DERBY ACADEMY is a Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8 school that nurtures the development of the child by providing opportunities for the maximum intellectual, emotional, and physical growth of each student. That mission is as important now as it was three centuries ago.
4
Derby celebrates its campus centennial by reflecting on the history of the Broad Cove campus and sharing stories from alumni, student artwork, and a timeline of events.
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Derby continues to develop creative cross-curricular learning experiences that have a deep impact on students' long-term understanding of subject matter.
20 De-Mystifying Mapping
Creating curriculum maps to show connections and relationships between subjects has amazing power as we examine Derby's curriculum as a whole.
22 Community Connections
Take a look into our ongoing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Justice work on campus.
24 Growth Coaching At Derby
Faculty become Growth Coaches to offer partnership, support, and feedback to colleagues in pursuit of their professional goals.
28 Campus News
The school year was busy with events around campus and school performances.
36 Last Chapel & Derby Day
Derby celebrates the accomplishments of the Class of 2023.
44 Derby's Gratitude
Derby appreciates the long-standing traditions of generosity and community.
49 Class Notes
Our alumni and extended community share milestones, achievements, and celebrations from the past year.
2023–2024
PRESIDENT
Ajay Sadhwani P’13,’16,’16,’19,’23
SECRETARY
Jeff Alexander P’24
TREASURER
Jake Heller P’25,’26
TRUSTEES
Jeff Camuso P’26,’29
Caroline Counselman P’21,’24
Charlie Davies P’30,’30
John Drew P’20,’21,’25,’25
Kevin Gill, Jr. P’28,’30,’32
Jeff Haywood P’26,’27,’31
Demi Isenstadt P’18,’21,’26
Hunter Kass P’26,’27,’32
Kristy Kennedy P’26,’28,’31
Emilie Liebhoff
Andy McElaney P’26,’27,’29,’30
Jennifer Lowe Newell ’90
Tom Noble P’24,’26,’29,’31
Suzanne Norris P’22,’25,’28
Helen Ra P’23,’23
Colleen Ramsden (ex-officio; Head of School)
Daniel Rivera P’28
Jane Cheever Carr ’50, P’75,’77,’79,’82, GP’03,’05
Elizabeth M. Loring P’97,’99,’01
Bruce H. Minevitz P’00,’04
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, AND PHOTOGRAPHER
Tracey Boucher
DESIGN & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, MAGAZINE DESIGN, LAYOUT, AND PHOTOGRAPHER
Colleen D’Alessandro
PRINTER
Fowler Printing & Graphics
CONTRIBUTORS
Kristin Donelan
Jami Gregory
Christina Kenny
Mary Beth Murphy
Annie Peterman
Alison Thompson
Squeakie Thompson
Guy “Woody” Tunnicliffe
FOLLOW DERBY ON SOCIAL /derbyacademy @derbyacademy
@derby.academy /derbyacademyorg
Please send letters to the editor, class notes, obituaries, and changes of address to:
DERBY ACADEMY 56 Burditt Avenue Hingham, MA 02043 781-749-0746 (ext. 105) alums@derbyacademy.org
Cover: Broad Cove
My second year as a member of this incredible community has been simply outstanding. In numerology, the number two represents partnerships—the coming together or balancing of people, concepts, or things, as well as harmony and teamwork. There could not be a better way to describe how I view year two for me and for this community.
This past school year was a whirlwind, beginning with a wonderful First Chapel where we introduced the schoolwide theme of being an upstander. Our students and teachers fully embraced this concept all year long, integrating it into the curriculum, our Pals activities, morning and community meetings, service projects, and more. I absolutely love that the idea of being an upstander has become a common thread throughout our school and I truly believe this will only grow stronger each year.
In the fall, we were visited by a group of professionals from our peer schools for our AISNE (Association of Independent Schools in New England) Accreditation. The team spent three days visiting classrooms, meeting with our entire faculty and staff, talking with students, and observing daily life on campus. I am so proud to report that we passed our accreditation with flying colors. The visiting team presented us with several commendations and some recommendations that will guide us in our future endeavors. There were many more highlights throughout the year, including several incredible theater and music performances, countless exciting athletic contests, classroom learning celebrations, a wonderful Spring Bash on Broad Cove, and a successful final week of school. Please enjoy the photos and updates in our Campus News section to see what we were up to this past year!
As we look forward to this coming school year, I am thrilled to be celebrating a major milestone in our school’s history. One hundred years ago this September, the upper grade levels moved to this campus on Broad Cove from the original school house on Main Street. We are excited to commemorate this occasion, and as you will see in the coming pages, we are kicking things off in this issue of our Derby Magazine! Throughout this next school year, our community will engage in various activities and events to recognize the campus centennial and we look forward to celebrating all year long.
And, while we are thrilled to commemorate a century in this beautiful location, we are even more excited to be looking ahead
to our school’s future. Throughout the last two years, my focus has shifted from leading a school out of a pandemic to looking ahead to the bright future before us. We are indeed an old institution with many beloved traditions that we continue to honor and cherish, and we are also growing and evolving, which means we are embracing change. As you will observe in the timeline on the coming pages, Derby has always been a nimble school that welcomed change and adapted with the times.
Already we are one full year into our 3-year strategic plan, and we are moving at a steady pace. As you enjoy the contents of this magazine, you will learn more about how we’re addressing Goal 1 of our strategic plan, Programmatic Excellence. Within that goal, we have outlined several strategies related to our programs, including “aligning our curriculum” and “enhancing our programs through innovative curriculum.” I encourage you to read the articles written by Mary Beth Murphy, Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, to learn more about our progress in these areas.
Another major strategy within the goals of our strategic plan is to create a standalone strategic plan for diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice (DEIBJ). We are very proud of our strengthened commitment to becoming a more culturally competent school through our focus on DEIBJ. This plan is in the final stages of creation and will be ready to reveal to our community in the coming months. I want to thank our Director of Community and Belonging, Annie Peterman, for spearheading this project. I am thrilled to have a written plan that we will execute over the next 3 years in partnership with our Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, and staff.
This year and future years look promising as we embark on new initiatives while simultaneously focusing on enhancing our current programming. Derby is in a position of strength. Our enrollment is healthy, our faculty and staff are among the best educators in the country, and our families are committed to our motto, Improve Both Mind and Heart. Thank you for your continuous support, feedback, and desire to make Derby the best it can be.
Colleen Ramsden, EdD Head of School
by Guy "Woody" Tunnicliffe
Upper grades move to the new campus (using temporary structures for classrooms from the 1920s through the 1950s) on Burditt Avenue. Lower grades remain at Old Derby until 1966.
1924
Derby adds Kindergarten and Primary grades making it a complete elementary school. In succeeding years additional classes were established to complete the college preparation High School.
1934
Derby celebrates the 150th anniversary of the signing of the 1784 Deed of Lease and Release.
Anyone who has been a member of the Derby Academy community knows that there are certain ineffable qualities that make the School such a special place—one of them being it's location on the beautiful Broad Cove.
Ramsden used the Derby annual spring event, held on May 4 this year, as a preview of the community celebrations planned for the upcoming centenary of Derby’s present campus. Held in the Hersey Memorial Gymnasium, fittingly the first permanent structure built on the campus, as the reveling guests enjoyed food and drink, more than one person had a question about the event theme, Spring Bash on Broad Cove— where exactly is Broad Cove? Indeed, “Derby Academy” and “Broad Cove” have become so inexorably linked that, much like “New Derby” is rendered redundant in relation to “Old Derby,” so too has “Broad Cove.”
1957
1949
“I remember playing football in the fall and then ice hockey in the winter. We went down and skated in an area on the southwest side of campus that was made into a skating rink. We’d have to go down and shovel it off, as there were just a few maintenance workers for the campus.”
1941
Derby purchases the Headmaster House on 1 Academy Lane in Hingham.
Hersey Memorial Gymnasium is completed. Named in honor of Alfred Cushing Hersey, it is the first purposebuilt permanent building on the Broad Cove campus.
Sarah Derby Hall is completed. Built to plans drawn by Headmaster Ed McEachron, it housed administrative offices and originally contained the school auditorium.
“Derby Day was a BIG event—for the whole family and for the whole school. There was an all-school pageant which was outside on the hillside. All students from K–Grade 9 were in the pageant (each grade had a different theme). There was a lot of time spent rehearsing, and it was just fun being outside and singing in the springtime and so forth. The pageant went on in the morning, followed by an Arts Department Open House showcasing student artwork, as well as their completed shop and sewing projects. There was a big tent out on the field where the graduation luncheon (including lobster salad) was served. Ninth graders marched in and sat at the “Head” table—it was quite formal. After lunch, everyone marched down to New North Church. Lower School students went down to Old Derby, had their Hoodsie cups and played on the playground. Once the ceremony was over in the church, students and their families also came back to Old Derby for a formal tea. It was a full day for ALL students.”
More familiar to some, is the campus’s former use as the summer campground of Boston’s socially elite First Corps of Cadets. The 30-acre tract, which included the 10-acres of graded fields of the parade ground, formed one side of
the tidal Broad Cove, whose wetlands and calm was preserved thanks to the construction of the causeway that is today the section of Route 3A which separates the cove from Hingham Harbor. On the opposite side of the
1966
1977
cove was Otis Hill, named after none other than Madam Sarah Derby’s maternal great-grandfather, John Otis, a founding father of the town of Hingham—though in Madam Sarah Derby’s time it may still have been known as Weary-All Hill, for it’s steep climb wearied by all who made it. A century later, cadets used those same steep, grassy slopes across the cove for artillery practice. In July 1921, the First Corps of Cadets was reorganized as part of the Massachusetts National Guard, where it survives today as the 211th Military Police Battalion. As a result of this reorganization, the former campground on Broad Cove became available for purchase the following year.
The story of Derby Academy of the early 20th century parallels that of the First Corps of Cadets: a cherished institution, rich in history and tradition, yet struggling to find its identity in the contemporary world. The looming mass of Old Derby that belonged firmly to the 18th century was barely surviving in the 20th, with the total school size staying steadily around 30 pupils each year, with an overall average age of seven or
New Primary and Lower School is built on Broad Cove, bringing the whole school together on one campus. Old Derby is acquired by the Hingham Historical Society.
A major capital campaign is established to renovate the Hersey Gym, modernize science facilities, improve Administrative Offices, renovate the Marshall House, make substantial improvements to the grounds, and build the Arts Building.
1984
Derby celebrates its bicentennial and buries a time capsule in front of the flagpole to be opened in 2034.
eight, and only one or two students per year completing the full academic course load to receive a high school equivalent diploma—the last of which was received in 1911. Once again, Madam Sarah Derby would soon save the school in spirit.
The year 1914 marked the 200th anniversary of Madam Sarah Derby’s birth, and former Governor John D. Long, President of the Board of Trustees of Derby Academy, took the opportunity to use the celebration to host Derby’s first reunion. More than 300 former students from around the country came back for the festivities and Annual Exhibition, a precursor to our Arts Night showcase of student work, that in the days before cinema often filled both Loring Hall as well as Old Derby. Interest drew in not just former alumni, but the community as well, enough so that in the fall of 1914, enrollment had more than doubled from the previous spring to 72 students. 1914 also marked the arrival of Mrs. Marita Burdett, who for the first time in the school’s history, placed students in specific grades, then Grades 2 through 7. In just a few short years, Derby’s enrollment was at an all-time high, with over 100 students by 1922. As Old Derby was now filling with students, Hingham Square was now becoming congested with automobiles. The automobileera preceded the infrastructure that could support it, and Hingham, already a large bustling Yankee town, found that it had become a waystop on the scenic route from Boston to Cape Cod.
It is worth taking a moment to note that in the background of this myopic tale, the educational community at that time was in a pitched battle between educational conservatives and fundamentalists and educational progressives and reformers. The “Academy” model, the privately-endowed schoolhouse, belonged firmly to the conservatives; the progressives were already advocating a new model of education, the “Country Day School.” The Country Day School Movement in the United States essentially sought to recreate the atmosphere and culture of independent boarding schools, by building campuses in the “country,” or suburbs, and expanding programs to include not just academics, but the whole student, athletics, play, expanded facilities and clubs, exploration, freedom, etc. It is no
“What comes to mind for me is just the excitement of all the big events in Sarah Derby Hall during my years at Derby. I think back and it felt so big at the time! Everything from performing on stage for the Thanksgiving play in 3rd grade to hosting International Night in 5th grade and transforming the space for dances in 7th and 8th grade, it always felt like the hub of campus life. The growth and improvements across campus over the years have been amazing and I love that my kids get to experience Derby in an entirely new way while still keeping some of those spaces a part of student life!”
1992
Phase I of the Derby Vision Campaign is completed with an addition to the Arts Building providing 2 new classrooms, Development Offices, and a new groundlevel maintenance facility. The Christy’s Building is built at the top of Derby’s "Main Street" loop to complete a new Middle School quad comprised of Grades 4–6.
1995 Sarah Derby Hall is renovated to create a new reception area, faculty room, and installation of an updated campus-wide telephone system.
The Summer Arts Program launches at Derby. 1988
—Alumnus, Class of 1999
surprise then that rather than take sides in a fractious external debate, Derby would decide to do both.
When those 30 waterfront acres with graded playing fields and a mess hall, sheltered from the hustle and bustle of downtown Hingham, and only a 10-minute walk from Old Derby, became available for purchase, the Trustees leapt at the chance to acquire it, working quickly to stymy a proposed subdivision development. The Broad Cove purchase was the first time since Sarah Derby’s original gift that funds from other individuals were subscribed to Derby Academy. That same year, John French, a former Milton Academy master, was appointed to be the head of the new upper campus. French was a protégé of the former Harvard University President, Charles W. Eliot, also a trustee of Derby Academy, and member of the Progressive Education Association, which credits its legacy with “any other activities beyond reading, writing, arithmetics, and the classics” in schools—although in Derby’s case, sewing should be added to that list.
The move to the new campus was effectively a second founding of the school, and a pamphlet published at the end of the 1923–1924 school year described it thus:
Derby as now organized comprises a Kindergarten, a complete Elementary School, and for the academic year of 1924-25, two High School classes. In succeeding years additional classes will be established until complete college preparation is offered.
The Kindergarten and Primary classes have a short school day. All older pupils remain for a full afternoon session, with regular supervised outdoor play. For those who live a substantial distance from campus, noon-time meal is served. Boys and girls work and play on equal terms in all departments of the school.
Methods of instruction and discipline at Derby, will be such as are advocated by the recognized leaders of modern educational thought. Without sacrifice of that which has value in the old, the school is committed to the policy of utilizing that which proves serviceable in the rapidly developing new education.
In the shaping of this progressive policy, the headmaster is assisted by an Advisory Board including the headmasters of two prominent nearby schools and the Dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Believing that experience is in all things the most effective teacher, and that the best preparation for life consists in living, Derby endeavors to provide for its pupils a school life so vitally interesting and so purposeful that they think of school as the congenial center of their active life, rather than as something artificial and far removed from life.
The Marshall House is taken down to start construction of the new campus center comprised of a new dining hall, art gallery, theater, wood shop, and gymnasium.
Phase II of the Derby Vision Campaign is completed with the opening of the Roy Campus Center. Over $6.6 million was raised towards the completion of the building and a faculty endowment fund.
The Science Center is completed. The state-of-the-art science labs replaced the former school dining room and original Terry Library.
Photographs from the time reveal a true idyll, rolling grassy hills down to the shore of Broad Cove, where theatrical productions used the slope of Otis Hill as a backdrop, before the construction of Route 3A, long lines for picnic luncheons, and skating on Broad Cove.
This idyll quickly came with hardship at the onset of the Depression. While most struggled in some way during this period of financial hardship, Derby particularly suffered from the optimistic bonds that had been sold to finance the purchase of the new campus, compounded by dropping enrollments, nonexistent yields on investment, and obligations to vendors. To keep students in school, Derby allowed families to pay whatever they were able to, the modest faculty salaries were cut by a further 20%, and did what they could to keep the school afloat. Students did what they could too, as the school could only afford one maintenance worker during those years, students assisted in cleaning their classrooms and shoveling snow in the winter. To aid in this endeavor, the Parents Association, now Derby Family
“We have countless special memories of Derby but paramount among them were the times spent on the sidelines watching the kids compete on the 1784 field. The bonding, the camaraderie, the wins and losses, and the excitement were as much a part of the parents' experiences as they were for the students! Friendships were born and solidified on those sidelines, just as they were on the field—hours of cheering in support of our children with as much passion as we cheered on the children of others. Derby instilled this feeling in so many within the community; it was and always will be family to us.”
—Parents of Alumni P’12,’14,’17
The Mary MacPherson Primary and Lower School is expanded adding several new classrooms and a Lower School Library.
The Healey Family Center for Innovation is completed which housed two computer/technology classrooms.
The Class of 2021 Pavilion is constructed between the Roy Campus Center and the Arts and Language Building.
Connect was formed, and through clothing sales, bake sales, book sales, sponsored lectures, and teas, Derby families came together to ensure there was “just enough money” to meet every critical need.
The School has a history of banding together during crises and demonstrating a particular compassion and sensible endeavor that is no doubt central to its longevity. In World War II, Derby opened its doors to British evacuee children and over a dozen of its own students would enlist before its conclusion; today’s current generation will be remembered for their deft response to the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a hybrid learning environment and going to extraordinary efforts to keep the community together; and you see it in the myriad groups, causes, petitions, collections, and donation bins, that Derby students cannot sit idly by when others are in need.
Those same qualities that have allowed the Derby community to survive crises, have helped it otherwise thrive. In preparation for moving the Upper School to the new campus in the fall of 1923, a number of Hodgson prefabricated buildings were erected to serve as classrooms and a dining hall. These structures, designed to stand for roughly a decade, were meant to be a temporary solution to ensure that the campus would be open in time for the fall 1923 term, but the effects of the Depression, World War II, and good old-fashioned Yankee penury, they were still in use when Edward C. McEachron was appointed headmaster in 1947. Headmaster McEachron not only led the construction of the aforementioned Hersey Memorial Gymnasium in 1949
and Sarah Derby Hall (based on plans that McEachron drew himself), but also in the summer of 1960 when the remaining Hodgson buildings were razed and rapidly replaced with new purpose-built classrooms and a dining hall. Thus being the most extensive building program in the school’s history since the construction of Old Derby, to be followed six years later by the construction of the Primary and Lower School building.
The transfer of the Primary and Lower School to Broad Cove and the subsequent sale of Old Derby to the Hingham Historical Society in 1966 reunited the whole school, fundamentally shifting the Derby experience. Students no longer had to endure a “New Derby”—one foot in the current century at “New Derby” while the other remained at “Old Derby,” firmly planted in the previous. And while so much of Derby has progressed from that century-old idyll, as we gather today as a community for performances in Larson Hall, at recess on the 1784 Field, in line at the dining hall for lunch, or for a rousing Field Day tug-of-war overlooking Broad Cove, we are reminded of that ambitious sentiment, “to provide for its pupils a school life so vitally interesting and so purposeful that they think of school as the congenial center of their active life,” and still is ours today.
1914 Marita Burdett, Principal
1922 John R. P. French, Headmaster
1930 Frederick G. Cherry, Headmaster
1938 Harrison M. Davis, Jr., Headmaster
1947 Edward C. McEachron, Headmaster
1968 Thomas J. Waters, Headmaster
1987 John A. Pistel, Headmaster
1992 Edward R. Foley, Headmaster
2007 Andrea Archer, Head of School
2014 Deborah Dana Callahan ’59, Interim Head of School
2015 Joseph J. Perry, Jr., Head of School
2020 Thomas J. Reid, Interim Head of School
2021 Colleen M. Ramsden, Head of School
A tradition that far predates the move to Broad Cove—Madam Sarah Derby included instruction for female students “in the art of needlework” in her founding vision for the school in 1784. Today, sewing is still a staple at Derby and is available to all students.
Even as tools and technologies improve, Derby students still hone their fundamental skills in woodworking much the same way as generations before them. For decades, Derby has had a dedicated woodshop on campus where students build theater sets, construct lighthouse lamps, and even carve wooden cooking spoons.
Prior to the construction of the first school auditorium in Sarah Derby Hall in 1957, many theatrical productions were held in the open-air before the shore of Broad Cove. Elaborate costumes and imaginative sets were just as important then as they are today as seen in this year’s Upper School production of Little Shop of Horrors.
Field Day at Derby arrived with the move to the Broad Cove campus and the advent of the Country Day School movement. Students still enjoy lively competition and good sportsmanship in much the same way their predecessors did one hundred years ago.
Though fashions change, Derby Day dress code stays true to tradition. The 10-minute walk from the Broad Cove campus to New North Church evolved into the familiar procession we know today. The two top-ranked students leading the procession continue to hold the same baton used since 1869.
alumni share fond memories and the impact that Derby had on their lives.
Sandy WeymouthQ: Tell us a bit about what you do—please describe your job and what that role entails.
A: At the moment I am working on two business ventures, my furniture company Sawtimber, and a collaborative woodshop located in Weymouth called South Shore Woodworks. I founded Sawtimber five years ago after graduating from the Cabinet and Furniture Making program at the North Bennet Street School in Boston with the goal of making Scandinavian-style furniture. Since then I have been making chairs, tables, and cabinets out of my home woodshop to sell directly to clients. However, I quickly outgrew my workspace and started searching for a larger one in the area. Instead of just looking for a space for myself I decided to open a larger shop where I could rent extra space to other woodworkers. This allows for the sharing of costs associated with operating a bigger shop and also promotes the collaboration of both ideas and labor on woodworking projects.
Q: How did your time at Derby impact your career choices/trajectory?
A: Some of my favorite classes at Derby were in the sciences and that definitely guided my subsequent schooling and career choices. I specifically remember loving my classes with Mrs. Winslow and Mrs. Fuller. My focus on science continued into high school and I then went on to graduate college with a B.S. in Geology and then from graduate school with a M.S. in Environmental Engineering. I worked in the Environmental Engineering field for about fifteen years before changing my career to woodworking. The roots of my latest career choice can also be traced back to Derby as it's safe to say the first time I ever made anything in a woodshop was in Mr. Winslow's shop class.
Q: Tell us a bit about what you do—please describe your job and what that role entails.
A: I am a registered architect working as a sole practitioner. Through Marquis Architecture, LLC, I provide a variety of services including architectural services, sustainability consulting and Owner’s Project Management services. With 25 years working in the design and construction industry, I have developed an expertise that extends beyond architecture, and I now use those skills to help building owners, developers, and other architects with their design and construction projects in a variety of ways. My work is focused primarily on academic and commercial buildings, and I have specialties in historic preservation and sustainable design. In addition to my work as an architect, I frequently work with a larger team as a sustainability consultant, helping with performance strategies or sustainable building certifications like LEED. And lastly, as an Owner’s Project Manager, I would be hired by an owner to represent their best interests and manage both the design and construction teams through a project. On many projects it is a full-time job, and the Owner does not necessarily have the expertise or the staff to dedicate, so they hire someone like me.
Q: Did you have a favorite place on Derby's campus that you can share with us?
A: There was a tree right in front of Sarah Derby Hall and the Main Office where we all left our backpacks. It was also a landmark “I’ll meet you at the tree.” It felt like the “hearth” for the campus. As someone who now designs campuses, I try to incorporate moments similar to the one that tree offered.
Tracy Marquis '91
Q: Tell us a bit about what you do—please describe your job and what that role entails.
A: I work for American Airlines and am a Senior Engineer in Base Support Engineering stationed at the Tulsa Maintenance Base in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I work mostly on Boeing 737 aircraft. We support the structural repairs on the fuselage, wings, empennage, and multiple interior structures. I’ve been with AA for 12 years in the same role and love the hands-on aspect of the job. My group oversees the engineering requirements for the aircraft that come in for maintenance overhaul visits. These visits involve opening up and removing all the interior components (seats, lavatories, interior panels, floorboards, etc.) and performing detailed inspections throughout the plane looking for any signs of corrosion, wear, cracking, etc. so it can be addressed. My group provides the paperwork to repair any damage that is discovered during these inspections and also acts as a liaison between the maintenance personnel and the aircraft manufacturer.
Q: How did your time at Derby impact your career choices/trajectory?
A: I think the biggest thing Derby taught me was time management and prioritizing requirements. I was a threeseason student-athlete during my time at Derby and then went on to be a multi-season student athlete at Milton Academy and in college while pursuing a dual mechanical/ aeronautical engineering degree at RPI. Learning at a young age about time management and the impact of procrastinating on long term projects helped to shape my success throughout my academic career and into my adult life.
Derby also focused a lot on communication and writing skills which helped me throughout my academic career and now continues to play a huge role in my job in aircraft maintenance. Understanding the issues at hand and succinctly providing repair steps is one of the key factors for success in my job.
Q: Tell us a bit about what you do—please describe your job and what that role entails.
A: I am a licensed and practicing professional Civil Engineer. I own and operate a Civil Engineering Contracting company specializing in Design/Build Civil Engineering projects on the south shore of Massachusetts.
Q: How did your time at Derby impact your career choices/trajectory?
A: Derby had an incredible impact on my career. One thing that comes to mind is the relationships I had with the faculty. In the seventh grade I remember memorizing the squares of numbers one to 50, fractions one half to one twentieth and the square roots of numbers from about one to ten. I also have a fond memory of designing and building a catapult in Latin class. Derby inspired my love for the STEM subjects and gave my career an amazing jumpstart.
Q: Did you have a favorite place on Derby's campus that you can share with us?
A: Derby's campus is one of a kind. My favorite part is the layout. It has smaller buildings that are set apart and I feel that was a big contributor to my amazing academic experience. Just about every classroom has three exterior walls with windows looking out in every direction.
Q: Do you have hopes/thoughts about how the campus might evolve in the future?
A: I hope that Derby will never lose its amazing unique character. I love the small satellite style buildings and classrooms. The ability to have a short walk outside between classes was a great experience as a student and I hope that Derby keeps a similar layout for years to come.
In the spring, students were asked to submit artwork to help celebrate the campus centennial on Broad Cove. Given words of inspiration like “improve both mind and heart,” “polar bear,” “100 years,” “Broad Cove,” “Burditt Ave,” “campus,” “centennial,” “celebrate,” “community,” and “Sarah Derby” students produced artwork in many different mediums to commemorate this historic milestone.
Featured artists:
Sophie An ’30, Greta Boucher ’28, Reagan Davis ’26, Luke deLaar ’25, Brynn Dyer ’26, Alé Kiely ’29, Guillermo Herencia Lopez ’29, Perry Nadas ’31, Hannah Reinig ’26, Perry Steele ’26, Izzy Stolzman ’23, Louisa Vanderweil ’23, and Hadley Waxman ’29
An ode poem is defined by the Poetry Foundation as “a formal, often ceremonious lyric poem that addresses and often celebrates a person, place, thing, or idea.” Utilizing the skills they learned from their poetry unit, Grade 2 students wrote an ode to Derby Academy using descriptive language to bring their ideas to life. Students used their knowledge gathered from field trips to Old Derby/Hingham Historical Society, as well as what they uncovered about Derby's history through campus tours, presentations, and guest speakers. Alongside their Ode Poem, students created colorful illustrations to represent their work.
Amazing Derby by Guillermo Herencia Lopez ’29
Old Derby, you are now the Hingham Historical Society
Old Derby, you had different rooms for boys and girls
Old Derby, you would learn the alphabet by sewing it.
Derby Academy, Sarah Derby founded you in 1784 Derby Academy, has a lot of performances Derby Academy, has a fun field day.
At Derby I get to play with my friends
At Derby I love to learn math, science and more At Derby I get to read all kinds of books.
You can make new friends at Derby!
Amazing Old Derby by Harlow Orpik ’29
Old Derby, Old Derby you were located in town for two centuries. Old Derby, Old Derby I learned you are 239 years old.
Old Derby, Old Derby you were founded in 1784.
Derby, you’ve been on the hill for about a century. Derby, you have 347 children on campus. Derby you have a Science Center.
I love reader's theater at Derby. I love the amazing teachers at Derby. I LOVE everything at Derby!
Derby is Amazing by Grace Levy ’29
Oh Derby, Sarah founded you in 1784
Your tuition was to bring firewood
Another thing is you had to sew your alphabet.
Oh Derby, 100 years ago you moved to this campus
Now you have pals with different grades
You also have Malawi pencil pals.
Oh Derby, I like that it is a girls and boys school
I like that we have lunch tables with different grades
I like that we have kind teachers!
Kindergartners as astronauts? Third Graders as surgeons? Sixth Graders as LEED engineers? At Derby, anything is possible, as students experience themselves through all these lenses and more.
SCHOOLS OFTEN FOCUS on teaching children core subjects such as math, science, and reading. While these subjects are undoubtedly important as stand-alone content areas, the innovative educational program offered at Derby seeks to continually develop creative cross-curricular learning experiences that encourage joyful, playful learning that has a deep impact on students' long-term understanding of subject matter.
Cross-curricular education is an approach that involves integrating multiple subjects and disciplines into a single expanded experience. Through these integrated learning
experiences, we can help young children develop a more holistic understanding of the world around them. First and foremost, cross-curricular learning experiences help children make connections between different subjects. By engaging in a topic from multiple perspectives, children can better understand how different ideas and concepts relate to one another.
In Kindergarten at Derby, students learn about space through exploring the science of the planets, sun, and stars, the engineering behind the International Space Station (ISS), the physical challenges of being an astronaut through physical education, the history of human space exploration, and the literature and art inspired by space. By studying space from multiple angles, students develop content-specific knowledge that helps them become mini-experts on the subject, and their space vocabulary expands dramatically. This growth is reflected in their reading and writing skills
as they access books about space exploration and write about their adventures as astronauts. By integrating these different disciplines, children develop a more comprehensive understanding of space as a whole.
“When it was playtime, we pretended we were in a rocket ship,” Kindergartner Dylan McLennan said. “We went under the tables to read and write because on the ISS you have to work in small spaces. We did astronaut training in PE, with launch pads and dodging asteroids. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin are very old, but they really walked on the moon. I found out my grandpa watched it live!”
Interdisciplinary learning experiences also can help children develop important social and emotional skills. By working collaboratively on projects that integrate different subjects, children learn to communicate effectively, compromise, and work as a team.
In Grade 3 at Derby, students learn about the human body through a series of interactive and collaborative learning experiences across every content area. In pairs, they design exercises to build different muscle groups in physical education. As part of their library and technology experience, small groups of students design and animate Stik-Bot videos to demonstrate the different motions of our muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Using their understanding of the relative position of internal abdominal organs and their developing Spanish body vocabulary, teams of students perform mock appendectomies in Spanish class. In art class, as a sneak-peek into our Middle and Upper School sewing program, students hand-sew a model of a body part they choose to study and together build a sewn model of the human body. Using all that they’ve learned, students also design board games that teach about the different systems of the body.
“I liked creating so many big projects that went together,” said Grade 3 student Ceci Leary, who chose to study the large intestines. “We had a lot of choices—not everyone did the same thing. We worked in groups, too, which was fun because it was taking multiple ideas and finding the best. It’s fun to have company while you’re working!”
The unit culminates in a Health & Human Body Fair for Grade 3 families, during which students lead visitors through a full-body workout using the exercises they designed, soliciting feedback from each participant about the experience. Building on Derby’s strong public speaking
and writing programs, students present information about their body system to an audience and in a brochure about how to stay healthy. Throughout this integrated unit, students work in multiple teams, keep many different but related projects going at once, communicate what they’ve learned through public speaking, writing, art, and technology, and work together to develop creative solutions to a variety of challenges.
I liked creating so many big projects that went together. We had a lot of choices—not everyone did the same thing. We worked in groups, too, which was fun because it was taking multiple ideas and finding the best. It’s fun to have company while you’re working!
—Ceci Leary '28
by Mary Ellen Olson
I HAVE FOND MEMORIES of Derby during the warm days of early fall—the campus is buzzing and children seem happy to be back. Monarch butterflies are fluttering in the landscape.
For years, an inspiring fifth grade teacher named Alice McWilliams, taught Geography and Sewing in the classroom next to the art room. With a wide range of interests, Mrs. McWilliams filled her lessons with cross-curricular connections. Every September, her students were excited to learn about North America while studying the migration of the monarch butterflies. A butterfly bush was planted outside of her classroom to observe the butterflies up close. On a large world map, children plotted the monarch’s 3,000 mile trip from Canada to Central Mexico.
In the fall of 2022, I wanted to share my passion for the natural world with the fourth grade class. We watched the monarch butterflies outside of the art room and observed their unique symmetrical patterns and colors. We studied the monarch’s migratory journey and learned that their population and habitat was being threatened. I asked the children to communicate their understanding by designing a mural that would illustrate the migration of the monarchs. After the children finalized their design plan, images of Boston, New York City, Washington D.C., Florida, and Mexico were painted along the coastline. Students filled the mural’s landscape with more than 100 individually painted butterflies that were scattered among the images of butterfly bushes, milkweed blossoms, sunflowers, bumble bees, trees, mountains, skies, trucks, cars, jet planes, cruise ships, sailboats, commuter boats, people, roadways and waterways. At the end of the fall, the fourth graders were proud of their efforts and learned that public art can be a powerful way to influence people!
Moreover, cross-curricular learning experiences encourage creativity and innovation. By exploring different subjects and perspectives, children can develop new ideas and insights they might not otherwise have. In addition, these learning experiences often involve hands-on, experiential learning that can help children develop a sense of agency and ownership over their own learning. This can help build confidence and self-esteem, which are important components of emotional intelligence. Finally, interdisciplinary learning experiences can help children see the relevance of what they are learning. By exploring how different subjects relate to each other and to real-world issues and challenges, children can develop a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in their learning.
The qualities of integrated curriculum can be found in our Grade 6 national Future City competition. As part of their Introductory Engineering Design course, students form teams of three or four over the course of the first two trimesters to imagine, research, design, and build a city 100 years into the future that addresses climate change in unique ways. In this year’s regional Future City competition, students gave live presentations to panels of engineers. Our students spoke about ways their other courses had impacted their understanding of the model and building a city. For example, reading The Giver in English, they shared, “taught us that everyone has a story and that we can't erase the past. We can only learn from it and use it to solve problems and make a better future. This is true for both helping build a diverse and inclusive community as well as issues of climate change.”
Creating mock governments in history, including being a representative to the EPA, helped students find new ways to research the environmental needs of their city. In math, students studied the properties of scaling and they learned the science of soldering metal together in science class. Through exploring ideas related to city planning, community development, and government in all their Grade 6 courses, students were able to make connections to the real-world challenges of designing their Future City, coming up with solutions they might otherwise have missed in a stand-alone engineering course.
We are proud to have evidence that our cross-curricular efforts are having a true impact on students. Integrated learning experiences are an essential component of Derby’s curriculum, and something we plan to continue to grow as part of our strategic plan to continually design innovative learning opportunities. Some evolving examples include:
• “The Physics of Music,” a collaboration between our music and science faculty in the Upper School in which students explore waves;
• “Polar Animals,” a journey that encompasses literacy, digital research, art, and science in our Lower School;
• “Identity,” a literary and historical exploration of how our identities impact the lenses through which we interpret the world; and
• “International Studies,” a fully immersive project in Middle School grounded in geography, digital research, art, writing, and entrepreneurship in which students design and present a business from a country outside the United States.
Connecting one real-world challenge to all content areas helps motivate our students to be more engaged and invested in their education, while envisioning a path for themselves after school. By integrating different subjects and perspectives, children can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the world around them, as well as develop important social, emotional, and creative skills. At Derby, we strive to create learning experiences at every grade level that integrate multiple subjects in creative and meaningful ways to help our students develop into well-rounded, curious, and engaged learners.
Curriculum mapping is a process we use to plan and align our instruction based on the learning we hope students will explore and master throughout their Derby experience.
THERE’S NO GREAT MYSTERY to this; curriculum maps are a visual representation of our curriculum, showing the connections and relationships between the different subjects and skills we teach. These maps allow us to see the big picture
of instruction across all grade levels, ensure that instruction is aligned with Derby’s learning goals, ensure continuity for our students, and inspire conversations in faculty professional development settings. When published, the maps also become a powerful way
for families to understand the big picture of Derby's curriculum as a guide to their child's Pre-K–8 experience.
Faculty members have spent two years studying the principles of Understanding by Design, a framework for planning courses and lessons that starts with the long-term competencies we hope students will take away and the broad, open-ended questions that
each class will explore. A few examples of questions that weave through some of our program are: “What do effective problem-solvers do, and what do they do when they get stuck? How do I know what to believe in what I read? How does my model relate to the real world?”
In June, after school ends for students, we gather as a full faculty to
workshop each course using the UbD (Understanding by Design) framework. This process has led to many “aha!” moments and connections for our faculty. For example, Kindergartners and students in Grade 5 both explore space. Getting faculty into the same room to discuss their space units has led to many opportunities for crossgrade and division-level connections and collaboration. In the Upper School, this process allows for deeper cross-curricular connections, such as how presenting counter evidence and theories in science supports opinion writing in language arts classes.
Though we are at the beginning stages of this curriculum mapping work, we plan to have all core courses mapped by the end of summer 2024, and that’s just the beginning. Mapping is a continuous and dynamic process that cycles through new experiments and ongoing reflection to reflect the most current, innovative instruction across Derby’s campus.
This fall, Derby will share its Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Justice. This plan will outline the strategies the school will use to achieve its goals in four major areas: Increasing Cultural Competence for Faculty/Staff through Professional Development; Diversifying the Community; Enhancing the Curriculum through a DEIBJ Lens; and Increasing Opportunities for Authentic Connection. To create this plan, the Office of Community and Belonging compiled the information found in the 2021 Diversity Directions report, the 2021 and 2022 parent/guardian and faculty/staff surveys, the 2022 AISNE re-accreditation report, and 10 Community Listening sessions.
The Derby Academy Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Justice is an outline of goals and strategies for the school to engage with as it seeks to fulfill its values as described in the Statement for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Authored in 2012, this statement solidifies the school’s commitment to ensuring that all Derby Academy community members can thrive as their fullest, most authentic selves, build their cultural competency skills, and learn across differences. We understand that diversity, in all forms, provides students with a superior educational experience and increases students’ ability to collaborate and think critically. We strive to create equitable policies and practices so that all community members can engage in the full Derby experience.
Belonging At Derby, formed in 2021 as a subset of the Parents Association (now Derby Family Connect), had a very successful second year. The group’s mission statement describes itself as “a group of parents and caregivers whose mission is to foster an environment of inclusivity and belonging at Derby Academy. We collaborate with Derby Family Connect and administration to provide opportunities for learning, conversations, and experiences for the Derby community.” The group hosted two Community Conversations, the first in connection to the faculty summer reading book, Allies, by Shakirah Bourne and Dana Alison Levy, and the second, a workshop given by School Librarian Emmy Garr, on assessing children’s literature for bias. The group also held monthly Walk and Talks at Bare Cove Park in Hingham. These informal gatherings offered families a chance to connect with one another with no particular topic of conversation assigned. In April, Belonging At Derby held a small book club, where Pam Muñoz Ryan’s Esperanza Rising, a text taught in our Grade 4 curriculum, was used as a catalyst for conversation around inclusion and difference. Lastly, the group sponsored a parent evening with Rosetta Lee, a nationally known DEIBJ facilitator. She spoke to Derby parents and others from the South Shore community about inclusion in the early years and beyond.
EQUITY,
The Center for Teaching and Learning is excited to announce the creation of a new role, the department chair for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Justice. This role was created to partner with the Office of Community and Belonging to implement the curriculum initiatives laid out in the Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Justice.
Teaching a curriculum that offers diverse perspectives sends powerful messages to students about belonging. When looking at curriculum through a DEIBJ lens, we often talk about windows and mirrors. Mirrors represent opportunities for students to see individuals like themselves represented in the curriculum, while windows represent opportunities for students to understand an experience unlike their own. It is always Derby’s goal to offer students a robust and rigorous curriculum that broadens perspectives and allows for a deep understanding of the world around them.
This year, Middle School students have benefited from an affinity group for neurodiverse students. Students on Support Plans were invited to optional biweekly meetings with School Counselor Julie Browne, to talk about the many wonderful ways our brains work and share triumphs and tribulations of being neurodiverse. Facilitating conversations around shared identity helps foster a deeper sense of belonging and, in turn, can help students feel more secure and confident in the classroom. We look forward to expanding our affinity group programming to provide more points of intentional connection for more community members.
This winter, Upper School students came together to create an Asian American and Pacific Islander Alliance Group. The group was open to all students in the Upper School and was a place for kids to talk about and learn about the wide range of Asian American and Pacific Islander experiences in the United States. The group ended AAPI Heritage Month by reading books to younger students. The alliance group members chose Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho, a story about loving yourself and recognizing your own beauty, and Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed, a story about a young boy who is excited to share his favorite food with his friends.
This spring, Middle and Upper School students met during their lunch to be part of Derby’s first Glow Up Project. The goal of Glow Up was to learn about the LGBTQ+ pride flag and why it’s important to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. As a culmination of the project, students painted the pride flag on the Middle/Upper School hopscotch court so that students, faculty, staff, and visitors would know that Derby Academy is a safe place for the LGBTQ+ community. Some student takeaways from the project were:
• “Supporting the LGBTQ+ community means that everyone feels included.”
• “It's especially important that we stand up for members of the LGBTQ+ community because sometimes they experience discrimination.”
• “Going out of your way to stand up for someone who needs it makes you an upstander, and that’s important to me.”
Going out of your way to stand up for someone who needs it makes you an upstander, and that’s important to me.
— Student
Above all, Derby’s faculty are learners. We continually seek to develop our own teaching practice, stay up-to-date with important educational and brain research, and differentiate our curriculum to meet the needs of the students in front of us each year.
DESPITE BEST INTENTIONS, it is easy to lose sight of the long-term learning goals we set for ourselves in the midst of day-to-day teaching responsibilities. It can be challenging to carve out time to dedicate to professional reading, attending workshops, or collaborating with colleagues. But research shows clearly
and consistently that a faculty focused on its own professional learning and growth translates directly to improved student outcomes.
To address that challenge, in 202223, Derby piloted an innovative personalized approach to professional development for and by teachers. In just one year, the Growth Coaching
program has grown into an essential tool for Derby educators, who are committed to continuous improvement and development, while also seeking partnership and support of their goals.
Sixteen Derby teachers volunteered last spring to be trained as Growth Coaches over the summer to offer partnership, support, and feedback to colleagues
in pursuit of their professional goals. They were then paired with a colleague who wanted this kind of partnership to support a self-defined professional growth goal. The power of Growth Coaching lies in its ability to facilitate reflection and self-awareness, intentional action, and collegial accountability.
Growth Coaching encourages Derby educators to reflect on their practice and their impact on student learning. Several of our Growth Coaching pairs worked toward implementing strategies outlined in our summer reading, Neuroteach: Brain Science and the Future of Education. Specifically, the pairs endeavored to improve the impact of the first and last 10 minutes of each class, knowing that these are often the times student brains are most engaged. The Growth Coaches visited their partners at the beginning of the year to see how those elements of their class were structured, then met to revise them with the hope of making a bigger impact on students.
Coaching partners Jerry Boardman and Elizabeth Erbafina explored the Neuroteach principles of memory and retention, experimenting with capitalizing on the opening and closing moments of each class, times during which students are most likely to remember what is presented. Instead of going over homework or starting with a review, Boardman and Erbafina designed impactful, engaging opportunities for students to activate prior knowledge at the beginning and powerful exit tickets to review material at the end of each class. When asked about the impact of this experience for her students, Erbafina commented, “In leveraging ‘prime time’ instructional opportunities (the introduction and
In leveraging ‘prime time’ instructional opportunities through subtle pedagogical shifts, students demonstrated a genuine investment in their assignments. Ultimately, the classroom culture was one that fostered excellence in learning but equally encouraged curiosity and intellectual risk-taking.
Elizabeth
conclusion of a class period) through subtle pedagogical shifts, students demonstrated a genuine investment in their assignments. Ultimately, the classroom culture was one that fostered excellence in learning but equally encouraged curiosity and intellectual risk-taking.”
Of his experience working with Elizabeth, Boardman commented,
“It was a real pleasure to work cross curricularly and cross divisions with Elizabeth on concepts. We were able to discuss ways to reach the students and become better teachers. As Elizabeth's coach, I benefited just as much.”
Growth coaching also provides an opportunity to be intentional about a particular element of teaching practice. A small group of educators
—
Erbafina, Grade 5 Teacher
from multiple divisions joined forces this year to explore how their assessments lined up with their longterm learning goals for students. They asked, for example, “Are we simply assessing content knowledge for this unit or is there a way to also assess the habits of mind necessary to be a successful mathematician?” In Grade 3, at the end of a unit on fractions and multiplication, students had to design a pizza with constraints around the number of toppings on fractions of the pizza. Authentic math performance assessments such as this one give students real-world problems to solve using the skills they’ve developed throughout a unit of study and encourage creative mathematical problem-solving rather than simple rote memorization. The connection between our assessments and the outcomes we dream of for our students is just one example of the ways Growth Coaching can support reflection around our actions and intentions as teachers. For some Growth Coaching pairs, the program simply provided an accountability mechanism to stay focused on a long-term professional learning goal.
Mary Ellen Olson commented, “Chris Travis coached me during the 2nd and 3rd trimester as I introduced a Grade 6 ‘Face Card’ lesson, which was inspired by historical examples. He visited a few of my classes and offered me valuable feedback on his observations while I guided the students in their drawing of human figures, and understanding of the principles of art. The final results reflected each of the students' growth in their individual observational skills in drawing and design. A written reflection by each student confirmed their
positive feelings about the process, their further understanding of the art concepts of human proportion, the challenges they faced along the way, and the pride that they felt in the final piece. Chris’s feedback and coaching throughout this lesson was so valuable to me as a teacher and to my students’ experience.”
We look forward to building the Growth Coaching program next year to up to 25 collegial pairs. The multi-year goal is that all faculty will have access to a Growth Coach as they pursue their professional learning goals. We are confident that this will have a powerful impact on our students’ learning experience at Derby.
Chris’s feedback and coaching throughout this lesson was so valuable to me as a teacher and to my students’ experience.
— Mary Ellen Olson, MS/US Visual Art Teacher
AS A SCHOOL, our faculty and staff are continuously learning. Learning from ourselves, our students, outside experts, and perhaps most importantly, one another. During this year's June professional development meeting time, our faculty had the pleasure of learning from their peers during our “Faculty Celebration of Learning,” a series of workshops hosted by sixteen teachers. The workshops were a collection of mini classes meant to educate others on a variety of topics and passions. Examples included, “Conducting Graded Class Discussions,” “Helping Students Manage Anxiety,” “Improv for Teachers,” “Authentic Assessments in Math,” “Planning Interdisciplinary Curriculum,” “Discovering the Tools of the Innovation Center,” “Academic Language Support for ELL and Students with LBLD,” “New Diverse Titles in Children's Literature,” and many others.
For Emmy Garr's workshop, “New Diverse Titles in Children's Literature,” she explained, “Representation is vitally important: all people deserve to see themselves represented in stories! Recent trends have seen far more BIPOC protagonists and ‘own voices’ authors, especially in fantasy and science fiction. I discussed how I've started to see more books with neurodiverse characters, and I'm hoping to see more characters with body differences in the future. Though I put some ‘tags’ on the books to help teachers categorize them and relate them to their classroom needs or interests, identity is complex and intersectional, and characters' experiences can't be reduced to simple labels. Teachers spent the remaining time in the session browsing through the nearly 50 books I put on display, reading through them, and discussing their thoughts and ideas.”
Dave Kleberg and Brian Martin showed the faculty their collaboration in a seminar entitled “Making Waves: The Intersection between Music & Science.”
This was a summary of the 7th Grade Science unit on sound waves, showing the different ways that sound waves interact with each other and how the human brain interprets the physical mixture of waves in the air around us. This culminated in a demonstration on how musicians utilize and manipulate sound waves to create the music we all enjoy, as well as the mathematical history of instrument manufacturing.
DERBY ACADEMY welcomed new and returning students back to campus last fall for the first day of school and the annual First Chapel Lecture on Wednesday, September 7. The event was held in the McKelvey Gym featuring a gathering of students across all divisions, faculty, staff, parents, and Trustees to celebrate the new school year. Ahead of Dr. Ramsden’s opening remarks, Grade 8 students were welcomed by the entire community to cheers and applause, and recognized as this year’s school leaders.
Dr. Ramsden greeted the audience by welcoming the community to the start of a new academic year, “You’re here at Derby Academy, where we care, and we want to make sure you have the best year possible.” She then acknowledged the Derby “Lifers,” students who have attended Derby since Primary School, and also recognized this year’s Foley Citizenship Prize winner, Felix Stuart ’23, whose initiative focused on supporting the monarch butterfly population.
Head of the Upper School Jenna Barbary-Glovsky then addressed the Class of 2023, “In this year full of expectations, transitions, applications, and looking ahead to what could be, I challenge you to appreciate the now. Take in these moments, enjoy each other this year, don’t focus so much on the future, that you lose the present. You’re our leaders this year.”
Grade 8 students then introduced and welcomed the new faculty, staff, and students to the Derby community.
Dr. Ramsden announced the schoolwide theme for the year as “being an upstander.” She introduced Theater Director Shawn Verrier and Primary and Lower School Music Teacher Madison Pratt, who performed a playful skit to showcase this theme.
Dr. Ramsden then closed out the event by commenting, “Here’s to a great year filled with learning, laughter, friends, fun, and upstanders.”
ON A BEAUTIFUL autumn morning last October, Derby Academy invited the school community to come together on the newly-restored 1784 Field for a second-annual “Gathering of Thanks.” Students, faculty, staff, parents, and friends of Derby took some time to reflect and share their deep-rooted appreciation for all that the school community provides.
Welcoming those assembled, “I believe the fall season is a season of gratitude,” Head of School Dr. Colleen Ramsden began, “The purpose of this event, a Gathering of Thanks, is to gather as a whole school community. We do a lot of gathering by division, we have our morning meetings, but this is an opportunity for us to all come together, because we are one school.”
In that spirit, students were seated with their Pals, allowing for students of all ages to share in the event together. Pals is a peer-mentorship program that pairs older and younger students together to form meaningful friendships and a sense of community.
Dr. Ramsden then shared what she is grateful for this school year: “I am thankful that this is a warm and welcoming place where people are friendly and kind to each other. I am so thankful that it’s a place where older students model for younger students how to be a good citizen.” She added, “I am thankful that we are all members of a community where we all consider ourselves learners and are always looking to grow.”
Joining Dr. Ramsden at the lectern, Annie Peterman, Director of Community and Belonging, donned porcine features to share some wisdom from Zen Pig: The Art of Gratitude by Mark Brown (not to be confused with Derby’s own beloved parent-author Marc Brown, P’01), and show that grace can be found in appreciating the simplest things and little moments.
Dr. Ramsden went on to explain the benefits of practicing gratitude. She challenged students to make a habit of it in their daily lives, offering practical demonstrations and gestures that would allow community members to share and appreciate those things
that nurture the soul and bring them joy. Standing together with Ms. Peterman, Dr. Ramsden invited the gathered community to turn to their neighbor and express what they were grateful for—shared reflections included relationships with friends and colleagues, a culture of learning and inclusion, smiles and laughter, and apple cider doughnuts on a crisp fall day.
The assembly also provided students with the opportunity to showcase their musical talents, including a prelude performance by the Jazz Trio—an award winning group featuring Grade 8 students Grace Chen, Griffin Kelleher, and Nate Ward. Soon thereafter, the Upper School Vocal Ensemble sang a beautiful rendition of “Stand in the Light” by Jordan Smith.
Before thanking everyone for sharing together in this Gathering of Thanks, Dr. Ramsden invited parents and students to participate in a Gratitude Challenge: to spend the month of October practicing gratitude and sharing with each other the things they are thankful for.
PRIOR TO the Thanksgiving holiday, family and friends of students came to campus to celebrate Grandfriends Day. Guests enjoyed a special musical performance in Larson Hall followed by classroom visits to get an inside look into how students spend their day.
GRADE 6 STUDENTS put on a dazzling and entertaining performance of The Pirates of Penzance last November! The show was full of comedy and heart, showcasing our students’ talented singing and acting. Congratulations to all of our students and faculty for their hard work and contributions to a wonderful show.
DERBY STUDENTS AND FACULTY celebrated the holidays with singing, music, and dancing during their annual holiday performances back in December. The afternoon was filled with joy and cheer as students sang festive songs to celebrate the season. Primary and Lower School students performed their “Winter Festival” program, Middle School students performed “Celebrating the Season,” and Upper School students performed “Let There Be Light.”
UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS put on an incredible performance of Little Shop of Horrors in March. Students brought their talents to the stage through their singing and acting, as well as their astounding craftsmanship to the set design. Theater Director Shawn Verrier took a 600-mile journey to Pennsylvania to pick up the perfect Audrey II puppets to bring the show to life. Congrats to all of our talented students and faculty for all their hard work and dedication on the production.
IN THE SPRING, students across all divisions came together for a Day of Service. Students participated in various hands-on activities that provided opportunities to give back and explore important local and global issues. This year, Day of Service was tied into Earth Week and many of the activities were environmentally focused. Throughout the day, most of our students were able to spend time in their classrooms creating cards for nurses who work with Pat Roche Hospice House as part of the Norwell Visiting Nurses Association.
Primary and Lower School students took shifts working alongside Jonny Belber from Holly Hill Farm to continue planting in one of our gardens on campus. Students also worked with their classmates to assemble no-sew blankets for the Ronald McDonald House.
Middle School students worked with the North and South River Watershed Association by participating in a program called FISH School, where they learned about the importance of the herring population and counted the fish via an underwater camera. Students also participated in a program called Grow Native, where they learned about native plants and pollinators. To help celebrate spring and Earth Day, students spent time planting flowers around Derby’s campus.
Upper School students were involved in a variety of activities throughout the day. Grade 6 students learned about invasive plant species and created pamphlets to inform the community about the harm that they can cause. They also planted flowers around Derby’s campus. Grade 7 students learned about the dangers of plastic and trash in our oceans and then took a field trip to Hull for a beach clean up. Afterwards, they created public service announcements to educate their peers and fellow community members about the dangers of trash and plastic in the oceans.
Grade 8 students spent most of their day off-campus volunteering at Holly Hill Farm in Cohasset.
IN MAY, Grade 4 and 5 students put on the first-ever Middle School Spring Concert. The Bands, String Ensembles, and Chorus all performed, showcasing the work they’d put in all year long. The students performed a wide variety of music from traditional folk tunes to timeless classical music to American patriotic songs. It was a great night full of wonderful music shining on stage.
LATER IN MAY, students in the Middle and Upper School presented their artwork at Derby’s annual Arts Night celebration. Their work from their Visual Art, Shop, and Sewing courses were on display in the Brown Art Gallery and in the Lewis Dining Hall, showcasing the broad diversity of creativity our students possess. Families then entered Larson Hall to enjoy the Upper School Band and String Ensemble concert portion of the evening, where students in Grades 6-8 put forward a wonderful concert, ending the event with a well-earned standing ovation.
IN THE SPRING, the Primary and Lower School Arts Morning celebrated students in Pre-K–Grade 3 in both the visual and performing arts. The event was an opportunity for students and families to recognize the hard work that students have attributed to their art all year long. The Brown Art Gallery and the Lewis Dining Hall were filled with students’ visual art including a multitude of mediums. Pre-K and Kindergarten students also gave heartwarming performances of Peter Rabbit and Rainbowfish on the Larson Hall stage. They showcased their storytelling skills through song, movement, and public speaking. Along with performing, students designed and crafted the set, from collaborative backdrops to hand painted sets and prop pieces—the shows were a true reflection of the young artists.
FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW, three Derby students were recognized in DownBeat Magazine’s annual Student Music Awards! Grade 8 students Grace Chen, Griffin Kelleher, and Nate Ward received five separate awards in this year’s contest. DownBeat Magazine has hosted its Student Music Awards since 1976, and are considered among the most prestigious awards in jazz education.
THE DERBIES AND TOPPERS had a day of friendly competition as they went head-to-head during the annual Field Day in June. Students participated in the sack race, egg and spoon, obstacle course, hurdles, long jump, and tug-of-war to name a few. After a close match, the Toppers captured the win! Our Primary and Lower School students also had a blast during their Field Day activities in May!
ON TUESDAY, June 6, Head of School
Dr. Colleen Ramsden addressed guests in Larson Hall as Last Chapel commemorated the close of the academic year.
“It is my pleasure to welcome all of you to our Last Chapel. This event is one of our many wonderful Derby traditions. We began the year celebrating our 8th grade leaders at First Chapel and now in a blink of an eye we are here at Last Chapel congratulating them on a successful year. I could not be more proud of you. You have been a welcoming, hard working, and kind group of students and you have been amazing leaders. I want to remind you to take this in. Look around. This is a special time in your life. Be present. You will look back on these last days at Derby with fond memories. Enjoy it.”
Throughout the program, many students were recognized for their accomplishments, including our Class of 2023 Derby “Lifers”—students who
started in Pre-Kindergarten, Grade 7 and 8 Book Award recipients, Grade 8 Department Award recipients, and the Edward R. Foley Citizenship Prize recipient.
Head of Upper School Jenna BarbaryGlovsky and Secondary School
Placement Director Jeff Natale had the pleasure of addressing the Class of 2023. Ms. Barbary-Glovsky and Mr. Natale emphasized how this class has accomplished something that may have once felt impossible. The duo gave the class three pieces of advice for when they feel something might be impossible: “Be curious. Embrace the things you do not yet know or understand, and find out more. Just like your adventure through this year, those impossible things will become easier as you learn, and as you tackle them piece by piece. You are capable and strong, and you have been given all the tools you need to succeed. Be yourself and trust in yourself. No one
can beat you at being you. If you are true to yourself and allow your inner weirdness to flourish, the world is your oyster and think about how much fun you’ll have! Ask for help–often. This is NOT a sign of weakness, it is actually a sign of strength. Ask your friends, ask your peers, ask adults, ask anyone that is willing to give you helpful advice about life.”
Nine students had the honor of presenting the Grade 8 Class Gift, three copper wind sculptures and a newly planted garden, located in front of the Healey Family Center for Innovation. The students gave a wonderful description of the artist’s work, “The artist, Lyman Whitaker is world-renowned as a pioneer in kinetic art. His designs start on paper and the metal sculptures are the result of hand forging, pounding, cutting, and connecting of copper elements.” They went on to explain the significance of the sculptures to the Class of 2023 and the Derby community, “The center sculpture is called a double helix sail, representing the genetic fabric of life and also paying homage to our coastal culture and the backdrop of Derby’s campus. On each side of the helix are schooner sculptures, representing our
passage through Derby and our journeys awaiting us. These sculptures were carefully selected to honor each of us and the strengths and values that our class embodies. We are individually and collectively known to be artists, musicians, athletes, nature lovers, readers, mathematicians, scientists, discoverers, thinkers, helpers, and givers. Just as in life, as we all embark on exciting new paths, we want to remember that the act of discovery and an attitude of gratitude is where we will find our greatest meaning.”
The Thomas J. Waters Prize is awarded annually to an individual teacher who exemplifies the qualities of caring and concern for the welfare of Derby students, qualities that are, in fact, characteristic of the Derby faculty as a whole. This year’s recipient was Upper School teacher Gerald Boardman. In her comments, Dr. Colleen Ramsden said, “This year’s Waters Prize recipient embodies the joy of teaching and clearly treasures building relationships with students and faculty alike. A magnet for students throughout all parts of the school day—whether in the classroom, at recess, during athletics, or after school. This faculty member clearly creates a safe space for all students to stop by for a chat or an animated discussion of the latest academic challenge they pose. Their quiet leadership of both students and faculty strikes that rare balance of humble confidence, unwavering positivity, and generosity of spirit.”
“This faculty member’s contagious intellectual curiosity, commitment to continual learning, and excitement to share what they’ve discovered from educational research strengthens teaching across our entire campus and impacts our students every day.”
Closing out the event was a wonderful video message from teachers to each and every member of the graduating class.
E. Brooks Robbins Coaches Award
Ashley Fish '03
Thomas J. Waters Prize
Gerald Boardman
Edward R. Foley Citizenship Prize
Liv Reinig ‘24
Elvira Butterworth Prize for History
Arden Sartori ‘23
Susan Feins ’85 Prize for Excellence in Science
Mitchell Carson ‘23
Francis Ranieri Mathematics Award
Scout Olney ‘23
Wheelwright Family Prize in English
Bridget Hunt ‘23
Michael J. Connelly Latin Prize
Mitchell Carson ‘23
Martignetti Prizes in Modern Languages
Grace Chen ‘23
Scout Olney ‘23
Coyle-Driscoll Art Prize
Sarah Burga ‘23
Zildjian Music Award
Grace Chen ‘23
Grade 8 Parade Marshals
Chase Curran ‘23
Scout Olney ‘23
Susan Feins Award
Caroline Wolford ‘23
Head of School Pennant
Isabelle Dwyer ‘25
Henry Stephens ‘25
Parents Association Minor Banner
Sofia Eleuteri ‘24
Mitch Byrne ‘24
Trustees Major Banner
Gabe Issa ‘23
Charlotte Steele ‘23
As the Derby community takes part in a centuries-old tradition, the Class of 2023 looks ahead.
“Your past does not dictate your future.”
—The Rev. Daniel DiceThere is always an air of nervous anticipation surrounding Derby Day, that last-push effort before the true start of summer, getting everyone correctly dressed, out the door, in their seats, and just hoping beyond hope that it does not rain.
This year’s Derby Day on Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 was no different. Students celebrated the end of a year together with their last, long-practiced musical numbers to an enthusiastic full house in the McKelvey Gym. Director of Community and Belonging Annie Peterman offered a touching tribute to beloved faculty member Lisa Baxter, who has played a part in so many lives
over the course of her 30 years at Derby (See page 42). Following the Choral Concert, Grade 8 parade marshals Chase Curran and Scout Olney, the academically top-ranked students in the graduating class, led their fellow students, faculty, staff, and trustees to the sound of bagpipes and the beating drum past congratulatory onlookers gathered along Burditt Avenue and Fearing Road as they processed to New North Church.
In the coming year Derby Academy will be celebrating its campus centennial, marking 100 years of the School on the Broad Cove campus, but Derby
Day itself is a tradition far older and indeed as old as the school itself. Both the 1784 Deed of Lease and Release, the founding instrument of the School along with the Charter (See page 56), and Sarah Derby’s last will and testament, explicitly detail a “Derby Lecture” or “Lecture Day” to be held annually for the benefit of the students, and though that tradition has evolved significantly, in the ensuing 2391 years, it remains true to the letter and spirit of the founder of the School. “For a ceremony that started in the 18th century to remain true to its core in the 21st century—there simply are not too
many schools in this country that can make that claim!” enthused Head of School Dr. Colleen Ramsden.
And indeed, while the Class of 2023 processed in their traditional whiteand-blue Derby Day attire down Fearing Road, much as they have for the past 99 years, they were not marching in lockstep with the past but rather following in the footsteps and experiences of those that came before them, and demonstrating the best of what is yet to come. As we look back on the photographs and memories of Derby Day 2023, and reflect on the smiling happy faces, Derby Day attire, and pleasant normalcy, it is worth remembering that this was a class that was tested and challenged in every conceivable way—coming of age in a pandemic, having to constantly adapt, pivot, learn, love, grow, and play, under incredibly adverse conditions. Through it all, students came out strong—smiling together as they entered New North Church ready to take on the future.
Dr. Colleen Ramsden offered opening remarks to the Class of 2023, “As you go forth and experience new schools, new friendships, new passions, new sports, new perspectives, and new visions, look back on your memories at Derby, stay connected to each other, and remember we will always be in your corner rooting you on.”
Following Dr. Ramsden’s welcome, the Student Address was delivered by members of the graduating class— Sarah Burga, Henry Frattasio, Chloe Stolzman, and Isabel Stolzman. Head of Upper School Jenna Barbary-Glovsky
then presented Derby Academy’s two highest awards, the Madam Sarah Derby Pin and the Academy Pin. Established by John C. Harper ’48 in memory of his father and former Derby Academy trustee, Wallace R. Harper, the awards are given to two students who most nearly embody the values of the Derby community through demonstrated effort, interest, and positive contributions in academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities. This year, Caroline Wolford received the Madam Sarah Derby Pin and Nate Ward received the Academy Pin.
Dr. Ramsden was then joined by Ajay Sadhwani, President of the Board of Trustees, to award the Class of 2023 with their diplomas, followed by the hymn “Jerusalem,” by Hubert Parry. The singing of “Jerusalem” has been a tradition since 1941 when Derby welcomed 13 young English students fleeing the Nazi bombings of London in World War II—in the words of the Reverend Michael J. Connelly, former Derby Latin teacher, a poignant reminder that “more than 80 years after those English children came to Derby, we continue to reach out and welcome people of the world to our campus. Each year the song ‘Jerusalem’ reminds us of our duty to love freedom and do everything we can to make the world a better place.”
The Reverend Daniel Dice, Rector of St. John the Evangelist in Duxbury, offered the Derby Lecture and was introduced by Grade 8 student Thomas Mattera. A graduate of Miami University in Ohio and the University of Dayton Law School, Rev. Dice previously practiced
1While the progenitor of Derby Day itself was detailed in 1784, 239 years ago, this was only the 232nd Derby Day, as the Deed of Lease and Release did not come into effect until 1791 with the death of Madam Sarah Derby and various other circumstances, e.g. pandemics, war.
law as an appellate prosecuting attorney and opened his own practice before enrolling in the General Theological Seminary in New York in 2005. While earning his Master’s of Divinity, he served at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine as well as in parishes in the West Village and Baltimore, Maryland, prior to his ordination as a priest in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2012.
Rev. Dice had previously visited Derby Academy and spent time with the Class of 2023 to learn more about both the school and the students themselves, and what advice they would likely need as they embark on the next chapter of their life journeys. Touched by the experiences of that visit, Rev. Dice reflected, “In the summer before my 8th grade year, my life changed forever when I had the chance to travel abroad for the first time. The important thing is not where. The point is the vision
of something greater—which that experience gave me—changed me forever. As we walked along streets that had served two-thousand years of traffic, as we prayed in churches where people had worshiped for three-dozen generations, as we sat in the grass and made new friends, my eyes opened to just how big the world really is, and I realized something that I would like to share with you that I learned about myself, and about the world.”
“This learning, this mental growth, this awakening to things that are greater than I had ever imagined for myself, all of that happens because we have teachers. In my story, my teachers were my friends and the sights and places we visited. You, Class of 2023, you have had teachers as well—they were your friends and your classmates, and they have been the amazing faculty of this academy.”
“Our teachers are sometimes faculty members of institutions like this one. And our experiences also teach us—and not just our happy, fun experiences but all of them. For example, the effects of bullying, that is stuff others do to us,
and so, I ask: How do such experiences teach us? What do we learn about ourselves because of them? And how will we be in the future because of negative experiences visited upon us by others? Does losing the game make us want to quit—or does it make us strive all the more fervently next time? More than that, what do we learn when it is we, ourselves, who have wronged one another or have not met the expectations we had for ourselves? Every experience teaches us, if we let it. Therefore, ask yourselves as you sit here: What have your many, many experiences at Derby taught you? What have they taught you about math and science, English and history; what have they taught you about your schoolmates and friends; what have the experiences you’ve had here taught you about yourself? How are you a different person today because of what you have learned here at Derby?”
“Trust what your heart tells you. Trust in the goodness of others. Trust that experiencing and learning produce growth—for all of us can choose to grow, every day, in small and large ways, toward becoming who we are.”
“All of this is true, and there is an even greater truth to know: your past does not dictate your future. I said that I want to share with you this morning something I’d realized when I was your age, and it is this: the world out there is larger and more beautiful than any of us might imagine, and your future in it is not written. You may believe that you know exactly how your life is going to unfold, and you may be working toward a very specific goal but we, all of us, only get just this one life. And life is huge. It is full of catastrophic disappointments, broken hearts, accidents, and pain; and it is also full of magnificent splendor, joyous accomplishment, wonderous surprises, and love. What I learned so long ago was that the vision I thought I had for my life was so much smaller than what is actually possible. So, if you remember nothing else from today,
remember this: this is your one life. How will you let your experiences teach you? How will you choose to be?”
“On this, I will close with some advice: be expansive, explore, listen to the stories of people who are nothing like you, dream, honor your physical health, be a friend to someone who has no other friends, imagine how you would like to be talked to or interacted with and then do that with others, confront injustice, make being universally-kind your daily goal, be humble, always prioritize relationships over all else— for when success has been forgotten and life is winding down—it will be the relationships you’ve made that will be the truest gold of your lives, remember that not everything can be resolved by intellect, make friends with what frightens you, never allow yourself to believe that anyone has power over you
that you don’t give them, love foolishly but never treat others like a fool or put up with those who treat you so, cry at movies, read constantly, strive for the bigger things, and wake up each day grateful for what you have and live that day like it might be your last.”
Rev. Dice concluded his message, “To the Class of 2023: Your future is unwritten; let your experiences teach you; and choose an amazing life. Well done and congratulations!”
Trust that experiencing and learning produce growth—for all of us can choose to grow, every day, in small and large ways, toward becoming who we are.”
—The Reverend Daniel Dice
We are so thankful for the many contributions and years of service from long-standing faculty member, Lisa Baxter. Her dedication to students and families has been an integral part of the Derby community for 30 years.
Lisa Baxter is retiring after a remarkable 30 year career at Derby. She began in the Lower School as a Grade 1 teacher for 10 years, then moved to a Grade 3 classroom for 13 more years. In 2016, she made the jump to Middle School to be a Grade 4 teacher in the Wakeman Building for 6 years. She finished out her 30 year Derby career back at her roots as a Lower School teacher, teaching her passion, science. Lisa was honored by colleague Annie Peterman, Director of Community and Belonging at the Derby Day Choral Concert in June
to commemorate her long-standing career at Derby. Annie worked next door to Lisa in the Wakeman Building for many years as a Grade 4 teacher. Annie reflected, “She was always eager to try new things in an effort to grow and refine her skills—whether it was classroom practices, finding new ways for kids to feel a sense of belonging, or revising and updating the curriculum. This was especially true when it came to science class. Her enthusiasm for the material was contagious. When Lisa was excited for something new, you couldn’t help but also be excited.”
Annie continued, “Lisa’s interest and care for her students wasn’t just about academic performance. She cared about their emotional well being, their self confidence, their social relationships, their families, and their interests and passions outside of school. She really always has been about mind and heart. The whole child matters to Lisa, and her students have always felt it.” Derby will deeply miss Lisa’s passion for teaching and dedication to her students. We wish her all the best in her retirement.
Babson College
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College of Charleston
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Tabor Academy
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Boston College High School Hingham High School Roxbury Latin School Sebastian's SchoolMEMBERS AND GUESTS of the Derby Council met for a reception at Old Derby in November. During the gathering, co-chairs Debbie Dana Callahan ’59 P’83,’85,’88 and Jeffrey Breen ’84, P’21 welcomed new members and the group enjoyed a campus news update from Head of School Dr. Colleen Ramsden, who thanked and recognized the Council for their support and guidance. The Derby Council gathered again on campus for a working meeting in April. The Board of Trustees Building and Grounds Committee co-chairs, Jeff Camuso P’26,’29 and John Drew P’20,’21,’25,’25, along with Dr. Ramsden, led a discussion about our campus needs for the present and the future.
ALUMNI from the classes of 1938–1973, those who graduated from Derby 50 or more years ago, gathered at Old Derby in the fall for a reunion luncheon. They had a chance to learn about today’s Derby from current Grade 8 students who greeted them upon arrival. It was a wonderful afternoon to catch up with former classmates, reminisce while looking through old yearbooks, and hear the latest Derby news.
Please save the date of Tuesday, April 23, 2024 for next year's Golden Alumni Luncheon at Old Derby for Classes 1938–1974. Invitations will be sent out in early March 2024.
IN NOVEMBER, six members of the Class of 2022 returned to campus for our Turkey Day Alumni Panel to talk with Grade 8 students about the transition to high school. The graduates represented a variety of secondary schools and were able to share details about their new routines and how Derby prepared them for this next chapter. This Alumni Panel has become a tradition and is helpful to current Grade 8 students as they prepare for life beyond Derby.
Following the panel, alumni from the classes of 2019–2022 returned to campus for the annual Turkey Day Reunion. Former students gathered in the Lewis Dining Hall to enjoy pizza and snacks as they reconnected with friends and faculty members.
Thank you to the many members of the Derby community including alumni, parents, faculty, staff, grandparents, parents of alumni, and friends who gave to the 2022–2023 Derby Fund! Your generous support helped us set a new record for the Derby Fund, raising just over $1Million.
It is through the collective support of our community each year that we are able to continue our mission to Improve Both Mind and Heart. Thank you for enriching the educational experience for every student in our community by giving to the Derby Fund.
BOSTON-AREA ALUMNI from the classes of 1974–2014 gathered at Trade in Boston last November to reconnect with former classmates. Curt Cetrulo ’85 (also a Derby parent and Trustee), shared the latest news from campus, details about our Strategic Plan, and reminded the group why staying connected to Derby and supporting the School is so important.
IN EARLY DECEMBER, the School celebrated the holiday season by acknowledging the generous support of our Leadership donors during an evening reception at Tosca in Hingham. During the event, faculty members Ali Moore and Jerry Boardman gave an insightful presentation about the Winter Term program at Derby to highlight the opportunities it provides both students and teachers.
IN MARCH, alumni, faculty, and friends laced up their skates and enjoyed an evening of friendly competition on the ice for the annual Walter Sullivan Family Hockey Game.
PARENTS OF ALUMNI were welcomed back to campus in April to reconnect with old friends and meet Head of School Dr. Colleen Ramsden. Community members were excited to be back in the Lewis Dining Hall as they enjoyed appetizers and cocktails and reminisced about their fond memories at Derby. In addition to parents of alumni, former Headmaster Ed Foley P’97 and former faculty members were in attendance. Thank you to our event committee and to everyone who attended the event. To those who couldn’t make it, we hope to see you soon!
IN MAY, parents, faculty, staff, and trustees gathered for a festive evening on campus in Hersey Gym overlooking Broad Cove, to celebrate spring and preview the School’s upcoming campus centennial which will be commemorated throughout the 2023-2024 school year. Despite the unseasonably chilly temperatures, guests congregated around warm solo stove fire pits, enjoyed delicious food and beverages from Pizza Barbone, and entered for a chance to win some fun raffle prizes!
ELEANOR (TWOIE) HALL RIDGWAY ’56 writes: “I'm a little too far away to visit but think of Derby and classmates often. I enjoy the updates and yearly reports!”
BETS BOHAKER WOOD ’56 writes: “Greetings from beautiful Colorado. I've been living here since 1959–1960 after attending two years at the University of Colorado. My two cats share my great apartment with a wonderful view of the Rockies. I live close to my daughter, Laura, and her husband and not far from two grown grandsons (one in Wyoming), and a fabulous great granddaughter, who is 12 going on 37! Have ended the skiing but the kayaking is great! Also camping which I share with my 'grand dog' and the kids. It has been a good life, for the most part, and I thank God for it. I still cherish my Madame Derby pin from 1956. Keep safe, healthy, and enjoy your life. Yours in friendship.”
SCOTT HOWARD ’57 writes: “I went to Derby many, many years ago and am now retired in Florida after having traveled all over the world (93 countries). Am now 80 years old and hopefully have 20 more years to go. My regards to my former classmates.”
NED GUILD ’60 writes: “Still alive and kicking!”
MARY KATE GARRITY ’84 and Bill Quigley are engaged.
ELIZABETH TOBEY ’86 writes: “I live in Greenbelt, Maryland (outside Washington, DC) and work for the Animal Welfare Information Center at the National Agricultural Library (USDA). I flew out to Washington State in June to see Joni Mitchell in concert and will also be visiting Sicily later this summer. 2022 was a sad year as I lost my brother, Robert Tobey ’88, very suddenly at age 49. Rob only attended Derby in kindergarten. We had a celebration of life for him on April 30 at Bancroft Hall in Cohasset.”
LIZ KILMARTIN SAICH ’87 writes: “1987 seems like both yesterday and a few lifetimes ago! I think of my classmates often (especially when Katy pops up on my IG every week), but admittedly I have let life— wife, mom of three, hospitalist, part-time hospital administration, dog mom, reader and would-be gardener/knitter/crocheter/ ukulele player—get in the way of any meaningful communication over the years. Hoping we can start to reconnect in the years to come!”
BRAD CHAPMAN ’91 and Megan Berridge are engaged.
ANDREA WESSLING ’96 recently spent time with fellow 1996 classmates Monique Dyment Wohlgemuth and Angela Dallas. #1
MONIQUE DYMENT WOHLGEMUTH
’96 and Mark Wohlgemuth welcomed Greta Margot Wohlgemuth on January 5, 2023. She joins big sisters, Hazel, Collette and Siggy. #2
ANNE THOMAE
JULIA WISBACH ESTRELA KIM ’99 and Johnny Kim welcomed Lucy Young Kim on May 11, 2023. #4
DOROTHY BILLINGS ZANI ’99 and Alex Zani welcomed Robert Billings Michael “Bo” Zani on April 11, 2023. Older siblings Pierce and Izzie love the new addition. #5
LAUREN CAHILL DAVIS ’00 and Will Davis welcomed Phoebe June Davis on April 14, 2023. #6
RYAN GOULD '01 graduated from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in May with a DMD. He is currently in a oneyear residency program at Rhode Island Hospital. Ryan resides in Pawtucket, RI with his wife Becca and their son Liam.
JOHN-ELIOT JORDAN ’01 and Carlie Mantilla were married on September 24, 2022 in Oaxaca, Mexico. John-Eliot and Carlie also wrote a teleplay for a Hallmark Channel movie called Groundswell that was released in August of 2022. #7
Rebecca and ANDREW WHITE ’01 welcomed Elsie Olivia White on June 14, 2023. She joins her 2 ½-year-old sister, Lena. #8
JESSICA BAXTER ’02 and Daniel Hogan were married on October 15, 2022 in Danvers, MA. #9
ERICA RICKETTS KELLY ’02 and James Kelly welcomed Cormac (Mac) James Kelly on January 5, 2023. He joins big sister Kenzie. #10
SOLANGE CONNOLLY ’03 and John Jannetty welcomed Louisa Jannetty last summer. #11
AMANDA BROPHY GONYA ’03 and Josh Gonya welcomed Charlotte Hazel Gonya on January 5, 2023. Charlotte joins big brother Thomas (3 ½). #12
JOSIAH HATCH ’03 and Lauren Padovan were married on October 8, 2022 in Deep River, CT. #13
Jade and RIAN KEARNEY ’03 welcomed Ruari Kay Kearney on November 28, 2022. #14
KATIE KUPPENS-BRITTON ’03 and Malcolm Britton welcomed Tate Coltrane Kuppens-Britton on April 7, 2023.
JOHN LENEHAN ’03 and Allison Connell were married on March 19, 2022 in Gloucester, MA. #15
ABBY MAYER ’03 and Corentin Flajoliet were married on April 16, 2022 in Sausalito, CA. On April 17, 2023, they welcomed Basile “Baz” Pratt Flajoliet.
ALLISON BOYNTON CAYZER ’04 and Bertie Cayzer welcomed Olivia Jane Cayzer on August 4, 2022. #16
GILLIAN KINGSBURY ’04 and Ryan Martin were married in October 2022. #17
TAYLOR TRUDEAU KOCH ’04 and Kevin Koch welcomed William Mason Koch on May 9, 2023. #18
Mwanasha and FINN MERRILL ’04 welcomed Thokozani Oliver Merrill on February 2, 2023.
FRANCIS MURRAY ’04 and Teresa Galli were married on July 30, 2022 in South Dartmouth, MA. #19
In October, ROB OLIVER ’05 moved to Seattle, Washington and was named the Deputy Director of Policy and Legislative Relations with the Washington State Department of Public Health. Previously he was Director of Legislative Affairs for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health during the extremely challenging COVID public health crisis.
AMELIA PEPE ’05 and Tom Conley welcomed Nicolas (Nico) Vincent Conley on December 30, 2022. He joins big brother Thomas. #20
THOMAS PEPE ’05 and Meghan Greally welcomed Bennett Martin Pepe on December 10, 2022. #21
ANN MEYER STUART ’05 and Benjamin Stuart welcomed Peter Adam Stuart on May 12, 2023. #22
CASSIE LAWSON THOMSON ’05 and Rick Thomson welcomed Richard Henry Thomson on March 7, 2023. #23
Abby and JOHN WISBACH ’05 welcomed John Newton Wisbach on April 29, 2023. #24
ALEXX HOHOLIK ’06 and Ryan Flynn were married on May 6, 2023 in Santa Fe, NM. #25
KELSIE JOHNSON ’06 and Mike Abrahams were married on September 9, 2022 in Nantucket, MA. #26
KENZIE RAYMOND MARONE ’06 and Frankie Marone welcomed Jack Michael Marone on October 31, 2022. #27
DAN MORRISSEY MARTIN ’06 and Womba Nawa were married on July 20, 2021 in Scituate, MA. #28
Olivia and MIKE MURPHY ’06 welcomed Josephine (JoJo) Marie Murphy on February 22, 2023. #29
Congratulations to MAX HOFFMAN ’06C on his recent appointment as an anesthesiologist and critical care physician at the Brigham and Women's Hospital. He will be in Boston by August 2023.
POLLY MURRAY ’06C is doing a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Alaska Anchorage having completed her doctoral at University Colorado Boulder. She is studying the seismic risk of woodframe structures and teaching students the joys of MATLAB. #30
ALEX SHUKIS ’06C and Zoe Ferguson were married on October 15, 2022 in Newport, RI. #31
JEFF CAVANARO ’07 and Kristin Alexander were married on September 17, 2022 in Edgartown, MA.
RAISA HOFFMAN ’07 and Nick Covaleski are engaged.
TOPHER LARSEN ’07 and Catherine Gailey were married on September 25, 2021 in El Paso, Texas. #32
ELIZABETH SALTONSTALL ’07 and David St. Lawrence were married on August 6, 2022 in East Providence, RI. #33
MARISSA DALY ’07 and Matt Vogan were married on September 30, 2022 in Topsfield, MA. #34
In April, RILEY CALHOUN ’08 and fellow Boston College sailing team alum, David Grosso were married in a small ceremony in Boca Grande, FL which was officiated by her twin brother, Doyle Calhoun ’08. On June 17, they held a celebration of their wedding at Tabor Academy. #35
BRENDAN CONNOLLY ’08 and Cailyn Straubel are engaged. A spring 2024 wedding is planned.
KYLE KIRWAN ’08 and Emily Rencsok were married on September 4, 2022 in Parma, MI. #36
CLAY MINICUS ’08 and Roxanna Nokes were married on July 22, 2022 in Los Gatos, CA.
EMILIE MUNSON ’08 and Brandon Cushman were married on June 3, 2023 in Dorset, VT. #37
BRYAN SHROPSHIRE ’08 and Emily Alexander were married on April 15, 2023 in Stone Harbor, NJ. #38
EMILY O'BRIEN TIJERINA ’08 and Aaron Tijerina welcomed Wyatt Danie Tijerina on July 1, 2022. #39
MAUDE FUJII ’09 and Jade Wilcox are engaged.
PAIGE HOHOLIK ’09 and Brian Schoelzel were married on August 13, 2022. #40
On May 22, 2022, FELICIA CRAFFEY ’10 was awarded her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. #41
SAVANNAH MORRISSEY MARTIN ’10 and James Liu were married on August 13, 2022 in Pittsfield, VT. #42
ELANOR WEST ’10 and Savannah
MORRISSEY MARTIN ’10 have been friends since 5th Grade when Savannah was Elanor's student guide on her tour of Derby. They have remained friends over the years and now both reside in Baltimore. #43
LUKE SULLIVAN ’11 and Maggie Canty are engaged. A summer 2024 wedding is planned.
BECCA COLLINS ’12 and Sam Daniels were married on October 8, 2022 in Pittsfield, VT. #45
Derby graduate ABBY OSMANSKI ’13 came to Derby in early March to meet with 7th and 8th graders. She shared her experiences at Thayer Academy (where she continued to do cross country, serving as captain during her senior year) and at Bowdoin College while pursuing a pre-med degree (also while doing cross country and track and field). Since graduation from Bowdoin, Abby has been working as an EMT and coached cross country and track and field at Thayer. In August, she will enter medical school at New York Institute of Technology on Long Island, NY.
GRACE DESAI ’19 was not only the secretary for Hingham High's Chapter of the National Honor Society this year, but she also was the salutatorian at graduation. She is entering the University of Michigan as an engineering major.
HILARY MORRIS ’19 was on campus for the first 3 weeks of May doing her senior project from Thayer Academy, assisting Derby Art Teacher Mary Ellen Olson in the Middle and Upper School art room. Hilary also shared a photo of some of her Derby classmates from the Class of 2019 and Thayer Academy's Class of 2023 graduates wearing their college sweatshirts. #46
EMILY WIKLUND ’10 and Cody Rorick were married on October 1, 2022 in Newport, RI.
TYLER SMITH ’11 is a KC 135 tanker pilot for the US Air Force (pictured left). #44
In July 2022, former Head of Upper School RANDALL DUNN (1995–1997) moved East from Chicago and became Rye Country Day School's ninth Head of School. A nationally recognized and well-respected leader in education, he is also Chair of the Board of Trustees of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).
During the span of his 35-year career in education, Randall has been a teacher, coach, and senior administrator, and has worked in independent, public, day, and boarding schools. Most recently, Randall served for eleven years as the Head of School at Latin School of Chicago. Prior to leading Latin, he was the head of The Roeper School in Bloomfield Hills, MI and Birmingham, MI. He has also served as Head of the Middle School at Landon School in Bethesda, MD. As someone whose life was transformed by independent school education and the guidance and mentorship of exceptional teachers, Randall has dedicated his life to making schools joyful and impactful learning environments for all students. He attended Milton Academy under the sponsorship of A Better Chance, an organization dedicated to helping children of color attend high-achieving schools. He then received his Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Brown University and Master of Education in human development and psychology from Harvard University. Randall has served on the boards of Milton Academy, the Association of Independent Schools of New England, Norwood School in Bethesda, the Association of Independent Maryland Schools, The National Network of Schools in Partnership, and Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo. He also co-chaired the National Advisory Board of the Principals' Center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, taught and mentored upcoming educational leaders at the NAIS Aspiring Heads Institute, and has presented at numerous professional conferences. Randall and his wife, Liz Hopkins Dunn (former assistant to Headmaster Ed Foley), are the parents of two adult daughters, Hunter and Chasey, who both graduated from New York University.
Faculty member ASHLEY FISH '03 and Zach Boswell welcomed Sofia on June 7, 2023.
Former faculty member SAM O'CONNOR-DIVELBISS and Susie Howe were married on July 1, 2023 in Wayne, IL.
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“Not too late to be salvaged.”
That was the rather acerbic assessment of Michael Lee, Director of Paper and Photograph Conservation Laboratory Staff at the Northeast Document Conservation Center.
You would be forgiven for never having noticed the ancient piece of parchment in a nondescript frame that hung for years in the front office of Sarah Derby Hall, indeed, most everyone had. Those few that had taken the time to peer through the glass were only to be further discouraged by the ink that had begun to risk fading past the point of illegibility to nonexistence, though one familiar mark may have leapt from the spidery reddish script, a name—John Hancock.
In that way, the 1784 Charter, the instrument by which, on March 23rd, 1784, the Massachusetts General Court “established in the north parish of Hingham, a school, by the name of Derby,” became a curiosity. This document—a “true copy” attested by John Avery, Secretary—is presumed to have been in Derby’s possession since its inception, though little more is known about its history.
For a community that proudly celebrates its rich history, this was something of an albatross, and preliminary discussions in the winter of 2021 quickly determined that the best course of action was to have the Charter professionally evaluated and to develop a plan for preservation, education, and digital imaging for archival and display purposes. Deirdre Anderson, Executive Director of the Hingham Historical Society at Old Derby, was kind enough to make the introduction to the team at the Northeast Document Conservation Center. Founded in 1973, NEDCC was the first independent conservation laboratory in the nation to specialize exclusively in treating collections made of paper or parchment, and today offers conservation treatment, digital imaging, and audio preservation services to individuals and institutions worldwide.
On the fourth floor of a vast anonymous office block in Andover, Massachusetts, as the aforementioned Mr. Lee performed his evaluation, the significance of the Charter, and the scope of efforts necessary to preserve it, became apparent. “Not too late to be salvaged,” was, thankfully, a purely material assessment. Though the parchment and ink were consistent with those used by the General
Court and the Governor of the Commonwealth in 1784, it had suffered at the hands of previous preservation efforts, scotch tape interventions, and neglect. Decades of inconsistent and unregulated humidity and temperature levels had caused the natural irregular shape of the parchment to further exaggerate and the iron gall ink to become “significantly faded, but not illegible.” Iron gall ink was the standard ink formation of the time until the development of chemically-produced inks. It is composed of iron particles, tannic acids (typically from vegetable sources), and a binder (e.g. gum arabic); as those acidic dyes and binder deteriorate with age, what appears as the remaining writing are the reddish oxidized iron remnants that become increasingly loose, unsettled, and illegible over time. Mr. Lee remarked that this was the ideal time in the conservation process to take preventive measures, or otherwise run the risk of the words literally falling off the page. It was also determined at that point to order digital imaging for archival and display purposes.
Those measures would take the better part of the following year. The Charter was first re-humidified in a controlled environment to render the parchment more malleable and allow it to be restretched to its original shape. In order to maintain that shape, the Charter was then pressed for a number of weeks. Once the Charter was returned as best as possible to its original state, the digital imaging took place. It was then “string mounted” on a Belgian linen ground by adhering small cords at regular intervals to the parchment, not unlike the way a trampoline is strung, and secured on the reverse; the cords respond to humidity in a superior way by expanding or contracting with changes in the environment. The final framing process, and natural Cherry frame, was completed by Stanhope Framers of Boston.
The Charter was unveiled in April as part of the School’s annual Day of Giving and in honor of Madam Sarah Derby’s birthday. Community members were invited to tune into the event featuring Dr. Colleen Ramsden, Sarah Burga ’23, Griffin Kelleher ’23, and Felix Stuart ’23 on Instagram, where it can still be viewed @derby.academy. For Dr. Ramsden the Charter conservation project is not just merely a matter of stewardship, but strikes at the soul of Derby, “The Derby Charter was written 239 years ago and includes so many details about what Sarah Derby’s vision was for our school, much of which we are still doing to this day. And it’s signed by the John Hancock—how lucky are we?!”
JOHN TOLMAN 1939
ANNE BREWER STONE 1942
ANN DOBLE ABBEY 1944
JUNE HODGDON NIMICK 1944
PHYLLIS SEARS 1944
MARJORIE DEAN MARTIN BURGARD 1947
CLAIRE PORTER PEARMAN 1947
RICHARDSON (PETE) WHITE 1947
TERRENCE MALONE 1948B
ROBERT PAUL 1950
HARRISON DAVIS 1953
SYDNEY HALL MADDOX 1953
FERGUSON JANSEN 1956
ELIZABETH PALMER BRADLEY 1957
NANCY WAKEMAN 1957
ROBERT TOBEY 1988
HARRY W. HEALEY, JR., 87, died peacefully at his Hingham residence with his family on October 5, 2022. Harry was born July 31, 1935, in Lowell, MA, the beloved youngest child of Helen D. Cummings and Harry W. Healey, Sr. Harry was married to Ann Wilson Rosenberger for 66 years. Together they joyfully raised seven children: Peter ’72 and Elizabeth Healey, Elizabeth S. Healey ’73, Robert ’74 and Elizabeth Healey, William ’75 and Mary Healey, Jeffrey Healey ’77 and Edward Higginson, Martha Healey ’79 and Allison Morse, and Harry ’86 and Sandra Healey. They enjoyed spoiling their ten grandchildren: Mary and Andrew McWhorter, Anna and James Nuttall, Peter W. Healey, Jr., Ashley C. Stephens, Michaela and David Robbins, Matthew C. Healey, John H. Healey, Mary Catherine Healey, Grace A. Healey, Andrew S. Healey and eight great grandchildren. Harry was predeceased by his son, Jeffrey S. Healey, his grandson, Matthew C. Healey, his sister, Eunice H. Clish and his brother, Robert C. Healey. Harry graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1956 and the School of Banking at Williams College
in 1965. Harry had an illustrious career in banking; he was the President of Lincoln Trust Company & Mass Bancshares and U.S. Trust Norfolk. He formed Stanton Cummings, Ltd., a business consulting firm. Harry was a decades-long resident of Hingham and a dedicated member of the Resurrection Church. In 1994, he was enlisted as a Knight of Malta. Contributing to his community was very important to Harry. He was a member of the President’s Council of the College of the Holy Cross. He served as Trustee at Bridgewater State University, member of the Board of Trustees at Derby Academy from 1970–1986 (serving as Treasurer from 1974–1986), and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Notre Dame Academy. Harry was the Chairman of the Board of South Shore Hospital as well as South Shore Health & Educational Corporation from 1988 to 1993. Harry and Ann enjoyed many adventures, particularly traveling throughout Israel, Egypt, and Europe. He was an avid reader of fiction and current events and loved long walks with his dogs. Harry will be remembered by his loved ones for his active and creative mind as well as his generous and loving spirit.
BOWLER LEGGAT and longtime resident of Cohasset, MA, died peacefully on April 20, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. She was 93 years old and was a member of the Board of Trustees from 1983–1993 (serving as President from 1987–1993). Patsy also was instrumental in starting the Derby Summer Arts Program in 1987. Born to Dr. John Pollard Bowler and Madelaine Gile Bowler on August 19, 1929, Patsy grew up in Hanover, NH. Patsy’s father, an avid sportsman, introduced her to the outdoors. Her childhood was spent skating, skiing, and horseback riding. She particularly enjoyed winter sports. A junior ice-skating champion, she switched her focus to skiing because “that’s what all my friends were doing.” Skiing became one of her greatest passions. For the last two years of high school, Patsy attended the Marymount School in Tarrytown, NY. An enthusiastic participant in just about everything, Patsy played field hockey, rowed crew, joined the speech team, acted, and was a member of the Glee Club. She developed a lifelong love of singing including an active, joyful participation in a barbershop ensemble in retirement. Following graduation from Marymount, Patsy went on to Smith College as a member of the class of 1951. She loved her time there, enthusiastically involved in athletic, academic, and student government pursuits. In her junior year she was head of the athletic association and in her senior year, class president. Following college, she moved to Cambridge where she met law student Richard Leggat who had attended Dartmouth and was aware of popular, outgoing Patsy from her participation in the Dartmouth Players productions. At that time Hanover women and girls were called upon to play the female roles at the then all-male college. Before their formal introduction, Dick recounted later, “I knew who she was, but she didn’t know who I
was.” They married in 1954 and shortly thereafter moved to Cohasset, MA where they had six children. Life was full and busy between caring for her large family, leadership roles in her volunteer work for Smith, Marymount, her children’s schools, and local causes. Somehow, Patsy also managed to find time for her passion for gardening, a talent she inherited from her mother and was an active member of the Cohasset Garden Club for 58 years. Winter weekends were spent in New Hampshire where she passed along her love for skiing to all her children. In 1971, Patsy and Dick bought an old farmhouse in Lyme, NH (one mile from the Dartmouth Skiway) with two other families. The house quickly became a gathering spot for all ages for football and foliage weekends in the fall, skiing in the winter, and maple sugaring in the spring. When all members of the three families were in attendance there were 19, but it was the rare time that there weren’t guests, especially for the expansive dinners. She reveled in it all and was never happier than when surrounded by her family and hosting a crowd of all ages. Patsy and Dick retired to Boca Grande, FL, beginning a new chapter in their lives. They quickly became part of the island, making friends and becoming involved in the greater community and year-round population. Patsy was active on boards for The Island School and The Boca Grande Health Clinic. She brought her formidable initiative and organizational skills to all her associations there and was honored by a grateful community. Following Dick’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2012 they remained in Cohasset year-round. Patsy, with her remarkable and enviable ability to be happy wherever she was, was frequently heard to say, “How did we get so lucky?” She loved living by the ocean, her roses, and most especially, her family. In spite of persistent pain from chronic arthritis, she maintained her positive outlook and wonderful, upbeat disposition. Her deep faith carried her through “life’s ups and downs” as she put it, and her love for her children and grandchildren knew no
bounds. Patsy was preceded in death by her husband, Dick. She is survived by her six children, Katharine (Jonathan Choate), Sarah, Deborah, Elizabeth, John (Elizabeth Seidel) and Robert ’85 (Sara D’Eathe); grandchildren, Brooke Leggat and Matthew Leggat; her sister, Janet Bowler Fitzgibbons (James M. Fitzgibbons); and many nieces and nephews.
DORMAN was born on April 18, 1931 and died on March 3, 2023. He was the son of Dr. Gerald Dale Dorman and Georgia Atwood White. A younger sister, Dale Dorman Shaw, died in 2014. Born in New York City, Gerry graduated from Trinity School, Harvard College with a major in mathematics, and Harvard Business School. His college education was supported by the U.S. Navy and he served on active duty through the end of the Korean War aboard the heavy cruiser USS Toledo in both gunnery and engineering. Gerry received his MBA in 1957 and worked in management and industrial engineering for the Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company in Quincy, MA. In 1960 Gerry began working for Rath & Strong, Management Consultants, in productivity and quality control, mostly for manufacturing clients. He also served in management within the firm, retiring in 1992. Gerry has been active in the Episcopal Church, as acolyte, choir member, lay Eucharistic minister, junior and senior warden, numerous committees and commissions, as well as in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts on the Standing Committee and the Commission on Ministry. He was first Senior Warden and a founding member of the Anglican Church of the Resurrection on Cape Cod. In Orleans, Gerry has served as chairman of the Shellfish and Waterways Committee and on the board of the Orleans Pond Coalition,
as well as being active with water sampling, herring counting, and the development of an upweller. He served for several years as the town of Orleans representative to the County Coastal Resources Committee. Of himself he wrote of his retirement: “am free to use my gifts at other things: the calling to evangelize by deed and word, the continued nurturing of family and the practice of exercising body, mind and spirit for the satisfaction it brings… Prayer and Bible study, duplicate bridge, sailing... catching up on reading.” In 1953 Gerry married Althea Train Thomsen. They raised 6 children (Janet Dorman Leighton ’70, Lynn Dorman O’Connell ’72, Ann Dorman Baker ’74, Daniel Dorman ’76, Judith Dorman ’79, and Jeffry Dorman ’80), and now have 15 grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren.
SCHRAM, 80, of Hingham, MA, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2023, surrounded by his family, and following a year-long battle with cancer. He was the loving husband and best friend of Carol (Anderson) Schram for 53 years. Though his academic and professional accomplishments are many, Ron was firstand-foremost a family man. Ron is survived by his wife, Carol; daughter, Laura (Schram) Page ’87, and husband, Eric, of Norwell, MA, their children Skylar and Sydney; and daughter, Alison (Schram) Baldwin ’90, and husband, Tim, of Hingham, MA, and their children Caroline ’18, Emily, Julia, and Will. He is also survived by his younger sister, Janet (Rosemary) Schram; and predeceased by his sister, Karen (Schram) Davies. Ron was born in Detroit, MI to the late Byron Canby Schram and Mary Louise (Byard) Schram. He was raised in the city of Detroit and then moved to Grosse Point, MI, where he graduated from Grosse Point
High School in 1960 as President of his class and excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. He attended Dartmouth College, graduating magna cum laude in Economics in 1964. At Dartmouth, Ron was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Paleopitus, Green Key, the Undergraduate Council, and Sphinx. He was President of Beta Theta Pi and the Interfraternity Council, and a member of the varsity basketball and football teams. Following graduation, Ron was awarded a two-year Keasbey Memorial Foundation Scholarship for graduate study at King’s College in Cambridge, England, where in 1966 he received a Master of Arts degree in economics. In addition to pursuing his scholarly interests, Ron traveled extensively around Europe and captained England’s entry into the World University Basketball Tournament in 1966. After his studies were complete in England, Ron returned to his home state of Michigan, enrolled in the University of Michigan Law School, and completed three Law degrees: Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, and Doctor of Science of Law. While at the University of Michigan, he was recognized for his scholarship and received the first George M. Humphrey Fellowship in Law and Economic Policy. There can be no doubt that Ron’s biggest accomplishment in Ann Arbor was meeting Carol on a blind date and realizing instantly that he had met his life partner. Ron and Carol were married on July 19, 1969. In 1970, Ron joined the Boston law firm Ropes & Gray and founded the health care practice which he led until his retirement in 2002. Specializing in complex non-profit organizations, Ron was at the forefront of many innovative corporate merger and acquisition transactions that shaped the healthcare provider landscape in New England. Combining his legal, leadership, and business expertise, Ron led the organization of a division called RG Advisors which combined non-lawyers and lawyers to provide integrated business solutions for clients. Throughout his life, Ron worked tirelessly in support of the organizations and causes that touched him
personally, particularly those related to health, education, and sports. Ron served for eleven years as a Trustee of Dartmouth College, seven years as Chair of the Rockefeller Board of Visitors at Dartmouth, as a Trustee of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, as a Trustee of Derby Academy from 1980–1989 (serving as Secretary from 1983–1989), as Trustee for the New England Sports Museum, as Chair of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of Massachusetts, and on the Board of Trustees for the Greater New England National Multiple Sclerosis Society, among others. Ron had an active retirement where he enjoyed spending time with Carol, playing golf, and hosting the grandchildren for family vacations at Johns Island, Florida. Always an avid reader and writer, Ron wrote books on several subjects and continued to pen stories, poems, and manuscripts until his final days.
B. TIFFIN, of Needham, MA, passed away on March 28, 2023, at the age of 93. He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Nancy (Bruce) Tiffin. Prior to living in Needham, Jim had been a resident of Hingham, MA since 1959. Born in Boston, MA, he was the son of the late Kenneth C. and Celia (Hopkins) Tiffin and younger brother of the late Jay H. Tiffin. Jim grew up in West Newton, MA attending the Newton Public Schools and spending many happy summers living and working with his mother’s family in Greenfield, NH. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1952 and then served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. He received his J.D. from Boston University School of Law in 1957 and then joined his father and brother practicing law at Tiffin & Tiffin in Boston for more than 60 years. He had a true passion for the law and helping his clients. Jim was endlessly curious and a
man of many interests with some of his happiest times spent in the cockpit of an airplane flying over Nantucket Sound or in the saddle of his horse riding the trails at Briggs Stables, Whitney Woods, or World’s End. He could frequently be spotted around Hingham and Boston wearing a cowboy hat and boots. He spent many happy hours in his woodshop creating heirloom furniture for his children and grandchildren. Jim’s love for travel took him and his family on many adventure-filled vacations. Jim and Nancy raised their family in Hingham and loved to be active in the community. Jim enjoyed organizing neighborhood activities such as ice skating in the woods by candlelight, bike parades, clambakes, and barbecues for the crews of the Tall Ships when in Boston; many of which would go on to become traditions everyone looked forward to year after year. From 1980–1983 he served as a Trustee of Derby Academy and served on the Boards of the Alden Kindred of America, Braintree Savings Bank, and the Hingham Board of Appeals. From 1988–1995, he was the President of the Board of Directors for the Alden Kindred of America and was a driving force for improvements to the Alden House Historic Site in Duxbury, MA. Jim is survived by his daughters, Tracey Hogan and her husband Paul of Medfield, MA, Sarah Tiffin Gioffre ’82 and her husband Scott of Wilton, CT, and Anne Tiffin ’86 and her husband Jonathan MacPhee of Acton, MA; and grandchildren Ben, Nelia, and Chris Hogan and Jack, Will, and Sam Gioffre.
WILEY WAKEMAN ’58
passed away peacefully in his home early on the morning of August 5, 2022, surrounded by family, watching one last sunrise over Minot’s Light. Sam was born in Boston in 1943 to Frances McElwain Wakeman and Samuel Wiley Wakeman, Sr. He grew up in Hingham and later made
his home in Cohasset, which was where he learned to mess about on boats, as one would be inclined to do in with a family of sailors and shipbuilders. He was an engineer like his father and grandfather before him, attending Layfette as an undergraduate and getting his MBA at the Tuck School at Dartmouth. He was in the Navy in his uniformed career, the CEO of an insurance brokerage in his suited career, and later left insurance to buy Goodrich Lumber—a hardware store in Duxbury, MA—allowing a transition to a flannel shirt career he so thoroughly enjoyed. Sam’s passion was sailing. Learning to sail with his parents, he had extensive ocean racing experience and was part of four America’s Cup Campaigns, defending the cup successfully in 1967 and 1974. Every effort was made to clear his calendar for a week in the summer to sail with close friends on the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) cruise. His expertise and wit were more recently commandeered by the NYYC Race Committee, which he chaired from 2012 to 2017. He readily admitted that his best accomplishment in sailing was in the relationships and friends he made from New England to New Zealand, those whose company he will undoubtedly miss. He also cherished childhood friendships that stood the test of time. His absence will be felt deeply by those who gather annually as part of “Camp Sammy” to reminisce over lifetime adventures in a weekend filled with banter, laughter, and lobster. Sam supported various organizations including the Trustees of Reservation, served as a Trustee of Derby Academy from 1994–2005, Governor’s Academy, the Town of Cohasset, the New York Yacht Club, and was a third-generation commodore of the Cohasset Yacht Club. He was known for exploring both sides of any argument and trying to maintain an even keel through discussions and disagreements. This balance was perhaps best evident when his family often asked him if it would rain (and they should bring a jacket), to which he would reply “Well, it may…or it may not.” Sam is survived by his beloved wife of forty-three years, Linda,
daughter Neely ’96 (Peter), son Wiley ’97 (Lok Ting), stepchildren Heather and John, and his three loving sisters, Nancy ’57, Judy ’60, and Susie ’62 (who lives next door). He was the proud “Papa” to his granddaughters Mabel, Theodora, Wilhelmina, Madeline, and Tilyard. Sam’s life might best be exemplified in a statement from his mother Frannie, who once, upon learning of the birth of Sam’s first child, was said to have declared proudly, “Well done darling!”
It is with great sadness that we share that Derby has lost two long-time faculty members within the last several years.
PRISCILLA JOHNSEN passed away in October 2021. Mrs. Johnsen taught French and Spanish from 1987–2008 and served as the Department Chair for the Modern Languages department.
CLEIDA BUCKLEY
passed away in August of 2022. Mrs. Buckley was an integral part of the school’s Primary School from 1990–2009 as an assistant in Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten.
“IMPROVE BOTH MIND AND HEART” is woven into every fiber of the Derby experience—from conducting experiments in science class to learning about and supporting the LGBTQ+ community through student led initiatives like the Glow Up Project (see page 23).
