Athletics

CROSS COUNTRY TAKES THE LEAD

On Saturday, October 1, the cross country team took first place in a meet with Berkshire School and Hotchkiss School. This was the first time since the fall of 1992 that our cross country team beat Hotchkiss!

FEATURED ATHLETE

JARED FLAKS ’23

A Leader on the Court

Jared Flaks ’23 embraces the full Avon Old Farms experience. He is a member of the Network Club, an admissions ambassador, a big brother, a day student monitor, and a regular participant in community service opportunities. Everyone who knows Jared, however, knows he has one passion that takes precedence over all others—basketball.

That was evident when he made the varsity team as a freshman. He recalls the reasoning former Head Coach Tim Roller gave for selecting him for the team. “I know you love basketball more than anyone in this gym,” Roller said.

In fact, members of the Flaks family have been basketball fanatics for generations. His grandfather is a long-time basketball coach in Connecticut, and his dad was a star player for his high school before going on to play briefly in college.

“It runs in the family,” Jared says. He explains that he grew up being coached by his dad, who instilled in him the importance of work ethic both on and off the court. “The most important thing he taught me is how basketball affects other parts of your life. In any aspect of life—right now it’s basketball— you have to apply a serious work ethic.”

Growing up with this mindset, it’s no wonder Jared fits in so well at AOF, where all aspects of life on campus contribute to the development of young men. Surprisingly, Jared wasn’t always destined for Avon. His older brother attended Westminster School, and Jared always thought he would probably go there. After a visit to Avon, he knew that wouldn’t be the case.

“I loved it here,” Jared says. “I just knew it was the right place for me.” What stands out

to him most is the sense of community that makes him feel at home. “I like how close everyone is. I feel like I really know everyone. I have everything I need here.”

When Jared says he has everything he needs at Avon, this obviously includes the basketball court and other athletic facilities that have allowed him to improve his skills over the years. It also includes the dining facilities that allow him to fuel up for each game and the common areas where he can study and interact with friends.

What some people may not know is that Jared is also referring to the photography studio, supplies, and instruction that have allowed him to discover another personal passion. He was in an AOF photography class when he first picked up a camera.

“It’s a passion I discovered here at Avon,” he shares. “I had no idea until my junior year; I just took a class, and now I’ve developed a love for it.”

In just the past few years, Jared has become an avid photographer, resulting in recognition and rewards for his work. His pieces have been featured in multiple local art shows, and in the fall of 2021, a photo of his placed first out of more than 1,500 submissions in a photo contest sponsored by Walsworth Yearbooks.

The photo featured teammate and friend Nate Walters ’22 posing in the Winged Beavers’ crimson jersey and shorts, basketball in hand. It was taken in the school studio for a photography class taught by Semaj Campbell. That photo is now used all over the Walsworth Yearbooks website and various publications.

Jared says he has found taking photos of his brothers as they experience Avon alongside him rewarding. “It’s another way I can do my part. I love having action shots taken of me, so I like to be able to get some for others.”

For Jared, playing his part for the betterment of others is something ingrained in him as part of life at Avon Old Farms. That is why he continues to serve as a big brother and gets involved in community service opportunities.

“I just think it’s important for me to help my community—and not just the Avon Old Farms community—the larger area. If everyone does their part, it will be a better place.”

Looking ahead to his fifth and final year at AOF, Jared is hoping to be the “engine” of the varsity basketball team and act as a coach out on the floor. He also says he thinks this could be the team’s best year since he’s been a part of it.

“We’re going to have a good balance of new guys coming in ready to work and an already-established culture.”

According to Matt Mihalich, varsity basketball head coach, Jared has already been one of the leaders on the team. “He has a lot of natural leadership qualities. He leads by example: he’s often the first one to jump

I just think it’s important for me to help my community—and not just the Avon Old Farms community—the larger area. If everyone does their part, it will be a better place.

— JARED FLAKS ’23

into a drill; he’s not afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. That’s an example you want others to follow,” Coach Mihalich says.

He also shared that the example Jared sets is especially important for the younger players and is a crucial component in building a winning team. “When they see that someone who’s been around for a long time has bought in, they do the same, and the best teams are all on the same page,” Mihalich says.

He added that Jared has the potential to be a coach himself one day. “He finishes a lot of my sentences. He’s able to echo a lot of the teaching points we’ve been working on for the last four years.”

There was even a point last season, Mihalich says, when Jared’s high basketball IQ and leadership qualities combined to pull out a win in the closing seconds of a game against Choate.

“We took a timeout with about 10 seconds left. In my head, I was thinking of so many other things—should we make a sub, what play do we run—and then I heard Jared telling me, ’Coach, we have to foul.’ He was right. We did, and we ended up winning the game by three,” Mihalich says.

A few of Jared’s other traits that his coaches admire are his self-awareness and selflessness. He knows his strengths and weaknesses on the court and is willing to put the team ahead of himself. “He does get really excited about other people’s success,” Coach Mihalich says.

It’s those traits, along with some great play on the court, that likely led his teammates to appoint him a team captain.

Last season, Jared led the team in assists, assist-to-turnover ratio, and was a top rebounder as well. Despite such a good individual season last year, he says he plans to take Coach Mihalich’s advice to remain “humble and hungry.”

“To me it means to never be satisfied, to keep pushing yourself. That includes on the court and for everything else in life.”

COACHES CORNER

Carl Stensland: TEACHER, COACH, MENTOR

Iremember being 15 years old when one of my soccer club teammates and good friends, Colin Bradley ’09, told me he was attending Avon Old Farms. “Isn’t that an all-boys school?” I wondered aloud to him. My teenage self couldn’t fathom going to school without girls. I remember walking away from that conversation thinking, “Why would anyone want to go there?”

I grew up in Storrs, Conn., and played for Oakwood Soccer Club in Glastonbury. Several other teammates attended AOF, some for four years, others for two or three. I remember the bond those guys had with each other, and it was no surprise to me when this group of young men went on to capture not one but two New England Championships.

Fast forward roughly 10 years: I am a few years out of college and looking for a career. I was piecing together work as a math and science tutor at E.O. Smith, an assistant soccer coach at my college alma mater, and coach of a youth club soccer team in the area. Best of all, I was living at home with my parents … safe to say, this lifestyle was not sustainable.

After bouncing around some ideas, such as going to graduate school for teaching or becoming a full-time college soccer assistant coach, a friend suggested that I look into prep schools. The way he saw it, I could do everything I enjoyed—teach, coach, mentor—and do it all in one place. So I applied to a few different schools and was fortunate enough to receive an offer from Mercersburg Academy as a science and math teacher and varsity soccer head coach.

After four successful years in Pennsylvania, I started searching for a way to return to Connecticut, where I could be closer to friends and family. After posting my résumé on a few recruiting websites, I was quickly contacted by Roger Cantello, Avon’s dean of faculty at the time. As luck would have it, he wanted to hire a science and math teacher and a varsity head soccer coach.

When I stepped on campus for my interview, I was a bit nervous, especially at the thought of teaching a science class in front of administrators and fellow teachers. However, this initial nerve-racking moment turned into an affirming experience. I remember it felt more like coaching a team than it did teaching a class. It felt like the boys were in it together, striving toward a common goal, pushing one another to be better. As they filed out of the classroom, each one gave me a fist bump, a “thank you,” or a “great job!” I remember thinking this is different … this must be why people come to Avon.

Through my first two years at the school, I have felt this same type of community and brotherhood at countless similar moments. From a soccer perspective, the team persevered through a canceled 2020 soccer season and navigated through an injury-riddled 2021 season to the quarter-finals of the NEPSAC Class A soccer tournament. As we begin our 2022 season campaign, I feel fortunate to be able to lead these talented, hard-working young men. Fifteen some years ago, I couldn’t imagine being at Avon; now, like many other Avonians, I can’t imagine my life without it.

THE CENTERPIECE OF THE AVON BROTHERHOOD

Theodate Pope Riddle’s Quadrangle

Where Avonians Find a Semblance of Permanence

In 1914, Theodate Pope Riddle proclaimed in a letter to friend Harris Whittemore that she had “thought of founding a school for boys and knew in my heart that it was absolutely the appropriate memorial” to her late father, Alfred Pope. She formulated a plan in her head: a self-sufficient village in the woods in which the wards of the school would live, work, and learn. At the heart of her vision was the concept of a quadrangle.

Much like the ones she had admired at Oxford and Cambridge during her yearlong European grand tour in 1888–89, Mrs. Riddle chose to design a “cloistered quadrangle so that everything could be united under one roof to achieve a greater sense of community,” wrote Sharon Dunlap Smith in Theodate Pope Riddle: Her Life and Architecture. Nearly 100 years after students first breathed life into those classrooms and dormitories, this year’s warden, Francis Hagood ’23, wrote in his all-school opening letter, “The Brotherhood is a culture that the Avon Old Farms community has refined over the course of almost a century. It stands true for and represents the past, present, and future bonds that Avonians share.” The Avonian wanted to explore how and why the Pope Quadrangle remains the centerpiece of the Avon Brotherhood.

THE VISION AND BUILDING OF THE AVON QUAD

When Mrs. Riddle envisioned her Quad, she noted in her June 1889 travel journals that she especially liked the use of a sandstone that crumbled with age, giving the buildings a “picturesque look.” That, paired with irregularly placed trees and, as described by Clarence Derrick, “dormers plunking out perverse rhythms through the red slate roofs above, the eaves dropping almost to the ground,” made for a unique experience. More than that, the close-knit village setting builds community. Originally, Pelican was for freshmen, Eagle for sophomores, Diogenes for juniors, and Elephant for seniors.

Living in a Quad dormitory has become a sort of rite of passage. “Today, while we have three additional dorms on campus, we place every freshman boarding student in the Quad with a roommate because we know how important that community is to building ties on campus,” explains Assistant Director of Admission turned Advancement Officer Mickoy Nichol ’14, who lived in Elephant III for two of his years on campus as a student. “Between the humanities being taught on the ground floor and the teachers making their homes in the faculty residences in the corners, the Quadrangle truly is the nucleus of campus.”

Number 1 building was what we call Diogenes, Pelican was number 2, and so on. This would, of course, explain the numbering of the Quad classrooms: all the rooms in Dio, for example, begin

with 1. — CALVERT MAGRUDER ’46

Nichol continues to explain that the Quad promotes the organic growth of relationships among students. “Every grade—from freshmen to PGs—is represented in the Quad, and role-model relationships naturally form … new and younger students look to those in the dorm who have gone before them and follow in their footsteps. That builds the Brotherhood that is the core of Avon Old Farms.”

Despite the notable statues perched atop the peaks of each of the Quadrangle’s buildings, Calvert Magruder ’46—along with everyone else from the era—refers to the quad buildings by number rather than name.

TIMELINE OF QUAD LIFE THROUGH THE YEARS:

1927–40:

Chapel was held in a Dio classroom. DIO for a search of truth and honesty PELICAN for compassion

ELEPHANT for nobility and longevity EAGLE for bravery

1932:

The infirmary moved from Diogenes to Elephant II.

A PLACE FOR BOYS TO LIVE AND LEARN

The sentiment that the Quad provides a home-like experience was shared by Yale architecture and design student Nadia Niggli, who wrote in her senior thesis:

“Theodate’s encouragement of a sense of community consequently can be seen as an effort to create a kind of surrogate family … Pope’s design for the school’s configuration is conducive to residential interaction between students and faculty and thus to a family environment of supervision. In addition to being in contact in the classroom, students and faculty live together, subtly separated from each other to establish hierarchy but still remain in close proximity … with faculty living nearby, a student would feel protected, monitored, and parented.”

School Historian Art Custer commented on the “monitored” part of this in his school blog back in 2013 with this anecdote:

“On one occasion, my wife woke me up in the middle of a late spring night to report odd noises emanating from the

Quad. A senior prank, perhaps? When we looked out the window, we saw some seniors somehow hoisting a canoe up into one of the big trees near Eagle. I started to get dressed, pondering exactly what I might say to a group of seniors bent on some sort of canoe-tree mischief, when a second look out the window revealed the canoe being lowered back to the ground. What had caused the pranksters to change course? Headmaster

George Trautman was standing just inside Eagle Archway staring intently at the proceedings. If he said anything, I did not hear it, but the boys were quickly about the business of undoing their handiwork and slinking off to bed. When

I asked George later on how he had known what was going on—had he heard noises from the Quad?—he said he was not sure; he woke up and somehow knew that going for a walk was a good idea.”

However, Mrs. Riddle’s Quadrangle was not designed with only order and discipline in mind. Alumnus Spencer Young Grey ’45 once wrote his recollections of Mr. Thayer

1945:

During its occupancy, the Army installed a sprinkler system in the Quad.

1964:

Eagle Dorm was returned to use as a dorm; United Aircraft had rented the space after the war years.

(nickname “Pop”) as “a warm and friendly person who always welcomed us in his house on the Quad, and his wife always provided cookies.”

Kevin Driscoll ’72 still thinks back to his time as a student at Avon every time he walks into Eagle Dormitory—even after living on the Avon campus for close to 50 years. He recalls developing eternal bonds of friendship in the Quad, and outside he was always dreaming up a new game—roof ball, day-boy football.

Under former Headmaster George Trautman, faculty presence in dorms increased. He demanded that for the first two weeks of the 1969 school year, faculty be in the dorms every night to help students form study habits. Driscoll recalls Trautman’s strict rules and high expectations—and still thought himself one of the luckiest kids in the world to have the opportunity to study at Avon. “The lifestyle at Avon was exactly what young boys needed—for me, for my son, and for today’s boys—I still see it working wonders,” he says. During his early years working at Avon, Driscoll introduced and encouraged vertical housing, a residential life initiative promoting camaraderie between older students and underclassmen. He also implemented the addition of enrichment hour, a daily teacher-student interaction period after dinner, which often takes place in the Quad.

2004:

The Business Office moved from Eagle #32 across the archway to the common area.

A HUB OF COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES

In 1927, when Avon Old Farms School opened, 48 students enrolled. During the Founder’s Era, all students were required to gather in the Quad to do midmorning calisthenics, yet the Elephant common room was used after lunch and dinner exclusively as a "smoking" and club room by fifth and sixth formers who had their parents’ permission to smoke.

As part of our effort to restore time-worn areas to their original beauty, we restored the walkways in the Pope Quadrangle to the original bluestone. The new walkways were built using the latest construction technologies to provide for adequate drainage, have the least environmental impact, and allow for effective snow removal. They are functional as well as aesthetically pleasing.

— THE AVONIAN , FALL 2010

In 2022, as sophomore Owen Callaghan explains, the Quad is the center of Avon, and it’s where all major events begin. “When we hold a pep rally before a big game, everyone gathers in the Quad … before commencement at the end of the year, everyone lines up on the Quad’s flagstone walkways. During Reunion Weekend, returning alumni process through the Quad. It’s the perfect backdrop for major school memories, and it’s fitting that I always picture the biggest happenings on campus starting there.” Callaghan grew up on campus. He was born in 2007 and explains he always knew the Quad was a special place as he walked by on his way to the bus stop. “I couldn’t wait to become a student and experience it firsthand.”

Over the years, various offices related to the student experience moved into the Quadrangle. In the early years, both the chapel and the infirmary resided in the

2010:

The bluestone walkways were restored.

2012, 2013, and 2014:

Quad classrooms were renovated.

Quad. In 2015, the Bigelow Learning Center was incorporated into Diogenes. Most recently, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion moved into the office space next to the Eagle 31 classroom.

“Community is essential to the human experience. By having the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Quad, we have a space dedicated to embracing our spirit, character, and commitment to healthy social relationships,” comments DEI Director Ahmad Cantrell. “The Office of DEI will continue to provide opportunities to engage and learn from each other. We are deeply tied to the progress and journey that allows our students to be global citizens in our ever-changing, fast-paced world.”

2015: 2016:

The Bigelow Learning Center opened in Diogenes. Human Resources Office moved in.

A PLACE FOR FAMILIES

In addition to being a home-away-from-home for thousands of boarding students, the Quad has served as a home for several of Avon’s most notable characters. From current Head of School Jim Detora and many of the current core administrators (Kevin Driscoll ’72; John Bourgault ’80; Brian Doyle, Art Custer, Mike Symes ’81; Rob Whitty ’87; Rob Dowling ’91; and Graham Callaghan ’95) to legends including the Consuegras, Mendells, and Leavitts, several notable Avon names called the Quad home for years.

Seth Mendell ’52 started his life as an Avonian in the Quad: he lived in Diogenes Dorm on the third floor—looking out toward the entrance to the school, his room was the first double to the left—as a postgrad student. The structure of the place had provoked the recommendation of Avon, and it fit with Mendell’s nature as a craftsman. “As soon as my father and I visited campus that August of 1951, I said, ’Ah yes. This is the beginning of my journey.’” He returned in 1959 as faculty after serving in the Army and finishing his college degree at Dartmouth. After his second tour of duty, he and his wife, Alice, moved into Pelican. That apartment was the home that welcomed their daughters, Phyllis and Margaret, when they were first brought home from the hospital. He built the split-level patio out back for this family and studied and taught in the Pelican 20 classroom—a classroom he kept until 1990.

“The Quad was a unique place to raise a family. … It’s like a neighborhood, except that your neighbors are hundreds of teenage boys,” Mendell says. “But we always had a babysitter nearby should we need one, and to this day, I don’t believe Avon’s hosted a reunion that my girls haven’t attended. This place is as much a part of them as it is of me.” He also explained that Avon was a place for

2019–2022: 2020:

all kinds of Avonians to build enduring friendships. His daughter Phylis and Andy Consuegra remain lifelong friends after being taken home to Avon Old Farms as infants.

Alumnus and current Director of Information Technology Peter Deckers ’90 lived in the Quad for at least a decade with his family and jokes that it was the world’s largest playpen. “We just told the kids not to go through the archways,” also commenting that it was a rule their youngest, Graham ’20, often broke.

2021:

“As a historian with a long connection to AOF, I have seen this sort of ’permanence’ many times, sons and grandsons of alumni becoming friends just as their fathers and grandfathers were, etc. I suspect that by permanence, TPR meant the architecture and the character of the place, but I think the people aspect is important as well,” shares Art Custer.

2022:

NECESSARY IMPROVEMENTS

In 1944, Avon Old Farms School was forced to close after years of difficulties. Mrs. Riddle—an ardent patriot—immediately proposed transforming the property into a refuge for blind veterans to Franklin Roosevelt, a personal friend. The Old Farms Convalescent Hospital gained national prominence, in large part due to its magnificent architecture.

During the war years, the Army made necessary improvements to the Quad. An extensive sprinkler system was installed throughout the dormitories and other buildings on campus. Doors were cut into apartments from each floor in the dormitories to give each hall two possible exits in case of fire. In a December 15, 1945, letter to Gil Ordway, then studying at Yale, Mrs. Riddle wrote, “The Army is doing all kinds of unbelievable things here. They have installed a sprinkler system, as a protection against fire, at a cost of $100,000.”

Military trainees living on campus during WW II published a newspaper called The Quadrangle Review.

In 1947, to raise money to reopen the school, rooms in the Quadrangle were rented out as apartments to locals.

From 2019–22, the school took on the major expense of replacing all dormitory windows in the Quad. Avon also invested in preserving a major part of Avon’s infrastructure: Mrs. Riddle’s tunnels, which run underground and connect all her original buildings, including the Quadrangle. She was enterprising enough to install these tunnels long before underground wiring was a mainstream practice. Nearly 100 years old, the tunnels needed improved drainage to prevent water damage. Director of Facilities Glenn Wilcox says the tunnel repairs have been a four-year project that no one will ever see up close. “It will all be completed, and nobody will know any work was done because it’s all underground,” Wilcox says.

Upon completing the window replacements and the tunnel repairs, full upgrades of the dormitory buildings began this summer with Diogenes Dormitory. The dorm rooms, bathrooms, and first-floor classrooms all received upgrades, and a full roof replacement was completed.

“It was time for a significant upgrade,” Wilcox says. “The dorms still have that Old Farms feel but give the boys more space in their rooms.” In the process, Mrs. Riddle’s original skylight, which had been sealed in the 1960s, was uncovered. The original wood was taken out, replaned, and reinstalled. Diogenes was completed before students returned to campus in the fall. Renovations of the three other dormitories are planned during the next few years.

MAINTAINING MRS. RIDDLE’S VISION

In many ways, Avon Old Farms School is not so different than at its founding nearly 100 years ago. As Head of School Jim Detora said to the faculty during opening days meetings in August, Avon has always been and always will be all about what’s best for the boys. In what is now named the Theodate Pope Quadrangle, life has remained relatively unchanged for nearly a century. Though the dorm structure and offices may have been updated with the ages, the Pope Quadrangle remains and will forever be the heart of Avon Old Farms School—a symbol of honoring tradition and a sense of permanence.

It was time for a significant upgrade. The dorms still have that Old Farms feel but give the boys more space in their rooms.

— GLENN WILCOX

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

MARIE DELNICKI P'81, '87

The history of Avon Old Farms School is extensive, dating back almost 100 years. It is a tale of an indestructible school for boys through periods of war and peace, recessions and depressions, economic and cultural prosperity, and vast technological advancements. The fully committed faculty and staff play an integral part in shaping the history of the school, and few faculty members have played more of a part in the AOF story than Marie Delnicki P’81, ’87.

George Trautman hired Marie in the summer of 1976 to work in the Deans Office alongside Henry Pennell and Skip Flanagan. Her first day also happened to be the first day of Skip’s lacrosse camp, and her first task was important—get candy for the players.

She recalls this as the perfect introduction to life at the school, where community and collaboration are paramount.

“I hadn’t expected to help out with a sports camp. It was a funny start, but the ’pitching in, all hands on deck’ attitude remains the same,” Delnicki says.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Marie moved to Connecticut shortly after marrying her husband, Tony. They agreed it was a better place to raise their three children; as it turned out, the AOF campus became a second home to all of them.

“We never lived on campus, but some days, it felt like I did,” she says.

Marie’s and Tony’s two sons, Marc ’81 and Eric ’87, attended school here, and she called it “… a pleasure to witness their growth in this environment in every way.” Their daughter, Robin, was married on campus and worked as a leader in the Development Office for several years.

What made Marie remain at Avon for so long? “Avon is a very special place, not only for its indistinguishable beauty of the architecture and grounds but also for the warmth and embracing nature of the individuals who make up the community. Being associated with a school that has done so much for so many feels good. I have built my life around the relationships

Marie is one of those truly special people who make a powerfully positive difference in a situation, in a group of people, and especially in a school.

— PETER EVANS

made with a diverse group of intelligent and loyal colleagues and friends,” Delnicki says.

Throughout the course of her Avon career, Marie worked closely with countless dedicated faculty and diligent students. She is quick to express praise for dozens of current and former colleagues, who she says are “much more impressive” than she is.

During her time in the Deans Office she worked with many prominent figures in the school’s history, including George Trautman, Ken Larocque, Jim Detora, John Haile, Peter Evans, Arthur Custer, Sue Nentwig, Jonathan Crocker, and more—all of whom have nothing but praise for Marie.

“Marie Delnicki has selflessly served Avon Old Farms since the 1970s and became an important figure in the history of the Winged Beavers. Her mothering nature has eased the anxiety of generations of students by guiding them through the college admission process, and her warm and engaging personality has made her a favorite with faculty and staff for decades. Marie has a huge heart, and she epitomizes the spirit of community that permeates campus,” Ken LaRocque says.

“Marie is one of those truly special people who make a powerfully positive difference in a situation, in a group of people, and especially in a school. Having worked with

Marie in the Deans Office for a number of years, I can honestly say there was never a dull moment. While steadfastly getting things done, Marie’s uplifting spirit marked by an unwavering sense of humor made work fun,” Peter Evans says.

“I was so fortunate that shortly after I started working as Dean of Students, Marie signed on,” says Skip Flanagan. “She was, and still is, wonderful, organized, effervescent, very professional, and helped make all of our efforts rewarding and successful. She’s been leading at Avon by example for decades and has always handled multiple responsibilities really well.”

Current school Provost Robert Dowling Jr. ’91 first met Marie when he was an 11th-grade new student assigned to support the Deans Office as his school job. He says he instantly connected with her and recognized that she routinely went above and beyond in service to students and colleagues.

“I was immediately impressed with how dedicated she was to her duties, which were many, and included managing the details related to college counseling and the Dean of Students programs here at school. Perhaps more important than the respect that I had for her as a professional, I was taken by her ability to be both warm and tough at the same time. That can be a rare combination but comes naturally to Marie. She was obviously selfless when it came to supporting the school mission and the people involved,” Dowling says.

He recalls as a student being impressed with how involved she was, how “nothing seemed to happen on campus without her.” After graduating from college and returning to AOF as a member of the faculty, this point was only reinforced for Dowling.

“Marie is extremely gifted with people and in managing programs,” Dowling says. “While working with Marie, I always have confidence that things are going to be done correctly and that we will have fun.”

In addition to guiding generations of students through life at AOF and beyond, Marie was instrumental in many important developments at the school.

In the past, Avonians were bused to different schools across the state

She was, and still is, wonderful, organized, effervescent, very professional, and helped make all of our efforts rewarding and successful.

— SKIP FLANAGAN to take national standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT. Marie and her colleagues understood the importance of establishing the school as a national test center and with the approval of the administration, they made it happen.

Marie has also been vital in the success of the Toys for Tots campaign, a project inspired and acted on by Ken Larocque in the early 1980s. During this annual effort, thousands of toys are donated to children who might otherwise go without gifts during the holiday season. From the early years of the program’s inception until now, the Student Council–led fundraising efforts of many have financed the purchase and donation of thousands of toys. “She has had a role in the academic program, college counseling, the residential program, and so much more,” Dowling says. “For example, when it comes to things such as standardized testing, Toys for Tots, and graduation—all of that goes through Marie. She capably manages all of those responsibilities with class, confidence, and composure.”

Over the last 47-plus years, much has changed on campus. The dirt roads were paved, computers replaced typewriters, and entire academic buildings and dormitories were introduced. Marie remained steadfast through all of it.

“There are too many changes to list, but I think the real story is the constant. The boys, the families, and our traditions. Growth is important but so is coming back to what is familiar. It has always grounded me,” Delnicki says. “The school has grown, but the traditions remain the same, and that to me is everything.”

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

AVON OLD FARMS

30

UNDER 30

We are very proud of our young alumni who are accomplishing their dreams and making a difference in the world at an early age. This fall, instead of picking just one alumnus to highlight, we’re celebrating these young people doing the Avon name proud by publishing an Avon 30 Under 30 alumni list. From filmmakers to military leaders … from completing PhDs to founding their own companies, young Avonians are making their mark on our world.

CLASS OF 2017

NATHAN BERGIN

UNDERGRAD: Georgetown University, Walsh School of Foreign Service

AREA OF STUDY: Science, technology & international affairs

CURRENT PROFESSION:

Analyst, Deloitte Consulting Nathan works with government organizations to develop and execute strategies, manage technological changes, and solve tough problems. He leads a team researching emerging technologies to understand future impacts—from shifting industries to shaping the human experience. He is also on the core team of Start-Up Deloitte, a hackathon and internal incubator for junior practitioners to develop products that address market opportunities with an entrepreneurial mindset.

He studied under the late former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, was on the student board of the Georgetown Institute for Politics and Public Service, and was vice-president of Blue & Gray, the campus tour guides. He was also a United Nations Academic Impact Program Millennium Fellow through work as a project manager for a pro bono consulting group, where he led a team partnering with a health care provider in northern Iraq. Before Deloitte, he interned at In-Q-Tel, the venture capital arm of the U.S. intelligence community.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“I was fortunate to have tremendous teachers at Avon who pushed me to improve and were incredibly supportive. Faculty including Art Custer, Samantha Jensen, and Kate Barzun helped me progress and set me up for success at Georgetown. I’m grateful for their guidance, the way they challenged me to develop, and the high standard to which they held me.”

CLASS OF 2014

NICK BIRNIE

UNDERGRAD: University of Delaware; Cleveland Institute of Art

AREA OF STUDY: Painting, drawing & printmaking

CURRENT PROFESSION:

Painting apprentice, Colossal Media Nick is learning the craft of mural painting mostly in New York and Los Angeles with multiple walls around the country. Clients include Gucci, Nike, Chanel, Patagonia, Vans, and many more.

“Some days I am 90 feet in the air painting a 50-foot space; on others, I am on the ground working on smaller walls. As an apprentice, I am learning the techniques and processes we use and am responsible for passing down the information to the people who come after me.”

Nick says murals have always excited him because the way they reflect and build off the character of the community is very powerful. “Nothing has come close to the feeling I got completing a basketball court mural for a school in Cleveland, Ohio.

After hours and hours of planning, seeing it in use by students at the school made painting in the heat wave and writing multiple grant proposals all very worth it.”

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“I didn’t know I had any real interest in drawing or painting until my arts elective at Avon. Quickly the studio building became a go-to spot for me. The two years I spent at Avon turned ’I like to doodle … this could be fun’ into a career.”

CLASS OF 2016

KELVIN BOATENG

UNDERGRAD: Vanderbilt University

AREA OF STUDY: Music: voice performance & history

ADVANCED DEGREE DETAILS:

Master of science, marketing, Vanderbilt University, Owen Graduate School of Management

CURRENT PROFESSION:

Associate product marketing manager, Google

Kelvin currently works on growth, partnerships, and go-to-market strategy for Flutter, Google’s UI toolkit to build apps for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase. Some of Kelvin’s responsibilities include managing core promotional relationships with some of Flutter’s biggest customers, such as BMW and ByteDance; finding creative ways to bring Flutter initiatives to a global developer audience; and managing Flutter’s advertising strategy and growth campaigns. His work in the first quarter of 2022 won him the Marketing Impact Award, bestowed quarterly on a member of Google’s platforms and ecosystems marketing team for going above and beyond to drive innovative and impactful work.

Kelvin is also a learning and development lead for the APMM program, Google’s early career marketing rotational program, an intern mentor, and a mentor in Avon’s A5 Program.

In addition to his work at Google, Kelvin is a classically trained operatic baritone with years of performance and recording experience both domestically and internationally and across several genres. He is currently a member of the Choir of Men and Boys at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, California.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“Avon taught me how to grow thick skin and how to lead with action versus words and helped instill structure and discipline that I still use every day.”

CLASS OF 2014

LUIS V. CONSUEGRA

UNDERGRAD: Franklin and Marshall College

AREA OF STUDY:

English literature & theater

CURRENT PROFESSION:

New business innovation and development, WEBB Banks

Following his college graduation, Luis went backpacking through Southeast Asia, eventually moving to Vietnam where he lived for two years with fellow Avon alumnus Ben Spanbock ’14.

Today, Luis is creating and identifying new route-to-market opportunities and developing in-market relationships for WEBB Banks’ growing portfolio of products in the Caribbean, Central and South America, and global travel retail.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“Avon helped tremendously in developing my communication and relationship building skills, which have been integral in my early career. Once you’ve lived day in and day out in a diverse community of 400-plus strong students and faculty all challenging you to be your best, building a relationship with anyone else becomes second nature.”

CLASS OF 2018

RYAN CUSICK

UNDERGRAD: Wake Forest University

AREA OF STUDY:

Economics

CURRENT PROFESSION:

Professional baseball player, Oakland Athletics; first round pick, Atlanta Braves, 2021

Ryan is currently in his first full professional season, playing for the Oakland Athletics’ Double A affiliate, the Midland Rockhounds in Midland, Texas.

“I am playing in Double A this year to improve my pitch arsenal in hopes of making a 2023 MLB debut.”

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“My time at Avon Old Farms was a turning point for me on the field, in the classroom, and as a person. On the field, I learned things won’t always come easy. We played the best competition that the Northeast had to offer, and the highs and lows of the season taught me the perseverance

I would need to be successful in the future. I learned what interested me off the field, which led me to become an economics major at Wake Forest. Most important, I learned the importance of community. I have yet to come across another community with as many selfless people as Avon Old Farms. I was welcomed with open arms by coaches, teachers, and other students who had a shared passion to challenge each other to become better versions of themselves every day. These lifelong brothers and mentors truly left a lasting impact on how I live my life and allowed me to get to where I am and where I am going.”

CLASS OF 2018

JOSEPH DINICOLA

UNDERGRAD: Clarkson University

AREA OF STUDY: Computer science

CURRENT PROFESSION:

Red team penetration tester, Neuvik Solutions

Joseph performs various offensive tests on client web applications and APIs to determine potential vulnerabilities and generates documentation for the results, configures AWS policies to be implemented, and develops methods to expedite set-up time for pentesting engagements. In addition, he completes various other tasks to ensure cyber resilience for clients. He also performs various offensive tests on clients’ applications, networks, and computer systems.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“I connected with Ryan Leirvik, CEO at Neuvik Solutions, during a cyber security seminar Avon Old Farms hosted. After the meeting concluded, I introduced myself to Ryan, and we proceeded to exchange information. After a few discussions and interviews, I was extended an offer to intern at Neuvik Solutions.”

CLASS OF 2012

PORTER DOWLING

UNDERGRAD: Bates College AREA OF STUDY: Political science

ADVANCED DEGREE DETAILS:

MBA, Vanderbilt University

Prior to business school, Porter was a property and casualty commercial underwriter for Chubb Limited, where he worked with different middle market companies focused on primary metal manufacturers and distributors in southern Connecticut and western Massachusetts. He was nominated by the Connecticut YIP Association as a panel member at the 2021 Connecticut Next Gen Career Academy last November. After business school, Porter intends to transition into corporate strategic marketing while remaining in the P&C insurance industry.

Outside of work, Porter has been involved in a variety of medical and youth education foundations. He served on the BOD for Hartford Youth Scholars from 2019–22 and as a committee member for Connecticut Children’s Connect until moving to Nashville this summer. He intends to continue his involvement in the nonprofit segment as a Vanderbilt Board fellow where he can consult with local foundations.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“How much I have been able to lean on my fellow Avonians when in need of professional advice and personal support has been invaluable. For me, it has come full circle over time. I wholeheartedly support the claim that there’s always an Avonian nearby. … While in London earlier this summer, I was able to reconnect with Mario Cabal ’12 for the first time in 10 years, which was awesome.”

CLASS OF 2012

CONNOR DOYLE

UNDERGRAD: Brandeis University

AREA OF STUDY: Business & economics

CURRENT PROFESSION:

Executive sales recruiter, Brownstone Sales and Marketing Group The Brownstone Group is a boutique search firm that helps clients source, recruit, interview, and hire individuals. As a recruiter, Connor partners with clients in a range of industries, including financial services, cyber security, legal technology, and software/SaaS. He typically focuses on customer facing roles, including any pre- and post-sales positions. Connor works closely with his clients to identify their hiring needs and consults on market status or trends as they relate to hiring.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“My time at Avon helped in many ways. While a student at Avon, you learn how to organize your days to make sure you are staying up to date with all of your schoolwork and extracurricular activities. These organizational skills have been

extremely helpful in the professional world to make sure I successfully complete all my tasks and work seamlessly with my clients.”

CLASS OF 2019

JOHN ESCHERT

UNDERGRAD: Middlebury College

AREA OF STUDY: Biochemistry

John is a research fellow at Hartford Hospital in the Anesthesia Clinical Research Office. He has worked on studies covering topics such as health equity, conflicts of interest, cardiac anesthesia, ophthalmic surgery, and cardiac surgery. These studies aim to improve a patient’s hospital experience as well as the health care sector as a whole.

“I’ve garnered one manuscript publication and three poster presentation publications so far. This summer, I also transitioned to working as a patient care volunteer in addition to my research endeavors.”

In addition to his premedical studies, John is minoring in art history. He recently completed a study abroad term at the University of Oxford, taking seminars and learning from various professionals in the British cultural and heritage sector.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“I credit the Avon Brotherhood for my current position at Hartford Hospital. In November 2020, I connected with Tamas Takata ’15 on LinkedIn because I saw he was working as the clinical research coordinator for Hartford Hospital’s Anesthesiology Department. I reached out to inquire about work opportunities within his research team. We discovered many similarities and shared interests: we were both day students at Avon, and we both rowed crew at NESCAC colleges. Tamas agreed to ask his boss if I could be the first undergraduate student to work on the research team and offered to serve as my supervisor.”

CLASS OF 2011

MICHAEL FLYNN

UNDERGRAD: Trinity College

AREA OF STUDY: Economics

CURRENT PROFESSION:

Sales executive, Spring Health Michael currently works as a sales executive at Spring Health, a mental health care organization that provides employees and their family members with best-in-class mental health care. He works with HR and benefits leaders at organizations of all sizes and industries to bring Spring Health to their employees.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“The structure and discipline Avon provided me at an early age has helped me thrive in all aspects of life after Avon—college, athletics, and, most important, my career.”

CLASS OF 2020

PO LAM FUNG

UNDERGRAD: Middlebury College AREA OF STUDY: Child developmental psychology & positive psychology

Po Lam researches methods parents and teachers can implement to motivate and inspire self-confidence in children. He also developed a positive psychology curriculum about the importance of identifying thinking traps and how to combat them during a gap semester.

“I implemented these lessons in debate schools, one of the most stressful environments for children, and hosted small seminars to spread awareness. I hope to become a child psychologist and, eventually, open a center devoted to teaching children and parents positive psychology techniques and resilience skills to help people develop a healthy mindset.”

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“Avon encouraged me to chase opportunities I once thought unachievable. Major Bourgault was one such person: whether it was taking me to a 10K race when I had never run over a mile or entrusting his dorm to me as his head monitor, he never stopped making me believe I was capable of more. Whenever I felt hopeless, Dr. Malchoff and my brothers were there to rouse me with words of encouragement. Their support gave me the courage to seek out medical internships and pursue a career that I believed was out of my reach. I hope I can inspire the same confidence that Avon instilled in me in others and watch them thrive in their families, schools, and future careers.”

CLASS OF 2015

MATTHEW HAHN

UNDERGRAD: United States Air Force Academy

AREA OF STUDY: Economics

CURRENT PROFESSION:

United States Air Force pilot

First Lieutenant Matthew Hahn is currently stationed at Joint Base McGuireDix-Lakehurst,

flying the C17A Globemaster III, which provides rapid global mobility throughout the world. He has operated on five continents and 15 countries over the past six months. He says the most rewarding part of the job is traveling the globe and helping those in need.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“Avon afforded me the opportunity to work among various groups of people accomplishing different tasks. On any given day, I would work on a project with classmates from around the world, and a few hours later, I was on the lacrosse field competing for a Founders League Championship. Today, I work with new people every time I fly. I am fortunate that Avon exposed me to this type of environment early on so I can draw from my past experiences to accomplish the mission.

“The term brotherhood is almost a cliché at Avon, but it holds a powerful connection once you’ve walked through Alumni Gate. Brotherhood extends to life beyond the Quad, but at Avon I learned how to care for everyone and learn their stories. In my profession, brotherhood holds a deep meaning as well. Those roots took shape at Avon and allowed me to be the man I am today.”

CLASS OF 2010

PATRICK HAMPTON

UNDERGRAD: Johns Hopkins University

AREA OF STUDY: Public health & Africana studies

ADVANCED DEGREE DETAILS:

Certificate in international public health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University

CURRENT PROFESSION:

Director of online fundraising, Native American Rights Fund At the Native American Rights Fund, Patrick raises money to support the legal team. The Fund takes on cases expected to reach the Supreme Court with the goal of setting precedents in law that advance rights for Native Americans. As a consensus builder, the Native American Rights Fund works with religious, civil rights, and other Native American organizations to shape laws that will help ensure the civil and religious rights of all Native Americans. NARF attorneys—many of whom are tribal citizens—use their understanding of Indian legal issues to assist tribes in negotiating with individuals, companies, and government agencies.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“Service to others was a regular theme at Avon. We were encouraged to attend charity events, raise funds for disaster relief, and support each other as a community. Headmaster LaRocque was an exceptional leader in this space: he regularly championed ways in which students could have a positive impact in our communities. I took this spirit with me to Johns Hopkins University, where I found applicable ways to invest my time and energy in projects and academic pursuits that I felt could have a positive impact in the world. Ultimately, this led to a career in the nonprofit space. This call to service is directly connected to my time at Avon Old Farms.”

CLASS OF 2018

KEVIN HUVELDT

UNDERGRAD: Northeastern University

AREA OF STUDY: Accounting & finance

ADVANCED DEGREE DETAILS: Master’s in accounting, Northeastern

CURRENT PROFESSION: Public auditor, KPMG Boston

Kevin currently lives in Boston and works for KPMG in the audit department. KPMG is one of the Big 4 public accounting firms and has audit, tax, and advisory departments. Kevin is also pursuing his CPA license.

“I’ve been lucky enough to participate in a few consulting projects, most recently creating a relational database to give users more control over food preferences for a food pantry (Food Rescue) in Stamford, Conn. This upcoming fall, I will participate in a similar engagement, creating a more streamlined process for a nonprofit flower-repurposing company to connect with prospective customers.”

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“The faculty at Avon as well as the demanding overall structure helped craft the work ethic I have today. Transitioning to college was easier for me because Avon had already given me the blueprint for success. I was used to working long days, so when the structure became loose in college, I stuck with what I knew, which happened to be a strictly regimented daily plan laid out for me at AOF. Time management has been essential for me, and AOF did a great job preparing me for the future.”

CLASS OF 2021

MILLAN JAIN

UNDERGRAD: Emerson College

AREA OF STUDY: Marketing communications & business studies

This summer, Millan worked as an intern for the Hartford Yard Goats, AA Affiliate for the Colorado Rockies. He learned about working in the baseball industry rotating through the front office departments, including sales, marketing, production, sponsorship, and operations.

At Emerson College, Millan has been gaining experience both in front of and behind the camera. He worked part-time in an Emerson TV studio and was an anchor and a correspondent for WEBN. He writes his own stories for newscasts, edits sports highlights, and calls them on air. As a stage manager on The Box Score, he manages talent and camera operators in the studio and relays information from the control room to the talent. His team won a National Student Emmy award for sports programming.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“Avon forced me to get out of my comfort zone, allowed me to try things I wouldn’t normally have done. In college, I have been a part of many different organizations that have been out of my comfort zone, and I am slowly working up the ranks, gaining new responsibilities each semester. Avon also taught me how to manage my time. I can apply the steady structure of an Avon day and use it in college to set a time to get work done and relax and hang out with friends.”

CLASS OF 2014

CONNOR KELLY

UNDERGRAD: University of Maryland

AREA OF STUDY: Economics

CURRENT PROFESSION:

Professional lacrosse player, PLL & player development coach

Connor plays professional lacrosse in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), an outdoor league, and in the NLL (National Lacrosse League), indoor lacrosse. He and his team recently won the PLL Championship. He coaches high school lacrosse and runs his own player development business, helping players improve their skills and lacrosse IQ on the field.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“At Avon, I was surrounded by some of the most driven and competitive young men in the country. This environment helped me excel both on and off the field. A lot of my growth started at Avon when I competed at the highest level.

“I committed to Maryland my sophomore year. I was a good student with a solid report card because my coach/mentor, Dr. Flanagan, pushed me. One morning, he woke me up around 6 a.m. because I didn’t receive an exceptional score on my English paper. He took me down to the common area to rewrite my paper before school. I wasn’t too happy about the early wake-up, but I got it done and ultimately was grateful to have someone who cared so much about my well-being. These occurrences happened plenty of times throughout my years at Avon.”

CLASS OF 2017

RYAN LANCHBURY

UNDERGRAD: University of Richmond

AREA OF STUDY: Finance

ADVANCED DEGREE DETAILS:

Master’s in human resource management, University of Richmond

CURRENT PROFESSION: Financial analyst, PC Financial; professional lacrosse player, NLL

Ryan analyzes daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly data trends for his company’s financial planning and analysis team. He also provides revenue assurance and bonus and commission calculations. Using financial modeling, he is able to track key metrics to give upperlevel management a better understanding of overall success. Further, this financial reporting and analysis allows PC Financial to make strategic decisions more accurately and plan for the future.

The upcoming season will be Ryan’s rookie year playing in the National Lacrosse League for the Georgia Swarm.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“Avon helped cultivate me into a man who was able to thrive as a D1 student athlete. Ultimately, the skills and lessons learned at Avon helped build a great foundation for the success I had at Richmond. This is why I am able to play professional lacrosse now in the National Lacrosse League and balance a great first job.

“Attending Avon was the single greatest honor of my life. I have memories, experiences, and relationships that will last a lifetime. One

unique experience that I took from Avon was being able to compete at the D1 level against past Avon teammates. I always looked forward to competing against former teammates and embracing after the game in joy, regardless of the outcome.”

CLASS OF 2011

HARRY LYONS

UNDERGRAD: Northeastern University

AREA OF STUDY: Communications, business management & construction management

CURRENT PROFESSION:

Project manager, Suffolk Construction

Harry manages and coordinates all necessary project resources and the day-today oversight of the construction site, management of vendors and trade partners, and project finances. He is also liaison to the architect, designer, and ownership group throughout the entire project life cycle. As a project manager, he oversees risk, insurances, general work performance, quality, and overall team progress against the project plan through consistent communication and collaboration with the owner and project team members.

An industry leader in innovation, Suffolk utilizes various advanced technology and planning to transform the construction experience for its clients. Suffolk’s plan and control process allows it, its trade partners, and its clients to collaborate earlier and better on design options by using technologies that can identify conflicts before construction and determine the optimal sequence of tasks given design, schedule constraints, and cost.

Recent projects include Encore Boston Harbor Casino, the Montage Big Sky, and, most recently, the Inn at Spanish Peaks Mountain Club.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“Avon taught me the interpersonal and organizational skills to be an impactful team player. This has allowed me and our teams to set lofty goals and work diligently to achieve them. To aspire and persevere went from a motto to an everyday mindset that has helped my career every step of the way.”

CLASS OF 2020

NOAH MATALON

UNDERGRAD: Emerson College

AREA OF STUDY: Film

Noah is a fulltime film student at Emerson College in Boston. During breaks, he’s had the opportunity to work as a production assistant on some feature films, including Call Jane, which debuted in theaters this October. Noah has also received some recognition for his own documentary work: his project Projectionist was accepted into the Rhode Island International Film Festival this year.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“As a student, I constantly heard how special the Avon community was and how it didn’t exist anywhere else on Earth. I understood it was unique, but I couldn’t fully wrap my head around that idea. It wasn’t until after I graduated that I realized how magical my experience was.

“I credit so much of the man I am today to the wonderful people who make up the Avon community. Everyone lucky enough to wake up and spend their day on Mrs. Riddle’s beautiful campus can’t help but positively contribute to the magic in the air. And this magic led to the lessons of empathy, leadership, and honor that I discovered at Avon. I am proud of these values, not just because they have helped me but because they are products of the beautiful relationships I had with my peers, teachers, and mentors during my time at school. I owe great thanks to Avon Old Farms.”

CLASS OF 2014

RYAN PHILLIPS

UNDERGRAD: University of Texas at Austin

AREA OF STUDY: Advertising & business

CURRENT PROFESSION: Senior solutions engineer, Sprout Social

Ryan is an experienced brand marketerturned-solutions engineer with a passion for financial literacy, fitness, fashion, photography, and entrepreneurship. Ryan helps companies grow revenue by building creative marketing strategies.

“I have to have a strong understanding of audiences, which can vary greatly from company to company. From there, I create content that attracts that audience, measure the impact of that content, and make changes as needed. It’s my job to communicate that information to senior leadership. Equal parts critical thinking and communication skills make me successful at my job.”

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“Avon’s environment and how it allows for curiosity to pursue unique interests was huge for me; at Avon, I was encouraged to pursue my curiosity for media. By 18, I knew how to handle myself among high-importance people because AOF put me through those situations numerous times. I had a leg up on people who didn’t know how to navigate a room respectfully.

“The connections I made at Avon also opened many doors for me. I’ve lived in Georgia, Connecticut, Texas, California, and New York, and in each one, I’ve been stopped by someone when wearing my AOF shirt. I’m always asked about my experience there and met with a handshake. I’m always so proud in those moments.”

CLASS OF 2016

SURYA RAMASAMY

UNDERGRAD: Bates College

AREA OF STUDY: Economics

ADVANCED DEGREE DETAILS:

Master’s of management studies, Fuqua School of Business, Duke University

CURRENT PROFESSION:

Finance associate, Dalio Family Office

Surya held internships at Retina AI, a machine-learning start-up, and SpaceX, where he was a student consultant. He began his career at the Dalio Family Office in July.

At Bates College, Surya was a member of the No. 1 ranked men’s lacrosse team—the first team in NESCAC history to go 10-0 in conference play. He was a member of the Library and Information Services Committee at Bates and served on a Vice President Search Committee as the only student. He was inducted into the Bates Scholar-Athlete Society.

Surya enrolled in graduate school in July 2021. Later in the year, he studied decentralized finance infrastructure under Campbell R. Harvey. In May 2022 he completed his master’s. He was a merit scholarship recipient and a Re-Imagining Business fellow.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“Aspirando et Perseverando is a cornerstone of my personal philosophy. My advisor, Ken LaRocque, and my coach, Skip Flanagan, both had a lasting impact on me, and as I’ve moved forward in my life, I find myself referencing their wise words often. Whether it was studying for an AP Calculus or an AP Physics test, practicing the alto saxophone for elite jazz band, or doing wall ball while dreaming of playing college lacrosse, Avon provided the resources and environment to succeed.”

CLASS OF 2018

TJ SHAW

UNDERGRAD: Syracuse University

AREA OF STUDY: Clinical psychology

ADVANCED DEGREE DETAILS:

PhD student, clinical science, Virginia Tech

CURRENT PROFESSION:

Graduate research assistant

TJ is pursuing research focused on mutual intimate partner violence, situations in which both partners are treating each other problematically; alcohol and substance misuse; and post-traumatic stress disorder. He is responsible for making progress toward his master’s thesis (and eventually his PhD dissertation), conducting other independent research, and assisting his mentor with research projects. He also mentors undergraduate research assistants as they progress toward their career goals.

“I hope my research will result in a better understanding of how mutual violence occurs in relationships and how psychologists can better address these problems in both individual and couples therapy.”

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“One of the more tangible ways Avon helped me was challenging my abilities as a writer. Mr. Cantello, Mr. Callaghan, and Dr. Stern instilled fundamental principles of strong writing that serve me well. Avon is also where I met some of my best friends, and their support through good and bad times is one reason I am where I am today. The most important way that Avon helped me is that Avon taught me how to struggle. I had more than my fair share of shortcomings in the classroom, on the athletic field, and everywhere in between. But those struggles are times that I am proud of now: they prepared me for where I am today and for struggles that lie ahead.”

CLASS OF 2015

EDMUND TAMAS TAKATA

UNDERGRAD: Tufts University; New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM)

AREA OF STUDY: Biomedical engineering & medicine

ADVANCED DEGREE DETAILS:

Master’s in mechanical engineering, Tufts University; NYITCOM, doctor of osteopathic medicine 2026

CURRENT PROFESSION:

Medical researcher, medical student

As a medical researcher at Hartford Hospital, Edmund is responsible for initiating, conducting, and publishing medical research in anesthesiology. He evaluated how interventions, such as acupuncture and various nerve anesthesia techniques, and patient backgrounds, including socioeconomic status, culture, and race/ ethnicity, affected patient outcomes.

“Initiating studies for research such as this required me to create and develop ideas with groups of physicians, scientists, and fellow researchers to find solutions to issues that affect anesthesia outcomes and public health. Depending on the nature of a given study, conducting research involves getting consent from patients, gathering data from medical charts, and analyzing data for dissemination of results. Finally, publishing our results requires substantial team effort as each study manuscript usually undergoes dozens of iterations before publication.”

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“Avon gave me a foundational attitude: I can achieve what I want and become the person I want to be as long as I do not relent, as long as I keep believing in myself. Who I am is not a result of my efforts but of the grace of my community. Who I am and what I do are unimportant, but who I am to others and what I do for others, my friends, my brothers, and my family ... these are all that matter.”

CLASS OF 2018

ZACHARY TUCCI

UNDERGRAD: Kenan Flagler Business School, UNC Chapel Hill

AREA OF STUDY: Business administration & investment banking

CURRENT PROFESSION:

Investment banking analyst, Bank of America; professional lacrosse player, NLL

Zachary graduated from UNC as a Top-10 scholar athlete, was recognized for maintaining the highest cumulative GPA while being a varsity athlete, and earned AllAmerican honors on the lacrosse field.

An analyst at Bank of America in the Mergers & Acquisitions Group, he evaluates and researches investment opportunities. His team meets with clients, prepares offers, runs financial projections, and works on pitch books that help generate new clients for the firm when a company’s business is bought by or sold to a strategic buyer or private equity firm.

A professional lacrosse player for the Waterdogs, he also plays across the country during the 12-week season.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“A chance meeting with Dr. Skip Flanagan at a summer lacrosse showcase single-handedly changed my academic and athletic trajectory. He encouraged me to consider attending Avon Old Farms; it would not only have superior academics but also allow me to play lacrosse at a considerably higher level. Attending Avon helped me realize some of my best attributes, and Dr. Flanagan had a particularly notable impact on my life. As a result of his guidance and dedication, I learned the importance of prioritizing my education along with my performance on the field. I accepted his lifestyle recommendations, and my studies improved immensely with his guidance.”

CLASS OF 2017

HAYDEN VOEGTLE

UNDERGRAD: Pamplin College of Business, Virginia Tech

AREA OF STUDY: Accounting and information systems & information systems auditing

CURRENT PROFESSION: Risk and advisory analyst; platoon leader, engineer: U.S. Army Reserves In public accounting, Hayden provides advisory services to C-suite executives in a working capital fund. His area of focus is based in using statistics to create financial models for clients and their funds, and using robotic process automation to help forecast future events. In the Army, he is a commissioned officer leading 40 soldiers for a multi-role bridging company, which operates boats to expeditiously build bridges that support advancing forces.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“Avon provides structure and space to explore passions. Avon’s faculty are experienced professionals coming from all walks of life who pave the path for young men to succeed. If an Avonian can dream it, there is a faculty member who has experienced it and can provide the direction a young man needs to pursue that dream. I experienced this at every turn across campus.

“Though my main career has taken me in the direction of public

accounting, Avon helped me initially realize my goals to become a commissioned officer in the Army. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel, train, and be mentored by some of our best soldiers. It is a unique and rewarding experience that was fostered at Avon and allows me to combine academic excellence with grit in a role to develop young men and women serving our country.”

CLASS OF 2018

QIANCHANG “DENNIS” WANG

UNDERGRAD: Harvey Mudd College

AREA OF STUDY: Physics & mathematical and computational biology

ADVANCED DEGREE DETAILS:

PhD, infection and immunity, University of Cambridge 2026

CURRENT PROFESSION: PhD student in infection and immunity

Dennis works at the Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease (CITIID), a research center established during COVID-19. His research interests lie primarily in the area of systems immunology and synthetic biology; the former provides a "roadmap" of the immune system, and the latter builds tools to perturb and engineer the immune system. He will likely explore his interests in host-pathogen/microbe interactions, which may include potential applications in treating autoimmune diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. During his free time, Dennis explores the world of entrepreneurship and venture capital with the aim of one day starting a synthetic biology and systems immunology company to develop next-generation cell therapies.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“The genomics Intersession course at Avon introduced me to the concept of genomics. During my senior year, I pursued an afternoon independent project at the Jackson Laboratory (JAX) for Genomic Medicine in Farmington, Conn., through its Academic Year Internship Program. There, I was first exposed to the field of immunology in the laboratory of Dr. Jacques Banchereau, a worldrenowned immunologist. Such experience later allowed me to participate in the prestigious JAX SSP program and more summer research at another tissue immunity lab at MIT, which eventually helped me land a position in the infection and immunity PhD program at the University of Cambridge.”

CLASS OF 2014

GRAHAM WELTER

UNDERGRAD: Sacred Heart University

AREA OF STUDY: Marketing

CURRENT PROFESSION:

Co-founder, Ties; advisor, WIP Growth Consulting

You might remember Graham for his company Nantucket Buckets, but since his college years, he’s continued growing his entrepreneurial ventures. He is currently working on two businesses: WIP Growth Consulting, a marketing and growth consulting business working with companies doing between $0–20M in yearly revenue, and Ties, a SaaS startup automating relationships between brand and content creators. Ties is enabling creators to better run their businesses while automating content pipelines for brands.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“I launched my first company, Nantucket Buckets, while at Avon. This was an extremely important part of my entrepreneurial journey. Avon put me in an environment where I felt inspired, empowered, and comfortable enough to take the risk to build this business. I learned so much during this first business of mine that I’ve been able to bring with me to new companies. Almost all of my business partners to date either attended AOF, or I met them through AOF relationships. I’m always happy to connect with other alumni in the space and make any helpful introductions.”

CLASS OF 2013

WILLIAM WHITE

UNDERGRAD: United States Military Academy

AREA OF STUDY: Mechanical engineering

ADVANCED DEGREE DETAILS:

Juris Doctor candidate, Notre Dame Law School 2024

CURRENT PROFESSION:

U.S. Army officer

William served as an infantry officer and worked as a platoon leader, company executive officer, and battalion logistics officer at Fort Bragg in the 82nd Airborne Division. In 2018–19, he led a group of 36 paratroopers during pre-deployment training in Fort Bragg and then deployed to Afghanistan. While there, he became a company executive officer and was the second-in-

command of a 130-member paratrooper infantry company, resupplying subordinate elements and managing equipment maintenance. After returning from Afghanistan and serving as a company executive officer in Fort Bragg, he transitioned to battalion logistics officer and managed the logistics of a 730-paratrooper infantry battalion handling the resupply, transportation, and maintenance of the unit.

William is attending law school through the Army-funded Legal Education Program (FLEP). He will serve as a military lawyer for at least six years; in his first assignment, he is likely to serve as a government prosecutor.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“I had some incredible teachers and coaches who mentored me and provided a great example of what it means to be a Man of Avon. Avon provided a really healthy environment where I could pursue different academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities. The structure at Avon prepared me for my time at West Point, and the work ethic I developed at Avon helped me in both college and later serving as an officer.”

CLASS OF 2014

MATTHEW WILLIAMSON

UNDERGRAD: Elon University

AREA OF STUDY:

Communications & journalism

CURRENT PROFESSION:

Associate producer and editor, Rydholm Projects, INC.

As an editor, Matthew produces video and digital content for ESPN’s sports talk television show Pardon the Interruption. Other responsibilities include making story suggestions and selections, editing short and long form interviews, and collaborating with on-air talent and show production teams to develop and deliver a trustworthy television show.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“As a day student, I was always familiar with AOF having grown up in Avon, Conn. Avon is truly a wonderful place, filled with wonderful people. The relationships I created with my classmates, teammates, teachers, and coaches are stronger today than they have ever been. Avon taught me that hard work always prevails and that doing the right thing all the time is a necessity, whether it’s in front of a crowd or behind closed doors. My teachers and coaches cared about my progression as a student and an athlete and devoted extra help when I needed it. Mr. Detora, Mr. and Mrs. Doyle, Mr. Mehos, Mr. Barlow, Mr. and Mrs. Cugell, Mr. Reece, and Dr. Stern are just some of the many mentors who helped shape me to become the person I am today. To me, Avon is more than just a school or a campus— it’s a home. I am forever grateful for the experiences and lessons I learned during my time at Avon.”

CLASS OF 2014

SKYLER WILLIAMSON

UNDERGRAD: St. Lawrence University

AREA OF STUDY: Business & psychology

CURRENT PROFESSION:

Account specialist, Pfizer Oncology Health and Science

As a senior health care rep, Skyler is responsible for launching new products, managing business relations, and engaging in product promotion. He works in sales and relationship development with therapeutic area specialists and key opinion leaders. Skyler also supports patients’ access to Pfizer products by providing relevant information to health care providers. His recent promotion to account specialist is his second in three years, and he’s also held an interim district manager position. Outside of his day-to-day job responsibilities, Skyler is also a mentor to three colleagues and is a member of Avon’s A5 Mentorship Program.

AVON’S INFLUENCE

“Avon was truly a blessing for my life. Avon taught me how to bring the best out of myself each and every day. Surrounded by brothers who continue to push each other to be great to this day, Avon is where I learned to take on responsibilities and flourish through adversity.”

Avonian Appears on Stamp

For the first time ever, an Avon Old Farms alumnus appeared on an official U.S. Postal Service stamp. Pete Seeger ’36 was featured on a stamp released in July as part of the USPS “Music Icons” series. The stamp art features a photo of Seeger taken in the early 1960s as he sings and plays his iconic banjo. According to the USPS, the stamp pane is designed to resemble a vintage 45 rpm record sleeve.

Seeger enrolled at Avon Old Farms at the age of 13. Here, he continued to improve his musical abilities while entertaining his brothers with spirited live performances. He went on to become an American icon with a successful career spanning more than half a century as a singer, a songwriter, a musician, an activist, and an environmentalist. He wrote and performed classic hits such as “Where Have All the Flowers Gone”; “Turn, Turn, Turn”; and “If I Had a Hammer.”

Seeger has earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the Kennedy Center Lifetime Achievement Honor. In 2008, he was honored with the first ever Distinguished Alumnus Award from Avon Old Farms. The award is given every other year to an alumnus who has achieved distinction in his professional career, humanitarian endeavors, or other areas of his life. This award honors an individual who has embraced the core values emphasized at Avon Old Farms to show what being a Man of Avon truly means.

Though we believe the Distinguished Alumnus Award is the highest honor Seeger has achieved in his illustrious career, appearing on a stamp is pretty cool too.

the elephant remembers

A CLASSROOM DEDICATION

for a Dedicated Teacher

Erin Borger ’99 credits Avon Old Farms, and one teacher in particular, with changing his life. When Erin arrived on campus in 10th grade, he was in an unfamiliar state and, admittedly, wasn’t the best-behaved kid. That changed after one notorious AOF teacher took Erin under his wing. “The funny thing is, he was never my teacher; I never had him in class,” Erin says. “You became part of his family if you were lucky enough." That educator was Don Wick, and Erin is just one of many students who credits Wick with helping him become the man he is today.

Mr. Wick began his time at Avon Old Farms in 1991 and immediately felt at home. He and his dog, Buck, were staples on campus through the 1990s into the early 2000s. The mathematics teacher could usually be spotted driving his golf cart to and from his residence behind the Brown House dormitory, with Buck chasing close behind. “He just made you realize there are always more important things in life than whatever little issue you were dealing with,” Erin says. “He was a really inspirational guy.”

Erin eventually went off to college and had recently graduated when he found out about Wick’s death in 2003. He didn’t have the means at the time, but he had it in his mind that he wanted to do something to help preserve Wick’s legacy. This past summer, members of faculty and staff, both past and present, joined Erin in the hallway of Jamerson to finally realize his dream of memorializing Wick’s impact at Avon. During a brief dedication ceremony, a plaque was unveiled above the classroom he used to teach in, and several of Wick’s former colleagues shared stories about their time with him.

“Don was a special guy. That was undeniable,” long-time colleague and friend Kevin Driscoll ’72 said. “This place meant the world to him.”

Head of School Jim Detora shared that what set Wick apart was how much he truly cared about the boys he was educating. “I think that’s one of the things that made Don special, and it’s one of the things that makes Avon special,” Detora said.

“He was a friend to the boys, but he was also a great mentor to the faculty,” history teacher Arthur Mehos noted. Rob Dowling ’91, who now serves as the school’s provost and head baseball coach, emphasized that point. “When I was a young teacher, Don showed me through his actions that our primary job was to serve the boys,” Dowling said. “He was an unforgettable figure on campus and left a lifelong impression.”

THE DON WICK SCHOLARSHIP

The memory of Don Wick will now be enshrined for years to come by the plaque that bears his name, but that’s not all. Borger and some of his AOF classmates are working to start a scholarship fund in memory of Don Wick. The Don Wick Scholarship will support a qualified student at AOF with a demonstrated financial need in perpetuity. Once the initial fundraising goal of the scholarship is reached, the scholarship will be awarded annually.

Don Wick inspired many young men during his time at Avon, and this scholarship bearing his name— created because of the enduring gratitude of members of the AOF community—ensures his legacy will carry on for generations to come. More than half the funds needed to activate the scholarship have been raised, but the organizers still have a long way to go to fund a full scholarship. To support the Don Wick Scholarship, please designate your gift when you fill out the donation form on the AOF giving page: www.avonoldfarms.com/ givenow.