MAY 2019 Donors Support Cherry Tree Replacement There is something special about spring on the campus of Norwich Free Academy, especially when the cherry trees bloom. It is thought that Dr. Lewis Sears first planted them, and since then the trees have become iconic. Many alumni return to campus to experience their beauty each year.
This week, through the generosity of alumni, seven new trees replaced those showing disease or instability. These contributions to the NFA Foundation's Campus Beautification Fund perpetuate the history, tradition, and beauty of our campus. Thank you to all whose generosity in so many ways impacts our campus every day.
Alumnus Named Norwich Native Son The Norwich Rotary and Norwich Woman's City Clubs recently named Charles Pikler '69, retired principal violist, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Norwich Native Son.
Pikler joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as a violinist in 1978, and, in 1986, was appointed principal violist. Locally he appeared as a soloist at Harford Symphony Orchestra, Eastern Connecticut Symphony, and Manchester Civic Orchestra, among others. Pikler, who earned a degree in mathematics with distinct honors from the University of Minnesota, launched his career as a violinist with the Minnesota Orchestra in 1971, later becoming a member of the Cleveland Orchestra (1974-76) and the Rotterdam Philharmonic (1976-78). A national and global soloist, he served on the faculty of Northwestern University and coached the violist section of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and many ensembles at Midwest Young Artists Conservatory.
Pikler will be on campus in June for the Class of 1969's 50th Reunion, and he will lead a master class with NFA Orchestra students Trinity Bothur '21 (cello), Vanessa Bartlett '19 (violin), and Rachel McNally '22 (violin). Accompanied by Faye Ringel '69 on piano, Pikler and the students will perform Quartet No. 4 in C Major K. 156 by Mozart 1 p.m., Saturday, June 15, Slater Auditorium. The event is open to the public. Honoring Student Achievement Members of the Class of 2019 Inducted into the Henry A. Tirrell Chapter of the National Honor Society. Norwich Free Academy inducted 90 new members of the Henry A. Tirrell Chapter of the National Honor Society, May 7, in Slater Auditorium.
Senior members of the Honor Society conducted the candle-lighting ceremony which began with a piano processional by Vanessa Bartlett. Ushers for the event were Bailey Comeau, Eliana Jewell, and Julie Vincent.
Chapter President Peter Crary welcomed honorees, their family, friends, and faculty, and David Klein, Head of School, offered greetings. Brooke Rondeau followed with a review of Chapter History.
Four members reviewed the pillars of the National Honor Society by delivering original speeches about the qualities of the organization. Natalie Dionne spoke about Scholarship; Julia Florence spoke about Service; Sydney Brewer reflected upon Character; and, Presley Hill spoke about Leadership.
School Psychologist and NFA Teacher of the Year Arikka Kalawara '91 delivered the faculty address. She spoke about the balance between intellectual and emotional intelligence and likened that balance to the four pillars of the Honor Society. New Athletics Coaches Named Courtney Gomez '04 Girls Basketball Head Coach Athletic Director Roy Wentworth '83 has named Courtney Gomez '04 Girls Basketball Head Coach, and Taylor Shannon the new Girls Soccer Head Coach.
Gomez, a physical therapist for Kindred at Home in Old Saybrook, holds a Bachelor of Health Science and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Hartford, where she was a 4-year scholarship student-athlete playing Division 1 basketball.
A former assistant basketball coach for Connecticut College, she has remarkable experience. At NFA, she was a 4-year starting point guard under her coaching predecessor, Bill Scarlata. Gomez was also a member of the Cross Country team for two years and a four-year Varsity Softball player. In her tenure, NFA Girls Basketball won two state championships following undefeated seasons, four ECC titles, and she was named a member of the CT All-State team twice. "I feel incredibly grateful to Mr. Wentworth and the NFA administration for trusting me to take over a program that has had such a history of success across the state. I feel a tremendous amount of pride for the program and for the school as my experience here as a student-athlete shaped who I am today," says Gomez. "I am so excited to work with a talented group of young women and feel a strong sense of responsibility to maintain the values and NFA's tradition of excellence." Shannon, a physical education teacher at Waterford Public Schools, holds a Bachelor of Science and Health and Physical Education from Eastern Connecticut State University, where she played soccer and lacrosse. She is currently NFA's Girls Lacrosse Head Coach and youth coach for UK International Soccer camps. "I am extremely thrilled and honored to be taking over as head coach of the NFA girls soccer program. I have heard nothing but great things about these hard working, dedicated student-athletes and look forward to coaching them. I know these girls work tirelessly in the off season and deserve to have a coach who can relate to them and help lead them to success," says Shannon.
Taylor Shannon Girls Soccer Head Coach Upcoming Events 06/15/2019 9:00 AM NFA Campus, Sidney Frank Center, Bradlaw NFA Foundation, Inc. and Office of Communications & Public Affairs
NFA Foundation, Inc. 321 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360 |