
Lisa Kay Davis ’97, Freelance Writer/Graduate Student,
Carnegie Mellon University
Michael Della Vecchia ’03, Law Student,
University of Pittsburgh
“I thought it was David Farkas ’02, Main Street Regional Coordinator,
Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation
time to try to
Molly Dorrance ’01, Designer/Marketing
give more and in
Nathaniel Doyno ’01, VP Clean Technology,
,
a different way." The Ecolibrium Group; President, Doyno Consulting LLC
— Jennifer Gonzalez Michael Larson-Edwards ’04, Project Engineer,
McComb '89 Massaro Corp.
Ashley Lemmon ’01, Assistant Director of Athletics,
Winchester Thurston School
Members of the WT Young Alum Leadership Council gather on the Upper School terrace during their June 2009 meeting. Kristen Maser Michaels ’01, Marketing Manager,
Air and Waste Management Association
I
Kathleen Metinko ’91, Principal, Special Acquisition
n January 2009, WT realized its long-standing desire to A physician and mother of two, McComb identifies WT as Services, Deloitte & Touche LLP
create a council of young alumnae/i leaders to serve the integral to her development. “The skills I learned at WT were
school in an advisory capacity, and to act as a liaison to other crucial to my success. I have always tried to give whatever I Daniel Michelmore ’97, Attorney, Swartz Campbell LLC When a school embraces its community, a context for
WT young alums. In less than one year, the Young Alumnae/i could financially to the school, but I thought it was time to Antoinette Oliver ’98, Attorney, Meyer, Unkovic & learning emerges and adds vitality to the educational
Leadership Council has evolved into an actively engaged body try to give more and in a different way. I would like to have a Scott LLP
experience. The strengths of a region may contribute
of thoughtful champions for their alma mater. The Council significant and positive impact on how WT alumnae/i perceive Kelly Hanna Riley ’91, Real Estate Agent, Howard Hanna
currently boasts a membership of 28 WT alums from the classes their school and hopefully increase their participation as Real Estate unique experiences and opportunities not found
of 1989 through 2005. alumnae/i, friends, and future parents of WT students,” she says. elsewhere, while the challenges of a region may provide
Abby Robinson ’03, Graduate Student,
University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of
The Council’s specific focus, which they developed over the Witt, Vice President of Witt Pest Control, believes the Young Public and International Affairs a learning laboratory for programs that shape an ethos
course of their first two meetings, will be to advise and assist Alumnae/i Leadership Council has tremendous potential Anjali Sachdeva ’96, Fiction Writer and Freelance Editor of inquiry, critical thinking, service, problem solving,
the school in a number of areas, including Admission and for impact. “[The Council] is going to be the nerve center
Marketing, Communications, Networking, and Philanthropy. connecting the three segments of WT’s ‘immediate family,’ the Christie Schroth ’95, Veterinarian, Point Breeze and community. Partnership is powerful because it
Veterinary Clinic
“We are so excited about the participation of this group in the older alumnae/i, the younger alumnae/i, and current student draws on the strengths and resources of all involved.
life of WT,” says Gary Niels. “Their energy is infectious, and they body. Hopefully we can be the conduit, allowing for all of these Laurel Shaw ’96, Senior Program Officer, McCune
Foundation In the following pages, you will read about some of the
are committed to ensuring that Winchester Thurston remains a connections to create opportunities, strengthen relationships,
vital institution of which they can be proud. Their involvement and promote Winchester Thurston to the ‘extended family’ of Kerry Soso ’01, Program Administrator, Office of
dynamic City as Our Campus programs at WT which
Experiential Learning, University of Pittsburgh
will be an important contribution to that vitality. This group has parents and Western Pennsylvania for that matter.” would not be possible without the contributions of our
personal knowledge of the Winchester Thurston experience, and
the alums are clearly dedicated and supportive of our mission.” “The group has already helped WT move forward with new
Benjamin Sota ’99, Executive Director,
Zany Umbrella Circus
partners. Moreover, you will read about how Winchester
ideas and suggestions,” says Jennifer Scanlon, Director of
Laura Stack ’01, Manager of Operational Research,
Thurston is striving, through these partnerships,
The Council has two co-chairs, Jennifer Gonzalez McComb ’89 and Institutional Advancement, who convenes the Council.
Adam Witt ’97. Both were eager to participate in the Council “They’re a positive force for WT.”
University of Pittsburgh to connect to and benefit the community. Through
and look forward to implementing many of the new ideas already Jennifer Staley ’91, Supervising Attorney, Program & partnership, WT models for students the “think also”
Policy Coordinator, Kid’s Voice
developed in the early meetings. credo of Miss Mitchell.
Ian Sullivan ’04, Planning Specialist, Westinghouse
Electric Company
4 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 Steven Tracy ’05, Credit Analyst, PNC Financial
Services
www.winchesterthurston.org 5

6. cover story
cover story
Hong Kong, and Northern Vietnam—studied migration and
identity and has used her research to significantly augment third
grade units not only on China, but also pioneers and Pittsburgh.
“When we study Pittsburgh, we talk about where you come
from and why your ancestors came to Pittsburgh,” she explains.
“When we talk about pioneers, we discuss moving west. Because
of the tremendous amount of Chinese goods purchased by
Americans, it’s impossible
BUILDING I
n 2006, Director of Middle School Holly Hatcher-Frazier “[Students] should to understand modern
formed a committee whose charge was to explore how WT
begin to recognize China without examining,
a Bridge to Beijing
might develop a Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 Asian even on a third-grade level,
Studies program. They began with an audit to locate points that they have a role factories and their impact
in the curriculum where Asian Studies was emphasized and in a wider global on Chinese culture and
found much upon which to build, particularly a third-grade
multidisciplinary unit on China, sixth-grade social studies,
community as they internal migration. Many
young people leave their
& BEYOND and ninth-grade contemporary world history. Realizing that
connecting these points into a comprehensive curriculum
analyze and compare villages because of lack
cultures, economies, of opportunity. They go
and politics that to the cities where the
factories are, and they
shape the countries send home their earnings
they study.” to help their families.”
Gaul is including
China’s ethnic minorities and religions in her teaching. “There are
many faces of China. Visiting temples and shrines across China
gave me a significantly improved understanding of Buddhism,
Taoism, and Confucianism from the Chinese perspective. China
also has a rich Islamic heritage.”
“When you have authentic travel opportunities like this,
the world becomes smaller,” says Hatcher-Frazier of her trip to
China, adding, “It was important to me that my students have
the opportunity to learn more about a region that many have
little knowledge of. I want to make ‘the strange familiar and the
O
familiar strange’ to my students. They should begin to recognize
ver the past three years, Winchester would require outside expertise and professional development,
Hatcher-Frazier sought advice from the National Consortium
that they have a role in a wider global community as they analyze
and compare cultures, economies, and politics that shape the
Thurston has embarked on a virtual on Teaching about Asia (NCTA), part of Pitt’s Asian Studies countries they study.”
Center. NCTA supports and facilitates teaching and learning
journey to East Asia, enriching student about East Asia in K-12 schools.
Among other things, Hatcher-Frazier’s study tour focused
on exploring the Chinese education system to better understand
learning, developing faculty expertise, and serving A core NCTA program is a seminar on East Asia. Five WT its culture and people; learning how to best support WT’s new
teachers have participated, resulting in a slate of new Asian Middle School and Upper School Chinese teacher, Tian Yu; and
as a resource to the community in true City as Our Studies academic electives and enhancement to existing units enriching the Asian Studies Program. In addition to touring major
Campus fashion. WT’s Asian Studies program and courses. Through NCTA support, WT has also begun to
establish an Asian Studies library/resource center.
cultural centers, she visited a number of Chinese schools, which
resulted in invaluable sharing of perspectives and pedagogical
is emerging from a unique partnership forged Perhaps most powerful is the extraordinary travel philosophies. “The cross-cultural exchange was a powerful
opportunity two faculty members had last summer. Hatcher- development experience for me,” she says.
with the University of Pittsburgh’s Asian Studies Frazier and City Campus third-grade teacher Karen Gaul were Pitt’s Asian Studies Center had much to offer WT beyond
Center, one of only 15 national resource centers selected to participate in two separate NCTA research trips to
East Asia.
NCTA, particularly the Confucius Institute (CI). Sponsored by
the Chinese government, CI has the mission to promote Chinese
on East Asian Studies in the United States. Gaul—one of only 18 teachers chosen for a three-week language and culture worldwide and provides Chinese teachers
study tour of Beijing, Guangdon, Guangzhou, Guilin, Shenzen, for K-12 schools via China’s Hanban program. Michele Heryford,
6 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 www.winchesterthurston.org 7

7. cover story
Managing Director of Pitt’s CI, provided guidance and support
during WT’s two-year exploration of adding Mandarin to the
foreign language curriculum; she ultimately secured a teacher
for WT, Tian Yu, who arrived from his native China in July and
is now teaching Mandarin to Middle School and Upper School
students. He also serves as team leader to all Confucius Institute
teachers in Western Pennsylvania and shares his research
findings with the University of Pittsburgh and Wuhan University.
Yu is pursuing a Master’s degree at Wuhan University in
teaching Chinese to speakers of other languages (MTCSOL).
He has won numerous awards for teaching excellence, for
his performance in English-speaking competitions, and for
coaching others in such competitions.
Warm and friendly, Yu enjoys working with his new students
and continues to be inspired by their level of commitment and
When Brian and Lynn Schreiber learned that WT would be bringing Tian Yu
intellectual curiosity. “I appreciate the fact that my students are from China through the Confucius Institute, they offered him their carriage
self-motivated to learn something difficult, and they take on house apartment and welcomed him when he arrived in July. The Schreibers,
the challenge.” Yu incorporates as many cultural lessons as he along with their sons Sam (a WT freshman) and Josh (who attended WT
through eighth grade), have helped Tian Yu assemble the accoutrements of
can, introducing music, customs, popular culture, and food to a household, taken him to see the Steelers at Heinz Field, hosted him at their
the students. His classroom is a rich display of colorful photos, Thanksgiving table, and made him a part of their family. They all share an
appreciation for music and for Asian culture; Tian Yu jogs regularly with Josh
paintings, and decorations representing the vast history and
and teaches the boys Mandarin on weekends. “Having Tian Yu here has really
culture of China. One of his many goals is to provide his students been a gift to us,” says Brian.
with a complete picture of China. “Through this program,
they get to really know China and Asia. What they learn in the
Perceive,
classroom is current and relevant.” Understanding China, Connecting to Pittsburgh,” and a 2009
From sambas, ragas, and glass casting to contemporary
Driven by his students’ high energy and strong performance, film/discussion series at WT, “Asia Unreeled,” co-sponsored
Yu hopes to help WT develop a student trip to China, where they with Silk Screen, a Pittsburgh Asian arts organization; the dance, silkscreen printing, and murals a la Andy Warhol and
will be able to apply what they have learned. Heryford sees no
limits to the partnership. “The benefits for both the University
series is scheduled to run again in 2010. In addition, with Yu
as the instructor, WT launched Chinese language classes for Create, Shepard Fairey, the arts pulsed through WT’s Upper School
during its first ever Arts Immersion Day on November 19.
of Pittsburgh and Winchester Thurston are numerous. From our
perspective, we are able to expand our mission to have Chinese
adults last fall.
Heryford considers community involvement key to Connect, Students were steeped in an electrifying, interconnecting
Reflect
language and Asian-related curriculum incorporated into the advancing cultural understanding. “Having both students and array of on-campus and off-campus workshops led by
schools. We recognize that these young learners are the future adults learning Chinese helps to support Pittsburgh’s emerging
scholars, business people, and diplomats of the United States, image as a world-class, internationalized city. The enthusiasm artists, curators, choreographers, performers, and educators
and the earlier we can introduce them to Asia, the more likely for the programs at WT certainly seems to imply that there is from WT’s core arts partners: ATTACK Theatre, The Andy
they will approach their chosen fields with a greater sense of both interest and need for us to understand China.”
Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh Public Theater, The Carnegie Museum of Art, Manchester
the entire world.” Looking forward, WT hopes to expand and enhance its
From the Asian Studies program’s inception, WT partnership with Pitt’s Asian Studies Center. “We are fortunate Craftsmen’s Guild, The Pittsburgh Glass Center, and Artists Image Resources. The theme
intended to create cultural bridges within the classroom, as to have one of the most highly regarded centers of East Asian for the arts immersion day: Perceive, Create, Connect, Reflect.
well as within the community. To this end, the partnership studies right in our backyard,” says Hatcher-Frazier, “and
has involved educational programming for adults, including a everyone at Pitt has been extremely interested in working with
2008 lecture series on China at WT, “Great Wall, Terrible Towel: us as true partners.” Above: The Pittsburgh Glass Center was just one of many sites for intensive arts workshops during the Arts Immersion Day.
8 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 www.winchesterthurston.org 9

8. cover story
Creativity, Connection…
and Chemistry
“Everyone is creative,” asserts Pittsburgh Public Theater’s Lisa
Ann Goldsmith. “It’s almost more important for those of us not
in the arts to express creativity.” Goldsmith’s acting workshops
focused on expanding creativity, honing concentration, and
fostering communication through script exercises and a series
of complex yet playful theater games involving balls, patterns,
The immersion day is a core element of The Urban Arts “It was a day Music: The Keeper of Culture and rhythm. She points out that whether one is an actor, a
Revealed, a new City as Our Campus program. Last spring, when Grammy Award-winning Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild jazz scientist, a mathematician, or an attorney, success stems from
Winchester Thurston School was named an Edward E. Ford
of experience musicians—Marty Ashby, Jay Ashby, Dwayne Dolphin, and the creative ability to see connections. “If you’re a medical
Foundation leadership school for its proposal to expand and and reflection, Roger Humphries, accompanied by vocalist Maureen Budway— researcher and you’re looking at two diseases, maybe there’s
enhance City as Our Campus in the Upper School, the school not of perfecting swept students on a musical journey from be-bop and swing something that connects them. How do you decide which
developed this program to build upon unique partnerships that to Latin jazz and funk while teaching the jazz language. “Jazz
WT had already established with Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild
one art form.” really is the physical embodiment of the Golden Rule,” says
direction to go? It’s all creativity. Mathematicians and scientists
have to analyze and connect just as actors do.”
and Pittsburgh Public Theater. Through immersion days, the Ashby, MCG Jazz executive producer. “Each musician on the Students experienced the cross-pollination of art with
program will provide all students with exposure to a variety of bandstand treats other musicians the way they want to be other elements at The Carnegie Museum of Art in an exhibit by
“The students were exposed to an incredible smorgasbord
of experience,” says ATTACK Theatre co-founder and managing
artistic director Michele de le Reza, who worked closely with
Sadowski and Allan to shape Arts Immersion Day. “It was a day
of experience and reflection, not of perfecting one art form.”
Dance: More than Movement
One goal of the day was to encourage students to open their
minds and take risks. “The hope was that the students would rely
on each other in their workshops for strength, encouragement,
and the opportunity to take risks and try things they may have
never tried before,” explains Sadowski.
In an ATTACK Theatre workshop, students learned first-
hand the essential nature of trust, momentum, and timing for
dancers. Through a series of partnering exercises, students
discovered that when these elements exist—and not just brute
strength—it is possible even for smaller dancers to lift larger
ones. “We were surprised at how easy it is to trust someone,”
art forms; ultimately, WT intends also to provide students who says Hallie Goldstein ’11. “It was so cool to see people lifting treated; this is the core component of jazz. If somebody plays a renowned engineer Cecil Balmond. His installation, “H_edge,”
have deeper interest in the arts with opportunities for more each other up!” riff or a phrase, I’m going to play the riff or phrase that I’d want builds an aesthetic structure derived from the study of math
intensive experiences and projects. Salvador Dali’s The Persistence of Memory, with its iconic to have someone play back to me. There’s a certain element we and patterns, and provided the jumping-off point for students’
“The idea...is to have the students experience the richness images of melting pocket watches, inspired another group want to get across on the bandstand that [students] can take exploration of the intersection of math, structure, and nature.
of the arts in Pittsburgh regardless of their individual interests exploring choreographic strategies. “This is the way we create out into their daily lives.” In Pittsburgh Glass Center (PGC) workshops, students
or talents,” says Performing Arts Chair Dan Sadowski, who structure and movement,” explained ATTACK Theatre co- ATTACK Theatre’s music director Dave Eggar and literally had a hand in making connections between art, math,
spearheaded the event with his colleague Sally Allan, Visual Arts founder and producing artistic director Peter Kope, who led bandmates Tom Pirozzi and Charlie Palmer illustrated basic and chemistry. “We’re using heat and gravity,” says PGC’s
Chair. “We hope to expand our students’ awareness, knowledge, the workshop with colleague Ashley Williams. “We spend components of music and demonstrated how music differs from Heather Joy Puskarich of projects including bead making,
and experience of how the arts impact each of our lives and how hours analyzing. We start with a simple concept and layer one culture to the next. “Think of mazurkas, polkas, and waltzes, glassblowing, and glass casting, in which students carved molds
the arts can enhance their curriculum regardless of the subject.” it with different emotions and feelings.” Through their own or a raga,” said Eggar. “In Southeast Asia, there are 72 notes in to create glass blocks with a bas-relief design. “The students…
choreography, students spontaneously responded to Dali’s art the musical scale. Here, we have 11 notes; our music sounds learn the value of teamwork, problem solving, and concentration
enhanced by original music. “I was impressed with how open dissonant to [other cultures].” The trio also described the process skills. But it’s not just art—it’s using both sides of the brain.”
the students were to the emotional layering,” says Williams. “I of collaborating with dancers to “turn melody into motion,” and “We’re hoping to spark curiosity within a student who’s
didn’t think they would open up to it so easily.” played student compositions in a lively songwriting session. always participated in sciences, for example, and was never
10 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 www.winchesterthurston.org 11

9. cover story
Harris’s work fueled a second workshop in which
students carefully analyzed his photographs to study how
subject, composition, and technique converge in a successful
photograph. Then, armed with digital cameras, the students
crisscrossed WT’s campus to document the day.
Doing and Reflecting
The immersion day culminated in reflective workshops; in
interested in painting or drawing,” says Tresa Varner, Curator small groups, students created visual representations of their
of Education and Interpretation at The Andy Warhol Museum, impressions, which they shared in a large-group reflection.
where students created collages and large-scale murals featuring “We learned that art is something everyone can do, and it’s really
high-contrast, silk-screened serial images in the styles of Andy approachable,” says Chris Bangs ’10.
Warhol and street artist Shepard Fairey. “Maybe seeing how “Rarely do students see how the various performing or
artists use photography in silk-screen printing will grab that visual arts connect with one another,” observes Allan. “Hopefully
student and get him to the museum. We also want people to students will begin to see how the creative process is similar no
realize that looking at work and interpreting it is just as creative matter the discipline and, eventually, how it connects to every Student Photographs
as making it.” subject in the curriculum. The ability to be creative is becoming
DOCUMENTING
a a la
Charles
Teenie
Harris
Creation and Interpretation more and more important to success in any field.”
Interpreting is key, agrees Marilyn Russell, Curator of Education “There has been a growing schism in education—between
for The Carnegie Museum of Art. “Art is a way of navigating the a utilitarian approach, which focuses on facts, grades, and
world,” she declares. “It makes sense of everyday experience— scores as a way to position students for success in life, and the
visually, socially, culturally, emotionally—and it translates that conviction of some thought leaders who are calling for students
experience. Art is about life, and by coming into closer contact to be prepared as imaginative problem solvers,” says Head of
with the work of other artists, or by making art, you can process School Gary Niels. “Although I would not discount the reality
your own experiences, be they humble or profound.” and place of the former, we are committed to the development
Students were given access to the Museum’s historic archive of the whole child, and this includes the development of the
of Charles “Teenie” Harris, a Pittsburgh photographer who imagination through the arts. A crucial part of City as Our
documented life in the Hill District from the 1940s through the Campus is partnership with Pittsburgh’s outstanding arts
1970s. Using Harris’s work as a springboard, students learned organizations.”
how visual art communicates character, setting, plot, and theme,
and then they developed their own written narratives.
12 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 www.winchesterthurston.org 13

10. wt today
FALL HIGHLIGHTS
Class of 2013:
Building Bonds The mystery unfolded
throughout the month of
October as WT parents were
The annual Ninth Grade Retreat at Ligonier asked, “wtup?” and invited to
Camp and Conference Center brought together find out on October 23, when
the freshman class with student leaders from a special WT Fund challenge
the senior class and ninth grade faculty advi- was announced: An anony-
sors. The purpose of the retreat is for the class mous donor had agreed to give
Medieval
to begin to work together to strengthen their an additional $500 to the WT
bond as they begin their Upper School experi- Fund each time a class reaches
ence. Retreat activities included white-water
Festival
100% parent participation.
rafting, high and low rope courses, and group As of December, four WT
initiative activities. classes had reached 100%,
and 139 parents had made Fifth-graders concluded their
their first-ever gift. There is multidisciplinary study of
still time to participate: Medieval times with a
www.winchesterthurston.org/ traditional Medieval Festival,
wtup a celebration of the students’
extensive study of social studies,
language arts, art, music, and
dance; each fifth-grader was
formally “knighted” by Mr.
Swauger, Mrs. Simon, and Mr. Perkins.
HONK!
The Middle School
presented a twisted,
APPLEFEST! wacky take on Hans
Christian Andersen's
The Ugly Duckling with
More than 100 volunteers—WT parents, students, faculty, HONK! in November.
staff, and grandparents—created one of WT’s best Applefests The Olivier-award-
ever! A long-standing tradition of the Parents Association, winning musical
Applefest opens WT North to the entire community for a followed the journey of
fall festival featuring apples, pumpkins, crafts, food, and fun! one determined duck
This year, more than 600 people from the WT community and and his unstoppable
beyond attended. A new tradition was created by the Athletics mom on their search for acceptance in a discriminating world, and
Department—the Applefest T-Shirt Shoot! A bull-riding record wove a funny, imaginative tale of love and understanding for all ages.
was set by the WT Bear at 4 minutes 19 seconds!
Road Fairy Houses
Trips Dried grasses, pine cones, tree bark, and
berries were the stuff of imaginative architec-
Eighth-graders traveled ture as North Hills Campus fifth-graders and
to Washington, D.C., their Kindergarten buddies designed and built
and seventh-graders these whimsical fairy houses after collecting
First Day Festivities to Williamsburg on
their annual curricular
trips. A highlight of the
the natural objects around the campus.
At both the City and North Hills Campuses, faculty, parents, eighth-grade trip was a
and students welcomed each other back for another school tour of the White House,
year. The Parents Association hosted parents at welcome back given by WT alumna Margaret Campbell ’03, who is personal
coffees, and the WT Bear gave high-fives and hugs. assistant to Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden.
14 Thistletalk Wint er 2010 www.winchesterthurston.org 15