http://www.doanestuart.org/ Doane Stuart School News en-us Copyright 2009 Doane Stuart http://www.doanestuart.org/ Fri, 24 May 2013 05:32:07 EST For the third consecutive year, Connor Danz ’22 of Rensselaer has been selected as a Finalist in the New York State Invention Convention competition. Connor was selected as a Finalist in 2011 for his invention, Lego Sorter, which separates Lego pieces using a system of foam layers, with reduced passages for corresponding Legos. In in 2012, his invention The Germ Assassin, a device that attaches to doors and automatically sanitizes doorknobs for the next user, earned him recognition as a Finalist and a spot on the Steve Harvey Show. Connor’s latest invention, The Super Popcorn Bucket with Napkin Dispenser. Pictured right: Connor with Mona Golub, Vice President of Public Relations and Consumer Services, Price Chopper Supermarkets and Doane Stuart Trustee. Invention Convention 2013 (IC 2013) is an annual regional and statewide invention competition for students from grades K through 8. In collaboration with miSci (formerly the Schenectady Museum) and GE Volunteers, this contest is organized and run by volunteer scientists, engineers, patent attorneys, agents and others. Now in its 16th year, Invention Convention has engaged more than 14,000 students from this region in creative problem solving with us since it began in 1998, including more than 1,300 in 2011! To learn more visit: http://ge.geglobalresearch.com/inventionconvention/ Congratulations, Connor! http://www.doanestuart.org/news.cfm/article/88026 Doane Stuart Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 EST Steven DeBraccio ’07 was awarded his Juris Doctor at Albany Law School’s 162nd Commencement on Friday, May 17. Steven (pictured right, with Director of College Counseling, Ms. Kathleen Bracken) graduated summa cum laude. He was the Executive Managing Editor of the Albany Law Review, and was awarded a Siegel Scholarship, a prize awarded to members of the Albany Law Review editorial board for excellent service and academic leadership. Steven also earned the West (part of Thomson Reuters) Award, an annual prize to the students having the highest standing in the field of Evidence. Three years ago, Steven attained the impressive distinction of earning his college diploma a full year early from the University at Albany, as well as achieving the highest cumulative grade-point-average among the graduates in the School of Criminal Justice. Congratulations, Steven! http://www.doanestuart.org/news.cfm/article/88025 Doane Stuart Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 EST In January, after seniors’ college applications had been submitted, Kathleen Bracken, Director of College Counseling, read a call for college essays involving money in The New York Times “Your Money” column. Immediately, Ana Castro’s essay came to mind. As a junior, Ana, who lives in Albany, listened to the words of Doane Stuart alumnus Joe Simon ’01, who spoke to Upper School students about his work in the Peace Corps. She was inspired to use her college education to make an impact on the world, and wrote about this in her personal statement. Ms. Bracken commented, “Ana’s essay was witty, moving and memorable.” The New York Times agreed. Ana’s essay is posted in full, online at: www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/05/17/business/college-essays.html?_r=0#ana-castro. Excerpts from Ana's essay appear in Four College Essays That Stand Out From the Crowd by Ron Lieber of The New York Times. Read the full text at: http://wap.nytimes.com/2013/05/18/your-money/four-college-essays-that-stand-out-from-the-crowd.html?from=your-money Ana will attend Hamilton College in the fall. Congratulations, Ana! http://www.doanestuart.org/news.cfm/article/88024 Doane Stuart Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 EST Two Sides, One Story A spiritually and ethnically diverse heritage informs the art of Jason Blue Lake Hawk Martinez by Erin Pihlaja Metroland http://metroland.net/2013/05/15/two-sides-one-story/ http://www.doanestuart.org/news.cfm/article/88023 Doane Stuart Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 EST On Tuesday, June 4, 2013, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) will recognize students and educators who have worked to make their schools No Place for Hate® at a recognition ceremony in New York. The 2013 No Place For Hate® recognition ceremony will be held at The New School’s, Tishmann Auditorium, 66 West 12th Street, NYC from 10:00AM – 12:00PM. The Middle School at Doane Stuart has a long history of anti-bullying programming, including the School’s signature “Just Kidding” program, now in its fifth year, and implemented No Place For Hate® in December 2012. The No Place For Hate® initiative offers students, teachers, administrators and family members the opportunity to work together to combat prejudice and enhance a culture of respect in the school community. To learn more about the program, visit: http://regions.adl.org/new-york/programs/no-place-for-hate.html To be recognized by the ADL, schools participating in No Place For Hate® must: Create a No Place For Hate committee or team to plan, coordinate and oversee the school’s anti-bias projects. Have a majority of students, teachers and staff sign the No Place For Hate Resolution of Respect. Complete three or more anti-bullying/diversity education activities within one school year. The No Place For Hate® Resolution of Respect I will seek to gain understanding of those who are different from myself. I will speak out against prejudice and discrimination. I will reach out to support those who are targets of hate. I will promote respect for people and help foster a prejudice-free school. I believe that one person can make a difference — no person can be an “innocent” bystander when it comes to opposing hate. I recognize that respecting individual dignity and promoting intergroup harmony are the responsibilities of all students. Doane Stuart’s Efforts: SKYE FARM During the first week of school the whole Middle School community spends an overnight at Skye Farm, a camp in the Adirondacks. These days are called Community Building Days and the intent is that students feel accepted and positive about the year ahead. During the evening, a special candle ceremony is held to welcome new students to the Middle School. “WALLS HAVE DOORS” In the Middle School hallway, a special bulletin board depicting a wall with an open door showing blue sky provides a daily reminder of literal and figurative walls and how they can divide people and communities. Each member of the Middle School community signed the “sky” to show their commitment to finding the doors in the walls that divide us. “JUST KIDDING” The Just Kidding program, now in its fifth year, is aimed at encouraging an open discussion of bullying and meanness and the damage they can do to individuals and communities. For this year’s Just Kidding program, the Middle School spent the morning reflecting on larger issues (9/11 and Afghanistan) and participated in an Anti-Defamation League workshop. “MIX-IT-UP Day” As an extension of the Middle School’s participation in national “Mix it up Lunch” Day in October, the student council planned additional days of random table assignments for students during lunch. This student-led initiative reflects Doane Stuart students’ commitment to taking real steps toward being No Place For Hate®. http://www.doanestuart.org/news.cfm/article/88022 Doane Stuart Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 EST On Sunday, May 5, Liam Lynch ’15, Mr. and Mrs. H, and Mr. Martinez, joined the Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County (LVORC) for its annual Literacy Run/Walk 2013. Liam, earned second overall and first place in the MALE AGE GROUP: 14 - 19, with a time of 20:38. Mr. Hodgkinson, with time of 23:59, was second in his age group and twentieth overall. Mrs. Hodgkinson and Mr. Martinez also finished the race strong with times of 29:59 and 28:44 respectively. Pictured, left to right, at Literacy Run/Walk 5K: Liam Lynch, Mr. Martinez, Mr. and Mrs. H. Congratulations to all! To learn more about Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County, visit: www.lvorc.org/who-we-are/mission-statement/ http://www.doanestuart.org/news.cfm/article/88017 Doane Stuart Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 EST Kayla Ryan ’15 of Latham was honored by Colonie VFW Post # 8692 for her entry into the national “Voices of Democracy” competition. This annual contest requires that students write and perform an audio essay, in response to an assigned topic. This year’s theme was, “Is our constitution still relevant?” The contest has been in existence since 1947, and receives more than 50,000 entries from around the country. Post #8692 selected Kayla’s essay to advance to the next level of completion. Voices of Democracy Committee Chairman Kathleen Hass described Kayla’s essay as excellent, and presented her with a check for $250 at the post’s Loyalty Day Celebration on May 5. Hass commented, “Every member of this post has, in order to belong, fought on foreign soil to protect our constitution, which was written so very long ago.” She praised Kayla’s acknowledgment that the constitution still protects the country today. Congratulations, Kayla! http://www.doanestuart.org/news.cfm/article/88018 Doane Stuart Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 EST Zack Rogers ’09, a senior at the University of Delaware, will spend his summer working on an early detection system to mitigate spinal deterioration. Zack is an engineering major, with a concentration in biomedical engineering. His professor, Dr. Liyun Wang, observed that as spines deteriorate with age, they mineralize and weaken, resulting in a higher a concentration of cells known as proteoglycans. Zack will be part of a team of biomedical engineers, mechanical engineers, and chemical engineers, tasked with finding a link between the concentrations of these cells, and the deterioration of spinal bone. Zack recently returned to campus for a visit, and spoke to Upper School students about his experience in college, his research, and the life of an engineering student. He commented, “Doane Stuart is a safe environment where students can explore their interests. Doane Stuart prepared me to hold my own in conversations with a wide range of people. It was exactly what I needed.” Congratulations, Zack! http://www.doanestuart.org/news.cfm/article/88016 Doane Stuart Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 EST The Doane Stuart School holds its 36th Annual Spring Gala and Auction Saturday, May 11, 2013 at the beautiful Albany Country Club, where we will be honoring Mona Golub. Ms. Golub, Trustee and current parent of Ira ’15, is the 2013 recipient of The Bishop Ball Trustee Award. There will be elegant dining, and dancing, with a spectacular view, and vigorous bidding at the exciting silent and live auctions. The goal of the event and the auction is to raise funds to support financial aid for academically qualified students who might not otherwise be able to attend our fine School. Doane Stuart offers students from every economic and social background a superior, college preparatory education, in Nursery through Grade 12. Annually, this event raises over $100,000 to support the financial aid programs. Our success is possible only through the ongoing support of many generous individuals and corporations in the region who believe in the School’s mission of making an excellent independent school education a real possibility for students of all economic backgrounds. This year’s Corporate Sponsors are: UHY Advisors, Capital Region Orthopaedics, Hacker Murphy, LLP, Times Union, Albany IVF, Albany Medical Center Hospital, Boies, Schiller and Flexner, LLP, Bullard, McLeod & Associates, Inc., CDPHP, Head to Tail Pet Wellness Center, NBT Bank, Nielsen Associates, Anna and Derek Nolan, Novus Engineering, Overit Media. Members of the Honorary Committee include: Benefactors: Patricia Bruder, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Harris, and John and Ann Robinson; Patrons: Maria Holden and Dr. Terrence Flannery; Supporters: Wallace and Dr. Jane Altes, Tricia Asaro and Steven Kroll, Richard and Paula Brewer, Lisa and Steven Brown, George Carpinello, Esq. and Beth Davies Carpinello, Esq., Jean Cleary, KA ’59 and Steven Cleary, Nancy Dearstyne , Dr. John and Amy DiPreta, Sharon M. and Bill Duker, Amy Durland and Robert Mains, Darlene Gallagher, Mona Golub and Marie DeBrocky, Neil and Jane Golub, Mr. and Mrs. David T. Haggerty, Dr. Karen Hitchcock, Dr. and Mrs. Noel Hogan, Ellen M. Jakovic, Esq. ’78 and David Lipson, County Executive Kathleen M, Jimino, William Kahn, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kane, Tom Lagan and Dr. Ginna Roeding, Mr. and Mrs. Wolbert Roettgers, Patricia and Mark Maguire, Morris Massry, Winifred A. McCarthy, KA ’66, Eric S. Molho, M.D. and Stacy L. Pettit, Fran O’Rourke, Dr. Joseph Polito and Ms. Karen Pahl, Andrew Rose, Esq., Richard and Christal Saffee, Drs. Nina and Robert Sax, Lawrence and Shari Schillinger, Chris and Bridget Shaw, Jan and Stan Smith, Mary B. Stapleton, Dr. David Stone and Mindy Feman-Stone, Congressman Paul Tonko, and Patrick W. Turley, Esq. ’79 and Betsy Turley, Lawrence Wilson and Alida Crisafulli. All proceeds from the Gala support the School’s financial aid programs. We invite you to join us for an evening filled with fun and excitement. For more details and ticket information, please call the Development Office at 465-5222 Ext. 248. http://www.doanestuart.org/news.cfm/article/88015 Doane Stuart Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 EST The May/ June Calendar, News and Notes is available online! To download the Calendar, visit www.doanestuart.org/monthly-news.cfm. http://www.doanestuart.org/news.cfm/article/88014 Doane Stuart Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST On April 12, Doane Stuart welcomed two student teachers from David Yellin College, Jerusalem, Israel. Sofia Leyko, who is Israeli and Athar Hossin, who is Arab, will work closely with teachers and students, and participate in all aspects of our community. The new partnership with David Yellin College, Jerusalem, Israel, will bring two student teachers, one Israeli and one Palestinian, to Doane Stuart for several weeks, each year, to teach and learn in an environment in which diversity and respect for difference are key components of a school that emphasizes the importance of teaching students to live together peacefully, celebrating the beliefs, backgrounds and traditions of others. By participating in this program, the exchange students will learn from and contribute to our unique interfaith community – and hone their own leadership and conflict resolution skills for the betterment of their home communities when they return. With a history of commitment to diversity that dates to the mid-19th century, Doane Stuart is proud of its student body, which reflects a considerably greater racial, religious and socio-economic diversity than can be found in any other school or neighborhood in our Region, and is the result of a commitment to "respect for difference" as an essential element of a Doane Stuart education. Doane Stuart lives this commitment by offering significant financial aid; by its wide-ranging interfaith religious programs, which celebrate the traditions of our students, whether Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindi or Christian; by its emphasis on service to the community; and by its ecumenical partnerships with Lagan College, St. Mary's University College and Stranmillis University College in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and David Yellin College, Jerusalem. Pictured, left to right: Athar Hossin and Sofia Leyko, visiting student teachers from David Yellin College, Jerusalem, Israel. http://www.doanestuart.org/news.cfm/article/88002 Doane Stuart Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST Doane Stuart alumna Taylor Brown ’09 will soon be studying under educational innovators such as Howard Gardner, when she heads to the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Taylor will be studying in Harvard’s "mind, brain, and education" program, exploring the neuroscience behind learning, and how to use that information when developing curriculum and instruction. She intends to focus on behavioral or learning disabilities and how to incorporate our knowledge of the brain to modify instruction to meet the unique needs of students with such disabilities. Already, Taylor has extensive experience in this area, as she leads the Friday Knight Fishes group at St. Rose, teaching autistic children how to swim. When reflecting on the foundation her Doane Stuart education provided, Taylor commented, “Everything about DS helped me prepare for this! My writing skills were leaps and bounds ahead of my peers when I started college, and I know that had a lot to do with the high expectations of my teachers like Mr. Weaver. I also feel that DS built my confidence to participate in class discussion. When I visited Harvard prior to my acceptance and audited a class, I jumped right into the conversations, and the professor actually thanked me for my contributions to the class. DS gave me that ‘can do’ attitude.” Congratulations and good luck, Taylor! http://www.doanestuart.org/news.cfm/article/88000 Doane Stuart Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST The Art of Jason Blue Lake Hawk Martinez will be included in Second Time Around: The Hubcap as Art, a national tour of contemporary art. Two-hundred and seventy artists from every U.S. state and 38 other countries will have their work featured at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, in Winchester, VA. Mr. Martinez’s Art (pictured, right) was selected, from two-hundred and seventy, as one of only twenty-five artists whose work will be featured in the exhibit, which begins in November 2015. The exhibit, at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, will open to the public Sunday, September 7, 2014. Second Time Around: The Hubcap as Art will present objects created by artists from across the globe who responded to an invitation issued by the Pennsylvania-based, nonprofit Landfillart Project (www.landfillart.org) to turn a discarded hubcap into art. Second Time Around, which marks the first time these objects will be on public exhibition, will be at the MSV through March 1, 2015. For more information about the exhibit, visit: www.eusa.org/exhibit/secondtimearound/media Congratulations, Mr. Martinez! http://www.doanestuart.org/news.cfm/article/87996 Doane Stuart Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST Sterling silver earrings by David Yurman Enter to win a beautiful pair of David Yurman sterling silver earrings! 1 ticket for $20 or 3 tickets for $50. To buy your raffle tickets prior to the Gala visit our shop at www.doanestuart.org/shop, stop by the Development Office or call us at 465-5222, x248 with your credit card information. The winner will be announced the night of our 36th Gala & Auction on May 11. http://www.doanestuart.org/news.cfm/article/87999 Doane Stuart Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST Congratulations to this year's Basketball All-Stars: Yasmin Fabian ’13, Honorable Mention, Girls Basketball; Rory Siy ’13 1st Team All-Star, Boys Basketball; Evan Schettini ’14 Second Team All-Star, Boys Basketball; and Ira Ganz ’15 and Deshawn Speights ’14, Honorable Mention, Boys Basketball. Ira Ganz ’15 Rory Siy ’13 Yasmin Fabian ’13 Deshawn Speights ’14 Evan Schettini ’14 http://www.doanestuart.org/news.cfm/article/87995 Doane Stuart Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST