Campus News

Students were greeted by a transformed lawn in front of the Forman School Henderson Administrative Building when they returned to campus in January 2021. The School’s maintenance team had converted the sprawling space into an ice rink.

“A lot of the venues that we would normally use in the winter were either limited in the number of people that could be there or we just couldn’t take students there, so we began to think about other ways we could create opportunities for students,” says Head of School Adam K. Man P’15. “One of the things that came up was the idea of creating an ice rink.”

The welcomed addition allowed for safe athletic practices and weekend fun amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It also brought with it the introduction of a new winter activity to Forman: Broomball.

“Broomball is like hockey without sticks and skates,” describes Ryan Langan ’22, who often organized pick-up broomball games on the rink. “You play with brooms and shoes… It’s not too competitive. It’s mostly very funny just sliding around on the ice.”

In February, the ice game took center stage during a school-wide tournament where five teams put their skills to the test.

“The broomball tournament was awesome,” says Scott McCarty ’76, P’02, P’05, Major Gifts Officer and former Athletic Director. “Kids made their own teams and some faculty members jumped on the teams.”

Man, who played as a goalie in the heated match, adds, “Over the course of the winter, as we went through various tournaments and opportunities, more and more students became excited about [broomball] because they realized I can just come out, I don’t have to know anything about it, it’s a lot of fun, and I don’t have to be a talented broomball athlete to play.”

After scoring big among students and faculty alike, the ice rink is expected to return this winter if the weather cooperates.

“We knew that it was going to be cold in that stretch from January to spring break, so it worked out well,” Man says. “If we look at an unseasonably warm forecast this winter, we might change plans.”

Students and faculty after the broomball tournament.

The COVID-19 pandemic cut their senior year short. But more than one year after their canceled inperson Commencement ceremony, five 2020 alumni returned to Forman for one month.

From the Class of 2020, Naomi Bates, Oliver La Du, Ben Reilly, Celia Tucker, and Forrest Smyth joined Owen Sheinberg ’19 as Forman Summer Program Counselors. The Forman Summer Program is a fourweek, coed boarding and day camp that takes place on the Forman School campus during the month of July. Following the impact that COVID had on their senior year, the 2020 alumni were enthusiastic and grateful for the opportunity to be back on campus.

“The Forman community became a second home to me, so I jumped at the chance to participate,” said Celia Tucker ’20. “I wanted to be part of another student’s journey, and share what I have learned.”

“I really love the Forman community,” said Ben Reilly ’20. “It is supportive and welcoming and helps fuel me to be the best I can be. I also wanted to give back to the place that gave me so much.”

Owen Sheinberg ’19, who also served as a first-time counselor after COVID canceled the 2020 Summer Program, was motivated by his own experience to return.

“I came here as a camper six years ago and it really helped me get adjusted to living away from home,” said Owen. “I want to help kids who aren’t used to living away from home and hopefully I can persuade some kids to come here for high school.”

In their new roles, the returning alumni lived on campus, assisted with and organized activities from ceramics to frisbee, and provided support to students.

“Getting to know these kids through the dorm life and the afternoon activities has reminded me a lot of my younger self when I was in their same position,” said Forrest Smyth ’20. “Being able to give advice and watch them change throughout camp has been a rewarding experience.”

“I know what the students have gone through, as far as struggling with learning disabilities in online school,” Ben said. “I want to provide guidance and be a role model after what was likely a challenging year for them.”

“Each day is packed with new activities to try,” added Celia. “It is very rewarding to watch their confidence and new friendships grow.”

The Summer Program also afforded the 2020 graduates more than just a summer job.

“Being a four-year senior, I made many great memories, and I learned many life lessons while being a part of the Forman community,” said Oliver La Du ’20. “Having the opportunity to revisit and reflect on these positives after a year of college allowed me to appreciate better what Forman has meant to me in my life.”

“The opportunity means a lot to me because I never got the chance to say goodbye to the faculty or campus,” said Naomi Bates ’20. “This has brought me a lot of closure.”

For alumni interested in Forman Summer Program Counselor opportunities, please reach out to the Alumni Office at alumni@formanschool.org.

L-R: Oliver La Du ’20, Celia Tucker ’20, Naomi Bates ’20, Forrest Smyth ’20, Ben Reilly ’20, and Owen Sheinberg ’19