WESTERN RESERVE ACADEMY SUMMER 2008 · 2011-02-22 · WESTERN RESERVE ACADEMY SUMMER 2008 Reserve E-Bulletin Next Page ... Following Adams’ speech came the awarding of Reserve’s

WESTERN RESERVE ACADEMY SUMMER 2008

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The Class of 2008 was blessed with superb weather for their com-mencement weekend, as 113 seniors were awarded diplomas duringReserve’s traditional graduation ceremony – held on the lawn’s

wide sweep – on June 1. Bagpipers led the way as Reserve seniors andfaculty processed from the Loomis Observatory to their seats in front ofthe school’s historic Chapel, with more than 500 family members andfriends looking on.

The weekend’s events began with Baccalaureate on Saturday morn-ing. Headmaster Henry “Skip” Flanagan Jr. was the Baccalaureatespeaker, presiding over his 26th and final commencement weekend.

That afternoon, “fac brat” Sarah Haile ’08 was the featured studentspeaker at Prize Day. In a humorous address that poked gentle fun atclassmates and teachers, Haile recollected some of the best moments andnoteworthy accomplishments of the Class of 2008. “Whether you’ve beenhere a year, four years, 14 years, or are finally ‘graduating’ after 26 years,you’re taking with you memories and friendships,” she concluded. “So tomy wonderfully impressive and talented classmates, thank you for beingexactly what you are. I will miss you immensely.”

Prize Day also featured a fitting musical tribute, Brush Up YourShakespeare from the musical Kiss Me Kate, sung by RJ Assaly ’08 tohonor Academic Dean and Shakespeare lover John Haile, who is leavingthe Academy after 14 years. Numerous special prizes and recognition, in-cluding departmental honors and Headmaster Awards, completed the PrizeDay ceremony. (See Page 4.)

At commencement the following day, student speaker Dorian Adams’08 addressed his classmates and offered a challenge: “Everyone has theirown story,” he suggested, reflecting on the challenges he had faced whenhe first arrived at Reserve as a freshman. “We must find an ideal we cher-ish, but first, we must learn all we can,” he added. “Breathe deep, andbegin your story.”

Following Adams’ speech came the awarding of Reserve’s top prizes,as well as an announcement by Mark Tercek, president of the Board ofTrustees, of the establishment of the Flanagan Endowed ScholarshipFund, in honor of Skip and Britt Flanagan. “We’re really thrilled to an-nounce that, so far, we’ve raised $5.87 million toward the fund,” Tercek

Dorian Adams ’08 addresses his classmates during Commencement exercises.

Alexandria and Ana Aydin sing the alma mater after receiving their diplomas.

Graduation 2008

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added. At press time, according to Director of Academy AdvancementHelen Gregory, that figure had risen to $5.64 million (check this withHelen again for an update?) and counting. The Flanagans were furtherhonored with the unveiling of their portraits, a tradition at Reserve for re-tiring faculty members.

The Honorable John D. Ong, former U.S. ambassador to Norway andalso a past president of Reserve’s Board of Trustees, then gave the com-mencement address. Ong’s address offered Reserve’s graduating classthree important points to consider. “The Class of 2008 has an obligation togive back to society, in recompense for what it has given to you,” he said.Ong also stressed the right to the pursuit of happiness, something that hemaintained is too often ignored. “Happy people are better contributors tosociety,” he observed. Finally, he underscored the importance of facinglife with courage and determination. “Without courage,” he asserted, “weare lost, impotent in the face of life’s challenges.”

Following Ong’s address, members of the graduating class lined up to


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The Honorable John D. Ong, former ambassador to Norway, delivers the com-mencement address.

Headmaster Henry Flanagan Jr. talks with the Class of 2008 before presiding over his 26th and final commencement at Western Reserve Academy.

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receive their diplomas, with nearly 30 of them accompanied by alumni rel-atives, a longstanding Reserve tradition. Flanagan then closed the 2008commencement ceremony with a poem by Robert Ward:

I wish you the courage to be warm when the world would prefer that you be cool. I wish you success sufficient to your needs;I wish you failure to temper that success.I wish you joy in all your days;I wish you sadness so that you may better measure joy.I wish you gladness to overbalance grief.I wish you humor and a twinkle in your eye.I wish you glory and the strength to bear its burdens.I wish you sunshine on your path and storms to season your journey.I wish you peace – in the world in which you live and in the smallest corner of the heart, where truth is kept.I wish you faith – to help define your living and your life.More I cannot wish you – except perhaps love – to make all the rest worthwhile.

Western Reserve Academy’s newest graduates then processed tothe flagpole, where they joined fellow alumni in the singing of Re-serve’s alma mater.

Andrew Swett, Garrett McIntosh and John Michael McCulloch, left to right,during Commencement exercises.

Board of Trustees President Mark Tercek ’75 presents Skip and Britt Flanagan witha certificate marking the creation of the Flanagan Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Members of the Cum Laude Society are inducted by chemistry teacher MarieFiedler during commencement. See Page 9 for the list of inductees.




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The 2007-08 school year came to a close with the Acad-emy’s final Celebration of Student Excellence on May 22in the Chapel. In addition to the presentation of Reserve’s

major underclass awards, the school community was treated tothe humorous duet Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better, fromthe musical Annie Get Your Gun, sung by soprano Laurie Coffin’10 and tenor Ian Downing ’10, accompanied on the piano byKaitlin Crowder ’09.

Departing faculty members were also recognized, and a spe-cial video presentation honored the 26-year tenure of HeadmasterHenry “Skip” Flanagan and his wife, Britt. A standing ovationfollowed the presentation, and the Flanagans, visibly moved,choked back tears as they thanked Reserve students and faculty.“I’m not usually at a loss for words,” Skip quipped, noting that26 years had passed quickly. “We came here with a lot to do, andwe were always busy. Now we leave with great memories and alot of love. We thank you.”

“When you get to this moment and you love something somuch,” added Britt, “it is very difficult to give it up. I wish eachand every one of you the opportunity to find a job that is the loveof your life. We have been so blessed and so lucky to have thesejobs. The memories you’ve given us have been immeasurable.God bless you all.”

To close the celebration, Reserve’s incoming headmaster, ChrisBurner ’80, oversaw the traditional “moving up” ceremony, withthe Flanagans leading graduating seniors from the Chapel as eachsuccessive class rose to take the seats vacated by the class above.

Celebration of Student Excellence At the final Celebration of Student Excellence on May 22, Reserve’s an-nual Book Prizes and other top underclass awards were presented:

A Better Chance Award Brittany Dukov ’08

Alumni Association Scholarship Award Emily Browning ’09

Amherst College Award Garren Gotthardt ’09

Burton D. Morgan Leaders Peter Anderson ’09 Garren Gotthardt ’09 Jessica Gruden ’09 Sarah Puffer ’10 Anne Song ’09

Bryn Mawr Book Award Emily Browning ’09

Cal Tech Signature Award Yizhuo Wang ’09

Class of ’74 Advancement Grants Kaitlin Crowder ’09 Henry Peller ’10

ELISA Scholars Brian Bovyer ’10 Caroline Croasdaile ’10 Emily Depew ’10 Anne Forhan ’10 Kevin Thomas ’10 Simon Yang ’10

Franklin ’30 & Mary Barlow Award Jessica Gruden ’09

Harvard University Book Award David Suwondo ’09

John Harvard Award Ethan O’Connor ’09

Kenyon College Book Award Jiyoon Choi ’09

Kurdziel Award for Excellence in Music Eric Jacobstein ’09

Middlebury College Award Stephanie Kass ’09

Rensselaer Medal Anne Song ’09

St. Lawrence U. Book Award Margaret Ilersich ’09

Trinity College Award Katherine Miller ’09

U. of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Science Award David Suwondo ’09

Wellesley Book Award Shannon Draucker ’09

Williams Book Award Christopher Corbett ’09

Yale Book Award Anne Song ’09

“The Class of 2008 has an obligation to give back to society, in recompense for what it has given to you.”

The Honorable John D. OngFormer U.S. ambassador


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Headmaster Henry “Skip” Flanagan Jr. had special words for the

Class of 2008 when he gave the Baccalaureate address in the

Chapel on May 31, kicking off Commencement weekend. The

morning service also included special music by pianist Ethan Blass ’08,

who performed Debussy’s Jeux d’eaux, and by the Academy Choir, who

sang John Rutter’s Gaelic Blessing.

History Department Chair Jim Bunting introduced Flanagan to the

gathering of seniors, faculty mem-

bers, family and friends. “I have

known Skip Flanagan for well over

40 years, from freshman year at Rut-

gers University,” Bunting noted.

“And although, as he himself says, he

can at times get his ‘Irish’ up, I want

to underline this fundamental truth:

you will not, now or in the future,

have a more loyal supporter, a more

dedicated ally, someone who will be

with you in the tough times as well as

the good ones, than our headmaster

and my dear friend, Dr. Henry E.

Flanagan Jr.”

“It was here, in this Chapel, that

our voyage began, 26 years ago,” said

Flanagan, reflecting on his years at

Reserve. Evoking the many famous

speakers who had stood at the podium

of the Chapel over the years, as well as the many events – both celebra-

tory and somber – that had taken place within its walls, he observed that

Reserve’s Chapel “remains the emotional, historical and geographical

center of this campus.”

Flanagan confessed that he had perhaps given more than his share of

Morning Meeting addresses over the years, but he begged the seniors’ in-

dulgence one last time as he left them with a few parting thoughts. “Give

thanks from whence you came and be joyful,” he urged, as he reminisced

about his own roots and acknowledged the roles played by “a few criti-

cally important people” in his life.

“Let history guide you toward your future,” Flanagan continued, evok-

ing the film Saving Private Ryan. “Earn this,” he added, echoing the famous

line from the film. “Earn what you’ve been given. Respect those who have

done so much for you. And resolve to expect the best of yourself.”

In closing, Flanagan suggested that his real legacy, after 26 years as

Reserve’s headmaster, was the graduates themselves, and “the good

works that all of you will do in your lifetime.

“I’ve been honored to be your headmaster,” he said with emotion.

“Godspeed.”

Headmaster offers special words for grads


A packed Chapel gives retiring Headmaster Henry Flanagan Jr. a standing ova-tion following his Baccalaureate address.

History Department Chair JimBunting talks about his friendshipwith Headmaster Henry Flanaganduring Baccalaureate ceremonies.



Five Western Reserve Academy students were recently named BurtonD. Morgan Leaders for the 2008-09 academic year: day studentsGarren Gotthardt ’09, Anne Song ’09 and Jessica Gruden ’09, and

boarding students Peter Anderson ’09 and Sarah Puffer ’10.The five award winners were announced by Dean of Faculty Christopher

Burner ’80 at the school’s Celebration of Student Excellence assembly inMay, held in the Chapel. Also on hand to congratulate the recipients was Deb-orah D. Hoover, president of The Burton D. Morgan Foundation.

“Through the Morgan Leaders Program, The Burton D. MorganFoundation recognizes and celebrates the leadership qualities of dedicatedWRA students who have made significant and unique contributions tocampus life,” said Hoover. “We congratulate the new Morgan Leaders andhope that the upcoming academic year will provide many exciting oppor-tunities for continued growth.”

Students were selected by a committee made up of representativesfrom the Academy and the foundation, which first solicited recommenda-tions from members of the WRA faculty. Candidates must have attendedthe Academy for at least one year to be eligible for consideration. All five2008-09 Morgan Leaders have exhibited leadership in a wide variety ofways, from behind-the-scenes decision making and role modeling tospearheading major events and leading major school organizations andathletic teams.

“To be selected as a Morgan Leader from such a great student body isa tremendous honor,” said Anderson, a high honors student and an artistwho is also involved with WRA’s Student Environmental Action League.In addition, Anderson plays varsity lacrosse and football, and will serve asa co-captain of the football team in the fall. “The high respect I hold formy peers makes the award even more meaningful,” he added.

“It is really nice to know, through the selection process, that peopleconsider me to have good leadership qualities,” said Gotthardt, a three-sportvarsity athlete and recent winner of the Amherst Book Prize. The honor rollstudent is also on the staff of the student newspaper and has participated inhis church’s Appalachian service project during the summer. “As a seniornext year,” he added, “I hope to be able to contribute to the school by beinga role model to underclassmen.”

“Being a Morgan Leader shows me that I have made a difference andhave represented myself well,” said Gruden, who is currently working on

her Girl Scout Gold Award. “It shows that the things I do are not justtaken for granted.” An honor roll student and a two-sport varsity athlete,Gruden is also a member of the Academy Choir and has appeared in sev-eral Reserve theatrical productions. In 2006, she received a full scholar-ship for summer study in Costa Rica as part of Reserve’s ELISA program.

For Puffer, the Morgan Leadership award came as a total surprise.“This means that people do really notice the efforts that you go to,” shesaid. This year she has served as class vice president, co-chair of the Stu-dent Environmental Action League and a member of REACH; she hasalso played varsity volleyball and track. “I want to be a leader by examplenext year,” Puffer says. “If I could contribute and influence the school

Five named as Morgan Leaders

Burton D. Morgan Leaders for 2008-09, from left, Anne Song ’09, Sarah Puffer’10, Jessica Gruden ’09, Garren Gotthardt ’09 and Peter Anderson ’09, alongwith Deborah Hoover, president of The Burton D. Morgan Foundation and Deanof Faculty Chris Burner ’80.

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community as much as I did this year as a sophomore, I can’t wait to seewhat junior year will hold.” In the fall she will also serve as a student pre-fect and a chief admissions ambassador.

“Being named a Morgan Leader is a great honor,” said Song. “To me,it means that it really does matter when you always try your best, with apositive attitude.” Song is the 2008 recipient of the school’s Joel B. Hay-den Award, presented to the best all-around student in the junior class,considering scholarship, student activities and leadership. This spring, shealso won the Rensselaer Medal and the Yale College Book Award. A pre-fect, a member of the school’s JETS team and Science Club and a clar-inetist in the Symphonic Winds, Song is also an outstanding athlete whowill also serve as captain of three varsity teams in 2008-09.

“This is the third year we have presented the Morgan LeadershipAward and each year has been interesting and rewarding,” commentedBurner. “The selection process is fascinating and challenging as we in-clude all of the faculty and a student perspective. Finally we are seekingto enhance the leadership and educational opportunities of the recipientsby arranging meetings with business leaders and even a group project.The Reserve community is fortunate that The Burton D. Morgan Founda-tion offers this wonderful opportunity to our students.”

�

Established through a grant from The Burton D. Morgan Foundation,the Burton D. Morgan Leadership Program awards five $10,000 scholar-ships each year, honoring selected students for their outstanding leadershipabilities. The program, established in 2006, seeks to recognize students al-ready enrolled at the Academy who have demonstrated “noteworthy aca-demic standing, exemplary service to others, exceptional generosity,positive spirit, entrepreneurial potential and demonstrated motivation.”

The Pioneer Women of Reserve are collecting used Reserve

green blazers, kilts, boat house jackets and school ties for

resale in the campus bookstore. Donations may be dropped

off or mailed to Eva Fitzgerald at the bookstore. All proceeds are used

to benefit the quality of student life at WRA and to enhance

communication between the school and the Pioneer Women.

Please call Jane Anderson at 330.723.4169 if you have any questions.

Donate Your Used Reserve Wear



Academic Dean John Haile hugs his daughter, Sarah, after presenting her withher diploma during Commencement.

“I want to underline this fundamental truth: you willnot, now or in the future, have a more loyal supporter, amore dedicated ally, someone who will be with you inthe tough times as well as the good ones, than our head-master and my dear friend, Dr. Henry E. Flanagan Jr.”

Jim BuntingHistory Department Chair



Akron Beacon Journal Regional

Star Students

Silver: Madeline Stumpf ’08

Bronze: Stuart Horgan ’08

Anne Chapman Prize in History

Ahmad Raza ’08

Anonymous Donor History Prize

American History

First: Mikael Owunna ’08

Second: Elizabeth Clegg ’08

Third: Alysa Granata ’08

Honorable Mention: Patricia

Boh ’10, Elizabeth McClendon ’09

World History

First: Louis Tiemann ’08

Second: Sarah Foster ’10

Third: Robert Assaly ’08

Honorable Mention: Jaskaran

Bains ’10, Quinn Cutchin ’10,

Yale Empie ’10, Garren

Gotthardt ’09, Thomas Joe ’10,

Bumjoon Lee ’10, Drew

McMurchy ’10, Riley Pratt ’10

David S. Dennison Jr. ’36 Prize

Neil Patel ’08

Peter L. Eberly ’70 Language Award

Ethan Blass ’08

English-Speaking Union Scholarships

Cole Campbell ’08

Madeline Stumpf ’08

Angus M. Frew Award

Kelsey McCallops ’08

John M. McCulloch ’08

Friendship Trophy

Caroline Gruman ’08

Sarah Haile ’08

Headmaster’s Awards

Lara Getz ’08

William Hall ’08

Donald Molten III ’08

Lesley Robertshaw ’08

Robert Simeral ’08

Alexander Stevens ’08

John Andrew Swett ’08

Dean Theophilos ’08

Keir Vivienne Marticke ’02

Memorial Prize


Military Academy Appointments

U.S. Naval Academy Appointments

Thomas Chmelik ’08

Nathan Kasper ’08

Daniel Robillard ’08

NewsChannel 5 Best of the

Class Award

Leigha Field ’08

Phi Beta Kappa – KSU

Neil Patel ’08

Rachel C. Snider Spirit Award

Melissa Grannetino ’08

Robert R. Stoll Mathematics Prize

Di Fu ’08

Tiller Awards

Dorian Adams ’08

Brandon Besant ’08

Christopher Carmichael ’08

Brendan Corcoran ’08

Adam Daigle ’08

Nathaniel Depew ’08

Courtney Gorman ’08

Connor Greissing ’08

John O’Sullivan ’08

Katherine Russell ’08

Natalie Wright ’08

Turnbull Endeavor Award

Cole Campbell ’08

Rollin W. Waite Award in

Mathematics

Gregory Stevenson ’08

Todd C. Weaver ’89 Prefect Award

Caroline Gruman ’08

Ahmad Raza ’08

Prize Day

Donald “Chip” Molten receives a Headmaster’sAward from Headmaster Henry Flanagan Jr.



Bicknell Prize

Kelsey McCallops ’08

Robinson Prize

Dean Burrier ’08

John W. Hallowell Award

Robert J. Assaly ’08

Melissa Wong ’08

Harlan N. Wood Award

Mikael Owunna ’08

Joel B. Hayden Award

Anne Song ’09

Cum Laude Society (new inductees)

Elizabeth Clegg ’08

Lara Getz ’08

Stuart Horgan ’08

Ahmad Raza ’08

Lesley Robertshaw ’08

Alex Stevens ’08

Gregory Stevenson ’08


Saira Tekelenburg ’08

Senior Academic Book Prizes

Mikael Owunna ’08

Neil Patel ’08

Senior Seminar Recognition

Alysa Granata ’08

Maria Innamorato ’08

Mikael Owunna ’08

Elizabeth Clegg ’08

Stuart Horgan ’08

Monica Neuman ’08

Neil Patel ’08

Bob Weiss Award

C. Ray Campbell

J. Ward & Marian Keener Prize

Feng Chu “Judy” Chen

Nick Lewis

Mickel Jones Fellowship

Tom Armbruster

Hallowell Sabbatical

Peter Lee

Class of 1950 Fellowship Award

Robert Aguilar

Student & Faculty Awards

Christine Borrmann ’84, right, presents the HarlanN. Wood Award to Mikael Owunna ’08.

Joe DiBiase, right, presents Anne Song ’09 with theJoel B. Hayden Award.

C. Ray Campbell, right, receives the Bob WeissAward from Headmaster Henry Flanagan Jr.



Sarah Horgan, right, presents Kelsey McCallops ’08 with the Bicknell Prize.

Dean Burrier ’08, left, is presented the Robinson Prize by Pat Smith.

“Everyone has their own story. We must find an idealwe cherish, but first, we must learn all we can. Breathedeep, and begin your story.”

Dorian Adams ’08Commencement speaker



Neil Patel ’08, who shared the Senior Academic Book Prize with MikaelOwunna ’08, is presented his book by Academic Dean John Haile.

Feng Chu “Judy” Chen, left, and Nick Lewis, right, are presented the J. Ward &Marian Keener Prize from Headmaster Henry Flanagan Jr.

Robert Assaly ’08, left, and Melissa Wong ’08 were presented the John W. Hallowell Award by Tom Armbruster and Christine Borrmann ’84.


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Elizabeth Clegg ’08 scored 60 goals during this spring’s lacrosse sea-son. In fact, of the 300 goals her team scored over the past two sea-sons, Clegg notched 120 of them. Over the past three years, her

presence on the lacrosse field has been so dominant that no one who hasplayed with her – or against her – was surprised when Girls VarsityLacrosse Coach Judy Schmitt announced that Clegg had won a GoldMedal, WRA’s top athletic honor.

“Although every opposing coach is relieved that she is graduating,”commented Schmitt, “after three great years as her coach, I, on the otherhand, have a hard time picturing WRA lacrosse without her.” Schmitt’sdespair is easy to understand. During the past two years, Clegg has beenrecognized as one of the top players in Ohio and throughout the Midwest.In fact, at the end of May it was announced that Clegg had been named anAll-American for 2008.

“Elizabeth’s speed, endurance, skills and stick work have enabled herto be both an offensive and a defensive threat on the field,” Schmitt said.“She easily creates fast break situations and controls the midfield and of-fensive play. A positive captain and leader, she is explosive and aggres-sive and at the same time plays with incredible finesse. She is the catalystwho makes things happen.”

A year ago, Inside Lacrosse magazine included Clegg on its “RisingSenior Watch List,” one of 50 young women nationwide to be recognized.In response, she has proven, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that she is aplayer well worth watching. This year, in addition to her 60 goals, Clegghad 53 draw controls, 60 ground balls and 16 forced turnovers. Mostgames, she played the full 50 minutes, with opposing coaches coveringher with two or three players every time she crossed the 30-yard line.

“I was honored and surprised,” said Clegg of her Gold Medal. “Enter-ing Reserve as a freshman, I would never have believed that I would re-ceive such a coveted award.” Among the many highlights of her athleticcareer, a few stand out in her mind. Clegg scored the winning goal to helpReserve advance to the 2007 Midwest Schoolgirls Lacrosse Association(MSLA) quarterfinal game, and then the team narrowly beat Mt. Lebanonto advance to the final. Another highlight for the Hudsonite was upsettingcross-town rivals Hudson High in field hockey her junior year.

Clegg’s efforts have garnered a shelf full of honors and awards. Shewas named first-team All-League (’07 and ’08), first-team All-Midwest

(’07 and ’08), first-team MSLA All-Tour-nament (’07 and ’08)and first-team WindyCity All-Tournament,where she was amongthe top 30 of 840 play-ers. Clegg was alsonamed to the GreatLakes National Team,representing the top 20players in Indiana, Illi-nois, Ohio and Ken-tucky. In 2007 she wasan All-American (hon-orable mention), andshe has been an Aca-demic All-Americanfor the past two years.

Clegg has alsomade her mark as afield hockey player.She was captain andMVP of Reserve’s2007 varsity team,earning first-team All-League and All-Ohiohonors. In addition, thehonor roll student andYale Book Prize win-ner has served as achief admissions am-bassador and a memberof the Camerata Youth Orchestra.

In the fall, Clegg will begin her freshman year at Bowdoin College inBrunswick, Maine. She plans to major in economics and minor in German,and will play both field hockey and lacrosse for the Division III school.

Gold Medal caps lacrosse career


Elizabeth Clegg ’08, who earned a Gold Medal ingirls lacrosse, was also named an All-American for2008.



Abit of Reserve history was made in May, when lacrosse standoutColby Wilson ’08 was awarded a Gold Medal. It was the thirdGold Medal for the Wilson family – the third Gold Medal in the

sport of lacrosse, in fact. Colby follows in the footsteps of brother Mat’01 and sister Amanda ’05, both standouts on the Reserve lacrosse field.

“I was incredibly honored, but at the same time relieved,”quipped Wilson, because my brother and sister would never let it goif I didn’t win one, as well.”

The youngest Wilson certainly had no reason to be concerned; he wasfar more than just a sentimental favorite to win a Gold Medal. “Colby isone of only three players in the past quarter century here at Reserve toearn a starting varsity position in lacrosse as a freshman,” said Head BoysLacrosse Coach Henry “Skip” Flanagan. Wilson was recently named a2008 All-American and will participate in the ESPN Under Armour All-America game in Baltimore in July. Over the years the four-year letter-winner also played on four consecutive Final Four squads in the MidwestScholastic Lacrosse Association (MSLA) tournament. In fact, the MSLAcoaches voted him player of the year for the 2008 season.

“Colby has worked diligently through the years to improve his skills,become faster and stronger and become a student of this wonderfulgame,” added Flanagan. “He has overcome obstacles by way of sheerwillpower and has maintained the desire to become better each year bychallenging himself and setting the bar a bit higher on a regular basis.”

This past season, Wilson was one of three captains of the WRAteam, along with Connor Greissing ’08 and Josh Krutowsky ’08, whohelped Reserve finish the regular season ranked 22nd out of 2,800high school teams across the nation. He was also selected to try outfor the under-19 Team USA.

For Wilson, an enduring memory of his years playing lacrosse at WRAwas the team’s victory in the MSLA tournament in 2006, during his sopho-more year. “Nothing compares to that moment,” he reflected. The four-year day student also served as a captain of the 2007 varsity football team.

Mostly, though, when he thinks back on his years at Reserve – first as alittle kid watching his big brother’s success, and more recently as a studentmaking history on his own – Wilson will remember the people. He’ll misshis friends, as well as the opportunity to spend time with his brother, whojoined the Reserve faculty in 2007. He’s also grateful for his WRA coaches.

“I have had a couple of coaches who influenced me greatly,” Wil-son said. “Smitty (Pat Smith) taught me what it means to work hard.Coach (Chuck) Schmitt taught me never to give up, whatever theodds. Coach (Rich) Hoffman taught me that if you prepare yourselfproperly, you will be successful. And Dr. Flanagan taught me to behumble and never get full of myself.”

In the fall, Wilson will take all those lessons and attempt to applythem at Georgetown University, where he plans to pursue a business de-gree and continue his lacrosse career with the Division I Hoyas.

“I appreciate his ‘puckish’ approach to the sport,” concluded Flana-gan, “and I wish Colby well as he heads off to Georgetown.”

Lacrosse Gold Medal a family affair

Colby Wilson ’08 earned a Gold Medal, joining his brother, Mat ’01, and sister,Amanda ’05, as standouts on the lacrosse field.



Don’t let his quiet demeanor fool you. Michael McCulloch ’08 is anintense competitor. This year, in fact, he has been a three-sportvarsity captain – in soccer, basketball and track. And just before

graduation, at the close of the spring season, he capped off his stellar Re-serve athletic career with a Gold Medal, the Academy’s highest athletichonor, for his outstanding accomplishments in track.

“As I interpret the official description of the Gold Medal, it is in-tended to be given to that relatively seldom-seen athlete who dominates atevery level of competition in a particular sport, and who does so with anefficiency of effort,” commented Head Boys Track Coach Gerard Manoli.“In other words, they make it look easy. I can think of no better descrip-tion of Michael McCulloch than that: Domination with ease.”

Simply put, McCulloch has dominated at every level of competition virtu-ally every time he competed. “Michael basically won nearly every time heraced,” added Manoli. “On those few occasions that he lost, it was usually to adefending state champ, an eventual state champ or some other state qualifier.”

And McCulloch certainly made it look easy. “If you’ve ever had thepleasure of watching him run,” said Manoli, “then you know how hisgraceful and long and effortless stride made circling the track repeatedlyat a blistering pace look so easy.”

For the past three years, McCulloch has brought home first place in the1,600-meter event at the IPSL championship meet. His personal best of4:23.88 places him fifth on Reserve’s all-time list at that distance. Whatmakes his dominance even more impressive is that, unlike most elite highschool distance runners, McCulloch doesn’t run cross country in the fall ortrain for distance running during the winter months. Instead, he’s a three-sportvarsity athlete whose commitments to soccer and basketball leave him onlyabout eight weeks a year to train for distance running, according to his coach.

“I was honored to receive the Gold Medal,” says McCulloch, a four-year boarding student, who was named team MVP in 2007. “CoachManoli was able to make track an enjoyable sport and still allow us tocompete at the highest level. He instilled in me the confidence to ap-proach each race as though I was going to win every time.” In addition toexcellent coaching, genes may also have played a part in McCulloch’ssuccess. His dad ran track at Reserve under the legendary FrankLongstreth and was part of the undefeated 1967 cross country team. Infact, Bob McCulloch’s name still appears on Reserve’s list of record hold-

ers for his 1968 per-formance in the4x 1,600 relay.

“The highlightsof my athletic careerat WRA would haveto be winning theIPSL championshipsin track and beatingWalsh Jesuit in soc-cer my junior andsenior seasons,” Mc-Culloch reflects. Inaddition to his ath-letic commitments,McCulloch has alsobeen a prefect inNorth Hall, a mem-ber of the GreenCampus Committee,and a member of theInvestment Club.And in 2007, he wasnamed one of fiveMorgan Leaders, aprestigious scholar-ship award that rec-ognizes outstandingleadership at WRA.

In the fall, Mc-Culloch will attendLafayette College inEaston, Pa., where he will run cross country and track, and where he plansto major in business. “As I leave Reserve, I will remember the close groupof friends I’ve had over the past four years,” McCulloch says. “I founddorm life to be one of the best aspects Reserve has to offer, as one can relaxwith friends while taking a break from the often strenuous workload.”

Quiet competitor earns Gold Medal

Michael McCulloch ’08, who earned a Gold Medal inboys track, is fifth on the school’s all-time list in the1,600-meter run.



BASEBALL

MVP: Matt Shaw ’09

MIP: William Mason ’10

E. Michael House Spirit Award:

Dana Iafelice ’09

BOYS LACROSSE

MVPs: Jacob Thompson ’09,

John “Andrew” Swett ’08

MIP: Peter Spring ’08

Coaches/Spirit: John O’Sullivan ’08

GIRLS LACROSSE

MVPs: Elizabeth Clegg ’08,

Paige Cowie ’08,

Katherine Russell ’08

MIP: Kelsey Closen ’09

Coaches/Spirit: Madeline Stumpf ’08

SOFTBALL

MVP: Kelly Muffley ’09

MIP: Sarah Wise ’09

Coaches/Spirit: Rachel Blanda ’11,

Kathryn Durr ’10

TENNIS

MVP: Evan DeShong ’08

MIP: Raj Patel ’08

Coaches/Spirit:

Drew “Chris” Forhan ’08

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

MVPs: Joshua Sibley-Harris ’09,

Rene Silva ’09

MIP: Jonas Weirtz ’10

Coaches/Spirit: Stuart Horgan ’08,

Dean Burrier ’08

Carl Basnett: Philippe Bosshart ’08

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

MVP: Brittany Dukov ’08

MIPs: Mary Carter ’10,

Quinn Cutchin ’10

Coaches/Spirit:Callie Gruman ’08,

Ceara O’Sullivan ’10

Carl Basnett: Kelsey McCallops ’08

For more information, click on

the sport to be taken to the

team’s website.

Spring Athletic Award Winners

BRITTANY DUKOV ’08

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD MVP


http://www.wra.net/athletics/team.cfm?teamid=20







16

MATT SHAW ’08

BASEBALLMVP

KELLY MUFFLEY ’09

SOFTBALLMVP

EVAN DESHONG ’08

TENNIS MVP




JACOB THOMPSON ’09

BOYS LACROSSE MVP

JOHN “ANDREW” SWETT ’08

BOYS LACROSSE MVP

JOSHUA SIBLEY-HARRIS ’09

BOYS TRACK & FIELD MVP



PAIGE COWIE ’08

GIRLS LACROSSE MVP

KATHERINE RUSSELL ’08

GIRLS LACROSSE MVP

RENE SILVA ’09

BOYS TRACK & FIELD MVP


19

In May, Reserve’s varsity vol-leyball team presented a checkfor $841 to the Cystic Fibrosis

Foundation. CFF representativeErica Rosian was on hand to re-ceive the check during an all-school meeting. The donation wasthe result of a brainstorm by teammembers, who decided to organizean annual fundraising tournament,“Volley for a Cause,” to benefit adifferent organization each year.This year, the team chose the Cys-tic Fibrosis Foundation, explainedHead Coach Sherry Chlysta, be-cause a brother of one of the teammembers suffers from the disease.

“The idea came to us whenwe played an away game this sea-son, and we noticed our oppo-nents were raising money forbreast cancer,” said Chlysta. “Onthe bus back to school, the girlssaid, ‘Why don’t we do some-

thing like that?’” So the team gotto work. According to Chlysta,Ana Barsan ’09 and RachelBoster ’09, who will both serve asteam captains next year, led theway, and Sarah Puffer ’10 andfreshman Emily Clark ’11 werealso instrumental in putting all thedetails of the tournament together.“Emily and Sarah were tireless,”added Chlysta.

As the tournament took shape,the team sold more than 200 T-shirts to interested Reserve stu-dents, whose participation in thefundraiser gave them the opportu-nity for a “dress-down” school day.Then, on Feb. 24, six teams of Re-serve students competed in thetournament. The result was a checkfor more than $800 to combat cys-tic fibrosis, an inherited chronicdisease afflicting roughly 30,000children and adults in the U.S.

Volleyball team raises

aid for cystic fibrosis

Editor/Design: Thomas Moore

Staff Photographers: Alan Doe, Doug Garmon & Joan Stenger

Staff Writer: Susan Haile

The Reserve Bulletin is published twice a year for parents, alumni parents, alumni and friends of

the school. Direct your correspondence to Thomas Moore, Director of Publications, Western

Reserve Academy, 115 College Street, Hudson, Ohio 44236, 330.650.5839 or [email protected].

All changes of address should be sent to the Alumni & Development Office.

Western Reserve Academy admits students of any race, sex, color, disability, and national or

ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made

available to students at Reserve. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, dis-

ability, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions

policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

ReserveBulletin

Previous Page

Legendary track coach and longtime faculty master Frank“Stretch” Longstreth will be inducted into the Summit CountySports Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2008.

The hall of fame was inaugurated in 1957 to recognize SummitCounty residents who have been outstanding in one or more of the or-ganized sports. To be eligible for nomination, athletes must haveresided in Summit County during some period of their lives and musthave been a member of a championship team, recipient of an individ-ual athletic reward or honor, or have been elected as a member of anhonorary athletic team on state, conference, league, national or inter-national levels above the high school rank.

In recognition of such outstanding achievements, persons dulyelected to the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame are honored at theannual Summit County Sports Hall of Fame banquet, their achieve-ments made a matter of public record and their names inscribed on apermanent Roll of Honor. The roll is hung in the foyers of the RhodesHealth and Physical Education Building at The University of Akron.

The 52nd induction banquet will be held Oct. 7 at TangierRestaurant in Akron. For more information, visit the hall’s website at www.summitcountysportshalloffame.com

Stretch to be inducted into

Summit County Sports HoF

The volleyball team raised more than $800 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.


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