Dear Friends of Holderness

Ibegan the new year with an exciting announcement—that I will be retiring in June 2022! I often say that I have the best job in secondary school education because I work for a remarkable community of colleagues, alumni, students and their families, and our board of trustees.

We have accomplished so much together, but perhaps nothing has made me as proud as watching the generosity of the Holderness community on display during a year dominated by the ongoing pandemic and its economic fallout, conversations around racial injustice, and a divisive election.

This outpouring of support reflected our mission “to work for the betterment of humankind and God’s creation” at a time when that charge was needed most. The school remains deeply committed to its founding principle—“to combine the highest degree of excellence in instruction and care-taking with the lowest possible charge for tuition and board”— and in this report you will read about some of the ways in which our community has ensured that the school remains financially accessible to all.

This commitment is most evident through a sound endowment strategy that provides sustained financial resources during difficult times and through scholarships and financial aid awards that allow students to enjoy the full Holderness experience, regardless of their families’ economic background.

It has always been the people that make Holderness an exceptional school, and I take comfort knowing this commitment will carry the school’s current momentum long into the future. n

With my deepest appreciation,

Phil Peck

When I assumed my role as board chair, it was with the knowledge that I would have the incredible honor of standing by Phil’s side as he announced his retirement. Holderness is in an excellent place due to his leadership as demonstrated by the recent addition of the Davis Center and upgrades to our snow sports facilities, in the way he and Robin open their home for weekly brownie nights, to his support of the Job Program, to strapping on a pair of snowshoes to join students and faculty on Out Back. Every decision, every conversation begins with a deliberate effort to impart the traits of fairness, initiative, dependability, and empathy that define leadership at Holderness.

Holderness is also in an excellent place thanks to you. The care and generosity of so many alumni, families, employees, and friends is inspiring, and the following stories and pages of donor and volunteer names speak to just how special this community is and why I too am honored to give back to a place that has shared so much with my family. n

Sincerely,

Nell Reynolds P ’18 ’20 ’22 Chair, Board of Trustees