October 2023 Class Notes
On Sept. 30, “The Crinolynns,” a musical with book and lyrics written by Broadway performer Scott Logsdon (C ’84) and music by Aaron Gandy, was presented by Stage Right! Productions at the Carey Center Theater at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
Adjunct Associate Professor of Musicianship Charlene Romano (C ’91) performed with John Romano (C ’91), organist Daniel Miller (C ’79, C ’03, C ’08); vocalists Elizabeth Albert (C ’00), Noah Wagar (C ’22) at the Hunt Country Music Festival in July, on a program featuring American popular music from the 19th century. (Pictured to the left.)
On Sept. 16, Shenandoah University presented “Diagnosed,” a play written and directed by Iyona Garner Blake (C ’00) in Shingleton Dance Space.
In September, Mark Turner (B ’07) and Michael Turner (AS ’03) were inducted into Handley High School’s Hunter Maddex Hall of Fame for their achievements on the men’s soccer team. (Pictured to the right.)
In September, Mariana Mihai-Zoeter (C ’09, ’12) was featured as the soprano soloist for The Main Street Chamber Orchestra (MCSO) of Berryville at Grace Episcopal Church in Berryville, Virginia.
Reserv, a company co-founded by Martha Dreiling (B ’10), who is also the COO, recently announced the close of its $20M Series A round of financing to expand its generative AI claims data analysis tools.
On Aug. 29, Gina Stevens-Yuhasz (N ’10, HP ’20) welcomed baby Douglas Yuhasz into the world.
Kevin Brashears (AS ’11, B ’11), Jaclyn Mohlmann (AS ’13, B ’15), Kat Terza (AS ’12, HP ’14) and Tony Tucker (AS ’88) were inducted into the 2023 class of Shenandoah University’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
Schyler Conway (C ’11) was cast to play Brad in “Chasing Happy,” which opened on Oct. 11 at Theatre Row in New York, New York.
On Aug.31, Kyle Farrell (B ’11, ’14) and Jillian Sweeney Farrell (AS ’11, P ’14), welcomed baby Grayson Farrell into the world. (Pictured to the left.)
On April 3, Jason Guy (AS ’11, P ’15) welcomed his daughter Faith into the world. (Pictured to the right with big brother Clark.)
Julian Crowhurst (C ’13) is creating the music and sound design for Gardenfiend Games’ first title, “Perennial Order.”
On Sept. 27, Jesse Ratcliffe (C ’13) gave a carillon concert at Concord University in Athens, West Virginia.
On Sept. 11, Michael Divino (C ’14) led a graduate seminar on the topic of the Chevalier de Saint-Georges at the Shenandoah Conservatory.
Michele Boyd Kalis (C ’15, C ’16) is a full-time cast member in “The Festival of the Lion King,” appearing as a variety of animals throughout the show at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Garrett Brown (C ’17) won an audition for the 2nd bassoon position with the West Point Band for the United States Army in March 2023.
On Aug. 6, Gabrielle Haas (B ’17, B ’18) welcomed baby Elliot Hass into the world. (Pictured to the left.)
On Sept. 2, Matt Horton (AS ’17) and Dot Kelly (C ’18, ’21) were married in Norfolk, Virginia. Adrienne Elion (C ’19, C ’21), Justin Mehrer (AS ’19), Will Southland (AS ’19), Zac Barton (AS ’21, E ’21), Ansel Borhauer (AS ’17) and Aaron Tonaki (C ’20) were in the wedding party.
In September, Mary Francisco Newlyn (AS ’17) was named executive director of the West Virginia Hope in Action Alliance and will participate in the 2023-2024 class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute. (Pictured to the right.)
On Sept. 25, 2021, Matthew Staul (B ’18, B ’20) married Ashlyn Brockington (HP ’19) in Williamsburg, Virginia. Olivia Hoogestratt (C ’18, C ’19), Brooklyn Russick (N ’19), Bethany Cales (AS ’18, HP ’18), Patrick Staul (B ’16, B ’18), Kindal Fluke (AS ’18), Travis Barton (AS ’19), Christian Arias (AS ’19), Cody Steuhm (AS ’18), and Thomas Whalen (AS ’18) were in the wedding party. On April 28, 2023, Matthew and Ashlyn welcomed baby Cameron into the world. (Pictured to the left.)
Associate Dean for Academic Success and Professor of Dance Ting-Yu Chen (EL ’19) accepted the role as the external reviewer supporting the dance department program review at Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland.
Chris Grady (AS, EL ’19) was highlighted in an article entitled, “Valley Barbell Gym: A Fresh Addition to the Front Royal Fitness Scene.”
Pilar Boucher (C ’20) accepted a position as youth programs coordinator for the Orchestra of St. Luke’s in New York, New York.
On Sept. 28, Eoín Fleming (C ’20, ’22) performed on the piano at St Ann’s Church in Dublin, Ireland. (Pictured to the right.)
J. Aaron Hardwick’s (C ’21) article entitled, “How video games like ‘Starfield’ are creating a new generation of classical music fans,” was published by the nonprofit independent news organization, The Conversation.
Julian Baldwin (C ’22) made their opera stage debut this year with Lamplighters Music Theatre in San Francisco, California. (Pictured to the left.)
Jack Dossett (C ’22) participated in the developmental workshop of “Tyrants” alongside a number of Broadway artists.
On May 22, Abigail Gronczewski (C ’22, C ’23) is a financial aid counselor for Shenandoah University.
Don Johns (C ’22) was selected as one of 25 arts education trailblazers for DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative’s 25th anniversary in honor of the wisdom and passion he imparts on aspiring percussionists.
Cassidy Myers (C ’22) is performing in “Phantoms of the Festhaus” at Busch Gardens Williamsburg this season.
Yesenia Nunez (B ’22, N ’22) is a nurse practitioner for Shenandoah Urologic Specialists in Winchester, Virginia. (Pictured to the right.)
In September, Norman Shankle (ANG) returned to Winchester, providing a master Class for Shenandoah students and a talk/concert as part of Handley High School’s 100th anniversary alumni speaker series.
In Memoriam
Wanda Lafollette Sandy (HP ’89) of Stephens City, Virginia, passed away on Oct. 9, 2023.
