“This is where the stories of a lifetime begin...”

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4: Introduction

8: Questions and Answers

10: Preschool

12: Lower School

16: Middle School

20: Upper School

24: College Counseling

26: Essential information: Preschool/Lower School

28: Essential information: Middle School

30: Essential information: Upper School

32: Admission and the Application Process

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For nearly a century, students have begun their life stories at Tower Hill—and gone on to become statesmen, business pioneers, healers, teachers, scientists, and leaders of every description.

Will yours be the next exciting story?

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Ours are stories of imagination, passion, and dreams unfolding.

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How would the story of a rising young Tower Hill student take shape? Would it be an epic tale of discovery and achievement? A hero’s journey of athletic feats and artistic reflection? An exploration of ideas building to a pinnacle of academic achievement?

At Tower Hill, it’s all of these, and more, for every Tower Hill student. Guided by a faculty of unparalleled experience, credentials and commitment, our academic program is renowned for its challenging curriculum. Our culture has integrity and character development at its core. And our balanced approach emphasizes athletic and artistic development, as well as academic achievement.

Explore some of our stories on these pages. Then learn how you can start creating your own.

“Many things done well.” Multa Bene Facta

A common theme runs through our alumni’s stories: “I was so well-prepared not just for college, but for life.” Tower Hill’s deliberate focus on character education, our high standards of integrity, and our atmosphere of mutual respect prepares our students to play meaningful roles in their communities and make a positive impact on the world.

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Academic excellence is the foundation of a Tower Hill education. But there’s so much more. On the fields and courts, the stage and studio—with friends, teachers, coaches and teammates—students are immersed in an environment that asks them to reach for their best in every endeavor. To do many things well.

For almost 100 years, we’ve nurtured a school community that values and embraces service to others.

WHY TOWER HILL?

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Questions & AnswersQ: What are some of the things that set Tower Hill apart?

A: Our school’s personality is characterized by dedicated, talented teachers keenly focused on the development and success of their students. And we intentionally cultivate a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes learning fun and exciting.

Q: It seems a lot to ask of students—challenging academics, arts, required athletics and service learning. How do they do it all?

A: It’s true—our students are really busy! But they are busy in productive, fun and engaging ways. Our model is time-tested, and our graduates tell us that they were exceedingly well-prepared for college and life after Tower Hill.

Q: What can you share about Tower Hill’s mission and core values?

A: Our mission is to educate the mind while we educate for character. Everything we do is informed by our core principles of honesty, respect and responsibility. We set the bar high for academic performance and personal responsibility, because we know our students will rise to the level we set for them.

Q: What does Multa Bene Facta (Many Things Done Well) really mean? Do you expect everyone to be excellent at everything?

A: For almost a century, our community has been guided by this motto, handed down to us by our founders. Our expectation is not that we do everything perfectly, but that we bring the best of ourselves to everything we do, every day. We know that by practicing to be at our best, every day, in every way, we accomplish wonderful things.

Harry BaetjerActing Head of School

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Q: What is Tower Hill doing to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century?

A: The technological developments of the past few decades have required all of us—teachers and students—to learn differently. Our faculty is continuously engaged in its own professional development to remain at the forefront of education, and the school has invested heavily in technological infrastructure upgrades to keep up with the pace of change. In addition, a new Math and Science Center open fall 2013. It has proven to be extremely valuable for our entire community. We’re very excited about it!

Q: Does a preschool foundation at Tower Hill really make a difference in later success in school?

A: It does. We know that foundational experiences, like those we provide in our Tower Tots and Preschool programs, propel kids forward. These kids are given a developmental advantage in terms of self-confidence and academic skills.

Q: How would you describe the Tower Hill community, for both students and their families?

A: We are a community of high standards, high expectations and high aspirations. There is a seriousness of purpose here, but the community works because of the strength of the relationships and the warm and caring nature of the faculty.

Q: In the end, I want my child to be successful in life. How does Tower Hill help?

A: Tower Hill does a great job educating for the mind. But success in life is predicated on so much more: time management, discipline, creativity, teamwork, resilience, ethics. Our students graduate with first-class academic preparation, but they also leave us prepared to take on the world with confidence and integrity.

Our model is time-tested, and our graduates tell us that they were exceedingly well-prepared for college and life after Tower Hill.

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The story begins...

Our three- to five-year olds learn with the exuberance of play in a safe, interactive environment. Led by full-time, degreed teachers, Tower Hill preschoolers dive into a diverse curriculum that includes core programs in literacy and math, as well as music, phys ed, Spanish, technology and more—all based on the most current early education and child development research.

PRESCHOOL

Character education is introduced in preschool, emphasizing our core values of honesty, respect, and responsibility, and laying the foundation for effective collaboration and citizenship.

WHY TOWER HILL?

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“We love the After School Program offerings at Tower Hill. Not only are the After School building, teachers, and activities wonderful for the children, but so are the diverse offerings in the Enrichment programs. My daughter looks forward to them, and they have become an important part of her learning experiences.” —Mrs. Alexandra Kirtley, Parent, Class of 2022, Class of 2025

Chapter one: From the first day of Preschool, we make learning an adventure. These first steps are the most important steps, when curiosity is nurtured, connections start to be made, and the seeds of a lifetime love of learning take root.

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In words, numbers, art and music, even another language, students begin to shape their stories.

The narrative really starts to unfold in the Lower School. Playbased learning taught in Preschool evolves into more serious—but no less fun!—tackling of academic fundamentals. There’s always time for art and athletics. And every day, we focus on character—including internalizing the Code of Conduct and embracing the overarching theme of service.

LOWER SCHOOL

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“What is different about Tower Hill is that it places…opportunity in students’ hands, and then encourages them to figure out the next step. This push of independent thought forces students to take the initiative, become young leaders, and realize their potential through their own discovery.” —Gracie Firestone ’11, Founder of the non-profit organization Let The Kids Play

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“…The Lower School’s learning environment maximizes success through small, flexible instructional groups and knowledge of each student’s learning styles and needs…Kinesthetic learning and the use of imagination develops our learners into out-of-the-box thinkers...” —Ann Clay, Lower School Faculty, B.A. Psyscholgy and Education, M.A. Education

LOWER SCHOOL

The visual and performing arts play a major role throughout our Tower Hill students’ careers, with ongoing, exciting opportunities to exhibit and perform.

WHY TOWER HILL?

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“Over the years, we considered and re-considered if the choice of school we made for our children was the right one. The graduation ceremony provided yet another moment to reflect on this question...and punctuated the fact that for us and for our children, the answer was and is “yes!” —Dr. Louis Rafetto, Parent, Class of 2014, Class of 2012

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Discovering who we are.

“Tower Hill’s academic program instilled in me reading, writing and communication skills that have set me apart from my peers… In my years at Goldman Sachs immediately following college, I felt that my communication and public speaking abilities were so strong largely because of the Tower Hill program, one that instilled clarity and confidence in my ability to synthesize and communicate information.” —Kathryn Fortunato ’02, Co-owner with Lizzie Fortunato ’02 of Lizzie Fortunato Jewels, NY

MIDDLE SCHOOL

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Character-building and service activities take up a bigger part of middle school students’ schedules. From weekly nondenominational chapel to community projects to supporting our troops abroad, students learn the value of looking beyond themselves and making positive contributions to society.

In Middle School, the pace really quickens. The coursework challenges grow and electives are introduced. Outside the classroom, the athletic options grow in scope and competitiveness on our state-of-the-art athletic fields and in our remodeled indoor facilities. Students explore a host of extracurricular activities. And to help them navigate their ever-busier careers,each middle school student has a faculty advisor with whom they connect frequently.

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“Advisors act as a sounding board, a voice, and an advocate for each advisee. Over the course of the year, the advisor helps each student find academic success, develop a strong moral character, and become a self-advocate.”—Kathryn Reese, Middle School Faculty, Head Class Advisor, Coach, volleyball and lacrosse

MIDDLE SCHOOL

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Because we know our students. Our faculty recognizes and nurtures students’ individual talents and strengths, building their confidence and helping to move them closer to their goals.

WHY TOWER HILL?

“I like the increased freedom we gain year by year, especially signing out from study hall. The 7th grade field trip to Washington, D.C. was really fun because we toured the U.S. Capitol and Arlington National Cemetery…The teachers are kind and understanding. I feel they care about me as an individual. They are strict when it is necessary and they make it fun to learn!” —Hugh, Class of 2017

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UPPER SCHOOL

Preparing for the role of a lifetime.

Everything Tower Hill is and represents coalesces in the Upper School. It has a reputation for being challenging, and it is. But every Upper School student benefits from a solid support system designed to help them succeed. Between core requirements that give them an edge in college, to electives that feed their curiosity, Upper School students are at maximum intellectual engagement.

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Upper School is a time when activities outside the classroom matter most to our students. Competitive athletics, advanced artistic pursuits, meaningful service commitments, the exciting process of planning for college—these are some of the most stimulating, most memorable years in our students’ lives.

“My athletic experience has truly taught me the idea of perspective. I have ranged from being a JV player to a three-sport varsity captain. I have experienced different roles and found that each one is just as important to a team’s success. I have learned valuable leadership skills that will transfer to other opportunities I may have later in my life.” —Jenna Chodos, Class of 2013, All-State First Team, All American, Lacrosse

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UPPER SCHOOL

“Students are only getting the best when they’re surrounded by people who only want to encourage and promote the arts in their lives, because there are too many people in the world that want to take that away already. I will leave Tower Hill with a good sense of knowledge not only for the stage, but also having an immense amount of respect for the people working behind the scenes as well.”

—Alexandria Churchwell, Class of 2013, Winner, Fine Arts Medal in Musical Production, 2012 Interlochen Arts Camp

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We believe participation in athletics is vital for every student, not just for competition, but for lessons in sportsmanship, teamwork and healthy living. Every student can participate regardless of skill level. And despite such inclusiveness, Tower Hill ranks third overall in Delaware state championships.

WHY TOWER HILL?

“A main goal of our science program is to teach our students to be problem solvers. We equip them with the analytical skills they need to carefully assess the nature of any problem. This serves them well regardless of their career choice.”—Leigh Thompson, Upper School Faculty, Head Class Advisor, 2012 Delaware Chemistry Teacher of the Year

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COLLEGE COUNSELING

On to the next chapter: College.

So much of what we do at Tower Hill is focused on that one exciting day—when the college acceptance letter arrives. Years of multa bene facta have prepared for this. And intensive support in the junior and senior years makes sure that the process goes smoothly and successfully. Tower Hill students are offered admission at selective colleges and universities across the country.

Starting in junior year, the college counseling process includes workshops, family and one-on-one meetings, visits from college reps, and help throughout the college selection and application process. Access to the Naviance Web tool helps students and parents stay organized and manage the many tasks and administrative details of the college application process.

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American UniversityAmherst CollegeBates CollegeBoston CollegeBoston UniversityBrown UniversityBryn Mawr CollegeBucknell UniversityCarnegie Mellon UniversityClemson UniversityColby CollegeColgate UniversityCollege of CharlestonCollege of Holy CrossColumbia UniversityConnecticut CollegeCornell UniversityDartmouth CollegeDavidson CollegeDickinson CollegeDrexel UniversityDuke UniversityEastern UniversityElizabethtown CollegeElon UniversityEmory UniversityFordham UniversityFranklin & Marshall CollegeGeorgetown UniversityGeorge Washington UniversityGeorgia Institute of TechnologyGettysburg College

Harvard UniversityHaverford CollegeHofstra UniversityIthaca CollegeIowa State UniversityJohns Hopkins UniversityLehigh UniversityLoyola UniversityMichigan State UniversityMount Holyoke CollegeMuhlenberg CollegeNortheastern UniversityNorthwestern UniversityOberlin CollegeOxford CollegePennsylvania State UniversityPrinceton UniversityPurdue UniversityRensselaer Polytechnic InstituteRice UniversitySavannah College of Art & DesignSiena CollegeSouthern Methodist UniversityStanford UniversitySusquehanna UniversitySwarthmore CollegeSyracuse UniversityTexas Christian University

Tufts UniversityUniversity of ColoradoUniversity of ConnecticutUniversity of DelawareUniversity of GeorgiaUniversity of MarylandUniversity of MassachusettsUniversity of MiamiUniversity of MississippiUniversity of MissouriUniversity of North CarolinaUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of PittsburghUniversity of RichmondUniversity of South CarolinaUniversity of VermontUniversity of VirginiaUniversity of WisconsinUrsinus CollegeVanderbilt UniversityVillanova UniversityVirginia Polytechnic Institute & State UniversityWake Forest UniversityWashington CollegeWashington UniversityWilliams CollegeYale University

By any measure —commitment, skill, credentials, tenure, passion—Tower Hill’s faculty is second to none. And it shows in their interactions with students in our classrooms, on our fields and courts, in our studios and on our stages and in every hallway.

WHY TOWER HILL?

The stories continue at colleges across the nation.Colleges attended by the classes of 2009-2012:

www.towerhill.org/college

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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION : PRESCHOOL/LOWER SCHOOL

TOWER TOTS

Recommended age: Age 3 by September 1.

Classes: 10-12 students; one section.

School day: Half Day 8 to 11:45 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. with lunch option Full Day 8 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. After School program available until 6 p.m.

Teachers: Two degreed teachers in the classroom supported by specialist teachers in computer, math, music, physical education and Spanish.

Curriculum highlights: The Tower Tots curriculum provides three- and four-year-olds with the opportunity to explore, experiment and discover through play. Activities provide opportunities to promote social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. A child-centered environment assists young children in the development of self-confidence and a positive attitude toward learning.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN

Recommended age: Age 4 by September 1.

Classes: Average 14-16 students per section; two sections.

School day: Half Day 8 to 12:30 p.m. Full Day 8 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. After School program available until 6 p.m.

Teachers: Two degreed homeroom teachers in each classroom supported by specialist teachers in computer, cooking, library, math, music, physical education, literacy, and Spanish.

Curriculum highlights: The Pre-Kindergarten curriculum fosters exploration, discovery and experimentation in young children. Through thematic units, Pre-K students are introduced to literacy, math, art, science and social studies.

KINDERGARTEN

Recommended age: Age 5 by September 1.

Classes: Average 15-18 students per section; three sections.

School day: 8 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. After School program available until 6 p.m.

Teachers: Two degreed homeroom teachers in each classroom, supported by specialist teachers in computer, cooking, drama, library, math, music, physical education, literacy, science, and Spanish.

Curriculum highlights: Kindergarten children participate in an integrated, thematic, play-based curriculum focusing on literacy, language arts, math, social studies, and character education. A well-rounded course of study includes introductions to technology, science, cooking, Spanish, motor movement, drama, art, library, and literature.

After School Program: For more details on our comprehensive, high-quality after-school program, go to www.towerhill.org/afterschool.

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From our new athletic fields and facilities to the new Math and Science Center opening in 2013, to the programs, philosophies, and practical approaches we take to education, every student has unparalleled learning resources at their disposal.

WHY TOWER HILL?LOWER SCHOOL: First through fourth grade

Classes: Average 16-18 students per section; three sections for each grade.

School day: 8 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. After School program available until 6 p.m.

Teachers: Students have one homeroom teacher supported by teachers in specialty areas including art, computer, library, math, music, physical education, reading, science, and Spanish.

Curriculum highlights: Building on a base of fundamental reading, writing, language arts, science and math skills, the first through fourth-grade curriculum emphasizes increasing responsibility and nurtures inferential thinking, reasoning, and creativity. A variety of programs and activities foster a love of learning, with a particular emphasis on reading and writing in different genres, development of strong basic math skills, and an understanding of American culture and history and their connections to a global community. Spanish is part of the curriculum for all grades. www.towerhill.org/lowerschool

www.towerhill.org/preschool

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION : MIDDLE SCHOOL, GRADES 5-8

Classes: Average 15-19 students per section; three to four sections per grade; potential for more sections for 7th and 8th grade languages.

School day: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; classes range from 45 to 60 minutes. Academic classes have an extended period once per cycle. Seventh and eighth graders participate in athletics. 8:40 a.m. start on Thursdays to allow for in-service faculty time.

Academic cycle: Schedule operates on a rotating cycle, within a three-trimester academic year.

Teachers: Each student has a homeroom teacher, an advisor, and teachers for each subject area.

Curriculum highlights: Each student carries a full schedule in the fundamental disciplines, as well as art, music, physical education, and a selection of electives including band and chorus. Foreign language study begins with an introduction to various languages in 5th grade, and by seventh grade, students select one language to study, either French, Latin, or Spanish.

Faculty Advisors: Every Middle School student is assigned an advisor—usually one of his or her classroom or homeroom teachers, or a coach. Student and advisor meet regularly to talk, plan, monitor academic progress, and discuss strategies for solving any challenges the student may face. Advisors contact parents as necessary or appropriate.

Progress reports: In addition to informal meetings or calls as needed, student progress is monitored and reported in these ways:

Conferences: Advisor-parent meetings are held in the fall and as needed.

Weekly Progress Update List: Teachers complete a weekly, computer-generated rubric that summarizes key progress indicators. Advisors receive the report, and parents are notified in writing of any special accomplishments or needs.

Trimester Reports: November, early March, June.

Interim Reports: Provided for students whose work is extremely praiseworthy, or for students who are experiencing difficulties. New students receive interims in all academic subjects for the first trimester.

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After School Program: Grades 5 and 6 School days until 6 p.m.

For more details on our comprehensive, high-quality after-school program, go to www.towerhill.org/afterschool

Our faculty and student body reflect both the diversity of our region and our commitment to sustain an inclusive scholastic community.

WHY TOWER HILL?

www.towerhill.org/middleschool

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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION : UPPER SCHOOL, GRADES 9-12

Classes: Average 13 students per section.

School day: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; classes are 45, 50 or 80 minutes; extended periods for innovative learning experiences, such as science labs. Flex periods scheduled for homeroom, advisory, assemblies and participation in clubs/activities. Required athletics begin at 3:30 p.m. 8:40 a.m. start on Thursdays to allow for in-service faculty time.

Academic cycle: Schedule operates on a rotating cycle with a two-semester academic year.

Curriculum highlights: Most Upper School students carry a schedule of 20-24 credits each year (four credits are

the equivalent of one full-year course). Core credit requirements for graduation include English, math, science, foreign language, history and the arts. In addition to the core requirements, students can satisfy their intellectual curiosity and round out their program with a diverse and lengthy selection of electives. Independent studies are available.

Advisor system: The advisory program is designed to support students personally and academically throughout their Upper School experience. The program fosters growth of the core values of honesty, responsibility, and respect for oneself and the community through building open and honest relationships between student and teacher. It serves as a safe place for

students to seek assistance or advice in all facets of their school lives. Advisory focuses on both the academic and character development of the individual, as well as the important role one assumes as part of a group. The advisory program offers meaningful opportunities for active citizenship, leadership and cooperative group experience, serving as a forum for the sharing of ideas relevant to school life, team building, and service to school.

College counseling: The mission of Tower Hill’s College Counseling Program is to provide our students with the tools and blueprints necessary to construct their futures. The program emphasizes two important and fundamental concepts—education and counseling—with the primary goal of ensuring that our students have choices that result in the right match between student and college. With an emphasis on careful and thoughtful research and planning, successful placement is a natural result. For more information, visit www.towerhill.org/college.

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Our reputation for academic excellence is well-earned. Our students reach for the highest levels of excellence through a curriculum that embodies a passionate spirit of inquiry, an appreciation for innovation, and an outward-looking perspective.

WHY TOWER HILL?

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www.towerhill.org/upperschool

PUSHING ACADEMIC BOUNDARIES BEYOND AP

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Tower Hill faculty are driven to create the most stimulating, most challenging, most relevant learning experiences. Over time, this has meant that they have grown beyond the standardized, highly regimented offerings of the AP program. Today, our most demanding courses start with the best of what AP has to offer and then expand further into enriched experiences tailored by our faculty to bring the subject matter to life.

Tower Hill values the AP program, and our progression beyond it has evolved over many years. Students may still sit for AP exams if they choose and will get the support and resources they need to succeed. Our conversations with colleges and our ongoing college admissions track record indicates there is no disadvantage whatsoever to our delinking with AP. The real result has been richer and more in-depth academic experiences for students and faculty.

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“Delinking with the AP program allows Tower Hill to offer courses that place emphasis on critical skills that often get too little attention due to the time constraints imposed by the need to discuss and memorize factual material when ‘teaching to the test.’ We can delve into topics in greater depth and use teaching materials of higher quality…”—Dr. Ellis Wasson, History Department Chair

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The story of a lifetime begins here.

The best place to begin is with a visit to Tower Hill. Schedule an individual visit, register for one of our open houses, learn about financial assistance, and find out everything you need to know about the admission process on our website:

ADMISSION AND THE APPLICATION PROCESS

www.towerhill.org/application

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In addition to its renowned academic programs, Tower Hill provides a wealth of skill-based, applied, experiential and service learning opportunities to prepare for success in a world that changes every day.

WHY TOWER HILL?

“Even the ‘entry level’ jobs I was given on the Curiosity rover were critical for both its survival through entry, descent, and landing, and for the success of its ambitious science program on the surface of Mars. Many important lessons on how to solve those challenging problems came early in my education… Tower Hill isn’t so much a methodology as a way of life. Its environment instills a confidence in its student body that their lives are limited only by their imagination, and that through lifelong learning they have the power to craft any future they desire.” —Morgan Hendry ’01, Mechanical engineer, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

2813 West 17th Street

Wilmington, DE 19806

302.657.8350

www.towerhill.org

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