Celebrating the Classes of Blue     5/15/12...On behalf of the Development and Alumnae Relations office, Director of Alumnae Relations Mary Pat Staats is grateful for the prodigious efforts and support shown by the Baldwin community in making this major annual event on campus a success. The participation of faculty, staff and alumnae volunteers in the May 3-5 weekend’s events and activities made this reunion a memorable, positive experience for the Classes of Blue. Just a few fun facts and highlights about the weekend… Over 230 alumnae and guests participated in one or more of the 24 on-campus events and activities planned for the Classes of Blue. Alumnae represented every class from 1942 to 2007. Our guests enjoyed visiting six Upper School classes and two interest sessions featuring the Scholars Program and the Performing Arts at Baldwin. The Class of 1962, celebrating their 50th anniversary, toured campus with their Grade IV pen pals. See photos in our Media Gallery. The Class of 1987 was presented with the Champagne Cup for attaining the highest percentage of participation in the Annual Fund. The Class of 1957 received the Challenge Bowl for raising the most money for the Annual Fund. We honored  three outstanding alumnae at the Alumnae Awards Assembly:  Samie Kim Falvey ’92, recipient of the 2012 Distinguished Young Alumna Award; Dr. Margaret Oxtoby ’72, recipient of the 2012 Alumnae Award; and, J. M. Ada Mutch ’22, recipient of the 2012 Life Achievement Award (posthumously). Stay tuned to the summer issue of Echoes for details. Over 100 alumnae, family and friends attended Saturday’s Spring Festival, which is open to all alumnae. Don’t forget to mark May 2-4 on your 2013 calendars for next year’s Alumnae Weekend, when we will celebrate with the Classes of Gold (3s and 8s) at Baldwin. To view other Alumnae Weekend events, check out our Media Gallery.

Grandparents'/Special Persons' Day 5/15/12...Baldwin’s Pre-K through Grade V girls welcomed grandparents and special persons on May 14.  From assembly to the classroom and the playground, guests were invited to explore the Baldwin grounds with their young thinking girls and to take part in the events and activities hosted throughout the course of the day. To kick-start the morning, the Lower Schoolers delighted their audience with a dynamic choral performance that featured the use of inventive props, grand gestures and peppy beats like, “Old MacDonald had a Dog,” “Splish! Splash!” and “My Name is Music.”   The fun then moved to the classroom, as grandparents teamed up with their Baldwin girls and got to work puzzling through language-based assignments, tricky math challenges and creative art projects. To view photos from the day’s events, visit our Media Gallery.

Varsity and JV Lacrosse Beat Agnes Irwin 5/15/2012. . . The Varsity and JV Lacrosse teams beat Agnes Irwin, at home, in league play on Friday. The varsity topped the Owls 14-13 in a closely `matched game. The JV finished with a 7-5 victory.  “It was a great win for the team and one that they have worked very hard for,” said Varsity Coach, Kathleen Simone. “The girls have developed so much this season and should be very proud of their progress. I know that I am.” JV Coach Sara Langsam added, “The JV game was a tight, even game and the girls played with heart to pull out a 7-5 victory.  It was our greatest team effort so far this season. Highlights from individuals:  Kate Leone had two goals and goalie Megan Cohen had 7 saves!” photo: The BLT (Baldwin Lacrosse Team)

Trustee Recognition Award Recipients Pictured: Head of School Sally Powell, Pooh Gephart, Tracy Stevens, Lynne Flaxman, Board of Trustees Chair John Dewey. 5/15/12...At the year-end Faculty, Staff, Trustee Party, the Trustee Recognition Award is given to an individual or several individuals who go above and beyond their job description for the benefit of the community.  The award may be given to any member of the faculty, staff or administration. This year's honorees are: Tracy Stevens, Middle School administrative assistant, Pooh Gephart, Upper School dean of students and interim arts director, and Lynne Flaxman, Lower School technology teacher.    "For the last four years, Tracy Stevens has demonstrated extraordinary skill in the Middle School. In addition to being the engine who drives all of the day-to-day operations of the division (and she does this flawlessly), she treats each student, parent and faculty member with respect and genuine concern. Never too busy to deal with any issue, Tracy is a model of enthusiasm and that "can-do" spirit that is essential to the successful running of Middle School. Tracy is patient and tolerant, and it is obvious to all who work with her, she truly cares about the students, parents and faculty at Baldwin. Tracy goes above and beyond the requirements of the position on a daily basis. She is an extraordinary member of the Baldwin community." "My nomination is for Pooh Gephart. Two reasons: 1. Pooh 2. Gephart I think that says it all." "Lynne Flaxman has been a respected and loved faculty member at Baldwin for over 20 years, initially as a first and then second grade teacher, and most recently, and the Lower School technology teacher. Lynne has worked diligently with the Lower School faculty, planning and then implementing creative computer projects. She patiently and expertly leads the girls through the projects. Lynne has also helped to spearhead the Lower School iPad program, searching apps and sites and coordinating them with the curriculum. Although Lynne's position is considered part-time, she has given hours of her own time outside of school."

Baldwin Honors Longstanding Faculty and Staff 5/15/12...On May 11, Baldwin announced the 2012 Service Year Awards in celebration of employees with milestone anniversaries. 5 YEARS David Anderson                 Eleanor Hero                                       Jeremiah Shepherd                    10 YEARS     Ellen Castillo        Jane Farella         Aline Gittleman                 Anne-Mette Hansell        Julia Kornienko Josiane Mariette               15 YEARS Cynthia Angst                     Merle Buck                          Elsie Pitocchelli   20 YEARS Rosalind Price              25 YEARS Sherie Saner                 40 YEARS Marguerite Cairns

Varsity Softball Upsets Previously Unbeaten AIS 5/14/2012. . . The Baldwin Varsity Softball team pulled off a thrilling 4-3 come from behind victory against Agnes Irwin on Friday, May 11th. AIS jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the third inning, but 8th grade pitcher Noelle Zimmerman stymied the Owls for the rest of the game.  The Bears began their comeback in the 4th inning when senior captain Randa Melhem drove in her fellow captain, Amanda Buck. They tacked on another in the 5th inning after freshman Alexa Horwitz worked a walk, was sacrificed to second by senior Sarah Johnson, and scored on a single by junior Devon Cooper. photo: Amanda Buck

"Mind of the Athlete" Addressed at Baldwin 5/14/2012. . . Baldwin Athletics recently hosted the PA Independence Schools Athletics Association (PAISAA) Spring Meeting. Coaches and Athletic Directors from independent schools throughout the state assembled to hear guest speaker, Dr. Jarrod Spencer and to hold the PAISAA meeting.   Dr. Spencer, creator of the innovative program Mind of the Athlete, addressed one of the primary keys to better performance: a clearer preconscious mind. Dr. Spencer's presentation, titled 'Clearer Mind, Better Performance', explains how the mind works, teaches a 5-step process for keeping the mind clearer, and equips coaches with proven mental skills for better performance.   photo: Dr. Jarrod Spencer

Alumnae Art Shines During Reunion Weekend 5/14/12...Presenting, the first annual alumnae art slideshow. This project was conceived by Penny Tsaltas Lisk '77 as an opportunity for alumnae in the arts to share photos of their work during Alumnae Weekend. Penny and her committee asked alumnae who are members of the reunion classes (this year ending in 7s and 2s) to submit photos of their work. The images are shown on a monitor outside the Gallery in the Residence.   Alumnae who practice in any medium in the arts, at the professional or the amateur level, are invited to submit images of their work. These images may be used for future Alumnae Day slideshows and for display on the web; submitting images grants your approval to Baldwin for this use. Please also submit your contact information, full name and graduating year. We also welcome websites for your work so that we can post those and add them to our database of alumnae artists.   Please send no more than five image submissions in jpeg format no larger than 1020dpi in any dimension to: alumnaeart@baldwinschool.org.

Varsity Track in the Fast Lane 5/14/2012. . . The 4X100 Meter relay team posted their best time of the season, running the race at 59.6 seconds. That was good for first. The team consisted of: Connie Li, Krista Hinchman, Rachel Zachian, Tarlan Daryoush. Alice Douglas ran her best mile of the season, posting a time of 6.37.3, good for second.  Daryoush won first in her heat of the 100 Meter dash, posting a time of 14.8. She also ran in the next scheduled event, the 400 Meter dash, and posted a gritty personal best time of 1.11, good for second. Hinchman turned in a memorable 200 Meter dash, catching her opponent on the back stretch and finishing first with a time of 30 seconds. And finally, the Bears ran the 4X400 Meter relay for the first time all season, narrowly finishing second with a time of 5.12.4. That team consisted of Aileen Curley, Connie Li, Krista Hinchman, and Rachel Zachian.  The Bears hope to carry over this season's success into the 2013 spring season.  photo: The Varsity Track Team (l to r): Hinchman, Daryoush, Li, Douglas, Zachian, Curley

Ali Thaler '15 Named Rookie of the Year 5/11/2012. . . Freshman Ali Thaler was named Rookie of the Year by the Pennsylvania Area Schoolgirls Lacrosse Association (PASLA). Ali was selected from numerous area players, from public and independent schools, for her exceptional play.     In her second year as a varsity player, Ali reached the milestone of 100 career goals and has amassed more than 70 goals in the 2012 season alone. She is also a key contributor in midfield transition, defense, ground balls and draw controls.   "I am very proud of Ali! She's an exceptional player, particularly on the attack, and is always working to improve her game," shared Varsity Lacrosse Coach Kathleen Simone. "Ali plays with the poise of an upperclassman and is attuned to nuances of the game -- this sets her apart as well as her scoring ability. Ali is focused and yet fun; she's truly a pleasure to coach."

Varsity Track Post Results The Baldwin Bears varsity track squad finished Inter-Ac play Thursday at Germantown Academy. The Bears faced off against the entire league as athletes looked to qualify for championships on Saturday. Placing third, fourth and fifth in their heat of the 100 Meter dash were, Krista Hinchman, Rachel Zachian and Connie Li. Zachian also ran a personal best in the 400 Meter, running a 1.14.94 and improving her time by over three seconds. Hinchman ran a 1.12.87 in that event. The Bears finish their season on Friday, May 11 against Friend's Central. photo: Aileen Curley

Varsity Golf Tops AIS Again 5/10/2012. . . On May 2, a beautiful windless day at Philadelphia Country Club's Centennial nine, Baldwin squared off in a rematch against Agnes Irwin. The Bears were looking to sweep the season series, winning at Edgmont CC two weeks prior in a match separated by just five strokes. Heading out in the lead pairing by herself, junior captain Maya Patel fired a steady 45 and was low medalist for Baldwin.  But the real story was newcomer Julia McAleese chipping in on the final hole from thick rough and a downhill lie.  Landing softly on the fringe, the ball trickled down the slope of the green, tapped the flagstick and sunk in the cup for a 50 from the rookie 8th grader.  Tallying the scores, the lead leapt back and forth between the two squads, but when all said and done, the Bears pulled out a dramatic 251 to 252 victory.  This was the third victory for the youthful squad, which returns all its players for next season.   photo: Maya Patel

The Devon Horse Show 5/10/12...The Baldwin School is a proud sponsor of The Devon Horse Show. Baldwin was eight years old when the Devon Horse Show began, the same age as current Baldwin student Kaya Weiser. Kaya is an accomplished equestrian and graciously narrated a brief virtual history of the Devon Horse Show. You can watch it by visiting  www.baldwinschool.org/devonhorseshow. Visit us at The Devon Horse Show on Saturday, May 26 where we will be joined by our friends at  3 Great Schools  and distributing complimentary admission tickets to the first 500 children attending the Show that day.   Round off Memorial Day Weekend and come see Baldwin's Middle School girls who are volunteering to help out in the Doggie Contest, both in the ring and behind the scenes. The fun begins on Monday, May 28 at 1 p.m.

MS A Lacrosse Game Highlights 5/9/2012. . . The MS Lacrosse A team enjoyed an exciting and fiercely competitive game against Penn Charter on May 2.  Highlights included a stellar performance in goal by eighth grader Shayna Silverman and a tremendous defensive effort by Lulu Cohen (grade VIII). Carrie Schaefer also made important contributions on the defensive side of the ball  and assisted on a goal.   In the midfield, eighth graders Morgan Steelman (2 assists) and Hayden Ivey  helped to maintain possession of the ball off of the draw. Our balanced attack was led by Julia Greitzer (Grade VIII, 1 goal) Hayden Ivey (3 goals,3 assists) Maria Pansini (Grade VI, 4 goals, 1 assist) and Aliza Thaler (grade VI, 1 goal) ).  The team will play Agnes Irwin on Wednesday, May 9th.  Go Bears! photo: Shayna Fader

Three Baldwin Lacrosse Alumnae to Play in NCAA Tournament     5/8/2012. . . Three former Baldwin Varsity Lacrosse players will compete in the 2012 NCAA Women's Lacrosse Championships.   Duke University's Emma Hamm ('07) will take on University of Virginia's Sloan Warren ('11) in the first round of NCAA Division I tournament play. Duke enters the season ranked #6 and UVA trailing by one at #7. The game will be held Sunday, May 13 at Duke.   Kristin Feinberg ('11), a defender for Occidental College, will play in the first round of NCAA Division III tournament play vs. University of Redlands. This is Occidental's first appearance in the National Tournament. The match-up will take place May 9 at Redlands.   Five Baldwin Lacrosse alumnae are currently playing lacrosse at the Division I or III level, and three more at the university club level.    "I'm very proud of all of the girls and very happy that they have taken their love of the game to the next level. They are all truly winners!" stated Varsity Lacrosse Coach, Kathleen Simone, who has coached all eight current collegiate players.   photos: (l) Emma Hamm in foreground, Sloan Warren in background; (r) Kristin Feinberg

Varsity Track Wraps Up Regular Season The Baldwin Bears varsity track squad finished regular season Inter-Ac play against Agnes Irwin and Springside at Chestnut Hill Academy on Monday.  Running both the 1600 and 800 was Alice Douglas, posting times of 6.41.0 and 3.00.5 respectively.  Finishing third in her heat for the 200 Meter race was Tarlan Daryoush, running at a time of 31.1.  The Bears will now focus their attention on the Inter-Ac trials taking place this Thursday at Germantown Academy, beginning at 3.  photo: Rachel Zachian

Emma Hamm '07 Featured on Cover of Lacrosse Magazine 5/8/2012. . . Duke lacrosse standout and former Baldwin Lacrosse All American, Emma Hamm was featured on the front cover of Lacrosse Magazine's April 2012 edition.   The four-page article, titled "Magnetic Force", highlights Emma's exceptional play, passion, and spirit.   As quoted in the article: "She's so deceptive, which makes her impossible to guard. The ball is a magnet to her stick," said Maryland midfielder Karrie Ellen Johnson, who played with Hamm on the gold medal-winning 2007 U.S. Under-19 team. "She's a force to be reckoned with, and she does it in her own Emma fashion."

Ninth Annual Alex Wake Run & Walk a Huge Success 5/7/2012. . . The Ninth Annual Alex Wake 5K Run & 1 Mile Fun Walk was a huge success with more than 300 runners and walkers participating and many more in attendance, cheering on the runners and walkers. The event is a tribute to Alexandra Wake, a gentle, talented 14 year old student at The Baldwin School, who was the victim of a horrific act of domestic violence that took not only her life, but that of her mother and grandparents on January 15, 2002. The Alex Wake event continues to provide the Baldwin and Main Line community with a better understanding of and the resources available for women’s health, empowerment of women, and combating domestic violence. Three separate assemblies addressing women’s issues were held in April and May for all divisions in conjunction with the Alex Wake Run & Walk. This year, the event generated more than $41,000 which will be applied to an endowed scholarship in Alex's name; a percentage of the proceeds will also help underwrite Blue Gray's endeavor in support of Baldwin Athletics, including educational programs. Blue Gray, the Development Office and Baldwin Athletics thank all of the sponsors, volunteers and participants for their continued support of this flagship event for Baldwin. photo: a runner holds a medal displaying Alex’s picture

Crew Team Upperclassmen Celebrate 5/7/2012. . . Junior and senior members of the Varsity Crew team recently celebrated at the annual dinner with the Undinians at Castle Ringstetten, Philadelphia.

Crew Team Victorious at PSRA City Champs! 5/7/2012. . . The Crew Team earned honors at the annual PSRA City Champs held on the Schuylkill River on Saturday. Results: Lwt 2x - Jasmine Schlichting and Charlotte Solmssen  took first place with a time of 6:17.98 Varsity 2x - Kaylah Klezcka and Maddie Noteware finished 2nd out of 13 with time of 5:47.08 Freshman 4 - Sarah Zarsky, Bridget Pansini, Sarah Douglas, Lizzie Grubman, Julia Busby 3rd place out of 10 boats with a time of 6:22.46 Varsity 4x - Charlotte Beever, Natalie Webb, Abby Lemmon, Liz Asch took fifth out of 10 with time of 5:32.15 Lwt 4x - Emily O'Brien, Annie Leonardi, Storey Wanglee, Taylor Nickens took 5th with a time of 5:58.18 Jv 2x - Musu Taylor and El Pressman placed 6th of 14 with a time of 6:34.28 Novice 4 - Sarah Elmongy, Laura Noteware, Kate Levin, Rachel Dichter, Emily Urban 9th out of 13 (in their heat) photo (l to r): Freshman Four: Sarah Zarsky, Julia Busby, Lizzie Grubman, Sarah Douglas, Bridget Pansini