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Friday, January 15, 2010
JANUARY ALUMNI & ALUMNAE E-NEWSLETTER
Alumnus inspires students to get involved
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John Scicchitano '88 stressed the need for young people to find a way to change the world with their careers this afternoon in Caird Chapel as part of the Alumni/ae Speaker Series.
During the presentation, Mr. Scicchitano and faculty member Chris Conway discussed some of the major obstacles facing impoverished countries in the world, including food, water and sanitation issues.
Mr. Scicchitano spent 12 years living and working in 10 countries on the African continent, serving in leadership positions in the nonprofit, private and government sectors. He told those in attendance that he began much of the preparation for his career as a student at The Albany Academy. |
At the conclusion of his presentation, Mr. Scicchitano asked our Upper School students to take time to think about how they can positively change the world.
Pictured (left to right) are Mr. Conway, Mr. Scicchitano & Head of School Dr. Douglas M. North '58 holding a giant mosquito net mentioned as a way to protect those living in impoverished nations against diseases such as malaria.
Young alumni/ae ring in the New Year
Pictured (left to right) are young alumni and alumnae (along with faculty member Dr. Stephen Brown in the last photo) at the Second Annual Holiday Gathering.
More than 90 young alumni/ae, faculty and staff gathered on December 29 at the Albany Pump Station for the Second Annual Holiday Gathering. The event was a great opportunity for our young alumni/ae to reconnect with one another and share in the holiday spirit.
Head of School Dr. Douglas M. North '58 and his wife, Dr. Ellen Cole, were also able to attend and meet many graduates of Albany Academy for Girls & The Albany Academy. Special thanks to Tom Barletta '01, Brandon LeFevre '05, Naomi Krakower '03 and Jillian LeFevre '07 for their hard work in putting the event together.
Plans are already underway for the Third Annual Holiday Gathering set for December 2010!
Annual Fund 70% towards goal!
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We are more than halfway towards our Annual Fund goal of $1 million. Thank you to all alumni and alumnae who have contributed to the future of our school.
At year end, the Annual Fund totaled nearly $700,000 in cash and pledges. We need your help to each our goal by June 30!
Current alumni participation is nearly 11% and alumnae participation is 9%. How is your class doing?
CLICK HERE FOR AAG ALUMNAE PARTICIPATION RATES.
CLICK HERE FOR AA ALUMNI PARTICIPATION RATES. |
The Annual Fund accounts for nearly 8% of our yearly operating budget; this means that your gift has a direct and immediate impact on our students.
CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY AND HELP US REACH OUR GOAL!
Academies hosts 44th Annual Rider Cup!
Pictured (left to right) are the AA Varsity Hockey Team in action and longtime Academy coach Dave Rider '73 & AA Head Varsity Hockey Coach Eric Cavosie '98.
This year has brought many changes for our AA hockey program, including a new coaching staff that includes Head Coach Eric Cavosie '98 and Assistant Coach Joel Beal and even a new look in uniforms.
Eric and Joel bring passion, experience and a vision for the highly competitive and prestigious prep school program. Longtime coach Dave Rider '73 has been responsible for so much of the success of the hockey program over the past 30 years and was present on December 12 & 13 as our school served as the host of the 44th Annual Rider Cup Hockey Tournament at Robison Family Hockey Arena in the AA Field House.
Six schools -- The Albany Academy, Hill School, Lawrenceville, Millbrook, Winchendon and Wyoming Seminary -- battled in a tournament to determine the Rider Cup champion. Academy lost the first game 6-2 before winning the second game 4-2 and their final game 7-2.
Peru exchange update
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Albany Academy for Girls & The Albany Academy initiated an exchange with Aldea Yanapay school in Cusco, Peru this school year. Over the summer, faculty member Martha Houghton spent two weeks backpacking through the mountains, jungle and desert of Peru as part of the C. Woodrow Rea, Jr. '66 Sabbatical.
Since the beginning of the school year, our 5th grade boys and girls have taken on the task of writing to specific students in Peru. Our sister students in Peru write quite well so Academies students have been writing in English and translating into Spanish as well. A package was also recently sent to Aldea Yanapay with letters and pictures from our Academies students.
There are displays up on the bulletin boards of both campuses highlighting elements of the exchange program. If you are on either the AAG or AA campuses, please check them out! |
8th grade girls take part in 50-year tradition
Pictured (left to right) are the 8th grade girls in costume for "The Tale of Snow White."
Special congratulations go out to our 8th grade girls -- led by play director Marisa Bellingrath -- for their outstanding performance of Barbara Lennon's "The Tale of Snow White" (a take-off on Snow White) on January 14 in the AAG Auditorium.
Each January, the students take complete control of a theater production during a two-week period where they are responsible for every aspect of the performance, including assigning and learning roles; designing sets, props and costumes; and creating a program and poster for the play.
The 8th grade play has been an AAG tradition for more than 50 years!
Cadet Corps proudly represents the Academies
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This year has been a major one for members of the Cadet Corps. They have represented the Academies at many events throughout the Capital Region -- including a special event on campus in honor of those who died on September 11, 2001, the Walk for Frankie held in honor of Frank O'Brien III '84, the Veteran's Day parade and several athletic events.
Enrollment in the Cadet Corps has also grown with the addition of 16 new members this school year.
On New Year's Eve, the Cadet Corps took part in the opening ceremonies of the First Night celebration in Saratoga (pictured at left).
The Color Guard marched at the event while the Drill Team & Drum Line performed special presentations for those in attendance. |
The Cadet Corps will next be marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 13 in downtown Albany.
New AAG & AA Spirit Wear available
We have been selling a variety of Spirit Wear items to Academies families and students the past few weeks, including AAG & AA branded rugby shirts, sweatshirts and other items. We would like to extend this opportunity to our alumni and alumnae as well.
Please note that the deadline to purchase Spirit Wear items is February 12.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AAG SPIRIT WEAR ORDER FORM.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AA SPIRIT WEAR ORDER FORM.
ARCHIVES
Excerpt from the upcoming AAG 200-year history
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As part of the process of assessing the relative importance of the Archives holdings, Archivist John McClintock '57 set out to update his earlier writings on the founding of Albany schools and the history of The Albany Academy from the period of 1938 to 1963.
From July 2008 to January 2010, the new research and writing produced a variety of papers, various short talks to students, and the "short" histories of Albany Academy for Girls & The Albany Academy from 1813 & 1814 to 2007. These short histories will be published on our school website later this month.
Mr. McClintock wrote longer drafts to lay the groundwork for bicentennial publications to be published in book form in 2013-2014. Similar publications appeared at the centennial anniversaries. Below is an excerpt from the AAG history. |
"Ruth M. Miner '11 was a strong student and athlete at Albany Academy for Girls who went on to Wellesley and Albany Law School (cy 1920). She was my neighbor in Slingerlands and gave me my first job as her summer gardener. I was 12. She was tough. She is pictured at left in 1911 atop her horse.
Deane Semerad Pfeil (cy 1966) wrote an article about Ms. Miner in the Spring 1975 issue of Academy Alumnae News. Ms. Miner practiced law in Albany (her firm was Miner, Feeney and Ford), and had numerous special positions such as confidential law assistant to Hon. Harold J. Hinman (a New York Supreme Court Justice, President of the AAG board in 1940-41, and father of two famous AAG girls: Martha Hinman Ellis (cy 1929), who taught dance at AAG in the 1930's, and Mildred Hinman Straub (cy 1926), the first woman president of the AAG Board)."
We will feature an excerpt from the AA history in next month's alumni/ae electronic newsletter.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS
Mid-Winter Dinner -- January 20
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The Albany Academy Alumni Association will hold its Mid-Winter Dinner on Wednesday, January 20 at 6 p.m. at Jack's Oyster House in Albany. Plan to bring a fellow classmate or friend to this special event as it is a great opportunity to reconnect with and meet other alumni in the region.
M. Christian Bender '78, Executive Director for the Brighter Choice Foundation, will serve as the guest speaker at the event. The Brighter Choice Foundation is a support organization for charter schools in the City of Albany. |
All proceeds from the Mid-Winter Dinner will go towards The Albany Academy Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MID-WINTER DINNER INVITATION.
For more information, contact the Office of Alumni/ae Relations at (518) 429-2432 or
collins-schroedera@albanyacademies.org.
Frank O'Brien III '84 Alumni Hockey Game -- January 23
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Frank O'Brien III '84 (pictured at left) was a three-sport athlete at The Albany Academy and member of the 1983 New York State Section II championship hockey team. He tragically passed away in December 2006 after a courageous battle with brain cancer.
In Frank's memory, the AA Alumni Association has renamed this year's Alumni Hockey Game scheduled for Saturday, January 23 at Robison Family Hockey Arena in the AA Field House as the Frank O'Brien III '84 Alumni Hockey Game. |
The event will begin with lunch at noon followed by the game at 1:30 p.m. We hope that many of Frank's teammates will be able to play this year to help honor Frank.
Before the start of the AA Varsity Hockey game at 4 p.m., Frank's jersey will be retired in a special ceremony. Members of the O'Brien family will be present for the event.
Please RSVP by January 15 to the Office of Alumni/ae Relations at (518) 429-2432 or
collins-schroedera@albanyacademies.org. We would be happy to provide equipment if needed; please let us know.
NYC Regional Gathering -- January 25
All alumni and alumnae in the New York City region are invited to our New York City Regional Gathering to welcome Head of School Dr. Douglas M. North '58 from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, January 25. The event will be hosted by Ezra '59 & Reeva Mager.
Reconnect with friends and find out what is going on at the Academies!
Please RSVP by January 18 to the Office of Alumni/ae Relations at (518) 429-2432 or
collins-schroedera@albanyacademies.org.
Open Houses -- January 26 & 27
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As alumni and alumnae, many of you are now experiencing an Academies education through the eyes of your children. Thank you for supporting our school and allowing us the opportunity to now educate your children.
Please help spread the word to family, friends and colleagues about our upcoming Open Houses set for Tuesday, January 26 from 9:30-11 a.m. for Preschool, Pre-K and Kindergarten students and Wednesday, January 27 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for all students. |
This will be an excellent opportunity for families to learn more about the Academies by speaking with our dedicated faculty, touring our beautiful academic and athletic facilities, and discovering firsthand how the Academies can benefit their child.
For more information, contact Director of Admissions Bramble Buran or Associate Director of Admissions Drew Lentz at (518) 429-2300 or buranb@albanyacademies.org or lentza@albanyacademies.org, respectively.
Coaches vs. Cancer High School Challenge -- January 31
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Are you a high school basketball fan? Please join us for the 2010 Coaches vs. Cancer High School Challenge -- hosted by The Albany Academies -- on Sunday, January 31 at Siena College.
Be a part of a great day of hoops for a great cause! All proceeds from this event benefit the American Cancer Society. Last year's event raised more than $15,000 for the organization.
The schedule of games is as follows:
Noon -- Lansingburgh vs. Cohoes
1:45 p.m. -- Guilderland vs. Mohonasen
3:30 p.m. -- Newburgh vs. Bishop Maginn
5:15 p.m. -- The Albany Academy vs. Nichols |
Tickets are just $7 per person for an all-day pass and $15 per family.
For more information, contact AA Dean of Students & AA Head Varsity Basketball Coach Brian Fruscio at (518) 429-2300 or frusciob@albanyacademies.org.
State of the School -- February 10
We hope that you can join us for the Annual "State of the School" meeting on Wednesday, February 10 beginning at 7 p.m. in Caird Chapel.
This annual event is an opportunity to hear from our Head of School Dr. Douglas M. North '58 about his vision for the Academies. We hope that you can join us for this event!
Spring Gathering 2010 -- April 17
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It's time to think spring! Support current students at your alma mater by joining the Honorary Committee for Spring Gathering 2010: "Creating Opportunities, Changing Lives" -- set for Saturday, April 17, 2010 from 6-10 p.m. at The Franklin Plaza in Troy.
The event will feature Silent & Live Auctions. Proceeds from Spring Gathering go towards the scholarship and financial aid programs at the Academies. |
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE SPRING GATHERING HONORARY COMMITTEE.
For more information, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at (518) 429-2432 or collins-schroedera@albanyacademies.org.
Reunion 2010 -- May 21 & 22
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Plans are well underway for Reunion 2010 as the schedule is set and hotels have been reserved for May 21-22.
We hope that you will join us for this exciting weekend where old friendships are rekindled and new ones are formed! |
"Attending Reunion weekend at the Academies means so much more than just catching up with old classmates. It gives you an opportunity to walk through the school halls, reconnect with teachers and coaches, see the enhancements to the campus, and establish new friendships that you may not have had before. With so many events and activities during the weekend, it reminds us of all of the unique experiences that the school offers long after we've graduated." -- Nick Conger '99, Co-Chair of his Reunion class
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Call for Class Notes
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We hope that you enjoyed the Fall/Winter 2009 issue of A2 Academies magazine. The publication is available on the homepage of our website.
If you would like a magazine mailed to you, please contact the Office of Alumni/ae Relations at (518) 429-2432 or collins-schroedera@albanyacademies.org.
We are in the process of gathering Class Notes for the Spring/Summer 2010 issue of the magazine. |
Please send your exciting news and accomplishments with either your Class Secretary or the Office of Alumni/ae Relations at collins-schroedera@albanyacademies.org. The deadline to send is a submission is March 15.
We appreciate the hard work and dedication of all of our Class Secretaries. If you would like to volunteer in this capacity, please let us know!
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
AAG Athletic Hall of Fame
Nominations are being accepted until June 1 for the inaugural class of the Albany Academy for Girls Alumnae Association Athletic Hall of Fame to be inducted during Homecoming 2010.
All nominees should exemplify character, sportsmanship, athletic achievements and enthusiasm and provide a positive link between past athletes and today's students.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AAG ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME NOMINATION FORM.
If you have any questions, contact the Office of Alumni/ae Relations at (518) 429-2425 or reddingm@albanyacademies.org.
Distinguished Alumnae & Alumni
We are still accepting nominations for the Distinguished Alumnae and Distinguished Alumni Awards. All AAG nominations are due by February 1. All AA nominations are due by February 19.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AAG DISTINGUISHED ALUMNAE AWARD NOMINATION FORM.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AA DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD NOMINATION FORM.
If you would like a nomination form emailed to you, contact the Office of Alumni/ae Relations at (518) 429-2425 or reddingm@albanyacademies.org.
Stay in touch with the Academies community
Now is the time to register for our Online Community & Facebook! Stay connected with the community and learn about upcoming programs, events and more!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE ONLINE COMMUNITY.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.
If you have any questions or comments about this electronic newsletter, please contact Ann Wendth, Director of External Relations, at (518) 429-2385 or wendtha@albanyacademies.org, or Adam Doling, Communications Associate, at (518) 429-2344 or dolinga@albanyacademies.org.
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2010-2011 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
SPRING/SUMMER 2010 ISSUE OF A2 ACADEMIES MAGAZINE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Stay up to date with our Online Calendar
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