It is a great year to be a Wildcat! As Vermont Academy celebrates its 150th anniversary and I begin my first year as Head of School, it is deeply rewarding to see our students return to campus and prepare for an educational journey that will shape their lives.
In my welcome to parents during registration, I shared my hopes for our students and reminded families of our mission: “A nurturing home that inspires trailblazers to advance our world.”
This mission reflects the heart of Vermont Academy. We hold our young people to high expectations—both personally and academically—while always providing the support they need to thrive. That “nurturing home” is what thousands of alumni recall when they think back to their time here, and it continues to define Vermont today.
We believe in focusing on students’ strengths, helping them build upon each success until achievement becomes a habit. Our former Headmaster, Mike Choukas Jr. ‘46, called this the “success syndrome,” and it remains as true for today’s Vermont Academy as it was in his time.
This issue of The Vermont Academy Way captures the excitement of the new school year. Inside, you’ll learn more about my vision for Vermont Academy’s next 150 years, hear from our student government leaders, meet our new trustees, and enjoy a photo spread of our opening days—moments filled with both discovery and tradition.
We are grateful to have you with us during this milestone year as we continue guiding our Wildcats to “be true to their best self” while charting the course for the next 150 years. Truly, it is a great time to be a Wildcat!
Warmly,
Mike Peller Head of School
225 # of students 154 # of boarding students
# of day students 22
of states
Meet Mike Peller - Vermont Academy’s 19th Head of School
From the moment Mike Peller stepped on to the Vermont Academy campus, he recognized that this was indeed a special place. Struck by the warmth of the faculty, staff, and students, and by what he described as the “powerful and rare” sense of belonging that resonated deeply with him, he knew this was where he wanted to be, to lead, and to raise his family.
In July 2025, Mike became Vermont Academy’s 19th Head of School, bringing more than two decades of leadership in purpose-driven education to our hilltop. A champion of experiential and place-based learning, he has dedicated his career to creating school models that inspire students to learn with purpose, engage fully, and make a real-world impact.
Independent school life has always been part of Mike’s DNA. He grew up on the campus of Northfield Mount Hermon (MA), where both of his parents taught, and he recalls facing Vermont Academy on the soccer and baseball fields. Even then, he admired the energy and spirit of VA students.
Mike earned his B.A. in Environmental Engineering from Harvard University and his M.A. in Educational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University. He began his career at Sonoma Academy (CA), where he taught interdisciplinary math and science, coached soccer, and served as the school’s first ninth grade dean. At Holderness School (NH), he became the youngest-ever Chair of the Mathematics Department. “I saw Mike’s promise early on, and it doesn’t surprise me that he was selected to lead Vermont Academy,” notes VA Trustee and former Holderness Head of School Phil Peck. “His deep curriculum expertise and broad school leadership experience have already made an impact on the VA community.”
Mike Peller, Head of School, greeting families on Registration Day.
Most recently, Mike served as the Founding Head of Upper School at Hillbrook School (CA), where he guided the launch of a visionary new high school program. He is known for his ability to inspire others to imagine what is possible, whether rallying prospective donors around the idea of a not-yetbuilt school facility or engaging students and faculty in bold new approaches to teaching and learning.
Since his arrival at Vermont Academy, Mike’s warm and collegial presence, inspiring leadership, and strong alignment with the school’s mission have been met with enthusiasm. He has already begun leading a strategic planning process to provide clarity on goals and priorities for the future, while also preparing the Academy as we celebrate our milestone 150th anniversary.
In a recent message to the community, Mike reflected:
“ I have been overwhelmed by the beauty of the campus and land, by the commitment of the faculty and staff, and by the impact of the program.”
“I have already met with numerous alumni and every time, without fail, I hear the same thing: Vermont Academy changed my life. It gives me goosebumps every time I hear that. Just the other day, sitting with a graduate from the sixties, he got teary-eyed as he attributed all of his successes and happiness in his life to his time at Vermont Academy. This is our work here at Vermont Academy—and what could be more important!”
Mike and his wife, Kelsey Sullivan, are delighted to raise their children, Mira and Wendell, on campus, where they look forward to exploring the land, playing on the fields, and immersing themselves in the life of the Vermont Academy community.
Mike leads the VA faculty in an introductory exercise on the opening day of faculty meetings.
Scenes from Fall on the Hilltop
An exciting start to our 150th school year included many traditions - both long standing and new! Some adventurous students hiked the Long Trail, the 14th Annual Wildcat Games brought frenetic energy to Alumni Field, convocation along with the signing of the honor code signal the official start of the school year. We are looking forward to what the rest of the year will bring!
You Can Hear Victory at Vermont Academy!
As students returned at the end of summer, a new feature appeared on our campus, the Zaccara Victory Bell to be precise. The bell was given by the VA trustees to honor the legacy of the former Head of School, Dr Jennifer Zaccara. While victory bells are often used at schools to celebrate athletic wins, the Vermont Academy victory bell will ring out for all types of campus celebrations, from team triumphs to the opening night of a play, a successful performance run, robotics wins, the opening of Reunion Weekend, and possibly even a future Mountain Day, though that is up for further discussion, as some traditions are meant to be unchanged.
The idea for the bell was first suggested by Dr. Jennifer Zaccara, when asked about a meaningful tribute to her leadership. Inspired by her vision, the Vermont Academy Board of Trustees made it a reality.
After a thoughtful search, the school found a historic bell at a local antique center—its aged patina and resonant tone perfectly reflecting Vermont Academy’s heritage. This summer, the bell was installed in a central location on campus, near Alumni Field, across from Davis House on the walk toward the Lucy Athletic Complex.
We look forward to hearing its joyful ring throughout the seasons ahead. If your travels bring you to campus, be sure to stop by and see Vermont Academy’s newest symbol of celebration.
Vermont Academy’s Mountain Bike Team Rides to New Heights
Visitors to campus this fall may have noticed students navigating the trails on two wheels with speed and skill. These riders are members of the Vermont Academy Mountain Bike Team, a dynamic co-ed group of 18 student-athletes led by Coach Greg Martin and Assistant Coaches Ben Gardner and Daniel Tuite.
The team competes in cross-country, freeride, and downhill events, making full use of the school’s 450-acre campus, which boasts several miles of highquality single and double track trails. These trails provide an ideal training ground, allowing students to build endurance, refine their technical ability, and prepare for competition.
This past summer, several team members furthered their skills by participating in a mountain biking camp hosted at the Vermont Academy Mount Snow campus in Dover, Vermont. The camp welcomed young riders from across the region and served as an opportunity for athletes to push themselves and strengthen their passion for the sport.
With interest in mountain biking continuing to grow, Vermont Academy is planning an expansion of its trail network. The upcoming additions will include:
• A dedicated freeride downhill trail designed to support progressive skill development.
• Optional routes around major features to ensure accessibility for riders of all levels.
• Signature trail features that reflect Vermont Academy’s commitment to student-athlete growth and the advancement of downhill mountain biking.
Through these efforts, Vermont Academy continues to invest in programs that challenge students, foster resilience, and encourage a lifelong love of the outdoors.
Vermont Academy Welcomes Five New Trustees
Service on a non-profit organization’s board of trustees is one of the highest levels of philanthropic volunteerism. The role of an independent school trustee is fiduciary; it includes hiring and supervising the head of school, ensuring financial stability and sustainability, ensures mission fulfillment, and setting the long-term strategic direction. Vermont Academy recently welcomed five new individuals to our 16 member board.
Lisa Bianconi P ‘08, ‘08, ‘11, ‘11, ‘24
Lisa is a dynamic leader with a long history of service to Vermont Academy. She was president of the Vermont Academy Parents Association (VAPA) in 2024, and prior to that, served as Vice President and a member of VAPA dating back to 2005. She is the proud parent of five VA alums, Kathryn Frames’08, Kristopher Bianconi ‘08, Brendan Long ‘11, Julia Bianconi ‘11, and Sofia Bianconi ‘24. Lisa recently celebrated 40 years of service at nearby Kurn Hattin Homes, where she teaches music. She lives in Rockingham with her husband Jeff.
Jeff Jacobs P ’24
Jeff is the parent of Zoe Jacobs ‘24, who is currently attending the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. Jeff knows the importance of volunteerism, having served 10 years on the Board of Directors at Let’s Get Ready, a nonprofit organization helping 25,000 students nationwide to apply as first generation students to college. Jeff splits time living in New York and Saxtons River with his wife Jordana. Jeff is a private wealth manager for Merrill Lynch.
Lisa Bianconi
Jeff Jacobs
Phil Peck
Phil is the former Head of School at Holderness School in New Hampshire, serving in that role for 21 years before retiring in 2022. Phil also served on the board of the Association of Independent Schools In New England. He continues to live in Holderness with his wife Robin, and has two adult daughters. A graduate of Dartmouth College, Phil brings a wealth of school knowledge and experience to VA’s board along with a passion for Nordic skiing.
Nick Vaughn
Nick joined the VA board at the recommendation of his uncle Rick Stark ‘74, himself a longtime trustee. Nick has a degree in Architecture from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and works for SMRT,Architects and Engineers, in Portland, ME. Nick leads SMRT’s education practice, and brings over 20 years of experience leading the programming, planning, and design of academic, student life, and athletic spaces. Nick has designed high-performing residence halls, libraries, dining facilities, research and education facilities across the country. He lives in Gorham, ME, with his family.
Adam Tschorn ‘83
Adam has enjoyed a career in journalism spanning 30 years. He started as the managing editor of the Manchester (VT) Journal before moving across the country to Los Angeles, where he joined the LA Times as a feature writer, and where he served on the union bargaining team. His siblings (Allan ‘81 and Susan ‘85) are also proud VA graduates. Adam has strong enthusiasm for VA and helped plan his classes most recent 40th Reunion. Adam lives in Los Angeles with his wife Booth.
Nick Vaughn
Adam Tschorn
Phil Peck
As we celebrate our 150th year, we’re taking a look back. The building in the below photo has served many uses over our 150 years. Which building is it and name at least two ways it has been part of the VA experience. Email alumni@vermontacademy.org with your answer. Correct answers will be entered into a raffle for a VA prize!
