Class Notes
Spring 2022
Class of 1940
From Juanita Nichols:
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of reconnecting by telephone with our oldest living alumna, Frances Kendall Moon ’40. We were unable to connect in person as I would have liked (due to COVID), but we had a delightful conversation about her time at Waynflete, her teachers, and her classmates. She let me know that her favorite teacher was Helen Hinckley, affectionately nicknamed “Hinky Dink” by her students.
I was impressed by Frances’s detailed recollections from more than 82 years ago, and yet I wasn’t surprised. Like so many alumni that I have had the pleasure of connecting with over the years, she maintains a great appreciation for her former teachers and fond memories of her classmates and friends. 82 years later, she continues to stay connected to the school. Thank you, Frances, for sharing some of your memories with me and for your years of support.
Class of 1952
Class of 1955
Maddy Corson ’55 recently had the theater at the Children’s Museum of Maine named after her mother.
Florence Walker Morrison writes, “I have heard from Jane Chesboro and being at Ocean View Retirement Community I see Sukie Knott and Lee Robbins occasionally and Mary Hart often at the pool. We have lunch together with Maddie occasionally also. Ocean View has lots of activities to keep me busy, e.g. going to the pool for fitness as well as in the Lodge. Al and I are slowing down by fine!”
Class of 1962
Ginger Holbrook ’62 has artwork featured in a new exhibit at the Scituate Senior Center in Massachusetts, inspired by caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s. Ginger hopes that others who are facing difficult situations, whether Alzheimer’s or some other difficulty, will recognize themselves in her work and realize they are not alone facing such impossibly hard times.
Class of 1965
Class of 1968
Lesley Dill ’68 has unveiled a new art exhibit at Bates College. Wilderness: Light Sizzles Around Me features a uniquely inspired group of sculptures and two-dimensional works more than a decade in the making.
Class of 1991
We were happy to have a campus visit from Maedot Semo and her daughter in late March. It’s always inspiring to hear from alumni who have spent a short amount of time at Waynflete and yet still remember so much about their experience.
Class of 1992
Torie Reed ’92, the curator for provenance at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, was featured in an article tracking ancient artifacts looted by the Nazis in The New York Times.
Class of 1995
Courtney Aronson Sparks ’95 is Freeport Community Library’s new director. Courtney has worked at the library since 2017 and was previously the assistant director.
Class of 2003
Susana Hancock ’03 will participate as a team member for the upcoming Jubilee Expedition: Svalbard 2022. The Arctic trek will cover up to about 240 miles over a month or so starting May 1. The expedition will take place on one or two islands of the Norwegian archipelago Svalbard, about 650 miles from the North Pole.
Alexander Koch: I finished my MS in Environmental Studies & Sustainability last year (2021) and am now teaching middle school at the Ecology Learning Center’s Bridge Program in Unity, Maine where I live out in the woods with some chickens and plenty of wild animals – and spend time “discovering” and propagating wild apple varieties, reading, collecting books, and writing both poetry and non-fiction.
Class of 2005
Molly De Long Brubaker ’05 was featured in MaineBiz for reinventing herself professionally during the pandemic. Molly created Baby Booty—a business offering virtual and in-person full-body workouts for pregnant moms and new parents—in July 2021.
Colby Smith ’05 was featured on 207, sharing his and his partner’s experience with living off the land in Blue Hill, and teaching others through their primitive-skills school called ‘Way of the Earth.’ They teach students how to make clothing from animal hide, tools from bones, friction fires, and efficient shelters with no equipment.
Class of 2008
Addie Thompson ’08 and Faith Briggs talk about the environment, the outdoor industry, and race in their podcast The Trail Ahead.
Class of 2013
Abukar Adan ’13 is producing the new season of true crime podcast Wild Boys. The podcast follows the shocking true story of two young men who emerged from the woods in a small Canadian town telling an incredible story: they’d been raised in an extremely remote cabin in the wilderness, and this was their first-ever contact with society – except nothing they said was true.
Fall 2021
Class of 1955
Caroline Campbell Knott writes, “My husband, Bob, and I continue to enjoy retirement in Maine and are still laying low because of Covid. Our class had a wonderful gathering at Maddy’s this fall. We are a good group.”
Left to Right: Caroline Campbell Knott, Mary Senter Hart, Jan Meyer Robertson, Lee Tyler Robbins, Maddy Gatchell Corson and Flonny Walker Morrison.
Class of 1959
Hildegard Schmidt Klaer ’59 writes, “In spite of my age (81), I’m still quite busy caring for my young grandchildren when their parents are working, and I’m deeply involved with the European integration by being head of a pro-European group, which acts as a NGO furthering information on the proceedings of the European Union in a globalizing multilateral world.”
Class of 1969
Lesley MacVane ’69 is a finalist for The Alliance for Community Media Northeast (ACM-NE) Nor’easter Awards. She produced two videos that made the list, which are the only videos from Maine on the list. Winners will be announced at ACM-NE’s Award Ceremony in November.
Class of 1970
Nancy Manter ’70 appeared in the Summer 2021 issue of the Maine Arts Journal, featuring her artwork and an interview discussing the experiences that influenced her art.
Julia Crane ’70, Polly Blake ’62, Kris Saunders ’67, and Julie Emerson ’57 meet up to play pickleball together.
Class of 1982
Margo Walsh ’82 is interviewed by The Heroine’s Journey podcast, where she talks about giving second chances and why it’s important to respect people.
Class of 1988
James Schroeder ’88 is the Director of Conservation for The Nature Conservancy in Washington, where he manages the conservation, science, and real estate transaction teams to achieve durable solutions to our greatest conservation challenges. James has worked for The Nature Conservancy for 14 years, starting as the Director of Freshwater Programs in 2008. In that role, James helped launch a program to protect Pacific Salmon Ecosystems from Alaska to California. In 2014, as Director of Conservation, James led The Nature Conservancy’s largest land protection project in Washington, called the Great Western Checkerboard Project. Prior to joining The Nature Conservancy, James worked for National Wildlife Federation as the Senior Environmental Policy Specialist for the western division, for King County (WA) developing salmon recovery plans, and for the Washington Department of Ecology writing Shoreline Management Act guidelines. After graduating from Waynflete in 1988, James received his BA from Brown University in Bioethics and a joint Master’s of Science from Tufts University in Conservation Biology and Environmental Policy. James credits Kathy Remmel and David Vaughn, two Waynflete superheroes, for nurturing his love of biology and the natural world. While he still thinks of Maine as home, James lives in Seattle with his wife and two daughters, where he grows some of his own food, raises a few chickens, enjoys dark roasted coffee, and dreams of urban beekeeping.
Class of 1989
Tripp Corson ’89 recently became general manager of Day’s Crabmeat and Lobster on Route 1 in Yarmouth, Maine famous for hand-picked crabmeat, cooked and live lobsters, steamer clams, scallops and much more caught by local fishermen. Congratulations, Tripp!
Class of 1991
Christopher Fitzgerald ’91 to return to the stage in two productions as Broadway reopens. He’s back (for the fifth time) for a six-week run in the hit musical Waitress at the Barrymore Theater; then, on November 15, he returns to the production of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s Company at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theater.
Class of 1997
Matt Page ’97 writes, “Stunning hike through a winter wonderland with best buddies from the good old days!”
Pictured: Jon Amory, Matt Page, and Matt Marston
Josh Broder ’97, CEO of Tilson, recently received the Service Member Patriot Award presented by Representative Bethanie Mazzaro of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve – Maine. The award recognizes efforts made to support an employee in the National Guard or Reserves through a wide range of measures, including flexible schedule, time off before or after deployment, and military leave policies.
John Herter ’97 has spent the past 17 years working for companies specializing in valuing the natural environment or accelerating the commercialization of clean energy technology. Currently, John is a Senior Consultant at LucidCatalyst where he advises national and state governments on the challenges related to deploying the necessary infrastructure for decarbonizing the electric power sector. He also advises multinational corporations on the energy storage market and manages an array of projects related to regulatory, financing, and project delivery barriers in the advanced nuclear sector. John’s previous professional experience includes advancing energy storage policy in California, helping develop large solar and energy storage projects, and developing sea level rise simulation tools for the EPA’s Climate Change Division.
Class of 1998
Spurred by fierce love for her children and the Earth, Rebecca Lambert ’98 co-founded the Equation Campaign to invest in the power of frontline communities standing up against the fossil fuel expansion. Rebecca graduated Waynflete in 1998, received a BA in anthropology from Brown University in 2003, and earned a Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resources from the University of Vermont in 2008. Living in Maine most of her life, Rebecca has worked in land conservation, renewable energy promotion, and briefly worked in climate and energy policy before training to be a nature-based guide, offering retreats for environmentalists and others to reconnect with the land. She serves on the boards of the Rockefeller Family Fund and the David Rockefeller Fund. Her three-year-old and eight-year-old children offer daily inspiration for her climate work.
Class of 2001
Mina Assadollahzadeh ’01 appeared as a panelist on Maine Calling, sharing her stories and perspective of growing up in Maine with an immigrant background. The program discussed children from immigrant families who have grown up in Maine, and are contributing to our state in a variety of ways.
Class of 2002
Laura Siegle ’02 was featured in the New York Times, detailing how she met her husband, Ahmaed (A.J.) Cephus Jr., at a CrossFit gym in Brooklyn. The article looked back on their relationship from gym buddies to life partners.
Class of 2003
Susana Hancock ’03 has published “Gateway Maine: Following Old Arctic Routes to a Sustainable Future for the United States” in the 2021 Arctic Yearbook.
Phil Armstrong ’03 is a clean power entrepreneur who works in the renewable energy space. He founded and is currently a Principal at North Star Renewables, which helps non-profit electric utilities and municipalities develop and buy renewable energy. After leaving Waynflete, Phil headed west and has lived in Colorado for most of the past 18 years. Previously, Phil has developed solar power plants, conducted research at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, studied lake mud for forest fire research, worked as a geologist, and led mountaineering expeditions for teenagers. In his free time, Phil enjoys exploring the remote corners of the Rocky Mountains and western rivers. Phil holds a BA from Colorado College and an MBA from the University of Colorado.
Jacob Freund ’03 writes, “I am pleased to share that I was recently promoted to Chief of Staff at the Mind & Life Institute in Charlottesville, Virginia.”
Class of 2004
Emma Glidden-Lyon ’04 is an Associate in the Environment and Health Division of Abt Associates, a global consulting and research firm. She specializes in domestic environmental policy, economics, and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on water resources and natural resource socioeconomics. Emma attended Carleton College and Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment.
Class of 2005
Noah Oppenheim ’05 is a marine policy professional. He became SCUBA certified alongside David Vaughan, catalyzing lifelong personal and professional interests in the ocean. He’s spent a year working in Congress, a year at sea, and participated in the launch of over two dozen environmental lawsuits on behalf of commercial fishermen and the conservation of fish habitat. He lives in Brunswick with his wife Melanie and dog Muggins, where he runs his consulting firm Homarus Strategies. He has a BA in biology from Reed College and Master’s Degrees in marine biology and marine policy from UMaine.
Virginia Drake Robinson ’05 recently got married. Her wedding guests included Jonny Asen ’05, Kate McIlhenny ’05, Molly Sosnaud ’05, Sophie Morgenstern Ranta ’05, Annie Reiner ’05, Anne Sowles ’71, Peter Sowles ’75, Peter Drake ’66, David Drake ’65, Alec Knowles ’67, and Jess Scott ’03.
Class of 2008
Lucas O’Neil ’08 recently performed on Comedy Central Stand-Up, discussing why our phones make us sad and detailing why the pandemic is great for rule followers.
Addie Thompson ’08 works in Environment + Climate Initiatives at Apple, managing the company’s philanthropic grant portfolio for environmental causes. Previously, Addie was a part of the Nature, Climate & Energy team at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), where she led advocacy for Indigenous communities working at the forefront of climate action and biodiversity conservation. She also worked at both Nike and Patagonia crafting digital advocacy campaigns around environmental activism, sustainability and women in sport, and started her career at Ashoka, finding and funding leading social entrepreneurs. Addie holds a BA in International Development from Brown University, as well as an MPA from Columbia SIPA in Sustainability and Climate Policy. She loves being outside (trail running, climbing, backpacking — you name it!) and co-hosts a podcast on representation, access and inclusion in the outdoors.
Class of 2010
Amy Allen ’10, one of the writers of ‘Adore You’ by Harry Styles, won the award for the PRS for Music Most Performed Work at the Ivors 2021.
Nate Niles ’10 is Director of Development at ReVision Energy, where he manages the planning, permitting, and engineering of commercial-scale solar projects located across northern New England. In his 5 years at ReVision, he has seen the company nearly double in size and experienced the powerful effects of a new, progressive state renewable energy agenda. Nate attended Bowdoin College and studied Environmental Studies, Earth Sciences and Economics. As an undergraduate, he discovered his passion for the intersection between the economic and environmental disciplines.
Class of 2011
Hannah Daly ’11 is currently performing in Dying to Know at Mad Horse Theater in Portland. The play revolves around a relationship that develops between a physically weak but tough-talking terminal cancer patient named Caroline (Hannah Daly) and a slightly unhinged hospice care volunteer.
Class of 2013
Lily Collins ’13, Mesa Roinov ’13, and Michael Rubel ’13 got together for an informal meetup.
Class of 2014
Nora Daly ’14 wrote the play “Bouncing Off The Ceiling,” which was directed by Erin Reynolds and performed at The Tank in NYC.
Class of 2015
Nicole Maines ’15 said farewell to playing ‘Dreamer,’ the first transgender superhero on television, as the CW’s show Supergirl airs its final season.
Elliot Nye ’15 was a member of the Fenix Theater Company’s production of Shakespeare’s ‘The Comedy of Errors’ in July at Deering Oaks.
Class of 2016
Isabella Davis ’16 matriculated at University of Oxford on Saturday, October 16. She is reading for her MSC in The History of Science, Medicine and Technology.
Class of 2017
From David Chidsey, father of Ellie Chidsey ’17: “We ran into Elisabeth Lualdi at the new REI store in Rock Row and I had them pose for a picture to send to you. Ellie is home from Running Springs, CA where she is teaching sixth graders from area schools, science at Emerald Cove Outdoor Center. The students come, with their teachers, for between three to five days.”
Pictured: Ellie Chidsey and Elisabeth Lualdi
Class of 2020
Kasandra Thach ’20 received the Modern Woodmen of America Award: Hometown Hero! Award in October. The award honors those who make an impact in their hometown.
Class of 2021
Connor Feeney ’21 has been awarded a fall internship with Senator Susan Collins. Connor is a freshman at the University of Southern Maine, where he is studying political science and economics. After graduation, Connor hopes to find a career where he can help draft solutions to our nation’s problems.
Patrick Shaw ’21 made it to the quarterfinals (top 8) at this year’s Super Ball, the global freestyle soccer skills competition, in Prague.
Spring 2021
Class of 1957
Patricia Davidson Reef ’57 writes, “I am a writer on the arts in Maine and have written three books for children on the lives of Dahlov Ipcar, Artist, Bernard Langlais, Sculptor Revisited, and a new one David Driskell: Artist, Educator, and Author, published in 2020 by Maine Authors Publishing of Thomaston, Maine. I am impressed with the growth of the School and its art department.”
Ginny Dana Windmuller ’57 – Ginny shares that she has been in her home for forty six years, feels very lucky and counts her blessings every day. Ginny volunteers at the local food pantry and helps people who need transportation for food shopping, etc. Ginny likes to read and gets on her bike every day!
Class of 1965
David Drake ’65 was appointed Trustee Emerita in June 2021. David served on the Waynflete Board of Trustees from 1989-1997 and was President of the Board from 1991-1993.
Class of 1972
Carol Richardson Rodgers ’72 is the author of The Art of Reflective Teaching which examines what it means to be present in one’s teaching.
Class of 1981
Luke Huber ’81 was appointed Trustee Emerita in June 2021. Luke served on the Waynflete Board of Trustees for six years and continues to stay connected with Waynflete.
Class of 1988
Katie Glaser Getchell ’88 was appointed Trustee Emerita in June 2021. Katie served on the Waynflete Board of Trustees for six years from 2001- 2007 and has continued to stay connected with Waynflete. While she was the Deputy Director of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, she hosted a series of regional gatherings at the Museum for Waynflete alumni in the greater Boston area. Most recently, Katie was the moderator for the first Alumni Lunch and Learn in fall of 2020.
Class of 1992
Alicia Witham ’92 was named Executive Director of The Carpenter’s Boat Shop. Ken Elowe, president of The Carpenter’s Boat Shop Board of Directors, said Witham’s “extensive maritime experience and leadership background working with Outward Bound will bring skills to the Boat Shop that will help us extend our programs to our community on the peninsula – in the traditions of the Boat Shop, but also with the vision of being even more effective and relevant in the future.”
Class of 2001
Justin Schair ’01 joined the Waynflete Board of Trustees in June 2021. Justin is a partner at Matrix Private Capital Group, a private equity and asset management firm based in New York, and heads the Casco Passage entities, which are business and real estate holding companies.
A Maine native, his work spans business, journalism, and politics. He has led reform-centric campaigns and political organizations, including serving as finance director for U.S. Senator Angus King. Prior to his work in investment management, Justin served as the U.S. Press Officer for Concern Worldwide, an international humanitarian relief and development organization with operations throughout the world. He serves on the boards of the University of New England and the Emanuel and Pauline Lerner Foundation.
Justin is a graduate of Hofstra University where he holds a BA in journalism and received his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Justin is a member of the class of 2001. He and his wife, Payal, have a daughter, Emilia.
Class of 2003
Alexander Koch ’03 writes, “I recently graduated with an M.S. in Environmental Studies & Sustainability from Unity College. I serve on the Board of Directors for multiple organizations including as Secretary for the statewide non-profit Maine Woods Forever and as Board President for the newly formed Unity Public Library in Unity, Maine.”
Class of 2004
Julia Russell ’04 recently opened a restaurant, Magnus on Water, in Biddeford, Maine with her friends and business partners. Julia’s story from the restaurant website:
I am a Maine native who grew up across the river from 12 Water Street in Saco. Much of my young life was spent longing to escape the small-town feel of Maine. However, when I was denied entry into my preferred university, NYU, I found myself engaged in an unexpected journey down the east coast that eventually found me landing in Washington, DC. With absolutely no intention of staying long term after having graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a degree in biology, I ended up discovering an amazing community in the DC area that enticed me to stay for 14 + years. It was not until a chance encounter during a vacation back home to Maine that I found myself drawn to the community-centric feel of a small town that I had run from so many years before.
With Magnus on Water, I have discovered a family who also wholeheartedly believes in the central premise that hospitality and exceptional experiences should not be exclusive to those who can afford lofty price tags. With the idea that warm and inviting places are created by the people who inhabit them, it is my greatest hope that all who visit will find Magnus on Water the type of place they look forward to returning to time and time again. A place where the food and the drinks are excellent, but where, more importantly, the experiences and connections are unparalleled.
Katherine Armstrong ’04 joined the Waynflete Board of Trustees in June 2021. Katherine is an Executive Director with Russell Reynolds Associates, the executive search and advisory firm, where she leads the firm’s global Arts & Culture practice. Based in Boston, she specializes in working with cultural, educational, and social impact organizations. Prior to joining Russell Reynolds Associates, Katherine was with Dunleavy & Associates in Philadelphia where she specialized in providing professional services to nonprofit organizations, leading engagements focused on strategic planning, marketing, and fundraising. Katherine grew up in Scarborough and attended Waynflete from kindergarten through senior year. She received her BA in art history from Bowdoin College. She and her husband, Alexander Martin, live in Cambridge, MA.
Khalilah Ummah ’04 joined the Waynflete Board of Trustees in June, 2021. Khalilah grew up in Litchfield, ME, and started at Waynflete in sixth grade. She went on to Tufts University where she played basketball and double majored in Psychology and Child Development. After receiving her BA, she attended Harvard Graduate School of Education to get her Ed.M. She worked as a financial aid advisor in Boston after graduation to support Boston students with the financial aid process. She later moved to Washington, DC, and took on a role as Program Manager for a nonprofit where students were able to start their own businesses while also receiving college access and readiness support. After four years in that position, Khalilah worked with middle school students in an afterschool program. She was the Center Director at a middle school in DC and ran the mentor and academic program during the school year and a five-week summer program. Khalilah currently works for the School District of Philadelphia as a College and Career Readiness Coordinator. She works with high school students to provide college and career exposure opportunities and support for post-secondary success. Khalilah is also the JV head coach and Varsity assistant coach for the girls’ basketball teams. Outside of work, Khalilah enjoys traveling, eating, spending time with family, and getting lost in a good mystery.
Class of 2007
Mary Hewey ’07 writes, “My partner, Jen Bagley, and I recently released a documentary film called Jack & Yaya. The film follows two best friends, Jack and Yaya, who met at ages two and three through their shared backyard fence in South Jersey. From a young age, Jack and Yaya saw each other as they truly were, a boy and a girl, even though the rest of the world didn’t see them that way. As they grew older, they both supported each other as they each came out as transgender. The documentary follows these two friends for a year and explores their unique, thirty-year relationship, drawing on home videos and conversations with their eclectic cast of friends and family. You can view a trailer of the film here.
On Tuesday, June 22 at 8:00 p.m. ET, the film will have its broadcast premiere on public television’s World Channel as part of Season 9 of the America ReFramed documentary series. It will also air the following Saturday at 10:00 p.m. and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. You can find your local station here. The film will also be available to stream on the PBS app and at https://worldchannel.org/watch.
Nate Dubuque ’07 recently, “After Waynflete, I pursued and completed my Bachelors of Arts degree from Hampshire College. I majored in Printmaking and Public Health in 2011. My senior thesis involved apprenticing with Master Printer Peter Pettengill of Wingate Studio. His print shop primarily deals with intaglio printing (etching) and he has worked with many world renowned artists including Walton Ford, Louise Bourgeois, and Sol LeWitt, as well as some notable Maine artists such a Neil Welliver, Ahmed Alsoudani, Karen Gelardi, and Giddon Bok to name a few. More info on Wingate Studio can be found here: https://wingatestudio.com/artists
After graduating in 2011, I moved back to Portland, Maine. I worked at numerous apparel print shops, and volunteered when I could at local galleries such as Space Gallery. In 2014, I received a job offer from an interior design firm Designtex, which specializes in high end commercial upholstery and wallcoverings. I started in the production department and was in charge of large format printing. However, I have since moved up in the company and am now a designer in the Custom Studio department. My job now primarily consists of working with textile mills from all around the world and making client specific adjustments to materials. More info about Designtex can be found here, but check out our recent launch on the women weavers of the Bauhaus era: https://www.designtex.com/bauhaus-project
Besides my career, I had a very busy 2019. Within a year, I got married to the love of my life Dan Brideau, adopted a rescue dog from Puerto Rico named Pinto, and bought a house in Portland. I have become an avid gardener since the pandemic hit, but am excited to travel and explore more of the world in 2021.
Class of 2011
Hannah Daly ’11 was featured as a Children’s Theater of Maine alumna, “Hannah Daly is a Portland-based actress and educator. She graduated with a BFA in Acting from Syracuse University, and is a proud graduate of the university program at Shakespeare’s Globe in London, England and the Tepper Semester in NYC. As an actress, she has worked extensively in the New England theater, film and television, and commercial markets. As an Associate Artist and Teaching Artist at Portland Stage, she performs and teaches regularly in the TFK Play Me A Story program, as well as teaching in their summer camp programming.”
Class of 2014
Boni Kabongo ’14 is currently working as a Waynflete Remote Hub Mentor for Waynflete School, where he has helped to provide support for student learning and growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Boni attended Wheaton College in Massachusetts and earned a BA in Business Management and a concentration in Equality, Diversity, and Corporate Social Responsibility in 2018. While he was in college he was involved in multiple clubs, and during his senior year, he served as the president of the Wheaton Investment Club. He also had the unique opportunity to intern for Ustocktrade and Crystal Springs Farm during his time at Wheaton. When Boni graduated from college, he worked in Boston, Massachusetts for Long Roofing in their marketing department and Hertz in their management program. He then moved to Maine for an opportunity to work for Prudential Insurance in the Short Term Disability department. Throughout this time period, Boni has also worked for Seeds of Peace and The CanWE Project. He has also been involved in the Civic and Community Engagement Fellowship as well as the YES! program’s North American Leadership Jam. Lastly, during the pandemic, he was the co-creator of a black affinity space for students called What’s Next.
Sophie Raffel ’14 was a recent speaker for Upper School students at the “Lunches with Boni” program. She is a Consultant at Deloitte in New York City in their Advertising, Marketing, and Commerce offering, where she provides qualitative and data-driven solutions to communications and growth marketing challenges faced by government and public sector agencies. Prior to joining Deloitte, Sophie spent two years at Walmart in their eCommerce department. At Walmart, she helped launch Walmart eBooks and Audiobooks as well as partnerships with digital content companies such as Disney+ and TIDAL. Sophie has also spent time at top PR agency Ketchum, as an intern in the U.S. House of Representatives, and as a public policy intern for Girls Inc. (a women’s advocacy non-profit) and Planned Parenthood. She attended the University of Pennsylvania and graduated in 2018 with a BA in Political Science and Consumer Psychology.
Avalena Linsky ’14 was a recent alumni speaker for Upper School students. Avalena is a second-year student at the SUNY College of Optometry in Manhattan. She graduated from Waynflete in 2014 and then pursued a major in Biochemistry at Northeastern University in Boston. She loves eyes because it is the only place in the body where you can see the vasculature without cutting someone open. Avalena originally thought she would grow up to be a mermaid princess, but a Doctor of Optometry was a close second choice for her. In college, she was in the National Residence Hall Honorary, Beta Beta Beta, Revolve and Kinematix Dance Troupes, and Husky Ambassadors. She completed research at the Smith Laboratory, and three co-ops at Sanofi, Rubius Therapeutics, and Moderna. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2019. Now, Avalena is the American Optometric Student Association – Political Action Committee representative for New York, the President of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association, and the future president of Beta Sigma Kappa. In her free time, she paints, plays Fortnite, and takes naps.
Class of 2016
Christian Kabongo ’16 was a recent alumni speaker for Upper School students. Christian is a Clinical Research Coordinator in Neuro-Oncology in the Cancer Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. In preparation for medical school, he is feeding his passion for neuroscience by assisting a team of doctors in the research and treatment of glioblastomas, neurofibromatosis, astrocytomas, and meningiomas. This spring of 2021, he plans to apply to medical school.
During high school, Christian was apart of Maine Seed of Peace, assisted in the establishment of the New England Youth Identity Summit, and assisted in Raising Awareness and Providing Support education. In May 2020, he graduated from Tufts University with a BS in Biopsychology on the pre-med track. He has experience in STEM Outreach, basic science research, and clinical practice.
Class of 2017
Ellie Chidsey ’17 is graduating from Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA on June 23. She is a Biology Major with a minor in Environmental Science. Four year member of the Varsity Cross Country and Track teams, was captain her senior year.
This summer, Ellie will be working in Sitka, Alaska as a member of the Alaska Fishery Department. We think, checking fish catches as the commercial fishermen dock in Sitka. She sends her best to all at Waynflete who still remember her.
Fall 2020
Class of 1947
Patricia Klingenstein ’47 recently donated $7.5 million to enable the New-York Historical Society to upgrade its storage for documents.
Class of 1952
Lucy Fowler Klug ’52 writes, “Greetings to Waynflete. I have read with great interest your Philanthropy publication- am impressed with what Waynflete has become- certainly I would not recognize much on your campus. Congratulations on your accomplishments! I know that this past year has been extraordinarily challenging. I am very grateful for the education that Waynflete gave me (4th grade thru 12th grade)- a solid foundation for a life of learning.”
Class of 1958
80th Birthday Celebration!
Left to right front: Judy McManamy, Susan Sorel, DeeDee Bradford, Becky Marsland, Susan Jones
Back row: Penny Carson and Inger Corson
Class of 1959
Laurie Marshall Cushman ’59 writes, “After downsizing(the home that is, if not the body!) and living in a really fine retirement community for the past 5 years, Sam and I have decided to take on homeownership again! So off we go on the 5th of November to Hagerstown, MD where our oldest daughter, Katie, lives with her family. The retirement community (Charlestown) in which we live is a great place with over 300 activities, 1900+ residents, a lovely campus with a small pond and nature trail and even a chapel with Italian marble and gold-squared mosaics! Why leave? you ask? Well, that’s hard to say. Retirement community living isn’t for everyone. Lets just say that this apartment does not have a door to slam or a “safe room” for a retreat place. So . . . Hagerstown it is! “
Linda Bean ’59 writes, “I’m turning 80 this year. Thankful for the solid liberal arts and languages base, including 6th and 9th year Latin provided by Waynflete to me (then) and to my granddaughter, Eliza Clark (today).
Class of 1960
Louise Gulick Van Winkle ’60 writes, “Davis and I continue to spend the winters in Arizona, and we are at Wohelo during the summers. Last year we were able to open successfully in spite of COVID, and hope to offer camp to even more girls this year. Winter in Arizona is great, staying outdoors in spite of masks and distancing.”
Helen Connell ’60 writes, “During these covid times, several of us from the 1960s graduation era have been sharing “Happy Hour” once a month via Zoom. It has been a great way to visit with our classmates, especially with people living far from Portland. Going back a few years, after returning from our 5 year cruise from 1989 – 1994 in and around the Caribbean, my husband and I retired to NH, where we adopted a Brittany puppy. She dragged me into partaking in dog agility. It is quite an addiction and includes dog training, staying in athletic shape, keeping the dogs in shape via hiking in the White Mountains, and staying healthy! Along with agility, since NH is the first Primary state in the nation, we in NH enjoy a lot of privileges in the sense that we can get to know the presidential candidates as they traverse the state. I have done lots of canvassing for candidates, which can be difficult if someone slams the door in your face, but quite rewarding when you meet a kindred spirit!”
Class of 1961
Sandra Thaxter ’61 has recently released a new book of poetry, Illuminated. “In her poetry she draws from her experience in New England landscapes and their changing seasons. Her poetry integrates nature’s presence, as witness, but also its texture and beauty. She reflects on the social change and events as evidence of our human struggle to survive through arrogance, compassion and fragility.”
Class of 1962
Kayaking trip
From Polly Burke: “Five of us went kayaking this summer. Betsy, Diane, Janice, Polly and Flip!”
Class of 1963
Peggy (Meg) Browne ’63 writes, “Most importantly, I am so grateful to live in Maine and am very lucky to be healthy and happy. Here is an update, though it lacks the typical report of kudos, kids, significant others, and travel. I’m still single, and live in Bristol with an adorable 13 year old orange-and-cream shelter cat named Rabbit (it’s complicated) who joined me 5 years ago. He’s a wonderful companion and makes me laugh. (Unlike many, I do better not being in a romantic relationship. ) During this pandemic with its suspended volunteer services I, along with others, have a nagging awareness of not being helpful to anyone else; providing financial support feels inadequate. Finally! I regret not having talked with Miss Pillsbury more; and my fantasy is to have two donkeys.”
Class of 1965
John Branson ’65 writes, “I am starting my last year of employment for Lake Clark National Park and Preserve in southwest Alaska. Now hunkered down at Lake Clark this winter and wishing the pandemic will be tamed very soon by the vaccines.”
Class of 1970
Nancy Manter ’70 was one of 10 women featured in an online show on American Abstract Artists. “My work continues to reflect my deep sense of foreboding, anticipation, and curiosity in nature, as it exists today.”
Class of 1982
Janice Moore ’82 writes “I’m excited to share a solo exhibit which has pivoted (with a sharp learning curve) to an online show since all of my in person art exhibits have cancelled. Barns, Farms & other Work Structures can be seen at https://www.janicelmoore.com/virtual-gallery-2020. Just as I want to be specific with my subjects, I try to support local organizations doing real work to solve problems here in Maine. I’ll be donating 15% of all sales for works in this exhibit through 2020 to Maine Recovery Fund, a partner of MaineWorks. This extraordinary organization is run by my fellow Waynflete classmate and longtime friend, Margo Walsh. You can find out more about the important work Margo and her team are doing at https://www.maineworks.us/ and www.mainerecoveryfund.org.”
The Trauma Intervention Program of Greater Portland named Margo Walsh ’82, founder and CEO of MaineWorks, as its “Heart of Gold Award” winner as part of its 15th annual Heroes with Heart celebration.
Class of 1987
Abigail Carroll ’87 writes, “After 10 years as an oyster farmer, I sold NONESUCH OYSTERS at the start of the year. Despite the pandemic, 2020 was our best year ever and I’d like to thank the Waynflete community for its support. Thank you! Looking forward to new ventures and adventures, and to having more time to see friends!”
Class of 1990
Ellen Watson Cady ’90 “recently co-authored a guided journal entitled Take Two, a Journal for New Beginnings (Chronicle Books). It utilizes science-backed tools to help people build resilience through activities and writing prompts, based on concepts like mindfulness, compassion, gratitude and mindset. More information about the Journal can be found at www.taketwojournal.com.”
Class of 1999
Class of 2000
Eleanor Whitney ’00 wrote Quit Your Day Job, a “practical field guide for creative people with great ideas for independent projects who want to achieve success and sustainability. Drawing on her years of experience helping people succeed with do-it-yourself projects based in independent publishing, music, food, art, craft, activism, and community work, Eleanor Whitney empowers you to clarify your vision, get organized, set goals, create a plan, raise funds, market, and manage your do-it-yourself project.”
Class of 2001
Scott McPheeters ’01 opened Subcirlce, a dance studio in Biddeford, Maine. Scott is Co-Director as well as a freelance performer, choreographer, and teacher.
Nicki Noble Bean ’01 started a website Momminglikeitsmyjob.com to share ideas for things to do with kids, family-friendly events and more.
Class of 2002
Taylor Asen ’02 launched a statewide law firm. He recently left Berman & Simmons law firm in Lewiston to start his own practice based at the Pineland Farms campus in New Gloucester.
Class of 2003
Jacob Freund ’03 writes, “I have recently started a new job at Mind & Life Institute in Charlottesville, Virginia as Executive Assistant to the President and Board of Directors. Mind & Life is an incredible organization, founded over thirty years ago following a dialogue between entrepreneur Adam Engle, neuroscientist Francisco Varela and the Dalai Lama. Their mission is to bridge contemplative wisdom with modern neuroscience to better understand and promote individual and societal flourishing. Their work is remarkable, far-reaching and very prescient for our current time. I am grateful and excited to be joining such a wonderful institution and look forward to helping support their work for many moons to come.
Susana Hancock ’03 gave a talk, “Making Music, Finding Self” hosted by the Camden Conference and Rockland Public Library. Susana, who has studied and lived in the Arctic, also participated in the Conference’s virtual Teachers’ Workshop where she presented an overview of the region.
Class of 2004
Ellie Porta Barnet ’04 was part of an exhibition exploring stories of grief at Moss Galleries in Portland, Maine. “A painter, Barnet grieves the loss of her grandmother and a familiar family place in her paintings.”
Class of 2007
Cecilia Nardi ’07 is Director of Community Relations in the Office of Government & Community Affairs at Boston University. Cecilia is part of a team that works collaboratively to frame, develop and produce research and policy analysis on external issues affecting municipal, state and community relations. As Director of Community Relations, Cecilia’s role is to lead in integrating community programs into a University-wide model that is sustainable and durable. Cecilia collaborates with organized community groups, public officials, and off-campus students to foster relations between the University and the community. She also works closely with the University administration to identify, strengthen and improve community programming and community development.
Class of 2008
Kristy Andrews and John Harvey ‘05 were married on September 26, 2020 on Peaks Island.
Anando Naqui ’08 co-hosts a newly launched podcast on all things e-commerce. SKU-ed hosts guests on the show who discuss some of the most important and valuable topics within the digital commerce space.
Class of 2011
Hannah Daly’ ’11 and Laura MacLean ’18, were in the cast of “FAFALO!,” written and directed by Stephen Legawiec, a one-act show performed in the Camden amphitheater in the Commedia dell’arte style, and presented by the Camden Shakespeare Festival.
Class of 2012
Sarah Neuren ’12 writes, “I have now been at my first full time job as a homeowners claims adjuster for over a year and a half! I started at the end of May in 2019, and have been enjoying it ever since!”
Class of 2013
Mesa Robinov ’13 was recently appointed Assistant Director of Admissions at Colby College. Mesa is currently a graduate student at Boston College Lynch School for a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Education Policy.
Class of 2015
Leah Packard-Grams ’15 moved to California to start her PhD in Ancient History and Mediterranean Archaeology at UC Berkeley.
Class of 2017
Adelaide Lyall ’17 writes, “I am currently living in Portland, organizing northern York county because I am from Saco! I took a gap year last year and worked at asylum law firm and ILAP and then started interning for the campaign in March. I decided in the end of August to take another gap year to be a paid field organizer and start at UPenn next fall instead! I have no idea what I want to do after the election but I definitely want to continue working in politics or social justice issues.”
Chloe Daikh ’17 writes, “I was recently hired as COVID-19 Contact Tracer/Support Intern through a partnership with my undergraduate institution, Whitman College, and the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Walla Walla County and provide support to individuals waiting for test results. As the county gets more doses of vaccine, I will provide information to community members about the vaccine as they become eligible to receive it!”
Class of 2018
Outside Magazine featured Luna Soley ’18 who authored an article about working as a sternman on a lobster boat. During her college break, Luna “went all in on solitude—living alone on a Down East island and working for one of the area’s few female skippers.”
Spring 2020
Class of 1955
Great showing from the Class of 1955 at the Guys and Dolls and dinner night.
Left to Right Mary Senter Hart, Flonny Walker Morrison, Maddy Corson, Lee Tyler Robbins, Caroline Campbell Knot (missing from photo)
Jan Meyer Roberson “is still painting (pastels) and showing in August, September and October on Bailey Island. Busy teaching my dog, blinded by glaucoma, to be her independent self again. And, still love to travel- Uzbekistan the Silk Road (not silk-more potholes than Maine in April). Love having so many classmates close enough for lunches, etc.!”
Class of 1965
2020 Klingenstein Award – Charlie Miller ’65
Waynflete is pleased to announce that Charlie Miller ’65 is this year’s recipient of the Klingenstein Award.
Waynflete’s commitment to serving the common good is rooted in the school’s mission, which encourages our students’ responsible and caring participation in the world. This commitment to leadership and service has long been reflected in the lives and accomplishments of our alumni. Created by Waynflete’s board of trustees in 2018, the Klingenstein Award is named after Patricia (Pat) Davis Klingenstein ’47, who was recognized for her work as an education advocate, devoted community leader, volunteer, and philanthropist.
Charlie will be celebrated in May at a student assembly and an alumni luncheon as part of Reunion Weekend.
Class of 1982 (and 1980)
Michael Stoddard ’82 and Ukay Ajiki ’80 visited campus in late January and took a brief tour of the new Lower School and the Arts Center.
Class of 1990
Scott Bowe ’90, current parent to two Lower Schoolers, is a Maine contemporary artist and is currently exhibiting his artwork at the Portland Art Gallery.
Class of 1991
Alethea Cariddi ’91 is the Sustainability Coordinator at the University of New England, where she is responsible for monitoring and managing greenhouse gas emissions and the university’s Climate Action Plan, the recycling program, the move to a water bottle-less campus, sustainable transportation alternatives, and many other environmental initiatives.
Class of 2000
Ryan Blotnick ’00 wrote: “My partner and I had a baby! Nico is four months and super smiley. I am still playing jazz and writing for film, most recently Knock Down the House, which won the audience award at Sundance.”
Class of 2004
Edwin Stevens ’04 is an independent filmmaker working on the independent movie Summer Someday, which starts filming in January 2020 in Portland. Stevens has worked in Hollywood for years as a cinematographer, editor, and producer, and has his own production company, APS Films. His work includes The Defiant Ones, a documentary for HBO about rapper Dr. Dre and producer Jimmy Lovine.
Class of 2005
Amanda Allen Nurse ’05 recently competed in the U.S. Marathon Olympic Trials! With a time of 2:43:45, she placed 94th among the women.
View Amanda’s website about her fitness programs at amandarunsboston.com.
Class of 2006
Eliza Timpson ’06 is the founder of Sunwink, a new age herbal wellness company which offers sparkling herbal tonics which have recently been offered for retail sale by Wholefoods. Watch the pitch video featuring Eliza.
Class of 2012
Rashida Zagon ’12 and her sister stopped in to Thomas House to visit with staff while visiting faculty and friends on campus.
Kings Floyd ’12 is a disability rights advocate and writer. She was recently invited by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) to join her at President Trump’s State of the Union address on February 4. Kings is also speaking at the Waynflete New England Identity Summit on April 4. Watch her Ted Talk here.
Class of 2013
Lily Collins ’13 stars as one of the lead roles in Pride and Prejudice at Portland Players. View the Facebook event.
Class of 2015
Elliot Nye ’15 led the company of A Midsummer Night’s Dream through a puppetry handling and building workshop at Waynflete. Come see giant butterflies, big birds, fairy alter egos, and the faces of Titania and Oberon for this production in Franklin Theater on April 30- May 2!
With an abundance of awards and accolades, and a healthy dose of superhero qualities, Nicole Maines ’15 has been called “the Trans Hero the World Needs.” As she makes her debut and shines as the standout character Nia Nal, TV’s first transgender superhero, she is just as much of a superhero off screen. Nicole made her extraordinary mark in the world by being an activist for the LGBTQ+ community.
Class of 2019
Colby Fall Concert
Left to Right: Gaia Santoro Lecchini, Carter Dexter, Carson Ford, Chris Register, Georgia Goodman, Ben Musgrove, Ben Millspaugh, Burr Rhoads