Given the immense recent success, Suffield’s principal challenges now will lie in the direction and the possibilities for its future. It is a future with great but not infinite possibilities. Deciding what will–and will not–define Suffield’s next steps will be crucial to the school’s ongoing future. Suffield has the remarkable fortune–and the true responsibility–to continue, as it has so admirably for the past two decades, to keep alert to the sails on the horizon.
ROM T HE H EAD OF SCHOO L
Charles Cahn III
After five or six years as head of school—around 2010—I began thinking differently about Suffield’s aspirations and destiny. The focus became absolute instead of relative. Our goal was not ascending to a certain position in the independent school pecking order, but more importantly helping ensure Suffield remains a truly great school far into the future.
We had completed several major construction projects as our enrollment grew from 320 to 420 students. We then asked what Suffield would look like if it could be anything. Foundational goals were reaffirmed: 420 students, a caring and warm culture, a large applicant pool to shape a carefully curated enrollment, world-class and immaculate facilities, deeply invested faculty members committed to the boarding school lifestyle, and a comprehensive four-year college counseling program that would add even more value to the Suffield experience.
Armed with this clear purpose, we have spent the past fifteen years laser focused on these priorities. The candid, transparent objectives were liberating. We knew where Suffield’s destiny was aimed, regardless of where peer schools were headed. Even a global health pandemic was largely unable to divert our direction. In systematic fashion we saw our applicant pool double and our campus improve with the new Brewster Hall, Holcomb Science, Memorial Building, Shay and Holmes Fields, and Powers and Brodie Hall. We equipped the college counseling program with five full-time counselors and Hoffman College Counseling Center in the heart of our academic quadrangle. We did this through a broad community fundraising effort rather than debt financing or increasing enrollment.
We are resolute in our efforts to ensure Suffield’s success far into the future, reflecting the theme of the letter cited to the left. This requires shared values and disciplined commitment to strategic goals. While the first project in our 2023 campus master plan is now complete [a new tennis and golf center], our capital fundraising priority has been most squarely focused on sustainability.
For an independent school, this is the endowment, which supports fundamental priorities [students, faculty, and staff] and helps moderate periods of economic stress. Suffield hit a milestone this summer as the endowment surpassed $100 million, more than doubling in the past six years. Accordingly, the financial aid budget has increased by more than thirty percent during this period and key faculty benefits have been sustained and enhanced.
Suffield’s success reflects the power of a full community effort: invested faculty and staff members committing to our core goals, students and parents who choose Suffield for our strong educational program and warm community, and an outstanding Board of Trustees always focused on their three-part mandate: [1] shaping Suffield’s overall philosophy; [2] supporting and evaluating the head of school; and [3] helping manage and build the resource base. We are exceptionally fortunate to have their strong leadership and sincere dedication to Suffield Academy. I
F
CAMPUS ENHANCEMENTS
TENNIS & GOLF CENTER • SOLAR ARRAY ADDITION
There were several enhancements to Suffield Academy’s physical plant this year, beginning with the second phase of the solar energy project. This phase became appealing due to federal incentives from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which allowed nonprofits to receive direct payments from the government for tax credit incentives related to projects like this. In addition, the State of Connecticut instituted a modified net metering and tariff program that allows Suffield Academy to connect to the nearest point on the electrical grid. The new array—funded by gifts and this tax credit—connects to the grid off Hill Street, furthering Suffield’s commitment to environmental responsibility and diversifying the school’s energy sources.
Additionally, construction was completed earlier this year on the new tennis and golf center, which replaced the ten tennis courts with twelve new ones, and added a 2,500-square-foot building. The facility includes a central lounge that opens onto the courts, restrooms, and two 3-dimensional activity spaces with golf simulators. It was designed by architect Andrew Kotchen ’90, P’22, ’26 and his firm, Workshop/APD. The tennis and golf center was funded entirely through gifts to Suffield.
NEW MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
RICK DEVLIN ’05
Rick Devlin is a managing director in the investment office at Stanford University, where he oversees investments across asset classes for Stanford’s endowment. Before joining Stanford in 2012, he was a senior consulting associate at Cambridge Associates in Menlo Park. Rick earned a B.A. in economics and political science from Williams College in 2009 and is a CFA Charterholder. At Williams, he co-captained the men’s tennis team. Rick attended Suffield Academy as a boarding student and graduated in 2005. He serves on the Board’s Investment Committee and the Budget, Finance & Audit Committee.
MARK VANDEVANTER P’22
Mark Vandevanter is a senior vice president and national head of professional liability insurance for AXA XL. He was a founder of the Executive Liability Underwriters, a business unit of XL Capital. Since its inception in 1999, ELU has grown to be one of the largest underwriters of corporate directors and officer liability insurance in North America with annual premiums exceeding $1 billion. In his role at AXA Mark regularly works with senior management of many of America’s largest companies. Mark graduated from Assumption College and lives in Suffield. Mark serves on the Board’s Long Range Planning Committee and the Budget, Finance & Audit Committee.
RUZICKA LEADERSHIP AWARD
EXCELLENCE, ADVANCEMENT & SUCCESS
The Association of Boarding Schools [TABS] presented Suffield’s Head of School Charles Cahn III with their most prestigious honor, the Ruzicka Leadership Award, at the 2024 TABS Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. Named in honor of the late Steven D. Ruzicka, TABS Executive Director from 1995-2007, the award recognizes extraordinary contributions to the excellence, advancement, and success of boarding schools. It highlights “the honorees’ dedication to the mission of boarding schools, fostering professional connections, and enriching the boarding school experience for students, families, faculty, and staff.” TABS Executive Director Susan Baldridge presented Charlie with the award and highlighted his contributions to Suffield and the boarding school community.
Five new Suffield students enrolled this fall as Cahn Scholars. They join Anna Jolly ’26 with these prestigious scholarships. The Cahn Scholars Program was established through gifts from many donors to recognize Hillary and Charlie Cahn’s historic impact on Suffield Academy and further strengthen the school’s commitment to financial aid. The goal is to permanently carry forward the Cahn family’s emphasis on kindness, respect, leadership, and effort by providing financial assistance to a group of students demonstrating these values and clear academic accomplishment. The Cahn Scholars Program provides need-based and merit-based support. The new Cahn Scholars are Whitney Bedell ’28 from Deerfield, Massachusetts, Matt Clealand ’29 from New York City, Dylan Andwele Hall ’29 from Hartford, Amelia Moltenbrey ’29 from Westfield, Massachusetts, and Sophie Schneider ’28 from Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CAHN SCHOLARS FUND
BREWSTER LOBBY DEDICATION
DAVID WOLKOFF & STEPHANIE WINSTON WOLKOFF ’89
The beautiful lobby in Brewster Hall was dedicated to the Wolkoff family in May. The Wolkoff Family Lobby was named in recognition of Stephanie and David’s generosity to Suffield. Stephanie ’89 is a Suffield trustee and member of the Board’s Executive Committee. Tyler ’23 and Alexi ’25 were four-year Suffield students.
Head of School Charlie Cahn said, “I know how deeply proud the Wolkoffs are of Suffield. Like all our trustees, Stephanie makes it a priority in every way: through their time, energy, and philanthropy. Of the various spaces we discussed naming in recognition of their vast support of our school, this one seemed most fitting to Stephanie and David—the space where our students congregate each day before lunch in a building that is in many ways the heartbeat of our campus.”
FACULTY & STAFF CELEBRATE
SUFFIELD ACADEMY COMMUNITY
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT ]
Kelly Kinne Patterson ’82, P’13 [Childcare Center] I Chris Pentz P’15, ’19 [History Department] I Amy Pentz P’15, ’19 [English Department]
Diana David P’98, ’01 [Development Office] I Sue Rafferty P’27, ’29 [Head Athletic Trainer] I Bryan Brissette [Chair, History Department]
Bill Sullivan P’22, ’26, ’26 [Chair, English Department] I Not in Photo: Kathy Nai P’99, ’08 [Campus Life]
TRADING PLACES
HEAD OF SCHOOL FOR A DAY
This spring, our community saw a spirited shift in leadership. Head of School Charlie Cahn set aside his usual routine and headed to class with notebook in hand, while three students—Campbell Hudkins ’25, Constantine Georgiopoulos ’26, and Naos Dancanet ’26—stepped into his role as Heads of School for the Day. The opportunity was made possible through last spring’s Parents’ Association Auction.
Their day began with a behind-the-scenes look at how the school runs. After a warm welcome—and some Suffield gear—from Chief Financial Officer Patrick Booth, the student leaders joined Director of Enrollment Management Sean Atkins to learn how new students find their way to Suffield. They met with Dean of Academics & Faculty Sara Yeager to discuss curriculum and faculty development, and connected with Ann Selvitelli, Director of College Counseling & Leadership, who shared insights into two of Suffield’s signature programs. Meanwhile, Mr. Cahn was fully immersed in student life, attending a full slate of classes including Physics, AP Precalculus, European Studies, and English IV. He took notes, participated in discussions, and saw the school day through the eyes of a student.
Campbell, Constantine, and Naos brought their own energy to the day. They selected student-favorite meals—chicken taquitos for lunch and chimichurri steak for dinner—and met with various departments across campus. They climbed the Fuller Hall cupola, toured the Ap Seaverns Athletic Center roof, and worked with Director of Marketing & Communications Amy Randall to run a lively Instagram takeover. Their final act? Organizing a surprise visit from an ice cream truck on Rego Terrace. It was a memorable and meaningful exchange—offering students a closer look at school leadership and giving the Head of School a chance to reconnect with the classroom.
Gathering Together
The Fall and Spring Family Weekends, Grandparents’ Day, and the 25th Annual Parents’ Association Auction brought energy, pride, and connection to campus. From lively performances to meaningful conversations, each event showcased the warmth, generosity, and school spirit that define the Suffield community.
More than 230 visitors attended Grandparents’ Day.
Grandparents’ joined their grandchildren in classrooms and labs, explored the arts, and shared a festive lunch as Head of School Charlie Cahn spoke about how Suffield’s core four values of kindness, respect, leadership, and effort shape the school community and educational program.
Family Weekends invited parents into their children’s daily lives—attending classes, meeting with advisors and college counselors, joining seminars on academic planning and college athletic recruiting, and enjoying a Performing Arts Showcase.
The fall weekend concluded with Head of School Charlie Cahn’s State of the School meeting, offering updates on campus life and strategic planning. The Spring Auction capped the year’s celebrations with an evening of exceptional food, spirited bidding, student performances, and fundraising for the Cahn Scholars Fund—honoring Hillary ’88 and Charlie Cahn’s remarkable contributions by endowing financial aid for students who exemplify the school’s values.
NATIONAL HONORS IN CHEMISTRY RECOGNIZED FOR SCIENTIFIC EXCELLENCE
The U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad recognizes the nation’s top high school chemistry students with High Honors [top 50] and Honors [top 150] designations.
This year, MJ Choi ’26, who is a four-year senior from Seoul, South Korea, earned national Honors, placing in the top 150 out of more than 16,000 students. After scoring in the top 15% statewide on the qualifying exam during March break, MJ advanced to the national round in April, competing against 1,000 of the country’s strongest chemistry students. He ultimately placed in the top fifth nationally and received an Honors Certificate from the American Chemical Society for his outstanding achievement.
SHOOTING FOR THE STARS
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
Each year, 1.5 million students enter the National Merit Scholarship competition by submitting PSAT scores. Of those, only 2,500 are awarded the prestigious scholarship—placing recipients among the top 0.5% of applicants nationwide. Abby Quinby ’25 was one of this year’s winners, recognized for her exceptional academic record, intellectual curiosity, and promising future in the field of astrophysics. National Merit Scholars are selected not only for outstanding test scores, but also for their accomplishments, skills, and potential to thrive in rigorous college programs. Abby completed an independent research project in astronomy in collaboration with the Chair of the Astronomy Department at Wesleyan University. A multi-talented and humble scholar, she was also selected to perform in a high school honors orchestra hosted by the University of Hartford’s Hartt School of Music. Her achievements reflect not only academic excellence, but also a versatile and passionate approach to learning.
MODEL UN
DEBATES, NEGOTIATIONS & GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
Suffield’s SAMUN delegation put their diplomacy skills to the test at Harvard Model UN [HMUN], engaging with global peers to tackle real-world challenges. Joining over 3,500 students from across the U.S. and more than 50 countries, Suffield students stepped into the roles of diplomats and policymakers, engaging in debate, negotiation, and resolution-building on some of the world’s most pressing issues. They served on committees such as the Legal Committee, Special Political & Decolonization Committee, Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee, and the fast-paced Ad Hoc Committee.
In these settings, delegates tackled topics including international law, sovereignty disputes, decolonization, human rights, and global security. They crafted proposals, built coalitions, and developed practical solutions—gaining firsthand insight into the challenges of diplomacy and international relations. The HMUN experience strengthened students’ skills in public speaking, research, and collaboration while exposing them to a diverse range of global perspectives. Suffield Academy is proud of their leadership, critical thinking, and the thoughtful way they represented our community on the international stage.
COMMUNITY CHARITY
The Suffield Academy community selected Ronald McDonald House of Springfield as its 2024–2025 charity, inspired by the nomination of Alivia McKay ’25, who experienced the organization’s care firsthand while recovering from major surgeries related to a rare autoimmune disease. Ronald McDonald Houses are “a compassionate environment [that] provides families a place to rest and restore while remaining close to their hospitalized child.” The Color Wars event—always a highlight of the fall term—channeled energy into purpose, raising nearly $20,000 for the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield.
COLOR WARS FOR RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF SPRINGFIELD
Dalida “Milly” Janevathanavitya ’25 was honored with the 2024 Diana Award—an international recognition that celebrates young changemakers creating lasting social impact. Milly founded Arttitude, a mental health initiative promoting emotional wellness through accessible art therapy.
Inspired by her own struggles with perfectionism and the healing power of watercolor, Milly partnered with psychologist Professor Pimpanit Condee to develop a five-step art therapy method designed for diverse groups, including neurodivergent individuals and trauma survivors. Since its launch, Arttitude has reached:
30+ communities across seven countries
1,000+ Art Therapy First Aid Kits distributed
25 workshops led by a team of 54 trained student instructors
Each kit includes art supplies and a QR-linked video guide, making the experience approachable and impactful. Milly’s leadership also extends to mentoring peers, establishing school chapters, and speaking publicly to destigmatize mental health. Despite challenges in awareness and funding, her compassion and determination continue to drive Arttitude’s mission: making art therapy accessible for all.
Neeva Patel ’26 was recognized with the 2025 Fichtenholtz Prize. The award was established by Barbara and Ted Fichtenholtz P’96 in honor of their son Harlan’s experiences at Suffield, to recognize a student who identifies an issue in the moral sphere and acts. Neeva created Our Motel Stories, a digital archive aimed at preserving and sharing the stories of South Asian immigrants in the motel industry. This grew from Neeva’s many visits to her grandparents’ motel, where they worked until her grandfather tragically passed away from COVID.
Neeva wanted to learn more about his journey: his immigration story, his struggles, and his perseverance. She began by knocking on motel doors across her community and asking immigrant families about their lives. She recorded interviews and began building a digital archive that preserved history and created a safe space for families to feel pride in their stories.
What began as a small way to grieve her grandfather grew into a celebrated project. Neeva was recognized by the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, the largest hotel owners’ association in the world, and invited to speak at their 2025 national convention in New Orleans. She was named one of the 35 Under 35 leaders in the hospitality industry for 2025. Her work was even featured in the documentary The Patel Motel Story, which premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival.
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
STUDENT DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Each December, the National Association of Independent Schools [NAIS] hosts the People of Color Conference [PoCC] and the Student Diversity Leadership Conference [SDLC], bringing together educators, trustees, and students of color, along with allies of all backgrounds. This year’s conference took place in the beautiful Mile High City of Denver, Colorado.
Suffield was proud to send five faculty members—Elizabeth Warren, Gis-Xi Nahmens, Kareem Nulan, Ramona Fontaine ’18, and Stanley Dunbar and five students—Alex Cha ’25, Adrianna Bailey-Stewart ’26, Alana Clarke ’26, Nicholas Warren ’26, and Nat Crain ’27.
Over the course of four days, student participants engaged in intensive programming designed to foster leadership, communication, and personal growth. With more than 100 workshops, master classes, and seminars, PoCC offered adults opportunities to explore the multifaceted experiences of people of color in independent schools. Topics included educational pedagogy, leadership, resilience, community building, and more. Our faculty found the sessions both intellectually engaging and professionally relevant, aligning closely with their ongoing work on campus, bringing back many ideas to implement in their daily work. The group hosted a mini-Suffield reunion, bringing together current faculty, alumni, and former colleagues who were also in attendance representing their schools. In addition to our faculty, the gathering welcomed former Suffield faculty members Barbara Guarriello, Beth Krasemann P’19, ’21 and Erika Picciotto Zanussi, along with alumni Matthew Wiggin ’06 and Devina Bhalla ’18.
LUNAR NEW YEAR
2025: YEAR OF THE SNAKE
“
Attending SDLC helped me learn more about myself and gain a better understanding of others. The experience gave me a new sense of strength and helped shape the confidence and reassurance I carry with me today. -Alex Cha ’25
Suffield Academy students celebrated the Lunar New Year marking the arrival of spring and the Year of the Snake. International Student Coordinator Gis-Xi Nahmens shared “Lunar New Year is an important tradition for our Asian American and Pacific Islander [AAPI] students that symbolizes renewal, family, and togetherness. Many of our students cannot travel home for this special holiday and we are committed to creating a warm and inclusive celebration right here on campus. The dinner offered a festive gathering where students enjoyed a delicious meal, connected with peers, and embraced the traditions that make this holiday meaningful. By bringing the spirit of Lunar New Year to our community, we strive to provide a sense of home, belonging, and cultural pride for our AAPI students.”
IN HONOR OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
Suffield Academy community came together to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a moving chapel. The program featured powerful presentations that included original poems, personal stories, and reflections. Students shared their experiences, challenged perceptions, and encouraged the community to consider the ongoing work needed to achieve justice and equality. Below is an original poem presented at chapel.
The Crown of Her Skin
| TAMMY OLAYINKA ’26 |
She landed in this land of stars and stripes, a little girl from Nigeria, eyes wide with dreams
But the soil she stepped on whispered a different song, one that told her: you don’t belong
Her skin, rich as the earth beneath her feet was a map of generations, of blood lines and roots
But here, it was a stain, a mark of other—in classrooms, on streets, in mirrors, and in books
Too dark, they said with whispers thin as air ... Not enough they judged, with careless stares
She learned the names they gave to her shade—too black, too loud, too out of place
She tried to scrub the color off her soul, to change her hue to something they’d condone
But the truth was buried deep, a seed of doubt ... Her heart grew heavy, and her smile fell out
But then one night, under an ancient sky, her ancestors spoke, their voices strong:
You are the dawn, the fire, the flame—the kings and queens who bear your name
She stood tall, a girl reborn in the dark, her skin a testament, a sacred mark
The scars of hate turned to wisdom’s gold, a power that she could no longer withhold
She saw the beauty in the melanin’s hue, a rhythm in her blood that the world never knew
And in her reflection, she no longer cried ... She found her roots and she stood with pride
Now on this day, she stands, hands open wide, a girl from Nigeria with nothing to hide
Her skin is a crown, her heart beats strong, she walks in the light of where she belongs
For she knows now that love is the cure and the world can be healed by the truth she endures
That no matter how dark the world may appear, her skin is her strength, and her soul is clear
For in loving my skin, I reclaim my grace—a justice for me, in this bold, sacred place
VETERANS DAY
FORMER FACULTY CAMERON M C MILLAN
Suffield welcomed Cam McMillan back to campus to share his story of service and sacrifice. A graduate of Avon Old Farms, Cam went on to attend Boston University as part of the Army ROTC Program. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 2018.
Cam was a faculty member at Suffield when, in 2021, he was deployed to Iraq as a counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar battle captain as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. After his commendable service, he earned a master’s degree in global studies and international relations from Northeastern University. Cam now works as a research analyst at a Washington D.C. nonpartisan national security and foreign policy think tank. In addition to his work in national security, he has written fiction and creative nonfiction based on his military experience.
“
sacrifice,” he said, “but it was incredibly rewarding to serve alongside truly remarkable Americans from every background, race, religion, gender, and creed. More than anything, my service was just a tiny drop in a much larger bucket of generations of men and women who sacrificed and endured more—much more— for us, for our Constitution, for the promise of a more perfect union, and for that eternal idea upon which this country was founded: that all people are created equal.”
Simply stepping outside of our own bubbles—even if just for a moment—to be active in our communities, to do what we think is right, to care about the world around us.
Cam’s talk was deeply poignant, profound, and powerful. While sharing his experience, he also honored fellow veterans by telling their stories—acknowledging and celebrating their own extraordinary sacrifice and service to our country. “It required
Cam praised military members from the past and present and encouraged Suffield students and faculty to serve in various ways: “One does not need to serve in the military to live a life of service or be an engaged citizen. Simply stepping outside of our own bubbles— even if just for a moment—to be active in our communities, to do what we think is right, to care about the world around us. To recognize that some things are worth defending. To cherish the role of citizen and take seriously its responsibilities. To be inspired by the fact that this country, despite all of its past ills and current divisions, continues to produce such remarkable people, like the ones I’ve mentioned today.”
As a capstone to Suffield’s four-year Leadership Program, each senior gives a chapel talk to the community during the course of the academic year. Most speak about their personal journeys to and through Suffield. Max Dashefsky gave the following talk in April.
From the moment I stepped on campus and talked about Christian Wilkins ’15 and Michigan football in Mr. Cahn’s office during my interview day, I knew that I was home. That is not to say the beginning was easy. I had left home having just learned that my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer; I was lonely, and in need of someone to tell me that I had made the right decision. There was no shortage of people at Suffield who cared about me, fulfilling my desire to find the best version of myself.
While I am deeply appreciative to all teachers, administrators, and other staff members, I wanted to express my special thanks to a few of them today:
Mr. Cahn, you changed my life. Letting me attend Suffield and become the school’s livestream sports announcer gave me the literal and figurative doorway to finding my voice. My heartfelt gratitude is indescribable.
you for knowing when I needed help in academic support. You have inspired me to pursue my dreams in football, and I hope that I make you proud.
Last, but certainly not least, thank you, Mrs. Selvitelli. For me, the college application process was daunting at times. You became my most reliable partner toward my future, but also my source of motherly love here at school. Thank you for the care that you always showed.
Mr. Pentz, thank you for not letting me slip through the cracks and for giving me and my family the benefit of your experience at Suffield.
Mr. Setian, your energy in every interaction propelled me for years. The football team was an entrance to a world that I will treasure. To you, Mr. Stone, Mrs. Dugan, Sweeney, and Mr. Beaulieu, thank
As for those of you here—my friends, my fellow team managers, my dish crew and everyone in the kitchen, the JOS, the teams, all of the coaches, and everyone else—you are all part of what has made my three years at Suffield the best years of my life.
As I look back at my original goal of finding my best self, in some sense, I think I failed at that, but Suffield taught me not to find the best version of myself, but to be a person in constant pursuit of that. Suffield taught me that the goal is valuing the journey, the struggles and the victories, and to be comfortable and confident in your true self. I love this place, and I am forever thankful knowing that whatever comes next, I am better prepared for it.
Before I conclude I would like to thank my family. You mean the world to me, and I love you all so much.
Guru Anand » Live in the moment & appreciate everything that Suffield has to offer
Jerry Bao » It’s easy to get caught up in what you’re supposed to do—what’s all of it worth if you aren’t happy?
Nicholas Llanos » After all the hours of work, the smallest victories like this felt that much better.
Sage Hodgkins » Although these two places are drastically different, I call them both home.
Jack Clancy » Music is one of the most important things to me because music is what saved my life.
Olly Cherry » Community is bonds we form & the responsibility we feel to look out for each other.
Zoey Bujak » The ocean is the place I learned the value of teamwork & who I am as a person.
Alivia McKay » Treat people with grace—you never know what they might be going through.
Milly Janevathanavitya » I hope all of you can find something in your life that brings you pride.
Josh Kim » The importance of honesty & learning from mistakes.
Andrew Rana » It is important how we respond to our mistakes.
Alijah Sanford » Family is not bound by blood but by bond.
Owen Tulley » When you enjoy what you do, it feels like you’re not working at all.
Oliver Zhang » A life without a single mistake would be boring.
Kayla Barthel » Savor each moment because someday they will become cherished memories.
Ashley Mercede » Some people just aren’t cut out for certain things.
Abby Quinby » Sometimes the best opportunity is waiting just around the corner.
Eddie Grace » Having this unconditional love & support will help me succeed in my life.
Ryan Haines » There’s no one-size-fits-all for happiness & that’s part of what makes each of us unique.
Keegan Milne » My brother’s strength is something I will always carry with me.
George Hunt » My mother is an unwavering pillar of support—always present no matter the storm I face.
Evan Riccelli » The Suffield community will truly do anything to help you achieve your goals.
Sawyer Tierney Plimpton » Find your own Outward Bound & enjoy the adventure.
Lauren Dobler » Real growth happens when taking risks even if the risks lead to failure.
Meghan Drury » Mom & dad: thank you for being my biggest supporters.
Kennedy Pelletier » The beauty of nature has taught me the importance of balance & mindfulness.
Kellen Booth » Swimming taught me discipline, commitment, and resilience.
Alex Cha » I hope you will remember me as your TA.
Shalin Patel » My older cousins have taught me valuable life lessons.
Matthew Pinzon Pacheco » My PG experience at Suffield was a great decision.
John Rusnock » Make decisions based on things that genuinely spark your interests & passions.
Diana Baffor » Grandma: everything you touched was with so much love & care.
Jack Carey » Mom & dad: your sacrifice does not go unnoticed by my sisters & I.
Jay Hong » Baseball is a meditative routine that reduces anxiety & inspires me to keep playing.
Ryan Kim » Today I can say I have multiple people in my life that I can call true friends.
Claire Mastella » No matter the situation, always try to find the good in it.
Ava Maglieri » By day two it was as though Lola & I had known each other for months.
Isabel Rodriguez » When I close my eyes I can see my dreams & change my reality.
Sariah Shawwaf » Saud: I wouldn’t be who I am today without you.
Melissa Smith » I was surrounded by a vibrant & close-knit community unlike anything in this world.
Ava Jacobson » Everyone around you is living uniquely with their own perspectives & goals.
Ali Slade » People may forget the details of what was said, but the feelings endured will last forever.
Tilden Wasley » Notice the bigger picture—try not to be consumed by life’s small inconveniences.
Sophie Lawry » I hope you listen to the lyrics of the song & recall your own triumphs.
Gero Vargas Deandar » I am eternally grateful for the countless life lessons & opportunities at Suffield.
Josie Davis » Take risks if it means you get to do what you want to do.
Timmy Mitchell » Photography became my passion, all stemming from one conversation.
Vincent Prescott » When I learned to accept myself & be a part of a community, I learned to be happy.
Isabelle Marzouca » What once felt like an end turned out to be a beginning I didn’t know I needed.
Reagan Silva » I am so grateful for the guidance & courage my parents have brought to my life.
Tom Stanley » Doing my best all the time has been a profound principle in my life supported by my father.
Kyla Brogan » Find the positives in life rather than dwelling on the negative.
Sarah Miller » I cherish the family that have chosen me & loved me unconditionally.
Maeve Selvitelli » I’m proud of where I am today: far from where I started in the country club pool.
Nyah Bailey-Burton » I don’t have to diminish myself for the sake of someone else’s character development.
Mercedes Bourgeois » My time here would not have been the same without my house’s constant visitors.
Campbell Hudkins » I treasure my family more than anything in the world.
Chloe Lawrence » Memories remind me how my love for art started & how my family has shaped me.
Chase Beloin » Honesty is always the best policy.
Josh Gamere » The one positive from this situation was that it gave me a speech share with you all.
Mason Lester » From the moment I got to campus I was welcomed with so many open arms.
Gus Sendlenski » Every awkward moment can teach us a valuable lesson.
Christophe Gourdeau Coossa » I made friendships here I will hopefully keep for the rest of my life.
Jake Brook » My parents taught me that people make mistakes but hopefully they will learn from them.
Charlie Gamere » It isn’t always about the now.
Charles Kaludis » Trust the plan, put in the work, & you never know where you might end up.
O’Shae Maxwell » Thank you, grandpa, for every meal & all your spoken knowledge
Gabriel Rivera » He taught me discipline, hard work, & how to maintain my luscious curls.
Benjamin White » People make your days easier & turn the stress of school into laughter is so special.
Herman Troshin » I might not know where my home is yet, but I see my path clearly at Suffield.
Andrew Lange » You should show support & love at any time & expect nothing in return.
Louie Montalvo » We all face challenging situations—remember to utilize the resources available here.
Nicholas Penuchev » When you choose a different path, you have to be willing to walk it.
Jahmir Pitcher » Don’t let the outside noise dictate how you feel.
Carys Grant & Colette Tcherevkoff » We will always have each other’s backs no matter what.
Paw Law Eh » Trust yourself more than what others think about you.
Sammy Nudelman » Suffield has shaped me into who I am today & I am forever grateful.
James Bois » Dad: you’ve been a huge inspiration in the man I want to become.
Kurt Burkhart » Her kindness made me understand that any situation is based on one’s perspective.
Jihoo Choi » Growth happens in uncomfortable places.
Jakub Lomicka » Home isn’t a place, it’s the people you surround yourself with.
Andrew Mack » Try to lift others up & be kind to them—like all these people did for me.
Austin Rappaport » Mindfulness is slowing down & recognizing all of the details around you.
Vyom Tiwari » Humans on a tiny rock hoping someone hears their song.
Noreen Flanagan » My purpose is to speak up for the people & cultures I know well.
Ian Cooper » I changed from wishing I could change the past to making the best out of my situation.
Ben Gorman » Maturity isn’t a destination, it’s a journey.
Anthony Greco » I will forever cherish all of the memories we have made together.
Lathan Hudson » Focus on the things that only you can control.
Adande Nartey » If I could let go of something I’ve held on to, I could conquer anything.
Sydney Drinan » I tend to find comfort in inspirational words.
Brandon Burke » My grandfather has been my number one support & biggest fan in life.
Nick Lemmond » Where you start does not define where you are going.
Avery Mickens » Blending a family is like learning a new language.
Jonathan Niv » This period of isolation was a blessing in disguise.
Luke Arnold & Mack Noorily » Take that risk & do the one thing you have always wanted to try.
Skylar Fiske » We would be robbed of all the imperfect & unexpected surprises that life has to offer.
Vonny Robinson » I saw my struggle as an opportunity for growth & self discovery.
Julia Wilner » To my friends: thank you making Suffield feel like home.
Iza Zajac » You have each played a part in shaping me as not only a student but as a person.
Elizabeth Cerrato » Hold your siblings close & cherish the minutes you spend with them.
Brandon Park » Appreciate what you have, especially the small things.
Max Dashefsky » Suffield taught me that the goal is valuing the journey, struggles, and victories.
Matthew Hulst » Sometimes it’s better to risk having to apologize than to ask permission.
Azerionna Crudup » Living in different worlds has taught me how to adapt, listen, and care.
Garvey-Elise Johnson » I faced my fear even if it wasn’t perfect.
Katy Caron » I learned that I wasn’t alone in feeling like I did not have it all figured out.
Ayden Gardner » When I play soccer I feel great happiness because it connects me to my family.
Kyryl Popov » You are already enough, even before anyone notices.
Bernardo Lujan Lalieu » My father is the inspiration for working hard in everything I do.
Alan Suarez Vargas I never thought I would find so many people who I would be comfortable opening up to.
Haruka Kajiwara » Always listen to your body.
Joaquin Vargas Deandar » Good things don’t happen when you are stuck in the same comfortable place.
The 124 members of Suffield Academy’s Class of 2025 are attending 79 different colleges and universities across the United States and the globe. Their choices reflect the depth of talents and interests in this impressive graduating class. The most popular choice this year was New York University, where eight students enrolled. Some examples are below.
American University
Babson College
Barnard College
Bentley University
Boston College
Boston University
Brown University
Bucknell University
Chapman University
Clemson University
Colby College
Colgate University
College of the Holy Cross
Columbia University
Cornell University
Dickinson College
Elon University
Fordham University
George Washington University
Gettysburg College
Hamilton College
Hampden-Sydney College
Harvard University
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
College of the Holy Cross
Indiana University
Ithaca College
John Carroll University
Loyola University of Maryland
McGill University
Middlebury College
New York University
Nichols College
Penn State University
Princeton University
Rollins College
Rutgers University
Skidmore College
Southern Methodist University
Santa Clara University
St. John’s University
Stonehill College
Syracuse University
Technologico de Monterray
Texas Christian University
The University of Tampa
Trinity College
Tufts University
Tulane University
US Military Academy West Point
University of Connecticut
University of Denver
University of Miami
University of New Hampshire
University of Toronto
University of Vermont
Villanova University
Wake Forest University
Wesleyan University
Kent-Davis
CLASS OF 2025 SPEAKING COMPETITION
Kent: Vyom Tiwari I Diana Baffor I Vincent Prescott I Alijah Sanford
Davis: Isabel Rodriguez I Josie Davis I Olly Cherry I Nyah Bailey-Burton I Claire Mastella
The Emmett Kent Public Speaking Prize is awarded to a student who demonstrates excellent oratory and speech-writing skills. The Charles G. Davis Oratory Prize is awarded to a student who demonstrates excellent oratory skills with a keen awareness of the subject in relation to the audience. Below are excerpts from this year’s winners.
[Kent]
Diana Baffor | “Going Home”
It has been four years since I left Ghana. Four years without the smell of home or hearing my little sister’s feet as she enters the house. Four years without fighting over the TV remote, arguing about who does what chores and laughing about it later. Four years of waking up in a place where I had to find myself while finding ways to build a home here. Four years of learning new things, new seasons, with new challenges. And now, I’m going back. Back to the place I’ve known all my life. I should be excited. Don’t get me wrong, I am excited. But I’m also scared because I’ve changed. I’ve had time to think, to breathe, to ask questions I never could before. Questions about who I am. Who I like. Questions that feel dangerous in the wrong places. Questions that still send shivers to my tongue when I try to say them out loud... How do you bring all of you to a place that never saw that part of you to begin with? In Ghana, some truths are silenced. Some are denied. Others are prayed away. So, I’ve learned how to hide pieces of myself. To smile with one side of my mouth and hide the pain with the other. But these four years didn’t just teach me how to adapt and survive. It taught me how to feel. And I felt love.
Juan, Miguel, Milagros, Olga, Manuel all died yesterday, today, and will die again tomorrow. And now they are together, addicted to silence, off-limits to the wind, confined to worm supremacy in Long Island Cemetery. Here lies Juan. Here lies Miguel. Here lies Milagros. Here lies Olga. Here lies Manuel. Always broke, always owing, never knowing they are beautiful people. Never knowing the geography of their complexion. Puerto Rico is a beautiful place, Puertorriqueños are a beautiful race. If only they had turned off the television and tuned into their own imaginations. If only they had used the white supremacy bibles for toilet paper and made their Latino souls the only religion of their race. Juan, Miguel, Milagros, Olga, Manuel are now together, doing their own thing where beautiful people sing, and dance, and work together, where the wind is a stranger to miserable weather. Aqui Se Habla Español, all the time. Aqui, you salute your flag first. Aqui, there are no dial soap commercials. Aqui, TV dinners don’t have a future. Aqui, men and women admire desire and never get tired of each other. Aqui, to be called Negrito means to be called LOVE.
[Davis]
Baccalaureate
THE CLASS OF 2025
“We always knew this day would come, and now that it’s here, take a moment to appreciate where you’ve been—and get excited about where you’re going. You have made us very proud.”
Amy Randall & Sean Atkins
CO-ADVISORS FOR THE CLASS OF 2025
As we share in the excitement of this moment with your families, it’s only natural to reflect on where it all began. On the day you were born, your families’ lives changed forever. Their hearts exploded with love, and their imaginations soared, dreaming of the incredible life ahead of you. I like to believe that in that very moment, they looked at you and thought: what a wonderful world.
Come with me on a journey and close your eyes for a moment. Picture your very first day of school—tiny backpack bouncing on your shoulders, squeaky-clean sneakers, a name tag pinned proudly to your shirt, declaring to the world, “This is who I am.” You might have felt nervous, brave, maybe both at the same time. Some ran through those doors without looking back. Others held tightly to a familiar hand, not quite ready to let go. You were stepping into a new world. You were ready—to lay the foundation that would carry you forward; for the triumphs and the tears, the growing pains, and the milestones; and of course, ready to learn your ABCs.
In time, school became more than addition, facts, and science projects. It became the backdrop for discovering who you are. You began to pair the expected routines of life with a desire to find something more—a passion, a hobby, a spark of your own. For most of us, that discovery came through trial and error. Maybe your natural talent showed itself the first time you sat at a piano or picked up a paintbrush. Maybe it clicked as you crossed the finish line, made a game-winning play, or when a teacher noticed your spark in the classroom. Whether you’ve already found something you love, or you’re still exploring what lights you up—chase it. You might think you’re already one thing—but don’t be afraid to become another. Surprise yourself. Show up for something—anything—and see where it leads you. Tonight is a time to pause. A breath between what was and what’s coming next. You’ve worked so hard and grown so much. Take a moment to feel that. This chapter is ending, but the story is far from over. Someday soon, your life will change. Along the way, you’ve discovered your strength—the quiet kind that shows up in the hardest moments and carries you through…and the more visible kind that’s revealed when you rise after falling, speak up when it’s difficult, or keep going when no one’s watching.
We’ve all had those “two steps forward, one step back” moments. But never forget: you’ve never walked alone. You’ve had people by your side—family, friends, teachers, coaches. Cheering you on. Lifting you up. And as you go forward, find more of those people—the ones who “would sail the world to find you…and be the light to guide you.”
As you step into the world beyond Suffield, take your ABCs with you—not just the ones from the classroom, but the ones that will shape your character:
Authenticity Stay true to who you are, even when the world tries to change you.
Bravery Step into the unknown. Speak your truth. Dare to chase what sets your soul on fire.
Compassion … Let your heart lead. Be the one who notices, who cares, who shows up with kindness when it matters most.
You’ve met challenges with resilience and inspired others just by being yourselves. And here, at this very special place, you’ve left your mark. We always knew this day would come, and now that it’s here, take a moment to appreciate where you’ve been—and get excited about where you’re going. You have made us very proud. Tomorrow, when the sun rises [and it will rise], you will step into a new beginning—maybe in new shoes, still squeaky clean. This time, no name tag is required. Because we will always remember you. Because you have earned the title: Suffield Academy Class of 2025. ?
Guru Anand
CLASS OF 2025 PRESIDENT
Tonight, we stand at the precipice of a milestone. It’s the kind of day that ends up in scrapbooks, gets posted on Instagram, and maybe even makes someone’s holiday newsletter. But this isn’t the whole story, and this isn’t the end. It’s just a snapshot. We are the generation where all our moments get put on social media—from our annual birthday posts, to when we used to post to
BeReal every waking moment, to even potentially viral moments on TikTok. But real life—the part that actually shapes us—doesn’t happen in these picture-perfect moments; it happens between them, in the weird, quiet, awkward, and hilarious spaces. It often occurs in group projects, where no one does the work until the night before, and even then, someone mysteriously disappears from the group chat right when things get serious. It happens when you bomb a test you thought you were ready for, walk out numb, and then realize—you’re still breathing and still standing.
It happens in those lunchroom conversations that start with homework but turn into unexpected confessions. It happens in hallway glances—or the one time someone remembered your name when you didn’t think they knew it. The moments unique to Suffield that will stick with us forever, such as the Suffsets, cheering your friends on in a packed sports game, or even just seeing your advisor after a long day. These aren’t the things that get mentioned in award speeches or yearbook quotes. But they’re the moments that made us. Because high school was a collection of missteps, make-ups, late-night texts, early morning panic, and those random little victories no one saw except maybe your closest friends.
As we walk across the stage tomorrow and into this mysterious, occasionally terrifying thing called “adulthood,” people are going to ask us: “So, what’s the plan?” “What are you majoring in?” “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Let’s be honest—some of us don’t even know what we’re having for dinner tomorrow. Five years from now? Here’s a secret: no one actually has it figured out. Some people fake it better than others. And that’s okay—not knowing means you’re still open to possibilities. Still curious. Still becoming. But that openness? It can feel uncomfortable, especially in a world that seems to reward certainty more than growth.
See, the world appreciates sharp goals, precise answers, and confident declarations. But real growth? That’s messy. It doesn’t always look impressive on paper. Sometimes you realize you’re not the person you told everyone you were. Sometimes your biggest strength turns out to be something you didn’t even know you
had—like empathy, or resilience, or your ability to finish a 1,000word essay in 45 minutes flat. Change doesn’t always come with a big announcement. Most of the time, it shows up quietly. It slips in while hanging out on the turf with friends or in the moment you stop comparing yourself to everyone else and start trusting your own pace. And maybe the most powerful thing we’ve learned— somewhere between freshman-year icebreakers and senior-year existential dread—is how to really see each other. Not just as test scores or Instagram bios or “that kid who shaved his head junior year.” But as actual people. People with weird hobbies, hidden worries, quiet dreams, and loud thoughts. People who’ve been figuring it out, just like you.
So, as we leave behind the world of sit-down lunches and signing out for the weekend, let’s not just chase the next milestone. Let’s pay attention to the space in between. Let’s remember the ordinary days. The small kindnesses. The dumb inside jokes. The late-night advice sessions that somehow always ended with, “You’re gonna be fine.” Let’s not be afraid to get lost for a while. Let’s fail without shame and succeed without arrogance. Let’s listen more, judge less, and choose curiosity over certainty. Because life is about becoming. Again and again and again.
To my fellow graduates: Keep becoming. Keep showing up— awkwardly, honestly, imperfectly. Keep seeing others and letting yourself be seen. We may not have it all figured out—but honestly, that might be our greatest strength. As we move forward—into new cities, new schools, new versions of ourselves—let’s remember one thing from the words of one of my favorite artists. J. Cole: “There’s no such thing as a life that’s better than yours.” ?
“To my fellow graduates: Keep becoming. Keep showing up—awkwardly, honestly, imperfectly. Keep seeing others and letting yourself be seen. We may not have it all figured out—but honestly, that might be our greatest strength.”
“Be sure that when you don’t know, and you feel lost, you ask others for help and support along the way. Far from a sign of weakness, this is the greatest sign of wisdom, strength, and courage.”
Charles Cahn III
HEAD OF SCHOOL
This is, of course, a special period for you and your families. You have earned the privilege of being a Suffield graduate, and we are proud of your individual and collective achievements. It is time for you to head out and seek a newer world and face the challenges ahead. You will do so with an exceptionally firm foundation. As Suffield’s structure is removed you will start to see things differently and have a broader perspective. In a few years, so will I. You will see that life is full of challenges and possibilities, and we do not have all the answers to many complicated aspects of human existence. Be sure that when you don’t know, and you feel lost, you ask others for help and support along the way. Far from a sign of weakness, this is the greatest sign of wisdom, strength, and courage. The one who asks questions does not lose their way.
Ten years ago, a famous and gifted actor named Alan Alda spoke at our Commencement, as his granddaughter was one of our 2015 graduates. Alan spoke about his appreciation of Suffield’s emphasis on distance traveled by students, and of our focus on continual improvement as people and as a school. He said, “Your motto—Esse Quam Videri—which translates to ’to be rather than to seem’—is a motto that asks you a serious question. Do you do? Or do you just look like you do?” Suffield, he said, “not only asks you that question but gives you a chance to answer it.”
We sincerely hope your time at Suffield has helped you feel confident and optimistic enough to treat yourselves and others with genuine respect and kindness. True success is found in selfawareness and an inner sense of worth, not external achievements, opinions, or judgments. As Howard Whitman wrote, “Real success is not an outward show but an inward feeling. It begins inside, and probably its first inkling is the feeling, even the knowledge, that one is worthwhile. That’s quite a discovery.”
For better or worse, regret and failure come with human existence, but I feel very strongly that being kind and encouraging can make up for many of these regrets. “There is overwhelming evidence,” Nathaniel Brandon said, “that the higher the level of self-esteem, the more likely one will be to treat others with respect, kindness, and generosity.” We have flooded you with adult guidance in this purposely inefficient and caring environment—with 200 adults supporting only 420 students. Never again will you be in a setting where so many people are invested and focused on your well-being. Candidly, I am sure many of you are relieved about this and ready to explore your independence and spread your wings. As you do, please be people of substance and compassion, willing to take smart risks and disagree in civil, mature ways.
I want to again emphasize that you have had some real partners on this journey, including your family and our faculty sitting with me tonight. This is always a complicated moment for us. As I like to say, the faculty is the nerve center of Suffield Academy and helps carry forth the values and history of our school—from 1833 to today. These people have taught you, motivated you, laughed with you, and given of themselves to help you grow and prosper. We watch you tonight with wonder and even a bit of awe as we think of the opportunities that lie ahead for you. You are going…and we are staying. Fortunately, we derive meaning and satisfaction from what we do here, and we hope you will also find this professional satisfaction in the years ahead. When you discover jobs you feel passionate about, you will love working hard and investing your lives in what you do. This is a key, among others, to happiness.
As we look ahead to tomorrow’s Commencement, thank you again for caring about our school and about each other, and please follow your instincts and your hearts in the years ahead. Yes, Esse Quam Videri. ?
Commencement
THE CLASS OF 2025
It is not every day that we get the privilege of being in the presence of a living legend but today is one of them. Jim Calhoun not only led a college basketball team to 25 straight winning seasons and three NCAA championships, but he did it at a school with a regional program and no evidence that what he accomplished could be achieved. His legacy lives on today with UConn’s consistent outstanding success. Jim was selected as Big East Coach of the Year four times, received the John Wooden Legends of Coaching Award, and earned basketball’s highest honor in 2005 when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Jim began his coaching career at Old Lyme High School in Connecticut and coached at Westport High and Dedham High in Massachusetts before taking his first college coaching job at Northeastern. He led his teams to 248 wins there before heading to UConn. In my conversations with Jim, his greatest pride comes across in the life-long relationships he has with many of his former players. The depth of information he recalls about these players and their families is remarkable, and a testament to his incredibly deep investment to helping these young men grow as players and people. We feel very fortunate to have Coach Calhoun with us to celebrate this special day for our seniors, their families, and Suffield Academy.
[Charlie Cahn, Head of School]
Jim Calhoun
COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
Good morning to all of you on this special day of your life. You’ll look back upon it. Sometimes an event becomes a memory, but a beginning in many ways, certainly an ending. You’ve ended your career of preparing to face what is going to be an exciting, exciting time. If I could trade places with you, you might want to trade places with the man I made in coaching—a “legend”. Legend, definition? You’re getting old. I would trade places with you in a heartbeat because you have so much in front of you. And I know everybody’s been telling you that but take it from someone from Boston. I know when I say “park the car in Harvard Yard,” someone didn’t get it. They must be from Connecticut, where I moved to. That said, I am here because I believe in you. I believe in the process, and I believe in getting there and making your mind up.
I’m going to talk to you about the advice I gave to people your age when I first met them. High school kids, as you can tell. I’m going to give you a little about my background. It’s not going to last long. I was born in Boston and was one of eight children. When I was 15 I went to Braintree High School in Cape Cod. Pretty good deal.
And then at 15, I was playing in a baseball game and someone yelled to me, “Hey, Jimmy. Jimmy Calhoun. Your dad just died.” I ran out from the game and found out my father had died of a heart attack. My life changed from someone ready to go to a place called Thayer Academy. I was granted a scholarship there to go, even though I started Braintree High School. And I had to handle things differently and could not go. I stayed in Braintree. After that, I had an opportunity to go to UMass. I couldn’t go. My mom had a heart attack. I’m not telling you this for any other reason except that life gets in the way of all of us. My hero had died. My mother, who I loved to death. My five sisters and my brother have all done well. And we made it through that time. Failure teaches a lot more sometimes than success. You don’t dwell on it. You build on it. My dad would have been disappointed if I hadn’t done that. So, my story is very simple.
What I started out doing all the time—everyone whoever played for me knows this—whether it be the 50 years, whether it be Reggie Lewis at Northeastern, whether it be Kemba Walker or Cliff Robinson at UConn, whether it be all the great players I coached, they all know what I say every day, all 365. Your job is to Win the Day. What does that mean, coach? It means WIN THE DAY. On this particular day
“Find your strength. What do you love, what do you care about, what you are going to make a difference in? You will not, I promise you this much, ever succeed in something that you don’t love.”
you’ve got to get something done to get you to where you want to be, your team wants to be, your university wants to be, Suffield wants to be, and more importantly, your family wants to be. Win every single day. Sometimes doing nothing can be a good thing if you’ve gone ten straight days working and are a zombie case.
I Whatever you think you are, you’re probably right. Think about it. Keep that. Don’t change it but adapt to it as you learn more about who you are because you carry you around all the time. Nobody is with you every single moment.
I As you build your character, your legacy, your life—make yourself really, really, interesting. Because you’re going to spend a lot of time with yourself. You’ll be the only person that spends that much time with you.
I Whatever you do, put your name on it. Own it.
I I can really see and feel the enthusiasm here today. “Nothing great in life has ever been accomplished without enthusiasm.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
I Don’t count days, make days count. It may be as simple as once again not doing anything, getting that body restored, ready to attack the next thing.
I Never fear failure, only chase success. Failure is going to do its own thing. Keep chasing success and you’ll never have failure.
I The less you say, the more your words matter. I can’t say that in my case as a coach. But all of it was to try to make my players better, and I worked with many terrific players.
I If you say the reason something happened was God’s plan— whatever your God may be—well, God’s plan couldn’t be what it is if you look at the world today. He wouldn’t design a place for what they’re doing in Gaza. I’m on the Olympic Committee for Israel and I’ve been to Israel twelve times. I’m Irish and I’ve been to Ireland twelve times. I’ve been to 42 countries and what I see a lot of times is: God didn’t plan this. People acted this way. We might not be able to do much about it, but you’re going to have to take the driver’s wheel to do great things and make sure that this doesn’t continue to exist. When I saw the prizes you were getting, the things that you were doing, I was astounded. I’d seen it before. I played golf every summer with Obama. Yeah, he’s a cool guy. His arms are as big as me. And when I first met him, I treated him like a president, and he said, “Can you treat me like a person?” I said, “Yes, if you get rid of the Secret Service agents.”
I When you focus on problems, you end up having more problems. When you focus on possibilities, you’ll find opportunities that are just waiting for you.
I Don’t take everyone personally, because they don’t think about you as much as you do.
I You can’t be great without greatness around you. I’d be a lousy coach if I didn’t have good players and Suffield would not be great without great faculty and students.
I Always have plan B, because something’s going to get screwed up. We know that. And if you want to act prepared it’s a really good thing. But someone’s then going to say, “What is your Plan B?” Define it to ensure you know what it is.
I Be a leader. To be a leader, you must know what is important to others. You can’t lead others if you do not know what is important to them. For example, I coached Reggie Lewis, God rest his soul. He never started a high school game but went on
to be an NBA all-star and captain of the Celtics with Larry Bird. One day he asked me, “Coach, can you do me a big favor?” I said, “What’s that?” “Can you stop yelling at me in front of the fellas?” I said, “Man, that’s the way I live. That’s the way I say things.” He was averaging 22 as a freshman, so I didn’t yell at him that much. But my point is that it was important to him. It is important to build trust with the whole team.
I Limit words, but not what you do. If I asked you who you are, I know I could get your first and last name, but what are you besides the person graduating from Suffield and going on to conquer the world? As a teacher and coach, I will push and push you as hard as I can every single day. Then I’ll have your back the rest of the way. After two and a half hours you wouldn’t necessarily want to be coached by me, but I got your back the rest of the way. For a lot of the kids that I coach and have coached, it’s really, really important it happens that way.
I Find your strength. What do you love, what do you care about, what you are going to make a difference in? You will not, I promise you this much, ever succeed in something that you don’t love. You know, everybody always talks about stats and all the other different things. Einstein said: “Facts are important, but imagination is much greater as far as its importance.” The idea to think, to create, and to make. Find your happiness. What makes you happy? You know what made me happy? Coaching basketball. I got cut, as I said before, by the Celtics. And then I went and had to go to grad school because I wasn’t going to play for the green in my hometown.
I Two things we must control—only you are in control of these. No one else. So, when you go to the dance, the game, the practice, two things you must bring every time: your effort and your attitude. That’s what you are. Everything else is superfluous. They will come. But your effort and your attitude, that’s what we want you to bring.
I One of the greatest gifts any of us can have is to pass positivity on to others. Make sure that every part of your body—every fiber of your body, gets involved in something that you love to make this world the best it possibly can.
Once again, it was an incredible honor to be with you. And I mean this very honestly. Obviously, I’ve given a few press conferences. I’ve talked to a few groups. But these are the kind of days that I will remember: a group of kids who will help change the world which needs changing right now. Thank you very, very much. ?
Nyah Bailey-Burton
CLASS OF 2025 SPEAKER
Good morning faculty, families, friends, and the graduating class of 2025. I am beyond honored to stand here, before all your beautiful, beaming faces to celebrate and congratulate you on all the work, the growth, the late nights and early mornings, and other standard congratulatory things as such. But first, in true Nyah fashion [literally and figuratively], I want to tell you about my outfit. I’m wearing my grandmother’s shoes. A very pre-loved pair of shiny pink kitten heels I first saw when I was around four or five years old. I thought [and still do think] she was the very coolest, most stylish woman I’d ever known, so I clambered through her closet like a walk-in treasure chest. She tells me my exact words were “Yaya, you have pink shoes!” quickly followed by “When I get older, I’m going to wear pink shoes.” I’m also wearing two bracelets handbeaded by my other grandmother, my beautiful Nana, who also gifted me all the rest of them.
So, I want to thank my grandmas for keeping me adorned. I also want to thank all the families who got us here. To those watching from across the country, the globe, or gazing down from above. Whether you raised us, paid our tuitions, gifted us shoes and bracelets, or simply believed in us, we are nothing without you. We carry your sacrifices, your lessons, and your dreams with us.
But now, let’s talk about us: the class of 2025... We did it. We made it through the chaos and the stifling Connecticut quiet, the deadlines and doubts, the awkward phases and glow-ups. We navigated the past few years with a creativity and courage I will always admire. We’ve grown, not just taller or even wiser, but truer. We have learned how to ask better questions, how and when to speak up. We’ve won big games, we’ve failed big tests, we’ve tried again. And through all of it, we’ve learned that success is not always about perfection: sometimes it’s waking up and choosing to get up and do just that: try again. We've built meaningful art and had meaningful arguments. We’ve started clubs and affinity groups, uplifted and supported each other, and made memories that will echo long past today.
“ As
we look ahead to what’s next:
beautiful, full lives we cannot begin to imagine, let’s never forget where we came from. The people. The places. The
little promises we made to ourselves when we were younger.”
And maybe the most powerful thing we’ve learned is that there is strength in community. The community of faculty who will never let you fall under their care, and who always pick you back up. The community of students who hold the door for you and bless you when you sneeze walking past them. I hope you all extend that kindness everywhere life takes you. As we look ahead to what’s next: beautiful, full lives we cannot begin to imagine, let’s never forget where we came from. The people. The places. The little promises we made to ourselves when we were younger.
Like me, standing here in Yaya’s shoes, we carry more than just our own steps: we carry legacy. History. Love. We are the continuation of so many stories, and now we get to write our own. As my brilliant friend Vyom once wrote in a poem, we shall build our dreams. Brazen dreams atop the foundations set by all that came before us. So yes, today is about achievement. But it’s also about honoring the journey: the hands that held us up, the shoulders we stood on, and the traditions that helped guide our way. Class of 2025, you are brilliant. You are powerful. And the world has no idea what’s coming. ?
“Be yourselves and be proud of who you are. The best way to be happy is to like yourself, and the easiest way to like yourself is to do things that make you proud.”
Charles Cahn III
HEAD OF SCHOOL
As we close our Commencement, let me share some brief final remarks with the members of our Class of 2025. I want to reiterate that we are proud of you and have high expectations of you as you move on. You have excelled here, and we extend our gratitude and thanks to you. As you head off to the next parts of your life journeys, please try to remember a few ideas we have sought to instill in you. These reflect Suffield’s most cherished core values: kindness, respect, effort, and leadership.
First, as you know, we feel a vital way to evaluate your life is by the distance you travel, as students and as people. Hard work matters. And when you discover work that brings you meaning it can be a great pleasure. You will find that your destiny will be more a function of effort than intellect. “Diligence,” as Ben Franklin said, “is the mother of good luck.”
Second, be yourselves and be proud of who you are. The best way to be happy is to like yourself, and the easiest way to like yourself is to do things that make you proud.
Third, please remember that the values our school emphasizes are far different than the division and apathy we unfortunately see in parts of our broader world. We emphasize kindness, respect, and character. We want you to seek to understand and embrace people from different backgrounds with different life stories. We want to celebrate harmony and empathy. We deeply hope you will bring these values into your next schools and communities so the goodness of Suffield can proliferate to various corners of America and the world.
And fourth, as I mention each year and feel most strongly about—always keep in mind the immense importance of good will, and of being uplifting to others. “Three things in human life are important,” Henry James noted. “The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.”
As our seniors head off—and ring the Class of 2020 Suffield Bell—we remind our graduates of Robert Frost’s quote: “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.” Suffield extends this offer to you, and we hope you will return often. Members of the Class of 2025, we salute you and wish you well. Congratulations. ?
a Faculty Sabbaticals
Bill Sullivan I Juan Carlos Gonzalez
Summer 2024 Grant Recipients
Suffield Academy is proud to support its talented faculty through a summer sabbatical program. It enables faculty members to engage in nontraditional study and travel programs to enhance their teaching and reward their commitment to our school. Faculty proposals do not have to be strictly about education or teacher training, as these grants recognize excellence and are intended to help teachers stay invigorated.
FACULTY SABBATICAL GRANTS ARE CHOSEN BY A COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY HEAD OF SCHOOL CHARLIE CAHN
Visiting Shakespeare’s Globe
Bill Sullivan P’22, ’26, ’26 English Department Chair
During his sabbatical, Bill Sullivan focused on deepening his understanding of Shakespeare—not just as a writer, but as a creative entrepreneur and cultural innovator. A visit to Shakespeare’s Globe and the surrounding Bankside neighborhood sparked fresh insights and ideas for the classroom.
A standout moment came during a high-energy production of Macbeth, designed for first-time Shakespeare audiences. With witches performing parkour and hip-hop beats underscoring iconic lines, the experience underscored how adaptable and alive Shakespeare’s work still is.
Inspired by this, Bill now plans to use digital resources from the Globe to help students explore how different productions interpret each play. Another highlight was a guided tour of the museum and the historically reconstructed Globe and Sam Wanamaker theaters. Exhibits on Elizabethan costumes, staging, and audience dynamics revealed the challenges Shakespeare faced in writing for a wide social range. The symbolism of Apollo and Mercury—art and commerce—flanking the stage served as a powerful metaphor for the balance Shakespeare struck between creativity and profitability.
That theme came full circle in a stunning candlelit performance of Cymbeline, staged in the indoor Wanamaker Theatre. It was there that Bill began to see Shakespeare and his collaborators not only as artists but also as savvy businesspeople who founded the first successful theatre district. These revelations led to a new classroom project: students compared Shakespeare’s career to modern storytellers like Steven Spielberg, examining how both navigated commerce and creativity. Seniors even linked Shakespeare’s entrepreneurial spirit to their own college goals, finding parallels between Elizabethan theatre and today’s innovation-driven world.
Ultimately, the trip offered more than historical context—it reframed Shakespeare as a collaborative, forward-thinking artist whose legacy still invites new questions. As Bill puts it, “I now look forward to students making their own discoveries about the creative drive behind Shakespeare’s enduring impact.” a
“I now look forward to students making their own discoveries about the creative drive behind Shakespeare’s enduring impact.”
Rediscovering Colombia
Juan Carlos Gonzalez, Spanish Teacher
After 18 years away, Juan Carlos Gonzalez returned to his homeland of Colombia—joined by his wife, Melissa, and his parents. What began as a heartfelt homecoming soon became a vibrant journey filled with family, food, and rediscovery. Their adventure began in Bogotá, a city alive with energy. From the moment they landed, Melissa noted the cultural quirks with humor—like the spirited, somewhat chaotic deplaning process.
Navigating Bogotá’s traffic, with motorcycles weaving between cars, proved to be an adventure of its own. Many of Juan Carlos’s childhood landmarks had vanished, replaced by trendy restaurants and sleek new developments—a vivid reminder of the city’s transformation. Amid the bustle, the family found pockets of calm, especially during hotel breakfasts featuring an array of tropical fruits and fresh pastries. They savored traditional dishes like Piquete de Gallina Criolla—a hearty mix of chicken, plantains, and arepas—as well as passion fruit and granadilla.
A highlight was visiting Juan Carlos’s former school, now a coed campus of 800 students with modern classrooms, a computer lab, and a spacious dining hall. The family joined a joyful celebration filled with music, dancing, and classic Colombian fare. Exploring Bogotá’s historic center and the famed Gold Museum brought cultural enrichment, while a trip up Monserrate mountain offered sweeping city views and touching scenes of pilgrims ascending on hands and knees.
From Bogotá, the group traveled to Armenia and the lush Cocora Valley, whose landscapes inspired Disney’s Encanto. Towering wax palms and the colorful streets of Salento charmed them, as did the local cuisine—trout wrapped in a tortilla and juices from exotic fruits like guanabana. The festive Yipao Parade, with its elaborately decorated Willys Jeeps, brought to life the cultural traditions Juan Carlos often shares with his Spanish students. In Santa Marta and El Rodadero, beach days, sunset strolls,
“ From revisiting the past to embracing the present, every moment deepened their connection—to family, to culture, and to Colombia itself. ”
and shopping offered relaxation. Reunions with extended family brimmed with laughter, warm hospitality, and homecooked meals.
The final leg took them to Cartagena, where Melissa fearlessly climbed into the bubbling Totumo Mud Volcano. The colonial city’s charm was irresistible—from the art-filled streets of Getsemaní to white-sand beaches and poignant moments like rescuing an abandoned kitten near La Popa Monastery. The family capped the journey with a lively celebration for Juan Carlos’s mother’s birthday, complete with music, dancing, and a tropical feast. Even a dramatic rainstorm on their last day—flooding the streets—couldn’t dampen the joy of the trip.
Reflecting on their travels, Juan Carlos recalled the challenges and discoveries that made the journey unforgettable. From revisiting the past to embracing the present, every moment deepened their connection—to family, to culture, and to Colombia itself. a
Suffield Academy’s 420-student enrollment is carefully curated to reflect specific goals in the school’s strategic plan. The overarching emphasis is on enrolling a dynamic mix of learners who are well-suited for our rigorous academic program, bringing diverse perspectives that enrich campus life, and contributing meaningfully to athletics, the arts, and student leadership.
Each year, approximately 130 new students join Suffield, and their paths here are guided by a thoughtful and wide-reaching admissions process. Led by Director of Enrollment Management Sean Atkins P’26, our seven-person admissions team is supported by a dedicated group of student Admissions Ambassadors. More than 1,100 families visit each year, and these Ambassadors are often the first faces they meet. In this issue of SUFFIELD, we spotlight the journeys of several Ambassadors—how they found their way to Suffield, what it meant to share their experience with future students, and where they’re headed next. Their stories reflect the evolving nature of our school and the steady strength of our community.
A noteworthy structural change for these Ambassadors [who our alumni know as Tour Guide Leaders] was the addition of an early decision admissions option initiated in 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Head of School Charlie Cahn encouraged the admissions office to pursue this, as previous agreements with peer schools related to common decision dates [March 10]—connected to standardized testing that was now optional or eliminated—created a new opportunity. Suffield pivoted, finding a silver lining during a challenging time, and the impact has enhanced the school. Among the benefits is one Charlie feels most strongly about: “these 30 to 40 students enrolling early are making a powerful statement about their excitement and dedication to being part of Suffield. Simply put, it is wonderful for the overall spirit of our community.”
“I LOVE BEING SOCIAL, AND SHOWING PEOPLE A PLACE I LOVE CAME NATURALLY.”
TILDEN WASLEY
Indiana University
Tilden Wasley grew up in Pasadena, California, the youngest of three children, with her brothers five and seven years older. She attended Westridge, an all-girls private school, from fourth through eighth grade. While she loved the academic rigor there, she found the environment overly competitive. “My dad suggested boarding school,” she recalled. “He told me I had always been independent and outgoing, and that I might enjoy a coed environment with more balance and community.”
The idea stayed with her, especially when her family relocated to Chatham on Cape Cod during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tilden had also spent summers at Camp Kiniya in Vermont, where she met friends with ties to Suffield—Ella Moore, daughter of alumnus David Moore ’84, and Emme Galaburda, whose sister Sophie was in the Class of 2023. “I heard great things and wanted to see it for myself. I visited Suffield, Brooks, and St. George’s and liked all of them.”
But her visit to Suffield was especially memorable. Though the campus was quiet during March break, she was warmly welcomed by faculty member Mary Mitchell ’10. “She was so enthusiastic and genuine. That interaction made me feel wanted and excited about Suffield, and it was a big reason I chose to enroll.”
Adjusting to boarding school on the East Coast took some time. “The atmosphere was different,” she explained. “I’ve always been outgoing, but it took a while to feel fully confident.” By her sophomore year, she felt at home and was invited to give admissions tours. “I love being social, and showing people a place I love came naturally. I highlighted the spirit and strong sense of community, and of course the incredible facilities spoke for themselves.”
When it came time for college, Tilden cast a wide net geographically and in school size. She ultimately realized she wanted a larger university with strong school spirit and Division I athletics. “My dad went to UCLA and loved it, and I wanted that same energy. Indiana offered that, and it also had excellent programs in economics and business.” She also considered George Washington, Colorado, and Syracuse before choosing Indiana University.
Reflecting on her time at Suffield, Tilden shared, “This is where I really embraced who I am, especially in my junior and senior years. The relationships I built with faculty were unforgettable—especially with my advisor, Kathleen Pillsbury, and my squash coach, Adam Pistel ’08. They gave me honest feedback in encouraging ways and pushed me to grow. I’ll always be grateful to them, and to Suffield.” t
JAHMIR PITCHER
Columbia University
Jahmir Pitcher enrolled at Suffield Academy as a junior in 2023, transferring from Christian Brothers Academy in his hometown of Albany, New York. “I learned about Suffield from family friends whose children attended. They told me about the strong college preparation and the school’s track record of developing Division I athletes. That was a central goal of mine,” he explained.
On his first campus tour, Jahmir was struck by the academic environment, athletic resources, and outstanding facilities. “I could tell this was a place where I could push myself in the classroom and in athletics, and be fully prepared for the next steps.”
Early in his first year, the Admissions Office invited Jahmir to give campus tours. He embraced the opportunity and was later selected as an Admissions Ambassador as a senior. “The tour guide program allowed me to strengthen my communication and networking skills. I enjoyed connecting with prospective students and families, sharing what makes our community special, and offering perspective on how their journeys might unfold.”
Jahmir emphasized the importance of trusting the Suffield experience. “I liked to highlight that this place challenges, supports, and helps people grow in ways they might not expect. The transition can feel big at first, but the structure, community, and resources are designed to bring out the best in us—academically and personally.”
His college goals evolved during his time at Suffield. Before arriving, Jahmir’s focus was on playing Division I football at a public FBS university. “As I progressed here and learned more about NEPSAC athletics, the showcase exposure and my academic growth opened unexpected doors. Suddenly, schools like Harvard, Columbia, Dartmouth, and Georgetown were showing serious interest and extending offers.”
That shift marked a turning point. Jahmir began to look beyond football and consider broader opportunities. Ultimately, he chose Columbia University. “I am really excited about the opportunities that come with attending an Ivy League school in New York—both academically and personally.”
Reflecting on his years at Suffield, Jahmir expressed gratitude for the college counseling program and the guidance he received from his coaches. “I’ll also really miss learning and competing with my Suffield teammates.” I
“I LIKED TO HIGHLIGHT THAT THIS PLACE CHALLENGES, SUPPORTS, AND HELPS PEOPLE GROW IN WAYS THEY MIGHT NOT EXPECT.”
“THE EXPERIENCE HELPED ME LEARN HOW TO MAKE PEOPLE FEEL COMFORTABLE. I SAW HELPING THEM RELAX AS PART OF MY ROLE, SO THEY COULD REALLY SEE AND FEEL WHAT SUFFIELD IS ABOUT.”
MILLY JANEVATHANAVITYA
Brown University
Milly Janevathanavitya joined Suffield as a sophomore after completing ninth grade at Brighton College Bangkok. She was seeking a more rigorous academic program and initially considered international schools in Thailand. But since she also hoped to attend college in the United States, her family felt an American boarding school would provide the best preparation. “It would have been closer to go to boarding school in Europe, like many Thai students do, but my parents had both gone to college in the United States— and I wanted to, as well.”
The Janevathanavitya family first learned about Suffield through friends—Nick Briones ’20 and his parents. “They loved the school and encouraged us to take a look. Because this was during the COVID-19 pandemic, I did most of my research online and had my interviews over Zoom.”
After earning admission to three schools she liked, Milly and her parents traveled to campus for spring revisit days. “I actually thought I would choose Mercersburg, because one of my closest friends from home went there,” Milly recalled. “All the schools had great facilities, but two things really stood out about Suffield: the friendly, genuine people, and Mr. Cahn as Head of School. He made me and my parents feel warmly welcomed and wanted. That comfort meant a lot to my parents since we live so far away from the United States.”
During her junior year, the admissions office invited Milly to begin giving tours. “I was hesitant at first,” she admitted, “but I grew to love meeting new families and helping guide them through Suffield.” As a senior Admissions Ambassador, she also enjoyed writing emails and letters to prospective students—and loved when candidates responded back. “The experience helped me learn how to make people feel comfortable. I saw helping them relax as part of my role, so they could really see and feel what Suffield is about.” Milly emphasized that the school offers great flexibility. “You can make it your own depending on your interests, and as those interests change, Suffield evolves with you.”
When it came time for college, Milly worked closely with her counselor, Kareem Nulan. “We focused on building a manageable list that reflected my interest in larger schools.” She felt an immediate connection to Brown University. “The campus was fantastic. I felt an emotional fit, and I loved how artistic the student body seemed.” Ultimately, she had to choose between Brown, UC Berkeley, and Vanderbilt. “I considered Berkeley for several reasons: my father went there and loved it, it’s very popular and has a big network in Thailand, and it would be a little closer to home. I also thought the legacy factor would be interesting,” she joked. “You know, if my dad went there and I went there, maybe my kids would have a better chance someday.” Still, the initial comfort and sense of fit she felt at Brown ultimately guided her choice.
As Milly reflected on her Suffield journey, she noted what she will miss most: “Knowing everyone and the friendliness. This is the last small and caring community I’ll be a part of. People here truly have good intentions and want to help. The connections across different grades really work—older students look after younger ones, and that tradition keeps being passed on. Suffield has helped me become more sociable and outgoing.” I
JOSH KIM Tufts University
Josh Kim arrived in the United States as a sixth grader at Cardigan Mountain School in New Hampshire. “A close friend from my elementary school in Seoul, Jay Hong ’25, told me about Cardigan. Jay and I have now been to three schools together,” Josh recalled. His family hoped he would thrive in a disciplined environment, and Josh himself was eager to find a school with a strong emphasis on athletics.
“The three years I spent at Cardigan were incredibly helpful in getting comfortable in America and preparing for secondary school. When we toured Suffield, it quickly became my top choice. The campus blew us away, the football program was excellent, and we were impressed by the colleges its alumni attended.”
By his junior year, Josh was invited to lead campus tours for applicants from Cardigan. “It was a valuable experience for me. I’m naturally quiet, but it helped me become more outgoing and sociable. I guess it went well, because the admissions office kept asking me to do more tours—especially for students from junior boarding schools like Eaglebrook, Rumsey, and Fay.”
Josh often emphasized Suffield’s warm, family-like community, its strong athletic programs, and the wide range of academic opportunities. He pointed out the impressive selection of Honors and Advanced Placement courses, and he never forgot to mention the food. “The dining hall staff really cares about students, and it shows in the meals they prepare each day.”
Creativity also shaped Josh’s Suffield experience. With a mother and grandmother who are both noted fashion designers in Seoul, his interest in visual arts began early. “I started painting and drawing around age six, but I stopped when I went to Cardigan. One of the best parts of Suffield was rediscovering that passion through Advanced Studio Art and an Images and Materials course with Mr. Vandervoort. Over my last two years, I focused closely on building my college portfolio. My project, ‘Stop Hunting,’ celebrated the beauty of animals.”
As Josh considered colleges, he focused on three priorities: location, curriculum, and athletics. “I wanted to stay on the East Coast near my cousins in New Jersey and study the creative arts.” At 6’1” and 280 pounds, he was also eager to continue playing football as an offensive lineman. “My decision came down to Tufts, Bates, and Dickinson. I liked all three, but Tufts really checked all the boxes for me—especially with its more urban setting.”
Reflecting on his time at Suffield, Josh shared, “I will miss it all. This has become a true second home for me. I’ll especially miss my friends in Fuller Hall and hanging out on Bell Hill. Suffield is a special place, and I will always be a proud graduate.” I
“IT WAS A VALUABLE EXPERIENCE FOR ME. I’M NATURALLY QUIET, BUT IT HELPED ME BECOME MORE OUTGOING AND SOCIABLE.”
“I LOVED ADAPTING TO EACH GROUP’S INTERESTS.”
CAMPBELL HUDKINS
Wake Forest University
For Campbell Hudkins, Suffield Academy was always familiar. Her mother, Carolyn Tribble Hudkins ’94, her aunt Chris Tribble McCrea ’96, and her uncles Russ Hearn ’01 and Greg Hearn ’01 are all proud alumni. So when Campbell reached eighth grade, the expectation to consider Suffield was clear—but her initial reaction was typical for a strong-willed middle schooler. “I had been at Renbrook from pre-K through eighth grade—eleven years—and I wasn’t eager to leave,” she recalled. “My parents encouraged me to look at Suffield, and once I finally did, I realized it was exactly the right place for me.”
Campbell’s visit came at a transitional moment: the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic, when most schools still weren’t allowing inperson tours. “Suffield stood out immediately. It was the only school that let me visit in person. I had to do Zoom interviews for the others.”
She vividly remembers that visit—a rainy fall day spent smiling nonstop. “I loved meeting students, faculty, and Mr. Cahn. That year was the first time Suffield offered early decision, and I didn’t hesitate to take advantage of it.” Campbell never looked back. She enrolled with six other students from Renbrook—though she was the only girl—and they remained close throughout their time at Suffield, forming a tight-knit support system.
One of Campbell’s defining commitments outside the classroom is horseback riding, a passion that played a major role in her school decision. “I was told Suffield would work with me to accommodate riding, but I knew it was up to me to prove I could manage both worlds—pursuing a competitive equestrian career while staying fully engaged in campus life.” She did just that, spending weekends on a farm in New Jersey and competing nationally, while remaining deeply involved at Suffield.
As a student Admissions Ambassador, Campbell enjoyed welcoming prospective families and sharing what made Suffield feel like home. Her favorite tour stop was always the expansive mural in Brewster Hall by Geoffrey Rockwell ’82. “I’d pause there for five minutes every time. It’s the perfect spot to show families the full scope of campus—everything from the SOLO Barn and Balance Barn to the faculty homes across the street. I emphasized that our teachers don’t just teach here—they live here and invest in our lives.”
She found that no two tours were the same. “Some families were focused on athletics, others on the performing arts. I loved adapting to each group’s interests. The most rewarding part was hearing from applicants afterward—emails and texts saying how much the visit meant. That made me feel like I was really helping bring great students to Suffield.”
When it came time to explore colleges, Campbell once again had to consider how horseback riding fit into her future. She explored major equestrian programs at schools like Auburn, Georgia, South Carolina, and Texas A&M, and took an official visit to the latter. But a class project in her junior Leadership Program class led her in a new direction.
“We were asked to research colleges, and I decided to look more closely at Wake Forest. I was already signed up for a summer online program they offered in politics and criminal law. The more I learned, the more I liked it.”
A campus visit with her father sealed the decision. Importantly, Campbell realized she didn’t need to ride for a college team to continue her equestrian goals. “Wake has excellent riders and is close to the Greensboro airport, which is key for traveling to competitions. Unlike some sports, you don’t need to be on a college team to ride professionally. Wake felt like a great extension of my Suffield experience.”
Looking back, Campbell takes pride in her family’s legacy at Suffield—but more so in the unique path she carved for herself. Her younger brother, Connor, is now in the Class of 2028, and the tradition continues.
“Having Mrs. Vianney for AP Government was a full-circle moment—she was my mom’s advisor, too. And teachers like Mr. Brissette and Mr. Caginalp, who I had for two years each, really shaped my learning and growth. I’ll miss everyone here so much. Suffield has been a huge part of my life—and always will be.” I
JOHN RUSNOCK
Princeton University
John Rusnock grew up in Suffield, just around the corner from the Academy. His older brother, Joe ’21, thrived as both a scholar and swimmer at Suffield before continuing at Southern Methodist University. While John initially hesitated about leaving behind childhood friends and local classmates, he recognized the remarkable opportunity Suffield Academy offered. Adjusting to the new lifestyle and expectations took time. “There were certainly moments early on when I wondered if I should have gone to Suffield High School,” John admitted. “But over time I embraced the challenges and truly looked forward to learning.”
An outstanding athlete, John joined Suffield’s varsity soccer team as a first-year student and played tennis for several seasons. His greatest success, however, came in the pool. One of the nation’s top high school swimmers, John’s achievements are as impressive as they are extensive: six-time New England prep school champion (200 Individual Medley [2x], 100 Butterfly [2x], 200 Freestyle Relay, and 400 Freestyle Relay), 10-time High School All-American, New England record holder in the 100 Butterfly and 200 Individual Medley, multiple medalist at the Eastern Interscholastic Championship, and two-time recipient of the prestigious Babcock Award for NEPSAC’s most outstanding swimmer. Despite these accolades, John is known for his humility and warmth.
“I LIKED TO EMPHASIZE ... HOW THE STRUCTURE FORCES STUDENTS TO TRY NEW THINGS AND DISCOVER TALENTS THEY MIGHT NOT KNOW THEY HAVE.”
Beyond athletics, John became a student ambassador, giving tours for the admissions office starting in his sophomore year. “I was a little nervous at first,” he recalled, “because I felt my answers could influence an important family decision.” He often highlighted the close-knit nature of the community and how Suffield encourages students to step outside their comfort zones.
For John, this meant trying new sports and even discovering a love for ceramics through the art requirement. “I enjoyed expressing myself in a completely new way,” he said. He also appreciated that while Suffield was rigorous, it fostered collaboration rather than competition. “Everyone here wants to be their best, but it isn’t cutthroat.”
When college swim coaches were allowed to initiate contact with rising juniors in June 2023, John’s recruitment journey accelerated. He anticipated interest from top Division I programs like Virginia Tech, Indiana, SMU, Penn State, and Notre Dame—but was surprised to hear from Ivy League schools. Soon, Harvard, Yale, and Princeton emerged as serious contenders.
“What stood out about the Ivies was the sense that I could belong to the entire community, not just the swim team,” John explained. Princeton especially resonated with him. The Tigers had recently ended Harvard’s seven-year Ivy League championship streak, capturing their 32nd title in 2025. “The energy of the program was amazing, and I felt comfortable with Coach Matt Crispino, who’s also from Connecticut and swam in the Suffield pool as a kid.” By the end of his junior year, John had verbally committed to Princeton, and he was later admitted through the early decision program.
Although he has not settled on a specific academic path, John hopes to build on two courses he loved at Suffield: AP Economics with Chris Pentz and AP Statistics with Brian Carroll. “I enjoy the practical application of the material and feel confident building on the foundation I gained here.”
Reflecting on his Suffield years, John shared: “I am excited about the future but nostalgic about the experiences I had here. I’ll miss my friends and family, and I know I’ll lean on them as I head to college. It has been especially meaningful to have my sister, Mary, on the faculty these past two years.” [Mary Rusnock is an assistant director of admissions] “Most of all, I will miss the caring nature of Suffield and how this environment brought out the best in me.” I
FROM GL O BAL POL I TICS TO A SUFFIELD HOMECOMING
TARO KONO ’82 I 2025 ALUMNI LEADERSHIP AWARD
When Taro Kono walked back onto the Suffield Academy campus this year, the occasion was both personal and historic. As one of Japan’s most visible and influential public servants, Kono has spent decades in high-level government roles, negotiating international agreements, overseeing defense policy, and spearheading digital reform. But this spring, he returned to Suffield. The place that helped launch him on his journey—not for politics, but for people.
Accompanied by his wife Kaori, Kono spent three days immersed in campus life, engaging with students and faculty, attending classes, and sharing conversations that blended personal reflection with global perspective. His visit culminated in the presentation of the Alumni Leadership Award, Suffield’s highest honor, recognizing graduates whose achievements have brought distinction to themselves and their alma mater.
Born in 1963 into a prominent political family, Taro Kono’s early years were steeped in the language of leadership and public service. His grandfather, Ichiro Kono, was a major figure in Japan’s postwar government, while his father, Yōhei Kono, served as foreign minister, speaker of the House of Representatives, and president of the Liberal Democratic Party. But Taro’s ambitions were not a simple inheritance—they were shaped by his own education and experiences, both in Japan and abroad.
Kono arrived at Suffield Academy in the early 1980s, a young man from Kanagawa Prefecture with a curiosity for the world beyond Japan. He has often credited his time at Suffield with expanding his worldview and strengthening his ability to communicate across cultures. From Suffield, he went on to Georgetown University’s
Walsh School of Foreign Service, graduating in 1985. Kono’s political career began in earnest in 1996 when he was elected to Japan’s House of Representatives, representing Kanagawa’s 15th district. Over the next 25 years, he would hold multiple cabinet posts, including:
I 2017–2019 • Minister of Foreign Affairs
Oversaw Japan’s foreign policy during a tense period in East Asia, strengthening ties with allies and leading negotiations on security and trade.
I 2020–2021 • Minister for Administrative Reform & Regulatory Reform
Led efforts to cut bureaucracy, streamline government services, and introduce more digital infrastructure.
I 2021–2022 • Minister for Digital Transformation
Helped launch Japan’s Digital Agency to modernize public services and expand access to technology.
His candid communication style and embrace of social media set him apart from many political peers. Fluent in English and well-versed in Western political culture, he became a global voice for cooperation, democratic values, and practical reform.
Kono’s return to campus was not just a ceremonial stop. He and Kaori fully immersed themselves in school life—attending classes, meeting with small groups of students, and engaging in discussions that ranged from global diplomacy to personal resilience. Students were struck by his willingness to answer difficult questions honestly. Whether talking about the challenges of pushing reforms through Japan’s bureaucracy or addressing geopolitical tensions, Kono offered insights grounded in realworld experience.
Kaori’s role was equally important. Her quiet but warm presence during events and classroom visits highlighted the personal foundation behind Kono’s public life. In conversations with faculty and students, both she and Taro emphasized the value of partnership — in marriage, in politics, and in community life.
Director of Development Phil Riegel ’87 and Elise Adib-Samii Riegel ’87 hosted the Konos for dinner at the Gay Manse. Over a family-style meal, conversation flowed from memories of Suffield’s campus in the early ’80s to reflections on current events in Japan. Kono spoke about how Kaori’s steady support has helped him
navigate the pressures of public life. After the meal, Suffield’s current Japanese students joined for dessert for their own private meeting with the Konos.
The award presentation took place on Alumni Leadership Day, an event celebrating graduates whose careers have exemplified service, leadership, and achievement. In introducing Kono, the school highlighted the diversity of past recipients—from medicine and law to the arts, sports, and now high-level government service. When Kono stepped to the podium, his remarks quickly moved beyond biography into more far-reaching topics. For example, he said, “As we promote a rule-based international order, the United States must participate in rule making and follow the rules we have created.” Kono then listed major international agreements the United States has not yet joined, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Ottawa Treaty banning landmines, and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. He said, “Japan, as an ally of the United States, must persistently persuade the White House and Capitol Hill on this matter.”
But his message was not limited to policy. Kono connected these issues to the broader challenge of climate change, stressing that national pride should not overshadow global responsibility. “Because of the climate crisis, it does not matter which country is great and which is not. We all need to work together to keep this beautiful planet great for all beings.”
BECAUSE OF THE CLIMATE CRISIS, IT DOES NOT MATTER WHICH COUNTRY IS GREAT AND WHICH IS NOT. WE ALL NEED TO WORK TOGETHER TO KEEP THIS BEAUTIFUL PLANET GREAT FOR ALL BEINGS.
Kono’s closing challenge to the students was direct and memorable: “Young Tigers, stand up and speak up to make the world great again.” It was a call to action, urging Suffield’s current students to take ownership of their futures and to contribute to a world that is more cooperative, more just, and more sustainable.
For many in the audience, this moment distilled the essence of the day: the idea that leadership is not about waiting for permission but about speaking up and stepping forward.
In the days following the event, students and faculty discussed Kono’s remarks in classes and informal gatherings. Many said they appreciated his candidness about the complexities of diplomacy and reform. Some were surprised by his willingness to critique even close allies when it came to upholding international agreements. Faculty members noted that his visit reinforced one of Suffield’s core messages—that leadership involves both conviction and collaboration. “He reminded our students that you can be deeply rooted in your national identity while also working tirelessly for global progress,” one teacher said.
Kono’s visit bridged the gap between Suffield’s traditions and the realities of global leadership today. For current students, it offered a tangible example of how lessons learned in high school—critical thinking, open dialogue, respect for diverse viewpoints—can influence work on the world stage. For alumni, his return was a reminder of the enduring connection between the school and its graduates. Kono’s career demonstrated that no matter how far one travels, the values instilled at Suffield remain a guiding force.
While Kono’s schedule in Japan remains full, his visit to Suffield was a clear signal that he values the role the school played in his personal and professional development. The impact of his visit will likely be felt for years—in the inspiration he provided to students, in the renewed sense of global connection among faculty, and in the continued growth of Suffield’s alumni network. 2
We welcome your nominations for Alumni Leadership Award recipients. Follow the QR code to identify noteworthy candidates.
2024-2025
ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS
ALL NEPSAC
*HONORABLE MENTION
FALL
CROSS COUNTRY [ Div II ]
Ava Butterfield ’26
FIELD HOCKEY [ Class B ]
Skylar Fiske ’25
Mercedes Bourgeois ’25
*Raegan Carty ’26
*Sarah Kriebel ’26
FOOTBALL [ Class A ]
Kayden Bennett ’26
Charles Kaludis ’25
*Brenden Toppin ’25
*Jahmir Pitcher ’25
BOYS’ SOCCER
Class B NEPSAC Champions
Michael Adu-Gyamfi ’26
Brayden Marta ’26
Evan Riccelli ’25
*Gavin Baer ’26
*Christophe Gourdeau Coossa ’25
GIRLS’ SOCCER [ Class B ]
Diana Baffor ’25
Jocy Koffi ’26
*Kayla Barthel ’25
VOLLEYBALL [ Class B ]
CJ Buron ’26
*Sadie Kessler ’26
WATER POLO
*Kellen Booth ’25
WINTER
BOYS’ BASKETBALL [ Class A ]
Jonathan Niv ’25
*Markus Maxwell-Grimes ’26
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL [ Class B ]
Alannah Baehr ’27
*Sammi Santacroce ’27
GIRLS’ SQUASH
*Paw Law Eh ’25
BOYS’ SWIMMING
Kellen Booth ’25
Matthew Pinzon Pacheco ’25
John Rusnock ’25
Blake Wool ’26
*Parker Valero ’26
New England Champion
Boys’ 200 IM & 100 Butterfly
John Rusnock ’25
New England Champion
Boys’ 100 Freestyle
Blake Wool ’26
New England Champions
Boys’ 200 & 400 Freestyle Relays
Blake Wool ’26, Kellen Booth ’25, John Rusnock ’25,
Matthew Pinzon Pacheco ’25
Babcock Award
John Rusnock ’25
GIRLS’ SWIMMING
Sydney Amerson ’25
Maeve Selvitelli ’25
Ashlyn Wills ’26
Iza Zajac ’25
*Logan Hoang ’27
*Kaitlyn DeSiena ’26
Girls’ 200 Freestyle Relay [3rd place]
Sydney Amerson ’25, Iza Zajac ’25, Maeve Selvitelli ’25, Ashlyn Wills ’26
Andy Lowe Award
Maeve Selvitelli ’25
WRESTLING
*Liam Parise ’27
*Andrew Rana ’25
*Kayden Bennett ’26
SPRING
BASEBALL
Chase Beloin ’25
*Benny White ’25
GOLF
Will Lord ’27
GIRLS’ LACROSSE
Amelia Curtin ’26
BOYS’ LACROSSE
Jayvon Robinson ’25
TRACK & FIELD [ Div II ]
Adande Nartey ’25
Seamus Cleary ’26
Skylar Fiske ’25
New England Champion
Boys’ Triple Jump
Adande Nartey ’25
SOFTBALL
Kyla Brogan ’25
GIRLS’ TENNIS
Lexi Legein ’27
CLASS B
NEW ENGLAND CHAMPIONS
2024 BOYS’ VARSITY SOCCER
TIGERS
FALL
The boys’ soccer team finished the season as WNEPSSA Champions, going 10-0-0 in Class B matches, and then won the NEPSAC Class B tournament. The boys had an overall record of 16-3-2 and scored 74 total goals while limiting opponents to just 17. Coach Rick Warren and Coach Alex Clarke ’17 were named Coaches of the year by the Connecticut State Coaches Association. Girls’ soccer again made the NEPSAC tournament, this time under the direction of first-year head coach Justin Pepoli. They had an 11-4-2 record and a tournament victory over Rivers. Field hockey earned a NEPSAC tournament berth and had a 12-4 final record highlighted by exciting victories over Westminster and Berkshire. Volleyball had an 11-5 record. Highlights include team victories over Berkshire and Pomfret. The boys’ water polo team enjoyed an improved season under first-year coach Cian Beaulieu ’18. It featured an exciting six-game win streak and victories over Loomis Chaffee, Deerfield, and Phillips Andover. The football team finished 4-4 with wins over Deerfield, Loomis, Salisbury, and Andover. The team was led by an outstanding senior class that will have over 10 players continuing to play at the college level. Girls’ cross country was led by Ava Butterfield’s ’26 18th place finish in a field of over 200 runners at New England’s. For the boys’ team, five athletes scored points at the New England championship.
WINTER
The alpine ski team finished 4th in the Brigham Ski League Championship [of 15 teams]. Riflery had a second-place finish in the Connecticut state championship. The season was highlighted by a 944 team score in one match, the highest of any high school in the league this year. Highlights of the boys’ varsity squash season included three wins over Williston Northampton and a season-ending victory over St. Luke’s. Every team member won at least one match in the New England tournament. Three members of the wrestling team earned second-place finishes at the state tournament. They also placed at the New England tournament and qualified to compete at the Prep National wrestling tournament at Lehigh University. Girls’ varsity squash had a 10–7 record and impressive season-ending wins over BB&N and Concord. The swimming and diving teams had another successful year with the boys finishing 5th and the girls 6th at the NEPSSA Division I Championships. In the combined boys’ and girls’ standings, Suffield placed 3rd overall, trailing only Exeter and Andover. The team avenged dual meet losses by finishing ahead of Choate, Deerfield, Loomis, and Hopkins. Twenty-five new times were added this season to Suffield’s all-time top 25 performances. Boys’ basketball finished with a record of 12-10 in class A games and 13-12 overall. Strong performances included wins over Hotchkiss, Andover, Taft, Deerfield, Avon, and Belmont Hill. Girls’ basketball had a 20-victory season and earned the top seed in the NEPSAC Class B tournament. The season was highlighted by wins over Choate, Taft, Berkshire, Westminster, and Williston.
SPRING
The spring athletic season was highlighted by the softball team’s 11-2 record and top seed in the New England playoffs. The crew season held victories in the Founders Day Regatta and in girls’ and boys’ wins against Canterbury. Boys’ tennis was led by Dash Hirsch ’27 and Owen Tulley ’25 [coaches award] and some hard-fought victories in a season following the graduation of many talented seniors. Girls’ tennis finished second [of six teams] in the season-ending Suffield Invitational Tennis Tournament. The baseball team had an 8-7 record and earned a WNEPBL playoff spot for the 13th time in the past 17 seasons. They lost 2-1 in extra innings to top seed and eventual league champion Canterbury. The girls’ lacrosse team was highlighted by victories over Millbrook, Hopkins, and Worcester. The boys’ lacrosse team had an exciting win streak near the end of the season and played close games throughout. The golf team fought rainy and cold spring weather conditions but earned several victories throughout the season. The track team had a strong season, with the boys finishing 2–4 and placing 8th, and the girls finishing 3–2 and placing 6th at the New England Class B Championship.
Performing Arts
2024-2025 AWARDS & NOMINATIONS
And the Winner is...
STEPHEN SONDHEIM AWARDS : HONORING EXCELLENCE IN MUSICAL THEATER
* Best Sound Execution Nick Warren ’26 for In The Heights
CT HALO AWARDS : HONORING EXCELLENCE IN PLAYS & MUSICALS
* Best Performance in a Comedic Male Role in a Play Sean Atkins ’26 as Gregory Haskins in Deadline
* Performance in a Featured Male Role in a Musical Arhenis Salcedo ’27 as Sonny in In The Heights
* Best Stage Management Seamus Sullivan ’26 & Lia Bazarian ’27 for In The Heights
| NOMINATIONS | In The Heights [Musical]
Best Performance in a Comedic Female Role Tammy Olayinka ’26 as Daniela
Best Featured Dancer Ethan Stack ’26 as Graffiti Pete
Best Performance in a Supporting Female Role Sophie Lawry ’25 as Abuela Claudia
Best Performance by a Lead Actor Ezra Mendes ’26 as Usnavi
Best Running Crew
Deadline [Play] Best Play
Best Performance by a Cast in an Ensemble Production
Best Performance in a Comedic Female Role Gabby Braswell ’28 as Jennifer
Best Standout Performance in a Female Role in an Ensemble Production Delainey Pappas ’27 as Penelope
Best Performance by a Supporting Actor Ezra Mendes ’26 as Carswell
Suffield’s exceptionally talented cast and crew lit up the stage with three unforgettable performances of In the Heights. Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda—the visionary behind Hamilton and the music of Moana the musical explores themes of community, identity, and belonging across generations.
Students embraced their roles with commitment and joy, delivering a powerful and authentic tribute to resilience, dreams, and the bonds of family. The chemistry among cast members brought the story to life with depth and emotion.
In the Heights was a transformative journey that reminded everyone involved of the lasting power of storytelling and the unifying force of the arts.
DEADLINE
A Brilliantly Executed Comedy
The performing arts department put on their spring production of Deadline, which brought humor, suspense, and surprise to the stage. Set in a fog-shrouded island mansion, the play followed eight mystery writers invited to what they believed to be a quiet 24-hour retreat. The real challenge? To win a million-dollar prize, they had to design—and commit—the perfect murder. The cast, directed by Tom Dugan [Performing Arts Chair], embraced the chaos, working together to fine-tune moments of suspense and farce. For many, it was a chance to take risks, try something new, and grow as performers. The result was a show that kept audiences laughing—and guessing—until the final curtain.
2024-2025
LEGACY STUDENTS
[FRONT ROW L-R]
Martin Bruderer ’27, Beckett Santopietro ’28, Konstantin Kruger ’28, Ronan Sullivan ’26, Ava Willcutts ’26, Kate Willcutts ’26, Delainey Pappas ’27, Sophie Lawry ’25, Claire Mastella ’25, Seamus Sullivan ’26, Sage Hodgkins ’25, Anna Jolly ’26, Riley O’Keefe ’27, Campbell Thomas ’27, Brooke Hostetter ’26, Ava Dagnoli ’28
[BACK ROW L-R]
Benjamin White ’25, EJ Lee ’26, Patrick Bosma ’27, Robert Holcombe ’26, William Kotchen ’26, Lauren Dobler ’25, Andrew Lange ’25, Campbell Hudkins ’25, Alexi Wolkoff ’25, Elizabeth Cerrato ’25, Addison Carillo ’28, Connor Hudkins ’28
Not Pictured: Frances Cerrato ’28, Matthew Hulst ’25, Aiden Larson ’28
It was a place that was interested in me as a person, wanting me to be part of their community, seven days a week, even as a day student.
Annemarie
Pilvenis Dobler ’89 & Lauren Dobler ’ 25
As she approached high school, Lauren Dobler ’25 was not planning to attend Suffield. “I didn’t want to leave my friends from public school,” she says. But her parents urged her to visit campus. Lauren knew her mother, Annemarie Pilvenis Dobler ’89, had a transformative experience, so she agreed to take a tour.
“From the second I stepped on campus, I knew I had to go to Suffield,” Lauren says. “There was an overwhelming sense of community, and it was evident the faculty cared about the students on a deeper level than just teaching them.”
Seeing her daughter’s reaction brought back memories for Annemarie. “I remember feeling at home with everyone I talked with during the application process, making my decision to attend an easy one,” she says. “It was a place that was interested in me as a person, wanting me to be part of their community, seven days a week, even as a day student.”
Annemarie grew up in North Granby, ten miles west of Suffield, and spent more time on campus than at home. She would arrive early for breakfast, stay late to study in the library, and hang out with friends until they checked into their dorms. She worked on the yearbook and loved the camaraderie she found in her student job on the dish crew.
“While I was not super athletic, sports were a huge part of Suffield for me,” Annemarie says. Favorite memories include going to home games and road-tripping across New England to support friends. “Being a day student with a car did have benefits,” she adds.
When Lauren began her own Suffield journey, Annemarie encouraged her to spend as much time on campus as possible and immerse herself fully in the experience. Lauren took that
From the second I stepped on campus, I knew I had to go to Suffield. There was an overwhelming sense of community, and it was evident the faculty cared about the students on a deeper level than just teaching them.
advice to heart. She arrived each morning at 8 and stayed until after dinner, meeting with teachers during office hours and filling her schedule with extracurriculars. By senior year, she was an admissions ambassador, teaching assistant, and yearbook club head. She also captained the varsity squash and softball teams.
“Athletics were such a big part of my time at Suffield, and being recognized as a leader on those teams is something I will always cherish,” Lauren says. As a senior, she received the Courtney Robinson ’88 Spirit Cup, awarded to a student who demonstrates outstanding commitment and enthusiasm for team sports. Lauren’s parents and younger sister visited often to watch her games and support other Tiger teams.
“My whole family will attend football games, basketball games, soccer games—sports I don’t play—but they make the trip just to watch the atmosphere and the student excitement for our athletics.”
Both Annemarie and Lauren praise Suffield for providing them with the tools that are essential to lifelong success. “Suffield gave a global perspective to my very local life in Connecticut—going to school with people from all over the country and the world,” Annemarie says. “It set me up to do the same in my work early on.” Today, she leads operations and supply chain communications for the North American arm of a global adhesives and consumer goods company.
Lauren is now a freshman at Clemson University, planning to major in Animal and Veterinary Sciences. She also hopes to minor in Spanish, inspired by her experience in Ms. Lopez’s class at Suffield. “It made me realize how much I love the language and how I want to continue learning it past high school,” she says. Although graduation was bittersweet, Lauren knows the bonds she built at Suffield will endure. “I will always consider Suffield my home,” she says. “The connections I made I will cherish forever—with my peers and the faculty. I know if I ever need anything, the people I built relationships with are just a call away.”
This fall, the family’s connection to Suffield entered a new chapter when Lauren’s sister, Kaitlyn Dobler ’29, began her own journey. “The past four years were wonderful for Lauren,” Annemarie says. “Jim and I are really excited to see what the next four have in store for Kaitlyn.”
Carol Gutteridge Hulst ’88 & Matthew Hulst ’ 25
One good teacher can change a life. At Suffield, Carol Gutteridge Hulst ’88 found several. There was Mr. Cleary, her dorm head and advisor, who made her feel at home the same way he had for her older sister, Tish Gutteridge Dutranoit ’85. “He and his wife, Laurie, were the backbone of my Suffield days,” Carol says. “Their door was always open.”
In the classroom, she was equally inspired—by Mr. Pervear in biology, Mr. Slear in pre-calculus, and Mr. “Rocky” Rockwell, whose passion for history was contagious. In English, Mr. Ide sparked a lasting love of poetry and language.
Carol arrived from Bermuda, shy and unsure of herself. Early on, Mr. Ide asked her to recite Robert Frost’s “Nothing Gold Can Stay” in front of her classmates. She was terrified, but delivered it flawlessly. “I can still recite it today,” she says.
Suffield gave her more than confidence—it gave her direction. Encouraged by teachers who challenged and believed in her, she majored in English and history in college. For years, a wellworn copy of Suffield’s writing guide sat on her desk.
To see your child be welcomed into a community and flourish is an incredible experience.
“Suffield taught me to be an independent and open thinker,” Carol says. “It pushed me to be and do better. It wasn’t enough to have an opinion. We were encouraged to explore and back up statements.” She also learned how to advocate for herself and take ownership of both setbacks and successes. She played soccer, joined the swim team, and picked up lacrosse. Sit-down meals offered daily chances to connect
Suffield has helped me to self-advocate and given me ownership of my academic, social, and athletic life...I feel like I have become very independent.
with classmates and teachers. Catching up with friends in the Student Union, forming lifelong relationships with the girls in Fuller House, and sledding down Bell Hill remain some of her fondest memories. “I loved Suffield,” Carol says. “I loved it as a student, and I love it even more as a parent.”
Matthew “Matt” Hulst ’25 wasn’t a stranger to Suffield when he began his boarding school search. His mother, three aunts, and three cousins had all attended. But being a legacy wasn’t what sold him. After visiting campus with his father, Tom, Matt felt an immediate connection. “What really appealed to me was the tight-knit community, the campus, and,” he adds, “Suffield had the best food out of the schools I visited.”
Like his mother, Matt developed a love of history thanks to energetic teachers like Mr. Brissette and Mr. Islam. Discussion-based classes sharpened his critical thinking and taught him how to structure and express his ideas with conviction. Outside the classroom, he embraced new challenges. Though he had never rowed before, Matt decided to pursue crew as his main sport. He worked his way onto the first boat and was elected captain his senior year. A highlight of the season was the team’s strong showing at the Founder’s Day regatta.
Another favorite memory was performing in the Michael Simmons ’13 Guitar Show. “The feeling of performing on stage and playing with a band was indescribable,” he says. It was one of many moments at Suffield that pushed him out of his comfort zone and rewarded the leap. “Suffield has helped me to self-advocate and given me ownership of my academic, social, and athletic life,” Matt says. “I feel like I have become very independent.”
For Carol, watching her son thrive at her alma mater reaffirmed everything she believes about the power of a Suffield education. “To see your child be welcomed into a community and flourish is an incredible experience,” she says.
At Matt’s graduation, Carol was especially moved when Head of School Charlie Cahn addressed the class of 2025. “Above all else,” he told them, “be kind.”
That simple message, Carol says, captures the essence of Suffield—a place where kindness is woven into every part of campus life. It colors all her memories of being a student there. And it’s what she’s most grateful her son experienced, too.
Suffield took a chance on me ... And it really changed the trajectory of my life.
Rebecca ’92, Aaron ’21 & Andrew Lange ’ 25
“My parents never thought I’d graduate from high school,” says Rebecca Lange ’92. “It wasn’t from not trying. It just didn’t click, and I didn’t have the support structure.” Growing up outside Boston, Rebecca attended Fay School through ninth grade, which gave her a much-needed foundation. But when it came time to apply to boarding schools, her academic record didn’t exactly inspire confidence.
“Suffield took a chance on me,” she says. “And it really changed the trajectory of my life. Not to be cliché, but it did.” Today, Rebecca is a nurse practitioner in Hartford Healthcare’s surgical intensive care unit. She earned both her master’s and doctorate from the University of Connecticut, “which is shocking to anyone who knew me,” she adds with a laugh.
Reflecting on her journey, she feels a deep sense of pride. “I’m not patting myself on the back,” she says. “But I am patting Suffield and Fay School, because they really saved me.” Arriving as a new tenth grader wasn’t always easy, but mentors like Mary Marcell—her music teacher and advisor—helped her settle in and feel supported. “Mary was wonderful,” Rebecca says. “She was like my mom away from home.”
At Suffield, Rebecca learned discipline and accountability. Living on her own gave her the independence to grow academically and socially. She built lasting friendships, won music awards, spent time in the Union, and lounged on Bell Hill in the spring. “Sunbathing at the time was a really cool thing to do,” she says, laughing at her sons’ reactions. “They’re making fun of me. This is a daily occurrence!”
Rebecca’s oldest son, Aaron Lange ’21, didn’t expect to follow in her footsteps. He attended public high school in Tolland, Connecticut, where he excelled at football but struggled to hit his academic stride. Hoping to play in college, he knew he needed to prove himself in the classroom. Rebecca suggested a post-graduate year at Suffield. “Like my mom, Suffield definitely gave me a second chance,” Aaron says. Though his time on campus coincided with the early days of the pandemic, Aaron’s memories are entirely positive. Health protocols limited many traditional experiences, but they also created strong bonds among the students in Spencer Hall. “You had no choice but to make memories,” he says.
Like my mom, Suffield definitely gave me a second chance ... you had no choice but to make memories.
After four years in a school where most classmates grew up within miles of one another, Aaron found Suffield’s community refreshingly diverse. He connected with peers from across the country and around the world. On the football field, he learned to collaborate with teammates whose lives and perspectives were vastly different from his own. “These are people from different cultures who were raised differently than me,” Aaron says. “It really helped me become more aware and self-aware at the same time.”
He made the most of his year, flourishing in the classroom and on the gridiron. He recently graduated from UConn—a third-generation legacy—where he played football and majored in urban community study and development.
Rebecca’s middle son, Adam, had a great experience staying in Tolland for high school. When her youngest, Andrew Lange ’25, approached high school, he wasn’t sure what to do. He didn’t want to leave his friends, but he remembered how welcoming Suffield felt when he helped move Aaron in.
Andrew stayed in Tolland for his freshman year, which gave him the clarity to seek more rigorous academics and athletics. After weighing his options, he applied to Suffield.
“In the end, I made the decision, and it was probably the best decision I’ve ever made,” says Andrew, who began UConn this fall. Suffield pushed him to grow in ways he never expected. His teachers set a high bar, and nightly study hall gave him the structure to take ownership of his work. He quickly came to understand what his mom had tried to explain to him and Aaron.
“I tried to tell them that you can’t hide at a place like Suffield,” Rebecca says. “You can’t sit in the corner and play on your phone. That’s not how it works. You’re accountable. You have no choice but to mature. You either succeed or you don’t. For these two, the maturity they gained—not just with academics and athletics—they’re more worldly now and they’re more independent.”
During his senior year, Andrew gave a chapel talk in front of the whole school—something he never imagined doing. “I was always afraid to speak in front of people, even in my classes,” he says. But delivering the speech to a community that embraced and empowered him gave him the confidence to speak about something deeply personal. “I talked about my family and how much they mean to me,” Andrew says. It was a fitting moment of reflection—not just for Andrew, but for a family whose journey with Suffield has spanned generations.
Dan ’89, Brigid ’21 &
Sophie Lawry ’ 25
Dan Lawry ’89 expected to follow his three older siblings through public school in Westfield, Massachusetts. But everything changed the night he watched a family friend play a Saturday basketball game against Suffield. “It was the first exposure I had to that world,” he says. “And it was just a great experience.”
Dan enrolled the following year as a day student and quickly felt at home. His basketball and lacrosse teammates remain some of his closest friends, and his teachers and coaches left a lasting mark.
“All of these different schools have great people who can really help you and mentor you,” Dan says. “The key is, how soon in your journey can you find them?”
He feels fortunate to have found Dave Godin early on. The longtime athletic director was his teacher and basketball coach before becoming his advisor. “He was straight with me about things,” Dan says. “As I went through my years there, I learned about accountability and working hard. It wasn’t always easy. But looking back now, that’s why Suffield was so important to me.”
Dan spent summers working on the maintenance team, familiarizing himself with every corner of campus and gaining a deeper appreciation for the school by experiencing it in a different light. He helped plant the SOLO fields next to Muddy Brook, an area that became a favorite place for quiet reflection as a student. Years later, those fields remain a point of pride whenever he visits with his family.
Dan and his wife Theresa have four children who inherited his love for Suffield. As a young family, they often spent Saturday afternoons on campus, watching games and catching up with Dan’s former teachers. The kids took turns wearing the Tiger mascot costume, riding in a golf cart with Godin, and picking up cones after football games.
“I told my parents that if I didn’t go to Suffield, I wasn’t going to high school,” says Brigid Lawry ’21. “It worked out in my favor.” Brigid and her siblings grew up visiting campus every Christmas Eve for an annual faculty party. “By the time I got to Suffield, I had spent every
The biggest thing I took away from Suffield was learning to ask for help.
That it’s not a weakness. It’s a strength. Once I crossed that barrier and was more vulnerable, I got so much more out of the experience.”
Christmas with my teachers,” she says. “They were like our second family. High school is a transition in itself, but the transition to Suffield was seamless because I felt like everybody there was looking out for me.”
Sophie Lawry ’25 also knew early on that Suffield was where she wanted to be. “When I was very little and didn’t have an understanding of the world, I thought Suffield was a college,” she laughs. “So that’s where I wanted to go to college. And I thought their performing arts center was Broadway.”
A gifted singer, Sophie blazed her own trail at Suffield—participating in every play and musical, and lending her voice to any group or cause in need of a vocalist. As a senior, she was a teaching assistant for the Treble Choir and opted to forgo a free period in order to take multiple music courses. She grew up performing in benefit concerts and singing the national anthem at venues like Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium. “It’s funny because Sophie didn’t really play a lot of team sports, but she would get all her siblings into these unbelievable situations,” Dan says. “We’d be in locker rooms and behind closed doors at all these stadiums.”
Brigid, who recently graduated from Fairfield University, says those experiences shaped her desire to pursue a career in sports marketing. She credits Suffield with helping her develop confidence and perspective outside the classroom. As a teaching assistant for the leadership program, she mentored younger students and honed her critical thinking skills. When she struggled in Spanish, teacher Jazzy Salehi Mercure ’12 supported her with patience and empathy—and later became her advisor. “She taught me so much in the classroom, but even more so outside,” Brigid says. “The biggest thing I took away from Suffield was learning to ask for help. That it’s not a weakness. It’s a strength. Once I crossed that barrier and was more vulnerable, I got so much more out of the experience.” “The relationships you have with teachers here—you don’t get that everywhere,” adds Sophie, who is now studying music at New York University.
Sophie and Brigid’s siblings, Cullen and Mary Grace, attended other schools in order to play ice hockey, but they were frequent visitors on campus. Summer is a busy season for the Lawrys—full of club sports, transitions, and new beginnings—but they always make time for each other. Family dinners are a treasured ritual.
“We’re a close bunch,” Dan says. “Oh yeah,” Brigid grins. “That’s how we roll.”
2019
2014
2009
2004
Brendan Moriarty, Bryce Homick, William Taylor, David McConaghay, Peter Murphy, Jennifer Lamontagne, Jessica Aiken Scola, Sara Miga, Jackie Pannell Zinck, Jeannie LaPlante, Theresa LaMontagne, Hannah Wolcott Reid, Carla Franciose Woldt, Allie Markowski
Molly McGrath, Colter Rule, Nkosi Cooper, Dylan Litt, Peter Gulbin, Savi Tompkins, Cam Purdy, Joe Rousseau, Cailey McNamara, Kate Killam, Meg Alberding, Maddie Wolfe, Eliza Gregory, Carter Cousins, Ethan Sacco, Jonathan Walker, Jackson Pentz, Niko Flevotomos, Mike Giugliano, Ashley Wang, Laura Pires, Mia D’Angelo, Sydney Winters, Chris Burke, Ben Bonavire, Sam O’Meara, Becca Matalon, Tayla Ziadie, Olivia Alfano, Alessia Martini, Eres Portman, Audrey Authur
Josh Hillman, Mark Shelanskas, Federico Cisneros, Robert Douglas, Chase Crean, Harrison Moore, Philip Gialopsos, Thomas Ianello, Denny Smythe, Caroline Skofterud-Nilsen, Jenna Rubin, Dory Butcher, Sage Maggi, Jackie Nicoletti, Briana Matthews, Sofie Skaugen, Anna Walker, Katerina Gazis Alvaro, Spencer O’Brien, Jasmine Brooks, Amanda Mancuso, Brittany D’Oleo, Micaela Martini, Charlotte Hinrichs, Robert Zhang, Max Axelrod ’13
Chelsea Kane Greene, Chris Setian, Amy Samenuk Randall, Grace Wolcott Brown, Frankie Walsh, Arielle Kempinsky, Lexi Lee, Maureen Wyse, Kyle Vigneault
1979
1989
1974
1964
Amy Groszyk Sheiber, Mark Richard, Rachel Smetana, Patrick Stone, Arun Masih, Katherine Harvey, Raymond Olko, Maura Deedy, Anita Lalli Bage, Larry Griffin
Ken Turnbull ’73, Ned Higgins ’73, John Moritz, William Bishop, William Shipley, Ted Turner, Peter Dunn, Elmer Noeth, Tyrone Miller, Tom Flagg, Michael Havran, Ernie Moncrieff, Tom Leonard, Kevin Armata, Leonard Weiser-Varon
1969
Bob Lally, David Bloom, Sandy Orr, Dan Tisch, John Ludwig, Charlie Anthony, Scott Stilwell, Bill Morin ’70
Dennis Kinne, Tom Burton, Dan Lawry, Ineke Ayubi-Moak, Sarah Birmingham Drummond, Jeff Gildersleeve
Steve Dutcher, Matt Cartmell, Hugh Rice, Jennifer Rockwell, Sherman Hawkins, Laurie Mackey Wilson, Kevin Stone
Jon Booth, Paul Wessells, Tom Webster, Peter Arango, Ned Smith, Peter Symasko, Nick McConnell, Bill Bromfield, Franklin Hardy, Oakford Acton, Paul Loether ’71, Nat Stevens, Peter Larom, Richard Weil ’71, Peter Novak
GEOFF ROCKWELL ’82
Mural Collaboration in Mexico City
Geoff Rockwell ’82 and his wife, Swiss artist Christine Zufferey, own and operate Rockwell Artisan Studio Inc., a New York-based fine arts studio that specializes in mural work. Their latest project, Extremes and In-betweens in Two Languages [Extremos e Intermedios en dos Lenguajes] [2024], is a monumental mural for the US Embassy in Mexico City, commissioned by the US Department of State’s Art in Embassies. The mural is an artwork by renowned American contemporary artist Ed Ruscha. It took six months to map out logistics, develop digital work, and test different techniques, textures, and paints before completing the mural. Each detail had to be considered carefully, from identifying the correct shades of paint to figuring out how to either ship or source materials they needed in Mexico. Geoff and Christine worked alongside a group of highly skilled local conservators for the project—an all-woman, all-Mexican artist crew. The mural was designed for a space above the building’s entry hall to be the centerpiece of one of the largest US embassy complexes.
Jay O’Brien was promoted to correspondent at ABC News, based in Washington, D.C., where he will continue to cover the biggest stories and issues on Capitol Hill. He is an Emmy® Award-winning journalist who has been an important part of ABC News’ political coverage, most recently as a multi-platform reporter. He has been critical in reporting notable stories on Congress since the November 2022 midterms. Prior to joining ABC News, O’Brien was a reporter at WPEC-TV in West Palm Beach, Florida.
[FOLLOW JAY ON INSTAGRAM @JAYOBTV]
JUDGE GEORGE DANIELS ’71
Celebrating
25 Years as Senior Federal Judge
An event honoring Judge George Daniels ’71 for his 25 years as a United States Federal Judge was held in New York on April 17, 2025. George is a Senior Federal Judge in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. He was appointed in 2000 after a nomination from President Clinton and with the support of the two New York Senators, Moynihan and Schumer. Judge Daniels’ diverse legal career began as a criminal defense attorney for the Legal Aid Society, followed by years as a judicial law clerk, litigation attorney, and federal prosecutor. George was a judge of the Criminal Court of New York City and justice of the New York State Supreme Court before his appointment as a federal judge. He was presented with the Suffield Academy Alumni Leadership Award in 2003 and has served as a Suffield trustee since 1986.
JEANNETTE RILEY ’86
Appointed University of New Hampshire Provost
Jeannette E. Riley ’86 is the University of New Hampshire’s newest provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. Previously she was the dean of the University of Rhode Island’s College of Arts and Sciences, where she grew the profile and prestige of the college, integrating online programs, launching a new budget model, forging new partnerships with area schools and businesses, and expanding experiential learning opportunities for undergraduates. As provost at UNH, she will lead academic operations and serve as a key member of the university’s leadership team, working to advance UNH's scholarly, teaching, and outreach missions across campuses, geographies, and modalities. She will oversee all of UNH’s colleges, schools, and institutes, as well as enrollment management, contract administration, and the office of research, economic engagement, and outreach. Prior to URI, she spent 15 years at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where she served as the dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, the academic director of online education and chair of the department of English, among other roles.
BOSTON q SAN FRANCISCO q DENVER q NEW YORK q SEOUL
BOSTON
TOP ROW [LEFT] Carrie Cerrato P’25, 28, Peter Cerrato ’91 P’25, 28 [MIDDLE] Peyton Cahn ’18, Kate Pistel ’09, Adam Pistel ’08, Charlie Cahn P’18, ’22 [RIGHT] Bob Hildreth ’75, P’12, 17, Harry Hildreth ’17 BOTTOM ROW [LEFT] Emma Tryon ’16, Tori Tryon ’18 [MIDDLE] Steve Puzzo ’90, Jay Gately ’90, Kevin Burke ’91 [RIGHT] Kelly Powers Crosby ’91, Kristin Hostetter ’86
SAN FRANCISCO
FRONT ROW Len Renery ’67, Peggy Pointer-Renery, Charlie Cahn P’18, ’22, Suzy Vogler P’11, Khooshe Adib-Samii Aiken ’78, Elise Adib-Samii Riegel ’87, P’20, ’24
BACK ROW Danielle Nelson, David Spitzler ’81, Jono Nelson ’14, Lily Clark ’07, Kathy Talebi, Amir Talebi ’71, Rick Devlin '05, Linda Groszyk ’94, Rich Nunez ’85, Ethan Sacco ’19, Michael Macomber ’69, Dane Carillo ’02, Chuck Greene ’65, Jon Rockman, Ellie Dwight, Phil Riegel ’87, P’20, ’24
Kira
Fiona
FRONT ROW
Dong Hyun [Daniel] Lee ’12
Gunil Kwon ’99
Sean Atkins P’26
Charlie Cahn P’18, ’22
Heecheon Lee ’96, P’26
Jung Hoon [Paul] Lee ’03
Yeon-Kyu [YK] Kim ’09
BACK ROW
Jin Woo [Charlie] Park ’19
Hee Seung [Chelsea] Han ’19
Jun Jan [James] Park ’11
FRONT ROW Andy Glover ’85, Gillian Glover, Hillary Rockwell Cahn ’88, P’18, ’22, Amanda Shifrin, Chelsea Boucher, Amanda Leonard ’14,
Demitrus ’15,
Johnson ’22, Brynn Bergin ’22 BACK ROW Maria Alford Suehnholz ’80, Lane Tryon ’17, Ryan Shaw, Hannah Thompson Mann ’07, Zack Mann, Marissa Gialopsos ’07, Cary Boucher ’10, Austin Bouthillier ’88, Eleanor Kelly ’12, Kevin Xue ’16, Katie Kuyper ’97, Matt Shifrin ’05, Phil Riegel ’87, P’20, 24, Charlie Riegel ’24
DENVER
NEW YORK
LEFT Sasha Derby ’18, Michelle Autouri Derby ’10 MIDDLE Sarah Pickup ’15, Isabella Attianese ’18, Arianna Saxton ’18, Stevie Eagan ’14 RIGHT Anthony Deni ’15, Tristan Grush ’15, Mike Barit ’15
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
1990
Steve Canter
Amy Newman Vaughn
Kelli Chamberlain Tosone
Courtney Wilson Nixon
Bob Yap
1991
Kim Ames Ide
1992
Marigrace Canter Morris
Wadiya Peterson Wynn
1993
Pam Eisen
Lauren Roginski-Strelec
Marla Zide
1994
Eric Feijo
Alison Kennedy Auciello
Scott Sartwell
1995
Bryson Tillinghast
1996
Tabitha Bliven Heidorn
Ryan Dowd
1997
Brian Hetzel
Aysha Moore-Manwaring
1998
Curtis Dubay
Sarah Fletcher Meaney
Sarah Hotchkiss
1999
Steven Darling
Maura Deedy
Larry Griffin
Mark Soticheck
Patrick Stone
2000
Michael Coleman
Carmine Petrone
Andrea Rich Rabatic
Manny Simons
Meagan Ward Jenkins
2001
Paige Diamond Kraft
Kate Dineen
Greg Hearn
Russ Hearn
2002
Alison Carey Lynch
Hilary Golas Rouse
2003
Lindsey Pell
Lindsay Rousseau
2004
William Taylor
2005
Rick Devlin
Dan Fisher
Steph Shaker McKeever
2006
Kim Autuori
Alison Leonard
Chris Stafford
Mike DiPietro
2007
Sydney Greenberg
Katy Heydinger Doar
Matt Jones
Harry Melendez
Meredith Wilson-Rarus
Rob Zammito
2008
Becca Bathrick Lamberti
Kirsten Chalke
Thomas Drummond-Hay
Adam Pistel
2009
Rosemary Chandler
Liz Monty Moffie
Amy Randall
Kyle Vigneault
2010
Michelle Autuori Derby
Mariah Hayes
2011
Joe Begley
Serge Derby
Kachenta Descartes
Jay DiPietro
Didi McDonald Clay
2012
Colin Dowd
Connor Kaplan
Remington Lyman
Izzy McDonald Piper
2013
Georgina Blakeley
Andrés Fernández Vílchez
Chris McCormick
Noel Nakamura
Jay Prasad
2014
Charlotte Hinrichs
Briana Matthews
Zach McCormick
Jono Nelson
Denny Smythe
Izzy Thompson
Nick Alfano
2015
Hannah Bellorado
Owen Hern
Emily Lowe
Sarah Pickup
Kelly Taylor
Ali Veitch
2016
Bella De Simone
Trevor Lyne
2017
Hannah Arthur
Becca Collins
Cari Cyr
Amelia Hern
Casey Kaplan
John Kuzmeski
Ryder Mosby
Julia Murphy
Graham Shannon
Garrett Stephenson
Ben Toczydlowski
Maxwell Toczydlowski
2018
Isabella Boonstra
Sasha Derby
Kevin Kuzmeski
Carlin Molander
Sarah Swanson
2019
Olivia Alfano
Mia D’Angelo
Erin Hayes
Kate Killam
Thomas Killam
Tyler Pereira
Cam Purdy
Jonathan Walker
Maddie Wolfe
Tayla Ziadie
2020
Myles Bard
Mozi Bici
Michaela Domino
Conor Hawkins
Karly Higgins
Sabrina Louro
Vivian Riegel
Lexi Roberts
Gabriella Tosone
Laurel Vardakas
2021
George Bauer
Grace Caso
Sami D’Angelo
Jenna Daly
Daniel Ennis
Maddy Lemza
Max Santopietro
Will Schmitz
Megan Swanson
2022
Harrison Cahn
Isabella Choi
Giselle Ciriaco
Hannah Cote
Zeno Dancanet
Rylie DeSabato
Grace Kotchen
Bella Lutton
Jack Lynam
Kelsie Nemeth
Annabelle Oman
Suleni Sabio-Arzu Brown
Max Schwartz
Henry Shiftan
Sophia Tosone
Vasundhra Vasanthan
Benedikt Vollert
Campbell White
2023
Johnny Beam
Josh Boies
Sara Broad
Juana Díez Londoño
Lauren Egan
Declan Hehir
Mekhi Johnson
Sophia Kim
Damon Li
Mia Rubenstein
Saud Shawwaf
2024
Nora Boino
Maeve Curtin
Ava D’Angelo
Henry Harding
Carlos Perez-Eder
Caroline Powell
Gianna Strange
2025
Guru Anand
Diana Baffor
Kayla Barthel
Josie Davis
Campbell Hudkins
Nicholas Llanos
Jahmir Pitcher
CLASS AGENT PROFILE
Charlotte Hinrichs ’14
For Charlotte Hinrichs ’14, becoming a Class Agent was more than a way to give back—it was a meaningful way to stay connected to the community that helped shape her. “Suffield taught me the true value of community,” she reflects. “I wanted to help preserve that bond for the Class of 2014.”
As a Class Agent, Charlotte plays a vital role in maintaining that connection, serving as a touchpoint between the school and her classmates. “It’s incredibly meaningful to share campus updates, highlight milestones within our class, and keep the spirit of our time at Suffield alive,” she says. “Staying in touch and hearing how people’s lives have evolved is a privilege and a joy.”
Charlotte’s deep appreciation for Suffield runs through every aspect of her story. She credits the Academy with instilling core values that continue to guide her today: leadership, resilience, curiosity, and compassion. “I learned how to lead, how to ask for help, how to have the courage to try new things, and how to persevere when challenges arise,” she says. “The friendships and mentorships I formed continue to support and inspire me.”
Suffield also opened her eyes to the world. Through March break trips to Spain, France, Italy, and Greece, and friendships with classmates from Jamaica, Norway, and Hong Kong, Charlotte gained a global perspective and a lasting enthusiasm for travel and cultural exchange.
After graduating from Suffield, Charlotte attended Elon University and began her career in marketing before transitioning into asset management—a move that required courage and adaptability. “That transition wasn’t easy,” she admits, “but Suffield gave me the confidence to lean into change.” She continues to lead beyond her professional role, currently serving as Chairman of the Young Adult Advisory Committee at Fountain House, a nonprofit re-imagining how society supports those impacted by mental illness. “Suffield instilled in me a deep sense of leadership and a lifelong commitment to giving back,” she says. “That continues to guide me every day.”
When Charlotte reflects on what she loved most about Suffield, her answer is simple: the people. “Suffield’s spirit is defined by its community. The friendships, teachers, and teammates I met made it a second home,” she says. Whether it was cheering at a play, improving skills after practice, or celebrating academic wins, the culture of camaraderie left a lasting impact.
“Being a class agent allows me to support and celebrate my classmates while staying engaged with the school that helped shape who I am today.”
Every memory I have of Suffield is rooted in community. As a proctor, I loved spending time in our dorm parent’s apartment after study hall, eating brownies and watching TV with fellow proctors. I always looked forward to lacrosse and squash practice—not just for the games, but because I genuinely loved being with my teammates and coaches. Her memories are filled with small moments of connection—late-night dorm chats with fellow proctors, lacrosse and squash practices with her teammates and coaches, and art classes where Mr. Butcher and Mrs. Fuller encouraged her to experiment and grow. Even Academic Support became a beloved part of her experience. “I loved going, even when I didn’t need help, because the teachers made it such an enjoyable space.”
To fellow and future Class Agents, Charlotte offers simple but wise advice: “A simple check-in goes a long way. Collaborate with your other class agents. Don’t be afraid to pass the torch if someone else might be better suited for another class agent. We’re all working toward the same goal: keeping our classes connected and keeping Suffield’s community strong.”
1958
David Rockwell
Bonnie and I celebrated our 65th anniversary in July. I continue to work with our local historical society. Our grandkids are doing well. Peyton ’18 is entering her third year of a doctoral program in Clinical Psychology; Harrison ’22 is entering his senior year at the University of Michigan. He spent last spring semester in Chile mountaineering and sea kayaking with the National Outdoor Leadership School. Obviously, we are very proud of them. Life on the Coast of Maine is good, although lived at a slower pace.
Bruce Glass
Still functioning pretty well. Serve on several Boards, visit gym daily, edit an online magazine, travel often. Recently moved to East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Would love to hear from any surviving classmates.
1959
Rich German Holly [#2] and I are loving our mountain home in Carmel, California and invite anyone to contact us if you’re in the area [831-236-7796]. I mountain hike about 1000 miles/year, am still active in hormone pellet insertion—over 11,000 insertions
in ten years—and am an active member of the Veterans Transition Center. Of all the training I went through, including as a surgeon in 2 wars [Vietnam, OIF/OEF], I owe my allegiance to Suffield for the strong foundation and sturdy principles it delivered to me. I give thanks to Ap Seaverns, David Holmes, and Charlie Cahn for their stellar leadership. Thank you, dear Suffield.
1960
Gilbert Lavoie
My latest book, called The Shroud of Jesus and the Sign John Ingeniously Concealed, was published by Sophia Institute Press. We also just finished working on a sculpture of the Shroud of Turin image. The sculpture is on display at St. John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, D.C., and also at Ava Maria University. My best wishes to all my classmates.
1961
Michael Menzies
With sincere gratitude I wish to thank members of the Class of 1961 for their continued support of the school. After 64 years, to witness 30%+ active participation by classmates speaks volumes as to our appreciation of what we gained from our time at the school. And to look at the advances the school has made after six decades raises how proud we can all be. My singular regret is that more classmates don’t take a trip West and pay a visit. Internet communication is not a substitute for an in-person visit. There are few places on this planet as beautiful as Pebble Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea. The door is open, the welcome mat out.
Thomas West
Friends sent me this today: “Tom, thought you might like this. This is what AI says about you.” How does it know all this? Frightening. Thomas G. West, author of In the Mind’s Eye and Thinking Like Einstein, has had a significant impact on improving public perceptions and attitudes about the talents, abilities, and societal value of individuals with dyslexia, as well as how dyslexia should be viewed. Through his books, speaking engagements, and advocacy, West has played a pivotal role in
Jim Lo Dolce ’65
Charlie Cahn & Rich German ’59
shifting the narrative around dyslexia from one focused solely on deficits to one that highlights its unique strengths, particularly in visual thinking and creativity.
1962
Andrew Spector
I am keeping busy delivering Meals on Wheels and touring students as a docent at the Holocaust Museum in Houston.
David Holdridge
In the early morning I persist with my books The Avant Garde of Western Civ and The Water Above and a third one in the making. In the afternoons I am working my farm [hardwoods] in Vermont.
1963
Peter Hayman
I turned 80 in August. I’m traveling to Spain and Portugal this Fall. I have been recently doing volunteer work for the Red Cross.
1964
Tom Webster
I saw Ned Smith and his wife on Whidbey Island, Washington in June. We are very happy back in Connecticut and hope to make a visit to Suffield soon.
Ned Smith
I’m always in touch with Tom Webster and Tim Hemingway, which is a true treasure.
Peter Symasko
It was great to visit Suffield at last year’s Reunion 2024. I’m expecting a visit from classmate A. Tijan Sallah. Then I’m off to West Africa to consult on a security project resulting from previous work for the Senegal Navy. Otherwise, I’m here on Cape Cod enjoying semi-retirement.
1965
Jim Lo Dolce
It was a great turnout for our 60th Reunion
A good size group of our class has been
enjoying Zoom reunions about twice per year which has been fun. I stopped working a year ago. I am still considering going back for some work in an urgent care center. I am doing some consulting on Primary Care Physician workflow efficiency. I published a book on the subject a few years ago and am currently writing a journal article for Family Practice Management journal of the American Academy of Family Physicians. I’m having some ortho issues which have slowed me down. I’m still golfing and sailing on Lake Ontario.
Bill Kelly
I am enjoying the summer at my home on the Connecticut shore. It was great seeing my classmates at our 60th at Reunion 2025.
Tim Hemingway
I’m fully retired but continue to serve on local community boards. I enjoy time with my grandkids and visiting their schools/ communities. I saw Larry & Molly Hyde this summer and went on a canal trip in France in early June
Todd Zimmerman
The Zoom call with the Class of 1965 a few months ago was wonderful—my first. I was shocked to learn that we are now firmly in our 70s. I reconnected with Peter Klarfeld and we have continued mano-a-mano Zooms since then, catching up on the nearly 60 years since we saw each other when I visited him on the grounds of Mr. Jefferson’s college.
1966
James Hochschwender
I’m enjoying occasional time with our four-year old grandson and daughter in New York City. I’m not enjoying what is happening in Bolivia. “State of the Future— Version 20.0” was published in September 2024, to which I contributed some updating and editing. It worth a read.
Frank Sparks
I’m retired in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. I’m doing volunteer work and playing golf and of course pickleball at our club.
1967
Ronald DeMarco
I have been retired since 2011. I found out that retirement is much more work than I had anticipated. Must have something to do with my two grandsons Landen [10] and Evan [6] lol. I also have PD which is relatively mild, but does complicate things.
1969
Peter Kircher
I am a retired public school teacher living in Austin, Texas.
Will Hemingway
After retiring from Home Depot and ridesharing I have been delivering for Hannibal’s Meals on Wheels program.
David Celentano
In June 2024 I ended 16 years as Chair of our Department of Epidemiology at Johns Hopkins, and I entered a “pathway to retirement.” I think I had excellent timing, as the field of public health at the moment is in a time of great challenge. Having weathered COVID-19 [where I set up and evaluated the COVID screening of the 20,000+ employees of the U.S. Capitol] and the demise of support for science, it is time to get out of public scrutiny. I am still teaching and revving up for the eighth edition of our top-selling textbook in epidemiology, but spending much more time enjoying events with our grandchildren. The Chesapeake remains an outstanding body of water.
1970
Paul Breslau
The 1969 varsity soccer team was undefeated under Coach Sanderson. There was another undefeated team in the Western New England league and a playoff game was arranged to see who would win the league cup. That game ended in a tie, however, and due to a formula the cup was awarded to the other team. As a consolation that year, Suffield Academy gave each player their own engraved mini cup. After 55 years mine is quite tarnished.
1971
James Morin
I retired from my political cartooning career with the Miami Herald in 2019. It was rewarding to say the least: two Pulitzer Prizes, Herblock Prize, Thomas Nast Prize, and many others. I also pursued oil painting—I was introduced to it by the great Mario Vincente at Suffield—and continue to paint to this day. Hope all is well with the rest of the Class of ’71 [and my friends from the Class of ’72].
Samuel Rapp
I’m enjoying retirement and family. I was recently ordained as an elder and teacher at my church. My granddaughter graduated high school in May and is now in basic training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
1972
William Fiore
In 2015 I completed a 34-year career in the Springfield Public Schools, holding a variety
of positions: teacher, coach, Assistant Principal, Supervisor, Director, and ending as a Senior Administrator. Along the way, I got my Real Estate license in both Massachusetts and Connecticut and I continue to be an active Realtor, working from the William Raveis Real Estate office in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Recently, I was selected as my company’s “Agent of the Month” and was honored in a pre-game ceremony at a Boston Red Sox game. It was a truly memorable experience to be up on the Megatron in Fenway Park. I was also able to attend the recent tree dedication on Bell Hill in memory of coach Frank Peraino. It was a great tribute to an outstanding coach, teacher, and person. It was also wonderful to reconnect with the many teammates, staff, and Suffield friends that were in attendance. A hearty well done to the planning group that put this heartfelt tribute together.
Peter Moritz
Hello, everyone. This past May I had the privilege and honor to plant a memorial tree for our beloved wrestling coach Frank Peraino. The plaque at the base of the tree says it all…he inspired boys to become men. It was a very special day for the many who came from far and wide to pay tribute and share their words.
Ron Rivard
This year has been wonderful. I have three new grandchildren. All boys. I’m having a
great time living life with my five daughters and three grandsons. Best wishes to all of my classmates and to those who work to make Suffield a great place to nurture our youth.
Charles “Chip” Spear
I officially retired, after 48 years working for the U.S. Navy this September. In addition, I moved from Simsbury, Connecticut to Sebago, Maine in summer 2025 to our new dream home we are building. It should be done by November. Meanwhile, we’ll live in an RV on the property. Susanne ’76 and I are looking forward to the life-changing event.
1973
Rob Moore
I retired from Lawrence Academy after 41 years as an educator and administrator. My wife Laura retired as well, and together we served Los Angeles for 82 years. We’ve moved to Newfound Lake in New Hampshire, where I grew up, and we are enjoying retirement. Part of retirement is reflecting on one’s life, and I look back at my years at Suffield fondly and appreciate all that the school and its dedicated faculty did for me. What incredible growth I experienced at Suffield. Looking forward to getting back to the Academy soon.
Mick Scully
I am sad to share with you that my son, Andrew ’04, passed peacefully on May 31, 2025. As he wished, he was at home under hospice care in the comfort of his own bed surrounded by the infinite love of his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Cara. May he rest in absolute peace.
Andrew Scully ’04
Drawing by KenTurnbull ’73
1974
Martin Sbriglio
Many classmates and fellow wrestlers gathered on Bell Hill to honor wrestling coach Frank Peraino. It was a moving event and Suffield Alumni traveled from all over the world and from around the U.S. The camaraderie and memories were palpable to everyone that attended.
Blair Childs
We’re in the process of selling our home in McLean, Virginia, if possible given the tough market with all the changes in Washington, D.C.. I’m spending most of my time now halfway up Deer Valley ski resort and dabbling in various business and investment opportunities. Please call if you are in the area and thanks to all for your support of Suffield.
1975
Jeffrey McGowan
Hello to all. I recently retired last year in November after 16 years at IKEA Charlotte. I enjoyed working within the community and rolling out fun activities for the customers and coworkers. I’m enjoying free time now with family and looking for maybe a parttime gig to keep me busy. Had a wonderful time at our Class of 1975 50th Reunion.
Ronald Salik
Linda and I are slowly entering into retirement. I am working part-time as an emergency physician at the Veterans Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. As a chaplain, we continue to host a weekly Bible Study. We have six grown children and a grand-dog. Hopefully, multiple weddings announcements will be coming soon. “To be, not to seem” has been burned into my heart since my days at Suffield.
Cole Robert
I’m training up for the Cycle to the Sun, a 38-mile climb from sea level to 10,210 feet yet again… Then on to another visit to Fukuoka and Matsumoto in early Autumn, with Tonkatsu ramen on the horizon.
Ronald Salik ’75 and wife, Linda
Jeff McGowan ’75
Chip Spear ’72 & Susanne Weschsler Spear ’76
Valisha Graves ’81, George Daniels ’71, and Jeff White ’65
Cole Robert ’75
1976
Paul Hugo
Diana and I are retired and still living in West Michigan, although we spend most of the year traveling in our RV. We winter in Port Charlotte, Florida, in the RV and do lots of trips during the rest of the year. This year was a little different for us as I traveled to Thailand in January to visit my Suffield roommate, Abhichart Abhinoraseth ’76 Who could have imagined that 50 years after being assigned as roommates we would connect in Thailand. He was an unbelievable host and showed me as much of Thailand as possible in 12 days. I’m looking forward to going again one day to see even more of the country. I’ve included a picture from the trip, taken in Chiang Mai at the Silver Temple. What a fantastic place to visit, I highly recommend Thailand to everyone. I am still swimming, fishing, and flying RC models whenever possible. My favorite swims are in open water, Lake Michigan and the Gulf of Mexico. Hope to make it next year to our 50th; can’t believe we are that mature now. Look me up if you are ever in West Michigan or on the west side of Florida.
1977
Charles Glines
I attended the memorial for legendary wrestling coach Frank Peraino on May 10, 2025. He was the best coach I ever knew. It was great to reconnect with my two cocaptains of the 1976 Suffield Wrestling team along with many other grapplers from the Peraino era. The memories and experiences shared about Coach Peraino were very inspiring and brought back a very magical time period in my life at Suffield Academy. Rest in peace, Coach.
1978
Mark Westlake
Life has been full and exciting. I’m now a proud grandfather to five beautiful grandchildren, and a few years ago, I was honored to be inducted into the River Dell High School Hall of Fame for both football
and baseball. I’ve been married for 38 wonderful years to my wife Liz, whom I met at Seton Hall. Professionally, I launched my own business and developed the GearBrain Assistant, the first foundational AI agent for the smart home and IoT markets. On the musical side, my band, The Modulators, is still going strong after 43 years. We’ve played in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, the New Jersey shore, and even at the legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool. You can find our three albums on Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, and all the major streaming platforms. Wishing all my classmates and the entire Suffield community continued success and good health.
1979
Glenn Schattman
I’m working at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York City. Emilie, our oldest daughter, got married in June at our home in Stamford, Connecticut. Dylan is a photographer in Los Angeles, California. Ayden is a biochemist working in Brooklyn, New York and our youngest son, Ben just graduated from Northeastern
University and was accepted to medical school at Pittsburgh. It’s been a busy year.
Carl Young
My son is going into his final year of college and was on his own this summer. I’m in the retirement zone, and my wife took the plunge into retirement, too. Everything feels right.. and I’ll take it while it lasts. It is great to see Suffield’s growth in the forty-six years since my graduation. Congratulations to the new graduates.
1981
John Martin
I am semiretired now—still working in technology field and also am a ski instructor. I take a big bike tour every year—last year it was 900 miles along the Croatian coast, and this year I spent 35 days biking 1,280 miles through Italy.
1982
David Babcock
Retired to Naples, Florida and enjoying life. Feel free to reach out to me—would enjoy catching up.
Paul Hugo ’76 & Abhichart Abhinoraseth ’76
Carl Young ’79
Mark Westlake ’78
Alan Hopps
Hello, Suffield. I am currently flying around the world as a Captain on the Boeing 747400 for Kalitta Air. All the best to the Class of 2025.
John Killeen
I’m still teaching at local colleges as a Business and Finance Adjunct. I’m just starting this semester at Quincy College, Bay Path, and Rhode Island College. Hope all are doing well.
1984
Jay Mullins
Things are cooking in New Hampshire. I enjoy running an investment advisory business, and I got 40 days of skiing in last season and am now on to golf. The family is great [my wife and two daughters]. We’re all heading to Ireland soon.
1985
Michael Sevilla
Seeing retirement on the horizon, I decided I needed an activity that was both meaningful and kept me physically active. I joined my town’s volunteer fire department where I serve as an EMT and Firefighter.
Alicia Sewald-Cisneros
Hi, everyone. My two boys are now 21 and 28. Mateo is a personal trainer getting the world in better shape. And Alberto, a musician, lives in Nashville and works in music studios as a sound engineer and music producer. My husband, Jeff, continues his creative career as a writer and documentary writer and producer. His last film Go to the People, about the street medicine movement, has won accolades in many film festivals. All sound and look great, right? Well, it is not for many people. I plead to anyone who is in any position to care for the poor, the refugees and immigrants, to do whatever possible to help. You know I was an international student at Suffield; I was privileged to be cared for by
the best faculty ever and remember kindly the friendships and connections made and thank you so much. I know I have been a stranger, and I am sorry. However, after becoming a professional licensed counselor in Pennsylvania, I have been leading a nonprofit endeavor called AYUDATE. It is focused on providing mental health in Spanish for the uninsured and underinsured Latino and Hispanic population. We are looking for any support you can give us. Thank you so much.
1986
Brinley Ford Ehlers
My twin daughters, Lucy and Kathleen, graduated from the University of Alabama. Super proud parent.
1989
Nina Broer
I came back to Suffield for a quick day visit in March this year. I would have never thought that I would be back one day with my three children next to me. It was really emotional.
1991
Ethan Hooper
I have been spending a lot of time with our class president Nick Molander ’91. His work with the disabled is inspiring. His abilities help them dance.
1992
Tasha Spann McCall
I’m so excited to share my many life changes in the past two years. I’m pleased to share I joined FinTech as VP, Digital Payments.
Class of 1981 Mark McCullagh & David Spitzler completing the 11.5 miles “Around Coronado Swim”
Alan Hopps ’82
Michael Sevilla ’85
Also, I was re-elected to a Georgiabased leadership organization’s Board. Additionally, my daughter is starting college and my son is finishing college. My husband and I are empty-nesters, amazingly. I’m looking forward to continuing my community service, renovating our home, and traveling.
Nkenge Hook
I am currently a fellow in the fourth cohort at the Access to Law Program at Yale University. It is a pipeline program that is funded by the Yale Racial and Justice Center. This is a recent write up on me. “Nkenge Hook is a lifelong resident of New Haven, Connecticut. Currently, she is finishing her final year in the Master of Public Administration program at Albertus Magnus College.
Nkenge is passionate about public policies and how they affect the underserved population. She is currently serving on the Professional Graduate Studies [PGS] Advisory Board and the DEI [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion] committees at Albertus. As a change agent, Hook desires to see equity and equality in all sectors of the school structure and student body. As a part of the mission to create policies that benefit the student body as a whole, she works to ensure that diversity efforts lead to each student having the tools to succeed in higher education. Her desire is to be a human rights attorney in order to be a trailblazer for justice and fairness for all whom she represents.”
1993
Jonathan Josendale
Greetings, Suffield. Since 2022, I’ve had the privilege of working with LaborMax Staffing, a national workforce solutions provider with over 70 locations across the country. In April, I was honored to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer, while continuing to serve as Chief Financial Officer. This dual
role has set forth an especially dynamic and rewarding chapter in my career. This is the next step in what has been a rewarding past couple of years, and I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition for these efforts. I was named one of the Kansas City Business Journal’s CFOs of the Year in 2024 and one of the Top 25 CFOs in Missouri by thetopcfos.com in 2023. It’s an exciting time at LaborMax, and I’m grateful to be part of a team that’s building momentum nationwide. I think fondly of my time at Suffield and know that my education there established the foundation needed to stand where I do today.
1997
Aysha Moore-Manwaring
After more than 20 years in architecture, design, and real estate, I’m excited to share that I’ve launched my own business: ALMM Services—a boutique firm that combines real estate expertise with interior design solutions. ALMM helps clients buy, sell, and re-imagine their homes. From staging to fullscale design projects and home sales, I offer a holistic approach to making spaces both functional and beautiful. Launching this venture has been a long-held dream, and I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences, people, and places that helped shape it. If you’re ever in need of thoughtful design or real estate guidance—or just want to reconnect—I’d love to hear from you.
1999
Matthew Grogan
Hello, Suffield. Just a quick note to say hello. I was on campus last year in the spring and took a self-guided tour of the new athletic facilities. It marked my first time on campus in probably 10 years. Very impressive facility and looks nothing like the field house we grew up with. Nice job! I’m keeping busy at work which has been pretty steady, but the newest development has been becoming a coach in both ice hockey and lacrosse to help support my son and daughter’s sports endeavors. John [8] is playing his third season of hockey and his first season of
lacrosse right now. Ava [5] just completed all the pre-reqs to do a season of the Philadelphia Flyers rookie camp, where she was able to skate with NHL alums Riley Cote, Doug Crossman, and Brent Fedyk. Of course, I’m on the ice and field for both sports coaching. I’m having a blast sharing in their athletic development. If anyone from Suffield is in the Philly area, let me know. I’d love to meet up with some of you if you’re passing through or living nearby.
2001
Tyler Morrison
Hello, Suffield. My wife and I are in full swing of family life with kids’ activities, trying to keep up, and continually being shocked at how fast they are growing. Hope all is well.
2002
Emilio Martinez
I’m excited to share that I’m launching my own real estate brokerage, Cherry Hill Real Estate, this summer in New York City. After nearly two decades in the industry—including time at Douglas Elliman and Brown Harris Stevens—I’m building a boutique firm that reflects my roots, my values, and my love for this city. Cherry Hill is all about culture, community, and doing real estate differently. Grateful to Suffield for laying the foundation for this next chapter.
James Cramphin
I live in Woburn, Massachusetts with my wife, Amanda, and son, Cole [3]. It was awesome to reconnect with former classmates and mentors at the Boston Alumni event in April and the Red Sox game in June. I was most recently in admissions and the head baseball coach at the Governor’s Academy, but after nearly fifteen years of working in boarding schools, I stepped away to launch Viewpoint Educational Consulting last summer. My business matches students with
Brinley Ehlers’ ’86 daughters, Lucy & Kathleen
Nina Broer ’89 with her children at Suffield
Tasha McCall ’92
Matt Grogan’s ’99 children
Tyler Morrison ’01
Hannah Wolcott Reid ’04 with husband Will and sons Ollie, Rusty, and Ellis; Sara Miga ’04 with husband Eric and sons Ned and Cal; Jeannie LaPlante ’04 with husband Louis
Jade Yip ’03
Hannah Thompson Mann ’07 with husband, Zack, and son, Liam
Harrison Kramer ’08 & John Neilson ’08
Lindsay Life ’08, Khaya Leary ’07 & Rosemary Chandler ’09
Remington Lyman ’12 & family
Lorenzo Bernardez ’11 and his mom at Suffield Academy graduation
Lorenzo Bernardez ’11 & Harry Melendez ’07 cheering on Chris Moore ’21
Caroline Leonard ’12 & fiancee, Evan Barker
Jesse Phillips ’15
Marco Li ’12, Sam Clark IV ’11 & Peter Yu ’11
Isabella DeSimone ’16 & husband, Kivanç Komesli
the best fitting independent day/boarding schools while helping families navigate the admissions and recruiting process [with a unique specialty in mental performance training and advising student-athletes]. If any of you or your friends are considering private day or boarding school for your children [including Suffield], please reach out—I would be happy to help with the process.
2003
Jade Yip
Since moving to Bangkok eight years ago, I’ve been busy building up my entertainment company for the past six years. This month, I’ve been interviewed and featured on the cover of Timeout magazine in Thailand.
2004
Jessica Aiken Scola
I’m happy to share that I’ve obtained a new certification as Certified Financial Planner® and am now part of NAPFA [National Association of Personal Financial Advisors]. I am living in West Newton, Massachusetts with my husband, James, and three active boys [10, 8 & 5].
Karla Wells Lisgaris
Not much is new here in The Bahamas, however I was recently promoted to Chief Commercial Officer at our family business Caribbean Bottling, local CocaCola bottlers. I manage our marketing department, new product launches and certain key sales initiatives. We also have established a liquor arm to our business, Caribbean Wines and Spirits. Our kids are now 6 and 4, and are enjoying island life, which is quite the treasure especially through the eyes of a child!
2007
Hannah Thompson Mann
My husband Zack and I welcomed our son Liam in April. It was great to see Hillary Cahn and some other Suffield alums at a recent reunion get together at Matt Shifrin’s house in Denver.
Tyler St. Pierre
Hi, Suffield family—sending sunshine, palm trees, and good vibes from Los Angeles. I’ve been feeling a bit nostalgic lately, thinking about my time at Suffield and the friendships that continue to shape who I am. This June marks five years since we lost our incredible classmate and my best friend, Bintou Ojomo Not a day goes by that I don’t feel her presence. Bintou lit up every room she entered—witty, stylish, joyful, and full of heart. I try to carry her spirit with me every day: show up with love, lead with laughter, and live in gratitude. After zigzagging all over the country, I’ve now been in Los Angeles for five years and currently oversee food & beverage operations at the Porsche Experience Center. I’m sharing a favorite throwback of me and Bintou from senior prom, along with a shot of me and my sidekick, Gizmo, en route to the beach. If you’re ever in the area, come visit—I’ll make sure you leave with an epic meal and maybe a little adrenaline. Wishing everyone a Pride filled with love, strength, and unapologetic joy—and a big congrats to the Class of 2025. Welcome to the alumni family.
Khaya Leary
Lindsay Life ’08, Rosemary Chandler ’09, and I all have found ourselves working for the same tech company this year. It’s so interesting how life has put us back into each other’s orbit again. KASA!
2008
Harrison Kramer
I’m currently living in New York City with my wife, Nela, and our two daughters, Elektra [5] and Aurelia [1].
2011
Lorenzo Bernardez
Seek peace because happiness is the icing on the cake once you find inner peace. Life is short and we’re all here to live a purposeful life. Find what you love and go after it with all you have. It’s okay to do the right thing and even more when no one is looking. My mom passed away in January and she always asked me about Suffield. It’s a special place and I’m grateful to be connected to such an amazing place. My attitude is gratitude.
Leah Life
Hi, Suffield. 2025 has been a big year for me. I married my husband, Michael, down in Cabo in January and was able to celebrate with many other Suffield grads. I also recently purchased a dental practice in Denver, Colorado and have been loving the mountain life. Sending my love to the whole Suffield community.
Shamier Settle
We welcomed our incredible son, Safari Settle, on September 29, 2024. I’ve never known a love like this. I’m filled with so much joy and gratitude to call him my baby. We live in New York City and travel frequently to Tanzania to visit family there.
2012
Remington Lyman
It’s the first year of planting vegetables at our new house with my wife and in-laws. Contact me if you’re interested in buying rental properties in Ohio.
Caroline Leonard
Summer kicked off with the best surprise ever—we’re engaged! After getting down on one knee at our favorite spot in town, Tod’s Point, Evan surprised me with a weekend away in Montauk, where we’ve spent the last five summers together. We couldn’t be more excited—let the 2026 wedding planning begin.
2013
Joseph Fields II
I am happy to share that I have recently accepted a position at Citibank as a Senior Vice President in the Strategic Risk Management group. I am located in the headquarters of Citigroup in Lower Manhattan. I live on the Upper East Side with my lovely wife, Maura, who is a Vice President at the Blackstone Group.
Victoria [Kiarsis] Sanders
I got married! Nate and I got married in Southport, North Carolina on February 22, 2025, and couldn’t be happier. I’m eager to bring him up to Connecticut and show him around Suffield someday soon.
2015
Molly Tettemer
After demonstrating the necessary experience and passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam for Civil Engineering, I earned my Professional Engineering license in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Jesse Phillips
What a year it’s been. I got engaged to my girlfriend of seven years. My fiance and I bought a house! I completed Ironman Texas in April and will be competing at Ironman Arizona in November. KASA!
2016
Colin Pittorie
I graduated from Quinnipiac University with my Doctorate of Physical Therapy in May 2023. I am currently working as a physical therapist in Milford, Connecticut.
Isabella De Simone
Hi, everyone. I am living in New York City with my husband Kivanç [married January 2024]. For our honeymoon we traveled to Japan and Singapore. I went for the matcha and stayed for the beautiful culture and people—so clean and friendly. I work in Tech Ad Sales in the city and spend my free time traveling, doing hot yoga, and hanging out with friends. I hope everyone is doing well and I hope to connect soon.
Meg Williams
I recently celebrated my wedding this September in Maine. I was thrilled to have my friends and fellow Suffield alums Kaitlyn Nigro and Dan Bennett join in the celebration. I’m so grateful for these wonderful friendships I formed while at Suffield.
2017
Brandon Liao
I moved to San Francisco from Boston to start a job in AI.
2020
Marina Ghazarian
After graduating from the University of Alabama in December of 2023, I started my next chapter—law school. I recently completed my first year of law school at American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C. Now, I am spending the summer in Miami, Florida working at a local Business Law firm. I hope to get into Sports & Entertainment Law as well as Intellectual Property Law.
2022
Campbell White
It feels like just yesterday I was walking the beautiful Suffield Academy campus, yet it’s
been three incredible years since I graduated in 2022. Not a day has passed where I don’t miss Suffield, all the amazing people who shaped my experience, and the vibrant community that truly felt like home. The bonds I formed with friends and teachers are truly amazing, and I’m grateful to say I still talk to them very often; it’s a connection I know I’ll have forever. Upon graduating from Suffield, I embarked on a new chapter at Tulane University, where I’m currently a rising senior. I’m excited to share that I’ll be graduating a semester early, this December 2025. My academic focus at Tulane is a major in Real Estate, complemented by a minor in Strategy, Leadership, and Analytics. This summer, I gained invaluable experience working for Clark Construction at their headquarters in McLean, Virginia. Specifically, I’m with their subsidiary, Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate, contributing to a variety of fascinating projects. I truly want to express my deepest gratitude to Suffield Academy. The foundation, the lessons, and the unwavering support I received during my time there were instrumental in guiding me to where I am today. Thank you, Suffield, for everything. I cherish the memories and look forward to staying connected with the community. Esse Quam Videri.
Class of 2022 Harrison Cahn, Luke Violich, and Ben Warner with Nico Menendez-Featherston after he finished 5th overall at the Wisconsin Ironman
Weddings
October
AJ Placanico ’11 to Anna Adley T September 14, 2024
| Left to Right | Pat Tolosky ’11, David Sambor ’10, Jason Spazzarini ’11, Anna Adley Placanico, AJ Placanico ’11, James Anderson ’11, Joe Begley ’11
Frankie Walsh ’09 to Bobby White T
12, 2024
Andrew Glennon ’14 to Megan Pipech T August 2, 2025
| Left to Right | Matt Powers ’14, Dory Butcher ’14, Stevie Eagan ’14, Andrew Glennon ’14, Megan Pipech, Jackie Nicoletti ’14, Federico Cisneros ’14
Melissa Malley ’16 to Kyler Armata ’15 T August 1, 2025
January
Victoria Kiarsis ’13 to Nate Sanders T February 22, 2025
Ryan Tettemer ’13 to Kayla Brunson T January 24, 2025
| Left to Right | Carter Cousins ’19, Rory Tettemer ’18, Molly Tettemer ’15, Kayla Brunson, Ryan Tettemer ’13, Jamie Johnson ’13, Jack Patterson ’13
Leah Life ’10 to Michael Chappelea T
11, 2025
Ashley Hecker ’01 to Patrick English T May 10, 2025
Left to Right Kate Dineen ’01, Charlie Cahn P’18, ’22, Ashley Hecker English ’01, Hillary Rockwell Cahn ’88, P’18, ’22, Brooks Truesdell Dolan ’01 | Leila Brewster Photography |
Tyler Arnold ’10 & Carly Benjamin Asher Scott Arnold | 09.25.25
Lindsey Moura Belchior ’08 & Daniel Belchior Ryder Lee Belchior | 06.20.25
in Memoriam
2024
John Mannix ’87 ? November 13
Todd Newmark ’66 ? December 12
2025
James Rosenstein ’64 ? January 3
Tad Dildilian ’55 ? February 2
David Bengston ’72 ? February 8
Joseph Adorno ’50 ? February 19
Scott Stewart ’71 ? March 11
Paul Mannheim ’57 ? March 17
Warren Bennett ’55 ? April 4
W. Howard Godiksen ’48 ? April 20
James Keely ’56 ? May 5
John [Jack] Meier ’65 ? May 31
Andrew Scully ’04 ? May 31
Emil Godiksen ’72 ? June 20
Peter Olin ’56 ? June 30
Bernard Shapiro ’47 ? July 22
Phil Williams ’58 ? August 10
Peter Kinnear ’65 ? August 13
Richard Raphael ’51 ? October 15
James Campagna ’48 ? October 19
FORMER FACULTY
Frank Peraino ? December 24, 2024 I Brad Gooch ? June 16, 2025 I Marc Brassard ? September 1, 2025
Frank P. Peraino
July 7, 1945 – December 24, 2024
Members of the Suffield Academy community gathered on May 10, 2025, to honor the life and legacy of legendary wrestling coach Frank Peraino, whose influence stretched far beyond the mat. The memorial service was a heartfelt reflection of Frank’s devotion to his athletes, colleagues, and the Academy community. Alumni from all over the country came together on Bell Hill, sharing stories that painted a vivid portrait of a man whose quiet strength and steadfast mentorship shaped young lives. The event was a testament to the care and collaboration of those who helped bring it to life. Martin Sbriglio ’74, Tom Flagg ’74, and Peter Moritz ’72 were instrumental in organizing the service, ensuring the details reflected the dignity and warmth Frank embodied. Frank's longtime partner, Ann Weidenfeller, was also in attendance. Deep appreciation is owed to Peter Moritz, whose generous gift of a tree now planted on campus in Frank’s honor will serve as a living tribute. Following the service there was a gathering in Memorial Building where stories flowed as freely as the laughter and tears they brought. It was abundantly clear that Frank was more than a coach—he was a compass, guiding students through the challenges of youth toward the steadiness of adulthood.
Bradford Cushing Gooch
January 3, 1936 – June 16, 2025
Brad Gooch, a legendary faculty member who taught for 36 years at Suffield, passed away on June 16, 2025. He was 89. Brad made profound, diverse contributions to Suffield. He was a dedicated teacher of English, art history, and music, New England champion coach, and spirited leader of COGS and other campus arts groups.
Brad was twice the Connecticut Private School Soccer Coach of the Year, serving as head coach of the Boys’ New England Champions in 1983 and leading the Girls’ Varsity to the post-season tournament five times. The Girls’ Soccer Field was named for him in 2012. Brad received the first Richter Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1993. He retired from Suffield and the students he loved so much in 1996, moving to Rome, Georgia with his wife Mary.
Brad’s legacy at Suffield is permanently recognized in important ways in addition to the soccer field: through the Bradford C . Gooch Music Award given annually at Commencement, The Most Improved Soccer Player Award for girls’ soccer, and the Gooch/Vincenti Scholarship. Brad’s close friend and Head of School Charlie Cahn gave a eulogy at Brad’s Memorial Service in Georgia, highlighting the outpouring of gratitude from Suffield alumni about Mr. Gooch’s influence on their lives, Brad’s deep and sustained love of Suffield Academy, and his enduring legacy as one of the school’s truly great faculty members.
Parents’ Association
Auction
April 24, 2026
Landis Student Union {Brewster Hall}
6:00 - 10:00 pm
- MORE DETAILS TO COME -
I 2026 I PARENT & ALUMNI GATHERINGS ,
NEW YORK CITY
January 15 [Thursday] Harmonie Club
6:00-8:30 pm 4 East 60th Street New York, New York Y DENVER
March 12 [Thursday] The Home of Amanda & Matt Shifrin ’05
6:00-9:00 pm Y BOSTON
April 16 [Thursday] Central Wharf
6:00-9:00 pm 160 Milk Street Boston, Massachusetts
- REGISTER ONLINE -
T o Those Who Supported Our Community in the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year
{ July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025 }
Suffield Academy Board of Trustees
Charles Cahn III P’18, ’22 [Head of School] I Suffield, Connecticut
Frederic Powers III ’83, P’14 [President] I Greenwich, Connecticut
Susan Autuori P’06, ’08, ’10, ’13 I West Hartford, Connecticut
Nancy Brooks ’87 I Boston, Massachusetts
Cindy Burke P’13, ’15, ’17, ’19 I East Longmeadow, Massachusetts
Jared Carillo ’00, P’28 I Glastonbury, Connecticut
Andrew Chase I Deerfield, Massachusetts
Lillian Chen I Shanghai, China
Kate Cleary ’88 I Cambridge, Massachusetts
George Daniels ’71 I New York, New York
Rick Devlin ’05 I Mountain View, California
Matthew Fine ’95 I Riverside, Connecticut
Michael Gingold P’16, ’18, ’21 I West Hartford, Connecticut
Valisha Graves ’81 I Brooklyn, New York
Walter Harrison I Wellfleet, Massachusetts
Russell Hearn ’01 I Dallas, Texas
Daniel Hostetter ’88, P’21, ’22, ’26 I Osterville, Massachusetts
Carolyn Tribble Hudkins ’94, P’25, ’28 I Farmington, Connecticut
Andrew Kotchen ’90, P’22, ’26 I Irvington, New York
James Michel P’12, ’17 I Bloomfield, Connecticut
Tracy Orr O’Keefe ’85, P’24, ’27 I Westfield, New Jersey
Jackson Robinson ’60 [Trustee Emeritus] I Little Compton, Rhode Island
Ali Salehi P’12 I Ipswich, Massachusetts
Jennifer Sanford P’18, ’25 I Charlotte, Vermont
Peter Snedeker ’02 I Riverside, Connecticut
Daniel Tisch ’69, P’02 [Trustee Emeritus] I New York, New York
Michael Tisch ’02 I Bridgehampton, New York
John Tremaine ’66, P’94, ’03 [Trustee Emeritus] I Vero Beach, Florida
Mark Vandevanter P’22 I Suffield, Connecticut
Suzy Vogler P’11 I Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Jeffrey White ’65 I Westport, Connecticut
Stephanie Winston Wolkoff ’89, P’23, ’25 I New York, New York
MISSION
Suffield Academy is a coeducational independent secondary school serving a diverse community of day and boarding students. Our school has a tradition of academic excellence combined with a strong work ethic. A commitment to scholarship and a respect for individual differences guide our teaching and curriculum. We engender among our students a sense of responsibility, and they are challenged to grow in a structured and nurturing environment. The entire academic, athletic, and extracurricular experience prepares our students for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and active citizenship.
NON-DISCRIMINATION
Suffield Academy does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, physical attributes, disability, age, or sexual orientation. We administer our admissions, financial aid, educational, athletic, extracurricular, and other policies so that each student is equally accorded all the rights, privileges, programs, and facilities made available by the school.
