Winter 2021

VIEW ALL FOR ONE, ONE FOR ALL

COLIN O’LEARY ‘09

CLASS NOTES

Winter 2021 Vol. 41 No. 16

T H E

A PUBLICATION

Commitment

Future Community

Hope

Patience

Caring

Patience

Diversity

Performance

Safety

OF

BURR

AND

Kindness

BURTON ACADEMY Integrity

Flexibility Safety Resilience Love Relationships

Service

Hope

Respect Kindness

Community

Culture

Innovation

Empowering

Opportunity

Respect

Patience Future

Formative Moral

Culture

Responsibility

Perseverance Diversity

Moral

Resoluteness

Service

Differences

Hope

Responsibility Love Integrity Kindness

Innovation

Diversity

Flexibility Opportunity

Integrity

Future

Kindness

Crisis

Resilience Character Opportunity

Safety

Culture

Authenticity

Challenges

Reflection

Caring

Love

Future

Service

Authenticity

Flexibility

Patience

Balance

Respect

Kindness

Integrity

Challenges

Caring

Character

Transformation

Authenticity

Connected

Connected

Kindness

Commitment

Resoluteness

Authenticity

Reflection

Diligence

Innovation

Commitment

FRIENDS

Leadership

Diligence

Character

AND

Optimism

Moral

Challenges

Reflection

Flexibility

ALUMNI

Sustainable

Authenticity

Commitment

FOR

Contents W i n t e r

2 0 2 1

A Publication for Alumni and Friends of Burr and Burton Academy

2 4 6 8 10 12 16 18 22 26

From the headmaster News from Campus BBA Athletics CREATIVE ARTS Founders Hall Takes Shape feature: All for one, one for all Bulldog Leadership program alumni profile: Colin o’leary ‘09 Profile in leadership: Seth Bongartz ‘72 Class notes

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T h e Vi e w f r o m t h e H e a d m a s t e r

Dear Friends,

The VIEW The Magazine of Burr and Burton Academy Design Oscar Trugler Headmaster Mark H. Tashjian Director of Advancement Kate Leach Board of Trustees Ed Campbell ’70 Chair Carol B. O’Connor ’67 Vice Chair Lee Spivey Treasurer Sanfra Weiss Secretary Kellie Baker‐Waite ’79 Brian M. Barefoot Peggy Brophy Brockett ’88 William D. Cairns ’72 Rabbi Michael Cohen Michael Cooperman Michael Powers ’60 Robert Redmond Jack Rohrbach Charley Stevenson Scott Swenor Trustees Emeriti Orland Campbell Jack Phillips Robert E. Treat ’55 How to contact us: Telephone 802‐362‐1775 www.burrburton.org To send an email to faculty or staff type first initial and last name@burrburton.org This color version of “The VIEW” has been made possible at no extra cost by Express Copy, Manchester Center, VT. Feature Writer Jill Perry‐Balzano Photography Gary Baker, Tony Cirelli, Les Jorgensen

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Just as every school year at Burr and Burton has a theme (Bulldogs Do Their Part), every issue of The VIEW has an underlying concept—an idea we explore and celebrate in the context of BBA’s values, mission, and uniquely Vermont model of independent education for the public. Ten months into schooling amidst a global pandemic, this issue of The VIEW examines concepts of leadership: l What

exactly it means to be a Burr and Burton leader; students absorb and contribute to that ideal; l How alumni reflect it; and l How, around this central point of institutional character, a culture of service, dedication, and generosity takes shape and points the way, for all of us, onward and forward. l How

The truth is that Burr and Burton has many leaders because every role and every moment in a school is an opportunity to lead. In the classroom, in the hallway, in the studio, and on the field, we come together, contributing our strengths and, at times, our vulnerabilities, to create a mission-driven community that thrives together. This school year would not have been possible without the incredible leadership of teachers and staff, students, families, friends, and alumni who live and shape who we are as a learning community. It has been an inspiring act of collective devotion, and the result is vitally important: we are giving BBA students the gift of in-person education at a time when millions of children are, at best, attending school remotely. I hope you enjoy exploring leadership in action. Sincerely,

Mark H. Tashjian Headmaster

Winter 2021

Winter 2021

News from Campus NEWS

FROM

CAMPUS

BURR AND BURTON

New Collaboration Facilitates Student Research This fall, Burr and Burton was happy to announce its collaboration with Trout Unlimited, a nonprofit dedicated to conserving and restoring North American coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. The collaboration engages students in authentic Battenkill Watershed research alongside scientists and community volunteers. The initiative kicked off in October and will continue throughout the school year, enabling students to conduct research on trout populations and watershed health, and participate in many aspects of habitat monitoring and restoration.

Hands-on Evolution In October, Burr and Burton biology students had a chance to get hands-on with evolution, thanks to the science department’s collaboration with the Cornell Institute for Biology teachers. Through the collaboration, teachers loaned replicas of nine hominid skulls for students to study in detail. Science Department Chair Rebecca Allen described the experience, “Students took a number of measurements of the replicas and used them to build the human phylogenetic tree—really looking at human evolution by examining the data and evidence from the skulls.” Allen reflects on students’ experience, “It takes something that’s abstract like human evolution and ties it all together and makes it more hands-on and relevant.” 4

Students Discuss Race and Conflict with Vermont Senator Kesha Ram In November, Rabbi Michael Cohen’s Conflict Resolution class participated in a Zoom discussion about conflict and racial discrimination with Vermont Senator Kesha Ram. An animated face on the large screen in the Hunter Seminar Room, Ram introduced herself and answered a host of student questions with disarming honesty. Gently facilitated by Cohen, the group discussed racial discrimination, theories of conflict resolution, and the need for cultural humility in the framework of progress. Winter 2021

Standing Out at the Virtual Conference An event that normally requires travel and plenty of inperson socializing, the fall Model United Nations Conference, hosted by New York University, was entirely virtual. Joining students from all over the country through video conferences, Burr and Burton students participated in meaningful debate around past, current, and futuristic conflicts. Students noted that the virtual model made written communications among delegates even more important, but that the core aspects of diplomacy were still essential. Model UN teacher Tom von Allmen said that despite the challenges of an abbreviated preparation period, Burr and Burton students did very well and were recognized for their performances: three students were awarded best delegate, one was an outstanding delegate, and the entire team was recognized as an outstanding small delegation.

Spring Semester at the Mountain Campus: How Do We Live Well in this Place—and Time?

Antiracism Group Engages Students, Faculty, and Staff Burr and Burton’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice learning group is made up of students, faculty, and staff who are learning together—building off BBA’s mission and core values to further the work of creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Student members recently curated an antiracism calendar of actionable resources designed to deepen understanding of racial inequity in this country; they will also be facilitating the February faculty meeting. The group is growing and welcomes new members.

Thanks to careful planning by Mountain Campus teachers and an emphasis on outdoor experiences, BBA's Mountain Campus Semester is full and running again this spring. Director Andy Dahlstrom is happy to be creating a space where students can authentically connect despite the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, “We’re so excited that our students can be in school full time; this new class is so appreciative. One student said that she had forgotten how much there is beyond classes. Meals, chores, and social time all add up to make the days wonderful.” Mountain Campus teachers are returning to Peru after a semester of meaningful work at the main campus. Teacher Jonathan Bigelow commented, “I feel really refreshed seeing all the great work that’s happening down on campus—our colleagues are doing incredible things during such a stressful time. Now it feels great to be back with renewed appreciation for our program.”

Winter 2021

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Athletics

BURR AND BURTON

Girls Varsity Soccer

Varsity Mountain Biking

With a 7‐2 overall record, Girls Varsity Soccer had an excellent season and showed terrific leadership, ending the regular season ranked the number 2 seed in Division I, and losing to Colchester 4‐0 in the quarterfinals. The team celebrated four First Team All‐League players, Carol Herbert, Charlotte Connolly, Isabelle Connolly, and Willa Bryant; four Second Team All‐ League players, Emma Thomas, Toni Levitas, Annette Zilkha, and Madelyn Goebel; and three All‐State players, Carol Herbert, Charlotte Connolly, and Willa Bryant. Carol Herbert is a nominee for All‐New England.

With the regional season cancelled due to interstate travel restrictions, the Mountain Biking team competed against six local teams, and looked to its seniors—Grace DiStasio, Devan Kajah, Sarah Hyde, Brett Torres, Wesley Dennan, Jonathan Pickarski, and Justin Fusco—to set the pace. “The leadership that we had from our seniors set a high bar for expectations,” said Coach Mowry, “and, at the same time, kept the atmosphere light and enjoyable.” See burrburton.org/news for more on the story!

Boys Varsity Soccer Ending with a 5‐2‐1 overall record, Boys Varsity Soccer spent the season working hard together and continuously challenging their default mode. Ranked the number 4 seed in Division I at the end of the regular season, they lost in the quarterfinals to Burlington 3‐0. The team had three First Team All‐League players, Jayden Bloom, Duncan Chamberlain, and Luke Lehmann; one Second Team All‐League player, Maximo Hasaj; and two All‐State players, Jayden Bloom and Duncan Chamberlain. 6

Varsity Field Hockey The Varsity Field Hockey team ended the regular season ranked 2nd in Division II with a record of 6‐1 and the overall season with a record of 8‐2, scoring 39 goals with 7 against and 6 shutouts. In post‐season, the team won the quarterfinal game against Otter Valley (4‐0) and the semifinal game against U‐32 (7‐0) before losing the State Championship game in a triple overtime shoot‐out against Mt. Abe. Four players were named to the SVL All‐Star First Team, Efremia Geralis, Riley Callen, Abby Farrington, and Lola Herzog; three players were named as SVL Honorable Mentions: Hannah Callen, Arden Wojtach, and Celsey McMahon; and senior Abby Farrington has signed to play Division II Field Hockey for St. Michael’s College next year.

Winter 2021

Girls Golf Led by team captains Finuala Cree and Grace McDonald, the Girls Varsity Golf team focused on individual stats and team competitions. Based on seasonal score average, Finuala Cree, Kylie Cleanthes, Grace McDonald, and Kaylie Porter represented BBA at the State Championship, competing against six other high schools and clinching the title by six strokes over CVU. Kaylie Porter and Grace McDonald were low scorers for the team with a collective score of 187. Kaylie Porter finished 1st in the Girls Division I individual championship with a score of 83 and earned a spot in the 2021 New England Golf Championship.

Boys Golf The Boys Golf team was able to practice on a daily basis at the Dorset Field Club, Ekwanok, the Equinox, Manchester CC, and the Practice Tee. All 15 players worked hard and played well, earning a spot in the Division I State Championship, where they finished in 3rd place. Nick O'Donnell led the team at the championship and his performance qualified him to play in the New England High School Championship this summer in New Hampshire. With only three seniors on the team graduating, the future of Boys Golf at BBA is bright!

Boys and Girls Cross Country BBA Cross Country had an outstanding season, improving on 5k times, building team spirit, and appreciating the opportunity to participate in races with teammates and opponents from other schools. The team missed out on the league championships due to

COVID, but came back strong with a great performance at States, where the girls finished third. BBA runners were thrilled to run their hard interval workouts on the brand new BBA track, and finished the season with a positive attitude all around. Congratulations to Liara Foley, Molly Burnham, and JJ Jager for being chosen for the SVL All‐ League Team.

Football Bulldog Football was hardly traditional this year—playing one‐hand touch, wearing masks and helmets, and no other gear—but, led by tri‐captains Mark Carthy, Jack Morrison, and Will Addington, the players adapted and brought their best to the gridiron and finished the season 5‐2. This year’s team was one of the largest in the history of the program, with 48 players— 40 of them underclassmen. While the All‐Star Team, North/South Team, and Shrine Team made no selections this year, BBA recognized senior MVPs Joseph Harrington, Nate Smilko, Trevor Greene, Jakub Mulac, Patrick Szkutak, and Matthew Blake.

Bass Fishing With a shortened season, BBA Bass Fishing competed in fewer tournaments this fall, but spent four weeks team‐ building, skill‐building, and having fun. The team practiced three times each week at various locations (Tinmouth Pond, Gale Meadows Pond, Emerald Lake, etc.), and participated in the VPA State Championship Tournament on October 3rd at Lake Champlain. Competing almost entirely with northern Vermont schools, the BBA team placed 16th out of 32, catching the maximum number of fish (six bass) at a total weight of 12.3 pounds. BBA Varsity Bass Fishing Team is now on the map!

Winter 2021

7

CRE AT I VE

ARTS

BURR AND BURTON

Expression. Perseveran Playing Together While Playing Apart The Burr and Burton Music program welcomed a new part-time instructor to the faculty this fall. David Domenick, a seasoned music educator, has helped the Freeberns navigate the challenges of teaching music during the pandemic. In addition to assisting with the four instrumental ensemble cohorts, David has augmented guitar offerings, worked with applied music students, and is now a valued member of our community.

Hands-on Learning The hybrid version of BBA’s Ceramics class bridged the tactile and the virtual this fall, combining the traditional skills of hand building, wheel throwing, glazing, and kiln firing with online art journals and writing assignments designed to support the development of students’ own voices, aesthetics, and ideas. Drawing from personal experience, as well as contemporary and historical examples, students brought their unique creativity and expression to pieces ranging from natural objects and sculptures of hands to dinnerware sets.

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Winter 2021

The Show Goes On Under the guidance of Jim Raposa and Claudia Shell-Raposa, over 60 students participated in the Virtual Winter Showcase! Students Jillian Ihasz, Flossie Njoroge, Gwen Kekic, Sophie Jager, and Henry Putney were instrumental in the production, which featured scenes, monologues, voiceover work, musical theater, and multiple dance performances from the BBA Dance Company. Guest teacher Elizabeth Kenny worked with students on original monologues, and performers gained valuable experience in on-camera performance and digital production.

nce. Flexibility. Joy. Virtual Vocal Workshop

The BBA News Weekly Assembly With the weekly all-school gathering on indefinite pause, BBA’s Cinematography students stepped up to the plate to produce entertaining weekly assembly videos under the watchful eyes of Bill Muench, Cory Herrington, and Jim Raposa. Showing skill, diligence, and humor, they kept the school informed, connected, and full of #Bulldogspirit.

The Vocal Music Ensemble had the opportunity to work with renowned singer, composer, and song-collector Moira Smiley on November 11, 2020, via a Zoom workshop. Ms. Smiley’s voice and compositions have been featured in TED conferences, on BBC Radio and TV, NPR, ABC Australia, and live at countless venues from Lincoln Center to Royal Festival Hall. She brought her trademark creativity and playfulness to the session that focused on vocal improvisation, body percussion, and an original composition, entitled “Bellow,” that the Ensemble explored throughout the semester.

Welcoming Mel Virgilio

Winter 2021

The Creative Arts Department is thrilled to welcome Melanie Virgilio as a new faculty member. Melanie has been working in the field of art and design as well as teaching in the arts since 2000, including a year of student-teaching at BBA while studying for her education degree from Green Mountain College. She has already brought her passion for education and the student experience to the Yearbook Club, where she has overseen the production of The Burtonian since 2016. This spring, she will teach a Foundations of Visual Arts and Visual Arts Studio course. Welcome, Melanie! n

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Founders Hall W

TAKES SHAPE hile most of Burr and Burton’s collective

“I am thrilled that we went ahead with Founders

attention focused this fall on the challenges of

Hall rather than putting it off for a year,” Tashjian

reopening in the face of a pandemic, a beacon of

noted. “We had a great construction team lined up,

hope and optimism quietly (and sometimes not so

incredible help on health and safety guidance from

quietly) took shape behind the Seminary Building.

the state, and financial resources that could only be

After weeks of preparation and days of blasting,

spent on this project. We were fortunate to be in a

the concrete and metal frame of Founders Hall went

position to put people to work building something

up with amazing speed, quickly showcasing the curve

for the young people of this community.

of the front wall and the parameters of the courtyard that will soon be filled with the life of campus. By early November, the crowning timber frame itself was in place.

“In the midst of fear out in the world, we got to choose hope.” With completion still expected early this summer, Founders Hall is already meeting two primary

Now, six months into construction on a project

goals—both beautifully expressing the future of

that could have been halted by COVID, BBA’s new

education at BBA and standing respectfully in the

25,000-square-foot building is sealed up for winter

shadow of Equinox and the Seminary, paying

interior work, and is, as Headmaster Mark Tashjian

humble and modern homage to both. Looking up

says, “on schedule, on budget, and on quality.”

Seminary Avenue to the iconic belltower, Founders

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Winter 2021

Hall’s low profile is barely

building design,

visible between the

underscoring its purpose

Seminary Building and the

as a center for integrative

Rowland Center; and

studies.

multiple vantage points

“From the flexible

from inside Founders Hall

classroom space, designed

frame the two most

to allow classes to

enduring symbols of Burr and Burton.

collaborate across disciplines, to the STEAM lab,

“It was so important to me to design a building

offering a creative home for multiple forms of hands-

that highlighted BBA’s icons rather than

on learning, the spaces inside Founders Hall will

overshadowing them,” remarked design architect and

speak to the way we teach and learn at Burr and

BBA alumnus Kyle Murphy ’07. “Some buildings

Burton,” said Tashjian. “We find connections. We

make statements. This one makes connections—

build relationships. We honor difference, we look for

between our history and our future, and between the

commonality, and we draw ideas—and people—

landscape and the people who live in it. It’s really an

together.”

expression of who we are as a school.”

“Soon that will be as much a part of our campus

That focus on relationships runs all through the

as it is of our character.” n

Winter 2021

11

ALL FOR ONE, ONE FOR ALL Burr and Burton’s Culture of Care and Support Steadies the Ship in a Storm by Jill Perry-Balzano

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Winter 2021

I

f on a crisp day last fall you put on a Bulldog to take, so that when you do come out of the storm, mask and walked around the Burr and Burton you’re not lost.” campus, trekking alongside the turf field and up the This is an apt metaphor for the work of the paths that lead to the academic buildings, you would leadership team in reopening Burr and Burton in the have walked by masked students practicing on the midst of a global pandemic. They needed to put the field, sitting spaced apart in Adirondack chairs, and basic structures in place to support teaching and reading under brightly colored trees. You would have learning, and in doing so, they sought to implement seen teachers running discussions with students in systems that would enhance teaching and learning in a hybrid fashion: half remote, appearing in animated post-COVID world. They needed to make sure that boxes on a large screen, and half sitting spaced apart students continued to learn, that relationships in class. You would have seen care, diligence, respect, continued to thrive, and that every change reflected and joy. the values embedded in the “This is a crisis. We really are a ship in a storm. If you asked the school school’s mission: leadership team how they When you are a ship in a storm, you need to both responsibility, integrity, and had managed to make service. prevent yourself from capsizing AND figure out reopening work, you would Associate Head of School the next course to take, so that when you do hear more or less the refrain Meg Kenny credits the team’s come out of the storm, you’re not lost.” captured by Co-Dean of flexible and proactive nature Students Tony Cirelli: with the ability to develop - Headmaster Mark Tashjian “Everyone pitched in to make systems in advance: “The our reopening fairly seamless. The majority of folks at summer of 2020 was about anticipating and not Burr and Burton are doing things above and beyond to waiting. We didn’t wait for someone to tell us what to help keep our school open and safe.” do. We said, Okay, we have a lot of creative capacity In September, after six months apart, Burr and here: how can we do this?” Burton students, teachers, and staff came back together. The hybrid learning model, a model where New Systems students spend approximately half of their time inEvery student, parent, faculty, staff member, and person and half their time connecting remotely, was administrator at Burr and Burton had to pivot hard ready to be tested. This model was BBA’s best attempt and fast to meet the realities of COVID-19. to balance the safety of all with the need for students Nevertheless, there were certain members of the to have a deeply connected learning community. community whose work changed overnight based on Though the fall presented significant challenges the nature of the pandemic. for students and teachers alike, Burr and Burton pulled Starting last spring, Kirk Knutson’s advance work off a dynamic semester of meaningful teaching and for the 2020-21 school year was an exercise in creative learning, of innovative artistic experiences, and of flexibility. As the Director of Admissions, Knutson’s serious athletic competition. It was not easy and it was spring is usually a busy time helping to facilitate not perfect, but it was a semester of which to be sending-school tours and overseeing registrations and fiercely proud. applications for prospective students. “For this year,” he noted, “not only did we have to find ways to A Ship in a Storm introduce families to BBA remotely—while often being Headmaster Mark Tashjian does not blink, hedge, remote ourselves—but we had to do that at an or pause when asked how Burr and Burton will get unprecedented volume as so many families were through the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is a crisis,” he looking for a safe place to have their children in says straightly. “We really are a ship in a storm. When school.” you are a ship in a storm, you need to both prevent Director of Technology Amy Wright is another of yourself from capsizing AND figure out the next course continued on page 14 Winter 2021

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continued from page 13

A LL FOR O NE

moving around, and leaving campus in a time when personal space has taken on critical importance. The team met virtually and in person over the summer to determine the safest traffic flow for folks moving around campus buildings and to and from campus. “After that,” Cirelli recalls, “we had to figure out how to perform daily COVID-19 health screenings. While [the Technology Department] took the lead on the digital piece of the puzzle, the Dean’s office created a campus plan to screen all of our students. Our school would not be in operation if it were not for those folks doing health screenings every day.”

these community members. When the pandemic hit, it was clear that technology would be central to maintaining safe and productive relationships. Wright reflects on the process, “Suddenly there was a whole new [aspect of differentiated instruction] that we had to cut our teeth on. The impressive thing is that the whole faculty and administration took it as an opportunity.” Wright describes how seemingly small details, like how the video conference cameras are positioned in A Regenerative Culture of the classroom, have a huge affect on students’ Care and Support experience: “Interestingly, when video conferencing was implemented in some colleges, the cameras faced It’s a chilly November day, and with her office only the professor. We had conversations about what window open, clanging from the construction of we wanted the experience to be like, and we wanted Founders Hall only slightly invades Meg Kenny’s the kids to feel like they were together. Our positioning peaceful office. She is thoughtful and intentional as is to face the students in the room, so that remote and she reflects on what made reopening Burr and Burton in-person students are facing each other.” successful: “A big part of it is the care and A well-considered detail, professionalism of our faculty the camera positioning gave “Because that’s what we practice over and over and their deep commitment to structure to the hybrid going above and beyond all again, when something huge like this classroom: students could see, the time and doing what’s happened, we weren’t caught off guard.” hear, and interact with one right.” another, almost as if seated in She continues, “I’m most - Director of Technology, Amy Wright one big circle. It wasn’t the proud of the fact that we same as being all together, but once students planned, and communicated, and listened to our acclimated to the set-up, there was a space for faculty’s concerns the best we possibly could. We authentic interaction. showed up in September with the full force of our As School Nurse, Megan Beattie-Cassan ’99’s incredible faculty and staff, and that has meant the expertise was critical to a successful reopening. best possible outcome for our students.” Beattie-Cassan worked closely with the Vermont Kenny’s genuine care and pride for her colleagues Department of Health as she helped the leadership is apparent in conversation, and it calls to mind the team think through the safety of reopening: “Adapting first all-employee meeting of the 2020-21 school year, Burr and Burton for reopening really meant looking at where the entire Burr and Burton team, masked and the environment and how we could create spaces for spaced apart, splayed out under a huge white tent at students and employees to feel safe coming back the edge of the Judy McCormick Taylor Field. It was during the pandemic.” the first time the group had been together in five Beattie-Cassan was part of a team including Cirelli, months, and in the context of the pandemic, it felt both Creative Arts teachers Paul Molinelli and Jim Raposa, nerve-wracking and exciting to be “together.” Campus Monitor Nancy Biller, Dean of Faculty Michael It was clear that it had taken the leadership team Caraco, Associate Dean of Students Ken Stefanak, and an immense amount of planning and hard work just to others who had to consider the logistics of arriving at, make it to Day One. With the new classroom

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Winter 2021

them. Because that’s what we practice over and over again, when something huge like this happened, we weren’t caught off guard.” Few people understand the nature of successful student relationships better than Co-Dean of Students Cory Herrington. In addition to his role as a dean, Herrington is a social studies teacher and freshman school counselor. Herrington is acutely aware of how this culture of care and support impacts students: “One of the grounding principles that we live by here at Burr and Burton is that we are here for our students. Our decisions, time and time again, come down to how can we make our current situation work for them. It's important to assess what has happened, look at safety, and engage the collective talents of our team to work through the daily and weekly challenges that we face.” And that’s what they did—and true to the nature of the school’s culture, Burr and Burton students rose to the challenge. Beattie-Cassan reflects, “I’m really proud of the students. They are wearing their masks and doing their part to keep everyone safe. I’m so impressed with how resilient they’ve been.” Fundamentally, all of the big and small things that made BBA’s reopening successful would have been difficult or impossible without the underlying culture of care and support that thrives in the community. technologies, directional arrows on the floors, antimicrobial tape on the door handles, hundreds of Adirondack chairs on the lawns, and a host of big, white tents, the learning landscape was transformed. When Kenny came to the podium to welcome the group, she received a long standing ovation. Put together, these two moments fully represent the renewable nature of Burr and Burton’s culture of care and support: a leadership team committed to elevating its talented faculty and staff in the work of educating students, paired with a faculty and staff that honors and deeply respects its leadership team. And this regenerative culture extends throughout the many kinds of relationships at BBA. Director of Technology Amy Wright, who also teaches and coaches, explains, “Time and time again, the entire Burr and Burton community puts its members first. Whether it’s a person in need or a cohort in need, Burr and Burton comes together, figures it out, and supports

Lead with Love There is not just one thing or one person that steadies a ship in a storm. To make it through a storm, a ship must be strong, and its crew must be held together by deep commitment and common purpose. “It is easy to love Burr and Burton in the best of times,” notes Tashjian. “We are an incredible school that is deeply committed to serving students and serving communities. In navigating through this pandemic, what we have learned is the strength of our bonds, the depth of our commitment.” He reflects, “In everything I’ve done throughout my career, the thing that I cared about most in myself was a feeling of love for the purpose I was serving and the people who are achieving that purpose together. “I lead with love because it’s the only way I know how to lead. I just don’t think I’d be any good leading any other way.” n

Winter 2021

15

BULLDOG LEADERSHIP C r e a t i n g a c u l t u r e o f r e f l e c t i o n a n d r e s p o n s i b i l i t y.

It is early September 2020, and the world is seven

they learned in the future was a great feeling.”

months into a global pandemic. Burr and Burton

Witkin and her group presented on the topic of

student leaders are also seven months into planning

leading during challenging situations, and the team

the annual Bulldog Leadership Summit, and with low

used honest reflection on personal experiences to

COVID rates in southern Vermont, an abundance of

shape the conversation. Witkin explained her topic,

masks, and a huge tent on the turf field, the event is on.

“More often than not, situations don’t go the way we

Students may be nervous, but they are also excited:

hope they will. When this happens, it is important to

the event is almost completely in their hands. They

know that you must be resilient. In stressful

brainstormed the topics, did the research, and thought

circumstances, we may react quickly without much

through how to best present findings to their peers.

time to consider whether or not our actions reflect our

They created a reflective experience for participants

intentions.”

and just the right facilitation questions. They also made

Co-Dean of Students Cory Herrington was

provisions for food, water, and breakout spaces. It was

impressed with the student commitment to making the

their summit.

event happen successfully despite the odds: “It was

Burr and Burton junior Alexa Witkin was an

amazing to see over 100 students at school early on a

organizer and presenter at this year’s event. She

Sunday morning learning from each other. They

reflected, “For me, the highlight of the leadership

weren't required to be on campus or to attend the

program was interacting with students after the

leadership retreat. They were here because they want

presentation to talk about its impact. Hearing how

to be better leaders in our classrooms, athletic fields,

other students were planning on implementing what

the performing arts, and our community.”

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Winter 2021

Leaders Are Made, Not Born

each participant, and then closing; it’s become an

It hasn’t always been this way, and just as most good

interactive lesson that leaves the audience with

things are years in the making, so was the Bulldog

something meaningful.”

Leadership program. In the mid-2000s, Dave Miceli and Cory Herrington decided that it was time to stop wondering why some Burr and Burton students were not successful leaders, and start doing something about it. “We realized, why wouldn’t they lead poorly? We haven’t taught them the skills they need. If we want better leadership, we needed to train better leaders,” Miceli reflects with a smile. It was an “aha!” moment, and one that changed the conversation and, ultimately, the culture around leadership at Burr and Burton. At first, Miceli and Herrington didn’t have a lot of resources and they were unsure of the best model, but they knew that they had to start somewhere. So, in 2005, they kicked off the Bulldog Leadership Program with a series of workshops that each focused on an

Caeden ’24 and Cory Herrington on the first day of freshman orientation.

An Inclusive Leadership Culture One hallmark of the Bulldog Leadership Program

aspect of leadership. Workshop topics ranged from popular texts on leadership development to

is that it is open to all students. Unlike other schools

homegrown leadership insights from Burr and Burton

where leadership opportunities may only be offered to

faculty, staff, and community members.

students with the highest grades, Miceli and

Miceli says that as the program evolved, two critical

Herrington agree that the inclusivity of Burr and Burton’s program is crucial to its success.

goals emerged: “One is helping students to become

Herrington says, “The more inclusive we can be,

people worth following; the other is helping them develop the skills they need to connect with people.”

the better it’s going to be in our classrooms, the better

Miceli and Herrington said that over the years, there

it’s going to be in our productions, the better it’s going

were key texts that helped shape the program, such as

to be on our sports fields—to create a culture of

those by John Maxwell, Jon Gordon, and Stephen

leadership, it has to be open to all students.” And both Miceli and Herrington believe that the

Covey, but that the core curriculum remained flexible, and in recent years has been driven by students. “As

program has helped to create a culture of leadership at

the kids got better at leading,” Miceli said, “and they

Burr and Burton. Herrington says, “I don’t think it’s

were getting more out of it, Cory suggested that we

wishful thinking: we’ve noticed a change in our

have the kids develop their own topics.”

student body—in how they interact with their peers

Miceli goes on, “Over the years, we’ve figured out

and teachers.” Miceli adds, “Leadership has become a

the formula that works best: a short presentation of

part of the vocabulary of the school. Students and

information, some time to engage with that

faculty members are talking about leadership; it’s just

information, some time to reflect on what it means for

become part of the air that we all breathe.” n

Winter 2021

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ALUMNI PROFILE

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN RESEARCH AND POLICY Twenty‐nine‐year‐old Colin O’Leary ‘09 sits in a conference room adjacent to a Harvard research lab. Behind him the whiteboard is covered with messy equations and a long parabola with slash points along the arc. To the untrained eye, it looks like chaos, but O’Leary appears right at home, if a little tired, in his blue sweater fleece. Over Zoom, he’s apologetic about being a few minutes late, having needed to stop for coffee after class. “It’s been a morning,” he says with a smile. It’s 10:20 a.m., and amidst a host of other coronavirus‐related news, the nation was digesting the headline that President Trump had been hospitalized with COVID‐19. For O’Leary, a Ph.D. candidate at Harvard Medical 18

School and research fellow at Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, this news hangs around a global pandemic that has reshaped his graduate research and moved him from the realm of an ordinary, “steady” graduate student to one who is positioned quite in the center of the scientific community’s response to the novel coronavirus outbreak. “It’s been a surreal experience,” he admits. “I didn’t expect my Ph.D. to be exciting,” he says with a laugh, then shares that he now understands that when someone from the White House emails at 9:30 p.m. asking for clarification on a recommendation, “they expect an immediate response.” O’Leary began his Ph.D. at Harvard in 2016, focusing

Winter 2021

his research on how cells protect themselves from viral infection, mainly looking at the flu, but in early 2020 he shifted his entire research program to coronavirus‐related work. In October, he and his colleagues were actively involved in developing a coronavirus vaccine, and by December, he was testing the effects of variant strains of the virus. “Viruses mutate; that’s what they do,” he notes. It’s the work of scientists to assess and model the risks of that constant evolution so public health can focus

year trip to South Africa for the Model UN Conference as a formative experience. The group from Manchester spent three weeks in South Africa and while there saw the impact of the HIV/AIDS crisis in South African orphanages. The following year, O’Leary went on a service learning trip to Haiti and witnessed the effects of endemic tuberculosis. Reflecting, O’Leary is characteristically clear‐eyed about the impact of these experiences: “Going to Haiti and South Africa provided a reference point for understanding that there are fundamental weaknesses in health systems

resources on both present and looming dangers. Though the pressures of the moment are furrowing his brow, O’Leary is lucid about the context of his work; he is completely prepared to explain each aspect to a novice: “For a lot of people, this is their first time witnessing scientific research happen in real time; a lot of what we do is one step forward and two steps back.” And despite the incremental nature of the scientific process, research on the coronavirus continues to hurtle forward.

globally that enable the spread of disease, and being able to bear witness to the effects that those shortcomings had on people in those countries.” He pauses, “When you see children orphaned by disease, that has a psychological impact.” He goes on, “You see people who can’t access basic care for tuberculosis and people who are literally going blind because their infections have become so severe, and it provides a framework for thinking more broadly: What is global health? What is public health? And how does that relate to an interest in science and policy?” He remembers that it was his time in AP Biology with

FOUNDATIONS AT BURR AND BURTON

O’Leary has pursued concurrent paths in politics and biology since his time at Burr and Burton. Politics were a natural inclination for O’Leary, who recounts his junior‐

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continued from page 19

BRIDGING THE GAP Burr and Burton teacher Dave Curtis that inspired him to double major in politics and biology while an undergraduate at Bates College: “[Curtis] made science really interesting; he was passionate about the concepts and so excited to teach us.” O’Leary also did two semesters of independent study with English teacher Sunny Wright that enabled him to delve deeper into the questions he brought home from his trips to South Africa and Haiti.

ON PUBLIC HEALTH IN THE AGE OF CORONAVIRUS Thanks to his unique position straddling the forefront of both coronavirus research and policy, O’Leary has vital insight into the most crucial public health questions of the moment. While many of us were caught completely off guard by the scope and effects of COVID‐19 on our world, O’Leary is clear that scientists have been watching for this: “If you ask the scientists, particularly ones who study infectious disease, you’d know that the system has been blinking red for years now.” O’Leary recounts how the SARS outbreak in 2002 was a wake‐up call that caused the international community to rewrite all the pandemic rules that the World Health Organization operates under. Then, in 2009, the H1N1 outbreak was a global pandemic, but proved to be far less deadly than COVID‐19. Over the course of a year between April of 2009 and April of 2010, more than 60 million Americans likely had the H1N1 virus, but there were only 12,469 deaths. O’Leary suggests that one factor contributing to the massive spread of COVID‐19 is that the United States was slow to respond. “If you look back at what the U.S. was doing in January and February—or the fact that we weren't doing anything—this shaped the ability of the virus to take hold.” O’Leary said that he and his colleagues understood in early February that, based on the volume of international travel to and from areas where the virus was reported, “it was impossible that ongoing community transmission of the virus was not already happening in the United States.” Compounded with the peculiar aspect of COVID‐19 20

that many people can be infected but asymptomatic and that the incubation period can be up to 14 days, suddenly there’s a need for rigorous testing and testing infrastructure that’s unprecedented: “Testing is a paradigm that we hadn’t thought much about. I mean, if you have Ebola, you know you have Ebola.” O’Leary notes that both the research community and the public health community were unprepared to implement testing on the scale required to contain COVID‐ 19. Further, there is the problem of social support around the test. “It’s not just about the technology of the test, but about the person behind the test that takes it. You can test all you want, but if someone tests positive, and we don’t provide support services for the person—if the positive person still has to go to work or the grocery store so they can eat—then that’s a test that doesn’t actually mean much.” For someone sitting in O’Leary’s position, all these factors and shortcomings lead to the landslide of a public health crisis that has been COVID‐19.

THE FUTURE In the near future, O’Leary does see signs for optimism. He is, to use his own word, ecstatic about the coronavirus vaccine and confident that it will eventually ease suffering. He is also encouraged by the leadership transition at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). “Rochelle Walensky has been a leading voice on infectious disease in the Harvard community for a very long time. She’s brilliant, she's competent; she’s the type of person who will elevate the voices of scientists who have worked their entire lives on respiratory viruses.” Yet even these hopeful changes will be flanked by unprecedented illness and death in our country and around the world. When humanity does emerge from this crisis, O’Leary hopes there will be a window of opportunity for change. “How do we take the absolute catastrophe that has been the past year, look critically at what went wrong, and then try to build from there? I think it’s going to be a reckoning on the state and local level, the national level, and the international level.” As for his own path, O’Leary will be finishing up his Ph.D. in Virology for the next year. In considering the future, he says, “I hope we see a creation moment for a more scientifically informed public health approach to life.” When we do, there is no doubt that O’Leary will be part of it. n

Winter 2021

BBA Annual Giving

2020 - 2021

Invest in our students. Invest in our community. Invest in Burr and Burton.

There are many ways to give: you can support the BBA Annual Fund with a gift by credit card, check, wire, or stock transfer.

To make a gift online go to burrburton.org/giving. For other ways to give and to see whether your gift may be eligible for employer matching, go to burrburton.org/support‐bba/ways‐to‐give or call the Advancement Office at 802‐549‐8201.

Make the future bright. Your gift to the BBA Annual Fund supports the incredible array of programs and experiences available to every Burr and Burton student.

Burr and Burton Academy 57 Seminary Avenue, Manchester, VT 05254 www.burrburton.org Winter 2021

21

SETH BONGARTZ ’72 Profile in Leadership “What has motivated me is the fact that we care about every kid who comes through the door.”

22

Winter 2021

The Right Thing to Do Is the Right Thing to Do In the fall of 2013 Seth Bongartz ’72 boarded an airplane headed for Cleveland, Ohio. He had only a small carry-on bag; he wouldn’t be gone long. Safely on the ground in Cleveland, he traveled the short distance to his hotel near the Cleveland Clinic. Many things were familiar; years earlier he had attended law school in Cleveland, but that was not why he was returning now. A few weeks earlier, Bongartz had learned that a friend and colleague needed a hand, and with characteristic resoluteness and magnanimity, he said on the spot that he would be there to help. The next day he woke early and made his way over to the Cleveland Clinic. The friend and colleague waiting for Bongartz was Burr and Burton Headmaster Mark Tashjian, who had just had surgery to repair the mitral valve in his heart. Tashjian’s wife, Erin, had accompanied him to Cleveland, but had to return to Vermont to be with their young children before Tashjian was released. When Bongartz had learned there was concern about Tashjian returning home solo—especially navigating transportation with luggage when he would have doctor’s orders not to lift anything—he immediately said he would be there to accompany Tashjian home. Frankly, he wasn’t going to have someone important to him and the Burr and Burton community making the trip home alone. Tashjian reflects with a laugh, “He said to me, I’ll come out and pick you up, as if he was picking me up from the grocery store. Seth makes sure he and others do the right thing. He shows us that the right thing to do is always the right thing to do.” This fall, Bongartz stepped down from the Burr and Burton Board of Trustees after nineteen big years, fifteen of which he served as the Board Chairperson. During this time, Burr and Burton made incredible strides: the Student Success Program was launched in 2013, the Mountain Campus semester in 2011, the Dene Farm collaboration in 2016. The Rowland Center was completed in 2005 and groundbreaking of Founders Hall happened despite the COVID pandemic in June of 2020. These keystone accomplishments frame not only nearly twenty productive years, but also a truly visionary future for the Burr and Burton community. He leaves Burr and Burton now to answer perhaps the only higher calling he might find: to represent the

people of Arlington, Manchester, Sunderland, and Sandgate in the Vermont State House of Representatives. On the transition, Bongartz is both reflective and resolute. “This is a bittersweet moment,” he wrote to the community in his announcement. “Burr and Burton was a home for me as a student, but it has also been a home for me for the last nineteen years.” Seth Bongartz grew up in Manchester on the family land where he still lives with his wife, Chris. He describes a rural childhood in which he and his siblings had both freedom and safety: “My younger sisters had ponies, and from the time they were eight and ten, they would disappear for hours at a time, often most of the day. They had trails they would ride from one end of town to the other. Nobody gave it a second thought. We knew they would be back in time for dinner.” The family had a cow for milk and chickens for eggs, and their father ran a business, Manchester Woodcraft, in town. Bongartz attended Burr and Burton, graduating in 1972. After college, Bongartz returned to Vermont and ran for the legislature. He won election in 1980 and 1982 and describes this experience as formative: “The seminal years in my life were my four years in the legislature in my 20s; they shaped me in a lot of ways. Getting passionate about issues I worked on at the time, honing interpersonal skills—figuring out what works and what doesn’t work. That experience launched who I’ve become.” Over the next few years, Bongartz attended law school, got married, and had a child, his son Reed ’08. Initially interested in returning to the legislature, Bongartz served one term in the Vermont Senate, before family life compelled him to find something closer to home. After passing the bar exam, Bongartz served as a director for the Vermont Natural Resources Council before joining a local law firm where he focused his practice on environmental and criminal law.

Leading Transformation In the early 2000s, two transitions created synergy in Bongartz’s professional life that led to incredible transformation. In 2001, Bongartz joined the Burr and Burton Board of Trustees and in 2002 he became the President of Hildene. At Hildene, Bongartz is proud of the team he put in place that helped him build the rising nonprofit into a world-class cultural heritage site. In his eighteen years as President, Hildene added two agricultural operations

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continued from page 23 and doubled attendance to more than 40,000 annual visitors. In addition, Bongartz and his team massively built out the educational programming; school programs increased from serving a couple hundred children per year to more than 3,500, and the team started summer camps, youth corps, and the high school summer jobs program. At Burr and Burton, Bongartz joined the Board of Trustees while Chuck Scranton was headmaster, and became the board chairperson before Tashjian was hired in 2008. During this time, spanning two Burr and Burton headmasters and several influential board members, Burr and Burton completed the Rowland Center and launched several keystone programs, including the Student Success Program, which is designed to support first-generation college-bound students, and the Mountain Campus semester, a holistic semester program where students engage in study of the surrounding landscape and community. Bongartz was a key figure in each development, but his signature alchemy for identifying local resources and transforming them into something sustaining for the community was on full display in the collaboration between Hildene and Burr and Burton that became the Dene Farm. The project took several years of planning and honest conversations to make happen. “I started working with Mark, Meg, and Jen four years before it launched,” Bongartz recounts. “[I told them] it has to be mutually beneficial. Our guests will be interrupting your classes, coming through the greenhouse, talking while they’re working in the garden.” Bongartz chuckles in reflection: “The reaction from Burr and Burton was: ‘Good!’ They knew that the interaction with adults and guests, and the opportunity to represent Burr and Burton, and to represent Hildene would be good for the students.” Today, the Dene Farm collaboration thrives around the mission to actively engage students and guests on a sustainable working landscape for the purpose of creating widespread positive societal change. The farm offers Burr and Burton students an opportunity for integrated study of more than a dozen subjects, including plant and soil science, biology, food systems, and civic responsibility. And from Hildene’s perspective, Bongartz relays, “Having the kids there really is lifegiving.”

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Bongartz is quick to credit the positive board culture at Burr and Burton for these achievements: “At Burr and Burton, I inherited a culture of good governance, and we’ve managed to maintain that all the way through. It really is a key reason that Burr and Burton has done so well. It’s the part that you can’t see; we’ve had excellent headmasters, and we’ve tried to create a wind at their backs.” Tashjian is not so quick to let Bongartz deflect the success of his tenure: “Seth unquestionably enhanced board culture; he absolutely strengthened the culture of support. As a leader, Seth is calm, thoughtful, visionary, and rock solid. He assimilates disparate perspectives, gathers information, looks for the right data, and then becomes resolute.” Longtime board member—and now three-time board chair—Ed Campbell ‘70 has succeeded Bongartz, whom he has known and worked with for a very long time. Upon assuming the position of Chairperson, Campbell reflected, “I think it is safe to say that his role indeed is unparalleled in the history of this school, and that those who in the future look back upon these times will extend the same thanks to Seth that we do now.”

A Legacy of Leadership When asked about leadership, Bongartz returns again and again to a couple of themes: supporting or empowering those around you and believing in your work. One key to Bongartz' success has been his focus on supporting his staff and colleagues. “It’s really the right combination of leadership and empowerment. Helping others, supporting them in the work they do. Then, everyone rises and succeeds together.” That philosophy played out clearly in his tenure as a Burr and Burton trustee. “The leadership has to know that the board as a whole and especially the board chair will back them up and never undercut them.” The other aspect: believing in your work. “For me, it’s always been the day-to-day, the quality of the faculty and staff, the caring about students—that’s what has always motivated me. And I really think it’s caring about every student. The Burr and Burton faculty and staff are creating opportunities here and then setting students up to take the next level of opportunity in their own lives. What’s really motivated me is the fact that we care about every kid who comes through the door.” n

Winter 2021

M AKE THEIR FUTURE YOUR LEGACY

M A X I M U M F L E X I B I L I T Y. M A X I M U M I M PA C T. Including Burr and Burton Academy in your estate plans is a powerful way to support our school, our students, and our community. Whether through a simple bequest, beneficiary designation, or other giving vehicle, you can make a gift of education and opportunity for all. For more information on including Burr and Burton in your estate plans, please contact the BBA Advancement Office at 802-549-8201 or go to burrburton.org/legacy-giving.

Burr and Burton Academy 57 Seminary Avenue, Manchester, VT 05254

JOSEPH BURR SOCIETY The Burr Society celebrates all those who have included Burr and Burton in their estate plans. The Society is named in honor of Manchester businessman Joseph Burr, whose bequest was matched by the community to found the school in 1829.

www.burrburton.org Winter 2021

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CLASS NOTES What’s going on in the world beyond Burr and Burton? Your classmates want to know and Class Notes are a great way to share your updates. Please send your news and photos to the Alumni Office at alumni@burrburton.org, or via snail mail to: Burr and Burton, Alumni Office, P.O. Box 498, Manchester, VT 05254. WANTED: Class Liaisons Want to help your class stay connected? Volunteer to write Class Notes for The VIEW! If interested, please contact Pauline de Laszlo in the Advancement Office at pdelaszlo@burrburton.org or 803‐549‐8277. Class Liaisons needed for: 1951, 1957, 1963, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1988, 1991, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2019, 2020.

’48

Class Liaison: Mrs. Sally B. Utiger

Sally Baldwin Utiger ’48 starts our class reporting once again, writing, “Our news is pretty much the same—trying to make friends with our phones and Zoom. I did chat with Jean Wallace Grout who remains active and healthy in Exeter, NH. We both have tried to contact Priscilla Storrs Grummer, but have not succeeded. I Zoomed in on the recent report by Headmaster Tashjian and learned how our school is handling the current pandemic. I didn’t realize that the students now number 750, and the detailed ways that they are staying connected. The new construction (Founders Hall) is on schedule, reminding us that the future is bright. I would love to hear from other classmates. Please send news to me at 147 Hickory Road, Weston, MA 02493.”

’64

Class Liaison: Mrs. Mary Rowland

Mary Rowland ’64 reports from Midland, Texas, that the “Class of 1964 was so happy to have our own Neil Pierson ’64 show up for our 55th Reunion in the fall of 2019! Most of us had not seen Neil since the day we all graduated in 1964. We all got to have a lively visit with him at our See You Later Breakfast at Chauncey’s in Arlington on Sunday morning.” Mary continued, “We all made plans to start having mini biannual reunions—none said that ‘we are getting old’—we all enjoy getting together! Our plan was to stroll through the new Founders Hall and go to some of our favorite restaurants. With the 26

pandemic surrounding our current orbits, I have no idea of how travel plans will be then and whether the new building will be completed. This Pollyanna BBS class agent still believes in tomorrow. Do let’s start planning...the future is ours to see! Go ‘64 BBS Bulldogs!”

’66

Class Liaison: Mr. John J. Wright

Bert Hinkley ’66 sent a detailed update: “I was an on‐and‐off student at Western State College, Gunnison, CO from 1966‐1971. I was also a ski instructor at Crested Butte, CO from 1968‐ 1971. In 1971‐1972, I coached the Junior Alpine racers for the Bromley Outing Club and then coached Junior Alpine racing at Purgatory Race Club, Durango, CO in 1972‐ 1974. I enrolled at Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO to complete my teaching credential while coaching the alpine ski team. Finally from 1975‐1984 and 1986‐ 2007, I worked teaching history and coaching skiing and kayaking at Proctor Academy in Andover, NH. Currently, my wife Dani and I live in Bend, OR. We moved here in 2007 and I am a nordic ski and wax technician at Webcyclery/Webskis in Bend. We have a brick and mortar store, but also sell cross country skis and bikes on the internet (webcyclery.com). I now am working three days a week from October through March in the ski shop. Dani and I split our time in the summer between cycling, gardening, camping, paddling kayaks, and, at times, trying to stay away from smoky air from catastrophic forest fires. Our two kids, Erin Winter 2021

and Jed, have their own families in Bellingham, WA, and Asheville, NC, respectively. Erin is a high school counselor and Jed is Sports Director for USA Nordic Sports (ski jumping and nordic combined). We spent a sabbatical year (2000‐2001) living in Solkan, Slovenia, teaching English. I have also led and coached the USA Junior National Whitewater Slalom team on three trips to Europe for Junior World Championships in 1998, 1999, and 2004. COVID 19 is keeping us close to home. I was able to finish the stone retaining walls for our expanding backyard garden, have coached masters‐age kayak slalom paddlers twice a week all summer, and explored gravel roads in the Oregon outback. It is not hard to socially distance in Central Oregon.”

’68

Class Liaison: Mrs. Dulce Bird

Rudy VanVeghten ’68 responded to The Belltower request for alumni updates with a life update mentioning that he retired in September 2020 to Meredith, NH. Rudy worked from 1973‐2000 for the Meredith [NH] News and was Editor from 1977‐2000. From 2001‐20, he worked for Northeastern University, starting as publications manager

and ending as website operations manager. He is currently serving as copy editor and contributor to de Halve Maen (the Half Moon), the journal of Dutch‐American history (a volunteer position). He was in touch with classmates Donna Tuttle Wald ’68 and Keith Porter ’68 a few years ago, but nothing recently.

’72

Class Liaison: Liaison Needed

Gunner Mench ’72 is planning a trip to the Poconos in June for the “Porsche Parade” and will visit his brother George Mench ’78 in Burlington (Founder and Creative at Brilliant Grey Design). He’ll be bringing this island beauty and reports that he is the President of the Porsche Club on the Big Island of Hawaii. Gunner’s business in Kamuela, Harbor Gallery (established in 1990), represents

over 200 Big Island artists and offers worldwide visitors and local friends a chance to browse the best in local artwork with a full presentation of mediums including wall art, sculpture, and Koa wood furniture.

’74

Class Liaison: Mr. Kevin M. O'Toole

Erin Gill Reilly (P’17), a professional lyricist, just published Wagatha's Tale, a 50‐page illustrated story about an orphaned dog who finds love and healthy treats. Published at Manchester’s fabulous Northshire Bookstore, the subject is the Wagatha's Dog Biscuit mascot and is whimsically illustrated by Burr and Burton alumna Dale Coykendall ’74. Wagatha's is an artisan bakehouse in Manchester and bakes high‐ quality dog biscuits using USDA‐certified organic ingredients. The book had a

featured display at Northshire Bookstore through the holiday season and is a model for partnership among local businesses and artists. The book may be purchased at northshire.com and wagathas.com (books and biscuits!).

’76

Class Liaison: Liaison Needed

Steven Greene ’76 (Vermont Boys Basketball State Champs 1975‐1976 and All‐Marble Valley League in Soccer and Basketball 1975‐1976 season) provided the following update reporting

Bill Gallagher, who is in Seattle, WA. Gloria writes, “I will try to get a photo of the three of us next time on Zoom that could be shared. Here is a selfie taken in May when Bryan and I met up to watch the Burr and Burton Senior parade in Manchester— masked and 6 feet apart!” Lucy Gobbi Costa’s ’81 business, Promotional Incentives, was featured in Southwest Florida Business Today’s December 2019 issue as it celebrates 30 years. “Promotional Incentives provides promotional products to companies and organizations throughout Florida and the United States,” [from SFBT’s article]. Lucy has provided Burr and Burton Hall of Fame Awards, Reunion give‐a‐ways, and gifts for our graduates for many years.

’84 that, “I am now one of the top high school and college basketball referees in New York City. The picture is from a basketball game at Madison Square Garden.”

’81

Class Liaison: Ms. Gloria Palmer

Gloria Palmer ’81 has a monthly get‐together with two other classmates on Zoom just to catch up: Bryan Dalton, who now lives in Arlington, VT and

Winter 2021

Class Liaison: Mrs. Tasha Lansbury

Courtney Mutz Callo ’84, Director of Development at Long Trail School in Dorset, VT had much to share about the class of 1984. Sean Murphy is an Emergency Management Specialist at Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage, AK; Kevin O’Donnell is a sportscaster and reporter in Tampa Bay, FL for FOX; Ellen Rodolfy Russell and Sean ’86’s daughters Piper ’21 and Rowan ’22 are currently at Burr and Burton; Margaret Houskeeper is a Reading Specialist at North Andover, MA Public Schools; Martha Cone Stein is an RN at Tri LifeHealth in Fort Collins, CO; Tasha Cornell Lansbury is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Burlington, VT; Monica Caserta Hutt is the Commissioner for the State of Vermont for Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living; Scott Bushee was recently profiled in a New York Times article regarding all the transplants to Winhall, VT due to the Covid‐ 19 exodus from urban areas; David Urso is the Chief Operating Officer at Kendal at Hanover, a retirement community; Karen Covey is an artist and cookbook author; Todd LaTorella is the Executive Director of the Missouri/Kansas Chapter of the Concrete Pavement Association; Cindy Korzelius M.D. is a Hospitalist and Nephrologist at Newton Wellesley Hospital in Massachusetts. Kate Madkour ’84 has just opened Goldilocks Katering in Manchester, VT presenting charcuterie boards, antipasti platters, custom orders, 27

and graze boxes. We also hear that Courtney’s own culinary work is featured at H.N. Williams’ (Billy Brownlee ’94); her authentic Shetland Shortbread cookies are a local favorite and “authentic through and through.”

’86

Class Liaison: Ms. Tammy L. Keyes

William “Billy” Burns ’86 writes that in high school, “‘Billy the Kid’ was a dirt bike racer first and a student second—always on a motorbike or in a car doing some crazy stunt!” Billy described himself at BBA, “I didn’t work to my full potential. Only a few teachers really got me and without them I wouldn’t have made it through.” After graduating, Billy went to Champlain College and in 1992 started working in the family business, Burns Insurance. By 2005, Billy was overseeing operations and has since acquired more insurance agencies with offices in Vermont. He is the proud father of Morgan Burns ’17, who has also worked in the family business, but has no plans in the foreseeable future to take hold of the reins. According to Billy, “I love what I do and there’s not a day that I mind coming to work—in fact this is where I’m the happiest.” You can connect with Billy at billy@williamburnsinsurance.com.

’92

Class Liaison: Ms. Nicole A. Tateosian

John Rovnak ’92 was recently profiled on Vermont Public Radio (VPR). He delivers mail in Burlington’s Old North End and through his more than ten years on the job he’s chronicled the sights and scenes of the neighborhood with photographs he curates online. He documents compelling scenes he finds along the way, often of things left discarded or gone astray: couches, mittens, appliances, mattresses, but also sunsets, snowscapes, and neighborhood cats. He shares his 28

photos on his website johnrovnak.com and on Instagram (a_matter_of_perspective), but does not consider himself a photographer—just someone documenting his day. John says, “... some are really great, some are sad, some are tragic, but it's...like the greatest human drama, unfolding.” His rules are 1) only get one shot; 2) only edit or manipulate the photo once; 3) use the first title that comes to mind. As of publication he has over 1000 posts!

’00

Class Liaison: Ms. Katherine B. Laidlaw

Kitt Laidlaw ’00 shared the following post, “Greetings from snowy WY! While it was unfortunate that we couldn't have our 20th reunion this year, we are hopeful that 2021 will be the year to celebrate. I don't have much to report, but I look forward to hearing from many more of you in the upcoming months! Crystal Hodgin and Justin Keyes have been busy converting an old school bus into their new ‘tiny home’ down in Summerville, SC. Follow their story on their Instagram Hippy_and_Hunter to see the progress they've made on ‘ol' yeller.’ They plan to stay close to home in SC for the most part for another year or two before heading out to explore the country in their bus. With over 1,000 followers on Instagram, their story is sure to impress you. I'm still living in Wyoming. I'm back to work part‐time and I stay busy chasing my almost 2‐year‐old around on a daily basis. I was back in Manchester in August for a quick visit; BBA is definitely growing but the campus looks great...lots of changes but the same historic look still exists! Please email me and stay in touch throughout this next year at kittlaidlaw@gmail.com.” Winter 2021

Rob Gaiotti ’00 writes, “I've been fortunate enough to be back in Vermont for 12 years working as Town Manager for the Town of Dorset. The work consists of running daily operations for the Town. During this time, we've worked on a range of projects from expanding outdoor recreation opportunities to planning and carrying out upgrades to the water system in Dorset Village. Dorset is a wonderful town to work for, with very smart and engaged residents. I live in East Dorset with my wife Kelly who owns Dorset Physio Physical Therapy Clinic and our two sons Ryan and Eli, who are in grades 4 and 2 at The Dorset School.”

’04

Class Liaison: Ms. Shannon C. O'Leary

Jamie Hand ’04 who works for a private engineering firm in the Burlington, VT area, has been traveling the state consulting on air quality issues in schools because many districts’ air quality systems needed work. Jamie has a long interest in alternative and building energy. Multimillion‐dollar modernization projects were already being planned before the pandemic hit and Vermont lawmakers were ready to put substantial funds into a statewide analysis of building needs. The pandemic made HVAC systems a top priority, and earlier this year, legislators set up a $6.5 million grant program to help schools repair and upgrade their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to meet Covid‐19 health guidelines. About 300 schools are interested in applying for the $6.5 million—that’s about three‐fourths of all schools in Vermont.

’05

Class Liaison: Ms. Sarah Duckworth

Lia Taylor ’05 recently won her IFBB Figure Pro Card at the 2020 NPC Universe bodybuilding competition in Charleston, SC in November. She started competing in 2007 at the age of 20, winning her first show and setting the goal to some day turn pro in the sport. The figure division looks for overall shape, symmetry, and muscular balance as well as conditioning, posing, presentation, and overall look. Her contest prep was about 18 weeks long,

working with her coach to transition from her off season, or "improvement/building phase," to a cutting phase that consisted of continued weight training and a more strict diet and cardio regimen to slowly lose body fat and retain muscle for the stage. Lia is now qualified to compete in the pro circuit with potential to win money and climb the ranks. It may open up more opportunities in the form of sponsorships or work within the industry. But for Lia, this was more of a personal achievement than anything else. Lia owns The Manchester [VT] Gym, where she works as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, and also owns an online nutrition coaching business where she works specifically with women to break free from yo‐yo dieting and lose weight for good. Any questions, comments or coaching inquiries are welcome at liataylor87@gmail.com.

’08

Liaison Needed

Meghan Kelley ’08 earned a BA degree in Music from Allegheny College. She started her own business, Two Bridges Equestrian, which focuses on teaching riders the discipline of hunter jumper, as well as dressage. She also continues to compete as a professional in the dressage show circuit. Meghan earned her B.S. in Nursing (2019) and is currently working as a step‐down ICU nurse with cross training and shifts in the ICU unit at University Hospitals in Chardon, OH.

’10

Liaison Needed

Roi Hill‐Cohen ’10 lives in Be'er Sheva, Israel, and works in Ben‐ Gurion University's Faculty of Health Sciences. There he creates and oversees exams for the Medical School for International Health. He is also part of the

Medical School's admissions committee and is involved with the School's accreditation process.

’12

Class Liaison: Mr. Bernard B. Schwartz

Mariette Aborn ’12 emailed that she never expected to move back to Manchester, but she’s grateful to be living here while working remotely for an organization based in D.C. The best part is

being able to spend so much time (safely, of course!) with Melissa Oliva ‘12, who teaches history at Stratton Mountain School. Grady Murtagh ‘12 attended Norwich University and lives on Nantucket Island. He is the owner of Murtagh Construction and Landscaping a full‐service provider of landscape maintenance, lawn care, perennial gardening, window boxes, planters, patios, walkways, driveways, and retaining walls. On the construction side, the company is active in site work and excavation. Jessica Antonez ’12 is living in Portland, ME working for the Gulf of Maine Institute in their Education Department. In addition, she is pursuing her Masters at the University of Denver.

crew team brought home the first ever NCAA championship for Bates. She moved to Boston after graduation to a position with Mass General Hospital’s research center where she worked as a lab assistant for two years. Her contributions to various research projects resulted in three published papers. In May 2020 she earned her Masters in Medical Sciences from Drexel University. In August 2020 Michelle started at Drexel University College of Medicine.

’13

Class Liaison: Hayden Dublois

Emelie Severance ’13 moved back to the Manchester area about two years ago and writes, “I enjoy taking raw, genuine, and honest pictures and my absolute favorites are weddings and engagements. I really just capture it all including wildlife, nature, events, food, and family portraits.” Emilie’s passion for photography started at BBA and she has been shooting ever since. After two years at college, she reports that she “did what every ‘20‐something” does and took a break from reality and moved away to see new places out west. Emily hopes to learn something from every shoot, and every client, whether old or new, is special to her. “I want everyone I capture to feel safe, comfortable, and open to being themselves. I believe that photography is about building relationships.” Contact Emily at skinnerhollow.photo@gmail.com

Shirah Hill‐Cohen ’12 lives in Woburn, MA, and works at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Boston on family and children enrichment programs. Michelle Kelley ’12 earned a B.S. in Biochemistry from Bates College in 2016. She walked onto the crew team which competed in the NESCAC division, winning most of their regattas, as well as the Eastern Division championship. In 2015, Michelle’s Winter 2021

29

’15

Liaison Needed

Danielle Hazelton ’15 shared, “It's not often you have the possibility to return to work with an amazing employer from your past. But today, I can say that I have been given that incredible opportunity. While continuing my work at Scout Digital, I am rejoining the Career Collaborative team at Champlain College as a Career Consultant for the Communication and Creative Media Division for the Fall 2020 semester. In this role I will be able to meet with current students and alumni to assist in their career goals, present in classrooms (virtually, of course), help with events such as Sophomore Summit and the Career Fair, and so much more. Thank you Kerry Shackett M.S. and Tanja M. Hinterstoisser, Ph.D. for everything you have taught me in the past so that I can now give back to the department and institution that gave so much to me during my college career. Let Us Dare! #champlaincollege #careercollaborative #highereducation #jobplacement.”

’16

Liaison Needed

Nico Avalle ’16 writes, “After graduating from Tufts last fall, I relocated to Budapest, Hungary, to study baking at Az Bűnbeesett Nők, a small cake and pastry shop on the west side of the Danube. I was planning to return to America after six months, but due to the pandemic, I've extended my stay indefinitely. Although

I miss home greatly, spending time studying the history and cuisine of this great city has been a truly life‐altering experience. I've included a picture of myself at the Fisherman's Bastion, an iconic overlook of the river and old city.” 30

Chaston Finaldi ’16 writes, “I started at New York Life in September of 2020 in Burlington, VT. Originally, I had a job lined up in New Jersey doing basically the same position, with a different company. After things got serious with COVID‐19, I never heard back from them and started to look elsewhere. A friend of mine, Nate Gourd ‘16, landed me an interview with the company, and after a series of interviews, I finally got hired. Now I work with businesses and individuals building their long‐term wealth and estates. We utilize many different solutions, but basically I tailor what is appropriate in each client’s situation, and focus on tax advantage strategies to help maximize growth. On the side, I trade stocks full time, and run a group where I teach others how to trade and work on helping develop their own strategy.”

’17

’18

NEW Class Liaison: Ms. Bea Bellingham and Ms. Margo Grasphi

Bea Bellingham ’18 (new Class Liaison for 2018) reported, “I’m a third year at UVM studying mechanical engineering. Over the summer I interned for Mack Molding as a sheet metal intern.” Margo Grapshi ’18 has also signed on to be a 2018 Class Liaison and is continuing her studies at Hobart. Carter Hall ’18 documented our epic snowstorm on December 17, 2020 (40 inches!), featuring skier Jackson Ameden ’18 dominating the powder at Bromley.

NEW Class Liaison: Ms. Olivia Kuk

Olivia Kuk ’17 (new Class Liaison for 2017) reports, “After spending the summer working for Dartmouth‐Hitchcock, I have returned to Providence, RI for my last year at Brown. I am pursuing a B.S. in Neuroscience, and I continue to work in the O'Connor‐Giles Lab. My current focus is my thesis on candidate gene screening in Drosophila. I have also been spending time building an online course as part of a project that helps undergraduates prepare for research. Nate Severance ’17 is being deployed with the 10th Mountain Division, Third Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment. The division is the only one of its size in the U.S. military to receive intense specialized training for fighting in mountainous and arctic conditions. PHOTO credit Emelie Severance ‘13

Winter 2021

Carter’s photos were posted on Bromley's Instagram page and Ski VT's page. Good Morning America featured them in the weather segment the next morning!

Save the Date Burr and Burton

REUNION 2020 & 2021

Sept. 24-26, 2021 For more information go to burrburton.org/alumni /reunion-weekend or call 802-549-8277

2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 1 A N N UA L C O R P O R AT E D O N O R S Headmaster's List Bromley Mountain Resort r.k. Miles, Inc. TPW

High Honors List Engineered Printing Solutions Finn & Stone Insurance The Orvis Company Rugg Valley Landscaping W.H. Shaw Insurance Company, Inc.

Honors List The Bank of Bennington Salem Farm Supply

Academic Letter

Academic Pin

Andrea Kaplan Real Estate

Apricot Lane Boutique

Bradley D. Myerson Law Offices

Aubuchon Hardware

Carrie Mathews - William Raveis Real Estate

Hampton Inn & Suites

Earth & Sea Fish Market, Inc.

iShip Express

Equinox Construction Company, Inc.

Mother Myrick's Confectionery

Gubb & Bongartz Consulting, LLC The Inn at Manchester Kitchens of Vermont, LLC Lily of the Valley Florist Manchester Capital Management, LLC Metropolitan Engineering Associates, Inc.

Nathan Auction & Real Estate, Inc. The Richards Group Scott Thompson Builders Trout Unlimited - Southwestern Vermont Chapter Typestries Sign & Digital

Mountain Goat North, Inc.

Vermont Sports Medicine Center

Northshire Bookstore

Woodlawn Farm

People's United Bank

Zoey's Deli & Zoey's Double Hex

Perfectpiece Consignments RE/MAX Four Seasons Samuelson Law Offices Spivey Lemonik Swenor, PC Vermont Kitchen Supply, Inc. The Works Bakery CafĂŠ

CLASS OF 1970

CLASS OF 1971

Save the Date Burr and Burton

REUNION

2020 2021 &

September 24-26, 2021 For more information go to burrburton.org/alumni/reunion-weekend or call 802-549-8277

Burr and Burton Academy Post Office Box 498

Non‐Profit Org. US Postage

PA ID

57 Seminary Avenue

Permit No.3

Manchester, VT 05254

Manchester, VT 05254

“Our philosophy is simple: hire the best teachers, provide superb facilities, nurture a culture that values achievement in all its forms, celebrate the many accomplishments of our students, and strive for excellence in everything we do.” — Headmaster Mark Tashjian