Boatbuilding Focus of Reception

Boatbuilding teacher John Brooks with Bess Woodworth of the Charles Wentz Carter Memorial Foundation.

Boatbuilding the Focus of 1898 Society Reception

In July, members of the 1898 Society gathered under tents on the Hinckley House lawn to recognize and celebrate leadership gifts to George Stevens Academy. The event featured master boatbuilder John Brooks, who teaches his craft at GSA. In addition to sharing an overview of the 2020-2021 curriculum, John displayed sweeps he and his students had been making, GSA’s Eagle 1 skiff, and a Sundog Skiff designed by Brooks Boat Design and built by GSA Boatbuilding students. The lapstrake skiff is being customized for use in Megan Flenniken’s Ocean Studies and Marine Environment classes.

Leadership gifts are the cornerstone of GSA fundraising. Named for the landmark year the doors of GSA's original Academy Building were opened, the 1898 Society brings together generations of donors—alumni, parents, and friends—to support virtually every aspect of academic and student life. Members of the 1898 Society each give $1,000 or more to GSA in a fiscal year.

We were delighted to welcome Bess Woodworth, seen above with John, to the reception. Bess is a member of the board of the Charles Wentz Carter Memorial Foundation, which provides a generous grant that makes GSA’s Boatbuilding class possible.

A sweep built by John’s students on display at the 1898 Society reception.