CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF '26!
By Executive Staff Panel Staff
On behalf of the entire Belmont Hill community, congratulations to you all, Class of 2026! All the way through your Senior year, you have displayed inspirational leadership, leading Forms I through V. Your commitment to academics, athletics, extracurriculars, and the arts have set an example for the younger
students. The Panel Executive Staff has dedicated this issue to the Class of 2026. This issue highlights our graduating seniors in multiple fields. Articles in the News section recap the "Senior Shenanigans" throughout Senior Spring, an Arts article delves into Panos Gianuokos’ ’26 photography, and Sports articles spotlight senior coaches’ work and Dylan Casillo ’26 as the Athlete of the Issue.
You have succeeded on the aca-
demic side of campus, constantly performing in the classroom. On the fields, courts, and water, you dominated competition, winning ISL, NEPSAC, and even national awards and championships. Through community service and extracurriculars, you embodied the character of Belmont Hill students as the ideal role models not only for the younger students at Belmont Hill, but also for the people around you off-campus. In arts, you covered every
sector, crafting masterpieces in photography, music, acting, drawing, sculpting and more. You all have shown what it means to be true Belmont Hill Students. Seniors, we hope you enjoy your special day with your friends, family, loved ones, and your Belmont Hill brothers. You all deserve it! It will be hard to say goodbye to the Class of 2026, and you all have left big shoes to fill for the rest of us. So, to the Class of 2026, thank you and congratulations! ☐
Four Decades of Dedication: Honoring Mr. McAlpin
By Sam Leviton ’28 Panel Staff
In 1986, Mr. McAlpin set foot on campus to begin what would become 40 years of dedicated service to the Belmont Hill community. After graduating from Oberlin, Mr. McAlpin worked as an exploration geologist in the Michigan, Appalachian, and Illinois basins exploring for hydrocarbons. After his geological work and a multi-month trip around the world, h decided to settle down and begin teaching. He joined the science department at Belmont Hill and has never left. In his early years at Belmont Hill, Mr. McAlpin lived on campus with his wife, Sally, and, eventually, his three children, two of whom graduated from Belmont Hill.
Mr. McAlpin has taught a variety of classes on campus, including environmental science, geology, astronomy, and biology. Mr. McAlpin pioneered AP Environ-
Look Inside The Panel
Page 2-4: Departing Faculty
Sam Leviton ’28, Cooper Schuldt ’28, Tiernan Emmert ’28, Jack Good ’27, and Joe Burns ’28 recount the significant impact that Mr. McAlpin, Mr. Bounty, Mr. Holland ’05, and Ms. Wallace have had on the Belmont Hill community.
Page 6-7: Prize Day Lists
The centerspread highlights the Belmont Hill students who won an award at Prize Day at Commencement. The list truly shows the talented nature of the student body.
Page 8: Throw Back to 2007-2008 Music
Pierce Courtney ’28 delves into three iconic albums produced in 2007 and 2008, the years that most students in the Class of ’26 were born! The three influencial albums are Oracular Spectacular, In Rainbows and Graduation
Page 11: Senior Coaches
Will Greenhill ’28 discusses the important roles of Senior coaches on Middle School Baseball and Crew teams, in which the Seniors mentor their younger Belmont Hill brothers.
mental Science at Belmont Hill, founding the course for students with a specific interest in environmental science. Eventually, Mr. McAlpin transitioned to teaching Form III Environmental Science, having the opportunity to teach every Form III student for half of the year. In his own words, Mr. McAlpin would “pinch hit” for certain biology classes when necessary, but chemistry was never his strong suit. Mr. McAlpin expressed his appreciation for the geology courses he taught, specifically noting that he enjoyed watching kids who thought they weren’t “science kids” become interested in science. Committed to sustainability, Mr. McAlpin served as founding faculty advisor for the BH Sustainability Club and advocated regularly to the school's administration and board for sustainability initiatives. Within the Town of Belmont, he served as vice-chairman of Sustainable Belmont, a local sustainability advocacy group. See FACULTY page 2
Letter From the Editor
Welcome to Issue 2 of Volume 75! This issue marks the final one of the year as our special commencement edition. Our news and arts sections spot light the graduating senior class of 2026, numerous departing faculty members, notable musical performances, and much more. Our sports section features Dylan Casillo ’26 as our Athlete of the Issue and articles focusing on the accomplishments of the Belmont Hill Robotics and Drone teams as well as major championship wins from various BH spring teams. In this issue’s centerspread, we’ve compiled a list of all of this
year’s prize winners who were honored on Prize Day and Commencement, while the back-page features the college destinations of the 2026 senior class. We’d like to thank all of the writers, editors, faculty, and staff who helped make this final issue of the year possible. Special thanks to the graduating members of The Panel, who have mentored the new staff writers and editors! We are proud to celebrate the hard work of the students and faculty in all areas of school life this past year. Lastly, we give a huge congratulations to the Class of ’26! We hope all readers enjoy this last issue!
Mr. McAlpin’s Retirement Celebration Alumni Office
Continued from front page... Mr. McAlpin’s impact on Belmont Hill reverberates far beyond his role in the classroom. In his first 10 years at Belmont Hill, he served as faculty advisor for the school’s publications, including The Panel and The Sextant . As coach for the Form I and Form II baseball teams for most of his time at Belmont Hill, he helped improve the skills of generations of young baseball players while building close relationships with the athletes. Also, in his early years living on campus, Mr. McAlpin served as a faculty advisor in the dorms. For nearly two decades, Mr. McAlpin has served informally as the the Island School’s ambassador, encouraging BH students to branch out and experience the immersive marine program, which both of Mr. McAlpin’s sons attended.
During his four decades of service, Mr. McAlpin's favorite Belmont Hill memory occured in one of his first few years when he took a painting class with BH students during his free block. He remarked on how much he enjoyed the painting, and how much fun it was to “struggle alongside the students.”
When asked how Belmont Hill
had impacted Mr. McAlpin, his answer was distinct: “I’ve been here between the ages of 30 and 70. I have been here for countless milestones, and what really sticks is that I’ve been here, with Belmont Hill, for it all.” Mr. McAlpin explained that the community has always emphasized kindness during his time at the school. He said “I think that BH has taught me a lot about how to go about every interaction with kindness as the goal.”
Mr. McAlpin also emphasized the importance of the relationships he formed at BH: “The sense of relationships. Student and faculty relationships. It’s really been about the relationships for me.”
One Belmont Hill faculty member who taught alongside Mr. McAlpin described him as “affable, dignified, and motivated.” A current BH student who took Form III Environmental Science with Mr. McAlpin remarked,
“The class was great, but what really resonated with me was the way Mr. McAlpin worked with us. He really emphasizes creating relationships with all the students he taught, and that’s a really nice thing to have in a teacher.”
As Mr. McAlpin wraps up his 40th year at Belmont Hill, he is looking forward to spending a little more time relaxing, getting back into painting, spending time with his grandchildren, and writing songs. Mr. McAlpin is a big songwriter and has written hundreds of songs. In the coming years, he hopes to write songs that reach the radio.
Over the last 40 years, Mr. McAlpin has made a remarkable impact on the Belmont Hill community. Whether it be inspiring young minds to explore the impact they have on the environment, forming close relationships with students and faculty alike, or helping develop countless middle-school baseball players, Mr. McAlpin has had a major impact on Belmont Hill, and his presence will be missed. The entire Belmont Hill community wishes Mr. McAlpin luck in his next chapter, whether it be exploring nature, spending time with his family, or writing songs. ☐
Mr. Bounty Retires After 16 Years at BH
By Cooper Schuldt ’28 Panel Staff
After 16 years as Belmont Hill’s Chief Financial Officer and Director of Operations, where he was responsible for school finances and operational oversight, Mr. Jay Bounty will retire this June. Mr. Bounty has worked for decades in accounting and finance at institutions such as Price Waterhouse and Harvard, where his primary focus was financial reporting and administrative services. Eventually, he found his way to Belmont Hill and has stayed here since.
At Belmont Hill, Mr. Bounty has served a broader role, managing accounting, finance, facilities, information technology, and the dining department. He has a team of managers who report to him, and he spends a lot of time with them working on their goals and projects. Additionally, he meets with the Head of School, the administration team, and the Board of Trustees
to work on long-term financial strategy and goals. When asked about his job, he mentioned, “Some days I’m not really sure exactly what’s going to be on the agenda. But that’s what makes the
Melvoin Academic Center, which honors Dr. Melvoin’s legacy, and expanding the Hamilton Chapel, which students and faculty get to experience every week. Recently, he has helped develop the east
job fun, not really knowing what’s coming next.” It is part of the reason he says his 16 years have felt like 16 months.
Some of the projects Mr. Bounty is most proud of are helping create the
campus, adding a new parking lot and a new facilities building, and helping shape the vision for a new dining hall.
Mr. Bounty also does a lot of work behind the scenes with the school’s finances.
When asked about what makes Belmont Hill special, Mr. Bounty mentioned the people: “It’s the faculty and staff. It’s the community. But most importantly, it’s the boys. I just really enjoyed the environment, and I seem to have thrived here.” He enjoys working at Belmont Hill and engaging with the community by attending games and school events. Looking back, he said he came to appreciate the community even more over time, and it is one of the things that he will remember most as he begins his next chapter. His successor, Mr. Jonathan Douglas, will begin his work with the school in July, and Mr. Bounty believes he will do well. Thanks to Mr. Bounty’s hard work over the years, the School is in a great financial position, and it is clear that he has achieved his goal of leaving Belmont Hill better than he found it. The Panel wishes him the best of luck in his retirement, and we hope he remains a part of the Belmont Hill community. ☐
Mr. Holland ’05 Departs From Belmont Hill
By Tiernan Emmert ’28 Panel Staff
At the end of the 2025-2026 academic year, Mr. Holland ’05 will be moving on from Belmont Hill to join the faculty at BB&N. Since joining the faculty in 2009 after graduating from Amherst, Mr. Holland has worked in admissions, taught history, and coached varsity soccer, making a significant impact on students and players alike. A Belmont Hill alum himself, Mr. Holland has always had a special connection to this school, and it has shown in everything he has done here.
In Mr. Holland’s first years at Belmont Hill, he worked in the admissions department, eventually becoming the Associate Director of Admissions. After more than a decade in admissions, Mr. Holland made the switch to the history department, where he taught History I, Facing History, and AP Human Geography, courses that got students thinking about the past and how it relates to the world today. Former students have described Mr. Holland’s class as “engaging and exciting.” Mr. Holland has
a way of making history feel interesting and important, and for many students, he is the first person they go to with questions about history or writing.
A former captain of Belmont Hill’s varsity soccer team, Coach Holland spent 17 years as an assistant coach alongside Señor Montoya, leaving a significant impact on his players. Senior and 4-year Varsity soccer player Adonai Samuel reflected on how “Coach taught
us how to become a family more than just a team. A big reason for our success this year is all the work he did in years prior, and letting the players run the show. Mr. Holland was also always there to talk to us about any problems we had in the classroom or on the field if we ever needed advice.” This shows how Mr. Holland pushed his players to work hard and held the team to a high standard every season. Max Christiano ’28 said, “I can not overstate how much Coach Holland did for me both as a soccer player and young man. His dedication to making sure everyone felt heard is what makes him special.”
As an alum, he knew what it was like to be a student here, which enabled him to connect with students and players in a way that not many teachers can. Asked for his favorite memory of Holland, Mr. Bracken ’15, who has both played for him and coached with him, recalled: “Before our game against Brooks in 2021, when Brooks was the best team in the league and we were midtable, Mr. Holland gave an inspirational pre-game speech to the boys about his experience playing in high school against Charlie
Davies and an incredible Brooks team, and how our team had everything in its hands and just needed to go out and play our game with no pressure. We won 3-2, under the lights on their parents’ weekend, even with our best forward out for most of the game with a concussion.”
Though departing Belmont Hill’s varsity squad, Mr. Holland is not leaving the world of varsity coaching, as he will now be the head coach of BB&N’s Varsity soccer team. “Mr. Holland is more than deserving of his job as head coach at BB&N. I am sad to see him go for all he has done for me on both campuses. I wish him the best of luck,” said Tiernan Emmert ’28. In the upcoming fall, Mr. Holland will inaugurate his BB&N coaching career with a home opener under the lights against his alma mater, Belmont Hill. It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Mr. Holland this spring. From the classroom to the soccer pitch, he gave a lot to this school, and Belmont Hill will miss him greatly. The Panel wishes him the best at BB&N and thanks him for all his contributions on the Hill. Thank you, Mr. Holland. ☐
Mr. McAlpin celebrating his retirement With Garrett Hatton ’05 Alumni Office
Mr. Bounty celebrating his retirement
Alumni Office
Mr. Holland ’05
Ms. Wallace Departs From Belmont Hill
By Jack Good ’27 and Joe Burns ’28 Panel Staff
Teacher, coach, advisor, and so much more, Ms. Wallace is departing after four years at Belmont Hill. Since arriving on campus in 2022, Ms. Wallace has been a positive influence on every aspect of the Belmont Hill community. She has taught 9th-, 10th-, and 11th-grade English, including Advanced English for upperclassmen; assisted and coached varsity alpine skiing and 9th-grade soccer; advised The Panel ; and co-led Belmont Hill’s Advanced Action Research program.
Within her first few years at Belmont Hill, Ms. Wallace established the highly regarded free reading program, reserving 10 minutes before every English class for students to sit, relax, and read. According to Will Greenhill ’28, “Having 10 minutes at the start of every class to just relax and dive into a book was both soothing and rewarding. Being able to pick what you read and then spend the next couple of months chipping away at the goal of finishing your book helped develop a sense of commitment, and finishing the process with a book talk shared with your classmates was a perfect way to wrap up the reading journey.” In Ms. Wallace’s 4 years at Belmont Hill, despite her reputation as a strict grader, she has become known to many kids as one of the best teachers at the school and, to many of them, the best person to come to with any writing questions. As Elan Libman ’28 says, “It’s a hard class, but it forces you to im -
prove… and that’s something that really helps in the long-term.” As a teacher, her classes have been described as fun, engaging, challenging, and unbelievably beneficial for every student. Students who have been in Ms. Wallace’s class for two consecutive years report that they have improved the most in her class.
In the AAR program, Ms. Wallace has helped Dr. Tift lead groups of juniors in finding problems in our
2026-2027 School President
By Ryan Ho ’28 Panel Staff
As the class of ’26 graduates and departs from Belmont Hill, the senior class looked to pass on leadership in the Senate. In April, Form V gathered and elected Charlie Rubel ’27 as School President for the 2026-2027 school year. He takes over the reins from outgoing president Grant Hanser ’26, whose tenure brought curiosity, school spirit, and his great organizational skills to the role, leaving a lasting mark on student life. A Carlisle, MA native who entered Belmont Hill in Form III, Charlie has distinguished himself in many ways at Belmont Hill. In addition to student government (where he was Form V President), he leads the Injury Group, an Upper School support group for students suffering from significant physical injuries. He also participates regularly in Community Service Club activities.
On the athletics side, Charlie plays Varsity Football in the fall and shortstop on the Varsity Baseball team and for the NEB Jays. Instrumental in the team’s tremendous season, (19-4, 1st place in ISL during the regular season), he batted in three runs in a recent game against Winchendon School. Charlie aims to further build up the already strong school culture. In his introductory speech, he said, “Because of the love I have for this school, I really want everyone to know that I am both excited and eager to do whatever it takes to make sure I can at least make one person’s journey at Belmont Hill enjoyable.” Charlie wants all Belmont Hill boys to understand what makes Belmont Hill such a special place and understands the importance of making sure every boy enjoys his experience.
On Tuesday, Charlie had already begun making moves as class president. During one of the hottest days this year, Charlie brought in a shaved-ice truck and served shaved-ice to the whole school. The line was packed. Almost 100 kids waited for their opportunity to grab shaved-ice. The opportunity to have a cold treat during a hot and stressful day allowed many students to relax and take a break during exam review week. In his inaugural speech, Charlie spoke of lessons he’d learned from the three previous school presidents (Luke Travaglini ’24, Alex Laidlaw ’25, and Grant Hanser ’26), noting “[Luke Travaglini] made Friday Forums something I looked forward to, and I want to do the same.”
Charlie’s first Friday forum of his presidency solicited student advice on studying for exams and an epic multi-form Rubik’s Cube competition that was enjoyed by all. Congratulations to Charlie on his election. The Panel wishes him the best of luck for the year to come! ☐
The Panel in the same way. As co-head of The Panel with Ms. Zener, Ms. Wallace is always at every meeting, keeping people focused and making it an enjoyable place to work, and she continues to inspire new authors in every issue. On the slopes of alpine skiing, Ms. Wallace was ever-present, getting bibs out, setting up food with the parents, and cheering for each boy as he raced down the mountain. Last but not least, Ms. Wallace has helped lead Summit Scholars, teaching young boys from families with demonstrated financial need during this yearlong Saturday program.
school and solving them, culminating in a trip to UPenn to give a speech in front of five other schools and a chapel talk to the entire upper school. Students who have been members of the AAR program agree that Ms. Wallace’s involvement (and leadership during Dr. Tift’s sabbatical year) significantly contributed to the students’ success in their UPenn and Chapel presentations. Ms. Wallace has also helped out with
Ms. Wallace will continue to teach English at the prestigious 450-year-old Harrow boarding school in England, where Winston Churchill delivered his famous “Never Give In, Never, Never, Never” speech during World War II. Notable alumni include: King Hussein of Jordan; both Kings of Iraq, Ghazi I and his son Faisal II; the current Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani; and Ali bin Hamud of Zanzibar. The Harrow School, like Belmont Hill, is an all-boys school that requires all students to dress formally. It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Ms. Wallace and extend our sincere thanks for everything she has done. Ms. Wallace wants to let the boys know that “I have loved Belmont Hill’s culture of hard work, pride, and excellence, and I will miss working with the boys and my colleagues here!” Thank you, and we wish you the best at Harrow, Ms. Wallace! ☐
Earth Day Chapel Speaker
By Kai McCallum ’28 Panel Staff
In an age of the ever-pressing concerns about ecosystem conservation, the Belmont Hill community gathered to celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd with a Chapel talk from Jim McCarthy ’90. McCarthy has devoted his life to restoring and rejuvenating valuable ecosystems. Mr. McCarthy works for WaterWatch, an organization that removes dams that disrupt the natural environment in the Rogue Valley region of southwestern Oregon. Before he began working for WaterWatch in 2012, he worked as an independent consultant for clients such as Earthjustice, Oregon Wild, and other environmental organizations. The April 23rd Chapel was the second Belmont Hill event featuring Mr. McCarthy ’90. The night before, he presented at the annual Conversations in Science Symposium, organized by Mr. McAlpin. Open to educators of all local schools, public and private, the symposium embodies collaboration.
Fish populations, especially native salmon species, migrate up and down the coast every year to lay eggs before returning to Oregon to live in colder water for the remainder of the year. The warmer climate, changes in water flow, and sediment movement can disrupt salmon populations, leading to fewer fish in the area. When foundations like WaterWatch remove abandoned dams, salmon regain access to breeding grounds, rivers become colder, migration becomes easier, and ecosystems recover faster. His work has helped restore countless river ecosystems and sea creature populations that are important to Oregon’s ecological location. In his talk, Mr. McCarthy discussed dam-removal
Dam-removal
McCarthy Slide Deck processes in Massachusetts and the steps we can take to support local ecosystems. For example, in 2025 Massachusetts removed 11 abandoned dams, the second-highest number of dams removed in the US that year. Massachusetts also has the third-highest number of abandoned dams in the country. All of these artificial dams disrupt the natural environment. At the end of the Chapel presentation, he made a pitch to students about the wide variety of jobs available in the field of conservation. These efforts require lawyers, engineers, archaeologists, government relations specialists, and more. Allowing the audience to see all the jobs involved in removing dams helped demonstrate the diverse set of skills required to restore the environment. In the coming years, Mr. McCarthy aims to continue removing abandoned dams in Oregon and conserving vital ecosystems along the Pacific Northwest. This year’s Earth Day was a special one, and Mr. McCarthy’s stories showed us a pathway forward to ecosystem preservation. Thank you to Sustainability Coordinator Mr. Sullivan ‘07 and Mr. McAlpin for bringing him to campus. ☐
Ms. Wallace
Belmont Hill Communications
Charlie Rubel ’27 BH Communications
A Poetry Fest to Remember
By Shea McDonnell ’28 Panel Staff
By all metrics, this year’s Belmont Hill Poetry Fest was impressive. Twelve finalists performed this year, from Form I all the way up to Form V; each chose a remarkably varied assortment of poems, which, all in all, made for an enjoyable festival. From a range of old classics to some surprising selections, each student clearly put a good deal of effort into preparing for the day. The panel of judges then had to make an incredibly difficult decision: choosing the winners from such a talented group. At the end of the day, four students were awarded a Distinctive Recitation: Alex Chen ’27, Max Bushey ’29, Krish Chandar ’29, and Finn Davis ’29. Congratulations to all. Representing Form V were Alex Chen and Jake Ma. Chen’s spoken-word choice, “Anonymous” by Luka Lesson, was modern and powerful; a selection he performed with utmost fluidity. Ma offered a reading that is classic by any standard: a passage from Virgil’s The Aeneid in John Dryden’s translation. Form IV also boasted two strong performances: Andrew Agular recited a lesser-known Edgar Allen Poe poem, “For Annie,” a pleasant shift from Poe’s typical dark, macabre themes; Will Greenhill opted for a unique approach, performing “DeAnn’s Denim” by singer Zach Bryan, with lyrics that turned out to suit the contest well. If one form stood out above all else at
this year’s festival, it would have to be Form III, whose students grabbed three out of the four Distinctive Recitation awards. Max Bushey performed “Dulce et Decorum Est,” a challenging World War I poem by Wilfred Owen that has a long and prominent history; Bushey performed it effectively. Krish Chandar selected “Unashamed,” by Harry Baker, a rhythm-driven spoken-word piece requiring a precise, rhythmic performer. Finn Davis performed the incredibly long and fast-paced poem “Paul Revere’s Ride” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, which he carried off with aplomb.
Tadhg O’Sullivan ’29 closed out the group with “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, another dramatic war poem that he performed with much zeal. Forms II and I also had great performances. Yafet Alemseged ’29 performed the always poignant sonnet “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley. John Brady ’30 took the most iconic of all Henry V’s speeches, St. Crispin’s Day, and made it feel genuine by delivering it with heart. Representing Form I was Jeb Strohacker ’31, who chose “The Heart of the Tree,” by Henry Cuyler Bunner, followed by Ryan Connors with “The End of the Visit,” by David Woo. The 2026 Poetry Festival was truly engaging and rewarding. It is always exciting to see such passion for poetry among students across all forms at Belmont Hill, especially in those who courageously present before the whole school. ☐
’26 Senior Talent Show
By Tyler Grossman ’27 Panel Staff
On Tuesday, May 12th, the Belmont Hill community met in the chapel for a Senior Talent Show for the ages. The show started with an incredibly impressive performance by Will Henniger ’26, who wowed the crowd by naming every Super Bowl champion in history. Will named every winner from the Green Bay Packers in 1966 to the Seattle Seahawks in 2026, with little hesitation. After Will’s spectacular performance, Brandon Li ’26 and Jai Somani ’26 performed for the crowd with a brilliant rendition of the well-known "Pink Panther Theme" by Henry Mancini. The performance was excellent, capturing the audience’s attention as students and faculty alike clapped along. Following the duet, Nick “Moose” Fuimara ’26 attempted a challenge where he was blindfolded and given hamburgers from five different restaurants: Kelly’s Roast Beef, Shake Shack, Wendy’s, Five Guys, and McDonald’s. After touching, taking bites, and sniffing the different burgers, he tried to guess where each was from. Nick went 2-for-5 in the challenge, correctly naming the Kelly’s Roast Beef and Five Guys
burgers. Nick’s attempt to decipher the burgers had the audience on their toes, with an exceptional sound of laughter. This talent was a fan favorite, and many hope it returns again next year. Once the stage was cleared of the burgers, the song “Clarity” by Zedd came over the chapel speakers, and the students fell silent. Patrick Woods ’26 and JJ Thibodeau ’26 took the stage to attempt the world record egg toss. With Thibedeau tossing from the rafters of the chapel and Woods down on the stage, to catch the egg, they completed the toss right on the beat drop. The crowd in the Chapel erupted, with cheers from every seat in the building, even without a world record mark. To close the show, Cam Kelley ’26 serenaded the crowd with a beautiful solo vocal performance of the song "I Want It That Way" by the Backstreet Boys. Cam also got the crowd involved by getting everyone to sing along during the chorus, and many clapped along to the beat. It will be incredibly difficult for the class of 2027 to top this talent show, but everyone is eagerly awaiting next year’s edition! The Panel would like to congratulate all the performers on an incredibly impressive, entertaining, and humorous performance! ☐
Ms. Bradley’s Future Steps
By Sean Park ’28 Panel Staff
Art takes time. Good art takes even more time. In the modern world, many artists have to make compromises between spending time making art and taking care of other business, such as their jobs. The solution many choose is becoming an art teacher, but that can still take away from creating art. An integral member of the arts department at Belmont Hill since 2022, Ms. Bradley continues to develop as an artist and, beginning in the fall of 2026, she will shift to teaching part-time at Belmont Hill.
For Ms. Bradley, “it can be hard to gather the energy to work on [her] own pieces after [she gets] home from a full day at Belmont Hill.”
(selfishly) that my pursuing my own art can help students realize that art can be a valuable path that is worth following.”
Ms. Bradley wants to dedicate more time to making her own art, and she is excited about the greater number of “unknowns” that come with committing to art professionally, rather than the more stable life of full-time teaching. In the words of Ms. Bradley, “It was really difficult to make that decision, but I tried to give myself the same advice and support that I would give to one of my students if they were in the same position. I hope
Ms. Bradley knows it will be difficult, and that there will be much less certainty, but she remains optimistic despite these concerns. One student in Ms. Bradley’s class described it as “a really amazing space to feel comfortable working on my art.” Each painting she creates allows her to follow her dream, and she just needs more time and freedom. She says, “I think I would regret it if I didn’t try it.” Nevertheless, Ms. Bradley isn’t leaving the Belmont Hill community; she will still be around on campus for a while. She is transitioning to a future as a full-time artist. When asked for a statement about art for the students, Ms. Bradley replied: “I will just say that art is something you can do your whole life if you’re lucky enough to pursue it. What you create creates you – I didn’t come up with that idea by any means – but I really believe it. I know that I will always be making things, big or small, and the form it takes or materials I use will always be changing, and I think that’s kind of cool.” We look forward to welcoming her back in the fall and following her ongoing artistic journey. ☐
Senior Assassin Takes Over
By Liam MacLean ’27 Panel Staff
Directed by the Form V Senate, the Senior Assassin Game returned to Belmont Hill this spring. The tradition is an activity that the senior class looks forward to as they enter their final semester on the Hill. The game is a last-man-standing water gun battle with an optional buy-in, beginning mid-April once the weather has warmed up. On April 13th, William Skordos ’27, Rylan Flynn ’27, David Robinson 27 and Charlie Rubel ’27 released the first round of assassin targets, and the game commenced. As tracked via the event's Instagram account, the first day began with three eliminations, as Tiago Matos ’26, Finn Kilbride ’26, and Nick Fiumara ’26 fell to their respective assassins. Targets continued to be carried out, whether through car drive-bys, secret betrayals, or cornering at work. As the pool dwindled, those few committed to the game would be seen with their squirt gun of choice on hand at all times. Assassinations were, of course, off
limits during school hours; however, one rule, enacted by the Form V representatives, kept players on their feet: the purge, a period of unrestricted targeting on campus, that claimed eight victims its first time around. The second round, offering new targets, began on April 26th, and two fell that day: Jack Dragoumanos ’26 and Sam Lawrence ’26. After Adonai Samuel ’26 and Cam Kelley ’26 found and took down their targets in the early days of May, a strong final four remained. Ultimately, Polo Brice ’26 emerged on top of the pack as he took down his target, Cam Kelly, and claimed victory in this year’s rendition of Senior Assassin. The tradition brought a competitive environment that increased tensions between seniors, yet made the graduating class come closer together in their final weeks remaining on the hill. For non-seniors, it was exciting to watch the games play out. With thanks to the Form V representatives for organizing such a successful game, we hope it returns in full force for the rising seniors next spring. ☐
Nick Fiumara's ’ 26 BH Communications
Poetry Fest BH Communications
Senior Assassin David Robinson ’ 27
Ms. Bradley BH Communications
Landau Gallery Deep Dive: Martin Mugar ’67
By Jack Good ’27 Panel Staff
On April 22nd, 2026, a new artist and his works were set up in the Landau Gallery. Martin Mugar graduated from Belmont Hill in 1967, before attending Yale University from 1967 to 1971. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in art, he attended the Yale School of Art, earning a Master of Fine Arts. Following graduate school, Martin Muger ’67 taught art at the college level at several different schools, before deciding to pursue his own art as a priority. Painting more physical, representational art in his early years, he transitioned to abstractionism as he grew older. In creating a new type of abstract art known as ‘Zombie Abstractionalism’, Mugar summarizes his reasoning for the movement: “Zombie Modernism is Modernism without the authoritative stance of self-consciousness.”
Finding fault and wanting to express himself in a way that had not existed before, Mugar completely found -
ed his own style and would find great success in the artistic world. Believing many of the ideals that founded modernism and abstractionism are flawed, he stated that religion and society warped modernism to create something that was not true to its origin. In the following years, Mugar moved far from any sort of representational art, deeming
that any recognizable forms in any art would move away from what he wanted. Each day, his works grew more complex and subtle, creating canvases layered with paint that needed to fully dry before a new layer could be applied, with each work taking months to complete.
Inspired by Buddhist culture and art, Mugar continued pursuing ‘Zombie Ab -
stractionalism’, creating several works that embodied his ideology perfectly. His works have perplexed many students by the ideas they express. Students have stated that his work does seem to represent something for them. One student pointed out what looks like letters or symbols of the Greek alphabet, believing the work to be an ironic representation of modern censorship, or a representation of the cluttered mess that social media and modern society have on the world. Upon first glance, a piece from Mugar looks very chaotic and colorful, like an explosion of paint, but on further glances, one understands that it is actually the complete opposite. With each specific layer of paint, along with purposeful symbolism and shapes that remind a viewer of our own language, Mugar forces each viewer into an intricate mental dilemma, compiling pleasing visual images with difficult mental concepts, creating masterpieces. Mugar’s work continues to move people, inspiring new ideas in people who would have otherwise never thought that way. ☐
The Artist Of the Issue: Panos Gianoukos ’26
By Matthew Williams ’28 Panel Staff
Every time Panos Gianoukos ’26 clicks the shutter of his Sony DSLR camera, he captures not just a picture, but a memory forever protected and encapsulated. In his 9th-grade Photography I class, Panos discovered his love and appreciation for the subtle art of composing frames, setting shutter speed and aperture manually for every photo with his first film camera. Although he currently shoots digitally, his early years in analog photography helped him develop his current philosophy about taking photos: slowing down in every frame and focusing on quality over quantity. Since then, Panos has explored different subject matter and has come to focus on photographing his family’s culture and traditions. Still, he was able to narrow down his photography portfolio to focus on appreciating his family’s cultures and traditions. Panos says, “The overarching theme of my photography is my family, specifically, my Greek family, heritage, and culture. I try to encap -
sulate what it means to be Greek in my photos and what it means to have a connection with family, while embracing the very family style of Greek culture.” Although much has changed over the
ly grown back to and grown a stronger connection with photography [in these family moments], and that’s definitely something that I love.”
As Panos navigates a shoot, he
course of his photography career, such as moving from film to digital, Panos’s desire to capture moments of family tradition and bonding has always been a central focus of his work. This aspect of continuity has compounded his love for photography; Panos tells me, “I’ve real -
maintains the balance between being in the moment and locking in to compose his outstanding photographs, whether it’s out and about or at a dinner with his extended family. Ensuring that his subjects don’t react or notice his photography in action while keeping the
focus, ISO, shutter speed, and aperture settings correct can make his strain of photography particularly challenging. Nevertheless, Panos has developed a strategy of stealth in order to capture the realness of his photos, to preserve the authenticity of each moment, “I go to these [family dinners], I’ll bring my camera, really just trying to be in the moment. I really don’t like it when people know that I’m taking photos of them, so I tell everyone to just act normal and keep eating. Then, I’ll leave the room for a couple of minutes, and then sneak back in quietly and see if I can really get some really raw photos. So a lot of it’s on the go, just like moving around that space.” By diving deep into his own photography career, Panos came to appreciate not only the subtlety of creating everlasting images but also his heritage and Greek culture. Panos’ career as a photographer is marked by his work portraying Greek culture and his family tradition, providing the Belmont Hill community with a powerful example of how students can appreciate their own culture and heritage through the arts. ☐
Spoken Word Poetry: Taylor Mali in the Chapel
By Billy Palumbo ’28 & Tiernan Emmert ’28 Panel Staff
Taylor Mali, one of the most well-known spoken-word poets in the country, recently came to Belmont Hill to share his work with the student body. A four-time National Poetry Slam champion, Mali has spent much of his career writing and performing poems that defend the teaching profession. For many students at Belmont Hill, his visit was their first real experience with spoken word poetry, and one they will not forget anytime soon. Mali started off with some lighter poems that got the crowd laughing and loose pretty quickly. He has a very natural stage presence and knows how to work a room, which made the whole performance feel more like a conversation than a typical Chapel. The mood shifted when he got into his most famous poem, “What Teachers Make.” The poem began with a real situation in
which someone at a dinner party questioned why anyone would want to be a teacher, and Mali wrote it as a direct response. He builds it up slowly, and by the end of it, he is basically shouting, and the whole room was locked in.
“What Teachers Make” is different from most things you hear in a school setting. Mali is not trying to be subtle about his message. He thinks teachers are some of the most important and underappreciated people in the world, and he says it in a way that is hard to argue with. At a school like Belmont Hill, where the relationship between students and faculty is a big part of the experience, it felt
like the right poem for the right place. What also made the visit stand out was that Mali did not just perform and leave. In between poems, he talked about his own story, how he used to be a teacher himself before he started performing full-time, and how he uses poetry to keep advocating for education. He also talked about how spoken word is different from the poetry most of us read in English class, and he made it seem a lot more approachable than what most people initially thought going in. For a lot of students, both in Belmont Hill and outside, spoken-word poetry is not something they think
about much outside of class. Mali’s visit changed that. He showed that poetry does not have to feel distant or academic; it can be loud, funny, and serious all at once. He had the whole room paying attention, which is pretty impressive in itself during these school events. According to one of this year’s Poetry Fest winners, Alex Chen ’27, “His enthusiasm for poetry was infectious, and getting to hear from such an accomplished slam poet while working on my own slam performance made his visit particularly impactful for me. I hope the school continues bringing in speakers to get boys excited about Poetry Fest in the future.” Taylor Mali came to Belmont Hill with just a microphone and a handful of poems, but he left a bigger impression than most visitors do. His message about teachers and the work they do every day was one that stuck with a lot of people in that room, and “What Teachers Make” is a poem that is hard to get out of your head once you have heard it performed the right way. ☐
Students Viewing Mugar’s works in the gallery
Jack Good ’27
Family at Dinner
Panos Gianoukos ’26
Taylor Mali Jim Campos
Extracuriculars & Arts
B Flats Music Awards
Instrumental Music Prize
Ensemble Award
Diversity Leadership Award
Woodbury Public Speaking Prize
Hayden G. Coon Drama Prize
Paul J. Zofnass ’65 Environmental Award
Hampers Lyceum Award
Edward M. Burt Community Service Award
Jackson Bartlett, Alex Black, Trey Clayton, S. Albert Hanser, Griffin Vail
Timothy Snail, Jaiden Lee
Thomas Danahy, S. Albert Hanser, Cotter Healey, Jaiden Lee, Brandon Li, Jayden Lotin, John Pena, Timothy Snail, Ethan Xie, Nathan Zhang
Alex Black, Marcus Griffin, Marc Tyler Jarvis, Justin Li, Charles Maws, Jack Ramanathan
Chibudom Ezeani (Fall), Chinweikem Anyanwu (Spring)
William Achtmeyer, Boston Ezedi
Thomas Danahy, Alex Black
William Achtmeyer, Jackson Hurd, Jack Ramanathan
William Achtmeyer, Rylan Dean, Rylan Flynn, Evan Gerber, Tyler Grossman, Michael Hadley, S. Albert Hanser, Cotter Healey, Jack Daley Demerle, Colton Jacobs, Marc Tyler Jarvis, Nicholas Jones, Luca Kaluski, Jaiden Lee, Samuel Leviton, Liam MacLean, Riley Marth, Scott Moreau, Patrick Nolan, Jack Ramanathan, Dante Román, Babikir Saeed, Evan Santasky, William Skordos, Tyler Smith, Patrick Snail, William Trautz, Declan Woolbert
Max Warburg Community Service Award Timothy Snail
Global Citizenship Award Eli Norden
Alexander Isaac
Angelo Togneri Art Prize
Thomas Photography Prize Felix Krockmalnic
Vocal Music Prize
Panel Carving Prize
Kenneth M. Martin ’65 Sportsmanship Award
Red and Blue Key Society
Darren D. Gallup Three Sport Athlete Award
Charles F. Kenney ’06 Prize
Independent School League Award of Excellence
Maureen O’Donnell Book Award
Athletics
Zachary Park
Timothy Snail
Trey Clayton
William Devens, Eliot Fritz, Mason Iandiorio, Kyle Kokoura, Kenneth Largess, Charles Maws, Benjamin Mazur, Scott Moreau, Brian Murphy, Owen Popkowski-Smith, Samuel Leviton, Connor Woods, Michael Zapach
Christopher Batchelder, Dylan Casillo, John Coughlin, Fitz Courtney, Nicholas Fiumara, Eita Fuse, Nicholas Jones, Cameron Kelley, Kenneth Largess, Timothy Snail, Giacomo Turco
Cameron Kelley
Nicholas Fiumara
Classics
Alexander Chen, Thomas Egan, Ryan Li, Jake Ma, Morgan Rich, David Robinson, Beckett Britt-Webb, Declan Woolbert, Ryan Ho, Johannes Eikeboom
Jared Waterbury Scudder Latin Prize Beckett Britt-Webb, Morgan Rich
Modern Language
Spanish Prize Andrew Sousa
French Prize William Sandor
Raymund A. Kathe Prize (Asian Studies)
Downes History Prize
Form IV History Prize
History
Patrick Nolan
Eita Fuse, Jaiden Lee
Samuel Leviton, Ryan Li
Middle School
Middle School Public Speaking Prize Tadhg O’Sullivan
Prospector Prize Tadhg O’Sullivan
Middle School Drama Award
Mathematics
English
Upper School
Senior Awards
Form I - Jack Baker, Ryan Connors, Mackie Grant, Maxwell Kishlanksy, Kyle Kokoura, James Strohacker Form II - Luke Lowrey, Evan Gerber, Jack Grossman, Lingyun Xu-Sun, Austin Hornbuckle, Stephen Azzun, William Hastings
Form III - Arinzechukwu Anasiudu, Blake Carr, Milo Davis, Zachary Lim, Yaseen Saeed, Evan Santasky, Brian Tang, Julian Zug
Throw Back To 2007-2008: Popular Music Review
By Pierce Courtney ’28 Panel Staff
In honor of this year’s graduating seniors, I decided to revisit and review some of the most influential albums released in 2007 and 2008, the years when many members of the Class of 2026 were born. From the psychedelic dream pop of MGMT’s Oracular Spectacular to the experimentation of Radiohead’s In Rainbows and the iconic verses of Kanye West’s Graduation , these albums defined the musical landscape our seniors were born into.
In 2007, two liberal arts college students from Wesleyan College released a set of experimental songs meant to mimic and parody the decade’s most mainstream pop trends. That project became Oracular Spectacular , MGMT’s breakout debut album. The sound on songs like “Time to Pretend” is euphoric and celebratory, but a deeper dive into the lyrics reveals the group’s true analysis of what it means to be a “rock star.” MGMT peels back the glamorous image of fame, exposing it as hollow and self-destructive through songs like “The Handshake,” further building the commentary. Overall, this album is surprisingly layered for two college kids’ tongue-in-cheek mimicry of pop stardom: it’s both a celebration and a critique of the very culture it imitates.
Also released in 2007, Kanye West’s Graduation marked a turning point in hip-hop, arriving just after the dominant 80’s and 90’s “gangsta rap” era that was largely defined by gritty storytelling and minimalist beats. As the 2000s pro -
gressed, hip-hop began to diversify, with Graduation at the forefront of the genre’s sound, moving toward a more pop-synth approach. Rather than sticking to traditional rap structures, West combined pop music with rap in what feels like a fusion product, where the quality of the beats and production mattered just as much as the verses. Tracks like “Stronger” and “Flashing Lights” best reflect
The Spring Concert Review
By Ryan Li ’28 Panel Staff
On Tuesday, May 12th, the Belmont Hill community gathered in the Chapel to watch the Spring Concert, featuring multiple music groups across a multitude of genres. The Orchestra played first, opening with Tchaikovsky’s "1812 Overture," an elegant performance that recalled the 1812 War against Napoleon. The music featured both slow, moving sections and fast-paced, exhilarating notes. They also performed an adaptation of “Treasure” by Bruno Mars, a song previously performed by the Jazz Band. In this rendition, the orchestra featured Henry Stewart ’31 on the drums, which added vibrancy to the song. Next up, the Middle School Jazz Band, played Henry Mancini’s “The Pink Panther,” which featured solos from each member of the group. This was followed by the Upper School Jazz Band’s rendition of “Walkin’ Shoes” by Gerry Mulligan, with solos from Ethan Xie ’26 on tenor saxophone, Brady Yoo ’28 on baritone saxophone, and Finn Davis ’29 on drums. A West Coast jazz piece, it had a different swing than traditional East Coast jazz. The Band next performed “Povo” by Freddie Hubbard, with soloists Roger Zhang ’29 on vibraphone, James Palumbo ’28 on trumpet, William Skordos ’27 on guitar, and TZ Snail ’26 on piano. Jazz Band ended their set with “Blues in Hoss Flat” by William Basie and Frank Foster, an upbeat swing piece. The song spotlighted performances by alto saxophone players Ryan Ho ’28, Benjamin Qin ’29, and Brandon Li ’26, and Pierce Courtney ’28 on guitar.
The B-Flats took the stage next, starting with a civil rights song “Lead
with Love” by Melanie Demore and solos from Zachary Park ’28, Pierce Morris ’28, Grant Hanser ’26, and Jackson Bartlett ’26. Jackson Bartlett sang “Stop This Train” by John Mayer, a nostalgic reflection on his time at Belmont Hill.
The B Flats’ culminated their set with an ensemble performance of “This Little Light,” a traditional folk song, led by Alex Black ’26, Grant Hanser ’26, and Jackson Bartlett ’26. The final group to take the stage was Middle School Rock Band, who played Mark Knopfler’s “Sultans of Swing” and "Free Bird" by Collins and Van Zant.
These two performances featured Arun Lenhart ’29 and Felix Krockmalnic ’29 on vocals, with Wes Wild ‘29 delivering two amazing, outstanding guitar solos, earning a standing ovation from the whole school with his over-the-head solo in "Free Bird."
As the school year comes to an end, The Panel would like to give a big thanks to Mr. Patterson and Mr. Fiori for their leadership in the music department, and the seniors, whose enthusiasm and musical gifts have contributed so much to Belmont Hill music over the years. ☐
Another striking shift in genre was Radiohead’s In Rainbows , which arrived at a time when the band’s sound was known for dense, electronic, experimental sound. In contrast, In Rainbows is far more intimate, built around strippeddown arrangements and a focus on emotional clarity rather than musical complexity. Songs like “Weird Fishes/ Arpeggi” and “Reckoner” showcase this balance, blending detailed instrumentation with some of the band’s most personal and vulnerable songwriting. This was Radiohead’s first release online, and they allowed fans to name their own price for a copy of the CD. In Rainbows maintains an experimental edge while still holding beautiful emotional weight.
this shift, blending genres in a way that felt futuristic at the time of this album’s release, combining rap with electronic influence, along with sampling of classic pop songs like Labi Siffre’s “My Song” on songs like West’s “I Wonder.” Overall, Graduation marks a turning point in hip-hop when the genre broke away from its traditional sound in favor of redefining its place in the mainstream.
Across 2007 and 2008, popular music experienced rapid transition, as genres loosened and blended in response to the rise of music sharing on the internet. These three albums approached their shifts differently, but moved away from rigid genre definition toward more experimental hybrid sounds. Whether through ironic synth-pop, electronic hip-hop fusion, or alternative rock, these records all redefined the mainstream in their own way. In some ways, that same willingness to experiment and challenge expectations mirrors the Class of 2026 itself. Like the music released around the time they were born, this class has grown under periods of constant change, balancing creativity with uncertainty. As they graduate, The Panel hopes that these albums serve as both soundtracks to an era and as a reflection of the curiosity that will carry the Class of 2026 into whatever comes next. ☐
The Spring Coffee House
By Pierce Courtney ’28 Panel Staff
On Friday, April 10th, the Spring Coffee House performance brought students, families, and teachers together for an exciting evening of live music. Hosted in the Kraft Theatre, performers took the stage to showcase a wide variety of musical styles and talents. Students performed songs ranging from Bob Dylan to Bruno Mars, while school headmaster Mr. Schneider also joined in with a performance of Randy Newman’s “Feels Like Home.”
A number of music groups performed as well, including the Upper School and Middle School rock bands, who both performed energetic sets, including a memorable tune from the Allman Brothers. Other memorable performances included a duet by Morgan Rich ’27 and Beckett Britt Webb ’27, who MC’ed the Coffee House with Zach Park ‘28, Ikem Anyanwu ’28, Alex Black ’26, and Trey Clayton ’26’s brilliant solos as members of the B-Flats group, along with a piano-saxophone duo with Brandon Li ’26 and TZ Snail ’26, and a sentimental performance of “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” by JJ Pena ’26.
This Coffee House was especially emotional and sentimental for the senior class, as it was one of their final opportunities to perform in front of their peers before graduation. After his final performance TZ Snail ’26 nostalgically shared that he has performed in every coffee house since 8th grade, reflecting on how much the event has meant to him over the past five years.
The seniors collectively thanked Mr. Fiori and Mr. Patterson for the con -
tinued encouragement and support, emphasizing the welcoming environment , which has helped them grow as musicians throughout their Belmont Hill careers. The Panel would like to congratulate all the performers and thank all of the students, faculty, and parents who came to support the Spring Coffeehouse! ☐
Playlist of popular music from 2007-2008
Jack Good ’27
B-Flats at the concert Adam Richins
Morgan Rich ’27 Jim Campos
BH Robotics and Drones Compete at Nationals
By Ryan Li ’28 Panel Staff
For the fourth year in a row, Belmont Hill traveled to the VEX World Championships, hosted this year in Saint Louis. At the championship, teams competed in a game called Push Back, which involved scoring blocks into horizontal tube-shaped goals. Each match is 2v2 and combines preprogrammed code and driver control, played on a 12ft by 12ft field. On the field, there are four goals, two long ones on the left and right sides, about a foot and a half above the ground, and two shorter goals in the middle, which are at a lower elevation. Ryan Chang-Wu ’27 describes, “It is very fast-paced and always keeps you on your toes.” The 2026 World Championships featured teams from over 60 countries, with the majority of teams from North America, but also many from China and Western Europe.
A typical VEX tournament features multiple phases. First, robots must be inspected to ensure they adhere to all the rules. Afterward, the matches begin. A random schedule is generated so that each team plays multiple matches throughout the day. Each win is worth two win points, each tie is worth one point, and a loss is worth zero points. Throughout the day, a ranking system is generated based on the number of win points. Afterward, alliances for elimination rounds are created. The first-ranked
team gets the first pick, and so on. After a 16-team bracket system, tournament winners are determined. Awards are also given to teams with clear documentation and descriptive interviews. Michael Guo ’30 describes, “It was very fun to participate in the tournament. I met so many people from all over the world. It was great to play with and against
teams from so many different places.”
This year, the upper school team Milk and Cookies placed 72nd in their division in the qualification rankings and secured a second interview, narrowly missing out on a judged award. In skills, which is a solo challenge focused on achieving a high score, they placed in the top 125 out of the entire tournament.
The middle school team Latin Long Block placed 68th in their division and 146th overall in skills. These teams mark Belmont Hill’s fifth and sixth teams to qualify for the VEX World Championships.
In mid-May, the Belmont Hill Drone Team headed to Detroit for its national championship. In a competition that featured teams across all 50 states, the BH team finished second overall, ranking among the best in each event. Additionally, they won the Diamond Award for their branding and refinement. The second drone team won the prestigious Video Presentation Champion for their dynamic team marketing video.
The tournament was part of a larger conference, the Xponential Drone conference, focused on AI, relations between government and industry, defense autonomy, air mobility, and maritime drones. Co-located with the Michigan Defense Expo, which was attended by 3,000 professionals in advanced manufacturing, the conference featured a vast number of individual drone booths. According to Adrian Chen ’28, “It was awesome. We saw so many different kinds of drones, all the way from the military to the commercial sector. It was a truly unique experience.”
The Panel congratulates the robotics and drones teams for their success this past year and wishes them good luck on their future competitions. Belmont Hill looks forward to seeing what the teams will accomplish next year. ☐
Spring Accomplishments and ISL Championships
By Sam Norden ’28 Panel Staff
With the Spring season now over, Belmont Hill has had a wildly successful athletic season. The Track & Field team capped a successful regular season with a dominant ISL championship. With Belmont Hill being the host of the ISL championships, the boys were ready to compete on their home turf. This was the Track team’s 19th ISL Championship. Belmont Hill finished with 108 points, followed closely by Roxbury Latin at 104.5 points, and by Nobles with 61 points, showing their strong strength of victory. Main accomplishments from the season include Justin Li ’26 breaking the 110 Meter Hurdles school record twice throughout the course of the season, which was a truly remarkable feat. With the new record of 14.88 seconds, after breaking his own record of 14.90 seconds, Justin has set an incredibly high bar for the boys to try and conquer in future seasons. At the ISL cham -
pionships, key wins by Belmont Hill boys include Justin Li in the 110 meter hurdles with a time of 14.90, Adonai Samuel ’26, who won the 400 meter dash with a time of 50.13, and Nick Fiumara ’26, who won the discus throw. The Golf team had a strong regular season, tying with Tabor for the ISL dual meets Regular Season Championship. Despite a hard fought battle at the end of year at the Kingman Tournament, the boys finished in third place at Renaissance Golf Club, marked by a impressive round of 75 by Joey Monahan ’28 and an incredible round of 73 by Derrick Katz ’30. This was a strong performance to end an already impressive championship season. Although the boys did not get the results they wanted at the Kingman tournament, it was still a successful season, tying for the regular season championship with Tabor Academy. The Panel congratulates the Track & Field and Golf teams on their Championship seasons, and Justin Li ’26 on his record-breaking senior year. ☐
Belmont Hill Robotics and Drones
Matthew Ziff
Belmont Hill Golf and Justin Li ’26
Adam Richins Photography
The Quiet, Unyielding Machine That Is Augusta National
By Will Greenhill ’28 Panel Staff
There is a sign at the gate. It is small, so small that most people would miss it while driving down the busy Washington Road. For an institution of Augusta National’s standing, it is almost aggressively understated. And that understatement tells you all you need to know. Behind the sign, a long magnolia-lined drive leads to one of the most recognized and prized places in all of sports, and yet the club that sits at the end of the drive remains deliberately, and even sometimes defiantly, unknown. There is no social media presence at Augusta National, no membership brochures, no press office that returns calls. There is no waiting list. You do not apply to be a member. You are asked.
For one week last month, the place that refuses to announce itself became impossible to ignore. Rory McIlroy had entered the weekend with the largest 36-hole lead in Masters history, only to watch it dissolve in the third round, sending him to Sunday tied. He birdied 12 and 13, then scrambled through the entire back 9 with impressive and improbable par saves, and found himself on the 18th tee up by two shots. He then proceeded to pull his drive so far right that it ended up almost on the 10th hole. With the pressure of the whole world watching, McIlroy was able to still salvage a bogey to win by a shot. In doing so, he joined Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods as the only players ever to win back-to-back green jackets. Augusta did not manufacture that drama; it simply provided the stage, letting the weight of the place do what it always does.
This is the paradox that is Augusta National. It is both one of the most public and one of the most private places on earth. One April week a year, it opens its gates to the public and allows cameras to show off its beauty while hosting the Masters Tournament, the most prestigious event in all of golf, and maybe in all of sports. But after Masters Sunday, it all goes away, the gates close, the azaleas are tended to in private, and the world waits.
When a photographer is issued a
credential for Masters Week, it comes with conditions, not suggestions. Augusta reviews every image, manages every angle. There is a reason why every picture of Augusta looks the same: green so vivid it doesn’t look real, players playing on a backdrop that could have been painted. The club leaves nothing to chance. Even CBS, which has broadcast the Masters since 1956, has to operate within Augusta’s rules. Commercial time is limited, language carefully
managed. At Augusta, spectators are ‘patrons,’ not ‘fans’; off the fairway is the ‘second cut,’ not the ‘rough’; and it is a ‘bunker,’ not a ‘sand trap’. The broadcast is presented on Augusta’s terms, or not at all. They have the leverage to do so. Even the tickets reflect this control. They are not tickets; instead, they are badges, tied to individual patrons, not for resale, and can only be purchased through an annual lottery. Membership remains even more elusive: 300 members, no member list, and no stated criteria to join. The effect of this scarcity is not accidental. When something cannot easily be obtained, the desire for it increases. Augusta does not need to market itself; the difficulty of its entry does the work instead. There is almost something religious about the way the Masters arrives every year. Each April, it is anchored by the same Georgia spring, the same soft music, and the same unhurried pace. Amen Corner, the most famous part of the course, starting with the green on the 11th and ending with the tee shot on 13, did not become renowned through marketing; it became famous because of its nature as an annual ritual that feels unique each time. Every April, without fail, the world turns to a corner of Georgia and watches the white manual leaderboard shift with every roar and every groan and the green jackets change hands. Augusta does not advertise this. They don’t need to. The desire is already there, built up over decades of withheld access and beautiful, lifelong moments made to feel sacred. The most powerful brand in sport doesn’t view itself as a brand, and maybe, more than anything, that’s why it works. ☐
Dylan Casillo ’26 Awarded Athlete of the Issue
By Field Boney ’28 Panel Staff
Belmont Hill senior Dylan Casillo ’26 first picked up a lacrosse stick at just five years old. Now, having completed his Belmont Hill lacrosse career, he won two ISL championships and was a team captain his Senior year. His game is defined by his speed, vision, and craftiness. Dylan entered Belmont Hill in the Third Form, and there was no doubt about whether it was the right fit for him, stating that it seemed to be “a place where brotherhood and culture resonate with each and every student.” Along with lacrosse, Dylan also played soccer growing up, as he lived in England for multiple years. Once he arrived at Belmont Hill, he also became a football player and has been a member of the varsity team since his tenth-grade year. Growing up, lacrosse played a meaningful role in Dylan’s life, allowing him to spend time with his father on the field, who was his youth coach for the longest time. He stated, “Lacrosse had been engraved in my dad’s side of the family, so I had a stick in my hand as soon as I could have.” This love for the game has stuck with Dylan and strengthened his work ethic over the years. Along with his time playing town lacrosse for the Newton program, Dylan also played club lacrosse for the highly-touted 3d New England 2026 Squad. His club team consistently competed at the highest level, helping develop Dylan’s game against top national talent. Immediately upon arriving at Belmont Hill, Dylan found success on the lacrosse field. Making the varsity team
his freshman year, he stated, “It was a feeling I will never forget. However, as a fourteen-year-old kid, I was very overwhelmed, but also extremely excited to be a part of the team.” During Dylan’s freshman year, the team finished with a remarkable record of fifteen wins and one loss, sadly falling short to Tabor in the playoffs. However, despite this setback, Dylan noted that his time on the team, learning from older, more experienced players, was not only enjoyable but also extremely valuable. Specifically, Will Stewart ’24 was an important mentor for Dylan. Dylan described Will
as consistently being available for him when necessary, along with constantly being an “all-around great teammate.”
During Dylan’s sophomore year, the team won the ISL Championship, finishing an outstanding undefeated season in conference, culminating with a 19-6 dismantling of Middlesex in the finals. In his sophomore year, Dylan racked up 44 points, including 17 goals and 27 assists. However, despite all of the success on the field, Dylan still emphasized the importance of the memories made when spending time with his teammates off the field,
such as locker-room conversations. Leading into his junior year, as the collegiate recruitment window opened in September, Dylan was quick to announce his commitment to the University of Virginia. Dylan wanted to find a school that would help him thrive on and off the field, and he felt UVA offered that. He also said that the Cavaliers’ coaching staff, with its “sense of welcoming,” played a large role in his recruitment. Dylan’s junior year built on all of his prior success. Dylan was able to step into the attackman role, switching from his prior role as a midfielder, demonstrating his versatility and ability to contribute wherever he was needed for the team’s success. The team finished the season with an ISL championship, defeating Tabor in the finals in an overtime thriller. Dylan finished the year with an extremely impressive 101 points, consisting of 37 goals and 64 assists. Heading into his senior year, Dylan was ranked 2nd among Massachusetts players by Boston Lax Network. When describing his game, Boston Lax Network stated, “ He’s a fast break machine once he grabs a ground ball, and if you give him time and room, he’ll pick a corner. His vision as a passer is elite, and he can get crafty around the crease.” As a captain, he is trying to draw on his past knowledge and experience to be the best example for his teammates. He believes that “playing for Belmont Hill Lacrosse is a privilege, and displaying and getting that message across is something I take pride in.” The Panel congratulates Dylan on his Belmont Hill career and wishes him the best of luck at the University of Virginia. ☐
Magnolia Lane
Getty Images
Dylan dodges against Choate
Adam Richins
Senior Coaches in Middle School Baseball and Crew
By Will Greenhill ’28 Panel Staff
Belmont Hill puts a strong emphasis on leadership, and this spring, a group of seniors showed exactly what that leadership looks like by stepping into coaching roles for middle school teams. Seniors Sammy Flood ’26, Tyler Smith ’26, Rhett Curtis ’26, Babikir Saeed ’26, TZ Snail ’26, Will Achtmeyer ’26, Cam Kelley ’26, Luke Waldeck ’26, Eli Warn ’26, Jack O’Brien ’26, and Malik Ibrahim ’26 all volunteered their time to help coach younger athletes in baseball or crew. While senior year is focused on academics, college decisions, and finishing varsity careers strong, these students took on an added responsibility that has made a real impact on middle schoolers.
For younger athletes, having varsity athletes as coaches creates a new and important connection. In crew, seniors Sammy Flood, Tyler Smith, Rhett Curtis, Babikir Saeed, TZ Snail, and Will Achtmeyer have brought years of experience out on the water to the middle
school team. Having someone who has gone through the same program that the younger rowers are going through has made the sport much less intimidating. “He actually gets what it is like to be nervous out on the water because he has been there,” said Owen Palumbo ’30 about TZ Snail. The senior rowers have taken the role seriously, inspiring confidence in the younger rowers while also demonstrating the discipline and commitment required at the varsity level.
Sailing State Championship
By Sam Norden ’28 Panel Staff
This season, the Varsity Sailing Team successfully defended their State Championship, winning the Carl Zimba Regatta. In a strong field of 23 Schools, Belmont Hill sailed exceptionally well, winning the A-Division and B-Division Championship, before ultimately winning the Overall State Championship.
The Carl Zimba Regatta was hosted by and held in Duxbury. In the A-Division, competing against 22 other schools across Massachusetts, Team Captains Panos Gianoukos ’26 and James Chaytors ’28 came out on top, taking home the Fleet Racing A-Division Championship. Panos said, “We sailed really well. We knew that we had what it took to win, we just needed to work together. I’m really proud of our performance and I’m happy that I can say that I won back-to-back state championships in my time at Belmont Hill”
In the B-Division, Belmont Hill ended up having a similar result. Roger Wellington ’28 and Ilan Turevs -
kiy ’28, came out on top in a field of 22 schools. On Thursday, May 21, The boys received the Overall State Championship, a remarkable feat.
Head Coach Peter Creedon, who also coaches the Varsity Alpine Ski Team in the winter, played a huge role in preparing the boys for the championship. After a season of long, diligent practices on the water, their hard work finally paid off. Winning a state championship is an incredible accomplishment, and doing it twice in a row is even more impressive, despite only having one current senior on the team, putting them in a strong position to make a run for a three-peat next spring.
With so much young talent returning next year, expectations will be high. The underclassmen have already proven they can compete at the highest level, and the program’s culture of excellence, built through dedication and teamwork, gives the boys every reason to believe another championship is well within reach.
The Panel congratulates the Sailing team on winning a second state championship in a row. ☐
The same dynamic has been present on the baseball field. Luke Waldeck, Cam Kelley, Eli Warn, Jack O’Brien, and Malik Ibrahim have all stepped up to coach the middle school baseball teams this spring. Even for seniors coaching for the first time, they have made a significant impact. Rather than just learning from adult coaches, the younger players are learning from role models they already admire on campus. The connection between the middle
schoolers and the seniors has fostered more energetic, engaging practices. Throughout the spring, these senior coaches have demonstrated that leadership at Belmont Hill is not just about individual success; it is also about investing in the younger generations at Belmont Hill and strengthening the entire Belmont Hill community. By giving their time and effort to their younger Belmont Hill brothers, these senior coaches have made a lasting impact on the middle schoolers and demonstrated the leadership qualities instilled in them over their years at Belmont Hill. As they prepare to graduate and move onto the next stage of their lives athletically and academically, the example they have set will not be forgotten. The middle schoolers they coached this spring will one day be in the same position as the seniors are in now, and hopefully they will choose to give back to the Belmont Hill community in the same way. That cycle of mentorship, from the eldest to the youngest, is what makes the Belmont Hill community so special. ☐
Spring Sports Chapel
By Sam Norden ’28 Panel Staff
On Thursday May 21, the Belmont Hill community gathered in the Hamilton Chapel to celebrate yet another successful athletic season. The time was spent honoring team accomplishments, individual accomplishments, and ISL and New England honors.
Main highlights included the recognition of Mr. McAlpin’s retirement, after over 40 years of service to Belmont Hill and the Fifth Baseball Team. After a round of applause, Mr. McAlpin shouted “Play Ball!,” his voice echoing through the Chapel, drawing a laugh from the crowd.
To start, team captains announced Varsity letter winners, followed by team by team awards, and then individual honors. Trophies were presented by James Chaytors ’28, Captain of the Sailing team, and although the Golf team shared first place in the regular season, they let Tabor Academy take home the trophy, although they did tie for first place.
Teams from Seventh Grade all the way to Varsity performed exceptionally
well, with winning records coming from lots of teams. At the varsity level, teams performed exceptionally. Varsity teams finished with two ISL championships, one state championship in Sailing, and winning records in nearly every sport. After recognizing individual honors, Mr. Schneider played a video on the big screen, which displayed the achievements and dedication of Belmont Hill Athletics. From the athletes to the coaches, it accurately represented what Belmont Hill is all about. The video talked about what being an athlete for Belmont Hill means, and the responsibilities that come with it. It demonstrated the precedent of hard work and dedication, and that playing for Belmont Hill means that you are going to give it your all, and that you play for your team mates and coaches.
This assembly in the Chapel not only recognized the accomplishments of boys from Form I to Form VI, but set a mark for the boys next year to try and conquer. The Panel congratulates all teams for their accomplishments this past spring. ☐
Belmont Hill Athletic Collegiate Commitments
Colleges by Sport as of 5/30/2026
Football:
University of North Carolina
Union College
Wesleyan University
Saint-Lawrence University
Amherst College
Lacrosse:
University of Virginia
Bowdoin College (2)
Yale University
Haverford College
Bates College
Colgate University
John Hopkins University
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Baseball: Bowdoin College
Harvard University
Saint-Lawrence University (2)
Macalester College
College of Charleston
Wrestling: Duke University
Columbia University
Squash: Middlebury College
Crew:
Harvard University (2)
United States Naval Academy
Tufts University
Soccer: Bates College
Babson College (2)
Middlebury College
Trinity College
Merrimack College
Hockey: Dartmouth College
Williams College
TZ Snail ’26 and Cam Kelley ’26
Adam Richins Photography
Senior Destinations
As of May 30th
Amherst College
Babson College (3)
Bates College (3)
Baylor University
Boston College (2)
Bowdoin College (3)
Brown University
Carnegie Mellon University
Claremont-McKenna College
Colgate University (3)
College of Charleston
College of William and Mary
Columbia University (2)
Cornell University
Dartmouth College (2)
Duke University
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Harvard College (8)
Haverford College
Johns Hopkins University (2)
Macalester College
Merrimack College
Middlebury College (2)
Northeastern University (3)
Princeton University
Saint Lawrence University (2)
Skidmore College
Southern Methodist University (2)
Trinity College (2)
Tufts University
Union College
United States Naval Academy
University of Chicago (3)
University of Colorado-Boulder
University of Massachusetts-Amherst (2)
University of Miami
University of Michigan (3)
University of North Carolina
University of Pennsylvania
University of Southern California
University of Virginia
Vanderbilt University (4)
Villanova University (2)
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest University (3)
Wesleyan University
Williams College
Yale University