EXCELLENCE, Cultivating CREATING IMPACT
PINGREE MAGAZINE
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Novelette Brown
CONTRIBUTORS
Allison Angelico
Jared Charney
David Goff
Ashley Goliti-Chase
Matt Hins
Cara Angelopulos Lawler ’01
Gavin Marsella ’27
Diana Mathey P’01, ’04, ’09, ’11
Michael McClellan
DESIGN
Emanio Creative
PRINTING
Lane Press
Pingree Magazine is published twice a year for alumni, parents, and friends. We welcome your letters, story ideas, and suggestions.
Please send correspondence to: Novelette Brown Director of Communications and Marketing nbrown@pingree.org
For alumni updates, please email: Ashley Goliti-Chase Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement agoliti@pingree.org
Pingree is an independent day school for grades 9–12. Pingree empowers every community member to pursue knowledge with courage and imagination, thrive in joy and challenge, and create a more just and equitable world.
Pingree School does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, age, disability, status as a veteran or being a member of the Reserves or National Guard, or any other classification protected under state or federal law.
Excellence Across our Campus
As the first signs of spring begin to emerge around our campus, we are thrilled to share with you our latest issue of Pingree Magazine, which captures the remarkable achievements and contributions of our community this year.
“Cultivating Excellence, Creating Impact” is more than just the theme of this issue—it represents the essence of what makes Pingree special. As you explore these pages, you’ll discover stories that exemplify how our students, faculty, alumni, and coaches continue to embody our mission by pursuing knowledge with courage and imagination, thriving in joy and challenge, and creating a more just and equitable world.
From academic innovation to artistic exploration, and from athletic accomplishments to alumni engagement, the stories in this issue showcase the many ways that excellence flourishes across our campus. The collaboration between our entry-level music lab courses and the recent installation of a new Raku kiln demonstrate our commitment to creative approaches to learning. The standout achievements of our student-athletes—including those recognized on the NFHCA Watchlist and the induction of four new members to the Athletics Honor Society—remind us of the dedication and resilience that define Pingree athletics.
Equally inspiring is the impact our community makes beyond our campus. Our alumni carry the Pingree spirit into their ongoing engagement—returning for community reunions, welcoming students into their workplaces, or, like Will Carpenter ’10, mobilizing in support of those most in need. These stories of service and connection demonstrate how a Pingree education extends far beyond our classrooms, preparing graduates to address real-world challenges with compassion and purpose.
We invite you to explore this issue with pride and gratitude for the collective spirit that continues to drive excellence and impact at Pingree and beyond.
Be well and see you on campus soon!
Warmly,
Tim Johnson, Head of School
House In the
NEWS FROM CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY
Students who enjoy puzzles tend to be more flexible in their thinking," Even if they only know one piece, they’re willing to experiment and figure out the rest.”
– Stephen Sacchetti, Math Department Chair
What’s New
Mr. Sacchetti Makes Problem-Solving Fun with New Book
Pingree Math Department Chair Stephen Sacchetti, has released his second book, More Puzzler’s Puzzlers: A Second Puzzle Book for Puzzle Enthusiasts! His first book, The Puzzler’s Puzzlers, was independently released in 2021.
Both books feature logic-based puzzles designed to engage a wide audience of logicians. For Sacchetti, who teaches precalculus and applied math, puzzles are powerful tools for developing resilience and flexibility—characteristics essential for success in math and life. Sacchetti has observed that students who regularly engage with puzzles tend to show greater perseverance when confronted with challenges—a key to academic success. “In math education, students often rush toward a solution without fully understanding the problem,” Sacchetti explained. “Puzzles slow them down, encouraging them to reflect on their approach, explore different methods, and ultimately arrive at a solution.”
Sacchetti also believes puzzles bring people together. “There’s something uniquely rewarding about tackling a challenge as a group,” Sacchetti said. “When people work together to solve a puzzle, it’s about
more than just finding the solution. It’s the sense of accomplishment that comes from facing the challenge as a team.” He added that the camaraderie of group puzzle solving builds trust and mutual respect. “When a group faces a tough challenge together, they rely on each other’s strengths, help one another through moments of frustration, and celebrate the achievement as a team.”
Ultimately, Sacchetti hopes his puzzle books will inspire students to approach both puzzles and problems with a sense of curiosity, play, and persistence. “The joy of solving a puzzle is about the journey as much as the solution,” he said. “That’s the mindset I hope students take into their math education and everyday lives.”
Both The Puzzler’s Puzzlers and More Puzzler’s Puzzlers are available on Amazon.
New Raku Kiln Brings Ancient Art Form to Campus
This fall, our school welcomed an exciting new addition to the art department: a specialized Raku kiln. Students in Mr. Pickett’s ceramics class were among the first to experience this unique firing process, testing out the new equipment with impressive results.
Raku, an ancient Japanese ceramics technique dating back to the 16th century, is known for producing one-ofa-kind finishes that vary dramatically from piece to piece. The process typically involves removing pottery from the kiln while still glowing hot and placing it in combustible materials, creating distinctive crackle patterns and metallic lusters.
While current burn restrictions on the North Shore prevented students from using the full combustion process during their initial firing, Mr. Pickett’s class adapted by experimenting with Horsehair Raku techniques, which reach lower temperatures of up to 1,200 degrees. In this alternative approach, the pots emerge raw and unglazed from the kiln. When horsehair, feathers, or sugar are placed on the red-hot surface, they leave behind dramatic carbon prints, creating strikingly unique designs. Each finished piece tells its own story of transformation through fire and carbon.
Music Labs Breed Creative Collaboration
Pingree’s music assemblies never fail to impress, offering an array of musical talent that spans original compositions, classical masterpieces, and everything in between. Yet one performance stood out this fall—a collaborative music video that unexpectedly became the day’s highlight, earning enthusiastic toe-taps from the audience.
This standout performance was born from Pingree’s innovative music lab courses—introductory electives designed to welcome aspiring musicians. These beginner-friendly classes provide a lowpressure, high-reward space for students to explore new instruments and discover the joy of making music.
“One of the driving motivators for the lab classes is to provide a space where students can develop the skills and confidence to play in public,” said Brooke Joynes, who leads the Piano Lab and Vocal Lab courses. She also acknowledged how intimidating it can be for beginners to perform in front of an audience and noted that the courses aim to ease those nerves while still celebrating each student’s progress.
In the three years that they’ve been offered, these courses have become a popular on-ramp to the school’s musical ensembles, helping students with no prior experience overcome hesitation about joining.
“Oftentimes, students feel that if they haven’t played an instrument by high school, then it’s too late and they can’t play anymore,” said Art Department Chair Eric Haltmeier. “Our hope is that a student can come into Pingree without any musical experience, start an instrument in lab elective as a ninth grader, and potentially reach an APEX-level class as a senior.”
Phil McGowan, who teaches the Percussion and Guitar Lab courses, explained that these classes are specifically designed for students starting from scratch, with the goal of giving them the immediate joy of creating music. “We want students to feel comfortable experimenting with their instruments and expressing themselves,” he said.
This fall, that spirit of joy and discovery culminated in a collaborative project between the piano, percussion, and guitar/bass lab classes. The idea sparked during an early Piano Lab session when Joe Gaffney ’25 suggested learning Harold Faltermeyer’s iconic "Axel F"—the theme from Beverly Hills Cop, which experienced a resurgence in the early-2000s with a remix by Crazy Frog.
While Joynes initially saw the idea as ambitious, the enthusiasm from her students and McGowan’s classes quickly evolved into a full-fledged project. Using Soundtrap, a digital audio workstation, students recorded their individual parts, and McGowan edited and mixed the final track.
To reduce the pressure of live performance, Joynes and McGowan partnered with the Communications Department to film each class as they practiced. This footage, combined with the complete recording of “Axel F,” resulted in a performance video that was screened during the school’s music assembly. According to McGowan, the final video not only showcased the student’s musical progress but
also highlighted the strong sense of teamwork that developed throughout the project.
"I think they were more excited than they expected," said Joynes. "It looked amazing, and it sounded awesome."
Reflecting on the project, McGowan noted how rewarding it was to see students supporting one another and taking pride in their accomplishments, an experience that perfectly captured the spirit of Pingree’s music lab courses.
Pingree’s music lab courses inspire students to step out of their comfort zones, proving that it’s never too late to start making music—and that the results can be extraordinary.
Community Art Show
This piece was created by Evan Bechard ’26 and was displayed in Pingree’s Community Art Show, Reciprocity, Restoration, Relationships. The show explored the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, drawing inspiration from themes of environmental stewardship, cultural exchange, and community bonds. Bechard’s work, created in APEX Studio Art: Changemaking, raised awareness about the impact of pollution on our local waterways.
Students Travel the World on L.A.B. Exchanges
The learning doesn’t stop during spring break: Pingree students engaged in domestic and international exchanges through our Learning Across Borders (L.A.B.) program, visiting Barcelona, Spain; Colmar, France, and New Orleans, Louisiana.
Bienvenidos a Barcelona!
In Barcelona, students reunited with the students they hosted in the fall. Among their many adventures, students toured architectural wonders, such as the Puig i Cadafalch-designed Casa Amatller; delved into the work of iconic artist Pablo Picasso at a themed museum, and immersed themselves in learning about the lives of their host students. Over the course of their 10-day trip, Pingree students visited their students at school, went to an amusement park, and got to attend a professional basketball game.
Greetings
from the Big Easy
Musicians from APEX Pingree Music Ensemble enjoyed a jam-packed trip to New Orleans. Among their many adventures, they took in live music at Preservation Hall and along Frenchmen Street, enjoyed a Second Line parade, went on a swamp tour, and had an unforgettable meal at Commander’s Palace.
La Belle Vie en France!
Students on the trip to Colmar received a warm welcome from several municipal leaders and Colmar’s mayor. In addition to exploring the scenic town, students also engaged in a twoday trip to Paris. According to Colbie Lind ’26, it was magical. Dancing in front of the Eiffel Tower with her classmates filled her with a profound realization, “This moment made me realize how incredibly grateful I am to be a part of such an amazing school with so many amazing people.”
Whether abroad or closer to home, the Learning Across Borders program brings classroom learning to life—fostering empathy, independence, and curiosity in real-world contexts.
Inside Athletics
Three Pingree Students Make NFHCA Watchlist
Congratulations to Alexa Blaeser ’26, Sara Graves ’27, and Reid Johnson ’27 on being named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Watchlist. They were among nearly 500 student-athletes selected from more than 170 high schools nationwide as possible contenders for the 2024 NFHCA All-Region and All-American teams.
These students were significant contributors to a season in which the team captured the EIL regular season and tournament title and advanced to the semi finals of the NEPSAC Class C Championships. For her performance, Graves was selected as EIL Co-Player of the Year, and Blaeser and Johnson were both selected as All-League players, along with Piper
Davekos ’27. All three were also named as Salem News All-stars. Both Graves and Johnson were named to 2024 NFHCA High School All-Region teams for Massachusetts, and Sara Graves was named to the Boston Globe All-Scholastic Team.
We look forward to seeing more from these student athletes.
Congratulations to Piper Davekos ’27, varsity ice hockey goalie.
In January, she recorded her 1,000th save, an impressive achievement altogether made even more remarkable because she reached it in just one-and-a-half. Piper has already made her mark beyond Pingree, drawing attention “as one of New England’s elite goalkeepers,” according to Salem News.
Young Alumni Shine In College Sports
The transition from high school to college athletics brings new challenges both on and off the field, but young alumni student-athletes continue to demonstrate excellence while competing at the collegiate level.
At Bowdoin College, Ray Cuevas ’24 made an immediate impact in his first year with the men’s basketball program, earning the prestigious New England Small College Athletic Conference Rookie-of-the-Year award. Cuevas led Bowdoin in scoring while ranking seventh overall in the conference with 15.5 points per game (17.4 in conference play). He connected on a team-high 51 three-pointers, averaged 3.7 rebounds, and led the Polar Bears in scoring in 17 of 24 games. This remarkable achievement makes Cuevas only the second player in Bowdoin history to receive the NESCAC Rookie-of-the-Year honor.
Photo Credit: Indiana University Athletics
Sadie Canelli
Ray Cuevas
Photo Credit: Brian Beard, GoUBearsPhoto.com
Indiana University field hockey goalkeeper
Sadie Canelli ’24 continues to impress in the Big Ten Conference, earning her second Big Ten Freshman of the Week recognition following an outstanding performance against Ohio State. Despite Indiana ultimately falling to the third-ranked Buckeyes in a penalty shootout, Canelli recorded five saves during regulation and another five during the shootout. She followed this with a three-save performance against Michigan, helping the Hoosiers secure their first top-ten victory since 2016. She was also recently named to the IU National Academic Squad!
Union College sophomore Mekhi Taylor ’23 earned national recognition when he was selected for the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association’s Division III Team-of-the-Week in March. Taylor recorded career highs in both goals and points in consecutive games, including scoring three times in a nail-biting overtime battle against nationally-ranked Middlebury College. He followed that performance with five points (three goals, two assists) in a victory over #9 Stevens Institute of Technology. As Union College’s most productive offensive midfielder, Taylor has accumulated nine goals and four assists through six games.
While Highlander alumni excel on the field, they also continue to display academic excellence.
• Bodie Cannata ’24 was among the 42 members of Fairfield University Men’s Lacrosse team named to the Coastal Athletic Association Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll for the Fall 2024 semester.
• At Colorado College, Meghan Collins ’23 was named a member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Scholastic Honor Roll.
• Quinn Glencross ’23 earned 2024 Fall Academic All-Conference at Endicott College.
• Grace Mullaney ’23 was one of 21 members of Boston University field hockey team 2024 Patriot League Fall Academic Honor Roll. The Terriers also received the National Field Hockey Coaches’ Association’s (NFHCA) National Academic Team Award for having a combined team GPA of at least a 3.5.
• At University of New England, Halle Powers ’24 earned the NFHCA Division III National Academic Squad award, honoring student-athletes who hold a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher through the first semester of the year.
• Maggie Warner ’23 and Bella Vaz ’24 were named to the Northeast 10 Conference’s Fall Academic Honor Roll with Academic Distinction.
Mehki Taylor
Photo Credit: Union College Athletics
The Hedge Garden
Alumni Briefs
Pingree was pleased to welcome back to campus Natalia Richey ’07, Adam Logan ’08, Audrey Wilson Ellis ’09, and Olivia Pena ’17.
As part of this winter’s commemoration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, they participated in a panel discussion about their experiences “making a career of humanity” through their vocations as entrepreneurs, lawyers, teachers, and healthcare providers.
Paula Estey ‘71 visited APEX Studio Art: Changemaking to speak with students about her experience using art to catalyze social change.
As the owner of Newburyport’s PEG Center for Art & Activism, she encouraged students to use their current experiences as a catalyst for creating meaningful art. Paula also shared insights from her long standing career as a visual artist and gallery owner.
I personally believe that artists… have a responsibility to explore the depth of being human and offer that up to the public. Artists have a responsibility to be vulnerable and expose the underside of being human and of our world.”
Congratulations to Wendy Vincent Fox ’86, who recently completed the Tokyo Marathon and was awarded the Six Star Medal for finishing all of the world’s major marathons.
Paula Estey ’71
New Year Event at Banks Fish House
More than 100 alumni, parents of alumni, faculty, staff, and friends joined us at The Banks Fish House to kick off 2025 with good friends, laughter, and plenty of joy. Thank you to our host Chris Himmel ’96.
Alumni COMMUNITY REUNION
Pingree Alumna Opens Doors to Cutting-Edge Neuroscience
This summer, Hope Taft ’05 welcomed a group of eager Prep@Pingree students to the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she serves as executive director. The Martinos Center is one of the world’s premier research institutions for advanced biomedical imaging technologies.
During their visit to the Laboratories for Computational Neuroimaging in Charlestown, students received a comprehensive tour guided by Ren Garcia, internship program director, and Rogeny Herisse, internship advisor. Their day was filled with fascinating explorations into magnetic resonance imaging technologies and other imaging modalities like histology and optics, offering students a glimpse into how these tools drive innovations in basic, clinical, and cognitive neuroscience research.
In her role as executive director, Taft oversees all center operations and strategy, with a special
focus on accelerating and diversifying research through strategic partnerships and programs. Her commitment to education extends to the center’s summer internship opportunities for high school students—and potentially to Prep@Pingree graduates through the PrepWorks internship program. Taft has also hosted groups of Pingree students in the Girls Advancing in STEM (GAINS) club.
This connection between Pingree’s past and present illustrates how its alumni network can create unique opportunities for current students, fostering the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Meet the Four New AHS Inductees
The Pingree School Athletics Honor Society was formed in 1999 to honor those alumni, coaches, and friends who have made a significant contribution to the athletics programs at Pingree School, or whose participation in athletics, other than at Pingree, was so outstanding that it brought credit to Pingree School and served as a model for the Pingree community. This year, we are pleased to induct four new members to the AHS.
Mary Gene Tuthill Clavin ’83
During her time at Pingree, Mary Gene was a three-sport varsity athlete who played field hockey, volleyball, and lacrosse, and captained each team during her senior year. As a standout athlete, Mary Gene earned Beverly Times Field Hockey All Stars honorable mention as well as Salem News Field Hockey All Stars honorable mention. She was also recognized during her senior year as Most Valuable Player on her lacrosse team and earned Pingree’s Athletic Department Award at graduation. Following Pingree, she attended Boston College where she played lacrosse and field hockey.
Mary Gene later returned to Pingree to serve as the alumni director and coach from 1991 to 1993. After settling in Newburyport with her family, Mary Gene coached youth lacrosse and served as President of the City’s Youth Lacrosse League. Additionally, following a personal passion for creating access in sports, she co-founded the Newburyport Junior Clippers, the area’s inaugural Special Olympics team.
Sami was a three-sport varsity athlete in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, captaining each team her senior year. In addition to four EIL championships, Sami’s lacrosse accolades included: three-time New England Prep School All-Star; three-time Salem Evening News All-Star; two-time 1st team U.S. Lacrosse All-American; 2008 Under Armour All-American; 2008 EIL MVP; and 2008 Boston Globe All-Scholastic. Sami also twice earned EIL All-League honors for soccer and 2007 EIL All-League honors for basketball.
The 14th ranked recruit in her class by Inside Lacrosse, Sami went on to play lacrosse at Boston College where she was a four-year starter, a team captain her senior year, and a member of the first team to make it to the NCAA tournament in program history. Sami later returned to Pingree to work in admissions and advancement, while coaching JV soccer, varsity basketball, and serving as varsity lacrosse head coach, winning the 2013 EIL lacrosse championship. Sami continues to coach lacrosse and is a director of the Laxachusetts club lacrosse program.
Sami Taylor Sirmon ’08
Buddy Taft
Buddy joined Pingree in 1979 as a history teacher and coach, later serving as dean of students for over 20 years and coaching for 45 years across 12 different sports and levels. Buddy helped lay the foundation for Pingree athletics literally and figuratively. As a member of the Sod Squad, Buddy helped lay the sod on our fields, which Pingree teams still enjoy. He was also integral in the planning and construction of Pingree’s ice rink.
Under Buddy’s leadership, Pingree softball was a six-time EIL champion and boys lacrosse won three New England Small School championships. Most notably, Buddy coached varsity boys hockey for 33 years, 29 years as head coach. His teams secured more than 400 wins, establishing Pingree as a hockey program to watch, with the team qualifying for NEPSAC tournaments eight times from 1987 to 1999. Through Buddy’s mentorship, 20 students went on to play D1 hockey and dozens more played
D3, including two of whom were named college All-Americans and won national championships. More important than any statistic, Buddy’s impact is best captured by his consummate sportsmanship and his belief that it’s the people who have always mattered most.
Len was a two-sport varsity athlete for soccer and basketball, serving as captain of both teams his senior year. A two-time EIL Most Valuable Player, Len’s Pingree basketball career included three EIL championships, culminating in a NEPSAC championship in 2009, where he was named the NEPSAC Class D tournament MVP. Len’s additional accolades included two-time Boston Globe AllScholastic; 2009 Salem News All Star; and 2007 EIL All-League. At the conclusion of Len’s senior basketball season, he was Pingree’s all-time leading scorer with 2,096 total points.
Following Pingree, he attended Amherst College and played basketball for four years, winning two NESCAC conference championships his junior and senior year. As a team captain, he led Amherst to an NCAA Division III National Championship victory his senior year, earning the Final Four Most Outstanding Player Award. Len went on to play professional basketball for clubs in Luxembourg and Kuwait. Len later returned to Pingree, working in a variety of roles from 2014–2022, including as a coach of boys freshman soccer, boys JV basketball, and boys varsity basketball.
Len Williamson ’09
Mary Gene’s role in the Special Olympics team has brought immeasurable confidence, fun, and teamwork to so many kids and families from the Newburyport area over the past years…For your contributions to how sports can be part of the greater good in the world, we are all in awe of you.”
—Jim MacLaughlin ’84
Four Inducted into Athletics Honor Society
This April, the Pingree School Athletics Honor Society welcomed four new members at a ceremony attended by more than 140 guests from across the Eastern Seaboard.
The evening featured a cocktail reception and dinner, followed by the formal induction presentations.
The night’s four honorees were Mary Gene Tuthill Clavin ’83, Samantha Taylor Sirmon ’08, Allen Williamson ’09, and Buddy Taft.
(To learn more about the inductees, visit page 33.) As a member of the Pingree community since 1979, Buddy also had the distinguished honor of being involved in the academic experiences of the other three inductees.
Established in 1999, Pingree’s Athletics Honor Society recognizes individuals whose contributions to Pingree athletics or achievements elsewhere have brought distinction to the school and inspired the community.
No one has had a more important place in Pingree’s journey [than Buddy Taft]. He has been steadfast, courageous at Pingree in times when courage was needed and he has devoted his working life to the betterment of the school and all the folks who have passed through here, be they students or colleagues.”
—Alan McCoy
Mary Gene Clavin & Buddy Taft
[Allen] is the walking testimony of the divine product that results from the perfect mix of self-understanding, resources, and access to a community who loves and believes in every future version of himself that he will be.”
—Patrick Williamson ’10
“[Sami’s] legacy is colorful because of the captaincies, the All-American honors, the championships and the countless accolades… but your legacy foundation is built on how you make others feel: inspired to be the best version of themselves on and off the field.”
—Michaela Colbert Stewart ’09
Sami Taylor Sirmon
Allen & Patrick Williamson
Will Carpenter ’10, Valley Hope, and the Spirit of Swannanoa
When Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina in 2024, it left a trail of devastation that would challenge even the most resilient communities. For Will Carpenter ’10, a resident of Swannanoa—the area hardest hit by the storm—the aftermath became a catalyst for extraordinary community action.
Identified as the storm’s “ground zero” by national media, Swannanoa and surrounding Buncombe County bore the brunt of Helene’s fury. Carpenter vividly recalls the day the storm made landfall. “The wind was gusting probably 90 miles an hour,” he recounts. As trees fell around his property, Carpenter and his family took shelter in their basement. It wasn’t until the storm subsided that the extent of the damage became clear.
More than 20 inches of rain caused catastrophic flooding, triggering landslides and debris flows. One hundred seven people were killed—96 of them from Buncombe County alone. Homes were destroyed.
Roads and bridges were washed away, including access to major interstates. Critical services like electricity, water, sewer, and emergency communications were disrupted, making it difficult to assess the full scope of the devastation. North Carolina later estimated the damage at more than $53 billion.
“It’s kind of hard to imagine,” Carpenter said. “You can go 100 miles in either direction and still be within the disaster zone.”
As an unincorporated rural area, Swannanoa faced significant challenges accessing emergency resources. With no local government to organize relief or advocate for the community’s needs, residents
It’s important for people to realize that there are Americans right now who lost everything— living in tents on their property, living in sheds, living in campers—and they don’t know the timeline for getting their property rebuilt.”
–Will Carpenter ’10
were left to navigate a patchwork of county and state systems that were overwhelmed and slow to respond.
And so, with great resilience and determination, the people of Swannanoa leaned on each other. Neighbors pulled out tractors, skid steers, chainsaws, excavators, and four-wheelers to clear roads and evacuate families. Volunteers arrived from across the country to help. Millions of dollars in donations poured in. What began as a group of neighbors coordinating efforts in the parking lot of Appalachian Tool and Machine—a local tooling and aerospace manufacturing facility—grew into the Valley Hope Foundation.
The foundation’s work includes debris cleanup, heavy equipment operations, and organizing community events to foster unity and healing. It operates a distribution facility that serves approximately 4,300 families weekly with fresh produce, food, and essential household items. The team has delivered more than 250,000 gallons of potable water and provides both
Photo Credit:CIRA Stellite Library, Colorado State University
temporary and permanent housing solutions for those impacted by the storm. Valley Hope has even extended support to flood-affected areas in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia.
Recovery takes time. Recently, North Carolina’s state legislature passed a spending bill earmarking funds for recovery from two major disasters: $217 million for the victims of 2016’s Hurricane Florence, and $500 million for those affected by Helene—a storm far more destructive.
“We are so far from being done,” Carpenter said, highlighting the need for continued support and awareness. “We see an opportunity to rebuild [the community] and to build stronger than it was before.” Beyond immediate disaster relief, Valley Hope aims to create a more resilient community. Plans include implementing solar power systems, water filtration, and improved communication networks to better prepare for future crises. The organization also seeks to address the growing need for social, behavioral, and
mental health services in the aftermath of the disaster.
“We’re moving forward. It may be slow. We may have many hurdles to jump over in the future, but we’re doing it together, and we’re going to get through.”
As the community continues its journey of recovery, the Valley Hope Foundation stands as a testament to the power of community-driven action. Carpenter’s message resonates far beyond the mountains of North Carolina: “If you see issues or struggles in your community, go out and solve them. Let’s see what we can do to help.”
To support the Valley Hope Foundation or learn more about its work, visit valleyhopefoundation.org.
In Memoriam
Pingree School extends its condolences to the loved ones of the following members of our school community.
Carley P. Putnam ’70
May 25, 2024
David Lemons P’22, ’24
August 8, 2024
Lesley J. Harding ’95
August 22, 2024
Anne Harmon Scully P’82 ’89
August 28, 2024
William Vernon King
Former Faculty Member October 1, 2024
Mary Elizabeth (Swanson)
Osborne ’80
November 16, 2024
Susie Rowland P’77, ‘80, ‘82
Founding Faculty Member
January 16, 2025
See Susie’s bio on opposite page.
Nancy Kennedy P’76, ‘78
Former Faculty Member
February 7, 2025
See Nancy’s bio on opposite page.
Britt A. Garland ’91
February 12, 2025
*This list of names is reported through March 2025. If we have missed a name, please accept our sincere apologies and contact us at communications@pingree.org.
Nancy Kennedy P’76, ’78
Former Faculty Member
February 7, 2025
A founding faculty member, the widow of former Assistant Head of School Richard, and beloved mother to Nanne ’78 and Henry ’76, Nancy was cherished for quick wit, passion for music, and love of life. Nancy taught Music Appreciation and directed the Pingree choir from 1961 until her retirement in 1981. She chaperoned annual trips to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, directed the winter musical, and was quick to lend a helping hand whenever necessary.
Susie Rowland P’77, ’80, ’82
Founding Faculty Member
January 16, 2025
A dedicated Pingree parent, former faculty member, and friend, Susie and her husband, Ned, were tireless supporters of Pingree who believed in the transformative power of this school and entrusted us with their three children.
A strong educational advocate, Susie helped every student reach their academic potential as a learning skills counselor. Susie could be found helping young people, watching athletic contests, and encouraging colleagues—always with a warm smile.
Susie is survived by her son Stephen ’80 and his wife Frances, daughter Julie ’82 and her husband Eric, daughter-in-law Peggy, and five grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Ned, and her son Edward ’77.
DAYS IN THE LIFE
