As our second trimester winds down, and we enter the final busy weeks of the academic year, I am both excited by the growth that I see in our students and bittersweet that their time on the hilltop is coming to an end. The word most used by alumni to describe their time at Vermont Academy is “transformative,” and I feel confident that our Class of 2025 will use that word to describe their educational experience at VA.
As our students move on, I too am mentally preparing myself to leave Vermont Academy for a new adventure. I am reassured to pass the headship to Mike Peller, Vermont Academy’s 19th Head of School. During his visit to campus, we were all impressed with his credentials and positive attitude. A short profile of Mike can be found on our website, with a longer personal profile to come in the June edition. Mike has already proven himself as smart and thoughtful, and I feel confident to leave the leadership of our special school in his hands.
In this issue, we put a spotlight on our curriculum with a focus on our Architecture Design course, taught by Marin Miller, and Advanced Robotics, taught by Science Department Chair Joe Echanis ‘79. Architecture Design covers everything from architectural concepts and hand drawing to drafting, model-building, and research. The students even engage with a large-scale group project, reflecting real-world architecture practices. The Advanced Robotics course, in combination with the team, is focused on building a robot that can accomplish certain specified tasks in the fastest time possible. The team recently placed 2nd in the Vermont State FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Championships and won the first place design award!
You will also meet some “Wildcats We Want to Know.” Seeing our accomplished youth at various grade levels gives us all hope for the future and the difference they will make in our VA community and beyond.
Finally, we share news about some of the fun, unique clubs that Vermont Academy hosts. The article showcases three of our four pillars of the Vermont Academy strategic plan (independence, ingenuity, and community) at play in our community. One of my favorites is the Bread Club as I have been the grateful recipient of many a tasting!
Thank you for reading and happy Spring.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jennifer L. Zaccara Head of School
Have fun with our insert! You can add it to your refrigerator so you don’t forget our annual giving day - One Day for VA - coming up on Tuesday, May 6. We invite you to make a gift on this day as our VA community comes together to support our mission.
Building Toward the Future
Vermont Academy’s Annual Fund is vital to funding the best educational experience possible for our students. Each year, generous trustees, alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, students, and friends help us raise nearly a million dollars in support of our mission.
Your Annual Fund Gift Helps Vermont Academy:
• Build an interesting and diverse community through financial aid for deserving students.
• Facilitate professional development for faculty members who share that learning into the VA curriculum.
• Implement programming that helps our students learn and grow to be the leaders of tomorrow.
• S upport beloved traditions like Mountain Day, Kurn Hattin Christmas, and Winter Carnival.
In fact, your support for the Annual Fund strengthens all the people, programs, and traditions that make Vermont Academy so special. This means that each and every gift has an immediate impact on members of the Wildcat community.
Please make your gift to Vermont Academy’s Annual Fund today at www.vermontacademy.org/giving or scan this code.
Questions? Contact Director of Annual Giving Jen Palmiotto P ‘21,‘24 at 802-869-6610 or jpalmiotto@vermontacademy.org.
A Winning Season for VA Robotics
The Vermont Academy Robotics team, “The Wired Cats,” is having another successful season, continuing a legacy of excellence in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Since its inception in 2013, robotics at VA has provided students with hands-on opportunities to explore engineering and technology, whether through the classes offered—Advanced Robotics or Robotics: Advanced TopicsMechanical Systems Design—or as part of the after-school team that meets during the winter trimester. Leading the program is Science Department Chair Joe Echanis ’79, P ‘08, ‘11, ‘18, who first introduced robotics to VA after being inspired by a visit to Putnam Science Academy. Seeing their robotics team in action sparked an idea, and with the support of then Headmaster Jim Mooney, Joe brought the program to life at VA.
Over his three years in the robotics program, Oliver (Oli) Walsh-Fischetti ’25 has witnessed its growth and evolution firsthand. Reflecting on the team’s progress, he notes how their plan at competitions has become more structured and strategic. “The style in which we approach these competitions has changed a lot,” he explains. “During my first year on the team, it was more free-formed where we started with design just for the sake of designing, and then thought about how it might become a reality. Over the past two years, the focus has shifted to first understanding how things could be done, then determining how we could apply that knowledge to actually bring our ideas to life.” Oli is proud of how the team has performed in recent seasons, especially this year, and he is excited to watch the program grow.
On February 8, 2025, the team competed at the Vermont State FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Championships at South Burlington High School, delivering an impressive performance. Oli credited the team’s success in part to the robot’s drivers, who had significantly more practice time this season. This additional preparation proved crucial, as this year’s competition placed a greater emphasis on driver control than in previous seasons.
Another key contributor was Raymond Feng ’25, whose exceptional coding work played a pivotal role in the team’s performance. His autonomous programming put 60 points on the board for The Wired Cats, giving them the highest autonomous average score in the state. Joe reflected on how the season’s work, beginning all the way back in September, culminated in a well-thought-out final design that had been tested and refined over time. Their efforts were further validated when they won the design award—an achievement that stood out, as the team has typically placed second or third in this category.
New team member Jacob Studin ’28 got a firsthand look at the fast-paced and problem-solving nature of competitive robotics. Working as part of the “pit crew,” he played a key role in keeping the robot running such as stepping in to change out a battery. One of the most intense moments came right before the first match when the robot seized up, forcing the team to quickly take it apart, replace key components, and put it back together just in time. “At the competition, it was really cool to see everything that was going on and how everything worked,” explains Jacob. For him, it was an exciting and eyeopening introduction to the world of robotics.
Even though many VA students are committed to demanding winter sports, they still find ways to support the robotics team through their involvement in the robotics classes. These students may not be part of the after-school team, but their contributions in class play a crucial role in the team’s success. Throughout the season, they generate innovative ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and refine designs that ultimately benefit the competition robot. Their input highlights how the collaborative nature of robotics at VA extends beyond those photographed with the trophy, as many students contribute in different ways to drive the team’s achievements.
This year, the team has been working to expand its sponsorship base, with businesses InnoAgg, Chroma Technology Corp, and Comcast Corporation supporting their efforts. Fundraising remains a priority as they seek additional sponsors to help grow the program. Beyond financial backing, team member Luke Pennell ’26 has also been focused on increasing the team’s visibility by updating the team Instagram feed (you can follow them at @ftc_8304_ wiredcats) and capturing moments from competitions, ensuring that their achievements and hard work are shared with the broader community.
Community involvement and giving back are also central to the team’s mission. The team recently met with Susan Yao, who runs a homeschool collective in Brattleboro, VT, to help set up a FIRST LEGO® League (a program that introduces STEM to children ages 4-16 through fun, exciting hands-on learning) program for younger students. In addition, the team is exploring ways to collaborate with local elementary and middle schools, including bringing their robot to Saxtons River Elementary School to spark early interest in robotics. By engaging younger students, the team is not only enriching the community but also helping to build a strong foundation for the future of robotics at VA and beyond.
Spotlight on Curriculum: Architecture Design
At Vermont Academy, the Architecture Design class, taught by science faculty member Marin Miller, is not just about learning how buildings stand—it’s about understanding how spaces shape human behavior and how human behavior, in turn, shapes the design of those spaces. This yearlong course, primarily offered to seniors and postgraduates, gives students a chance to explore the intersection of art, design, engineering, and physics. The class provides hands-on opportunities for students to dive deep into architectural principles, all while learning how to design, problem-solve, and think critically about the spaces they inhabit.
“The course covers everything from architectural concepts and hand drawing to drafting, model-building, and research,” says Marin, whose expertise stems from a degree in Architecture from Parsons School of Design. “One goal of this curriculum is for students to think like architects, whether they end up pursuing it as a career or simply developing a new way of looking at the world around them.”
With her enthusiasm for the subject, Marin instills a deep appreciation for the balance between art and science— an essential element in any architect’s toolkit.
“I hope they leave the class with a fresh perspective on the spaces they interact with every day and the tools to think critically about those spaces.”
From the outset, students in the Architecture Design class learned the fundamentals of architecture. In the fall, they focused on hand drafting, technical drawing, and 3D modeling, all crucial tools for translating ideas into visual concepts. Once they built a solid foundation, students took on their first solo project: a community space design challenge. “This project helped students hone their skills while also practicing design thinking,” Marin explains. “They needed to create a space that meets a hypothetical community need, which pushed them to think creatively about spatial awareness and user experience.”
Building on their newfound skills, students moved into a large-scale group project, reflecting real-world architecture practices. “This project mirrors
how architects actually work in teams,” Marin says. “They conduct research, analyze feedback, and develop a building proposal based on real data from our community.”
Students engaged with survey results from VA faculty, staff, and students as part of the design process. This step focuses on “empathize,” the first phase of design thinking, ensuring that their projects address real needs within the Vermont Academy community.
While students experiment with creative and bold ideas, the class also emphasizes the importance of problem-solving in architecture. “It’s always fun to design something wild and out there, but in reality, architecture is as much about functionality and problem-solving as it is about creativity,” Marin explains. Through the analysis of survey responses, students focused on balancing aesthetics with practicality, ensuring their designs were both visually appealing and meaningful for the community. Marin’s ultimate goal for her students isn’t necessarily to turn them into architects. Instead, she aims to spark curiosity and inspire a new way of thinking about the built environment. “I want them to walk away with the ability to tackle complex challenges and turn their ideas into something real,” Marin says. “Even if they never pursue architecture, I hope they leave the class with a fresh perspective on the spaces they interact with every day and the tools to think critically about those spaces.” Architecture has historically been a popular class at Vermont Academy, taught for many years by recently retired faculty member Jim Frey ’66.
By the end of the course, students will have developed valuable skills in critical thinking, spatial reasoning, and communication—skills that will serve them well, no matter what path they choose after high school. “I hope students gain an appreciation for the balance between art and science, recognizing how physics and aesthetics come together to create functional, beautiful spaces,” says Marin. This comprehensive approach provides students with the foundation to not only understand architecture but also to see the world around them with a fresh set of eyes.
Wildcats You Want To Know
Zhishun “Catherine” Min ’27
Catherine ’27 is a secondyear student from Shenzhen, China who came to Vermont Academy with a passion for art and an eagerness to expand her creative abilities. Catherine found herself drawn to the 2D Graphic Design class, where her love for traditional art met the world of digital creation.
Beyond the classroom, Catherine quickly became immersed in the vibrant community at Vermont Academy. She’s a member of the VA Art Club, Chess Club, Letter Writing Club, and was recently inducted into VA’s National Honor Society. What truly stands out about Catherine is her leadership. She coorganized the International Student Affinity Group with another student in her class, a role that allowed her to bring together students from different backgrounds and foster a supportive and inclusive community. Additionally, Catherine managed the Boys’ Varsity Soccer team this fall, and serves as a math tutor.
Since starting at VA, Catherine says she has become more independent. Boarding life has taught her how to communicate more effectively with both her peers and teachers. She also discovered a new passion for hockey, a sport she had never played before. Through all that she’s involved in, she’s been able to make friends from all over the world.
Emmanuel ’25 is a senior from San Jose, Costa Rica who finds that the most rewarding challenges at Vermont Academy come from the classroom. His favorite classes—AP Literature and Composition and U.S. History—are also among the most demanding. However, he appreciates the unique teaching styles of his instructors, who not only prepare students for life beyond VA but also create engaging and thought-provoking learning environments.
Emmanuel Cheung Hernandez ’25
In addition to enjoying academics, Emmanuel is an active leader and athlete on campus. As co-president of the National Honor Society, he has helped organize fundraisers, faculty appreciation initiatives, and outreach events that strengthen the VA community and its connections with nearby towns. He also plays for the Boys’ Prep Basketball team and is a dedicated member of Chess Club.
Reflecting on his time at VA, Emmanuel values the diverse community and the opportunity to learn from dedicated teachers who challenge and support students every step of the way. For him, VA has been more than just a school—it has been a place of growth, connection, and inspiration.
Asper Donath ’26
Asper ’26 is a day student from Saxtons River, VT, and his journey at VA has been shaped by his involvement in music, theater, and leadership roles, among other extracurriculars. As a member of the Chamber and Jazz Ensembles, Asper has immersed himself in the world of music, refining his skills as a string bass player. His deepened love for playing bass came unexpectedly, but it quickly became a defining part of his VA experience. Not only has he gotten better with each performance, but he’s also joined local ensembles like the Main Street Arts string band, further expanding his musical endeavors.
While his involvement in music is a central part of his life at VA, Asper’s artistic expression doesn’t stop there. He’s also starred in various theater productions and is involved with Afternoon Theater Tech, where he’s had the opportunity to explore the technical side of the performing arts. One of his favorite traditions at VA, the Candlelight Winter Concert, is a perfect blend of his passions, allowing him to combine his love for music, performance, and teamwork as he prepares for the show by decorating the theater and programming the lights.
However, it’s not just his musical talent that defines Asper; it’s his leadership. As president of both the Environmental Club and the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), Asper has honed skills that extend beyond the arts—learning how to organize, inspire, and lead others with purpose. Yet, for Asper, he says one of his most significant roles is as a coxswain on the crew team, where he must guide and support his team with precision and focus.
Vermont Academy’s Thriving Clubs Are Led with Passion
By Olivier Bergeron ’25
Vermont Academy offers a diverse range of student-led clubs that foster creativity, activism, and community engagement. Many of these clubs are initiated and driven by students, allowing them to pursue their interests and make meaningful contributions to campus life. This year, several clubs have been particularly active, each bringing a unique energy to the school.
The Bread Club, led by Math Department Chair Russell Mayhew, has been bringing students together through the art of baking. “Bread Club is about more than just making bread; it’s about creating a warm and welcoming community,” Mr. Mayhew shares. This year, the club has been experimenting with different recipes, including sourdough and focaccia, and even discussing the cultural significance of bread in various societies. The club has also started collaborating with the Environmental Club to explore sustainable baking practices and locally sourced ingredients.
Another club that fosters meaningful connections is the Letter Writing Club, also guided by Mr. Mayhew. The club encourages students to take a step back from digital communication and engage in the thoughtful practice of letter writing. “There’s something special about receiving a handwritten letter; it shows time, effort, and sincerity,” Mr. Mayhew explains. Members have been writing letters to friends, family, and even VA alumni to strengthen bonds within and beyond the VA community. The club has also initiated a pen-pal program with students from other schools to promote cross-cultural exchange.
The Vermont Academy Voice, the school’s student-run newspaper, continues to thrive as a platform for student journalism. “The Voice is all about amplifying student perspectives and covering stories that matter to our
community,” says Dodge Zaccara ’25, an active member of the club. The team has focused on expanding its coverage, featuring interviews with faculty, highlighting student achievements, and exploring pressing school-wide topics. Additionally, the club has introduced a digital version of the paper, making articles more accessible and engaging for the school community.
The Environmental Club remains a strong force on campus, with a mission to promote sustainability. “Our goal is to implement real change at VA by raising awareness and encouraging eco-friendly practices,” says Asper Donath ’26, president of the club. The club has focused on reducing waste in the dining hall and organizing clean-up initiatives around campus to help maintain a greener environment. They have also partnered with the science department to launch a composting program, educating students on proper waste disposal and the benefits of composting.
For those interested in strategy and intellectual challenge, the Chess Club, led by Oliver Norkun ’26, has been an engaging space for players of all levels. “Chess is a game of patience and foresight, and it’s great to see so many students getting into it,” Oliver remarks. The club meets regularly for friendly matches and has even hosted tournaments to encourage competition and learning. The club has also started an outreach initiative, teaching younger students the basics of chess and fostering a new generation of strategic thinkers.
These clubs exemplify Vermont Academy’s commitment to student-driven initiatives. Whether through baking, journalism, sustainability, or strategic games, students are taking the lead and making their mark on campus life. As new ideas emerge and clubs evolve, the community continues to thrive with creativity and passion. The energy and dedication of these student leaders ensure that Vermont Academy remains a place where student voices are heard and their passions are nurtured.
Olivier ’25 is a postgraduate student at Vermont Academy from Quebec, Canada. As part of the postgraduate curriculum, he has chosen to intern with VA’s Marketing & Communications office where he has so far completed numerous writing and video projects.
Scenes From the Winter Trimester
The winter season at Vermont Academy brought action, tradition, and creativity to the hilltop whether from the Wildcats lighting up the stage at the 12th Annual 24 Hour Play Festival and Winter Performing Arts Night, or from the excitement seen on the court, ice, and slopes from our athletic teams. To round out the trimester, we held VA’s 116th Winter Carnival with the Day Student Girls taking home the top prize.
Alumni Profile: Kristin Terkelson ’91
We asked alumna Kristin Terkelson ’91 some questions about her professional and personal life since her time at Vermont Academy. Kristin is the owner of a physical therapy practice in Centreville, Massachusetts. We thank Kristin for sharing with us the work that she is doing and how her time at Vermont Academy influenced her development.
What are you up to these days?
When people ask me about myself I usually respond I am a physical therapist and that I own my own practice. However, in September 2023, I decided to run for Barnstable Town Council and won! So now I add Town Councilor to this description. In this new role as a Town Councilor, I spend my time learning about housing, zoning, budgets, and parliamentary procedure. There isn’t a day that goes by where I am not learning something new or asking a question to get a better understanding of how our local government works.
Interestingly, Barnstable is home to the first industrial-sized offshore wind farm. The electricity travels from the ocean to the beach and runs under our roads to newly installed electrical infrastructure in our residential neighborhoods and next to affordable housing developments. The sometimes controversial topic of wind power requires me to be involved in learning about offshore wind permitting and its impacts to our health and way of life. By the time I am done with my two main jobs and running the business side of my clinic, free time is limited.
Generally, I love to walk the beach on my days off, spend time on our small motor boat in the summer, go for a ride in one of my husband’s antique cars, and cook a meal from scratch. Most of what I love about free time is resting and being quiet. Most of my days are taken up with talking with patients and townspeople so quiet is good!
What important lessons did you learn at Vermont Academy that you are using today?
That is a question that I could write a book on! I am not even sure I could say it was one or two things. What I can say is that my philanthropic giving, on a larger scale, only includes Vermont Academy despite the fact that I attended three colleges plus graduate school. Obviously, my postgrad degree has allowed me employment but it always comes back to Vermont Academy as being pivotal to my development as a person and therefore as a professional. The people in the VA community were there for each of us in ways we probably didn’t appreciate at the time but through osmosis, I got the message. The entire school centers around your success because you
Kristin Terkelson ’91
are worth success. I also learned birds have hollow bones, we all learn differently (thanks Mr. Whittington) and how to read a screen (computers had just come into the classroom).
“The Vermont Academy environment is priceless.”
How did Vermont Academy help you become the person you are today? Vermont Academy gave me stability and structure. I think my parents knew things at home were not great and they felt that less exposure to that would be beneficial. Having the consistency of routine between classes, formal meals, sports and little free time helped me feel grounded. This was just grounding to also allow for learning about yourself and growing into adulthood. The VA environment is priceless in this way. If I had children in this world of fear and social media, I would want them to have an environment like Vermont Academy where there is a container but it is not so binding that they can’t make mistakes and figure life out. Being able to navigate life is part of what VA gave me.
What is a favorite Vermont Academy memory?
I live near the ocean, so snow and I have a love-hate relationship. But when it snows early in the season here on Cape Cod, I love to share the story about being at an away game at Burke Mountain School in early October. The Burke students were prepared since they are a ski school. Unlike them, I did not have enough warm clothes so I tucked myself into the warm up bag with all the warm up suits and let the snow fall!
Is there an outstanding member of the faculty or staff that you’d like to recognize?
Honestly, I could not choose just one! Do other alumni say the same thing?
What are you most excited about in the year ahead?
I love my physical therapy work, but I am currently most excited about local issues, like housing, that impact me and my neighbors every day. I believe my job is to highlight how each resident has a role in influencing our community.
We thank Kristin for sharing with us the work that she is doing and how her time at Vermont Academy influenced her.
Have news to share? The June issue of Vermont Academy Way will feature Class Notes. Please send your news to alumni@vermontacademy.org by April 30 . Thank you! We look forward to featuring your special achievements.
https://bit.ly/vaalumnievents NYC Keynote & Reception Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Boston Keynote & Reception Thursday, April 3, 2025 Providence, RI Dinner Wednesday, April 16, 2025 One Day for VA Tuesday, May 6, 2025 Grandparents & Special Friends Day Saturday, May 10, 2025
