VA Life Spring 2016 by Vermont Academy

V ERMONT AC A DE M Y

LIFE SUMMER 2016

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Vermont Academy BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Michael A. Choukas ’73, P ’94, Chairman Ret. Col. Richard I. Stark Jr. ’74, Vice-Chairman Donald G. McInnes ’59, Secretary Casey Cota ’89, P ’14, ’18 Treasurer

Play Dough! Bread Club meets every Sunday and bakes a heavenly, doughy creation. What a satisfying way to combine deliciousness with math and science!

Jose Barreiro P ’14, ’16 Corina Belle-Isle ’80 Mark Candon Thomas Capasse P ’16 Christopher Cota ’66, P ’90, ’92 Carrie Dunn ’91 Jamison Gagnier ’90 David Holton ’68 Reverend Peter Howe P ’07, ’10 Jennifer Jury P ’14, ’18 Steven E. Karol ’72, Former Chairman Timothy Lord ’69, P ’05, ’10 Hon. George P. Moser Jr. ’48, P ’79 David E. Robinson ’77 Lee Ryder ’90 Mark Smith ’87 S. Tylor Tregellas Andrew Ward ’93 Melissa Wing P ’16, ’17 TRUSTEES EMERITI

Robert M. Campbell ’37, P ’65, ’68, ’70 (2), ’80, ’82 W. Gene Hays Jr. ’55 Hugh Pearson ’54 HE ADMASTER EMERITUS | Michael Choukas Jr. ’46, P ’73 HE AD OF SCHOOL | Sean P. Brennan P ’14, ’17, ’19 EDITOR | Jennifer Jones P ’15, ’18 CONTRIBUTING FE ATUR E W RITER | Erkki Mackey CL ASS NOTES EDITOR | April Worden PROOFR E ADER | Tara Poitras DESIGNER | Jennifer Fleischmann PHOTOGR APHY | FJ Gaylor Photography, Christine Armiger, Conor McArdle ’06, Liz Olmsted P ’15, Alexei Sotskov P ’05

Vermont Academy Life is published twice a year by Vermont Academy, Saxtons River, VT. The magazine reserves the right to edit all material that it accepts for publication. 802-869-6200 | V ER MONTACADEMY.ORG

Correction: Our Annual Report omitted recognizing Thomas A. and Catherine Savoca P ’12 as Long Walk Legends. We apologize for this oversight!

Education Life—One Student at ataaTime Time Education for Life —One Student

Our Mission By providing a supportive community and close, personal attention to its students, Vermont Academy develops confident, active learners and respectful citizens.

Refer a student to

Vermont Academy vermontacademy.org/inquire

Capturing Gold

admissions@vermontacademy.org

Wildcat Potential, Playoffs, and Pride

Contents 2

Head of School’s Letter

Play – the Heart of Learning

Let’s Play STEM

John Henry Paluszek ’16 Captures Gold

A Way Begins with One Step

10 On the Hilltop 12 Chelsea Jiang ’16 – The Quiet Dynamo 14 Senior Reflection with Jeremy Nadeau-Fortin ’16 15 The V-8s Make a Comeback 16 Mary Hepburn | Full Circle 20 Student Profile: Lizzy Adams ’17 22 Wildcat Potential, Playoffs, and Pride 26 Wildcats: We Want to Know! 28 Earth Day – A Whole Lotta Fun! 30 2016 College Admission Landscape 31 Pop Quiz! 32 Open Letter: John Dunbar ’91 33 Reunion Weekend – Celebrating 140 Years 34 In Memoriam 35 Class Notes We want to hear from you! Email feedback to valife@vermontacademy.org

Mary Hepburn Full Circle

Head of School’s Letter

PlayinggKEEPS DE A R V E R MON T AC A DE M Y FA M I LY, Remember when you were a kid and your mom yelled, “Go outside and play”? She might as well have said, “Go outside and learn!” While we thought we were just having fun with our pickup basketball game, snowball fight, or lemonade stand, we were really discovering our passions, learning to get along, and developing leadership styles. Referred to as “free play” by Dr. Peter Gray, research professor at Boston College and author of Free to Learn, these self-chosen and self-directed activities allow our natural ways of learning to take over. Sean P. Brennan, Head of School

Gray’s book explores how tapping into students’ natural instinct to play makes them happier, more self-reliant, and better students for life.

Learning is an enjoyable challenge that consists of both work and play and uses the entire campus, our Vermont environs, and the world as our classroom through Global Programs. — E XCERPT FROM VERMONT ACADEMY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

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This issue of Vermont Academy Life—The Power of Play pays tribute to the many ways that our community learns and is enriched through play. In part, I believe that it’s our playful spirit—imbued with exploration, curiosity, and potential—that contributes to the Vermont Academy phenomenon that we hear from many students: “I knew as soon as I stepped on campus that this was the school for me. It just felt different.” The stories and reflections inside this issue mirror the dedication, passion, and creativity of our faculty as they provide students with opportunities to soar through hands-on learning in the classroom, athletics, arts, and global community. It is so rewarding when I hear from young alumni that they gained confidence at Vermont Academy to go to college and feel like they can do anything. Our students experience independence as they spread their wings and live and study in a new country; hike and lead on the Long Trail; write, direct, and act in the 24-Hour Play Festival; plan a platform and run for student government; and care for the environment.

None of my freeskiers pursues competitive results as his primary driver. Having fun together— playing—is at the core. Our learning is inspired by laughter, exhilaration, and creativity. The byproducts of our play just happen to be strength, fitness, progression—and a win here and there. — CHRIS MARKS,

Learning Skills, freeski coach

Four-year seniors ring the Mountain Day bell

Our school year has been marked with many milestones: • Opening a China campus and adding France to the Spain trimester; • Enhancing our STEM program by hosting our first Hour of Code event and reinvigorating astronomy through a Star Night; • Honoring scholastic art winners and Poetry Out Loud poets; and • Winning NEPSAC gold in Nordic skiing and witnessing history as the boys’ basketball team defeated Cushing Academy to bring home Vermont Academy’s first NEPSAC AA championship. Together, we achieved so much and had a great deal of fun along the way. I can’t wait to look out at the rows of smiling VA graduates, their eyes shining with excitement and perhaps a bit of trepidation for the next leg of their journey. My hope for them is this: Hold on—with both hands—to your playful approach to learning. To Mary Hepburn—retiring from Vermont Academy after 44 years—thank you. Your contributions are an important part of our history, and you inspire us all to live each day to the fullest. Please see Mary’s story, beginning on page 16.

Coach Marks and some Freeski team members enjoyed classic backcountry skiing in April at Tuckerman Ravine on Mt. Washington.

Enjoy this issue of Vermont Academy Life, and have a wonderful and safe summer.

S E A N P. BR E N N A N

Head of School, P ’14, ’17, ’19 V E R M O N T AC A D E M Y | 3

Play

—At the Heart of Learning REFLECTIONS FROM FACULTY NATE WILLIAMS Science instructor, Outdoor Programs Director, Long Trail leader

CHRIS DAVIDSON Athletic Director, boys’ varsity hockey coach

One day a week during Wilderness Skills, we have organized games including yoga ball soccer, capture the flag, and tag. Around the fire during August’s Long Trail hike, students tell stories and play games to relax and get to know each other on a deeper level. Playing provides a platform for students to be their best selves while exercising their minds and bodies.

In the Stanstead College Holiday Tournament, we dropped our first two games including a 4–0 loss to Upper Canada College. The team was really down. Before our next game, I cut out 30 cards and wrote CONFIDENCE on each, the message being: “We coaches have confidence in you, and you need to have confidence in yourselves and each other.” Each player got a card, and then the players exchanged CONFIDENCE with each other. This bond enabled them to have fun playing—instead of feeling like they had a 10,000-pound weight on their backs. The team beat Ulysse 7–3 in the last game of the round robin, beat St. Francis 5–2 in the semifinals, and won the championship 2–1 over Upper Canada College! It was a great weekend of perseverance through play.

JOANNE FULLER English instructor, Writing Center Director Our section on Huck Finn began by listening to actor Elijah Wood read the first few chapters, while we colored illustrations from the original text. As we listened, I invited students to make inferences and predictions. They were quick to participate, engrossed in both the story and their art. This “story time” is just long enough to hook them, and they continue reading on their own. Everyone loves to be read to—at any age.

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Shelter building in Wilderness Skills

Let’s Play

STEM Children instinctively use the engineering principles of design, build, test, and refine when they make forts and tools from found objects.

A CONVERSATION WITH STEM LEADER KARA PEZZI

How have you seen play enhance understanding of STEM subjects?

How do the arts complement STEM?

Children instinctively use the engineering principles of design, build, test, and refine when they make forts and tools from found objects. They use scientific principles of experimental design when they observe their surroundings and make a change to see the result. They might notice that rubbing a dandelion on their skin leaves a yellow mark. Does the same thing happen with other flowers? Let’s find out! Unfortunately for many students, when they go through a typical educational experience, the focus becomes knowing the right answer to a teacher’s question. At Vermont Academy, we embrace play as a learning tool to help students reach their potential.

There is a documented relationship between science and math and the arts. One of the connections between the arts and STEM lies in the ability to see patterns. Artists see patterns in music and in art; scientists and mathematicians see patterns in nature and in data. Artists and STEM professionals must use creativity to imagine solutions to complex problems and communicate their message to the public.

Can play be utilized in even very complex subjects? Yes! For example, Nate Williams’ integrated physical science students create robots and compete to see which can collect the most candy. Students learn engineering principles and basic computational thinking to design and program their robots.

Name one way you’d like to integrate art and STEM at Vermont Academy. Computer science and computationalthinking skills are essential for many careers; one Vermont Academy initiative will introduce computer science as an art form into our 9th Grade Arts Program. Students will use Arduino hardware and software to create interactive projects and learn to write code that can control lights, motors, and other mechanisms. Their final product will be artwork of their own design that incorporates what they have learned.

Kara Pezzi leading a tie-dye activity at Earth Day

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John Henry Paluszek ’16

Captures Gold Your sister, Mikaela, graduated from VA in 2013. Did you plan to follow in her footsteps? I toured several boarding schools, including KUA and Brewster. I remember thinking that Brewster had such a beautiful campus, but I couldn’t see myself living there. Vermont Academy has a very special and inviting feeling that you can’t get from buildings…it comes from the people. Did you go into the NEPSACs hoping for gold? As each lap went by, I realized that my opportunity for gold was a real possibility. I placed second in the Lakes Region league, losing the championship race by inches. Defeating that racer to become the NEPSAC 5K champion was sweet. What’s your biggest takeaway from studying at VA’s China campus? I learned so much about the regions, politics, and culture. It really widened my perspective on the country and its people. How has VA helped prepare you for college? I’ve developed skills to manage my time with labs, homework, sports, and social life. I feel comfortable being away from home, living in a dorm, and eating in a dining hall. I also know how to ask questions and find support when needed.

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Vermont Academy has a very special and inviting feeling that you can’t get from buildings…it comes from the people.

China trimester

Sunday Bread Club

What motivates you to excel? I know I can push myself to my limit, and win or lose, be proud that I did my best. When I’m not satisfied with my results, I try a new approach the next time. Does anything surprise you about your VA experience? If you had told me that I’d study in China or be vice president of the National Honor Society or make bread in the Bread Club, I would have said that that’s not me. Vermont Academy is a great place to help you discover who you are. What’s your favorite VA memory? Going off our ski jump was thrilling…whoosh! I remember sitting on top and having to push off and tuck into the right position. It was a combination of something being new, nerve wracking, and fun. I’ll never forget it. How would you describe VA to a prospective student? Vermont Academy is a small school with a real community feel. I can bump into Mr. Brennan, the Head of School, on Long Walk, and he’s going to stop and have a real conversation with me.

“ Vermont Academy provided the foundation and opportunities for Mikaela ’13 and John Henry ’16 to flourish academically, socially, and athletically. Identical in many ways as siblings but having their own unique personality traits, Mikaela and John Henry each tailored the learning and living environment at VA to their own specifications, which helped them develop self-reliance, self-worth, and the sense of accomplishment and achievement. Each was provided with a life compass that will remain with them after they leave Vermont Academy to continue their growth and contribute to society.” — EILEEN AND DAVID PALUSZEK

Who’s your favorite teacher? Mr. Mayhew has made a big impact on me. I like his down-to-earth manner, and he’s able to explain difficult math concepts in a way that I understand them. He makes sure his students don’t just have the ability to do the math; they understand it and its applications. We also shared some great experiences in China, and the Bread Club is at his house every Sunday. What would you like to study in college? I’m thinking about mechanical engineering, but I want to keep myself open to opportunities. VA has taught me that. Student shout-out: I’m shouting out to Lloyd Wilson ’16. We’ve shared so many experiences, including the trimester in China. We have a real connection, and I know we could survive anything together.

Nordic coach, Alexei Sotskov, and John Henry V E R M O N T AC A D E M Y | 7

This year’s Global Program in Europe provided students with not only a cultural immersion experience in Spain but France as well! The France portion, led by Vermont Academy’s French instructor, Jo Schneider, focused on Paris and Pau. Paris highlights included wandering the gardens of Versailles and streets of Montmartre, visiting the Louvre, and enjoying views from the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Coeur. Pau, which dates from the Gallo-Roman era, is a small city located only miles from the Spanish border and Atlantic coast and boasts beautiful views of the Pyrenees Mountains.

A WAY BEGINS WITH ONE STEP

Vermont Academy students celebrate their arrival in Paris with a visit to the Eiffel Tower.

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The Spain portion began in the centuries-old city of Santiago de Compostela with a 75-mile hike in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims who have traveled the world-famous Camino de Santiago, or The Way. Amy Lanterman, who was honored last year for 25 years of service to Vermont Academy’s Learning Skills Center, is a team leader for this year’s Europe trimester and shared the following thoughts upon completing this once-in-a-lifetime experience. BY AMY LANTERMAN

The day after we finished the Camino, I was exploring the old part of Santiago de Compostela and saw this saying on a T-shirt: “A way begins with one step.” For me, this simple phrase is a perfect summary of my Camino experience. I was reminded repeatedly that to accomplish anything I need to take that first step, however daunting, however small. We hiked when it was warm and sunny, when it was cold, when the wind seemed to blow from all directions at once, and when it rained horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. Sergio Vilarino, a Vermont Academy colleague on the hike, told me that in the Galician language there are over 100 words to describe rain, and I think we experienced close to half of them. We walked along the seacoast, past farmland, by rivers, in forests, and through villages, towns, and cities. We slept in warm beds and on a cold cement floor. We slept next to fellow hikers who were strangers but somehow felt like friends. Hiking the Camino is a very personal experience; there are many hours to think and opportunities to get to know one’s self. It is also a communal experience, something that brings together people from all parts of the world. I learned the importance of taking the time to listen, reflect, suspend judgment, and put myself in another’s shoes. I realized that I have so many reasons to feel gratitude. As I walked, I found this line from a song by the Chilean musician Violeta Parra running through my mind: “Gracias a la vida, que me ha dado tanto”...Thanks to life, which has given me so much. Thanks to my fellow Vermont Academy pilgrims. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to get to know each of you a little better. Finally, thanks to Vermont Academy for giving me the opportunity to experience the Camino.

As is tradition, from left to right, Aidan Therrien ’16, Oliver Annson ’17, and Michael Capasse ’16 touch the shell at Plaza do Obradoiro, “point zero” to the cathedral, and reflect over their completed pilgrimage.

The Camino Shell More than one thousand years ago, pilgrims used the shell, “vieira” in Galician, as a symbol of their pilgrimage and guarantee of safe passage. The shell was also used to drink from rivers and fountains and as a plate for food. Today, pilgrims follow golden shells in the streets at every milestone of the Camino.

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Alumni Hockey The alumni team faced off against a lineup of VA’s hockey players, and then everyone enjoyed a luncheon reception. Come out for the next game in January 2017!

ON THE HILLTOP—AN EVENTFUL WINTER Returning in January after the holidays, students got back to their studies but also had many opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, along with new and long-standing traditions.

Winter Carnival 2016 This year’s Winter Carnival needed a few modifications from lack of snow, but the new events of arm wrestling and tug-of-war stacked up nicely against the traditional favorites of dodge ball, ice rink obstacle course, and of course, broomball. When the cheering subsided, the Day Student Girls had taken the title for the second year in a row, while a combined Jones 1 and 25 House Team took top honors for the boys. 10 | S U M M E R 2 016

Annual 24-Hour Play Festival

Winter Cabaret

More than 50 students and faculty wrote, directed, produced, and acted in seven original plays in 24 hours. Writers started penning at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, and the curtain rose at 7:00 p.m. Sunday. Bravo!

Our traditional evening of cabaret showcased individual performers, along with our dance team, chamber, vocal, and jazz ensembles, and our male a cappella group—the V-8s.

MeadEagle Photography

National Honor Society

Courtesy of the Bob ’37 and Beth Campbell Endowment Fund, our students and neighbors were treated to a lecture and gallery exhibit by MeadEagle Photography titled “Cultural Perspectives: Bhutan and India.” The exhibit was showcased in Horowitz Performing Arts Hall.

The National Honor Society is the nation’s premier organization recognizing high school students who demonstrate excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and citizenship.

Bob Campbell ’37 and Head of School Sean P. Brennan

Service Awards Vermont Academy recognizes employees’ dedication and service beginning at ten years. Inessa Muse (10 years), Ricardo Carreno (10 years), Maryann McArdle (25 years), and Lawrence Rice ’61 (10 years) pictured with Head of School Sean P. Brennan

VA’s newest inductees: Yilin Yan ’16, Guy Piccolo ’17, Karina Vital ’17, Mackey O’Keefe ’17, Allegra Wu ’17, Jeremy Nadeau-Fortin ’16, and Cara Linder ’17

Gail Smidutz (15 years) and Annette Douglass, our William S. Luring Award winner (presented to a support staff member who embodies the spirit of Vermont Academy and whose commitment makes our community stronger); Maria Valdez (not pictured) was also recognized for 10 years of service V E R M O N T AC A D E M Y | 11

CHELSEA JIANG The Quiet Dynamo BY JENNIFER JONES, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

While shaping this issue of Vermont Academy Life, I had an inspiring conversation with Vermont Academy’s STEM Leader, Kara Pezzi. We touched on fostering a love of learning in our students—the joy of pursuing a subject out of sheer curiosity and passion and not just a grade. Several students came to her mind, but one senior in particular put a sparkle in her eye; Chelsea Jiang.

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Vermont Academy is perfect for someone who not only wants to work toward good grades, but also wants to learn for the sake of learning—in the classroom, nature, and life. Christine Armiger, Chelsea’s science instructor and advisor notes, “It warms my heart to think of how much Chelsea has blossomed in the past two years. She has made great strides in developing her confidence and voice at Vermont Academy.” Why did you choose Vermont Academy? I like the school’s emphasis on natural science, and the campus is in a beautiful setting. At the time, VA also offered a trip to Belize and that really interested me. I’ll always remember my time there. Today, students can study for a whole trimester in Chile, with an emphasis on the environment and sustainability.

Have you decided on a college yet? I applied to several schools, including Boston College, Middlebury, Wellesley, and Colby. I’m thrilled that I got into my first choice: Smith. It’s a small school and focused on academics. Do you know what you want to study? Environmental engineering. Mrs. Armiger cares so much about the Earth and has exposed me to the benefits of eating local food, organic farming, and sustainability. I want to give back to the environment.

What do you love about learning? Learning is very important to me. Often, I’ll find an aspect of a lesson that interests me and read books on my own time to more fully understand it. Learning is a way I can continue to grow and make new discoveries about the world and myself.

I’ve heard you have some cool summer plans. Yes! I’d like to participate in WWOOF, which stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. I can pick a farm anywhere in the world, and in return for volunteer help, the host farm will supply food, accommodations, and opportunities to learn about organic lifestyles.

What’s next on your learning list? I’ve been playing piano since I was seven, and now I’m learning to compose. Mr. Cady’s Music Theory class was so interesting, it made me want to learn more.

What kind of student is VA perfect for? Vermont Academy is perfect for someone who not only wants to work toward good grades, but also wants to learn for the sake of learning—in the classroom, nature, and life.

CHELSEA AT A GLANCE Years at VA: 2 Hometown: Hangzhou, China Classes: AP bio, AP environmental science, AP stats, French 4, Freedom Rocks

Activities: Wilderness Skills, Rock Climbing, theater tech, piano, and equestrian Favorite dining hall meal: Spaghetti with pesto sauce

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned at VA? During Senior Writing Seminar, we devoted a class period to talking about college. Someone said something that really stuck with me. “It doesn’t matter where you go to college; it matters what you do in college.” I believe that.

Favorite tradition: Mountain Day

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For me, that’s what VA is all about—the opportunity to explore and try new things.

Senior Reflection with Jeremy Nadeau-Fortin Vermont Academy has given me way more than I could have imagined. When I decided to leave my small hometown in Granby, Quebec, to study at an American prep school, I never would have believed I would become the person I am today. The primary reason I decided to come to VA was to play for Coach Davidson and pursue my goal to play college hockey. My athletic expectations have been greatly exceeded. What I didn’t expect was all of the opportunities I’ve had outside of hockey. VA has enabled me to flourish as a student and be fully ready for college. The ability to choose all my classes and their level of difficulty was completely new to me. In Canada, I had to follow the set curriculum. I feel so fortunate to have spent the last two years in a place where I could challenge myself academically and be surrounded by people who want to learn and push themselves to their maximum capabilities. One new talent I’ve been fortunate to discover is acting. It began on a whim. I walked into Nita Choukas Theater during auditions for Guys and Dolls with the primary objective of having a good laugh with my friends Houston and Jack. As the auditions were about to begin, Ms. Tadlock said, “If you 14 | S U M M E R 2 016

guys are going to be here, you have to audition.” As my friends fled, I confidently walked down the stairs saying to myself, “Why not do it just for fun? I won’t make it. English is not even my first language.” The next thing I knew, I received one of the leading roles and had to sing, dance, and perform in front of the whole school and many local residents. This became one of the most beneficial experiences of my life. Theater has boosted my public-speaking abilities, encouraged me to take healthy risks, and improved my self-confidence— valuable tools that I’ll bring to my adult life. I’ll spend my final trimester at VA studying abroad in Spain, visiting three different countries, learning a new language, and discovering new cultures. My 16-year-old self never would have predicted that. For me, that’s what VA is all about—the opportunity to explore and try new things. I am so proud to graduate from this amazing school. Go VA!

THE V-8s MAKE A COMEBACK

1955 V-8s DEBUT

I was delighted to receive a letter from David Harvey, former director of Vermont Academy’s choral group the V-8s. Luckily for Vermont Academy, Mr. Harvey was cleaning a closet and discovered a silver tray presented to him 61 years ago, engraved with the names of the original V-8s. “As a recent college graduate and an enthusiastic member of Colby College’s Colby 8, I thought that a small singing group would be fun to coach and would enable me to continue my interest in performing the well-known songs that the popular college groups of the day enjoyed singing. The response from students was strong, and in 1955, with support from music director T. Karl Tischler, the V-8s octet was born.

From l to r: Bob O’Brien, Ken Emerson, Paul Noble, John Paust, Peter Burton, Buzz Carr, John Stevens, Waldo Hart, and David Harvey.

TODAY’S V-8s

As with athletics, play in a musical group requires teamwork, practice, creativity, and confidence to perform in front of large audiences. These are good qualities to strive for and achieve.” — David Harvey Harvey was thrilled to learn that under the leadership of Vermont Academy’s new voice ensemble instructor, Richard Smith, the V-8s are making sweet music again. He would love to hear from his V-8s at dwharvey4@verizon.net.

From l to r: Karl-Antoine Girard ‘18, Paul Acello ‘18, Brandon McDonald ‘18, Brian Anderson ‘18, Conor Harrington ‘18, Lance Zhang ‘19, and Harry Mayer ‘18.

“ One of the things that drew me to Vermont Academy is desire to progress into the future while preserving heritage. Re-introducing the V-8s to our music program and larger community was an honor. Most of the kids are new to singing, but they’re having so much fun! When we make and perform music, we cover art, literature, history, math, science—music makes everything else make more sense.” — RICHARD SMITH,

voice ensemble instructor

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MARY HEPBURN

FULL

CIRCLE At the end of this school year, Mary Hepburn will have served Vermont Academy and the community for 44 years. She has worn many hats: teacher, mentor, caretaker, community member, artist, friend, and musical director. Her spirit, faith, and passion for the people and projects important to her are inspirations. Mary is a lover of life—both giving and receiving joy from good days and exemplifying steely grace in the face of days that test her faith. Here she recounts a Vermont Academy from the 70s and early 80s, a culture very different than today’s. Fortunately, a theme forever woven through VA’s fabric is a community that celebrates individuality, values kindness and effort, and bestows a love of learning in each and every student.

Sam Savard ‘16 and Mary Hepburn at the wheel.

Sketches from Life at Vermont Academy BY MARY HEPBURN

As one would expect, many things have changed since my arrival at Vermont Academy in 1971. Newly divorced with two daughters, I came here at the urging of my sister, Jill (Morse) Newton, and moved in with her in faculty housing where Lisa McNealus ’79 currently lives. With a degree in ceramics, I had a dream of starting a production pottery studio. I was allowed to build a gas-fired kiln outside of the boiler house in exchange for teaching pottery as a “low-intensity activity” in the evenings. My friend Ryan Ostebo (history teacher and hockey coach who later became my husband) was instrumental in kiln building and creating the studio space in the basement of the library. At that time, Vermont Academy was an all-boys school, and Jill was the only female teacher, along with the librarian, Kat Shepard. Pottery became a popular evening activity for students whose other low-intensity activities included silversmithing with Jack Peters. The pottery studio has remained the same all these years except that the floor was dug two feet deeper by Elwyn Millett about 20 years ago. I am proud to say that for 26 years we used the gas kiln I built until it started to break down from brick expansion. In 1997, the school replaced it with a new kiln built by Ahren Ahrenholz. Among the high-intensity activities, the trail crew worked students hard under the direction of Warren Chivers, a.k.a. “Chrome Dome.” Together they cleared the cross-country ski trails and the ski hill across town. Another project was dredging Bowles Pond. Bowles was a favorite swimming spot when I first arrived, and Franklin Geist tells me that the trail crew was able to keep it dredged at about 12 feet deep until the dam started deteriorating, allowing silt to fill it in. One memorable event from the days of Bowles Pond was when Tom Oxholm ’83 organized two “lumberjack days,” with canoe jousting, two-man cross cut, wood splitting, and other woodsman activities. V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 17

Athletic teas

THE

1,2,3,4

Dome

LOW

Swimming GROUP

intensity CHROME

HIGH

The basket

BOYS

School

FLOODING the rink

intensity

barber chair

Hitchhiking

One thing that has never changed in all my years at Vermont Academy is my love of working with students, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many of them in their adult lives. Afternoon sports were also part of the high-intensity offerings, and in those days, football was king, with varsity, JV, and freshman teams. Much grumbling and apprehension greeted Ole-Petter Worsøe’s proposal to start a soccer team, and it was fairly new when I arrived at the school. Athletics were treated with great respect at VA. After home games, formal receptions were held in Leonard Lounge (currently the dance studio). Spouses received handwritten notes from Nita Choukas requesting attendance to pour tea and coffee from silver urns at each end of a long table that held delicate sandwiches, brownies, and cookies. Children gathered in the “kids’ room” off the lounge, now the office of the athletic director. I was happy to undertake this duty, along with my sister, Susie Peters, Roberta Geist, Nancy Sargent, Marti Harrington, Jeannie Chivers, Em Lucy, Jane Brodine, and others. Women’s liberation came to VA when Judi Colla refused the job, telling Nita that if it was part of Stan’s job, she should ask him to pour! Fuller Field was the site of the hockey rink, which was created each winter by packing down the snow and flooding the area by hand with hoses. Faculty took shifts throughout the night to keep the ice in shape, but the responsibility was mainly that of the hockey coach. By that time, I was dating Ryan, so I occasionally took a turn! In those days, the cross-country trails also required much physical exertion, and I recall a day spent tramping out the trails on snowshoes. With all of the emphasis on sports and physical activity, it’s hard to imagine that smoking was part of the accepted culture

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on campus, but students who had smoking permission from their parents could go to “the grove” to smoke, and faculty members actually smoked at meetings! Hitchhiking was also allowed for those who had permission. When asking my daughters about their early memories on campus, “the basket” is always mentioned as a highlight. Children and spouses were only allowed in the dining hall for Sunday dinner. So every morning and at noon, wives would take a picnic basket with empty Tupperware containers to the dining hall to be filled and then taken back home for breakfast and lunch. Mashed potatoes and gravy is a favorite memory. Formal meals were held four nights a week, and wives were expected to attend. Couples had to get babysitters, which the school provided stipends for in later years. For many years, there was a barber chair in the basement of Alumni Hall, and the barber came weekly to give haircuts, which were assigned by the dean. By the time I arrived, the haircuts were no longer required, but the barber continued to come for those who wanted a haircut. The chair remained in the basement long after the barber stopped coming (long hair was in!). In 1974, Mike Choukas asked me to teach Studio Art, Freshman Art, and Pottery as academic courses. In 1979, I became chair of the newly recognized Arts Department, consisting of music, theater, and visual art. This must have been when the designations of low and high intensity disappeared. The classroom in the northeast corner of Fuller Hall (no longer there) was used for hanging art shows. I

BOWLES POND

The grove

Trail crew

You are one-of-a-kind, Mary. Scores of students and faculty are better people because of your influence, kindness, and example of how to live life with gusto. Thank you!

learned a great deal about proper display techniques (as well as lessons in patience!) from the meticulous Grant Frazer, who would spend an inordinate amount of time with each piece. I enjoyed being encouraged to work with musical groups and became the accompanist for cabarets and shows from the late 70s into the 90s. Working with Mark Herko and then Falko Schilling, I was the music director for L’il Abner, where Nita Choukas played Mamie Yokum, and my 8-year-old daughter, Amy, was one of the Skrags. Other shows included Damn Yankees, Guys and Dolls, Wonderful Town, Pajama Game, Oklahoma, Godspell, and Grease. Up until the 80s, we had to import “townies” for female roles; that became a cultural connection between the school and the community. One might expect that as the VA community member who has been here the longest, I might feel old. I do not! Students have kept me young. I have learned so much from them, from the latest slang to what’s hip in music. My memories make me realize that despite the physical changes that have taken place on campus, and despite social behaviors that have been transformed over time, my relationships with students have been a constant source of joy. One thing that has never changed in all my years at Vermont Academy is my love of working with students, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many of them in their adult lives. In 1975, Lisa Eckhardt (now McNealus) enrolled at VA as a day student, marking the re-emergence of co-education at VA for the first time since 1932, and she returned as my teaching colleague in 1998. Working with Lisa has brought my VA experience full circle, from having her as a student in Freshman Arts to now working under her as department chair. There are no words to express the depth of satisfaction that comes from such a bond. It is with deep appreciation that I conclude my years of teaching at this wonderful school, which I know will keep changing and growing with the times.

Sam Savard had never attempted pottery until he came to Vermont Academy and wanted to try something new. Described by Mary Hepburn as a natural at the wheel, Sam’s Raiku vase was voted “People’s Choice Award” at the Windham County High School Art Show. Mary Hepburn has been a very important person for me at Vermont Academy. She taught me to appreciate art. In fact, she helped me to develop my new passion at the wheel. I will remember her as a friend and life mentor. I hope you’ll be happy and make the most of what’s in front of you. — S AM SAVARD ’16

Attending Laval University in the fall to study mechanical engineering

The things I’ve learned from Mary extend far beyond the classroom. Like all of her students, I’m still conversant in clay. I still draw from her lessons about contour line and the importance of sketching from life. Those skills remain from being taught by a gifted teacher. When I returned to Vermont Academy as a faculty member, I came to understand that I’d continue to learn from Mary through life lessons. Mary’s greatest gift is her generous nature. She seeks to improve the lives of everyone around her. She donates, volunteers, cajoles, organizes, teaches, improves, “grassroots” causes, and also plays the cello! Mary’s creative juices are always flowing. She brought art supplies on vacation so that she could find children who needed inspiration. She has gotten so many people to rally around the arts in a tiny Vermont town. While I could say that Mary inspires me to make art and be creative, there are so many more life lessons: be real, be kind, be generous, be involved, and work to make the world a better place by touching people’s lives in a positive way. — LISA MCNEALUS ’79,

Art Department Chair

V E R M O N T AC A D E M Y | 19

Lizzy

WILDCAT PROFILE:

Lizzy Adams ’17 ester China trim

Why did you come to Vermont Academy? I wasn’t being challenged at my public school, so I knew I wanted a change. I felt like everything was busy work and memorizing. I wanted critical thinking. When did you start being a coxswain? I was recruited my freshman year by Abby Bogovich ’16 and Olivia Diorio ’14. Abby Hart ’15, VA’s seasoned coxswain, was studying in Spain my first season, and I was thrown into the girls’ varsity boat. Talk about sink or swim! Did Coach Collins push you? Yes—in a good way. He only accepts your best and motivates every team member to reach her full potential. I love both the intellectual and physical challenges. What was your biggest takeaway from studying at VA’s China campus? It made me more aware of the people and culture. Now when I hear about China on the news, I have a real connection to what’s happening. Do you have a favorite class? AP US history with Dr. Cohn. It’s so interesting to consider all of the decisions the US has made to become the country it is today…and how things might have turned out differently.

J V hoc key

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Describe your love of science. I’ve always loved solving problems. I especially enjoy chemistry because it helps me understand the way things are.

Vermont Academy is a place that pushes and supports you at the same time.

Varsity crew

You’re the first girl at VA to tackle autonomous robotic programming. Why the interest? I’ve always loved technology, and I figured coding was a good way to learn to control it. It was a challenge to take robotics as a seventh class, but Mr. Echanis ’79 worked with my schedule to create an independent study. What advice would you give students who find science challenging? Find what you love, and study the science behind it—then it will make sense. Science is behind everything! Have you started looking at colleges? I’ve visited Dartmouth so far. I’m looking for schools that are academically strong and also have a crew program.

LIZZY AT A GLANCE: Years at VA: 3 Hometown: Saxtons River, VT Classes: AP chemistry, AP US history, AP English, AP calculus A/B, Chinese 4, and robotics Honors: High honors, National Honor Society Activities: Proctor, Model UN, Writing Center tutor, tour guide, Global Programs – Asia, varsity crew, JV ice hockey (captain) Favorite dining hall meal: Tacos

Do you have any thoughts on a major or career path? I’ll likely do something in the sciences. I’ve thought about becoming a doctor. What kind of student is VA perfect for? Vermont Academy is for all different kinds of kids who want to find out what they really like—even if they’re not sure when they get here. Describe VA to a prospective student. Vermont Academy is a place that pushes and supports you at the same time. What has surprised you the most about your VA experience? I’m surprised by how much I’ve changed from being a shy freshman. Being thrown into crew gave me confidence, and that success gave me confidence to try other things. What’s your best Long Walk memory? Meeting Karina, Allegra, and Riley and forming the Fab Four. We’ll be friends forever.

National Honor S ociety

V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 21

A Season of Wildcat Potential, Playoffs, and Pride BY ERKKI MACKEY, ENGLISH INSTRUCTOR

Vermont Academy’s 2015–2016 winter season was one of shared optimism between athletes and coaches for personal and team improvement, more wins on the board, and historic championships. The season delivered on all counts—a testament to the hard work and character of our student athletes and coaches and indicative of the immense potential of Vermont Academy’s athletic program.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

Earning a berth in the NEPSAC Class D tournament, the girls’ basketball team hosted the quarterfinals and defeated Gann Academy before losing on the road to eventual champion Bradford Christian 54–48, ending their season at 15–12. In addition to the strong tournament showing, the Wildcats topped Holderness twice—a historic feat—and also tallied a thrilling buzzer win over Brewster before an enthusiastic home crowd, avenging an earlier road loss to the Bobcats. The team bids farewell to seniors Brittany Welch, J’Nisha Little, and Kasi White—all leaders and role models. Averaging double-digit scoring, sophomores Allysun Erunski and Kyra Rideout earned All-NEPSAC recognition, with fellow sophomore Julianne Liebow and junior Cara Linder also averaging double digits. With the starting five comprised of four sophomores and one junior, Head Coach Karen Henry has reason to be optimistic. “It’s great for all those young players to gain playoff experience and learn how to stay poised in high-pressure games. I really like the direction we’re headed.”

In its second straight NEPSAC championship game, Vermont Academy’s top-seeded Wildcats avenged their only Class AA loss by defeating Cushing 69–61, capturing the first title in program history. Bruce Brown ’16 led all scorers in the game and was named tournament and conference MVP. Brown was also honored as NEPSAC Player of the Year alongside Head Coach Alex Popp, who was named NEPSAC Coach of the Year. The team was undefeated at home en route to a 27–5 record with impressive tournament play, including victories at the Sun Youth tournament in Montreal, the National Prep Showcase, and the Scholar Round Ball Classic. Popp attributes the success to the players’ “no days off” mentality. “They had unusual maturity under the leadership of veteran players and treated every practice like it was a game.” Popp will have no easy task replacing graduating seniors Brown (Miami University), Tyrique Jones (Xavier University), Pat Fisher (Winthrop University), Nick Brooks (West Virginia Wesleyan), Tinga Adiang (St. Lawrence University), and postgraduate David Huber (Carnegie Mellon University), but he’ll return a battle-tested group with championship experience.

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DANCE Anyone who attended March’s Winter Cabaret knows firsthand the dedication, talent, and heart Vermont Academy’s dance team put into their 2016 season. Under the enthusiastic and compassionate leadership of captains Yilin Yan ’16 and Ale Villalvazo ’17, the dancers put on a stunning display of diverse dance talents. Their performances included modern, jazz, hip hop, and, for the first time ever, Indian folk dance. The team was fortunate to work weekly with local Indian folk dance expert Prachi Dalal, in addition to their season-long collaboration with choreographers Sarah Franklin and Kristen Leach from Keene’s MoCo Arts. Coaches Amy Lanterman and Alison O’Brien encourage positivity and a can-do attitude in class, as many team members have little experience. “Our goal is to have fun and keep an open mind,” said O’Brien. “I could not be happier with the energy and joy every dancer brought to our final performance. It radiated from the stage!”

GIRLS’ HOCKEY

BOYS’ HOCKEY

For the first time in program history, girls’ hockey qualified for the Lakes Region tournament, earning the fourth seed. Regular season highlights included a 6–0 win against Tilton in which six different players scored! In a 9–4 win against Groton, Chloe Aurard ’17 and Lotti Odnoga ’17 both notched hat tricks. Aurard led the team in season scoring with 24 goals and 15 assists, while Odnoga was a close second with 12 goals and 11 assists. Those two, along with Anais Aurard ’17, played in the IAHF U18 Junior World Championships for their home nations, France and Hungary. For the Wildcats, net minders Anais (88.4% save percentage) and Sarah Jacobelli ’19 (90.4% save percentage) split time as the backbone of a team that went 8–18–3 on the season, a record not indicative of its potential. “We did a lot with very few players,” said Head Coach Stephanie Boulay. “Our motto was ‘small but mighty.’ With only twelve skaters, we still competed with top teams. Graduating only one player, Abby Bogovich ’16, we’ll definitely be on the hunt next season for a NEPSAC playoff spot.”

A solid season for boys’ hockey was punctuated by the Stanstead College tournament in Quebec. After losing their first two games in the round robin, the Wildcats stormed back to win their elimination games and be crowned tournament champions, beating Upper Canada College in the finals, the team they lost to in their opener 2–1. Head Coach Chris Davidson pointed to that tournament, along with 21 games decided by 2 goals or less, as indications that the team’s future is bright. “The effort was there and consistent all year,” said Davidson. “A lot of young players gained experience that will help us down the road, especially competing in all those tight games.” The team’s leading scorer, Houston Wilson ’16, had 20 goals and 15 assists, giving him 118 career points as a three-year player (58G 60A) and ranking second on VA’s list of all-time scorers behind Cam Wright ’15. Wright, a four-year player, tallied 158 points over his career (67G 91A). Senior Josh Bolding will graduate leading several goalie statistics, including games played (60), saves (1,733), and shots faced (1,929), awarding him an impressive career save percentage of 89.8%.

V E R M O N T AC A D E M Y | 2 3

FREESTYLE SKIING The Wildcat tricksters secured second place overall in the Lakes Region behind the strength of Andrew Hoblitzelle ’18, the Lakes Region individual champion, and Chris Bechtold ’17, both of whom qualified for the United States Ski and Snowboard Association Junior Nationals in Sun Valley, ID. The young team also got solid contributions from seniors Ry Brodsky and John Borden and freshmen Graesyn Scruton and Calvin Stebbins. “Everyone had a great attitude despite one of the worst winters in decades,” said Head Coach Chris Marks. “They all worked hard, never complained about the lack of snow, pushed themselves, and encouraged each other.” Marks also acknowledged the support of Assistant Coach Rob Nicol for his expertise and the administration for bringing a new fan gun to campus to make snow on the school’s training venue. “That gun made a huge difference,” Marks said. “Without it, we’d have been off our hill after January.”

SNOWBOARDING Four-year senior team members Stephen Filanowski and Michael Capasse led the boys’ team to yet another Lakes Region Championship, with the squad winning all three Lakes Region slopestyle events. Also with a strong showing at the championships, the girls finished second and third in giant slalom and slopestyle, respectively. Head Coach John Kelly loved the attitude and effort of his snowboarders. “We were a small but dedicated team that worked hard all season, beginning with trampoline training in November,” said Kelly. “Okemo did a great job providing us with a world-class training venue.” In regular season competition, Capasse won the individual crowns at the first two giant slalom races. Katy Brennan ’17 also won the first two giant slaloms, and McKenzie Curtis ’17 won the first slopestyle competition. Other important individual contributions came from Jay Harris ’19, who, along with Capasse, made backflips part of his slopestyle repertoire for the first time this year, Henry Hochschild ’17, Mason Shlosser ’16, Scott Restivo ’17, and freshmen Matt Bartelli and Jeronimo Saenz.

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NORDIC SKIING The Nordic team continued to find both team and individual success, despite losing its top skiers to graduation. “The whole team worked so hard and effectively given how little snow we had,” said Head Coach Alexei Sotskov. “I was very pleased with the level we reached by the end of the season. We dramatically improved from race to race.” Highlighting the season was senior John Henry Paluszek’s individual gold win at the NEPSAC Championship. Paluszek also competed in the Eastern High School championship representing Team Vermont and helped them win the 2016 Championship. During the regular season, Paluszek and fellow veteran Mackey O’Keefe ’17 led the team with their tireless effort and encouragement, helping the boys’ squad to a third-place finish at the Lakes Region Championship. Sophomores Dariel Echanis and Conor Harrington qualified for the Eastern U16 Championship and gained valuable experience in top-level competition. With only two seniors on this year’s team, Sotskov expects his skiers to post strong finishes again next year.

ALPINE SKIING On the racing side, Vermont Academy saw Brendan Therrien ’17, Ivan Zugasti Molina ’17, Ronan Khalsa ’16, and freshmen Joe Zobitz, Abby Brennan, and Gwen Coger all compete in their first official races when the team opened its season at Mt. Sunapee in early January. Mid-year transfer Henry Burns ’17 became the team’s fastest skier, notching a top-ten finish at Vermont Academy’s home giant slalom event, as well as a top-30 finish at the NEPSAC Class B Championship. In addition to Burns, Therrien and Coger qualified for the NEPSAC Championships, thanks in part to their solid finish at the Lakes Region Championship, where Burns, Khalsa, and Zobitz also skied well. Head Coach Jon Edwards lauded his skiers’ effort and progress. “We got in great training from November through the end of the season,” he said. “Our cardiovascular fitness really improved, and everyone developed confidence in gates and technique— goals heading into the season.”

V E R M O N T AC A D E M Y | 25

Wildcats: We Want to Know! WHAT’S THE LAST THING YOU PURSUED OUT OF PURE CURIOSITY?

ZOEE BLOSSOM ’19

KOFI ASANTE ’18

Hometown: Saxtons River, VT

Hometown: New York, NY

Curious Cat moment: Joining crew

Curious Cat moment: Playing drums

I read The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. I was interested in rowing even before I got to campus and was recruited by VA’s rowers. At 4’ 10” I knew I’d be a prime target for coxswain. Coach Collins put me in a varsity boat, and I researched ways to motivate different personalities. When I’m interested in a topic, I want to be really good.

One time at church, there was a man playing the drums. After the service, I found his drum kit and started playing—well, banging! I was about six years old. I did that every Sunday until my parents bought me a drum kit for Christmas when I was ten. I’ve played ever since.

When you’re learning, it changes your lens on the world and how you live your life. You can always get better and grow as a person. VA is perfect for students who want to explore what they’re good at. Teacher shout-out: Ms. Schneider! She’s so easy to talk to and brings a lot of fun to the classroom. I can count on her to help me with anything.

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There are new things added to the world all of the time, new words added to language. If you’re learning, you can always improve yourself and evolve. VA is perfect for a student who is open to new things and enthusiastic. Teacher shout-out: I’m really close to Mr. Colling. I have him for math and science, and he’s my dorm parent. I spend time with him every day. He’s my dad away from home.

DELANEY STOKES ’17

CHRIS LEHMANN ’16

Hometown: Watertown, CT

Hometown: Hanover, NH

Curious Cat moment: Taking AP environmental science

Curious Cat moment: Making electronic music

I took biology my freshman year, but I realized I didn’t know much about the environment. I heard so many good things about Mrs. Armiger, and I wanted to get involved. It was a great decision. I enjoy the reading, and we take a lot of field trips.

I love learning about music and applying my technology skills to compose. The research is time consuming, but getting to the end result is rewarding and makes me feel accomplished.

You don’t have to be a team captain or the president of a club to learn. I think you learn so much just by living and talking to people. You’re never truly an expert on anything. VA is perfect for kids who make themselves available to teacher support and mentoring. Teacher shout-out: Mrs. Davidson, my field hockey coach, always made the season fun but motivated us to give our all— even when we weren’t winning. That’s the mark of a true coach.

Sometimes I feel good because I know the answer to something that others don’t, but then I’m exposed to something new. Learning keeps us humble. VA is perfect for a student who is willing to just go for it and engage in everything it has to offer. Teacher shout-out: My advisor, Mr. Williams, has really helped me become comfortable in the classroom. I’ve matured by learning not to care so much what others think.

V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 2 7

Celebrating EARTH DAY dVA 2 8 | S U M M E R 2 016

SERVICE, COMMUNITY,Â SUSTAINABILITY, AND A WHOLE LOTTA FUN!

“At Vermont Academy, we work together to nurture students so they grow and reach their potential as whole individuals in the classroom, on the fields and stage, and in their local and global communities. Earth Day represents what we can achieve collectively—it’s a beautiful day for VA!” — SEAN P. BRENNAN,

Head of School

JUST SOME OF OUR EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES: BY CHRISTINE ARMIGER, SCIENCE INSTRUCTOR, DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS, AND EARTH DAY ORGANIZER

Earth Day is one of my favorite days at Vermont Academy because it represents what we can do for our students, campus, and Earth when we all work together with a positive attitude and common vision. During our annual celebration, students, faculty, and staff collaborate to organize activities, workshops, and meaningful “green-up” projects on campus and in the Saxtons River community. It takes a tremendous amount of planning on the front end, but it warms my heart throughout the day to see the smiles, progress, and collective sense of pride we share after accomplishing so many great things together. One of my favorite activities this year was the creation of a mandala using sidewalk chalk. In Indian religions, the mandala is a spiritual symbol representing the universe and the circles of life encompassing friends, family, and community. What I love about this symbol is that it doesn’t have to be perfect. As long as everyone commits to working together to support the larger vision, you know that what you create will be beautiful. A huge thank you to all leaders and engaged participants of Earth Day. Special kudos to the Vermont Academy Dining Hall, Arts Department, Grounds Team, Sustainability Committee, and Student Environmental Club—we couldn’t do it without you! At left: Throughout the day, students and faculty worked together to create an Earth Day mandala, starting at the center and working outward to form a collaborative, unique and beautiful pattern.

Chopping firewood

Bottled water taste test

Repairs at the arboretum lean-tos

Medicinal plant workshops

Face painting and hula hoop

BBQ and picnic lunch (featuring Eddie Mack’s roast pig and Glenn Delaney’s smoked chickens)

Recycled bottle flowers Making prayer flags Solar energy tour

Live music by faculty and students

Cleaning up Saxtons River

Local homestead project

Sprucing up campus gardens

Bellows Falls community bike smoothie station

Maintain trails for skiing and mountain biking

Community garden project with elementary schoolchildren

Pick-up soccer, frisbee, and volleyball games Localvore Iron Chef Cooking classes Make your own wind turbine competition “Letters to Leaders” citizenship project

Clothing swap and “Trashion” show Invasive plant removal at Chivers Creating fairy houses Stage building and photography

V E R M O N T AC A D E M Y | 2 9

BY ANNE ATKINS, DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING

2016 College Admission Landscape It was another exciting year in college counseling as students, teachers, advisors, coaches, parents, and college counselors worked toward the common goal of finding the best college fit for each student. To narrow choices, we reflected on the conditions of previous successes, learning styles and preferences, career paths, interests, and geography. Then we celebrated the stream of acceptances that came in!

HIGHL IGHT ED ACCEP TA NCE S :

Schools accepting our students include American, Bard, UC Berkeley, Brandeis, Colgate, Wake Forest, Marist, Smith, Carnegie Mellon, Syracuse, Holy Cross, Dickinson, Northeastern, Skidmore, St. Lawrence, Trinity (Hartford), College of William and Mary, Hobart & William Smith, Denison, Oberlin College, and Wheaton. T HR E E CH E E R S FOR SMIT H COL L EGE !

“My tip for families starting the college process is to jump in and start visiting schools! A good information session will cover the whole college process.” — ANNE ATKINS,

Director of College Counseling

In the fall, Courtney Prentiss, Chelsea Jiang, and Jocelyn Trendell will be attending Smith College, a private liberal arts college for women located in Northampton, Massachusetts. Smith offers an open curriculum, which was really appealing to these young ladies whose many interests range from engineering and the environment to theater and crew. However, one Smith quality stood out to all of them: “Smith has a friendly and welcoming feeling. Walking around campus felt very much like being at Vermont Academy. After talking to a few people, you felt like you knew them forever.”

BY THE NUMBERS

SENIORS AND POSTGRADUATES

599 7 APPLICATIONS

AVERAGE APPLICATIONS PER STUDENT

EARLY DECISION ACCEPTANCES

From l to r: Seniors Courtney Prentiss ’16, Chelsea Jiang ’16, and Jocelyn Trendell ’16. 3 0 | S U M M E R 2 016

Celebrating

140 YEARS

Email mmcardle@vermontacademy.org the correct answers to our special anniversary quiz by June 24, 2016. You’ll receive one entry into a random drawing for a chance to

win complimentary admission for you and your family to Reunion Weekend. Good luck!

Vermont Academy 1876 – 2016

Celebrating

140 YEARS

1 In Vermont Academy’s Evening Song, what kinds of stars are across the sky? BONUS: Who wrote the words to the song?

2 Who was Vermont Academy’s 15th headmaster? 3 How many Florence Sabin Distinguished Alumni Awards has Vermont Academy presented? BONUS: What two women have won the award?

4 In what year did James P. Taylor organize Vermont Academy’s first Winter Carnival?

5 In whose honor was the baseball field named? 6 Where does the VA crew team row for practice? 7 What unscheduled fall tradition was started by Headmaster Leavitt and continues to this day?

8 “Beano” is the nickname for which beloved community member? (first and last name)

Celebrating

140

YEARS 1876 – 2016

9 Where was hockey played before the construction of Choukas Arena?

10 At Vermont Academy commencement ceremonies, what award is considered the academy’s highest honor? V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 31

OPEN LETTER:

John Dunbar ’91 DE AR V ER MONT ACADEMY,

very year I reflect on my time at Vermont Academy, and this is especially true during reunion years. This fall will be my 25th! I urge our class to show support by making a gift leading up to Reunion and attending in record numbers. I am so looking forward to meeting up with classmates, reminiscing, and enjoying time together in beautiful Vermont. Let’s represent our class with spirit (we certainly had it then)! As a former student, faculty member, and now as spouse of Sara Dunbar, VA’s head athletic trainer, I am fortunate to have intimately experienced all of the bonds that VA creates. As a student, I was grateful to have teachers like Don Tinney, push me academically and guide me through the adolescent Back row, l to r: Keagan, John, and Sara struggles of finding my voice and my passion. He, Bob Front row: Annika and Andrew Hewitt, Bob Harrington, Mike Kennelly, and Al Tobias, along with my coaches, Al Hibler, Bill Keating, Susan Fritzell, and others, helped me utilize my drive and determination as a scholar-athlete to lead by example on and off the field and achieve my goals. I also developed friendships with fellow students and teammates like Eric Bauer ’91, Wayne Kiefer ’92, Kristin Terkelsen ’91, Maggie Hofberg-Lang ’91, and Amy Rice Sciacca ’92 that not only made my time at VA enjoyable, but have also made reunion weekends so special. As a teacher, I was fortunate to have mentors like Mary Davis teach me the art of educating. I will never forget her first words to me: “This isn’t about standing at the front of the classroom every day.” I witnessed her artfully educate her students, share her passion for math and learning, and motivate young students to challenge themselves and believe in their ability to grow in all aspects of their life. This experience transcended teaching. It was an example of living with purpose. I cherish the opportunities I had to be a role model and be inspired by young adults like Brad Becker ’97, Chris Eaton ’97, Erin Kennelly ’97, and so many others. As an alumnus and faculty spouse, I am able to step just outside the thin cocoon that protects VA students as they continue to grow and develop as young adults, athletes, and scholars. The bonds I developed at VA deserve to be celebrated, which is why my family cherishes reunion weekend and faithfully supports the annual fund. Vermont Academy, thank you for the impact you’ve had on my family and me for nearly three decades. Sincerely,

JOHN DUNBA R - CL ASS OF 1991

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SAVE THE DATE!

Vermont Academy Reunion Weekend, September 23 –25, 2016

1876 – 2016

REUNION WEEKEND

Celebrating

Please join us in Saxtons River this fall for our Reunion Celebration as we celebrate Vermont Academy’s 140th year!

140 YEARS

Spend a beautiful autumn weekend reminiscing with classmates, meeting current students and faculty, watching an athletic event, or just relaxing on campus.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Enjoy the best of all Vermont has to offer at our Saturday night Vermont Localvore reception and dinner including locally grown meat and produce, cheese, chocolates, and renowned Vermont craft beers. We’re celebrating class years ending in 1 and 6 — but all alumni are welcome to attend! Reunion years: please consider making a gift leading up to Reunion—see you on Long Walk! For information or to register, go to: vermontacademy.org/reunion2016

WIN A FREE REUNION WEEKEND Email the correct answers to our quiz on page 31, and you could receive complimentary admission to the reunion. Good luck, and GO VA!

V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 33

I N MEM O R I A M Perry Craver ’40

Ian Ferguson ’54 Nickname: Fergie Hobbies: Mountain climbing, skating Sports: Skiing, track, football Activities: Dramatic club (president), band, glee club, trail crew, outing club

Henry Mears Jr. ’40

Richard Kinsler ’46

Charles Ditto ’58

Nickname: Dick After Graduation: College Hobbies: Counting the days until vacation Sports: Football, skiing, tennis Activities: Camera club, glee club

Rudolph Boisvert ’47

Nickname: Charlie Sports: Football, hockey, baseball

William Bosworth ’60

Nickname: Rudy Pet Peeve: Giggly girls After Graduation: College Hobbies: Photography Sports: Football, basketball, baseball Activities: Camera club, glee club

L. Allan Wright ’50

Nickname: Bill, Bully Career Preference: Biologist Hobbies: Canoeing, hunting, playing trumpet Sports: Football, hockey, baseball, track Activities: Wildcat photography editor, glee club, octet, band, electronics club, science club, rifle club, outing club, camera club

Elizabeth Milligan ’87

Nickname: Al After Graduation: College Hobbies: Tinkering Sports: Touch and thirds football, rec skiing, track Activities: Outing club, student council (senior class president), VA Life (editor), fire department, library committee, rifle team, glee, public affairs, camera, and press clubs

Norman Cummings ’53

Nickname: Liz Activities: Drama, photography, outing club, yearbook, debate Sports: Soccer, ski jumping, lacrosse

Laura Milligan ’93

Nickname: Norm Career Preference: Auto dealer Hobbies: Skiing, boat racing Sports: Football, skiing, track Activities: Glee club, outing club

Activities: Drama, yearbook Sports: Soccer, track, basketball, lacrosse

Read full obituaries at vermontacademy.org/obits. 3 4 | S U M M E R 2 016

C L A SS N OT ES

V E R M O N T AC A D E M Y | 35

Class Volunteer: J. Whitney Brown 53 Conanicus Avenue, Apt. 2G, Jamestown, RI 02835, whitleo621@cox.net

CLASS OF 1941 Our 75th Reunion is September 23–25, 2016 Mark your calendar now!

Class Volunteers: Richard Leary, PO Box 518, New London, NH 03257; Duke Powell Jr., 6 Grandview Dr., Ridgefield, CT 06877, rdukepowell@comcast.net

Class Volunteer: Franklin Pierce Jackson 120 Indian Trail, Scituate, MA 02066, fpjackson@comcast.net

CLASS OF 1946 Our 70th Reunion is September 23–25, 2016 Mark your calendar now!

Class Volunteer: William Reoch PO Box 1184, Kennebunkport, ME 04046, reochwg@earthlink.net

Class Volunteer: Robert Taft 50 Timberpond Dr., Apt. 3301, Peterborough, NH 03458, rtaft@ftfl-law.com

Class Volunteer: Robert Scholl 470 Park Road Extension, Middlebury, CT 06762, scholllaw@sbcglobal.net

lass Volunteers: Leslie Lewis, 125 River Birch Land, C Dalton, MA 01226, buddy456@me.com, BADOSANAA@aol. com; Robert Luke, 77 Hillside Avenue, Florham Park, NJ 07932, rdhl322@hotmail.com

lass Volunteer: Donald McInnes, PO Box 844, C 597 West Falmouth Hwy., Cottage 5, West Falmouth, MA 02574, dgmc@flash.net

lass Volunteers: George Yeomans, PO Box 33, C 106 Masquesatch Road, Westport Point, MA 02791, gyeomans106@yahoo.com; Penn Lardner, 20705 Meadow Drive, Sonoma, CA 95476, richardlardner@ sbcglobal.net; Dan Brown, 13 Foxborough Drive, Gilford, NH 03249, danbrownnh@gmail.com; Ronald Stewart, 919 Maumee Avenue, Mansfield, OH 44906, marqprint@aol.com

lass Volunteer: John Anderson C 304 Murphree Street, Troy, AL 36081, athtrain@troy.edu

John Anderson wrote: “The three pillars of Vermont Academy: 1) athletics make one strong; 2) study makes one wise; and 3) character makes one great!” Lee Stanley wrote: “All is well. Wrote screenplay with Emmy Awardwinning son, Shane, The Untold Story, to be released in fall 2016. Cruised our motor yacht Stanhaven III to the Sea of Cortez for five months. My wife and I swam with whale sharks. Yikes! Praise God!”

Class Volunteer: Robert Anderson 345 Westbrook Road, Saint Helena Island, SC 29920, rbanders345@gmail.com

CLASS OF 1951 Our 65th Reunion is September 23–25, 2016 Mark your calendar now!

54 55

Class Volunteer: Donald Megathlin 925 Main Street, PO Box 125, Cotuit, MA 02635, capemegathlins@verizon.net Class Volunteers: Donald Scholl, 895 Copes Lane, West Chester, PA 19380, dbscholl@verizon.net; W. Eugene Hays, 104 Cortland Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789, intlfruit@aol.com lass Volunteer: Frederic Nichols C 23500 Cristo Rey Drive, Unit 302D, Cupertino, CA 95014, fnichols56@gmail.com

CLASS OF 1956 Our 60th Reunion is September 23–25, 2016 Mark your calendar now!

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CLASS OF 1961 Our 55th Reunion is September 23–25, 2016 Mark your calendar now!

Class Volunteers: Peter Flatow, 3 Thomas Road, Westport, CT 06880, flatowp@coknowledge.com; Richard Weeks, 4242 N. 119 St., Lafayette, CO 80026, dick_weeks@hotmail.com

lass Volunteer: Townsend Hoopes C 96698 Arrigo Boulevard, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, toho33@gmail.com

Toby Hoopes wrote: “Several of us who attended our 50th reunion in 2014 organized a warm weather getaway and invited all 1964 classmates to join us for more reminiscing and fun in the Florida sun.”

Head of School in West Palm Beach, March 2016

Dick Ellsworth wrote: “Four of us— Dick Ellsworth ’70, Brook McConnell ’70, Ed Borg ’70, and Andy Walken ’74—re-enacted a canoe trip we took in 1970. The original expedition was 424 miles from the headwaters of the Mississippi to Shawondasee, Iowa. Forty five years later, in September 2015, I reunited the team for a threeday expedition in Shawondasee. Referring to his experience on the original trip, Ed Borg fondly exclaimed upon seeing his classmates, ‘The best thing in my life I didn’t do was quit.’”

Steve Perelman ’64, Dave Koepf ’64, Ken Wernick ’64, Head of School Sean Brennan, Paul Scoville ’64, and Toby Hoopes ’64

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Class Volunteers: Craig Baab, 637 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery, AL 36106, baablaw@aol.com; Augustus Clement, 4815 Rushford Plain, Colorado Springs, CO 80923, voicedocbc@hotmail.com Class Volunteer: Richard Janis River Bend Motorcoach Resort, 5800 West Stage Road 80, #216, Labelle, FL 33935

Front row l to r: Andy Walken ‘74 and Ed Borg ’70 Back row l to r: Brook McConnell ’70 and Dick Ellsworth ‘70

CLASS OF 1966 Our 50 th Reunion is September 23–25, 2016 Mark your calendar now!

Class Volunteer: Richard Moulton PO Box 97, 109 Moulton Drive, Huntington, VT 05462, rwmjr@gmavt.net

Class Volunteer: Richard Sacknoff 24 Buckman Drive, Lexington, MA 02421, rsacknoff@yahoo.com

Class Volunteers: John Hoder, 95 Riverscape Lane, Tiverton, RI 02878, john.hoder@yahoo.com; Mark Russell, 8 Sweet Fern Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, mark.russell@rbc.com

Class Volunteers: Bernard Hoyes, PO Box 961, Palm Springs, CA 92263, bernardhoyes@hotmail.com; Richard Patterson, 5 Nibang Ave., Old Saybrook, CT 06475, rpatterson@durhammfg.com

Class Volunteers: Stanley Wilkinson, 227 Whetstone Road, Harwinton, CT 06791, budw@ride-ct.com; Thomas Hinman, 50 Baston Road, North Yarmouth, ME 04097, thinman14@gmail.com

CLASS OF 1971 Our 45th Reunion is September 23–25, 2016 Mark your calendar now!

Class Volunteers: John Brucato, 12 Whip O Will Lane, Milford, MA 01757, jbrucato@gmail.com; Charles Gunn, 107 Emery Hill Rd., Henniker, NH 03242, cgunn@tds.net

Class Volunteer: William Reid 394 Walnut Street, Putnam, CT 06260, wbr655@yahoo.com

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V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 3 7

lass Volunteers: Daniel Quartin, 108 Carriage Hill Drive, C Newington, CT 06111, d_quartin@cox.net; James Bamman, 2 Reeves Avenue, Guilford, CT 06437, custom.homes007@yahoo.com

Daniel Quartin wrote: “Classmate Fred Fischer and I are battling cancer. We’re giving it a good fight, and we plan on kicking the cancer’s @ss. Although some days are better then others, we could use our classmates’ prayers. Hoping we’re both in full remission this spring.”

CLASS OF 1976 Our 40th Reunion is September 23–25, 2016 Mark your calendar now!

Class Volunteer: Sean Bersell 1213 N. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, CA 91207, VA77@mindspring.com

Class Volunteer: Emily Colson 1619 Boros Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28303, emcolson@gmail.com

lass Volunteers: Peter Hamilton, 16 Audubon Park, C Lynn, MA 01902, peterlhamilton@yahoo.com; Jane Ogden, 485 West St., Cornwall, VT 05753, janevermont@gmail.com; Diane Wilder, 807 Aubrey Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003, dwilder@haverford.edu, 610-896-1209

lass Volunteers: Lawrence Echanis, 45 South Main St., C Selbyville, DE 19975, echanis@mchsi.com; Karen Galloway, 885 County Road, Walpole, NH 03608; G. Ewing Buta, 141 Oak Tree Drive, Canfield, OH 44406, ebuta@ advancedcaststone.com

Our 35th Reunion is September 23–25, 2016 Mark your calendar now!

Class Volunteer: Thomas Oxholm 1079 Firetower Road, Colora, MD 21917, toxholm@wna.org

lass Volunteers: Scott McKeon, 6 Cornwall Cir., Wayne, PA C 19807, scott.mckeon@acegroup.com; Daniel Dougherty, 22 Shattuck Street, Natick, MA 01760, dougherty.doc@gmail. com; Keith Canning, 126 Hersey Street, Portland, ME 04103, kcanning@pinestatetrading.com, Dora Sudarsky, 2 Bay Court, South Burlington, VT 05403, dsudarsky@msn.com, Adam Tschorn, 6310 Maryland Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90048, atschorn@gmail.com

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lass Volunteer: Mark Culkin C 823 Tequesta Drive, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, mjculkin@verizon.net

lass Volunteers: Christopher Stevens, 92 Bullard Street, C Holden, MA 01520, cstev18@aol.com; C. Charles Schafer, 41 Larchwood Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764; Andrew Bigelow, 1002 W. Altgeld Street, Chicago, IL 60614, ajbigelow@hotmail.com

CLASS OF 1986 Our 30th Reunion is September 23–25, 2016 Mark your calendar now!

Class Volunteers: Michelle Wells, 232 West 74th Street, #3B, New York, NY 10023, michelle@hoxton7.com; Billi McCullough, 5460 S. Jasmine Street, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, brmccullough@hollandhart.com

Class Volunteer: Charmion Handy PO Box 439, Hartley Hill Rd., Saxtons River, VT 05154, charmion_handy@yahoo.com

lass Volunteers: Ann Jones, 21 Maple Street, Woodstock, VT C 05091, anndanjones@gmail.com; Lee Ryder, 2361 S. Columbine Street, Denver, CO 80210, lryder@univhousing.com; Jamison Gagnier, 187 Georgetown Rd., Weston, CT 06883, jgagnier@me.com; Mary Dean, 2 Hanson Road, Canton, CT 06019, hotmary@mail.com

lass Volunteers: Foster McKeon, 10 Old Orchard Road, C Easton, CT 06612, foster374@aol.com; Kathryn Carver, 75 Nice Way, Colchester, VT 05446, carverdan@myfairpoint.net

CLASS OF 1981

Fred Burton wrote: “Hello, Wildcats! I’m in Philly, working at Temple University for almost 21 years. Go VA…I’m proud to be a part of that!”

lass Volunteer: Amy Howard C 317 29th Street, Apt. 206, San Francisco, CA 94131, amyh294@gmail.com

CLASS OF 1991 Our 25th Reunion is September 23–25, 2016 Mark your calendar now!

Class Volunteers: Elizabeth Adams, 24 Central Ave., Rutland, VT 05701, ReillyVT@yahoo.com; Mark Engelke, 88 Glenmere Dr., Chatham, NJ 07928, markcengelke@aol.com

Class Volunteers: Noel Chipman, 418 Mountain Rd., Concord, NH 03301, noelchipman1@gmail.com; Adam Garner, 900 S. Lamar Blvd, Apt. 203, Austin, TX 78704, adam_k_garner@yahoo.com

lass Volunteers: Meghan Giroux, 9 Pleasant St., Bristol, VT C 05443, meghan.giroux@gmail.com; Elizabeth Parks, PO Box 53, Manchester Center, VT 05255, betsyparks21@gmail.com

lass Volunteers: Erika Gustafson, 34 Wedgemere Rd., C Medford, MA 02155, gutentuf@hotmail.com; Alison Johnson, 2415 W. Wilson Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625, harmon2476@gmail.com; Sarah Smith-Duffin, sas8118@aol.com lass Volunteer: Kirk Vaughan C 401 Allister Dr., #103, Raleigh, NC 27609, Kirk.Vaughan@gmail.com

Katherine Barboni wrote: “My husband, Gerard, and I welcomed Claire Eleanor Barboni on January 23. We’re still living in San Francisco. Since August 2015, I’ve been the director of early childhood education at Congregation Beth Sholom Family Preschool.”

CLASS OF 1996 Our 20th Reunion is September 23–25, 2016 Mark your calendar now!

lass Volunteers: Sarah Weilbrenner Viteri, 61 Gutzon C Borglum Rd., Stamford, CT 06903, sweilbrenner@gmail.com; Erin Kennelly, 101 Main St., Keene, NH 03431, ekennelly@ gmail.com; Andrew Robinson, 21 West Hughes St., Baltimore, MD 21230, andrewrobinson01@gmail.com; Aaron Walsh, PO Box 385, Marlboro, VT 05344 Class Volunteers: Kathryn Turner, 112 Fairview St. NW, Leesburg, VA 20176, kathryn.abernethy@gmail.com; Alexander Law, 2721 Black Oaks Lane N., Plymouth, MN 55447, alexhlaw@yahoo.com

Class Volunteers: Katherine Dawes, 243 Moria Place, Aston, PA 19014, katherinefdawes@gmail.com; Sarah Murrow, 107 Greenridge Rd.,Timonium, MD 21093-6123, sarah.ramian@gmail.com; Andrew Tyson, 12 Fairview Place, Apt. 2, Port Chester, NY 10573, mr.andrew.tyson@gmail.com

lass Volunteers: Patience Baldwin, 904 East 20th Ave., C Denver, CO 80205, patiencebaldwin@yahoo.com; Grayson Holden, 444 Rich St., Oakland, CA 94609-2513, grayson.holden@gmail.com; Matthew Howarth, matthewjhowarth@yahoo.com; Jeannlis Sanchez, PO Box 1123, Soundview Station, Bronx, NY 10472, tiatula973@gmail.com

Jeannlis Sanchez wrote: “Hello, everyone. This fall marked the 15-year reunion for the Class of 2000...and yes, I am a full-fledged attending physician. I graduated from Drexel University’s College of Medicine in 2012, and I successfully completed my internal medicine residency at Georgia Regents/Medical College of Georgia. This fall, I will relocate back to Philadelphia and will be working as a hospitalist at Delaware County Memorial Hospital (Crozer-Keystone).”

lass Volunteers: Corey Esau, 21 Beacon St., #3, Marblehead, C MA 01945, coreyejaworski@gmail.com; Alexandra Walsh, 159 South St., #1R, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, alexandraguard@ gmail.com; Matthew Cotter, 3 Locust Lane, East Sandwich, MA 02537, capecotter11@gmail.com; Devin Finigan, PO Box 193, Sedgwick, ME, 04676, devineyre@hotmail.com; J. Andrew Guard, 159 South St., #1R, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, jandrewguard@gmail.com; Kristin Dubak, 561 California Rd., Bronxville, NY 10708, kmdubak@gmail.com

CLASS OF 2001 Our 15th Reunion is September 23–25, 2016 Mark your calendar now!

lass Volunteers: Robert Bergman, 95 Settlers Dr., Hancock, C ME 04640, robergdawg@yahoo.com; Amber DiPasquale, 13685 Water Springs Ct., Centerville, VA 20121, amberdipasquale@gmail.com; John Penney III, c/o John Penney, 1347 Trebo Rd., Chester, VT 05143, jpenney3@gmail.com

lass Volunteers: Eliza Cross, 153 West Brookline St. # 1, C Boston, MA 02118, elizacross@msn.com; Britton Inglehart, 21857 Lake Ave., Wellesley Island, NY 13640, binglehart@gmail.com; Kyle Nelligan, 6623 Wedderburn Dr., Wilmington, NC 28412, nellybelly33@gmail.com; Amy Olsen, PO Box 2240, Pocono Pines, PA 18350, Amyvelte@gmail.com; Andrew Robinson, 21 W. Hughes St., Baltimore, MD 21230, andrewrobinson01@gmail.com

lass Volunteers: Edward Duess, 121 S. Elm Dr. #14, C Beverly Hills, CA 90212, ed.duess@gmail.com; Hillary Talbot, 3913 Westminster West Road, Putney, VT 05346, hillarytalbot@gmail.com

lass Volunteers: Laura Gage, 2701 Calvert St. NW, Apt.721, C Washington, DC 20008, laura.gage1@gmail.com; Corbin Vreeland, PO Box 1374, Bridgehampton, NY 11932, cvreeland@gmail.com; Robert Harlow, 23 Northwood Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089, harlow.robert@gmail.com; Lauren Zwicker, 115 Jenny Ln., Brattleboro, VT 05301, aluren4854@gmail.com

lass Volunteers: Zachary Jandl, 69 Perham St., #3, C West Roxbury, MA 02132, zachjandl@gmail.com; Austin DeLonge, 669 A Minna St., San Francisco, CA 94103, austin.delonge@gmail.com; Calvin Stowell, 389 North Rd., Sunapee, NH 03782, cstowell@dosomething.org

CLASS OF 2006 Our 10th Reunion is September 23–25, 2016 Mark your calendar now!

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V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 39

lass Volunteers: Chelsea Chase, 93 Butterfield Hill Rd., C Perkinsville, VT 05151, vcpcgroup@gmail.com; Cassandra Howe, 5A Half Moon Ln., London, UK, SE24 9JU, cassandrahowe1@gmail.com; Alexandra Moran, 2833 Kelly Dr., Manhattan, KS 66502, sprtgrl1288@aol.com; Kelli Morin, 18 Hathorn St., Apt. 2, Somerville, MA 02145, kelli.morin@gmail.com; Kaitlyn Schiro, 63 Londonderry Dr., Greenwich, CT 06830, kait.schiro@gmail.com

CLASS OF 2011 Our 5th Reunion is September 23–25, 2016 Mark your calendar now!

Class Volunteers: Shelby Johnson, PO Box 774, Sterling, MA 01564, shelby.johnson579@gmail.com; Thomas Savoca, 47 Circle Dr., Ridgefield, CT 06877, tsavoca1@gmail.com

Class Volunteer: Paulina Borrego 73 Perthshire Rd., Apt. 3, Brighton, MA 02135, paulinaborrego12@gmail.com

lass Volunteer: Ashley Greenwood C 13 Gaskill St., Mendon, MA 01756, greenwood.ashley.m@gmail.com

Class Volunteer: Ashley Potofsky PO Box 1469, Grand Bend, ON, Canada N0M 1T0, potofskya@allegheny.edu

lass Volunteers: Gregory Jacobs, gjacobs202@yahoo.com; C Kerrin Lundberg, 1647 San Vicente Ave., Napa, CA 94558; Brooke Wilcox, 152 A Monument Hill Rd., Springfield, VT 05156, bawilcox@vwc.edu; Sophie Yingling, PO Box 247, Truro, MA 02666, syinglin@student.umass.edu

Class Volunteers: Molly Brennan, Vermont Academy, PO Box 500, Saxtons River, VT 05154, Mbrennan1496@gmail.com; Erik Nielsen, 75 Wentworth Rd., Walpole, NH 03608, foshuga@gmail.com

Class Volunteers: Eddie Miller, 19 Benedict Place, Greenwich, CT 06830, kemill15@stlaw.edu; George Atkins, george.w.atkins.19@dartmouth.edu; John Scoby, 5331 34th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33710, Jscoby@mail.usf.edu

lass Volunteers: Kelly Johnson, 60 Orchard Drive, Eastham, C MA 02642; Adam Hennick, 109 Marie Curie, Dollard-desOrmeaux, QC H9A 3C5 Canada, hennick_13@hotmail.com

VA’s rock climbing team made history as they competed at White Mountain School for their first ever climbing competition. It was an official USA Climbing event, and high schoolers from all over Vermont were working for that blue ribbon. Climbers had three hours to ascend as many routes as they could, with the sum of the three best scores making up their total. Both Scott Restivo ‘17 (pictured) and Aiko Saito ‘17 placed for their age group, with other team members improving immensely. Go VA!

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INVEST IN

CHARACTER The Fund for Vermont Academy

Fund closes June 30. Please make your gift now. If you’ve already given—thank you! TOGETHER, OUR GIFTS: • Support scholarships • Create professional development opportunities for faculty • Inspire individual expression and creativity through our arts program • Develop student athletes who learn to appreciate lifelong fitness • Maintain our beautiful campus

Please make your gift by using the envelope provided or going online at vermontacademy.org and clicking the button on the home page:

Invest in Character – Give Now

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10 Long Walk, Saxtons River, VT 05154

WHT RIV JCT VT PERMIT 86

Have a great summer! JOIN US FOR AN UPCOMING EVENT VA events are a great way to keep in touch with Vermont Academy, see former classmates, and meet other alumni, parents, and friends.

June 24, Stow, MA – The Harrington Golf Tournament Get your foursome together now for this annual scholarship tournament at Stow Acres Country Club’s North Course. July 24, Boston, MA – Fenway Park; Boston Red Sox Game Join us for a Sunday afternoon of Boston Red Sox baseball in Fenway Park. September 23– 25, Vermont Academy Campus; Reunion Weekend Join us for a beautiful autumn weekend of activities and camaraderie as we celebrate being with friends—old and new—and Vermont Academy’s 140th year. For information email alumni@vermontacademy.org or go to vermontacademy.org/alumnievents.