Stoneleigh-Burnham School is pleased to announce that the Stoneleigh-Burnham Equestrian Center has been selected to become the new home base for Smith College’s riding students and equestrian team. This partnership brings Stoneleigh-Burnham students many benefits, including eight new horses and an additional instructor, as well as a new connection to the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA). Young riders will have the opportunity to connect with older mentors who can share with them the experience of being a rider at the college level. Students will also have the chance to see college-level competitions on our campus. For more details about this exciting partnership, please read the full announcement.

On Thursday, May 25, 2017, Stoneleigh-Burnham School announced several scholarships it has awarded to students.

The Dorrance Scholarship, given by the family of Jacqueline Dorrance ’64S, was endowed in memory of Bonnie Benn Jesser ’63S and is awarded each year to a girl who exhibits interest in extracurricular activities and has a strong sense of sportsmanship. The Dorrance Scholarship was awarded to To’Londa Torres.

The Mr. and Mrs. “E” Alumnae Scholarship was established in honor of Edward and Margaret Emerson. This scholarship goes to an incoming student who has demonstrated strong academic ability and well-rounded interests and talents to bring to the SBS community. Ideally, it goes to an alumna daughter. This year the Mr. and Mrs. “E” Scholarship was awarded to Julia Shulman, the daughter of Susan Bulda Shulman ’84.

The C. Robert Wray Scholarship, established in memory of Bob Wray, headmaster of from 1978-1996, is awarded annually to a girl who shows character, integrity, and a genuine interest in attending SBS. Equally important is a demonstrated potential for leadership and contributions to the school community. Chosen from a field of applicants who submitted a 1,000 word essay judged by a pool of alumnae and friends of the school, this year’s recipients of the Wray Scholarship are Julia “Jewels” Hatchard and Erin LeBlanc.

The Nora Lucas Burby Riding Scholarships, established by the Burby family, are meant to offer girls with high interest the opportunity to ride at our Equestrian Center for one season. This year the Nora Lucas Burby Scholarships were awarded to Laila “Jade” McCormock, Mia Mullings, and Kate Kowalyshyn.

The Sayles Music Scholarship was established by the family of Patricia Blake Sayles ’51SPH to provide access to quality instruction in vocal and/or instrumental music. This year, the Sayles Music Scholarship went to Siyana Nikolova.

Flaxie Roberson Fletcher ’68SPH

Stoneleigh-Burnham School celebrated the 148th Commencement today in Emerson Hall.

The Class of 2017 chose as their Commencement speaker alumna Dr. Flaxie Roberson Fletcher ’68SPH after getting to know her through her role on the Leadership Council. Dr. Fletcher is also a former member of the SBS Board of Trustees. She was the first African-American student to attend Stoneleigh Prospect Hill School, and the annual holiday basketball tournament at SBS is the result of her gift to the school and named for her. Dr. Fletcher grew up in Washington, D.C., the daughter of a doctor. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Howard University School of Medicine, and has her own medical practice in Los Angeles. She is an avid supporter of women, education, and health and wellness.

Dr. Fletcher recalled her three years at “Stoneleigh,” describing the school as a village that provided a sisterhood of incredible support and a superb education that helped propel her into a life of service as a physician and surgeon. She described the school as a community that unleashes “the true power and potential of an extraordinary woman.” Speaking directly to graduates, she said, “As I look at you I am in awe of the incredibly beautifully balanced brilliance and power that radiates through you. You will manifest greatness as you walk your road less traveled.”

Xiangge (Coco) Zhao ’17

Student Speaker
Xiangge (Coco) Zhao ’17, a three-year senior from Shanghai, China, was chosen by her class as the student speaker. Active in the Community Service Club, Rock Band, the Green Team, and the Student Alumnae Association, Coco is also a beloved Resident Assistant, and a valuable athlete in varsity basketball, varsity cross country, and varsity softball. She will attend George Washington University in Washington D.C.

Coco described the character of her entire class at the moment of both looking back at high school and forward to the future.

“My class, 22 of us, never stops arguing. We are a class of unique individuals who believe strongly in our perspectives, so when we gather and share our opinions, things often heat up,” she said. “But one thing we can agree on is that we are all ready. While we are achieving our goals, no matter what they are — going off to the right colleges, starting new relationships, or just hanging in there — most of us are eager to leave this space, and start a new journey right at this moment.” Read Coco’s full remarks on our school blog, “A View from the Nest.”

Graduates, students, faculty, staff, Board of Trustees, parents, and guests also heard remarks from Head of School Sally Mixsell ’68, who offered a retrospective of the many contributions of the graduating class.

“Your gifts to this school have been significant – which is why I’ve caught others, and even myself, choking up during this week’s many reminders that we’re all saying good-bye to you as students, athletes, artists, advisees, and friends,” Mixsell said. “We are so very proud of the growth you have exhibited while you’ve been here and we are very optimistic in our musings of where you might go from here.”

Faculty members Jake Steward, chair of the English department, and Lauren Cunniffe, Director of College Counseling and Librarian, also spoke at the ceremony. Read Jake’s full remarks on our school blog. Lauren’s full remarks can also be found on our school blog.

Senior class president Star Stryker Erbük gave welcoming remarks, and Board of Trustees Chair Allison Porter ’89 assisted Mixsell in the awarding of diplomas.

The 22 graduates in the Class of 2017 represent seven countries. Nine graduates are International Baccalaureate Diploma candidates and eight are members of the National Honor Society.

The names of graduates, their hometowns, and colleges they will attend are:
Romy Arsenault of Montreal, Canada: Marymount Manhattan Honors College
Sophie E. B. Byrne of Bolinas, CA: Gap Year
Kearsten Marie Crocker of Bernardston, MA: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Tingcen Lina Dong  of Shanghai, China: Case Western Reserve University
Star Shine Stryker Erbük of Amherst, MA: Mount Holyoke College
Lucia Galperin of Buenos Aires, Argentina: University of Denver
Ciara Larkin Hudson of Conway, MA: The College of Wooster
Kelsie D. Jacobs of Springfield, MA: Howard University
Phoebe Elizabeth Karkos of Foster, RI: Hampshire College
Kaya Kim of Nagoya, Japan: University of California, San Diego
Jayla Nicole Latham of Springfield, MA: College of St. Joseph
Elena Katrin Launert of Wiesbaden, Germany
Yena Molly Li of Shenzhen, China: Smith College
Meredith Jasperson Nordell of Greenfield, MA: St. Lawrence University
Theresa Alando Oduol of Bethlehem, PA: University of Connecticut
Ziying Anny Rui of Hangzhou, China:  New York University
Ingrid Louise Storebø of Bergen, Norway
Victoria Morgan Subritzky Katz of Orange, MA: Johns Hopkins University
Srikari Tummla of Foxborough, MA: University of Connecticut
Maren Isabel Vogel of Piermont, NH: Gap Year
Shaojie Lula Zhang of Beijing, China: New York University
Xiangge Coco Zhao of Shanghai, China: The George Washington University

Prizes and awards presented at Commencement:
Stoneleigh-Burnham School Academic Cup is awarded to the member of the senior class who has maintained the highest academic standing: Ziying Anny Rui of Hangzhou, China

The Margaret and Edward Emerson Award is presented to a four-year student who has made the best use of her academic opportunities: Phoebe Elizabeth Karkos of Foster, RI

The Virginia Giles Whittemore Prize recognizes exemplary performance in a leadership position: Yena Molly Li of Shenzhen, China

The Spencer Prize is presented to a senior for her academic achievement and commitment to learning: Double Award to Victoria Morgan Subritzky Katz of Orange, MA and Ziying Anny Rui of Hangzhou, China

The Mabel Hood Emerson Award is presented to the student who has done the most for Stoneleigh-Burnham School in scholarship, loyalty and leadership: Xiangge Zhao of Shanghai, China

The Prospect Hill Prize is presented to a senior who exemplifies personal integrity, dignity and service: Theresa Alando Oduol of Bethlehem, PA

The Stoneleigh-Burnham Prize is presented to a senior who has evidenced a high level of personal growth and increased self-reliance: Star Shine Stryker Erbük of Amherst, MA

The Stoneleigh-Burnham School Trustees Award for Teaching recognizes a member of the faculty, who, as mentor and guide to students, exemplifies the substance and spirit of the distinctive concept of great teaching that is cherished at this school: Andrea Tehan Carnes

On Thursday, May 25, 2017, Stoneleigh-Burnham School honored members of the Upper School for their accomplishments during the 2016-2017 school year at the Upper School Awards Ceremony.

Junior Leadership (Sweater Girl) Award: Bri Rooks

Bri Rooks ’18

Grade 9 English Award: Lila Lofving
Grade 10 English Award: Julianna Merullo
Grade 11 English Award: Ruta Siciuaite and Julia Thayer

Grade 9 Math Award: Linda Yang
Grade 10 Math Award: Abi von Plinsky
Grade 11 Math Award: Joanna Zhang
Grade 12 Math Award: Victoria Subritzky Katz and Lina Dong

Grade 9 Science Award: Nora Broady
Grade 10 Science Award: Jacqueline Morgan
University of Rochester Baush & Lomb Honorary Science Scholarship: Frannie Joseph
Rochester Institute of Technology Computing Medal: Nana Liu
Grade 12 Science: Award: Victoria Subritzky Katz

Grade 9 History Award: Nadya Baum
Grade 10 History Award: Edith Wang
Grade 11 History Award: Sophie Hathaway
Grade 12 History Award: Meredith Nordell

Grade 10 Language Award: Juliana Merullo
Grade 11 Language Award: Joanna Zhang
Grade 12 Language Award: Meredith Nordell

Grade 10 Visual Arts Award: Eden Lifshatz and Ryan Qi
Grade 12 Visual Arts Award: Elena Launert
Rhode Island School of Design Book Award: Star Stryker Erbük

Dance Award: Trinity Hughes
Instrumental Music Award: Molly Li
Theater Award: Sydney Wallace
Vocal Music Award: Eileen Collins
Performing Arts Award: Jackie Kennick

Most Improved Athlete Award: Theresa Oduol
Unsung Hero Award: Coco Zhoa
Bonnie Benn Jesser Award: Grace Grover
Amy Spencer Most Valuable Athlete Award: Kelsie Jacobs

Most Improved Riding Award: Ryan Qi
Riding Sportmanship Award: Jacquline Morgan
Horsemastership Award: Maren Vogel

IB Junior Learner Award: Lillian Yang
IB Senior Learner Award: Theresa Oduol

Grade 9 Academic Growth Award: Nes Mager
Grade 10 Academic Growth Award: Eden Lifshatz
Grade 11 Academic Growth Award: Grace Grover
Grade 12 Academic Growth Award: Theresa Oduol

Student Council Citizenship Award: Clara Richardson-Omamo
Student Council Community Service Award: Bri Rooks

Dartmouth College Club Book Award: Sophie Hathaway
Smith College Club Book Award: Julia Thayer
Mt. Holyoke College Book Award: Frannie Joseph
St. Lawrence University Book Award: To’Londa Torres

Ninth Grade Class Award: Eileen Collins
Sophomore Class Award: Olivia Young

In addition to honoring students, the school also recognized a member of the school staff. This year, the annual staff award was presented to Jenny Potee, Director of Health Services.

Director of Health Services Jenny Potee

The school community also presented the Student Council Faculty Appreciation Award. This year, the award went to mathematics teacher Aileen Logan-Tyson.

Math teacher Aileen Logan-Tyson

Awards and recognition were given in debate and public speaking, National Honor Society, and Student Council, and for serving as Blue Key tour guides and Resident Assistants at the last Housemeeting of the school year on May 16, 2017. Read more here.

The school community celebrated student athletes and marked the end of the spring athletics season at Team Night on May 18, 2017. Read more here.

Stoneleigh-Burnham School held the 2017 Middle School Moving-Up Ceremony on Thursday, May 25 in Emerson Hall. This tradition celebrates 8th grade students as they make the important transition from Middle School to Upper School the following year.

The ceremony started with a few words from Head of School Sally Mixsell, followed by an address by Julia Thayer ’18, newly elected Head of the Student Body for the 2017-18 academic year. She challenged students to stay true to themselves, to bring to high school the lessons they have learned in middle school at SBS, and most importantly, to be kind to themselves and to one another. Read Julia’s full remarks on our school blog, “View from the Nest.”

The Select Chorus performed “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars, then students were called up one at a time to be more personally recognized. The words and reflections of their advisors — teachers Allyson Bryant, Charlotte Hogan, Bill Ivey, Christy Maerlander, Meg Reilly, Hannah Richards, and Karen Suchenski, and Andrea Tehan Carnes — noted each student’s accomplishments, victories, uniqueness, and honorable traits, and shared fond memories the advisor had with the student.

Middle School Dean Bill Ivey closed the ceremony with the annual poem that uses the middle schoolers’ words, “The Community.” Read the poem on the school blog.

Congratulations to the Class of 2021 for their hard work at SBS and for moving forward to their high school years!

Class of 2021:
Olamiposi (Olly) Ajao
Yeon Woo (Rachel) Cho
Marines (Nes) Conesa Ruiloba
Piper Day
Yike (Dina) Ding
Charlotte Doulette
Lorenza Grajales Anzaldua
Fiona Hodges
Zijiao (Monica) Li
Xiandong (Alice) Lin
Juliette Lowe
Noelle Marino
Rosa Newshore
Anesi Ojior
Amelia Opsahl
Lily Roberts
Cassadie (Cassie) Scott
Andrea Serrano Barbara
Ruixuan (Anna) Shan
Emeline Stewart
Kathryn (Kate) Swasey
Isabel Valenzuela Gaxiola
Natalia (Nat) Villalobos
Serafina Walker
Li (Tina) Wang
Yuemeng (Monica) Wu

Stoneleigh-Burnham School is pleased to announce that alumna Dr. Flaxie Roberson Fletcher ’68SPH will deliver this year’s Commencement Address.

The 148th Stoneleigh-Burnham School Commencement will take place on Friday, May 26, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. in Emerson Hall. Each year, the senior class nominates the person they would like to deliver the Commencement Address.

Flaxie Roberson Fletcher ’68SPH

Students chose Dr. Fletcher after getting to know her through her role on the Leadership Council, a group of very engaged alumnae, parents, and grandparents who have demonstrated a great interest in helping the school meet its strategic goals. She is also a former member of the SBS Board of Trustees.

Known as “Plum” to her classmates and “Plummy” to her grandchildren, Dr. Fletcher grew up in Washington, D.C., the daughter of a doctor. She is a graduate of Howard University School of Medicine, and has her own medical practice in Los Angeles. She is an avid supporter of women, education, and health and wellness. She was the first African-American student to attend Stoneleigh Prospect Hill School,  and the annual holiday basketball tournament at SBS is the result of her gift to the school.

Xiangge (Coco) Zhao ’17

Student Speaker
Each year, the graduating class also nominates a student to represent them as a speaker during Commencement. This year, they chose Xiangge (Coco) Zhao ’17. Coco is a three-year senior from Shanghai, China, and this is her fifth year in the states. At SBS, she participates in the Community Service Club, Rock Band, the Green Team, and the Student Alumnae Association. She is also an excellent and beloved Resident Assistant, unfailingly helpful, kind, and positive. As an athlete, Coco is highly regarded by her coaches and teammates for her effort, dedication, and sportsmanship. She has played varsity basketball, ran varsity cross country this year, and played varsity softball for three years. She will attend George Washington University in Washington D.C. next year. She plans to double major in Environmental Studies and Pre-Athletic Training, and minor in Nutrition.

Faculty Speakers
The class also chose two faculty members to open and close the Commencement ceremony. To deliver opening remarks, they chose English Department Chair Jake Steward, recognizing how, as their 9th grade English teacher, he helped them start high school.

For closing remarks, the class chose Lauren Cunniffe, Director of College Counseling, in recognition of her role in ushering them off to college. Cunniffe is also the school’s librarian and 11th grade dean.

Graduates, students, faculty, staff, Board of Trustees, parents, and guests will also hear remarks at Commencement from Head of School Sally Mixsell. Senior class president Star Stryker Erbük will give welcoming remarks, and Board of Trustees Chair Allison Porter ’89 will assist Mixsell in the awarding of diplomas.

Prizes and awards will also be presented at Commencement by Academic Dean Alex Bogel.

The 22 graduates in the Class of 2017 represent seven countries. Nine graduates are International Baccalaureate Diploma candidates and eight are members of the National Honor Society.

Stoneleigh-Burnham School celebrated Team Night on Thursday, May 18, 2017 to celebrate student athletes and mark the end of the spring athletics season. The following awards were presented:

Dance
Beginner/Intermediate Dance Award: Ye Eun Kim
Advanced Dance Award: Breanna Ellison

Varsity Tennis
Most Valuable Player: Maria Jose Campos
Most Improved Player: Edith Wang
Sportsmanship Award: Molly Li

Junior Varsity Tennis
Most Valuable Player: Nora Broady
Most Improved Player: Eden Lifshatz
Sportsmanship Award: Cassidy Scott

Lacrosse
Most Valuable Player: Grace Grover
Most Improved Player: Elena Launert
Coaches Award: Ciara Hudson
Sportsmanship Award: Nikita Mangaru

Softball
Most Improved Player: Kearsten Crocker
Most Valuable Player: Juliana Merullo
Coaches’ Award: Charlotte Doulette
Coaches’ Award: Olivia Young

Equestrian 2017
Upper School
Most Valuable Rider: Isabela Cusano
Most Improved Rider: Payton Lawernce

Middle School
Most Valuable Rider: Ella McKenzie
Most Improved Rider: Laura Christenson

New Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) Team Captain : Katie Kowalyshyn

New Barn Proctor : Katie Kowalyshyn

British Horse Society (BHS)
BHS Stage 1 Certificates: Cynthia Wang, Katie Kowalyshyn, Nina Kauderer, Eileen Collins, Sophie Byrne, and Danielle Gore
BHS Stage 1 Horse Knowledge Certificates: Krystal Li and Anna Schuster
BHS Stage 1, 2 & 3 Certificates: Sarah McEachern (Barn Manager/Instructor)
BHS International Instructors Certificate: Maren Vogel

Elections for the Student Head of School (OEKS) leadership positions were held recently. This program gives students an expanded voice and greater opportunity to participate in school planning and operations.

The positions were open to current juniors/rising seniors for the 2017-18 school year. Each student running for a position gave a short speech at housemeeting prior to that week’s election. The outgoing OEKS announced the results of the elections at Housemeeting on May 9.

The OEKS/Student Head’s of School for 2017-2018 are as follows.

Head of Student Body: Julia Thayer
President of the student body and Head of StuCo
Head of the “8 OEKS/Heads of School”

Head of Big Sisters/Little Sisters: Yaai “Christine” Qiao
Makes big sister/little sister assignment for new students
Supervises and creates activities for big sisters and little sisters
Works with the 12th grade Dean

Head of Athletics: Grace Grover
Spearheads school spirit for our athletic teams and contests
Helps organize and run pep rallies
Facilitates Athlete of the Week at housemeeting
Works with the Director and Assistant Director of Athletics

Head of Community Alliance: Ember Larregui
Promotes and organizes activities that celebrate diversity at Stoneleigh-Burnham
Provides educational opportunities around topics of diversity
Helps create an all-school activity on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day tied to topics of diversity
Works with the faculty advisor of SOC, GSA, Multicultural Club, and the Assistant Dean for Community Life.

Head of Student Activities: To’Londa Torres
Runs the Student Activities Committee
Works with the Dean of Students to promote weekend activities (as recommended by the Student Activities Committee)
Works with the Dean of Students

Head of Service: Gabrielle “Bri” Rooks
Promotes community service and/or environmental stewardship opportunities to the student body
Is one of the student leaders for SPEARTH day
Works with the faculty advisor for Green Team and Community Service

Head of Curriculum: Lan Ze Hang “Lillian” Ying
Attends Curriculum Committee meetings
Is the student voice for academic ideas, concerns, or changes
Works with the Academic Dean

Head of Health and Wellness: Sophie Hathaway
Promotes mental and physical health (eating, body images, cultural beauty imperatives, substance abuse, sleep, sexuality and healthy relationships)
Is the student voice for health and wellness concerns, trends, ideas, and changes
Works with the Director of the Health Center and the Director of Counseling

At the last Housemeeting of the 2016-17 academic year on May 16, 2017, faculty members presented awards and recognized students for achievements in debate and public speaking, National Honor Society, and for serving as Blue Key tour guides and Resident Assistants. At a previous Housemeeting, officers of the Student Council were recognized.

Debate and Public Speaking
Dr. Paul Bassett presented awards to members of the Debate and Public Speaking Society.

Most Valuable Debaters: Sophie Hathaway and Julia Thayer
Most Improved Debaters: Lila Lofving, Miles DeClue, and Jax Morgan

National Honor Society
Academic Dean Alex Bogel recognized National Honor Society members.

Provisional members (juniors): Francelyse (Frannie) Joseph, Huhua (Nana) Liu, Julia Thayer, and Lan Ze Hang (Lillian) Ying
New members (seniors): Romy Arsenault, Tingcen (Lina) Dong, Ciara Hudson, Kaya Kim, Ziying (Anny) Rui, and Shaojie (Lula) Zhang
Previously inducted (seniors): Victoria Subritzky Katz and Xiangge (Coco) Zhao

Blue Key
The Admissions Office recognized Blue Key tour guides.

Senior Blue Keys: Lucia Galperin, Ciara Hudson, Kaya Kim, Molly Li, Meredith Nordell, Theresa Oduol, Star Stryker-Erbuk, Victoria Subritzky-Katz, Maren Vogel, and Coco Zhao

Underclass Blue Keys: Ashorkor Ashittey , Nadya Baum, Nora Broady, Beatrice Brynda, Isabela Cusano, Miles DeClue, Annalie Gilbert Keith, Jewels Hatchard, Sophie Hathaway, Frannie Joseph, Charlotte Kim, Jane Kim, Elizabeth LaValley, Erin LeBlanc, Lila Lofving, Nana Liu, Jax Morgan, Juliana Merullo, Katie Reed, Clara Richardson-Omamo, Bri Rooks, Siri Sundaraneedi, Julia Thayer, Syd Wallace, Khaki Warford, and Olivia Young

New Blue Keys for 2017-2018: Olly Ajao, Fiona Hodges, Kate Kowalyshyn, Tiaa Kuffour, Alice Lin, Nikki Mangaru, Mia Mullings, Cassie Scott, Kate Swasey, Emeline Stewart, Linda Yang, Tina Wang, and Monica Wu

Junior Blue Keys for 2017-2018: Clara Baum, Kate Broady, Hillary Leeds, Victoria Malcolm, Elizabeth Musselman, and Leah Rosner

Resident Assistants
Congratulations to the following students who will be Resident Assistants for the 2017-2018 school year: Lillian Ying, Edith Wang, Jax Morgan, Ellen Wilhelm, Ye Eun Kim, Eden Lifshatz, Sylvia Yu, Sydney Wallace, Jewels Hatchard, To’Londa Torres.  Returning RA’s are Frannie Joseph, Siri Sundaraneedi, Clara Richardson-Omamo and Krystal Li.

Student Council
Officers of Student Council (StuCo) for the next school year were announced at Housemeeting on May 9.

StuCo President: Julia Thayer
StuCo Vice President: Jax Morgan
12th grade President: Frannie Joseph
11th grade President: Jackie Kennick
10th grade Presdient: Ira Hysi
9th grade President: Fiona Hodges

Stoneleigh-Burnham School students visited Dartmouth College on Saturday, May 13 to attend Sonia Kovalevsky Math Day, a special mathematics program for girls.

Sonia Kovalevsky Math Day is a fun-filled day of mathematics with hands-on workshops and talks for middle and high school female students and their teachers. Originally started and funded by the Association for Women in Mathematics, the purpose of the day is to encourage young women to continue their study of mathematics and to assist the teachers of female mathematics students. Topics included number theory, shapes, tilings, counting, and symmetry. See the full day of activities here.

Mathematics Department Chair Roger Turton and math teacher Aileen Logan-Tyson organized the trip and took 17 middle and upper school students to the program.

“Everyone who went on the trip enjoyed it very much, including the teachers,” Turton said.