Issue link: https://trevordayschool.uberflip.com/i/1315612
Hilary Auchincloss Wittmann '84 Carriage Barn Arts Center Executive Director 4 9 T R E V O R D AY S C H O O L n W I N T E R 2 0 1 9 – 2 0 2 0 Left: At their annual reunion, Daniel Feigin '84 gives alumni a tour of the Community Garden; Middle: Hilary in 5th grade—she is second from the right in the top row; Right: Hilary sports a trendy haircut in 8th grade. Your class gathered for Reunion this past May. It was such a joyful event! It was fun to be with so many of our classmates and teachers. Many of us hadn't seen each other for years. ere was a genuine excitement to be together again, because we all shared such a special time and experience in our lives. It was my first time visiting Trevor's new home on 95th Street and just so exciting to see how the school has evolved and "grown up" over the past few decades. e views and facilities are amazing—and even though the current students weren't there, I could tell that the feel and spirit of the school hasn't changed from what we experienced on 90th Street in the 1980s. What made the reunion extra special was Scott Reisinger's presence, as well as a great dinner with many of our former teachers. Our classmate, Dan Feigin, Director of Upper School, gave us a tour and talked about the process and thoughtful planning that went into designing and building the new space. How old were you when you began attending e Day School? I came to TDS in 5th grade, when I was ten years old; my brother Chad went into 7th grade. We had just returned from living in France, having attended a small, local village school. It had been a great experience—at TDS we found a similar close-knit and warm environment. You graduated in 8th grade. What impact did your elementary years at TDS have on you as a person, and on your educational and career journeys? What stands out was how TDS removed the traditional barriers between students and teachers. In the Upper School (then Grades 6–8), we were in the Common Room with teachers and kids in other grades throughout the day. I remember always being surrounded by other students working on projects, having impromptu conversations with teachers, writing songs, and doing science experiments. Although we were kids, our ideas were valued, and we were encouraged to develop them—even those that seemed silly at the time. at definitely had an impact on me. It was also a very supportive environment—all personalities and learning styles were accepted. I was a quiet kid, hesitant to speak up in class or have the spotlight on me. At TDS, I never felt that I was lacking or less a part of anything. at gave me a confidence base that has stayed with me and has enabled me to take risks. What are your interests and passions? I absolutely love to travel—whether it's around the corner or farther afield. I don't get to do it as often as I'd like, but just being exposed to different people and settings and ways of life is so energizing and reinvigorating. My husband, Chris, and I have three kids, who are now 14, 16, and 17. Seeing them develop a love for adventure and curiosity about the world is exciting. I also love to cook at home for my family and friends—it's a creative outlet that I find very relaxing. I've also always had a love and appreciation for the arts. I remember my first art class with Mr. Zulakis, when he told us he had made the apple for the Fruit of the Loom underwear commercial. I thought that was the coolest thing ever! I had some great opportunities to experiment with photography, ceramics, and even stained glass.