Howdy y'all! Auction is this upcoming weekend and here at ACS, we are really getting into the spirit of things.
This is the first Auction on campus since 2015, and our Auction Committee did not want to disappoint! The campus is being transformed into a beautiful Western playground, complete with lights and bonfires, live bluegrass music, and rustic décor. Guests will have a chance to check out silent auction offerings, enjoy some downhome BBQ, and listen to alumni guest speaker Neil Outarsingh ’12 talk about how ACS impacted him.
If you are unable to come, don't worry! You can still participate remotely and help support the school! More details are further down in the newsletter, or you can click on the link. Be sure to check it out!
For those alums who are coming, I look forward to kicking up my boots with you!
We are happy to share this profile on Dr. Sheila Richmond '48.
What have you done since graduating from ACS?
I attended ACS from Jr. Kindergarten, beginning in 1939, through graduation in 1948, moving from Sr. Kindergarten just after Christmas in 1940 to first grade. My memory is that no one told me of the change until my mother and I arrived at school that January day, walking through the Forest Preserve as we did every day, and she said "You'll be going to first group now." So we continued walking up to the cabin, where that group was housed!
What do you do now?
I am now 87 years old, retired from teaching and eventually a career as a PhD psychologist, and am active as an artist in Albuquerque, NM.
What is one of your proudest accomplishments? I believe my proudest achievement is continuing to seek out self-directed learning through my life, a pattern fostered and honored by Avery Coonley School. I attended Antioch College, known for it's work-study program and encouragement of individualized learning. My PhD is from Union Institute, a University without walls concept, again valuing independence and personal responsibility for one's own education.
What was your favorite tradition?
There are so many traditions and memories from ACS that are simply a part of me! I think leading the Thanksgiving "parade" to the stage, delivering an offering of food and beauty was seminal. (I'm sure I was chosen, more than once, as I remember, because I was always the smallest kid in any class!)
Why do you think more alums should be involved with ACS?
I hope many, many alumni will want to be involved in keeping the traditions of a strong education, combined with the valuing of all persons, alive for generations. While, like me, many will have moved away and cannot be part of the daily life of the school, your contribution to education and to humanity will be manifest by what you pass on to your family, your community and thus to the world.
Last month's mystery photo was solved, thanks to retired PE teacher Linda Gollan, Elizabeth Larson '01 and Brittany Thompson '01!
They are (Front Row); Anthony Oliveira '01, Gretchen Schell '01, and Sean Kennedy '01. (Back Row): Brittany Thompson '01 and Clare Kennedy '01.
The newest Mystery Photo is below last month's. Can anyone recognize these students? If so, please send in your answers or a Mystery Photo of your own to Barbara Cosentino.
We are pleased to share the following alumni news:
Kathy Fay '72 continues to give back to her community via her position as Director of Community Sustainability at "I Heart My Home CT." She works with clients to help them gain access to the most cost-effective resources for their particular circumstances and needs. Kathy also has a message to share with the ACS community: “I was a scholarship student at ACS, and that experience is at the core of my yearning to serve members of my community, especially those most vulnerable. Responsible stewardship of the environment is another value that was instilled during my time at ACS. I will never forget when we planted a Gingko tree to celebrate the very first Earth Day.”
Bernard Crespi '73 chaired and co-authored research into the causes of endometriosis, a disease found in up to 10% of women. According to Dr. Crespi, "...the new theory has direct implications for endometriosis diagnosis and treatment.” Dr. Crespi is a Professor, Evolution, Genetics & Human Health, and Canada Research Chair in Evolutionary Genetics and Psychology at Simon Fraser University in Canada.
Yaelle Ortiz '19, pictured above, was featured in an article celebrating her volunteerism with Nuestro Center, an organization that provides academic support in Mathematics, English and language arts to low-income families in deprived circumstances. Yaelle served as an after-school tutor to two young children.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Boots, Bowties, and Bling: The 40th Annual Avery Coonley School Auction is this Saturday, April 30th
We look forward to seeing many alumni at this year’s Auction - especially those from the classes of 2010, 2011, and 2012!
For those who aren’t able to join in person, you can still participate remotely. Explore the incredible Silent Auction and Raffles at www.averycoonley.org/auction. Tickets for the popular Class Basket Raffles are only $10 each and offer you a chance to win an Oculus Quest, an Outdoor Movie bundle, an incredible array of Lego products or a cuddly basket of Star Wars pals (all pictured below). We also have an electric skateboard, Nintendo Switch, Apple Watch and AirPods, or even $500 cash up for grabs! Bidding on the Silent Auction opens on Thursday at 12:00 CDT and closes on Saturday, April 30th at 10:30 p.m. (reservations not required to participate in the Silent Auction and Raffles).
We also encourage you to consider supporting this year’s Fund-A-Need project: the Morse Teacher Grants Program. The Lucia Burton Morse Teacher Grants Program is designed to enhance the classroom experience for both teachers and students. These grants will fund educational activities that go beyond routine professional development – they will create unique opportunities, broaden experiences, and foster enthusiasm among ACS teachers. Grants can be used to invest in new and innovative curricular units, explore creative ways to enhance the students’ learning experience, or pursue extraordinary professional development opportunities that align with the school’s mission. Learn more…
We are so excited to announce that Neil Outarsingh '12 will be this year's Auction Speaker! Neil began his time at the Avery Coonley School at the Gatehouse in the Early Childhood program. Over eleven years, he developed some of his fondest memories as well as close friendships that he cherishes still today. After leaving ACS, Neil attended Hinsdale Central High School along with many of his former classmates. In May 2020, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Neurobiology and a certificate in French. This June, Neil will earn a master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, after which he will continue preparing to apply to medical schools. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, playing music, and volunteering with children of underprivileged families at the local community house. Even more fondly than the education and opportunities that ACS offered him, Neil remembers the people he met, both students and faculty, who he credits in part for shaping who he is today.
We are excited to share our next event – Healthy Home Living: 4 Easy Steps to Impact your Health and Environment with Angela Hinze ’04. Angela will share her personal story, including her experience with illness caused by environmental factors. She will share what you can do to personally help your own health and the environment as well.
Don’t miss out on this fun, interactive and informative conversation! Register here!
We hope to see you all there!
Join your fellow alumni for a fun evening of baseball, food and friends.
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Chicago Dogs @ Kansas City Monarchs, Impact Field, Miller Lite Bullpen
Ticket price: $35/per person, and includes full buffet, soft drinks, Chicago Dogs Hat, game and fireworks
Class of 2018 - Save the Date (Monday, June 18th, 6 pm) for an on-campus celebration of your high school graduation. Postcards and an email with more information will be coming soon!
We may be Auction focused, but that does not mean there are not any other events happening at ACS! We hope you enjoy these photos from our Heritage Fest, an annual ACS event that celebrates cultures from around the world.
Does your class have a 5, 10, 15, 20 year or more class reunion coming up? The Alumni Office is here to help you plan a great reunion, whether it be in person or via Zoom. We can help with class lists, best practices, tours and more. If you are interested, please contact Barbara Cosentino.
Do you have any news to share with your fellow classmates?
Have you started a new career? Moved to a new location? Started a family?
Accomplished a major goal? If so, consider submitting a Class Note!
Class Notes can include marriage, birth and death announcements, career advancement, relocation, military honors and more. Class Notes are considered for publication in the ACS magazine. We love hearing what our alumni are up to—complete the form below to
submit aClass Note to tell us all about it!
