The Avonian: Spring 2024

A Farewell Salute to Major John Bourgault ’80, P’09

from the EDITOR

When I joined the Avon Old Farms School community in the fall of 2016, I was unfamiliar with its people and traditions. However, during my inaugural employee gathering—a “welcome back” event before the fall term commenced— my husband steered me toward someone he recognized: Major John Bourgault ’80, P’09. Having only attended public schools, my husband previously encountered the Major while attending an Oakwood soccer training academy at Wesleyan University. He recalled Major’s commanding presence as he stood atop a hill, overhearing several players whispering excitedly about his presence— a memory that left an indelible mark.

Like many Avonians, I developed a deep respect for the Major over time. It may have started with our common affinity for cowboy boots, but as I state in our cover story on page 28, Major Bourgault is one of the kindest and most thoughtful Avonians I have met. Although he prefers to avoid the limelight, we felt compelled to acknowledge the Major’s departure from our faculty. While we are confident this is not the last we will see of him at Avon Old Farms, we wish to honor his two decades of service in this magazine.

Interestingly, Major Bourgault’s farewell coincided with our faculty’s participation in a professional development seminar focused on the use of artificial intelligence in education. This juxtaposition prompted my team to reflect on the school’s evolution in the digital age. As school historian Art Custer P’04, ’05, ’10 has said several times, Avon Old Farms has changed in so many ways, and yet, in many ways, it has not changed at all. This publication explores how a highly traditional institution can embrace technological advancements in the classroom while ensuring its students remain grounded, cherishing the unique experiences and opportunities within Mrs. Riddle’s historic village.

Aspirando et perseverando, JACQUELINE KELLER, EDITOR kellerj@avonoldfarms.com (860) 404-4116

Established 1927

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Jim Detora P’12

ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Robert J. Whitty ’87, P’16

MANAGING EDITOR

Jacqueline Keller

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Adam Hushin

The Avonian is published for the alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends of Avon Old Farms School. It is distributed to approximately 7,000 readers. All rights reserved.

AVON OLD FARMS SCHOOL

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Avon Old Farms School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disabilities, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.

Dear Avonians,

GFROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

oodbyes are tough. Whether celebrating the graduation of our seniors or toasting the retirements of cherished faculty members who have spent years on Avon’s campus putting their heart and soul into our boys, it is a testament to our deep affection for this institution and the longevity of its careers, some of which span generations.

At the end of the school year, Avon bids farewell to several long-standing faculty members as they begin the next phase of their lives: retirement. David McElheny, Art Mehos, John Bourgault ’80, P’09, Deb Garber P’99, ’03, Ann Beloin, and John Riley P’01 join the ranks of beloved faculty whose legacies will forever be part of Avon’s rich history. Our CFO Robert Orenstein is also retiring. Controller Jackie Morr P’19, ’22 will take over as the CFO at the end of our fiscal year. I am truly grateful to each of these community members for their dedication and passion for making Avon the great school it is today.

In the fourth academic quarter, the boys resumed stickball on Smalley Field at Jamerson Green as the weather turned warm. They enjoyed classes outside and cooled off in Beaver Pond during Founder’s Day—the hallmarks of a traditional spring at Avon Old Farms. To cap off the year, we welcomed parents and loved ones to Avon’s 90th awards ceremony and commencement on May 25–26. Our commencement speaker, alumnus Campbell Brown ’86, gave an inspiring speech to our seniors as they embark on their college careers. We wish our graduates success in their future endeavors and look forward to having them back on campus as our new alumni.

While we typically welcome our alumni back in the spring for the reunion, we are excited to shift to a fall reunion on October 25–27. It promises to be a festive gathering surrounding an AOF fall football game. The reunion website is live, and it is time to mark your calendar for this fun weekend.

Aspirando et perseverando,

JIM DETORA P’12 Head of School

village green

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON THE RISE

What Does it Mean for Avon Old Farms?

Artificial intelligence, or AI, has always been a source of fascination. It’s been the subject of countless sci-fi stories and was always viewed as something that would become commonplace at some point in the future. Technological advancements throughout history have gradually brought us to a point in time where AI is now being utilized more and more.

In recent months, the presence of AI in schools has become especially noticeable, specifically AI programs called “large language models.” One of these programs in particular, ChatGPT, exploded in popularity late last year. Created by the artificial intelligence research organization OpenAI, it uses a deep learning algorithm trained on a massive dataset of text from the internet, including books, articles, and websites. The model consists of a neural network with over 1.5 billion parameters, which allows it to generate humanlike responses to a wide variety of questions and prompts.

With this type of software growing exponentially, schools are scrambling to determine how best to regard AI tools in education. In one instance, a boarding school in England recently made headlines after announcing they had appointed an AI chatbot as the school’s headteacher, in a move that signifies some schools are fully embracing the new tool. Other schools have gone the opposite direction and banned the technology altogether.

Unfortunately, not all of the news involving AI in schools has been positive, with both high school and college students utilizing the software to complete assignments for them. English teacher and Dean of Studies Graham Callaghan ’95, P’25 says that there were a few cases last year of students misusing ChatGPT, but at a school like Avon it’s easier to prevent. “There were a few instances that popped up last year, but our teachers know their students. Hearing students talk in class and being familiar with their written work from in-class writing assignments will make

it obvious if they aren’t writing something themselves. The culture of our school is one where we emphasize the relationship between teachers and students,” Callaghan says.

He went on to say that the plan is not to completely prohibit the use of AI in the classroom. In fact, he says it should become part of the curriculum. “We need to do more than determine if students are using it. We need to teach them how to use it. Obviously, we will always insist students do their own work, but we cannot pretend students aren’t curious about AI and how it can help with their learning. I think we have to embrace it. It’s about finding the right place and way to use it.”

In October, Callaghan attended a forum organized by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) that discussed how to incorporate AI in education. The event featured five panelists from around the world and over 2,000 participants representing hundreds of schools. Callaghan says that based on his discussions at the forum, everyone is at a different point of consideration on how to utilize AI.

“It’s definitely a hot topic right now, and no one can predict where it’s going, but it’s not going away.” A primary focus of the NEASC forum was the importance of AI literacy.

“In the past, schools had to focus on teaching digital literacy. Now that’s shifting. Adding AI literacy to classes

We need to do more than determine if students are using it. We need to teach them how to use it.

… It’s about finding the right place and way to use it.

— GRAHAM CALLAGHAN ’95, P’25

is definitely becoming a priority,” Callaghan says.

He adds that giving teachers the tools and knowledge is just as important, and he worked with Dr. Trevor Stern, Avon’s dean of faculty, to organize a full-faculty professional development (PD) day on November 27 focused on AI in education. The PD session featured a full day of both full-faculty and department-specific workshops led by Nate Green, who was a panelist on the NEASC forum and was a faculty member at Avon before moving into his current role at Sidwell Friends School.

“One of the reasons we brought him in is because Nate is a teacher, so he knows how this tool can be relevant and applicable to us,” Stern explains.

Green began the day by addressing all faculty and staff with a summary of what AI and large language models are and some of the potential ways they can benefit teachers. These programs can be used to create quizzes, worksheets, and classroom activities—something utilized a lot at Avon, where active and experiential learning are crucial for an all-boys education. “If you really learn how to best utilize it, these programs can really be a tool to enhance your lessons,” Green said.

While there are valid concerns that this technology could make certain subjects or teaching units obsolete, Green explained why the role of teachers is still vital. “It will certainly disrupt education, but it’s only going to make teachers more important, not less,” Green said, adding that these AI models are only making predictions based on data

inputted by humans. While these AI models have access to seemingly infinite information, they have a few shortcomings where teachers are needed. Metacognition and epistemology are two elements of education that can only be carried out through a teacher-student relationship.

There are other shortcomings with these AI programs that are a bit more malicious. ChatGPT and similar models have been known to make up misinformation in order to provide what it “thinks” the user wants. Plagiarism is also an issue.

A cohort of authors, including John Grisham and George R.R. Martin, recently filed a lawsuit against OpenAI for what they claim to be use of their copyrighted works without permission. There have also been instances where these language models produce results that reinforce negative stereotypes, revealing evidence of racial and gender bias in their programming.

The technology, however, is improving at a rapid rate. Despite the current drawbacks, Green explained that this technology is not going away, and since students are using it, teachers have a responsibility to understand it as well. “We can’t afford to just ignore this. We sort of missed the opportunity to educate students about social media, and that has led to a lot of issues. We can’t make that same mistake here because AI is only going to exacerbate those issues.” With AI now being utilized in things like college and job recruiting and insurance or healthcare applications, it’s paramount students learn how to use it.

Computer science teacher Evan

Sayles teaches the school’s coding and computer engineering classes, so naturally he has been at the forefront of AI’s integration into education. He says he isn’t stopping his students from getting familiar with AI. “Half of their test is always hand-writing code, so, no matter what, they are learning how to do things on their own without the use of AI, but I do encourage them to use it in smart ways for their personal projects,” Sayles says.

Sayles is very confident that AI will only become more prominent inside the classroom and beyond. “In the very near future, I think AI will be fully ingrained in how we teach—in a way that will elevate it.”

Peter Rice ’76, P’15 has been teaching at Avon for more than 30 years. He reflected on how this rapid development of AI programs compares to the effect the internet had on education. He says he doesn’t recall the insurgence of the internet being this concerning. “I think this is more profound because of its ability to predict and imitate human interaction. Internet just provided a pool of information, you still had to know enough to go in and find what you’re looking for.”

Callaghan says he hopes students and teachers can work together to navigate this new phenomenon. He says there is potential for an Intersession course focused on AI. He also shares that a group of students have expressed interest in starting a club focused on exploring the possibilities of AI. “That’s something I would definitely encourage.”

Green said that it will be vital for students to be included in these

conversations because the way they find it useful varies tremendously from how educators view the technology. While there is already some language included in the student handbook regarding AI, both Green and Callaghan agree that coming up with an overarching school policy is easier said than done. “Policies are incredibly tough to craft because of how fast this is evolving. We need to go beyond that,” Green said. “It’s more of coming up with a philosophy: How do we want to use it and how do our values intersect.”

The subject of AI is not only on the radar of Avon Old Farms administrators. In February, the International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) organized a program titled “IBSC Boys and Bots: Learning in the Age of AI.” This two-part online program focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on boys’ learning and their well-being. The goal of this program was to help educators discover ways AI technology can be utilized in the classroom and to help them navigate the evolving relationship between boys and technology. Overall, the IBSC says their goal is to empower students with the knowledge and resilience needed to thrive in an ever-increasingly digital age.

The AI industry is advancing so radically and rapidly that content in this article could be outdated by the time this magazine is published. While the future of AI is still relatively unknown, it is safe to say at this point that it is not going away. Fortunately, Avon Old Farms School is committed to helping boys navigate the unknown.

Policies are incredibly tough to craft because of how fast this is evolving. We need to go beyond that. … It’s more of coming up with a philosophy: How do we want to use it and how do our values intersect.

— NATE GREEN

UNLEASHING INNOVATION:

The Growing Engineering Program at Avon Old Farms School

Avon Old Farms School has witnessed a remarkable evolution in its engineering program, which was officially designated as a department for the 2023–24 academic year. Today, 30 percent of AOF students actively engage in this premier academic and extracurricular area, taking advantage of diverse class offerings. The program’s expansion, spanning over a decade, is a testament to the dedication of faculty and the community’s generous contributions.

Designed to foster collaboration and innovation, Avon’s engineering and computer science program has experienced substantial growth, introduced new courses, and expanded its curriculum to meet the demands

of an ever-evolving technological landscape. In the 2016–17 school year, 57 students were enrolled across three elective STEM courses. The program has continued to develop, adding both one-semester and fullyear courses to its roster. Today, nine courses are taught in rotation; for the 2023–24 school year, 140 students were enrolled in these courses.

With new classes continually being integrated into the curriculum, the budding engineering program needed a home. The Inspiring Boys, Building Men capital campaign, which ended in December 2019, made a new engineering and robotics center a reality. The update reconfigured the Forge area to include a classroom, workshop, and robotics arena, and the

adjacent Water Tower was revamped, thanks to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Volk P’89, ’92, to include an innovative, 14-workstation computer lab. The modernized site now supports a broader curriculum in mathematics and engineering. To sustain and increase related programming, Honorary Director John E. Drew P’85, ’87, GP’17, ’18, ’24 and his son, current board member Christopher S. Drew ’85, P’17, ’18, supported the establishment of the STEM Initiative Endowment Fund in December 2015 through the generosity of the Teel’s Marsh Foundation and the Elizabeth Ferry Speer Foundation.

“We have been really impressed with how Avon has grown its STEM program in such a short time,”

comments Chris Drew. “Our hope is that when students participate in Avon’s new and improved STEM program, it may spark an interest that prompts them to take STEM classes in college and perhaps even lead them to a career in a STEM field. Our gifts to the endowment supporting the STEM program will provide a reliable ongoing source of income to fund programs for today’s students and for all future Avonians.”

The STEM Initiative Endowment supports critical class programming, space, and equipment for our full engineering curriculum, including robotics and Club Forge. Additional donors have continued to support the fund over time, allowing it to grow alongside the engineering curriculum and increase student interest in the program. The robotics program’s home was created by converting an open area of the Forge. It includes a practice competition ring, four 3-D printers, and worktables. Inspired by a substantial donation of an industrystandard Haas Milling Machine from the Robert E. Morris Company,— current Board member Brad Morris ’84, P’20, ’24 is the company’s president—a new engineering lab space was established below Brown House in the spring of 2021.

Alumnus Caleb Pelland’s experience demonstrates the program’s success. First discovering his passion through hands-on work with the Haas Milling Machine, he is now majoring in material science engineering; his story highlights the transformative aspects of Avon’s engineering program.

“I heard this milling machine existed as a sophomore, then I

learned about the class where you got to use it, and I really wanted to know more.” Caleb ’23 eagerly signed up for the Manufacturing Engineering class in his junior year. The class, taught by Beth Larson, introduces the many different machines used within manufacturing and what can be made with them.

“The engineering lab has a lot of good tools at your disposal,” Caleb says. “Just the fact that Avon has a machine like this tempts students to learn more about it. If I were at a school that didn’t have this, I wouldn’t have discovered this interest.”

The engineering program thrives under the guidance of dedicated faculty and with support from generous alumni. Collaborations with industry leaders, exemplified by the generous donations from the Avon Old Farms community, further enhance the learning experience.

“Advances in computer and software technology have made using computer-aided design, or CAD, central to engineering,” says engi-

neering teacher Larson. “At Avon, students interested in learning more about this field have an opportunity to work with engineering teachers who understand it.”

In 2023, the introduction of a new lathe CNC machine, also gifted by the Morris Company, and the expansion of the engineering lab to accommodate the equipment signified a promising future for the program. The technology was added to the engineering lab as part of an expansion project, allowing even more students to explore their passions. Avon Old Farms School’s Engineering Program goes beyond traditional learning; it sparks a passion for innovation and problem-solving. As the program continues to strengthen, it prepares students to excel in a world that demands both creativity and technical expertise. The indelible mark it leaves on students, coupled with ongoing support and advancements, solidifies Avon’s position as a leader in shaping the engineers of tomorrow.

UNPLUGGED AND PRESENT:

The Head of School’s Battle Against Cell Phone Dependence on Campus

BY JIM DETORA P’12

Get off your phone!” echoes across campus from the steps of my office as I monitor phone use within our community. Managing cell phones on campus is one of the priorities I’ve created for myself as head of school. While they may gripe about my constant surveillance and often look around to see if I’m present before reaching into their pockets, I hope my efforts are meaningful and impact our students’ lives for the better.

We are fortunate to live, learn, and work in a spectacular setting; a campus whose beauty shifts with the season. Mrs. Riddle presented us with the opportunity to find respite within our day and enjoy the calm beauty of the Avon village.

To be blunt, cell phone dependance dominates lives and interferes with spontaneous conversation, quiet reflection, or meaningful moments with friends and colleagues. In 2021, I implemented the “Heads-Up Challenge” in which I asked students to go just one week without their cell phones, and only a dozen or so could complete the task. However, those who were able to stick it out shared that they felt more connected to their peers, were performing better in their classes, slept better, and were more aware of their surroundings. What incredible advantages can come from the simple act of leaving your phone behind.

More schools are adopting a cell phone-free policy or blocking apps on their campus. As many are aware, social media dependance is contributing to an explosion of mental health issues and a skyrocketing rate of depression among teens. Realistically, cell phones and social media are not going away, but there is an opportunity to shift mindsets. As part of Avon’s Prep4Ward program we teach the boys about the intricacies of their screen time: from monitoring their social media usage to understanding algorithms that manipulate information and increase app usage. With smarter use and a keen understanding of how technology influences us, we can set a foundation for the boys to make better choices on how to spend their time. Sharing a meal together is a prime example. How often do you engage with your phone while dining with friends or family? For the Avon community, I am ensuring the refectory remains a space where we gather without phones.

It is one of the few times during our day that we are able to enjoy some laughs and connect as a community. To me, this is sacred. The boys and members of our community are well aware of the consequences if this line is crossed—on some days, the collection of confiscated phones on my office desk is an impressive display. Inevitably, there will be another piece of technology that will influence our lives in the future. But if I can make an impact on our community to be present, to walk around with

our heads up and make eye contact, and to enjoy moments untethered from technology without imposing a mandate, then we have succeeded in doing right by our boys. Each time I receive a compliment about our welcoming campus with friendly faces and eye contact from a future parent, Avonian, or visitor to our campus, I know we are slowly winning the battle.

So, in closing, I kindly ask that the next time you stop by for a visit, please stay off your phone and enjoy the beauty of Mrs. Riddle’s village!

VISUAL ARTS VICTORY:

Avon Old Farms Students Dominate Art Awards

The Visual Arts Department at Avon Old Farms is celebrating a significant achievement as student artists have clinched an impressive number of awards in recent competitions. The students’ remarkable achievements have firmly placed Avon at the forefront of the visual arts scene, showcasing the school’s commitment to fostering creativity and excellence.

In the UMass Dartmouth Emerging Young Artists and Designers 2024 Juried Exhibition, where submissions poured in from over 800 young artists, 13 Avon Old Farms students were selected for the prestigious show. Out of 200 works chosen for the exhibition, these artists stood out, demonstrating their exceptional skills and unique artistic voices.

Chris Bowers ’24, made a significant impact in the Drexel University High School Photography Competition.

Among more than 2,000 entries, Bowers’ work earned a spot in the top six images, a remarkable accomplishment that earned him an honorable mention.

The pinnacle of the art award season came with the announcement that 13 Avonians secured a total of 23 awards in the highly competitive 2024 Connecticut Scholastic Art Awards. This achievement not only solidifies Avon’s position as a leader but also underscores the talent nurtured within the Visual Arts Department; Avon can now claim the title of #1 in all of Connecticut, a testament to the dedication of both students and educators.

The list of award-winning students is impressive and diverse, showcasing proficiency across various artistic disciplines. Derrick Li ’24, for instance, secured three Gold Keys, a Silver Key, Best in Portfolio, and the American 13 AWARDS

AUGUST ALEXANDER ’27, LIGHT PAINTING, SCHOLASTIC ART AWARD SILVER KEY

Vision Award. Wonjae Cho ’25 earned two Gold Key awards, including one for Best in Sculpture. Kenny Wang ’24, Joel Taylor ’24, Lawson Byrnes ’25, Chris Bowers ’24, Liam Park ’26, and August Alexander ’27 also contributed to Avon Old Farms’ success by earning Gold Key awards in their respective categories.

Owen Callaghan ’25, Ian Choi ’25, Pearce Powers ’26, Isaiah Agyekum ’27, and Spencer Parish ’24 also received well-deserved recognition with Honorable Mention and Silver Key awards.

As the school continues to nurture and support young artists, the future looks bright for Avon Old Farms as a powerhouse in the visual arts community, setting a high standard for creative excellence. Congratulations to all the award-winning students for their outstanding achievements!

ZACHARY PIA ’25, ILLUSION OF SPACE, UMASS DARTMOUTH EMERGING YOUNG ARTISTS + DESIGNERS (EYAD) 2024 JURIED EXHIBITION SELECTED WORK; SCHOLASTIC ART AMERICAN VISIONS AWARD

ISAIAH AGYEKUMI ’27,

EMERGING YOUNG ARTISTS + DESIGNERS (EYAD) 2024 JURIED EXHIBITION SELECTED WORK, THIRD PLACE OVERALL; SCHOLASTIC ART AWARD HONORABLE MENTION

DERRICK LI ’24, AT RIVER’S EDGE, SCHOLASTIC ART AWARD GOLD KEY

WONJAE CHO ’25, GAME BIRD, SCHOLASTIC ART AWARD GOLD KEY

MYSTERIOUS BLUE BOY, UMASS DARTMOUTH

LAWSON BYRNES ’25, BODY, SCHOLASTIC ART AWARD GOLD KEY

Elijah Rosado ’24

What do you get when you cross a church choir member with Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash? The answer isn’t a punchline to one of Mr. Spearman’s jokes. The answer is our featured artist for this edition: Elijah Rosado ’24.

When Eli was three, his parents signed him up for piano lessons. He wasn’t too keen on the instrument, so he made a deal with them. “I told them that if they let me switch to guitar, I wouldn’t ever quit.” He kept his promise and took it even further when he was gifted with an electric guitar in the fifth grade. “I started playing all day. It didn’t feel like a chore. I’d come home from school and just play from 3 to 10 p.m. It was crazy.”

The electric guitar allowed Eli to emulate some of his idols more closely than an acoustic guitar could. The likes of Slash and Randy Rhoads are much more akin to the power and energy only an electric guitar can generate. Inspired by these artists, Eli would spend his

hours primarily playing classic rock-inspired riffs, ripping through chords and shredding solos. Because of this genre background, he didn’t immediately join the jazz band or chamber orchestra when he first arrived at Avon. “I was actually a little hesitant at first. I just did choir, but I still played in my free time. One day, Mr. Raposo heard me playing, and we started talking about jazz band.”

Dave Raposo P’22 teaches all the instrumental music classes at Avon. He says that Eli’s talent with the guitar is as strong as his passion for playing music, so it was only a matter of time before he joined the jazz band. “He had some reservations about doing both choir and band. He just wanted to start playing again. It’s evident he loves music.” Beginning his junior year, Eli joined the jazz band on guitar and joined the chamber orchestra as a cello player. He can also play the oboe and has offered his services with that instrument should Raposo ever select an

arrangement that requires its wistful, sweet sound.

While he didn’t immediately jump into instrumental endeavors at Avon, Eli has been singing for the school choirs since his first day on campus. “His freshman year, he was navigating a voice drop, but as a sophomore, he was already one of the best singers at the school,” shares Director of Choirs Will Lea, who also serves as Eli’s advisor. “Eli is naturally gifted, and what’s most amazing is he picks up on musical elements really well.”

Surprisingly, Eli’s natural vocal talent wasn’t realized right away. In fact, he seemed to have a complete lack of talent when he first began singing. “It started out really negative, actually. In fourth grade, which was the first year we could do choir in my elementary school, I was the only kid in class that got an ‘X’ as my grade, which basically meant I couldn’t sing at all,” Eli says. “That drove me to improve.” Less than two years later, Eli wasn’t only one of the best singers in his school choir, he was qualifying for regional and state choirs as one of

Eli is naturally gifted, and what’s most amazing is he picks up on musical elements really well.

— WILL LEA

the best young voices in Connecticut. As one of the teachers who has gotten to know him best, Lea says Eli’s ability to learn and grow as a musician and student does not surprise him. “He’s easy to teach because if you ask him to practice something, he does it eagerly. That goes for beyond the choir room as well. He’s universally liked by his teachers, which could also be because he’s just a genuinely kind and caring individual.”

His talent, dedication, and guidance from his teachers have greatly improved his musical abilities. During his four years at Avon, Eli has been a member of all choirs, including the Riddlers and Singed Beavers—the two most selective vocal groups on campus. He has also consistently qualified for the Connecticut Music Educators Association (CMEA) regional and state choirs. Students from all over the state compete through a rigorous selection process for a chance to sing with the CMEA choirs at various concerts and festivals. As previously mentioned, his talent extends beyond his voice.

He has had an increasingly important role in the school’s jazz band and chamber orchestra, to the point where he earned the opportunity to conduct a piece for February’s school concert.

Eli spent most of the winter season leading his classmates in learning The Planets, Op. 32, an orchestral suite by English composer Gustav Holst. This was in preparation for the winter concert where, rather than sitting in his usual spot among the other cello players, he stood at the front, conducting the orchestra through Holst’s composition.

Conducting a piece is an opportunity that only a select few students undertake while at Avon, but Raposo says Eli was definitely ready for the challenge. “He’s a really creative kid, and he’s gaining confidence standing in front of the other boys in the orchestra.”

Most successful Avonians are heavily involved on campus, even outside of their specific niche, and that is true for Eli. He plays hockey and baseball, is a Big Brother, and is a peer counselor. In this latter role, he gave a presentation for all students at a Morning Meeting in January, advising them on how to deal with stress and anxiety. He explains why he wanted to serve in this role: “The people who supported me when I first came here, that was huge. It made me feel comfortable in the community. I wanted to help people, and as a peer counselor, I’ve been trained to help people, which is really cool.” This mentality does not surprise his teachers. “He’s one of the most earnest kids I’ve ever met,” Raposo says.

Eli recognized the importance of being active in the community before he even enrolled. “I was driving by

There’s

a lot of talented people here, and being around them encourages you. It drove me to want to improve. In public school, for example, no one really cares that much. People here appreciate music more, which makes it more rewarding to perform.

— ELIJAH ROSADO ’24

here one day, and I saw an open house sign. I wasn’t necessarily considering private school, but I asked my parents if we could stop in. I just really liked what I saw. The music rooms caught my attention, and so did the people. The admissions ambassadors were really friendly and inviting. It was a different vibe from other schools.”

The friendly and nurturing nature of the community can be easily felt, but it’s so much more. In this community, students find other like-minded individuals pursuing excellence; in Eli’s case, other committed musicians perfecting their craft. “There’s a lot of talented people here, and being around them encourages you. It drove me to want to improve. In public school, for example, no one really cares that much. People here appreciate music more, which makes it more rewarding to perform.” Eli and three of his like-minded peers recently formed a rock band as an outlet to perform a different genre of music than is commonly found in a school classroom and as a way to hone their skills further.

These kinds of opportunities, fostered by the Avon community, make Eli glad his family stopped by that open house just over four years ago. Some of Avon’s unique opportu-

nities take students outside this tight-knit community and expose them to the world at large. The Riddlers, Avon’s top choral ensemble, have had the opportunity to tour and perform in venues around the globe. This practice was postponed for a few years due to COVID-19, but Eli participated in the first post-pandemic international performance when the Riddlers traveled to Costa Rica during the 2023 Intersession. “It was amazing. Getting to see other cultures’ music and how it differs in different places was cool to see. And Costa Rica was really beautiful.”

Lea believes Eli has the makings of a future music educator, and observing Eli during the Riddlers’ tour of Costa Rica reinforced this belief. “There was a moment during the trip when he was speaking some Spanish to a group of local children. You could just see the potential there to be a great teacher. He has what it takes. He’s just a sweet, nurturing kid.”

Raposo shares this opinion, adding that if Eli doesn’t become a music teacher, he will undoubtedly be involved with music for the rest of his life. “There’s an intrinsic motivation to do it. Plus, being as talented as he is, he should be doing music.”

Eli is on his way to fulfilling this potential. After passing through

Alumni Gate this spring, he plans to attend Lafayette College to pursue a degree in music education. The plan is to gain experience playing live and embark on a musical career while having the option of teaching music as a second career. “It’s my dream to play, to perform,” Eli says. “It’s like a form of therapy. All of my free time is playing guitar. After a full day of classes, that’s my break. It’s nice to have. No matter what happens, I know I’ll always enjoy making music.”

athletics

WINTER UPDATE

The Winged Beavers made it to the 2024 NEPSAC Boys Elite 8 Tournament as the number four seed. The quarterfinal game was held in neutral territory at UConn’s Toscano Family Ice Forum on Wednesday, February 28. They defeated Holderness with a 2-1 final score, and continued on to the semifinal round where they fell to the Cushing Penguins.

FACULTY FOCUS

Art Mehos

CELEBRATING 26 YEARS OF AT AVON OLD FARMS

As the sun sets on a remarkable career spanning over two and a half decades at Avon Old Farms, Art Mehos, affectionately known as Mr. Donut—not so much for his personal consumption of donuts but for all the work he does during the Toys for Tots donut drive— is bidding farewell to a chapter that has left an indelible mark on our school. Mehos, a challenging but fair

history teacher, triple-threat coach, and dorm supervisor, has become an integral part of the Avon community, leaving a legacy far beyond the boundaries of the classroom and sports fields.

Art Mehos’s journey at Avon Old Farms began in 1989; he was a history teacher and varsity basketball coach. Immediately following his undergrad years, he gained experience coaching and subbing in public schools, but Avon was his first assignment as a full-time teacher and dorm parent in a private school setting.

Mehos stayed on at Avon until 1997, when he decided to pursue a master’s degree in history. He attended classes at Boston University in the morning and could coach varsity football and substitute teach at St. Mark’s School in the afternoons. In 2001, he transitioned to coaching and teaching at Pomfret School in the Quiet Corner of Connecticut. “Then one day, I ran into Avon’s headmaster, Ken LaRocque H’19, P’01, ’10, at a hockey game, and he mentioned that they needed a history teacher and would like to have

me back—I said I would be glad to,” Mehos explains.

Mehos found a unique calling in the all-boys setting of Avon, citing the dedication and hard work of students and educators as the driving force behind his decision to stay until retirement. “I have spent the better part of my adult life working with young people. Nine of those years were at co-ed institutions, and I feel that a single-sex school provides students with the best chance at maximizing their potential.”

The core of Mehos’s teaching philosophy lies in maintaining toughness and fairness in the classroom. He has navigated the evolving educational landscape, adjusting to technological changes like online grade books, laptops, and cell phones while maintaining a classroom where hard work is rewarded. While technology has ushered in an era of less-surprised parents when they visit campus and meet with teachers

during Family Weekend, Mehos has seen it become easier for students to let others advocate on their behalf instead of putting in the hard work themselves. In the classroom, he has worked to maintain the same level of commitment from his students since his early teaching days. His classes are notoriously hard, a fact he wears like a badge of honor.

“I’ve had alumni go on to Ivy League schools and come back to tell me that my class is the toughest they’ve taken—that my class is the only B they’ve ever received. I think that means I’m doing my job well in holding them to a high standard.” Those standards have earned him great respect among his peers and students: he has received the school’s Cashion Faculty Award twice.

One alumnus, Harry Lyons ’11, shares his experience, “I never did well in Art Mehos’s class; he was one of the most challenging instructors I have ever had. But his high expectations, humor, and bluntness immediately clicked with me. In a new environment, Art was someone I looked up to and could talk to while I was away from home. It’s been over 12 years, but it’s a bond that is still alive and well today.”

Mehos applied the same approach to managing a dorm, citing setting boundaries, delivering consequences, and ultimately creating an environment of respect as his keys to success. In that setting, Mehos created some of his fondest memories of Avon.

“I’ll never forget the time in the mid-90s when I drove a van of students to the Bean Pot on a Monday night (I’m a big fan of BU, and when I was young, I was pretty ambitious). The game went into overtime, and

Beyond the titles of coach and teacher, Art Mehos’s legacy lies in his unmatched humanity. A warm, affectionate soul, he embraced the students with big hugs, leaving an indelible mark on their lives.

— KEVIN DRISCOLL ’72, P’08

I ended up driving the van home at 2:30 a.m., but I made sure that all of the kids were in class the next day.”

Perhaps Mehos’s most cherished memories are of the playing field, where his career began and where it ultimately ends, too. “Right out of college, I was living in Boston, working at a radio station from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m. I had always loved sports, so I got involved in coaching a local high school team in the afternoons. My first year, we were 0-12, but I learned I had a passion for working with young people, and my love of sports was a natural pairing. Once I realized that, I began to look for a place where I could coach and teach, which is how my career began. In my last year at Avon, I stepped back from the classroom, but I’ve stayed on as a coach, helping out with the football, basketball, and baseball teams.”

His coaching career has seen triumphs and moments of humility, all contributing to a well-rounded perspective on the role of a coach in a young athlete’s life. It has been said that under Coach Mehos’s leadership, championships were not just won but

earned through hard work, perseverance, and a shared commitment to success. His ability to create a fun learning atmosphere where players could be themselves while thriving in a disciplined team setting is a testament to his exceptional coaching prowess.

A cliché about teaching and coaching suggests that “they need to know you care before they care what you know.” Many have said that Art Mehos is a master at using humor and the power of his personality to capture the attention of his students or players and create an environment for them to develop and be their best. One such person is student-turnedcolleague Rob Dowling ’91, P’22.

“When I enrolled at Avon as a student, I was instantly drawn to Mr. Mehos,” remembers Dowling. “He was fun to be around and had an innate ability to connect. Even as a young person, it was clear to me that while he knew a lot about teaching and coaching, he was an expert in creating a comfortable and fun environment that prioritized the group yet made every individual feel known and valued.

“My senior year, me and the rest of the team were thrilled that Mr. Mehos had accepted the head varsity basketball coach position. That season was one of the most successful in program history, as the team won the Founders League, won the Kingswood Invitational Tournament, and made it to the New England Championship game. The team finished 18-4 and won several games in overtime or the final minutes. We did this all with a rookie head coach. Good coaching is necessary to win close games against excellent competition; Art Mehos was a great coach.”

Dowling says Coach Mehos inspired players to be their best, enjoy the experience, and support the team. “He taught us that we could be great while having fun. We were not the most talented team in New England, but we had the best coach.”

Mehos hopes to be remembered as a fair and approachable teacher who helped foster the Avon bonds that last a lifetime. Reflecting on his career, he says, “If I’ve impacted one student’s life for the better, I’ll be proud of my time as a teacher.”

“Art Mehos will be impossible to replace,” reflects friend and colleague Kevin Driscoll ’72, P’08. “He holds a special place here at Avon, especially in the eyes of the students who adore him. As he embarks on this new chapter with his retirement, I am met with so many memories—whether it was the Friday morning Dunkin’ runs with eight to ten kids before Morning Meeting or the way he worked with players on his various teams, his special connection with the boys was always evident. I’ve never heard so many students time and again name

one person as their best teacher. Art didn’t just teach history; he imparted invaluable lessons. I think in many ways, Art’s students weren’t just pupils; they were his children.”

Driscoll and many more of his colleagues speak of Mehos as a fantastic person, always ready to lend a hand without disparaging anyone. From senior week shenanigans to coaching triumphs, his approach was always rooted in respect and understanding. “His coaching prowess wasn’t just about Xs and Os but an innate ability to draw out the best in kids,” Driscoll continues. “Yet, beyond the titles of coach and teacher, Art Mehos’s legacy lies in his unmatched humanity. A warm, affectionate soul, he embraced the students with big hugs, leaving an indelible mark on their lives. As June 15 marks his last day, the void left by Art’s departure is not just professional but profoundly personal, a testament to a man whose impact is irreplaceable.”

Mehos leaves behind a legacy of tough love and high expectations and a testament to the lasting effect

one dedicated educator can have on the lives of those he teaches and mentors. The echoes of his lessons, the camaraderie built in dorms, and the triumphs on the sports fields will resonate through the halls of Avon Old Farms for years to come, a fitting tribute to a man who has made a difference in the lives of many.

As Mehos looks toward retirement, he offers valuable advice to new teachers: It’s a 24-hour-a-day job requiring enthusiasm, fairness, and a constant presence. Oh, and one more thought for the road—Dunkin’ Donuts coffee is superior to Starbucks and is best served iced, one cream, with a chocolate frosted donut.

FEATURED ATHLETE

Sean Park ’24

I joined a wrestling gym in Korea, which is hard to find because wrestling is not a very big sport there. I just wanted to get better. I didn’t want to get thrown around anymore, I wanted to do the throwing.

— SEAN PARK ’24

In past editions of The Avonian, it’s often been the case that the student selected to be the featured athlete has been involved in their specific sport for their entire life: a lacrosse player born with a stick in his hand, a basketball player whose father was his coach, a hockey player who learned to skate before he could walk, etc. Sean Park ’24 didn’t really ever wrestle until his sophomore year at Avon. While wrestling certainly wasn’t a part of his past, it has since consumed his present and possibly his future.

As a graduating eighth grader searching for a secondary school, Sean was definitely an athlete. Avon’s elite athletic facilities stood out to Sean after touring a handful of similar schools, and it made his decision pretty easy. “I thought it was a good school with great athletics. The weight room especially was much better than all the other schools I saw.”

Unfortunately, COVID-19 prevented standard athletic seasons from taking place his freshman year, but Avon still offered sports in a modified fashion. For his winter

sport, Sean had intended on playing basketball and was on his way to Cole Court when he passed by the wrestling room. He was intrigued. “It was a total coincidence. I was walking through the wrestling room to try basketball, but what I saw going on in there looked like fun.” There were few organized meets, but the boys were able to wrestle each other in practice. For Sean, who at the time was several pounds lighter than his current 190-pound weight class, this mostly meant getting tossed around. “I was just getting thrown around for an hour. Major probably thought I wouldn’t come back next year.”

Major John Bourgault ’80, P’09 has been the varsity wrestling coach at Avon for the last twenty years. He admits that Sean was correct in his assumption. “He was getting punished, and I thought he’d be one year and done,” Major says. “But he came back the next year really toughened up, and that’s when I started to realize he could be really great.”

When Sean returned from his native South Korea for his sophomore year, he was indeed tougher and stronger. This wasn’t due to a puberty-induced growth spurt; Sean worked hard to make it happen. “I joined a wrestling gym in Korea, which is hard to find because wrestling is not a very big sport there. I just wanted to get better. I didn’t want to get thrown around anymore, I wanted to do the throwing.” As a result, he started several matches for the varsity team his sophomore year, winning two of them. A significant improvement from his freshman year, it still wasn’t good enough for Sean, who was now wholly invested in wrestling. “I didn’t want to lose anymore, so I went back to Korea and trained really hard. I was lifting and wrestling every day.”

The extra training paid off. In his junior year, he finished the season with a record of 22-3.

Everyone supports each other here. We’ve had a few meets where the whole Avon Army comes, and it feels like a college wrestling atmosphere. It’s great.

— SEAN PARK ’24

Yet, he still wasn’t satisfied and stepped up his training again in the offseason. “This past summer was even more intensive because I traveled to the Korea National Sports University and trained with collegiate wrestlers.”

Even when he isn’t training, his life is consumed with wrestling. Sean says that most of his free time is spent watching wrestling film, taking mental notes of new moves or techniques to try. “I’m constantly watching wrestling. Sometimes it’s an NCAA tournament match, or sometimes it’s just highlights from some random match. I think that’s really what has made me better more than anything else—loving the sport, being so interested in it.”

One maneuver he picked up that became something of a signature move for him was the “gator roll,” a move that involves grappling your opponent and rapidly rolling them onto their back to gain control. “He does that move so well. Even when the opponent knows it’s coming, he’ll still hit them with it,” Major explains. Sean’s coaches and teammates know it’s coming as well and have taken to referring to him as “Gator” and applauding his victories with arms outstretched to simulate an alligator’s jaws.

For his senior year, his teammates and coaches began referring to him with another title: captain. Sean says he was honored to be

appointed a captain and that it gave him reason to step things up even more. “It felt good. I felt the support from my brothers. I also felt a responsibility to lead them, bring the room together, and to be more dedicated to wrestling.” You may wonder how Sean could possibly become more dedicated to wrestling. What would that look like? For him, it meant staying behind after team practice was over to practice more on his own or with a smaller group. “Those practices after practice I think really improved me, both strength-wise and mentally.”

Captains of the wrestling team are appointed through a vote by athletes and coaches. Major says aside from his paramount passion and infectious enthusiasm for the sport, Sean was an obvious choice for captain because of his eagerness to lead the younger wrestlers on the team. For Sean, this mentorship for the younger students just came naturally as part of his role as team captain. “I love to give advice to young kids because they’re the future, and with them AOF wrestling will be strong. I hope the team gets stronger even after I graduate.” He also sees it as an opportunity to leave a legacy. “When I come back and visit the school, I want the coaches to be able to introduce me as a great.”

Sean’s support for his teammates isn’t a one-way street. He’s a huge fan of silencing crowds at away games, but says the support from his teammates and the rest of the Brotherhood makes him proud to represent Avon. “Everyone supports each other here. We’ve had a few meets where the whole Avon Army comes, and it feels like a college wrestling atmosphere. It’s great.”

It’s just one of the many reasons Sean is glad he chose to attend Avon. “Even just the small stuff, like saying ‘what up’ to everyone. The energy everyone has here, I really like it.”

Another reason Sean is glad to attend Avon is the freedom presented to students to pursue their passions. Obviously, for Sean, this includes wrestling. Aside from wres-

tling, however, he holds another passion that fits in well with some of the other articles in this edition: coding and computer science.

When he isn’t practicing wrestling, watching wrestling, or in class thinking about wrestling, Sean is working on coding projects. Through the Advanced Independent Project (AIP) Program, he and three classmates decided to create an all-inclusive school app his junior year. A few features of their app included real-time game schedules and scores, a more accessible food menu, daily schedules that integrate with Google Calendar, more efficient event sign-ups, and a virtual lost and found. This year, he teamed up again with Senya Gurevich ’24 to create a website intended to make it easier for students to track and submit community service hours and easier for faculty to review and approve those hours. “It was so hard to track your hours, so we decided to try to fix that. But really, it’s just for fun.”

For most people, the idea of utilizing complex math and learning computer programming languages is distressing, if not fully frightening. For Sean, it’s a fun way to unwind. It’s a hobby that began when he was 11 years old. He checked out and read every coding book in his local library, teaching himself multiple coding languages in just a few years. “I like those instructional books more than fiction, honestly. I find them fun to read.” As a middle schooler, he created multiple online computer games. As a high schooler, he’s taken every computer science class offered at Avon and pursued his own personal projects in his free time.

Sean plans to pursue both wrestling and computer science at the collegiate level. This fall, he’ll head to Carnegie Mellon University to do just that. Major explains why he thinks Sean has what it takes to continue competing at a high level: “He’s relaxed. He has a game plan. He has enough tools in the bag. He has enough experience to know what tools to use when. He’s physically strong.

He’s built up endurance. And he just has remarkable situational awareness—what we call ‘mat-smart.’ It’s a rare combination of factors that make him an outstanding wrestler.”

In his final season of wrestling, Sean finished the regular season with a record of 25-1 and a 34-5 record including postseason tournaments. At the Western New England Prep Tournament, he placed second in his weight class, helping Avon finish fifth out of 19 teams. He went on to New England’s, where he placed fourth, qualifying him for the National Prep Tournament held this year at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. He would place ninth, finishing his Avon wrestling career as a top-10 wrestler in the country in his weight class.

JOHN BOURGAULT ’80, P’09

A TAPESTRY OF LEGACY, BROTHERHOOD, AND CHANGE

BY JACQUELINE KELLER

Major John Bourgault ’80, P’09 has been a faculty member at Avon Old Farms School since 2004; he is one of the most notable faculty members on campus. While several beloved teachers and mentors have passed through Avon Old Farms, few have earned a one-word moniker such as “Major.” Many new students may have initially been intimidated by Major, known for his cowboy boots and military buzz cut. But one conversation would soon put those same students at ease, as Major John Bourgault is perhaps the most kind and thoughtful Avonian I’ve met.

Some may forget that John Bourgault came to Avon Old Farms School in the year of the bicentennial as a legacy student: his father, Jack, was a member of the Class of 1949. However, raised in California, the adolescent Bourgault needed to travel across the country to attend his father’s alma mater, and he

credits wrestling as the one sport that gave him the confidence to do so.

“When I was a kid living in California, my mom worked for the local high school as a secretary. Walking home from school I would often stop by her office, and in doing so, I got to know the teachers pretty well. One of them was the wrestling coach. Every time he saw me, he said, ‘When you come to high school, I want you to wrestle.’ By the time I became a freshman, it wasn’t even a question; I was conditioned to know I would wrestle. It changed my life. Wrestling gave me confidence that I didn’t have before. I played a number of sports, but wrestling is unique in building self-confidence. I only wrestled one year at that school, but that gave me the confidence to travel 3,000 miles across the country and enroll at Avon.”

It was October when John first set foot on Avon’s campus, and the New England foliage enhanced the magic of

the place he had long heard about. He quickly fell in love with the village of Old Farms.

After graduating from Avon in 1980, John returned to California to attend California State University, Hayward (now Cal State East Bay). There, he reconnected with and then married his high school sweetheart, Anna. Though he graduated with a BS in finance in the summer of 1984, he opted to join the United States Marine Corps instead of pursuing a business career.

Throughout his twenty-year military career, John served in various command and staff positions, including roles as an infantry officer, CH-53E pilot, and the deputy director of the Marine Corps Martial Arts program. He flew over a dozen

Major has been one of the most impactful people in my life. While his high standards and no-nonsense attitude may have been irritating to my high-school-aged self, in retrospect I’m confident this was a source of significant growth. From making my bed neatly each morning to keeping my head up in public to waking up extra early and hitting the gym, Major Bourgault instilled in me many habits that continue to push me to be better. It’s hard to imagine Avon without the Major.

— ZANDER MITCHELL ’23

combat missions during Operation Desert Shield/Storm from 1990 to 1991. He is a graduate of the Amphibious Warfare School and the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and was an adjunct faculty member for the Marine Corps University.

“When I was getting close to retiring from the military, a bit of a panic set in around what I was going to do next. A lot of people leave active duty and get into the field of defense contracting, but I wasn’t sure that was for me.” Major received a job offer from the CIA, which might have been more appealing earlier in his career, but with a family, it wasn’t what he wanted to do. Then, he thought about that school in New England that had done so much for him.

There’s a unique allure in returning to one’s roots, a gravitational pull that draws one back. For Major,

the decision to return to AOF wasn’t merely professional but deeply personal. “I thought about how Avon changed my life back in the 1970s and how it was very influential on who I became.” This sense of indebtedness to a place that had sculpted his formative years resonated profoundly.

“I always thought about coming back, so I started fishing. I reached out to the Dean of Faculty Art Custer P’04, ’05, ’10. It was probably the third or fourth time I called his office that he told me in his kind way, ‘I’ll call you if anything opens up.’ My wife reminded me I could

During our admission tour, I stopped to read a quote in the gym about ‘The Man in the Arena.’ It’s a favorite, and seeing it there spoke to the heart of what I wanted for my son. I know it’s easy to hang inspirational things and much harder for those words to manifest in a community. Then, I got to know Major. He was the man in the arena on campus. My son Zander was talking about being an Eagle, joining the wrestling team, being a monitor, about the 5:45 Club … all because of Major … I realized Avon had something Roosevelt hadn’t thought of: Avon had someone who opened the door to the arena for others. Major made the arena safe and exciting, a place for learning and growing, a place for getting stronger in mind and body and spirit, a place that’s not about getting knocked down but getting back up. Major made the arena a place where my son became his own man—a man who can stand up and dust himself off because he knows that he’s never alone, that there’s always his community, and there’s always Major.

— CHARLIE MITCHELL P’23

John has proven to be an outstanding individual by warmly embracing ASD and facilitating the inclusion of one of our students in Avon’s wrestling program. His willingness to understand and coach a deaf student, with the support of an interpreter, demonstrates his commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Ahmadi is fortunate to have Major as his wrestling coach, experiencing fair treatment and respect under his guidance. As Major embarks on retirement, Ahmadi looks ahead to a promising future shaped by the positive influence of his coach.

— CHRISTOPHER DI SANTO, ATHLETIC AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM DIRECTOR, AMERICAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

apply at other schools, but I didn’t want to teach somewhere else.”

The waiting game, a testament to patience and perseverance, eventually bore fruit. Finally, in early June of 2004, Major got a call from Art. Avon needed someone who could teach history and English, and they needed a wrestling coach. “When Art asked me, a business major in college, what qualified me to teach English, I only had to reply that I took two years of English with the great Sid Clark H’65 to satisfy him.”

Major also explains that military and teaching careers are not as vastly different as people think. “It’s all about people: building teams, looking out for the interest of the group.” This ethos, deeply rooted in community and collaboration, seamlessly merged with the spirit of Avon, creating a harmonious blend of past experiences and present aspirations. The transition from a life in uniform to molding young minds was a continuation of a lifelong mission—to serve, guide, and inspire.

Major began his new career teaching English and history, working in the dorms, and coaching cross country, wrestling, and track. During his first year at Avon, his wife, Anna, remained in Virginia to

not disrupt their two children’s lives at pivotal points: Jenelle was about to start her senior year of high school, and Jake was going into the eighth grade. “That actually might have been a sort of blessing in disguise because it gave me an excuse to say yes to everything during my first year back at Avon. I remember the day before the first day of classes, Graham Callaghan ’95, P’25 had a get-together for new faculty at the Brooks House. Someone came up to me and asked, ‘Are you ready for the big day?’ Coming out of the Marines, internally I think I gave an eye roll. This was high school. Of course, I was ready. But, come Parents Weekend that fall, I was exhausted. So the commitment is all-encompassing, and I was not expecting that level of energy to be required.”

When his family joined him on campus the following year, they settled in easily. Anna’s father had been in the military, so she had

I first met the Major way back when he joined the 1977–78 wrestling team as a newly arrived sophomore. I was a senior. It’s hard to believe that was over 46 years ago. We still grapple for a few seconds whenever we meet up, and it creates a brief flashback to those days, except he’s a lot tougher now thanks to the Marine Corps training and all those pushups over the years.

It has been great having a colleague like John still around when I’ve made it back to campus over the past few decades. At least his and Anna’s move to Arizona means I won’t have to travel cross country to visit, and there should hopefully be less snow.

— JOHN GARVEY ’78

moved around a lot and adapted quickly. She immersed herself in the community and even worked in the school’s health center for a few years. It also came time for Major’s son to become an Avonian.

“When we had Jake, I, of course, had thought about him one day becoming an Avonian. But I knew that Anna wouldn’t have sent her son cross-country to boarding school. It was thrilling to have Jake live on campus with us and have the opportunity to enroll at Avon

I met Coach Bourgault at the age of 11 when my brothers Ben ’06 and Drew ’07 started at Avon, and I could hardly fathom the impact he would have on my life. Coach Bourgault’s presence at Avon was more than just that of a history teacher and wrestling coach—he was a guiding force. He pushed me beyond my limits not just as an athlete but as a person and a leader.

Over the years, our connection grew, and he became an integral part of my family. His bond with my brothers, parents, and especially my grandfather was a testament to the genuine relationships he builds with those around him. As life took us in different directions, our communication remained steady. His mentorship and friendship have been a source of guidance and inspiration.

As Coach Bourgault embarks on this well-deserved retirement journey in Arizona, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the role he’s played in my life. He’s not only turned me from a boy into a man but instilled in me values that will resonate throughout my lifetime, values I want to impress upon my [future] children. May his retirement be filled with joy, relaxation, and the knowledge that he’s made an enduring impact on the lives of countless students, including mine.

and to experience the same thing I had.” The cycle of legacy, the passing down of traditions and values from one generation to the next, embodies the essence of Avon.

Amidst the victories, the graduations, and the celebrations, certain moments stand out, etched forever in memory, and for Major, one such moment epitomized the spirit of Avon. “My advisee and wrestler Joey Creen’s father passed away in 2011. I stood up at Morning Meeting to share the loss with the community and mentioned that I would be happy to drive a school van that coming Sunday if anyone wanted to travel with me to the services in Long Island. So many people wanted to go that we had to charter a coach bus in addition to filling the school vans. Every single student showed

up in Vespers without having to be told to. That day, Avon showed up for their brother Joey, and it’s happened three, four, five times since then.” This spontaneous outpouring of support, collective mourning, and solidarity is a poignant reminder of the deep bonds of brotherhood that Avon fosters. As the years rolled by, Avon witnessed transformations, both subtle and profound. Yet, amidst the changing landscapes and shifting paradigms, certain constants remained. Reflecting on the evolution, Major muses, “Having been a student here, some things are unchanged. There are a lot of bells and whistles now, but when you drill down, kids are getting the same experiences.” This delicate balance between preserving

— HARRY LYONS ’11

Major Bourgault is the quintessential Avonian! He is a great inspiration to the community because of his passion for life, self-discipline, and caring for others. Those of us who have known him for decades are all honored to call him friend. When life gets hard, we all need a few people we can rely on; Major is one of those guys!

— BRIAN CONROY ’82, H’13, P’20

traditions and embracing change defines Avon’s journey.

Life at Avon isn’t without its challenges. The education landscape has evolved from the independence demanded of students in bygone eras to the modern-day challenges of navigating a hyper-connected world. “One of the biggest challenges I see in today’s world is that young people are being robbed of the opportunity of growing more independent.” This reflection on the changing nature of student life, the delicate dance between freedom and responsibility, offers a glimpse into the complexities of modern education.

Yet, amidst these challenges lay triumphs, moments of pride, and invaluable lessons. From nurturing academic confidence in students to instilling a sense of responsibility toward veterans, the impact of Major’s presence on Avon’s campus has been profound.

There have been numerous life lessons and advice Major has given me, but I think one sums it all up: ‘A man does what he must before he does what he wants to do.’ At 14, I didn’t fully comprehend what he meant by that. However, as my responsibilities have grown, I think about those words more than ever. Major was preparing me not just for my final exams or the next wrestling tournament but how to handle life. I am forever grateful for him and his family, and I am happy to call him a friend.

— STEPHEN THIBAULT ’16

“Time will tell what my legacy becomes, but I hope the people with whom I’ve interacted over the years will remember me as having standards and my desire for others to embrace standards as well. I believe it is important to have a code by which you live your life. I’ve tried to live an example of that.” This unwavering dedication defines a legacy that extends beyond the realm of education. At the very least, we will remember Major’s commitment: commitment to the boys,

commitment to the school, and commitment to the Brotherhood.

Looking toward retirement, Major simply says it’s time, and his twenty years at Avon have been time well spent. “Between my previous career in the military and this career at Avon, I feel lucky that I’ve looked forward to going to work every day,” the seasoned educator reminisces.

To Anna, his pillar of strength, and to the countless lives touched and transformed, our Major extends heartfelt thanks. “I have to recognize

My dad has embodied the essence of exemplary service his entire life. Growing up, I grew accustomed to the passion and work ethic my dad put into his life at Avon. I’ve never seen a faculty member so passionate about transforming boys into men—leaving an indelible mark on his students. He has been a shining example of what it means to be a good husband, father, educator, and, above all, the best Man of Avon.

Every aspect of my academic, professional, and personal life can be traced back to AOF, a legacy handed down to me by my father. The only thing left to say is thank you. Thank you, Dad, for your unwavering dedication, your tireless efforts, and the profound impact you’ve had on thousands of lives, including mine. As you enter this new phase of life, may you find fulfillment, joy, and the opportunity to finally put yourself first. Congratulations on a welldeserved retirement.

— JAKE BOURGAULT

’09

Anna in all of this and thank her for allowing me to live my dream. It was our decision to come here, and if that didn’t happen, Jake wouldn’t have been able to come here and change the trajectory of his life. She is a wonderful partner.”

As one chapter concludes, another beckons. Retirement awaits with its promise of leisure, exploration, and new experiences. From culinary pursuits in Arizona to the thrill of aviation, the horizon brims with possibilities. Yet Major’s ties to Avon, the bonds he forged over decades, remain unbroken. “I’ve asked Jim Detora to keep me in mind even after I retire—I’d also be

happy to jump in on some development or admissions work.” This unwavering commitment, this enduring bond with the Avon community, is a testament to a lifetime of dedication.

In the annals of Avon’s history, Major’s legacy will stand tall, a beacon of inspiration for generations to come. For in his journey, we find reflections of our own, reminders of the timeless values of community, brotherhood, and the transformative power of education. As Avon continues to evolve, the echoes of his legacy will resonate, a testament to the enduring spirit of a place Avonians call home.

FEATURED AVONIAN

Senya Gurevich ’24

In the nearly 100-year history of Avon Old Farms School, countless notable alumni have left a legacy in some way. For the Winged Beavers whose names hang in the Athletics Hall of Fame, that legacy was left in the form of championship banners and sporting achievements. For our artists, their legacies color the copious corridors of campus or hang prominently in the Ordway Art Gallery. There are many for whom legacy means that their children went on to attend the school to experience their own memorable moments. Senya Gurevich ’24 hopes to leave a legacy like those before him, but he plans to leave his legacy in computer code.

To be fair, Senya also meets the familial legacy qualifications. His older brother Iakov ’21, was a champion of the robotics team and was involved with Club Forge and the Nimrod Club. It’s also very likely his younger brother Mark will become an Avonian. “My decision to come here was a little bit spontaneous. At first, I was unsure about it, but after talking with my brother and hearing all the positives, I was convinced,” Senya says.

It didn’t take long for Senya to realize he had made the right decision. A combination

of several first-time experiences and quickly finding new friends proved he was in the right place. “Dorming is a fun experience that I never had before. The traditions here, and the people, all of that combined is why I really like it.” Being an international student attending school in the US for the first time, school sporting events—and the atmosphere of the Avon Army in particular—really stood out. “The Brotherhood has to be mentioned. I will never forget the first football game I watched: joining the Avon Army in the stands and cheering alongside my new friends, I felt a profound connection to something larger than myself. That’s when I learned what the Brotherhood really meant. These moments were not just about the thrill of the sport—of which I barely knew the rules—but about coming together, sharing victories and losses, and experiencing the Avon community. They changed my understanding of the importance of togetherness and the joy that comes from shared experiences.”

Of course, Senya has spent his time at Avon doing much more than just cheering on his brothers. He was an integral member of the robotics team, also known as the “Rocket Beavers,” carrying out the coding role in preparation for their competitions. Senya has proven to be one of the school’s best varsity swimmers in recent years, qualifying for the top heat in multiple events during the New England regional championship meet. A member of the Honors Chorale, his baritone voice has blended beautifully with those of his brothers. His creative writing has appeared in the Hippocrene, the school’s award-winning and studentcreated arts and literary magazine. He is also a prominent peer tutor, primarily assisting fellow students

He’s really established a strong presence on campus that you don’t often see from only a second-year international student. He’s really impressed me with everything he’s done in and out of the classroom.

— EVAN SAYLES

with their computer science and math assignments. He has also volunteered to tutor students from the Hartford all-boys middle school Covenant Prep during their bi-weekly visits to Avon Old Farms.

Evan Sayles is Senya’s advisor. He says he’s been very impressed with Senya’s impact in just two years. “He’s seized the opportunities available to him here. He’s really established a strong presence on campus that you don’t often see from only a second-year international student. He’s really impressed me with everything he’s done in and out of the classroom. He’s become a real leader on the swim team in a way I don’t think he expected. He’s also the driving force in most of the group projects he’s in.”

With all those activities and a full course load, it’s hard to imagine Senya has time for anything else. Yet, we have only briefly mentioned his main interest, which consumes most of his class schedule and free time— coding and computer science.

His passion and penchant for computer science stems from his father, Grigory, who began teaching his inquisitive son about the trade when Senya was in the sixth grade. Since then, Senya has honed his skills in everything from cloud computing to software engineering.

For those unfamiliar, computer science is the study of computers and computational systems. Professionals in the field might perform a range of tasks dealing with computer software, including theory, design, development, and application. One aspect of computer science that Senya is particularly well versed in is computer programming, also called coding. Coding is simply communicating with computers, mostly telling them what to do. Websites, apps, and everything else that runs on a computer are built through coding.

For Senya, it’s been a lifelong interest that he has already utilized to benefit Avon Old Farms School.

“Really quickly, I saw possibilities to make the school better,” Senya shares. “For example, when I first saw how people were scanning into buildings, I felt that it definitely needed to be changed. Same thing with check-ins. There are many opportunities to get new technology into the campus.”

After discerning this opportunity, Senya and a few of his classmates created a solution in the form of an all-inclusive school app. A few features

AIPs are one of the most important opportunities here because we can pursue our interests, and also, it’s something I can put on a resume.

— SENYA GUREVICH ’24

of their app include real-time game schedules and scores, a more accessible food menu, daily schedules that integrate with Google Calendar, more efficient event sign-ups, and a virtual lost and found. Their team wrote over 100,000 lines of code for this project in more than five different programming languages.

He says they spent nearly 300 hours on this project, which may shock anyone familiar with the students’ tightly structured schedule. Luckily, the Advanced Independent Project (AIP) Program is available for students like Senya to allow time to pursue personal endeavors.

“AIPs are one of the most important opportunities here because we can pursue our interests, and also, it’s something I can put on a resume.”

He says he and a few other students approached AIP Program Director

Cristina Pinton to see what existing AIP options were available and ultimately were given the green light to create their own unique project.

“Last year, there were no AIPs that involved computer science. So, we had to make our own AIP.”

Even without the AIP Program’s support, Senya likely would’ve found time to work on this project, considering he’s been working on a similar project for much of his senior year with Sean Park ’24, (featured on page 24). The two have dedicated many hours of their free time on a website to make it easier for students to submit and track community service hours and for faculty to review and approve them.

Senya says the initial motivation came after observing the cumbersome process of manually managing service hours in spreadsheets, saying

the task was time-consuming and error-prone. “We envisioned a solution that not only automates data management but also makes it accessible and user-friendly for students and educators alike. Our vision was to revolutionize how community service hours are tracked and validated, and the platform we created is the embodiment of convenience and efficiency. I also think that our new tracker will push students to pursue more service and leadership hours, which benefits everyone involved.”

While Sean worked on the website’s front-end design, Senya was responsible for the back-end development. He orchestrated the server-side operations, focusing on robustness and data integrity and ensuring that every data byte was accurately accounted for. The new service hour tracker they created features automated data management, eliminating the hassles of manual spreadsheet entries, and boasts an intuitive and streamlined interface that is much more appealing for users.

He adds that there is another motivation behind this project: a desire to improve the school and leave a “legacy code” for future students to continue the work he started. “I really hope this project will succeed. I’ve made all the code open source, except for the user’s personal data, with the aspiration that future students will build upon our foundation.”

According to his advisor, the school will likely utilize the tools Senya has built. “The service hour tracker is a really great app,” Sayles says. “All it needs is approval from administrators, and I don’t see why they wouldn’t because it will certainly help them

and the students. It makes things much easier on both ends.”

Sayles, who teaches all the computer science classes at Avon, says that Senya is already highly talented in computational skills, but his intangible characteristics play just as much of a role in his success.

“Senya is a very, very positive student. He’s also a very level-headed and confident person without being cocky. I think what has helped make him so successful is his eagerness to learn new things.”

Avon is unique compared to other schools because computer science classes are offered beyond the Advanced Placement level. Data Structures and Capstone, both of which Senya is enrolled in this year, are two courses that teach much more advanced computer science than most of our peer schools would offer. This has allowed Senya to continue to improve his already advanced skill set, but he says Avon has helped him more significantly in other ways. “I like to plan out my week, even down to the hour sometimes. I think Avon made me

like that. With no parents here to monitor me, I realized I had to get organized.”

That organization and his computational skill set will certainly serve him well as he goes on to college to study computer science or computer engineering. As for what career he plans to pursue after that, he says that’s still undecided. He explains, “That’s a very difficult question right now because of how everything is changing with artificial intelligence. I think there will be new jobs we can’t even think of at this moment in time, so I’m not really focused on that aspect right now.”

As for his more immediate future plans, Senya says he is ready to slow down and enjoy his last few months in Mrs. Riddle’s oasis. “I’m looking forward to senior spring—hanging out with friends, doing some grilling outside the dorms. I think one of the most valuable things we have is time. Realizing that was very important to me. I plan to really just enjoy my remaining time here.”

Bob Orenstein

CELEBRATING 12 YEARS OF FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP: AVON OLD FARMS CFO ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

In a bittersweet moment for the Avon Old Farms community, Chief Financial Officer Bob Orenstein has announced his retirement after 12 years with the school. His departure marks the end of an era characterized by financial stewardship, strategic foresight, and unwavering dedication. However, his retirement gives us reason to look back over the past decade and see how far Avon Old Farms has come.

A Legacy of Accomplishments

During his tenure, Orenstein, the administration, and the Board of Directors spearheaded several transformative facilities projects at Avon Old Farms. Notable among these projects are the renovation of the hockey rink, the comprehensive Quad dorm renovations, and, perhaps a more personal mission, the modernization of the kitchen and servery.

“Just a few months before I began my role at Avon, I met a former parent who was raving about his son’s experience,” remembers Orenstein. “When we discussed my upcoming role as the CFO, he mentioned the idea of diversifying the dining services at Avon. Once I started, I saw that the kitchen space

and servery were very limited. In a strategic planning meeting, I mentioned the idea of bringing in some dining service companies to see what they had to offer. Through that conversation, we brought FLIK, a large food service company that partners with many independent schools, to campus in 2014. In 2018, the school was able to give FLIK additional tools through a new kitchen and servery renovation in the refectory. Since my beginning at Avon, the dining services have improved exponentially, which is a huge and necessary part of the student experience.”

Orenstein explains that in his time at Avon, he came to see that there’s an arms race among independent schools: food service, dining halls, dormitories, specialty academic spaces, and athletic facilities—just to name a few—are significant areas of focus. On the academic side, new programs like engineering and computer science have been the hot topic. To remain competitive, schools need to keep moving forward in these arenas, and under his direction, Avon has improved in all of them.

The Old Farms Road relocation project, a longstanding topic in board meetings, saw significant

progress under Orenstein’s guidance. His collaboration with the Town of Avon reflects his commitment to fostering positive relationships beyond the school’s borders. At the most recent board meeting, Orenstein expressed pride in being able to provide a substantial update that the project was now underway, signaling the culmination of persistent efforts.

“I feel really good that the school has partnered with the Town of Avon to finally get that done.”

Acknowledging the perpetual evolution of technology, Orenstein led initiatives in software applications and infrastructure upgrades, ensuring Avon Old Farms stayed ahead in the digital realm. His collaboration with Directors of Technology Deb Case and Peter Deckers ’90, P’18, ’20 has been instrumental in keeping the institution technologically robust.

Orenstein and the administration also recognized the growing importance of mental health support, particularly in the context of today’s youth. The expansion and enhancement of the health center reflect our commitment to providing necessary resources for today’s students.

One of Orenstein’s enduring legacies is his leadership of the business office. Orenstein prioritized assembling the right team to ensure smooth operations and foster collaboration across the institution. Recognizing the importance of aligning personnel with their respective roles, he emphasized that the business office should be a supportive entity rather than an obstacle. He has been proud of Avon’s ability to work together to make the most of what we have, especially

regarding our endowment. The school’s endowment has also seen substantial growth over the past 12 years through a combination of contributions, organic growth in investments, and operational surpluses, even as Orenstein navigated the institution through financial challenges, including the COVID-19 years. More recently, he strategically took advantage of historically low interest rates to fund the Quad dorm renovations—a large project that may not have been viable otherwise.

“That’s one of the things I love about Avon: our culture is that we do more with less. We may not have an endowment like some of our peer schools, but we don’t spend money if we don’t need to, and that’s in part because of my budgeting methodology: we don’t have a ‘use it or lose it’ mentality.” With Orenstein’s ability to think strategically over the long term, he has invested any operational surplus in the endowment, ultimately having the most meaningful impact on supporting the school’s mission.

A Professional Journey Leading to Avon Old Farms

Orenstein’s journey to Avon Old Farms was a serendipitous turn of events. As senior vice president and CFO at BKM Enterprises for 18 years, Orenstein considered a career change to a private boarding school improbable. However, an unexpected opportunity arose when a longtime friend, Glenn Sieber H’19, P’17, transitioned to become a math teacher at Avon Old Farms and facilitated Orenstein’s introduction to the school.

“I met Glenn almost 40 years ago through the Canon Greater Hartford Open. I was chairman of the event in 1989, and Glenn, who became chairman in 1990, was my assistant chairman. We remained close friends over the years, both working in the corporate world. I never would have anticipated his decision to change careers and become a math teacher at Avon Old Farms. During his time at Avon, Glenn utilized his background to step in as the director of alumni and development for a time and, in 2011, as the interim CFO. He was on the search committee to find a new professional to fill the position and one day called to ask if I’d be interested. I initially said no.”

Despite initial reservations about his fit in the non-profit and educational sectors, Orenstein’s perception changed as he learned more about the school’s mission and the genuine dedication of its community—he had never experienced such an institution-wide understanding of and commitment to a mission. “I quickly went from ‘I don’t know about this’ to ‘I am very interested,’ specifically because of what the village of

Old Farms and its people do to make folks feel, ‘Wow, this place is special.’”

From the beginning, Orenstein remained committed to the platform he described during the interview process: At the end of the day, this is a business and needs to be run as a business to ensure our mission remains viable.

However, Orenstein shares that challenges come with the unique responsibility of managing a school where students and parents are the primary customers. “In any business, private or public, regardless of industry, a business has to be managed. Ultimately, you’re always responsible for your product and want to care for your customers. At Avon Old Farms, the customers are parents and students. Never before had I been in a business where the customer is so important, meaningful, or intricate. The responsibility is massive, and there is great risk involved. However, it’s a risk we know is worth taking because we’re making a difference in these boys’ lives—a difference that could change their lives forever.”

Beyond his financial leadership, Orenstein has made personal contributions to the Avon Old Farms community. Teaching the Personal Finance Intersession and leading student trips with Habitat for Humanity have added layers to his legacy and personal connection to the students.

In 2023, the National Business Officers Association selected Orenstein as the recipient of the Will J. Hancock Unsung Hero Award. The award is given to independent school business officers who have made extraordinary contributions to their

The responsibility is massive, and there is great risk involved. However, it’s a risk we know is worth taking because we’re making a difference in these boys’ lives—a difference that could change their lives forever.

— BOB ORENSTEIN

schools. It is named after Will J. Hancock, who always went above and beyond the call of duty in various positions during his 35 years at Hawaii Preparatory Academy, where he touched many lives and inspired countless independent school business officers.

Looking Ahead

As he steps into retirement, Orenstein looks forward to spending more time with his wife, embarking on travel adventures, and welcoming his first grandchild in July. Reflecting on his time at Avon Old Farms, he expresses gratitude for the rewarding nature of the work and the supportive community that made the decision to retire challenging. “It wasn’t an easy decision, and I credit this place and the people

here with making it so difficult. I don’t think I would have kept at it for so many years if I did not find the work to be so rewarding. I’m proud of my passion for Avon; it has caused me to come to work every day to hopefully do something that will be impactful going forward.”

Throughout his tenure, Orenstein has played a pivotal role in shaping the financial landscape of the institution, leaving an indelible mark on Avon Old Farms.

The Avon Old Farms community is poised to embrace a new era, acknowledging the significant contributions of Bob Orenstein. The institution will continue to build on the foundation he helped create, moving forward with a strategic vision for excellence in education.

“I’m excited to watch from the sidelines as the school continues to honor tradition by reinvesting in itself, ensuring that we’re continually the best school for boys,” he says.

As Avon Old Farms bids farewell to a financial leader, it does so with gratitude, respect, and anticipation for the future. Orenstein’s legacy will endure as the institution continues on its trajectory of growth and excellence.

“We extend our deepest gratitude for Bob’s exemplary service and commitment to Avon Old Farms as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement,” says Head of School Jim Detora P’12. “His legacy will endure through the financial foundation he has laid, and we wish him nothing but the best in this new chapter of his life.”

Harrison Leonard ’19

AVONIAN ADVANCING THE AI INDUSTRY

How does someone transition from being a top football recruit upon entering college to becoming a tech CEO by graduation? For Harrison Leonard ’19, this progression was actually a very natural course of events.

Harrison initially enrolled at Avon eager to play for Coach Dowling ’91, P’22 and the varsity baseball team, but his trajectory changed when he joined the football team in the fall as a kicker. Although he continued to play baseball throughout his four years, his focus began to shift in his junior year as college football recruiters started to take notice. Ranked as the ninth-best high school kicker in the country by ESPN, he was selected to play in the 2018 Blue-Grey All-American Bowl in Arlington, Texas. “My ultimate goal was to attend the best academic school through sports,” Harrison explains. “It became clear that kicking could make that happen.”

After considering several schools, Harrison chose to attend the University of Notre Dame, a highcaliber academic institution with a historic football program. “That was the best fit.”

“I knew he was special the first time he kicked the ball. It was easy to see,” recalls Kevin Driscoll ’72, P’08 former head coach of varsity football and Harrison’s advisor during his time at Avon. “He wasn’t really thinking about football when he came in, but I got him started kicking, and it just came naturally to him. He’s a really good athlete. We have a really strong history of kickers at the school, and he fits right in with the best of them.”

Driscoll and Harrison’s father, Arthur, spent a few sessions catching and returning Harrison’s kicks, but Driscoll says he didn’t have to help much beyond that. “One thing he did was work on his craft. He was always working to improve. I was really impressed with that.”

Four years at Avon had prepared Harrison for a rigid school schedule that allotted time for athletics, but he still found it a bit challenging to balance it all at the college level. “It was difficult getting back from games or practice late, sometimes early in the morning, and still having assignments to complete. There wasn’t much time to get work done.”

While many student-athletes might choose to sacrifice sleep or neglect their schoolwork altogether, Harrison began working on a unique solution. He developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tutor, study partner, and writing assistant. The tool he created, now known as Caktus AI, is structured as an online assistant for academic support, employing an AI language model and an academically curated search engine.

Harrison says this solution may have taken some time to create, but it helped him in the long run. “I’m the type that goes the extra mile, even if

it takes more time because it will make things more efficient going forward.” Utilizing his newly created platform, Harrison not only managed his schoolwork amid a busy schedule, but was also able to graduate from undergrad early. After three years, he graduated from Notre Dame in 2022 with a degree in finance.

He returned home to Rhode Island that summer with a new purpose of perfecting his product. “I spent most of summer 2022 building and improving it. I shared it with a few friends, and they really liked it, so I knew I had something.” That summer, the University of Rhode Island (URI) reached out to Harrison, proposing that he enroll and join their football team as a kicker. Harrison agreed on one condition. “I said sure, as long as they don’t mind that I promote this product around campus.”

That year at URI, Harrison put in work both on and off the field. He made 36 out of 37 extra-point attempts, contributing to his team’s 7-4 season record. At the start of the football season, Caktus had approximately 100 users. By the season’s end, this number had soared to 50,000. “I would finish practice, then go around to different student groups on campus and pitch. I really grew the user base.” Just a month

later, Caktus had surpassed the one-million-user mark. Since then, the AI platform has only continued to grow. Caktus now boasts more than 2.6 million users across 80 countries and has earned endorsements from some of the most recognized collegiate athletes in the country, including Livvy Dunne and Angel Reese. The product itself has grown into a college student’s dream academic assistant. It offers step-by-step solutions for math, science, and physics. It can format documents to match varying class requirements. It can find and explain academic sources and generate the proper citations to match. It even offers help with coding projects. What sets Caktus apart from other similar products is its approach to the source material. Unlike most AI generative platforms, which mine the entire internet for their source material, Caktus only incorporates academic resources from reputable sources like published research papers. This approach ensures that students using the platform are engaging in genuine learning and producing high-quality work. “That academic research repository is important,” Harrison notes. “Academic content requires a higher level than what the typical

Caktus AI provides significant tangible utility by helping automate the most tedious and time-intensive academic tasks. In totality, Caktus AI reduces the academic workload drastically while improving performance, making it an invaluable asset for most students.

— MEDIUM

language models use.”

Caktus has received positive reviews from a diverse array of users, as well as from numerous news websites and technology-oriented blogs. Digital Trends, recognized as the world’s preeminent independent technology publisher, offered high praise for Caktus, stating, “The student-focused tool has taken AI content creation up a notch with features that haven’t been seen on other services. It is being compared to ChatGPT due to how its essay writer, paragraph writer, and other writing tools work. The additional tools included in Caktus AI make the service much more comprehensive than ChatGPT or many other AI generators.” Echoing this positive assessment, Medium, a renowned and widely used open publishing platform, also reviewed Caktus favorably. Their review read: “Caktus AI has taken the education world by storm as a powerful AI writing assistant designed specifically for students. With capabilities like specialized writing tools, explanations for tough study questions, and a customizable approach across STEM topics, languages, exam prep, and more—Caktus AI aims to make schoolwork easier. Caktus AI provides significant tangible utility by helping automate the most tedious and time-intensive academic

tasks. In totality, Caktus AI reduces the academic workload drastically while improving performance, making it an invaluable asset for most students.”

Since founding Caktus, Harrison’s role with the product has evolved. He no longer spends his time writing code, but instead operates as the company’s CEO. He’s been able to find employees who can propel the product further than he could’ve on his own. This is something he credits Avon with helping him understand. “Avon teaches you the importance of recognizing

and knowing your role and learning when to ask for help. Avon is a place where if you know someone is better at something, you can go to them. There’s definitely a lot my time at Avon taught me, but that’s a big one.” He says leveraging the vast Avon alumni network has been useful for him as well, with the recent addition of Alec Ferry ’17 to his team.

Avon is also where Harrison took his first formal computer science class, although his interest in coding and programming started well before that. “I’ve always been interested in what computers can do.” He was pleased to hear that Avon’s computer science curriculum has expanded exponentially and that the school is not shying away from utilizing AI to its full potential. “A school’s job is to prepare students for the workforce, and AI is being used all across the job

market. It’s really good to hear Avon is teaching that type of stuff.”

Coach Driscoll says he isn’t surprised at all by Harrison’s success. “You could tell by how he took to kicking; he had that drive. In fact, our school motto—aspirando et perseverando flows through his body. If he wants to achieve something, he’s going to work until it happens. It also helps that he’s a really great guy—his brother Dawson ’17, too. Every moment with him was a pleasure,” he says. In one of their most recent discussions, Harrison shared his idea for Caktus with his former coach and advisor. “It was way over my head, but I knew it would work out for him,” Driscoll remarks. “It seems to be going really well.”

What began as a personal project during his undergraduate studies has now grown into Harrison’s full-time career, yet he’s truly only just begun. He harbors ambitious yet attainable aspirations for his company, with an ultimate goal of having 10 percent of the world’s student population utilizing Caktus. “We really want to be that writing companion for every student around the globe,” Harrison states. With the latest boom in AI technology, Harrison’s ambitions seem increasingly attainable. He breaks down exactly what has been going on recently within the AI industry. “What we’re seeing today has actually been around for a while. The foundations of artificial intelligence have existed for decades. The part we’ve been seeing improve in the past few years is the machinelearning aspect.” Machine learning, a subset of AI that uses data and algorithms to emulate human learning processes, has also existed

for decades. Even activities as simple as playing online chess against a computer opponent utilize machine learning. Advancements in storage capacity and processing power have allowed for the vast improvements to machine learning that have been occurring in recent years. “Right now, it’s all about learning the best

practices and implementing them,” Harrison remarks.

Harrison will spend the upcoming spring and summer months continuing to improve and promote his impressive product. Come fall, he’ll be back at Avon Old Farms for his five-year reunion. “I’m definitely looking forward to being back.”

class notes

ALUMNI GATHERED FOR THE AOF VS. HOLDERNESS SCHOOL HOCKEY GAME AT UCONN.

50s

’50 HARVEY S. RUBIN

Head Class Ambassador harvo2516@verizon.net

’51 WARREN T. FORD SR.

Head Class Ambassador jodir@aol.com

’52 SETH F. MENDELL

Head Class Ambassador sethalicemendell@gmail.com

’54 DOUGLAS H. MACPHERSON

Head Class Ambassador dhmacpherson@verizon.net

’55 EDWARD J. HAWIE

Co-Head Class Ambassador ehawie@bellsouth.net

’55 CLEON M. SHUTT JR.

Co-Head Class Ambassador chipsamerica@hotmail.com

’56 CHARLES R. SCAGLIONE

Head Class Ambassador scag3328@gmail.com

’59 CHARLES W. DAVIS

Co-Head Class Ambassador cwdavis@waretec.com

’59 ROLF H. OLSON

Co-Head Class Ambassador rholson9@aol.com

60s

’60 RICHARD L. WILLIAMS

Head Class Ambassador rclumberclan@aol.com

DICK WILLIAMS ’60, P’83 and his wife, Marty P’83, recently moved to Brewster, Massachusetts. They are expecting their third great-grandchild in June. Their son John ’83 and his wife live in Harwich Port, and their daughter, Liz, lives in Plymouth with her family. Their grandson, Connor, lives in Orleans and granddaughter, Andi, lives in Brewster with her husband and two girls. They are happy to have family close by to enjoy. Dick reports he is still doing very well and hoping some of his classmates will send in some info for others to enjoy.

’61 GEORGE F. HENSCHEL JR. Head Class Ambassador gfhjr@aol.com

’62 ALAN D. ROZINSKY

Head Class Ambassador alroz@lycos.com

’63 JACK R. STOKVIS

Co-Head Class Ambassador smarts@galaxy.net

’63 THOMAS “KNICK” CURTIS

Co-Head Class Ambassador knickc@fastmail.fm

’64 JONATHAN MITNICK

Co-Head Class Ambassador johnmit3@cox.net

’64 JON R. SALONY

Co-Head Class Ambassador jrsalony@gmail.com

’65 PERRY BENSON JR.

Head Class Ambassador pbenson@jacobswyper.com

AND

TOGETHER

’66 MICHAEL D. BARKER

Head Class Ambassador barkermike@aol.com

’67 JAMES W. CORRIGAN

Co-Head Class Ambassador cecorrigan86@gmail.com

’67 WILLIAM F. ROBERTS JR. Co-Head Class Ambassador wfroberts@fast.net

’68 CHASE DONALDSON

Head Class Ambassador cfdifly@gmail.com

’69 DAVID F. COLEMAN

Head Class Ambassador davidcoleman1150@gmail.com

70s

’70 HARRIS H. BUCKLIN III

Head Class Ambassador hbucklin3@gmail.com

’71 TIMOTHY B. BEEBLE

Co-Head Class Ambassador tbeeble@aol.com

’71 HENRY R. COONS

Co-Head Class Ambassador henrycoons29@yahoo.com

COACH DRISCOLL ’72, P’08 AND COACH GIELLA SPENT TIME TOGETHER AT THE HARVARD VS. YALE GAME.

’72 KEVIN J. DRISCOLL

Head Class Ambassador driscollk@avonoldfarms.com

’73 CHRISTOPHER L. ATKINS

Head Class Ambassador catkins702@gmail.com

’74 GEORGE J. GIANNONI

Co-Head Class Ambassador ggiannoni@cox.net

’74 EDWARD P. MOLLOY Co-Head Class Ambassador tmolloy@arraysoftware.com

GEORGE GIANNONI ’74 (above) spent two months in Sierra Leone, Africa, serving as a volunteer physical therapist with Mercy Ships. The ship Global Mercy is a hospital vessel with six operating rooms, hospital wards, a rehab unit, a wound care unit, etc., and also is the residence of the volunteering professionals. Giannoni found it fascinating to meet so many people from so many places coming together for a common purpose. “While the ship provides us significant comfort and safety, in contrast, we are serving those who lack everything, including appropriate medical care. I am very thankful for the opportunity to contribute,” he said.

’75 THOMAS B. BYRNE III Co-Head Class Ambassador tbyrne@thomasbyrne.com

GEORGE GIANNONI ’74 VISITED DON DAVIDSON ’38 AT HIS HOUSE IN BLOOMFIELD TO SHARE LIFE UPDATES AND CHAT ABOUT AVON! EVEN AT 103, DON STILL HAS FOND MEMORIES OF HIS YEARS AT AVON.

SARAH BLANCHARD P’24

MICHAEL NOURI ’64 HAD LUNCH

IN LOS ANGELES THIS PAST DECEMBER.

’75, P’03, SAILING IN MYSTIC, CONNECTICUT.

JORGE CONSUEGRA ’77, P’11 AND JOHN GARVEY ’78 GOT TOGETHER FOR LUNCH IN SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA, LAST NOVEMBER.

SALAZAR ’87, JORGE CONSUEGRA ’77, P’11, AND EDDY

’11

FOR DINNER IN VAIL, COLORADO, LAST OCTOBER.

’75 GORDON F. LINKE Co-Head Class Ambassador gflinke@gmail.com

RANDAL BECKER ’75 is excited to announce he is expecting a second grandchild, our first grandson, in February 2024! In addition, Sara Becker is graduating from Abilene Christian University in May 2024, with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and a minor in business entrepreneurship. Sara traveled with ACU to Chiang Mai, Thailand, to learn their dietetic, cultural, and business practices. One highlight was a visit to the elephant preserve (left). In May 2023, Leslee Becker completed her master’s in music performance at the University of Texas at El Paso.

Jordan Becker obtained his pilot instructors license in December 2023. Finally, I have obtained a new certification: Fellowship in the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE).

ACMPE is the certification entity of the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). Fellowship in ACMPE’s industry-leading program demonstrates mastery and expertise in the profession of medical practice management.

’76 ALEXANDER N. WORLEY Head Class Ambassador alexworley@sbcglobal.net

’77 JORGE E. CONSUEGRA JR. Head Class Ambassador jconsuegra29@gmail.com

SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE AVON OLD FARMS COMMUNITY GATHERED ON JANUARY 2, 2024, AT THE KEY BISCAYNE FLORIDA YACHT CLUB TO CELEBRATE THE 88TH BIRTHDAY OF FORMER AOF FACULTY MEMBER

MIRIAM CONSUEGRA W’51, P’77, ’80, GP’11, ’14. LEFT TO RIGHT: ANA CONSUEGRA CUMMINS; ALFREDO ARGUELLES ’82; LUIS CONSUEGRA ’14; PETER EVANS H’18, P’98; PEPE TABACHNIK ’80; SKIP FLANAGAN H’18, GP’16, ’20; BRITT FLANAGAN GP’16, ’20; JULIE CONSUEGRA ISLAMI; MIRIAM CONSUEGRA (SITTING) W’51, P’77, ’80, GP’11, ’14; SUE EVANS H’18, P’98; JORGE CONSUEGRA ’77, P’11; MARIA CONSUEGRA P’11; GEORGE IVERSON ’79, P’10; AMY IVERSON P’10; EDDY CONSUEGRA ’11; MANUEL RAMIREZ ’71; ANDY CONSUEGRA ’80, P’14; JUAN ARGUELLES ’83.

DEAN PETOW ’77 AND TIM TRAUTMAN

EDDY

CONSUEGRA

GATHERED

THE END OF OCTOBER 2023 WAS A GREAT WEEKEND FOR A HARVARD VS. DARTMOUTH FOOTBALL GAME! PICTURED: BRIAN CONROY ’82, H’13, P’20; JERRY GARVEY ’82; BRIAN DOWLING ’22; KEN LAROCQUE H’19, P’01, ’10; JOHN GARVEY ’78; JOHN WARNER ’20; JOHN BOURGAULT ’80, P’09.

ANDY CONSUEGRA ’80, P’14, FRANCISCO CARRERA-JUSTIZ ’85, AND JORGE CONSUEGRA ’77, P’11 KICKED OFF THE NEW YEAR ON A MUTUAL FRIEND’S BOAT IN MIAMI, FLORIDA.

JOHN NOLAN ’80 HOSTED A ROUND OF GOLF AT HIS CLUB IN MINNESOTA, PREVAILING IN A TIGHT MATCH WITH JIM DETORA P’12 WHO BIRDIED THE LAST HOLE FOR THE WIN. LEFT TO RIGHT: JIM DETORA P’12; JOHN NOLAN ’80; CHRIS HUSSEY ’02; LUKE ARCHAMBAULT ’04.

HAL BEACHAM ’87 AND HIS WIFE, HEATHER UNRUH, SPENT TIME WITH BILL STERN ’87 AND HIS WIFE, VERNA, AT THE NANTUCKET ANGLERS’ CLUB LAST SUMMER.

’78 JOHN M. GARVEY Head Class Ambassador jmgarvey@garvspace.com

’79 ANTHONY M. GRAY Co-Head Class Ambassador tgray@tonygray.net

’79 SCOTT B. LINKE Co-Head Class Ambassador scottblinke@comcast.net

80s

’80 THOMAS E. DAVEY JR. Head Class Ambassador thomasdaveyjr@gmail.com

’81 SAMUEL C. BOOKBINDER IV Head Class Ambassador samuel.bookbinder@wfadvisors.com

’82 BRIAN B. CONROY Co-Head Class Ambassador brianconroy1@mac.com

’82 GREGORY T. FISH Co-Head Class Ambassador greg@gregorytfishllc.com

’83 WILLIAM E. ESCHERT

Co-Head Class Ambassador billeschert@gmail.com

’83 RICHARD C. GREGORY Co-Head Class Ambassador rick@rcgregory.com

’84 JOHN S. GORDON Head Class Ambassador falconatlfan@gmail.com

’85 SAM L. RUBENSTEIN Head Class Ambassador srubenstein127@gmail.com

’86 STEPHEN R. GORMAN Head Class Ambassador stephen.r.gorman@gmail.com

’87 HAROLD R. BEACHAM JR. Head Class Ambassador hal.beacham44@comcast.net

’88 SHAWN E. ATKINSON Co-Head Class Ambassador shawnatki@gmail.com

’88 PETER D. REED

Co-Head Class Ambassador pdreed18@gmail.com

KEVIN DRISCOLL ’72, P’08, NICK DEANS ’91, P’27, JIM DETORA P’12, DAVE EVANS ’74, AND PETER EVANS H’18, P’98 TOGETHER IN FLORIDA.

KEVIN DRISCOLL ’72, P’08 SPENT TIME WITH JOSE BORRACHERO JR. ’97 AND HIS FAMILY WHEN THEY VISITED CAMPUS FROM MADRID IN FEBRUARY.

’89 ROBERT M. WILEMAN

Head Class Ambassador rmw@wilemanagency.com

90s

’90 PETER J. DECKERS

Head Class Ambassador deckersp@avonoldfarms.com

’91 ROBERT A. DOWLING JR.

Head Class Ambassador dowlingr@avonoldfarms.com

’92 WILLIAM P. AUSTIN

Co-Head Class Ambassador wpaustin55@gmail.com

’92 DAMIEN J. EGAN

Co-Head Class Ambassador degan2@hotmail.com

(Left) On Saturday, February 24, 2024, DOUGLAS KOOLURIS ’92, P’22, JOSEPH KOOLURIS ’22, and Leah Kooluris P’22 traveled to Philadelphia to watch the New York Rangers play the Philadelphia Flyers. “With Avon Old Farms alumni on both teams, we had to represent AOF! Sorry, JONATHAN QUICK ’05, your jersey didn't show up in time, so we had a last-minute wardrobe change. Someone in the stands actually asked if Leah was CAM ATKINSON ’08 ’s mom!”

’93 LANCE A. CASHION

Co-Head Class Ambassador lancec@christchapelbc.org

KAI MOGLIA, SON OF KEVIN MOGLIA ’96, IS ALREADY SPORTING HIS AOF APPAREL.

’93 ADAM K. CLINE

Co-Head Class Ambassador adamcline50@gmail.com

’94 GRAHAM C. FULLER

Head Class Ambassador grahamcraigfuller@gmail.com

’95 JOHN P. MCAULIFFE

Co-Head Class Ambassador john.mcauliffe@sig.com

’95 ANTHONY D. SILVESTRO

Co-Head Class Ambassador tony.silvestro@insperity.com

’96 MARK A. CARUSO

Head Class Ambassador mcaruso@gmail.com

’97 TIMOTHY B. STAY

Co-Head Class Ambassador timothystay@gmail.com

KIERAN DELANEY ’04, SEAN PREECE ’05, AND DAVID HUCK ’04 MET FOR LUNCH ON DECEMBER 23 IN NEW YORK CITY AND SPENT A FEW HOURS TOGETHER EXPLORING THE CITY.

ROB DOWLING ’91, P’22

ENJOYED DINNER WITH PETE THEIS ’06 IN RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA, IN MARCH. ROB, WHO WAS IN TOWN FOR BASEBALL, WAS EXCITED TO CONNECT WITH HIS FORMER ADVISEE AND STUDENT WHO LIVES IN THE AREA AND WAS THRILLED TO HEAR THAT PETER IS ENJOYING LIFE AND HIS CAREER WITH GM.

MIKE RECCHIA ’07 AND HIS WIFE, GABRIELLA, WELCOMED THEIR FIRST CHILD, MARGO, ON OCTOBER 29, 2023. SHORTLY AFTER SHE WAS BORN, THEY MOVED TO OHIO AND MIKE TOOK A JOB WITH ANHEUSER-BUSCH.

MARGO LOVES TO WATCH SPORTS WITH HER DAD, AND HE IS EXCITED TO GET HER ONTO THE AOF CAMPUS FOR A GAME IN THE NEAR FUTURE!

’97 KYLE R. YOUNGQUIST

Co-Head Class Ambassador bigkyleyoungquist@gmail.com

’98 J. ANDREW CORRIGAN

Head Class Ambassador jamesandrewcorrigan@gmail.com

’99 DAVID R. GRYBOSKI

Co-Head Class Ambassador david@ghgdevelopment.com

’99 STEPHEN A. ZAPPONE

Co-Head Class Ambassador zappones@yahoo.com

00s

’00 MICHAEL J. O'NEILL

Co-Head Class Ambassador michaeloneill27@yahoo.com

’00 DANIEL J. SEIDEN

Co-Head Class Ambassador seidend@gmail.com

’01 CHRISTOPHER D. COLEMAN

Co-Head Class Ambassador christopherdcoleman@gmail.com

’01 NICHOLAS H. LAROCQUE

Co-Head Class Ambassador larocque.nicholas@gmail.com

’02 WILLIAM N. PALMER

Head Class Ambassador wnpalmer@gmail.com

’03 JAMES T. TANG

Head Class Ambassador jamesttang@gmail.com

MATT GIAMALIS ’07 GRADUATED FROM WHARTON IN 2020. HE IS WORKING FOR FIRMAMENT, A SMALL PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM IN NEW YORK CITY, AND LIVING IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY. HE MARRIED HIS WIFE, GEORGIA, IN 2017 AND THEY WELCOMED BABY DEMETRA (DEME) IN MARCH OF 2023.

’04 LUKE R. ARCHAMBUALT

Co-Head Class Ambassador archambaultl@avonoldfarms.com

’04 MATTHEW H. MORAN

Co-Head Class Ambassador matthew.h.moran@gmail.com

’05 ANDREW B. LAWRENCE

Co-Head Class Ambassador mooklawrence@gmail.com

’05 DANE G. LEMERIS

Co-Head Class Ambassador dlemeris@gmail.com

’06 KEVIN T. DRISCOLL

Co-Head Class Ambassador kevin.t.driscoll@gmail.com

’06 JOSHUA P. PAVANO

Co-Head Class Ambassador jpavano@gmail.com

JACK COURAGE ’11 GOT MARRIED THIS PAST DECEMBER AND CELEBRATED WITH AOF ALUMNI AND FACULTY! BACK ROW: REGGIE MILLS ’11; PATRICK LEDDY ’11; TY DOYLE ’11; ANTHONY D’ARPINO ’98; BLAISE DRISCOLL ’08; JIM DETORA P’12; BRIAN DOYLE P’12, ’14; KIERAN MORRIS ’11; MITCH LEEDS ’12; FRONT ROW: KAREN DETORA P’12; CODY DOYLE ’14; DAN MCDOUGALL ’12; JACK COURAGE ’11; KATIE COURAGE; CONNOR DOYLE ’12; LARA DOYLE P’12, ’14.

’07 CASEY R. COONS

Co-Head Class Ambassador caseycoons4@gmail.com

’07 TYLER C. HADDAD

Co-Head Class Ambassador tyler.c.haddad@gmail.com

’08 DOUGLAS J. BEYER

Co-Head Class Ambassador dbeyer11789@gmail.com

’08 WILL H. HENDRICKS

Co-Head Class Ambassador willheatonhendricks@gmail.com

’09 JOHN B. BEATH

Co-Head Class Ambassador beathj@gmail.com

’09 JAKE R. BOURGAULT

Co-Head Class Ambassador jake.bourgault@gmail.com

10s

’10 PATRICK D. HAMPTON

Head Class Ambassador pdavishampton@gmail.com

’11 HARRISON M. LYONS

Co-Head Class Ambassador hlyons@suffolk.com

’11 OLIVER K. ROTHMANN

Co-Head Class Ambassador ollie.rothmann33@gmail.com

’12 CONNOR P. DOYLE

Co-Head Class Ambassador doyle12187@gmail.com

’12 JOHN D. SHAMBURGER

Co-Head Class Ambassador shamburgerd@gmail.com

’13 WILSON P. MEYER

Co-Head Class Ambassador wilsonpmeyer@gmail.com

’13 JOHN VAN ALLEN III

Co-Head Class Ambassador jjghyu@gmail.com

’14 MICKOY R. NICHOL

Co-Head Class Ambassador nicholm@avonoldfarms.com

’14 RYAN D. PHILLIPS

Co-Head Class Ambassador rydphillips@gmail.com

BLAISE DRISCOLL ’08 MARRIED ALLIE IN AUGUST 2023. BLAISE DRISCOLL ’08 HAD AVONIANS BY HIS SIDE ON HIS WEDDING DAY.

LUIS CONSUEGRA ’14, ANDY CONSUEGRA ’80, P’14, AND PEDRO MERIZALDE ’00 SHARED DINNER IN MIAMI THIS PAST FEBRUARY.

YOUNG ALUMNI REUNITED WITH THEIR COACHES ON A PICTURE-PERFECT FALL DAY ON CAMPUS. LEFT TO RIGHT: ROB DOWLING ’91, P’22; HUDSON HASKIN ’18; RYAN CUSICK ’18; GRAHAM CALLAGHAN ’95, P’25.

TWINS GORDON AND WILLIAM ALLEN ’19 VISITED WITH CLASSMATE PHAT (DAVID) TRAN ’19 IN VIETNAM IN FEBRUARY. THIS PHOTO WAS TAKEN AT THE OUTSET OF GORDON AND WILLIAM’S MONTH-LONG PLANNED TRIP THROUGH ASIA FOLLOWING THEIR DECEMBER GRADUATION FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN.

COACH DOWLING ’91, P’22, GRAHAM WALKER ’20, BRIAN DOWLING ’22, COACH MEHOS, AND COACH DRISCOLL ’72, P’08 AT THE HARVARD VS. BROWN GAME.

’15 WILLIAM C. DAVIS Co-Head Class Ambassador cdavis7@me.com

’15 CHRISTIAN E. DI ANTONIO Co-Head Class Ambassador diantoniochristian@gmail.com

’16 MATTHEW T. HORTON Co-Head Class Ambassador matt.horton.t@gmail.com

’16 ALESSO R. MARCOGLIESE

Co-Head Class Ambassador alessio.marcogliese@gmail.com

’17 KEVIN A. SIEBER

Head Class Ambassador ksieber@friars.providence.edu

’18 KEVIN E. HUVELDT

Head Class Ambassador kevinhuveldt4@gmail.com

’19 MAXWELL A. MILLER

Head Class Ambassador mmiller20413@gmail.com

20s

’20 AUGUSTUS G. SHAMBURGER

Head Class Ambassador shammyg12@gmail.com

’21 PATRICK “PJ” A. NEAL

Co-Head Class Ambassador peejneal7@gmail.com

’21 WILLIAM B. SMALLEY

Co-Head Class Ambassador will.smalley@fairfieldcountryday.org

’22 NIKHIL SATPATHY

Head Class Ambassador nikhilsatpathy@gmail.com

ROB DOWLING ’91, P’22, BRIAN DOWLING ’22, AND KEVIN DRISCOLL ’72, P’08 STOPPED FOR A PHOTO TOGETHER BEFORE THE HARVARD VS. YALE GAME.

THE SCHOOL HAS LEARNED OF THE FOLLOWING DEATHS:

RICHARD H. SWEETSER ’54

ALBERT “JERRY” J. MCHENRY ’56

ALFRED "AL" J. SCHIAVETTI JR. ’57

C. MATTHEW S. TIERNEY ’59

JEFFREY G. SHINNERS ’60

RICHARD I. STEINBERG ’61

LAWRENCE "LARRY" DUFF ’62

JAMES “JIM” K. COOPER ’63

ALEXANDER “SANDY” B. MARTIN ’65

WILLIAM “BILL” P. CHILD ’71 H. “RUSTY” R. PRESTON III ’85

MYLES P. VARLEY II ’96

JIM DETORA P’12 HAD DINNER WITH JONATHAN BOXFORD ’23 AND JACK GINTER ’23.

KEVIN DRISCOLL ’72, P’08 AND MICKOY NICHOL ’14 TRAVELED FROM AOF TO BATES COLLEGE TO CATCH UP WITH CURRENT BATES STUDENTS. LEFT TO RIGHT: AIDAN ROONEY ’21; AMIR THOMAS ’21; KEVIN DRISCOLL ’72, P’08; MICKOY NICHOL ’14; GRIFFIN WILLIAMS ’23; ZANDER MITCHELL ’23.

Regional Events

JANUARY 20, 2024 BOSTON WINGED BEAVER CLUB NFL DIVISIONAL ROUND WATCH PARTY

FEBRUARY 1, 2024 CT WINGED BEAVER CLUB HAPPY HOUR TOAST TO THEODATE POPE RIDDLE

FEBRUARY 23, 2024 BOSTON WINGED BEAVER CLUB HAPPY HOUR

CONNECTICUT

JUPITER

JUPITER

BRIAN CONROY ’82, H’13, P’20 HOSTED THE VARSITY GOLF TEAM AT THE OLD MARSH GOLF CLUB IN PALM BEACH GARDENS DURING THEIR SPRING BREAK TRAINING TRIP.

BILLY AUSTIN ’92 HOSTED THE VARSITY GOLF TEAM AT THE BEAR’S CLUB IN JUPITER, FLORIDA, DURING THEIR SPRING BREAK TRAINING TRIP.

PALM BEACH GARDENS

SKIP AND PAM GOZZO P’11, ’12 HOSTED FELLOW ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF THE AVON OLD FARMS COMMUNITY AT THEIR HOME IN JUPITER, FLORIDA.

Avon Overseas

AVON OLD FARMS THANKS OUR WONDERFUL FAMILIES FROM BEIJING FOR HOSTING A WELCOME RECEPTION FOR OUR NEWLY ACCEPTED STUDENTS. IT WAS A GREAT WAY TO SHARE THE SPIRIT OF OUR SCHOOL WHILE BEING AWAY FROM HOME.

DURING THEIR MARCH TRIP, SARAH BLANCHARD P’24 AND JIM AND KAREN DETORA P’12 HAD A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE EXPLORING THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA WITH A GROUP OF CURRENT PARENTS AND STUDENTS.

BEIJING

BEIJING

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SARAH BLANCHARD P’24, HEAD OF SCHOOL JIM DETORA P’12, AND HIS WIFE, KAREN P’12, THANK SEUNG SOO (CURTIS) LEE ’97 AND WOO-IL (WILL) LEE ’01 FOR GATHERING ALUMNI AND HOSTING A SPECIAL DINNER IN SEOUL.

SHANGHAI

WHAT A WELCOME FOR OUR NEWLY ACCEPTED STUDENTS FROM SHANGHAI. THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT STUDENTS AND WONDERFUL SHANGHAI PARENT COMMITTEE FOR ORCHESTRATING SUCH A GREAT RECEPTION AND FOR INCLUDING ALUMNI AND ALUMNI PARENTS.

THE AVON COMMUNITY IN SHENZHEN HOSTED A FABULOUS RECEPTION FOR OUR NEWLY ADMITTED STUDENTS. WE HOPE THEY CHOOSE TO BECOME WINGED BEAVERS!

WHILE IN SEOUL, MR. DETORA ALSO SPENT SOME TIME WITH OUR CURRENT STUDENTS, INCLUDING THESE THREE SENIORS: SEAN PARK ’24, ANDREW LEE ’24, AND BRYAN LEE ’24.

SHENZHEN

SEOUL

SEOUL

THE LAST WORD

Goodbye, Mr. Chips

BY TIM TRAUTMAN ’75, P’03

In the mid-1980s, Avon Old Farms School was approached by the publishers of Goodbye, Mr. Chips, James Hilton’s classic novel about the world’s most beloved schoolmaster. A reprinting had been scheduled, and they needed a picture for the new edition’s cover. As the story is about an English boys’ boarding school, Avon Old Farms was chosen for the image, and a photo crew arrived on campus. When the new edition was later published, the cover featured Avon’s quadrangle with “Mr. Chips” riding his bicycle in academic garb. As it turns out, the actual man on that bicycle was none other than Avon’s David “Mac” McElheny.

The fictional Mr. Chips remained at his school teaching the boys for 43 years; Mac has been at this Cotswold Tudor village in Avon, Connecticut, for 45 years!

For Mac’s many years of service, I feel I can take some credit. Mac and I were fraternity brothers at the University of Pennsylvania, and on one hot summer evening, I was speaking with my father, Headmaster George Trautman, from the fraternity house pay phone (this was long before cell phones and WhatsApp). It was August, and a math and science teacher had just resigned unexpectedly. For headmasters, finding talented math and science teachers was already a significant challenge; finding a talented math and science teacher in August was a potential

crisis. Never one to miss an opportunity, my father asked me if I knew whether any of my fraternity brothers were interested in teaching.

“Really?” I said.

“Sure ... ask!” he insisted.

So, I poked my head out the phone booth door and barked up the stairwell, “Any of you ---holes wanna teach math and science?” Surprisingly, Mac raised his hand. He traveled to Avon for an interview and was hired on the spot. When Mac returned to the fraternity house, he told me he had even stayed overnight on campus. How extraordinary, I thought, and then I learned that his car had broken down in Dio Circle!

Less than a month later, Mac was in coat and tie, teaching calculus, coaching soccer, advising students, doing dorm duty, etc., etc. While his coming to Avon seemed serendipitous

at the time, Mac knew exactly what he was getting into. He had graduated from Ridley College, a secondary boys’ boarding school in St. Catharines, Ontario. Mac fit in at Avon Old Farms immediately.

There are independent thinkers, and then there are independent thinkers! Mac is the latter. During one Halloween celebration, Avon’s entire student body and faculty came to dinner in costume. It was a fun night with a packed refectory. The festivities culminated with the requisite “Who’s Got the Best Costume” competition. With the whole school assembled, roughly a dozen semifinalists were selected and instructed to line up in front of the head table, where Headmaster Trautman sat. Before ringing the bell to commence the competition’s final round, the headmaster announced that study hall would be shortened that evening due to the length of the festivities. It would now be 8:00–9:30 p.m. Following this announcement, the semifinalists each stood before the audience and described who or what their costume represented. There were witches and mummies, and one student cleverly dressed up as Mrs. Riddle. The last of the semifinalists were Director of Admission Frank Leavitt and Mr. McElheny. Before they stood up, Headmaster Trautman told Mr. Leavitt to announce that study hall would be delayed further, now 8:30–9:30 p.m. After making the

announcement, Mr. Leavitt, dressed in fly-fishing gear, explained that he was the director of admissions at Westminster School—on a good day—to a rousing applause. Not one to be outdone, Mac bounded on top of the head table in his full Captain America costume. With his arms and legs spread widely, he waved his mighty blue cape and bellowed, “I’M GEORGE TRAUTMAN … AND I SAY THERE IS NO STUDY HALL!” With that, the refectory exploded. The entire student body leapt to their feet, screaming, whistling, and cheering wildly! It was classic Mac.

Boarding schools are one of the few remaining professional settings that not only honor but also celebrate uniqueness and, dare I say, eccentricity among their faculty and staff. Mac is one of those rare individuals at Avon who, for more than four decades, has been a talented calculus teacher, department chair, thirds soccer coach (with a win–loss record that rivals any coach in Avon’s history), dorm master, cross-country skier (to class), teller of (bad) jokes, and, of course, never (ever) an attendee of Chapel.

Through it all, Mac’s dedication and passion for teaching, as well as his kindness and humor, earned him the affection of generations of Avonians. He will always be known for his ability to connect with the boys and make learning enjoyable.

Now, 45 years later, we say thank you and “Goodbye, Mr. Chips.”

500 Old Farms Road

Avon, Connecticut 06001

www.avonoldfarms.com

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Parents

If this issue is addressed to your son or to your family, but your son no longer maintains an address at your home, please reach out to us with the correct address.

Email us at: alumni@avonoldfarms.com or use our form online at: www.avonoldfarms.com/UpdateAddress