Vermont Academy Life May 2015

VERMONTACADE M Y

LIFESPRING / SUMMER 2015

Vermont AcademyBOARD OF TRUSTEES

Michael A. Choukas ’73, P ’94, ChairmanDavid E. Robinson ’77, Vice-ChairmanCarolyn Blitz P ’12, SecretaryChristopher Cota ’66, Treasurer

Jose Barreiro P ’14, ’16 Mark CandonThomas Capasse P ’16Casey Cota ’89Carrie Dunn ’91Stuart Eisenkraft ’74Jamison Gagnier ’90Penny Gendron P ’10, ’12, ’15David Holton ’68Reverend Peter Howe P ’07, ’10Steven E. Karol ’72, Former ChairmanTimothy Lord ’69, P ’05, ’10Donald G. McInnes ’59Hon. George P. Moser Jr. ’48, P ’79Marvin S. Neuman P ’03Lee Ryder ’90Carolyn Salzman P ’11Mark Smith ’87Col. Richard I. Stark Jr. ’74S. Tylor TregellasAndrew Ward ’93Melissa Wing P ’16, ’17

EMERITUS TRUSTEES

Robert M. Campbell ’37, P ’65, ’68, ’70 (2), ’80, ’82W. Gene Hays Jr. ’55Hugh Pearson ’54

HEADMASTER EMERITUS | Michael Choukas Jr. ’46, P ’73

HEAD OF SCHOOL | Sean P. Brennan

EDITOR | Jennifer Jones

CLASS NOTES EDITOR | April Worden

PROOFREADER | Tara Poitras

DESIGNER | Jennifer Fleischmann

COVER ARTIST | Lisa McNealus ’79, P ’14

PHOTOGR APHY | FJ Gaylor Photography, Liz Olmsted P ’15, Christine Armiger, Annie Muse, Claudia Tappe ’15, Joe Echanis ’79, P ’08, ’11, ’18, and Ira A. Wilner

Vermont Academy Life is published twice a year by Vermont Academy, Saxtons River, VT. The magazine reserves the right to edit all material that it accepts for publication.

802-869-6200 | VERMONTACADEMY.ORG

Our MissionBy providing a supportive community and close, personal

attention to its students, Vermont Academy develops

confident, active learners and respectful citizens.

Education for Life —One Student at a Time

Special thanks toVA’s Visual Arts Chair, Lisa McNealus ’79, P ’14

for reimagining Vermont Academy.

WHERE’S VA?CAN YOU FIND:

CymbalsSkis

Robotic tulipPaintbrush

Hockey stickPencil

Countries

EquationsBaseball bat

STEM

Contents2 Head of School’s Letter 4 Window to the World10 Student Profile: Cyrus Cherington 12 Because It’s There13 VA’s 2015 College Admissions Landscape14 Faculty Profile: Erkki Mackey 16 Road Trip 18 VA VOICE Goes Native19 Reimagined20 A Year in Pictures22 Wildcats: We Want to Know! 24 Senior Reflection: Nevada McOwen 26 The Beautiful Business of STEM30 Open Letter: Bob Ewanouski ’80 31 Long Walk Legend: Rob Outtrim32 Maggie and Ryan Air 34 Reimagining Their Music37 Class Notes46 Future Wildcats47 Marriages and Engagements48 In Memoriam

We want to hear from you! Email feedback to [email protected]

26

4

The Beautiful Business of STEM

Refer a student to VAvermontacademy.org/inquire [email protected]

Stay connected with VA

If we don’t have your current

email, please send it to

[email protected].

Window to the World

16Road Trip

I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.

– MICHELANGELO

“I’m in venture capital now, which you can think of as the opposite of education. Walking onto the stage, I was really inspired because I know what it means to be entrusted with people’s dreams and lives—to educate.”

As I sat surrounded by hundreds of other independent educators, his words weighed on my heart. We have chosen a profession in mentoring, teaching, and coaching that at its very best has a profound effect on students’ lives. I’ve watched our faculty connect with students in so many ways, from motivating them in class to exploring foreign countries, to running plays and reciting lines. Everything we give of ourselves, every talent we share, is delivered through a vehicle of care. We encourage students to develop their talents and interests and inspire them to become the very best they can be. Without question, the dreams and lives of Vermont Academy students are in the best of hands.

As I thought about VA’s faculty, my mind moved to our senior class poised to graduate, and one of Maeda’s other statements struck a chord:

“Work is easier when it’s just work; it’s much harder when you actually care.”

This issue of Vermont Academy Life explores how creativity helps us reimagine our canvas—to flip things upside down and see our life in a whole new way or perhaps, for the first time, how it really is. Both take self-reflection and courage. Each

HEAD OF SCHOOL’S LET TER

DEAR VERMONT ACADEMY FAMILY,

In February, I attended the annual NAIS (National Association of

Independent Schools) conference in Boston, the theme of which

was “Design the Revolution: Blending Learning, Leading, and

Innovation.” I noted two things in particular that I wanted to

share with the community, both said by presenter John Maeda,

an American designer, technologist, MIT tenured professor, and

sixteenth president of the Rhode Island School of Design. His

presentation explored the relationships between technology and

possibilities, design and solutions, and leadership and actions.

A dynamic and engaging speaker, Maeda’s opening remarks

brought home the privilege and power we hold in our hands:

Sean Brennan, Head of School

Take care

Everything you can imagine is real.

— PABLO PICASSO

Please visit vermontacademy.org/valifemay15 for additional information on select stories.

2 | SPR I NG / SU M M E R 2015

significant choice we make—where we go to school, what we do, who we love—is a stroke on our canvas, bringing into focus the life we’re continuously creating. And the truth is, how much we care about something or someone is directly correlated to both the joy and pain we experience. I hope that what you learned here inspires you to care enough to strive for your best—to not be tempted by the easier path. Seize every opportunity to reimagine your canvas in bolder strokes, more vivid colors. Live your masterpiece fully and passionately.

Please enjoy our stories of students, faculty, and alumni using their creativity to reimagine their canvas through the arts, teaching, exploring foreign countries, and for one faculty child, pushing herself further than she thought capable and learning that sustained effort bears excellence—its own reward.

Thank you, Vermont Academy community, for taking care in everything you do. It’s reflected every day in every smile.

SE A N P. BR EN NA N

Head of School, P ’14, ’16, ’19

VA Network , @HeadWildcat

VA Network Sean and Coach Popp are part of Vermont Academy’s Networking Group. Join at vermontacademy.org/linkedin.

Everything we give of ourselves, every talent we share, is delivered through a vehicle of care.

“ During my 2014 AAU basketball summer circuit, I met Coach Popp. Out of all the schools recruiting me, he displayed the most interest in me as a player and—just as importantly—a student. When I set foot on VA’s campus, I knew I made the right choice. Not only did my recruitment increase, but I also met many people that I now call good friends. Just four months after coming to VA, my dream became a reality when I committed to Harvard University to play NCAA Division I basketball. I cannot express how thankful I am to Vermont Academy and Coach Popp for everything they have done for me as a student and athlete. I’m so proud to be part of this community. Go Wildcats!”

— Corey Johnson ’15 and Harvard Class of 2019

V E R MON T AC A DE M Y | 3

Santiago citysca

pe

Studying outside of

Vertical Institute

Leadership training

Vermont Academy Campuses Abroad – A Window to the WorldVermont Academy’s Global Programs provides students with the opportunity to re-examine how

they view the world and themselves. In today’s globalized world, studying abroad for a trimester

provides experiences in leadership, service, and cultural awareness that are invaluable. Perhaps most

importantly during their time abroad, students reflect on their place in the world and realize how

much they are thankful for—a gratitude they carry forward.

TRIP LOG: SANTIAGO, CHILEBY SEAN BRENNAN, HEAD OF SCHOOL

I had the privilege of joining 13 pioneering students in February at VA’s new campus at the famed Vertical Institute in Santiago, Chile. Come along on the trip with me!


Leadership training

Jumping for joy at Pa

lacio de la M

oneda

FRI. FEB. 13Boarded a plane in Boston at 5:30 p.m., connected through Atlanta, and arrived in Santiago, Chile on Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

SAT. FEB. 14Greeted at the airport by Ricardo Carreño, VA’s Global Programs Director, and Sergio Vilarino, Global Programs Associate. Headed to the Vertical Institute. The property looks small from the courtyard but is actually quite impressive. Numerous classrooms, meeting areas, and offices fill two main buildings, and the CrossFit gym is exceptional for mountaineering training.

We then summited Cerro San Cristóbal, a high hill in the center of the city, via a funicular, a small train-like cable car that runs on rails. The view of Santiago from the summit was breathtaking.

SUN. FEB. 15Mr. Carreño and I headed south along the Pan American Highway to Salto del Laja as a stopping point prior to joining students in Vilcún, a Chilean town 700 kilometers south of Santiago in Cautín Province, Araucanía region. Vilcún is home to the stunning active volcano Llaima.

MON. FEB. 16I was so excited to see our students who had arrived the night before. They were embarking on a 12-day expedition based on a hilltop with fields, cabins, and the

loudest cows I’ve ever heard! Students slept two to a tent, and at night, you’ve never seen so many stars. The trip’s focus was leadership training, trekking in Parque Nacional Conguillio, and learning about the Mapuche Indians. On the first day, students brainstormed leadership in the morning and discussed ecotourism in the afternoon. Following a campsite dinner, we had a lively discussion about group goals and how to reach them. Our students’ thoughtful comments about what was working and how things could improve really moved me. The next day, I saw these suggestions put into action.

TUES. FEB. 17 After a delicious breakfast, Mr. Rodrigo Jordan, President of the Vertical Foundation, shared his expedition to K2 in 1996. He recounted his team’s steps leading to the moment he had to decide which four climbers would attempt the summit. There were five strong candidates, including himself. As the leader, how would he choose to lead? He had three choices: 1. Join the group heading to the summit and lead from the front; 2. Remain at Camp Two and provide the vital support needed on the descent, leading from the middle; or 3. Lead from the control center of base camp, supporting from the rear.

Mr. Jordan then asked the students how they would choose to lead. Interestingly, no one chose to stay at base camp, and

there was an even split between going to the summit and leading from Camp Two. Those students who wanted to go to the summit felt that others would find strength in their leadership. They referenced captains of sports teams who set the pace for runs. Others wanted to be up front to fix things that went wrong. For those who chose to lead from the middle, they spoke of the descent being the most dangerous portion of the expedition, where 86% of K2 fatalities occur. They held that a good leader would be there for his or her team in a crisis. Others felt that a leader selflessly provides opportunities for the team, rather than taking the spotlight. Mr. Jordan pointed out that no choice was correct and that no matter what choice was made, many would disagree—a lesson in itself about being a leader.

Rodrigo Jordan, Vertical Fo

undation President


In case you’re wondering, Mr. Jordan chose in 1996 to stay at base camp while his team attempted the summit. They had many difficulties, a near loss of a team member, and heroic efforts to bring them back safely. They succeeded with courageous leadership.

Watching the students take on tasks, find success and failure, and respond positively and negatively was motivating. They are evolving leaders, and it is not always easy.

WED. FEB. 18After breakfast, we packed up camp and got on a bus for a three-hour drive to Parque Nacional Conguillío. Dirt roads in Vermont are interstate highways compared to the roads we drove on!

Dusty washboards come to mind and cliffs dropping off hundreds of feet. As we neared our destination, we passed through lava fields, a reminder of the 2009 eruption of Volcano Llaima. When we reached our campground, Arancia trees surrounded us, towering with curved, spiky branches. Also known as “monkey puzzle” trees, these ancient wonders grow to be 1,800 years old and create a mystical, magical feel to the forests.

Following dinner, we went to a presentation about the Mapuche Indians, who have lived in the Araucanía region for over 5,500 years. Their name means “people of the earth,” and the earth and land from which they came is one of the more impressive places I’ve ever visited.

THURS. FEB. 19I awoke early, and my first thought was that it was time to return to Saxtons River. The morning was peaceful and quite cold as I boiled water for coffee on our camp stove. The vista was absolutely stunning. I thought back over the prior

few days and realized that the work we’re doing provides our students with the opportunity to see the world not only as tourists but conscious global citizens. I have no doubt it is worth all of our effort. The challenges students face help shape them. The growth they experience is a direct result of getting them out of their comfort zone. I am so proud and privileged that I could be part of it.

Congratulations to our first students to study at VA’s new campus in Santiago, Chile:

Oliver Annson ‘17George Atkins ’15 Blanca Carreño ’15 Cyrus Cherington ’15 Zoe Engle ’16 Sarah Lambertus ’16 Sam Marin ’15 Maggie McKay ’16 Whitley Neumeister ’16 Drew Novak ’16 Trevor Peterson ’15 Claudia Tappe ’15 Sarah Williams ’16

My experience in a foreign country prepared me to adapt to new environments and appreciate cultural differences. The experiences I had and the friends I made were life changing.

— GEORGE ATKINS ‘15 and Dartmouth Class of 2019


HOLA, FROM SANTIAGO, SPAIN!Vermont Academy was proud to host its fifth year of study abroad in Santiago de Compostela inside the breathtaking monastery of San Martin Pinario. The success of Spain’s trimester program paved the way for expanding VA’s Global Programs and establishing campuses in Chile and China. Enjoy firsthand accounts of some of our students below.

Courtney Prentiss ’16“Being abroad in Spain during the spring trimester is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, one that I am taking full advantage of and enjoying every second. Coming to Spain has already been a life-changing experience for me. Being someone who doesn’t like to be away from home, I knew that this trip would be difficult but very worth it in the end. I am fortunate enough to be studying abroad in one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Having the opportunity to get out of New England before I am eighteen is not something many people get the chance to do. Although I have only been here two weeks, my Spanish has improved tremendously, and I love being part of a new culture. Living with a host family is one of the things that I love about this experience. Being forced to speak the language at the dinner table, I am now able to converse with little to no help, and my comprehension has improved. I also appreciate how welcoming the families are to the Vermont Academy students. They greet all of us with hugs and kisses and treat us as if we are their own children. It makes me feel like I never really left home. I have already fallen in love with the city and cannot wait to explore even more of Europe. I hope that when I am older, I will have the opportunity to come back!”

Jamie Lumley ‘15 and Middlebury Class of 2019“A spring trimester in Spain demonstrates how a different culture can completely change a learning experience. I have only been here for ten days, but already I have realized a new way of going about education. I have joked with my friends about how Spanish time’s fluidity means we can never be late for class. What really is stressed here is the idea of not needing to worry about our schedule. Life is not relaxed in the sense that work is finished slowly, but rather that achieving accomplishments does not need to be stressful. Each day we walk to school through streets crafted by architects hundreds of years ago, and when we arrive we study in an incredibly beautiful monastery. The goal of each day is to finish as much work as possible so that we can have the remainder of our time to enjoy Santiago. At the end of the day, I often go play soccer in the park until it’s too dark to see the ball, which signals that it’s time to return home for dinner with my host family. In Spain I have learned how to balance my life so that I can appreciate all that is going on around me. With school established for facilitating success, it is all the easier to truly enjoy the opportunity that I have here.”

STUDENTS IN SPAIN

Xave Burgunder ’15Jack Cai ’15Devin Hogan ’16Chris Lehman ’16Jamie Lumley ’15

Will Murphy ’15Courtney Prentiss ’16Jiajin Shan ’17Corinne Truax ’16Lara Young ’15


TRIMESTERS:

Chile: January 5 – March 9, 2015

Students attend

university-level courses

at the Vertical Institute

on leadership, science,

and social awareness.

They live with host families and take an

expedition to visit the Mapuche Indians in

the south of Chile in the Araucanía region.

Spain: March 13 – May 16, 2015

During their two

months in Santiago de

Compostela, students

concentrate on history

and humanities.

Through family stays and weekend visits to

Florence, Rome, Madrid, Toledo, and the

Ribeira Sacra in Galicia, they experience

rich cultural immersion.

China: September 10 – November 20, 2015

Students will explore

China’s 5,000-year-

old history, become

apprentices of Chinese

calligraphy, and learn

China’s modern economy, including hands-

on workshops at local businesses. During

the week, students will board with Chinese

students at the prestigious Hangzhou Entel

Foreign Languages School and stay with

their families on weekends in home stays

to immerse themselves fully in Chinese

culture. During the trimester, students

will take educational field trips to Beijing,

Xi’an, and Chengdu.

Corinne Truax ’16“So far my experience in Spain has been absolutely incredible. The sun came out as the plane began to descend, and we looked out the windows as beautiful scenery played out below us. Even the air felt different when we departed the airport in Santiago; it was warmer and more fragrant. Throughout the first few days, I was completely culture shocked by the food, language, cobblestone streets, and complete disregard for traffic safety laws. I am surprised by how easily I became accustomed to it all. We follow the daily life of our host families, eating meals with them, and occasionally going shopping with our host siblings. We spend our time outside of school walking through the old streets of Santiago, watching and experiencing the culture all around us. The city itself is enchanting, and it draws us out of our comfort zone. The cathedral is the most astonishing piece of architecture, and as soon as we walked through the doors, my breath fell short. I had never seen such pristine carvings and pictures in my life; just that experience was enough to bring me to tears. For me, the most incredible part of this whole experience is the group. Before departing, I was concerned about not knowing most of the students I would be traveling with. I am not one to be extroverted enough to make new friends quickly. Thankfully, it barely took the plane ride for us to all become friends. More than that, we have become a family within the two weeks we have been here. I am glad to have each and every one of them as a friend.”


BELIZE—THE GEM OF THE CARIBBEANFrom March 6–19, faculty members Christine Armiger and Rob Nicol led twelve students through Belize, a tiny country tucked between Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west, and to the east, the warm waters of the Caribbean.

Students explored the incredible natural and cultural history of Belize, studied tropical biodiversity and Mayan archeology, and participated in a community-service project with NGO Sustainable Harvest International-Belize. The group traveled to the remote village of San Benito Poite, where they experienced life in the traditional Kekchi Maya way. They drank water from coconuts, lived with host families under thatched-roof houses, slept in hammocks under the stars, bathed in the river, ate corn tortillas hot off the cumal, and made many wonderful friends. They worked with Sustainable Harvest to plant 100 coconut trees and construct a wood conservation stove, a solar dryer, and a small tree nursery. Our students were moved by the beautiful simplicity of the Mayan way of life. Through their work in the village, students experienced the wonderful satisfaction that comes from giving their time and energy to those who have less than we do.

In the Mayan village, the families literally gave us all they could to make us feel comfortable and welcome. I took a lot of lessons, memories, and stories away from that experience. My time in Belize will be hard to forget—a great time around very good people.— MIGUEL BARREIRO-PEREZ ’16

STUDENTS IN BELIZE

Miguel Barreiro-Perez ’16John Borden ’16Jahyde Bullard ’17Lilia Curtis ’16McKenzie Curtis ’17Zhenjing Gui ’17

Henry Hochschild ’17Chelsea Jiang ’16Jordan Savad ’18Will Svensson ’18Karina Vital ’17Yilin Yan ’16


Tell me a bit about your family.I have a fraternal twin who is going to Wesleyan next year. Our younger brother goes to Indian Mountain School, and he’s a prospective Wildcat!

How were you as a student prior to VA?When I was younger, things weren’t going so well at school or home. The summer before 9th grade I went to Wolfeboro’s summer program, which is designed to help students find greater academic success the next year. Unfortunately, the new school I went to in the fall for freshman year was a pilot program and very disorganized.

How did you come to VA?I had a really great educational consultant who suggested boarding school. Something about VA really spoke to me.

What was your visit to campus like?It was a sunny day, and the campus was beautiful. My tour guide was friendly and down-to-earth. No one tried to sugarcoat or polish anything. The campus had an atmosphere that was more open to different kinds of people. I remember how quickly I connected with the director of Learning Skills and how open VA was to other kinds of learners and learning styles. I felt immediate support.

How have you changed most since you’ve been at VA?I entered VA as someone who needed full-time Learning Skills support. The program is designed to provide the support needed for students to ultimately depend less and less on its services. I went from using Learning Skills four times a week in 10th grade to once a week as a senior. I have identified my weaknesses and strengths as a learner and become more independent and confident as a student and person.

What has been your biggest challenge?Learning to self-advocate for my education and being comfortable with my voice. VA provides an environment where you don’t need to worry about a negative response to your ideas. Everyone really listens to what you have to say.

WILDCAT PROFILE:

Cy Cherington ’15CY AT A GLANCE

Name: Cyrus “Cy” Cherington

Class Year: 2015

Hometown: Cambridge, MA

Years at VA: 3

Sports: Cross country (captain), JV hockey, JV baseball (captain)

Activities: Global Programs

Favorite subject: English or anything with writing

Favorite dining hall meal: Spaghetti and meatballs

Best VA moment: Funny times in the dorms over three years

Favorite tradition: Earth Day

VA is a big personality

behind a small student body.

Cy in Chile!

10 | SPR I NG / SU M M E R 2015

As a cross-country captain, how did you view your role? I wasn’t the fastest guy on the team, but I had a lot of experience and positive energy. I helped the new runners learn how to navigate the course and set their pace. Often, I purposely stayed in the middle of the pack so I could help anyone who was having a tough time.

Congratulations on being one of the first students to study at VA’s new campus in Santiago, Chile! What was your experience like? Chile is so far away that you really do feel like you’re in a different world. And, while I had a few expectations, I kept an open mind to the many dynamics I experienced along the way. It was interesting to me that while the people I met were culturally different and didn’t speak much English, they were the same technologically with phones, computers, and tablets.

Tell me about the Vertical Institute.Vertical is the organization that VA partners with in Chile. They promote active-based learning where you gain insight into your strengths and weaknesses through leadership activities. We did many cool things like hiking blindfolded and zip lining.

What would you tell a student going to one of VA’s campuses abroad?Keep your mind open, and you’ll learn more.

Who has made the most impact on you?Mr. Echanis has been my advisor for my three years at VA. He directed me and really helped me develop as a student and person. Sometimes he seemed tough, but he always had a good reason behind everything.

What’s your biggest takeaway from Vermont Academy?Even though VA is a small community, you still get the same opportunities, thrill, and social experiences of a big school. VA is a big personality behind a small student body.

What is your college plan?From my junior to senior year, I got a lot of advice and suggestions from many people. My counselor, Mrs. Brennan, told me to speak my mind and do what I wanted to do—that really stuck with me. I applied to seven schools, with UVM being my top choice. I’m interested in psychology and writing.

VA Shout-out:Shout out to the Class of 2015 for making our senior year the best it can be!

VA provides an environment where you don’t need to worry about a negative response to your ideas. Everyone really listens to what you have to say.


BY CHRIS MARKS, FACULTY

BECAUSE IT’S THEREWhile that might have been a great answer as to why George Mallory and others

attempted to climb Mt. Everest in the early 1920s, it doesn’t quite answer why

10 members of the Vermont Academy community chose to run up 80 flights of stairs

to the top of Boston’s Mellon Center. Let’s be honest, most people opt for the elevator.

I’m really proud to have presented the idea for the climb, and I really loved how great the response was from interested community members.— JAMES GALLAGHER ’17

So, why climb all those stairs? The simple answer is that James Gallagher ’17, founder and leader of VA’s Fire Education Club, proposed the idea of participating in the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb fundraiser. The challenge: raise a minimum of $100 per person to aid in the fight against lung cancer and other diseases and then walk, run, or run in complete firefighter turnout gear up 790 stairs to celebrate our ability to breathe (there was a “civilian” division and a firefighter division).

When probed further on why he climbed, Gallagher replied, “I climbed because my family, especially my father, has gone through tough times with respiratory illnesses. My dad was on hand on 9/11 as part of the NYPD and spent countless weeks afterward sifting through the rubble, breathing in all the toxins. I’m really proud to have presented the idea for the climb, and I really loved how great the response was from interested community members.”

Partnering with Gallagher to coordinate the event was Kasi White ’16. “I climbed in honor of my grandmother, Mary Bruten, and for all who are fighting or who have lost their lives to lung cancer. The climb was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, both mentally and physically, and it was Mary’s memory that pushed me to get to the top!”

Joining Gallagher and White were students Jordan Savad, Katy Brennan, Allison McFadden, Nathan Parent, and Aidan Therrien; teachers Amy Lanterman and Chris Marks; and Head of School Sean Brennan. Parent placed third in his age group in the firefighter division, and Head of School Brennan claimed the fastest time of the team with a blistering 7 minutes and 13 seconds. Our group shattered the team fundraising goal of $1,500, raking in an impressive $2,780. While she did not make the climb due to a hockey commitment, Allegra Wu was part of the team, too, and raised money for the cause. In total, 814 people participated in the climb, and $443,805 was raised for the American Lung Association.

Gallagher, Parent, Therrien, and Marks represented the Fire Education Club, completing the event in full firefighter turnout gear, including the SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) air pack. The complete ensemble weighs about 55 pounds!

The Wildcats will return to Boston for the event next year, and White and Gallagher have set a “modest” goal of 50 VA participants and $15,000 dollars raised for the cause! Go VA!

12 | SPR I NG / SU M M E R 2015

BY

TH

E N

UM

BE

RS

BY ANNE ATKINS, DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING

VA’S 2015 COLLEGE ADMISSIONS LANDSCAPE The Vermont Academy Class of 2015 submitted approximately 630 college applications, an

average of eight per student. This increase reflects a higher number of applications submitted

by international students and students looking to broaden their choices based on financial need.

The broad college admission landscape at many institutions saw an increase in

applications and the number of students applying early decision or early action.

That always makes for a stressful, yet exciting, fall in college counseling!

Early Decision and ActionVA had sixteen students utilize the early decision process in

2015. A commitment to a single college is not easy and

requires students to shorten their college admission timeline.

Some students made early decision commitments in early

November based on athletic recruitment, while others

decided after the success of a college visit. Students

applying for regular decision commit to their college of

choice by May 1. For each action, VA students submitted

approximately 85 applications.

Here are just some of the schools our students heard good

news from in the early decision/action process: Bucknell,

UConn, Dartmouth, George Mason, Harvard, Hobart &

William Smith, Holy Cross, University of Rochester,

Union College, University of Vermont, and New Hampshire.

Congratulations to all of our students as they embark on the

next big step in their education and lives!

74630

816

85 62%SENIORS AND POSTGRADUATES

APPLICATIONS

AVERAGE APPLICATIONS PER STUDENT

EARLY DECISION APPLICATIONS

EARLY ACTION APPLICATIONS

EARLY DECISION ACCEPTANCES


I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Erkki Mackey and

quickly realized that behind the steady gaze and quiet manner is a

man who chooses his words carefully and is talented across many

disciplines. What inspires him most? His students.

Tell me a bit about your family.I grew up in Salisbury, VT, and have two older sisters and one younger brother. They are spread out in Colorado, Holland, and Idaho. I went to a public union high school in Middlebury and played lacrosse in high school and college.

Where else have you taught besides VA?My first job was at Avon Old Farms in Connecticut. Then I taught at Burr and Burton Academy and was also a graduate teaching assistant at Northern Michigan University before coming to VA.

What stands out at VA compared to other schools?There’s a stronger sense of community here that goes beyond just students and faculty. It’s everyone affiliated with the school. It feels like a really big family at times, and that hasn’t been the case at other places.

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING JENNIFER JONES INTERVIEWS ERKKI MACKEY

Vermont Academy’s Renaissance Man

ERKKI MACKEYERKKI AT A GLANCEHometown: Salisbury, VT

Years at VA: 2

Undergraduate degree: B.A. from Dartmouth

Graduate degrees: Master’s in English from Breadloaf at Middlebury, Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Northern Michigan University

Courses and sports at VA: English: “Honors World Literature” and “Madness in Society”; Math: “Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry”; Learning Skills teacher; and varsity alpine skiing and lacrosse

You must read this: Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck and Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation by Joseph Ellis

Aspiration: Find time to focus on my writing

Summer plans: Liz and I spend the summer at our home in Cornwall, VT, and this year’s project is a garden

Fun fact: All-American in high school lacrosse

14 | SPR I NG / SU M M E R 2015

Where do you think that comes from?VA is small enough that you can know pretty much everyone, and some of it is because we’re a boarding school. We interact with students in ways that extend well beyond the classroom. But mostly, I believe it’s the type of people we attract here…our openness to, and how much we care about, one another.

Your wife, Liz, teaches AP psychology at VA. How do you support each other in the classroom?One of us will be planning a lesson and have something in mind that we want to accomplish—it’s great to bounce ideas off each other.

Are your teaching styles different?Ultimately, we’re both after the same thing, which is to get our students to become better thinkers…to take in the content, examine it, analyze it, and make their own conclusions.

How does creativity come into play in your English and math classrooms?It’s a mistake to think that creativity can only be applied in artistic pursuits, and that there is no room for creativity in all subjects. As an example, if you’re looking at a real-world problem that involves math, it’s going to take creativity to solve.

What’s an example of creativity in math?At the simplest level, it’s how you go about solving a problem. Here’s what you know, and here’s what I’m asking you to find out. Creativity comes in bridging the gap. Often there’s more than one route. Students who really understand what the problem is asking are better able to think creatively about how to get the answer.

Are you ever surprised how good your students are?All the time. Some of the best times in class, or when I’m reading an essay, are when I say to myself, “I hadn’t thought of that.” In that way, I think that curiosity is as important as creativity. To be genuinely curious about something is a powerful motivator to be creative in seeking the answer.

How does VA help students foster their creativity?We definitely encourage kids to find their strengths and interests. And if they can do that, it’s in those areas that they are most likely to be creative.

What are some of your creative pursuits?Teaching at its best is a creative pursuit. If I’m doing my job well, I’m constantly re-evaluating what I’m doing in the classroom and asking myself: “Is this as effective as I want it to be for my students?” So I need to think creatively about how to deliver content and create assignments that are going to get kids thinking about what I want them to examine.

What inspires you?My students. Seeing how hard they work and the ideas they come up with inspires me to do as well as they are doing. My colleagues also inspire me. There are a lot of great teachers here, and learning what they’re doing in the classroom is a great way for me to expand and enhance my own teaching.

What does “reimagine your canvas” mean to you? It’s constantly thinking of ways to engage students and develop their ability to think creatively, critically, and carefully. The pace of change in the world is only going to increase. If you’re going to keep up, you have to be able to think creatively and critically.

The pace of change in the world is only going to increase. If you’re going to keep up, you have to be able to think creatively and critically.

Teaching at its best is a creative pursuit.

Left: Mr. and Mrs. Mackey channel their inner Law and Order in VA’s second annual 24-Hour Play Festival, themed White Collar Crime.

Right: Mr. Mackey and Will Sanger ‘15 at the spring athletic banquet.


Associate Dean of Student Life Annie Muse and Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Stephanie Boulay showed their Wildcat determination by ordering up a VA van and driving students Alana Lopez, Sally Densmore, Will Tomasi, Aidan Therrien, Nate Parent, Brianna Wood, and Harry Mayer all the way to New Orleans for a service trip during March break when their flight was canceled.

Vermont Academy partnered with Camp Restore, which placed the group at different organizations throughout New Orleans during their eight-day trip. The trip provided Ms. Muse, Ms. Boulay, and the students with a perfect opportunity to put one of VA’s core beliefs into practice: “seeks and gives help when appropriate.” Sometimes it’s difficult to ask for help, but they experienced firsthand the positive results and gratitude that can come from it.

The group stayed at Camp Restore in hostel accommodations, living and sharing meals with other outreach groups. A typical day started at 7:00 a.m. with breakfast in the community dining hall. From there, they traveled to the day’s project and worked until 4:00 p.m. before heading back to Camp Restore for showers and dinner. The team participated in several service projects during the week, including working with an organization that assists the mentally delayed, a homeless shelter, and an urban school. The coolest project was working

at the zoo removing overgrowth, which is still prevalent throughout New Orleans from Katrina.

Muse grew up participating in service trips; she credits them with helping her become the person she is today. She has experienced the unmatched joy of helping someone, and she wanted to expose Vermont Academy students to the rewards of service. The students definitely came away realizing how lucky they are to have the opportunity to go to Vermont Academy—a unique school environment that many kids their age wish they could experience. Adds Muse, “Going into these areas and connecting with people who have so few valuables but so much love and community is not only inspiring but a very teachable moment for the power of service.”

The trip also provided the students with some of New Orleans’ best cultural events, including a Pelicans vs. Celtics basketball game, Hurricane Katrina tour, visit to Tulane University, dinner in the French Quarter and Magazine Street, and a jazz and Cajun dinner river cruise to celebrate their final night.

ROAD TRIP Winter storm? Canceled flight? Grounded for three days? No problem. Road trip!

16 | SPR I NG / SU M M E R 2015

I have seen strength in the people of New Orleans, many of whom are still suffering post-Katrina. This trip has made me more appreciative of the things I have and so grateful for what Vermont Academy is giving me.— BRIANNA WOOD ’17


Currently, I am completing a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction at the University of Vermont. As a first-time teacher of the journalism class, my studies inspired me to reimagine how our long-time school newspaper could look and function. Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs, author of Curriculum 21, urges teachers to consider the skills their students readily embody as “digital natives.” Our 21st century students are already accustomed to sharing their thoughts and ideas on a grand scale through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. Jacobs asks teachers to consider allowing students to participate in the collective body of work that’s in cyberspace—something she calls the “collective intelligence”—in a positive, appropriate way.

Jacobs’ ideas became the impetus for our class to restructure VA VOICE into an online news magazine. When I introduced the new model to the students, they were excited about and comfortable with the new venture. The online model afforded students multiple opportunities to explore their creative skills regarding layout, writing, pictures, video, and even podcasting. One student put together a podcast about his greatest passion, freestyle skiing, while another made a video

about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food. All of the journalism students—in addition to composing pitches and writing articles—explored multiple creative strategies to make their page layouts appealing.

No matter what model you use to create a news magazine or newspaper, the writing is done the old-fashioned way. Students conducted interviews and worked to hone their reporting skills. Realizing that their work was headed for the biggest platform—the Internet—students were motivated to

produce better work. Through this course, students learned that articles come alive when they’re passionate about the subject. This spawned fascinating stories on a wide range of topics that were interesting to both themselves and their parents, including body image in the media, the Charlie Hebdo shootings, and being a faculty kid on campus.

VA VOICE’s reimagined canvas changed the way students thought about journalism. It helped them harness their creativity and passion and produce something they deemed worthy of being published not only for the VA community but also for the collective body of work in cyberspace.

VA VOICE GOES NATIVEVermont Academy’s popular journalism class explores the progression of American

journalism through technology. The ultimate goal is to produce a functioning, consistent,

and dynamic school newspaper.

BY AMANDA HODGSON, FACULTY

How would I have enough ideas if I were a journalist? I have a new appreciation

for their work.— PATRICK FISHER ’16

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JAMES STEVENS ’83One of my favorite memories of Vermont Academy is walking down from the playing fields after practice, breathing in the fresh air, and feeling a sense of accomplishment after an exhausting workout. I have run in many races, some physical and others mental. I always look back to my days at VA to gain strength and implement the lessons I learned.

I wasn’t the best athlete or the best student, but I always received encouragement from all of the faculty, staff, and students. Vermont Academy was my home away from home.

I have achieved a lot over the years while struggling with bouts of depression. Sometimes when things are bad, I remember all of the support and kindness I received while at Vermont Academy. I did have some obstacles at VA, but it seems that there was always someone there to talk to and help me work through them. I don’t remember asking for help, but it was always there.

I know if I picked up the phone today and called any of my teachers or friends, they would be there.

I take all of my memories from Vermont Academy and use them as I progress through life. I have never really left campus; it is always there with me in memory. What I have learned from my time at VA is intrinsic in my life.

I have run in many races, some physical and others mental. I always look back to my days at VA to gain strength and implement the lessons I learned.

JAMES MASON ’73When I attended Vermont Academy, we had student-led trips into the wilderness for two or three days at a time, and we had to learn self-reliance. A mistake on a canoe trip could have serious consequences, and we had to deal with them on our own—there were no cell phones to call 911. Warren Chivers taught me outdoor skills so that if all hell breaks loose and all of the end-of-the-world-preppers are right, I and those I care about will be just fine in the woods. Franklin Geist and his wife, Roberta, showed me what it meant to be responsible for other people (and the easiest way to eat an orange). Bob Hewitt and Jim Frey gave me plenty of room to try things out in the lab, and some of that stuff is still practical today. Don Hindel and the business office taught me more than they realized about the nature of running an enterprise.

We were taught critical and creative-thinking skills that have given me the ability to change gears and reinvent myself more than once since I graduated.

We learned to see problems as challenges and, in retrospect, learning experiences. I’ve gone from feast to famine (well, not starving) and back to feast more than once and managed to be comfortable in my skin most of the time. I think Franklin Geist summed it up best when he said the goal we’re working toward together is to become the best people we can be spiritually, mentally, and physically.

That didn’t happen in college or in graduate school. I don’t think my friends who went to public high schools quite got it either. I was lucky. I got to spend four years just playing and finding out who I was and what I could be. Most people don’t get to do that in their entire lives.

ReimaginedJames Mason ‘73 and James Stevens ‘83 keep VA

and the lessons they learned close to heart


A YEAR IN PICTURES

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CHAERA LEE ’16Hometown: Seoul, South Korea

It’s exciting to realize that my art can be applied in many areas—it has opened my mind to possibility.

Creative passion: illustrating

My mother is a fashion designer, and she has inspired me creatively since I was little. As an artist, I’m drawn to the precision of creating patterns. I visit museums to be inspired and imagine what I can invent by combining different styles.

This year, I experienced how art can contribute to science. In my environmental engineering class, with Ms. Armiger, I designed the underwater garden for our aquaponics project. Beforehand, I wasn’t that interested in science, but now I want to practice recycling and sustainability. It’s exciting to realize that my art can be applied in many areas—it has opened my mind to possibility.

Wildcats: We Want to Know! HOW DOES CREATIVITY INFORM YOUR LIFE?

SAM SVENSSON ’15

Hometown: Saxtons River, VT

With creativity, you always have the ability to make things interesting again and shake off the ordinary.

Creative passion: writing

I think in the most obvious sense, being creative means I don’t always view things in black and white. Life often presents open-ended scenarios that have more than one solution. Using creativity to find the best solution that works for you is a boon.

With our current mentality on being an adult—not just in the US but most of the world—you go to your job, wear your uniform, be polite to your boss…it’s really easy to get caught in a rut. With creativity, you always have the ability to make things interesting again and shake off the ordinary. I will never be able to work in a cubicle.

Sam is attending UVM in the fall, Class of 2019.

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MICHAEL MUNDOWA ’17Hometown: Boston, MA

My creative outlook helps me adapt to change, especially when it’s not easy.

Creative passion: basketball

I think everyone is creative in his or her own way. I bring creativity to all aspects of my life, including the way I dress, which can really show who you are. As an example, instead of wearing a standard dark suit to formal dinner, I broke out my maroon dinner jacket! Where I really try to apply my individuality is on the basketball court. Every player has his or her own style, and that’s what people come to see.

My creative outlook helps me adapt to change, especially when it’s not easy. In my previous school, I was a starting player as a sophomore. As a repeat sophomore at VA, I’m playing fewer minutes than I’d like, but I know I just have to keep working and developing my style—my time will come.

AVA HILL ’18Hometown: Andover, VT

Dance has helped me with everything I do and changed me as a person.

Creative passion: ballet

I started ballet when I was seven (late!), but that’s why I still love it. No one forced me to dance when I was little. The hardest part about dance is that it’s a super mind game. You have to stay positive by remembering that you’re doing it because you love it. This summer, I’m going to my first two-week dance intensive—Burklyn Ballet Theatre in Johnson, Vermont. I can’t wait!

Dance has helped me with everything I do and changed me as a person. Ballet is part of every facet of my personality, how I walk, how I dress. I recently wrote a letter to my dance teacher to tell her how she has inspired me and made me a more confident person. She wrote me a letter back that I’ll always treasure.

If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.

— VINCENT VAN GOGH


YEARS AT VA: 4

HOMETOWN: Brattleboro, VT

COLLEGE PLANS: I just learned I got into Ithaca, one of my top three choices! Other schools are Endicott and St. Mike’s.

JT: What were your first impressions of VA?

NM: My schools prior to VA were really small, so VA’s 240 students seemed huge! I came to Revisit Day and loved the vibe. Leslie Botey ’14 was my tour guide, and she became a mentor over the next three years. I was so impressed with her enthusiasm and poise.

JT: How has your sense of self changed over your time here?

NM: Now that I’m a senior, I can say that I wouldn’t be the same person without VA’s guidance. VA helped me discover who I am and what is important to me.

JT: Was it a gradual change?

NM: Yes. I think some of it was simply maturing, but it was also my friends and the faculty consistently staying by my side and helping me grow year after year.

JT: When did you start acting?

NM: When I was two and my baby brother was being born, I entertained the waiting room by dancing on the windowsill and performing Cats. When I was nine, my dad built me a stage in our barn with seats and a spotlight. I dreamed of going to Hollywood and becoming a famous actor.

JT: Do you remember being on VA’s stage for the first time?

NM: Freshman year performing my first monologue for you. I was terrified! It was difficult for me to even look up from my lines. Later that year, I got my first part, in The Imaginary Invalid, along with my good friend and fellow freshman actor Wyeth Olmsted.

JT: What I remember most is that when I gave you direction, you didn’t shy away. I knew that you had real potential. Do any roles stand out?

NM: Antigone was my first big role that I shared with four other actors. We became really close, and I felt so supported on stage. This year, I was very honored to play the lead role in Peter Pan. Of course, I had grown up with the story and Disney movie, and it was a challenge to make the role my own.

JT: You’re such a physical actor. It is fun to see you approach a role because I feel you get into the body of the character and not just the head.

NM: Definitely! For Peter Pan, my dance experience really informed the role. I used my dance technique to bring the feeling of flight to my character’s movement.

Senior Reflection: Nevada McOwen

Beginning their VA adventure together in 2011,

Theater director Julia Tadlock and Nevada

“Nevie” McOwen ’15 reflect on their journey

on the Vermont Academy stage.

Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.

— GEORGE BERNARD SHAW

24 | SPR I NG / SU M M E R 2015

JT: Now that you have four years of theater under your belt, do you approach roles differently than you did as a freshman?

NM: Yes. It’s great to take classes, study scenes, and read plays, but what has changed the most for me is the confidence I’ve found at VA, both on and off the stage. I never could have been the same Peter Pan in 9th grade as I was this year.

JT: What advice would you give a freshman actor?

NM: Trust yourself and be open to feedback. Don’t be afraid to take direction. On that first day when you’re terrified, take a deep breath and know that you’re at the start of something amazing.

JT: Do you still dream of becoming a famous actress?

NM: Believe it or not, chemistry caused me to rethink things. I’m bad at math and not much better at science. I thought taking chemistry this year was going to be a disaster. I had an amazing teacher, Ms. Armiger, and she explained it so I understood it. I loved every minute of the class and got a good grade. I realized I’m good at chemistry. I love chemistry. It opened up for me that acting isn’t my only option. I’m excited to explore new things and find new talents and passions.

JT: Do you have a VA shout-out?

NM: Several! Ms. Lanterman—I don’t think I appreciated the impact you made and the support you gave me until my later years. You’ve been such a motherly figure and an amazing dance coach. I really love and respect you for the things you’ve done for VA and for me.

Thomas Durnford—you’re one of my best friends and the Captain Hook to my Peter Pan. We were side by side that first nerve-racking day and went on to play opposite each other in many productions. I admire you for following your passion for music, but keep acting too—you’re a great talent.

Ms. Tadlock—I admire your passion and skill for theater but, especially, your amazing view. No one else would have thought of casting five Antigones! You’ve helped me with acting and personally whenever I needed it. You’ve been such a mentor, and I’m so grateful.

Lastly, I have to thank my entire extended family who never misses anything I do. I am so lucky to have their support, and it means the world.

JT: I can’t believe how much you’ve transformed before my eyes over four years. It was like watching a veil be lifted. You emerged as a strong, bold, and beautiful actor and young woman. I’ve so enjoyed taking this journey with you—thank you.

NM: I’m going to miss everything about VA. I’m not ready to leave!

On that first day when you’re terrified, take a deep breath and know that you’re at the start of something amazing.— NEVADA MCOWEN ’15

Theater Director Julia Tadlock


As one of those girls who labeled herself as someone who “wasn’t good in math and science,” I found that writing about STEM produced the same anxiety as one of those little blue books. However, the more I dove into STEM, the simpler in concept it became. STEM is like flowers. You can present one flower and it’s nice. But arrange a variety of flowers, each elevating the others’ color and scent, and it’s a bouquet—a microcosm of thought, creativity, and purpose. That’s STEM.

The Beautiful Business of

STEMSCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH

BY DIRECTOR OF MARKETING JENNIFER JONES

Women have so much to offer to engineering and

innovation—especially in a world where sustainability and

social entrepreneurship are becoming more important.

— CHRISTINE ARMIGER, science instructor and sustainability director

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Joe Echanis, science instructor and advanced robotics program director It’s really easy, and perhaps the natural inclination of educators, to teach their discipline vertically. Silos become a barrier to assimilating knowledge and its applications. STEM incorporates disciplines into the natural blend our students will experience in the real world. Thanks to FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), VA’s robotics program melds our creative thinkers, artists, visionaries, writers, tinkerers, scientists, and mathematicians into innovative, entrepreneurial, and successful business teams.

WHAT IS FIRST?

Inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST in 1989 to “transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders.” Vermont Academy participates in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC®), one of four robotic programs.

HOW FTC WORKS:

FTC is designed for students in grades 7–12 to compete head to head using a sports model. Each team is sent the same robot kit and is given a manual on how the robot must play. Teams are responsible for designing, building, and programming their robots to compete against other teams in an alliance format. The robot kit is reusable from year to year and is programmed using a variety of languages. Each team builds a relationship with other teams who might be a partner in one game and an opponent in the next.

2015’S FIRST TECH CHALLENGE—CASCADE EFFECTSM

Using a combination of motors, controllers, wireless communication, metal gears, and sensors, including infrared tracking (IR) and magnet seeking, students program their robots to operate in both autonomous and driver-controlled modes on a specially designed field. The object is to score more points than an opponent by placing balls into rolling goals and then moving goals into scoring areas.

Students learn the main components of running a business by:

• Creating an engineering notebook that documents the entire process, from the back of a napkin sketch through the final design;

• Developing a business plan, including SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis, budgeting, fundraising, and local business sponsorships; and

• Conducting community outreach that promotes STEM through mentoring and educational videos.

It’s breaking down barriers and bringing all of these different backgrounds together that fuels the creativity to look at things in a whole new way. That’s when innovation happens.

— JOE ECHANIS, science instructor and advanced robotics program director

Life is trying things to see if they work.

— RAY BRADBURY


THE ROAD TO INNOVATION

FIRST is designed to help students learn to perform like a business. As the project unfolds, students quickly realize that diverse skills and expertise are required to be successful. You need idea generators, people to document things, communication specialists to get the word out, and aesthetic designers. Mathematicians, scientists, writers, and artists are all brought together. It’s breaking down barriers and bringing all of these different backgrounds together that fuels the creativity to look at things in a whole new way. That’s when innovation happens.

MORE GIRLS WANTED!

It’s very interesting in my classes to see the difference in how girls approach problems versus how boys do. Boys dive in and parts are flying. Girls will talk about the problem, listen to everybody, and come to consensus. I’d like to see more girls gain an interest in robotics because different approaches and viewpoints bring so much value to the process. I’m thrilled that Lizzy Adams ’17 is tackling autonomous programming in an independent study with me this year. It will be great to have her back next year for the FTC—she’s even talking about forming her own team!

Matt Gendron ’15, FTC team leaderLast year, we graduated five seniors from our robotics team. Mr. Echanis made me team leader this year since I was the only returner. It has been a really valuable learning experience as a project manager and leader—one that I think will be beneficial in my pursuit of a career in mechanical engineering.

One goal for the robotics program is to generate more interest in ninth and tenth grades so that we can build two teams of ten. Also, having a core of returning students from year to year will enable us to expand our robot design and functionality. Ideally, we could have a hardware team that puts things together and creates prototypes and a software team that writes programs to make our robot move. Additional skills in budgeting, marketing, communication, and design would round out our business’s expertise.

A huge part of robotics is creativity. One student on our team, Nate Greene ’15, has a mind that fires ideas at will. Sometimes we go with one of his ideas, and sometimes an idea starts a brainstorming session that generates an even better idea. FTC provides the challenge, but how we solve it is up to us. That’s a whole level of creativity that many students haven’t faced yet. It’s a wild feeling to hold the reigns of a creative process that eventually winds its way to the solution. Being part of a team that builds something from the ground up is really exhilarating.

It’s a wild feeling to hold the reigns of a creative process that eventually winds its way to the solution.

— MATT GENDRON ’15 and Norwich University Class of 2019

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Jocelyn Trendell ’16, STEM advocate for girls, and Christine Armiger, environmental science instructor and sustainability directorJT: I’m the only girl in my AP physics class. One day after class, I got into a conversation with my teacher, Mr. Frey, and we wondered why that was. My conclusion was that there isn’t enough encouragement and female role models in STEM areas. With guidance from my environmental science teacher, Ms. Armiger, I started a STEM group to further encourage girls who already have an interest in math and science and to draw other girls in who might think that success in math and science is out of their reach. Fifteen girls have shown interest, and we have two faculty members who have stepped up as advisors.

The group’s driving goal is to encourage girls to explore science, not just at the high school level, but at the elementary-school level, too. I think it’s very important to spark an interest in math and science at an early age and continue to build on it through high school and college. Some of our other plans include inviting guest speakers, taking field trips (we’ve already gone to the Boston Science Museum), and holding a science expo.

Careers in math and science don’t have to be traditional “money makers” but can be bodies of work that affect positive change in the world. As I think about my future, I’m considering studying engineering or premed in college. If I go premed, I’d like to concentrate on neurology because my grandmother has Alzheimer’s. I’ve toured McGill, Dartmouth, and UVM.

CA: Most of the females that succeed today in high-level math and science classes have the constitution where they’re willing to keep going after it, no matter the obstacles. However, for many talented females, if they’re not strongly encouraged by their teachers and peers, they’re going to lose confidence and pretty quickly drop the class and go where they feel more comfortable.

Women have so much to offer to engineering and innovation—especially in a world where sustainability and social entrepreneurship are becoming more important. I’m so proud of Jocelyn for taking the initiative to get the girls’ STEM group going. I was lucky to have parents and teachers that encouraged me as a student of science. I hope this group can offer that same kind of support and encouragement to the girls at VA.

JT: I definitely considered dropping AP physics. Mr. Frey is such a great teacher. He said, “Don’t do that. You’re really great and really smart, and you should continue with this, but I’ll respect your choice either way.” I thought to myself, he’s right. I’m going to continue and push through. I’m so happy that I did. It’s so important to establish good relationships with your teachers because it’s so easy to say that this subject is too hard. That’s when you have to dig in and not quit.

I started a STEM group to further encourage girls who already have an interest in math and science and to draw other girls in who might think that success in math and science is out of their reach.

— JOCELYN TRENDELL ’16


fter many years, I finally went back to VA for an alumni hockey game in February. I’m not sure why. It certainly wasn’t to show off my gimpy stride

and clumsy puck control. It probably had more to do with my oldest son’s current struggle to find a college. I thought—like me—maybe a year of prep school was the answer for him. And what better way to embrace this idea than to head back to where I was rescued from my own uncertainty so many years ago.

I had made the trip back to campus once before, but this trip was different. This time, I traveled without my wife and four kids. My thoughts and memories of how I ended up at VA and my time there were clearer than ever before. I found myself overwhelmed with gratitude. The generosity of the Cheney family and all of the coaches and teachers that helped me mature as a student and person hit me square in the heart.

I grew up in a large family not far from Fenway Park. My parents didn’t go to college, nor could they afford to send me to college and certainly not to one of New England’s prestigious prep schools. With the help of the Cheneys and the Edward R. Cheney ’44 Memorial Award, I was able to attend VA.

Thank you, Cheney family!

One of the biggest influences during my year at VA was Bob Harrington. Bob was my football and baseball coach. More importantly, Bob challenged me early on to be a leader to my younger teammates and classmates. He offered me a place to go when I needed someone to talk to, and during my second college search, he paved the way for me to attend Bowdoin College—his alma mater.

Thank you, Bob Harrington!

Looking back, I know VA made me a better person, friend, and student. The generosity, guidance, and friendship shown to me all those years ago are gifts that I will always remember and cherish. My fingers are crossed that all of my kids will be lucky enough to be surrounded by people who care about them as much as I was cared for at VA.

Thank you, Vermont Academy.

Cheers!

BOB EWANOUSKI ’80

DEAR VERMONT ACADEMY,

A

VA Network Bob is part of Vermont Academy’s

Networking Group. Join at vermontacademy.org/linkedin.

OPEN LETTER:

Bob Ewanouski ’80

From left to right: Wife, Lisa; youngest son, “Sonny”; daughter, Michele; me; oldest son, Declan; and middle son, Charlie

30 | SPR I NG / SU M M E R 2015

What I’m working on: For the last four years I’ve been assisting individuals, families, and small to mid-sized companies as a financial advisor and planner with Merrill Lynch.

What comes to mind when I hear Long Walk Legend:To me, Long Walk Legends are those who continually support the Vermont Academy community. Whether it’s attending alumni events and reunions, referring a prospective student, or volunteering time, a Long Walk Legend is someone who continues to stay connected and engaged with the school.

Best moment at VA:Skiing in the afternoon and coming back to campus to watch a hockey game at night was always great. Other highlights include Winter Carnival and our senior class trip to go white water rafting.

VA’s impact on me:Until VA, I had never enjoyed school. I dreaded going to class and disliked my teachers. Attending VA and living side by side with my teachers and coaches changed all that. Smaller classes, one-on-one attention, and teachers constantly willing to help were new to me. I was finally able to thrive in an environment that I had previously struggled in. As a result, my grades improved immediately. I’m not

sure I would have been as prepared for college had it not been for my time at VA. Vermont itself was also an incredible place to live and go to school. I eventually went to college in Burlington and got married in Vermont, where I had met my wife. I attribute so much of those later experiences to my roots at VA.

Why I give:I give because of the people I encountered at VA and the experiences I shared with them. Most of my best friends are, and always will be, the ones I made at VA. My wife and I just took a ski trip to Wyoming, and one of the highlights was being able to spend time with two of my best friends from VA. You pick up right where you left off. VA is a small school and needs a dedicated alumni base to ensure future classes can experience what I was fortunate enough to experience during my time there.

VA shout-out:A big hello to all my friends, teachers, and former classmates!

The Long Walk Legends Society was established in 2013 to honor VA constituents who pledge a gift—of any size—over the next five years or more.

2013 Married my wife, Heidi, in Vermont with four VA groomsmen by my side

2011 Returned to my hometown of Hamden, CT, to work at Merrill Lynch

2007 Remained in Vermont to coach freestyle skiing and work for Stratton Mountain School

2007 Graduated from Saint Michael’s College with business administration degree

2003 Graduated from Vermont Academy

“ My hope is that more alumni will find a way to give a gift to The Fund for Vermont Academy—regardless of size—rather than not participate at all. Every bit makes a difference.”

VA Network Rob is part of Vermont Academy’s

Networking Group. vermontacademy.org/linkedin.

senior class picture

TOGETHERSHAPING FUTURES TODAY

LONG WALK LEGEND:

Rob Outtrim


BY AMANDA HODGSON, FACULTY

Vermont isn’t always hot in June. Sometimes it’s peppered with cold and rainy days, and the warm sun only sneaks through on rare occasions. Vermonters have renewed hope each day in June that perhaps tomorrow it’ll feel like summer. Perhaps tomorrow we’ll swim, wear shorts, and revel in the heat and sunshine.

But in the summer of 2012, there was no need to pine for warmer days; they were upon us and summer was in full swing with only half of June behind us. Children were half-dressed, dancing through sprinklers and spraying garden hoses at one another. Some were wading in brooks and hightailing it to the local swimming hole in Saxtons River. Others were complaining of the heat already, and parents knew to prepare themselves for a long summer of complaints.

It was during one of these hot days of June that Ryan Ostebo asked my daughter, Maggie, to take part in his annual Fourth of July parade shenanigans. Ryan was a 74-four-year-old former Dartmouth hockey player, known in Saxtons River for his graceful style of skating, his legendary hockey playing, his great care for human beings, and his roller-blading antics during the annual parade. Maggie, a cherubic girl of nine, always flattered by attention, was thrilled to be asked, but she couldn’t quite conceive of what a roller-blading parade sketch might really entail. Certainly she did not prepare herself for the seemingly endless practice sessions in the uncharacteristically hot June/July sun. Ryan wanted things done right, and by right I mean well—and exactly as he’d concocted in his mind.

This year, the skit featured Ryan dressed in an airplane costume. A stunning

wooden plane, it was at least seven feet in length with an eight-

foot wingspan and a working propeller. Facing it head on and without its cover, the plane reminded me of the skeleton of a whale—arching ribs and all. It was so intricately constructed that you’d swear it

might be functioning—the guts of it were sound and convincing.

Ryan would climb inside the mammoth getup, attach it to his

shoulders, and look very much like he was in the cockpit of a small jet. The plane covered

his entire midsection, but his legs were free to skate.

The concept of the skit was that Ryan was a disobedient pilot, and Maggie was a serious, and somewhat frustrated, air traffic controller. The plan was that she’d chide Ryan for refusing to land his plane per her orders; he would circle around and around, as though he were having the time of his life, and Maggie would grow more and more exasperated with each circle he made. She’d stamp her feet, point to the spot she wanted him to land, wave her arms, and generally act the part of the comedic disobeyed authority figure.

SAXTONS RIVER

MAGGIE AND RYAN

32 | SPR I NG / SU M M E R 2015

When Maggie first started rehearsing, no plane was in sight, so we couldn’t imagine how it would all shake out. Ryan, on Rollerblades, gave intricate directions to her. “Do it like this. No, not quite like that. Look like you’re really mad but in a funny way. Okay, let’s try it differently this time.” Maggie tried with all her might to satisfy him, but she was finding it tough to please Ryan when he had it in his head how something was supposed to be. Also, she was used to grown-ups being satisfied by whatever children were doing; few people had ever told her to do it again until you get it right. As her mother, I found the whole thing refreshing. While Ryan was serious about the production value of the skit and determined to get it right, he was patient and steadfast in his calm, kind affection for Maggie. She knew she needed to persevere to make the skit funny and relevant; the hard work of it was not lost on a young girl of nine. She recognized quickly, through her sweat and exhaustion on those hot summer evenings, that to garner the attention she wanted from the crowd at the parade, and to assuage Ryan’s worries that it just might not be good enough, she’d have to dig deep and reach her inner comedian. She’d have to figure out how to do it right.

The day before the parade, Ryan donned the airplane. Mary, Ryan’s wife, had constructed a delightful air traffic control uniform for Maggie. She was dressed in a white maintenance jumpsuit, the words “Maggie and Ryan Air” printed on the back. She wore a bright red Saxtons River Pirates baseball hat, her ponytail sticking through the space in the back. The clincher was the wagon she pulled behind her. It contained all of her air traffic control props: a stool, checkered flags, and a big X to mark the landing spot.

Maggie and Ryan began their last rehearsal, but it was the first time it was all coming together. This was when I first witnessed Ryan skating with his impeccably constructed 100-pound plane strapped to his shoulders; I was dumbfounded. He was a man in his seventies, but from a distance, he might have passed

for a current Dartmouth hockey player. He skated with the swiftness of a man of twenty-four and with a grace that could only have been acquired through time.

They were an act at the circus, a cartoon strip in the funny papers, or a parade sketch in Saxtons River. It was 2012, 1947, or 1903. They were magic.

When the parade started, they marched along with the rest of the performers down Pleasant Street, Ryan swooping and swiftly maneuvering his plane with grace, ease, and elegance. Maggie dutifully trudged along behind, beside, and in front of him as he circled. I watched, mesmerized. Maggie stomped, Ryan ignored. Maggie pointed, Ryan smirked and swooped. Maggie huffed, Ryan grinned and turned again. Maggie crossed her arms and stomped. Ryan circled. Maggie waved her arms, stomped, and pointed. Ryan looked sheepish and “landed.” Maggie hopped on her stool to inspect the plane, pulled a rubber chicken out of the engine, chided Ryan some more, and sent him on his way. They performed that same act in two or three places along Main Street, delighting the crowd. Ryan and Maggie got it right that day. They were every bit of cartoon Technicolor; they were innocence and old-fashioned comedy. They were an act at the circus, a cartoon strip in the funny papers, or a parade sketch in Saxtons River. It was 2012, 1947, or 1903. They were magic.

It is rare in recent years, at least since I’ve been a parent, to find people who will push your child toward excellence. All the kids get trophies—all the time. Their lives are a series of “good job” and “you’re smart” and “we’re all special.” Not so with Ryan during those scorching-hot summer rehearsals. For this, I am forever grateful.

Read Mr. Ostebo’s obituary on page 50.


Reimagining their music by finding their voice BY ERKKI MACKEY, FACULTY

For many students at boarding

school, life can fall into a very

regular pattern: Class. Sports.

Study hall. Repeat. Not so for

Thomas Durnford and Lara Young,

two of Vermont Academy’s

senior musicians.

3 4 | SPR I NG / SU M M E R 2015

You’re more likely to find Thomas lugging his giant bass to Horowitz than carrying skis to the rope tow. If you can’t find Lara, it’s probably because she’s off campus playing her bassoon with one of her many orchestral ensembles. Both are as accomplished as they are dedicated; among other accolades, they were recently selected to the Vermont All-State Music Festival, Thomas as the only bassist and Lara as the principal bassoonist. Ensemble instructor Steve Cady describes Thomas as “a passionate player” who has “always had a natural enthusiasm for improvisation.” Lara, he says, “is one of the more technically proficient musicians I’ve seen in my 14 years here.” Both, however, are quick to deflect such high praise and instead credit VA with helping them reimagine their playing—but not in ways you’d expect.

A Walpole, New Hampshire, native and four-year senior, Thomas has spent his formative years in the local music scene, both on campus and off. He has played with the VA jazz and chamber ensembles, the Putney School jazz combo and community orchestra, and the Keene chamber orchestra. His ability to play in a wide range of styles with a variety of groups might well be Thomas’s greatest strength. He is, according to Mr. Cady, “a Swiss army knife who can fit a lot of needs.” It is perhaps surprising, then, that Thomas points not to practice in many different genres but rather to voice lessons with new VA choral director Richard Smith as having a significant influence on improving the way he plays bass.

To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.

— JOSEPH CHILTON PIERCE

Thomas Durnford ‘15 and Loyola University New Orleans Class of 2019 and Lara Young ‘15 and McGill University Class of 2019


“I realized I’d been breathing wrong for seventeen years,” Thomas explains. “Breathing is huge, even though I don’t play a wind instrument. You can get really into a piece and realize you’re not breathing, and that can make you frantic and influence your music in bad ways. Now I’m better able to work my breathing into a phrase and keep calm.” Mr. Smith agrees, adding, “I think that Thomas’s study of voice has helped him with his overall ability to connect musical phrases and experience a new perspective in performance.”

Lara, who hails from New York City, began playing piano at age three and came to VA as a junior. Breathing properly is essential when she plays the bassoon, so singing has been part of her practice for as long as she has been playing. Singing, she claims, helps her better understand how to play difficult pieces and makes her playing more musical.

“If I can’t figure out the phrasing of a certain piece,” she says, “I sing it and think carefully about why I did this thing or that thing with my body and how that should translate into my bassoon.” Mr. Smith highlights that as one of Lara’s strengths. “Lara has a beautiful sense of phrasing on the bassoon, which she applies to her vocal and piano skills.”

Having arrived at VA with years of training already behind her, Lara says it is the local music scene that has given her a new perspective. “Music has gotten me to be part of the community outside of VA. I’ve gotten a feel for the real Vermont, and it has helped me explore music in a different way,” she says.

Her being off campus so much has required flexibility on the part of her teachers and school administrators, something she said was in shorter supply her first year here. “Last year, I heard, ‘You mean you want to practice the bassoon for three hours a day?’” This year has been a better experience thanks to teachers, coaches, and administrators who have been more willing to work around her schedule. “VA is so open to students trying new things,” she adds. Thomas couldn’t agree more. “For sure the culture is different [now] than when I started.” Both Thomas and Lara plan to pursue music in college, and they will leave behind a legacy that has shaped that very culture. Together, in dedication to their craft, they have done as much to change VA as VA has done to change them. And that’s exactly how it should be.

Read about Erkki Mackey in the profile on page 14.

Together, in dedication to their craft, they have done as much to change VA as VA has done to change them. And that’s exactly how it should be.

36 | SPR I NG / SU M M E R 2015

CLASS NOTES

REFLECTThe examples set by my mentors at VA, especially John Lucy, created an

educational philosophy that enabled me to play a role in the lives of countless young people and a personal philosophy that has helped me overcome obstacles and live a happy and productive life. As I approach my 80th year, the lessons learned and the memories from my association with VA

will never be forgotten.— BILL ROUSSEAU ’55


40Class Volunteer: J. Whitney Brown 53 Conanicus Avenue, Apt. 2G, Jamestown, RI 02835, [email protected]

CLASS OF 1940

Our 75th Reunion is September 25–27, 2015. Mark your calendar now!

42 Class Volunteer: George Bentley 180 Main Street, Apt. B106, Walpole, MA 02081, [email protected]

43 Class Volunteers: Richard Leary, PO Box 518, New London, NH 03257; Duke Powell Jr., 6 Grandview Dr., Ridgefield, CT 06877, [email protected]

45Class Volunteer: Franklin Pierce Jackson 120 Indian Trail, Scituate, MA 02066, [email protected]

CLASS OF 1945


47 Class Volunteer: William Reoch PO Box 1184, Kennebunkport, ME 04046, [email protected]

48 Class Volunteer: Robert Taft 50 Timberpond Dr., Apt. 3301, Peterborough, NH 03458, [email protected]

50Class Volunteer: Robert Scholl 470 Park Road Extension, Middlebury, CT 06762, [email protected]

CLASS OF 1950


51 Class Volunteer: Robert Anderson 345 Westbrook Road, Saint Helena Island, SC 29920, [email protected]

Larry Cole wrote: “Each August, I run the New Balance Falmouth (MA) Road Race to raise money for the Boston Children’s Hospital Trust. This year, we surpassed the $110,000 fundraising goal by almost $20,000. I won my age group on the seven-mile course with a time of 1:22:43. Also, by virtue of being the only male aged 80–84 in the James Joyce Ramble in Dedham, MA, on April 27, I won the USA Track & Field National 10K Championship for my age group. And, because I was the only runner in my age group in the NER Pub Series, New England Runner designated me Massachusetts’ Male 80+ Runner of the Year. It’s not my problem if nobody else shows up!”

“Faster than a speeding bullet! Yes, that’s NER Pub Series resident octogenarian speedster Larry Cole ’51 in full flight at the Paddy’s Shillelagh Shuffle finish line.” Three-mile race, October 19, 2014, West Newton, MA. Photo by MickFoto/NERunner.

54 Class Volunteer: Donald Megathlin 925 Main Street, PO Box 125, Cotuit, MA 02635, [email protected]

55Class Volunteers: Donald Scholl, 895 Copes Lane, West Chester, PA 19380, [email protected]; W. Eugene Hays, 104 Cortland Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789, [email protected]

CLASS OF 1955


Gene Hays wrote: “It is time to make plans for attending our 60th reunion. Vermont in the fall is a beautiful place to visit, and getting together with classmates to revive old memories and renew friendships will prove to be a special time. The VA campus today is impressive, and it will be a great setting for getting reacquainted with the school and each other. I’ll make certain that we celebrate in style, perhaps a cocktail buffet on the Hill or at the Saxtons River Inn. As we get closer to Sept. 25–27, I’ll forward more details, but let’s mark our calendars early for planning purposes. I’m looking forward to a great weekend with old friends. Don’t leave home without your wife or girlfriend! Also just received fun messages from Winthrop “Joe” Dow, Jon Metzger, and Wally Hart, each hoping to make it.”

Stephen Brink wrote: “I still visit often with Mel Speirs ’46 here in San Antonio. I don’t have much time to travel back east lately due to grandfatherly duties. I am the last of all the grandparents in the family with all the duties and commitments of this position.”

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CL ASS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:

41 | 4 4 | 46 | 49 | 52 | 53 | 57

REFLECTAt 84, I can describe VA in one word: discipline. We learned to have self-control,

study hard, and never give up—that has been my creed in life.— RAY WEIR ’49

Harry Cain wrote: “I’m still blessed with good health, a great wife, three kids, eight grandkids, and now an official residence in Florida. Golf game remains competitive, still teaching, some consulting, studying languages, some volunteer work, and concerned about the state of the world. Also I’ve just begun to sing in a community chorus—first time since Vermont Academy days when the octet was so much fun! So all in all, I’m very lucky and hope that as many of my old classmates as possible are in the same boat. Best, Buzz (I’ve not used “Buzz” in 50 years!)”

56 Class Volunteers: Peter Hickey, 37153 South Desert Sun Drive, Saddlebrook, AZ 85739, [email protected]; Frederic Nichols, 23500 Cristo Rey Drive, Unit 302D, Cupertino, CA 95014, [email protected]

58 Class Volunteers: Leslie Lewis, 125 River Birch Land, Dalton, MA 01226, [email protected], [email protected]; Robert Luke, 77 Hillside Avenue, Florham Park, NJ 07932, [email protected]

59 Class Volunteer: Donald McInnes, PO Box 844, 597 West Falmouth Hwy., Cottage 5, West Falmouth, MA 02574, [email protected]

60 Class Volunteers: George Yeomans, PO Box 33, 106 Masquesatch Road, Westport Point, MA 02791, [email protected]; Penn Lardner, 20705 Meadow Drive, Sonoma, CA 95476, richardlardner@ sbcglobal.net; Dan Brown, 13 Foxborough Drive, Gilford, NH 03249, [email protected]; Ronald Stewart, 919 Maumee Avenue, Mansfield, OH 44906, [email protected]

CLASS OF 1960


The Class of 1960 will be celebrating its 55th reunion this year, September 25–27. We hope to see you all!

Dan Brown wrote: “Carolyn and I continue to remain quite active with our interests changing pretty much with the seasons here in northern New England. Winter activities include downhill and cross-country skiing, as well as snowshoeing, all of which we can do right here in Gilford. During the rest of the year, we hike, cycle, and sail on Lake Winnipesaukee. We continue to spend time in Maine, where we have a seasonal home in Sorrento on Frenchman Bay. While in Maine, we hike with the Downeast Outing Club. Carolyn volunteers weekly at the Gilford Public Library and the New Hampshire Humane Society. We have a golden retriever, which is now two and one-half years old. Over the years we have provided a home for five dogs: three goldens and two German shepherd rescues. Over the last year, we visited New Orleans in May for a graduation followed in June by my 50th class reunion at Middlebury, where I was able to renew friendships with VA classmates Bob Seeley and Woody Hickcox. Also attended a 55th high school class reunion in Greenfield, MA. Am looking forward to our 55th reunion on September 25–27 and hope to renew acquaintances with many members of our class. I found that the VA website has some helpful information for

planning the weekend. This includes a tentative schedule and a listing of area lodging with photos/details. Selecting “Alumni” from the VA home page can access this information. For the 50th reunion, most of us stayed at the Fullerton Inn in Chester, and it appears that this will be the recommended lodging for the 55th.” VA Network

Paul Butler wrote: “Nothing really too different in Nadia’s and my life. Did the Hawaii world championships in 2012 and 2013. Sold the company but agreed to stay on with new ownership. Waiting for a change of control to see what to do next. Big company so life is somewhat different. Mainly commuting to Dubai and Singapore/Tokyo building the international business I had started with my company. Nadia and I travel a lot, probably three months a year. Last trip was to Russia and central Asia. See my four kids more (oldest 50, youngest 44). Youngest daughter (46) had one of the top five marathon times in the world last year; son (44) did Leadville 100 last year. Made Ironman look like a sprint. Eleven grandchildren, one great-child.”

Richard Compson wrote: “Joan and I went to our Franklin and Marshall College 50th reunion in June last year and had a great time seeing our old friends. Throughout the year and winter, we visit our kids and their families in Albany, the Boston area, and New Hampshire. This summer, Joan and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary at our summer home in the Adirondacks. We played golf and spent sometimes eight hours a day in ski boats with our family and grandkids. Joan and I both retired this year and are creating a new retired life together with as few schedules as possible. In February, we headed to Hilton Head, SC, where we met many new friends, tried to exercise every day in the gym, walked and biked the long beaches, played golf, attended senior seminars, and shared dinners. We return home periodically to visit with Joan’s mom who is 101, attend grandkids’ events, and see the rest of our family. We hope you are all well, healthy, and happy.”

Jack Eberle wrote: “The gregarious Jack Quebman ’60 and I found an opportunity to have lunch at SS Hookers (honest, it’s a restaurant) at Sanibel Point the first of February. We had a “What have you been doing lately?” discussion, trying to catch up for the last few years. Most years, Sandra and I go to Sanibel in

February to our timeshare on the island near Fort Myers. I am still working as a stockbroker. We had a fabulous visit with our son and his wife with our very first 11-month-old grandson from Seattle while there. Sandra and I took in a couple of art classes. One of them uses alcohol ink as the medium. I like to call it ‘tipsy art.’”


Woody Hickcox wrote: “Retired, if that’s the right word, in May of 2013. They gave me half of my old office back—more than that in practice because my office mate is an adjunct who is not often there—and I teach a class in climatology (actually climate change; climatology isn’t especially interesting). My wife still works at Emory (the college from which I’m sort of retired), so I go in with her most days. One of the hallmarks of my department (Environmental Sciences) is Waffle Thursdays, something I started when we moved into our building a decade or so ago. No one else seems capable of mixing up the batter, so they tolerate my hanging around, using the printers and copiers, painting murals on the bare walls and such. It involves making a very large bowl of batter and cranking out waffles from about noon until the batter runs out sometime after 1:00. It’s a wonderful opportunity for faculty and students to mingle and begin to feel like they’re part of the department. What will happen after this May when my wife will retire isn’t clear, but it’s unlikely that we will move. I still go to the ancient Hickcox summer place on Lake Memphremagog about a quarter mile from Quebec in northernmost Vermont. The place doesn’t really have heat, so I doubt we could stay there until reunion time in late September, although I will explore the possibilities. September is a good time to visit our darling daughter who teaches at CU in Boulder. We enjoy car camping around the West, and September and October are prime tourist-free times. I really enjoyed our 50th, so hope to make it to the 55th. Still painting birds.”

Robert Morse wrote: “Hi, Penn and classmates, a belated Happy 2015 to you. I do not know where the time goes, but it sure passes quickly, and we will soon have our 55th reunion. Stephanie and I are looking forward to seeing everybody in September. We have had a busy year doing whatever and spending time with family and friends and will celebrate our 52nd anniversary in August. We spend five months in Shelburne, VT, and seven months in Bonita Springs, FL. Stephanie continues to battle Parkinson’s disease but is still somewhat mobile.”

Robert Seeley wrote: “In terms of news, Dan Brown, Woody Hickcox, and I attended our 50th reunion at Middlebury last June. Dan said that Sean Brennan was also there for his 25th. I played a jazz trio for the classmates in Breadloaf Barn. All the best.”

Ronald Stewart wrote: “I retired from the Army in 1995, closed my printing business in 2000 and started driving an 18-wheeler, and retired in 2007 when I had a knee replacement. Worked security until I retired from that this past August. Now I do a lot of volunteer work, which keeps me busy. I do photography for several organizations, which I really enjoy. I am a member of the local CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), so my past fire and military experience is very useful! I look forward to our upcoming 55th reunion! Saxtons River has been our family’s home for years, and I’ve been on the VA campus since the summer of 1943.”

George Yeomans wrote: “I am enjoying my retirement, still working at the local boatyard running the launches, and still fish commissioner (overseeing the herring runs).”

61 Class Volunteer: John Anderson 304 Murphree Street, Troy, AL 36081, [email protected]

62 Class Volunteers: Peter Flatow, 3 Thomas Road, Westport, CT 06880, [email protected]; Richard Weeks, 4242 N. 119 St., Lafayette, CO 80026, [email protected]

Charles Padelford wrote: “Another successful year has passed. In July, I adopted my third dog: another poodle mix. All three are senior dogs who have fit well with each other and my retirement. In September, it was a quick four days up to Utah for a very dear friend’s daughter’s wedding. Come the middle of November to Christmas Eve, it was nonstop being a real bearded Santa Claus, my newest passion in life.”

64 Class Volunteer: Townsend Hoopes 96698 Arrigo Boulevard, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, [email protected]

65Class Volunteers: Craig Baab, 637 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery, AL 36106, [email protected]; Augustus Clement, 4815 Rushford Plain, Colorado Springs, CO 80923, [email protected]

CLASS OF 1965


66 Class Volunteer: Richard Janis 1739 Maybank Highway, B8-337, Charleston, SC 29412, [email protected]

Rick Janis wrote: “Penny, Lionel the dog, and I spent from April to December 2014 logging in over 9,000 miles traveling primarily east of the Mississippi in our motor coach. The highlights of the trip were: Texas, Louisiana, Appalachian and Smokey Mountains, Gettysburg Reenactment on July 4, West Point, Vanderbilt and Biltmore Mansions, Lake George and Lake Champlain, Mt. Washington, Rockland Lobster Festival, Kennebunkport, Block Island, Provincetown, clamming at Sagadahoc Bay, whale watching at Boothbay Harbor, Maine’s lighthouses, Mystic Seaport, KY Bourbon Festival, Corvette Museum, Nashville, and the Carolina Hot Air Balloon Festival. However, the best and most memorable part was our reunion with ’66 classmates. We met and visited with Doug and Anne Cranshaw, who were gracious

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63 | 72 | 75

REFLECTSixty-five years later I vividly recall the smell of the woods early in the morning when

we went bird-watching and the reds and golds of a fall hike. When charting your course for the future, remember to honor the past and your VA experience.

— ROB SCHOLL ’50

hosts at Five Islands, ME, and stopped at East Falmouth, MA, where we had a leisurely lunch and caught up on our varied lives as we worked our way south for the winter.” VA Network

From left to right: Bill Aldrich, Lem Skidmore, “Doc” Taylor, and Rick Janis

67 Class Volunteer: Richard Moulton PO Box 97, 109 Moulton Drive, Huntington, VT 05462, [email protected]

68 Class Volunteer: Richard Sacknoff 24 Buckman Drive, Lexington, MA 02421, [email protected]

69 Class Volunteers: John Hoder, 95 Riverscape Lane, Tiverton, RI 02878, [email protected]; Mark Russell, 8 Sweet Fern Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, [email protected]

70Class Volunteers: Bernard Hoyes, PO Box 961, Palm Springs, CA 92263, [email protected]; Richard Patterson, 5 Nibang Ave., Old Saybrook, CT 06475, [email protected]

CLASS OF 1970


71 Class Volunteers: Stanley Wilkinson, 227 Whetstone Road, Harwinton, CT 06791, [email protected]; Thomas Hinman, 50 Baston Road, North Yarmouth, ME 04097, [email protected]

72 John Johnson wrote: “I am a practicing optometrist with three grown children and two granddaughters. Still enjoying golf and life in a small Vermont community.”

73 Class Volunteers: John Brucato, 12 Whip O Will Lane, Milford, MA 01757, [email protected]; Charles Gunn, 107 Emery Hill Rd., Henniker, NH 03242, [email protected]

74 Class Volunteer: William Reid 394 Walnut Street, Putnam, CT 06260, [email protected]

CLASS OF 1975


76 Class Volunteers: Daniel Quartin, 108 Carriage Hill Drive, Newington, CT 06111, [email protected]; James Bamman, 2 Reeves Avenue, Guilford, CT 06437, [email protected]

77 Class Volunteer: Sean Bersell 1213 N. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, CA 91207, [email protected]

Sean Bersell shared the press release his company issued following his promotion: “EMA Promotes Bersell: The Entertainment Merchants Association (EMA) today announced that it was promoting three long-time team members, Sean Bersell, Carrie Dieterich, and Carla Immordino, in recognition of the roles they are playing in the association’s growth and strategic focus. ‘We are fortunate to have Sean, Carrie, and Carla—as well as Jennifer Lane Burnell and Steven Apple—as members of our team as we grow EMA and expand our representation of the industry,’ said Mark Fisher, president and CEO of EMA. ‘Each brings complementary strengths and talents, as well

as extensive experience in the home entertainment industry, which allows us to successfully fulfill our mission.’ Sean Bersell, who was elevated to senior vice president of public affairs, joined the Video Software Dealers Association, EMA’s predecessor, in 1999 after working for the United

States Senate, the National Park Service, and a professional society in Washington, DC. He is responsible for the association’s government relations, public relations, member communications, and digital supply chain activities.” VA Network


78 Class Volunteer: Emily Colson 1619 Boros Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28303, [email protected]

Mike Choukas ’73 wrote: “Jeff Graham ’78 was just appointed the general manager of the Hanover Improvement Society. This is a big job. The H.I.S. is a nonprofit that owns and manages a number of recreational facilities, among them: the Storrs Pond swimming area, the James Campion Hockey Rink, the Occom Pond winter sports area, and the Nugget Theaters, the local movie house.”

79 Class Volunteers: Peter Hamilton, 16 Audubon Park, Lynn, MA 01902, [email protected]; Jane Ogden, PO Box 85, Middlebury, VT 05753, [email protected]; Diane Wilder, 807 Aubrey Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003, [email protected]

80 Class Volunteers: Lawrence Echanis, 45 South Main St., Selbyville, DE 19975, [email protected]; Karen Galloway, 885 County Road, Walpole, NH 03608; G. Ewing Buta, 141 Oak Tree Drive, Canfield, OH 44406, [email protected]

CLASS OF 1980


81 Class Volunteers: Foster McKeon, 10 Old Orchard Road, Easton, CT 06612, [email protected]; Kathryn Carver, 75 Nice Way, Colchester, VT 05446, [email protected]

82 Class Volunteer: Thomas Oxholm 1079 Firetower Road, Colora, MD 21917, [email protected]

83 Class Volunteers: Scott McKeon, 6 Cornwall Cir., Wayne, PA 19807, [email protected]; Daniel Dougherty, 22 Shattuck Street, Natick, MA 01760, [email protected]; Keith Canning, 126 Hersey Street, Portland, ME 04103, [email protected], Dora Sudarsky, 2 Bay Court, South Burlington, VT 05403, [email protected], Adam Tschorn, 6310 Maryland Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90048, [email protected]

Dan Dougherty wrote: “On December 30, I reunited with my VA roommate, Paul Galligan, for his 50th birthday gathering in Providence. I met so many great people that have enjoyed knowing Paul since our days together. Paul and I stayed up late chatting just like the old days (but no backgammon this time around). On the professional side, I have founded a firm called KeynectUp. KeynectUp is a mobile app that helps you easily connect and stay connected with the people you meet through your life. Institutional beachhead accounts have been established, including auto dealerships, corporate hiring, and trade show groups, plus my other alma mater, Skidmore College. The Skidmore Alumni Affairs department leverages the app to “keynect” and never lose touch with alumni. It’s a perfect way to keynect, reengage, and never lose touch with your friends, business

associates, and fellow alumni. Simply download the mobile app from the Apple or Play store, create a profile, and keynect with me. My KeynectUp ID is dan. I am also doing some very fun work with an Australian firm called Team App. On that front, I have aligned with Warner Jones ’84 to rollout this mobile platform to lacrosse organizations for 140 towns in Massachusetts. It’s great to work with such a polished project manager as Warner on a project that will have great impact across the lacrosse community here in our state and beyond.” VA Network

84 Class Volunteer: Mark Culkin 823 Tequesta Drive, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, [email protected]

85 Class Volunteers: Christopher Stevens, 92 Bullard Street, Holden, MA 01520, [email protected]; C. Charles Schafer, 41 Larchwood Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764; Andrew Bigelow, 1002 W. Altgeld Street, Chicago, IL 60614, [email protected]

CLASS OF 1985


86 Timothy Potter wrote: “Dear Class of 1986, it was great seeing some of you at the 25th reunion. For those that could not make it, here is what I am up to. In 2002, I got married.

My wife’s name is Leslie. We have a son, Peter. We have a grandson whose name is Kayden. He is four years old. We live in Pittsfield, MA. In 2001, I was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). RP is a genetic eye disease that afflicts your peripheral and night vision. Unfortunately, there is no cure. Basically, you will become blind or have tunnel vision. Since 2004, I have been receiving services from the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB). I was employed at a local nursing home in their activities department until 2011, when I was let go due to Medicare cutbacks. In 2012, I was a participant in MCB’s summer internship program. I did my internship at United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Berkshire County. I worked at their front desk answering phones and doing customer relations work. In 2013, I interned with the Berkshire Talking Chronicle (BTC). The BTC is a radio reading service of UCP affiliated with the Talking Information Center. As an intern with BTC, I fulfilled the role of administrative assistant to the coordinator. In 2014, I interned with the Brien Center. They deal with mental health and substance abuse issues. I worked in their financial department.

Every summer, the MCB’s summer internship program holds an essay competition. The competition is for their Reach for the Stars Leadership Award. To be eligible for the award, each intern has to write a one- to two-page essay. In 2012, I was one of four recipients of the award. In the fall of 2012, I was given a computer by MCB. To use a computer, I have a special screen-recognition program called Jaws. It recognizes everything on the computer and reads it to me. Before I could master Jaws and receive further computer training, I had to relearn the keyboard. This was done through a program called

VA Network Designates part of Vermont Academy’s Networking Group. Join at vermontacademy.org/linkedin.4 2 | SPR I NG / SU M M E R 2015

REFLECTMy three years at VA changed my life, and I am deeply indebted.

I think I did my best at the best school for me.— DON HUBERT ’62


86

Talking Typer. When I relearned the entire keyboard and could type at least twenty words per minute, I was referred to the Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton, MA. I was enrolled in their three-week tech program. During those three weeks, I learned about Microsoft Word, the Internet, email, Google, and Microsoft Excel. It has opened up a whole new world for me.

In 2005, I became a member of the Berkshire Benevolent Association for the Blind. The association is a social and fraternal organization for visually impaired residents of Berkshire County. Currently, I am the association’s president. In 2007, I participated with two other association members in Eye Rock 500. This was a car race that took place at the Lebanon Valley Speedway in New Lebanon, NY. It was a fundraiser for blind and deaf children attending a sports camp in Rochester, NY. The race had a blind driver with a sighted co-driver in the car. The role of the co-driver was to direct the blind driver around the track safely. This was a lot of fun, and we raised about $5,000. Leslie was very supportive of me doing this since I was extremely reluctant. I was very glad that I did this. I am a member of The Berkshire Hillsmen. We are a barbershop chorus and the Pittsfield chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. I sing tenor. I also sing tenor in a barbershop quartet called Floyd.”

87 Class Volunteers: Michelle Wells, 232 West 74th Street, #3B, New York, NY 10023, [email protected]; Billi McCullough, 5460 S. Jasmine Street, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, [email protected]

88 Class Volunteer: Charmion Handy PO Box 439, Hartley Hill Rd., Saxtons River, VT 05154, [email protected]

89 Class Volunteer: John Kemper 143 Beattie Road, South Londonderry, VT 05155, [email protected]

90 Class Volunteers: Ann Jones, 21 Maple Street, Woodstock, VT 05091, [email protected]; Lee Ryder, 2361 S. Columbine Street, Denver, CO 80210, [email protected]; Jamison Gagnier, 37 Peterson Rd., Duxbury, MA 02332, [email protected]; Mary Dean, 2 Hanson Road, Canton, CT 06019, [email protected]

CLASS OF 1990


91 Class Volunteer: Amy Howard 317 29th Street, Apt. 206, San Francisco, CA 94131, [email protected]

92 Class Volunteers: Elizabeth Adams, 24 Central Ave., Rutland, VT 05701, [email protected]; Mark Engelke, 88 Glenmere Dr., Chatham, NJ 07928, [email protected]

93 Class Volunteers: Noel Chipman, 418 Mountain Rd., Concord, NH 03301, [email protected]; Adam Garner, 900 S. Lamar Blvd, Apt. 203, Austin, TX 78704, [email protected]

94 Class Volunteers: Meghan Giroux, 9 Pleasant St., Bristol, VT 05443, [email protected]; Elizabeth Parks, PO Box 53, Manchester Center, VT 05255, [email protected]

95 Class Volunteers: Erika Gustafson, 34 Wedgemere Rd., Medford, MA 02155, [email protected]; Alison Johnson, 2415 W. Wilson Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625, [email protected]

CLASS OF 1995


96 Class Volunteer: Kirk Vaughan 2401 Blackberry Lane, Raleigh, NC 27609, [email protected]

Kirk Vaughan wrote: “Dear Class of ’96, our 20th reunion (!) will be in 2016, and we want to have as many of you there as possible! If you are not a member on our Facebook page, please join Vermont Academy Class of 1996 Alums so you can find updates. We want to make it as outstanding and fun as possible!”

97 Class Volunteers: Sarah Weilbrenner Viteri, 61 Gutzon Borglum Rd., Stamford, CT 06903, [email protected]; Erin Kennelly, 563 West St., Keene, NH 03431, [email protected]; Aaron Walsh, PO Box 385, Marlboro, VT 05344

98 Class Volunteers: Kathryn Turner, 112 Fairview St. NW, Leesburg, VA 20176, [email protected]; Alexander Law, 2721 Black Oaks Lane N., Plymouth, MN 55447, [email protected]

99 Class Volunteers: Katherine Dawes, 243 Moria Place, Aston, PA 19014, [email protected]; Sarah Murrow, 107 Greenridge Rd.,Timonium, MD 21093-6123, [email protected]; Andrew Tyson, 245 East 124 St., Apt. 8M, New York, NY 10035, [email protected]

00 Class Volunteers: Patience Baldwin, 904 East 20th Ave., Denver, CO 80205, [email protected]; Grayson Holden, 444 Rich St., Oakland, CA 94609-2513, [email protected]; Matthew Howarth, [email protected]; Jeannlis Sanchez, PO Box 1123, Soundview Station, Bronx, NY 10472, [email protected]

CLASS OF 2000



01 Class Volunteers: Corey Esau, 21 Beacon St., #3, Marblehead, MA 01945, [email protected]; Alexandra Walsh, 159 South St., #1R, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, alexandraguard@ gmail.com; Matthew Cotter, 3 Locust Lane, East Sandwich, MA 02537, [email protected]; Devin Finigan, PO Box 193, Sedgwick, ME, 04676, [email protected]; J. Andrew Guard, 159 South St., #1R, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, [email protected]; Kristin Dubak, 561 California Rd., Bronxville, NY 10708, [email protected]

02 Class Volunteers: Robert Bergman, 95 Settlers Dr., Hancock, ME 04640, [email protected]; Amber DiPasquale, 13685 Water Springs Ct., Centerville, VA 20121, [email protected]; John Penney III, c/o John Penney, 1347 Trebo Rd., Chester, VT 05143, [email protected]

Kelly Fahner wrote: “2014 and 2015 had some of the highest highs and unfortunately the lowest low for our family. In June, our younger brother, Chris (Class of ’06), gave Kim and I a new sister when he married his girlfriend of seven-plus years, Lynsey. They had a picture-perfect Vermont wedding.

Shortly after their wedding, my now fiancé, Brendan, proposed to me in Vermont and had both of our families secretly present to celebrate! It was a wonderful day that I will cherish forever.

In December, my sister, Kim (Class of ’02), gave our family our biggest blessing to date by giving birth to my beautiful niece, Margaret Ann O’Connor. Maggie has filled our family with so much love.

Sadly, on January 6, we said goodbye to our beloved father who died after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. Our family continues to be overwhelmed by all of the love and support for our father. Thank you to all who sent cards, messages, and donations in our father’s honor. It has meant the world to us. We miss our father every day but know his legacy lives on.

With winter almost behind us, Brendan and I, along with our families, look forward to the wedding on June 27 and subsequent honeymoon in the Greek Islands and Turkey! Best wishes from all of the Fahners to everyone at VA.”

03 Class Volunteers: Eliza Cross, 153 West Brookline St. # 1, Boston, MA 02118, [email protected]; Britton Inglehart, 21857 Lake Ave., Wellesley Island, NY 13640, [email protected]; Kyle Nelligan, 6623 Wedderburn Dr., Wilmington, NC 28412, [email protected]; Amy Olsen, PO Box 2240, Pocono Pines, PA 18350, [email protected]; Andrew Robinson, 703 South Hanover St., Baltimore, MD 21230, [email protected]

Heather (Hamilton) Burgess wrote: “A brief update from Canada: In July of last year, I was hired by the Waterloo Regional Police Service as a police cadet and after months of training and attending the Ontario Police College, I was officially sworn in as a police officer on December 5, 2014. It was a great day, and I was glad to be able to share it with much of my family.”

Heather Burgess ’03 sworn in as a police officer with the Waterloo Regional Police Service.

04 Class Volunteers: Edward Duess, 121 S. Elm Dr. #14, Beverly Hills, CA 90212, [email protected]; Jean-Daniel Lussier, 988 rue Guy-Burelle, Laval, QC H7W 0G5, Canada, [email protected]; Hillary Talbot, 3913 Westminster West Road, Putney, VT 05346, [email protected]

05 Class Volunteers: Laura Gage, 2701 Calvert St. NW, Apt.721, Washington, DC 20008, [email protected]; Corbin Vreeland, PO Box 1374, Bridgehampton, NY 11932, [email protected]; Robert Harlow, 23 Northwood Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089, [email protected]; Lauren Zwicker, 15 Jenny Ln., Brattleboro, VT 05301, [email protected]

CLASS OF 2005


06 Class Volunteers: Zachary Jandl, 69 Perham St., #3, West Roxbury, MA 02132, [email protected]; Austin DeLonge, PO Box 63, Cambridgeport, VT 05141, [email protected]; Calvin Stowell, 1 Charlestown Rd., Claremont, NH 03743, [email protected]

Patrick Cutrona wrote: “After serving in the Peace Corps from 2010–2012 in the Ukraine, I returned home to Massachusetts. I now work for the Boston sports-based youth development organization Shooting Touch and am finishing a master’s in sustainable international development at Brandeis University. I stay up past lights out every night.” VA Network

James Harris wrote: “Things have been great since VA. After a long five years, I finished my snowboarding career with an Olympic qualifier under my belt and some great experiences. Now I am happily married living in Hoboken and working in NYC. It was a great wedding with my closest VA friends there. Next in line is Mr. Zachary J. Jandl! Let’s give Zach three cheers; hip hip!” VA Network

VA Network Designates part of Vermont Academy’s Networking Group. Join at vermontacademy.org/linkedin.4 4 | SPR I NG / SU M M E R 2015

REFLECTThe physical beauty of campus and no-bull attitude of most everyone I dealt with

was an experience I wish more people on this earth could have.— BARRY LUBOTTA ’66

Zach Jandl wrote: “Since my last update, life has held many exciting changes. In December of 2013, I became engaged to my longtime girlfriend, Lauren, who was introduced to me by Pat Cutrona ’06 during our sophomore year at Saint Michael’s College. With only a few months of engaged life behind us, I was approached about a new career opportunity, and we made the decision to leave Vermont—for now—and move to Boston, where I have assumed my post with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Amidst all the change, I was glad to have a few opportunities to reconnect with friends from VA. Most notably, James Harris ’06, Topher Harris ’06, Calvin Stowell ’06, Pat Cutrona, and I made a harrowing journey from Cape Cod to Newport, RI, at the helm of a 60-foot sloop. I narrowly escaped the journey with all of my digits, and despite a damaged hand and uneasy stomach, the aggregate was a wonderful weekend. Beyond the sailing excursions, I am thrilled to be taking off for Denver in the coming days to celebrate the nuptials of James Harris ’06 to his lovely fiancée, Meagan. Cheers!” VA Network

Shane McFarland wrote: “Things are going really well for me. Sometimes, when I’m working as a janitor, I see a math equation on the wall, and I just feel compelled to solve it. It’s a burden, but it could help so many people. Also, thank God for How to Train Your Dragon 2. I didn’t quite learn how to do it in the first one.”

Calvin Stowell wrote: “I’ve been living in NYC since graduation and am about to start my fourth year as director of digital and content at DoSomething.org, the nation’s largest youth organization.”

07 Class Volunteers: Chelsea Chase, 93 Butterfield Hill Rd., Perkinsville, VT 05151, [email protected]; Cassandra Howe, 5A Half Moon Ln., London, UK, SE24 9JU, [email protected]; Alexandra Moran, 2620 Ramsey Dr., New Orleans, LA 70131, [email protected]; Kelli Morin, 18 Hathorn St., Apt. 2, Somerville, MA 02145, [email protected]; Kaitlyn Schiro, 63 Londonderry Dr., Greenwich, CT 06830, [email protected]

Caitlin Wilkins wrote: “In December, Tessa Weber ’07, Cassie Howe ’07, Katie Hurley ’07, Meghan Annis ’07, Nicole Brodeur ’08, and I met in Keene, NH, to celebrate Katie’s and Meghan’s upcoming marriages.” VA Network

From left to right: Tessa Weber ’07, Cassie Howe ’07, Caitlin Wilkins ’07, Katie Hurley ’07, Meghan Annis ’07, and Nicole Brodeur ’08

08 Class Volunteer: Paulina Borrego 73 Perthshire Rd., Apt. 3, Brighton, MA 02135, [email protected]

09 Class Volunteer: Ashley Greenwood 13 Gaskill St., Mendon, MA 01756, [email protected]

From left to right: Joe Tyson ’08, Candace Hanson ’08, Gizelle Sanchez ’09, Ali Miller ’09, and Ashley Greenwood ’09 got together for a Rangers game in NYC. VA Network

10 Class Volunteers: Kerrin Lundberg, 1647 San Vicente Ave., Napa, CA 94558; Brooke Wilcox, 152 A Monument Hill Rd., Springfield, VT 05156, [email protected]; Sophie Yingling, PO Box 247, Truro, MA 02666, [email protected]

CLASS OF 2010


11 Class Volunteers: Kelly Johnson, 60 Orchard Drive, Eastham, MA 02642; Adam Hennick, 109 Marie Curie, Dollard-des- Ormeaux, QC H9A 3C5 Canada, [email protected]

12 Class Volunteers: Shelby Johnson, PO Box 774, Sterling, MA 01564, [email protected]; Thomas Savoca, 47 Circle Dr., Ridgefield, CT 06877, [email protected]

13 Class Volunteer: Ashley Potofsky 3 River Rd., PO Box 1469, Grand Bend, ON N0M 1T0, Canada, [email protected]

14 Class Volunteers: Molly Brennan, Vermont Academy, PO Box 500, Saxtons River, VT 05154, [email protected]; Erik Nielsen, 75 Wentworth Rd., Walpole, NH 03608, [email protected]


Vermont Academy Athletic Director Chris Davidson and his wife, Aurelia, welcomed baby #4 this year: Auvi Antoinette, born on October 25, 2014 at 6:08 a.m., 6 lb. 3oz., 21 in.

Math Department Chair Russell Mayhew and his wife, Hannah Gilkenson, welcomed Maceo on July 3, 2014. He weighed 8 lb. 12 oz.

ALUMNI

FACULTY

Ollie McArdle ’94 and his wife, Mary Kate, welcomed their son Peter Dennis McArdle on June 9, 2014. Pete joins older sister, Maeve (age 5), and brother, Sean (age 3), in Manchester, MA.

94

Tine Reed ’00 and her partner, Peter Bilosi, welcomed a baby: Watson Reed Bilosi, born on November 14, 2014, 6 lb. 14 oz., 19.5 in.

00

Rosemary McArdle DeCamp ’02 and her husband, Lucas, welcomed Scarlett Ann DeCamp on June 22, 2014.

02

Lily Joseph Seward ’02 and her husband, Mike, welcomed a new baby, Alec, born on October 29, 2014, 7 lb. 10 oz., 20 in.

0202

Kim (Fahner) O’Connor ’02 and husband, Tim, welcomed Margaret Ann O’Connor on December 14, 2014, 8 lb. 11 oz., 21 in.

02

Future Wildcats

4 6 | SPR I NG / SU M M E R 2015

08

Evan Williams wrote: Wendy Cole, of Thetford Center, and Brian Cole, of Strafford, have announced the engagement of their daughter, Maria Cole, to Evan Williams. The bride-to-be, of Burlington, graduated from Thetford Academy in 2008 and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from Saint Michael’s College in 2012. She is employed as the front desk coordinator at Essex Family Dental in Essex Junction, VT. The bridegroom-to-be, also of Burlington, is the son of Laurie and Bob Williams, of Ludlow, VT, and

Boston. He graduated from Vermont Academy in 2008 and earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Saint Michael’s College in 2012. He is employed as a team manager and content manager for Nordica USA based in West Lebanon. The couple plans a spring 2016 wedding in Vermont.

Maria Cole and Evan Williams ’08—Congratulations!

09

John Podlenski wrote: Deanna Toney and John Podlenski are engaged to marry on July 3.

The bride-to-be, daughter of Wendy and Kenneth Toney of Brattleboro, is a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School. She has a bachelor of science degree in psychology from Keene State College and a master of business administration from Plymouth State College. She is employed by Northern Virginia Community College as an academic advisor and adjunct professor.

Her fiancé, son of Frank and Jackie Podlenski of Hinsdale, is a graduate of Vermont Academy. He has a bachelor of science in finance from the University of Maryland–College Park. Grant Thornton of Alexandria, VA, employs him as an associate of health care advisory services.

Deanna Toney and John Podlenski ’09—Congratulations!

06

James Harris married Meagan Brown on February 28, 2015, in Colorado.

Left to right: Shane McFarland ’06, Topher Harris ’06, James Harris ’06, Meagan Brown, Matt Komar ’08, Calvin Stowell ’06, Zach Jandl ’06

Chris Fahner married Lynsey in June 2014 in Westminster, Vermont.

Lynsey and Chris ’06 pedal into the future!

Marriages and Engagements


IN MEMORIAM

48 | SPR I NG / SU M M E R 2015

Remembering Penny Horowitz

Penny was a long-time trustee of Vermont Academy. She joined the board in 2002 after watching the great work the academy did with her middle son, Seth Horowitz ’98. She was dedicated to Vermont Academy in her role as a trustee. Always with the best interest of the school in her heart, Penny chose her words carefully, yet was always clear with her opinions on how VA could move forward and grow stronger. She took great interest in the students who attended VA and the faculty and staff that worked here. With her husband always by her side, Penny greatly enjoyed returning to Saxtons River three times a year to reminisce with many who “saved her son,” as she put it.

Penny, we will miss you dearly and remember you fondly. Many thanks for all you have given to the academy.

Sean P. Brennan, Head of School

Vermont Academy lost a devoted member of its family in January.

The following obituary appeared in the Stamford Advocate:

Penny Horowitz took her final breath on Wednesday, wrapped tight in the arms of her family. Her strength, her spirit,

and her loyalty will forever be remembered by those whose lives she touched, including her husband of 43 years,

Michael Horowitz, her brother, her mom, her grandkids, her three sons, and the women who have become her three

daughters. Penny was fierce, loving, confident, and unrelenting in her commitment to her family.

Penny brought a deep understanding and appreciation for VA to her work on the board, informed by ever-renewing connections to VA’s students, faculty, staff, and fellow trustees. Her vision, drive, and generosity made the Horowitz Performing Arts Center possible. Her sense for what’s important and her practical wisdom were a valued fixture in board discussions and decisions both large and small. Mostly, she was a beloved and respected colleague and friend. We will miss her greatly.

— MICHAEL CHOUKAS ’73, P ’94, chairman of the board


STACEY WARD COLE, 92, of West Swanzey, died November 30, 2014, in the comfort of his home after a period of failing health. He was born in Keene, NH, on December 4, 1921, son of Warren A. and Hazel E. (Ward) Cole. He was a lifelong area resident and was a 1939 graduate of Vermont Academy and the University of New Hampshire’s Thompson School of Applied Science in 1941. He married Mildred E. Hale of Swanzey on September 18, 1942. They were married for 57 years before she predeceased him.

Upon his graduation from Vermont Academy, Cole was presented with a special award by Headmaster Laurence Leavitt that read: “To Stacey Cole, delightful comedian and enthusiastic naturalist: You have added pleasure and interest to our school life by sharing with us all the hobbies you enjoy so keenly.”

nRYAN M. OSTEBO, 76, died suddenly on December 14, 2014, while playing hockey. He was born in St. Paul, MN, on July 19, 1938, the son of Clarence and Viola Ostebo. He attended local schools and graduated from Dartmouth College in 1960 with a degree in history. After serving for three years in the US Marine Corps, including tours in Okinawa, Subic Bay, and Japan, he earned a master’s degree in US history from the University of Minnesota. He taught for three years at Millbrook School before joining the faculty of Vermont Academy as a teacher, dorm parent, and coach of hockey and soccer.

In 1974, Ryan married fellow VA teacher Mary Hepburn, and together they raised her daughters, Jane and Amy, and his sons, Eric and Tim. He worked as a financial planner for Northwestern Mutual Life from 1975 until his retirement in 2010. Ryan was an active participant in his community as a member of the Bellows Falls Rotary Club, Saxtons River Village Board of Trustees, Saxtons River Park Committee, Saxtons River Fourth of July Committee, Main Street Arts, River Singers, and as a volunteer with the Greater Falls Warming Shelter and the local school system.

You can honor Ryan’s dream and work toward a new park in Saxtons River by sending contributions to the Saxtons River Park Fund, care of Village Trustees, PO Box 243, Saxtons River, VT 05154.

On page 32, read the heartwarming story about the special connection that developed between Ryan and Maggie Hodgson, 9, as they prepared for weeks in 2012 for an amazing Fourth of July parade skit.

nFREDERIKA (LOCKERBY) SIMONDS, 71, died on February 4, 2015, surrounded by family at her home in Saxtons River after fighting cancer for several years. Freddie, as she was fondly called, was part of the Vermont Academy family for 35 years as a housekeeper, where she made wonderful, lifelong friends. Freddie loved animals and would feed whatever would visit daily. She also loved the special time she spent with her youngest grandson, going on walks and bringing back secret treasures. All will miss her.

Vermont Academy RemembersFlorence Sabin Award Winner Stacey W. Cole ’39,

Former Faculty Member Ryan M. Ostebo, and Former Staff Member Freddie Simonds

50 | SPR I NG / SU M M E R 2015

Stacey W. Cole ’39

DIED: 11/30/2014

NICKNAME: Mousie, Rufus, Stace

HOBBIES: Ornithology

SPORTS: JV basketball, baseball, football manager

ACTIVITIES: Natural History Society, dramatic club, rifle club president

James H. Wilson Jr. ’44

DIED: 12/18/2014

NICKNAME: Jim

HOBBIES: Guns and records

SPORTS: JV football, ski manager, baseball manager

ACTIVITIES: Camera club, glee club, dramatic club president, outing club

G. Reginald Britton ’45

DIED: 3/1/2014

SPORTS: Baseball

ACTIVITIES: Rifle club

Alan P. Ardouin ’47

DIED: 8/19/2014

SPORTS: Varsity track, JV skiing

ACTIVITIES: Glee club

F. Brown Carlisle ’47

NICKNAME: Brownie, King

HOBBIES: Photography

SPORTS: JV football, JV basketball, track

ACTIVITIES: Rifle club, camera club, school store, outing club

John P. Duncklee ’47

DIED: 1/31/2015

NICKNAME: Dusty

SPORTS: Baseball, basketball, football

ACTIVITIES: Outing club, rifle club

Cedric E. Sherrer Jr. ’49

DIED: 12/24/2014

NICKNAME: Ceddy

SPORTS: JV football, varsity skiing

ACTIVITIES: Rifle club, outing club, glee club

Richard G. Hanson ’59

DIED: 4/16/2014

HOBBIES: His “hot” ’57 Chevy

SPORTS: JV football, rec skiing, tennis

ACTIVITIES: Outing club, glee club, science club

Editor’s note: You may read full obituaries at vermontacademy.org/obits.


Porter F. Hulett ’60

DIED: 5/16/2014

NICKNAME: Hooch, Port, Huey

SPORTS: Varsity football, varsity baseball

ACTIVITIES: Outing club, student council

Roger K. Busteed ’85

DIED: 9/12/2014

SPORTS: JV football, JV basketball, varsity baseball, rec skiing

Bridget M. Grady ’85

DIED: 6/17/2014

SPORTS: Varsity soccer, varsity lacrosse

ACTIVITIES: Women’s support group

William G. Heeks III ’91

DIED: 5/18/2014

NICKNAME: Trip

SPORTS: Varsity football, golf

ACTIVITIES: VASA president

Jeffrey D. Coccoro ’98

DIED: 2/7/2015

SPORTS: Snowboarding, hockey

ACTIVITIES: Camera club

Editor’s note: You may read full obituaries at vermontacademy.org/obits.

52 | SPR I NG / SU M M E R 2015

Your gifts support the people, program, and place that make Vermont Academy a unique

educational experience.

PEOPLE 45% of current students received financial aid

and 84% of those students achieved honor roll. Faculty have access to professional

development opportunities.

PROGRAM Personal attention; 6:1 student teacher

ratio; MAPSSM; 20+ athletic teams; visual, performing, and literary arts.

PLACE 450 acres that we call home.

GIVE YOUR GIFT AT vermontacademy.org/giving.

GOAL: $700,000

CLOSING: June 30, 2015

TOGETHERSHAPING FUTURES TODAY

The Fund for Vermont Academy

10 LONG WA LK, SA XTONS R IV ER, V T 05154

NON PROFIT ORG

US POSTAGE

PAIDWHT RIV JCT VT

PERMIT 86

Come Home to Vermont AcademyV E R M O N T A C A D E M Y R E U N I O N W E E K E N D

S E P T E M B E R 2 5 – 2 7, 2 0 1 5

Please join us in Saxtons River this fall for our Reunion Celebration! Spend a beautiful autumn weekend reminiscing with classmates, meeting current students and faculty, watching an athletic event, or just relaxing on campus.

Enjoy the best of all Vermont has to offer at our Saturday night Vermont Localvore reception and dinner, including locally grown meat and produce, cheese, chocolates, and renowned Vermont craft beers!

We’re celebrating class years ending in 5 and 0 — but all alumni are welcome to attend! See you on

the Long Walk!

FOR INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER, GO TO:

vermontacademy.org/reunion2015

Vermont Academy Life May 2015

Documents

Transcript of Vermont Academy Life May 2015