Advancement

Introducing Hamilton Stadium at Canterbury!

Our brand-new multi-purpose stadium is lighting up the Canterbury campus! In early May, between the Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse games, the School formally dedicated Hamilton Stadium in recognition of an anonymous philanthropic gift. The Hamilton name has special significance to the donor.

It was a beautiful spring afternoon for the naming ceremony, which included remarks by Head of School Rachel Stone P’23,’24. To cap off a perfect day, both of our lacrosse teams won!

“We are deeply grateful for this strong show of support for Canterbury students, athletes, and the overall student experience,” Rachel said of the gift. “It is especially gratifying to know that the Hamilton name, so meaningful to this particular benefactor, will be forever associated with such an extraordinary facility and the momentum of our School.”

The centerpiece of the $4.15 million stadium project is the first-class, all-weather, all-season synthetic playing field lined for football, lacrosse, and soccer. In addition to the recently installed bleacher seating for 340 spectators, coaching boxes, and stadium lighting, a six/ eight-lane track surrounds the field. The entire Canterbury community benefits from Hamilton Stadium—it is open to all for recreation and exercise and offers an outdoor venue to expand weekend activities and student life programming.

“The field has such an amazing view and great stands,” said Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse midfielder Matthew “Cullen” Mulhern’22, who has committed to play lacrosse for Providence College in Rhode Island this fall. “What makes it exciting for players is our peers can come watch us during the day or at night. Our game Saturday was an awesome team win!”

Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse defender Lindsey Grandolfo’22 wholeheartedly agreed. “It is such a thrill to have all our fans, family, and friends in the bleachers watching us,” she said.

Canterbury School offers 25 varsity-level sports and competes in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Conference. For the past five years, at least one-third of the School’s graduating class has gone on to play Division I, II, and III college athletics.

According to Director of Athletics and Head Football Coach Jim Stone P’23,’24, the facility is a major boost for Canterbury’s athletic program. “This project plays a powerful role in our ability to attract and retain student-athletes who want to maximize their ability to perform on our hilltop, to keep their skills sharp in- and off-season, and, for some, to further develop their potential for playing at the collegiate level,” he explained. “It is another example of our long-standing commitment to providing the best possible opportunities to our present and future Saints.”

Hamilton Stadium is Canterbury’s newest addition to its 150-acre campus and its second turf facility, located adjacent to the School’s existing synthetic field—Sheehy Field—that was built in 2013. To design and build the project, Canterbury partnered with SMRT Architects and Engineers of Andover, Massachusetts, and Burlington Construction Co. of Torrington, Connecticut.

“The stadium is truly going to impact the way our campus comes together,” added Lindsey. “It’s so versatile—you can take a run around the track, you can hold a practice, you can hang out with your friends on the turf, or you can gather in a student section during games. We have a small community, but Hamilton Stadium helps emphasize the big support and incredible school spirit we have for each other.”

“This project plays a powerful role in our ability to attract and retain student-athletes who want to maximize their ability to perform on our hilltop, to keep their skills sharp in- and off-season, and, for some, to further develop their potential for playing at the collegiate level. It is another example of our long-standing commitment to providing the best possible opportunities to our present and future Saints.”

GRANDPARENTS & FRIENDS DAY

A Joyous Day on the Hilltop

It was a special treat to see the smiling faces of student families on campus once again for our annual Grandparents & Friends Day this spring.

Multiple generations of Saints gathered on the hilltop to enjoy good company and the vibrant energy of the Canterbury community. Visitors were treated to remarks from Head of School Rachel Stone P’23,’24 and a spirited musical performance from students in Maguire Auditorium.

The group then split up for classroom visits and to catch some of the athletic contests held on campus that day. They also enjoyed a buffet luncheon together in the Steers Center Ragland Commons. It was a fun and enlightening experience for all, and the grandparents were exceedingly grateful for the opportunity to see their grandchildren’s school.

“Shadowing our granddaughter gave us time to observe Elizabeth’s learning environment and the daily opportunities and challenges she is presented with,” noted JoAnne and John Panicek, grandparents of Elizabeth Carlson ’25. “During our visit, we observed, met, and repeatedly heard students, teachers, and staff expressing enthusiasm and positivity for Canterbury. Your belief and support of a culture which promotes and fosters each individual to thrive and excel is most appreciated.”

Fellow Saints grandparents Steven and Ricky Cosenza agreed. “We had noted even before our visit that Will seems to be thriving at Canterbury. What we didn’t expect was to come away so uplifted ourselves,” they said of their visit with grandson William Nardella’24. “Your commitment to students’ education and growth in all aspects of their lives became so clear as we heard from Mrs. Stone and met with Will’s teachers. Your mission, carried out with such caring and professionalism, truly touched us.”

We were equally touched by the warmth and enthusiasm of our students’ grandparents and family members and cannot wait to do it again next year!

“During our visit, we observed, met, and repeatedly heard students, teachers, and staff expressing enthusiasm and positivity for Canterbury.”

JOANNE AND JOHN PANICEK

Saints Giving Day Generosity Shatters Goals!

Ahuge THANK YOU is in order to the entire Saints family. We were so thrilled and humbled by the outpouring of support during our third annual Saints Giving Day in April. Thanks to this extraordinary community, we raised $354,400 from 842 donors in 24 hours, well beyond our goals of $250,00 and 750 donors! That success also helped unlock an extraordinary $100,000 matching gift from our Board of Trustees. The generosity displayed by our extended Canterbury community serves as yet another inspiring reminder of how dedicated this community is to the School, our students, and each other. “The difference between a good institution and a great one is the loyal support of its constituents,” said Chief Advancement Officer Rick Henderson P ’25. “On Saints Giving Day, that greatness was on full display.” The final overall tally for the 2021-22 Canterbury Annual Fund was more than $1.5 million raised! We are incredibly grateful to the 1,200+ alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends who made gifts.

SAINTS GIVING DAY STATS $354,325 TOTAL RAISED

842 DONORS 437 ALUMNI DONORS 161 NEW DONORS $449 AVERAGE GIFT TOP 3 CLASSES FOR DOLLARS 1986:$21,299 1975:$13,050 1989:$8,724

DONORS FROM EIGHT COUNTRIES USA (from 36 states) • UK • China Hong Kong • Bulgaria • Germany Jamaica • Dominican Republic

TOP 3 CLASSES FOR DONORS 1981:20 DONORS 1995:14 DONORS 1990:13 DONORS