Thayer Magazine 2024-25, Iss. 1 & 2

PICTURE

PERFECT

Chris Fortunato JD, MSW P ’26, ’28 HEAD OF SCHOOL

Melissa Tuthill Forger ’92 P ’25, ’28, ’29 DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT & ENGAGEMENT

Dan Callahan DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

Craig Salters ’86 P ’24 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHERS: John F. Grant; Ryan Thompson; and George Morgan.

CONTRIBUTORS:

The Belfort Group; Diane Haigh; Larry Carlson P ’02, ’10; Paul Kahn P ’27, ’30; Noreen Dougherty; Alison Terry; Rebecca Bishop; Nicolette Mingels; Stay Calm Industries; Renee Forsythe; Kelly Hines P ’18, ’19; Rachael Rouvales Vassalotti ’79 P ’07, ’11, ’12; John Murphy; Brad Peterson ’11; John Crampton; Rachael Reichenbach; and Teresa Tenney.

CORRECTIONS

On page 33 of the previous magazine, a photo caption misidentified the award received at Last Chapel 2024 by Head Athletic Trainer Ellen Malloy. She received the Matthew Callahan Healey ’09 Unsung Hero Prize.

On page 56 of the previous magazine, a photo caption incorrectly identified one of the students. The

On page 56 of the

a

On page 33 of the previous magazine, a photo caption regarding Last Chapel 2024 incorrectly identified one of the students. The caption should read: Colleen Cloonan ’24 and Harry Salters ’24 walk up to receive their ISL Excellence Awards.

caption should read: Claire Kelly ’28 and Maddy Call ’28.

previous magazine,

photo caption incorrectly identified one of the students. The caption should read: Yvonne Guo ’29, Faith Elias ’29, Essie Sam ’30, Soumayä Fort ’31, Chloe Poon ’30, Liv Talabi-Oates ’29, and Anne Suwastawan ’29.

IN THIS ISSUE

SCENE AT THAYER

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

AROUND CAMPUS

HOMECOMING 2024

REUNION 2024

RECOGNITION DAY

LAST CHAPEL 2025

COMMENCEMENT 2025

FEATURE:

For Anni (McDonough) Zukauskas ’94 P ’28, ’29; Jennifer (Lally) Kent ’86 P ’13; and Kelly (Amonte) Hiller ’92, lacrosse has proven a lifelong passion.

Ally Sentnor ’21 is a driving force in the world of women’s soccer.

Nicole Carter ’07 has taken her know-how and leadership skills to the next level at the NBA.

ARTS

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

ATHLETICS

ADVANCEMENT & ENGAGEMENT CLASS NOTES IN MEMORIAM

THE FINAL WORD Thayer has a long history of excellence in women’s sports.

THAYER ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR 2025-2026

James Coughlin P ’24, ’26 Chairman of the Board

Joshua Bennett Tavares Brewington

Rachel Card P ’27, ’29

Abe Ceesay P ’27

Ryan Cox ’98 P ’26, ’28, ’30

Michael Curry P ’26

Guy Daniello P ’22, ’26

Rob DeMarco ’86 P ’19, ’21, ’26

David Devine P ’25, ’30

James Dowden P ’26, ’28, ’30

Joseph Farmer P ’23

Lauren O’Neill Goff P ’31, ’33

Jennifer Havlicek P ’18, ’21, ’21

Teresa Hsiao ’03

Elizabeth Joyce P ’27, ’30

Greg Lally ’92 P ’22, ’25, ’26, ’28

Leonard Monfredo P ’30

F. Marie Morisset P ’26

Jeanine Murphy P ’24

Jeff Robinson P ’26

Ann Stanesa P ’27, ’29

Andrew Sullivan P ’23, ’25, ’29

Chris Sullivan ’95 P ’28, ’28, ’33

Lindsay Wilkinson P ’25, ’27, ’30

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS:

Chris Fortunato JD, MSW P ’26, ’28 Head of School

Kendra King ’02 President of the Alumni Board

Stephen P. Sanford, MBA Assistant Treasurer of the Board (in his role as Chief Financial & Operations Officer)

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear Thayer Community,

The start of a new school year always brings a joyful sense of possibility as new ideas, friendships, and opportunities abound. This opening of school, Thayer’s 148th, is also a reminder of our commitment to blending a long history of accomplishment, connection, and tradition with our dedication to boldly and enthusiastically embrace the future.

Thayer recently launched Forever Forward, the most ambitious strategic plan in our history. The multi-year initiative prioritizes investments in our people, programs, and campus to amplify learning excellence, student engagement, and the long-term success of our great school. The plan’s programmatic, student and faculty/staff support, and facilities initiatives will drive our work and set up an exceptionally bright future for the school. This work is guided by our core beliefs that at Thayer: relationships matter most; innovation drives excellence; real-world engagement and service are essential; effective communication is paramount to success; and diversity strengthens learning, achievement, and our mission. By adhering to these principles and building upon Thayer’s strong foundation, we are charting an intentional and excellent path through an ever-evolving educational landscape. And we are leading the way in creating a school where every student is truly known, connected, and prepared.

In the year ahead, we will share more about how we are advancing the Forever Forward strategic plan. This edition of our magazine highlights experiences and achievements of the 2024-25 school year, many of which set the stage for the launch of our plan in June 2025. On the following pages you’ll read about students expressing their authentic selves in the classroom, on the stage, in the art studio, or on Thayer’s various playing fields, ice sheets, and courts. You’ll read about faculty members stretching their talents in and beyond the classroom as teachers and mentors to students and colleagues. You’ll read about the authors, trailblazers, innovators, and business leaders who visited campus this past year as part of ongoing efforts to bring the world to Thayer. And you’ll also read about Thayer alumni who’ve achieved amazing successes that make us proud.

We approach the future from an incredible position of strength. The stories in this magazine offer a glimpse into the exceptional people who have positioned Thayer to be a powerhouse across academics, athletics, the arts, and service. While buildings and programs are undoubtedly important, it is people who are at the heart of everything we do. We are so fortunate to boast a strong community of students, families, alumni, faculty, and staff who are all-in in making Thayer a leader in transformative learning. Thank you for your partnership, your care, and your hard work in making us ready to face the future with confidence.

Please enjoy this magazine, and I invite you to learn more about the Forever Forward strategic plan and its role in creating a strong and vibrant Thayer Academy. Our hope is that every member of our school will lend their minds and spirit to our collective effort, just as we lend our voices to the chorus that proudly proclaims “Thayer, Thayer, Forever.”

With gratitude,

Chris Fortunato JD, MSW P ’26, ’28 HEAD OF SCHOOL

LODGE CHAMPIONS THE ART OF LEARNING

Upper School World Languages Faculty Allynn Lodge presented the workshop “Drawing and Doodling in the World Language Classroom” at the 2024 convention of the American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

A veteran world languages teacher and artist herself, Lodge made the case that drawing and doodling serve as powerful tools for facilitating learning and connection among students. Walking her colleagues through drawing-based activities she uses in her own classroom, Lodge explained how the exercises promote the elaborative, pictorial, and motor codes of memory making, providing students with multiple ways of understanding words and concepts.

“When information is highly personalized, it is memorable and meaningful,” Lodge wrote in a session summary for the annual convention, which was held in late November of last year in Philadelphia.

Lodge initially presented her ideas on the educational value of drawing at RIFLA 2023, the state conference of the Rhode Island For Languages Association. There she earned a “Best of Rhode Island” distinction and the opportunity to present at the Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (NECTFL), which led to her presentation in Philadelphia.

Lodge said she presents at conferences for the same reason she wrote her 2022 book A Teacher’s Guide to Our Story: to help teachers in the same way that others helped her when she was just starting out.

“It’s rewarding to be on the other side of the podium and to help teachers who are feeling unsure or stuck in their teaching,” said Lodge. “I needed that help many times — and still do, occasionally — and it feels so good to give it.”

Incorporating drawing into world language classrooms — such as this representation of the Spanish idiom “tener frio” (“to be cold”) created by Molly Mullaly ’18 as a seventh grade student in Ms. Lodge’s Spanish class— personalizes the memory making process and facilitates language learning.

A ROONEY READING

Upper School World Languages Faculty

Aidan Rooney P ’07, ’15 joined three fellow writers in readings to celebrate the release of the 100th issue of AGNI, the renowned literary magazine housed at Boston University. The event took place October of 2024 at the Boston Playwrights’ Theater on Commonwealth Avenue.

Rooney read from Cécé, his English translation from the French of Emmelie Prophète’s latest novel Les Villages de Dieu. Prophète is a Haitian writer and diplomat, and her book has been described as a feminist coming-of-age novel. Rooney’s work, which is being published by Archipelago Books, will appear in the fall of 2025.

In addition to Rooney, authors Maggie Dietz, Lynette Ng, and Elisa Gabbert offered readings of their work. Singersongwriter Gabriella Simpkins also performed that night. A reception followed.

A teacher and coach at Thayer since 1988, Rooney is the author of three poetry collections: Day Release (2000), Tightrope (2007), and Go There (2020).

Several members of the Thayer community traveled to Boston to hear Upper School World Languages Faculty Aidan Rooney P ’07, ’15 read from his upcoming novel translation. From left are: retired Upper School history teacher Norma Atkinson GP ’07, ’11, ’16; retired Upper School English teacher Betty Bailey ’63; retired Upper School English teacher Jim King P ’01, ’04, ’06; Editorial Director Craig Salters ’86 P ’24; Rooney; and Napoleon Lherisson ’06, who once served as the Academy’s first teaching fellow.

DOLLARS AND SENSE INVESTMENT SEMINAR

PAYS DIVIDENDS

About 30 Upper School students took advantage of a weekly investment seminar held this past fall semester and led by Scholar in Residence Derek Hayden P ’15, ’18, a career investment professional who walked students through an accelerated investigation of the markets and of market analysis.

According to Assistant Head of School for Academics Peter Brooks P ’32, the seminar took place on the heels of the 2023-24 financial literacy and investment workshop series, also led by Hayden, which explored investing and financial well-being with a broader brush. In this most recent offering, students explored the process of valuing a stock or security, learned how to identify potential trends, and engaged in conversations on national/global events and how the stock

market fluctuates in response to news of the world. One important takeaway for students was an understanding that investing is an incredibly intricate and exacting process, one that surprises even those who’ve dedicated their entire careers to that process.

A graduate of Harvard Business School, Hayden has spent his 30-year career working in a variety of sectors within the finance industry. He began his investment career at Bear Stearns & Company before becoming a partner and chief operating officer at Boston-based investment firm Alydar Capital. Since 2015, Hayden has served as CIO of Jam Investment Management.

The reasoning behind offering a more focused study was to fully prepare

students to engage in investing and building a portfolio. It’s never too early, Brooks said, for high school students to understand important concepts that they’ll want to know — and access — as they grow into adults.

“Not enough people get the opportunity to be exposed to these concepts as well as the more nuanced and complicated processes of valuing stocks and building a portfolio,” Brooks said.

The Investment Seminar is part of a larger Thayer curricular initiative featuring business, finance, and entrepreneurship offerings.

Derek Hayden P ’15, ’18

WORDS OF WISDOM

Thayer Academy recently wrapped up its inaugural Business Leadership Masterclass that brought CEOs, industry leaders, and insightful business school academics to campus.

Led by Scholar in Residence Derek Hayden P ’15, ’18, a career investment professional and current CIO of Jam Investment Management, the 12-week course met Tuesday evenings during the winter and spring. It introduced approximately 40 Upper School students to core business topics such as the principles of effective management,

technology (including AI and cybersecurity), marketing and branding, and ethical leadership.

The master class actually kicked off Feb. 4 with a Thayer Global Speaker Series event held in Southworth Library. There, a distinguished panel offered an informative and spirited roundtable discussion on the rapidly changing corporate landscape and the skills needed to thrive in such an environment. Kelley Tuthill ’88, president and CEO of Catholic Charities Boston and a former news anchor and reporter at WCVB-TV in Boston, served as

moderator for the event, which included the following panelists: Abraham Ceesay P ’27, CEO of Rapport Therapeutics and a Thayer trustee; retired Vice Admiral Michael Connor ’76, founder, chairman, and CEO of ThayerMahan; Guy Daniello P ’22, ’26, founder and CEO of Peloton Consulting Group and a Thayer trustee; Jay Hooley P ’06, ’08, ’13, ’16, former chair of the board and CEO of State Street Corporation; Rachelle Jacques P ’26, biotech executive and independent board director; and Siobhan O’Mahony P ’28, ’28, Feld Family Professor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Management &

Jay Hooley P ’06, ’08, ’13, ’16

Organization at the Boston University Questrom School of Business.

The class included several guest presenters who each week shared their areas of expertise with students. In addition to Hooley, Daniello, O’Mahony, and Jacques, guest presenters included: Rachel Card P ’27, ’29, a Thayer trustee who currently leads the tech firm CxC Dev.; Peter Dawoud, PhD, principal program manager at Microsoft.; Sanjay Putrevu, PhD, dean of business at Bentley University; Rob McGee ’89 P ’27, owner of the McGee Automotive Family, a car dealership and service business; Chris O’Connell, a longtime corporate executive and former chairman and CEO of Waters Corporation; and Liz Joyce P ’27, ’30, PhD, executive vice president and chief information security officer at State Street as well as an incoming Thayer trustee.

Daniello and his wife Sue made the Business Leadership Masterclass possible by generously funding the pilot for the innovative program. The new course dovetails with the Academy’s existing

Introducing students to core business topics such as the principles of effective management, technology, marketing and branding, and ethical leadership.

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO HONORABLE ACHIEVEMENT

MIDDLE

SCHOOL MARKS CENTENNIAL By

Craig Salters

’86 P ’24

Thayer Academy Archivist-Historian

Larry Carlson P ’02, ’05, ’10 paid a visit to the Middle School this past spring to offer remarks in commemoration of the division’s 100th anniversary. He shared with students the intertwined histories of Anna Boynton Thompson, one of Thayer’s first faculty members, and Stacy Southworth P 1925, 1934, the Academy’s third headmaster, and their pivotal roles in creating the Middle School we know today.

“They are among the giants of our history,” said Carlson of Thompson and Southworth, “and their deeds 100 years ago are what we celebrate today.”

Thompson, said Carlson, taught history and classics and was on the original

faculty when Thayer Academy opened its doors in 1877. She taught at Thayer for more than 40 years while living on the other side of Hobart Avenue in a beloved home surrounded by gardens, a home she dubbed “Thayerlands” and which stood on the site of the current Middle School.

While the Academy had thrived in the decades following its founding — that founding the result of a bequest made in the will of General Sylvanus Thayer — the post-World War I era brought recession and, in the minds of Thayer’s then board of trustees, the need to both bring Thayer into the modern world and expand the number of students. Enter the young and energetic Southworth, hired by the board in 1920 and tasked with both endeavors, and exit Thompson, who was sent into

mandatory retirement — “much to her annoyance,” noted Carlson — that same year.

A new school for younger students, said Carlson, needed to be independent from the high school, as General Thayer had stipulated in his bequest that only those age 12 and older were to gain admission to Thayer. The new school also needed a benefactor, which is where the paths of Southworth and Thompson intersected.

“Young Mr. Southworth was given the task of crossing the street to meet with Miss Thompson and arranging for her support of the endeavor,” said Carlson in his April 2 remarks.

Archivist Larry Carlson P ’02, ’05, ’10

And this, Carlson added, was no easy task, given Thompson’s formidable presence, her recent unceremonious retirement, and her suspicion of those seeking to alter a school to which she had devoted her life.

“We are told she sat him down and grilled him with difficult questions, trying her best to determine if Southworth would be as dedicated to her Thayer Academy as she had been,” said Carlson.

Apparently Southworth’s answers proved sufficient, Carlson told his audience, because Thompson became the benefactor the Academy so keenly sought.

“As General Thayer had before her, in her will she left her house and grounds and gardens and some money to establish the new school, which was to be named Thayerlands, which was the name she had given her home,” Carlson said.

Thayerlands — a school for grades 6, 7, and 8 which, due to strong demand, added a fifth grade within weeks — opened in the fall of 1924 and graduated

its first class in the spring of 1925. Ms. Thompson’s home served as the school for the first 75 years. In 1930 a new auditorium, Burgess Hall, was added, and in 1959 Thompson Hall was added. In the 1970s Thayer built a courtyard and additional classrooms which, in Carlson’s words, “connected the three [existing buildings] into one building of sorts.” And in the early 1990s, he said, Thompson’s original home was torn down to make way for a new building and more classrooms.

“What remains of Miss Thompson’s house and gardens,” said Carlson, “is her stone chair, which used to sit in front of her house and face Hobart Avenue but now can be found in the playground behind the school.”

Thayerlands added more grades as it evolved, but in the late 1960s Thayer’s then trustees narrowed the school’s scope to create the modern version: Thayer Academy Middle School. But the roots of the Middle School go back more than a century ago to those conversations between Southworth and Thompson.

“We owe a lot to the men and women of the past — to their vision, to their hard work, and to their dedication,” Carlson told his young audience. “As a wise person once said, in effect, if we have reached great heights in our own endeavors, it’s probably because we have stood upon the shoulders of giants.”

“We owe a lot to the men and women of the past — to their vision, to their hard work, and to their dedication,”

- Larry Carlson

Archivist Larry Carlson P ’02, ’05, ’10 and Middle School Director Galen Hamann ’31 with a photo of Anna Boynton Thompson.

BD WONG HAS SOMETHING TO SAY

Award-winning actor kicked off the 2024-25 Thayer Global Speaker Series

By Craig Salters ’86 P ’24

The Thayer community fell in love with actor, director, and activist BD Wong during his visit to campus in October 2024, and apparently the feeling was mutual.

“Hello, Thayer,” Wong said simply enough to begin “An Evening with BD Wong,” the first installment of the 2024-25 Thayer Global Speaker Series, before thanking the school for its warm welcome. The prolific character actor then added: “I’ve enjoyed every single second of being on campus.”

Wong had, in fact, spent much of the evening at Thayer. As part of his visit Wong — who speaks candidly about his experiences as an openly gay Asian American actor in Hollywood — met with several Thayer student organizations including the Asian Student Association, Isokan (Thayer’s Black student union), OMEGA (An Upper School alliance group), Spectrum (The Middle School’s gay/straight alliance group), and QUEST (the Upper School’s gay/straight alliance group). The Global Speaker Series event, in which Wong shared stories and insights

about his career with Head of School Chris Fortunato P ’26, ’28, who served as moderator, took place that evening in the CFA’s Hale Theater. Midway through the discussion the pair were joined by Teresa Hsiao ’03, a television and film writer and producer who currently serves as a member of the Thayer Academy Board of Trustees. Along with Awkwafina herself, Hsiao is the co-creator of Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens, the hit television comedy in which Wong stars.

Wong shared much during the two-hour

discussion. He recalled finding his path as an actor thanks to the encouragement of a beloved high school drama teacher — “She unlocked all the inhibitions about it,” he said — and thriving as a character actor in part because it offered a mask for his real identity.

“I learned to become a chameleon,” he said.

A born storyteller, Wong also recalled coming out as gay in 2003 and how that action allowed him to speak more from the heart when addressing large groups. Gone, he said, were the carefully prepared notes or the stoic pose behind the podium.

“I no longer had anything to edit,” he told the audience with a broad smile.

Informal and transparent, the San Francisco native discussed his three decades in theater, film, and television and shared stories of a varied and vibrant career. To this day, Wong is the only actor to win all five major New York theater awards for a single role, that of Song Liling in Broadway’s M. Butterfly. In addition to Awkafina Is Nora from Queens, Wong has also had recurring roles in such television shows as Oz, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Mr. Robot. On the silver screen, some of Wong’s most immediately recognizable work includes four films of the Jurassic Park franchise, Mulan, and Netflix’s Bird Box

During the Q&A portion of the event, Wong offered audience members some hard-won lessons from his decades of fighting racism and stereotyping in his profession. When he was growing up, he told the crowd, he couldn’t help but notice how invisible Asian Americans were to a Hollywood he wanted to make a career in. He also couldn’t help but notice how easy it was to make a gay man the target of a joke. Those realizations made him

shy away from his dreams at first, he acknowledged, but he now understands that, like any good movie, things are not always what they seem.

“The things that you think are obstacles are your assets,” Wong said.

The Thayer Global Speaker Series brings thought leaders, innovators, and difference-makers to the Thayer campus to engage the community in issues that matter to the world.

Did You Know?

BD Wong was an open book during his visit to Thayer. Here are a few interesting tidbits from that night:

“BD” stands for “Bradley Darryl.” The actor chose to go by his initials for his breakthrough role as Song Liling in M. Butterfly, where the title character’s gender is ambiguous. However, BD liked the sound of it, and the initials stuck.

BD made his television directorial debut in 2021 on “Tales from the Blackout,” a second-season episode of Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens

BD is an enormous fan of Carol Burnett (Who isn’t?) and was thrilled to work with her on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in the 2009 episode “Ballerina.”

BD said his most challenging role so far was playing Whiterose on the television drama Mr. Robot

In the 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park, BD plays Dr. Henry Wu, a geneticist who blithely tells the character of Dr. Ian Malcolm, played by Jeff Goldblum, that nothing can go wrong with the dinosaurs on the island. Dr. Malcolm famously responds that “life, uh … finds a way.”

The San Francisco native hasn’t been in everything, but he’s been in quite a lot of things. He’s appeared on Sesame Street, The X-Files, and Nurse Jackie He gave a critically acclaimed performance as Linus in the revival of the musical You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. His films include The Freshman, Father of the Bride, Father of the Bride II, Mulan, Mulan II, The Salton Sea, and Seven Years in Tibet. He played “Boy on Street” in Karate Kid II and is still friends with Tamlyn Tomita, one of the stars of that 1986 movie. 1 2 3 4 5 6

LISA DAMOUR OFFERS PRACTICAL ADVICE TO HELP TEENS

Noted clinical psychologist pays visit to Thayer

Today’s teenagers might want different things depending upon the week, the day, or even the hour, but what the research says they need, according to Dr. Lisa Damour, is a steady presence in their lives.

“The single most powerful force for adolescent mental health is strong relationships with caring adults,” Damour told her Hale Theater audience this past December as a guest speaker for the Thayer Global Speaker Series.

A clinical psychologist and best-selling author of three books — Untangled, Under

Pressure, and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers — Damour spent that entire day at Thayer. She began by speaking to faculty and staff in an early morning professional development session. She then met with both Middle School and Upper School students during the school day before addressing families in an evening talk.

“Thank you for sharing your school and your kids with me,” Damour said that evening. She noted that the level of authentic student accessibility she encountered throughout the day spoke

volumes about the level of adult-student trust that exists at Thayer.

Damour’s advice was practical, researchbased, and reassuring. She began her talk with Upper School students, for instance, not by highlighting the latest psychological studies but by asking seniors how they were doing during the frenzied college application process. She offered the perspective that, five or 10 years down the road, people will focus more on what a person did with their education than where they went to college. She also reassured the Class of 2025 that once

those jam-packed application weeks were in the rearview mirror, they’d get their time back.

Regardless of the group she addressed, Damour made one point clear: Stress — or “distress” as Damour more often referred to it — is part of life and a necessary component of real growth.

“It’s good to feel good, and I’m all about feeling good,” Damour said, “but that’s not what mental health is.” True mental health, she said, is not the absence of stress but having feelings commensurate with the experience and then properly managing those feelings.

As Damour explained, psychologists break down coping strategies into two large camps: those that bring relief with no harm and those that bring relief at a cost. That latter group — which includes behaviors like substance abuse, collapsing inward with self-blame, and taking it out on others — are the ones in need of further attention. But if the coping strategies relieve stress in a constructive or even just a benign way — like running, swimming, listening to music, watching television,

or reading — then stress is likely being managed in a healthy way.

“As long as it brings relief and does no harm, we’re good with it,” Damour said.

Damour also counseled families that an existence of dramatic ups and downs is pretty much the neurological definition of a teenager. However, she said, it’s time to be concerned when a teen is in a dark and concerning mood and stays there for a considerable amount of time. It’s also time to be concerned when there’s a possibility of self-harm or harm to others. At that point, lovingly but directly addressing the situation is recommended.

“If a kid is thinking about hurting themselves,” said Damour, “they’re glad you asked.”

Damour, who among her many accomplishments recently served as a consultant to Pixar on the film Inside Out 2, expressed tremendous respect for teenagers; she called them the real experts already doing the work to problem-solve and maintain their own mental health. Damour also urged parents

and guardians to be that steady presence as their children build the coping skills needed for the real world.

“All opportunities have uncertainty, and maybe a little misery, built right in,” said Damour. “The ability to handle distress is what opens the world up for our kids.”

True mental health...is not the absence of stress but having feelings commensurate with the experience and then properly managing those feelings.

- Lisa Damour

Damour addresses Thayer families.

A CAPITAL IDEA

GRADE 8 TRAVELS TO WASHINGTON, D.C.

Thayer Academy’s eighth grade class made history this past fall with its first trip to Washington, D.C. The teaching team carefully designed the three-day, two-night adventure to balance engaging activities with meaningful curricular connections.

Students immersed themselves in some of the nation’s most important cultural and historical sites, including the American History Museum, Natural History Museum, International Spy Museum, and Arlington National Cemetery. The trip wouldn’t have been complete without visits to the national monuments and the chance to experience the grandeur of the National Mall.

Beyond sightseeing, the trip gave students a hands-on opportunity to connect classroom lessons to real-world experiences. Visiting these landmark institutions gave them a deeper understanding of the themes studied

throughout the eighth grade year. Visits to the Holocaust Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture brought deep reflections on history and civics to life in ways that made a clear impact on the students.

“This trip was a great experience for our eighth grade students and faculty,” said Middle School Dean of Students John Reid. “We look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come.”

‘GO THE EXTRA MILE’

ALUM VISITS FOR “10 MINUTES WITH ...” SEGMENT

As director of professional scouting for the Boston Red Sox, Harrison Slutsky ’08 works hard every day to bring yet another championship to Fenway Park.

But the BoSox executive knew exactly why he took time out of his busy schedule in December of 2024 to visit his alma mater and answer a few questions about his career path, his experiences, and his work with the hometown team.

“I’m Thayer through and through,” Slutsky told Head of School Chris Fortunato P ’26, ’28 as part of “10 Minutes With …,” an occasional feature of Upper School assemblies where a guest answers a series of questions within a strict time allotment of 10 minutes. In the course of the interview, Slutsky explained that he attended Thayer for both Middle School and Upper School, married a fellow Thayer alum, and considers many of his former schoolmates to be among his best friends.

“My closest friends to this day are my Thayer crew,” he told the Upper School student audience.

During his Thayer days, Slutsky played varsity basketball and baseball and captained both teams his senior year.

In the spring of 2008, the Canton native went 5-0 with a 1.19 ERA and 46 strikeouts; that effort earned him All-ISL honors and helped the Tigers win the ISL championship. The right-hander later pitched for Columbia in the Ivy League while earning a degree in economics and political science. His Red Sox career began in 2012 as an intern and has seen him excel in numerous roles within the organization. During the interview, he recalled serving as the team’s advance scouting coordinator in 2016 — the final season of David Ortiz — and getting to travel with the team.

“That was an incredible year,” Slutsky said.

Slutsky urged students to become as wellrounded as possible by stepping outside their comfort zones, especially during the school day.

“Go the extra mile in terms of taking advantage of what this incredible place has to offer,” said Slutsky, adding that students should maximize their Thayer network and have the confidence to reach out for help or advice.

MUCH TO CHEER ABOUT

HOMECOMING 2024 IS A HIT

Tiger Pride was front and center this past fall as Homecoming 2024 took place on the Thayer campus.

Thayer varsity and JV sports teams competed and were cheered on enthusiastically by large crowds. From football to field hockey to volleyball, all Thayer teams played with both intensity and enthusiasm; one particular highlight was the girls varsity soccer team’s 3-0 victory over New Hampshire’s High Mowing School.

Led by Homecoming Co-chairs Megan

Butow P ’29 and Colleen Hernandez ’90 P ’26, ’28, the Thayer Academy Parent Association (TAPA) and its team of dedicated volunteers once again provided a number of fun events for the Thayer community. Inside the TAPA Big Tent, a bake sale offered tasty treats while attendees purchased limitededition Thayer merchandise available only at Homecoming. Members of Thayer’s food services team also supplied complimentary snacks; just outside the tent, food trucks offered additional snacks for purchase.

Other Homecoming crowd-pleasers included a petting zoo, a spirit table, balloons, a temporary tattoo station, cotton candy, and face painting. And Thayer’s traditional Homecoming Cornhole Tournament enlivened the day for both participants and spectators.

The Tiger mascot is a Homecoming tradition.

Joey Fisher ’27 gains yardage against Noble & Greenough.

Rowan Mottau ’25 is congratulated by teammates.

Zach Sealy ’26 looks to make a play.

The Forger family enjoys Homecoming 2024.

The Homecoming Cornhole Tournament is a crowd favorite.

AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

REUNION 2024 SEES GREAT TURNOUT AMID TRUE TIGER SPIRIT

Thayer dedicated a Memorial Gym plaque in honor of William C. Gould ’64.

Thayer Academy held its annual Reunion celebration this past fall and recognized classes ending in 4 and 9.

Festivities got underway Sept. 27 when the Thayer Academy Alumni Association held its Evening of Alumni Excellence in Cahall Dining Hall. There, the alumni association honored Dr. Alicia Genisca ’99 (Achievement Award), Amy Ryder Pickel ’94 P ’22, ’26 (Loyalty Award), and Andrea Werner Insoft ’79 (Humanitarian Award).

During the same event, the association also inducted two individuals and one team into the Thayer Academy Sports Hall of Fame: Nazy Kerr Krygier ’07, field hockey and lacrosse; Shaun O’Sullivan ’83, hockey; and the 2010 varsity field hockey team, a squad that earned both the ISL and NEPSAC championships that year.

Genisca was the first alum honored that night. A board-certified pediatric emergency physician and an assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Warren Alpert Medical College of Brown University, Genisca’s career has been dedicated to improving pediatric emergency care worldwide. As such, she has led World Health Organization training courses in Africa and Central America, created emergency care curriculum for low-resource settings such as Belize and

Nepal, and conducted research focused on mortality in children from Ebola and sepsis abroad. She serves on national committees for the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Society of Academic Emergency Medicine to promote improved pediatric care.

Genisca thanked her family before detailing the ways in which Thayer prepared her both for college and the world beyond.

“I am beyond grateful to my teachers, coaches, and fellow students,” she said upon receiving the achievement award.

Pickel accepted the loyalty award and thanked the Thayer community, especially its faculty members, for encouraging students to take risks. She spoke of the myriad connections she has to the school — “The greatest gift that Thayer ever gave me is sitting at that table,” she said at one

point as she pointed to her family — and expressed how much she appreciated the alumni association’s recognition.

“Thayer is a special place,” she said,” and I’m so proud to be a member of this community.”

Insoft, a licensed clinical social worker who consults with numerous area hospitals to help them start support programs for families whose children have died or are fragile newborns, noted that her Thayer experience began in nursery school as a proud member of Thayerlands (a multi-grade school located at the former home of Anna Boynton Thompson that is essentially the precursor to today’s Middle School).

“Thayer is in my blood,” said Insoft, who later quipped: “I don’t wear black and orange — It doesn’t look good on me — but the pride still runs deep.”

From left: Girls Varsity Lacrosse Head Coach Anni Zukauskas ’94 P ’28, ’29; Head of School Chris Fortunato P ’26, ’28; Nazy Kerr Krygier ’07 (with daughter); and Athletic Director Bobbi Moran.

Head of School Chris Fortunato P ’26, ’28 and Dr. Alicia Genisca ’99.

Athletic Director Bobbi Moran kicked off the second part of the night by thanking Hall of Fame honorees not only for their achievements but also for their willingness to serve as role models and for their stories illustrating the ability of sports to transform lives.

“We thank each of you for your dedication, your passion, your commitment to Thayer, and your commitment to one another,” said Moran. “Thank you for raising the bar for all of us.”

The night’s first Hall of Fame inductee was Krygier, who earned eight varsity letters — four in field hockey and four in lacrosse — during her time at Thayer.

“This achievement was not on my Bingo card,” said an obviously moved Krygier, a standout Division 1 lacrosse player at the University of Massachusetts following her

Thayer days. “This is by far the proudest moment of my athletic career.”

Krygier thanked her parents and other family members for “supporting me on my best days and my worst days.” She thanked her former coach, Upper School Visual Arts Faculty Anni Zukauskas P ’28, ’29, for both mentorship and friendship. She thanked her husband, Sean, for being “the best teammate I’ve ever had.” And she thanked her alma mater for both the challenges and the opportunities.

“Thayer has forever changed my life,” Krygier said.

The next inductee of the night, O’Sullivan, spoke from the heart about his love of hockey and baseball, his love of family, and his love of Thayer. The oldest of 11 children, the Dorchester native’s late parents, John and Ann O’Sullivan, were never far from his thoughts.

“This was the greatest team I was ever on, it was the highlight of my day, and we would run to the bus to get to practice.”

- Allie Morey ’11

Head of School Chris Fortunato P ’26, ’28; Shaun O’Sullivan ’83; and Athletic Director Bobbi Moran.

“They sacrificed everything for us so that we’d have opportunities,” O’Sullivan told those gathered.

Nor did O’Sullivan — who earned four varsity letters in hockey and four varsity letters in baseball at Thayer before becoming a goalie at Northeastern and leading the Huskies to a 1984 Beanpot Championship — forget those at Thayer who helped to fulfill his parents’ dreams of an education for their children. Among those singled out for praise were the late Peter J. Benelli P ’75, ’80, ’81 GP ’09, the Academy’s former headmaster; the late Arthur Valicenti ’51 P ’75, ’75, ’77 GP ’10, ’14, the Academy’s longtime athletic director and legendary hockey coach; and Marshall Litchfield P ’78, Thayer’s longtime principal. But in addition to “The Big Three,” O’Sullivan thanked buildings and grounds personnel, food services team members, Southworth librarians, and anyone else involved in making his family’s Thayer experience possible. “Thank you, Thayer, and love to you all,” O’Sullivan said.

The final inductee recognized was not a person but a group: the 2010 varsity field hockey team, a squad that

etched its name into Thayer athletics history by winning the program’s first ISL Championship and following that up with the program’s third NEPSAC Championship and first since 2001.

“This was the greatest team I was ever on,” said Allie Morey ’11, who spoke on behalf of her teammates. “It was the highlight of my day, and we would run to the bus to get to practice.”

Although the team’s coach, Erin Cash, was not present for the Sept. 27 ceremonies, Moran read a message from Cash which read: “I look at that 2010 field hockey team as a prime example of what teams can be. These teammates were committed, resilient, kind, enthusiastic, and so, so talented. I’ll never forget the joy I felt for them when I watched them run to each other after our NEPSAC victory … but that vision is also joined with countless other snapshots of them during that season, cheering each other on, challenging each other in practice, patting each other on the back in encouragement, and smiling at each other with love. I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to lead this group of fantastic and determined young women. It’s a team that will remain in my memory forever and with love.”

Led by their coach, the 2010 field hockey team included: Jess Ludvigsen ’11, Allie Morey ’11, Sammie Miller ’11, Bridget Darling ’11, Anna Friedman ’11, Kathryn Ginns ’11, Emma Quigley ’11, Allie Bookstein ’11, Allyson Dwan ’12, Emily Matthews ’12, Anna Kenyon ’12, Katherine McManus ’12, Melissa Piacentini ’12, Kim Sportack ’12, Lily Teevens ’13, Amy Dugan ’13, Robin Spofford ’13, Kelsey Poole ’13, Kelcie Finn ’13, and Madeline Lewis ’13. The following day, Sept. 28, saw the annual Thayer Alumni Memorial Service, which honored members of this year’s Reunion classes who had passed away. Shortly after, ceremonies were held

in Memorial Gym to dedicate a plaque honoring William C. Gould Jr. ’64, Thayer’s lone casualty of the Vietnam War. “Bo,” as he was known to those who knew him, died in March of 1969 when he yelled “ambush” immediately before a firefight. The decision cost Gould his life, but he is credited with saving the lives of many of his platoon members. Gould was posthumously awarded the Silver Star medal for his actions that day.

The 2024 Reunion celebration, like reunions of recent years, coincided with Homecoming.

Head of School Chris Fortunato P ’26, ’28 and Amy Ryder Pickel ’94 P ’22, ’26.

Andrea Werner Insoft ’79 and Head of School Chris Fortunato P ’26, ’28.

GRATEFUL FOR MEMORIES MADE

RECOGNITION DAY CELEBRATES THE CLASS OF 2029

Strong messages of caring, connection, and community ran through the Middle School’s 2025 Recognition Day ceremonies held June 5 in the CFA’s Hale Theater as 82 members of the Class of 2029 received their certificates.

Perhaps no one embodied these themes better than Thomas Casal ’29, who as top scholar for the class earned the honor of delivering the day’s farewell address. Casal struck the perfect tone between celebration and gratitude, lauding the academic, athletic, dramatic, and musical achievements of his class while thanking the families, faculty, and staff who made such achievements possible. Casal saved a final note of appreciation for his peers.

“I’m grateful for the friendships that we’ve made over the years,” Casal told his classmates. He also encouraged them to try new things and find something they’re passionate about as they accept the new challenge of high school.

As is tradition, the eighth grade class chooses the day’s guest speaker, and this year the Class of 2029 chose Middle School Department Head Danny Seymour. He began his remarks by listing the many one-of-a-kind accomplishments of the class, from being the first group of eighth graders to defeat the faculty in the school’s annual basketball game to the individual acts of kindness, empathy, and positivity that students performed throughout the school year.

“My advice to you is simple: find your mentors,” said Seymour, who added that the best way to do that is to get involved in as much as possible. He also urged them to embrace where they are on life’s journey — “Don’t grow up too fast,” is how he put it — and to discover a passion that’s truly worth pouring all of their energies into.

“Find the grind that keeps you grinding,” he said. “Find the grind that inspires you.”

Seymour finished his talk by finding his guitar and performing a highenergy medley of pop songs with lyrics customized for the eighth grade class. He earned a standing ovation for his efforts. He earned a second standing ovation minutes later when Head of School Chris Fortunato P ’26, ’28 announced that Seymour had won the Eric M. Swain Award for Teaching Excellence.

Fortunato remained at the podium to recognize Middle School World Languages Faculty Bill Lanagan P ’25 for 20 years of service and Middle School

Thomas Casal ’29

Danny Seymour

Math Department Head Andy Gibson P ’21, ’22 ’25 for 25 years of service. The head of school then offered his own congratulations to the eighth grade class before reminding them to stay true to themselves in a world where adults too often focus on the wrong things.

“Pay attention to what really matters to you and those you care about,” said Fortunato, who moments later told students: “You are not simply a collection of achievements and disappointments.”

And Lanagan and Gibson weren’t the only faculty members recognized for service that day. Retiring Upper School & Middle School Performing Arts Faculty Dan Alosa, who also served as the CFA house manager, received a framed photo in recognition of his two decades at the Academy.

“We couldn’t let you leave without a proper Middle School thank-you,” said Middle School Director Galen Hamann P ’31.

The Recognition Day ceremony began with an invocation by Atlas Card ’29 who told her audience that the Middle School’s culture of support eased her new-kidat-school fears when she first arrived on campus.

“Everyone here wants you to succeed,” Card said.

After Chris Hainsselin ’29 led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance, Vanessa Horne ’29 welcomed students, faculty, staff, family members, and other guests to the annual celebration. She expressed gratitude for all the memories made during her years at the Middle School and advised students in the younger grades to embrace their time there.

“Cherish the memories you make and the time you have,” Horne said, “because it goes by really, really fast.”

The roughly 90-minute event featured the Bruno Mars song “Count on Me” performed by fifth grade students and Thayer’s alma mater performed by the Recognition Day Choir. Both offerings were led by Middle School Choral Director Nicolette Mingels.

Recognition Day concluded with a benediction by Ponpasit Israsena Na Ayudhya ’29. He recited the poem “The Bridge Builder” by Will Allen Dromgoole before telling his classmates that the best is yet to come.

“The next chapter of our lives begins right now,” he said.

The 2024-25 academic year marked the centennial anniversary of the Middle School, which opened its doors in the fall of 1924 in its earliest incarnation as Thayerlands.

Galen Hamann P ’31

Atlas Card ’29

Vanessa Horne ’29

Ponpasit Israsena Na Ayudhya ’29

DECLAMATION CELEBRATION DELIVERS

SIXTEEN DECLAIMERS TAKE CENTER STAGE

From believing in oneself to believing in the power of a shared mission, from standing up for others to standing up for the rights of all animals, from wisdom as new as the internet to wisdom as old as an epic poem, the 39th annual Declamation Celebration had something for everyone.

In all, 16 Declamation Celebration finalists recited a roughly three-to-five minute passage of meaning to them March 5 in the CFA’s Hale Theater. They were surrounded by fellow students, faculty, staff, and proud family members as they shared speeches, poems, novel excerpts, and TED Talks; the declaimers showcased both technical skill and oratorical passion.

“Thank you to all the declaimers,” said

Middle School Director Galen Hamann P ’31 at the end of the celebration. “You are so inspirational.”

While only the Declamation Celebration finalists perform before the entire Middle School, all Middle School students take part in Declamation, memorizing their selections and then performing them before their peers in English class.

Middle School English Department Head Brian Cibelli thanked the March 5 finalists for sharing such wonderful performances with the Thayer community.

“The students are the best part of this celebration every year,” Cibelli told the audience.

“Thank you to all the declaimers. You are so inspirational.”

Middle School Director

Galen

Hamann

Shivani Anand ’30

The following are the Declamation Celebration’s 16 finalists and the pieces that they chose to share:

Ian Kahn ’32: “I Believe in Superheroes” by IN-Q

Soumayä Fort ’31: An excerpt from remarks by Senator Robert Byrd addressing cruelty to animals

Atlas Card ’29: An excerpt from Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Shivani Anand ’30: An excerpt from A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

Anne Suwastawan ’29: An excerpt from The Fury by Alex Michaelides

Yvonne Guo ’29: An excerpt from Canwen Xu’s TED Talk “I Am Not Your Asian Stereotype”

Emily Tormey ’29: An excerpt from Rick Riordan’s Stonewall Book Award acceptance speech

Jackson Lieberman ’31: An excerpt from Steven Spielberg’s commencement address at Harvard University

Emilie Brooks ’32: An excerpt from “The Note” by Alex Morgan

Pola Hordejuk ’31: An excerpt from Greta Thunberg’s speech at the U.N. Climate Action Summit

Calvin Jacobs ’29: An excerpt from “The Building of the Ship” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Parker Costello ’31: An excerpt from John F. Kennedy’s “We choose to go to the moon” speech

Shannon Kyller ’30: An excerpt from Mustafa Suleyman’s TED Talk “What is an AI, Anyway?”

Nate Smallwood ’29: An excerpt from Barack Obama’s Nobel Lecture

Caden Bihldorff ’29: An excerpt from Beowulf

Amelia Crespo ’29: “An Ode We Owe” by Amanda Gorman

Calvin Jacobs ’29

Emily Tormey ’29

ASKING THE TOUGH QUESTIONS

INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM TOPIC

OF BAILEY-KING AUTHOR SERIES

By Craig Salters ’86 P ’24

Justin Elliott ’03, the guest speaker for the ninth annual Bailey-King Author Series held April 3 in Southworth Library, informed and entertained his audience with stories from his Thayer days, his years on Brown University’s daily newspaper, and his current work at ProPublica, a nonpartisan, nonprofit newsroom dedicated to investigative journalism. The soft-spoken alum was modest, thoughtful, and often humorous.

But a question posed to Elliott later in the evening — about whether he and his colleagues felt cowed by threats of litigation from the powerful and wealthy people they investigate on a daily basis — brought out the quiet confidence and passion noted by his former Thayer teachers and so necessary to his work as an investigative journalist.

“The truth is a defense in libel cases,” Elliott said.

The truth, or at least the passionate search for it, was front and center that night as Elliott discussed the nuts and bolts of finding out things other people want hidden. He also addressed today’s growing anti-journalist discourse intended

to have an unsettling effect on reporters and other fact finders trying to do their jobs.

Head of School Chris Fortunato P ’26, ’28, who welcomed guests to the event, described the event as another opportunity to discuss important and sometimes controversial issues in a forum committed to civil discourse.

Elliott has been a reporter at ProPublica for more than a decade. In 2023 he and colleagues revealed how a set of politically connected billionaires provided lavish gifts and travel to Supreme Court justices over many years. Those stories won the Pulitzer Prize and prompted the Supreme Court to adopt a code of conduct for the first time in its 234-year history. He was previously on the team of reporters documenting how the rich avoid taxes for “The Secret IRS Files” series. He co-wrote a story revealing how tech mogul Peter Thiel turned a Roth IRA into a multibillion-dollar tax haven. His work has spurred congressional investigations and changes to federal law. His coverage of TurboTax-maker Intuit’s misleading marketing tactics led to a settlement delivering $141 million back to consumers.

In addition to the Pulitzer Prize, Elliott has won a George Polk Award, the Selden Ring Award, and a Gerald Loeb Award for business journalism. On April 3, however, he told his Southworth Library audience — as well as those watching via Zoom — that his job sometimes reminds him of being in sales: cold calling 20 or so people in the hopes that one or two people call him back. Later, he compared his job to that of searching for oil as he emphasized how weeks of following a particular lead might result in no story at all.

“There’s a lot of drilling of dry holes,” said Elliott, adding that such labor-intensive practices make investigative journalism an expensive form of reporting and often the first item to be cut when a newspaper struggles financially.

Elliott described himself as “sort of a math kid” during his Thayer days and proudly showed a slide of his Thayer Mathletics T-Shirt to the crowd. But he also wrote for Voice, Thayer’s award-winning student magazine, under the direction of longtime history and English teacher Dan Levinson, who had the honor of introducing Elliott that night. Elliott — who said Thayer teachers probably remember him as “that

kid always asking annoying questions in class” — later found his calling as a reporter for The Brown Daily Herald as an undergrad.

“I realized that there was a career where you could get paid, sort of, for asking annoying questions,” he said.

Elliott lauded his Thayer experience and teachers such as Levinson and longtime English teachers Jim King P ’01, ’04, ’06 and Betty Bailey ’63, who were both in attendance that night and for whom the author series is named.

“Those classes were preparation for this work in an extremely direct way,” said Elliott, referring to the trio’s various history and English courses. Moments later he added: “I somehow ended up spending my career writing term papers.”

Elliott emphasized ProPublica’s nonpartisan nature and its numerous investigative pieces on subjects from all

points on the political spectrum — “We tend to cover who’s in power,” he said — but he warned against what he sees as increasing attacks on first amendment freedoms and calls to criminalize the work of journalists.

“This definitely has a chilling effect,” he said.

In his introduction, Levinson noted Elliott’s intellectual curiosity as a student, both in the classroom and as a contributor to Voice. He said fellow alumni from Voice and its two student-led precursors, The Tiger’s Eye and Prologue, should feel kinship with Elliott and take pride in his accomplishments. Levinson, who taught at Thayer for 41 years, also highlighted the need for great reporting in today’s fractured and often fractious world.

“Journalists are often reviled these days,” said Levinson, “but the best of them play an irreplaceable role in our society.” King echoed Levinson’s comments in

lauding the accomplishments of Elliott — “It’s a wonderful switcheroo when the student becomes the teacher,” King said — and clarifying why such work is important.

“If we don’t have people respecting the truth, then our whole society falls apart,” said King.

King ended the evening by thanking the many people who make the annual event possible. He singled out Todd Slawsby ’88 and his wife Amelia, whose donation founded the series, and Upper School English Faculty Denise King P ’08, ’10 (no relation), director of the series.

“She gets the thrill of pulling all the loose strings together,” King said of his former colleague.

One of the best moments of a memorable night had nothing to do with the series itself. Norma Atkinson GP ’07, ’11, ’16, who taught history in the Upper School for 32 years, chose the April 3 talk as the best place to celebrate her 90th birthday. She was summarily serenaded with a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” to put a cherry on top of the evening.

Established in 2016 through the generous support of Todd Slawsby ’88 and his wife Amelia, the Bailey-King Author Series honors longtime English faculty members Betty Bailey ’63 and Jim King P ’01, ’04, ’06 as it aims to inspire future writers. Upper School English Faculty Denise King P ’08, ’10 serves as director of the series. Past Bailey-King authors include: Derek Green (2017), Dominic Tierney (2018), Kirsten Greenidge (2019), Mira T. Lee (2020), Brit Bennett (2021), Joshua Bennett (2022), Kirsten King ’10 (2023), and Farrah Penn (2024).

Justin Elliott ’03

‘TAKE PRIDE IN WHAT YOU’VE BECOME’

LAST CHAPEL HONORS THE CLASS OF 2025

Chosen by seniors to be their faculty speaker at Last Chapel, Upper School English Faculty Bo Cramer took a circuitous and somewhat tongue-in-cheek path to get there, but he eventually — not to mention effectively and sincerely — expressed his love for the Thayer Academy Class of 2025.

Cramer, a Grade 12 co-dean with Upper School Math & Computer Science Faculty Amanda Taylor, began his June 6 remarks by pointing out some of the more rambunctious aspects of the class and used that as a jumping-off point for a discussion about perception versus reality. He likened the class to the character of Shrek, from the movie of the same name, who famously says that ogres, like onions, are layered.

“You’re onions,” Cramer told seniors. “You’re layered … I hope you can all see that there’s more to you than meets the eye.”

Playfully, Cramer offered four concrete pieces of advice — face challenges headon, make a plan and stick to it, play the

game the way it’s meant to be played, and scrutinize rather than agonize — by expounding upon the many times that this year’s senior class chose the exact opposite approach. But he just as quickly listed the times when seniors chose kindness, empathy, and bravery — volunteering at Special Olympics events, championing the environment, overcoming fears of public speaking, making memories on Thayer’s ice rinks and playing fields, or displaying true resilience and leadership during times of unbearable loss. He told seniors gathered in Alumni Gym that there were simply too many individuals and too many accomplishments to celebrate in one speech.

“Take pride in what you’ve become at Thayer and what you’ve accomplished,” said Cramer, who later told the class: “I am incredibly proud of all of you.”

Cramer earned a standing ovation for his efforts with seniors in the front rows leading the way.

Cramer’s remarks were one of several

highlights from the Upper School’s annual end-of-year awards celebration. Another was a visit from Al Barese, a Braintree native and 1979 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, who recognized Thayer seniors Gus Beaudry, Jack Cappadona, and Tyler Chouinard. The three have each committed to attend West Point and play lacrosse there. Yet another highlight was Head of School Chris Fortunato P ’26, ’28 using a microphone to broadcast a real-time call to the IT Department’s Alan Qualtieri, who had been taking a well-deserved vacation day. Fortunato informed the surprised and then grateful Qualtieri that he’d just won the school’s Matthew Callahan Healey ’09 Unsung Hero Prize.

The Last Chapel ceremony began with Lyndsay Mingolelli ’26 leading the packed gym in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the singing of “America The Beautiful” by Katherine Silvers ’27 and Steven Silvers ’25. As is tradition, Last Chapel ended when Archivist-Historian Larry Carlson P ’02, ’05, ’10 performed “Thayer, Thayer Forever” to “sing the seniors out.”

STORIES WORTH CELEBRATING COMMENCEMENT SENDS SENIORS

OFF IN STYLE

Dr. Kelley Tuthill ’88, a former awardwinning news anchor and the current president and CEO of Catholic Charities Boston, urged Thayer Academy’s Class of 2025 to engage deeply with the chaotic world around them, one that includes pain, hardship, and loss but also possesses truth, passion, and understanding.

“The world needs you,” Tuthill told Thayer’s 131 graduating seniors as the speaker for the school’s 147th Commencement exercises held June 7 on the front lawn of Main Campus. It was the same spot, Tuthill added, where she had received her Thayer diploma decades earlier.

Tuthill credited Thayer for instilling in her a love of journalism and for showing her a path where she could make journalism her career. In her more than two decades of work as a news anchor and reporter, primarily with WCVB-TV in Boston, Tuthill covered stories such as the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001; the Whitey Bulger trial; and the Boston Marathon bombing. She even chronicled her own journey with breast cancer and is the author of You Can

Do This! Surviving Breast Cancer Without Losing Your Sanity or Your Style.

“It was a club I never wanted to join, but it was so key to my recovery,” Tuthill said of the support she received throughout the process.

Tuthill’s remarks underscored the importance of using one’s skills to make a difference, a difference she still makes as a leader of one of the largest social service nonprofits in Massachusetts. Tuthill urged graduates to remember Thayer’s lessons as they made their way in the world.

“The true value of your diploma is the good you can do with it,” she said.

Class Valedictorian Steven Silvers ’25 listed some of the highlights of the past four years — a senior victory in Winter Wars, the continued dominance of the girls track & field team, unforgettable musicals such as Mamma Mia! — but said he’d also remember just laughing with friends or hanging out on the Teardrop.

“The real moments that have made the Thayer experience are the small ones,” said Silvers.

Silvers said that he began work on his speech during a recent Thayer-sponsored service trip to Peru. He shared details of his experience, including his learning of the Quechua word “ayni,” which is a concept translated as “Today for you. Tomorrow for me.” Such mutual support, he told his audience, is alive and well in the Andes and also in the hallways of Thayer, where everyone plays a part in each other’s success.

Silvers finished his remarks by reminding classmates that while they’re heading to different places around the globe, they would never really leave each other. He told them that there is no true Quechua word for “goodbye,” only the phrase “tupananchiskama,” which he happily translated for his fellow graduates.

“Until life finds us again,” he said.

Head of School Chris Fortunato P ’26, ’28 asked graduates to pay attention

Thayer Academy’s 147th Commencement Awards

World Language Prizes: Emily Bunn (French); Yuyang “Tony” Yin (Latin); Dylan Butler (Spanish); and Steven Silvers (Chinese)

The Leighton S. Tower History Prize: Kiley Gilbert

The Louise E. Saul Award for English: Erin Greene, Literature; and Yuyao “Selina” Wu, Writing

The Maurice R. Seymour Prize for Mathematics: Alexandra Rukstalis

The Charles R. Mangat-Rai Prize for Computer Programming: Julia Gelina

The Helen Alden Breen Dramatics Award: Noah Gibson and Meghan Sloan

The E. Ione Lockwood Music Award: John Brice

The John M. Rodancanachi Art Prize: Simone Tempel

The Nathaniel Augustine Thayer Scholarship: Brendan Brosnan

The Thomas J. Berry III Award: Theo Dowd

The Maureen E. Bucken Award: Catherine Woods

The Walter & Prudence Abell Distinguished Service Awards: Tyler Monaghan and Meghan Sloan

The Gilbert A. Booth Awards: Elle Grant and Tyler Choinard

The Nancy DiNatale Taylor Award (Best Female Athlete): Veronica “V” Taylor

The Thayer Academy Outstanding Male Athlete Award: Teddy Lally

The Ward S. Donner Awards: Morgan McGathey and Steven Silvers

The Jotham B. Sewall Prize: Steven Silvers

The Head of School Awards: Luke Driscoll and Veronica “V” Taylor

to what matters most — including the people that they love — as they navigate their lives beyond Thayer. That said, he congratulated them on what they’d done and how they’d grown at Thayer these past four years.

“Every one of you has a story worth celebrating,” Fortunato said. “Every one of you has come so far.”

Fortunato also had the honor of recognizing two teachers — Upper School World Languages Department Head Darah Harper P ’29 and Upper School Hale Learning Associate Director / English Faculty Alex Doyle P ’29, ’32 — as recipients of the Eric M. Swain Award for Teaching Excellence. A third recipient, Middle School History Department Head Danny Seymour, was honored earlier

in the week during the Middle School’s Recognition Day ceremonies.

Ned Hentschel ’25, chosen by the class as its senior speaker, thanked his classmates for the honor and thanked the entire Thayer community for supporting him in so many ways. He urged graduates to surround themselves with great people, to branch out in areas that may seem unfamiliar to them, and to always make the effort to succeed.

“The only thing worse than not achieving is never having even tried,” Hentschel said.

Aarya Vaghela ’25 offered the invocation and told her classmates that the world needs their compassion and leadership.

“May you never forget where you came from as you grow into who you’re meant to be,” she said.

Ceremonies concluded with the benediction given by Breanna Kunkel ’25. The senior spoke from the heart in wishing her peers well on their respective journeys.

“Let love be both your compass and your legacy,” she said.

Valedictorian Steven Silvers ’25

Shayna Hailey ’25

Dr. Kelley Tuthill ’88 addresses

PENER CONFERENCE SPOTLIGHTS CLIMATE RESILIENCY

STUDENT-LED PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSHOPS FEATURE MULTI-SCHOOL COLLABORATION

When it comes to standing up against the onslaught of climate change, not all landscapes are created equal.

Dr. Mark Anderson, director of The Nature Conservancy’s Center for Resilient Conservation Science, delivered that message in no uncertain terms as the keynote speaker for the third annual James Tufts Pener Environmental Stewardship Conference, which was held April 14 at Thayer Academy.

Anderson, who over the last decade has led the effort to identify climate-resistant lands and waters across the continental United States, described the concept of a “microclimate” — a small area of varied climate conditions within a larger, more uniform area — and said that the more varied the conditions within a particular region, the better the environment for biodiversity to thrive. Painting with a broad brush, he urged listeners to think of a microclimate as a hill covered with snow on one side yet bare on the other.

“The more climatic options you have, the more resilient it is,” explained Anderson.

Citing the teamwork of hundreds of scientists over more than a decade of research, Anderson said that the Conservancy had successfully identified and mapped the United States in terms of climate resiliency. The maps allow nonprofits such as the Conservancy to see which natural habitats would benefit the most from long-term investment. And, Anderson noted, those mapping tools

“When you’re out there enjoying life, realize that a lot of the rest of nature is enjoying it with you.”

- Dr. Mark Anderson

have been shared for other researchers and, indeed, the rest of the world to see. “Nobody likes being told what to do,” said Anderson, referring to the need to build consensus in tackling climate change, “but if we can get all this good science into people’s thinking, they’ll make the right decisions.”

Climate change, Anderson told the audience, is contributing to declines not just in rare species of plants and animals but in the more common varieties that we see day to day. He cited several instances where the populations of mammals, birds, amphibians, and plants were decreasing because of the loss of their habitat or, as is often the case, the degradation of their habitat.

“It is a change in the ambient conditions of the planet,” Anderson said of the climate change crisis.

But the researcher’s talk was less a dour assessment of a very real problem than an optimistic and enthusiastic call to action.

Anderson, who holds a PhD in ecology from the University of New Hampshire and has worked as a conservation scientist

for more than three decades, began his remarks by thanking his young listeners for their interest in the environment. He then told them that much of the science he had learned in high school — that plants were essentially passive material, that animals were purely instinct-driven, and that land was a blank slate — was simply wrong.

“All of that science has been overturned,” said Anderson, noting the remarkable breakthroughs in the past few decades alone which are helping scientists to build a more resilient natural world.

And Anderson offered examples. We now know, Anderson said, that trees and other plants can communicate with one another in a variety of ways, be it through fungal networks or the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and can use such social networks to protect one another. Animals, he said, have incredible brains and are capable of both conveying and understanding emotions. The idea that animals are emotionless creatures acting solely upon instinct, he said, is incorrect and antiquated.

“If you have a dog or a cat, you know that [idea] doesn’t make sense,” he said.

Flora and fauna, Anderson added, also relate in their own way to the concept of beauty and, in many ways, practically invented it. As examples, he offered the colors and scents of flowers as well as the plumage of a male peacock.

“When you’re out there enjoying life,” he said, “realize that a lot of the rest of nature is enjoying it with you.”

Anderson discussed the “30x30” goal held by the Conservancy and others: to protect 30% of the planet’s lands, fresh waters, and oceans by 2030. He noted the importance of such goals and ended his talk on an optimistic note.

“It’s a goal that’s completely achievable with enough people engaged in the work,” he said.

Anderson’s keynote address was one part of the daylong Pener Conference, an event that focuses on student-driven presentations and workshops devoted to environmental sustainability. Organized by Upper School Science Faculty Don Donovan P ’10, ’13 and Upper School Science Faculty Skip Schneider P ’20, ’22, the conference honors the life and legacy of James Pener ’23. A rising Thayer senior at the time, Pener died in July of 2022 in a car accident in Maine.

Dr. Mark Anderson

Donovan and Schneider spent the day facilitating events and making sure that all participants enjoyed an incredible experience.

“If it sounds like a lot, it totally is,”

Schneider told students midway through the jam-packed conference as he previewed the afternoon schedule. “But that’s what’s awesome about it.”

The day’s schedule included student presentations on, among other topics, using artificial intelligence to bolster recycling efforts, the importance of impact investing (investing which seeks social and environmental benefits as well as financial return), and the takeaways from local shark research. There were also several student-led workshops, including those on the benefits of walking/biking over driving, ocean conservation and turning plastic into art, and a forum of participating schools’ sustainability clubs.

In his concluding remarks, Donovan expressed his gratitude for the day of scholarship and community.

“This is just a fantastic way to honor James’ memory,” he said.

The Pener family attended the April 14 event and James’ father, Mark Pener P ’23, addressed the crowd and spoke of his son’s passionate embrace of the natural world from a very young age. The elder Pener also spoke of his son’s continuing positive impact on the lives of others, citing the recent addition of a hiking trail in James’ honor at the Pond Mountain Natural Area in Connecticut.

Pener thanked all those who made the conference possible in memory of his son.

“You’ve all done more than you can imagine,” he said. “James would be deeply honored. Thank you.”

Head of School Chris Fortunato P ’26, ’28 thanked the students for displaying the same passion for the environment so evident in James Pener.

“We do this work today for one another and for the generations of students which will come after you,” Fortunato said.

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS AND ORGANIZATIONS:

Belmont Hill School, Brooks School, Chatham Harvesters, Cohasset Center for Student Coastal Research, Dana Hall School, Mass Oyster Project, Milton Academy, The Roxbury Latin School, St. Mark’s School, St. George’s School, and Thayer Academy (host).

DAY STUDENT PRESENTATIONS INCLUDED:

Tackling Recycling With AI by Eliot Park (The Roxbury Latin School)

Impact Investing: What Is It? by Giacomo Turco & Alex Zhang (Belmont Hill School)

Local Shark Research by Reilly Fraga, Ellie Louvar, Alexandra Mignosa & Abigail Shannon (Thayer Academy)

Exploring the Nuances of Sustainable Consumerism: A Society Overflown With Media Displaying Greenwashing and Overconsumption by Navya Swarna & Serena Zhao (St. Mark’s School)

Using and Advocating for Sustainable Transportation by Nathan Zhang (Belmont Hill School)

The Creation and Protections of Green Legislation in Massachusetts State Government by Austin Archabal (Thayer Academy)

WORKSHOPS INCLUDED:

Policy Advocacy 101: Using Your Right to Petition for Environmental Goals by Olivia Negro (Thayer Academy)

Environmental Topics through Photography by Nikki Pardo (Thayer Academy)

Oysters: Conserving a Foundational Species and How You Can Help by John Cigliano & Liv Woods (Mass Oyster Project)

From Ocean to Community: Redefining Sustainability Through Fishing Co-ops by Chatham Harvesters

Advocating for Biking/Walking More Often to Places Instead of Driving by Brendan Brosnan & Charlie Foley (Thayer Academy)

Sustainability Clubs Forum by Theo Dowd, Ellie Louvar, Brooke McHugh & Steven Silvers (Thayer Academy)

Turning Plastic into Art and Ocean Conservation by Sadie Borushko, Giavanna Christiano & Alex Kaye (Thayer Academy)

Net Positives: Crafting Homemade Fishing Traps to Learn About The Benefits of Aquarium Fishing on the Amazon led by Theo Dowd & Steven Silvers (Thayer Academy)

THE KIDS STAY IN THE PICTURE

THAYER ACADEMY FILM FESTIVAL REACHES NEW HEIGHTS

This year’s Thayer Academy Film Festival (TAFF) saw great success with growing student involvement and submissions from a wide range of the Thayer community.

“The film festival leveled up this year,” said Media Lab Director Emmett Knox, faculty advisor to the annual event. “The students ran every aspect of the show — from the audio visual production to designing the programs to emceeing the event. The films came from students, faculty, and even a Thayer parent. I’m so proud of the team and excited for the future of filmmaking at Thayer Academy.”

The May 9 event was the third such festival in as many years.

SHORT FILMS INCLUDED:

From Above the Rim to Below the Nest by Upper School World Languages Faculty Luke Westman

The Last Muffin by Sahil Patel ’28

As Seen From Buck Hill by Tony Masiello P ’27

Safe by Middle School World Languages Faculty Richie Iskra

There She Goes by Zinaya West ’28

Symphony by Media Lab Director Emmett Knox and Middle School Collaborative by Design Lab Director Marie Jiménez

A Camping Story by Ekaksha Joga ’31

We Need To Talk by Emily Guilfoyle ’25 and Morgan McGathey ’25

Cooked by Arthur Chen ’28, Calvin Jacobs ’29, Dylan Wang ’29, Aaron Baker ’28, and Connor Keleher ’28

Sulpicia 5 by Tess Harper ’26

The Thrill of Darkness by Paige Johnson ’26

Love, Implicitly by Compton Jones ’27

Outside by Seamus McFarland ’28

The Essay by Tess Harper ’26, Lucy Hisenberg ’26, and Paige Johnson ’26

Those with Thayer email addresses can view all of this past spring’s submissions by visiting the “2025 Features” page on the TAFF website.

The TAFF board includes: Tess Harper ’26, Lucy Hisenberg ’26, Paige Johnson ’26, Compton Jones ’27, Zoe Rudolph ’27, Aashrita Joga ’27, and Seamus McFarland ’28.

A still from The Pizza Boy

A still from Cooked.

A LASTING LEGACY

WISHING A FOND FAREWELL TO RETIRING FACULTY AND STAFF

Five faculty members and two staff members retired this past spring after dedicating an extraordinary 205 years of combined service to Thayer Academy. They have not only shaped minds and inspired hearts but have also left a lasting impact on generations of students, colleagues, and families. Their wisdom, compassion, and commitment to excellence have helped define the Thayer experience, and their presence will be deeply missed.

Kathy Cunningham RN, MSN P ’07, ’10 Director of Health Services

Don Donovan P ’10, ’13 Upper School Science Faculty

Darlene Wood GP ’30 Food Services Staff

Maryam Lombardi P ’07, ’12 Upper School Math Faculty

Rob Dixon ’79 P ’03, ’16 Upper School History Faculty

Joe Pelletier Upper School English Faculty

Dan Alosa Upper School & Middle School Performing Arts Faculty (and CFA House Manager)

By Craig Salters ’86 P ’24

‘YOU FIND YOUR PEOPLE, AND THEY FIND YOU’

THAYER ALUMS REFLECT ON A FRIENDSHIP FORGED BY THE GAME THEY LOVE

They say there’s no “I” in “Team,” but there are three in Anni (McDonough) Zukauskas ’94 P ’28, ’29, Jennifer (Lally) Kent ’86 P ’13, and Kelly (Amonte) Hiller ’92.

Which is to say that these three incredibly accomplished women, all lifelong friends, present pieces of a wonderful puzzle: Each can stand alone on their storied athletic achievements, yet they’re intertwined and practically inseparable — so much so that, during a recent interview, the women often finished each other’s sentences and sometimes politely interrupted one another only to emphatically agree with what the other had been saying.

The coaches share a passion for lacrosse, a commitment to high expectations, and a belief that family is the bedrock upon which all great things are built. And the three also share a love of the Thayer experiences that brought them together.

“You find your people, and they find you,” says Zukauskas.

The collective lacrosse résumés of Zukauskas, Kent, and Amonte Hiller are impressive by any measure. As a player, Zukauskas captained the lacrosse team at Thayer before doing the same at the University of Rochester, where she still holds a number of school records; the Dorchester native is a member of the athletic halls of fame at both schools. As a coach, she led Thayer’s varsity program

from 2000 until 2007 and then returned to her alma mater in 2014. She has prepared student-athletes to play collegiately at such schools as Boston College, Northwestern, and Vanderbilt. Her 2019 Tigers squad won that spring’s ISL Tournament and her 2021 team boasted an almost gaudy 11 college commits.

A multisport student-athlete at Thayer like Zukauskas and Amonte Hiller, Kent’s first love was basketball. A member of the Thayer Sports Hall of Fame, she credits fellow Hall of Famer Lisa Miller ’83, currently the head coach of the UMass Lowell women’s lacrosse program, for encouraging her to play lacrosse. After Thayer, the Norwell native played soccer and basketball in addition to lacrosse at Colby College. She received four letters in lacrosse, served as a two-year captain with kudos as the team’s MVP and leading scorer, and earned Brine/IWLCA second team All-American honors as a senior.

Anni (McDonough) Zukauskas ’94 P ’28, ’29 during her Thayer playing days.

She has spent 18 years on the sidelines of the Boston College women’s lacrosse program, first as an assistant coach and now as an associate head coach. She helped lead the Eagles to two national championships, the first in 2021 and the second — a classic 14-13 victory over Amonte Hiller’s Northwestern team — in 2024.

And then there’s Amonte Hiller. Originally from Hingham, she didn’t have any interest in lacrosse because she had grown up playing softball. However, Thayer didn’t have a softball team at the time.

“I didn’t really know what to expect,” says Amonte Hiller. “Thank goodness they didn’t have softball.”

Similar to Kent, Amonte Hiller lauds Miller, who by then had become Thayer’s lacrosse coach. Miller, having seen Amonte Hiller’s exploits on the soccer pitch and the basketball court, encouraged the student-athlete to give lacrosse a try.

“At Thayer, I tell Lisa that I really owe everything to her,” says Amonte Hiller. “She really took a personal interest in me.”

And that interest soon paid dividends. After starring at Thayer, Amonte Hiller was a four-time All-American lacrosse player for the University of Maryland. She earned back-to-back national player of the year awards and led the Terrapins to two NCAA Div. 1 championships. She even earned AllAmerican recognition playing soccer for UMD. Amonte Hiller then represented her country as a member of the United States National Team. For her accomplishments solely as a player, Amonte Hiller was inducted into the U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2012.

Northwestern University hired Amonte Hiller as their head lacrosse coach in 2000, and she coached the Wildcats’ inaugural varsity season in 2002. She soon transformed Northwestern into a lacrosse dynasty that won eight NCAA Div. 1 championships. For those keeping score — and all three alumnae most definitely keep score — that would be 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2022. Without fear of exaggeration, Amonte Hiller is considered one of the game’s best players and one of the game’s best coaches.

“Without a doubt, my coaching model was Kelly,” Kent says of her longtime friend

and occasional rival. “The work ethic. The passion. The ability to think outside the box. There’s no one more on the cutting edge than Kelly; she makes me work harder.”

Zukauskas agrees but throws Kent into the conversation.

“I’m always learning something from Kelly and Jen,” says Zukauskas, a former teammate of Amonte Hiller’s who remembers being a “gym rat” middle schooler waiting for rides home and watching Kent play. “My job is to love the game with all my heart and then surround myself with great people who know more than I do and who are going to make me better.”

Amonte Hiller is a lacrosse icon, but she puts the trio’s relationship in plain language that legendary football coaches

Jen Kent

Kelly Amonte Hiller

like Tom Landry, Vince Lombardi, or Knute Rockne would instantly recognize.

“There’s a shared respect,” she says. “That’s really what connects us. That’s really what all this is about. We have this incredible togetherness because of our history, and we will always have that.”

Zukauskas, Kent, and Amonte Hiller all grew up in big, loving, super-competitive families where, despite that love, sibling sports contests often turned into backyard brawls.

“There were five of us growing up,” recalls Kent. “Everything was outside.”

They learned early not to take a backseat to anyone. In fact, Amonte Hiller vividly remembers her dad, Lewis, declaring to anyone who’d listen that his daughter was the best athlete in the family. High praise, indeed, especially when one considers that her older brother, Tony Amonte ’89 P ’16, ’18, ’19, ’23, is in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame after 15 seasons in the NHL, including one as a captain of the Chicago Blackhawks.

“I felt no different than Tony,” says Amonte Hiller, who demanded the same level of

attention and respect from college recruiters that she’d seen her big brother receive.

The three see their coaching styles as fair but with high expectations; they demand nothing less than a player’s best. However, they each understand that such commitment is a two-way street.

“As women and as mothers, we know how hard we work,” says Zukasuskas, “but we also know how important it is to give these young women our best.”

Kent echoes that approach.

Anni Zukauskas

for every player and for every situation, but I think, ‘What would I want for my own daughter?’ Then I try to hold myself to that standard.”

Another tie that binds the trio is unwavering support from their husbands — Tom for Anni, Jeff for Jen, and Scott for Kelly.

“I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without that support,” Amonte Hiller says of Scott, an assistant coach with the Wildcats and himself a former four-year All-American lacrosse player at UMass Amherst.

Amonte Hiller and Kent are extremely busy preparing their teams at programs where national championships are, if not expected, at least an annual possibility. That said, they both find time each spring to return to Thayer’s campus and watch Zukauskas lead her team onto the field.

“The older I get, the more I realize that I coach as I parent,” says Kent. “Sometimes an athlete needs to be challenged, and sometimes they need a hug. It’s different

“The experiences are always there for us,” says Kent, “so when we come back, we’re home.”

Callie Kent ’13, at left, with her proud mom, Jennifer (Lally) Kent ’86 P ’13.

PITCH PERFECT

AS A SOCCER PRO, ALLY SENTNOR ’21 IS LIVING HER DREAM

Ally Sentnor ’21 has always been driven to succeed.

“I’m super-competitive,” said Sentnor, currently a standout midfielder for the Kansas City Current in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). “I love playing a sport that demands physical ability, intelligence, and teamwork all together.”

But the 21-year-old Hanson native credits her even-keeled parents, Richard and Lee Sentnor P ’21, ’24, for letting that drive evolve naturally even as they literally drove her thousands of miles for countless

soccer practices, tryouts, tournaments, and the like.

“My parents never pushed me to specialize,” said Sentnor, adding that her mom always emphasized the importance of education and life balance. “They always let me do what I wanted to do.”

And what Sentnor wanted to do was play the game she loves to the best of her ability. At Thayer, she played varsity during her 8th and ninth grade years and was one of the most dominant players in the ISL; she earned both ISL All-League and NEPSAC All-League honors in 2017

and 2018. Sentnor played a key role in the Thayer girls varsity soccer team’s first NEPSAC Class B Championship in 2017, garnering four goals in the playoff run including Thayer’s first goal in the championship game against Pomfret; Brittany Raphino ’19, one of that year’s captains, scored the winning goal in overtime.

After Thayer Sentnor played soccer for the University of North Carolina. As a Tar Heel, Sentnor was named first team All-ACC, third team All-America, and the 2023 ACC Midfielder of the Year. In 2024 she was selected first overall by Utah FC

“Our homecomings were always superamazing.”

- Ally Sentnor on her Thayer experience

in that year’s NWSL draft; this summer she was traded to the Kansas City Current in a record deal. She has represented the United States on numerous youth international teams and this past February scored her first international goal as a member of the United States Women’s National Team in a match against Colombia in the SheBelieves Cup. That accomplishment came on the heels of Sentnor being named the 2024 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year.

Despite the obvious external success, Sentnor said her passion for soccer stems from being part of something that’s greater than just one player.

“I love soccer because I really enjoy playing on a team,” Sentnor said. “For me, winning is so much better when you have people doing it with you.”

Growing up, Sentnor’s soccer heroes were Mia Hamm and Tobin Heath, both fellow Tar Heels but, more importantly, both pioneers of the women’s game. Sentnor expressed gratitude for Hamm, Heath,

and the other women players who paved the way for today’s opportunities. She applauded her league’s recent collective bargaining agreement — one which eliminates the draft, guarantees contracts, and grants unrestricted free agency to players — and said she hopes it will serve as a model for future progress.

That said, she acknowledged that more needs to be done to achieve equity in the sport and grow the game on the women’s side.

“We’re still not where we want to be,” she said. “There’s more work to be done.”

While it really wasn’t all that long ago, Sentnor said she has great memories

of Thayer and the teachers, coaches, and advisors who made the experience special.

cover the entire body) and cheered us on.” Sentnor is proud that she can be a role model for young women soccer players, even those who might be playing on Thayer’s fields right now. The idea of it, however, sometimes catches her by surprise.

“I don’t think that’s really hit me yet,” she said. “It’s crazy because my goal was always to someday inspire younger players, but I just didn’t think it would happen so soon.”

Asked about future goals, Sentnor said that playing in the 2027 World Cup in Brazil or the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles would both realize childhood dreams. However, she said, she’s currently focused on the NWSL season and what the team can do in the coming months.

“Right now, it’s about making sure we make the playoffs and have a chance to win the championship,” she said.

“Our homecomings were always superamazing,” she recalled. “I remember one when the seniors all showed up in orange morph suits (spandex bodysuits which

Ally Sentnor

SHE’S GOT SKILLS

FOR NICOLE CARTER ’07, SUCCESS IS MOST DEFINITELY A TEAM SPORT

She may not make an all-star game anytime soon, but Nicole Carter ’07 is using her talent and tenacity to make a name for herself in the NBA.

An experienced software engineer, Carter serves as the associate vice president of media services technology for the NBA. In that role, she leads teams of software engineers in handling the infrastructure required to support the NBA’s video streaming services for its website, apps, and connected devices.

“My day is never the same,” says Carter, who works remotely and lives in South Hadley with her husband Charles and their two dogs, Gabe and Lucy.

That said, most days involve several oneon-one meetings with engineers followed

by a “daily scrum,” a group meeting where the various teams discuss goals, timelines, possible obstacles, and long-term planning. She’s an active listener in those meetings, she says, and describes her role in language any NBA coach or general manager would understand.

“Unblocking my team is always Priority #1,” she says, “and then setting them up for success.”

Carter and her teams of engineers work on creating, maintaining, and/or upgrading features to make sure the average NBA fan has a seamless user experience; ironically, the better they are at their job, the less they’re noticed by that average user.

“I’m completely backend,” says Carter.

Offering an example of such work, she points to the NBA’s recent use of AI translation tools to generate caption feeds in multiple languages.

“That may not be cool for the normal person, but it’s supercool to us,” says Carter.

A self-described “math and science nerd” at Thayer, Carter was also an athlete. She was a varsity swimmer for all four years in high school and qualified for the New Englands all four years. She was also a member of Thayer’s inaugural crew team and played softball as a ninth grader.

Carter — who, apropos of nothing, is a diehard and unapologetic Celtics fan — attended Carnegie Mellon University, where she played on and later captained

Nicole Carter ’07, shown here with husband Charles and the couple’s two dogs, Gabe and Lucy, works remotely from her home in South Hadley. And fun fact: Carter knitted both sweaters seen in this photo. (Courtesy photo)

the women’s water polo team. She majored in both chemical engineering and computer science before graduating in 2012. Since then she’s gained experience at a number of companies, including Wayfair and Google, and worn many hats. This diversity of experience, she says, has helped her learn a variety of needed skills.

“I think all those experiences allowed me to be successful in the NBA,” says Carter, who joined the NBA offices in 2022 as senior director of media services and began her new role in December of 2024.

Carter says she’s a firm believer in diversity in all its facets because it works. She actively mentors female software engineers and founded Women in Platform Architecture, a space where women in the field can share ideas and support one another. Women make up roughly 30% of the software engineering industry, she says, and that low percentage decreases further when talking about backend software development.

“I’m actually quite proud of the fact that I work on the backend because, historically, there are fewer women there,” says Carter.

And while diversity definitely includes race, gender, and other considerations, it can also be defined more broadly. For instance, Carter values colleagues who may have taken a nontraditional route to software engineering; that diversity of approach, she says, leads to tackling a problem from an unexpected angle. She recalls once working to build out a front end with logging that would help engineers in the event something went wrong. On that project a front end engineer, one who hailed from a customer service background, suggested creating logs that were more human-readable so that customer care teams could guide customers instead of always escalating issues to the engineer level. That

engineer’s past experience, she said, led to a 30% decrease in incident tickets.

“The whole point of software engineering is solving problems,” she says.

Carter makes no secret that she loved her Thayer experience, but she points to two Thayer teachers in particular who made an enormous difference in her life: former Upper School chemistry teacher Fari Khalilli P ’99, ’07, ’11 and former math & computer science teacher Steve Cedrone GP ’22, ’27, the father of current Math & Computer Science Department Head Kevin Cedrone P ’22, ’27. Khalilli, Carter says, fought for her to take AP Chemistry as a junior; that schedule change, in turn, led her to add the Programming I course taught by “Elder Cedrone,” as he was known back then. Carter fell in love with both subjects.

“They’re literally the reason I took chemical engineering and computer science in college,” says Carter, who adds: “Kevin Cedrone is great, but Elder Cedrone is my human.”

Carter is a lifelong early riser who is driven and goal-oriented. She literally has a bucket list of things to do before age 35, and on that list is — was — traveling to each of the seven continents; she recently returned from a month-long trip to Antarctica, the final piece of Carter’s global puzzle.

And while traveling the world might not be for everyone, Carter encourages current Thayer students to find their passion and … well … follow it to the ends of the Earth.

“Chase what makes you happy,” says Carter, adding that oftentimes such quests don’t involve money or clout, “and don’t be afraid to try things out.”

Nicole Carter

GOOD AS GOLD

Morgan McGathey ’25 and Melissa Piacentini ’12 savor the gold medal earned by the U.S. U18 Women’s National Hockey Team at the 2024 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) U18 Women’s World Championships in Zug, Switzerland. McGathey, a Harvard commit, scored two goals and tallied six assists during the tournament. Piacentini, currently an assistant coach for the Northeastern University women’s hockey team, served on the national team’s coaching staff as its video coach.

AWARD WINNER

More recently, and after a stellar senior season in which she once again earned ISL MVP honors, McGathey was named the winner of the John Carlton Memorial Trophy, which is given annually by the Boston Bruins to the most outstanding female and male student athlete in Massachusetts high school or junior hockey. It’s awarded to students who excel in hockey and in off-ice endeavors, including academics and extracurriculars. McGathey was recognized this past April at the Boston Garden.

Morgan McGathey ’25 celebrates gold medal win with Melissa Piacentini ’12

CHAMPIONS!

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD TAKES THE ISL CROWN

Thayer’s girls varsity track & field team displayed great senior leadership and true team effort as it won the ISL championship May 11 at Milton Academy.

“We are so proud of this team and their outstanding performances,” said head coach Jeff Browne P ’04, ’05, who added that the Thayer girls scored at entry seed or higher in 15 of 17 events in taking the league championship. “They were focused, motivated, and supportive of one another.”

After all the ISL entries were finalized on the Thursday before the meet, said Browne, he and fellow coaches could see that the battle for the ISL crown would be among four top teams. That prediction was correct, but the Tigers eventually proved victorious, besting second-place finisher Governor’s Academy.

“This was one of the most exciting meets I’ve ever seen,” said Browne.

While Browne said that he’s hard pressed to list all the amazing performances that day, he did note that seniors Rose Frisoli, Elle Grant, and Shayna Hailey scored in multiple meet events.

“They set the tone for the day,” he said.

And the team’s amazing performances, Browne added, were no accident but the product of a season’s worth of hard work.

“Our track & field coaching staff is the finest group I’ve ever worked with,” said Browne. “They deserve so much credit for this win. We train the team to achieve peak performances in the championship meets, and that’s exactly what they did.”

“This was one of the most exciting meets I’ve ever seen, they set the tone for the day”

- Coach Jeff Browne

The Thayer girls varsity track & field team took home the 2025 ISL championship.

and the

The Middle School’s production of “a tale as old as time” this past November showcased the beloved Disney musical as well as some terrific student performances, all under the guidance of Middle School Theater Director John Crampton.

From left: Isabella Chikwendu ’30, Shivani Anand ’30, Maddie Gadot ’30, Payton Bryson ’30, and Vanessa Horne ’29.

From left: Les Filles De La Ville, aka the Village Girls, seek to win the affection of Gaston. Amelia Crespo ’29, Shannon Kyller ’30, Anne Suwastawan ’29, Genevieve Yarde ’29, Jane Wood ’29, and Caroline Fish ’30.

Belle (Charlie Bennett ’29) and Beast (Jackson Lieberman ’31) share a dance.

Gaston (Jackson Hamann ’31) and Le Fou (Claire Dowden ’30) discuss matters.

The Middle School production boasted great sets and props.

Isabella Chikwendu ’30 as Cogsworth.

The Beast (Jackson Lieberman ’31) learns about books from Belle (Charlie Bennett ’29).

Lumiere (Madeline Gadot ’30) makes an entrance.

The night included several musical numbers.

Chip (Elsa Hancock-Happ ’30) and Mrs. Potts (Vanessa Horne ’29).

Maurice (Isaiah Kahn ’30) and his daughter Belle (Charlie Bennett ’29).

The full cast of the Middle School production of Beauty and the Beast.

The cast and crew of Mary Poppins brought magic (and flight!) into Hale Theater with their terrific performances in the Fall 2024 Upper School musical. Dozens of Thayer students took part in the production both on stage and off.

Linda Murdock ’25, as Mary Poppins, arrives from above.

Chimney sweeps assemble and sing “Step in Time.”

Idalyn Chong ’27 sings “Feed the Birds.”

Oliver Massey ’28 as Robertson Ay.

Cast members sing “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”

Luke Driscoll ’25 with Renee Martel ’25

Michael Sheehan ’27 as George Banks.

From left: Dan King ’27 (with Maeby Driscoll), Linda Murdock ’25, Katherine Silvers ’27, and Andrew Hernandez ’28.

Andrew Hernandez ’28 and Katherine Silvers ’27 as brother and sister Michael and Jane Banks.

Ollie Berdik ’28 as Valentine.

Dan King ’27 sings upside down during “Step in Time”

Lily Heaton ’25, as Neleus, soars above the crowd in the park during “Jolly Holiday.”

YEAR IN REVIEW

Tess Sullivan ’27

Jasmine James ’25 beats her defender and drives to the hoop.

Zeina Choueiri ’27 prepares for a day on the water.

Marianna LaMonica ’28 drives past her defender.

Jake Branco ’27 keeps his eyes on the finish line.

Osie Fuqua ’27

Zach Sealy ’26

The Tigers’ Chris George ’27 is ready to run.

(L-R): Dakota Adams ’26, Anne Marie Zukauskas ’28, Sadie Borushko ’27, Maddy Call ’28

Jamari “Mari” Antoine ’25 eludes defenders for the layup.

Emily Guilfoyle ’25 patrols the net.

THE YEAR IN SPORTS

(L-R): Annabel McNamara ’25, Alexa Adams ’25, Rileigh Murphy-Morris ’25, Kenzie Murphy ’25, Cailyn Hsu ’26, Chloe Catalano ’25, Katie Donahue ’28, Alyssa McGuirl ’26

Arnaud Dugas ’25 and Tyler Miller ’25

(L-R): Evan Schneider ’25, Luke Driscoll ’25, Steven Silvers ’25

THE YEAR IN SPORTS

Bella Mazzocco ’25 from the baseline.

Jack Aiello ’28 serves for Thayer.

The girls varsity soccer team celebrates after scoring a goal.

The girls varsity hockey team stands ready at the 2025 Valicenti Cup.

Thayer’s varsity girls tennis team.

Tess Sullivan ’27

Elle Grant ’25 readies herself to land after a hurdle.

Maddy Call ’28 follows through on her tee shot.

Michael Federico ’27 looks to make a play during Valicenti Cup action.

Mason Barreto ’26 soars during a home meet.

Coach Daye makes a point to his team.

ATHLETICS

Marie Liebenberg ’29 is a study in concentration as she completes her delivery.

A Thayer skier races past the slalom gate.

Thayer’s coed varsity skiing team.

Gus Beaudry 25 works past a defender.

SUPPORT PILLARS

From left: Trustee James Dowden P ’26, ’28, ’30; Head of School Chris Fortunato P ’26, ’28; and Trustee Guy Daniello P ’26, ’28.

The 27th annual General’s Council Reception was held in December of 2024 in the Student Commons. The fun-filled night served to thank all leadership donors to Thayer Academy but offered special recognition to Melissa and Gary Tearney P ’14.

Melissa, a former chair of the board of trustees, and husband Gary were inducted into the Thayer Academy Tower Society. The society honors supporters who have given more than $1 million cumulatively to the Academy. The Tearneys donated $1 million in matching funds to Thayer’s “Make Your Mark Campaign,” an initiative whereby members of the Thayer community named classrooms in honor of faculty, staff, and coaches who made a difference in their lives. That campaign was actually one component of the five-year Campaign for Thayer Academy which recently concluded as the largest and most successful capital campaign in school history, raising $30.6 million against a goal of $25 million. Melissa served as co-chair of that fundraising effort.

The evening featured a musical performance by Peyton Israsena Na Ayudhya ’29, a TA Talks presentation from Rileigh Murphy-Morris ’25, and a discussion of the Thayer Investing Seminar & Portfolio Simulation from Scholar in Residence Derek Hayden P ’15, ’18.

Retired faculty member Geoff Goodale ’62 P ’84, ’91, ’97 and Jeff Pickel ’95 P ’22, ’26.

Peyton Israsena Na Ayudhya ’29 performs.

Trustee Rob DeMarco ’86 P ’19, ’21, ’26, at left, chats with Trustee Jeanine Murphy P ’24 and her husband, Doug Murphy P 24.

Luke Mazzocco ’27.

Scholar in Residence Derek Hayden P ’15, ’18 addresses the crowd.

CLASS NOTES

1962

Mitchell Goldman ’62

Congratulations to Mitchell H. Goldman, MD, FACS, professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, who was recently honored with UTGSM’s Active Learning Teaching Award for his exceptional implementation of active learning strategies.

Robert Sunshine ’62

Congratulations to Bob on his retirement after 48 years at the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). Recognized in the Congressional Record, Bob’s career spanned the leadership of all 10 CBO directors. His commitment and expertise have had a lasting impact on the agency and its staff.

1966

Deborah Caldwell McNeil ’66 Deborah shares that life is going well in San Diego. Now over 14 years into retirement, she stays busy with pickleball, biking, and bridge several times a week. She and her partner of nearly 10 years have traveled to 28 countries, with two more trips planned. Deborah sends her best wishes to all.

1976

Michael Connor ’76

Thank you to Mike for his role in Thayer’s inaugural Business Leadership Masterclass Panel on Founders Day. The panel featured insights from industry leaders and business experts, exploring the rapidly changing corporate landscape. The session served as a prelude to Thayer’s new Business Leadership Masterclass.

1978

Michael Sheehan ’78

Michael’s daughter, Cat ’24, began her studies at New York University this past fall.

1979

Andrea Werner Insoft ’79

Congratulations to Andie on receiving Thayer’s Alumni Humanitarian Award during the Evening of Alumni Excellence as part of her class’s 45th Reunion. The award honors her contributions to medical education and charitable work in underserved communities worldwide, exemplifying Thayer’s mission to contribute to the common good.

1981

Gregory Apostol ’81

Greg was recently welcomed as a new member of the Alumni Board.

1982

Norma Delaney ’82

Congratulations to Norma on her appointment as vice president of Brand Marketing & Creative at Carhartt. A former executive at Johnnie-O, Norma now leads the charge in shaping Carhartt’s brand image and enhancing its recognition.

Vincent Sica ’82

Vin’s son, Vinny ’24, is now attending the University of Mississippi.

Jeffrey Toussaint ’82

See Samuel Okunlola ’22

Goldman ’62

Shaun O’Sullivan ’83

Shaun was inducted into the Thayer Sports Hall of Fame in September 2024. A standout in both hockey and baseball, he earned eight varsity letters from 1979 to 1983, helping lead the baseball team to three ISL championships and serving as captain of the hockey team. After Thayer, he played hockey at Northeastern University and became a Beanpot champion in 1984. Shaun later won a Kelly Cup with the Carolina Thunderbirds. He continues his commitment to athletics in Dorchester, serving as president of both Dorchester Youth Hockey and Dorchester Little League. Shaun was inducted into the Yawkey Baseball League Hall of Fame in 2001, and his 1983 Thayer varsity baseball team was inducted into the Thayer Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.

Robin Hodess ’84

Robin recently joined the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) as CEO. GRI is an independent organization that provides a global framework for businesses to communicate their social, environmental, and economic impacts.

Andrea Smithson Dargie ’86

Andrea’s son, Kyle ’24, started at Brown University this past fall.

Craig Salters ’86

Craig’s son, Harry ’24, enjoyed a postgraduate year at Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Connecticut. He currently attends Hobart College in upstate New York where he plays football.

Jen Lally Kent ’86 See Emily English ’21

Rob Hayes ’88

Rob’s daughter, Clare ’24, began her first year at Tulane University this past fall.

Jeremy Roenick ’88

Jeremy was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Nov. 11, 2024, in Toronto after a standout 20-year NHL career. Known for his speed, scoring, and fearless play, the hard-nosed center scored 513 goals and 1,216 points, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s greats.

Reflecting on his time at Thayer, he credited his coach, Arthur Valicenti ’51 P ’75, ’75, ’77, GP ’10, ’14, for instilling the discipline that helped shape his career. He also remembered his friend and teammate Tony Amonte ’89 P ’16, ’18, ’19, ’23, with whom he led Thayer to two New England championships.

Jeremy becomes only the second Massachusetts-born player inducted into the Hall, joining an elite group of hockey legends. The Thayer community congratulates him on this extraordinary achievement.

Kelley Tuthill ’88

Kelley joined the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) Board of Directors in October of 2024. Reflecting on her appointment, she said, “BCRF not only saved my life, but they made it possible for me to have another life.” Kelley, the first recipient of their Boston Humanitarian Award in 2007, has been on their advisory board since 2016. Kelley also moderated the inaugural Business Leadership Masterclass at this year’s Founders Day and served as guest speaker for Thayer’s 2025 Commencement.

Tiffanie Williams Needham ’89 Tiffanie joined Academy 7th graders on a community service day to represent Caring Partners Outreach. She shared how the Coats for Kids drive collected 50,000 coats and inspired ideas to boost participation across the Thayer community. Tiffanie also gave a glimpse into her role on the Rockland Select Board.

Roenick ’88

Roenick ’88

O’Sullivan ’83

From left: Christian “Cree” Corbett ’89; Joe Caswell ’89; Tracy Vazza Roenick ’88; Laurie Pfeffer Amonte ’89 P ’16, ’18, ’19, ’23; Matt Collins ’89 P ’22; Lisa Forger Rooney ’88 P ’17, ’22; Jeremy Roenick ’88; and Tony Amonte ’89 P ’16, ’18, ’19, ’23

Roenick ’88

Needham ’89

Needham ’89

Tony Amonte ’89

Congratulations to Tony on once again winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers. Tony has been a scout for the team since 2022.

John Costello ’89

John’s daughter, Kelly ’24, began her studies this past fall at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland.

Paul Currie ’90

Paul’s daughter, Julia ’31, joined her sisters, Hannah ’28 and Taylor ’29, as a student at Thayer this past fall.

Joshua Cohen ’91

Josh’s son, Teddy ’24, began his studies at Wake Forest University this past fall.

Alison Losordo Daye ’91

Alison’s daughter, Ollie, started at Thayer’s Upper School as a 10th grader this past fall.

Matt McDonough ’91

Matt’s son, Matthew ’24, is now attending the College of the Holy Cross.

Brett Fernquist ’94

Brett’s son, Nevin ’28, became a Thayer Tiger this past fall as a 9th grader in the Upper School.

Amy Ryder Pickel ’94

Congratulations to Amy on receiving Thayer’s Alumni Loyalty Award during the Evening of Alumni Excellence as part of her class’s 30th Reunion. As an active alumna, class agent, and member of the Alumni Board, Amy’s passion and Tiger pride have kept her classmates connected throughout the years.

1995

Jeffrey Pickel ’95

Jeffrey has been promoted to principal at Ryan, a global leader in tax services and software, specializing in Abandoned & Unclaimed Property.

Geoff Wilkinson Jr. ’95

Geoff’s son, Nolan ’30, joined his brothers, Charlie ’25 and Tommy ’27, as a student at Thayer this past fall.

1996

Jarod Lieberman ’96

Jarod’s son, Jackson ’31, started at Thayer’s Middle School.

Kerri Thomas Mulligan ’96

Kerri is thrilled to share that she has been promoted to executive vice president at American Real Estate Partners (AREP).

Michael Mottau ’96

Michael’s son, Ryan ’24, is hitting the ice and playing junior hockey.

Jeff Jarvis ’96

Jeff is the proud new owner of the Ventura Vikings hockey team, which will compete in the Pacific Division of the USPHL Premier, the country’s largest junior hockey league. The team began its inaugural season in September 2024 at the Simi Valley Iceoplex Arena.

Louie Lefas ’96

Louie’s son, Dionysios ’24, began his studies at Northeastern University this past fall.

CLASS

1997

Matthew O’Toole ’97

Back to School! Matt has returned to Thayer, joining the Advancement & Engagement Office as its new director of Parent Giving.

1998

Jonathan Keith ’98

Jon’s daughter, Brooke ’24, started a new chapter at Trinity College this past fall.

Bradford Mills ’98

A warm welcome to Brad, who recently joined the Alumni Board.

CLASS

1999

Eric Crawley ’99

Eric and his wife, Dr. Carri Bertelson, are overjoyed to announce the arrival of their first baby, Alice Anne, born March 12, 2024, weighing 7 pounds and measuring 19 inches long. The happy family is settling in Hyde Park.

Alicia Genisca ’99

Daniel Najarian ’94

Dan celebrated an impressive milestone with his 100th win as head coach of the Duxbury High School girls varsity hockey team.

Congratulations to Dr. Genisca on receiving the Alumni Achievement Award during the Evening of Alumni Excellence as part of her class’s 25th Reunion. The award honors her dedication to improving pediatric emergency care worldwide.

Crawley ’99

Amonte ’89

Jaclyn Cashman Childs ’00

Jaclyn’s son, Hudson ’31, became a Thayer Tiger

John Hurley ’01

John’s son, John ’31, started at Thayer’s Middle School.

Teresa Hsiao ’03

Teresa Hsiao ’03 kicked off Thayer’s new “10 Minutes With...” series during an Upper School assembly in September 2024. Sitting across from Head of School Chris Fortunato P ’26, ’28 on the Hale Theater stage, Hsiao shared her passion for writing, her thoughts on comedy, and the importance of diversity in storytelling — all while reflecting on her Thayer experience. The interview wrapped just as the 10-minute clock ran out. A current member of Thayer’s board of trustees, Hsiao splits her time between Los Angeles and New York.

Tracy Wong ’03

Christina Jeffrey ’02

Christina started a new role in Product Strategy & Business Development at Onos Health.

Kendra King ’02

Congratulations to Kendra, Alumni Board president, on her marriage to Luiz Nunes on Oct. 31, 2024.

Lauren Blake Mahoney ’02

Lauren joined Kenny Carberry ’08, then president of the Alumni Board, and fellow board members at The General’s Council reception on May 30 of 2024 to celebrate Thayer’s most generous donors.

Shauna Porter ’02

Shauna’s daughter, Brooke ’24, began her studies at Trinity College this past fall.

Tracy started a new position as a nurse care manager at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, Washington.

Patrick Mathews ’04

Congratulations to Patrick on his promotion to chief financial officer / chief investment officer at Charter Senior Living.

Yusef Khan ’05

Yusef and his wife, Michelle, welcomed their third child, Minah, who joins siblings Baz and Emre.

Nicole Carter ’07

Nothing but net! Nicole was recently promoted to associate vice president of Media Services at the NBA.

Nazy Kerr Krygier ’07

Nazy was inducted into the Thayer Sports Hall of Fame in September 2024. A two-sport standout, Nazy earned MVP, All-ISL, and All-Scholastic honors in both field hockey and lacrosse, and she was named a lacrosse All-American her senior year.

At UMass Amherst, she helped her team win three Atlantic 10 titles, made two NCAA tournament appearances, and captained the team in 2011. Nazy later returned to Thayer as a coach and assistant athletic director, leading field hockey and lacrosse from 2012 until 2015.

Patrick Marr ’07

Patrick married Jenna Becker on Sept. 7, 2024, on Cape Cod. Congratulations to the happy couple.

Laura Feloney Minevitz ’07

Laura and Jake Minevitz ’07 welcomed their third daughter, Elle Harriet, in August of 2024.

Nathan Richman ’07

Nate and his wife, Tessa, celebrated the arrival of their fourth child, Eliza James, this past fall.

Kristen Vassalotti Slusarz ’07

Congratulations to Kristen and her husband, Greg, on the birth of their first child, Charlotte Emery Slusarz, born on Oct. 11, 2024.

Kristen Timmins ’07

Welcome to Kristen as a new member of the Alumni Board.

Kenneth Carberry ’08

See Lauren Blake Mahoney ’02

Olivia DiLorenzo Marginsky ’08

Olivia has been promoted to managing director at RSM US LLP.

Krygier ’07

Harrison Slutsky ’08

“I’m Thayer through and through,” said Slutsky during “10 Minutes With …,” a feature at Upper School assemblies where guests answer rapid-fire questions within a strict 10-minute time frame. Please see article on page 16.

Ian Vieira ’08

Double congratulations to Ian! Ian joins the Alumni Board and, along with his wife Alessia, celebrates the birth of their twins, Sofia and Luca, on Aug. 1, 2024.

Michael Gooding ’09

Michael and his wife recently welcomed a baby, and they caught up with classmate Ryan Vazza ’09, who also celebrated the arrival of his second child. A new generation of Thayer Tigers is here!

Christine Healy Pittman ’09

Congratulations to Christine and her husband, Adam, on the birth of their daughter, Layla Marie Pittman, on Aug. 30, 2024.

Emily Hines Lafond ’09

Emily married Hunter Lafond on Sept 13, 2024, at the Wentworth Lodge in Maine.

Honor Flannery ’09

Honor joined the Alumni Board as a new member.

David Skoler ’11

A round of applause for David, who has joined the Alumni Board.

Michael Vazza ’11

Congratulations to Michael on joining the Alumni Board.

Hall of Fame: Varsity Field Hockey Team ’10

The 2010 varsity field hockey team was recently inducted into the Thayer Academy Sports Hall of Fame. Please read the article on page 22.

Madison Chambers ’12

Congratulations to Alumni Board member Madison and her husband, Mike Reardon, on the birth of their daughter, Scottie Chambers Reardon, born on Aug. 21, 2024.

Olivia Dilorati ’12

Olivia married Jay Matthews ’12 on Martha’s Vineyard on Oct. 5, 2024.

Audrey Fitzpatrick Farinholt ’12

Congratulations to Audrey and her husband, Blair, on the birth of their son, Harvey Blair Farinholt, on Nov. 18, 2024.

Julia Budde Hilton ’12

Julia and her husband, Spencer, welcomed their daughter, Annabelle Spencer Hilton, on Jan. 1, 2025.

Derek Keough ’12

Derek and his wife, Noelle, welcomed their son, John Andrew Keough.

Chambers ’12

Slutsky ’08

Pittman ’09

Lafond ’09

Vieira ’08

Emily Matthews ’12

Emily married Tim Herod in August 2024. Fellow alumni Madison Chambers ’12, Olivia Dilorati ’12, and Allison Hoffman ’12 were bridesmaids.

Morgan O’Brien ’12

Morgan returns to Thayer as a new Alumni Board member.

Angela Vassalotti ’12

Angela started a new position as business office and human resources associate at St. Sebastian’s School.

Christine Gill ’13

Congratulations to Christine, who tied the knot with Michael Verrochi on Aug. 23, 2024, at Holy Redeemer Church followed by a seaside celebration at Chatham Bars Inn. Anchoring the celebration were friends and family, including Maddie Lewis Irwin ’13, Melissa Piacentini ’12, Kelcie Finn ’13, Caroline Fitzpatrick ’13, Callahan Kent ’13, Brian Magner ’08, Jaci Magner Feeley ’09, Patrick Gill ’11, Mike Verrochi, Elizabeth Gill ’22, Dylan McDonough ’22, Stephanie Gill Steele (Thayer Academy Middle School), Marianne Gill McBride (Thayer Academy Middle School), Allison Hooley ’13, Kathryn Keenan ’13, and Jen Lally Kent ’86 P 13.

Linnea Nordgren ’13

Linnea and Dan Costello ’13 celebrated their wedding on July 27, 2024, on a stunning Maine day surrounded by friends and family, including several Thayer alumni. The couple took a special moment to honor their Thayer connection and captured it in a photo.

2015

Caprial Harris Cassidy ’15

Caprial married Doug Cassidy on a scenic autumn day in Boston. The couple now resides in Beacon Hill.

Callahan Kent ’13

See Emily English ’21

2014

Quentin Hall ’14

Several members of Thayer’s Class of 2014 traveled to Ohio Stadium — also known as “The Horseshoe” — this past fall to watch the Marshall University football team take on the Buckeyes.

While the game was exciting, they were also there to support Quentin Hall ’14, an offensive quality control analyst for the Thundering Herd. Quentin’s parents, Mariane “Mimi” and Michael Hall ’87 P ’14, ’25, were also in attendance. In the front row, you’ll find Jonathan Gooding ’14, and in the second row (from left to right): Dan Conroy ’14, Rob McGovern ’14, Stephen Cochrane ’14, Dylan McManus ’14, and Quentin himself. Quentin has since accepted a coaching position at Assumption University.

Cassidy Harris ’15

Sara Finnegan ’15

Sara married Adam Gilmour ’12 on Sept. 14, 2024, in a beautiful ceremony and reception in Scituate. Members of their wedding party included Katelynne Finnegan ’24, Amanda Gilmour ’16, Micaela Braun ’15, Heather McCluskey ’15, Caprial Harris Cassidy ’15, Hana Ferrari ’15, and Peter Finnegan ’17.

Olivia Mavromates ’15

Olivia took on a new role at Thayer as an Alumni Board member.

2017

Mairead Anderson ’17

Mairead started a new position as an investment banking associate at Goldman Sachs.

Michael Babanikas ’17

Michael was sworn into the Massachusetts Bar and is now a licensed attorney in the Commonwealth.

Lauren Goldfarb ’17

After three successful years at Mercer, Lauren accepted a new position as associate, US Wealth Advisory at BlackRock.

Gill ’13

Matthews ’12

From left: Brenden Sullivan ’13; Emily Larson ’13; Bonnie Leta ’13; Caroline Costello ’16; Rob Costello ’10; Dan Costello ’13; Linnea Nordgren ’13; Jack Morey ’13; Molly McGlynn ’13; Dan Costello P ’01, ’10, ’13, ’16; Emilia Nordgren ’16; Joe Costello ’01; Mary Costello P ’01, ’10, ’13, ’16; Kathy Nordgren P ’13, ’16; and Karl Nordgren P ’13 ’16.

Caprial

Declan Havlicek ’18

This past July Declan married Azul Peraza in Antigua, Guatemala. Congratulations!

Leanne Hayden ’18

Leanne returned to Thayer in November of 2024 to speak to Thayer’s investment seminar about her path from the classroom to her current role as an associate research analyst at Canaccord Genuity Global Capital Markets. Leanne shared insights from her journey through college and finance, working alongside her father, Derek Hayden P ’15, ’18, a current Thayer Scholar in Residence.

Katelyn Gavin ’18

Katelyn started a new position as account executive, Brand and Product Marketing at Royal Caribbean International.

Michaela Markwart ’18

Congratulations to Michaela, who ran the 128th Boston Marathon and raised over $10,000 for the Boston Bruins Foundation.

Aidan McDonough ’18

Congratulations to Aidan on signing a new minor league deal with the Charlotte Checkers, the AHL affiliate of the Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers.

Sam Rando ’18

In February of 2025 Sam discussed military life and her assignment to a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine as part of Thayer’s “10 Minutes With ...” speaker series.

Hanna Stern ’18

Hanna started a new position as senior marketing manager at ITF Therapeutics LLC.

in Cohasset to bring middle school students to the center for summer programs. This allowed him to reconnect with Dr. Paula Collins P ’10, ’21, Gallagher’s former advisor and AP Biology teacher, who also spent her summer at the center. Collins said that seeing Gallagher thrive in his role was a highlight of her summer.

Jaylen Cardoso ’20

Jaylen accepted an offer to join Ferguson as a sales associate. Ferguson provides expertise and a wide range of products and services from plumbing, HVAC, appliances, and lighting to PVF, water and wastewater solutions, and more.

Sadie Compson ’20

After graduating from Miami University Farmer School of Business in May of 2024, Sadie joined Gibson Consulting in Chicago. She’s thrilled to embark on this exciting new chapter in her career and is grateful for the opportunity.

Alanna Curtis ’20

Alanna began her role as a development associate at NewYorkPresbyterian Hospital this past November. She looks forward to contributing to the development team and joining the vibrant NYP community.

Kadyn Darrow ’20

Kadyn joined Boston Scientific as an endourology field sales associate.

Annabel Doherty ’20

Annabel recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in intelligence and cyber operations from USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. She is thrilled to continue her studies at the Georgetown University Walsh School of Foreign Service, pursuing a master’s degree in security studies.

Molly Fitzpatrick ’20

Blake Graham ’19

Blake married Margaret Astley ’18 on Sept. 28, 2024, in Florida.

Aidan Gallagher ’19

Aidan, who now teaches at South Shore Charter School, partnered in the summer of 2024 with the Center for Student Coastal Research (CSCR)

Molly accepted a new role as an equity corporate access analyst at Truist Securities.

Gabriella Grattan ’20

After graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a minor in formal organizations from Trinity College-Hartford, Gabriella is currently attending the University

of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business as a Master of Science in Finance candidate.

Stefanie Joe ’20

Stefanie joined Havas Media Network in Boston as an associate in Mx Planning.

Molly King ’20

Molly started a new position as environmental regulatory coordinator at Republic Services.

Sydney Langenhagen ’20

Following two incredible internships, Sydney has accepted a position at Google in Cambridge as a software engineer.

Cameron Mannion ’20

Cam, an assistant captain of the Stonehill men’s hockey team, was named a nominee for the 2025 Hockey Humanitarian Award. This award is presented to a “student-athlete who makes significant contributions not only to his or her team but also the community-at-large through leadership in volunteerism.”

Laura Marcus ’20

Laura accepted an offer with State Street as a transfer agency associate.

Aimee Matos ’20

Aimee graduated summa cum laude from Northeastern University, Bouvé College of Health Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in nursing. She’s excited to begin her professional career as a nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where she’ll care for Boston’s tiniest patients and support their families.

Madison McCaffery ’20

Maddy’s skated into a new role as an assistant coach for Thayer’s girls varsity hockey team .

Megan McCormack ’20

After graduating from Colby College, Megan started a new position as a private markets fund accounting associate at State Street.

Camryn McCrystal ’20

Camryn began her studies at Boston College Law School this past fall.

Megan O’Brien ’20

Megan accepted an offer as an associate consultant with Michael Page, a world-leading professional recruitment company.

OluwagbemiSola Osinubi ’20

Sola graduated from Temple University on May 9, 2024, and was selected as the student speaker at the ceremony. Reflecting on her college journey, Sola shared how the lessons learned from her time on Thayer’s track & field team, especially from Coach Jeff Browne P ’04, ’05, shaped her perseverance. She recalled a particularly challenging practice where Coach Browne’s words resonated with her: “Whether you believe you can or you can’t, you are right.” These words became her guiding mantra throughout her college years.

At Thayer, Sola was a passionate advocate for individuals of color, founding ISOKAN, the African American/ Black affinity group. Now, as a student at UCLA School of Law, she continues her mission to promote equity and inclusion in society.

In her speech, Sola left the Class of 2024 with a final message: “You are not sitting in this room today because you are lucky. You are sitting in this room because some piece of you, no matter how small, believed you could.”

Hannah Pauly ’20

Hannah graduated from Miami University Farmer School of Business with a degree in finance and a concentration in European culture. She earned both Business Honors and University Honors distinctions. Upon graduation, Hannah accepted a full-time offer at BNY as a market and wealth services analyst at its headquarters in New York City.

Isabel Potter ’20

Isabel graduated magna cum laude from Boston College with a major in communication and minors in marketing and journalism. She has rejoined Inspire as an assistant category manager with the Dunkin’ Brand Marketing Team.

Matthew Scapicchio ’20

Matt began pursuing a Master of Science in clinical research at Boston University School of Medicine. He continues his work at BioNTech SE while expanding his knowledge to help execute cutting-edge clinical trials.

Cameron Walker ’20

Cameron graduated from Boston College with a major in political science and a minor in accounting for finance and consulting. He has joined KPMG as an advisory associate in their Boston office.

Kara Walser ’20

Kara graduated from Wake Forest University with a Bachelor of Science in engineering, concentrating in biomedical engineering. She also earned minors in chemistry and mathematics. Walser has accepted an offer to join Trane Technologies as an associate account manager in their sales engineering training program.

Meghan Webb ’20

Meghan accepted a position as a behavior technician at Proven Behavior Solutions in Norwell.

Ally Sentnor ’21

The first overall pick in the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League Draft, Ally is making headlines both in the NWSL and on the international stage. Please read the article on page 41.

Elizabeth Kirk ’21

See Emily English ’21

Emily English ’21

Congratulations to Jen Lally Kent ’86, P ’13, associate head coach; Callahan Kent ’13, assistant coach; Emily, Elizabeth Kirk ’21, and Brooke McLoy ’22; and the entire Boston College women’s lacrosse team for winning the 2024 ACC Championship and 2024 NCAA National Championship!

Brooke McLoy ’22

See Emily English ’21

Samuel Okunlola ’22

Jeff Toussaint ’82, Thayer’s varsity football head coach, caught up with former player Sam Okunlola at the University of Colorado.

Will Rooney ’22

Will studied abroad this past fall and had the chance to meet up with fellow Thayer graduate Brett Collins ’22 in Zermatt, Switzerland.

Lila Shea ’23

Lila scored her first collegiate goal with the University of Maine’s women’s ice hockey team. Congratulations, Lila!

Sam Taylor ’23

Sam, a student at Eckerd College, worked in the summer of 2024 as an intern for the Center for Student for Coastal Research (CSCR) in Cohasset. There he reconnected with Dr. Paula

English ’21

From left: Elizabeth Kirk ’21, Brooke McCloy ’22, and Emily English ’21.

Rooney ’22

Okunlola ’22

Collins P ’10, ’21, his former teacher, who also spent her summer at the center. Collins said she enjoyed seeing Sam’s passion for marine science continuing to grow.

Diego Teixeira ’23

Diego flew a plane from Melbourne, Florida, to Charlottesville, Virginia, delivering 2,750 pounds of supplies to victims of Hurricane Helene. With the help of a friend, he reached seven airports and raised over $6,700 for the cause.

Gianna Niccoli ’24

Congratulations to Gianna on publishing the article “What Your Favorite Holiday Film Says About You” on Her Campus at Boston University

Teixeira ’23

Teixeira ’23

As is tradition, Winter Wars 2025 proved an exercise in solemnity and decorum.

Nora & Chuck Bailey ’72

The Baileys established a planned gift to continue Thayer’s tradition of excellence.

SO MANY WAYS TO GIVE BACK

The Southworth Society provides an opportunity to support Thayer Academy through various planned giving methods. Here’s how a few loyal alumni show their generous support.

CONTINUE THAYER'S

By Arthur Foulkes

Charles Castleman ’57

TRADITION

Charles gives stock in gratitude for his Thayer experience.

Chuck Bailey ’72 gained important life skills by attending Thayer Academy, which is why he has designated a bequest in his will to support

Joyce Dibona ’59

Joyce gives back to Thayer through a charitable gift annuity.

OF EXCELLENCE

NORA AND CHUCK BAILEY '72 ESTABLISH PLANNED TO

We invite you to consider planned giving as a means to supporting Thayer while creating a personal and meaningful legacy.

He and Nora now time when he’s

Planned gifts can often provide valuable tax benefits and, in some cases, income for life to the donor. Whether you use cash or other assets, such as real estate, artwork, or stock, the benefits of funding a planned gift can be significant. By including Thayer in your estate plans, you can help strengthen Thayer while preserving your existing assets. Individuals who make a planned gift to Thayer are welcomed as members of The Southworth Society. Planned gifts can be tailored to the unique circumstances of each donor, and some typical options include bequests, charitable trusts, annuities, or a life insurance policy with Thayer as the beneficiary.

The proud alumnus credits Thayer’s sense of community and myriad academic and extracurricular offerings for providing him a firm foundation for future success.

Gillian Mcphee ’89

Charles gives stock in gratitude for her Thayer experience.

“Don’t just think to support the

To find out more about how you can benefit from including a planned gift to Thayer in your financial planning, contact Melissa Tuthill Forger ’92 P ’25, ’28, ’29, Chief Advancement & Engagement Officer, at 781.664.2501 or mforger@thayer.org or Rachael Rouvales Vassalotti ’79 P ’07, ’11, ’12, Director of Major & Planned Giving, at 781.664.2504 or rvassalotti@thayer.org.

“I like to say it was a launching pad,” he says, adding that at Thayer he participated in varsity sports, glee club, and drama club and served as senior class president.

We invite you to consider planned giving as a means to supporting Thayer while creating a personal and meaningful legacy.

“If you had a great call the development in your will.”

IN MEMORIAM

William D. Weeks

William D. Weeks, 97, of Cohasset, died peacefully at home on Aug. 17, 2023, surrounded by family.

Born in 1926 in Newton, Weeks graduated from Milton Academy in 1944 and joined the U.S. Army Air Forces. After World War II, he attended Harvard, where he majored in government, served as student council president, and sang in the glee club. He graduated in 1949 and spent a year traveling the world before earning his law degree from the University of Virginia in 1955. He co-founded Boyd, MacCrellish and Weeks and later joined Holland and Knight, where he specialized in business law, trusts, and estates. He retired in 2005.

Weeks served as a Massachusetts state senator from 1964 to 1970. He later ran for U.S. Congress and served as Cohasset’s town moderator from 1981 to 1993. He remained active in civic affairs, including as Norwegian consul for Massachusetts, president of the state’s Republican Club, and a Thayer trustee from 1976 to 1979.

Weeks married Frances Menefee in 1953, and the couple celebrated their 70th anniversary in June 2023. A resident of Cohasset since 1957, he enjoyed time at the family’s White Mountains cabin, traveling, reading American history, and playing tennis into his 80s.

He is survived by his wife, Frances; their children, Margaret D. Weeks ’76 of Waltham; Frances P. Weeks of Baltimore, married to Scott Shane; William D. Weeks Jr. of Briarcliff

Manor, New York, married to Yee Ling Cheah; and Charles S. Weeks of Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, married to Susan Weeks; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

George Butler

George Butler, of Enfield, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 29, 2025, after a lifetime filled with music, love, and deep connections with those around him. Born at Mary Hitchcock Hospital, George was one of three siblings, raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, until age 12. The family moved to Miami, a place that George described as utopian, for his teenage years. It was there, in the warmth of Florida, that his hands first touched the keyboard, setting in motion a lifelong devotion to music.

His passion led him to formal study in music at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he refined his talent and discovered his love for the organ. This instrument became his calling, and he began playing and leading church choirs, sharing his gift with congregations and communities. His journey took him to the First Congregational Church in Braintree, where he served as the church organist for 15 years. While there, he also became the musical director at Thayer Academy, directing the chorus and school musicals. Many Thayer graduates remember George for his impressive productions, especially Oliver, The Wizard of Oz, Annie Get

George’s impact as a teacher and mentor was profound. He had a natural ability to connect with his students, instilling confidence in their talents and inspiring them to believe in themselves. Many Thayer students remained in touch with him for over 50 years, a testament to the depth of his influence. After leaving Thayer, the rolling hills of New Hampshire called him home, and he returned to the shores of Lake Mascoma. It was during this time that he asked Donna Galebach (1946 -2017) to marry him. Their love was symbolized in the log cabin they built together, a place rooted in their shared belief in the interconnectedness of all things. Together, they created a beautiful life, appreciating the colors of the trees and the changing seasons on the lake while cultivating their own vegetable gardens and mesmerizing flower beds.

For 20 years, George and Donna hosted the Mary Keane Chapel organ recital series, filling the space with music and joy. The annual 4th of July Patriotic SingAlong became a cherished community tradition, bringing people together in celebration and song. Donna also dedicated her time as a member of the Shaker Museum’s Board of Directors, further deepening their shared commitment to the arts, community, and historical traditions. George and Donna were active members in the American Guild of Organists, traveling the country to attend special events and connecting with lifelong friends. George was one of the few organists to play the Great Organ at Methuen Memorial Music Hall-the first concert organ in the United States, built in 1863, with 6,088 pipes and 84 registers. His performances there made memories of a lifetime.

Your Gun, My Fair Lady, Camelot, Finian’s Rainbow, and The Boyfriend.

FORMER FACULTY

FORMER TRUSTEE

With George, the world was always full of songs. He loved playing his piano at home for any occasion, especially with family and friends gathered around to sing along. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on in the students he inspired, the choirs he led, the friends he cherished, his sister Ann, 10 nieces and nephews, and the countless individuals who found joy in his music.

Michael Babul

Michael Garrett Babul, 47, of Westwood, formerly of North Attleboro, passed away unexpectedly Dec. 30, 2024, while visiting El Paso, Texas. Babul, who took the helm of Thayer’s boys varsity basketball program in 2023, suffered a sudden heart attack due to undetected and untreated critical heart disease.

Born Nov. 25, 1977, in Attleboro, Babul was the beloved son of Michael J. Babul and the late Joan T. (Acheson) Babul.

Babul spent his early childhood in South Attleboro and Attleboro before moving to North Attleboro in fourth grade, where he graduated from North Attleboro High School in 1996. A standout athlete, he excelled in basketball, earning the Gatorade Player of the Year award for Massachusetts and a spot on the National Parade AllAmerican fourth team in his senior year.

He continued his basketball career at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he was a three-time A-10 All-Defensive Team member, a four-time Academic All-American, and co-captain of the Minutemen. In 2000, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sports management.

Babul’s basketball journey spanned decades. He coached Division I men’s college basketball at the University of Memphis, Youngstown State University, Drexel University, the University of Texas El Paso, Auburn University, and Wagner College. He also spent a year with the Brooklyn Nets organization in the NBA.

Following the pandemic, Babul founded

Hoop Work, focusing on youth basketball development. His coaching influenced thousands of young players across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Most recently, he served as Thayer’s head coach; in just his second year, he had transformed the program into a winning team, an accomplishment he held close to his heart.

Beyond basketball, Babul loved fishing, playing poker, live music, and staying fit with his twice-daily workouts. He was an avid traveler, favoring warm destinations, but his greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He will be fondly remembered for the many backyard barbecues he shared with loved ones, grilling by the pool, listening to music, and quoting old movie lines with his brothers and friends. As “Uncle Mike,” he adored his niece and nephew, Sophie and Weston, and loved spoiling them whenever he had the chance, creating cherished memories they will always treasure.

In addition to his father, Michael, and his father’s companion, Patricia McGrath of Gainesville, Georgia, Babul is survived by his brothers: Jonathan R. Babul and his wife Denna of Atlanta, Georgia; and Jeffrey P. Babul and his wife Shannon of Providence, Rhode Island. He also leaves his cherished niece and nephew, Sophie Babul and Weston Babul, of Atlanta; his uncle, John P. Acheson of Wakefield, Rhode Island; and countless friends who will miss him deeply.

Natalie Tarlow Glovsky ’37

Natalie “Nat” Tarlow Glovsky, 104, of Beverly, died peacefully Sept. 19, 2024.

Born Jan. 10, 1920, in Brockton to Aaron and Sarah Tarlow, she was one of five siblings. At Thayer, she played field hockey and basketball and sang in the chorus before graduating in 1937. She later graduated from Smith College.

In 1941, she married C. Henry Glovsky, her brother’s Dartmouth classmate, and they raised three sons in Beverly Cove. Together, they shared a love for England, touring their grandchildren across the U.K. and traveling to Europe when

President Eisenhower appointed Henry as an advisor to the U.S. Delegation for European Migration. She also accompanied him across the U.S. during his role in Henry Cabot Lodge’s 1960 vice-presidential campaign.

An avid golfer, Glovsky played into her 90s, proudly achieving a hole-inone at Essex County Club. She loved classical music and regularly attended Boston Symphony Orchestra concerts. A lifelong collector — of books, friendships, and even egg-themed gifts with her childhood “Eggs Club” friends — she cherished deep and lasting relationships.

She is survived by her sons, John and Mark; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Henry; son, Alan; and her siblings. Glovsky had many Thayer connections, including her nieces Wendy Kaplan ’61, Jane ’64, and Lisbeth ’66, and cousins Charlotte Rubin ’41, Jim ’66, Linda ’67, and Steven ’71.

Virginia Orrall Albert ’46 Virginia Orrall Albert, 94, of Allen, Texas, passed away on Jan. 30, 2023.

Born in Boston, Albert graduated from Thayer as a member of the Cum Laude Society and later earned a Bachelor of Arts from Middlebury College in 1950. A devoted Marine wife for 24 years, she worked as a tour guide at Kenmore Plantation, head hostess at the Rising Sun Tavern, and in local children’s shops.

An active member of Aquia Episcopal Church and the Daughters of the American Revolution, Albert served as vice regent for four years.

She is survived by her daughters, Jill Moore and Abby Keister; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a niece. She was predeceased by her husband, retired Marine Lt. Col. Alan Dean Albert; a daughter, Joan Lamitie; and a great-grandson.

COACH

Shirley Blackwell Southworth ’47

Shirley Blackwell Southworth, 94, passed away on Jan. 29, 2024.

A lifelong Massachusetts resident, she was deeply committed to her community, serving as a longtime church member and mission board chair at First Trinitarian Church of Scituate and as director of publications for the Massachusetts Secretary of State. An accomplished artist, graphic designer, gardener, and fly fisher, she cherished summers at Squam Lake, a place she called home.

She is survived by her three daughters: Sue Charles, Judith Southworth, and Andrea Southworth; four grandchildren: Brewster Charles and his wife, Sarah; Bridget Maley and her husband, Jason, and their children Mirabelle and Violet; Grace Charles and her husband, Curt Nerkhorn; and Tucker Charles.

Southworth is also survived by her siblings: John Blackwell ’42 and William Blackwell ’48.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and communities.

Gerald P. Good Sr. ’50

Gerald P. Good Sr., 92, of Randolph, passed away on Dec. 22, 2024.

Born on July 17, 1932, he was the son of the late Barbara Purcell Good and David J. Good and the adopted son of the late Alice Gallagher Good and Walter Good. He was predeceased by his brothers, Walter Jr. ’48 and David ’48.

A Thayer graduate, Good was a standout baseball player, continuing his career at Holy Cross and in the Cape Cod League. He was inducted into Thayer’s Hall of Fame in 2000. An accomplished athlete, he completed over 30 marathons — including a Boston Marathon best of 2:50 — and competed in the World Triathlon Championships.

Good served as a U.S. Navy lieutenant from 1954–56 before taking over Good Brothers Ford, the family business founded in 1924. A dedicated community member, he was active in the Boy Scouts, Kiwanis, Elks, Rotary, and Lions Club, where he was recognized as a Melvin Jones Fellow.

He and his wife, Marjorie, who predeceased him in 2018, raised seven children: Gerald Jr. of Norwell; Barbara Toohey of Hanover; Patricia Ryan of Hanson; Kathy Masinter of Arvada, Colorado; Maureen Finigan of Providence, Rhode Island; Timothy Good of Hanover; and Daniel Good of South Dartmouth. He leaves behind 28 grandchildren, including the late Eric Masinter, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Good spent summers at New Silver Beach in North Falmouth, where he could often be found kayaking with his fishing pole in hand and his dog, Derby, by his side. Known for his everpositive outlook, his signature response — “I’m always Good” — will be fondly remembered.

David B. Keith ’52

David B. Keith, 91, of Ocala, Florida, died July 29, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Born Feb. 14, 1933, in Brockton, Keith was the son of Brigadier General Warren S. Keith and Laura B. Keith. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Cary H. Keith.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia Houston Keith, and their three daughters: Christy Vacchiano and her husband Vince, and their daughter Keelyn, of Deland, Florida; Diana Keith, of Brockton; and Shannon Keith and her husband Alan Wittrup, and their sons Gabriel and Elias, of Scituate.

After graduating from Dartmouth College, Keith served in the U.S. Army in Stuttgart, Germany, from 1954 to 1956. He worked as treasurer for Keith Oil Corp. and sang in church choirs for nearly 50 years. Keith later became a real estate and aircraft broker until his retirement in 1995.

An aviation enthusiast, Keith received multiple flying certifications and was awarded the FAA “Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award” in 2013. He was also active in the Kiwanis Clubs of Brockton and Ocala and participated in the Pan-Mass Challenge.

He will be remembered for his honor, faith, and devotion to family.

Paul H. Ockers ’53

Paul Hendrik Ockers, 88, of East Bridgewater, died on Dec. 7, 2023, following a stroke.

He was born in Brockton in 1935 to Maurice and Genevieve Ockers. He went on to the University of Maine at Orono, though his studies were interrupted by service in the U.S. Army in Germany. He returned to finish his degree in 1961.

Ockers and his wife, Sandra, later embarked on a cross-country drive, eventually settling in Seattle before returning to the East Coast. He had a successful career as a stockbroker, cofounding Kimball and Cross, where he worked until his retirement at age 80.

Ockers loved sailing, especially on “The Secret,” a Concordia 31, and took immense joy in teaching his grandsons, Adam and David, the art of navigating the waters of Eggemoggin Reach. He also enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and spending time with his beloved dogs.

Ockers was predeceased by his son, Andrew. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sandra; his son Matthew and his wife Nancy; his grandsons Adam and David; and his sister Cornelia Connelly.

John R. Arapoff ’54

U.S. veteran John Richard Arapoff, 89, passed away on June 19, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Born on June 1, 1935, in Beverly, he was the son of the late Alexis and Catherene Arapoff. Arapoff was predeceased by

his beloved wife of 64 years, Rita, who passed just six weeks earlier. Together, they moved to Marshfield in 1964 and became pillars of the community.

Arapoff served in the Marine Reserves and studied art at the Vesper George School of Art in Boston. He was an accomplished artist and art restorer, was a member of multiple art associations, and had his work featured in collections nationwide. In addition to his art career, Arapoff worked for nearly 30 years in the printing business at South Shore Printing in North Scituate.

Arapoff had many passions: enjoying nature walks with Rita, gardening, playing cards, and participating in outdoor activities like flying model airplanes, tennis, and golf. He remained active in golf until just the previous year.

Arapoff is survived by his five loving sons: Steven and his wife Patti, Anton and his wife Maryellen, Christopher and his wife Kristine, Jason and his wife Jennifer, and Alexis and his wife Susan. He will also be deeply missed by his grandchildren: Sheri, Shauna, Ashley, Lauren, Julia, Nathan, Anna, and Alexa as well as his great-grandchildren Nate, Anna, and Abigail.

1955

Barbara A. Litzen ’55

Barbara Ann Lee Litzen, 87, of Estero, Florida, formerly of Sandwich, died on June 7, 2024.

Born and raised in South Weymouth, Litzen was the daughter of Dr. Philip and Edith Lee. A graduate of Thayer in 1955, where she was a cheerleader, she continued her education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, earning a degree in 1959. There, she met Donald Litzen, whom she married in 1960.

Litzen dedicated more than 25 years to teaching home economics at Abington High School before moving to Sandwich in 1976, where she applied her expertise in the retail food industry. In 1998, Litzen and her husband retired to Country Creek in Estero where she became an active volunteer, chairing the community’s social committee and helping organize numerous events and

activities. She also played a key role in the renovation of the Country Creek Clubhouse and was honored with the Country Creek Service Award in 2016.

A devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, Litzen’s energy, vibrant personality, and infectious laugh will be greatly missed. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Donald Litzen, and nearly a dozen nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Donald and Norman, and her sister-in-law Reka. Her sister-in-law Mary Jane of Ohio survives her.

1958

Bruce R. Elder ’58 Dr. Bruce Ricker Elder, 84, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on Nov. 24, 2024, after a lengthy illness.

A native of the Boston area, Dr. Elder found a second life in Savannah, Georgia, where his passions included antique cars, Freemasonry, and long-distance boating. He served as commander of Tybee Light Power Squadron and held the rank of senior navigator. He was also active in the Scottish American Military Society and the Mobile Unit of Alee Shrine, marching in St. Patrick’s Day parades. In 2007, he and his wife, Jeanne, fulfilled a long-held dream by completing the Great American Loop, a waterway route around the Eastern United States.

Born on Feb. 17, 1940, in Quincy to Burton Foy Elder and Beatrice Ricker Elder, Dr. Elder was raised in Hingham. His life was centered around his family, including raising three sons, and his medical career. He completed his obstetrics-gynecology training and practice in Norwell. Dr. Elder also earned his private pilot’s license while on active duty in the Air Force. An avid fly fisherman, he held memberships with the Flycasters of Boston and the Miramichi-Renous Club in New Brunswick, Canada.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jeanne Foster Elder; sons Scott Bruce and his wife Nadine DeLuca, David Foster, and Carl Ricker and his wife Amy McKay; granddaughters Diamira Elder and Maria Ann Elder; sister Janet

Elder Yeutter ’62; and six nieces and nephews.

Mark S. Michelman ’58 Dr. Mark S. Michelman, 83, passed away on Oct. 26, 2024.

Born on Thanksgiving Day, 1940, to the late Robert Michelman and Mollie Robinson Michelman, Dr. Michelman is survived by his wife of 61 years, Susan Fritz Michelman ’58; their children, Beth Michelman Griston and her husband Phil, and Scott Michelman and his wife Mindy; grandchildren Molly, Isla, Laren, and Connor; and extended family. Dr. Michelman was predeceased by his sister Arlene Sue Zack.

Dr. Michelman was a respected member of his community, and his passing is deeply mourned by all who knew him.

1959

Kendall W. Burrill ’59 Kendall Wadsworth Burrill, 83, of Bridgewater, passed away on Aug. 1, 2024.

Born in Boston and raised in Bridgewater, Burrill was proud of his roots and enjoyed sharing local stories. After graduating from Thayer, he enlisted in the Navy, serving landside from 1962 to 1966. It was during his military service that he developed a passion for computers. Burrill later earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Nichols College in 1969.

Burrill had a distinguished career in technical roles at Raytheon, Clean Harbors, and Hasbro, where he enjoyed portraying the mascot, Mr. Potato Head. He retired at 70. In 1969, he met his wife, Jean Scudder, at the Philip-Brooks Club at Trinity Church in Copley Square. They celebrated 53 years of marriage. Burrill had a strong faith and was active in both Trinity Episcopal Church in Bridgewater and Good Shepherd Reformed Episcopal Church in South Easton.

He served as commander of the American Legion and was involved with the board of Mt. Prospect Cemetery in Bridgewater. Outside of church and

community, Burrill enjoyed beekeeping, gardening, performing magic tricks, and studying family ancestry. He was proud of his heritage and loved sharing stories from his past.

Burrill was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Pauline Burrill, and sisters Betty Lou Burrill and Susan Boleyn. He is survived by his wife, Jean Burrill; his daughters, Kimberly McCaffrey and her husband Jeffrey of Bloomington, Minnesota, and Beverly Wynia and her husband Donald of Minneapolis; grandchildren Eve, Margaret, Philip, and Christopher McCaffrey and Lillian, David, and Madelyn Wynia; and several nieces and nephews.

John W. McCusker ’60

John Wilson McCusker, 82, of Yarmouth Port, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2024, in Hingham after complications from Parkinson’s disease.

Known for his wit, love of travel, and passion for dogs, he led a fulfilling life filled with lasting friendships.

Born and raised in Quincy, McCusker attended Thayerlands in Braintree, where he was elected class president. Summers were spent in Scituate and Eastham, where he developed a love for sailing and became junior commodore at the Orleans Yacht Club. He earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia and later traveled the world solo, visiting six continents.

McCusker taught history and social studies at Andover High School, where he was named “Teacher of the Year.” He served as president of the Andover Federation of Teachers, advocating for better teacher conditions and salaries. After 10 years, he switched careers to real estate, joining Hunneman & Co. in Andover, where he became vice president.

In retirement, McCusker moved to Eastham, traveled extensively, and later lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he became an avid supporter of the Santa Fe Opera and various local charities. He returned to the Cape, settling in Yarmouth Port.

McCusker was predeceased by his parents, Georgia McCusker ’31 and Henry McCusker of Quincy. He is survived by his sister, Anne McCusker Peirce ’55 of Chatham; his nieces Georgia Peirce of Boston and Michelle Peirce of Charlestown; and his grandnephews Henry Kuhlman Peirce ’25 and Robert Kuhlman Peirce ’28.

Lucy W. Dean ’61 Lucy White Dean of Wayland, formerly of Scituate, passed away on May 18, 2024, at Parlin Hospice House.

A graduate of ColbySawyer College, Dean worked as a medical technologist at Deaconess Hospital from 1965 to 1989.

Dean was deeply involved in her community. She served as chair of the New England Unit of the Herb Society of America from 1996 to 1998. She was also an active member of the Sudbury Savoyards from 1990 to 2020, where she performed as a chorus member, costume designer, and costume construction chief. Additionally, Dean was a longtime member of the Memorial Congregational Church in Sudbury, where she contributed as a Sunday school teacher, helped organize church fairs, and assisted with Children’s Sunday.

Dean is survived by her husband of 49 years, Neil J. Dean, of Wayland, and their daughter, Elizabeth, of Marlborough. She is also survived by her brother, George White ’69, of Scituate.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Memorial Congregational Church in Sudbury.

Prudence Miller ’62

Prudence White Miller, 79, of Hanover, passed away Nov. 3, 2024, at UMass Memorial, Worcester, following a lengthy illness.

Born in Scituate, Miller graduated from Smith College. While she worked as a secretary and bookkeeper, her true vocation was caring for others. For many years she provided full-time care to her late husband, Roger P. Miller, allowing him to live a rich life at home despite his battle with severe multiple sclerosis.

An active member of her community, Miller volunteered with the Hanover VNA and Boy and Girl Scouts. She cherished her friendships through the Hanover Garden Club and First Parish of Norwell.

Miller is survived by her children: Derric L. Miller, Lisa R. Miller-Wilson, Edward O. Miller, and Anne P. Bello; her brother, George White ’69; and her beloved grandchildren, great-granddaughter, and extended family. She was predeceased by her sister, Lucy White Dean ’61.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hanover VNA.

Paul F. Nugent ’62

Paul Fredrick Nugent, of Bourne, passed away April 25, 2022, at Bourne Manor Nursing Home.

Born August 6, 1944, in South Weymouth, Nugent earned a degree in agriculture from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. While in college, Nugent worked for various estates in Pocasset and contributed to co-op projects, including Little Harbor Golf Course in Wareham and Paul Harney’s Golf Club. He also worked several seasons at the Coonamessett Golf Course.

In 1970, Nugent founded his own estate maintenance company, Paul Nugent Estate Manager Inc. He was also a call firefighter for the Bourne Fire Department at the Pocasset station and provided snow removal services to the town of Bourne since 1964, as well as to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts since 1991. Nugent enjoyed his work, especially during snowstorms, and loved sailing in Buzzards Bay.

A lifelong communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church in Pocasset, Nugent served as the church caretaker since 1978. In 2003, he was awarded the Marion Medal by Bishop Coleman of the Diocese of Fall River.

Nugent is survived by his brother, Denis L. Nugent, and his wife Kathy of St. Paul, Minnesota; his nephews, Mark and his wife Maura Nugent of Quincy, Michael Nugent and his girlfriend Carla of Whitman, and Daniel Nugent of Arizona; and his niece, Sheila April of Abington.

Peter A. Flynn ’63

Peter Anthony Flynn, of San Pedro, California, passed away on May 17, 2024.

Born in Boston and raised in Weymouth, Flynn earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Hobart College. Flynn was a senior show artisan for Walt Disney Imagineering, where he contributed to the design and construction of popular ride attractions for Disney parks worldwide. He worked in the art departments on 25 feature films and 35 TV shows in Hollywood, California.

Flynn was also the author of Elixir and The Arkship Codes, novelizations of two of his best screenplays.

Flynn is survived by his sister, Sarah Hannan of Duxbury; his nephew, Peter Hannan of Boston; his niece, Abigail Hannan of Nashville, Tennessee; as well as several cousins and many friends.

Elizabeth Lizardo ’64

Elizabeth “Ibby” Ruscitto Lizardo passed away on May 28, 2021.

Lizardo graduated as a member of Thayer’s Cum Laude Society after four straight years on the honor roll. She was active in many extracurriculars, including the Dance Committee, Theta Alpha, GAA, Glee Club, Chapel Choir, the school newspaper, basketball, field hockey, and softball. Lizardo attended Simmons College and later graduated from Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School.

She is survived by her husband, Jose Lizardo; her son, Peter Bachman; her daughters, Katie Bachman Hanley ’88 and Beth Lizardo Scholefield ’03; her beloved granddaughter, Grace Hanley; and her sister-in-law, Nancy Engleman. Lizardo was predeceased by her brother, Peter Ruscitto ’66.

Beloved by all her classmates, Lizardo’s enthusiasm for school, her friends, a party, or any adventure was contagious. She was always willing to offer advice whenever it was needed. Lizardo will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Cynthia C. Anderson ’65 Cynthia Ciani Anderson, 77, died peacefully at Sussman House Hospice in Rockport, Maine, on Jan. 1, 2025.

Born in Quincy, Anderson was the fourth of six children of Ruth Bowman Ciani and Dr. A. Walter Ciani. She graduated Mount Holyoke College, where she earned a degree in English. She later earned a master’s degree in physical education from the University of Rhode Island.

In 1978 Anderson married Eric Lars Anderson ’62. They designed and built a home in Rhode Island where they raised their two daughters. Anderson also studied architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design and the Boston Architectural Center. She was involved in Girl Scouts, taught yoga, and enjoyed figure skating and ice dancing with Eric. She played and coached women’s recreational league softball for 32 seasons.

Anderson loved the English language, often playing Scrabble and doing the New York Times word puzzles. Her favorite book, War and Peace, she read five times. In 2013, Anderson and Eric moved to Belfast Cohousing and Ecovillage, where she published Skywatcher, a collection of poetry. Anderson was a passionate advocate for community connection, founding and leading a winter basketball program for young men from the projects and playing streetball in the summer.

Anderson is survived by her husband,

Eric Anderson ’62; daughters, Ruth Lang and Jane Anderson; grandchildren, Juan, Xavier, Ana Luisa, and Beatriz Lang; sisters, Mary Ciani Saslow ’60, Judith Ciani Smith ’61, Suzanne Ciani ’64, and Ruth Ciani Brower ’74. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Louis.

Robert C. Wagner ’65

Robert “Bob” C. Wagner, 76, of Whitman, passed away on Sept. 15, 2024, surrounded by family.

Wagner was the son of Edward and Rose Wagner. He was the captain of Thayer’s 1964 Un-Un-Un Football Team, which was later inducted into the Thayer’s Sports Hall of Fame.

In 1975, Wagner married Donna White, and together they raised two children, Eric Wagner and Stephanie McCusker. Along with Donna, Wagner co-owned Wild Birds Unlimited for over 20 years, forging deep connections with many in the community. He enjoyed fishing, Dunkin’ Donuts with friends, and cheering for the Patriots. He was known for his warmth, humor, and unconditional love for his family.

He was a proud grandfather to Maya McCusker and Maverick Brown. Wagner was predeceased by his brother, Ned Wagner, and his sister, Nan Sergi. He is survived by his sister, Janet Latham; his brother, Billy Wagner; and many nieces and nephews.

Wagner’s family is deeply grateful for the time they had with him and will forever miss his presence.

George J. Morris ’74

George Joseph Morris, 68, of Brockton, passed away on Nov. 18, 2024, at home.

The son of the late Richard I. and Marie A. Morris, Morris grew up in Hingham. He graduated from Thayer, where he played football and hockey, and later attended Pfeiffer College.

Morris worked for over 33 years as a project manager at CJM Services, specializing in interior renovations. Morris is survived by his siblings, Richard Morris Jr., Frances Knapp and her husband Warren Jr., Elizabeth Carter, Charles Morris and his wife Patricia Porter, and Penny Svenson, as well as their families, his extended family, and many friends across the country.

Morris was known for his smile, his ability to make instant connections, and his deep love for his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Dorothy “Dottie” Pierce ’74

Dorothy “Dottie” Pierce, 66, of Kingston, passed away on Oct. 19, 2022.

Born the youngest of five children to Temple and Rosemary Allen on Jan. 10, 1956, Pierce grew up in Hull. After graduating from Thayer, Pierce studied accounting at Quincy College. She married Bill Pierce in 1979, after meeting him in 1969, and together they raised two daughters, Megan Pierce and Shannon McKnight.

Pierce worked nights at Jordan Hospital in Plymouth, but her primary focus was always her family. She created Halloween costumes, volunteered at her daughters’ schools, and cheered them on at soccer games. In 1997, the family moved to Detroit, where Pierce embraced her East English Village community. She worked for nearly 20 years at Johnstone and Johnstone and developed close friendships in the Grosse Pointe real estate community.

A proud cheer mom and Scrabble champion, Pierce was known for her love of four-letter words, lemon drop martinis, and spontaneous dance parties. She had a lifelong passion for horse racing, particularly thoroughbreds, and was a strong supporter of the Retired Racehorse Project.

Pierce is survived by her husband of 43 years, Bill; daughters Megan and Shannon; grandchildren Tatum, Riley, and Cooper; grandcats Binx and Harper; her siblings Charlie Allen, Frank Allen, Bettie Allen, and Arnold Allen; as well as

her in-laws, the Pierce, McCaffery, and Saulnier families, and many nieces and nephews.

also known for his quiet philanthropy and support of local nonprofits.

Paul F. Braman ’77

Paul F. Braman, 65, of Quincy, died on July 20, 2024.

Born in Milton and raised in the Merrymount neighborhood of Quincy, Braman was the son of the late Paula and Herbert Braman. He graduated from Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Braman worked in sales across various industries, but his true passion was working closely with clients. He enjoyed spending time on or near the water and pursued hobbies such as boating, tying flies, fishing, bike riding, building bikes, and stamp collecting. He also loved walking along the beach.

Braman is survived by his sisters, Jane Braman ’83 and Mary Braman ’79, her husband Mark Neuwirth, and his nephew Daniel Neuwirth. He shared a close bond with his nephew, Daniel. Braman is also survived by cousins Robert Anastasi ’73, David Anastasi ’75, and Steven Anastasi ’77.

1977 1978

William Alexopoulos ’78

William Alexopoulos, 65, of Randolph, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Nov. 3, 2024.

Born in Boston to Greek immigrants Christos and Georgia Alexopoulos, he moved to Randolph in 1963. Alexopoulos graduated from Boston University and later joined the family business, Randolph Automotive Servicenter. In 2007, he became the sole owner and expanded the business, which continues to serve the community.

A dedicated public servant, Alexopoulos spent over 40 years in various roles, including on the zoning board of appeals, board of health, and board of selectmen. He served as president of the Randolph Town Council. He was

A devoted parishioner of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Alexopoulos served as vice president of the parish council and was deeply committed to his Greek Orthodox faith. He enjoyed his hobbies of car collecting, attending car shows, and spending time outdoors hunting and fishing with his son Christos. William was also a passionate Boston sports fan and a beloved member of his community.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Alexandra Alexopoulos; children Christos Alexopoulos and Nicole Alexopoulos; his mother, Georgia Alexopoulos of Canton; sister Evangeline Zervos of Randolph; niece Anastasia Scrivanos of Brookline; nephew Michael Zervos of Randolph; inlaws Ike and Artemis Tingos of Belmont, and their children, Kostas and Chloe.

Barry J. McCormick ’78 Barry J. McCormick, 65, of East Sandwich, passed away peacefully on Dec. 4, 2024, after a brief illness.

Born in Brockton to the late Richard and Patricia McCormick, McCormick grew up in Avon. He spent his summers in Gray Gables, a place he loved, and continued to call Cape Cod home throughout his life. McCormick worked for over 20 years at the Chart Room in Cataumet, later transitioning to a sales career with Martignetti Companies.

An avid reader, gardener, and cook, McCormick loved entertaining and was known for being a gracious host. Above all, he was a devoted dog lover, especially to Pudgie, Scout, and Oliver. McCormick was also fond of walking along the Cape Cod Canal.

He is survived by his wife, Dale Flanagan; daughter, Bridget Taksir and her husband, Mike Taksir; sister, Maura McCormick; brother, Brian McCormick ’75 and his wife, Mary McCormick; aunt, Pamela Duffy; uncle, Peter Haley; and many nieces and nephews. McCormick was predeceased by his sister, Meg McCormick.

Peter C. Grace ’79

Peter Grace, 63, of Simi Valley, California, died on

Grace is survived by his wife, Joyce Carroll Grace; children Edwin Grace, Allen Grace and his wife Eleanor, and Joey Grace and his partner Niall; brothers Matthew Grace ’80 and

varsity baseball and basketball. At Skidmore College, he was a scouted relief pitcher and still holds the school record for most relief appearances. He maintained his love for sports as an avid

WELL PLAYED THAYER HAS A PROUD HISTORY OF WOMEN’S SPORTS

By Larry Carlson P ’02, ’05, ’10

Perhaps the greatest myth regarding Thayer Academy is that it began life as a school for boys only.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Likewise, while it is true that Thayer men and their athletic accomplishments have long been a big part of the story of both the Academy in particular and the South Shore in general, it is also true that Thayer women have made their mark.

Although excluded from competing against other schools, Thayer women were nonetheless given “Physical Training” beginning in the 1890s (in their own gymnasium located in what was then the new Glover Laboratory building) and participated on intramural teams (mainly basketball) until they, too, began competing against other teams in the early years of the 20th century.

By the 1920s, female student-athletes were representing Thayer against other schools in field hockey and track & field as well as basketball and had formed their own Girls Athletic Association. Thayer Academy women had established softball and tennis teams by the 1960s and soccer, lacrosse, track & field, and ice hockey teams by the end of the 1990s. Athletes on these and other teams have been nationally ranked, have received numerous awards and citations, and have gone on to great success in college and beyond — as players, as coaches, and as community leaders.

They have made and continue to make us proud in this new century.

Archivist Larry Carlson P ’02, ’05, ’10 recently retired from teaching and coaching at Thayer after 47 years in those roles.

The 1953 girls varsity field hockey team.

The 1956 girls varsity softball team.

The Late 1890s 1914

The 1920s

The 1989 girls varsity track & field team.

The 1952 girls varsity basketball team.

The 1997 girls varsity hockey team.

The 1990 girls varsity field hockey team.

The 1972 girls varsity lacrosse team.

The 1975 girls varsity field hockey team.

The 1962 girls varsity softball team.

The 1976 girls varsity basketball team.

Girls Varsity Basketball Coach Karen Jodoin P ’22 coaches her players in the ’90s.

The 2005 girls varsity hockey team.