N O R T H
YA R M O U T H
ACA D E M Y
CHRONICLE 2015–2016
VOL. 39, NO.1
3 Welcome Ben Jackson 6 Classroom: Alaska 12 Academics 14 Arts 16 Sports 18 New Faculty & Staff 19 Events & Summer Programs 22 Student Profile: Angmo 23
Alumni Profiles: John Branson ’65 & Andrew Collins ’08
24 Class Notes 28
Philanthropy Report Spotlight: John Kauffmann Mission &
34 Class of 2015 Future Plans
Message from the Head of School My first official day as North Yarmouth Academy’s Head of School was July 1. At the time, the Academy’s website featured the article NYA Class Explores Glacier Bay Alaska. Reading further, it became clear this was about a lot more than a class trip. It was the culmination of an environmental writing class created by Ian Ramsey, Visual and Performing Arts Chair. The class consisted of a survey of environmental literature, writing techniques, and story-telling. Photos and a detailed article on this experience are shared in this edition of the Chronicle. The Glacier Bay trip is a classic example of learning outside the classroom, but these experiences happen in many different ways at NYA. Locally, Upper School students visit Mackworth Island to connect the study of ecology to the real world. Another class utilizes Cousins Island to review the impact of the glaciers from thousands of years ago, and Middle School students study samples from the Royal River right here in Yarmouth, Maine. These experiences occur almost daily and are the definition of learning by doing. These real world connections provide valuable lessons that will last a lifetime. Of course, excellence inside the classroom remains an essential element of the NYA education. Combined, these experiences help to bring out the best in our students. Students are excelling in academics, on the athletic fields, and in the arts. The faculty is individualizing their experience to support each student to this end. It is clear NYA continues to make transformative differences in the lives of many students. Thank you to all who have so warmly welcomed me and my family into your community. As I begin, I am excited to continue to learn more about the wonderful opportunities that NYA has to offer its students. I look forward to working together to identify the ways in which NYA can continue to grow, and ensure that we are providing our students with the tools necessary for success in today’s world. Sincerely,
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THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT BEN
His first job teaching was teaching skiing at age 17. He is an avid New England sports fan. He has a yellow lab named Jarrod Saltalamacchia, aka “Salty.” He is active in Rotary Club and passionate about its mission. As a teacher, he primarily taught history. He served as a Congressional Aide in Washington, DC. He coached little league in CO. His lucky number is 58— his son’s baseball uniform number. 8 He has skied in MA, VT, NH, CO, and Switzerland — and is excited to ski in ME for the first time this winter. 9 His favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. 10 His favorite vacation was an RV trip to Acadia National Park when he was nine. He looks forward to taking his own children there.