PALLIUM Spring/Summer 2023 by Canterbury School

SPRING/SUMMER 2023

FEATURES 4

11 18

A LEGACY OF TRANSFORMATIVE EXCELLENCE AND OPPORTUNITY Lauren and Bob Steers ’71, P ’11 retired from our Board of Trustees after an extraordinary decades-long commitment to the School.

PEOPLE: THE ESSENCE OF CANTERBURY The enduring relationships between faculty and alumni embody what makes the small boarding school experience so meaningful.

TAKE YOUR PLACE AT THE HEAD OF THE CLASS The tremendous enthusiasm and commitment of our Class Ambassadors help connect the Saints community.

CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2023 AT COMMENCEMENT

NEW RESIDENT CHAPLAIN READY TO INSPIRE AND BE INSPIRED

RECORD NUMBER OF SAINTS WIN NATIONAL SERVICE AWARDS

GIRLS’ SQUASH WINS NEPSAC TITLE, THRIVES AT NATIONALS

Canterbury School celebrated its 106th Commencement Exercises for 91 Saints on a picture-perfect spring day on the hilltop.

We caught up with Father Brendan Horan, S.J., as he prepared for his new role as an integral part of Campus Ministry at Canterbury.

Fourteen of our extraordinary servant leaders were honored with prestigious national Community Service Awards.

Our Girls’ Varsity Squash took home the NEPSAC trophy and excelled at “the Super Bowl of high school squash.”

DEPARTMENTS 3 From the Head of School 14 Society of Alumni 24 Academics 36 D’Amour Center for Faith, Service & Justice 42 Hilltop Happenings — Community, Arts, Athletics 66 Advancement 69 Class Notes 78 In Memoriam

PALLIUM SPRING/SUMMER 2023

A magazine for alumni, parents, and friends of Canterbury School.

SPRING/SUMMER 2023

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2023—2024

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Jennifer Loprinzo

Mr. H. Nicholas Ragland ’88, P ’21 | President

CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER Rick Henderson P ’25

Mrs. Rachel E. Stone P ’23, ’24 | Head of School/Treasurer

Mr. John A. Donovan ’59 | Vice President

SENIOR EDITOR/STAFF WRITER Jim Norman

Mr. Peter J. Cotier ’86, P ’19, ’20 | Assistant Secretary

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MARKETING Jacalyn Pugliese ’19

Mr. Keith G. Angell ’75

PHOTOGRAPHY Rick Giles, Alexander Avedisian ’25

Mr. Harold T. Clark III ’86, P ’22

CLASS NOTES & IN MEMORIAM Kate Heslin ’96, P ’24, ’25 Jennifer Harrigan

Ms. Dorothy L. Alpert ’78 Ms. Carol Lovell Carmody P ’18 Mr. Douglas M. Famigletti ’90, P ’25

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MAGAZINE LAYOUT & DESIGN Margaret Galeano

Mr. Sean F. Flanagan ’91, P ’23 Dr. Anna Flik P ’21 Mr. Lawrence P. Fisher II ’77 Mr. Theodore C. Hollander ’82 Mr. Jeremiah E. Keefe P ’21, ’22 Mr. Stephen M. Kessing P ’20, ’22, ’26

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FALL: AUGUST 1 SPRING: FEBRUARY 1

Mrs. Mary Coleman Lynn ’90, P ’22, ’23 Ms. Nancy B. Mulheren P ’03, ’13, GP ’24 Mrs. Nicole D’Amour Schneider ’93, P ’20, ’22, ’23 Mr. Donald Vincent ’83 Mrs. Nell P. Williams ’81

PRESIDENT EMERITUS Mr. Robert H. Steers ’71, P ’11

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TRUSTEES EMERITI Mr. James R. Briggs ’56, GP ’12, ’15 Mrs. Hope Carter P ’86, ’87, ’88, ’91, ’95, GP ’09, ’10, ’14 Mr. Denis P. Coleman Jr. ’63, P ’97

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Mr. Donn C. Dolce ’63, P ’01 Mr. John P. Duffy ’59, P ’87, ’91 Mr. John D. O’Neill ’57, P ’89 Dr. L. Michael Sheehy ’56 Mrs. Lauren J. Steers P ’11

PALLIUM is produced bi-annually by Canterbury’s Marketing & Communications Office, 101 Aspetuck Avenue, New Milford, CT 06776 NON-DISCRIMINATION Canterbury School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, creed, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability in admission or employment in its programs and activities. ©Copyright 2023 Canterbury School. All rights reserved. No content from this publication may be reproduced or reprinted in any form without the express written consent of Canterbury School.

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From the Head of School

s I begin my eighth year as Head of School, it will not surprise you that I find myself particularly reflective, optimistic, and energized. The steady growth and health of our school have ensured Canterbury’s most competitive admission cycle in its 108 years, which is both a testament to Canterbury’s steadfast mission and to the extraordinary efforts of my colleagues. Our students returned for the 2023-24 school year grateful to be a part of the Saints family and eager to welcome new community members (and prepare to BEAT GUNN!). Meanwhile, the extended Canterbury family of parents, family members, and alumni continues to show their love for our school in their collective presence, partnership, and philanthropy. On that note, you will find woven throughout this issue myriad stories on the ways alumni are engaging with our School. They serve as Class Ambassadors (page 18) and Young Alumni Delegates (page 20), mobilizing to engage, inform, and bring together fellow alumni around the country. They gather often to share laughter and memories at events such as our regional receptions (page 21) and Alumni Weekend (page 14). And they inspire current students through delivering “Saints Off the Hill” presentations in School Meeting, sharing knowledge and experiences with classes, and hosting educational field trips at their places of business. Indeed, the Saints network is proud and active, and I could not be more thankful. I often ask alumni to share why they sustain their connections with the School. Time and again and with remarkable consistency they reply that they are inspired by gratitude for the role Canterbury teachers, advisors, coaches, and dorm parents have played in their lives. As the parent of a recent graduate and a current Sixth Form student, I, too, appreciate the talent, heart, and devotion of Canterbury’s exceptional faculty. They have helped guide our sons and countless others through important formative years, continuing a legacy of care and commitment that goes back to the very beginnings of our School’s history. To be sure, the power of that legacy is not confined to our hilltop; our faculty continue to influence the lives and careers of alumni long after graduation and in so many positive ways (page 11). In this issue, we also extend our appreciation and well wishes for the Trustees who are stepping off the Board (page 4-9) after years of devoted service—Mike Carretta ’71, Karen Casey ’91, Matt Dwyer ’71, Peter Tucker ’78, and Lauren and Bob Steers ’71, P ’11. We are humbled by the shared commitment and support they will continue to carry forward in their relationship with, and love for, Canterbury. Finally, as we thank and celebrate Lauren and Bob Steers for what can only be described as a transformative impact on Canterbury—from their leadership, generosity, and devotion to their willingness to roll up their sleeves to tackle highly complicated and nuanced issues faced by secondary schools—I would offer that we reclaim the concept of change. In recent years, the entire world has been asked to respond to the challenges thrust upon us by a pandemic, and so I now believe that we need to “take back” our appreciation for the healthy growth sparked by change. While we will experience the bittersweet taste of this succession, we will also experience tenfold the inspiration of Bob and Lauren’s legacy as well as the passion that Nick Ragland ’88, P ’21 will bring to his role as the next President of our Board. Now, we continue to proceed with confidence in our strategic priorities, plan ahead for the next capital campaign, and steward our extraordinary student-centered community, along the way embracing the changes that lie at Canterbury’s foundation and future. From strength to strength. With gratitude!

Rachel Stone P ’23, ’24 Head of School PALLIUM SPRING/SUMMER 2023

A LEGACY OF TR ANSFORMATIVE EXCELLENCE AND OPPORTUNITY Lauren and Bob Steers ’71, P ’11 Retire from Board of Trustees

ew names are as synonymous with the momentum of Canterbury School as Lauren and Bob Steers ’71, P ’11. Their legacy of leadership and philanthropy has not only transformed the trajectory of our School but has had a profound and enduring impact on the lives of our students, faculty, and the entire Canterbury community. This fall, following their decades-long commitment and with our deepest admiration and gratitude, Lauren and Bob Steers retired from Canterbury School’s Board of Trustees, concluding a chapter of service that will forever be etched in our institution’s history. Motivated by strongly held values, a firm belief in Canterbury’s mission, and a desire to pay forward the gift of his education, Bob joined the Board of Trustees in 2002. At that time, the late Trustee Emeritus Bill O’Connor ’57 was Board President. As the story goes, impressed by Bob’s strong, decisive leadership and untiring quest for financial support, Bill passed the mantle to Bob during a Board meeting in 2007. To be sure, Bill’s foresight for Bob’s acumen and drive for excellence would poise Canterbury for the remarkable growth that would occur over the next 16 years. Lauren joined the Board of Trustees in 2018, but in no way has her involvement been limited to these last five years. The appointment formally acknowledged her ever-supportive presence and the adept guidance she so generously gave—particularly leading the planning and execution of many campus improvement projects— throughout her husband’s Board tenure. Trustee John Donovan ’59, who joined the Board in the same year as Bob and has served as Vice President for the entire duration of Bob’s presidency, holds a deep respect for the Steers: “Bob and Lauren brought out the best in our Board, as individuals and as a group. Their personal example set the highest standard for vision, commitment, and engagement. Their devotion to Canterbury is a model for what it means to serve a purpose greater than oneself.”

Reflecting on Canterbury’s current strength and affirming that transition is a normal, healthy course in any institution’s progress, Bob shared a personal message with his Board colleagues this summer to announce the couple’s retirement: “While continuity in leadership is positive, fresh perspectives are also essential for an organization’s long-term success . . . As we step down, I extend my deepest thanks to you. Your trust, support, and committed engagement during our time working together have prepared the School for this day. Similarly, I am grateful for Rachel [Stone]’s vision as well as the dedication and talent of her senior management team. Because of this strength in leadership and momentum of the School, I believe this is the right time to begin the succession process.” Always humble and unassuming, Bob has been quick to credit others for Canterbury’s recent advancements. Yet, it can unequivocally be said that under Bob’s leadership—as the second longest-serving Board president, preceded only by founding trustee Henry Havemeyer— Canterbury has experienced an era of unparalleled success and achieved a level of excellence today greater than any other time in School history. Canterbury has boldly asserted itself as the best small boarding school. Steadily growing numbers of high-achieving students and mission-aligned families are seeking a Canterbury education, evidenced by a 27 percent surge in applications this year, coupled with a 35 percent acceptance rate. Notably, the School has also maintained strong retention rates for returning students and their families for the third consecutive year. The introduction of programs like the Donovan Center for Learning; D’Amour Center for Faith, Service & Justice; and Coleman Family Digital Media Lab has not only allowed Canterbury to strengthen its competitiveness and fulfill its mission but has uniquely defined the ways adolescents develop as Continued on next page

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A LEGACY OF TR ANSFORMATIVE EXCELLENCE AND OPPORTUNITY Continued

intellectual and ethical leaders on our hilltop. The School’s college placement record is exceptional, with the last few years witnessing matriculations at Ivy League institutions and a host of other highly competitive schools. The profiles of our varsity teams and coaches have risen, and consistently for the last five years, at least one-third of the graduating class has gone on to play collegiate athletics. Significant additions and improvements to our campus—such as the Steers Center and hilltop projects, Hamilton Stadium, Maguire Auditorium, Sheehy Family Field, expansion and renovation of Robert Markey Steele ’72 Hall, dorm common room upgrades, and numerous others—have not only enhanced our physical plant but enriched the student experience beyond measure. Less visible yet equally as important, Lauren and the Facilities Committee have set an institutional standard for preserving the beauty and function of Canterbury’s campus, ensuring long-lasting service for future generations of students. Lastly, the School’s financial footing is sound, with the operating budget approaching break-even, this year’s Annual Fund achieving a record-setting $1.65 million, and the endowment nearly tripling in size from $15 million in 2007 to $42 million today. And amidst all of this success, the School has entered its next exciting, pivotal phase, marked by the launch of its Strategic Plan—People, Purpose, Program, Permanence— earlier this year, with a capital campaign to follow. 6

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The word transformative is often overused and exaggerated. But in the case of Lauren and Bob Steers, that word does not even come close to describing the impact they have had on our School. I am ever grateful . . . for showing us what Canterbury could, would, and is still yet to become.” RACHEL STONE P ’23, ’24

“The word transformative is often overused and exaggerated,” commented Head of School Rachel Stone P ’23, ’24. “But in the case of Lauren and Bob Steers, that word does not even come close to describing the impact they have had on our School. I am ever grateful for their vision, vigor, passion, and partnership for showing us what Canterbury could, would, and is still yet to become.” Like their leadership, the Steers’ philanthropy has touched every corner of our School. They have championed the Annual Fund, providing immediate resources for academic programs, arts and

THE NEXT CHAPTER

n October 7, 2023, at the conclusion of the fall Board meeting, H. Nicholas Ragland ’88, P ’21 was unanimously voted as the next President of Canterbury School’s Board of Trustees. Nick brings experience as both an alumnus and parent and has served on the Board since 2013, including membership on the Executive, Investment, Admission, and Spiritual Life Committees, and as Chair of the Advancement and Marketing Committee and Committee on Trustees.

athletics, campus life, and faculty development each year. They have supported myriad capital projects, large and small, including their lead gift that brought the extraordinary Steers Center to fruition. Their contributions have also extended beyond the financial, as they have dedicated countless hours to serving as ambassadors for the School. They have traveled across the country, hosting and engaging with fellow alumni, parents, and friends. Beyond their years of stewardship and service, Bob and Lauren envision a legacy that transcends their Board tenure. Throughout their lifetime of giving to the School, they have staunchly held endowed scholarship as their highest philanthropic priority. This commitment runs deeper than a gesture of generosity; it is a powerful narrative of their desire to give back. Stemming from Bob’s father’s experience attending Canterbury on a scholarship, their shared aspiration is to ensure that deserving students facing economic challenges will always have access to the same lifechanging opportunities that shaped Bob’s father’s life. The Steers’ historic service came to an end at the October meeting of the Board of Trustees. As they stepped down, their most earnest wish was for Canterbury to continue cultivating a substantial endowment dedicated to need-based scholarships. Even more so, they expressed hope that their legacy would inspire the entire Canterbury community with a sense of pride and purpose and invigorate a culture of giving devoted to shaping future leaders who value excellence and opportunity, just as they do.

Nick is Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for The Gorilla Glue Company, a leading, family-owned producer of consumer-branded glues, tapes, and lotions. The company’s two brands, Gorilla and O’Keeffe’s, were acquired as small niche brands and have grown to be dominant players in the home improvement and personal care markets. Gorilla has more than 900 employees worldwide. For the last 20 years, Gorilla has grown through smart acquisitions, European expansion, focused organic growth, customer-centric sales and analysis, efficient operations, and intentional investments in culture, talent, and team building. Nick has led many of those efforts through his progressions at Gorilla as COO, CFO, and Co-President. Nick graduated from DePauw University in 1992 with a B.A. in History and from Boston University in 1994 with B.S. in Journalism. He also earned an M.B.A. from Babson College in 2000. Nick and his wife Joelle reside in Cincinnati, Ohio; their daughter Sydney graduated from Canterbury in 2021. Nick currently serves on the Boards of Babson College Bertarelli Institute for Family Entrepreneurship, The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, Romeo Academy, and The Cincinnati Regional Business Committee. Previously, he had served on the Boards of The Summit Country Day School (Past Chair), The Children’s Home of Cincinnati (Treasurer and Finance Chair), the investment committee at The Beechwood Home, and the Young Executive Committee at Catholic Inner-City Schools Education (CISE). You will have an opportunity to learn more about Nick and his vision for Canterbury’s next chapter in the upcoming Fall-Winter 2023-2024 edition of PALLIUM.

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At left: Bob Steers, Karen (Becker) Casey, Peter Tucker, and Rachel Stone Opposite page, top: Bob and Lauren Steers with Rachel Stone Opposite page, bottom: Matt Dwyer, Rachel Stone, and Mike Carretta

A Heartfelt THANK YOU! to Our Retiring Trustees

n a night of celebration and recognition for retiring Board members this October, Head of School Rachel Stone P ’23, ’24 perfectly summed up the spirit of the evening in her opening remarks: “While tonight is punctuated by transition and emotion, all that we have accomplished together remains unchanged. We are strengthened by, and carry forward, our past, and no one—or nothing—can change the growth, success, or impact we are proud of. And that could not be more true this evening.” Two of our Trustees—Karen (Becker) Casey ’91 and Peter J. Tucker ’78—stepped down in the spring and were celebrated during a special dinner in April. Michael Carretta ’71, Matthew Dwyer ’71, and Lauren and Bob Steers ’71, P ’11 retired this fall and were recognized at the October Board dinner. Karen has been on the Board since 2012 and co-chaired the first Athletic Committee. She also served on the Education, Admission/Marketing, and Executive Committees. She is a former Teaching Assistant, Graduate Research Assistant, Project Director, and Clinical Nurse III for the University of California San Francisco’s Institute for Health and Aging. Being involved with Canterbury has long been a tradition for the Becker family. Karen’s father, William Becker ’60, and sister, Landis (Becker) Young ’87, are also graduates. At the spring dinner, Rachel expressed her deep appreciation for their ongoing commitment. “I am grateful to the family for their impactful gifts and support over the 8

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years,” Rachel said. “Karen was on the search committee when I was hired, so I have had the privilege and pleasure of working with her from the very start. She has an infectious, spirited love for Canterbury.” Peter, the Executive Vice President of National Distribution for Chubb, has been a Trustee since 2018. He currently serves as the Class Ambassador for the Class of 1978. Peter was also the inaugural President of Canterbury’s Society of Alumni. In October 2014, he gave the welcome address at the Society’s first-ever meeting, where he and his fellow committee members outlined the goals and mission of the SOA—including the establishment of regional clubs, the SOA’s commitment to alumni engagement, and the first alumni survey. Canterbury has been a family affair for Peter as well—his brothers Paul ’68 and Carlton ’73 and sister Libby ’76 are all alumni. “Peter’s love for Canterbury’s growth and success is unrivaled,” Rachel shared last spring. “As the SOA continues enhancing our alumni engagement, his leadership has reflected the notion that friend-raising is as important as fundraising. He is and will always be one of Canterbury’s biggest che erleaders.” The Founder and President of Carretta USA, Mike became a Trustee In 2011 and has served as Board Secretary since 2012. He has been a member of the Finance, Advancement, Facilities, and Athletics Committees during his tenure. Few in attendance will ever forget when he and Karen organized a “The Time is Now/The Day is Here” surprise flash mob performance during the Canterbury Centennial Gala at New York City’s Gotham Hall in 2015.

At the fall dinner, Bob spoke of his special relationship with Mike through the years. “Mike is an icon. He is much more than a friend to me; he is a brother and a member of our family,” Bob said. “For those of us lucky enough to be among his true friends, he is fiercely loyal. He will go through a wall for you. Mike is dedicated to Canterbury—he loves this place. It has been an essential building block in who he is…and has shaped his life.” Matt joined the Board in 2016 and served on the Facilities and Athletics Committees during his tenure. The latter committee was a natural fit for this standout Saint, who was a member of the School’s inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame class in 2015. He co-founded the Canterbury Boys’ Lacrosse program and captained the team before becoming a fouryear starter at Dartmouth College. He is currently a Partner at Madison Marquette, a commercial real estate services company in Boston. Standing at the podium at dinner, new Board President H. Nicholas Ragland ’88, P ’21 spoke directly to Matt. “There are two things that I appreciate most about you,” Nick told him. “The first is your sense of curiosity. You have blessed us with your willingness to challenge each of us with questions. It forced us all to pause and consider an alternative perspective. The second thing is your level of engagement in the culture of the School. You are a good man and a good Saint.” And, of course, the unprecedented level of support through the years by Lauren and Bob Steers will forever leave its mark on Canterbury in so many positive ways (page 4). After they were celebrated by the entire

campus community at School Meeting earlier in the day, the honors and accolades continued later that evening. Rachel spoke of how Lauren joined the Board in 2018 and served on the Admission Committee and as Co-Chair of the Facilities Committee— but was a valued friend and supporter long before then. Her devotion to Canterbury has been, according to Rachel, “marked by an unrelenting desire to make the experience for our students the best it can be. Lauren’s magical, powerful combination of high standards, good taste, and genuine care for this community have inspired frameworks and priorities to guide us for years to come.” Bob’s service as a Trustee spanned more than two decades, including his notable term as President beginning in 2007. His extraordinary impact has been transformational for Canterbury, from academic programs to campus enhancements to philanthropy and much more. “Think of the cumulative impact all that has had on the student experience, on faculty morale, and on the Canterbury brand,” said Board Vice President John Donovan ’59. “Truly Bob has been the dream Trustee and Board President—so smart, so totally dedicated to the School, and such a remarkable leader. It has been my honor and pleasure to serve with Bob on this Board for 20 years as a friend and colleague.” Rachel was equally pleased to present a special resolution to them at the dinner. “On behalf of the Board, we could not be more excited to confer upon Lauren the title of Trustee Emeritus,” she said. “Moreover, as the secondlongest-serving Board President, Bob will be the first-ever President Emeritus.” As Canterbury looks forward to an exciting future under Nick Ragland’s leadership (page 5), we are forever grateful to all of these extraordinary Board members. PALLIUM SPRING/SUMMER 2023

Stephen M. Kessing P ’20, ’22, ’26

Donald Vincent ’83

Welcome, New Trustees! W

e are pleased to welcome a parent and an alumnus to the Canterbury Board of Trustees—Stephen M. Kessing P ’20, ’22, ’26 and Donald Vincent ’83. Steve is currently a Partner at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP in New York City, where he serves as Co-Head of the Banking and Credit Practice, advising financial institutions, corporate clients, and private equity sponsors on a broad range of finance transactions. Steve also serves as the Board Secretary of the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering and on the pre-law advisory board at Miami University. He received his B.S. from Miami University, an M.B.A. from the University of Southern California, and a J.D. magna cum laude from Duke University School of Law. He and his wife, Amy, reside in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, and Isle la Motte, Vermont. Their son Andrew ’20 and daughter Claire ’22 are both Canterbury graduates, and their youngest daughter Lauren ’26 is a current Saint. His children are a driving force behind Steve’s motivation to join the Board. “Canterbury has served as a home away from home for all three of our children, and they have all greatly benefited from those experiences,” he shared. “The School provides unique opportunities for its students, families, faculty, staff, and community. As a member of the Board of Trustees, I look forward to making sure future generations can enjoy the best of the Canterbury experience.”

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Don retired in 2022 after more than 20 years as an IT Consultant specializing in e-commerce, database design, and PCI compliance for small businesses. He also worked as Computer Support, Application Analyst/Programmer for Continuing Education and Student Services at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he previously earned a B.S. in Math and Computer Science. Don currently lives with his spouse John in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is delighted to return to his alma mater. “I am so grateful I had the opportunity to go to Canterbury School. The teachers I had greatly impacted my life,” he said. “The faculty and staff took an active interest in my educational achievements and pushed me in a positive way to be the best student and human being possible. Canterbury also taught me the importance of service to others. I am honored to join the Board of Trustees and look forward to giving back to the Canterbury community.” Head of School Rachel Stone P ’23, ’24 had high praise for the newest trustees. “Steve and Don each bring unique perspectives to the Board. Their extensive knowledge and experience in finance, law, and technology will greatly benefit Canterbury,” she said. “I look forward to working with them as we move forward with our strategic planning and ambitious new initiatives.”

PEOPLE

The Essence of Canterbury

“If you ask any graduate of Canterbury to describe the school in three words, I guarantee one of those words will be ‘people.’ Everywhere you look, you see people supporting one another through thick and thin.” NA’SAH DABBS ’21

eople…support…friendship… family…home. These and many other words are often used when alumni talk about their time at Canterbury. It is what makes this small boarding school experience exceptional and the reason “People” is front and center among the core priorities of our Strategic Plan. As explicitly stated in the Plan, “There is nothing more critical to Canterbury’s success than the people learning, living, and working on our hilltop.” And nowhere is this more evident than in the relationships between Saints alumni and their teachers through the years. For Na’Sah, a junior studying economics at Boston College, such a connection was built with Theology Department Chair Amy Omaña ’86, P ’19, ’20. “My relationship with Mrs. Omaña is the closest thing to a mother and son without being related by blood,” he said. “She has given me a place to return to, a mentor and friend to look up to, and love away from home. Her contact name in my phone is ‘Mama Omaña ❤️’ for a reason!” Amy feels much the same way about Na’Sah and so many of her students over her three decades at Canterbury. “Na’Sah is like another son to me,” she

Maggie Wiatr ’11 with Amy Omaña ’86

shared. “They are all my kids. That is how it starts—as an advisory role that turns into a mentoring role that turns into a friendship. These are my favorite people on the planet.” As someone who has been a vital part of the hilltop community for so many years, Amy perfectly exemplifies the lasting impact of that teacher-student bond. “Amy is a special human being, and Canterbury is so lucky to have her,” said Maggie Wiatr ’11, Client and Social Engagement Manager at the Boston-based agency C Space. “She has been on the grounds of that campus since she was a 14-year-old girl. Amy is Canterbury and Canterbury is Amy. She brings so much authenticity and goodness to that School and will always be important to me as a true friend and mentor.”

FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HIS MENTOR Chad Walker ’06 is living the dream. His current job as Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League combines two of his passions—ice hockey and athletic training. The former was developed by spending endless hours on the ice growing up in Arizona. His love for athletic training? Chad has Canterbury Head Athletic Trainer and Associate Athletic Director Misi Babington to thank for that. “I still remember when I signed up for the Sports Medicine class that Misi was teaching, and I fell in love with it immediately,” Chad recalled. “A huge part of it was how Misi taught. She is such a hands-on instructor, and I am a visual learner. She wanted us to observe what it was like in the training room and required a certain number of hours doing that. I spent almost all my free time there because I loved every part of it.” Misi remembers it well. “Chad wanted to shadow the trainer as a student assistant rather than play a sport, so I got permission for him to do that,” she said. “And he did great! He jumped right in and did everything we asked of him, was a sponge, and really gravitated to it.” Thanks to Misi’s influence, Chad attended her alma mater, Marietta College, and became a Certified Athletic Trainer. After earning a master’s degree from and working at Arizona State University, he ultimately landed his

Chad Walker ’06 and Misi Babington

current job with the Ducks. And, he says, he owes it all to his Canterbury mentor. “It is the best job in the world. I never take that for granted,” Chad shared. “Misi and I have a great relationship. She was hard on me when I needed somebody to be and was a great ear to hear me out, too. She always held me accountable. She is an amazing person.” Misi, however, insists Chad should get much of the credit for his accomplishments. “He was the kind of kid you wanted more for—because of his work ethic, the challenges and hurdles he had to face, his drive, his moxie. He is solely responsible for his success. The word ‘can’t’ does not exist for him. I just love that kid!” It is clear that student relationships are a key motivation for Misi to get up and come to campus every day: “My reward for working here,” she said, “is students like Chad!”

HITTING ALL THE RIGHT NOTES Like Misi, Director of Music David Overthrow has long developed close relationships with students based on a shared passion. “My job is to give Continued on the next page PALLIUM SPRING/SUMMER 2023

People: The Essence of Canterbury Continued

students their best musical experience while they are here and help them achieve their potential,” Dave said. “I encourage them to find a discipline to follow and stick with it and be successful in whatever they commit to. Here, it was music—and outside of Canterbury, whatever that was, they have all found success in their own way.” For William Tully ’06, that success has indeed been in the music business— and how! He started out playing with several bands, from small groups to national acts like Wheatus. Currently, Will is the drummer for Des Rocs and has toured with the likes of Muse, The Struts, and the Rolling Stones. “Dave played a huge role in the projection of my life,” Will recalled. “He led by example, and it always felt relatable. It was cool to have a professor and mentor willing to guide me but not so rigidly that I had no say in how I wanted to grow as a musician. Dave helped me put a life together that I am very proud of. He and Canterbury will always have a special place in my heart.” Fellow professional musician Nick Cabrera ’09, who freelances and does studio session work, has equally strong feelings for his mentor. “Dave encouraged me to get serious about my craft,” Nick shared. “He was good at pushing you to realize that you can play that part; you can learn this song. It is not out of your reach. He pushed us to hold on to the integrity of the music and ‘serve the song.’ It still inspires me today.” Even some of his students who did not build music careers consider Dave a significant influence in their lives. Roman Massi ’05, for example, is a Clinical Account Specialist for Biosense Webster, a Johnson & Johnson company, where he performs intracardiac 3D mapping that assists doctors 12

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with making 3D models of the heart during ablation procedures to fix abnormal heartbeats. But, he continues to maintain a strong connection with his Canterbury music teacher. “One of the things Dave instilled in me was that if you could turn music into a career, great. But if not, it is still something you can keep doing for the rest of your life and be passionate about and enjoy,” Roman said. “He was someone I looked up to and admired. What started as a teacher-student relationship became a friendship over time.” Like many of his musician classmates, Roman comes back to campus each year to participate in the Past and Present Concert, in which alumni and current students join forces to put on a show for the Canterbury community. “Interacting with the students was nice,” he said. “It was great to see how talented and passionate they are.” And all of Dave’s former students who come back for the concert cite the same reason for doing so—to help their friend and mentor. “It is important for me to give back any way I can because I would not be living the life I am now if it wasn’t for Dave,” Will said. Whether current students or alumni, Dave considers all his music protégés friends and family. “We really love each other; it’s a very personal thing,” he revealed. “We all share this tremendous

passion for music. They are still out in the world doing it, and they keep coming back here to perform, too. I am blown away by their commitment to giving back to this place.”

GIVING AND RECEIVING INSPIRATION Sharing her passions is something Theology Teacher Tracy Garcia-LaVigne P ’14, ’16, ’17, ’20, ’23 has been doing on the hilltop since 1997. Tracy has fully embraced her time in the classroom— her “English years” and “theology years” as she calls them—and the same can certainly be said for her students. One of these Saints is Ashley GangiPetit, Ph.D. ’08, currently an Upper School English Teacher at St. Luke’s School in New Canaan, Connecticut. “I remember reading Moby Dick in Mrs. LaVigne’s class,” Ashley said. “She brought so much passion to it and really helped us love the book. That opened up a new world for me of not just reading for fun but with an eye for close textual analysis. I already loved English, but that was really formative for me in terms of what I ended up specializing in for my Ph.D. and career.” Ashley also appreciated how Tracy added a sense of fun to learning. “Mrs. LaVigne brought a whale cake to class and gave us all plastic whales at the end,” she recalled. “She made it a joyful thing.”

Roman Massi ’05 (right) and Dave Overthrow

The joy for Tracy is in exposing her students to experiences that tap into things they care deeply about. “Discoveries about humanity happen when you read literature that challenges you to come to your own epiphanies, and I especially saw that in Ashley,” she said. “To see her carry literature with her and have it become such a cornerstone of the work she is doing is powerful.” Another of Tracy’s students, Erin Sudbey ’20, has also carried something special with her—a strong sense of service to others. “Erin is a senior at Boston College and spent the last year studying abroad in Ecuador. She is very involved in social justice advocacy,” Tracy said. “What struck me about Erin was how she became so fully invested in service and the way she wove it into her academic pursuits and the experiences she sought out. There is such a genuine authenticity in her desire to do the work and pursue the path that she is on. It is so inspirational for me to see that manifest in her.” According to Erin, Tracy played a major role in that manifestation. “Mrs. LaVigne just takes care of people. It is in her nature to put everyone else before herself,” Erin shared. “She would talk to me about the importance of ‘the spaces in between’—those small moments in life—and finding ‘what fills your cup.’ So many of the things Mrs. LaVigne said are forever embedded in my brain. She continues to inspire me.” Developing these close relationships with students in a small school environment has been the greatest reward for Tracy. “With Ashley or Erin or any of my students, it just feels like home when we connect because of what we shared here,” she explained. “There is such a gift in how they share their lives with me now because of how deeply we connected at Canterbury. I feel so blessed!”

BONDING AT HOME AND ABROAD Likewise, the Omañas have always opened their hearts and home to students. Anyone passing them on campus is always greeted by a warm hello and a smile, so it is easy to see why they have impacted so many students and made so many friendships over time. “Mr. Omaña—or as many of us know him, ‘Señor’—always greeted me with the biggest smile and never failed to make me laugh,” Mimi Dattilo ’19 said of Form Dean and Director of International Travel Programs Julio Omaña P ’19, ’20. Perhaps the Omañas’ greatest bonds have been forged during the service and immersion travel opportunities they have organized—Amy to Nicaragua and Julio to Spain. “I am lucky to have had the chance to do the Nicaragua trip for many years,” Amy shared. “It is just a completely different context for knowing kids. It is 10 days up in the mountains, working, doing all sorts of things. We do not leave each other’s sides. I have a completely different relationship with students after Nicaragua than I do beforehand.” That was certainly the case with one of Amy’s Theology class students, Hillary Buzaid ’10. “We started to get closer on the Nicaragua trip, and I learned more about what she does,” Hillary said. “Amy has always shown me that the classroom expands beyond the walls where you are learning. She opens doors, works with people’s strengths, and wants the best for everyone. She always wanted us to form our own ideas and contribute to the world in a meaningful way. Amy is just such a gift in our lives.” Today, Hillary is paying that forward as a Psychotherapist in Chicago providing mental health therapy, often with first-generation Latino or Latina people who are facing cultural adjustments and coming into their own. Another former Nicaragua participant, Thomas Nailor ’08—also a Mental Health Therapist working with students

Top: Mimi Dattilo ’19 (center) with Julio and classmates in Spain. Middle: Tracy with daughter Lily LaVigne ’23 at this year's Commencement. Amy joins Thomas Nailor ’08 (right) and the rest of an alumni panel on campus. Bottom: Isabel Hiciano ’05 at her graduation with Julio and his daughter Abby. Cam Napier ’17 flanked by Brendan ’19 and Abby Omaña ’20.

at St. Joseph’s University—appreciated how Amy “took chances on me” and encouraged him to find his own voice. He also praised Canterbury for encouraging close interactions between teacher and student. “Because it is small and there were such individualized relationships like the ones I had with Amy and other teachers, Canterbury made me feel like I had something to offer,” Thom said. “Another teacher who really saw me was Tracy Garcia-LaVigne. I took her Fourth Form English class, and I still frequently think about some of the bigger lessons we learned there through the lens of literature. It was not just teaching and tutoring—she was also helping you be a better person.” Isabel Hiciano ’05, who spent time babysitting for the Omañas and for Amy’s sister, also treasured the small school environment at Canterbury. “I loved the feel of the campus. It was easier to get to know everybody and foster good relationships,” Isabel said. “I felt like a part of the Omaña family. They are so warm and welcoming. They accept people with open arms.” That warmth and acceptance is something Mimi still feels to this day. “My friendship with Julio started when I became the manager of his Boys’

Varsity Soccer team,” she recalled. “It continued to grow when I was part of the first-ever trip to Puigcerdà, Spain, with Mr. Omaña and fellow students, which was fantastic! Now that I work in the Cardiac Surgery ICU at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, I meet people every day from various cultures. My awareness of their different lifestyles and medicinal practices is due to those experiences at Canterbury—all thanks to Mr. Omaña. I am incredibly grateful to him.” As is Julio whenever he is in the company of current and former students—especially his traveling companions. “I enjoy spending time with kids. I am happy to extend my time with them by running the summer trips to Spain and Lourdes, France,” he said. “That is when you get to know them even more, and they get to know you. It is a great time to learn about their families and what they love. It is such a special connection.” These connections often become even closer as alumni move on to new jobs and start families. Some faculty are invited to attend the most special occasions of former students like Camden Napier ’17, a Climate

Policy Advisor for the U.S. Development Finance Corporation in Washington, DC. “The Omaña family came all the way to Little Rock, Arkansas, to attend my wedding in 2021,” Cam recalled. “It was such an honor to have them there, as I truly believe so much of the reason I am where I am in life can be attributed to their guidance.” And Head of School Rachel Stone P ’23, ’24 is ever-appreciative of the ongoing guidance provided by Canterbury faculty. “Our teachers are truly committed to knowing, nurturing, challenging, affirming, and standing by their students. They recognize that the path through adolescence is rarely straight,” she said. “Their passion for teaching, coaching, and advising is matched only by their focus on being in their students’ corners, and these enduring faculty-alumni relationships reflect that.” In the end, that is really what the Canterbury faculty-student relationship is all about—forming bonds, offering support and mentorship, and forging relationships and friendships that last a lifetime. It truly is all about people, and we have a wealth of amazing people in our Saints family. PALLIUM SPRING/SUMMER 2023

Alumni WEEKEND

Saints Feel Right at Home on Alumni Weekend Y ou could feel the positive energy all around campus when our Saints returned to their alma mater for an unforgettable Alumni Weekend.

The festivities kicked off Friday night with check-in and refreshments, followed by the Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony (see page 16). Congratulations to our 2023 Hall of Fame class—Sargent Shriver ’34 (posthumous), Joe Flanagan ’88, Ross Moscatelli ’91, Lauren Falcone ’01, and Krista R. O’Gara ’12.

The evening concluded with “Spirits at Sheehan” on the Sheehan House Terrace, an after-hours social ideal for relaxing and enjoying the “spirited” company of classmates and friends. Saturday brought more joy as alumni continued to share memories and rekindle friendships. Guests had access to the athletic facilities in the morning, took guided campus tours, and enjoyed an Around the World Array Luncheon showcasing the cuisines of France, Germany, Mexico, Spain, and the United States. In the early afternoon, Head of School Rachel Stone P ’23, ’24 presented People, Purpose, Program, Permanence: Canterbury School Strategic Plan 2023-2028, an exciting roadmap that sets Canterbury’s priorities moving forward. 14

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Alumni then gathered on Sheehy Family Field for lawn games, children’s activities, an ice cream truck, and more. A highlight was the craft beer tasting hosted by Juan Camilo ’03, Founder/President of Dyckman Beer Co. in New York City. The Alumni Memorial Mass was also celebrated on Saturday evening in the Chapel of Our Lady, where Father Steve DeMaio ’03 led the service in memory of our deceased graduates. The day’s grand finale was a cocktail hour and lively night of dinner and dancing in the Steers Center Ragland Commons. The day’s activities were a hit with alumni, young and old. “I loved seeing the improvements to campus and reconnecting with friends I have not seen since graduation,” said Will Dowler ’18. “It was also a great opportunity to meet older alumni and share ideas for the future of Canterbury.” The weekend wrapped up Sunday morning with more joyful exchanges over a hot buffet breakfast in the Dining Hall. Such interactions are precisely what graduates like Neil Boylan ’79 love about Alumni Weekend. “It was another phenomenal weekend atop Aspetuck Avenue,” he said. “The School puts on a great event every... single...time. Thank you, Canterbury, for having us and for making it supremely memorable.”

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SOCIETY OF ALUMNI

INTRODUCING THE

2023 Athletics Hall of Fame Class Congratulations to the five standout Saints who were inducted into our Athletics Hall of Fame during Alumni Weekend in June! One honoree was inducted posthumously: R. Sargent Shriver ’34, football, basketball, baseball—Sarge was captain on all three of his varsity teams at Canterbury and led the baseball team in batting average during his Fifth and Sixth Form seasons. His daughter, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist Maria Shriver, accepted the honor via video. The other inductees included: Joseph E. Flanagan ’88, hockey and baseball—Joe especially excelled on the ice, where he was team captain, scored 100 points in 1987, was named New England Offensive Most Valuable Player, and went on to be drafted by the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings. Ross G. Moscatelli ’91, soccer, hockey, lacrosse—Ross was also a hockey standout, serving as team captain and earning a number of awards, including being named an All-American and the Division I Western New England Prep School Offensive Player of the Year. Lauren B. Falcone ’01, field hockey, basketball, softball—Lauren was a captain of both the field hockey and basketball squads. She was the first Canterbury female to score 1,000 points in basketball, leading to her being named an All-Conference and NEPSAC All-Star in 2001. Krista R. O’Gara ’12, volleyball, basketball, softball—Krista finished her basketball career as Canterbury’s all-team scoring leader (both girls and boys) with 1,637 career points. A three-time basketball team MVP and New England All-Star, she was named Best All-Around Female Athlete in 2012. At the ceremony held on campus, Director of Athletics Jim Stone P ’23, ’24 sang the praises of our latest Hall of Famers. “There is great pride in the history of the Saints program, and it is a privilege for me to be a part of this,” he said. “The Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes those alumni, coaches, and teams whose accomplishments have been of the highest caliber and have brought honor and distinction to Canterbury School. We are thrilled to present another class that spans across generations and decades, representing many different sports at Canterbury.” Krista was both delighted and humbled to be a part of the special evening. “It was such an incredible experience being back on the beautiful hilltop surrounded by my family, friends, and coaches,” she said. “I am honored to be inducted with these four phenomenal athletes. I will always consider myself lucky to be a graduate of Canterbury and a member of the Athletics Hall of Fame.” Kudos to all of our 2023 Hall of Famers! 16

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Top to bottom: Maria Shriver accepting remotely for R. Sargent Shriver ’34 Joseph E. Flanagan ’88 from his home in Pinehurst, Massachusetts Ross G. Moscatelli ’91, Krista R. O’Gara ’12, Lauren B. Falcone ’01 Canterbury athletic memorabilia on display at the ceremony

Canterbury Graduate Wins Prestigious NHL Award

core one for this Saint! Our very own Dan Rusanowsky ’79 has been named a 2023 Hockey Hall of Fame Media Award recipient by the National Hockey League (NHL). The NHL Broadcasters’ Association announced in June that Dan will be honored with the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award, recognizing “...members of the radio and television industry who have made outstanding contributions to their profession and to the game of hockey.” Dan has been the radio voice of the San Jose Sharks since the team’s inception in 1991. One of the club’s most recognizable figures both on and off the ice, he directs the Sharks Radio Network, contributes to the team’s game

program, and provides regular columns and broadcast reports for sjsharks.com. A native of Connecticut, Dan began his broadcast career as the voice of St. Lawrence University’s NCAA Division I hockey program and the American Hockey League’s New Haven Nighthawks. “There are few individuals that are as closely associated with the San Jose Sharks as Dan Rusanowsky,” Sharks President Jonathan Becher said in a team press release. “Dan has always been one of the team’s greatest ambassadors. He is beyond deserving of this recognition, and our organization and fans are extremely lucky to have him as the voice of the Sharks.” Dan will receive his award at the Hockey Hall of Fame NHL Media Awards Luncheon in Toronto on November 13, and his award plaque will be displayed in the Esso Great Hall at the Hockey Hall of Fame alongside past award recipients. Named in honor of the late “Voice of Hockey” in Canada, the Foster

Meaningful Connections

t is never too early to start networking and making connections. So it was essential for our graduating Saints to hear what Carolyn Malloy Rawls ’06, Senior Corporate Recruiter for SPX Technologies, had to say about it.

“Whatever stage you are in, connecting with your network gives you a pulse on careers, industries, and opportunities,” she said. “Your alumni connections open

“Dan has an insatiable love for radio and has been an integral part of promoting the game of hockey in the Bay area on that medium from day one of the San Jose Sharks’ existence,” said Chuck Kaiton, President of the NHL Broadcasters’ Association. Congratulations from your entire Saints family, Dan!

Stamford, Connecticut, and Allegia Global Solutions and BestDrive USA, both in Charlotte, North Carolina. Along the way, she took full advantage of the strong contacts and connections she had been cultivating to advance herself.

Carolyn drew from more than a decade of high-level recruiting and talent acquisition experience for her recent presentation, “Building and Leveraging Your Professional Network,” in Maguire Auditorium last May. She shared the advantages of building a strong network, tips for making a successful elevator pitch, the differences between online and in-person networking, and the best ways to present yourself on LinkedIn.

Hewitt Memorial Award was first presented in 1984.

Carolyn sharing her experiences helped bring the value of networking more into focus for the students in attendance. “Hearing about her networking journey was intriguing, and the fact that she is a Canterbury alumna made it that much more real for me,” said Riley McPhee ’23. “It was helpful to learn how her networking efforts actually resulted in jobs.”

doors of understanding and future positions. Networking teaches you, inspires you, and advances you and your future.” Following her graduation from Canterbury, Carolyn earned a bachelor’s degree in Politics from New York University and an M.B.A. from Wake Forest University. She then embarked on a business and human resources career that included stops at Glencore in

Carolyn was quick to stress how lifelong connections are established as early as the high school years. “Your school is part of your brand and a key part of your network. It conveys your values and guides your mission,” she shared. “More than an identity, your alma mater is a shared experience that connects past, present, and future students. The Canterbury community is such a resource, and I highly encourage you to stay in touch with the people here.” PALLIUM SPRING/SUMMER 2023

SOCIETY OF ALUMNI ALUMNI CLASS AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Take Your Place at the Head of the Class

e hear it all the time from our alumni: “Some of my very best friends are from Canterbury.” There has always been a special connection within the Saints community, and thanks to the Class Ambassador Program, these bonds are stronger than ever. Now numbering 130-plus and growing, our Alumni Class Ambassadors are key volunteers spanning eight decades of graduating classes who bring tremendous enthusiasm and commitment to the role. Their support and personal outreach are the most effective ways to keep classmates engaged with Canterbury and, more importantly, with each other. Society of Alumni President William “Macy” Steers, Jr. ’04 is quick to stress how important alumni involvement is to the entire Saints family. “Building an engaged, supportive alumni network and maintaining those good relationships over time is crucial to the success of students and the School,” he said. “Canterbury’s Alumni Class Ambassador program provides the necessary conduit to allow our unbelievably strong alumni community to not only engage with each other but with Canterbury’s unparalleled programs and student body.”

And the “Alumni Team” in the School’s Advancement Office—Director of Alumni Relations Kate Heslin ’96, P ’24, ’25, who fosters engagement and support for events, and new Development Officer Marcus Hudson, who guides fundraising and cultivation—stands ready to build these relationships even further. “We are excited about strengthening the partnership with Class Ambassadors to support event participation, regional receptions, class reunions, and class gifts,” Kate said. “The goal is to expand our volunteer base even further and ensure that each class has at least one volunteer in the program.” So, what does it mean to be a Class Ambassador? You carry out specific duties and also benefit from some perks of the position…

GET IN ON THE ACTION!

Contact Kate at 860-210-3954 or kheslin@cbury.org or Marcus at 860-210-3813 or mhudson@cbury.org.

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RESPONSIBILITIES

• Commit to volunteer for an eightmonth term (October–June). • Contact classmates and encourage them to attend events (e.g., Homecoming, regional receptions, Alumni Weekend)—personal outreach is always best. • Support Saints Giving Day by making a gift to the Annual Fund and encourage your classmates to participate. • Keep Canterbury informed of exciting class notes from your classmates for PALLIUM.

PERKS

• Complimentary Alumni Weekend registration • Recognition in PALLIUM and at Canterbury events • Access to details of Reunion planning • Canterbury SWAG...and more!

Our current Class Ambassadors are beyond happy to play an integral role in supporting the School that has meant so much to them. “The decision to give back was simple for me,” said Bill DiTullio ’98. “Canterbury has provided me with lifelong friendships, a solid education foundation, and strong values that have all benefited me greatly over the years. I want to do my part to ensure that its mission and vision continue and that future graduating classes are afforded the same opportunities I was.” Thank you, Ambassadors, for your ongoing devotion to our School and your classmates!

Class Ambassadors

We invite you to join these dedicated alumni in bringing our Class Ambassador Program to new heights:

CLASS OF 1961 William K. Schofield CLASS OF 1965 Daniel E. LaChance Robert J. Lutringer Read D. McNamara CLASS OF 1966 Robert W. Constantine CLASS OF 1968 Lawrence P. Goode Thomas Q. O’Connor CLASS OF 1970 F. Gregory Ahern Stephen P. Cunningham Leslie W. Kernan, Jr. CLASS OF 1971 Peter D. Kiernan III CLASS OF 1972 Charles F. Berman, Jr. John P. O’Brien Michael F. Seaman

CLASS OF 1977 Diane C. Bourdeau Barton Joanna M. Woodworth CLASS OF 1978 Peter J. Tucker CLASS OF 1979 B. Neil Boylan Denise O'Connor Victoria C. Omeltchenko CLASS OF 1980 Thomas V. Esposito CLASS OF 1981 Victoria E. Bundonis Rovin Matthew E. Glaser Kathleen Leonard Murray S. Anthony Walters CLASS OF 1982 Andrew P. Flood CLASS OF 1983 Kathryn S. Harvey Paul S. O’Neill

CLASS OF 1973 Monica Sheehan Bennett Charles D. Brennan Peter H. Bresnan Paul J. Haire Peter Lowman Janice M. Olshesky Carlton H. Tucker Marc V. Vanasse C. Ward Wallau

CLASS OF 1984 Christine M. Rubin

CLASS OF 1974 Patrick J. Filan J. Scott Kelly George E. Malhame

CLASS OF 1988 Kimberly A. Duff Hassiak

CLASS OF 1976 Edward P. Perley, Jr.

CLASS OF 1985 Andrew G. Hammer CLASS OF 1986 Thomas G. Shea, Jr. CLASS OF 1987 Miriam L. Harris Thomas

CLASS OF 1993 Gina M. Barthelemy Nicole M. D’Amour Schneider Celia H. von Bernuth CLASS OF 1994 Kenneth M. Nero CLASS OF 1995 Richard E. Carter Allyson M. Kane Margaret A. Condon Mayorga Kiley Garraghan Shea Michelle Wohlfahrt CLASS OF 1996 Nolly Y. Portillo Pastore CLASS OF 1997 Danielle Enage Conkling Katherine Murphy DeCoff Maaike K. Middleton Erin Sussman Peschiera Allison-Brooke Trowbridge Scheckner Simon B. Smith CLASS OF 1998 William J. DiTullio, Jr. Jennifer A. Hairston CLASS OF 1999 Nikyda K. Scott Resto CLASS OF 2000 Emily A. Kloeblen Livia A. Kulczycky Martin M. Salokas Linda E. Tes CLASS OF 2001 Lauren Mascia Auresto

CLASS OF 1990 Mary Coleman Lynn Dana Moyles Eberle

CLASS OF 2003 Scott H. Frost

CLASS OF 1992 Joanna S. Jones Sergio Iranzo Sanchez

CLASS OF 2004 Sarah M. Powers William M. Steers, Jr. Shannon C. Zulauf

CLASS OF 2005 Mark E. Nailor II Douglas J. Tricarico

CLASS OF 2014 Jack Elsas Olivia Steiner

CLASS OF 2006 Darien B. Cruté Tamara I. Linde Conor F. O’Rourke

CLASS OF 2015 Kimberly M. Debacher Wade G. Jones Caroline E. Stolfi

CLASS OF 2007 Giovanna R. DiGennaro William R. Finn Christa Rotolo

CLASS OF 2016 Debra A. Cox Thomas K. Esposito James P. Loughran

CLASS OF 2008 Kate E. Briscoe Collins James C. Holton Thomas H. Nailor Reilly B. O'Brien Nicole M. O’Connell

CLASS OF 2017 Sarah K. Buckingham Mary Grace Cordtz John E. Dowler Erika F. Lowman EmilyRose Martino Sophie M. Menges Devon Wall

CLASS OF 2009 William C. Bergner Mackenzie A. Fuller CLASS OF 2010 Douglas C. Bergner Sally E. Coley Elizabeth L. Dooley Elizabeth H. Lowman Alyssa M. Najm-Kritzman CLASS OF 2011 Connor Chatterton Christopher G. DeNunzio Savannah L. Hardwick Alec T. Woodworth CLASS OF 2012 Michael A. Balcom Josef P. Najm CLASS OF 2013 Audrey M. Duquette Sullivan P. Healy Stephen J. Pollock, Jr. Michael P. Urquhart

CLASS OF 2018 Aaliyah Biondo William Dowler Isabella Papov Jessica Stolfi Jenna Trezza CLASS OF 2019 Frances B. deTuro Brendan Omaña CLASS OF 2020 Brigida Patricia Caruso Abigail G. Omaña CLASS OF 2021 Na’Sah Dabbs Katherine Delamere Maximilian A. Oeser CLASS OF 2022 Isabella G. Carioscia

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SOCIETY OF ALUMNI

ALUMNI DELEGATES DRIVE ENGAGEMENT, MAKE CONNECTIONS

t has been said that the future belongs to the young, and Canterbury took that to heart when it launched the Young Alumni Delegate Program in 2021. Now in its third year, the program continues to play a strong role in keeping our most recent graduates active and connected to their alma mater. These invaluable Delegates begin the process in their Sixth Form year, carry it forward after they graduate, and ultimately serve as Class Ambassadors for their five-year reunion. The idea was spearheaded by Society of Alumni (SOA) Executive Committee member and current Secretary Jack Elsas ’14, who saw an opportunity to broaden the School’s alumni reach among its younger constituents. “Canterbury’s strength is exemplified through our alumni network, and this initiative helps to continue and enhance engagement with a focus on younger graduates,” Jack said. “It will, in turn, create a stronger and more involved overall alumni community and further benefit our current students as well.” The program gives the SOA Executive Committee an opportunity to educate the Sixth Form class on what being a member of the Canterbury alumni community means. By creating this prestigious seat for a recent grad, the Committee has an ongoing strong voice connecting it to the current student body. 20

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Left to right: Maximilian Oeser ’21, Isabella Carioscia ’22, Gabriella Dellacroce ’23

Young Alumni Delegate Responsibilities Include:

• Raising awareness amongst peers during their Sixth Form year about the benefits and responsibilities of being a Canterbury graduate • Serving as a liaison between their class and the SOA Executive Committee • Attending all SOA Executive Committee meetings and participating with an active voice; no voting powers are granted while the Delegate is still a student • After graduation, working closely with their class to ensure active participation in alumni events and Annual Fund giving campaigns • Generating excitement for the five-year reunion as Class Ambassador Maximilian Oeser ’21 was the first student chosen for the position after interviewing with the Executive Committee during his senior year. Currently a junior at Lafayette College

This position gives me the ability to remain actively invested in Canterbury, stay connected to friends and faculty members at the School, and encourage my fellow graduates to do the same.” GABRIELLA DELLACROCE ’23

double majoring in Economics and Government, Max said he is excited to “keep my peers involved with the school that we all love so much.” Two more Young Alumni Delegates have since been selected—Isabella Carioscia ’22, a sophomore at Hamilton College, and recent graduate Gabriella Dellacroce ’23, who is thrilled about her new role with the School. “I got involved because Canterbury became a home to me and I found some of the

best people I have ever met there. I could not imagine losing touch with such a supportive community,” said Gabby, who is in her first year as a Psychology major at Albertus Magnus College. “This position gives me the ability to remain actively invested in Canterbury, stay connected to friends and faculty members at the School, and encourage my fellow graduates to do the same.” The future is looking bright indeed for these young alumni and their alma mater.

SO HAPPY TOGETHER

econnecting, networking, mingling, smiling… whenever Saints come together, the room is filled with positive energy and a strong sense of family. It was no different at these fabulous alumni receptions in the spring and summer.

BIG FUN IN THE WINDY CITY

Our Chicago area Saints spent a casual evening at the Palm Restaurant connecting with one another, enjoying refreshments, and reminiscing about their days on the hilltop. Special thanks to Dana Moyles Eberle ’90 and her husband John for helping to organize a wonderful event for the alumni. Their energy and enthusiasm made it a memorable night for all. “We were so thrilled that Canterbury came to Chicago, and the event was even better than we anticipated,” Dana shared. “It was wonderful to meet my fellow Saints. We cannot wait to do it again!” Hillary Buzaid ’10 was among those fellow Saints, and she was just as excited as Dana. “I loved reconnecting with the Canterbury community in my city and building new connections,” she said. “It felt like a piece of home was with me in Chicago.”

CHICAGO Trillium Brewing Company, nestled in the heart of Fenway Park. Appetizers and beverages were served as these grateful graduates enjoyed yet another opportunity to share stories and catch up. “What an awesome time seeing the Canterbury Boston community together,” said Emily Martino ’17. “It is always nice to see familiar faces and meet new people on a night full of laughs, memories, and fun. I look forward to more events in Boston.”

METRO AREA ALUMNI ENJOY LIVELY CCNY RECEPTION

Nearly 50 Saints had big fun in the Big Apple when they met for Happy Hour at The Mayfly on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Hosted by the Canterbury Club of New York (CCNY), the event was happy indeed for the alumni who enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and great company at the New York City hotspot. The spirited group of graduates, which included Society of Alumni President William “Macy” Steers,

Jr. ’04 and New York Chapter President Elizabeth Dooley ’10, was unanimous in its gratitude for the opportunity to gather with classmates and friends. “Our event was an absolute blast! It was great to see both new and familiar faces of Canterbury alumni there,” said CCNY member Sarah Buckingham ’17. “I cannot wait for the next time we are able to get together!” There will be plenty more opportunities for alumni to do so in the months ahead thanks to a full schedule of receptions from coast to coast. For details, visit cbury.org/alumni/alumni-events.

NEW YORK CITY

A WICKED GOOD TIME IN BOSTON You could feel the camaraderie and nostalgia as Boston area alumni and friends gathered at

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SOCIETY OF ALUMNI

2023 Alumni Award Winners Celebrated

aints celebrated Saints this past spring when two exceptional Canterbury alumni were honored during the Sixth Form Awards Assembly on campus. Desmond Barry, Jr. ’63 received the Thomas J. Sheehy III Distinguished Alumni Award and Brianna Carusillo Theriault ’08 accepted the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. Mr. Sheehy, Canterbury's former headmaster, was in attendance.

It was the first time these awards were presented during the Sixth Form Awards Assembly, instantly connecting our graduating seniors to the Society of Alumni they were soon to join. Society of Alumni Executive Committee President William “Macy” Steers, Jr. ’04 presented the awards, which each year celebrate graduates who have made an impact in their profession, community, or

the world at large and have shown extreme dedication to the School. “This is one of my favorite jobs as president of the SOA Executive Committee—recognizing deserving Saints with Canterbury’s esteemed alumni awards,” said Macy during the presentation.

THOMAS J. SHEEHY III DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

Desmond T. Barry, Jr. ’63

Des is a retired Senior Partner of the national law firm Condon & Forsyth LLP, where he concentrated his practice in mass tort and complex aviation litigation on behalf of the firm’s foreign and domestic airline clients. He has been Lead Counsel for numerous major aircraft accident litigations in federal courts throughout the United States, most recently for American Airlines in the multi-billiondollar property damage and business interruption litigation arising from the September 11 terrorist attacks. The Federal District Judge overseeing that 16-year litigation appointed him Defense Liaison Counsel, which required him to synthesize and advise the court on the views of more than 30 corporate parties initially named as defendants in the 9/11 Litigation. Des is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, member of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC), faculty member of the IADC National Trial Academy, and Chair of the Aviation and Space Law Committee. He was previously IADC Corporate Counsel College Dean and a member of the IADC Foundation Board of Directors. He has also published and lectured extensively on aviation law and trial practice. At Canterbury, Des served as a Sacristan and Head Proctor, was Publisher of Cantuarian, and played three varsity sports. 22

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While an undergraduate at Princeton, he entered the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class and successfully completed the 10-week course at Quantico, Virginia. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant upon graduation and returned to Quantico for more training before being deployed to Vietnam, where he served 13 months as an Infantry Platoon Commander and Staff Officer. During his service, Des was awarded several commendations, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with “V” Device, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm. Upon completion of his military service, Des attended Fordham Law School, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree in 1973. He began his career with Condon & Forsyth LLP that same year as an Associate Attorney. He was named Managing Partner in 1982 and served in that capacity for more than 35 years. Des was elected to Canterbury’s Board of Trustees in 1980 and served for several years as the youngest Trustee in the School’s history. He considers that appointment his highest honor. He was also a member of the Fordham Law School Advisory Committee. Des and Pat, his wife of 52 years, reside in Vero Beach, Florida, where they enjoy the sunshine, golf, Bridge, and occasional visits from their two children and six grandchildren.

“The collective success of our alumni is the best evidence of the value of a Canterbury education, and we are delighted to recognize two of our brightest with these awards. Congratulations, Des and Brianna!” RACHEL STONE P ’23, ’24 HEAD OF SCHOOL Left to right: William “Macy” Steers, Jr. ’04, Brianna Carusillo Theriault ’08, Rachel Stone, Desmond Barry, Jr. ’63, and Thomas J. Sheehy III P ’92, ’98, ’04

OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD

Brianna Carusillo Theriault ’08

Brianna was raised in Woodbury, Connecticut, before attending Canterbury School. She is currently a Neurosurgery Resident at Yale-New Haven Hospital. After Canterbury, Brianna attended Fordham University, graduating in three years with high honors in Psychology. Following graduation, she worked in a neuroscience lab at Columbia University, studying neural plasticity in opioid addiction. Her experiences at Columbia motivated her to pursue a graduate degree in neuroscience. In 2016, she completed her Ph.D. at the University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB) after studying the mechanisms of spontaneous hemorrhages in the brains of premature infants as well as the consequences of such hemorrhages—namely, post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus and encephalopathy of prematurity. Her work with colleagues at UMB and Yale led to a paradigm-shifting publication in Nature Medicine. During her Ph.D. experience, Brianna was inspired by the clinical work of her mentor, a neurosurgeon-scientist, to attend medical school.

Brianna’s decision to specialize in neurosurgery was driven by her ongoing interest in the science and diseases of the brain and a strong desire to help patients and their families during what is oftentimes their greatest time of need. Currently, she assists with the treatment of all intracranial and spinal pathologies ranging from ruptured aneurysms to brain tumors to trauma. While no day is without its challenges, Brianna considers it a great privilege to work alongside her colleagues and the hospital staff in the treatment of these critically ill patients. Throughout her residency, Brianna has retained her more specialized interest in the brain pathologies of pediatric patients and plans to pursue a fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery— treating those whom she views to be the most vulnerable of all neurosurgical patients. During her time at Canterbury, she was a member of the Honor Society, played varsity sports, traveled to Nicaragua on service trips, and was the stage manager for theater productions. Brianna currently resides in Cheshire, Connecticut, with her husband, Joseph Theriault. They met in college and were married in the Chapel of Our Lady at Canterbury in 2016. Her brothers, Jared ’06 and Scott ’14, are also graduates.

She proceeded to study at New York Medical College and graduated in 2020, ultimately matching to the neurosurgical residency program at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

PALLIUM SPRING/SUMMER 2023

ACADEMICS

CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2023 AT COMMENCEMENT

he weather was spectacular and the setting picture-perfect as Canterbury School celebrated its 106th Commencement Exercises for 91 Saints in the Class of 2023—42 of whom are diehard four-year members—on Friday, May 26. The ceremony, held on Sheehan Lawn with faculty, staff, family, alumni, and friends in attendance, was particularly poignant for Head of School Rachel Stone P ’23, ’24, whose son Cullen Stone was among the graduates. In addressing the class, Rachel spoke of how this had been an especially emotional time for her and about the pride she felt in their achievements on the hilltop. Rachel then expressed appreciation to Nurse Linda Labet, who was retiring after “playing an integral role in taking care of our students for 25 years.” Also, Associate Head of School for Academics Suzanne Roberts P ’24, ’27 granted English Teacher Robert Potter an honorary diploma for his 30 years of exceptional teaching and service to the School.

PALLIUM SPRING/SUMMER 2023

Next, Mathematics Department Chair Christopher Roberts P ’24, ’27 received the J.P. Mandler Teaching Award and class valedictorian Xinyi “Lisa” Weng delivered the student keynote address, congratulating her classmates for their achievements and recalling many fond memories of her time at Canterbury. The week leading up to Commencement was filled with special events and activities for the graduating class, including final concerts; the end-of-year carnival; Prom; the Diehard Hike at Lover’s Leap State Park for four-year students; Class of 2023 commemorative tree-planting; the Sixth Form Retreat, where students read notes they wrote to themselves at the beginning of the year; the Sixth Form Prize Assembly and Dinner with faculty; and the Baccalaureate Mass in the Chapel of Our Lady. Following a busy week and the Commencement ceremony, Sixth Form students and their families enjoyed final on-campus moments with friends and faculty before departing as newly anointed members of Canterbury’s Society of Alumni.

ACADEMICS

COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS HEAD OF SCHOOL RACHEL STONE P ’23, ’24

ood morning, and welcome to Canterbury’s 106th Commencement Exercises. We could not be more proud and excited to celebrate with members of the extended Canterbury family joining us today on Sheehan Field: our faculty and staff; parents, guardians, and family members; alumni and friends; and, especially, the class of 2023, 42 of whom are diehards. The graduating class is well aware that this has been an emotional year for me leading up to the graduation of Cullen—and Bryce!—so we are going to keep this short and sweet. It is true that a sense of nostalgia for me—and for the seniors—has been building over the course of the year since your first Sixth Form Dinner in September. Thankfully, academic endeavors, the Safe Walk, the college process, Gunnery Week, four fall teams advancing to postseason play, Girls’ Cross Country winning the Canterbury Invitational, myriad amazing concerts and shows, a winter Head’s Holiday, a Girls’ Squash championship, Field Day, The Game (congratulations, Elijah!), Girls’ Lacrosse winning the Canterbury Invitational and baseball earning a bid to the first Western New England Prep championship in school history, the Gunn Athletic Director congratulating us on winning the Cup, the carnival, painting the rock, and 17 Halo nominations have collectively served as a helpful distraction from this sentimentality and kept us focused on what is happening in real time—and what lies ahead—rather than being overwhelmed by the bittersweet memories of our years together on this hilltop…years together calling Canterbury home. Over spring break, however, I did not have the busy-ness of campus life to serve as a distraction, and my nostalgia led me back to my senior year in high school and the music I listened to in, well, 1990. Who knew how 26

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much fun it would be to reconnect with artists like REM, Pat Benatar, and Phil Collins? It was then that I began to wonder if song lyrics just might be the thing to help me through this year’s Commencement remarks. REM: Stand in the place where you live. Stand in the place where you work. Well, that is a simple yet solid theme for a graduation speech. Be present. Be committed. Grow some roots before moving on. Stand and look around at the community in which you live and work so that you can have an impact while there. Not bad…but probably not enough. The song lyrics soul-searching continued. Pat Benatar: Now I believe there comes a time, when everything just falls in line. We live and learn from our mistakes, the deepest cuts are healed by faith. Interesting. Does everything “just fall in line” or do we come to accept that our lives take twists and turns which ultimately make the journey meaningful? Can mistakes actually lead to alignment in opinion, in purpose,

in action? Can our faith—in ourselves, in God, in our families and friends, and in our commitment to being ethical leaders—heal discord and bridge differences? I would answer yes to all of these questions and maybe even build those answers into a Commencement address. But these are not new messages for our graduates this morning who have lived Pat Benatar’s words of wisdom throughout their time on our beloved hilltop. 0 for 2! Maybe I should just tell a story about Bryce? And then I remembered. The British rock group Coldplay may not have inspired me in the 1980s, but they (and, as Mr. Stone will remind us, the Irish rock band U2) have served as a soundtrack to our family’s story since Cullen and Kip were toddlers jamming to “Clocks” in the backseat of the car. No surprise, then, that the quotation I used for your yearbook comes from Coldplay’s “Yellow”: Look at the stars, look how they shine for you, and everything you do.

For many reasons, my favorite Coldplay ballad is “Us Against the World.” Yes, it has some heavy lyrics about loss, strength, and relationships. But the line I love most is: In my heart she left a home.

home with you. And so, you have spent time with the Canterbury family filling up those voids with new people, traditions, passions, and memories…and in doing so made this hilltop a home.

So how surprised was I to learn that the actual line is: In my heart she left a hole.

If you really think about it, those vacancies, voids, and holes are often a placeholder for a new relationship or new community:

What? A hole is not a home. How have I been singing the wrong lyrics for 10 years? And, more importantly, how do I make sense of this mutually exclusive contradiction? And there it is: your Graduation Day message. While we could debate the physics of a hole (the absence of an electron) or even the math (where the value of the function is not defined), I would instead like to suggest that, in fact, each and every one of you arrived on this campus with some version of a hole in your heart created by leaving behind friends, family traditions, siblings, teammates, and/ or a familiar, comfortable routine. Whether you traveled across New Milford or across the globe, you could not bring your lives from

• That moment just before you meet someone for the first time is a space that can grow into friendship. • The time you decided to walk into a club meeting, affinity space, audition, or team tryout may have been the first step toward addressing a need or filling up an emptiness. • This entire campus and the dorm rooms, locker rooms, Green Room, classrooms, DCL, dining hall, Steers Center, and Maguire Auditorium that you emptied each summer became your home once again in the fall. • And last night, the Class of 2023 filled the Chapel with stories, tears, love, laughter, and light.

Sidebar—As Coldplay will remind us in “Fix You”: Lights will guide you home. Which brings me to the soundtrack—maybe even the super power—of the Class of 2023. You—all of you—see empty spaces as opportunities to create something new, and you persistently and enthusiastically fill those spaces with conversation, purpose, relationships, joy, and commitment. Which, of course, makes those spaces home. You can be sure, Sixth Form, that you will leave both a hole and a home in my heart—not so much of a contradiction after all. As today continues to unfold in pride and celebration, may you carry with you some Coldplay lyrics from “Us Against the World”: And I just want to be there when the lightning strikes, and the SAINTS go marching in. And sing Slow it down. Indeed, let us slow it down. Thank you.

J.P. MANDLER TEACHING AWARD— CHRIS ROBERTS

ith 25 years of thoughtful mentorship and selfless dedication to students, Mathematics Department Chair Christopher Roberts P ’24, ’27 was the ideal choice to receive the 2023 J.P. Mandler Teaching Award. The award is named in honor of the former faculty member who served Canterbury for 46 years as English Department Chair, Director of Studies, Dean of Faculty, Director of Technology, Dean of the School, and Senior Master. It is presented each year to that faculty member who reflects the fundamental commitment to excellence in classroom teaching. Chris, who came to Canterbury in 1998, leads the Mathematics Department and has taught nearly every math course offered at the School. He is also Head Coach for Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse. Chris received his bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and his master’s degree from Quinnipiac University. In presenting the award, Head of School Rachel Stone P ’23, ’24 said, “I am often asked how it is that we know excellence in teaching when we see it. This morning’s recipient exemplifies one answer to that question: great teachers plan and prepare thoughtfully and thoroughly, and students rave about their courses even when the work is demanding and when they are asked to think more deeply, contemplate strategies and solutions more broadly, and explain outcomes more convincingly than they ever have before. We honor a teacher today who asks this of his students and who, in return, has earned their enthusiasm and gratitude for how he teaches and—just as importantly—what they learn along the way.” Congratulations, Chris! PALLIUM SPRING/SUMMER 2023

ACADEMICS

VALEDICTORIAN REMARKS XINYI “LISA” WENG Below are excerpts from Lisa’s address during the Commencement ceremony.

ood morning, faculty, parents, mentors, friends, administrators, and, of course, the graduating class of 2023. First and foremost, I want to congratulate each one of you, my fellow peers; we made it! We conquered the land of textbooks, exams, allnighters with energy drinks, and the hours of bus drives to away games during those brutal Connecticut winters. Just like a good movie you can only watch one time, Canterbury is a place that I may not have the courage to experience twice—not without you guys—but it is also a place that I will never regret and am truly glad to be a part of. These past four years, we laughed, cried, complained, fought, joked, and celebrated. I remember my first day of school my freshman year. I was a nervous little girl with a weird Australian accent that could not even remember where the main buildings were on campus, except for Duffy and the dining hall. And yet, today, I have the honor of standing here speaking to all of you. 28

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Throughout my years at Canterbury, I was fortunate to have met many mentors who guided me to become a better version of myself. I owe them more than a thank you. Today, there are two people sitting among you who made the biggest influence throughout my time at Canterbury, Mr. Hagen and Dr. Lawlor. I have too much to say, and yet perhaps the kind of gratitude I have for them couldn’t be fully expressed in this speech. Still, I will try my best to express it in a limited amount of time. Mr. Hagen, this is going to make me sound more like a nerd than I already am, but here it goes: You made math fun. I remember in Honors Pre-Calc my freshman year, you would refer to every function as “this guy,” and that always made me chuckle. Every lecture, every late-night review session, you taught me what passion is; you taught me the kind of work ethic that will carry me through the rest of my life. Last year at graduation, as you won the well-deserved teacher’s award. I clapped so hard that both of my hands hurt, because I firmly believe that award was made for you. Dr. Lawlor, I had the fortune to encounter you in my junior year. You are someone whom I always trust and someone whom I will always go to when I encounter challenges. You showed me warmth; the kind of warmth that melts one’s heart. After hearing about your experience during Emmaus, I thought, how can a person be so gentle and loving despite having

experienced so much? Your kindness made me cry. I truly wish that, at some point in my life, I can have the kind of wisdom you have now. Next, I want to give many shoutouts for the amazing people I have met in Canterbury. First, shout out to Ms. Ferland and Dr. Gibbons for tirelessly helping me with my college applications. Shout out to the dining hall staff. Although I always complain about the exotic names of the different grinders served, your warm welcome at the lunch line always made my day—especially Luz and Norma. Thank you for practicing Spanish with me in the lunch line. Shout out to EJ for those delicious dorm nights at South. Shout out to my cross country coaches, Mrs. G-L and Mr. Biggart, for making running a tiny bit less grueling. Shout out to Fran’s family—Sandra, Ron, and Bianca—for coming to my commencement and welcoming me to their house during COVID. Shout out to Mateo’s family—Lily, Titi, and Carlos—for treating me as their daughter and making me feel at home in Colombia. Shout out to Mom and Dad for always being my biggest fans and supporting my decision to come to America. And, last but not least, shout out to you guys for seeing both my worst and best in these past four years, tolerating my flaws, offering me an ear to complain about a bad day, and sharing joy on a good day. Now, before I end my speech, I have one last thing to say to all of you: go get them, Saints! I wish you the best in your journey ahead.

COMMENCEMENT AWARDS SAINTS FROM THE CLASS OF 2023 HONORED 2

LILY LAVIGNE received the esteemed Dr. Nelson Hume Award, given to the Sixth Form student whose leadership, character, and achievements have been of the highest order and whose performance embodies the ideals of the School’s founding headmaster. JOHN BAGG and JAKE KLOSS were the recipients of the Robert M. Steele ’72 Boys’ Scholar-Athlete Trophy in memory of Robert M. Steele, a model scholar and athlete, for academic and athletic achievements.

LILY LAVIGNE and AVERY TRACH were awarded the Charles R. Huntington Girls’ Scholar-Athlete Trophy for academic and athletic achievement in memory of Mr. Huntington, a teacher, coach, and Athletic Director from 1969-1999.

3 4

ANNE MELICH was presented with the Elizabeth (Betty) Burke Award for the Sixth Form student whose time at Canterbury has been marked by cheerful determination to serve God and others. 5

LILY LAVIGNE was the Class of 1987 Citizenship Award recipient for her role as the Sixth Former who, in the judgment of peers, has best fulfilled obligations to school, fellow students, and self. CAMERON FOLLI earned the Richard L. and Mary Catharine Farrelly Award for his quiet but thorough service to Canterbury. Five students received the Philip H. Brodie Award for exceptional achievement and all-around service to the School: JOHN BAGG, ERIN FLAHERTY, HANNAH NASH, BRYCE STONE, and AVERY TRACH.

Congratulations to these exemplary Saints! 1. JOHN BAGG 2. LILY LAVIGNE 3. ANNE MELICH 4. JAKE KLOSS 5. ERIN FLAHERTY 6. HANNAH NASH 7. BRYCE STONE 8. CAMERON FOLLI 9. AVERY TRACH

PALLIUM SPRING/SUMMER 2023

ACADEMICS

COLLEGE MATRICULATION CLASS OF 2023

The Class of 2023 is ready to write the next chapter of their story, and we know it will be legendary! Here are the fortunate colleges and universities that will be welcoming members of this great class in the fall: Albertus Magnus College

Hobart and William Smith Colleges

St. Olaf College

Amherst College

Ithaca College

SUNY College at Oswego

Auburn University

James Madison University

Syracuse University

Bentley University

Lebanon Valley College

Texas Christian University

Berklee College of Music

Manhattanville College

Thomas More University

Boston College

Marist College

Tufts University

Boston University

Marymount Manhattan College

Union College

Brown University

New York University

United States Naval Academy

Bucknell University

Northeastern University

University of Colorado Boulder

Central Connecticut State University

Norwich University

University of Connecticut

Colby College

Providence College

University of Massachusetts (Amherst)

Colgate University

Purdue University

University of Massachusetts (Boston)

College of William and Mary

Queen’s University

University of Miami

College of Wooster

Quinnipiac University

University of Notre Dame

Cornell University

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

University of Rhode Island

Dartmouth College

Roger Williams University

University of Rochester

Emory University

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

University of Tampa

Fordham University

Sacred Heart University

University of Tennessee (Knoxville)

Georgetown University

School of Visual Arts

University of Virginia

Gettysburg College

Skidmore College

Wake Forest University

Hamilton College

Southern Methodist University

Western New England University

Harvard University

St. Lawrence University

Wilkes University

PALLIUM SPRING/SUMMER 2023

A GREAT LEARNING EXPERIENCE IN NYC? BANK ON IT!

s a parent to graduates from the last two years, Rob Lynn P ’22, ’23 was more than happy to host Canterbury Business Association (CBA) members at Jefferies Investment Bank in New York City. And our 15 visiting Saints—including his daughter Olivia ’23— were more than happy to oblige! Rob, who oversees 165 salespeople worldwide as Global Head of Fixed Income Distribution for Jefferies, spoke about the process of obtaining an internship there, shared details about day-to-day operations, and explained the differences between an investment bank and a commercial bank. He also advised students to “love what you do so you can be great at it.” They took that advice to heart. “I have always pictured myself being in this kind of environment and working on Wall Street,” said Xinyi “Lisa” Weng ’23, who is now a business major at Emory University. “I have a passion for business; I do a lot of studying about it

outside of classes. After hearing Mr. Lynn talk about industry-specific subjects and understanding much of what he was saying, I knew my extra work had paid off.” The group was also joined by two Saints graduates who work at Jefferies—Thomas Egan ’99, Managing Director of Equity Sales, and Jason Fogelson ’97, Managing Director of Fixed Income Trading—and offered their perspectives on the business. CBA Faculty Lead Zachary Lord was grateful to their hosts for speaking with students on-site at Jefferies. “I was impressed with how Rob educated our students on what his role entails and what Jefferies does as an investment bank,” Zach said. “He, Jason, and Tom all had fantastic advice for them. My favorite part was seeing the camaraderie on the trading floor as Rob toured us around. The visit began to steer Richard Gosman ’23 in a particular career. “Investment banking is working on a lot of spreadsheets and PowerPoints,” Richie explained. “But with fixed income, you work on projects with people in sales and different parts of the bank. It is more interactive and hands-on. I think

I would love the fixed income side more.” It certainly gave him something to think about as he moved on to major in finance at Southern Methodist University. A particular piece of advice from all three hosts stuck with Richie: “They told us that utilizing the Canterbury alumni base was very important to them and something we should look to do as well.” And Rob is connected to that base in more ways than one—in addition to being a Canterbury parent, he is married to Trustee Mary Coleman Lynn ’90, P ’22, ’23. Thank you, Rob, Tom, and Jason, for giving our students a valuable firsthand look at the investment banking world.

Participating in a graduate-level college class left quite an impression on our students. “Having the opportunity to attend an NYU class was surreal,” Alexander Avedisian ’25 said. “It was great to hear from the speakers and discuss the effect of SVB’s collapse on the business world and currencies of the future.”

COLLEGE STUDENTS FOR A DAY

en Saints got a peek into their potential futures last spring thanks to Canterbury alumnus and parent Gregory Coleman ’72, P ’05. An Adjunct Professor at the New York University (NYU) Stern School of Business—as well as past President and Board Member of BuzzFeed—Greg invited students to come to New York City and spend an evening in his Digital Media Innovation master’s-level class. For the session, three speakers shared their experiences from two leading

segments of the industry—venture capital and cryptocurrency. First up were Andrea Hippeau and Caitlin Strandberg, partners at Lerer Hippeau, an early-stage venture capital fund. They spoke of how they began in the venture capital business and showed a presentation from a company seeking funding from them, sharing what they did and did not like about it. Lerer Hippeau receives thousands of these presentations every year. “It made me think about the value of investing in companies and, if I start my

own company in the future, to be aware of how you present yourself to venture capital,” said Eva Berkovich ’24. “I always thought the idea of venture capital was interesting because you have opportunities to be a deciding factor in the success of a company that can make positive changes in people’s lives.” The students then heard from Pascal Gauthier, the Chairman and CEO of Ledger. Pascal discussed the future of payments, the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) collapse, and the value of Bitcoin as a currency that needs no conversion from country to country.

And even after this class concluded, Greg was not done giving our Saints the opportunity to learn from even more industry leaders. The following week, they were invited to Zoom in on a class featuring guest speakers Blake Chandlee, President of Global Business Solutions for TikTok; Entrepreneur and Investor Mark Cuban; and Dan Rosensweig, President and CEO of Chegg. The hospitality and support of their host did not go unnoticed by the students in attendance. “A big ‘thanks!’ to Professor Coleman for making all this possible,” said Matthew Lappin ’23. PALLIUM SPRING/SUMMER 2023

ACADEMICS

SPORTS MARKETING UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

istory and Social Sciences Teacher Misi Babington did not just take it upon herself to teach students in her Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) class in sports management—she let them hear from experts in the field. Last semester, Misi invited two Canterbury graduates into the class via Zoom to share their experiences with an attentive audience. She also organized a dream trip for sports-oriented students— visits to both the “World’s Most Famous Arena” and the headquarters of a major U.S. sports league on the same day!

Bills Marketer Huddles Up with Students When Briana Rossi ’08 first walked into her Marketing Manager job with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, she had very limited football knowledge—but that turned out to be a good thing for her. “I had to read Football for Dummies when I got this job,” she told the class during her Zoom talk. “But I believe knowing nothing about football actually helped me. I was able to approach so many things with a new perspective. If you are creative and curious, you can learn, you can teach yourself, and if you’re smart and think differently, you are going to excel.” With a background in publishing marketing, she pivoted from a job at Brides magazine to a position with one of the NFL’s most successful franchises. It was, according to Briana, a “huge swing” but absolutely the right move for the Saints graduate who held a journalism and marketing degree from Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore. “I applaud you guys for signing up for a class like this at such a young age and learning what you can about sports marketing, sports management, and the world of sports,” she said. “It is the 32

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Sports management students got a firsthand look at Madison Square Garden and the NHL Offices in New York City.

best place to work. It’s fun, competitive, exciting—there is no other job like it!” Briana’s presentation was truly inspiring for students in the class, including Kiley McCooey ’23. “It was exciting to get an inside look at the marketing side of sports, especially from an alumna,” Kiley said. “Hearing how she got into marketing with the Bills helps young women like me realize that if we try our best and put our best foot forward, good things will come our way.” At the end of the day, Briana said that perhaps the most important goal for her marketing team is engaging with fans. “We are very strategic about making sure that our fans know what we are up to,” she said. “Whether they are 65 and get the Buffalo News delivered every morning or 17 years old and follow every player on TikTok, they are all getting the information they need about the Bills, so everyone feels like a part of the family.”

The Inside Scoop from an Agency Pro

There is nothing quite like hearing from someone with more than a decade of experience in the business to truly learn about a particular profession. That is just what the sports management students did when Bryce Tarrant ’07 chatted with them via Zoom. Bryce is currently Senior Account Manager at the 16Oover90 agency. In that role, he

Above: Brianna Rossi ’08; below: Bryce Tarrant ’07

manages Kia’s league-wide agreement as Official Automotive Partner of the NBA, WNBA, and G-League. He is also an Adjunct Professor in the Preston Robert Tisch Institute for Global Sport at New York University, leading graduate courses such as Digital Sports Media & Market and Sports Sponsorship & Sales. As a Canterbury graduate, Bryce was happy to share his knowledge and experiences with current students. That sharing left quite an impression on the class. “It was great to learn what goes on inside the industry,” said Kenneth “Trey” Begasse ’23. “I thought I had a pretty good idea of what that entailed, but after hearing about Bryce’s work with Kia and the NBA, I realized I didn’t know all the planning that goes into creating a 30-second clip.” Bryce also discussed how he set out to make an impact by creating a diverse media platform with an innovative approach to sports business coverage and storytelling—and encouraged students to consider similar paths when they enter the workforce. Trey is ready and anxious to do just that. “I appreciated Bryce’s input about exploring your entrepreneurial ideas and journey,” he said. “Everyone has their passion, and there are different paths like social media that can help you pursue it even with a full-time job.” Trey is continuing his journey at the College of William & Mary this fall as a business major. Overall, there was an easy rapport between Bryce and the students, whose fascination with the business side of sports kept them highly engaged throughout the conversation.

A New York State of Mind

The journey to New York City took Misi's students on an in-depth tour of Madison Square Garden (MSG) led by Robert Castronovo, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Arena Operations, and to the offices of the National Hockey League (NHL) for a chat with Manager of Events Catie Dillon and a team of marketing and event planning professionals. “It was a valuable experience for the students because it reinforced everything we discussed in class,” said Misi. “Effective communication and listening skills, looking people in the eye,

shaking their hand—I saw quite a few light bulbs go off! I told them from day one that you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. I think they realize that even more after this.” Misi started planting the seeds for the trip in November with an assist from Dr. Gina Pauline, Associate Professor and Undergraduate Director of Sport Management at Syracuse, who is a university liaison for Canterbury’s SUPA program. Dr. Pauline connected Misi with the right people, and she took it from there. The day started at the Garden, where Mr. Castronovo guided students first through the loading and unloading areas, then alongside the rink where the visiting Ottawa Senators were taking their morning skate for that night’s game. “That is something very few people see,” Misi explained. “The floor was prepped for ice hockey, but the Knicks had played the night before, and SZA was coming in for an upcoming concert. They are constantly flipping the arena. Everything is calculated and calibrated. It was great for the kids to be made aware of that aspect—the skills you need to run events.” It was an illuminating experience for Nicholas Caro ’24. “Seeing all the little things that go into each event at MSG made my jaw drop to the floor,” Nick said. “And the NHL headquarters visit was amazing too. We heard from many different perspectives, and I left with a much better understanding of what it is like to work in a professional sports league.” Misi shared that her students also learned important lessons about customer service from Mr. Castronovo. “Bobby is very high

on customer relations and how to make it the best experience for them,” she said. “He talked about how to keep customers coming back, and the students understood even more all that we had discussed in class. You could see them putting the pieces of the puzzle together.” Jack Guinta ’23 hung on every word. “I was very focused on how Mr. Castronovo operated and his mindset,” Jack recalled. “I am most interested in the business side of things—marketing, finance, what goes on in the background. I stuck close to him and asked plenty of questions. It was a great opportunity.” While at the NHL, students sat down with Ms. Dillon and other executives in a large boardroom 27 stories above the city. Patrick Ryan, Senior Director of Partnership Marketing, shared how they develop different marketing ideas. He also spoke of how, when creating commercials, they had to be absolutely sure it was authentic and true to what the NHL wanted to portray before putting their stamp of approval on it. “The students asked some excellent questions,” Misi said. “It was nice to see them process what they learned in the classroom, hear what he was saying, and then make the connection between the two.” While it was a long day in the big city, it was an extraordinary experience for all—or, as Nick described it, “the single best school trip I have ever been on!” After learning throughout the semester how important it is to develop relationships in business, these Saints gained instant connections that could one day prove valuable in their careers. PALLIUM SPRING/SUMMER 2023

ACADEMICS

Challenges and Opportunities “We have never seen anything in education evolve and come to the forefront this quickly.” That was a main takeaway for Canterbury’s Assistant Dean of Faculty Tom Hamilton, Studio Art Teacher Chas Hollinger, and former Director of Library Services & Archives Ryan Rebstock when they attended a Symposium on Generative AI and ChatGPT last April. ChatGPT, or Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer, is an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot launched in November 2022 that, by its own definition, “uses deep learning techniques to generate human-like responses to text inputs in a conversational manner.” ChatGPT also has the ability to generate text based on the input it receives, and therein lies the challenge for teachers today—the potential for students to create entire essays and assignments without having to actually write them. So, what is Canterbury doing to address this rapidly growing technology? Plenty…

Holding a ChatGPT/AI Faculty Roundtable

Last February, faculty convened to discuss ChatGPT and its relevance to students at Canterbury. The presentation included outlining the potential benefits of the technology for students, such as providing quick answers to questions and generating prompts for writing assignments. The faculty also considered some important questions for educators, such as “How can we ensure that students are using it ethically and not resorting to plagiarism?” and “How can we adapt our school policies to address

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the emergence of ChatGPT and other similar technologies?” They examined ways in which ChatGPT can be a valuable tool for teachers, such as providing quick answers to student questions, generating prompts for writing assignments, and assisting with research projects. The session also highlighted some strategies teachers can use to prevent plagiarism, such as educating students on proper citation and attribution, checking work for originality, and setting clear expectations for academic integrity. Finally, talk turned to the potential need for changes to school policies to address the emergence of these technologies.

Following the roundtable, the School began specifically incorporating ChatGPT and AI into its Academic Honor Code, clearly outlining the consequences of violating academic integrity by using ChatGPT without consent from teachers.

Attending a Symposium on Generative AI

At the symposium, Tom, Chas, and Ryan joined 75 educators from 33 schools at the Loomis Chaffee School to explore vital topics. The event featured robust sessions demonstrating how faculty colleagues and their students are using ChatGPT in a positive

We are committed to educating our students to be proficient in using AI while upholding our values and promoting critical thinking, problem solving, and independent learning skills as essential components of their education.” FROM THE “STATEMENT OF CURRENT BELIEF”

manner and the ways in which generative AI has shaped—and will continue to shape— our schools. “It was a valuable learning experience,” Tom shared. “I appreciated the chance to hear from other schools about ChatGPT, policy, and discipline.” In the symposium’s last workshop, attendees were tasked with creating a “Statement of Current Belief” for their schools, which our attendees shared with the Canterbury community upon their return to campus. The statement concluded by summing up the School’s academic philosophy regarding artificial intelligence: “We embrace the potential of AI as a tool for learning but also emphasize the importance of responsible and

ethical use. We are committed to educating our students to be proficient in using AI while upholding our values and promoting critical thinking, problem solving, and independent learning skills as essential components of their education.”

Getting the Word Out to Students

Our Academics team has made a concerted effort to apprise current Saints about the challenges and opportunities of ChatGPT and AI. Upperform students participated in a pilot Research Methods class in the spring to help prepare them for conducting high-level research, using databases and sources, writing literature reviews, and more in college. The

School’s Academic Counselors will present the topic in more detail at New Student Seminar and the message will be delivered to the entire student body at the start of each school year. Ultimately, it is critical to impress upon students the importance of academic integrity, good digital citizenship, and information literacy, not only for their success here at Canterbury but for their future. “I tell kids they have to keep that sense of curiosity and innovation,” Ryan said. “If you want to go out and change the world and have an impact, you cannot just ‘ChatGPT’ your way through life.” Tom suggests some tweaks in teaching style may be in order as well, and the small school environment gives instructors an ideal venue to do that. “If you assign a paper that is due in three weeks, you are providing time for inclass writing, offering detailed writing guides and other scaffolding, and conferencing regularly with students during each stage of the drafting process,” he said. “At Canterbury, we find that when students are properly supported, they become witness to their own development. Eventually, growth replaces the grade as the end goal, and the siren song of ChatGPT loses its allure.” To be sure, this brave new AI world is an adjustment for faculty. “Our teachers already have the talent and dedication,” said Director of Curriculum Kelli Darrin P ’26, ’27. “Now they are learning to be even more agile in the face of this evolving technology. It is a time of change in the education landscape, and our faculty is ready to adapt to it.”

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D’AMOUR CENTER

FOR FAITH, SERVICE & JUSTICE

A Good Day for Service and Reflection

aints always show up for Saints—but on Good Friday, they showed up for everyone!

During this meaningful day of service and reflection, our entire community mobilized to support local organizations that assist people in need. Many also took quiet moments to reflect on their own lives, values, and faith. We are ever proud of our Saints family for such an undying devotion to helping neighbors in New Milford and beyond. This past April, students, faculty, and staff pitched in to: • Prepare lunches for Loaves and Fishes Hospitality House of New Milford and Dorothy Day Hospitality House of Danbury and dinners for Pacific House in Danbury. • Assemble Easter baskets for clients of The Center for Empowerment and Education as well as for children of Canterbury faculty and staff. • Tie and package Kennedy’s Rosary Project chaplets. • Prepare food for distribution at nearby Camella’s Cupboard Food Pantry for Children. • Perform outdoor chores for local senior citizens and Canterbury’s own chicken coop—building an extended run for the chickens and planting berry bushes near the coop. As always, the students were eager to help. “I made dinner for the clients at Pacific House. I thought it was a great experience cooking—something I love doing—to benefit others,” Arthur DeVillers ’24 shared. “It was especially meaningful to cook for them at Easter. I also

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appreciated that there were so many opportunities offered by the School to serve our community.” Reflection pursuits included: • Yoga sessions at EVOLVE Yoga Wellness Nutrition in New Milford • Contemplative hikes off campus • Guided meditation • Art projects and mindful coloring • An Ecumenical Faith Walk on the New Milford Green, hosted by the First Congregational Church • Painting meditation stones and placing them around the town green • Reflection and self-guided Stations of the Cross in the Chapel of Our Lady These activities were ideal for students to step away from their busy schedules. “Going to yoga on Good Friday, I was grateful to be able to meditate and be in a reflective space for the afternoon,” said Michael Zarif ’23. “The experience brought those of us who went closer together.” Tracy Garcia-LaVigne P ʼ14, ʼ16, ʼ17, ʼ20, ʼ23, then Director of the D’Amour

Center for Faith, Service & Justice, was delighted by the enthusiastic participation. “In this holy season, our community is able to engage at many levels that speak to the diversity of the campus and our commitment to creating space for reflection and service,” she said. The campus always feels that much warmer when we bring our Canterbury family together in service to others.

Fr. Steve Returns to Celebrate Easter Vigil

r. Steven DeMaio ’03 had been back to his alma mater before, but his return last April on the day before Easter was particularly special for him. “It was a blessing coming back to Canterbury to celebrate the Easter Vigil. It was my first one as a priest,” he shared. “Realizing that it has been 20 years since I graduated was a surreal moment. I give thanks to God for the journey I have been on!” In 2009, Fr. Steve went to Zambia for six months to work on a project, and it was there that he met the Salesians of Don Bosco and began to consider the priesthood. He entered formation in 2010 and was ordained a priest in June 2021. One of Fr. Steve’s Salesian brothers, Fr. Paul Chu, co-celebrated the Easter Vigil with him, and it was truly an inspiring ceremony. It began with the blessing of fire outside the Chapel of Our Lady, where the Paschal candle was lit. The congregation then entered the dark church and lit their individual Easter candles. Fr. Steve was genuinely moved by the experience. “It was so beautiful to start the Mass outside with the sun setting and everyone around the bonfire,” he said. “Then to see the Chapel all lit up by the candles was such a great way to celebrate the Resurrection.” Canterbury Sacristans Lily LaVigne ’23, Amanda Regina ’23, and Avery Trach ’23 assisted with the service and readings. By the end of the evening, it was clear Fr. Steve was delighted to be back on the hilltop, and it wasn’t long before his next visit—he returned just two months later to preside over the Alumni Memorial Mass. “Everyone is so welcoming. I am always grateful to remain a part of the Canterbury family.” A special thank you to our student photographer extraordinaire Alexander Avedisian ’25 for the gorgeous images of the celebration.

PUTTING THEIR HEARTS INTO SERVICE

his past February, Saints celebrated two big events— Valentine’s Day and the Super Bowl—by reaching out to help others.

Valentine’s Day Service Projects

Our students were spreading love through service for Valentine’s Day. In the days prior, they sold candygrams on campus, with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Association. And on the big day, they created virtual cards for Boston Children’s Hospital and assembled Valentine’s care packs and cards for those experiencing homelessness and for New Milford Fire Department volunteers. These caring Saints made it a Happy Valentine’s Day indeed for a great many people. Now that’s true love.

Empty Bowl Project

There may have been a big game going on, but our students created “super bowls” of another kind. Women of Canterbury led a contingent of students, faculty, and staff to Camellas Cupboard for a service event to help support its Empty Bowl Project. More than 20 participants—and two grandchildren of our now-retired campus nurse, Linda Labet—attended the two sessions to paint bowls for a March 11 event that helped raise awareness and funds for those experiencing food insecurity. Camella’s Cupboard provides year-round hunger relief to children, seniors, and other vulnerable populations in New Milford. Thanks to our painters, it was a touchdown for the community.

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D’AMOUR CENTER

FOR FAITH, SERVICE & JUSTICE

NEW RESIDENT CHAPLAIN

Ready to Inspire and Be Inspired T

his August, Canterbury was excited to welcome a new Resident Chaplain to its hilltop campus. Connecticut native Father Brendan Horan, S.J. has assumed the role after having taught political science at Fordham University and serving as one of two pre-law advisors for undergraduates in arts and sciences. Fr. Horan has advanced degrees in philosophy, theology, education, and law, and his areas of concentration are Constitutional Law, Human Rights Law, and Catholic Social Teaching and the Law. As a “regent” in the Jesuit formation program, Fr. Horan taught history, Latin, and theology at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, DC. He also previously taught at Loyola University Chicago and Boston College and was a founding faculty member at the first Jesuit school in Nigeria—Loyola College—where he was a Theology Teacher and Dean of Students. He first visited the Canterbury campus last October to celebrate Mass in the Chapel of Our Lady. We caught up with Fr. Horan for a chat before the start of the school year…

After you visited campus to celebrate Mass last year, you learned that Canterbury was searching for a Resident Chaplain position. What about that visit made you want to be at Canterbury?

I grew up in Connecticut, so I always knew about Canterbury but had never been there. During my first visit last October, I found people to be very friendly and welcoming. The altar servers were well-trained, the 38

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music was beautiful—it was such a wonderful environment. The chapel is absolutely a jewel; architecturally, it is just gorgeous. And then I found out that the School was without a Resident Chaplain. That got me thinking and praying and discerning. I had been teaching for a number of years, so I wanted to see if I could combine teaching with the more spiritual duties of a chaplain as well. In December, I came back to spend a day at the School, meeting Rachel and other administrators, faculty, and students in various groups and settings. That was very confirming of the Holy Spirit, showing me how I could be of further service to the Church and to the people of Canterbury. I also noticed the strong sense of community among faculty, staff, and students, as well as the alumni I met who have an ongoing commitment to their alma mater. All that was very appealing to me.

What was your impression of our students? What do you look forward to the most about working with them? The students I met from that first visit and subsequent visits were very friendly, open, curious, and personable. In December, I had lunch with a group of students, and two of them took me around for a campus tour. I was very much struck not only by their knowledge but also by their love for Canterbury and the community, their sense of gratitude to the School, and their love and respect for their classmates. That is the real deal. You can get a very nice overview from faculty and staff, but the students are where the rubber meets the road. So that was very confirming as well.

It is joyful for me to learn and discover with students, to hear their questions and opinions and reflect on those things. Whether I have a large or small class, I always look upon it as a community where everybody matters. We learn best when we are committed to each other in this intellectual, spiritual, and social process of discovery that we share. In the Jesuit order, working in schools is something we have emphasized since our founding. St. Ignatius would say that our goal— our mission statement, if you will—is the salvation of souls. We work to help people achieve their goals, find happiness, and contribute to the community, particularly those in need. As I get older, I realize that teaching young people also helps keep me young!

These young people are just starting out and going through their teen years. Are you sure you want to live and work with high school students?

Yes…at least, I think so! (Laughs) Some of my Jesuit colleagues have asked me that as well! During our formation and training for the priesthood, most of us start out as teachers, and virtually all of us teach high school. It is an experience most Jesuits look back on fondly. You learn a lot in a very supportive academic atmosphere. The spiritual dimension is strong. Those are often some of our happiest years. So in a sense, I am returning to where I began, only this time knowing—hopefully!—more than I did before. It doesn’t matter whether someone is 10, 13, 17, or 20. That is just where they are. Students are students; the focus is on inquiry and learning and developing our gifts irrespective of one’s age. People who are intellectually curious are a wonderful group to engage with.

Kidding aside, what are your thoughts on the importance of the adolescent years for developing values and character?

Those have always been formative years, but in some ways, these last 20 to 25 years—with all the stresses in our society and social media and so forth—have put even more pressure on students to grow up early. You are not so much a young person as a mini-adult. So these years are more important than ever for forming values and a desire to learn and discover, growing spiritually, seeing how things connect in our lives, and understanding responsibility to self, family, friends, community, and church. Many high school students begin to realize their passions and focus on developing and sharing their gifts. It is also a time when people are encouraged—sometimes pushed—to discover gifts they did not even know they had, whether through theater, school clubs, athletics, or service opportunities. You are exposed to so many different people, ideas, and settings. Canterbury has such a supportive community where everyone is known, belongs, and is cared for, and that helps students form good values and a commitment to service that last a lifetime. It is a privilege and blessed opportunity to share together. It can also be challenging,

but as our Lord says in St. Luke’s Gospel, “To whom much is given, much will be required.” Those words make more sense to Canterbury students because they see it playing out every day in the lives of their classmates and teachers and dorm parents and administrators, and they begin to think, “Oh, okay, I understand what that means now.” It is an exciting time.

What excites you about our interfaith community and the distinct ways we support each student’s individual faith journey?

I find it wonderful to help students who have their own ways and traditions to hear the voice of God and feel the movement of the Spirit. We can meet students where they are and take them further down the road of discipleship to see the many ways that religion—whatever one’s traditions—is about a community of people who gather and care for each other and are committed to high ideals of being and serving and doing. That is strongly reflected in the schools where I have served. Fordham is a Jesuit-Catholic university, for example, but welcomes people of all faiths and traditions—or even no faith—to help them grow holistically, realize their connections to others and the community, and cultivate a desire to serve. So that is something I am very much used to. The Catholic and Jesuit faiths help provide a framework for understanding human beings—our aspirations, our desires, and how we deal with questions of identity or setbacks or tragedies. It gives us, as St. Ignatius would say, “a world view” and makes us interested in and respectful of questions, ideas, and experiences of other people who perhaps do not share the same condition. It goes back to starting with the student as an individual. As the JudeoChristian tradition teaches, we are not saved as a group; it is one by one by one. That is important to remember, particularly in the ministry of education. Students bring their own stories and desires and perspectives that must be appreciated and nurtured—and from what I have seen, Canterbury does that very well.

What do you bring to the position as a teacher, mentor, and spiritual leader?

I bring my background, my experiences, my faith, my training, and my interest in people. I bring my desire to serve and help others grow spiritually and to learn from them as well. And it is not just with students; I want to be a presence to staff and faculty as well—to be available to help individuals or families or groups. I can share my world view, my spirituality, and my faith in the church and in the goodness of people. As a teacher, I enjoy what I am doing and hopefully that is felt by students. We are on a journey from the first class to the last; an exciting journey to learn together as we go. I have been deeply enriched by these experiences with my students, many of whom I continue to hear from over the years. That is always very affirming, and I look forward to continuing it here, God willing.

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D’AMOUR CENTER

FOR FAITH, SERVICE & JUSTICE

Record Number of Saints Win National Service Awards Service to others is central to the Canterbury experience, and 14 of our students took that to another level. We salute these extraordinary servant leaders honored with national Community Service Awards from the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) and InnerView—the most Saints ever to receive these awards!

he Community Service Awards program is open to all U.S. students and designed to connect their community service activities, skill development, and commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to transform our world. The Kroger Co. also presents the Zero Hero Awards to students for taking action to help create communities free of hunger and waste. Tracy Garcia-LaVigne P ’14, ’16, ’17, ’20, ’23, then Director of The D’Amour Center for Faith, Service & Justice, was thrilled for our recipients. “The InnerView service recognition model aligns with our service learning philosophy at Canterbury. Through this program, our students are able to connect their work with the UN’s SDGs and see where they are making an impact in the world around them,” Tracy said. “We are proud to celebrate their achievements and commitment to serving others.”

HOW MUCH OF AN IMPACT DID THESE STUDENTS HAVE?

• They participated in 237 activities— from volunteering their time to securing donations to leadership efforts—totaling 1,626 service hours. That averages out to well over 100 service hours per student! • UNA-USA calculated Canterbury’s total community impact value as a remarkable $56,196. • Collectively, the students supported 10 of the organization’s 17 SDGs— No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health & Well-Being, Quality Education, Gender Equality, 40

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Reduced Inequalities, Sustainable Cities & Communities, Climate Action, Life on Land, and Peace, Justice, & Strong Institutions. Impressive work, indeed! True to the spirit of these awards, Nicholas Ciampi ’24 suggested the message behind the honor is even more important than receiving it. “This award is meaningful because it shows the positive impact that one person’s efforts can make on the world around them,” Nick explained. “Community service work is important to me—to give back to others, spread hope and love, and inspire others to do the same.” And Gia Mulheren ’24 credits the School for encouraging students to take up the service mantle. “Canterbury provides so many opportunities for service, I feel it would be a disservice to others and myself not to take the chance to create meaningful change,” she said. “This award allows me to look back and feel that I made a positive difference in the community.” Making a difference is what drives UNA-USA, a grassroots movement of Americans who support the vital work of the United Nations, and InnerView, the leading and most equitable youth social responsibility platform to help students and schools connect their efforts to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Congratulations to our student recipients for advancing this important work.

AMBASSADOR AWARDS 100 hours of service & 12 activities EDMUND ACKELL ’24 RUARI BAMRICK ’24 NICHOLAS CIAMPI ’24 SHAUN MCKENNA ’24 GIA MULHEREN ’24 ALEXANDER OLCESE ’23 CHARLES PHILLIPS ’23 LIAM TEEKING ’23 ADAM ZARIF ’23 MICHAEL ZARIF ’23

HONOR AWARDS 40 hours of service & 8 activities ANNE MELICH ’23 SYLVIA PINHEIRO ’24 CATHERINE ZENG ’25

MERIT AWARD 25 hours of service & 4 activities LILY LAVIGNE ’23

ZERO HERO AWARDS RUARI BAMRICK ’24 SHAUN MCKENNA ’24 SYLVIA PINHEIRO ’24 CATHERINE ZENG ’25

INTRODUCING OUR 2023-24 FAITH LEADERS SACRISTANS

Edmund Ackell

Ruari Bamrick

Camryn Beauvais

Bradley Bushnell

Ella Caraluzzi

Nicholas Ciampi

Ava Faruol

Amanda Lepore

Dominic Mazzuca

Shaun McKenna

Geoffrey Moran

Caroline Thompson

It takes a truly special young person to be a Sacristan at Canterbury. These are students with the personal character, demonstrated faith, and leadership qualities to serve as inspirational role models and foster a positive culture on our campus. We are delighted to celebrate our Sixth Form students whose extraordinary actions and accomplishments led to their selection as Sacristans beginning this fall: Edmund Ackell, Ruari Bamrick, Camryn Beauvais, Bradley Bushnell, Ella Caraluzzi, Nicholas Ciampi, Ava Faruol, Amanda Lepore, Dominic Mazzuca, Shaun McKenna, Geoffrey Moran, and Caroline Thompson. Tracy Garcia-LaVigne P ʼ14, ʼ16, ʼ17, ʼ20, ʼ23, former Director of The D’Amour Center for Faith, Service & Justice, is excited about what this amazing group of students will accomplish in the months ahead. “These devoted Sacristans have their own unique talents and abilities and are exemplary representatives for our Saints community,” she said. “I have complete confidence that they will be extraordinary faith leaders and have a lasting impact on their peers and the entire campus.”

These newest Sacristans will continue to live a life of faith and service while encouraging spiritual life among their peers, contributing to Canterbury’s positive growth, and exemplifying the School’s Five Values through their everyday actions. Their duties include helping to organize retreats, offering daily reflections and prayers at School Meeting, serving at Mass, and inspiring others to participate in service opportunities.

INTERFAITH COUNCIL

Noam Hoffman

Hannah Collura

Katherine Datlow

Emily Lang

Sylvia Pinheiro

Ziyi “Owen” Wang

Members of the Interfaith Council have also been chosen for the coming school year, all in the Sixth Form: Council Leader Noam Hoffman and members Hannah Collura, Katherine Datlow, Emily Lang, Sylvia Pinheiro, and Ziyi “Owen” Wang. This vital group works to create space on campus for students who engage in all faith traditions or who are exploring their own faith questions. They also guide interfaith prayer services, events, and dialogue and work with the Sacristans to lead retreats. Congratulations and thank you, 2023-24 faith leaders!

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HILLTOP HAPPENINGS COMMUNITY

A Moving and Memor able Experience in

ISRAEL

Editor’s note: The Canterbury community, and especially the students and faculty who were so moved by their visit to Israel last summer, are keeping those impacted by the current Israel-Hamas war in our thoughts and prayers.

or the Canterbury students who made the journey to Israel this past June, the trip was steeped in history, culture, and religion— and was incredibly powerful.

the Judean Dessert to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Accompanied by staff, faculty, and a parent, eight Saints— Edmund Ackell ’24, Serena Bacetti ’26, Andrew Conto ’24, Ellen Holmgren ’23, Madison Lang ’24, Michael Lynn ’26, Sydney Mahler ’26, and Jacob “Woody” Manes ’24—experienced nearly every corner of this diverse and unforgettable landscape. It was enlightening, fun, and often overwhelming; emotions ran high at many sites they visited, from Nazareth and Mount Beatitudes to

“My favorite moment of the entire trip was visiting the Western Wall,” said Woody, who helped start the Jewish Student Association at Canterbury. “We all received blessings and then slid our notes—wishes or messages of thanks to God—into cracks in the wall. After praying for a bit, we stood together and just looked around. There were people singing hymns, praying, and dancing in circles. I felt such a connection with my friends at that moment. It

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EMOTIONS RUN HIGH AT THE WESTERN WALL

was surreal. We shed some tears together afterward.” The Western Wall had a profound impact on Maddy as well. “Everyone there is from different religions, different cultures, different places even,” she shared. “And they all come together at this

one wall, dancing and singing and having a great time. There are no phones, no electronics, nothing. They find joy in being with other people instead of looking at a screen.”

A FULL ITINERARY

There were so many highlights throughout the busy 11 days, including: • Spending a night in a Bedouin tent in the Judean Desert • Floating in the Dead Sea, where the water is so salty it pushes your body right to the top • Being treated to a Shabbat dinner in the home of a Jewish family • Taking a graffiti tour of stunning artwork in Tel Aviv • Participating in an archeological excavation at the Beit Guvrin National Park • Visiting the Stations of the Cross, Roman Aqueducts, Jesus’s birthplace, and the area where his cross was erected

Left to right: Stations of the Cross in Jerusalem, Western Wall on the eve of Shabat, the Sea of Galilee. Below left: Sitting at the gate to Mary's home. Below right: Roman aqueduct in Caesarea.

Director of Information Technology Matt Glaser ’81 organized the trip and was part of a team of adult chaperones that included Director of Health Services Colleen Cook ’02, R.N.; English Teacher Anne DeSousa, and parent Philip Mahler. While Matt has visited Israel many times over the years, he says his true reward is giving students the experience of a lifetime. “The most emotional part of the trip for me is when we first land and are on the ground in Israel,” he explained. “Before we even get off the plane, I turn to the kids and say, ‘I got you here! Now everything else we do will be a part of you forever. You are never going to forget this.’” According to Woody, Israel not only became a part of him—it changed him. “My friends told me I was a whole different person there, ten times happier and more

confident,” he said. “Everyone was so nice, and we did so many fun things like swimming in the Jordan River and riding camels. I didn’t want to leave.”

oasis with about seven or eight waterfalls in the middle of the desert, which was amazing to swim in. The entire experience was life-changing for me.”

Maddy echoed those sentiments. “The entire trip was great. The most enjoyable for me was the Ein Gedi,” she recalled. “It is an

True to their Canterbury values, the students also took time to help change the lives of others during the trip when they visited

Pitchon-Lev, a national humanitarian organization focused on breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty in Israel by providing meals and clothing to people in need. “We spent a morning separating clothes between adult male, adult female, kids, and the like. It was such a good feeling to do that,” Matt said.

A JOURNEY BACK THROUGH TIME

The students were often left breathless at the historical and religious significance of the places they visited. “When we went to Mary’s house in Nazareth, that was the first time on the trip that the kids got emotional,” Matt shared. “We were sitting in the large church built on top of Mary’s house while Mass was going on, and as I was looking around, I saw their eyes just tearing up. Here they were, in Israel, at the site where Jesus lived in his younger years, listening to a Catholic Mass. It was pretty intense.”

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HILLTOP HAPPENINGS COMMUNITY

Left to right: Yearbook Editor Fiona Mulheren ’23, Podge Lawlor, and Yearbook Faculty Advisor Gretchen McCarthy

A HEARTFELT HONOR FOR AN INSPIRATIONAL TEACHER

istory and Social Sciences Chair Dr. Pádraig Lawlor always puts his students first in everything he does, and the Class of 2023 showed their appreciation by dedicating their yearbook to him. It was a well-deserved honor for Podge, who was born and raised in Ireland and taught at institutions such as Saint Leo University and the University of South Florida prior to coming to Canterbury. Head of School Rachel Stone ’23, ’24 lauded Podge for his dedication and versatility both in and out of the classroom. “In the two years since joining the faculty, he has made an extraordinary impact not only on his students but our entire campus community,” Rachel said. “Podge demonstrates his wide breadth of knowledge by teaching courses such as AP World History, AP US History, and AP European History. He also coached Boys’ JV Soccer and was Dorm Head at Sheehan House. We are grateful he is one of ours.” Podge’s impact is perhaps best exemplified by the quotes from our Sixth Form students explaining why they chose to dedicate their yearbook to him…

“Dr. Lawlor has been one of the most important teachers I have had at Canterbury. He is the perfect example of what to look for in a teacher.” “He has been the best father figure I can have away from home.” “He is one of the most kind and considerate teachers on campus.” “Dr. Lawlor has influenced my time at Canterbury by always being a bright and encouraging person.” “He genuinely cherishes every student he teaches.” Those are some impressive tributes! But then again, Podge Lawlor is an extraordinarily impressive teacher. Congratulations, Podge!

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TESTING THEIR METTLE WITH METAL

o ifs, ands, or “bots” about it: the Powerplay FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Teams Qualifier Tournament earlier this year was a valuable experience for our Robotics Club members. John Danso Adjei ’23, Riley Greene ’25, Noah Schretzenmayer ’23, Yijie “Jack” Wang ’23, Xian “Clarence” Wu ’26, and Zekai “Aaron” Zhu ’26—along with Physics and Design & Innovation Teacher Rodrigo Avila—brought their creation to Southington, Connecticut, for the tournament. Canterbury was among 24 teams that designed, built, and programmed their robots to compete in an alliance-style format. While their team didn’t advance, there were plenty of positive takeaways from the day for the participants. “The tournament was exciting,” Riley shared. “We got to challenge our building and robotics acumen against some of the best programs in the state.” Noah’s time on the Robotics Team will always hold a special place in his heart. “Over the four years I have been on the team, I have learned how to build, program, and troubleshoot,” said Noah, who is attending Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana, this fall. “It has solidified my interest in engineering and helped me earn engineering scholarships at various universities. As someone who is not a typical athlete, this has been a big part of my Canterbury experience.”

International Week Gives Students A Taste of the World—Literally!

ur Saints had an appetite for learning and world cuisines during International Week, a campus-wide event in the spring celebrating the cultures and foods of the School’s international students.

The Dining Hall team presented some outstanding globally inspired flavors throughout the week, with Asian selections on Tuesday, dishes celebrating Hispanic culture the next day, traditional Irish cuisine Thursday, and Italian recipes on Friday. It all led up to Saturday night’s grand finale—International AfFair, a world cuisines extravaganza prepared and served by our students in the Steers Center Ragland Commons. The participants worked extra hard to bring their countries’ recipes and ingredients to faculty, staff, and classmates, according to Julio Omaña P ’19, ’20, Director of International Travel Programs, Form Dean, and Language Teacher, who teamed with Director of Community Life EJ Soifersmith P ’27 to help run the event. “The students are the true heroes of International AfFair, having dedicated hours upon hours between classes and games and practices and rehearsals—oh, and school work!—to get it done,” he said. Indeed, it was a busy week for our student chefs. They shopped for ingredients during the four days leading up to the event, then prepped and cooked food Friday night and during the day on Saturday. All food prep— slicing, dicing, cutting, and chopping—was completed in the Brodie Room kitchen. Special thanks to former Spanish Teacher Miranda Ochoa Natera and the Omañas—Julio and Theology Department Chair Amy P ’19, ’20—for opening up their kitchens for students to use for the cooking. With the flags of our international students’ countries hanging impressively overhead, the Canterbury community stopped by to taste the delicious selections and chat with the students at each table. The world’s cuisines were well-represented:

Cola Chicken Wings, Spicy Hot Pot, Xinjiang Chicken, Sweet Dumplings, Brown Sugar Pie, and Coconut Rice Pudding (Andrew Chen ’23, Yuntong “Curley” Chu ’24, Houer “Daisy” Dai ’24, Yueanshu “Angel” Fu ’25, Yuge “Ingrid” Fu ’26, Zhe “Andrew” Ji ’23, Yuqi “Angel” Jia ’26, Boyang Jiang ’26, Bowen Lei ’25, Jing “Kitty” Miao ’25, Qifeng “Steven” Song ’24, Xinyi “Lisa” Weng ’23, Fiona Yao ’23, and Yueqi “Jessica” Zhao ’25) • COLOMBIA: Mango Biche and Obleas con Arequipe (Felipe Siabatto ’24 and Tomás Siabatto ’24) • FRANCE: Crepes with Nutella, Bananas, and Strawberries (Chloe Herr ’24) • KOREA: Bulgogi, Bibimbap, and Japchae (Seoin “Eva” Choi ’25, Youngchan “Tony” Choi ’23, Junseong Jo ’23, Rahee “Ren” Kim ’25, and Sujean Park ’23) • MEXICO: Guacamole and Chips (Luciana Jorge Gutierrez ’25 and Rossana Segovia Mir ’25) • RUSSIA: Medovik and Syrniki (Eva Berkovich ’24)

• AFGHANISTAN: Bolani and Chakni

• SINGAPORE: Chicken Satay (Francesca Masi ’26)

• BANGLADESH: Pakora (prepared by Zeba Ahmed ’26)

• SPAIN: Spanish Omelet (Gabriela Buján Burgos ’25 and José Mugica ’25)

• CANADA: Maple Syrup Taffy (Elsa Copeland ’24)

The event was especially meaningful for the students involved. “The international food fair was an amazing experience,” Zeba said after presenting her dish from

• CHINA: Eight Treasures Chili Sauce with Stir-Fried Noodles, Purple Yam Ice Milk, Sweet & Sour Pork, Coca-

Bangladesh. “I brought a classic South Asian snack, Pakora, which is mixed vegetables coated with batter. I am so glad my peers could have a taste of my culture, and it made me even happier to see that they enjoyed it. I cannot wait to do this again!” And that, Julio said, was precisely what made the night so successful. “It went well because of student participation on both sides of the tables—the preparers and presenters (our international students) as well as those who came to taste and learn,” he explained. “The energy in the room was upbeat, and it was a wonderful celebration of the different countries and cultures represented in our student body.”

HILLTOP HAPPENINGS COMMUNITY

Taking the Leadership Reins

t Canterbury, students step up as leaders in every facet of campus life. Beginning this fall, the following Saints will hold the School’s official leadership positions for 2023-24:

SIXTH FORM COUNCIL

Elected each spring by their peers; charged with fostering a strong sense of community on campus through events like the Frederick Gunn School Day pep rally and Spirit Week, working with the Student Life Office and the Head of School on student initiatives, and running School Meeting each Friday. They set a positive example for classmates and underform students by the way they conduct their lives at school each day. Congratulations to the following 2023-24 Sixth Form Council members! Elsa Copeland, Ava Faruol, Jack Greenberg, Morgan Lau, Dominic Mazzuca, Nathan Ruzzi, Ziyi “Owen” Wang, and Lezhi “Martin” Zhang.

AMBASSADORS

Work with our Admission Office to give tours, greet prospective families, and provide the student perspective of life on the hilltop. This coming year, Lead Ambassadors are Kerstin Ambruso ’24, Bradley Bushnell ’24, Ella Caraluzzi ’24, Nicholas Caro ’24, Nicholas Ciampi ’24, Elsa Copeland ’24, Madeline Diglio ’24, Jack Greenberg ’24, Ryan Roberts ’24, Lea Ruisi ’24, Evan Rydingsword ’24, Lynzie Sanford ’24, and Jake Towey ’24. Serving as Ambassadors are Eliza Agredano ’24, Bradley Bozzuto ’25, Cora Brennan ’24, Anne Celestino ’24, Ava Faruol ’24, Sophia Faruol ’25, Reagan Fitzgerald ’25, Chloe Herr ’24, Rahee “Ren” Kim ’25, Ryan Lucarelli ’25, Liza McIntire ’24, Sylvia Pinheiro ’24, Oliver Ramee ’24, Nathan Ruzzi ’24, Mitchell 46

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Elsa Copeland

Ava F aruol

Jack Greenberg

Morgan Lau

Dominic Mazzuca

Nathan Ruzzi

Ziyi “Owen” Wang

Lezhi “Martin” Zhang

Stenger ’24, Caroline Thompson ’24, and Connor Wohlfahrt ’25. Other students not designated as Ambassadors but eligible to give tours are Elena Chowdbhury ’25, Cavan Dowler ’24, Ella Earnest ’24, Yueanshu “Angel” Fu ’25, Quinn Gray ’25, Kylee Henderson ’25, Patrick Heslin ’24, Madison Lang ’24, Amanda Lepore ’24, Maya Lileika ’25, Jiarui “Jerry” Liu ’25, Juliana Loesche ’25, Emily Lynch ’25, Gia Mulheren ’24, Emily Naughton ’25, Ryan Stratton ’24, Virginia Zapletal ’24, and Lezhi “Martin” Zhang ’24.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AMBASSADORS

Help new international students adjust to life at Canterbury. Throughout the year, they also help plan opportunities for the entire community to share heritages, cultures, and cuisines. For 2023-24, they are Eva Berkovich ’24, Seoin “Eva” Choi ’25, Houer “Daisy” Dai ’24, Yueanshu “Angel” Fu ’25, Jose “Pepe” Hanze ’24, Chloe Herr ’24, Felipe Siabatto ’24, Qifeng “Stephen” Song ’24, and YingHua “Wendy” Wu ’24.

DEIJ (DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND JUSTICE) COUNCIL

Helps guide efforts to advance and sustain a diverse, equitable, inclusive, safe, and just community that is founded upon, inspired by, and held accountable to our five values of honesty, respect, compassion, spirituality, and selfreliance. Leading this collaborative community work for 2023-24 are Bradley Bozzuto ’25, Elizabeth Carlson ’25, Elena Davenport ’25, Madeline Diglio ’24, Laurie Etienne ’24, Yueanshu “Angel” Fu ’25, Jack Greenberg ’24, Brooklyn Hairston ’24, Rahee “Ren” Kim ’25, Emerson Lilly ’25, Geoffrey Moran ’24, Gia Mulheren ’24, Zachary Thomas ’25, and Lezhi “Martin” Zhang ’24.

DAY PROCTORS

Selected from among the Sixth Form day students to serve as leaders and role models for all day students. This year’s Day Proctors are Kerstin Ambruso, Irene Chen, Hayden Devorsetz, Henry Genden, Patrick Heslin, Jacquelynn Kenna, Emily Lang, Madison Lang, Sylvia Pinheiro, Lea Ruisi, Evan Rydingsword, Kip Stone, and Virginia Zapletal.

Serving as Assistant Day Proctors are Phoebe Booth ’24, Ella Caraluzzi ’24, Nicholas Ciampi ’24, Andrew Conto ’24, Katherine Datlow ’24, Paul DeSantis ’24, Laurie Etienne ’24, Ava Faruol ’24, Andrew King ’24, Morgan Lau ’24, Ryan McIntire ’25, and Shaun McKenna ’24.

BOARDING PROCTORS

Live in the dorms to support fellow students. They help new and returning students move into their rooms and help them adjust to the schedule and dorm rules. Boarding Proctors for 2023-24 are: Carmody House—Edmund Ackell ’24, Bradley Bushnell ’24, Bryson Jezewski ’24, and Nathan Ruzzi ’24 Carter House—Ellen Barto ’25, Cora Brennan ’24, Elsa Copeland ’24, Reagan Fitzgerald ’25, Kylee Henderson ’25, and Amanda Lepore ’24 Duffy House—Camryn Beauvais ’24, Chloe Carroll ’25, Yueanshu “Angel” Fu ’25, Clare Kelly ’25, Rahee “Ren” Kim ’25, and Gracen Shea ’25 Havemeyer House—Nicholas Caro ’24, Cavan Dowler ’24, Dominic Mazzuca ’24, Jacob Stevens ’24, and Ryan Stratton ’24 Sheehan House—Emmanuel Avetisian ’24, Noam Hoffman ’24, Geoffrey Moran ’24, William Nardella ’24, Tomas Siabatto ’24, Ziyi “Owen” Wang ’24, and Lezhi “Martin” Zhang ’24 South House—Anne Celestino ’24, Hannah Collura ’24, Madeline Diglio ’24, Skylar Prehodka ’24, Catherine Steers ’24, and Caroline Thompson ’24 We are delighted for our newest student leaders and look forward to a successful school year!

BELOVED NURSE RETIRES AFTER 25 YEARS

hances are, Canterbury students who have visited the School’s Health Center in the last 25 years experienced firsthand the extraordinary care and compassion provided by Nurse Linda Labet. Linda retired at the end of the school year after two and a half decades of unwavering dedication to the health and wellness of our campus community. Speaking at the end-ofyear faculty/staff reception, Director of Health Services Colleen Cook, R.N. ’02 expressed her appreciation for everything Linda has done for her and the School. “She welcomed this inexperienced nurse to campus with an open mind and heart, offering support, knowledge, humor, and a willingness to go along with my ideas,” Colleen said. “She shared the same with our students, often being that warm, friendly face to greet them and ask them how their day was going. Linda has a gift for making students comfortable and always seeing the best in them. While she will be greatly missed, I am excited for her next chapter!” In 2011, Linda was named the School’s Woman of the Year, presented by Women of Canterbury to a faculty or staff member who “has influenced the lives of the female students and whose accomplishments reflect wisdom, compassion, and selflessness.” That describes Linda Labet to a tee! “Linda’s commitment to Canterbury and its students is impossible to describe,” said Head of School Rachel Stone P ’23, ’24. “Her consistent, unwavering ability to offer empathy, steadiness, sound judgment, and presence will not only be

missed but is a perfect example of our student-centered faculty.” As Linda reflected on her years on the hilltop, her love for the School and especially its students was palpable. “It didn’t feel like just a workplace. There was always a very warm feeling about the campus,” she said. “Especially the kids—they made it worth getting up every morning and working 10-hour days. Every year there were students who touched my heart. In a sense, they were all my grandchildren.” She added with a laugh, “Colleen was the mother, and I was the grandmother!” It is clear that Linda will miss Canterbury as much as her Saints family will miss her. “My last week was bittersweet,” she recalled. “I had so many kids coming into the Health Center, giving me hugs, wishing me well, and saying I had to come back. I assured them I would. It meant a lot. I absolutely loved my job. That’s why I stayed for 25 years!” Assistant Head of School for Student Life Peter LaVigne P ’14, ’16, ’17, ’20, ’23 shared a heartfelt message as Linda moved on to spend more time with her husband Michael, three children, and six grandchildren. “Linda is one of the kindest, most caring people I know. Our community has been very lucky to have her looking out for our collective well-being for the last 25 years,” he said. “The campus will not be the same without you, Linda, but on behalf of the Student Life Office and the countless students you cared for during your time at Canterbury, I wish you all the best for a happy and fulfilling retirement.”

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HILLTOP HAPPENINGS COMMUNITY

WEARING DENIM AND RAISING AWARENESS

fully committed to helping raise awareness. “Even the students who were in dress code that day—who didn’t wear denim or teal—were still coming to us for pins,” Elsa shared. “They were saying, ‘Can I have a pin or two? I want to show my support.’ That was so great!”

n 1999, on the very first Denim Day, women across the globe joined together in solidarity and wore denim to support sexual assault awareness. Nearly 25 years later, Women of Canterbury (WoCbury) continues that mission.

Both Elsa and Maddie were quick to give shoutouts to their Women of Canterbury Faculty Leads, Head of School Rachel Stone P ’23, ’24 and Director of Health Services Colleen Cook, R.N. ’02, for their help with the event. “Ms. Cook and Mrs. Stone did a lot of work behind the scenes,” Maddie said. “They devote so much of their time to this.”

Awareness was front-and-center on campus during the week leading up to this year’s Denim Day, an initiative near and dear to the hearts of WoCbury Co-Presidents Elsa Copeland ’24 and Madeline Diglio ’24. “We all put a lot of our work and passion into the event,” Maddie said. “It was a mix of spreading awareness, educating our community, and raising money for support. Seeing the awareness brought to action and the conversations occurring about it on campus was extremely important to us.”

to work wearing jeans and other denim garments. That gesture grew to become a global phenomenon observed each year in April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

That original Denim Day began after a ruling in 1992 by the Italian Supreme Court, where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the 18-year-old victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped the person who raped her remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. This sparked worldwide protests, and Italian women showed up

As Denim Day drew near, Saints picked up special pins crafted by Women of Canterbury members, made donations, and signed jeans in solidarity. Students also addressed the topic during School Meeting and shared informational videos, including one about consent that used the offering of tea as a metaphor. It was compelling, even humorous at times, and, Elsa said,

Denim Day raised more than $1,000 for The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) in Danbury wholly effective in delivering the message. “The video got everyone’s attention. People were talking about it—saying ‘What is this?’—and that is ultimately what you want,” she said. “We considered other options but chose this one to get the point across and keep people engaged. It was perfect!” The entire hilltop community embraced the spirit of Denim Day. Students and faculty alike were able to “dress down” if they wore their pins along with either denim or teal—the official color of sexual assault prevention. But it was not only about dressing down; our Saints were

They were more than happy to do it. “It has been rewarding to watch the students’ passion for the topic develop. Their commitment has helped grow Denim Day into a whole week of programming,” Colleen said. “I am confident our students ended the week understanding the educational resources available to them on and off campus and feeling empowered to support each other.” Denim Day raised more than $1,000 for The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) in Danbury, which provides support services for victims of interpersonal violence through counseling and advocacy, crisis intervention, and emergency shelter. CEE also prevents and reduces interpersonal violence in the community through education and awareness. Thank you, Women of Canterbury, for your ongoing efforts on behalf of this essential organization and cause.

SAINTS HELPING OTHERS: IT’S IN THEIR BLOOD

We held our 15th annual Blood Drive on campus earlier this year— and it was our best ever! Thanks to a stellar turnout that included 18 first-time donors, the American Red Cross was able to collect 50 units, well above the goal the organization set for the School. “They had raised our goal to 41 because of our previous successful drives, and we crushed it again this year,” said Tracy Garcia-LaVigne P ʼ14, ʼ16, ʼ17, ʼ20, ʼ23, then Director of The D’Amour Center for Faith, Service & Justice. “I could not be prouder of our community!”

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HILLTOP HAPPENINGS ARTS

SHARING THEIR EMOTIONS THROUGH ART

he best artists have the ability to authentically express their feelings and interests through their work. Students in our AP Art class do an exceptional job of that, which was obvious to everyone admiring their creations at the spring AP Art Show in The Edward J. Duffy Family Art Gallery on campus. During the reception that evening, the artists were available to present and discuss their work. According to the course description, AP Art is “for the serious art student whose prior work exhibits advanced technical experience and conceptual thought processes.” The students spend the entire academic year focusing on a theme that “is expressed using various color, design, and compositional techniques.”

In her 15 pieces, Alisa explored a subject vitally important to her—animal cruelty. “These issues are heartbreaking, so I wanted to raise awareness and try to improve the lives of animals through my artwork,” she said. “I illustrated examples of animal cruelty intertwined with normal human activity…advocating for animal rights by depicting the relationships between lives.” Meanwhile, Andrew turned to a fictional world to express his art using the theme: “Eldritch Horror Reimagined in Modern Times.” It is no small accomplishment to interpret the ancient lore of a strategy game based on the writings of H. P. Lovecraft and put a contemporary spin on it. But Andrew pulled it off beautifully. Other art included Lisa’s work depicting her time growing up in China, Mike’s “Fantasy World” showing creatures and architecture without physical limitations, and Fiona’s “Everything is Alive” featuring inanimate objects brought to life. It was truly a masterful showing by all of these artists extraordinaire.

Our talented Saints in the class—Han “Alisa” Cui ’24, Andrew Martin ’23, Xinyi “Lisa” Weng ’23, Mengze “Mike” Wu ’23, and Fiona Yao ’23—found diverse and highly creative ways to communicate their themes artistically. They each chose a topic that was either deeply personal or had a strong influence in their life.

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Saints Rock! Alumni and Students Put on a Show

he weather wasn’t the only thing heating things up at the Canterbury campus in April—our alumni and student musicians dazzled as they shared the spotlight for the Fifth Annual Past & Present Concert. Held outside on the Duffy Patio on a warm Friday evening, the show featured graduates in the music world collaborating with our current ensemble of talented students to the delight of an enthusiastic audience. The set list was impressive indeed, including “When I Come Around,” “Just Friends,” “Cold Water,” “Stairway to Heaven,” and “Come Together,” the perfect theme song for the evening! It was an exceptional lineup of returning alumni as well—Diego “Dipa” Ante ’19,

Nick Cabrera ’09, Paul Deedon ’09, Roman Massi ’05, David Stukshis ’05, and Will Tully ’06. Their collective experience includes playing or touring with the likes of the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon, Richie Zambora, Wheatus, and George Benson, as well as producing their own music. Playing in his third Past & Present concert, Nick continues to be thrilled about performing with the latest aspiring young musicians at his alma mater. “Returning to Canterbury to work with the kids was both nostalgic and comforting. It brought back a lot of great memories of playing music with my classmates,” he shared. “The current students are so talented! It was obvious they put in a ton of work.” Equally inspired were the students who played with—and learned from—these accomplished professional musicians:

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC BAND Asher Hughes ’24 Connor Koh ’23 Morgan Lau ’24 Xavier Leone ’23 Jiarui “Jerry” Liu ’25 Kate McDonough ’24 Ryan Oemcke ’24 Patrick Toon ’25

vocals drums vocals bass piano vocals guitar guitar

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC BAND 2 Eliza Agredano ’24 vocals Irene Chen ’24 piano Rahee “Ren” Kim ’25 vocals Andrew Martin ’23 vocals Xinyi “Lisa” Weng ’23 vocals Lezhi “Martin” Zhang ’25 vocals After the show, Director of Music David Overthrow was quick to share his admiration for the current Saints and returning graduates. “I continue to be amazed by how talented our students are as well as the commitment of our alumni—some of whom are professional musicians—who come to join us for this show,” he said. “It is special to see how these graduates and current student musicians share the same passion for music performance and

how all involved make connections that will be a Canterbury bond for many years to come.” Young guitarist Patrick appreciated the opportunity. “The energy level was amazing— especially toward the end of the concert when the audience came right up next to me,” he said. “And the incredible talent the alumni musicians brought to the concert blew me away.”

The feeling was mutual. “I was geeking out about the guitar players since that is what I play,” Nick said. “I was very impressed with Ryan and Patrick. And the singers have pipes! It is important for me to show them they can build a life around doing what they love. I am so glad I got the support I needed from Mr. Overthrow and everyone at Canterbury.”

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HILLTOP HAPPENINGS ARTS

THE HILLTOP WAS ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC

wide variety of music—from love songs to rock classics to vocal standards—was on full display in the second half of the school year as our dedicated students showcased their talents...

AN AFFAIR OF THE HEART

Love was in the air as the Canterbury Music Department presented An Affair of the Heart, a Valentine’s Day concert featuring our Orchestra, Chamber Ensemble, Varsity Voices, and voice students. Held on campus in the L. Michael Sheehy ’56 Choral Classroom, the show featured songs such as “The Rose,” “Embraceable You,” “I See the Light,” and “When She Loved Me” that were ideal for this annual day of love and affection. And the audience was happy to show their love for our talented singers and musicians with enthusiastic applause throughout the night.

SPRING ROCK CONCERT

Our rockin’ Saints musicians energized an appreciative audience one more time with an immensely entertaining springtime concert in Maguire Auditorium. Members of the Rock Band, Contemporary Music Bands, and Jazz Band pooled their talents for the Spring Rock Concert, the school year’s final stage show and, for some of these students, the last performance of their Canterbury music careers. We are grateful to seniors Xavier Leone, Connor Koh, and Xinyi “Lisa” Weng and wish them the very best in the future. 52

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SPRING SERENADE

What a grand finale! Our Orchestra, Chamber Ensemble, and Varsity Voices performed Spring Serenade, the last major concert of the school year, in the Chapel of Our Lady. Presenting exquisite arrangements of songs from Adele, Mariah Carey, Nat King Cole, Bill Withers, and others, our gifted musicians and vocalists both delighted and moved those in attendance. Fittingly, the concert ended with “The Parting Glass,” a traditional Irish and Scottish tune often sung as a final toast to friends. It perfectly summed up the emotions

of the evening: “So fill me to the parting glass. Goodnight and joy be with you all.” Special thanks to our seniors—Annaleise Booth, Andrew Zhe Chen, Andrew Ji, Andrew Martin, Anne Melich, Grace Nowak, Beckett Reynolds, and Bryce Stone—who brought us so much joy during their time here. We will miss all of our graduates, but it’s awesome to see so much talent coming back this fall to carry on the exceptional Canterbury music tradition.

A “Manifestation of Passion” for This Talented Musician

ust before winter break last December, Director of Music David Overthrow approached student musician Xavier Leone ’23 with an idea. “You have done a lot musically here; you’ve grown tremendously,” Dave said. “Do you want to do a senior recital?”

on both the alto sax and electric bass, Xavier has also been a leader in the ensembles they participate in. This recital was a culmination of Xavier’s four years of hard work and dedication and a stepping stone to their next musical journey, which will be at the Berklee College of Music.”

At first, Xavier was unsure. “I was a little bit hesitant. I have always been in a band and have not done a lot of solo work,” they recalled. “But I gave it some thought over the break and returned with a list of songs I wanted to learn and play—songs by artists who inspire me and have been so critical in my musical journey. I came back ready and willing to chase that recital!”

The prestigious Boston, Massachusetts-based college is indeed the next stop for Xavier. “I want to study recording arts and recording technology, and there aren’t a lot of programs as strong as Berklee’s out there, mainly because the majority of music schools target performing artists,” they said. “While I love performing, that is not the direction I want my music career to go. When Berklee accepted me, it was a humbling, surreal experience. But I was incredibly grateful for it.”

And it could not have turned out better for Xavier, who performed the recital in early May. For the evening, Xavier—who plays eight instruments!—chose alto saxophone because “that is the one I have played the longest” and bass, which they enjoyed playing in recent years. “I thought being multifaceted was important to showcase for this capstone senior recital,” they said. The set list featured a dynamic mix of jazz and R&B songs from artists such as Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis, and Jaco Pastorius. Backed by Dave on electric bass and visiting musicians Nick Bariluk on piano and Ron Stahl on drums, Xavier put on a fabulous show for the intimate, handpicked audience in the L. Michael Sheehy ’56 Choral Classroom. But it was not without its challenges. “I

was nervous. Everything came together last-minute because we could not find a piano player right away,” they explained. “Our first practice was two days before the recital on that Friday, and then we rehearsed the hour before the recital. Credit to the caliber of musicians I was playing with. Given all that happened, it went off wonderfully. The best way to describe it is a manifestation of passion. I was so happy and proud of what we accomplished.” As was Xavier’s Canterbury mentor. “Xavier has been an exceptional music student since they arrived at Canterbury,” Dave said. “While becoming proficient

Xavier was also quick to share appreciation for their invaluable Canterbury experience. “The Music Department here has been great at making music accessible for me. Even with AP and Honors courses, music is still a prominent part of my schedule and does not feel crammed in,” they said. “For someone who enjoys rigorous academics as much as I enjoy my art, having accessibility to both was a big reason why I came to Canterbury, and it has been phenomenal. I do not think I could have put together my recital and felt as confident in that performance without the support of Mr. Overthrow and my peers.” PALLIUM SPRING/SUMMER 2023

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I was thrilled to return to the hilltop. This is where I developed my deep passion for singing, and it was surreal to be back knowing how much has happened in my singing life since I graduated.” JESSICA GARCIA ’19

A “Voice” From the Past Visits Current Students

ur Varsity Voices students were singing the praises of Jessica Garcia ’19 and her college classmate Olivia Materetsky when they came to campus early this year to offer a workshop and perform live. Currently a Human Services major at Northeastern University, Jess is president of the college’s much-heralded Pitch, Please! a cappella ensemble, which has won numerous awards and competitions, earned first place in the collegiate championship on the PBS show Sing that Thing!, and performed live on Today in New York City for International Women’s Day in 2020. Jess was very active in the theater and music programs on the hilltop. She and Olivia, a talented vocal percussionist, were happy to share stories about collegiate a cappella life, work directly with Varsity Voices in the morning, and perform later that evening. In fact, it was Jess’s idea to begin with. “Jess and I have stayed close over the years,” said then Performing Arts Chair and Choral Director Sarah Armstrong. “When she asked, ‘Can we come and do something at the school?’, of course, I said, ‘One hundred percent!’ Anytime our alumni come back and talk about life after high school, it is a great opportunity for our current students to reflect on what they are doing here and what that might look like when they move to the next step.” One student getting ready for that next step took particular interest in Jess’s visit. “The workshop session in the morning was great,” said aspiring vocalist Anne Melich ’23. “We got to work closely with them as a group to discuss how we sang together and performed. We also had a chance to get out of our comfort zones with singing, which was really great.” 54

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The enthusiasm about the visit among Varsity Voices members was unanimous, according to Ava Faruol ’24. “Having Jess and Olivia come to class was such a rewarding experience for everyone,” she said. “We learned so much about the physical and mental aspects of singing as well as the art of singing a cappella in college. They are so talented, and it was nice to be able to work with them one-on-one!” That excitement was returned tenfold by Jess. “I was thrilled to return to the hilltop,” she said. “This is where I developed my deep passion for singing, and it was surreal to be back knowing how much has happened in my singing life since I graduated.” And she was just as excited for what lies ahead for the current crop of Saints singers. “I do not think they are fully aware of how formative this experience is for them,” Jess explained. “I love that these students have the same access to support that I had. And I am beyond impressed with the music they are making!” Clearly, these Varsity Voices from yesterday and today were in perfect harmony together.

THREE SAINTS BRING HOME HALOS

he enthusiasm was high and the cheers loud as three of our Saints were big winners at the 2023 Halo Awards ceremony held June 1 at the Palace Theater in Watertown, Connecticut. Nearly 90 Connecticut high school theater programs attended the event, the largest of its kind in the state.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STANDOUT STUDENTS WHO EARNED THEIR HALOS: • BEST PROGRAM ART: HAN “ALISA” CUI ’24 for A Midsummer Night’s Dream • BEST PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A PLAY: BECKETT REYNOLDS ’23 as Theseus/Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream • ABOVE & BEYOND AWARD: FIONA MULHEREN ’23, Stage Manager for both A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Little Women, for going “above and beyond the requirements of her position to support and elevate the production.” Former Performing Arts Department Chair and Co-Director of Theater Sarah Armstrong was excited for her students and delighted to share the experience with them. “The Halos are such an amazing opportunity for creative students around the state to come together and celebrate their shared passion for music and theater,” she said. “The atmosphere is buzzing with the incredible love and energy pouring from these talented young students!” Overall, Canterbury received an impressive 17 nominations in the prestigious Halo Awards program, which honors high schools throughout Connecticut for excellence in theater.

THE NOMINEES WERE:

• BEST PERFORMANCE BY A FEATURED ACTOR IN A PLAY: Bryce Stone ’23 as Nick Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream • BEST PERFORMANCE BY A FEATURED ACTRESS IN A PLAY: Grace Nowak ’23 as Hippolyta/Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream • BEST PERFORMANCE BY A FEATURED ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL: Eliza Agredano ’24 as Marmee in Little Women • BEST COMIC MALE PERFORMANCE IN A PLAY: Bryce Stone ’23 as Nick Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream • BEST SOUND DESIGN AND/OR EXECUTION: Ella Caraluzzi ’24 & Madison Lang ’24 for A Midsummer Night’s Dream • BEST PROPS DESIGN AND/OR MANAGEMENT: Laurie Etienne ’24 & Fiona Mulheren ’23 for A Midsummer Night’s Dream • BEST STAGE MANAGEMENT: Fiona Mulheren ’23 (Stage Manager) for A Midsummer Night’s Dream & Little Women Fiona Mulheren ’23 (Production Stage Manager) for Little Women • BEST PROGRAM ART: Han “Alisa” Cui ’24 for A Midsummer Night’s Dream • BEST CHORUS: Little Women • BEST PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A PLAY: Beckett Reynolds ’23 as Theseus/Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream • BEST PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A PLAY: Ruari Bamrick ’24 as Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream • BEST PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL: Beckett Reynolds ’23 as Professor Bhaer in Little Women

Beckett Reynolds ’23

• BEST PERFORMANCE BY A COUPLE OR DYNAMIC DUO IN A MUSICAL: Anne Melich ’23 & Beckett Reynolds ’23 as Jo March & Professor Bhaer in Little Women • BEST PERFORMANCE BY A LEADING ACTRESS IN A PLAY: Sylvia Pinheiro ’24 as Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream Anne Melich ’23 as Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream • BEST CLASSICAL PLAY: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Bravo, Saints! PALLIUM SPRING/SUMMER 2023

HILLTOP HAPPENINGS ARTS

BRINGING A COMING-OF-AGE CLASSIC TO THE CANTERBURY STAGE Little Women holds special memories for Language Department Chair Keiko Mathewson, who co-directed the stage musical at Canterbury last semester with former Performing Arts Department Chair Sarah Armstrong. “Growing up in Massachusetts, I took my first venture to Orchard House (Little Women author Louisa May Alcott’s home) at around age seven,” Keiko said. “I lived 30 minutes away, and the first visit would not be my last. That initial visit inspired me to read Little Women, and subsequent visits allowed me to envision the story coming to life. And so here I am,

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many years later, taking this story from my mind and creating it on stage.” And Canterbury theater students—and appreciative audience members—are lucky she did! It was a spectacular show, as our Saints did an amazing job bringing this timeless story to life with energy and passion. They dazzled with standout acting and singing as well as impressive direction, production, sets, costumes, and more. It was quite an undertaking. Sarah shared with the community a number of eye-opening stats detailing the preparation, including 65 rehearsals, 110 pages of script and 100 pages of

music to memorize, 200 hours of set design and build, and much more. “These give you a peek into what we have been doing for the last four months,” she said. “Everything you see and hear on stage had to be created from scratch.” Anne Melich ’23 was excited to play the musical’s main protagonist, Jo March. “She was a character I looked up to my whole life,” said Annie, who was in every scene and had 11 costume changes throughout the night. “The story is one of my favorites, and having a sister helped me bring a personal perspective to Jo. I have always admired her passion and spirit, so getting the chance to play her on stage was a dream come true.”

CONGRATS TO ALL THE OUTSTANDING STUDENTS IN THE CAST AND CREW: THE CAST OF CHARACTERS (In order of appearance)

Professor Bhaer: Beckett Reynolds ’23 Jo March: Anne Melich ’23 Amy March: Sylvia Pinheiro ’24 Meg March: Ava Faruol ’24 Beth March: Amelia Welsh ’26 Marmee: Eliza Agredano ’24 Mr. Laurence: Veikko Eskelin ’23 Laurie: Andrew Martin ’23 Aunt March: Ruari Bamrick ’24 John Brooke: Bryce Stone ’23 Mrs. Kirk: Elena Davenport ’25 ENSEMBLE Serena Bacetti ’26, Yueanshu “Angel” Fu ’25, Yuge “Ingrid” Fu ’26, Zhe “Andrew” Ji ’23, Caroline Kelleher ’24, Emily Lang ’24, Gianna Martinez ’26, Jing “Kitty” Miao ’25, Victoria Ostrowski ’26, Lezhi “Martin” Zhang ’24 STUDENT DESIGNERS/TECHNICAL CREW Stage Manager: Fiona Mulheren ’23 Assistant Sound Designer: Madison Lang ’24 Sound Board Operators: Alicia Agredano ’26, Madison Lang ’24 Light Board Operator: Laurie Etienne ’24 Follow-Spot Operator: Geoffrey Moran ’24 Carpenters: Gabriel Bradshaw ’24, Andrew Martin ’23, Geoffrey Moran ’24 Scenic Painting: Jing “Kitty” Miao ’25, Fiona Mulheren ’23 Deck Crew Chief: Gabriel Bradshaw ’24 Deck Hand: Bowen Lei ’25 Costume Assistants: Emily Lang ’24, Ingrid Fu ’26 Following the final curtain, three students— Geoffrey, Alicia, and Gianna—were honored with awards for tremendous contributions during their first theater experience at Canterbury. And we will truly miss our seniors who gave so much to the theater program—Veikko, Andrew J., Andrew M., Annie, Fiona, Beckett, and Bryce. As Sarah said before their last performance: “We love you!”

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HILLTOP HAPPENINGS ATHLETICS

Girls’ Squash Wins NEPSAC Title, Thrives at Nationals

ll hail the champs! Our Girls’ Varsity Squash team went into the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) tournament with plenty of confidence— and came away with the trophy.

you get schools you have never seen before, too—like Dexter Southfield School and Newton Country Day School from Massachusetts—so you do not know how strong they are. Every win is exhilarating!”

Behind first-place finishes from Joy Okonye ’23, Stephany Silva ’26, and Isabella Mavuli ’25, the team won the program’s first title since 2013. “It felt incredible to win the championship, and it was a great experience for the team,” said Head Coach Amy Omaña ’86, P ’19, ’20. “In some cases, you are re-competing against girls you played against during the season. But because it is all of New England,

Bella was certainly exhilarated by her victory in the tournament. “The last point in my third set was absolutely surreal. No feeling comes close to hearing my team and coach behind me after I won,” she said. “Being with such an incredible group of people made me cherish every minute of the trip. Mrs. Omaña has become more than a coach to me; she has been a second mom. It was all so exciting!”

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The excitement was contagious. Capping off a total team effort at the NEPSAC tournament, the Saints also received major contributions from Phoebe Booth ’24, Lauren Bellucci ’23, and Lily LaVigne ’23, who finished second, third, and fifth, respectively, in their flights. After basking in their conference win for a few days, the girls traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the 2023 U.S. High School Squash Championships, which Amy described as “the Super Bowl of high school squash.” And the team came through again, finishing in the top half of its bracket while winning two of four

matches—the perfect culmination of a tremendous season. “This group of girls is fantastic. I have three seniors who all learned to play squash here, so that was exciting,” Amy shared. “And freshman Steph Silva is a player from an urban squash program who added tremendously to the team. She is very talented and such a great kid. Her being here really pushed our top players.” Stephany showed off that talent at Nationals by going undefeated in her games. Congratulations to all the girls and Coach Omaña for bringing the NEPSAC title back to the hilltop!

RECORD-BREAKING SCORE HIGHLIGHTS NEPSAC MEET

hat a week it was for our Saints at the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Swimming & Diving Championships last March! Hayden Devorsetz ’24 earned a score of 376.15 for 11 dives, which was a new Canterbury record! He and Jacquelynn Kenna ’24 (above) won both Division III diving events. On the swimming side for the girls, Francesca Masi ’26 won the 50-yard Freestyle and placed second in the 100 Freestyle. The boys’ relay combination of Charles Phillips ’23, Adam Zarif ’23, Michael Zarif ’23, and Veikko Eskelin ’23 finished third in both the 200-yard Medley and the 200 Freestyle. And to top it off, all seven divers and swimmers received All-NEPSAC honors! Overall, the boys placed third in Division III, while the girls—with only five athletes competing—took sixth. Phenomenal work in the pool by all!

Francesca Masi ’26

“Breaking the record was amazing. I set a goal back in my Third Form year to break a record before I graduated; managing to achieve as a Fifth Former was incredible. Seeing all of my work pay off felt extremely rewarding. The weeks leading up to the meet were stressful, so I felt a sense of relief as well as pride once championships were over.” HAYDEN DEVORSETZ ’24

GOING TO THE MAT FOR CANTERBURY

fter grappling with the challenges of being a first-time competitor on the mat, Elijah Manning ’23 came out on top—he wrestled his way to Prep Nationals! Elijah was rewarded for an outstanding season by being named Wrestling team MVP by Head Coach Chas Hollinger and All-New England Honorable Mention. His accomplishments earned him a spot in the New England Preparatory School Wrestling Association (NEPSWA) Championship in Andover, Massachusetts, where he excelled to the delight of his coach. “Elijah was seeded number 11 prior to the tournament,” Chas said. “He fought

hard and ended the day placing fifth in his weight class of 285. Finishing top six at that tournament qualified him for Prep Nationals.” And Elijah was not done making his coach—and all of Canterbury—proud. His next stop was the 87th Annual National Prep Wrestling Championship at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. There, Elijah won his first match to advance to the round of 16 in the 285-pound weight class before falling to one of the eventual finalists. It was a truly remarkable achievement for Elijah, who is attending Thomas More University in Crestview Hills, Kentucky, this fall, where he plans to play football and wrestle.

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HILLTOP HAPPENINGS ATHLETICS

SUCCESS WAS IN THE STARS FOR THESE TEAMMATES

hey were all-stars on the field all season long for our Girls’ Varsity Softball team, and by the end of the year, they were officially Western New England Prep School Girls Softball Association (WNEPSGSA) All-Stars! Congratulations to Ava Faruol ’24 and Sophia Faruol ’25 for being named to the team and joining some of Western New England’s best softball players for the game at the Choate Rosemary Hall field late in the spring. For the season, Ava had a .571 batting average with 3 doubles, 2 triples, a home run, 15 RBI, and 18 runs scored, along with a .923 fielding percentage. Sophia hit .486 and added 4 doubles and a triple to go with 9 RBI, 20 runs, and a .905 fielding percentage. She

also compiled a 3.24 ERA, 71 strikeouts, and just 5 walks over 49 innings as a pitcher! “The All-Star game was a great afternoon of camaraderie for both players and coaches,” said Head Coach Julio Omaña P ’19, ’20, and his team’s All-Stars were in complete agreement. “It was amazing,” Sophia said. “I am so grateful to have the opportunity to represent Canterbury and compete with other impressive athletes around me, including my sister!” The game was more enjoyable than competitive, as evidenced by the fact that no one kept score or recorded stats for the contest. And that is just the way Ava liked it. “It was so much

All-Stars Ava Faruol ’24 and Sophia Faruol ’25

fun to see the high level of talent from each player,” she shared. “We made many new friends—some even from our previous rivals! Overall, it was a

terrific experience, and we could not be more thankful!” And we could not be prouder of these All-Star Saints.

SAINTS HOCKEY TEAMS JOIN FIGHT AGAINST CANCER

ur Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Hockey teams had a much larger goal in mind when they took the ice on February 15—raising awareness and vital funds for cancer patients and their families. The teams participated in Hockey Fights Cancer, a charitable initiative founded in 1998 by the National Hockey League (NHL) and its Players’ Association. As the NHL website says, “Together, the hockey family looks to inspire hope and courage for those who are living with, going through, and moving past cancer.” Our Saints accomplished just that with this important on-campus series of activities planned around the two games. The event was spearheaded by players Riley McPhee ’23 and Nathan Ruzzi ’24 (who designed special team jerseys

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for the big day) with plenty of help from teammates, parents, and faculty. Donations were collected during lunch, at both varsity games, and online; a bake sale with treats prepared by hockey parents was set up just outside the rink; raffles and a “Chuck a Puck” contest were held; and the entire hilltop community wore purple on game day in support. Amid all of the amazing activities and on-ice action tied to the event, the importance of what they were doing was not lost on the participants. “It was awesome being part of something greater than myself, than my team, than even the School,” Riley said. “It was so meaningful for me and my teammates to play for people who mean a lot to us—those

we have lost or who are still battling cancer.” When all was said and done, more than $2,700 was raised! All proceeds went directly to the American Cancer Society to assist with lodging and transportation to and from appointments for cancer patients and family members and vital programs supporting those affected by cancer.

THE SAINTS GO MARCHING ON

t was another tremendous year for our senior student-athletes, so it is no surprise that so many top colleges and universities have welcomed them to compete at the next level. We are excited for these standout Saints from the Class of 2023, and wish them all the luck as they continue their academic and athletic careers.

Our baseball commits—front row, left to right: Owen Arias, Teddy Hauser, Spencer Chard; back row, left to right: Sean Stephenson, Braden Fitzgerald, Trey Begasse; not shown: Cullen Stone.

BASEBALL Owen Arias

Elijah Manning

Central Connecticut State University

Tyrese Taylor

Thomas More University

Trey Begasse

Hobart and William Smith Colleges

The College of William & Mary

Ryan Vaspasiano

Spencer Chard

St. Lawrence University

Quinnipiac University

John Williamson

Braden Fitzgerald

Cornell University

St. Olaf College

GOLF Riley McPhee

Theodore Hauser Hobart and William Smith Colleges

St. Lawrence University

Sean Stephenson James Madison University

ICE HOCKEY—MEN Jed Brazo

Cullen Stone

Norwich University

Harvard University

Jake Kloss Wilkes University (junior hockey 1st year)

BASKETBALL Flynn Davis Cameron Estevez

ICE HOCKEY—WOMEN Gabriella Dellacroce

University of Rhode Island

Albertus Magnus College

John McCain

Erin Flaherty

Amherst College

Manhattanville College

Texas Christian University

Joined by supportive teammates, Jed Brazo commits to Norwich University for ice hockey.

Sophia Maselli

CREW Cameron Folli

Manhattanville College

Kiley McCooey

St. Lawrence University

Lebanon Valley College

CROSS COUNTRY Thomas Lapham Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

FIELD HOCKEY Lily LaVigne Hamilton College

FOOTBALL Godson Adjoku

LACROSSE—MEN Liam Heitman SUNY Oswego

Patrick Kane College of Wooster

LACROSSE—WOMEN Hannah Nash Skidmore College

Dartmouth College

Avery Trach

Jared Ely

Hamilton College

Amherst College

Luke Germain Colby College

SOCCER Joy Okonye Brown University

Teammates surround Joy Okonye as she commits to play soccer at Brown University. PALLIUM SPRING/SUMMER 2023

HILLTOP HAPPENINGS ATHLETICS

CADENCE SCHNEIDER: RIDING IN STYLE

adence Schneider ’23 took the reins of her first horse when she was five years old—and has not let go since. She competed in her final high school equestrian show last May at Folly Farm in Simsbury, Connecticut, and left as champion, finishing in first place in the 3’ fence jumper division! Following the competition, Cadence had a chance to reflect on all the riding she has done from her younger days up through her Canterbury years as a member of the team at Quiet Rein Farm in New Milford. “I have always loved animals, especially horses,” she recalled. “My grandparents saw that and gave me a gift certificate to the local barn down the street from my house. I fell in love with it instantly and have been riding every week from then on.” Cadence appreciated the opportunity to continue pursuing her passion 62

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throughout her time at Canterbury. “It has been a great experience. I love all the Quiet Rein trainers. They are incredible,” she said. “The farm is only two minutes from campus, so it is easy to get to. I ride five to six times a week at the same time other students are doing their sports on campus, so I am not missing out on social events and campus life. It counts as my sport year-round.” While Cadence credits her trainers for her continued improvement as a rider, she is especially grateful to her biggest fan and supporter over the years—her mother, Canterbury Trustee Nicole D’Amour Schneider ’93, P ’20, ’22, ’23. “My mom has been to almost every show since I started,” she shared. Nicole is just as grateful to Canterbury for giving Cadence the opportunity to

follow her dream. In a heartfelt note to the School, the proud mother wrote: “We just want to say thank you to all the key players who have supported her endeavors at Quiet Rein over the last four years…the rides to and from the barn, the endless weekend show day requests, the flexible schedules so she could attend barn events and late practices, and your overall willingness to partner with us and provide encouragement to Cadence so she could enjoy the best of both worlds— riding and life at Canterbury.” And that enjoyment will continue for Cadence in the fall when she joins the IHSA Equestrian team at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. “I am so excited to continue in college as part of a team,” she said. “I am majoring in Criminal Justice and plan to go into that field, but I would still like to ride even after college.”

Clearly, the passion that took root in that five-year-old girl a dozen years ago still runs deep. “It has been quite an adventure,” Cadence said. “I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

Saint Earns College Basketball Honor

enry Vetter ’22 may have been a freshman, but he sure did not play like one! Henry was named the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Men’s Basketball 2023 Rookie of the Year after a standout first season at Trinity College. The third Trinity player ever to be so honored, Henry averaged 10.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while playing all 25 games at guard. He was second on the team in scoring, assists, and three-point field goals (42), helping the Bantams to a 16-9 record and a spot in the NESCAC Tournament. “Playing at the next level is something I have dreamed about. I appreciate the coaching staff for believing in me,” Henry said. “It was nice to get recognition from the other coaches in the league, too. There are a lot of good players, coaches, and teams in the NESCAC, and it is a great environment to play in. Coach (Head Coach James Cosgrove) called me into the office to give me the news about the award, and I was so happy to share it with my family and friends!” One of those proud family members is his father, fellow Canterbury alumnus Alex Vetter ’89. At Canterbury, Henry was All-New England Class B in basketball and named “Most Improved Athlete” at the Sixth Form Awards. He averaged 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists per game on the court for the Saints. He also played Varsity Football and, as a senior, ran Varsity Track, for which he received a Coaches’ Award. He left quite an impression during his time on the hilltop. “Henry is a tremendous young man who worked hard from the day he arrived on campus as a sophomore. He related to his

“Quite a few people from the Canterbury community reached out when I won the award and throughout the year. It makes me realize what a great support system I have there.” HENRY VETTER ’22

teammates exceptionally well, led by example through his practice efforts, and at game time was always ready to go,” said Director of Athletics Jim Stone P ’23, ’24. “It is no surprise that he has made a major impact in the NESCAC in his first year. Coaches love players willing to do everything they can to help the team win, and that is Henry. He is a high-character kid, great teammate, and fierce competitor.” Henry has equally positive feelings about his high school. “I appreciate the opportunities that Canterbury gave me both on and off the court. I was lucky to have great coaching and be part of an elite program,” he shared. “It was nice to hear

from people at the School throughout my season at Trinity. Mr. Potter (English Teacher Bob Potter) actually came to a few games. At Canterbury, he sat at every home game working the scorer’s table, and it was cool to be playing in a collegiate game and look over to see him there, still watching. I love Mr. Potter!” He continued: “Quite a few people from the Canterbury community reached out when I won the award and throughout the year. It makes me realize what a great support system I have there.” Congratulations, Henry, and best wishes for even more success in the years to come.

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HILLTOP HAPPENINGS ATHLETICS

Saints Score All-New England and Canterbury Honors

nother year, another collection of well-earned awards for our student-athletes! A number of our exceptional Saints were recognized with All-New England honors and by their Canterbury coaches for outstanding achievements during the winter and spring sports seasons. Congratulations to all for your talent, leadership, and commitment to excellence!

ALL-NEW ENGLAND (WINTER & SPRING) BASEBALL Kenneth “ Trey” Begasse ’23, Andrew Rondini ’24 Sean Stephenson ’23, Cullen Stone ’23 Honorable Mention BOYS’ BASKETBALL Cameron Estevez ’23 John McCain ’23 Honorable Mention GIRLS’ BASKETBALL Rhea Khazzaka ’23 Honorable Mention BOYS’ ICE HOCKEY Jed Brazo ’23 Jake Stevens ’24 Honorable Mention 64

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GIRLS’ ICE HOCKEY Erin Flaherty ’23 Honorable Mention BOYS’ LACROSSE Aiden Hines ’25 Patrick Pannasch ’23 Honorable Mention GIRLS’ LACROSSE Avery Trach ’23, Virginia Zapletal ’24 GIRLS’ SQUASH Joy Okonye ’23 Honorable Mention BOYS’ SWIMMING & DIVING Hayden Devorsetz ’24 1-Meter Dive Veikko Eskelin ’23, Charles Phillips ’23, Adam Zarif ’23, Michael Zarif ’23 200 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay

GIRLS’ SWIMMING & DIVING Jacquelynn Kenna ’24 1-Meter Dive Francesca Masi ’26 50 Freestyle, 100 Freestyle BOYS’ TRACK AND FIELD Godson Ajoku ’23 Shot Put Bradley Bozzuto ’25 1500m, 3000m Thomas Lapham ’23 1500m, 800m Ryan Oemcke ’24 800m Hayden Devorsetz ’24 110m hurdles, Honorable Mention GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD Jacquelynn Kenna ’24 Long Jump Kaitlynn Kenna ’25 300m hurdles WRESTLING Elijah Manning ’23 Honorable Mention at 285 lbs.

WINTER SPORTS AWARDS BOYS’ BASKETBALL presented by Coach Brian Fruscio Don K. Gowan Basketball Award in honor of the former Canterbury coach, to the player who represents Canterbury basketball with integrity, respect, and sportsmanship: John McCain ’23 MVP: Cameron Estevez ’23 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL presented by Coach E.J. Soifersmith Don K. Gowan Basketball Award in honor of the former Canterbury coach, to the player who represents Canterbury basketball with integrity, respect, and sportsmanship: Olivia Lynn ’23 & Ava Ruisi ’23 MVP: Rhea Khazzaka ’23

WRESTLING presented by Coach Chas Hollinger Joe Leto ’97 Wrestling Award for the greatest contribution to team effort: Dominic Mazzuca ’24 & Evan Rydingsword ’24 MVP: Elijah Manning ’23

SPRING SPORTS AWARDS BASEBALL presented by Coach Todd Mathewson Class of 1962 Baseball Award: Cullen Stone ’23 MVP: Kenneth “Trey” Begasse ’23 & Andrew Rondini ’24 BOYS’ CREW presented by Coach Sally Ruderman Coaches’ Award: Cameron Folli ’23 MVP: Stephen Hraska ’25

BOYS’ ICE HOCKEY presented by Coach Paddy McCarthy Coaches’ Award: Jake Kloss ’23 & John Bagg ’23 MVP: Jed Brazo ’23

GIRLS’ CREW presented by Coach Sally Ruderman Coaches’ Award: Madison Lang ’24 MVP: Grace Morris ’25

GIRLS’ ICE HOCKEY presented by Coach Molly Gintoli Coaches’ Award: Camryn Beauvais ’24 MVP: Erin Flaherty ’23

GOLF presented by Head Coach Bob Potter Coaches’ Award: Connor Koh ’23 MVP: Alexander Halpert ’26

BOYS’ SQUASH presented by Coach Amy Omaña P ’19, ’20 Coaches’ Award: Andrew Martin ’23 & Patrick Toon ’25 MVP: Elliott Cantor ’23

BOYS’ LACROSSE presented by Coach Chris Roberts Coaches’ Award: John Bagg ’23 MVP: Patrick Pannasch ’23

GIRLS’ SQUASH presented by Coach Amy Omaña P ’19, ’20 Coaches’ Award: Lily LaVigne ’23 & Joy Okonye ’23 MVP: Stephany Silva ’26 BOYS’ SWIMMING & DIVING presented by Coach Mark Ciabaton Coaches’ Award: Charlie Phillips ’23 MVP: Adam Zarif ’23 & Michael Zarif ’23 GIRLS’ SWIMMING & DIVING presented by Coach Mark Ciabaton Coaches’ Award: Madison Lang ’24 MVP: Jacquelynn Kenna ’24

GIRLS’ LACROSSE presented by Coach Casey Lyons Coaches’ Award: Hannah Nash ’23 MVP: Avery Trach ’23 SOFTBALL presented by Coach Julio Omaña Barbara Frank Sheehan Softball Award: Camryn Beauvais ’24 MVP: Sophia Faruol ’25 BOYS’ TENNIS presented by Coach Olivia Pena William Stephanek ’78 Boys’ Tennis Award: Adam Zarif ’23 MVP: Thomas Prendergast ’23

THE CUP STAYS HERE

he Saints kept the Cup! Our studentathletes and coaches made sure the Canterbury-FGS Cup wasn’t going anywhere this year by outlasting long-time rival Frederick Gunn School (FGS) by a final tally of 26-17-1. FGS Athletic Director Mike Marich showed his usual good grace as he returned to present the Cup to Sixth Form Council member Riley McPhee ’23 at a boisterous School Meeting in Maguire Auditorium.

GIRLS’ TENNIS presented by Coach Libby Bennett Horace E. Tennes Girls’ Tennis Award: Joy Okonye ’23 MVP: Victoria Concepcion ’26 & Katherine Datlow ’24 BOYS’ TRACK AND FIELD presented by Coach Matt Biggart Coaches’ Award: Hayden Devorsetz ’24 MVP: Thomas Lapham ’23 GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD presented by Coach Matt Biggart Coaches’ Award: Emily Lang ’24 MVP: Kaitlynn Kenna ’25

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ADVANCEMENT

Annual Fund 2022-23:

A Record-Breaking Year!

$1.65M+

YOU BROKE THE SCHOOL RECORD!

Thanks to the generosity of 1,049 alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends, we raised more than $1.65 million, the highest Annual Fund result in school history. This extraordinary support helps Canterbury School prepare students with the values, skills, and opportunities necessary to succeed on the hilltop and beyond. On behalf of the students, faculty, and staff who benefit directly from your generosity, thank you!

SAINTS GIVING DAY REPORT

We were also thrilled and humbled by the outpouring of support during our fourth annual Saints Giving Day in April. More than $312,000 was raised from over 740 donors in 24 hours! The generosity displayed by our extended Canterbury family served as yet another reminder of the enduring dedication and love you show to our School and its students. A special shout out to the Classes of 1981 and 2006, who battled to the end of the day for the highest participation. Saints Giving Day by the numbers:

$312,698 TOTAL RAISED

GIVING STATS

748 DONORS 196 NEW DONORS 317 ALUMNI DONORS $418 AVERAGE GIFT

DONORS FROM EIGHT COUNTRIES

USA • UK • SPAIN BULGARIA • CHINA • IRELAND HONG KONG • CANADA 66

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TOP CLASSES

1981: 20 DONORS 2006: 19 DONORS

Gr andparents & Friends Day:

One Big Happy Family

here were smiles all around on Grandparents & Friends Day as family members came to campus last April to get a taste of what life is like for their students on the hilltop. The happy guests were treated to morning refreshments before convening in Maguire Auditorium for welcoming remarks from Head of School Rachel Stone P ’23, ’24— who shared details of the School’s Strategic Plan with them—and a stirring performance by our Varsity Voices students. The group then attended classes with their students and enjoyed a buffet luncheon together in the Dining Hall, where the ice cream bar was a huge hit. The visit concluded with some athletic contests in the afternoon, as our tennis, lacrosse, track and field, and baseball teams competed in home games. Sitting in on classes was a particularly enjoyable experience for the visitors. The grandmother of Jaylen Johnson ’25, Judy Archer, shared that the classroom sessions were so inspiring, they reignited her passion for learning. “I would love to be able to take

courses at Canterbury and will look into available classes for me back home,” she said. During the event, families were also able to tour the campus, view a student art exhibit in the Edward J. Duffy Family Art Gallery, and shop at the School Store. At the end of the day, it was unanimous— grandparents and other guests had an amazing

visit. Anita Fedorcik was delighted to spend the day with her grandson, Third Former Palmer Fedorcik ’26, at his new school. “I enjoyed listening to the welcoming address by Rachel Stone. The Strategic Plan for the future growth and continued success of Canterbury School was very enlightening,” she said.

After observing students in classes, around campus, and on the athletic fields, it was evident to me how Canterbury inspires them to learn, lead, compete, and serve in a changing world. As a grandparent, there is nothing better than seeing your grandchild happy, secure, and successful!” ANITA FEDORCIK, GRANDMOTHER OF PALMER FEDORCIK ’26

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ADVANCEMENT

Director of the Annual Fund Ally Murphy

Development Officer Marcus Hudson

New Staff Members Bring Big Energy to Advancement

his summer, we were pleased to welcome two new members to our Advancement team—Director of the Annual Fund Ally Murphy and Development Officer Marcus Hudson. Ally came to Canterbury with a strong background in fundraising and a commitment to fostering engagement. Before joining the School, she served as the Assistant Director of Annual Giving at the University of Hartford, where she spearheaded initiatives that increased student philanthropy and young alumni engagement and played a vital role in enhancing its fundraising endeavors and building a culture of giving. “Joining the Advancement team fills me with excitement and purpose. I am thrilled to bring my passion for fundraising and commitment to fostering engagement to this role,” Ally said. “Canterbury’s culture of giving and the opportunity to lead transformative initiatives align perfectly with my aspirations and values. I am looking forward to being part of this inspiring community and contributing to its continued success.” Ally earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology as well as a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology from the University of Hartford, the latter providing her with valuable insights into organizational dynamics and effective fundraising practices. She lives in Oxford, Connecticut, with her husband Nathan and their beloved cat, Kora. Marcus arrived from The Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Connecticut, where he served as Assistant Director of the

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Annual Fund for two years. His role focused primarily on current students, young alumni, and managing the Class Agent program for the school. His main areas of focus at Canterbury include growing the Class Ambassadors program and cultivating connections with young alumni. “I am excited about going on the road to meet alumni, getting to know their stories, and learning more about Canterbury,” Marcus said. “I keep hearing about their passion for this place; how they enjoyed their time here so much that they are ready to do whatever they can to help the School and current students. I can already feel the strong sense of community here.” Prior to Loomis Chaffee, Marcus worked in Enrollment Management for four years at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, where he had completed his undergraduate degree in Business Administration. He earned his M.B.A. in Organizational Leadership from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. Having grown up in Connecticut, Marcus is happy to be back home. He lives with his wife and son in Windsor, Connecticut. And Canterbury is happy to have these two talented Advancement professionals. “We are excited about Ally and Marcus joining our team,” said Chief Advancement Officer Rick Henderson P ’25. “Not only do they bring unique ideas and relevant experience to their roles, but their energy and enthusiasm are a great fit for our community.”

SOCIETY OF

ALUMNI

CLASS NOTES

Nic Pierog ’12 and Victoria Pucci ’12 were married in the Chapel of Our Lady at Canterbury. See more on page 77. Photo credit: Tanner Tardie ’15

CLASS NOTES

1955

1965

Rene noted that the time has come that he has sailed his last boat race. Congrats, Rene, on a good run!

Lee is proud to be celebrating his 45th year of marriage with Margaret Hinton. To celebrate, Lee and Margaret river-cruised from Prague to Paris this September. They live in Pittsford, New York.

Rene John Coudert

Lee Beaulac

1959

Dan LaChance

Dan and his wife Phyllis attended the graduation of their grandson Corey in Monrovia, Indiana, where their daughter, Michelle; son-in-law, Chris Trudeau; and grandchildren, Ashley, Corey, and Tristan; reside. Corey will attend IUPUI, a collaboration of Indiana and Purdue Universities, and pursue a degree in Criminal Justice. Last year, Ashley graduated and enrolled at Purdue University, where she is earning her Professional Flight Degree to become a Commercial Airline Pilot. The Trudeaus and LaChances were blessed with an amazing celebratory weekend!

Read McNamara

John P. Duffy

Canterbury is never far away—John and his daughter Hilary Duffy ’87 enjoyed seeing Trustee Carol Lovell Carmody P ’18 in Weekapaug, Rhode Island. On this beautiful summer evening, Hilary and Carol were sporting their Canterbury gear. Go Saints!

1964

Classmate Chuck Ragan ’65 and partner Julie Hoff came for a visit with Read and enjoyed hospitality in Savannah, Georgia. Read was pleased to host classmate Bob Lutringer ’65 (see photo) and his wife Chris in Savannah. They shared memories and ideas on how to get the class of 1965 together before their next reunion. Read hosted an event at the Marco Polo Club and was delighted to meet Paul McCormack ’68 and his wife Betsy. The Club is composed of couples who have lived abroad for at least two years. The McCormacks lived in Japan when Read and Mary McNamara lived in Hong Kong. They have vowed to get together to swap Asia stories and Canterbury tales.

Francis Foley, Jr. ’64, P ’91, ’93, ’95, ’99

Fran, a Math Teacher at Canterbury, was the graduation speaker at Saint Gregory’s School in Loudonville, New York, this past spring. His grandson Franny ’27 graduated from eighth grade and received the Spirit of Saint Gregory’s Award during the ceremony. He is attending Canterbury this fall. Fran was previously headmaster at Saint Gregory’s for 10 years. 70

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1970

Steve R. Van Schoyck

1973

Steve and his wife Diane celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on September 1, 2023. They have four children, Keele, Kim, Dain, and Kerry, as well as seven grandchildren— four girls and three boys, ages two to 20.

Monica (Sheehan) Bennett

Monica and her husband, Michael, have been busy this summer renovating and redecorating their Cambridge, Massachusetts, condo. They are looking forward to reacquainting with classmates this fall at Monica’s 50th reunion on the hill!

1971

Matt Dwyer

Steve Coleman ’71, Don Guinan ’71, Tim Mead ’71, Jack Ryan ’71, and Matt got together for dinner in early June in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Everyone there was happy and healthy, but Pat McCarthy ’71 had a cold and was unable to join them.

L. Frank Hickey

Blasting off from the wonderful Alumni Weekend in June, Frank took his blue Canterbury backpack and is working in Ukraine for war refugee relief. What would his mentor John Martiska say about that? Most likely, something colorful. Frank is enjoying the opportunity to write daily, learn Russian, and listen to their stories. He also managed to find ballroom dancing spots and a boxing gym.

1972

Christopher Colvin

In June, Christopher retired from teaching at St. Stephen’s in Austin, Texas, after 28 years. This summer, he will again teach philosophy at Bosphorus University in Istanbul, his 17th summer of teaching there. This past year, he was a “supernumerary” in two Austin Opera productions, The Barber of Seville and The Pearl Fishers, the latter despite an injured knee. He looks forward to more time in the company of Greek and German philosophy.

Marc V. Vanasse

Marc met with Guy Vanasse ’84, his wife Kelly, and Jay Clarke ’84 for lunch in Chicago in April. After the meal, the group headed over to The Art Institute of Chicago, where Jay works as a curator, for a brief tour.

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR THE CLASS OF 1973 FROM CLASS AMBASSADOR CARLTON TUCKER

he wonderful and eclectic class of ’73 is less than two months away from its 50th reunion. We were a class of pioneers in many ways, from the Havemeyer Star Ship to the School’s first women graduates. The class was a diverse group of individuals who defied a collective characterization. After graduation, we scattered for a divergent set of journeys but are looking forward to getting together and sharing some of these stories and memories of the last half-century. Some of us have remained lifelong friends, while others have drifted away. Sadly, we have lost a number of classmates, but their spirits live on. Still, we are grateful for the friendships, adventures, and memories that this period in our lives gave us. Also, the spectacularly beautiful vistas from the top of the campus hill haven’t changed, and that constant beauty will be a source of comfort and inspiration for our milestone gathering and beyond. I look forward to seeing all who will attend our 50th class reunion on October 20-22!

1973

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CLASS NOTES

1975

Mike Stuart Goldthwaite

1977

CONTINUED

Mike moved to Tucson, Arizona, from Hilton Head, South Carolina, in April 2023. He spends his time hiking and exercising outdoors; honing his guitar-playing skills; fixing up his new condo, which has a remarkable upper-floor view of the Santa Catalina Mountains from the balcony and bedroom windows; and trying new restaurants. Mike has two sons, Will and Chris, ages 27 and 30 respectively, who live just a day’s drive away from Tucson in Boulder, Colorado. Will sells home solar paneling systems, designs and makes jewelry, edits science fiction books and stories for a good friend, and is an author. Chris sells roofing throughout the United States in areas that have been ravaged by bad weather. Mike hopes to attend his 50th reunion in 2025 and play a few songs for his classmates.

1976

Thomas K. Moore

On July 15, Tom was elected the 103rd American Legion’s Department of Connecticut Commander. Tom is looking forward to the challenge of continuing the effort to grow the membership and effectiveness of the organization in our communities and schools as well as assisting veterans and their families in every way possible.

Jonathan Zilli

Jonathan met up with Larry Turkheimer ’75, Keith Angell ’75, and Joe O’Connor ’76 at UCLA to watch the Men’s Lacrosse team play the University of Arizona. Larry is Head Coach of the UCLA team.

1977

Larry Fisher

Larry ran into Phil Riley ’57 at brunch over Memorial Day Weekend in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

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Joanna Woodworth

Joanna joined a number of Canterbury alumni for Middle House Unplugged at the Out of the Way Cafe in Derwood, Maryland, in May. She, Chip Berman ’72, Elaine Mullen ’77, Eddie Perley ’76, Julianna Reiss ’79, Sam Fitzgerald ’72, Dave Karlen ’76, Janice Olshesky ’73, Larry Fish er ’77, Rich Brancato ’77, Peter Shonk ’72, Peter Bresnan ’73, Mike Berman ’74, and Mike Conniff ’72 plugged in for drinks, dinner, dancing, and some talented Canterbury performers.

1984

Chrissy Rubin

1981

Selkirk “Tony” Walters

After 15 years, Tony left Warwick, New York, and moved to Hamburg, New Jersey. Although he is still commuting into lower Manhattan every day, Tony invites anyone who wants to play a friendly round of golf to reach out, as his neighborhood is home to some of the best golf courses in New Jersey—Ballyowen, Black Bear, and Wild Turkey.

Chrissy has been thrilled to be part of the groundbreaking work at the New York Proton Center (NYPC) in New York City for two and a half years now. NYPC celebrated its fourth anniversary treating patients in August 2023, and in June 2023, treated its 4,000th patient! Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation treatment that targets and destroys cancer tumors while reducing the risks of harmful side-effects.

1985

A. Garvin Hammer

Members of the classes of 1985 and 1986 staged a mini reunion in Saratoga doing what they love—following the Grateful Dead. They got together on Dead and Co’s Final Tour. In attendance were Andrew, Paul Bauer ’85, Charlie French ’85, Charlie Kelly ’85, Brian Belvin ’85, Jen Lobo ’86, and Paco Keville ’86. Good times were had by all. They hope to see more Cantuarians on the road this summer.

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CLASS NOTES

1987

Duchess Harris P ’25 Stephen B. Jayne

Stephen, his wife Jackie, and their two boys Grayson and Ashton live in Orlando, Florida, where he sells real estate throughout the state.

Duchess co-led the Macalester College Paris Noir Alumni Tour. She has written a book entitled Blacks in Paris: African American Culture in Europe. The tour celebrated the 20th anniversary of the American Studies Department at Macalester, which Duchess co-founded. At the end of the trip, she gave a talk at Sorbonne University. Her research will be published in the International Journal of Humanities Education.

1989

Christopher M. Molanphy

Chris has published a book for November 2023 release via Duke University Press. It is part of DUP’s book series Singles, with each piece covering the cultural impact of an individual song. Chris’s book, Old Town Road, is about the Lil Nas X hit of the same name. The book dissects “Old Town Road” as the culmination of decades of pop-chart history, racial understanding of the genre, technological developments in how music is created and promoted, and LGBTQ+ identity. The book builds on Chris’s work as the author of Slate’s long-running series Why Is This Song No. 1? and his top-rated podcast Hit Parade, which covers chart history.

1992

Sergio Iranzo Sanchez Sergio extends best wishes from Europe to the Class of 1992 and hopes to meet all of them at their next reunion. He added: “Go Saints!”

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1993

Celia von Bernuth Celia loved showing her daughter Margo, age 9, around campus over Alumni Weekend 2023. Margo says she is inspired to be a future Saint!

2003

1995

Scott Frost

Scott is back in school! He was accepted into the Stanford Graduate School of Business to be a part of the university’s yearlong executive program, LEAD, and is currently taking nine courses over four quarters with a focus on strategic leadership. He credits Canterbury for creating a passion for lifelong learning and instilling in him the skills to structure the balance of family, work, and school.

Patrick Zeller

PJ co-starred in an episode of FBI: Most Wanted on CBS and Paramount+ that aired March 14. He also recently shot the feature film Founders Day here in New Milford with Amy Hargreaves and William Russ. After a successful festival run, Packed, a web series about stay-at-home dads who connect over a social media app, just gained distribution with Urbn-TV and will be available on Roku. Zeller co-wrote, produced, and stars in the series.

2000

2007

Michael Cook

Mike was recently recognized as a CEO award winner at Armstrong, Inc., where he has worked since 2002 as a chemical engineer. He was acknowledged for his work in process improvement and mentorship. Mike resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with his wife Genevieve Munson ’00 and their two children, James (14) and Oliver (12).

Haruko Margaret Hayakawa

Giovanna DiGennaro

Giovanna and Kyle Ekstrom welcomed their second son, Oliver, on April 17, 2023. Parker is the best big brother to Oliver. Two future Saints!

Haruko created the July 2023 section cover art for The Los Angeles Times Food section article, “The official bottled water power rankings” written by James Beard Media Award winner Lucas Kwan Peterson.

2008

Brian E. Frydenborg ’00

Brian’s news website, Real Context News, passed one million views on January 1, 2023, thanks in large part to Brian’s analysis of the Russia-Ukraine war over the previous year. His work on that subject has earned praise from a top advisor to Ukrainian President Zelensky, recently retired U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a former three-star U.S. general, and multiple award-winning journalists. Brian also just completed a project with the U.S. Department of Justice on Violence Against Women, created from a law written by then-Senator Joe Biden. In addition, Brian has launched his 2024 primary campaign as a Democrat to fill the open U.S. Senate seat in Maryland, where he settled in early 2020 after living more than five years in the Middle East. The photo shows Brian in Annapolis just after he filed the paperwork for his candidacy.

Briana (Berg) Rossi

Briana and her husband, Jonathan Rossi, welcomed their first child, Donovan Carter Rossi, on May 15, 2023. PALLIUM SPRING/SUMMER 2023

CLASS NOTES

2008 CONTINUED

Jeremiah Baba-Pagano

Jeremiah was selected to the 2023 San Diego Metro Magazine “40 Under 40” list for his work as legal counsel in the financial services industry. He was honored for his accomplishments serving as regulatory and tax counsel for Registered Investment Advisers, Broker-Dealers, Hedge Funds, and Private Equity Firms as well as for his community service work with lifestyle medicine charities that seek to empower underprivileged communities through equitable access to wellness programs.

2009

Joshua Richard Coughlin Stowel Ball

Joshua has joined the National Institute for Deterrence Studies as a Senior Fellow.

2010

Grant Franco

Grant married Kiyoko Nakano-Franco on June 10, 2023, in Vero Beach, Florida. Larry Fisher ’77 was honored to be a part of this wonderful celebration!

2011

Connor Chatterton

Connor was recently promoted to Enterprise Account Executive, International, at Axon. Connor tailors solutions for large retail and healthcare organizations to combat violence and theft through the use of connected devices such as bodyworn cameras, TASER CEWs, in-car cameras, and drones.

2012

Sam Morini

Mikaela Kerril Puth Ford

Mikaela had a baby boy, Pierce Otto Ford, on April 29, 2023.

2013 Sally Coley Mensching

Sally and her husband, Justin, welcomed their first child, Jack Weston Coley, on April 25, 2023. Jack weighed 8 pounds 8 ounces and was 21.5 inches long at birth. The family of three are happily adjusting to their new chapter at their home in Ridgefield, Connecticut. 76

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Audrey Duquette

Audrey finished medical school and has moved to Chicago for her pediatric residency training.

Sam was chosen for the 2023 class of Sports Business Journal’s New Voices Under 30. The program recognizes diverse and impactful leaders, entrepreneurs, risk-takers, and disruptors under the age of 30 who are reimagining the sports experience and the way business is done. Sam was acknowledged for his work as Manager, Talent Development at SMAC Entertainment, where he manages Deion Sanders (“Coach Prime”), Head Football Coach at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Nic Pierog ’12 and Victoria Pucci Pierog ’12

Victoria and Nic Pierog ’12, who met at Canterbury School, were married on campus in the Chapel of Our Lady on July 15, 2023. The reception was held in the Steers Center. They were surrounded by many Canterbury alumni, including Samantha Pucci ’11, Lindsay Gersky ’12, Justine Valentino ’12, Serena Gopal ’13, Ryan Melvin ’12, Cory Salatino ’12, Allyson Good ’12, Leigh Getz-Riffle ’11, Dom Sawaia ’11, and Andrew Tullo ’13. Associate Head of School for Operations Pete Cotier ’86, Associate Director of Athletics/History and Social Sciences Teacher Paddy McCarthy ’94, and Director of Community Life EJ Soifersmith were also in attendance. Photography was taken by Tanner Tardie ’15 accompanied by Tyrus Xanthos ’16.

2020

MaryBridget E. Horvath Stephen Pollock ’13

Stephen married Katherine Johnson in High Point, North Carolina. They were joined by Canterbury classmates Caitlyn Everett ’13 (left), Nick Hochrein ’13 (second from left), and Sydney Trezza ’13 (right).

Through an internship with the Polaris Project, MaryBridget spent two weeks during the summer in Alaska tracking the effects of water flow from the melting of frozen ground to lakes and other bodies of water. She is a senior at Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

2019

Frances Bailey deTuro

Bailey received the 1831 Senior Leadership Award from Denison University. This award is given each year to senior-standing students who have shown dedication, passion, and immense effort toward the improvement of student life throughout their tenure.

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IN MEMORIAM

REMEMBERI NG Alumnus and Former Trustee

Thomas Joseph Lyons, Jr. ’59 194 1 –2 02 2 We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Thomas Joseph Lyons, Jr. ’59, who died last fall after having lived a remarkable life of 81 years. A Canterbury graduate and former member of the School’s Board of Trustees, Tom leaves a profound legacy of family, business, and community. Born in Fairfield, Connecticut, Tom attended Canterbury, where his father designed several buildings on the campus. He would later follow in his father’s footsteps with a lifelong love and passion for architecture. While a Canterbury student, Tom was a Proctor, member of the Debate team, and Manager for the Varsity Soccer and Hockey teams. He also served on the staff of The Tabard and The Cantuarian. His undergraduate studies took him to Georgetown University, where he graduated with a degree in Philosophy. As a senior, Tom started what would become one of the most famous performance venues in the world: The Cellar Door in Georgetown. He booked emerging artists that spanned every genre and would later become world-famous performers. Tom’s career as founder of Coastal Hospitality Associates began when he arrived in Virginia Beach in 1968 and purchased the modest 12-room Sandpiper Inn. He was the driving force of the City’s oceanfront transformation from small family-owned motels to nationally branded, full-amenity hotels. Over four decades, Tom developed nearly 40 hotels across Virginia and North Carolina for top franchises such as Marriott, IHG, Starwood, Hilton, and Choice Hotels. Many of his properties won prestigious awards in the hospitality industry.

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Tom was also charitable and generous with his time, talents, and resources. He served on the Canterbury Board of Trustees from 2008–2014. He also co-chaired the Harrison Opera House project, overseeing the planning, design, and construction of the facility into a world-class venue. In addition, Tom was on the Norfolk Academy Board of Trustees as Vice President of Buildings & Grounds for 17 years and spent a decade on the Board for the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges. Tom is survived by his wife of 40 years, Joan Nixon Lyons; daughter Lisa Frulla, son-in-law David, and grandchildren Everett and Grace; daughter Anne Michele Kuhns and son-in-law Paul; and sons Thomas J. Lyons III and Russell Jordan Lyons. He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas Joseph Lyons and Anna Elizabeth Ryan Lyons; sister Mary Cecilia Lyons; and all four Irish-born grandparents who established the family in America.

REMEMBERI NG

Charles M. Johnson, Jr. ’46 1928–2023

John W. McGrath III ’50 1933–2023

Eugene F. Corcoran, Jr. ’54 1936-2023

Philip E. Worley, Jr. ’54 1938–2023

Peter J. Sinnott III ’59 1941–2023

William A. Slone ’60 1942–2023

Frank S. Kraft ’63 1945–2023

Michael A. Foley ’67 1949–2023

John Patrick O’Grady, Jr. ’70 1953–2023

Marc A. Lavieri ’71 1952–2023

Michael F. Burke ’78 1960–2023

Jason M. Titunik ’22 2004–2023

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OCTOBER ’23 20–21 Family Weekend Homecoming Class of 1973 50th Reunion NOVEMBER ’23 11 FGS Day DECEMBER ’23 6 Christmas Party— Washington, DC

7 Christmas Party— Boston

12 Christmas Party— Chicago

13 Christmas Party— New York City

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APRIL ’24 16 Saints Giving Day

17 Grandparents & Friends Day MAY ’24 24 Commencement JUNE ’24 7–9 Alumni Weekend

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A Commitment to Student Excellence Gifts from alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends have an incredible impact on our community, supporting exceptional academics, student life programming, extracurricular activities, and more! Your support helps us prepare students with the values, skills, and opportunities necessary to succeed beyond the hilltop.

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