OPEN LETTER:
Bob Ewanouski ’80 DE AR V ER MONT ACADEMY,
A
fter many years, I finally went back to VA for an alumni hockey game in February. I’m not sure why. It certainly wasn’t to show off my gimpy stride and clumsy puck control. It probably had more to do with my oldest son’s current struggle to find a college. I thought—like me—maybe a year of prep school was the answer for him. And what better way to embrace this idea than to head back to where I was rescued from my own uncertainty so many years ago. I had made the trip back to campus once before, but From left to right: Wife, Lisa; youngest son, this trip was different. This time, I traveled without my “Sonny”; daughter, Michele; me; oldest son, wife and four kids. My thoughts and memories of how Declan; and middle son, Charlie I ended up at VA and my time there were clearer than ever before. I found myself overwhelmed with gratitude. The generosity of the Cheney family and all of the coaches and teachers that helped me mature as a student and person hit me square in the heart. I grew up in a large family not far from Fenway Park. My parents didn’t go to college, nor could they afford to send me to college and certainly not to one of New England’s prestigious prep schools. With the help of the Cheneys and the Edward R. Cheney ’44 Memorial Award, I was able to attend VA. Thank you, Cheney family! One of the biggest influences during my year at VA was Bob Harrington. Bob was my football and baseball coach. More importantly, Bob challenged me early on to be a leader to my younger teammates and classmates. He offered me a place to go when I needed someone to talk to, and during my second college search, he paved the way for me to attend Bowdoin College—his alma mater. Thank you, Bob Harrington! Looking back, I know VA made me a better person, friend, and student. The generosity, guidance, and friendship shown to me all those years ago are gifts that I will always remember and cherish. My fingers are crossed that all of my kids will be lucky enough to be surrounded by people who care about them as much as I was cared for at VA. Thank you, Vermont Academy.
Cheers! VA Network BOB EWA NOUSK I ’80
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Bob is part of Vermont Academy’s
Networking Group. Join at vermontacademy.org/linkedin.