Follow the progress of alumni and students who’ve turned their potential into power during and after their time at WA.
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OUR MISSION
The Woodstock Academy prepares all students by providing diverse opportunities through a vigorous curriculum and variety of programs in order to cultivate the necessary skills to become lifelong learners and global citizens.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Lawrence P. Filippelli Head of School
Mrs. Holly G. Singleton '86 Associate Head of School
Mr. Jonathan D. Sturdevant Associate Head of School for External Affairs
Mr. Hans D. Rhynhart '89 Chief Finance & Operating Officer
Dr. Michael D. Harten Dean of Academics
Mrs. Karin A. Hughes '01 Dean of Student Affairs
Mrs. Shannon VanderSwaagh Director of Student Services
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Ms. Christine Swenson, President
Ms. Lauren Brown '98 Vice President
Mr. Edwin Higgins, Esq., Vice President
Ms. Heather Munroe '87 Vice President
Dr. Walter McGinn, Treasurer
Mr. Matthew Rich '15, Asst. Treasurer
Ms. Philippa Paquette, Secretary
Mr. Eric Quinn, Asst. Secretary
Ms. Martha Beckwith '80
Mr. Cary Bentley '98
Mr. Robert Blackmer '77
Ms. Nancy Duvall
Mr. Robert Ellsworth
Mr. Barry Jessurun '80
Mr. Adam Keser
Ms. Leisl Langevin '04
Mr. Jeffrey Larrow '04
Ms. Julia Low '13
Mr. Peter Lusa
Mr. David Morse '76
Dr. Melissa Perkins-Banas
Mr. Scott Young '82
HONORARY TRUSTEES
Ms. Barbara Child '61
Mr. Paul M. Kelly '69
Ms. Jeri Musumeci '63
WA FOUNDATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ms. Leisl Langevin '04, President
Mr. Benjamin Harrison '94, Vice President
Mr. Eric Quinn, Treasurer
Mr. Adam Troy '98, Secretary
Ms. Lauren Brown '98
Ms. Christine Kromer '94
Ms. Julia Low '13
Mr. Adam Porter-Price '02
Ms. Christine Swenson
Mr. Jonathan Wakely '01
ALUMNI
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Ms. Sarah Andrews '16
Ms. Carly Deluca '17
Mr. Justin Depasse '00
Mr. Neal Freuden '63
Ms. Doreen Holt '75
Ms. Karen Musumeci '92
Mr. Patrick O’Brien '97
Mr. Kinson Perry '70
Ms. Dawn Sherman '75
Mr. Davis Simpson '23
Dr. Kristen Xeller '01
Photo
EDITORS
Madison Millar
Samantha Romero
CONTRIBUTORS
Sarah Andrews ’16
Dr. Lawrence P. Filippelli
Amber Pepper ’24
Jonathan Sturdevant
Julie Woodland
Please direct magazine inquiries to communications@woodstockacademy.org
The Woodstock Academy 57 Academy Road Woodstock, CT 06281 (860) 928-6575 woodstockacademy.org
ON THE COVER
Photo by
Lilah Jafar-DeCesare ’26
THE GLEANER
WA Celebrates 225 Years of Excellence
The Woodstock Academy continues to evolve—blending tradition with innovation to prepare students for a dynamic world. 6
Powered by WA
Follow 3 alumni who carried their WA experiences with them on the journey to creating, building, and running their own businesses. 32
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Advancing WA
Learn more about the expansion of opportunities for students.
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Rooted in Blue & Gold
A career retrospective with Associate Head of School Holly Singleton ’86. In Every
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL’S DESK
It is with both gratitude and great optimism that I write to you in this year’s edition of The Gleaner. My first year as Head of School has confirmed what I sensed from the very beginning: The Woodstock Academy is a place of extraordinary heart, talent, and possibility.
From my earliest days on campus, I have made it a priority to listen and to learn. In classrooms, on stages and athletic fields, in offices and informal conversations, I have had the privilege of building meaningful relationships with our faculty, staff, and students. Those relationships have not only welcomed me into this community, but they have also deepened my belief in what we are capable of accomplishing together.
This year marked an important milestone in that shared work. With the completion of our new strategic plan, we established a clear and ambitious direction for The Woodstock Academy’s future. This plan reflects the voices of our community and affirms our commitment to academic rigor, to cultivating a vibrant community of learners, to developing the whole person, and to preparing our students as engaged and thoughtful global citizens. It is both a reaffirmation of who we are and a bold statement about who we intend to become.
Central to that vision is the launch of our Academic Concentrations, set to begin in the fall of 2026. These concentrations will allow students to pursue purposeful, focused coursework that aligns with their interests and aspirations while maintaining the breadth and strength of a Woodstock Academy education. By deepening opportunities for exploration and mastery, we are positioning our students not only for success in college and career, but for meaningful contribution in a rapidly changing world.
As I reflect on this first year, I am struck by the alignment between our tradition and our trajectory. The Woodstock Academy has long been a school that values excellence, character, and opportunity. Now, with clarity of purpose and a strategic framework to guide us, we are poised to build on that legacy in transformative ways.
It is an honor to serve this remarkable institution. I am energized by the work ahead and grateful for the partnership of this community as we continue shaping a future worthy of our students’ potential.
Sincerely,
Dr. Lawrence P. Filippelli HeadofSchool
We're Celebrating 225 Years of Excellence, Innovation, and Growth
The Woodstock Academy continues to evolve—blending tradition with innovation to prepare students for a dynamic world.
A Legacy of Innovation
1801-1802
Academy founded by local leaders
Led by the Reverend Eliphalet Lyman and Attorney John McClellan, members of the First Ecclesiastical Society solicit community support in constructing the first building of The Woodstock Academy on the north end of the town common. The Woodstock Academy is among the first six academies established in Connecticut.
Henry C. Bowen revives and renovates school Academy reopens under new corporation
Following years of sporadic operation, Woodstock native Henry C. Bowen, now a wealthy New York City merchant, purchases and renovates The Woodstock Academy. Bowen also constructs a student boarding house next to the school.
Henry C. Bowen organizes a new Academy corporation, establishes a small endowment, and reopens the school. Post-Civil War optimism contributes to the successful revival, and plans for a new and larger Academy begin.
South Campus in 2026
The Woodstock Academy, one of the oldest secondary schools in the United States, celebrates its bicentennial. Renovations to the Academy Building third floor provides four additional classrooms.
Largest campus expansion completed
The most comprehensive building program in The Academy's history includes a new dining hall, library, auditorium, arts center, administrative offices, guidance suite, faculty center, science wing, lobby areas, courtyard, additional classrooms, increased parking, expanded lawns, new athletic fields, and a renovated Academy Building.
2015 2017-18
Bicentennial celebration (200 years) South Campus, STEAM expansion
1:1 student technology program launched
The Woodstock Academy introduces its 1-to-1 technology program, where each student receives a WA-issued iPad, in an initiative to provide every student with the resources to have a 21st century learning experience in and out of the classroom.
WA purchases South Campus, adding dorms, an art gallery, a second dining hall, additional athletic and recreation facilities, a health center, administrative offices, and additional learning spaces. The addition of the South Campus created space on the original North Campus for an engineering lab and makerspace workshop. With the generosity of the SPIROL International Corporation and several other donors, The Woodstock Academy opened the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) Center on North Campus.
Portrait of Henry C. Bowen
Academy Building is constructed
A new Academy building with residential space for a principal and boarding students, is constructed behind the first Academy on Woodstock Hill. Private subscriptions, to which patron Henry C. Bowen contributes sixty percent, fund the new structure. The original Academy is sold and removed to a new site.
Since 1801
Major campus expansion
Major campus construction added the Holt Science Building, The Henry C. Bowen Building, and the Alumni Field House.
1913 1939 1957-1971 1873 2019 2024 2026
Transformative Arts Center
In May of 2019, a commitment of a historic level by Mrs. Joan Loos (in honor of her late husband, August "Gus," Loos) was given to support arts opportunities for WA students and community members for years to come. This resulted in the renaming of the fine arts facility to the Loos Center for the Arts.
Designated as Woodstock’s high school
The Woodstock Academy is the designated high school for the Town of Woodstock. A community board of management and control is created to oversee the new arrangement. The Academy trustees begin a campaign to increase the school endowment and reduce tuitions.
Theoriginal Academy Building
First major 20th-century expansion
The construction of an Agriculture Building, the first of its kind in a Connecticut secondary school, completes the first twentieth-century Academy expansion.
AcademyBuilding Clocktowerin2026
Historic Academy Building restored
In 2021, the InSpire 150 Campaign for the Academy Building launched officially, and funds were raised to begin restoring and modernizing the historic Academy Building. In 2024, students and faculty returned to their new space, and the Grand Opening and Rededication ceremony honors its past while embracing a bright future for WA students.
Record Diversity of Student Body
In 2026, WA saw record diversity in its student body, representing 32 countries and 6 states. With over 1,000 students enrolled, approximately 16% are boarding students from around the world.
POWERED BY WA
These alumni carried their WA experiences with them on the journey to creating, building, and running their own businesses.
Samantha Romero | Director of Strategic Marketing
Alumni-Owned Businesses
The entrepreneurial spirit is strong in our Centaurs. Check out this growing list of alumni-owned businesses and use the QR code to add yours to the list!
Neal Freuden '63 EnviroPlan LLC
Patrick O'Brien '97 The O’Brien Group – Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Cory Smith '05 Black Pond Brews
Nicholas Rauh '14 Radical Auto Detail Salon
Mike Groom '79 ON HOLD: 32
Megan (Horne) McGuinness '99 McGuinness Media
Emily Manz '06 Have You Met Newark Tours
Becca Allen '87 Rebecca Allen, LLC
Kristen (Baum) Xeller '01 Quiet Corner Family Practice
Jared Trudeau '07 BroadwayVox
Jackie Deary '15 Stick It Physical Therapy
Shane Eccleston '15 Quiet Corner Transport LLC
We’re creating an online database of WA alumni-owned businesses to strengthen our community and inspire support for one another. If you’re a WA graduate who’s gone on to start or run their own business, please let us know by scanning the QR code.
Michael Dodge '91 Dodge Consultants, LLC
Zach Labonte '02 Superior Storage
Hayden Budd '14 Hayden Budd Photo + Film
Shai Gothreau '17 Infinity Financial Services
Megan (Horne) McGuinness '99
In the late ‘90s, Megan McGuinness was a social butterfly at WA. She loved her friends, her teammates on the cheer squad, and the teachers who found a way to make even her least favorite subjects enjoyable. When she graduated in the spring of 1999, Megan was uncertain about which career path she’d follow, but she knew she wanted a role where she had a voice, and where she could meet and work with many different people. Today, she’s found it with a well-established career in marketing. Her firm, McGuinness Media, is an award-winning agency in Rhode Island representing clients in the food & beverage industry, non-profit sector, entertainment industry, and more.
“I don’t know that in high school I knew I had the potential for all this,” she admits, gesturing to the bright and modern Warwick office that McGuinness Media calls home. Her team is hard at work in offices and shared workspaces throughout the building, which exudes the perfect mix of work and fun with its stylish yet functional furniture, a homey kitchen, and an aqua neon sign at reception. Megan is seated in the glass-enclosed conference room, overlooking a charming row of neighboring shops and businesses on Post Road, as she reflects on her path to entrepreneurship. “I was just figuring it out in those crucial years, but it guided me the right way. I had such great teachers who put in the effort. Their teaching wasn’t just transactional.”
Although she may not have known exactly what career she wanted to pursue when she walked across the commencement stage in Woodstock, Megan was certain she wanted to work with people in some way. She went on to study Communications at the University of Connecticut, where she discovered a knack for branding, designing marketing campaigns, and advertising. After earning her degree, Megan worked her way up the ladder of a Boston-based marketing firm, managing popular brands like Reebok. A move to Rhode Island and a few years in a client-side role helped her realize that she wanted to take the reins and start her own business.
“I missed working on lots of different brands, and I was having kids at the time, so I wanted the flexibility of consulting on my own,” she shares. She developed a reputation for outstanding service, and
the consultancy snowballed as more referrals reached out in need of help. Twelve years later, her team has grown to 15 employees Megan describes as “rockstars.” “You’re only as good as your team,” she affirms. “It might be my name on the door, but my team is awesome. It’s more like a family.”
It’s clear that Megan feels strongly that one of the most important aspects of her business is the relationships she has with her employees and clients. “Doors are never going to stay open if you’re not good with people,” she explains. It’s obvious that her clients agree. Her business continues to grow, with 90 percent of new clients coming in as referrals.
“I still love the work, even after 20-something years,” Megan points out. “I hope my kids work here some day in some capacity. When you’ve taken that leap and started something from nothing, you want to see it continue as a kind of legacy.”
Reflecting on the potential she possessed when she was a student at WA, Megan admits that her teenage self likely had no idea she’d one day be running a company, “but doing extracurriculars helped me put myself out there and build a foundation of confidence.” It’s a quality that has certainly contributed to her success as a leader. She’s learned that although she may not have all the answers, there’s power in having the confidence to admit that and then having the determination to figure it out. If Megan could offer her younger self advice, she’d encourage her to focus on reward over risk. “’What if it doesn’t work?’ So what? Why not try it? What are you going to lose? If it doesn’t work out, don’t be afraid to pivot.”
Megan (center) with her cheerleading teammates in 1999.
Pat O’Brien ’97
Pat O’Brien ’97 started his own financial advisory practice, The O’Brien Group, when he was just 23 years old. “I always knew I wanted to be in business for myself, so I got licensed right out of college,” he says. The biggest challenge? Proving himself to new clients and developing the foundational trust that’s essential in financial advisory. “It was difficult being a 23-year-old talking to a client in their 70’s about their retirement,” he admits, so he decided to keep a small base of clients with The O’Brien Group while also taking on a role with a Fortune 500 company. After 18 years in a corporate environment, Pat was ready to return to his roots.
“Putnam was a perfect landing spot for me,” Pat notes. "I understood the demographics of this region and I wanted to take the knowledge I gained as a corporate senior financial advisor and apply it to this community.”
The community of Connecticut’s “Quiet Corner” has always been home for Pat. As a student at The Woodstock Academy, his athletic talents shone on the golf course and basketball court. In fact, he was the first WA basketball player to score 1,000 career points, and his golf game was so strong that he initially pursued a college degree in professional golf management and wanted to become a pro golfer.
“I wasn’t as focused on academics as I probably should have been,” Pat admits, though he credits mentors from WA, like Bob Thompson, for helping develop his character and serving as role models for helping others, no matter their situation. He also remembers taking a class with Mrs. Stedman, who shared stories of her time working on Wall Street with her students. “That stuck with me because I always had an interest in the stock market," remembers Pat. “I took that competitiveness from athletics and the interest in stocks and carried that over into my life as a financial advisor.”
After interning with an accounting firm in his sophomore year of college, Pat’s focus shifted entirely to finance, and he excelled academically. Once he set his sights on a career in finance and owning his own business, his competitive nature took charge, leading Pat (and his clients) to success. “When you take on that role of being self-employed, you’re betting on yourself,” he explains. “There is no option for failure. You have to succeed, and I like that pressure.”
Today, his headquarters are still in the Putnam office, but he oversees a team of 7 across 3 different locations.
“We’re in an incredible growth phase right now,” Pat shares. The business has tripled in size over the past year and doesn’t show signs of slowing. In the future, Pat hopes his three sons will join the practice and carry it on. His two oldest are WA graduates currently pursuing finance degrees at the University of Southern Maine and Bryant University, and his youngest is a WA freshman. But Pat doesn’t plan to completely pass the torch for a long time. “I love my job, so I’m definitely doing this until I physically or mentally can’t anymore,” he says, adding, “I love the relationships that I’ve built and it’s my responsibility to make sure I’m there for my clients. They’re often trusting me with their largest asset, and I don’t take that lightly.”
Pat's senior portrait from the 1997 Spire.
Jackie Deary ’15
“You can achieve the things you want to achieve. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
That’s the message Jackie Deary '15 wishes she could share with her younger self as she reflects on her time at The Woodstock Academy and finding her path to establishing her solo PT practice, Stick It Physical Therapy.
“A lot of the challenges I faced in starting my own business were self-inflicted moments of doubt, but I’ve learned I can take on more than I thought I could,” she says.
Her ability to multi-task and perform well under pressure should be no surprise to those who knew Jackie in high school. She was a straight A student who balanced challenging coursework with a demanding gymnastics schedule. In fact, she won 4 State Championships and 2 New England championships with WA’s gymnastics team, for which she has been inducted into The Woodstock Academy’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
“Being a student-athlete at WA taught me how to stay organized and prioritize things, how to compartmentalize my day and focus on one thing at a time instead of getting overwhelmed,” she shares.
Her experiences in Mr. Derrico’s Sports Medicine course and Anatomy with Mrs. Jolliff inspired curiosity and a drive to learn more about how the body can repair itself after injury. Her own sports injuries shed light on the unique difficulty of finding specialized care in Northeastern Connecticut.
“There are great PTs in the area, but not everyone understands the unique demands of gymnastics,” she explains. “There’s so much pressure to perform and say everything’s ok when you’re dealing with an injury. Success for me is when a kid can feel comfortable getting back to their sport 100% without having to worry about an injury.”
After graduating from The Academy, Jackie earned a degree in exercise science, followed by a three-year program to earn her doctorate in physical therapy. She’s worked in West Virginia and Boston, helping patients with everything from musculoskeletal injuries to neurological issues, but her greatest passion is helping gymnasts recover from sports injuries.
“I always knew I’d get back into gymnastics in one form or another,” she notes. “I joined a mentorship program to start my own business and that gave me a lot more confidence to build it.” Now, she’s handling the scheduling, billing, marketing, and organizing treatment as a solo practitioner. Jackie’s excited to see how the business will grow in the coming years and is motivated to continue to develop a positive environment where gymnasts feel comfortable getting the help they need.
In many ways, the message Jackie would share with her younger self is the same one she now shares with the athletes who come to her for help: you are stronger than you think. W
Jackie Deary at Deary's Gymnastics in Danielson, CT.
Aspiring Math Major
Confident Outgoing
Loves Performing on Stage
From Woodstock, CT
NATE COUTURE '26
When Nate Couture ’26 arrived at The Woodstock Academy, he wasn’t intimidated. With older siblings who’d already walked the halls, the campus immediately felt familiar. Fresh out of eighth grade, he came in confident and eager, ready to “conquer it all” and make a strong first impression. That confidence propelled him forward early on, but over time, it also evolved.
Now a senior, Nate has managed to balance challenging coursework with a full schedule of athletics and clubs, like basketball, Kindness Club, and Advancement Ambassadors. It has been in music and theater, however, that his transformation from potential to power has been most evident. As a freshman, Nate admits he entered Hill Singers “way too confident.” Joining the selective ensemble required him to do something that didn’t come naturally at first: blend. Literally and figuratively, he had to learn to listen, to step back, and to become part of something larger than himself. The supportive mentorship of Ms. Ranta helped him navigate that shift. “She’s always been so encouraging and opens her door to me whenever I need extra help or guidance,” Nate says. When he was offered the role of Gomez Addams in The Addams Family as a sophomore, he initially hesitated. Taking on such a commanding character (with a challenging accent to boot) in his first show pushed him far outside his comfort zone. But with each rehearsal, his confidence grew. “Once I do something out of my comfort zone,” he says, “it’s locked in.”
That growth has reshaped how Nate sees himself. He still remembers standing backstage before the winter concert his freshman year and feeling the familiar
nerves begin to rise, only for them to dissolve once the Hill Singers came together to perform. By opening night of The Addams Family, frozen in the dark as the pit orchestra began to play the overture, his mindset had shifted: “Game time.” He knew he’d have the support of his mentors and his peers when the lights came up.
At The Academy, Nate has learned when to take a step back and listen, and when to take bold leaps toward new opportunities. The raw confidence he brought to WA as a freshman has developed into the powerful ability to stay grounded and generous and to lead by lifting every stage, class, and team he joins.
TO POWER
Nate as Shrek in WA's production of ShrektheMusical in 2025.
From Gaza City, Palestine
Aims to Help Others
Empathetic
ResLife Prefect
RANIA ALMASHHARAWI ’26
Rania Almashharawi ’26 carried excitement and uncertainty with her when The Woodstock Academy first welcomed her to campus. Arriving as a boarding student from Palestine, she describes feeling “shocked” and a little lost, hopeful that the unfamiliar would soon become something better. Many classmates had never met a hijabi student and didn’t know much about her homeland. Yet what could have felt isolating instead became an opening. Rania found a community that was curious, kind, and eager to learn.
One of the first sparks of transformation came during her very first semester, when she delivered a speech at Amnesty Club. Standing before her peers, Rania realized that her voice carried weight. Students genuinely wanted to understand her culture and perspectives different from their own. In that moment, fear gave way to purpose. She began speaking up more in her classes, in discussions with peers, and in her dorm. She quickly recognized that sharing her lived experience was powerful. What once felt like a responsibility to explain her identity became an opportunity to educate and inspire with confidence.
Living on campus has strengthened that confidence. The first night away from her family was difficult; the distance felt heavy, especially with conflict unfolding back home. But dorm parents provided care and stability, and the ResLife weekend activities, movie nights, and shared meals created space for friendships to flourish. Her first birthday on campus became a turning point. Surrounded by classmates singing and celebrating her, Rania realized she had found a second family at WA. Living alongside students from around
the world strengthened her empathy and taught her independence, especially as she navigated rigorous AP classes and activities like Model UN in her second language.
Today she is a senior and a prefect who is most proud of the moments when younger students come to her for guidance. “That makes me feel that I’ve accomplished something really important in a short time at WA,” she says.
Excelling academically while mastering English, and confidently sharing Palestinian culture, food, and traditions with her peers, she has turned her potential into power. It will undoubtedly follow her in the next phases of her journey: studying genetic engineering and eventually enrolling in medical school. “I want to work for an organization like Doctors for Peace or the United Nations, helping women and children from conflict zones recover and heal,” she says.
The growth she’s shown during her time in Woodstock is a clear indication that she will be able to achieve any goal she sets her mind to.
TO POWER
Rania celebrating her birthday with the ResLife community.
Loves to Cook
State Champion
Shot-Putter
Caring
State Champion Javelin Thrower
Optimistic
Future Nursing
Major
Plans to Study Biomedical Engineering & Italian at Brown University
Class of 2026
Valedictorian
Plans to Study Business & Culinary Arts at SCSU
State Champion Discus Thrower
Ambitious
Bubbly
AVERY PLOUFFE '26
“ When I first got to The Academy, I was not really sure who I was or who I wanted to be,” Avery Plouffe ’26 admits. With so many opportunities available, it took time to find her footing. That changed sophomore year when an injury sidelined her from basketball and led her to try something new: shot put. At her very first meet, she qualified for states by more than a foot. It was an early sign that her untapped potential was waiting to be unleashed.
What began as a pivot quickly became a passion. Avery threw herself into learning the technical side of the sport, working closely with her coach to refine the mechanics of her release. A defining moment came at the State Open her junior year, when nerves threatened to overshadow preparation. Her coach steadied her by reminding Avery that she had earned her place there. Her mindset shifted, and her renewed confidence propelled her into the top six in the state. Then came what she calls her “unicorn throw” at Nike Indoor Nationals. It was a perfectly timed release that broke the school record, added more than four feet to her personal best, and placed her among the top 60 throwers in the country.
“I love looking back at where I started because I can truly see how much I have grown,” she says. “I never could have imagined I would be able to win the state open championship,” she says. Avery’s hard work culminated in that very title: State Open Champion. “I know sophomore year me would be so proud.”
As she nears graduation, Avery now stands firmly in her power. Beyond the throwing circle, she has expanded her world through Student Council leadership, pep band, Hill Singers, and the school’s CNA program, which solidified her desire to pursue a career helping others. She’s no longer searching for who she is or where she belongs, because at WA Avery has become a leader, a champion, and an example of what it truly means to grow from potential to power.
ISABEL D'ALLEVABOCHAIN '26
Reflecting on her first days at WA, Isabel D’Alleva-Bochain ’26 describes her younger self as “shy and motivated to experience new opportunities.” She was eager to grow but still finding her voice. That growth accelerated in both athletics and academics during her sophomore year. Taking on AP courses challenged her academically, while trying javelin for the first time unlocked an unexpected talent. Winning states that same season marked the first moment she realized she was capable of more than she had imagined.
Early on, Isabel struggled with learning how to combine speed, strength, and timing into one fluid motion. Instead of chasing distance, her coach had her focus on standing throws for weeks, reinforcing the importance of fundamentals. It was a lesson that reshaped her perspective. A true turning point came at the State Heptathlon her junior year, when she launched a personal (and school) record of 126’10” while feeling calm and composed. That performance proved that progress comes from patience. “I’ve always chased goals and measurements,” she says, “but with throwing you just have to keep practicing. You just have to build consistency and wait for a PR.”
Through the long, demanding seasons of track and cross country, Isabel found strength in her teammates, learning that even in individual events, growth is shared.
Now a senior, Isabel stands confident and outgoing, still fueled by the same motivation that first brought her to campus. She is WA’s valedictorian and a three-time All-State athlete in track and cross country—an extraordinary balance of academic and athletic excellence. Looking back, she sees not only a transformation in her form, but in her mentality. Javelin taught her to trust the process, embrace patience, and let performance follow preparation. From a shy underclassman to a record-setting leader, Isabel’s journey is a powerful example of potential realized through persistence.
LILLIAN
MORGIS '26
The town of Union, CT has only 932 residents, and one of them is Lillian Morgis ’26. Joining The Woodstock Academy from such a small sending town, she was understandably timid. Eager to belong, she joined club after club, saying yes to nearly every opportunity that came her way. “I was very much a people pleaser and wanted to do everything all the time,” she recalls. But constantly running in every direction left her exhausted and stretched thin. She needed to take a step back, refocus, and choose depth over quantity. In doing so, Lilly discovered a stronger, more self-assured version of herself.
That same evolution unfolded in the throwing circle. Early on, discus felt anything but natural. She struggled to spin smoothly across the circle and wrestled with finding the right release and flight. During one practice, Lilly recorded her throw with her phone and was able to capture a throw that looked effortless and technically sound. Watching it back, she saw what was possible when she competed freely instead of carrying pressure on her shoulders. The breakthrough carried into competition, most notably at last year’s Class MM Championship meet, where she broke the school record. That performance marked the moment consistency met confidence.
As she reaches the end of her time at The Woodstock Academy, Lilly feels more confident. She’s come out of her shell and is now deeply rooted in the community she once felt timid navigating. As president of FRESH, The Academy’s community service club, she partnered with a local church’s community kitchen, where students serve meals and build meaningful connections with elderly guests. The once-overextended freshman has become a thoughtful leader who understands the power of intentional commitment. Looking back, she feels both pride and gratitude for both the friendships formed and the growth earned. The girl who was once too nervous to step into the throwing circle now leaves ready to begin a new chapter, carrying with her the power to write her own story the way that she wishes.
FUELING POTENTIAL: WA’S TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Amber Pepper '24 | Marketing Intern
Eric Collelo, a career and technology teacher at The Woodstock Academy, has been named the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year. Over his decade-long tenure at WA, Collelo has become an inspiring light for all his students and a wellknown face on campus, recognized for his energy and enthusiasm.
Collelo has always been interested in teaching; however, he did not take the typical educator route. Before earning his teaching certificate and joining The Woodstock Academy, much of his career was spent freelancing with his own company, Hyperactivity Productions, which handled photo projects and video work for families and local companies. This led him to the Arts at the Capitol Theater Magnet School in Willimantic, where he was an instructor for four years. He also spent nine years working on corporate video and event production for Essex Television/Xplore Productions, which sent him to Germany, South Africa, Prague, the Netherlands, Hungary, Greece, and Canada. In that role, he worked with big-name clients like Pfizer, Bank of America, Land Rover, and Jaguar, as well as several higher education institutions like Connecticut College and UPenn Law. These experiences helped Collelo develop the real-world video, photo, and media knowledge along with the teaching skills that would serve him well at WA.
Today, Collelo teaches a variety of classes at The Academy, including digital media production, 3D animation, and stopmotion animation. He oversees the video production club and throughout the years, has been involved in the local community with his students. Collelo values getting his students involved in the field and gaining work-life experience. They’ve handled production projects for the Roseland Park Committee, Linemaster Switch, and the Economic Development Committee, to name a few. They have also done work for WA itself, like shooting sports headshots for athletes and operating microphones for interviews. Hands-on work like this gives students early involvement and experience in the field that can help them gauge their interests and passions.
“I really enjoy seeing the work that students create. It’s fun to give them ideas and a bunch of technical specifications and then see what they create on their own. That’s just a real highlight of my day.”
His career and technology courses are unique in that they offer the opportunity for freshmen through post-graduates to be in the same class. “I love [seeing] that interaction,” Collelo said. “I feel like it makes the younger kids have to own it a little bit and get their stuff together; it helps ground seniors and post-graduates to be able to work with people outside of their grade level.” Given the wide range of students, Collelo strives to find common interests and expertly builds a classroom environment where respectful connections thrive.
When he was named Teacher of the Year in the spring of 2025, it was no shock to the students and faculty that know him. The passion and enjoyment that he brings to the classroom is remarkably unique. “It’s a humbling experience to get that acknowledgement,” Collelo said when asked about receiving the award. “It’s a great way to see value in what you do every day. I try to bring positivity and the best energy I can to the classroom every day, and it’s good to know that it’s being recognized.”
Despite being at WA for 10 years, Collelo is still learning new teaching styles and adapting to the classroom atmosphere. “Last year I put a huge amount of effort into focusing on skills like how to work with other people, how to deal with problems, how to put yourself out there, and how to make mistakes and get up from those mistakes. I felt the need for it.” Collelo thinks his recognition as Teacher of the Year was owed as much to those efforts as any technical knowledge he could impart.
The time and effort he’s put into the classroom reflects Collelo’s passion for WA. He noted that WA is a school like no other. “I feel as though I’m a good fit in The Academy. I question if I would do this job in any other school.” He is particularly thankful for Associate Head of School Holly Singleton and Dean of Academics Michael Harten. “They’ve really supported me and it’s so nice to know I have them here,” Collelo said. He recalls a time Dr. Harten noted his patience and persistence, telling him, ‘you just keep trying things and if they don’t work you just keep trying new things.’ It models the attitude he tries to instill in his students, encouraging them to try everything they’re interested in during their time at WA. “That sums up a lot of my teaching and that’s the exact lesson I’m trying to share with my students.” W
Eric Collelo working with students in his creative, hands-on career & technology classes.
POWER IN PROGRESS: WA'S NEW CNA COURSE
Samantha Romero | Director of Strategic Marketing
In the 2024–2025 school year, The Woodstock Academy introduced a new college-level Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course in partnership with Connecticut State Community College: Quinebaug Valley (CT State-QV). Designed to provide students with hands-on healthcare training while still in high school, the program allows participants to gain practical skills, explore careers in medicine, and begin building credentials for the healthcare field before graduation.
The course was made possible in part through a restricted endowment within the Woodstock Academy Foundation, along with close collaboration with CT State-QV. That partnership played a crucial role in establishing the CNA lab on campus and securing state approval for the program. Since its launch, the lab has expanded through additional foundation donations and now replicates a two-person hospital or nursing home room. The space includes two hospital beds, geriatric mannequins, privacy screens, wheelchairs, toilets, linens, and other clinical equipment to help provide students a realistic environment in which to practice patient care skills.
The program is led by instructor Ashly Meyer, an experienced nurse who balances overnight shifts in healthcare with teaching during the school day. Her real-world experience informs the course’s practical approach to training.
“Working with Woodstock Academy students reminds me every day why I love healthcare,” Meyer says. “Watching them grow from unsure beginners into confident caregivers is one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had as an instructor.”
Student interest in the program has grown quickly. Eighteen students completed the inaugural year of the course, and 29 students are currently enrolled, making it one of the largest programs of its kind in the region. Throughout the year, students combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab work to develop essential caregiving skills. The program also requires 30 clinical hours in a nursing home setting, where students work directly with patients under Meyer’s supervision. After completing the coursework and clinical experience, students take the Prometric certification exam, which qualifies them for state CNA certification.
Beyond the classroom and lab, the program has developed strong connections with the local healthcare community. More than 30 guest speakers—including alumni, trustees, parents, faculty members, and other community partners—have visited the class to share their professional experiences and offer career guidance. A particularly strong partnership has formed with Woodstock EMS, whose team has spoken to all three course sections, hosted the class for a field trip, and provided Stop the Bleed training. The organization has also welcomed a current senior for a job shadow and internship this semester and is exploring ways to expand that opportunity for students next year.
The program’s impact is already evident.
The ultimate success, I think, is the large number of our students who are already working as CNAs in nursing homes and hospitals.
“I am extremely proud that we have had a 100 percent pass rate for students in the program so far,” Dean of Academics Dr. Michael Harten says. “The ultimate success, I think, is the large number of our students who are already working as CNAs in nursing homes and hospitals. With the help of our partners at CT State–QV and the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board (EWIB), we are providing an authentic, meaningful educational opportunity for our students while also helping address a critical need in our local workforce.”
As the program continues to grow, it stands as another example of The Woodstock Academy’s commitment to offering students real-world opportunities. It’s equipping the next generation of caregivers with the skills and confidence they need to make a difference in our community and beyond. W
Students gaining hands-on experience in the CNA course.
A YEAR OF ALUMNI CONNECTION
Sarah Andrews '16 | Advancement Operations Manager
ALUMNI WEEKEND & BEYOND
Community has always been at the heart of The Woodstock Academy experience, and this past year was a powerful reminder of just how enduring those connections can be. From milestone reunions on campus to lively regional gatherings across the country, alumni came together to celebrate shared memories, reconnect with classmates, and strengthen the Centaur community, no matter where life has taken them.
ALUMNI WEEKEND 2025: A CELEBRATION ACROSS GENERATIONS
The Woodstock Academy hosted its annual Alumni Weekend on October 3–4, 2025, welcoming alumni from across the country back to campus. The weekend was filled with meaningful reunions and opportunities to experience the campus through both familiar and fresh perspectives.
The festivities began Friday evening with a special 50th Reunion Dinner for the Class of 1975, held in the newly renovated Academy Building on North Campus. More than 45 members of the class gathered to reconnect over great food and drinks, sharing laughter, stories, and memories from their time at WA. A thoughtfully curated slideshow of high school photos sparked conversation and nostalgia, while a touching in-memoriam display honored classmates who are no longer with us. The evening was both joyful and reflective, and it was truly an honor to welcome the Class of ’75 back to campus and hear their lasting Woodstock Academy stories.
At the same time, a new Alumni Weekend tradition was taking shape just down the road. For the first time, Woodstock Academy hosted a Young Alumni Trivia Night, bringing together recent graduates at Taylor Brooke Brewery. Fourteen young alumni representing the Classes of 2014 through 2022 joined the fun, reconnecting with one another over friendly competition and local brews. The event marked an exciting step forward in engaging younger Centaurs, and the enthusiasm in the room made it clear that this is just the beginning of many future young alumni gatherings!
SEEING CAMPUS THROUGH NEW EYES
Saturday’s events kicked off with a guided tour of North Campus, led by three current Woodstock Academy students. Offering their unique perspective, the student tour guides shared insights into daily life at WA today, while alumni, from the classes of 1975 through 2009, shared their memories of how campus looked and felt during their own student years.
Later in the morning, alumni had the opportunity to tour South Campus, visiting the music department classrooms, gymnasium, weight room, and the state-of-the-art Loos Center for the Arts. For many, the visit highlighted just how much Woodstock Academy has grown and evolved.
Young alumni gather for trivia night at Taylor Brooke Brewery.
Members of the Class of 1975 reunite on North Campus during their 50th Reunion celebration.
HONORING EXCELLENCE:
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME CEREMONY
Shortly after the tours, more than 75 alumni and friends gathered on the South Campus Quad for the Athletic Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony, a cornerstone event of Alumni Weekend. The ceremony honored outstanding athletes, teams, and benefactors whose contributions have left a lasting impact on Woodstock Academy athletics.
The following individuals and teams were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame:
• Kyle MacQueen Feldman ’03
• Kevin Graham ’05
• Bryan Lowry ’06
• The 1925 Basketball Team (Richard Johnson, Gerald Phaneuf, Lester Gallop, Vernon Wetherell, Henry Stafford)
• The 2012 & 2014 Gymnastics Teams (Coach Robin Deary Fillmore, Assistant Coach Kasey Fillmore, Dana Wood '12, Shaila Segal Chandler ’13, Emily Lipka ’13, Allison Rich ’13, Courtney Osborn Maloney ’14, Bree Hussong ’14, Nicolette Deary ’15, Mary Incera-Youssef ’15, Abigail Stevens ’15, Elizabeth Hoyt ’15, Jacqueline Deary ’15, Jourdan Fulchino Hoyt ’16, Paige Stuyniski ’17, Mickayla Boyd ’17, Meghan Corey ’17, Grace Logan ’17)
The ceremony also featured heartfelt remarks from Shaila Segal-Chandler ’13, a 2023 Hall of Fame inductee, who shared reflections on the role Woodstock Academy played in shaping her athletic and personal journey.
In addition, Patricia Morgan of the Beagary Charitable Trust was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in the Benefactor category. Pat has played an extraordinary role in the history of Woodstock Academy athletics, serving as the school’s leading athletic benefactor and providing pivotal support in establishing the hockey program. Following her induction, the community gathered for the unveiling of the newly renamed Morgan Gymnasium, a lasting tribute that will inspire generations of students and athletes. The dedication stands as a testament to Pat’s vision, generosity, and belief in the power of athletics to enrich lives.
The celebration continued with the Blue & Gold Bash, where alumni and friends enjoyed food, drinks, and great company. The evening provided the perfect backdrop for reconnecting, sharing stories, and celebrating the bonds that unite Centaurs across generations.
Over the course of the two-day celebration, more than 100 alumni and friends gathered, both on and off The Woodstock Academy campus. Alumni Weekend 2025 was a joyful reminder that once you’re a Centaur, you’re always part of the WA community. Planning is already underway for future local and regional alumni gatherings, stay tuned!
The newly named Morgan Gymnasium honors Patricia Morgan’s lasting impact on WA athletics and programming through the Beagary Trust.
WA Gymnasts being honored at the 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Kyle MacQueen Feldman ’03 and her family. Bryan Lowry ’06.
In addition to on-campus celebrations, The Woodstock Academy has continued to expand opportunities for alumni to connect closer to home. Over the past year, the Advancement and Alumni Relations team has hosted a series of regional alumni events, offering Centaurs the chance to reconnect with classmates, meet fellow Centaurs in their area, and strengthen their connection to WA, no matter where they live.
Alumni gatherings took place in New York City, Washington, DC, Boston, Seattle, and more, with each event offering its own unique atmosphere while sharing the same WA spirit. Looking ahead, even more exciting regional events are planned, including gatherings in West Hartford, CT, Portland, ME, and Chicago. Keep an eye out; you never know when The Woodstock Academy might be coming to your city.
From milestone reunions to regional celebrations, this past year has been a powerful reminder that The Woodstock Academy experience doesn’t end at graduation. The connections formed here continue to grow, evolve, and bring Centaurs together, near and far. We look forward to another year of alumni connection and hope to see you at an upcoming event soon.
NEW YORK, NY
In early fall, more than 35 alumni and friends gathered at Upstairs at the Kimberly Hotel for an evening of conversation, laughter, and reminiscing. Alumni shared stories from their time on campus and connected with fellow Centaurs now living and working in the city. The strong turnout and warm energy made it clear; New York City remains a vibrant hub for the WA alumni community.
WASHINGTON, DC
In spring 2025, Woodstock Academy’s Associate Head of School for External Affairs Jon Sturdevant traveled to Washington, DC, to connect with alumni in the nation’s capital. Alumni from the Classes of 1976 through 2023 came together for an intimate evening of conversation, spanning generations and career paths. The event highlighted the breadth of the WA alumni network and the shared pride Centaurs carry wherever they go.
Alumni and friends gather in New York City for a regional event.
Centaurs connect in Washington, DC.
BOSTON, MA
This regional event took a slightly different approach, focusing on our incredible young alumni! Held at Puttshack in spring 2025, the evening combined food, drinks, and a little friendly competition. More than 15 alumni from the Classes of 2014 through 2024 joined the fun, reconnecting with classmates in a relaxed, social setting. After a competitive night of mini golf, Cal Wilcox ’17 emerged as the champion. This event was a ton of fun, and we look forward to offering more young alum events!
SEATTLE, WA
WA headed to the west coast for its first-ever Seattle gathering of alumni & friends at Tom’s Watch Bar in February 2026, and The Emerald City did not disappoint!
If you’d like to stay in the know about future alumni gatherings, fill out this quick form to ensure we have the most up-to-date contact information for you. Our upcoming events are also listed at woodstockacademy.org/alumni.
Centaurs connect coast to coast in Seattle, WA.
Young alumni reconnect during a night of mini golf in Boston in 2025.
Cal Wilcox '17 mini putting at Puttshack.
Boston alumni gathering at Sonsie in 2026.
Class News
1960s
KERSTIN (OKESON) FORRESTER '63
I was elected to the Putnam Board of Finance for a 4 year term. I am also the Treasurer for Putnam DTC. At 80+ I keep active in my community and church. Several of my classmates are also in this area and we get together for lunch once in a while. After a career in senior management at a $14B corporation, it is satisfying to use my skills as a volunteer! Last year I completed two 5K walks along with my daughter.
THERESA (BRUNEAU) NAHIL '69
I wanted to share a great pic of our classmates who attended the alumni event at Taylor in late 2024. 55 year reunion!
1970s
DAVID HIRTLE '70
Following a succession of hurricanes, we moved from Port Charlotte, FL to Amarillo, TX. We love the area. We are settled in and enjoying the Panhandle. I responded to a request to be the Interim Minister of the First Congregational Church of Crown Point, NY through Easter. I previously served that church community for 12 years prior to retiring in 2018. A sad note, my youngest brother Mark died earlier this year (class of 74?) If you’re ever enjoying Rte. 66 through Amarillo, stop by.
DAVID EISENHAUER '71
After retiring from the USAF and Gulfstream Aircraft, I am now working for FLETC (Federal Law Enforcement Training Center) in Brunswick GA, part time. I also live in Brunswick, GA. My wife of 48 years, Cheryl Boutwell Lyon Eisenhauer, died last year, leaving two sons and two granddaughters.
JUDY (PLATT) BOEHM '73
My daughter Alyssa and her husband Russell Sweet had a baby girl, Louisa Ryan Sweet, born September 18, 2025.
DIANE PETERSON '74
After 47 years of teaching math in high school, 8th grade, 7th grade, and now tutoring in 5th and 6th grades (in that order), I am still working in the Killingly school system and loving it! I now have 2 granddaughters that live in Virginia Beach, and spend as much of my vacations as possible with them.
1980s
DAN MERLO '84
After being a home improvement contractor for most of my life, in 2013 I decided to start woodturning. I have become an accomplished turner and sell many items at art shows and craft fairs. I am president of Central Connecticut Woodturners and enjoy sharing my love for turning. You can see my work on Facebook at Rescued Wood.
ANDREW FOURNIER '89
Accomplishments and milestones: Four children (ages 15, 20, 30, 32), two grandchildren (2, 11).
• Army veteran; served with 3rd Infantry Division, deployed to Salah Al Din Province, Iraq in 2005. Years of service 2003 to 2006
• Completed BA (French), University of Southern Maine, 2009
• Completed Ed. D. GCU, 2021 (Dissertation published in ProQuest)
• Wrote or co-wrote 17 other published articles, latest of which is titled "Overall survival with non-proportional hazards
in first-line treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: Systematic review and network meta-analysis."
• Served as content chair for three doctoral students
• Currently writing articles for the National Park Service on the French engages of the Lewis and Clark expedition.
• Currently edit doctrine for the Army Maneuver Center, Ft. Moore, GA.
1990s
MARK MORSE '96
In November of 2023 I had the opportunity to return to WA with Samantha Kennedy, also a class of ‘96 alum. While there I proposed to her!!! We got married on October 27, 2024.
DAN MALO '99
Recently published 'Just Keep Going', a memoir about my Hurricane Katrina experience.
2000s
SARAH (SWANSON) ROBINSON '02
Works for the State of Maine Department of Conservation and Forestry, Land Use Planning Commission. Married for 11 years and daughter age 12!
RYKER PAWLOSKI '05
After moving to North Carolina for a second time I have found a rewarding career in the fire service. I am a full time Firefighter/ Reserve Engineer with the City of Graham and I have recently been promoted to Lieutenant at the Town of Haw River. Giving back to the community in the fire service started with my time at Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association, during the time
Shai Gothreau '17
Amanda Nowak Elwell ’09
Eddie Fisher'22
my wife and I worked for The Academy as dorm parents and within the respective departments (she was I.T. and I was Campus Safety). Since then I've worked full time and part time along with volunteering for multiple departments. Some of my proudest moments: I was a strike team leader during a deployment to West Buncombe Fire Department for Hurricane Helene Relief, and was on a R.I.T. team that saved another firefighter (also receiving Firefighter of the Year in 2024 and watching my son make Jr. Firefighter of the Year for 2025). I enjoy working with the community, building relationships, and helping when needed. There's nothing like it.
2010s
SAMANTHA (MCLAUGHLIN) ROSARIO '16
Had a beautiful baby girl, Lilith Reign Rosario, in November 2023.
SHAI GOTHREAU '17
In 2025, I started my own financial planning firm, Infinity Financial Services. I help 25-45 year olds build confidence in their financial decisions while building wealth.
NATHAN FONTAINE '18
After completing my time at The Woodstock Academy, I graduated in 2022 from Eastern Connecticut State University with my bachelors in history. In May 2024, I went on to get my masters degree in education with the focus of student affairs administration. In July 2024 I started a new job as a Residence Director at Ithaca College, where I oversee a population of 700 residential students that are upper class level.
MEGAN RAINVILLE '19
I am proud of graduating from the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program after completing rigorous coursework and hands-on clinical training. This achievement represents my dedication to patient care, perseverance through challenges, and commitment to building a meaningful career in nursing. The journey was challenging but incredibly rewarding, and it has shaped me into a compassionate, hardworking future nurse ready to make a difference in patients’ lives.
2020s
GABRIELLE BARNES '20
I am currently a senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst finishing my degree in Legal Studies with a minor in Psychology. I just relocated to Newton, Massachusetts for an internship at the Lowell Court Service Center, which I am super excited about. I will be working hands-on with attorneys and the pubic to give information while helping individuals understand and navigate the legal system. I also received a scholarship for my senior completion. The future plan is to obtain my Juris Doctorate!
ESHETE CALVO '21
I recently earned my Sport Management degree!
MARIA FERNANDA PIRES
TREVISAN '21
With the support I received at Woodstock Academy, I was able to apply to the INTO Manchester foundation programme and later joined the University of Manchester, where I recently graduated with a BA in Architecture. I'm originally from Brazil and completed my studies fully online during the pandemic, but I still deeply enjoyed my lectures and truly appreciated the dedication of my teachers. The Woodstock Academy played a key role in helping me take my first steps into higher education in the UK, and I'm very grateful for that experience.
EDDIE FISHER '22
I'm a collegiate athlete at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut.
MADDOX STOTT '24
Worked with renowned choreographer Aszure Barton (world premiere of “Falling Up”). Danced in Lucca, Italy for 3 weeks working with Yue Yin (YYDC) and company members from KOMOCO, and Rubberband Dance. Worked with Ohad Nahirin former artistic director of Batsheva Dance Company, and two former company members Ben Greene, and Kyle Schuerich.
We love to hear from our alumni!
Scan the QR code to let us know about anything new that is happening in your life. Your former classmates would be happy to hear from you!
Samantha Rosario's '16 daughter Lilith
Megan Rainville '19
David Hirtle '70
Bree Weidele Hall ’18 and Jake Hall ’17
Stephen Dion ’02 and daughter Callie
Hope Wayman Thorn ’09 baby Cora and big brothers Clark and Eric Ryker Pawloski ’05
Sarah Swanson Robinson ’02 with family
Gabrielle Barnes ’20
Theresa Bruneau ’69 & classmates celebrating their 55 year WA reunion
Amanda Goddard Noren ’15 wedding in 2025
Maddox Stott ’24 and dance crew
Dan Merlo ’84 woodturning work
Tessa Cooper’s ’09 son Rye
Diane Peterson ’74 with family
Mark Morse ’96 and Samantha Kennedy ’96
Courtney Dehler ’18 daughter Autumn
Dan Malo ’99 published book
ADVANCING WA
Hello WA family,
In conjunction with celebrating some of our amazing alumni & students, and the 225th anniversary of The Woodstock Academy, I am thrilled to introduce ONWARD, WA’s next capital campaign focused on improving the student experience. Since the completion of the InSpire 150 campaign for the Academy Building, we have been working toward a few specific projects, and these will be completed during the 2026-2027 year. Phase I of ONWARD includes:
• Four new post-tension concrete tennis courts & improved drainage at Bentley Athletic Complex
• Major expansion of the Loos Center for the Arts parking lot to include 199 parking spaces
• New turf on Kelly Field at South Campus
• Complete renovation of the track at South Campus
While Phase I is almost fully funded, we are now also working toward Phase II which will include replacing the turf on our other turf field at the Bentley Athletic Complex, and a new student commons at South Campus. This may sound like a lot, and that’s because it is! These are huge wins for current and future Centaurs and these enhancements will help continue The Academy’s long-standing reputation as the premier secondary institution in Northeast Connecticut.
I want to express our gratitude to so many who have contributed to the projects that will be realized this year, and encourage all to support these and the future projects as we move ONWARD. These projects are privately funded through donations and here is how you can give to support them:
• Make a one-time or recurring gift online at woodstockacademy.org/giving or via check payable to The Woodstock Academy Foundation
• Make a gift of stock
• Ask us about a planned giving opportunity
There are naming opportunities still available for these projects, and we would be happy to discuss those with you. Please reach out to us at giving@woodstockacademy.org or (860) 928-6575, ext. 1212 for any questions or more information about how to give. Our office will be hosting several events on and off campus over the coming years, and we look forward to engaging with you further for this important campaign.
ONWARD Phase I has a total cost of $2.5M, and Phase II will be more. This makes this the largest capital initiative in our 225 years of service to our students.
We are grateful for your partnership, and cannot wait to provide even more excellent facilities to our students.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Sturdevant AssociateHeadofSchoolforExternalAffairs
Make a Donation to ONWARD
THE POWER of the Pen
Meet Avery Nielsen '26, WA’s Poet Laureate for the 2025-2026 school year! She’s a Renaissance woman who loves classes like Honors Pre-Calculus and AP Literature & Composition in equal measure and can wield a hockey or lacrosse stick just as confidently as her pen. Avery’s love for poetry is rooted in the freedom it allows writers, providing a gateway to understanding through the artistry of their words. She draws inspiration for much of her poetry from the peace she finds in the natural environment that surrounds her.
Her latest poem, “Sand,” is about having the courage to take the first step towards positive change. “Even a grain of sand can become part of something big when others join it,” she explains. Avery believes using the beauty of verse to unite people and promote understanding is one of the most important roles that poetry can play in society. Her interest in social issues and her love of nature is also evident in the course she’ll set out on after graduating from The Academy in June. Avery plans on pursuing a career as an environmental scientist and will major in Environmental Studies at Boston College when she enrolls there in the fall.
Sand
By Avery Nielsen '26
Even a mere grain of sand
Can become a pearl -
One of the most desirable things in the world.
So when you feel you are too insignificant to make a change
Or too small to become something great,
The world itself has already proven that to be incorrect.
Even though you may feel small right now,
You have the power to be something big, Something great, something beyond comprehension, Someone who can change perspectives
And make the world a better place.
So, when you're given the chance, Make a change.
Provide yourself with opportunities to become something even greater.
If you have a voice, strength to stand, and courage to take that first step,
Do it.
Because the world could become so much stronger
If you lead by example
For others will follow, growing into pearls
One grain of sand at a time.
Rooted in Blue & Gold: A Career Retrospective with Associate Head of School
Holly Singleton '86
Samantha Romero | Director of Strategic Marketing
On her first day as a freshman at The Woodstock Academy, Holly (Grube) Singleton already felt at home.
As a rare 9th grade varsity soccer player, she had the unwavering support of her older teammates, although they did insist on calling her “Frosh” and making her sing the alma mater on top of picnic tables at lunch. It was a bold initiation into a community she already knew well.
The Academy was an integral part of her family history. Her father photographed games and campus events. Her grandfather served as a trustee. Her mother followed in that role. Long before she became a student, Holly was roaming the sidelines and hallways. The rhythms of campus life were familiar, and the connections deeply rooted.
THE “DESSERT” OF EDUCATION
As a student, Holly did a little bit of everything. She was class president, a star athlete, a member of the music department, and a student leader on the yearbook staff. That breadth of experience left a lasting impression.
“The dessert of education is just as important as the meat and vegetables,” she reflects.
For Holly, extracurriculars weren’t extra. They were essential, and that belief would later guide her decisions as both a teacher and an administrator.
She had always known she wanted to teach. As a child, she even made her younger sister play the role of her first student, with Holly assigning lessons on a miniature chalkboard. After graduating from The Academy, she set out to achieve her goal. She received her degree and teacher’s certification and eventually settled into a
Holly accepting the 2026 Robert Bacewicz Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southeastern Connecticut Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame.
role at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, but when she was ready to move back to the Quiet Corner, she found a home again at The Woodstock Academy. She quickly realized her educational philosophy was perfectly aligned with the place that had shaped her.
THE JOY OF THE CLASSROOM
Holly’s early years teaching English remain among her most cherished.
“I loved it,” she says simply.
There is a particular magic in an English classroom, where literature can become personal. For Holly, teaching ToKillaMockingbird was always a highlight. She recalls one year when, at the end of the novel’s famous trial scene, a student leapt to his feet, furious at the injustice of the verdict.
“He was so mad about how unfair it was,” she remembers. It spurred a great classroom discussion, as fiction inspired a moral awakening that would endure long after the classroom bell rang. With such meaningful experiences in the classroom, Holly’s next career move was not an easy one.
A RELUCTANT ADMINISTRATOR
“I fought going into administration my entire career,” she admits.
For her, the classroom was where the joy lived. Administrative roles felt heavy. Their days were filled with policy, crisis management, and the business of running a school. And yet, after returning to The Academy, she became head of the English department in just her second year.
When she eventually stepped into broader leadership roles, starting as the Dean of Curriculum, she carried one guiding principle: she would not leave teaching behind.
“I didn’t want to ‘leave teaching,’” she says. “I wanted to become a teacher of teachers.”
That mindset has defined her leadership style. She’s made decisions through the lens of her classroom experience and is unabashedly teacher-centric. Policy work does excite her, but only if it better supports teachers and students.
During an overwhelming first week as Dean of Curriculum, then–Headmaster Rich Foye sat her down after a whirlwind stretch of student crises.
“You’re the hometown girl,” he told her. “You have good intuition. What do you want to change?”
Holly had answers.
RAISING EXPECTATIONS
One area she tackled immediately was student health and safety. At the time, she felt the school had been too lenient regarding drinking and drug use. “As educational parents, we needed to be stricter. We were seeing kids headed down bad paths because we
weren’t supporting them enough,” she says. Policies were rewritten and a no-tolerance stance was adopted to better protect students.
Her second major initiative was to create a more globally connected Academy. When the Connecticut Department of Education reached out for help finding a placement for a visiting teacher from China, Holly advocated for housing the teacher on campus and starting a Mandarin program. That decision helped lay the foundation for many of WA’s globally minded initiatives in the years that would follow, initiatives that have reshaped The Academy’s identity as a global center of learning.
Then there was graduation. Each year, WA saw several students slip through the cracks and drop out of high school before receiving their diplomas. “It was unacceptable,” she reflects.
But Holly loves an underdog and was up for the challenge of improving WA’s graduation rate. As a student, she tutored a peer struggling with behavior and academics. At one point, someone asked her why she was “wasting her time” trying to help him.
“I don’t believe people are worth throwing away,” she says firmly.
That conviction led to “Project Graduation 100,” an initiative pairing at-risk students with dedicated support. Progress was gradual, but expectations shifted and a 100% graduation rate became the standard.
“We don’t throw away kids here,” she says. “We value them.”
LEADERSHIP WITH HEART & FUN
Over time, Holly’s confidence in decision-making grew. Early hesitation gave way to steady conviction.
And fun.
“My goal has always been to make sure we’re having fun while we’re learning and growing,” she says.
She credits leaders like Headmaster Foye for modeling preparedness and community awareness, and Headmaster Kim Caron for his kindness, strategic thinking, and role in establishing the school’s
foundation. She describes Head of School Chris Sandford as a visionary who could see the long-term impact of an idea and make it reality.
At WA, she found a Board of Trustees willing to empower creative thinking, and an environment where innovative ideas weren’t just discussed but implemented.
Watching her own children graduate from The Academy added another layer of meaning to her relationship with the school. Each child carved out a unique experience within the larger campus community.
“The large size of the school allowed them to find their own little corner,” she says. “It was super fun for me, though maybe not always as fun for them,” she adds with a smile.
OFF THE CLOCK, BUT NOT FAR AWAY
As her retirement at the end of the 2025-2026 school year approaches, Holly is excited for what comes next: time to reboot, to volunteer, and to serve the community with a little more flexibility.
You will still see her around, whether in the stands cheering on Centaurs, at the local YMCA, or delivering food for TEEG. The community ties are too strong to sever.
When asked what advice she would offer young educators who are just starting out at The Academy, her answer is immediate and heartfelt:
“If you think your job is to come in and deliver content, that’s
the wrong purpose. If you think you’re going to come in and save people, that’s the wrong purpose. The job of any adult in a school is to see kids. Understand them. Value them.”
Content can be learned. Teaching techniques can be refined. But truly seeing students is the heart of the work.
“If you don’t do that for them,” she says, “then you haven’t really done anything.”
After decades in blue and gold, Holly Singleton’s legacy is not just in policies rewritten, programs launched, or graduation rates achieved. It lives in students who felt seen, teachers who felt supported, and a community strengthened by her belief that no one is disposable.
Will she be off the clock? Sure.
But she will always be rooted in Blue & Gold. W
Giving Summary
In recognition of those who made donations to The Woodstock Academy and Loos Center for the Arts in 2025. We are deeply grateful for your support.
Michael Alberts
Lauren Anderson ’63 & Carolyn Hazard
Robert & Lisa Andrews
Sarah Andrews ’16 & Hayden Budd ’14
Annhurst College Alumni Association
Anonymous Donors
Denise Archambault
Charlene Armitage ’61
Ben Arters ’26
Emily Leslie Arters ’20
Melissa Arters
Samantha ’90 & Carl ’89 Asikainen
Donald Ayers
Bachand, Longo & Higgins
Bill & Kelly ’84 Bailey
Tammy Ballou
Carol Barash
Cynthia Barrientos ’08
Michael & Denise Baum
Daniel Beatson ’72
Kaylanni Beaudry ’28
Joanne Bergeron
Nathalie Bessette ’16
Sydney Betty ’27
Colin Billings ’09
Emily Billings
Kevin Blackmar
Robert & Karen Blackmer ’77
Mason Bourget ’25
Gregg Breen ’81
Lauren Brown ’98
Rachael Budd ’09
Patrick Button
Deborah Campbell
Erin Canty
Maria Castellanos
Chace Building Supply of CT
Riley Chapuis ’21
Zachary Chmelowski
Eylem Gulce Coker
Jon Collins ’83 & Kristen Donovan ’86
Mark & Marta-Maria Collins
Commercial Roofing & Contracting Inc.
Brian Converse ’80
Susan Converse ’73
Emily Cournoyer ’24
Wayne Cournoyer
Creation Church
D. Kyle Stearns Contracting Inc.
Leah Danis ’24
Matthew Danis
Leigh Darbee ’70
Eric Davidson
Dianne Davies ’75
Robert Davis ’66
Holly Dearborn
Nicolette Deary ’15
Erin DeCarli ’96
Justin ’00 & Wendy Depasse
Dale Desmarais
Victoria Despres ’98
Gabriel DiPierdomenico ’25
Mark DiVincenzo ’81
Josephine Dlugosz ’20
Clara Dowdle ’26
Jennifer Dowdle
Joahn Dowling
Christopher Downs
Cheryl Dumas
Sara Dziedzic
East Putnam Community Church
East Woodstock Congregational Church
Robert Ekman ’65
Connor Elliott
Kaitlyn Erskine ’25
Sam Espeseth ’25
Denise Esslinger
Jeffrey Ethier
Steve Faucher
Amy Favreau ’93
Kyle MacQueen Feldman ’03 Fiberoptics Technology Inc.
Dr. Lawrence P. Filippelli
Owen Finberg
Mike ’79 & Sandra ’79 Fredrickson
Neal Freuden ’63
Jerusha Frost ’00
Richard Fruzzetti
Fused Fiberoptics
Richard ’58 & Gale ‘59 Garceau
Gretchen ’87 Garceau-Kragh & John Kragh
Gerard Gatineau
Philip Gaudette
Elena Bianchi Genovese
Gerardi Insurance Services
Livia Gerum ’25
Sharon Geyer
Gary & Lori Giambattista
Steve & Danielle Giamundo
Tony Giroux
Anthony Gomes
Jeffrey Gordon & Lisa Canter
Aimie Granger
Carter Grassi ’29
Christopher & Jennifer Green
Tyler Green ’22
Green Valley Orthodontics
Kevin & Sonia Greene
Anthony & Melany Gronski
William & Donna Guillot
Sandra Gumula
Laurence Hale
Royal Hale Jr. ’64
Brian Hanlon
Anna & Bruce Hannah
Kat Hannah & Maddy Millar
Hanover Insurance Company
Benjamin ’94 & Denise Harrison
Jude Harrison ’28
Dr. Michael Harten & Kelly Danielson
Rick Heddema
Brad Herlihy ’99
Heather Hescheles ’90
Ed & Peg Higgins III
Mark Hinkley ’88
Caitlin Hitchcock
Aaron Hogarty ’05 & Shona Eriksen ’04
Yvette Hollenbeck ’96
Doreen ’75 & Ken Holt
Hometown Heating
HS Comstock Agency LLC
Karin ’01 & Jeremy Hughes
Catherine Ivascyn
Richard Ives
J. Wells Kennels LLC
Ann Jasparro
Christine Jeltema
Lura Jennings
Barry Jessurun ’80 & Maria Sangiolo
Nichola Johnson
Christina Jolliff
Evis Jordanoglou
Shannon Jutras
Paul Kelly ’69
Kerry Kozlowski ’74
Mark Kubik
Jerry ’72 & Kathleen Kuper
Gerald Lamontagne
Leisl Langevin ’04
Michelle Laprade
Jeffrey ’04 & Sarah Larrow
Thomas Laskey Jr. ’79 & Betsy Laskey
Jonathan Logee ’68 & Marsha Lavoie
Leboeuf Rubbish Removal Inc.
Lindsay Lehmann
Shaun Levesque
ZiAn Li
Linemaster Switch Corp.
Suzanne Logan
Joan Loos
Peter & Ginger Lusa
Thomas ’84 & Ginger ’84 Lynch
Chyanne Machamer ’25
Kelly Mackay
Thomas MacQueen
Mad Hen Trucking LLC
Jennifer ’64 & Robert Male
Vincent & Suzanne Maltese
Devlin Mansolf ’25
Annah Mapuranga
Matthew Marks
Ana Maestre Mascaraque
Maria McClelland
Elizabeth McDermott
Walter & Carolyn McGinn
Patrick & Karen McGovern
Rachel McQuillen
Richard ’68 & Patricia ’68 Mellen
Ashly Meyer ’02
Sophia Milardo ’25
Modern Lumber & Pipe LLC
Tracie Molinaro ’87
Eileen Morris ’71
Galen Edward Munroe ’92
Heather Munroe ’87
Michelle Murphy
Jeri Lee Carpenter Musumeci ’63
Joseph ’92 & Karen ’92 Musumeci
Brandon Richard Nagle ’23
Brooke Grace Nagle ’20
Grace Nagle
Frederick & Kerri Nagle
Crystal Nault
Thomas ’82 & Traci ’86 Nelson
Linda Neuman
Nealie Newberger
Northeast Onsite Services LLC
Keira Notis ’25
Patrick ’97 & Erica O'Brien
Cassie Olson
Karen Osborne
Gary & Karen Osbrey
P. Willis Construction Inc.
Philippa & Richard Paquette
Diya Patel ’26
Mitul Patel
David ’87 & Rebecca Patenaude
Hattie Patenaude ’28
Abigail Patenaude
Lyssa Patenaude
Patricia Morgan Beagary
Charitable Trust
Albert Peloquin
Joshua Perez
Shawn Perkins
Kinson Perry ’70
Wendy Petti
Pablo Piquras Hellin
Kate ’04 & William Pitts
Avery Plouffe ’26
Indu Poonja
Charles Harrison Puffer ’69
Putnam Lodge #46 A.F. & A.M.
Putnam Wireless Communication
Eric & Julie Quinn
Nathan Raboy
Susie & Jerry Racine
David ’72 & Gretchen Ranhoff
Amy Ranta
Robert & Marilyn Rath
John Rauh & Mary Wetherell
Macy Rawson ’25
Nicole Rawson
Rawson Materials
Peg & Mike Reardon
Sonya Beth Reinhardt ’99
Erich Rhynhart ’86
Hans ’89 & Elizabeth ’91 Rhynhart
Matthew ’15 & Sarah ’15 Rich
David & Helen Richardson
John & Kirsten Rigney
Anthony Rivera
Ed & Cally Robbins
Elizabeth Roberts ’25
Janet & Ken Rohan
Sam & Dan Romero
Emma Rustichelli ’26
Giuseppe Rustichelli
Anne & Rob Sacco
Sai Ayana LLC
Karl ’75 & Betsy ’76 Salo
Chris Salois
Amir Sanchez ’25
Christopher Sandford
Braiden Saucier ’23
Kaylee Saucier ’26
Sean & Bobbie-Jo Saucier
Robert ’80 & Melissa Savage
Karen Schmid
Melissa Seiffert
Kevin Shaw
Dawn Sherman ’75
Susan Sherman
Nina Silva ’25
Holly ’86 & Tyler ’88 Singleton
Thomas Singleton
Slater Hill Tool LLC
Sara Slusser-Huff ’96 & Anne Slusser
Christen Smith
Christian Smutnick ’09
Spirol International Corporation
Nathan & Eleonora St. Jean
Noreene Stehlik ’73
Harriet ’71 & Roger Stephens
Steve Bousquet's Appliance & TV
Studio 20/20
Jonathan & Amanda Sturdevant
Gary & Cynthia Sturni
Michael & Lori Susi
Jessica ’03 & Jeff Swanson
Bailey Sweeney ’26
Graham Sweetnam ’17
Cheryl Szymanski
Suzanne ’77 & Ronald Szymanski
Elizabeth Ten Eyck
The Hartford Insurance Co.
The Huff Family
The Inn at Woodstock Hill
The Mansion at Bald Hill
The Quad Squad
Kerrie & Ken Thiffeault
J. Marlies Thomen ’90
Debbie Tibbetts
Mike Tibbetts
Paul ’82 & Julia Torcellini
Amanda & Jay Tosetti
Karin Tourtellotte ’71
Traveler Restaurant
Tri Town American Legion Baseball
Adam Troy ’98 & Claudia Diamante
Jon & Lucinda ’80 Trudeau
Stephen & Kristie Tyler
Vachon GMC
Vivian Vail ’28
Nathan Vanderswaagh
Shannon Vanderswaagh
Timothy & Karen Ward
Kent & Mary Weaver
Webco Chemical Corp.
Joshua Welch ’98
Keith ’87 & Erin ’87 Wilcox
Willimantic Auto & Truck Supply
Windham Golf Course
Melissa Albertina Rose Wishart ’20
Olivia Wolchesky ’28
Julie & Brett Woodland
Colin Woods ’98
World Insurance Associates / Archambault Insurance
