Spring2026hasbeenfullofmemorablemomentsforBB&N.FromtheTriviaTeamcementingitsHighSchoolQuizShowlegacy,toLowerSchool studentsdisplayingtheiramazingworkatthe3rdAnnualCelebrationofLearning,tohundredsofBB&NfanscheeringtheVarsityBaseballTeam attheworld’smostbelovedballpark,ithasbeenaspringfor the ages. As I soaked in thesun duringour time as acommunityatFenway,Iwas particularlymovedbyoneseeminglysmallbutmeaningfulmomentasagroupofLowerSchoolstudentscongregatedalongsidethehome-side dugout,excitedlyhandingdownbaseballsfortheVarsityplayerstoautograph.Ithought,wow,itdoesn’tgetmuchbetterthanthis!
AnespeciallyhistoricmomentfortheschoolwilloccuronMay7asweannouncethemostambitiousandtransformativecapitalcampaignin BB&Nhistory: BrightBoldNext.Iinviteyou to visit pages 24-41 whereyou canlearnmoreaboutthemanyexcitingwaysthatthiscampaign willhelplaunchBB&N intoitsnextgenerationofeducatingstudents whosebrightideas andboldactionwillchangetheworldforthebetter. Inshort,it’saperfecttime toquote the cheerI heardsomanytimesatFenwayPark: “GoKnights!”
41st AnnualMartinLutherKingJr. Brunch
BB&N families gathered intheUpper School Commons this winter for the41stannualMLKJr. DayBrunch, a celebrationofunity, reflection, and theenduringpower oflove. Head ofSchool Dr. Priceopened themorning withaquotefromDr. King’s “Letter fromaBirminghamJail,”and noted thatinthesetimes, her hopelies inBB&N andthe people who make upthe school.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Global EducationOfficer LeilaBailey-StewartalsosharedaquotefromDr. Kingin herremarks,one that resonatedwith the theme of the brunch:“We must accept finite disappointment,but never loseinfinitehope.”
Theperformances spanned campuses and genres, fromjazz bands and singingtoanoriginal spokenword poem and violinconcertos;thestudents and oneguestperformer immersed thecrowd inanhour ofartand hope.
After a morningspent connectingwith each otherandwatchingthe talent of the performers,it wasevident to the entire roomthat the BB&N community issomethingspecial.AsAssociate Directorof DEIGPatty Dei reflected, “Thank youfor beingthelightfor forty-oneyears.”
BB&NAlumnaRepresentsJapaninWinterOlympics
WhenReiHalloran’19 joined BB&N asaseventhgrader in2014 followingher family’s movefromJapantoBoston, shecertainlywasn’t envisioningrepresentingJapaninthe2026 Winter Olympics. Theformer figureskaterturned hockeyplayer was moreconcerned with makingnew friends and figuringoutthecultureshehad beenimmersed into.
Flashforward 12 years, and Halloranfound herselfwiththeexactoppositedilemmathis winter:re-orientingherselftoJapaneseculture whenshejoinedtheJapaneseOlympicteaminGermanyfortrainingcamp.
“Ireally wantedto represent my Japanese side as I feelvery tiedto that culture,” notedHalloran.“But adjustingtothe culture of the National and Olympicteams wasdifficultatfirstbecauseofhow longI’vebeenlivingintheU.S.”
It’s justoneofmanychallenges Halloranhas faced inher alreadyimpressivehockeycareer. Despitestints withmultipleteams including TheBochBlazers, TheEastCoastWizards, twoteams inEurope, and theunder-18 JapaneseNational Team, playingwiththeJapanese Olympic Teamin Italy felt like nothingelse.
“Participatinginthe2026 MilanoCortinaOlympics was trulyadreamcometrue. Therewerecountless memorableexperiences during my time in Milan,but steppingonto the ice formy first game against Sweden standsout as a moment I’llneverforget.”
InaZoomconferencewithBB&N fifthgraders setup byher former BB&N hockeycoachEd Bourget’96 earlier this winter, Halloran shared her journeywiththeLower Schoolers. Fieldingquestions and speakingabouther experience, shetouched onmanytopics, includinghow sheis still closetoher BB&N friends, how hard youhavetowork topursueasportprofessionally, and how importantitis tofind breaks, especiallytoplayother sports beyond theoneyou’repassionateabout.
WiththeOlympics now intherear-view mirror, Halloran’s reflections onher experiencehaveonlybolstered her drivetocontinueher hockeydreams.
“Whatsurprised memostwas how normal everyonefeltintheOlympicVillage—despitebeinginternational superstars, theathletes I metwereincrediblydown-to-earthand approachable. Lookingahead, I’mhopingtocontinueplayingprofessionallyand representing mynational teamasIwork toward thenextOlympicGames inFrance.”
BivouacRollsOn
This fall BB&N ninthgraders took onthewilderness ofCamp Marienfield intheNew Hampshirefoothills as partoftheschool’s annual Bivouactradition. Theriteofpassagefor freshmenencourages themtocometogether asaclass, and empowers students toexplore resiliencyandproblemsolvingastheynavigatethe11-dayoutdoor adventure.Of course,they have some fun alongthe way!
Ropescourses, swimming, hiking, games, lessons insustainability, orienteering, and well-earned group meals enjoyed ontables builtby themselves areall partoftheexperiencestudents enjoy. Takinginto accountthethreetimes theprogramwas cancelled (duetothepolio epidemic, a grade restructuring,andCOVID),next fall willbe the 75th yearsince the start of the program.Some traditionsare built to last.
PICTURED
x 1 x Asquadduring“RopesCourseandClimbingWall”day x 2 x YanisHuang’29andJamesTao’29
x 3 x Aria Katsompenakis’29andRiaNigwekar’29
x 4 x VivianZhang’29,AdrianaPaquette’29,VictoriaWilson’29, CodyMonahon’29,andCarlaMiller’29
x 5 x WilliamEddy’29,HenryPojasek’29,Max Saarony’29, AlexanderGao’29,andArjunSrivastava’29
x 6 x MaddieYu ’29, ChrisWong’29, AmariKouame’29, OliviaBaker’29,andSicilyAlbro’29
x 6 x TroySong’26(L)andMeredithRichardson’27(R) battleitoutinfencing.
x 7 x BenRomer’26navigatestheice.
x 8 x NathanMinn’28scoopsoutaforehand.
4 7 7
BB&NArtsWrap-Up
BB&Nstudentsacrossallthree campusesbroughttheschooltolife withmusic,theater,andvisualartsthis fallandwinter.Fromviolins tokazoos, andceramicstowatercolors,the artistic gamut was on full display.
PICTURED
LtoR:Bucky, Co-advisor Sam Crihfield, Dean Riaz ’28, AndreasBai ’27,You-YanWang’26,AlecBailey’26, alternatesSethKim’27andPeilinLi’28,Co-advisorChipRollinson
Forthefourthtimeinasmanyyears,BB&Nreachedthefinalsof GBH-TV’s HighSchoolQuiz Show (HSQS),airing this spring,andfor thesecondtimesince2023,theyemergedthestatechampions, firmlyestablishingthemselvesasmastersofanastonishingarrayof factsandasbeastsonthebuzzer.
AcknowledgingtheteamledbyBradfordKimball’24thatbegan this run,You-YanWang ’26says,“I think,forus,it has alwaysbeen aboutcontinuingthatlegacy.Topickuprightwheretheyleftoffwas certainlyaspecialexperienceforuslastyear,andbeingabletoclimb themountain again this yearfeltsuper rewarding.”
ThatclimbthroughtheSeason17bracketof17Massachusetts schoolsincludedvictoriesoverCambridgeRindgeandLatin, Belmont,Mansfield,andfinally,SharonHighSchool—twoofthem thrilling,come-from-behindwins.Butthose,apparently,aresquarely inthewheelhouseofteamveteransYou-Yan,AndreasBai’27,Dean Riaz’28,and rookie AlecBailey’26.In the championshipgame,for example, BB&N wasdownby80 pointsaftertworounds, downby 30afterthreerounds,andthentheyoutscoredSharoninthelast round180to 40to win the trophy.
spreadsheets,Rollinsonpoints out thatinthetwogames BB&Nwas behindgoingintothelastround—therapid-fireLightningRound in whicheachanswerearnsorcoststeams20points—the Knights outscoredopponents 340–100.Inallof this tournament’sLightning Rounds, BB&N led 720–200.
Mostdramatically,thatnervewasapparentintheBelmontmatch, when BB&Ntrailedby95pointsgoinginto the LightningRound. HSQShostJoeHansonhaddeliveredonlypartofthelastquestion— “Inthe18thcentury,whatbecametheofficiallanguage”—when Andreasbuzzedintobeatthegame-endingchime.Afteraslight pause,hesaid,“French,”whichwonthemthematchbyjust5points. (Therestofthequestion,bytheway,was“. ..oftheRussianimperial courtunderCatherinetheGreat?”)
“Theyalwaysbelievedinthemselvesandeachother,”saysCoadvisorCrihfield.“I thinkthat’stheir super power.”
BB&NAnnouncesJunior-YearEnglishand History PaperPrizeWinners
Thisfallthe History andSocialSciences Departmentandthe English Departmentannouncedthewinnersoftheirjunior-yearwritingprizes foressayswrittenlastwinterandspring.
Thejudgesnotedthatofthe22outstandingprofilesinthepool,“This collectionofprofilesdemonstratesthatBB&Nstudentscanbear witnesstothelivesofothers,nomatterhowsocioeconomically, intellectually,or politically different.They haveaccomplished this not onlywithimpeccableneutrality,butalsowithheart.”
Amongtheprofessionsdepictedare a guitarmaker, amidwife, a teenage makeupartist, a sushichef, afarmmanager, a cheesemonger, a symphony conductor, a Disneyprincess,and a firearmsdealer.
Establishedin 1937atBrowne& Nichols School,theBB&Ndebate teamhasahistory of successinregionaland world debatetournaments.This yearalone,thesquadearnedfourtop-threefinishes,includingsecondplaceinthefirsttournamenthostedatBB&N.
Coached byUpperSchoolEnglish teacherTalayahHudson,theteamtravels to competitionsascloseas theRiversSchooland as far asBermuda. This March,thegrouptrekked toLoomis Chaffeeand walked awaywiththethird-placeschoolaward.Individualawardswent tothethird-place Advanced4-person team,whichincluded David X.’26,Gordon M.’27,JustinH.’27,and Salar S.’26.Theundefeated novicepairof David Z.’28 and RishaanC.’29placed fourth.
Notably,seniorcaptainSalarwontheAdvancedSpeakercompetitionandqualifyinghimfortheWorldIndividualDebatingandPublicSpeaking Championships2026inBristol,England.At aprevious tournament at Choate,junior AnhaJ.’27alsoqualifiedto competeat worlds inApril.(The World’sCompetition was inprocessas this magazinewenttopress.)
With Courtney’ssupport,BB&N’spioneeringHSRPstudentsareenjoyingadvanced,hands-onlab involvement whilemakingvaluablecontacts.Eagerfor“amorecomplexexperiencewith different lab techniques,”Harperappliedtotheprogram,buthertimeat theLeeLabhasgivenhermuch more.She valuestheindependenceandgreaterresponsibilityshefeels,thepracticeofhavinganopenmindand approachingproblemsfromdifferentangles—strategiesaddressedinthecourse’srequiredsummer reading, ThinkLikeaFreak,andechoedinCourtney’sclassandintheLeeLab.“Mymentorchallenges metobeuncomfortable,”Harpersays.“Imight not knowtheanswer,butIcanusewhat I’velearnedso farabout different topicstopuzzlethingstogether.It’sbeenreallyvaluabletolearnthatIcandothat.”
“...students learn that things do not always work the first time, and learning to adapt, persist,and continuemoving forward is a fundamentalpart of discovery...”
cancer.I’mactuallyveryproudthatIget to makeanimpact onthisresearch.”
It’s thrilling for the students,too—as they seethemselvesin anewlight.“Ifeelthat it’s openedmymindandshownmesomany possibilities and paths thatI can takewhen I’molder,”Harpersays.“I’msofortunateto havethisopportunitynow!”
EMPOWERINGTHENEXT GENERATIONOFEDUCATORS: BB&N Launches Penn Fellows Program
This fall BB&N’s Upper School campus welcomed two new faces to its faculty cohort—not unusual for the start of an academic year—but there was something different about history teacher Emma Grayeb and mathematics teacher Virginia Heinsen. The two teachers were the first participants in an innovative collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education residency program.
Known at BB&N as the Penn Fellows Program, this new endeavor enables aspiring and early career teachers to receive a master’s degree in education while completing an intensive two-year teaching fellowship at a partner school, in this case, BB&N. Much like a teaching hospital model or BB&N’s longtenured Lower School Teacher’s Training Institute collaboration with Lesley University, the program allows committed educators to join a mentored, real work environment as they synchronously take classes and earn credits towards their degree.
Jed Lippard, Chief Learning Officer and head of BB&N’s Teaching and Learning Office, was thrilled to pilot the program at BB&N after learning about it from a former trustee and parent, Agnes Scanlan P’18. “We really loved the idea that BB&N could be a teacher training institute,” Lippard says. “Not only at the Lower School, where we’ve had our decades-long partnershipwithLesleyUniversity…butalsobyplacing young educators into the field at the Middle and Upper Schoolcampuses.”
In Heinsen’s case the program wasn’t even on her radar until she applied to BB&N following college.
“BB&N recommended I apply for the Penn Fellowship when I applied here for a math teaching job,” the Yale graduate notes. “In hindsight, it’s a much better spot to be in for your first year of teaching since you have so much more scaffolding…. I have a lot of built-in support through my mentor, through the program director, as well as just all of my colleagues.”
Grayeb, a Holy Cross graduate, discovered BB&N while she was researching schools that UPenn
partners with in the program. “When I was looking at BBN’s website, I loved their core values of kindness, inquiry, and integrity. I think what really stood out to me was ‘kindness’…I felt like that was one that I hadn’t necessarily seen on a lot of school websites. When I interviewed, I absolutely adored all of the faculty and students that I met…and I felt like this was the place for me.”
Both Grayeb and Heinsen began the year by teaching two classes, one independently and one co-taught with their mentor. Beginning in the second trimester, they began leading both classes independently. And next year, they’ll teach three classes. Given the virtual studies both are still pursuing through UPenn toward their Master’s degrees, it’s a rigorous road, but a gratifying one.
“I have graduate school coursework while I’m also teaching at BB&N,” Grayeb notes. “But as I’m doing that coursework, I’m able to directly apply this new, exciting educational theory I’m learning to my classroom, which is wonderful.”
As hoped, the program is paying dividends in many directions, not only for Heinsen and Grayeb. Students receive instruction from carefully trained educators who have studied the best and most recent practices in the field, and BB&N’s existent teachers benefit from an infusion of new ideas and the perspective of colleagues closer to their students’ age.
“Virginia puts a lot of thought into how she structures her lessons, and I’ve been impressed with her ability to create a productive, yet fun classroom environment,” Heinsen’s mentor at BB&N, math teacher Joe Cyr, notes. “While doing observations of Virginia’s teaching, I can’t help but to reflect on my own work. The experience has definitely made me a more introspective and, I hope, better teacher.”
History teacher Suzy Glazer, echoes these sentiments in her role as Grayeb’s mentor. “Emma is deeply invested in teaching students not only the content, but also the skills needed to be an historian… She
BY ANDREW FLETCHER
often shares what she is learning in her program with me, and it has given me access to cutting-edge thinking in education with regards to pedagogy. It’s also nice to work with someone who has the experience of being a student more recently.”
Although a master’s degree may be the goal in joining the Penn Fellows program, both Grayeb and Heinsen agree that the real prize has been working with the students at BB&N.
“I’ve been really impressed by how engaged they are academically, and how willing they are to challenge ideas and be critical thinkers,” Grayeb says.
Heinsen agrees, commenting how fun it’s been getting to know students on a human level, beyond the classroom.
“It’s been really nice to hear what’s important to the kids in their lives … what sticks with them, the things they’re stressed about, the things they’re excited about,” she notes.
“That changes after high school, and it’s fun to be sucked back into this world, sympathizing and remembering when I was in their spot.”
As the program wraps up a successful launch, the school is already excited for the future, one which will add two additional teachers next year; an Upper School science teacher and a Middle School math teacher.
“These Penn Fellows join departments, they bring new ideas and new energy, and so it’s a win-win all around,” Lippard says. “It’s been a really positive, formative experience… and it’s just a really wonderful way to keep the whole school current.”
A LEGACYOFCURIOSITY, CAMARADERIE,ANDCHARITY: COMMEMORATING THE BB&N PARENT BOOK GROUP
BY SHARON KRAUSS
Last spring, after 27 years, approximately 185 books read, and over $260,000 contributed to the Financial Aid Fund, the BB&N Book Group collectively turned itsfinal page and shelved itself among the most innovative and successful chapters in the school’s history of parent initiatives.
“We began as a disparate group of BB&N parents, cobbled together to support a parentrun auction,” says Barbara Roberts P’97, ’99, “but we became a close group of friends, led by wonderful BB&N teachers, who shared books, meals, laughter, and life.”
Co-chairing the fundraising auction in the spring of 1997, Francine Crawford P ’97 had the inspired idea of offering a parents’ book group led by a BB&N faculty member. She got her son, Will, to ask his English teacher, Roger Stacey, if he were willing to contribute his time to the cause. “I was initially thinking of a one-shot guest appearance,” Crawford says. “Never did I think we would end up with a series. That is all credited to Roger.” In turn, Stacey recruited colleagues, and, after a vigorous bidding battle between two groups, the victors— about fifteen women—met for their first discussion in the fall of 1997.
“The members were a remarkable group of women with unusual generosity of spirit, a gift for friendship, and lively intellectual curiosity,” Stacey says. “What they and my highly capable colleagues created and sustained turned out
to be a distinctive and rewarding undertaking for all involved—as well as an unprecedented contribution to the BB&N scholarship fund. I was honored to be involved.”
Following a successful firstschool-year of monthly book-clubgatherings, Crawford recalls, “We discussedhow we could continue to benefit the school inresponse to the generosity of the faculty giving their time to us.” Each agreed to donate $500 annually—though many parents gave considerably more, and the amount kept rising with inflation—to their own earmarked pool, The Past Parent Financial Aid Fund.
“The book group kept our connection to BB&N alive,” Crawford says, long past the typical span of parental donations to a secondary school.
Hilary Wodlinger P’96, ’99 attributes the group’s longevity to the role of the faculty, several of whom continued their involvement after retiring. “People would say, ‘You actually discussed the books?’ Yes, we really did,” she says, “because we were led by teachers who came prepared with really good questions. That’s what made it work.”
At first, to lighten their prep time, faculty members led discussions on books they were currently teaching, “such as works by Plato, Aeschylus, and Shakespeare,” says Fleet Hill P’92, ’96. “Our children were quite surprised by the choices!” Later, the selections broadened, including Just Kids by Patti Smith, Horse by
Geraldine Brooks, and Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. Equally important as the book-talk, Hill says, was the “social aspect; we spent the first hour of every meeting socializing over a meal in our homes, often with a menu inspired by our reading.”
English teacher Beth McNamara recalls her first of many delightful evenings with the women, when “they were struck by how differently WutheringHeights read in their adult lives, decades
“The members were a remarkable group of women withunusual generosity of spirit, a gift for friendship,and livelyintellectual curiosity.”
after their first encounter withHeathcliff!Wise, kind, and discerning, they discussed the books candidly—andalways asked for news of the school, faculty, and students, years after their children had graduated.”
In their commitment to supporting both the school and their abiding friendships, these women have written their own well-illustrated story of a meaningful BB&N community.
Seated,LtoR:FleetHillP’92,’96,HeidiLehnerP’99,’01,’12,HistoryTeacherEmerita Linda KaufmannP’85,’85,Barbara RobertsP’97,’99,English teacherSharonKrauss.Standing,LtoR:RuthCole P’81,’82,’96,EnglishTeacherEmeritusRoger Stacey,HilaryWodlingerP’96,’99,EnglishTeacherBeth McNamara,Linda BeaversP’96,’99,ArtTeacherEmerita ParrishDobsonP’90,’07
“Your support of this campaignensures that the nextgenerationofBB&Nstudentswillchangeour world for the better with their bright ideas and boldactions.”
Financial Aid Endowment – Ensure that a BB&N education is accessible to all qualified students, regardless of financial background.
The BB&N Fund – Continue to be responsive to the most pressing needs of our community while supporting all areas of the school’s operating budget.
BOLD
NEXT
Innovation – Empower students and faculty to move from idea to impact by designing and implementing creative solutions to real-world challenges.
Lower School Renovation – Create a campus that supports the pedagogy of a BB&N education for our youngest students.
Grove Street Athletic Campus – Elevate the student athletic experience to give students the best opportunities to pursue their goals, and bring the community together.
AHistoricMilestone forBB&N
To the BB&N Community,
In 2020, when we first assessed the potential for a campaign, the vision felt as daunting as it was exciting. Today, that vision becomes our reality. We are proud to announce Bright Bold Next, a $100 million comprehensive campaign—the most ambitious fundraising effort in our school’s history
What makes this moment truly extraordinary is that, together, we have already raised $88.7 million. This milestone is a testament to the extraordinary generosity of our community and a collective belief in the strength of our vision to enhance the student experience. We have activated giving at every level—a level of communitywide participation we should all hold with immense pride.
Inside, you will find a detailed look at our campaign initiatives and the impact that early support has already made across our core pillars. Closing this final chapter will require the same coordination and community that brought us this far. This phase belongs to all of us.
Bright Bold Next has always been about one thing: enhancing the student experience. We have already done something remarkable together. Now, with clarity and collective purpose, let’s finish it.
BB&N is dedicated to providing an education rooted in honor, scholarship, and kindness. To this end, we seek students whose interests, histories, and talents enrich our community in every way.
Our Financial Aid Initiative is critical to attracting and retaining the strongest and most well rounded students in order to ensure that BB&N is accessible and affordable to families from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
BB&N’s financial aid program builds a global community of learners reflective of the world our students will enter, and ensures that financial constraints do not hinder a student’s potential and experience.
STRATEGICGOALS OF FINANCIAL AID:
Promote a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Community by admitting a student population that is socioeconomically, racially, and ethnically diverse. We are proud that more than 50 percent of students currently identify as students of color.
Elevate Our Programs by attracting students with a range of talents to enrich our academic, arts, and athletic programs.
Empower Our Educators by enabling qualified children of our faculty and staff to join their parents as part of the BB&N community.
“If we arededicated to building an intellectual environment that thrives with regard tocuriosity, inquiry, and critical thinking, it is our duty to make sure we are sharing avariety of perspectives in our classrooms. A willingness to see the world from eyesand experiences different from our own is essential tothis work.”
— Michael Chapman, Upper School Dean of Teaching and Learning | Upper School Science
Inspire Community: Because Financial Aid promotes a heterogeneous and global schoolwide community, it enriches the educational experience of all students by deepening understanding, broadening perspectives, and sparking bold ideas.
Live our Values: Our commitment to financial aid across a broad socioeconomic spectrum allows for a plurality of lived experiences which inherently cultivate inquiry, integrity, belonging, and kindness— values that are foundational to BB&N’s ethos.
Reflect our Region: Geographically located within a nexus of culture and innovation, we wholeheartedly believe our campus should mirror and reflect the vibrant diversity of our surroundings.
In addition to meeting 100% of demonstrated need for tuition grants, our financial aid budget supports non-tuition expenses so that all students have access to the full BB&N experience. These expenses include:
Learning support (tutoring, test preparation)
Transportation (BB&N bus, MBTA passes)
International and athletic trips
Afterschool programs
Technology (laptops, Chromebooks)
260 grants awarded
25% of BB&N students supported
LowerSchoolMiddleSchoolUpperSchool
“Financial aid makes the fabric of our community more robust and more interesting. We’re all better off because students who are capable and deserving have the opportunity to be here.”
A strong BB&N Fund ensures that every facet of our school thrives. It is a fundamental pillar of the Bright Bold Next Campaign because it supports everything from faculty and staff salaries, benefits, and professional development; to financial aid, classroom resources, arts, athletics, and improvements to our campuses.
A strong BB&N Fund strengthens every part of the BB&N experience—our diverse, compassionate, and engaged community, the academic excellence ofour programs,and our truly exceptional faculty who are at the core of what takes place on each campus every day.
The BB&N Fund stands as a testament to our institutional strength and the commitment of our community. A healthy Fund tells our community—and the wider world—that BB&N is flourishing.
“BB&N gives students opportunities, mentorship, and experiences that shape whothey are, and supporting the schoolis a way to help ensure those opportunities continue for the next generation. For me, it’s less about the size of the gift and more about being part ofa collective effort to invest in the community.”
—
Alexa Horwitz ’12
“I give toBB&N every year because I know thatmy gift makes it possible for others like me to open their worlds in classrooms, on playing fields, on stage, and in studios and labs.”
— Brendan Mernin ’83
IMPACTOFYOURSUPPORT:
Strengthening our Institution: A vibrant BB&N Fund reflects our thriving status and gives confidence to our community of our ongoing success.
Driving Innovation: A robust Fund allows us to remain nimble, seizing new opportunities and advancing our mission.
Powering our Campaign: Support for The BB&N Fund is pivotal to ourBright BoldNext Campaigngoal, demonstrating our collective dedication to BB&N’s present and future.
“Tuition alone does not cover the cost of operating a school like this. There is always a gap between operating expenses and what tuition brings in, and The BB&N Fund helps bridge that gap.”
At BB&N, innovation is an ongoing commitment to improving how we teach, learn, and grow together. Our approach to innovation is shaped each year by student curiosity, faculty passion, and the real-world challenges facing our community.
A commitment to innovation has been essential to BB&N’s storied past and now serves as a guiding framework for its future. Driving the Innovation Initiative of the Bright Bold Next Campaign are the goals of ensuring that BB&N remains on the vanguard of student excellence.
“We’ve reached an inflection point. What work looks like, how businesses operate, how adults arrange their lives—all of that is in flux. Our job as educators is to prepare students for what’s ahead. That requires a process of continuous, deliberate innovation.”
— Dr. Jed Lippard, Chief Learning Officer
“Before I came to BB&N I worked in science education, so I’ve known about the Miniboat project for at least ten years. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do here because it aligns perfectly with the fifth-grade science immigration/ migration curriculum (how and why things move, including people), so it felt like a natural fit.”
— Lauren Rader, Lower School Science
We seek to build new learning experiences for students and enhance professional growth for faculty by empowering them to move from idea to impact. Faculty and students have support and flexibility to design and implement creative solutions to realworld opportunities and challenges they face in the classroom and beyond.
CURRENTINNOVATIONPROGRAMS
Innovation Grants: Provide funding and support for educators and students to develop and implement novel projects, programs, and curricula within their classrooms and across the community.
Educator Preparation Programs: Attract, nurture, and retain forward-thinking educators through three pipeline opportunities:
Lesley University Teacher Residency Program
The University of Pennsylvania Independent School Teaching Residency
BB&N Education Fellows Program (Knight Corps)
The Class of 2023 Visiting Innovator Program: Brings top experts and thought leaders to BB&N to share cutting-edge ideas, technologies, and practices.
Annual Teaching and Learning Conferences: Hosted by BB&N, educators gather to share ideas, explore new trends in education, and collaborate on approaches to teach and learn.
Design-Driven Learning Environments: We are shaping spaces, such as a new Upper School robotics studio and an enhanced Lower School makerspace, that prioritize design thinking, iteration, and collaboration, leveraging technology to promote deeper learning.
“I enjoyed how the podcasting class provided an opportunity to creatively express ideas and thoughts through a different medium. By learning the craft behind a good podcast as well as the technical aspects, I think we all walked away with very useful skills.”
— Diya Gandhi ’27
Above: RenderingofthenewUpperSchoolrobotics studio Topleft:InnovationGrant2026,UpperSchoolAfricanDrummingclass Centerleft:InnovationGrant2025,Grade5MiniboatProject
Expanded and Renovated Classrooms: Increasing classroom size to provide students with more room to learn.
Integrating Interdisciplinary Spaces: Creating new, co-located, dedicated STEM, Art, and Science spaces to inspire the next generation of creators and inventors.
Connected Learning Hubs: Integrating collaboration zones for all grades that act as seamless extensions of the classroom, providing direct access to the library resources.
Full-Service Dining: Establishing a professional kitchen and cafeteria capable of preparing and serving 600+ fresh meals daily for Lower and Middle School students.
Inclusive Design: Ensuring full accessibility throughout the Lower School campus.
Community Gathering Spaces: Improving community gathering spaces for student performances, assemblies, and school-wide events.
Outdoor Spaces: Reimagining our outdoor environment for project-based learning and age appropriate play spaces.
“A renovated campus gives us the space and freedom to do so much more. We’ll have a campus that’s worthy of our teachers and students—that supports our curriculum, nurtures our sense of community, and inspires our most adventurous work.”
— Anthony Reppucci P’25, ’31, Lower School Director
“As teachers, we want the flexibility to work with students in many different ways. More space would allow us to break into small groups, collaborate, and teach in ways that truly support how students learn best.”
—
Amena Zavery, Grade 3 Teacher
““We value so many things about the education our children are receiving at BB&N’s Lower School. One aspect that stands out is the emphasis on educating the whole person— children who are taught to care, have empathy, and develop curiosity about their world. An investment in our Lower School supports this uniquely positive community and learning environment for all children.”
— Tom and Kate Lakin P’36, ’38
“We are so incredibly fortunate to have a home field as nice as Grove Street. The atmosphere of being there is amazing, including the fans, the energy, and the field itself. I have made countless unforgettable memories on Grove Street, and I can’t wait to make more!”
— Nora MacCutcheon ’27
GroveStreet AthleticCampus
GOAL: Toelevatestudents’athletic experienceswithnewfieldsforpracticesand games,enhancestudentwell-beingwith moreconsistentscheduling,anddeepenour impactascommunitystewardsthroughour partnership with the City of Watertown.
Opened in Fall 2023, the GroveStreet campus includes two new athletic fields for football, soccer, lacrosse, and softball practices and games, viewing stands, and parking spaces for students during the school day. Through a public-private partnership with the City of Watertown, Grove Street also provides access to adjacent fields at Watertown’s Filippello Park. During the school year, BB&N teams have access to the full 20-acre campus every afternoon until 6 p.m. so that all Middle and Upper School teams can practice during after-school hours at either the Grove
Street or Gerry’s Landing campuses. In the evenings, weekends, and summer, Watertown has full use of the property including BB&N’s Grove Street fields.
Improved Daily Schedules: The new fields provide consistent practice times, offering our athletes greater control over their schedules and alleviating past limitations caused by restricted space.
Promoting Wellness: Ample space for play and practice ensures students come to class and practice energized and ready to perform, promoting overall wellness.
Building Community: The Grove Street campus serves asa gathering placefor community events includingHomecoming, Friday Night Lights, and other alumni and community gatherings, while reinforcing BB&N’s partnership with the Watertown communityand beyond.
“Grove Street has already made such a significant impact on our student-athletes and community, providing BB&N with the ability to utilize the ideal practice time slots on incredible surfaces for more teams, even in the rain. We strive to give our teams the best opportunities to go after their goals and the Grove Street fields have helped us in this endeavor.”
— Jaye Locke P’35, ’38, Director of Athletics
AsofApril23,2026
The table below reflects the collective generosity of our community and the progress we are making together. Every gift—of any size—brings us closer to realizing our most ambitious campaign to date. Thank you for being part of what’s possible.
$5,000,000+
$2,000,000 - $4,999,999
$1,000,000 - $1,999,999
$500,000-$999,999
$250,000-$499,999
$100,000-$249,999
$50,000-$99,999 < $49,999
TotalDollars Co mmitted to Date $10,044,727 $18,792,987 $16,489,241 $8,307,175 $7,662,098 $8,527,421 $4,677,324 $14,174,100 $88,675,073
We are deeply grateful to the current and past parents, alumni, and grandparents listed below who have volunteered their time and support to help guide the Bright Bold Next Campaign and make possible our success to date.
CAMPAIGNCOMMITTEE(INFORMATION)
Jimmy Berylson ’00, Co-Chair
Young Lee P’24, Co-Chair
Leslie Riedel P’15, ’18, ’26, ’28, Co-Chair
Pam Baker P’23, ’25, ’28
Alexander Band P’30, ’33
Priyanka Bobbili P’37
Raja Bobbili P’37
Abby Fung P’30, ’33
Jason Hafler ’00, P’34, ’36
Kathryn Kargman Holden ’01, P’37, ’39
Richmond Holden ’01, P’37, ’39
Christine Kahvejian P’23, ’24, ’26
Daniel Kanter P’36, ’38
Rachel Kanter P’36, ’38
Indy Keri P’30
Jennifer Price, Head of School
Faiza Riaz P’25, ’28
Gillien Todd P’20, ’25, ’25
Steve Wise ’04, P’36, ’38
“I volunteer and give back to BB&N because I want to honor all my memories but also because I know BB&N strives for continuous improvement, and I want to support their efforts to keep creating such wonderful memories for future students and making their experiences even better! I want my contributions of time and donations to allow BB&N to engage and bolster the community at-large while caring for and educating the future members of this community.”
— Gillien Todd P’20, ’25, ’25, Trustee
Let’sBeBold Together
BB&N is at a pivotal juncture. We have accomplished so much and the tangible impact of early supportfor this campaign can be felt on every corner of our campuses, and by every member of our community. Our students are already benefiting from new athletic fields, from an enrichedcultureofinnovation,anincreasedinvestment in financial aid, and a strong Annual Fund.
Now it is time to bring this ambitious campaign to the finish line. Your support will allow us to fully transform the Lower School campus, broaden access for deserving students, and expand our ability to be at the forefront of education innovation.
Your support and partnership at this moment really matters. Thank you so much for joining us, as only together can we realize our Bold dreams for this amazing school.
Best, Head of School
To remain updated on our Campaign progress, we invite you to visit our Campaign website: bbns.org/bright-bold-next
For further information about how you can participate in the Bright Bold Next Campaign, please reach out to Julie Gray at jgray@bbns.org or 617-800-2788.
THANKYOU TOTHE 2025-2026BB&NFUND PARENTCOMMITTEEMEMBERS WHO HELPENSURE THE SUCCESS OF THIS YEAR’S BB&NFUND PROGRAM BY REACHING OUTTOOTHER PARENTS TOENCOURAGE THEIR SUPPORT:
BethAzano‘95,P’29,‘33
AmitBansalP’38
PayalBhandahariP’36
CynthiaBeckerP’29
KateBjornlund‘05,P’37,‘39
LunaChenP’30
ElizaDanielsonP’31
ShoshannaGoldbergP’28
AdamandJacklynHallP’34,‘38
DanHartP’31
ChristaHawkinsP’27
KatiHolden‘01,P’37,‘39
JoanJiangP’27,‘28
ShaneKovacsP’26,‘28,‘31
KateLakinP’36
JeffLau and Ingrid Hammond P’34,‘38
TylerLewisP’34,‘37
RossMacDonaldP’28
VirginiaSongP’27,‘29
SarahSpitz ‘92, P’31
FeliciaSullivanP’27
NickVassosP’38
Kristin Wallace P’28
TiffanyWangP’29
GivingDay
OnThursday, April 16, BB&N held its tenth annual DayofGiving—aone-day celebrationofallthatmakesBB&Nspecial.Theentirecommunitycametogetherto showtheirsupportandpridefortheschoolby makingagift toThe BB&NFund.
A: BB&Nwaswovenintonearlyeverystageofmychildhoodandadolescence.Beingpartofthegivingsocietyonaconsistentbasishelps sustain theprogramsandculture that had such an impact on me, so currentandfuturestudentscanbuildtheirownmeaningful experiences there.
Q:WhatkeepsBB&Ntop of mind foryouyearafteryear?
A: StayingconnectedtotheexcitinginitiativesunderwayandseeinghowthecampusescontinuetogrowkeepsBB&Ntopofmindforme.As I’veprogressedfurtherinmyprofessionalcareer,I’vecometoappreciateevenmorehow much Ilearned atBB&N, notjust academically,but in howtothinkcritically,communicateclearly,andcollaborateeffectively.
Forthesixthconsecutiveyear,BB&Nparents cametogetherattheholidaystosay“thank you”tothefaculty,staff,andcoacheswho work with and supporttheirchildren every day,bothinandoutoftheclassroom.
“Onceagain,Iamstruckbythegenerosity ofourparents,andthethoughtfulcarethey taketomakesurethisgiftissharedequitably amongallofyou.Thisgiftisaclearreminder ofthedeepappreciationourfamilieshave for yourwork.Every day,theyseetheway you inspire,challenge,support,andencouragetheir children,ofteninmomentsthatstaywiththem longaftertheschooldayends.Thisimpactis thefoundationofthetrustfamiliesplaceinour community.”
Othernotesofappreciationfromfaculty and staffwere sharedonaKudoboard after receivingthisnews.
“Thank you forentrustingus withyourkidseveryday.They arefabulous, and it is truly an honortoteachthemandlearn fromthem.Gratefultobea partoftheBB&Ncommunity andgratefulforyoursupport.”
“Thankyousomuchforthe wonderfulholidaygift.All of your generosityandkindnessismuch appreciated, andeverydayIam amazedbyyourwillingnessto support us at BB&N. Wetruly appreciateyouallandIamgrateful tobeteachingandcoachingatthe bestplaceintheworld!”
InadditiontoHeadofSchoolJen Price,wewerethrilledtohavespecial guestDavidStrodel’78,P’14,’16, Upper SchoolScienceTeacher and BivouacDirector,inattendance.
Ahighlightofthenightwas David Sze ’84accepting the2026Distinguished AlumniAward.InDavid’sremarksto thegroup,hecitedtheremarkable facultyand staff atBB&Nduring his timeas a student.
TheinauguralDistinguishedBB&N AlumniAthleticReceptionwasan extraordinarily successfulevent, fosteringconnectionsamong alumnifromthe1950sthrough today.Wewelcomedbackalumni whoreceivedthefollowingathletic awards during their time at the Upper School: The Class of1933 AthleticAward,TheNicholsPrize, TheTishH.BiggarAward,andthe IndependentSchoolLeagueAward ofExcellence.Itwasinspiringto seegenerationsofBB&Nathletes gatheredat30Gerry’sLanding— theformerPechetfamilyhome thathadbeenpurchasedby the schoolin 2015—reinforcing BB&N’scommitmenttoboth academicexcellenceandhigh-level, competitiveathletics.Weremain dedicatedtocelebratingouralumni achievementsbothoncampusand in the yearsfollowingtheirtime here.
EVENTSRECAP SPECIALSECTION
HOMECOMING
October17, 2025
Photos
by Susan Snoonina
BB&N’s 2025Homecomingwasaresoundingsuccess, madeeven more memorable by a beautiful weekendof sunshineand perfectfallweather.Alumni,families,and friendsgatheredtoenjoytwodaysofathleticgames andlivelyactivities,highlightedbythenewlyadded DragonFoamexperiencethatbroughtjoyfulenergy tothefieldandplentyofunforgettablemoments.The fieldwasdottedwithBB&NAffinityGrouptablesthat proudlyshowcasedandcelebratedtherichdiversityof ourcommunity.TheParents’AssociationSpiritwearteam was in fullswingofferingBB&Nappareland accessories, givingfamiliesandalumnitheperfectopportunityto showtheirschoolpride.Agreatweekendwashadbyall!
ALUMNIICEHOCKEYGAME
December272025
OnDecember 27,alumnilaced uptheir skatesandhittheicefortheannual alumnihockeygameattheNicholas AthleticCenter.BB&N’ersfromacross thedecadescametogetherfor a friendly competitionfilledwithlaughter,great plays,andnostalgia.Familyandfriends cheeredonfromtheStonestreet Lounge, andfollowingthegame, alumni gathereddownthestreetatDonohue’s Bar and Grillfor furtherconversation andtocatchup.
LIFERALUMNIPARTY
October17, 2025
Photos by Susan Snoonian WewelcomedLiferAlumniandbothcurrentandformer faculty backtothe LowerSchoolforanostalgic evening offun.WegatheredinthegymtoplayLS-themedtrivia, completewithelementarythemedprizessuchasSaltines, Cuisenairerods,andofcourse, a recorder.Afterenjoying acollectionofclassphotosandeatingArmando’sPizza and MaMaGoo’s chickenfingers,thegrouptoured the Lower Schooland shared reminiscences oftheir time atthecampus.Theeveningwasrichwithmemories, reconnections,and thejoy ofreliving a shared experience.
“I feellike that's part ofthe progressionthat happensatschoolwhen you getto spendso many yearswiththesame people andbuildthose core memories.”
-CAMIFITZGERALD’15
“IthinkbeingaLiferatBB&N isvery muchasharedexperienceacross allof the folks thatareprivilegedenoughtobe able tosaythat. (There were)connective things thatwe alldidtogetheracross those years thatwere veryformative and veryfulfillinglookingbackon.”
-TAJAHAD’16
“Itellmydaughterthese stories aboutbringinghome guineapigs onthe weekend, aboutthebooks thatwe would read, andthe things thatwe wouldcreate, andshe even plays inthatplayground.Ijustfeelextraordinarilyfortunate tohave spentsomuchtime inaplace thathas informed everycareermove I’vemade.”
-DANIELA LAMAS’99
“I thinksomuchof BB&N isthe teachers inthe schooland the education, but particularlyforLifers,I thinkit's justbeingwith the same people for12, 13, or14years.”
-NICKTAYLOR’08
HEADOFTHECHARLES
October18-19, 2025
Photos by Shawn Read
October 18-19delivered anexceptionallybeautifulfall weekendtocelebratethe60 th Head OfThe Charles Regatta, highlightedbytheWomen’sAlumnae8boatmadeupof MegBarry’93,DeirdreBrennan’91,MeredithCoburn’03, JuliaPetropoulosCoupland’93,KlaraKuemmerle’19,Genna Lamphier’20,JamesonMcKenna’19,andMelisaNasella’95. WealsowelcomedbacktotheboathousethefamilyofRyan Neff’89,whopassedawayin2008.Hisfamilywasableto takeouttheboattheygiftedtoBB&Ninhishonor.
OnSunday,theboathousewelcomedalumni,students, parents,faculty,staff,andsupportersforanunforgettable dayonthewater.Thebelovedtraditionofafternoonclam chowderwasservedalongsidebreakfastpastriesand refreshments.Threestudentboatscompeted:Women’sU17 Four,Girls Junior Four,and Boys Junior Four.Theydrewin cheers fromtheEliotBridgeand along the Charles River as theypoweredpasttheBB&Nboathouse.
PICTURED x 1 x JaneWhite‘68,P’02,‘05,LindsayWhite‘05,DavisDuncan,PeterWhite‘02 x 2 x EmilyBradlee,JoeBradlee‘10,AlishaSaini‘10, andMorganDove‘10atAlisha’swedding x 3 x SarahLieberman‘12andBrookeTobia x 4 x WillDavis‘14andHannahClark x 5 x GennyCohen‘17andJeffreyBush x 6 x SimonEllisSlotnickwithbigbrotherHenry x 7 x MarloweBessConneely
InMemoriam
HarrietFossKoch’45 November19,2025
ElizabethR.Taylor‘45 March4,2026
FrederickStevens,Jr.’48 February26, 2026
EdwardMason’51
Arthur Bylin ’54 February16, 2026
SueWelshReed’54 November19,2025
JackBursk ’57 October17,2025
WendyAnnPostlethwaite’70 February23, 2025
ThomasJamesBaker’74 October31,2025
SherryHarley’91 November20,2025
FriendsofBB&N
BillAppleton
October6,2025
Fatherof A myAppleton’79 , LucyAppleton’82 , and ElizaAppleton’09
Grandfatherof A lexandraKluzak’24,Marina Kluzak’27, and SophiaKluzak’29
Trentwell“Pete”White passedaway onAugust25,2025.Petewas a member ofBrowne & Nichols Class of1950and tookgreatprideinhisclass.Hegave themthenicknamethe“NiftyFifty”and was a leaderofthegroupthatconnects BuckinghamandB&NClassof1950alums.
Petewas a long-timeBB&Nvolunteer, havingservedas a memberoftheAlumni Council,ClassuKnighter,Reunion,and BB&NFund volunteer.Healsoserved as a regionalvolunteer for BB&Nactivities in the Washington,D.C.area.
PetegrewupinandaroundtheGreater Bostonarea,withhisparentsandtwo sistersMeredith“Mousy”andMaryWinne. He attended Browne & Nichols, graduatingin1950inaclassofabout 30!Heparticipatedinsports(including football,wrestling,andbasketball) butmoved tocoaching crewafter a heartmurmurwasdiscovered.Healso appearedonstagewithclassmatesTony PerkinsandTammy Grimes(Tony winner fororiginatingtheMollyrolein The UnsinkableMollyBrown onBroadway). PetealsoappearedintheroleofStrephon in the Gilbert&Sullivancomic opera Iolanthe inhis junior year.Petehad taken pianolessonsinhisyouth,andanentry inhis Browne & Nichols senior yearbook notedthatPeteandTonyPerkinsoften competed for useof apiano atB&N.
PetewasextremelyactivewithBB&Nas an alum,workingtirelessly upuntilhis passing tokeephis class and members ofother classes actively connected andcommunicating,arranginglunches andotherget-togethers,andkeeping everyoneinvolved.In2023hewas awarded theBB&NMedalfor his extensiveefforts.
TheLowerSchoolisBB&N’soldestextantcampus,datingback to1892whenMissMarkhammovedherschoolandhome into anew space builton aformerpearorchard.TheMarkham Buildingwasjoinedin1920bythenewlybuiltBrickBuilding,and theschoolslowlygrewoversubsequentyearswithacquisitions ofseveralhousesonthestreet,referredtotodayasKelsey(1892), Morrison(1897),andBridgman(c.1920).Thefirstnewbuilding constructedoncampusafter1920camemorethan40years laterintheform of theMorseBuilding,whichopenedin1967. Morsewasdesignedspecificallytoreflectahome-likefeeling tohelptheyoungeststudentsadjusttoschool,withstudents movingfurtherupthebuildingastheyrosetoeachgrade.The architect’sstatementfrom1968explainedthat“inkeepingwith itseducationalpurpose,thewholebuildingismeanttobeopen, toconnectchildrenwithmanypossibilities,toheightentheir senseofawarenessofthemanythingstoexplore.”
After the MorseBuildingopened,theLowerSchoolsawsmaller renovations,includingsome1976renovationstoMorseand 1985renovationstotheBrickBuilding.Thecampuswouldn’t seeanothermajorchange untilFallof2001,whentwolarge buildingprojectscametofruition. The firstwastherenovation ofSt.Anne’sConventat15CraigieStreetfromaconventand schoolintoahomefor the HeadofSchool.BB&Nfirstmade anagreementwiththesistersofSt.Anne’sin1986,whenitwas decidedthatthestudentsattheconventwouldjoinBB&Nand SistersNatalie,Judith,andCatherineLouisewouldcontinue livinginSt.Anne’sfortheremainingyearsoftheirlives.After theirpassing, BB&N became the official ownerof theproperty inSpring2000and began planstorenovate the space as a home for the HeadofSchool.
In2001,Rebecca Uphamjoined the communityas the new HeadofSchoolandbecamethefirstnewresidentofSt.Anne’s.
WhenIthinkaboutBB&N,whatstayswith me mostis the feeling ofbeingtruly known. Asastudent,my teacherssawme—notjustacademically,butasawholeperson—andsupportedme inwaysthatbuiltmy confidenceandencouragedmycuriosity.ThatsenseofbeingrecognizedandvaluedshapedhowIsaw myselfandhow I learned to engage with the world. Long after graduation,thoserelationshipsandmemories have stayedwithme,influencing how I approach my work, my values, and my understanding of what strong communitieslooklike.
