Belmont Hill Bulletin - Summer/Fall 2023

Belmont Hill t h e bu ll e t i n for be l m o n t h i ll s c h o ol

s u m m e r | fa ll 2023

“The most important and effective legacy we can leave our children, is the strength of character, confidence, and foundation for wisdom inherent in an excellent education.” - john a. pike ’49

in tribute to john a. pike ’49 OCTOBER 29, 1930 – JULY 19, 2023

“Some who have watched you claim that your life looks easy. We know better.

We know that the ease comes from being a man at peace with himself, a man of not only great intelligence and wisdom but also clear values: honor, integrity, duty, social good.

It is the clarity that brings the ease.” alumni award citation excerpt

john abbott pike ’49 Magna Cum Laude

Board of Trustees 1981–2001 Board President 1989-2001 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient 2002 Corporation Chair 2002–2013 Honorary Trustee 2016–2023 Class of 1949 Class Agent & Reunion Committee 75th Anniversary Campaign Committee Campaign for Belmont Hill Committee Centennial Committee

We pay tribute to Mr. Pike for his indefatigable support and leadership, dedication to family, and service to the School. (His obituary appears on page 83.)

His extensive accomplishments at Belmont Hill include the Jordan Athletic Center, Belmont Hill’s first funded faculty chairs, the science center, renovations to the boathouse, an earlier renovation of the Chapel, an Annual Fund and financial aid budget that each quadrupled, and an endowment five times the one he inherited.

This is nothing in comparison to his dedication to his family, his community, and the environment.

The following excerpts are from remarks delivered in 2002 when Mr. Pike was honored with the Belmont Hill Distinguished Alumni Award.

Former trustee and parent Martie Fritz (’96, ’93, ’91) recalled working with Mr. Pike on the search committee following Chris Wadsworth’s tenure and on the Executive Committee. She remembered him for being “a strong voice for adding diversity to the Board, including the addition of women to important committee positions as well as on the faculty and the staff.”

Mrs. Fritz also attributed the existence of many of the School’s most impressive facilities to the fact that “John insisted on excellence and surrounded himself with people who could deliver it.” Complementing John’s ability to get things done, she continued, was the creative ability and design sense of his wife Polly. She concluded,

“Belmont Hill School is a better place for the years that John Pike spent studying, playing, and then giving back to his alma mater.”

Trustee Carl Martignetti ’77 said “the School enjoys a strengthened academic program, a deepened commitment to community service, a greater diversity in our students, our faculty and staff, and the Board,” and added that the Prenatt Music Center and newer academic buildings have their origins in his planning and leadership.

“As remarkable and worthy as all of these successes are,” implored Mr. Martignetti to Mr. Pike, “there is a more important one about you, more compelling to all of us in this room, and to the broader Belmont Hill community, and that is the person in which you accomplished all of this… kind, gentle, generous, and selfless. On every day of your service to the School, in all of your many activities you have embodied what it is that we mean when we say ‘Belmont Hill’—in your inclusiveness, in your open-mindedness, in your fairness and sense of merit, in your appreciation of the talent in each individual, regardless of origin, in your modesty and courage, and in your commitment to truth. These are the values that have always been at the heart of Belmont Hill’s purpose, and I know of no member of our school community who has represented them more truly or more consistently.

In doing so, you have inspired all of us, for our own lives and in our service to the School.”

contents

features

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2

chapel talk

6

The Arts at Belmont Hill

12

Retiring Faculty: Kathy Richards & Doc Fast

18

The Legacy of the Darren D. Gallup ’03 Scholarship

22

Commencement 2023

60

Honoring Jack Connors

departments

12

22

11

From the Archives

19

visiting speakers

36

arts on the hill

41

coaches’ corner

57

Corporation News

62

ALUMNI & FAMILY Events

71

class notes

79

faculty & staff news

82

in memoriam

our mission statement working together

Belmont Hill School educates boys in mind, body, and spirit to develop men of good character.

Our community encourages and challenges students to discover and pursue passions, seek excellence, and face adversity with resilience. We cultivate critical thinking and creativity, teamwork and competition, hard work and reflection, tradition and innovation. Valuing our differences and working together, we embrace camaraderie, compassion, and service to others. Our school strives to instill in each boy ethical judgment, a sense of common humanity, and a lifelong love of learning.

On front cover: Julian (Rafael) Rodriguez Montgomery ’24, Brian Lee ’24, Will Achtmeyer ’26, and Will Kelly ’23 represent a variety of ways students express themselves through the arts. This photograph, taken by Director of Visual Arts Dan Duarte, was staged in the Kraft Theater in the E. Paul Robsham Jr. Memorial Center for the Arts.

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chapel talk

CHAPEL TALK

Remarks delivered by Gregory J. Schneider, Ronald M. Druker ’62 Head of School March 27, 2023 As our Centennial year continues, we turn our focus today to celebrating 100 years of academic leadership at Belmont Hill. During a century of learning on this campus, we have never wavered from a fundamental standard of excellence and rigor in our classrooms. That tradition, however, was built on the vision and leadership of those that came before us. Later this year, Mr. Sherman will be leading an effort in celebrating 100 years of faculty at Belmont Hill—a theme that will clearly overlap with today’s presentation. My hope this morning will be to reconnect all of you briefly with the stories behind the eight Heads of School that came before me.

One constant at Belmont Hill has been a relentless quest for improvement—particularly as it relates to our academic programs. Needless to say, it is an honor to be associated with these eight leaders. I should also say this talk would not be possible without the amazing efforts of our consulting archivist Caroline Kenney.

R. Heber Howe Headmaster, 1923–1932

The first Head of School at Belmont Hill was, of course, R. Heber Howe, in 1923. His grandson, Reg Howe ’58, still lives in our neighborhood, and Dr. Howe’s great-great grandson, Alex Behn, is now a student in the Class of 2024. Dr. Howe symbolizes our origin story that we share with Middlesex School in

Concord, as he had taught members of the Atkins family— one of our founding families at Belmont Hill, while at 2

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Middlesex. Howe’s example reminds us that we share the panel tradition with our neighbors in Concord, who actually refer to them as plaques rather than panels. Dr. Howe had the early passion of any entrepreneur—he believed that Belmont Hill could actually survive, even though its initial campus was one building in need of repair. The 1932 issue of the Sextant articulated that: Dr. Howe’s patience and understanding inspired in the boys and masters and in all connected in any way with the school a loyalty which was second only to his devotion to them and the school. This makes it sure that the spirit of ‘cooperative goodwill’ with which he endowed Belmont Hill will be its everlasting heritage.

While Dr. Howe will surely be remembered for his vision and courage, so much in our archives speaks to his close relationships with the boys and their families. He remained in touch with graduates after their graduation from college. Sadly, he passed away in 1932 after nine years at the helm of this newly formed enterprise known as Belmont Hill School.

After Thomas Morse served briefly as interim Headmaster, Hal Taylor took the helm from 1932 to 1935. Another Middlesex faculty member himself, he was charged to take up the mantle after the School had lost its Head of School. He believed in a highly structured experience and was W. Harold (Hal) Taylor Headmaster, 1932–1935 credited with the expansion of the theater program. In 1935, the Sextant spoke of Mr. Taylor this way: “Mr. Taylor’s friendliness was the trait that most of the boys will remember best. To any of them seeking advice, to those perplexed or in despair over some problem, his quick sympathy, his infinite patience, and kindly counsel were consolation.” Sadly, Mr. Taylor became the second Headmaster to die while holding the post—this time of a flu epidemic in 1935. Mr. Morse once again became interim Headmaster but then assumed the position permanently for the next seven years.

Mr. Morse actually lived to be beyond 100 years himself, and he served as our Head of School from 1935 to 1942. He had been a faculty member since 1924 at Belmont Hill, so he knew the School exceptionally well. School buildings were improved during Thomas R. Morse his tenure, including the addition Headmaster, 1935–1942 of a boarded outdoor hockey rink.

The first yearbooks were published, and a number of cultural trips and concerts began to emerge. He was a beloved figure across campus, but he also faced the realities of World War II during his tenure. Enrollment decline and the economic environment were massive challenges. Morse did his very best to keep morale and spirits high. He left his educational post to serve our country in the Navy in 1942 as an airplane rear-gunner.

Our fourth Head of School was Charles F. Hamilton, namesake of this chapel. Edward Densmore, a long-time faculty member, articulated this particular leadership transition in the following manner: The person who was to take over for Tom Morse had to have courage; he had to move quickly and decisively; he had to be tough and even a bit brash; he had to have vision beyond the immediate problems; he had to have a vital ability to inspire people to work hard; and all this had to be done with intelligence, with business acumen, with warmth. Fred Hamilton brought, in the very nick of time, just these ingredients... .

– Edward D. Densmore, 1972

Charles F. Hamilton Headmaster, 1942–1971

Mr. Hamilton was able to keep the School afloat and spirits high during the war years. Enrollment was dropping as seniors were leaving mid-year for the war, but he believed Belmont Hill would ultimately succeed. The School plant expanded under Hamilton’s watch—the longest tenure of any head at Belmont Hill, incidentally.

There was an addition to the field house (now Robsham), while the Hobby House and the original Howe building were built. There was a new gym and the expansion of the original Head’s House and kitchen. But the most significant addition was this chapel, which was an 1840 Greek Revival Church from West Thompson, CT—a story that is

told in detail on the walls of the lower level of this building. He wanted to have the entire school in one room, as chapel had previously been held in the MacPherson Room. It was completed in 1964 and named for Hamilton upon his retirement—after 29 years of leadership.

Faculty member David Aloian spoke of Fred Hamilton in the following manner: “He gave us hope, direction and inspiration; we all strove together to make our school a better place; perhaps, one day, it would become the very best place.

That was worth working for.”

David Aloian was a member of the faculty at Belmont Hill from 1954 to 1963 and went on to be Headmaster of Concord Academy before returning here as Head from 1971 to 1978. He exhibited a great focus on the curriculum and quality of teaching here, and he helped build a partnership with David A. Aloian Headmaster, 1971–1978 Winsor School in 1973. The Claflin Athletic Center was completed in 1974 for the hockey and tennis teams, and the Science Center was built as well in addition to the first boathouse on the Charles. He was famous for saying, “People here still believe that nothing is worth doing if it isn’t done to the best of one’s ability.

Apathy has always been the enemy of Belmont Hill.”

Mr. Sherman shared with me one of David Aloian’s great speeches on the nature of good teaching, which I return to frequently for inspiration. Mr. Aloian left Belmont Hill for an administrative role at Harvard in 1978.

Roger F. Duncan Headmaster, 1978–1979

Roger Duncan served Belmont Hill from 1945 to 1981, but he served as Head of School from 1978 to 1979 while the School waited for the arrival of Chris Wadsworth. Carl Amon, Board President, celebrated Roger Duncan at Commencement in 1981 in the following manner:

A graduate of Harvard, you started teaching at Belmont Hill in 1945. During 36 years you have: taught English and at various times, coached crew, been the Fourth Form Adviser, Director of the Upper School, College Adviser, Head of the English Department, Assistant Headmaster, Headmaster, and author Summer–Fall 2023

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chapel talk

of the book about the history of the Belmont Hill School from 1923 to 1973. It has been frequently said that the faculty determines the quality of the School and you, Roger, have been one of the leaders in bringing Belmont Hill to a position of excellence in secondary school education. You have those qualities that are so necessary for good teaching, namely: Commitment to learning, Professional competence, Caring about students. You have recognized that it is not the adults’ teaching but the students’ learning that is the central purpose of the classroom. You understood students. You have treated students with justice. You always expected more from a student than the student expected of himself. You have taught hundreds of students, not only particular subjects but also character, good sportsmanship, responsibility, and loyalty to the highest ideals.

Chris Wadsworth came to Belmont Hill after 10 years of leadership at the Nichols School in Buffalo. There were many accomplishments during his tenure including: the expansion of faculty benefits and financial aid for students, broadening of Christopher Wadsworth fundraising—including the hiring Headmaster, 1979–1993 of Director of Alumni and Development Bev Coughlin, and the construction of the Byrnes Library, Lynch Center, and the Robsham Center for the Arts. It was a tenure that required the wise management of resources for Belmont Hill. Mr. Wadsworth hired many of our most veteran faculty members on campus today, as he did an exceptional job of finding new talent to replace beloved retiring teachers. Trustee Truman Casner ’51 described Mr. Wadsworth’s sense of principles in the following manner: When you work closely with someone who has to make as many tough decisions as a Headmaster does, and when he comes to you—as Chris did many times to me— with agonizing decisions that he alone had to make, you gain the measure of the man. We would talk the matter through and, as you might expect, there were many times when the questionable course of action appeared to be the most popular or even the most logical. But it wasn’t the right thing to do. Above all, Chris had to live with the decision and know that it was consistent with his and the School’s high ethical standards. Faced with 4

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the choice between expediency and conscience, he never abandoned his principles. And we have been the long-term beneficiaries of that wisdom.

Dr. Richard Melvoin served as Belmont Hill’s Head of School from 1993 to 2018 after working extensively in the Harvard University Admission Office and Deerfield Academy. Under his watch, our school community became more diverse and the curriculum evolved to incorpoRichard I. Melvoin rate new technologies and Ronald M. Druker ’62 21st-century learning. He always Head of School, 1993–2018 had a clear focus on our mission of character, as evidenced in his remarkable book of Chapel Talks. Under his watch, there was an expansion of the chapel, a renovation of the Science Center, the construction of Jordan Athletic Center, and a new renovation of the boathouse, Kraft Theater, and Morse.

Additionally, Prenatt Music Center arrived and finally the Melvoin Academic Center in 2014. Leadership roles at the School also expanded, including positions like Dean of Faculty, Director of Communications, Director of Community and Diversity, and Dean of Studies. He remains the second longest-tenured Head of School at Belmont Hill and today enjoys a thriving consulting practice.

Our own Lauren Hamilton perhaps summed up Dr. Melvoin best with the following quote: Rick Melvoin has been my boss for 23 years. I am fortunate to have such a strong role model in my professional life. He is also a dear colleague and friend. The word ‘commitment’ comes to mind when I think of Rick. He makes a commitment each and every day to our school and our mission and to each and every member of the community: a family of students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni. He cares about each individual. Rick has been a wonderful teacher and leader. He has helped me explore the profession of education, take on new challenges, celebrate achievements, and learn from setbacks. I am honored and inspired to continue the important work he has guided us in at Belmont Hill. Rick and I both enjoy musical theater. To quote a famous Gilbert and Sullivan tune, “He is the very model of a modern Major-General.”

So after this early morning journey through the life of eight Heads of School, the right question to be asking yourself as a student in this chapel might be: well that’s nice, but what does any of this have to do with me?

For some, perhaps the answer is very little. For others, I hope chronicling these leaders gives us the sense of just how far this school has come in such a short period of time. For me, it is a humbling reminder of just how lucky I am to do my best to stand alongside such a great group of men who loved this school wholly and completely.

I am proud to acknowledge that my own love of our school and its culture has grown exponentially during my first five years.

But as students, I want you to know that Heads of School, if they have any success at all, it is only through the experiences and efforts of all of you—the students and the faculty of Belmont Hill. All of us in this room are collectively writing the next chapter of Belmont Hill dreams and visions–focused on serving future generations of boys to the very best of our ability. You are a part of this history, and we should hope that we are writing the best chapter yet. As we now head into spring, we begin a process of celebrating the Class of 2023 in the most intentional way we possibly can. As students, you will dig into the academic experience with a final push before summer.

Yet every time you perform on a stage or wear an athletic jersey this spring, remember that we are writing this amazing Centennial story together. It is a story that I hope has led to an important education for all of you, and perhaps it will for some of your own sons as well.

But as students, I want you to know that Heads of School, if they have any success at all, it is only through the experiences and efforts of all of you—the students and the faculty of Belmont Hill.

Let us enter the spring of our Centennial year with a particular flavor of gratitude that recognizes those who have come before us to make our own experiences possible. We are connected to a tapestry of education on this campus, informed by a mosaic of teacher leaders who decided to make this school their life. You boys should never forget that the faculty members sitting and standing amongst you have chosen to do the same with no less of a sense of dedication and sacrifice. It is a special thing to have a seat in this chapel during your adolescence, and we should all challenge ourselves to be at our very best this spring as we exit our chapel today.

Let’s make our Centennial spring one to remember, gentlemen. I believe that those who came before us would expect nothing less.

Sixth Form.

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Student in Painting and Drawing class.

Working in the darkroom.

“I’m constantly amazed by the appreciation shown by everyone on campus towards our artistic endeavors, and I feel very grateful to be surrounded by friends and faculty who are always supportive of both my artistic and musical pursuits.

Participating in the Arts at Belmont Hill has opened up so many new doors for me, allowing me to explore art in several different media; the relationships I’ve formed with teachers and fellow classmates over art and music have proved invaluable during my time at Belmont Hill.”

– brian lee ’24

Practicing for a theater performance, Tommy Folan, Donavan Payne ’18, and Jeremy Eaton ’23.

Learning to throw on the wheel.

the arts at belmont hill

THE ARTS AT BELMONT HILL

By Bill Mahoney

The Arts Program at Belmont Hill is an integral part of the life of the School, offering students myriad opportunities to hone their skills and experience the growth and enrichment of creative expression. Boys are urged to pursue the arts to expand their creative abilities, perhaps some they weren’t even aware of; show a willingness to be vulnerable and take productive risks; become more well rounded; and learn from teachers who are accomplished artists themselves. For these reasons and more, the Arts program at Belmont Hill ties directly to the School’s mission of developing boys into men of good character.

How do the arts cultivate creative expression?

When we think of successful artists, their gift of creativity often comes to mind. But how does the study of the arts cultivate that expression? There is a belief that creativity can be cultivated but can’t be taught—it is innate and present in everyone in some form. Paul DiResta, Chair of the Performing Arts department, believes creativity is an essential skill for Belmont Hill boys that may be applied to everything they do; but like all skills, it must be honed and refined. “The way in which we learn to interact with and perceive a concept we’re learning invites students to apply their own perspective to it, thereby adding their creativity,” he explains. “We are all creators, and as our students continue to improve upon what and how to create, they reach a higher level of understanding.” Dan Duarte, Visual Arts Chair, states creativity is part of our DNA fabric, with factors such as culture and environment playing an important role in its development. “Part of the challenge of being an educator in the arts is identifying this talent and creative ability and placing our students in the best environments to allow that creativity to grow and prosper,” Mr. Duarte says.

Director of Instrumental Music Dan Fiori likens creativity more to a muscle than a trait, one that requires regular exercise. “The assignments we give are designed to develop strength, agility, and endurance within that creative muscle,” he says. Because there are many

different types of creativity, he believes the craft of teaching involves helping each individual student to recognize and develop their own particular flavor of creativity. “From there, we introduce them to the discipline, skills, and practice methods needed to allow their work to unfold.”

Many Belmont Hill Arts teachers agree that a prime tool in cultivating creativity is through dialogue and careful listening. “As an educator, your ears are a valuable resource,” Mr. Duarte explains. “Taking the time to talk to and get to know your students reveals so much about how they think and see things visually.”

Mr. Fiori expands on this. “I am always careful not to tell a student exactly what creative decision to make at a given step of their process,” he explains. “Rather, I will periodically check in with a student, present them with options to consider or problems to resolve, and coax them towards possible answers so that they are empowered to make informed decisions and develop their creative voice as they work through a particular project.”

Through the development of their creativity, something quite wonderful often occurs: boys often discover talents they didn’t know existed. Sarah Bradley, who teaches Ceramics and Drawing & Painting, points out that the majority of boys who come into her classes

Visual Arts Chair Dan Duarte.

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the arts at belmont hill

have had little or no experience in the type of art class they are taking. “All the time, students are so impressed with themselves when they see their glazed pot or bowl come out of the kiln,” she remarks. “I have noticed the quiet sense of pride they will have in themselves; they seem almost surprised by what they have made. I think that has to be one of the best parts of teaching.” Mr. Duarte believes this process starts in Form I, as many boys come in with a distinct lack of confidence in anything creative and believe they have no talent. “As teachers in the Performing and Visual Arts departments, our first take in many ways is the reprogramming of their brains,” he says. “We stress that there is no failure, only a failure to try. Slowly but surely, these students begin to emerge.” Mr. DiResta adds that nearly every actor who comes into the theater has little to no background in the subject. “Yet so many actors are able to find their voice and confidence on stage,” he notes.

“I recall Boston Ezedi ’26 when he was a Form I boy who bravely tried out acting his first year at Belmont Hill, and discovered both incredible passion and ability, taking on major roles within his first year learning this art. Similarly, Jeremy Eaton and Jerry Austen, two 2023 graduates, came in with little experience in drama but were able to cultivate their own creativity and develop their confidence through theater and film.”

Rafael Rodriguez Montgomery ’24.

“The Belmont Hill Arts department was one of the first places where I truly felt I belonged. Soon after becoming involved, art became the main focus of my entire life, and I’m grateful every day that I met the teachers who inspired me to express and challenge myself in new ways.”

– julian “rafael” rodriguez montgomery ’24

Growth through Vulnerability

While Belmont Hill composition and digital production classes are designed for experienced musicians and complete novices alike, Mr. Fiori reports that every single year these “nonmusicians” excel and produce work that impresses and informs the work of his most experienced musicians. “It is by far one of the most invigorating aspects of these semester-based elective classes.”

Participation in the arts is often an act of making oneself vulnerable, which in turn can be a magnificent form of growth. With artistic expression, one has to “put themselves out there,” and express their art to various forms of audiences. For a young boy, this can be daunting, especially for those still learning their art.

But it is also an extraordinary opportunity for growth.

Mr. DiResta believes that developing confidence, while it may begin with simply acting confident, is an essential first step in artistic expression. “This incredible willingness to take risks and be bold enables new opportunities for artistic expression and also develops good character by demonstrating vulnerability and courage in public performance, as well as the ability to work together with your fellow performers.” Director of Music Donnell Patterson notes that as a teacher of

Director of Music Donnell Patterson working with the B Flats.

Will Achtmeyer ’26 in last year’s radio play production of It’s a Wonderful Life.

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music and singing, he has to be in tune with the individual needs of each student so they will take the step forward, which is not always easy. “Some come ready for the stage and love being in front of an audience, others not so until they learn how to become an artist.”

Part of what makes artistic expression open to emotional vulnerability is that it often has deep and intensely personal meaning, sometimes manifesting in boys opening up about their personal lives or making social commentary about the world around them. It is also open to interpretation by those in the greater community.

But that connection with the community is what can make it so rewarding. “Putting yourself out there has the ability to allow others in the community to find commonality in your work, allow them a greater connection to the School, and find allies,” Mr. Duarte says. “There is a significant social and political power associated with art.” Ms. Bradley adds, “Art is all about sharing visions and ideas and, yes, feelings; and the more you are willing to do that and converse with your peers about it, the more value you will get out of the entire experience. Making art is a vulnerable act by itself — the more vulnerable and honest you are with yourself, the better your art will be.”

Teachers as Artists A key component of what makes participation in the arts such an enriching experience for boys at Belmont Hill is that their teachers are practicing artists themselves. They understand how to evolve and grow creatively and can relate to the challenges boys might initially have in being vulnerable through artistic expression. “Having taken on many challenging roles both as an actor and a musician, especially during my own middle and high school years, I’ve found that relating my own experiences to students has helped to

“The Arts program has been integral to my experience, improving my confidence and public speaking and fostering friendships, all while being extremely fun. I’ve participated in every Middle School play since I was in first term, and each production has been a blast. Even when things get a bit dicey near opening night, we always pull through and have a great time. I’ve met new people, and had I not signed up for theater, I would not have been able to create new friendships with kids in my own form as well as with younger and older students.” – will achtmeyer ’26

Leaving Belmont Hill on an Artistic Note: Carving a Panel While a Belmont Hill boy’s experience here encompasses so many facets of school life— academics, arts, athletics to name a few—it is telling that a boy’s final statement with which he leaves his mark here is an artistic one: the creation of his panel.

Arts faculty member Steve Kaplan ’83 notes that he has had nearly 30 years of teaching at Belmont Hill to think about what panels mean to the School and to the seniors. “Really, they are something about yourself,” he explains.

“It’s funny, I’ve been here long enough that I see graduates who come back and they’re showing their children their panels. The panels are very meaningful to me. I have one hanging on the wall from when I was a senior.”

Four thousand panels hang on the walls of Belmont Hill. The first graduating class was in 1927, which was the first year students carved panels. Mr. Kaplan states that he has worked with over 2,000 students in his tenure here.

“Panels can be personal, about yourself, or they could be something about our current times or the history of this country. They could also be something that just looks beautiful on the wall.”

Boys often speak of the bonding and camaraderie they experience playing for a team. Yet, this final act of expression for boys at Belmont Hill as they create their panel has a similar effect. “The bonding that happens during that time is extraordinary,” Mr. Kaplan says. “I’ve witnessed it for my entire career, and that’s the magic. That’s what I love more than anything else, is to see those guys working together. They talk all the time during their senior spring that it is one of the most meaningful times in their lives and experiences at Belmont Hill. I don’t think it’s just the panels that do it. I think it’s the time they spend together.”

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the arts at belmont hill

“The Belmont Hill music community is extremely welcoming. Its enthusiasm is contagious. Any skill level is able to perform and be unconditionally supported all thanks to the amazing musicians and faculty. Many of my closest friends came from the music building. I’ve learned so much as an artist and can’t wait to continue growing.” – will kelly ’23 they also apply to my own practice and my efforts to contribute to the contemporary photographic community.”

Will Kelly ’23 performing in Chapel.

build connections and empathy with my students,” Mr. DiResta explains. He strongly believes that Belmont Hill students need positive role models of good character to pursue the School’s mission, and developing students’ creativity, vulnerability, cooperation, and confidence through artistic expression enables the next generation to see themselves and the world around them in a whole new light.

Mr. Fiori explains that demonstrating his own artistic endeavors can be inspiring for boys finding their way.

“I try as often as possible to share music that I write, perform, or arrange with my students so that they see how I am continuing to learn and grow just as they are.”

Ms. Bradley notes that when she is not teaching or prepping, she can often be found in the studio throwing, glazing, painting, and doing her projects. “I love to teach techniques that I’m particularly fond of so that I can show the boys how I use them and show them real examples,” she says. “There have been many times when boys have come in and asked how to do a certain technique or style that I’d done on one of my pieces.

My hope is that I can set an example of someone who is always working and creating, trying new things, and making mistakes, just like they do.”

Mr. Duarte also sees his classroom as a working space, and this includes his own work. “I am always showing my students a new project I am working on but I also emphasize the negative; they see the images that don’t make the cut, not just the best images.” He feels this shows the boys the importance of perseverance and faith in the process. “It also reinforces that I have a vested interest in the conversations being had in class as 10

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Mr. Patterson has a particularly interesting take on the question of artistic ability enhancing classroom teaching. He sees teaching itself as an artistic expression. “Early on I was encouraged to view the vocation of teaching as an art form, no matter the subject,” he remarks. “So my teaching is constantly evolving as I search for creative ways to reach and involve my students.” He believes teachers are on stage daily, whether they view it that way or not. “Students are the audience so to speak. Music being my subject, I am without choice constantly exhibiting my artistic self via artistic expressions in order to cultivate and inspire my students to develop their artistic selves.”

In a recent Chapel Talk, Ronald M. Druker ’62 Head of School Greg Schneider well stated the importance of the Arts at Belmont Hill when he said, “...the realms of creation, risk-taking, and performance all hold important lessons for us when it comes to learning and growing as young men of character... . While we may enjoy the aesthetic gift of the expressions of others, there is a role here in processing your own inner landscape—your own personal journey—your own voice in this world.” The Arts have played a vital role in helping Belmont Hill boys find their voice for 100 years and clearly will be an essential part of the School’s future.

Director of Instrumental Music Dan Fiori and John Goguen ’23.

belmont hill archives

FROM THE ARCHIVES

By Caroline Kenney, Consulting Archivist

The Red Mill, 1936.

FIRST SCHOOL-WIDE DRAMATIC OFFERING | MARCH 1927

RUDDIGORE PERFORMED ON NEW STAGE | APRIL 1930

H.M.S. Pinafore was performed as the first school-wide offering. Once the founding Third Formers had reached their senior year, there was the ability to have full-scale theatrical projects. It was performed on a temporary stage, since Belmont Hill didn’t have a formal stage.

Ruddigore was the first production on the stage of the new fieldhouse, which would be used for the next 50 years.

Longtime faculty member Henry B. Sawyer, Jr. ’32 can be found in a black coat, standing in the second row, fourth from the right.

Students painting, ca. 1940s.

Lower School performing Fernando, 1944.

Carousel, 1976. Joining Winsor School in 1974 and then Dana Hall in 1992, Belmont Hill established a lasting tradition of spring musicals.

Glee Club, 1978.

Panel Carving, ca. 1990s.

Glee Club, 1953.

B-Flats with Mr. Hejduk, 2005.

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Retiring Faculty: Kathy Richards & DOC Fast

KATHY RICHARDS: “Belmont Hill is truly a special place.”

By Bill Mahoney

Kathy Richards did not exactly feel a compelling desire to join Belmont Hill 27 years ago. At the time, she had a young son and was content doing some private tutoring and also working part-time at St. Sebastian’s, a very short walk from her home. But, at the urging of Belmont Hill’s director of academic support services, Priscilla Hundley, she agreed to visit the School. She recalls interviewing with Cliff Goodband and Bob Cressey and being impressed enough to accept an offer to join Belmont Hill. And in her many stellar years of service to the School, thousands of Belmont Hill boys are quite grateful that she made that move.

Ms. Richards was born in Boston, but her family moved to New Jersey for her father’s work in New York City, and the family moved back to the Boston area several years later. She did her undergraduate work at Stonehill College and then earned a graduate degree in learning disabilities from Bridgewater State. She would go on to add a certificate of advanced educational specialization from Boston College in special education administration and a master’s degree in accountancy from Bentley. Her career began with a teaching stint at Blessed Sacrament School in Walpole as a fifth- and sixth-grade language arts teacher. From there, she moved on to become a learning disabilities specialist at Blackstone Millville, a regional school district in southern Massachusetts, where she would eventually be appointed as director.

Two years later, she was appointed as special education administrator.

When she and her husband, John, had a son, Ms. Richards decided to stay home to concentrate on private tutoring. “I lived in Needham, and St. Seb’s was so close and convenient because I could bring my son with me and let him play while I did some tutoring,” she explains. “I worked a bit at Newton Country Day as well.” Eventually, and unexpectedly, her journey took her to Belmont Hill as a learning specialist. A short time later, she accepted the position of director of academic support services.

In her years on the Hill, Ms. Richards notes many changes in how academic support services have evolved.

“At the beginning, we dealt mostly with issues of dyslexia and ADHD,” she recalls. “We still see those issues, but in recent years especially, we see a number of anxiety issues as well. Those are challenging, but it’s also rewarding to help those boys who are struggling in this regard.”

Kathy Richards.

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She is also proud that academic support services are offered at no cost to all boys at Belmont Hill. “That’s not true at many schools, but it is so important to have these resources available to all boys because it makes such a difference for a student who may be struggling.

The directors of the Middle and Upper Schools, and occasionally admissions, decide which students may benefit from our services.”

Ms. Richards also notes that all academic support is offered on a one-to-one basis, not in groups. “Boys need to work with us alone, and you want to have that relationship over a number of years if possible to really understand and provide the most effective help. By working one-on-one, we get a much clearer picture of what a boy is struggling with and how we can give him the skills to tackle these issues.”

Initially, Ms. Richards had some difficulty adjusting to the environment at Belmont Hill. “I thought it was strange at first,” she says with a laugh. “I wasn’t expecting such a strong emphasis on athletics and wasn’t sure it was a good thing. But in time I came to see how important and actually beneficial athletics can be to the boys academically. They form relationships with teachers outside of class and often learn important lessons by being part of a team. Despite my initial concerns, I came to realize that boys actually do better when they are involved in sports.”

On both a professional and personal level, Ms. Richards is deeply respected by her colleagues. “Kathy Richards has been for many years one of the most kind and caring faculty members at Belmont Hill,” says Upper School Director Don Bradley. “She has helped so many boys and families navigate the academic challenges of Belmont Hill, but she has always done so with common sense in terms of what is best for the boy. As such, when Kathy speaks up in an admission meeting, an

advisor meeting, a Health Team meeting, or a faculty meeting, people listen and, typically, the matter is settled. We will miss Kathy, for sure.” Dean of Teaching and Learning Lauren Hamilton adds, “Kathy’s warmth, compassion, expertise, and dedication to the students will be missed. She has supported so many students, teachers, and families over her tenure here at Belmont Hill. Her sunny disposition brightens everyone’s day.

She is approachable and makes everyone feel coachable.”

Having exceptional colleagues and seeing boys blossom are the two most gratifying aspects of her work. “Belmont Hill is truly a special place,” she states.

“The level of devotion faculty have to the boys is remarkable and unique. They are so impressive. And the boys really inspire me. To see a boy arrive here as a little kid trying to figure things out academically and witness him work hard and ultimately thrive here is tremendously rewarding.”

She says that she will miss the daily interactions with colleagues and students, as well as the lovely Belmont Hill campus. In retirement, she will continue with a busy tutoring practice that allows her to work from home and spend more time with her husband. They will also enjoy time in their home in Maine.

“Kathy is an advocate for the boys in this community who need it most,” says Greg Schneider, Ronald M. Druker ’62 Head of School. “As such, she has always been a spectacular colleague to faculty and staff alike.

Her warmth, connectedness, and sense of humor have all made our faculty meetings better and more joyful.

We thank her for her incredible service to Belmont Hill.”

Kathy is an advocate for the boys in this community who need it most.

As such, she has always been a spectacular colleague to faculty and staff alike. Her warmth, connectedness, and sense of humor have all made our faculty meetings better and more joyful. We thank her for her incredible service to Belmont Hill. – G R EG S C H N E I D E R , R O N A L D M . D R U K E R ’ 6 2 H E A D O F S C H O O L

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Retiring Faculty: Kathy Richards & DOC Fast

DOC FAST: “I’ve taught from my heart.”

By Bill Mahoney

Doc Fast.

Doc Fast has touched thousands of lives in his storied career, which includes 35 glorious years on the Hill, and he has done so with a style and grace that is all his own.

His deep love of literature and writing has enriched the academic and intellectual experience of his students and inspired them in countless ways. A kind, erudite, witty, and gifted scholar, Doc Fast is truly a genuinely treasured member of our community.

His passion for literature was sparked by a teacher he had senior year. “He was an ancient fellow named Dr. Hahn, who wore wire-rimmed spectacles and who spoke in a monotone. While I can no longer remember exactly what I said about a play we were reading, Dr. Hahn commended me for my insight. I felt enormously rewarded, and that compliment eventually catapulted me to a Ph.D. and to a career as an English teacher!”

Dr. Jeffrey A. Fast grew up in a very small town in northern New Jersey called Essex Fells. His bike was his reliable source of transportation, and, in winter, he played hockey on a local pond for hours a day. “That’s how I lost my front teeth,” he says with a laugh. He went on to attend the Pingry School, an Independent School like Belmont Hill, in Hillside, New Jersey.

Pingry was similar to Belmont Hill in that it was and still is an all-boys day school with a strong emphasis on the teacher-coach model.

After graduating from Pingry, he attended Oberlin College. “Oberlin may not be everyone’s ball of wax,” he chuckles. “There were no fraternities or sororities, no alcohol, no cars, but I felt aligned there. It was the right fit. He returned to hockey after a four-year absence and also co-captained his varsity soccer and lacrosse teams.

His appreciation of literature continued to grow under the tutelage of one of his professors who helped his career-long love of Shakespeare take shape.

At Pingry, he was a three-sport athlete, in soccer, diving, and lacrosse. His soccer team won the Independent School State championship in his senior year.

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After college, he voluntarily enrolled in the U.S. Peace Corps and spent the next two years in the Philippines.

Assigned to Aquinas University in southern Luzon, he taught a variety of courses but especially relished teaching

a course in Shakespeare. “I really invested myself in that teaching and spent much time and energy planning each class. As my first teaching experience, it was very special to me. I knew then I wanted to be a teacher.”

Upon returning from the Philippines, he entered into a master’s program in English at York University in Toronto, Canada. Again, he was influenced by another great professor, who urged him to continue his graduate studies by applying to Ph.D. programs. “I was once again fortunate to be encouraged by someone who had my best interests at heart. His counsel was a true blessing.”

Doc applied and was accepted to Ph.D. programs both at the University of Alberta, which offered him a fellowship, and at the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford, England, which did not. “So I had to choose—money or mecca. I chose mecca. Shakespeare was my true love, and I decided to follow my heart and head to England.

It was the right choice.”

While Stanley Wells, a celebrated Shakespeare scholar, was Doc’s nominal supervisor at the Institute, the director took an interest in his thesis and gave him feedback all along the way. “He and I would sit down side-by-side at his table in his office. He would go through my drafts, making little tics in the margin. We’d sit there in discussion for an hour. Those conversations had an indelible effect on my teaching of Shakespeare.”

Doc produced a 550-page thesis entitled, “Shakespeare, Verdi, and Boito: A Study of Boito’s Shakespeare Libretti and Verdi’s Shakespeare Operas.”

After earning his doctorate, he went through a rough patch, as teaching positions at universities were difficult to land. He worked for a year in the cigar humidor at Dunhill’s in San Francisco, all the while sending out résumés. “I had to pay the rent!”

Eventually, he heard about The Webb School in Claremont, California. “It was early October and the school was already in session, but suddenly there was an unexpected opening in English. I flew down to interview on a Thursday, went through the interview whirlwind, flew back to San Francisco, was offered the position by phone Friday morning, and was back down and in the classroom Monday morning! I kipped up in the headmaster’s house that week.”

He would spend the next fifteen years at Webb, teaching English and serving as department head, dean of students, curriculum director, and director of the summer studies program. He also coached the varsity soccer team.

Years before, at Oberlin, Doc Fast had asked a young woman to marry him, but she deferred because he had just volunteered to go into the Peace Corps in the Philippines. She said, “Come back and ask me later!”

They parted ways. Twenty years later, while at Webb, he reached out to her again. Now living in Weston, Kathy accepted his request for a visit. In August of 1987, he flew to Boston. The rest is history: the following March they were married, and in August 1988, Doc came East. In the interim, anticipating the move, Doc needed to land another teaching position in the Boston area. For the first time in fifteen years, he was looking for a job.

After registering with a placement agency, Doc got a call from the Belmont Hill Head of School Chris Wadsworth. Jack Myers was retiring as head of the English department, and the School was looking for his replacement. “So I came for a visit, was put through the mill by Bob Cressey, Cliff Goodband, Harold Prenatt, and Jack Myers, landed back in Chris’s office at the end of the day, and was offered the job, just like that! I started in the fall of 1988 and hung around for the next 35 years.”

Doc did far more than just “hang around.” The yearbook dedication tells the story: “This is Doc’s world….and we are just along for the ride.” “Doc is authentic. When you work with Doc, you get 100 percent of him all the time.”

And “100 percent” of Doc Fast meant the consummate teacher-coach, teaching a variety of advanced electives, such as Shakespeare, Faulkner, Inner Voyages, Pathways to Social Justice, and Literature of Social Reflection, as This one-of-a-kind action figure was crafted by bootleg toymaker Miles McAlpin ’07. He said of the custom project, “This was an incredibly special piece for me to make. The majority of my projects are commissioned jobs for brands, celebrities, or other people who want a figure to give to a friend or relative as a gift. So, when my father ( faculty member John McAlpin) requested this for Doc, it was instantly personal for me in both bringing my father’s idea to life and because it was for Doc, one of the most memorable and defining teachers of my life.” To see more of his work, check out his profile on Instagram @sircollectalot.

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At the final faculty meeting of the school year, Doc Fast spoke quite candidly about his love for Belmont Hill and what his years here have meant to him. He closed with a very poignant, heartfelt poem, which he read to his colleagues.

With Doc’s permission, we share this poem here in the Bulletin.

LETTING GO words came back to me today like images once seen in a dream falling back I remember the edge of Sunday evenings and the rush of early Monday mornings all gone now somehow days now evaporate like rising mist off a pond or smoke ascending faces appear as if under a blind or on a flat screen not as they once did down the hall I try drawing old words in greeting even as I used to draw my breath

I have lived before just like you mostly by trial and error striving to make ends meet trying to keep up the pace trying to stay ahead of all the demands that time calls in I have lived the life of falling rain or snow just like you I have been there like early morning sunlight just like you but now letting go is only what I see and hear and yesterdays are ever-present only in my dreams JAF 6-2-23

only now they echo back to me as if I were looking at my own image in an empty glass

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well as Forms III and IV English. He founded JV lacrosse 35 years ago and coached soccer. “He is a man who spent his entire professional life joyfully teaching and coaching what he believes in and loves,” English teacher David Leonardis notes. “That is my professional aim, and seeing him at work has been inspirational.”

Ronald M. Druker ’62 Head of School Greg Schneider, in praising Doc Fast, said, “He is a true scholar in the realm of Shakespeare and literature, a colleague who has offered a consistent voice for work in diversity throughout his decades of teaching social justicethemed courses. Furthermore, his attention to the teaching of the craft of writing is extraordinary.

Whether this has included grammar, syntax, or finding one’s voice, Doc has been passionate about making sure every Belmont Hill boy can thrive as a writer. I know that Belmont Hill just won’t be the same without him.”

Doc Fast says that his experience at Belmont Hill has been primarily about the relationships he has formed.

“There are so many stories I could share about the relationships I developed here. In the classroom, it’s a privilege to share subjects about which I am passionate.

Out on the field, a boy sees you differently. Sometimes, you’re able to reach him in a deeper way from the experience in the classroom. It’s rare to have the opportunity to spend your life doing what you love to do, and relationships are a big part of that.” While he never had children of his own, Belmont Hill students have been “his kids.” I hope that, as they go forward in their lives, they will take with them the values, the enthusiasms, and the intellectual passions I have tried to instill. I’ve taught from my heart.”

A respected and beloved colleague, Doc has brightened the day of everyone he has encountered. “Doc Fast is a Belmont Hill legend who has given his life to scholarship and to teaching,” says Dr. Jeanne Tift, chair of the English Department. “In all of his years here, his energy and passion have never lagged. He has inspired students who decades later credit him as their most influential educator.

A generous colleague, he offered constant support to his fellow English teachers.” He has cherished his relationships with colleagues as well. “Letting go is the hard part,” he says, “I’ve learned so much from my colleagues and have been enriched by the camaraderie I experienced every day. This is my home away from home.”

100 years of faculty & staff

100 Years of Faculty & Staff & Special Recognition of Doc Fast’s 35 Years of Service to Belmont Hill May 19, 2023

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David Harris, Quentin Harris ’18, Jeff Fast, and Sandra Fast Patterson.

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Ann Ruggles and Tim Wood ’71.

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Bob Arnold.

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Patricia Noyes-Corrigan, Devin Corrigan ’06, and Robert Carlock ’91.

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Chris Richards, Whitey Morange, and Charlie Richards ’20.

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Lori and Chris Wadsworth.

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Greg Paul ’09, Tyson Trautz, Will Forde ’05, and Hans Wachtmeister.

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Jorge Montoya, Meredith Minerd, Nancy Montanaro, and John Montanaro.

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Bill Cunningham ’56, Deedee Cunningham, Travis Woolcott, Peter Cote ’88, and Ann Cote.

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Mary Swain and Lauren Hamilton.

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Rick Melvoin, Jon Biotti ’87, Ruthanne Fuller, and Tony Ryan.

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Tim Sullivan, John MacLean, Patty Whitney, and Nancy Montanaro.

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Jessica Giles, Matt Giles ’04, and Hans Wachtmeister.

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Jeff Fast, Mike Sherman, and Greg Schneider.

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Erik Bertelsen, Greg Dayton ’83, and Jay Reichheld ’83.

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Peter Leis ’88, Tony Maws ’88, Alex Otte ’88, Hossam Shobokshi ’88, and Gardi Willis ’88.

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Scan this code with your phone for additional photographs from this event, recordings of the special presentations, as well as archival materials.

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the legacy of the darren d. gallup ’03 scholarship

THE DARREN D. GALLUP ’03 SCHOLARSHIP: A Legacy of Tremendous Impact Twenty years ago, the Darren D. Gallup ’03 Scholarship Fund was established at Belmont Hill to honor the memory of Darren Douglas Gallup ’03, an honor student, all-scholastic athlete, and classical pianist. In his senior year, on February 15, 2003, Darren passed away in a car accident. The scholarship is ideally awarded to a scholar/athlete/gentleman who also demonstrates talent or interest in music. Twenty years after its inception, this scholarship continues to have an extraordinary impact on the school Darren so loved.

It is the remarkable generosity of the Belmont Hill community that has led to this significant impact.

Scholarships such as this have inspired many to support financial aid in meaningful ways and have given the School the foundation to grow its financial aid budget from $1.5 million twenty years ago to $7 million today. The scholarship currently stands at $446,000, and many friends of the School continue to support it on an annual basis.

“The financial aid program at Belmont Hill is incredibly fortunate to have the support of the Darren Douglas Gallup ’03 Scholarship and the generosity it has inspired,” says Director of Financial Aid Aylin Flanagan. “This and other scholarship giving will help bring 134 financial aid students to our campus this fall. These accomplished young men make up over 28% of our student body and represent an impressive proportion of our student leaders–in academics, athletics, the arts, and community service. Financial aid provides funding not only for their tuition, but also for their full participation in all of these areas, creating opportunities for them to build the lasting relationships that define the Belmont Hill experience and fully realize their potential as Belmont Hill boys.”

Darren Gallup was an outstanding and devoted member of the Class of 2003. The son of Barry and Victoria (Lancaster) Gallup and the brother of Barry Gallup, Jr. ’06 and the late Lisa Ann Gallup, he entered Belmont Hill in the Third Form in September 1999. Widely respected for his work ethic and outreach to others, Darren was, in the words of a class­mate, “a generator

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Darren D. Gallup ’03, Form VI portrait, Fall 2002.

of optimism.” He was a consistent honor student and received a National Merit Scholarship commendation.

In December of 2002, he was admitted to Harvard College, at which he planned to enroll in the fall and hoped to play football. A four-year member of the School’s varsity football team and captain in his senior year, Darren was chosen for the state All-Star Team Super 26, Globe All-Scholastic, and New England Prep All-Star teams and was made co-MVP of the Independent School League. He also played on the varsity hockey and lacrosse teams, and for 12 years he was a student of classical piano, performing in Belmont Hill recitals each year he was enrolled.

“It gives our family great joy to see the impact of the Darren Douglas Gallup ’03 Scholarship at Belmont Hill,” says Mrs. Gallup. “Darren absolutely loved his years at Belmont Hill, from the classroom to athletics to his relationships with the faculty, coaches, and staff and, most importantly, his great friendships with his classmates and all of the students at Belmont Hill. Nothing would make Darren happier than knowing that through the scholarship in his name, another boy is able to receive the same experience that he had at Belmont Hill. Our family would like to thank all of those who have supported and continue to support the Darren Douglas Gallup ’03 Scholarship. We are so grateful to each and every one of you that our Darren is remembered at Belmont Hill in such a meaningful way.” (continued on page 78)

Barry Gallup, Jr. ’06, right, hands Sultan Olusekun ’15 the Darren D. Gallup ’03 Three-Sport Athlete Award, Spring 2015.

visiting speakers

VISITING SPEAKERS alumni in medicine: alby coombs, d.m.d. ’03, corey gatewood, m.d. ’07, and dewey jarvis ’13 (m.d. candidate) | February 3, 2023 Belmont Hill hosted “Alumni in Medicine,” welcoming Alby Coombs, D.M.D. ’03, Corey Gatewood, M.D. ’07, and Dewey Jarvis ’13 (M.D. candidate) to discuss their career paths in medicine. Moderating the discussion was Belmont Hill trustee Greg Paul ’09 with introductions by Caleb Collins ’93 and Greg Schneider.

Corey Gatewood ’07, Alby Coombs ’03, and Dewey Jarvis ’13.

All of the speakers stressed having time management, resilience, and a good support network as keys to being successful as they navigated the challenges of medical school. This event was presented by the Multicultural Alumni Partnership (MAP) Speaker Series, with several MAP directors in attendance. Following the program, the speakers also met with the student group Brother 2 Brother.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Albert A. Coombs III, D.M.D. ’03, General Dentist and Owner at Smile Services | Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine, D.M.D. | Kenyon College: Molecular Biology, Activities and Societies: President and Co-Founder of MSA (Multicultural Student Athletes), Athlete of the Year 2007, Football Captain 2006, Athletics Hall of Fame 2023 Corey T. Gatewood, M.D. ’07, Internal Medicine Physician at Morehouse School of Medicine | The Ohio State University College of Medicine, M.D. | Stanford University, Human Biology, Human Performance, Football, Phi Beta Sigma Richard C. “Dewey” Jarvis III ’13, M.D. Candidate | Emory University School of Medicine | Brown University, Pre-Med, Biology, Varsity Football Team

jason hsu | February 17, 2023 This year’s Kageyama-Hunt Lecture Series brought Jason Hsu (Hsu Yu-jen; 許毓仁), a former member of Taiwan’s parliament who oversaw technology policy, development, entrepreneurship, and innovation, to campus. Mr. Hsu was integral in the passing of important legislation pertaining to autonomous vehicles, cybersecurity and virtual currency, artificial intelligence development, and fintech regulations. He is also a prominent advocate for socially progressive legislation, leading the effort to pass the Same-Sex Marriage Act and championing the End-of-Life Dignity Act. His talk to the students focused mainly on being a change agent, using technology for social good, and the realities faced in Taiwan today.

Greg Schneider, Bill Hunt P ’11, ’17, Jason Hsu, and Juliette Zener.

Mr. Hsu shared his background of growing up in a night market in Taiwan and the strong work ethic and entrepreneurial mindset he learned from his mother. She taught him that when you are presented with an opportunity, you should create opportunities for others.

For Mr. Hsu, this led him to devote time to public service, and he told the boys to have the goal of putting the interests of others first.

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visiting speakers

He presented three questions for students to consider for themselves: Who am I? What is my voice to the world? And, how will the world be different because of me?

Following the Chapel, Mr. Hsu met for a smaller question-and-answer session with students and faculty.

The Kageyama-Hunt Lecture Series brings speakers to campus who model global citizenship and can inspire generations of Belmont Hill boys to embrace the challenges and opportunities of an interconnected world.

jay civetti ’97 and kit hughes ’97 | March 3, 2023 Students, faculty, and staff gathered for a special Chapel to honor 100 years of athletics at Belmont Hill. Greg Schneider, Ronald M. Druker ’62 Head of School, introduced Jay Civetti ’97 and Kit Hughes ’97, who each delivered inspirational words to the boys. In addition, a special video was shown, celebrating the School’s rich history in athletic excellence. The boys were also presented with T-shirts marking the Centennial. The Chapel closed with a rousing version of “Come Celebrate Belmont Hill!,” the School’s Centennial anthem.

Kit Hughes ’97 is the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at the College of the Holy Cross. He previously served as the deputy athletic director at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. While at Bowling Green, Mr. Hughes helped lead the day-to-day operations of the Falcons’ athletic department and was responsible for the administration of its men’s basketball and football teams. He came to Bowling Kit Hughes ’97 and Jay Civetti ’97.

Green after seven years at North Carolina State University. Mr. Hughes earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology in 2001 from Bowdoin College and his master’s degree in higher education from Boston College in 2006.

He was a four-year letterman in lacrosse at Bowdoin and led his team to the ECAC Championship in 2001.

Jay Civetti ’97 has served as Head Coach of the Tufts football program since 2011, after serving three years as offensive coordinator.

Under Mr. Civetti’s direction, the Tufts program aims to succeed on the field, in class, and in the community. Last fall, 23 team members earned Academic All-NESCAC awards for carrying grade point averages of 3.50 or better. He has earned numerous coaching awards during his tenure. Mr. Civetti joined the Jumbos after working at North Carolina State University and Boston College under Tom O’Brien for five seasons from 2003–07. He earned a master’s degree in education at Boston College in 2006. One of the NESCAC’s best offensive linemen at Trinity College from 1997–2000, Mr. Civetti captained the team as a senior.

beelzebubs | March 9, 2023 The Tufts University a cappella group “Beelzebubs” delivered a wildly entertaining set in Chapel. The group covered an impressive range of artists and genres while mixing in some fun banter with the audience.

A nationally known group, the “Bubs” have been at the forefront of contemporary music for decades, performing over 80 gigs a year. They have toured Europe, Asia, South America, and North America, and have performed for high-profile dignitaries. At the end of their performance, they received a loud standing ovation.

Beelzebubs.

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regie gibson | April 10–14, 2023 During Poetry Month, Belmont Hill hosted Regie Gibson for a weeklong set of programming. He spent the week engaging with students, visiting classes, offering workshops, and performing poetry on stage. He concluded his residency by serving as the host of Belmont Hill’s own PoetryFest and then leaving us with one last performance. His visit left the boys inspired and motivated to continue exploring the world of poetry.

Mr. Gibson’s visit was underwritten by the recently created Dr. Jeffrey A. Fast Visiting Authors and Writers Fund. The fund was established in 2022 by Dena Regie Gibson. and Michael Rashes to honor the extraordinary teaching and mentoring of Dr. Jeffrey A. Fast. During his decades at Belmont Hill, Doc Fast has impacted generations of students and faculty, and this fund honors his legacy at Belmont Hill. The fund launches a new program, allowing the chair of the English Department to recruit authors and writers to campus each year. The fund also provides resources to promote growth in pedagogical excellence, such as Harkness training or other worthwhile seminars.

u.s. deputy attorney general lisa o. monaco | May 5, 2023 Belmont Hill was honored to host U.S. Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco on campus this spring. In Chapel, she shared insights on the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all individuals.

Her career path has been truly inspiring. She began her Justice Department career as counsel to Attorney General Janet Reno. Ms. Monaco served as President Barack Obama’s Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Advisor, where she advised on all aspects of counterterrorism policy and strategy and coordinated the Executive Branch’s response to a wide range of homeland security-related issues. Prior to the White House, she spent 15 years at the Department of Justice, serving as a career federal prosecutor and in senior management positions in the Justice Department and the FBI. Ms. Monaco is a recipient of the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service and the Edmund J. Randolph Award, and is a graduate of Winsor School, Harvard University, and the University of Chicago Law School.

The discussion was moderated by School President Daniel Drucker ’23. Arts teacher Steve Kaplan ’83, who knew the Monaco family growing up, introduced Ms. Monaco in Chapel. Her brothers, Peter ’82, Mark ’83, and Chris ’86, are Belmont Hill graduates. Their parents, the late Dr. Anthony and Mary Lou Monaco, remained active at Belmont Hill long after their sons graduated. Mrs. Monaco was a founding committee member of the School’s Katharine Wrisley Atkins (KWA) Women’s Series. A U.S. history prize is named in honor of Dr. Monaco’s father, Donato Monaco.

Following the School Meeting, Ms. Monaco was available for a smaller group discussion with students, and in the afternoon, she was the guest speaker at the KWA Women’s Series (see page 65).

U.S. Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco and Daniel Drucker ’23.

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Commencement 2023

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Senior Spring Events

senior spring events 1.

Senior BBQ, May 25, 2023.

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Matt Ryan ’14, Greg Paul ’09, George Lynch ’88, and Emmett Lyne ’77 thanked the Sixth Form for their participation in the Alumni Fund and congratulated them on their upcoming graduation.

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Cum Laude breakfast, May 11, 2023.

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Senior yearbook event, Daniel Markham, May 18, 2023.

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Sundial editor Cam Connell with Jamie and Brian Phinney, May 18, 2023. The Phinneys, as well as Doc Fast, received Sundial dedications.

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Senior yearbook programming in the Chapel, Demetri Ciano, Turner Rayment, and Trey Penna, May 18, 2023.

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Greg Schneider addresses seniors and their families at the Senior BBQ, May 25, 2023.

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Alumni leaders (see caption 2) with the Class of 2023, May 16, 2023.

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Prize Day

prize day June 1, 2023 1.

The B Flats (led by Donnell Patterson) perform “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

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Brady Yoo ’28 receiving an award from Turner Rayment ’23.

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Greg Schneider and Sam Atalla ’23.

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Stewart Steffey and Davin Roy ’24.

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Stephen George and Chris Milmoe ’23.

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Juan-Pablo Fernández del Castillo ’25 and Greg Schneider.

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Anthony Pellagrini ’23 and Charles Kenney.

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Middle School prize winners.

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Daniel Slatkavitz ’24 and George Tahan.

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Paul DiResta and Will Kelly ’23.

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Upper School prize winners.

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Faculty & Staff Recognition

faculty & staff recognition 35 Years Jeffrey A. Fast 30 Years Jorge Montoya Paul Sullivan 20 Years Cassandra K. Bolte Daniel S. Fiori Amy E. Hirsch Stewart H. Steffey 15 Years Luke Dillon Charles Gorman David L. Leonardis Timothy J. Sullivan 10 Years Celine Brabo Charles Doar Aylin M. Flanagan Melissa Larocque

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5 Years Marjorie Albin Matthew Conway Glenn Harvey Pam Parris Brian Phinney Hope Rupley Christopher Zellner

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Greg Schneider and Doc Fast.

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Faculty and staff observing fiveyear milestones. Front row: Pam Parris, Brian Phinney, Candy Bolte, Marjorie Albin, Luke Dillon, Jeff Fast, Celine Brabo, Aylin Flanagan, Stewart Steffey, Amy Hirsch, and Hope Rupley. Middle row: Melissa Larocque, Jorge Montoya, and Paul Sullivan. Back row: Chris Zellner, Charlie Doar, Dan Fiori, Tim Sullivan, Glenn Harvey, and Matt Conway. Not pictured: Chuck Gorman and Dave Leonardis.

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Baccalaureate Address

BACCALAUREATE ADDRESS Remarks delivered by Dr. Jeffrey A. Fast on June 2, 2023

LIFE-CHANGING CHOICES

Welcome parents, friends, colleagues, and Class of 2023. It’s an honor to be with you this afternoon.

Yes, “way” does lead on to “way,” and one can never go back and remake a decision...we must own the choices we make.

When Daniel Drucker asked me to speak here, I was incredibly moved.

I am also deeply touched by your yearbook dedication. Thank you.

You and I are in the same place, just at a different stage in life. We are both saying goodbye to the School, to friends and colleagues, and we both are looking to the near future.

What will that future bring? It all depends, doesn’t it?

While I have not had the opportunity to teach or coach all of you, I feel a special connection because I see so many of you downstairs in Dr. Jeffrey A. Fast. the Commons, and because of the bitter-sweet fact of our leave-taking together. We both are setting out on a new journey, letting go. I relish this opportunity to share with you some thoughts about what lies ahead, especially in terms of the life-changing choices you will be facing.

When I was your age, after I graduated from an Independent School like Belmont Hill, I followed family members to a college in the Northeast. The institution had good academics and sports—soccer, hockey, lacrosse, but it was also a party school. I felt uncomfortable there, not my scene. So, I transferred to Oberlin. Not everyone’s ball of wax—no fraternities or sororities, no alcohol, no cars. But I felt much more aligned there. It was a much better fit.

I’m still thankful that I made the change I made. But you might have chosen differently. The point is to know and trust yourself, to be your own person.

In Shakespeare’s historical play Richard II, King Richard ignores his dying uncle’s good counsel, a grievous mistake.

Gaunt, on his deathbed, was trying to knock a little sense into his haughty nephew. Richard even rudely cut Gaunt off, calling him a “lunatic lean-witted fool.” Richard didn’t listen, but I hope that you will listen to what I have to offer.

My premise is founded upon a triadic relationship: that, ultimately, many of the changes that you will experience in your life will come about from the choices you make, and that those choices are predicated upon your character.

This process is usually cyclical.

What’s the relationship between choice and change?

To what extent is the relationship causal?

We talk a lot about character here. A measure of character is how it relates to what lies ahead. In that sense, character is destiny. Richard II learned that lesson the hard way—he made careless, self-serving, arrogant choices and lost both his kingdom and, ultimately, his life. You, like me, are about to launch with mixed emotions into something new.

Paradoxically, we are both excited and anxious.

In a line from Frost’s “The Road Not Taken,” the speaker says:

Choice can result in significant, often irrevocable change, and change happens at every stage of your life.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.

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Change is inevitable. You and I know that. I’ve spent 35 years here and am not the same person I used to be. I’m hard of hearing and my whiskers have grown white. You entered as “Squeakers” and are now leaving as tenors, baritones and basses.

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My wife didn’t become a writer until after she retired at 65.

I know a woman, who, at the age of 50, left a profitable career as a senior executive for a Boston-based biotech

company to take on the role of primary caregiver for her aging mother. Doing so was a choice that led to another— to take on an accelerated program in nursing. She is now a full-time nurse in a hospital in Burlington. She says it was the best decision she ever made.

A recent Belmont Hill alumnus just sent me this: “After my freshman year at Princeton, during the pandemic, I took a leave of absence in order to work with some musicians in Austin, Texas. Time off helped me realize that my work in music was much more fulfilling than my work in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. So, after Princeton, I applied to graduate programs in Music Composition. I am now at New York University, halfway through a master’s degree. I now think of myself more as a writer than anything else. I live in Brooklyn. I love New York, and I love what I’m doing, even if it’s not the most conventional or linear career path.”

So many people get stuck—either by finances or by family expectations, or even by their own personal quagmire, inertia.

Thirty-six years ago, I experienced a tsunami of change in coming here to Belmont Hill. I married, moved from LA to Weston, settled in a new house, chose a new school with a new set of colleagues, and, in a sense, invented a new life. I didn’t change a few cards, I swapped the whole deck! See? I don’t mean to sound facetious or to make this sound easy. It wasn’t.

Heraclitus, an ancient philosopher, once said, “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.”

What lies ahead may not always be what you expect. It could be a future you never imagined, like mine almost 60 years ago, when I voluntarily entered the Peace Corps and went to the Philippines. My parents often said that the son that took leave of them in the summer of 1967 was not the same son who came back two years later.

Upstairs in the hallway of Morse, there is a panel which reads, “The only sure thing about luck is that it will change.”

Will your direction in life be governed by chance, by serendipity, by default—or by agency, by dint of your own choices, your willingness to cause things to happen? Some changes in our lives are planned and anticipated; some are unplanned, unexpected, or may be imposed. Some will be welcomed and pleasant, some unwelcome and challenging.

Often, we don’t want to hear our inner voice. It takes a sense of self-worth to have the capacity to hear it. It’s the voice that says, this career, this relationship, this situation is not vibrant and thriving. It’s the voice that tells you, it’s time to move on, time to take a leap of faith. Doing so is scary. Change takes courage, and leads to growth; inertia leads to stagnation.

Adversity could prompt reflection—and change often raises meaningful questions— Who am I, and where am I going?

What is my purpose in life?

What’s impending for you seniors may seem monumental to you right now, but recognize an even broader perspective, that there will be many more choices and changes to come, leading to outcomes, both during and after college.

In May 1970, towards the end of my master’s program, one of my professors asked me what my plans were. I had no plan. He suggested that I pursue a Ph.D. program, and that I ought to apply to the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

I applied, was accepted, and offered a substantial fellowship. But the suggestion prompted me to consider yet another option, The Shakespeare Institute in Stratfordupon-Avon, England, mecca for anyone seriously interested in Shakespeare-related studies. I applied there as well and was accepted, but without any financial support. I had to make a choice: money or mecca? I chose mecca, and that choice has made “all the difference.”

Listen to good counsel and make sure you closely examine both sides of the coin you are about to flip.

Peter Fallon is a famous Irish poet and publisher. He recited his poetry right here in this chapel on many occasions. The speaker in one of his poems—one I’ve used often in my classes—closes by saying, “Our lives are rafts; risk happiness.” Choosing is often risking, but have confidence in your ability to weigh alternatives and to make wise choices.

Gail Sheehy, a one-time journalist, author, and social observer, once said, “If we don’t change, we don’t grow.

If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living.”

You know where you belong right now—friends, teams, family—how to get to places—where to find things. You’re either comfortable now and apprehensive about what’s ahead, or uncomfortable now and eager to move on. As you become more independent, you will need to establish safe havens, places that refresh and keep you whole.

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Baccalaureate Address

What will that independence mean? Whose credit card will you be using? Who’s going to do your laundry? Many of your normal support systems won’t be there next year.

natural. Making good choices comes from self-awareness.

Use the summer to reflect and prepare.

Like it or not, the scene is changing.

You have been privileged with excellent grounding, a point of reference, an anchor, and a leg up. Use it.

You have been in an all-boys school. What will it be like, sharing classes with young women?

One of my favorite mantras is “Life accrues meaning over time.” Here are just a few of the lessons I’ve learned.

Your college will be larger than Belmont Hill. Soon, you will be swimming in a much larger pond. What will that be like? You may discover the awful truth, that the universe does not revolve around YOU. The world will still spin on tomorrow, whether you stay the course or drop out. It’s likely that a far more impersonal academic environment will replace the kind of support you have enjoyed here.

What then?

What has been your experience with alcohol, drugs, and sex? Will you be tempted? How will you react? Have you established boundaries? It’s better to do so before you get involved in awkward situations. Substances and sex can cause severe damage, with unintended, life-altering consequences. The stakes are high and there are no guardrails. Think before you act. Use good judgment.

Be safe.

Soon, you’ll be starting with a clean slate. Don’t be invisible.

Speak up. Self-advocate. In a sense, we are all different, but equally worthy. You may toggle between feelings of self-importance and feelings of inadequacy. That’s

• Stay in touch. Friendships are lifelong, valuable assets.

• Be kind to others.

• Align what you say with what you do.

• Seek advice when you need it.

• Go with your gut, not your head.

• Make learning a habit.

• Own your mistakes. Everybody makes them.

• Keep your chin up, even when things get tough.

• Take time to make sensible decisions.

• Put down your phone.

• Be careful before hitting “Send.”

• Lastly, respect your elders!

You are well equipped, well educated, and knowledgeable.

May you leave today with courage, humility, and curiosity.

Life can be both exciting and risky. Seek happiness.

I wish you well.

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College Choices

COLLEGES ACCEPTING MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2023 American University (2)

Georgia Institute of Technology

Pomona College

Arizona State University

Gettysburg College

Providence College (7)

Babson College (3)

Hampton University

Purdue University

Bentley University

Harvard College (4)

Quinnipiac University (2)

Boston College (5)

University of Hawaii

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (3)

Boston University (3)

Hobart & William Smith (2)

Rhodes College

Bowdoin College (4)

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

University of Richmond (3)

Brandeis University

Indiana University (2)

Rochester Institute of Technology

Brown University (4)

Johns Hopkins University (2)

Sacred Heart University (2)

Bucknell University

University of Kentucky

St. Olaf College

University of California, Davis

Kenyon College

San Diego State University

University of California, San Diego (2)

Lafayette College

Skidmore College

Carnegie Mellon University (3)

Louisiana State University

Southern Methodist University (3)

Case Western Reserve University

Loyola University Maryland

Syracuse University (6)

Clark University

Macalester College

Texas Christian University

Colby College (2)

University of Massachusetts, Amherst (8)

Trinity College (2)

Colgate University (3)

University of Massachusetts, Lowell (2)

Tufts University (4)

College of Charleston (2)

Merrimack College

Tulane University (2)

College of the Holy Cross (3)

Miami University (Ohio)

Union College

College of William & Mary

University of Michigan (2)

United States Air Force Academy

University of Colorado, Boulder (2)

Michigan State University (2)

United States Naval Academy

Colorado College

Middlebury College (2)

University of Vermont (5)

Cornell University

University of Minnesota (2)

Villanova University (2)

Dartmouth College (5)

University of Mississippi

Virginia Tech (2)

Davidson College (3)

Morehouse College

University of Virginia (3)

Denison University

University of New Hampshire

Wake Forest University (3)

University of Denver

New York University

Washington University in St. Louis (3)

Dickinson College (2)

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2)

West Virginia University

Elon University (2) Emory University Fordham University (2) Georgetown University (3) George Washington University

Northeastern University (6) University of Oklahoma Penn State University (2) University of Pennsylvania (4)

Williams College (3) University of Wisconsin, Madison WPI (5) Yale University (3)

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Commencement Address

COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS Address delivered by Dr. Richard I. Melvoin on June 3, 2023

Rick Melvoin, Former Ronald M. Druker ’62 Head of School.

Thank you, Mr. Schneider, for that kind and generous introduction. Words cannot convey how honored I am to be with you to celebrate this morning. Well, words can try: it is beyond “special” to have a chance to return to a place that has meant—still means—so much to Mrs. Melvoin and me, and to offer a few words on this special day.

So let me start with some thank you’s: ■

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First, to Mr. Biotti. You boys may not fully realize it, but even we seemingly omnipotent heads of school have bosses, and for my last years here Mr. Biotti as board chair was my boss. In truth, we enjoyed a partnership and friendship that I think was both enjoyable and reasonably productive, and it is a pleasure to be here with him again.

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Second, I offer great thanks for Mr. Schneider for allowing some aging former school head to join him on the stage today. I will tell you that, apart from feeling rather short next to him (my brother saw a picture of the two of us together and called me Lilliputian), Mr. Schneider has been extraordinarily kind and gracious and inclusive of Mrs. Melvoin and me, encouraging us to attend various state occa- sions (and certain key athletic contests). He spares me comments about messes I may have left behind, and generously shares ideas as he maps out Belmont Hill’s future. As some of you know, I have been doing a bit of consulting work with schools in recent years, and I don’t think there has been a more difficult time to work in schools, much less

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Commencement Address

lead them, for literally half a century. From all I can see, Mr. Schneider, along with the faculty and staff and board, have brought Belmont Hill through this tough patch as well as any school I have seen.

So kudos, and thanks, to him for all of that.

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Also looking at this podium, I want to thank Mr. Drucker for his and the Sixth Form’s invitation to speak today. In truth, I have known Daniel his entire life, and his family since my first days at Belmont Hill, now three decades ago. Not only have Daniel’s parents been active in many wonder- ful ways here, but Daniel’s grandfather was a key trustee at the School when I arrived. So we go back a long way, and, Daniel, I am really grateful for this opportunity.

And one more thanks. I know this is a family affair for all you students; it is a bit of a family affair for me today, too. Thanks to my life and work partner: to Mrs. Melvoin. In my years at this school, if I ever had a decent idea, she made it better, and her support was boundless, and essential. Thanks and greetings also to our daughter, Becca, who grew up on this campus and now oversees a campus of her own, as teacher, coach, and Dean of Residential Life at Deerfield (and yes, I made sure she saw the lax score this spring). And to kvell a little bit, public congrats to Dr. Melvoin on recent receipt of her doctorate in school leadership from USC. With Becca is our grandson, Hunter, who could be a great Belmont Hill boy—but I am not sure we can get him out of Deerfield. Even my beloved nephew, Nick, is here—but I’ll tell you more about him a little later.

And one more prefatory note. As I get to gaze at you parents, grandparents, families, and friends who are assembled here, I also have the privilege to look out one more time at the faculty and staff. As some of you heard me say over my years here, and using the term inclusively, “The faculty is the School.” I think I know this faculty and staff, and its culture, reasonably well. Maybe there is a better group on the planet, but if there is, I sure don’t know where. Knowing how hard you all work, and how much you care—and recognizing how you brought this school through the extraordinary challenges of the last three years—I offer endless admiration. During the pandemic I cannot tell you how many times people said to me, “Oh, your timing was good in stepping down” or “Oh, you got out just in time.” But I didn’t feel that way, for

being in community with this faculty and staff, taking on challenges together, was as meaningful as any work I have ever done—and I know that would have carried me, even as I am sure it did Mr. Schneider, through those tough times. Last week I attended Commencement events at Harvard and heard Ruth Simmons, the former president of Brown University, speak at the Graduate School of Education. She captured then perfectly what I feel when she said: “God bless teachers.”

But enough words of thanks and praise: we need to turn to the reason we are here, and I am delighted to offer a couple ideas to you gentlemen of the Sixth Form. Let me start with good news. First, I promise not to prat on too long. After all, those diplomas are sitting over there, and they need to get delivered. Second, I am not going to mention the word pandemic again. I also am not going to talk about climate change—though I hope you are deeply aware of the challenges our world faces and how much you and your generation need to be part of solutions, including some sacrifice. Nor am I going to focus today on issues of racial and social justice—though I feel passionately about them and I hope you do too—and I do count on each one of you, as a person of good character, to play an active part in making our country, our world, more just and fair, and more free of hate and bigotry. We need upstanders, not bystanders.

But if I am not going to talk about these Big Issues, what am I left with? The problem, of course, is that you have to have a “Commencement Address.” I think Gary Trudeau, the creator of the comic strip “Doonesbury,” got it right.

Speaking about Commencement talks, he once said that no one should be allowed to graduate until they have been properly sedated. I can tell you what I remember of my own high school graduation. I know that it took place outdoors, at the site of the Ravinia Festival, the summer home of the Chicago Symphony (sort of like their Tanglewood), and that it was cold out. That’s it. What about college? Down the road from here at Harvard, I remember being with family and saying goodbye to friends; I have no idea who even spoke, much less what they said.

So much for immortality.

So what to talk about? Well, I am going to talk about you— you boys, individually and together. And I am going to do that through two simple stories. One story looks back, and one looks forward. One focuses inside you, and one faces outward. So here we go.

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Commencement Address

Now some of you, not only six-year club members but also your parents, may remember the first story, for I told it on the day you entered Belmont Hill. Do any of you recall? It was called “The Builder and the King.” (I think that Mrs. Hamilton, and maybe Mr. Grant and Mrs. Bobo and a couple others, might remember.) The short version goes like this. Once upon a time, the king commanded his royal builder to build a house for someone special in the kingdom. The builder dutifully went about his work. The ground was hard, and he didn’t build the foundation quite as deep as he might have, but it lay underground, so no one could see. Then he used poor quality of stone for part of the walls, though it appeared strong and no one could tell. Finally, nearing the end and feeling weary, he left the roof a little bit bare of thatch, though it looked fine.

When the house was completed, the king held a banquet to celebrate and invited the builder. The builder asked the king who would receive the gift of the house, and the king said: “Because you have worked for me for so long, I had this house built for you—it is your house.”

Put simply, when we are young, most of us never consider the water we are swimming in: we are just swimming. But the water you have been swimming in for your years here is not like that for most fish. Unlike the vast majority of schools, not only in this country but in the world, Belmont Hill is extraordinary: where every student is known, cared for, cared about, even loved. Your classes are, by most standards, intimate. You sit at a Harkness table, or in a lab or studio, engaged in discussion, with expert and deeply committed adults. And the waters others swim in?

Our older daughter, Sarah, taught history for a while at what is arguably the best public high school in Colorado.

But her work load? She had five classes, an average of 28 students per class, a total of 140 students. A Belmont Hill teacher typically has four classes and 50 students. Sarah could not give her students many paper assignments: she literally did not have the time to read their papers.

So when those kids got to college, they didn’t know how to write a paper of any length. It’s not that they weren’t smart; it’s that they didn’t have the training.

The point of the parable is clear, I hope. For you entering First Formers, all those years ago, the challenge was for you to build your own house, and to build it well, for no one else could build it for you. Six years later, you have done that, and I am confident that the house that you built is solid. On this day of graduation, whether you have been here for six or five or four or three or two years, I hope you feel proud of what you have built. Having met a fair number of Belmont Hill alumni over the years, it is striking the number who claim that their Belmont Hill education—not their college education—has been their foundation, a foundation more of skills than content, but even more importantly, more of values even than of skills.

But here’s the flip of that for you boys. Next year you are going to attend a college where you will not have teachers checking in on you; in fact, it may seem that people don’t particularly care about you. Some of that may be healthy, for one purpose of higher education is to make you independent young adults. But the water may get choppy.

But I promised to tell two stories today, and if the first one gives you time to reflect back and look inward, now I want to offer one that challenges you to look forward, and this one may take a little more time to unpack. I first heard this story a few years ago. It is widely attributed to the late, brilliant writer David Foster Wallace. It’s really quick, so pay attention. All set? Two young fish are swimming along, and they come upon an older fish, who waves a fin at them in a friendly way and says, “How’s the water, boys?” And then he swims off. The two younger fish look at each other, and one says, “What the hell is water?”

“What the hell is water?” What in the world does this story have to do with you boys? I would say: everything. So here is what I find to be a central dilemma of Belmont Hill.

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Here’s another dimension of that. This place, for the best of reasons, has given you myriad opportunities in academics, sports, the arts, activities. How many schools in the world do you think have an ASR program? Or a chance to build a toboggan, or a boat, or carve a panel? Many of you have found areas in which to thrive; indeed, I hope you have found areas of passion, and areas of success. Yet that can also lead to an illusion that if you are really good at something at Belmont Hill, that will be equally true at your next place. But here’s the thing about that water you are swimming in now versus next year: It’s a big world out there—more ocean than pond. Let me offer a simple reference point for context. How many high schools are there in America? The National Center for Education Statistics reports: 23,900. That means that there are almost 24,000 students in the country who are academically #1 in their high school class, almost 24,000 starting quarterbacks, 24,000 “most talented” singers or actors…and, of course, this number does not include students from around the world. This does not mean that Belmont Hill guys are not smart or talented or successful in college…but it does

My challenge to you as you leave this place is to consider more fully the water you have been swimming in and the waters that lie ahead. suggest that the waters may be a bit deeper or wider than you may have considered.

So too with facilities. Those of us who have been here over the years have heard alumni come back to note that the Jordan Athletic Center is nicer than their college facilities, that the Prenatt Music Center has better acoustics, that our classrooms are nicer or…you get the picture.

So too is the water a lot wider when it comes to the wonderful diversity of the world. You need only walk through Harvard or Central Square, or Downtown Crossing or J.P. or East Boston or Mattapan to hear more languages, experience more cultures and races and religions, than one regularly experiences at Belmont Hill. And when you think about broader seas, I urge you to think beyond national borders. It is always helpful, at least for me, to remember that there are more people in China who can speak English than there are people in the United States.

Or that about 14% of people in the world live in Europe and North America combined—which equals the number of people living in sub-Saharan Africa. And that is less than half the number of people who live in Eastern and Southeastern Asia. How’s that water?

And of course, as Mr. Schneider suggested in his remarks, next year you get to join the other half of the world’s population. Thank goodness that you are growing up in a time when girls and women now have opportunities that were denied to them for most of recorded history. But the water will have different currents…

Now, I am not saying all this to make you feel badly that your water has been rarified, perhaps even filtered. In many ways that has been a blessing. You have gone to a school that provides an extraordinary education, one that can carry you through the rest of your life. Your families have sacrificed for you to have this opportunity; they have given you something that no one can take away, ever. And, by the way, the world needs schools that can show what a great education can be, schools that provide outreach so that talented students from a range of backgrounds and

experiences can come and learn and grow together and then go out and make a difference in the world. Heaven knows, we need more schools that can provide an education—in content, skills, values, character—so that their graduates can do great things. We just need to be mindful of how extraordinary this place is, what it offers—and what the world outside of this place looks like.

I mentioned that one other member of our family is here. At age 31 our nephew, Nick, was elected to the Los Angeles Unified School District Board. Nick attended independent school, then Harvard, then joined Teach For America before attending NYU Law School with a focus on public service. Today he helps to run a district of over 600,000 students; 84% of those students—84%—qualify for free or reduced lunch. During the pandemic, LAUSD served 175 million meals to needy students and families.

Think of the gap between that world of schools and ours; imagine what that water is like.

Let me be clear: I love and believe in Belmont Hill; after all, I gave 25 years of my life to it. I think that independent schools have a vital role to play in this country, and around the world. The world needs great schools; it just needs a few thousand more of them.

But in the end, this all comes back to you boys—you young men. My challenge to you as you leave this place is to consider more fully the water you have been swimming in and the waters that lie ahead. You may choose a path that keeps you in protected waters: finding like-minded students at your college and sticking with them, or doing only things you already know how to do, or having conversations only with people who affirm the beliefs you already have. But you can do more. You surely know how to swim. Now you get to decide: what strokes am I going to use, and where might I go?

How’s the water, boys? Loving and appreciating all you have had here, I hope you decide—actually I urge you—to dive deep.

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Commencement Photos

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Seniors awaiting Commencement.

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Class of 2023 filing out of Hamilton Chapel and proceeding to the Commencement Tent.

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School President Daniel Drucker.

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David LoGrasso sings “My Way.”

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Luca Mezzanotte, receiving recognition regarding the United States Naval Academy.

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Faculty applause.

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James Hurd.

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Centennial-themed diploma.

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Dr. Melvoin congratulates Jack Shah.

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Mr. Biotti ’87 congratulates Wyatt Schmidek.

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Nate Keating.

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Faculty congratulate the stream of graduates, Merhawi Ghebrelul, center, followed by John Goguen, and Jack Shah.

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Davi Souza Ribeiro and Drew Asherman.

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Ronan O’Donnell and Brock Cummings.

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Arts on the Hill

Orchestra, from top to bottom: Ethan CadetGuirand ’28, violin; Jayden Lotin ’26, violin; Daniel Cho ’23, cello; and David Cho ’23, cello.

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“Girls are Mean” scene from Sister School, Belmont Hill and Dana Hall US Spring Musical: TJ Cannistraro ’24 and Jerry Austen ’23.

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Quinn Healey ’23, digital photography.

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The B-Flats: Alexandre White ’25, Luke Travaglini ’24, Nicholas Ascione ’24, Ian Hendrix ’24, David LoGrasso ’23, Leonardo Montoya ’23, Mr. Patterson, Declan Reilly ’24, Davi Sousa Ribeiro ’23, T.Z. Snail ’26, and Will Kelly ’23.

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Jeremey Eaton ’23, Panel Prize winner.

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Cameron Connell ’23, guitar and vocals; Will Kelly ’23, vocals, Coffee House.

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“We Are Not Afraid, Please Be Our Friend!” scene from The Puffs, Belmont Hill and Winsor MS Fall Play.

Belmont Hill actors: Zack Park ’28, Boston Ezedi ’26, and Griffin Vail ’26.

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Vince Mezzanotte ’25, digital photography.

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Will Walton ’25, painting.

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“Come Celebrate Belmont Hill!” performed by B-Flats, Orchestra, and Upper School Jazz Band.

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Grandpa Joe and Charlie from Willy Wonka Jr., Boston Ezedi ’26.

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Brian Lee ’24, digital photograph.

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T.Z. Snail ’26, vibraphone (Upper School Jazz Band).

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Andrew Pimental ’25, Polaroid instant film.

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Andrew Waugh ’25, advanced woodworking.

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“There’s No Knowing” scene from Willy Wonka Jr., BH & Winsor MS Spring Musical: (from left) Nicky Jones ’26, Will Achtmeyer ’26, Andrew Agular ’28, and Leo Nuernberg ’28.

16.

Whit Russell ’23, digital photography.

17.

Rafael Rodrigues Montgomery ’24, balloon series.

18.

Polo Brice ’26, ceramics.

19.

Sam Atalla ’23, guitar and vocals, Coffee House.

20. Cast photo from Cut & Speed Date Belmont Hill and Winsor All-School Winter Plays: Mr. Payne ’18 (co-director), Jayden Chen ’26, Jai Somani ’26, Boston Ezedi ’26, Jeremy Eaton ’23, Ethan Xie ’26, Jerry Austen ’23, Brody LindstromChalpin ’26, Henry Ramanathan ’26, Will Achtmeyer ’26, PJ Nolan ’27, Thomas Folan ’25, Wes LindstromChalpin ’25, James Mullowney ’24, Nicky Jones ’26, and Mr. Ojeni (co-director).

20 Summer–Fall 2023

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arts on the hill

21

22

24

23

21.

“Disputed Evidence” scene from Twelve Angry Men, US Fall Play.

Stephen Agular ’25, Jeremy Eaton ’23, David LoGrasso ’23, and Jerry Austen ’23.

25

26

22. Cameron Connell ’23, vibraphone; Andrew Bittner ’24, trumpet; David Luo ’25, trumpet; Carson Yoo ’26, trumpet; Alex Behn ’24, trombone; and Benjamin Gong ’26, guitar, Upper School Jazz Band.

23. Finale from Willy Wonka Jr. Nicky Jones ’26, Ethan Cadet-Guirand ’28, Tyler Aronoff ’28, Boston Ezedi ’26, Jayden Chen ’26, Andrew Agular ’28, Leo Nuernberg ’28, and Will Achtmeyer ’26.

24. Adrian Tan ’25, keyboard, Coffee House.

25. Thomas Dolan ’25, advanced ceramics.

26. Jamari Robinson ’25, painting.

27.

Nicholas Ascione ’24, vocals.

27 40

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Coaches’ Corner

coaches’ corner

Alpine Skiing STEPHEN FELDMAN, Head Coach

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Beginning with intense dryland training prior to snowfall, the Alpine ski team prepared for the season here on campus from late November through mid-December.

The boys returned from Winter Break for training and were unfortunately greeted with five consecutive race cancellations.

Mezzanotte, Charlie Crowley ’25, Luke Guleserian ’24, Nathan Pappas ’24, Vince Mezzanotte ’25, Will Umschied ’25, and 7th grader Hugh Wylie represented the team in both a GS and slalom competition. Each of these boys contributed meaningfully to an extraordinary secondplace finish in New England.

The boys, led by team captain, Luca Mezzanotte ’23, went on to trade punches with Middlesex and Nobles throughout the abridged regular season. As the varsity transitioned to slalom racing and the JV continued finding success in giant slalom (GS), it was clear that the team was stronger in slalom, which was further demonstrated at the Class A NEPSAC Championship. Luca

All-ISL honors were awarded to Luca Mezzanotte, Nathan Pappas, and Charlie Crowley. These three athletes as well as Vince Mezzanotte placed top ten at New Englands and earned All-New England honors. Luca will hand over the captaincy to Nathan Pappas and Vince Mezzanotte who are ready to lead this young and proven team to another successful season in 2023–2024.

Summer–Fall 2023

Basketball COREY COFIELD, Head Coach

The 2022–23 basketball team finished 11-14 overall and 8-7 in the ISL. The team ranked fifth in the ISL, which was competitive from top to bottom. We set out this year, as we do every year, to compete and work hard and grow as a family and I feel we did just that. From tryouts to the very last minute of our game against Governor’s, the boys battled, fought, and competed like all Belmont Hill boys do.

Early in the year we had a few close games that did not go in our favor. Close losses against Nobles, Salisbury, and CATS Academy encouraged us to work harder and to bring a deeper level of focus to practice. During the winter holiday break, the boys continued to battle and compete each day in practice and they saw their hard work pay off with solid wins against Austin Prep and Roxbury Latin at the annual Belmont Hill/Roxbury Latin holiday tournament.

As the year progressed, we had some setbacks as many teams do, but perhaps the most impressive aspect of this year, and what makes me most proud as a head coach, was

the way these boys fought through adversity, stayed mentally strong, and focused on being a team. In January, we had some difficult, frustrating losses but also some exciting wins. On January 21, we played against St. Seb’s at TD Garden; an experience of a lifetime for the players and their families. After the game at TD, we had great wins against Deerfield, Groton, Thayer, and Brooks, in which the boys showed grit and resilience all the way up to the final buzzer.

Thank you to our seniors, Jacob Gregor ’23, Will Kelly ’23, John Milewski ’23 (captain), and Chris Milmoe ’23, who provided great leadership throughout the year and helped add balance and stability to a team dominated with youth.

We grew this year, not only as individuals but as a team.

We learned to trust each other and encourage each other to give one’s all consistently. After witnessing how hard this group worked and how dedicated they were to each other, the future is bright for Belmont Hill basketball.

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coaches’ corner

Hockey BRIAN PHINNEY, Head Coach

Coming into the 2022–23 campaign, many people were curious to see how the team would come together after losing 13 players following the previous season. The 11 returning players would have to quickly incorporate the 15 new players into the team culture. As the season kicked off, the process of becoming a team was challenged by the injuries to defenseman Matthew Biotti ’23 and goalie Keagin Wilson ’25. In their absence, newcomers Lenny Greenberg ’24, Jack Duffy ’25, Grayson Cohen ’25, Marc Butler ’23, and Evan Dresser ’25 carried more of the load on defense, and JJ Thibodeau ’26 took the lead in goal with the support of Ben Hack ’24. An early loss to Nobles sparked a run of success that was stopped in the championship game at the Lawrenceville Tournament. Due to a blizzard, the Nichols Tournament was canceled, so the Belmont Hill team pivoted and traveled to the Brunswick School for two games against a very strong opponent.

Brunswick took the victory in the first game, but Belmont Hill came from behind in the second game and capped off the trip with a win thanks to an overtime goal from Jake Tavares ’26. As the calendar turned to 2023, the team jumped into the heart of the ISL schedule. After an early-January stumble against St. Sebastian’s, the team went 17-2-1 through the rest of the season. During that stretch, the team had important wins against St. Sebastian’s, Nobles, and Dexter. The late-season push also helped the team climb in the standings, finishing as ISL champions. A good portion of the offensive success was due to the hard work and leadership of captains Danny Markham ’23, Ronan O’Donnell ’23, and second-year center Brock Cummings ’23. Adding to that firepower were Dane Carter ’23, Mason Daignault ’23, Wyatt Schmidek ’23, and Jake McManus ’24. New players Marco Beshere ’24 and Lucca Micciche ’24 also had their hand in the offensive output during this stretch. The defense was bolstered by the return of Biotti and Wilson from their injuries, as well as the strong and tenacious play of returners Josh Doolan ’23 and Lindan Verville ’25. As the team finished the regular season, they prepared for the first round of the Elite 8 Tournament against rival Milton 44

Summer–Fall 2023

Academy. The game against the Mustangs turned out to be one of the most cohesive and complete performances for Belmont Hill. First-year players Andrew Waugh ’25, Mikey Sullivan ’25, Patrick Woods ’26, and Jin Lee ’25 showed how far they had come throughout the year and were critical to the 7-2 victory over Milton, and to the team’s success late in the year. For the second year in a row, Belmont Hill traveled to Avon for the semifinals.

Avon came out strong, and the eventual Elite 8 Champions brought the Belmont Hill team’s season to an end. Despite the loss, the team showed tremendous growth throughout the season and represented the School with pride.

Many thanks go out to coaches Robert Wright, John Halverson, Dave Cunningham ’12, and Jerry Pawloski, and managers Davi Sousa Ribeiro, Declan Reilly, and Christian Brunner. Extra special thanks to everyone who supported the team, including faculty and staff, family and friends, Athletic Director George Tahan, Assistant Athletic Director Bryson Rosser, Willis Negron, Dennis Chin, Jennifer Ruys, Keith Carey, Shawn Anderson, and the staff at Jordan Athletic Center. Thank you to the sub-varsity coaches Andy Davis ’07, Mike Cherpek, Jon Burgess, Pete O’Connell ’17, Dixon Hargrove, Jack Najjar, Jeremiah McCarthy ’94, George Tahan, Mark Hamilton, Mark Paré, Wayne Griffith, and Jim Peck ’77. Best of luck to next year’s team.

Nordic Skiing JAKE DECAPRIO ’16, Head Coach

The 2022–23 Nordic ski season was very much defined by the team’s response and resilience to the adverse conditions of the winter as the team returned to competition in the Lakes Region League in New Hampshire and against local independent schools at the Weston Ski Track. With both a strong nucleus of returning skiers and some promising young skiers, the team hit the pavement of the Minuteman Bikeway and even the School’s campus for some early-season roller skiing. This dryland training acted to reinforce good ski technique—both freestyle and classic—and teach better form.

The team’s season began in earnest during its annual Winter Break training trip to Craftsbury, VT in midDecember. New skiers Alex Guo ’28, Jack Kastner ’25,

and Ryan Li ’28 donned their skis for the first time on the Craftsbury trails, and skiers new and old were challenged with three daily practices and a culminating time trial before heading back to Belmont. The early-season training produced improved performances in all areas of the team. Will Walton ’25, Jack Kastner ’25, captain Lev Tolkoff ’24, and Jack Luehrman ’24 rounded out the team’s top-4, setting the pace for the team in each race.

Also gaining momentum and speed through the season were fifth-formers Nate Voss and Daniel Xie, fourthformers Ezra Lee and Davis Woolbert, and freshmen Fitz Courtney and Eita Fuse.

Entering the two-part championship season in late February, the team was poised for its best performances.

In the Lakes Region League, the team finished in third place with seven boys ranked in the top 25: Will Walton (3rd), Jack Kastner (11th), Lev Tolkoff (16th), Jack Luehrman (17th), Nate Voss (20th), Ezra Lee (21st), Davis Woolbert (24th).

At the NEPSAC Championship held at Holderness School, Walton finished ninth out of the top 70 prep school skiers in New England, helping to secure a fourth-place finish for the team. The future is bright for this young team; congratulations to captains-elect Brian Lee ’24 and Lev Tolkoff.

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coaches’ corner

Squash BOB BROWNELL, Head Coach

We asked a lot of our young players this year, and they consistently delivered. The mark of a good team is that they win the close ones, and the fact that we had thrilling 4-3 wins against Groton, Choate, Westminster, Tabor, and Nobles speaks to the resiliency and depth of our team.

Our season résumé reads most impressively: • Undefeated ISL Champions • 12-3 Regular Season Record • Ninth-Place Team US D2 High School Nationals • Eighth-Place Team New England Interscholastics • Jackson Tournament Champions Senior captain Aaron Green enjoyed a stunning season with a regular season match record of 14-1. He anchored our team and was an excellent leader all year. I can’t express how important Aaron was to our collective success, and I shall miss him greatly as he ventures off to college next fall. Leighton Calhoun ’25, our #1, was brilliant all along, and he pushed us over the top versus Groton and Nobles, against formidable #1 opponents in very high-pressure situations. Those wins propelled us to the ISL title, and they were truly inspirational achievements.

He deservedly earned ISL All-League and All-NEPSAC honors. Griffin Calhoun ’26 was in the similar position as his brother in his matches versus Choate and Milton.

His pulsating fifth set wins clinched both matches for us.

Amazing accomplishments given he’s a ninth grader.

Veteran Hayden Okurowski ’25, our #2, has several great wins, but none more important than his outstanding victory against Groton when we needed him the most. Jai Karande ’25 was new to the varsity this year and, while he had several important wins, his final match versus Tabor at Nationals was truly impressive. Eighth grader Luke Clifford had to battle much older and seasoned players at the #3 position on our ladder, and he handled those challenges superbly. Luke, along with our other young players Colton Jacobs ’27 and Matthias Liem ’28, represents our future, which is bright indeed. Matthias had a great win against Choate, and Colton performed exceptionally well for us at Nationals, where he clinched the Tabor match. Angus Harrison ’24 had a terrific season, and we are counting on him to be an essential cornerstone for next year’s club. All told, every boy was pivotal to our collective success, and they all experienced an exhilarating win and a tough loss over the course of the season, good life lessons to be sure.

I’d also like to thank departing seniors Jack Abrecht and Will Nolan for staying with us and representing our JVs so well for so long. Every one of their challenge matches over the years went to five games, and they both set sterling examples of sportsmanship for our younger players.

I can’t thank assistant coach Jason Wellemeyer enough for his help and support every day. I am grateful to him for his daily company, and he completely carried us when I was hit with the Covid bug. Our athletic director, George Tahan, has tirelessly supported our program behind the scenes for years, and I am forever indebted to him and his staff. Most importantly, I thank the boys and their parents. I am honored to stand beside them throughout this truly memorable championship season.

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Wrestling DON BRADLEY, Head Coach

Led by senior captains Turner Rayment ’23, Alex Gavronsky ’23, and Freddy Pimental ’23, this year’s team earned another banner season. With over 40 experienced wrestlers in the room and seven coaches, we added a second varsity schedule such that on a number of days two separate Belmont Hill varsity teams competed against other varsity teams at home or on the road. Eight tournaments and 25 matches later, the team repeated as ISL and Graves Kelsey Champions while amassing a 24-1 overall dual meet record.

In an unprecedented manner, the entire first varsity team advanced to the finals of the Graves Kelsey tournament with 12 of our 14 wrestlers emerging as champions and scoring a tournament record 377 team points. Isaac Novod ’27 placed first at 106, as did Scotty Moreau ’26 (113) and Jack Dragoumanos ’26 (126). Andrew Pimental ’25 took first at 120 while Cord Vallis ’24 (132), Will Stewart ’24 (165), and Haden Bottiglieri ’24 (175) were all crowned champions as well. Cord was awarded “Most Pins in the Least Time.” Aaron Stanger ’24 placed second at 113 and senior Bennett Carroll ’23 placed similarly at 215.

Second-year wrestler Dave LoGrasso ’23 was a champ at heavyweight, and Josh Houston Davis ’23 repeated as champion at 190. All three captains won their weight classes, and Freddy Pimental ’23 was voted by the ISL coaches to receive the “Globe All-Scholastic Award.”

At the New England Tournament, Isaac, Scotty, Jack, Cord, Freddy, Turner, and Alex all made the finals with Alex and Scotty talking first. Aaron, Andrew, Will, Haden, and Josh all medaled in the top five as well, and all together Belmont Hill scored a team record number of points—272—which was just not enough to win the tournament over Greens Farm Academy who placed first and Northfield Mt. Hermon who took second. Our dual meets with both those teams were highlights of the season in terms of being hard-fought at a high level of competition as we defeated GFA but lost to NMH in the 14th match.

All-American honors. Alex was also awarded “Most Pins in the Least Time” which is quite an accomplishment at that level.

Returning to the second varsity team, which won every single one of their matches against other varsity teams, they were led by Mac Grant ’23, Whit Russell ’23, Trey Penna ’23, and Luke LoPresti ’23 as well as Derek Potamis ’24 and Alex White ’25. Congratulations to them, their classmates, and all the underclassmen who filled the ranks and will be back next year.

Dave LoGrasso ’23 and Josh Houston-Davis ’23 were awarded the William “Bingo” Emerson Trophy for “Most Improved.” Alex White ’25 and Cord Vallis ’25 were recognized for their sportsmanship with the Henry B. Sawyer Award, and our three captains, Freddy Pimental ’23, Alex Gavronsky ’23, and Turner Rayment ’23, received the Gilbert S. Jordan Trophy for “Greatest Contribution.”

Congratulations to next year’s captains: Cord Vallis ’24, Will Stewart ’24, and Haden Bottiglieri ’24.

In closing, I offer great thanks to all of our wrestler parents, especially those of our captains. No team was ever so well cared for. Thanks also to my superb coaching staff — Dave Leonardis, Todd Davis, George Sullivan ’07, Steve Kaplan ’83, Will Ryan ’17, and Marty Williams. At the New England Tournament, Todd Davis was recognized by the entire coaching association as the “Assistant Coach of the Year.”

Finally, great thanks to our entire Belmont Hill Athletic Department from Athletic Director George Tahan and his assistants Bryson Rosser and Andy Davis ’07 to our skilled athletic trainers, Dennis Chin and Jen Ruys, and to Willis Negron in the Equipment Room and Coach Andrew Markham our Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Season Results: ISL Dual Meet Champions; Graves Kelsey Champions; New England 3rd; National Preps 11th

At the National Prep Tournament in Maryland, 10 of our wrestlers competed and won so many matches that Belmont Hill placed 11th out of 128 schools. In the final round, both Alex Gavronsky ’23 and Haden Bottiglieri ’24 won their matches to place fifth and seventh and earn Summer–Fall 2023

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coaches’ corner

Baseball DAVE CUNNINGHAM ’12, Head Coach

With a 14-1 ISL regular season record, an overall record of 16-4-1, and a first-place ISL finish, the varsity baseball team concluded a successful season on the diamond.

While we entered the season with a bevy of unknowns, the group’s bond was apparent from the first practice, the ultimate catalyst for our incredible run down the stretch.

In addition to the connectedness, the coaching staff was immensely proud of the team’s unwavering competitiveness, buy-in of the program’s mission of sportsmanship, and a serious pride in donning a Belmont Hill uniform.

Without question, the 2023 squad left its mark across New England baseball and, most importantly, paved the way for the next generation of Belmont Hill baseball.

The team learned very quickly of the league’s prowess, dropping the second game of the season 12-0 to eventual Central New England champion Worcester Academy, followed by an opening ISL loss to Thayer by a score of 4-3. Over the next 18 games, the boys completed an outstanding run of 15-2-1, including a remarkable 14-0 record in ISL play. The beginning of the stretch was punctuated by multiple hard-fought games defined by our pitching and defense, including a 2-0 grind over Roxbury Latin for our first ISL victory, a 4-0 defeat of Tabor, and a full-team 4-1 win at Governor’s Academy against the 2022 Pitcher of the Year.

As the wins started to pile up, we found ourselves in the hunt for first place. The boys were thrust into one of the most entertaining games in recent memory against undefeated St. Sebastian’s, a back-and-forth rain-bowl that ultimately ended in a 5-5 tie in the fourth inning, forcing us to replay the entire game weeks later. But the bats came alive and the boys successfully battled through a gauntlet of challenging contests, including a 12-0 no-hit victory over last year’s champion, Lawrence Academy, and a convincing 13-2 defeat of Rivers. When Sebs returned, the hay was already in the barn—with the Belmont Hill boys finishing on top with a convincing 10-3 victory.

The final week of the season brought palpable excitement, with an ISL championship clearly in sight. A convincing 8-2 victory over Middlesex earned us a share of first place.

However, predictably, “co-champions” wasn’t in our 50

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squad’s vocabulary. The team captured an outright ISL Championship with a 2-1 victory over Brooks at home.

Five players were named to the ISL All-Conference team: Anthony Pellagrini ’23, John Milewski ’23, Brennan Barlage ’23, Brady Miller ’24, and Charlie Walsh ’24. Three players earned ISL Honorable Mention recognition: Reuben Siegel ’23, Jack Farrell ’23, and Nick Andersen ’24.

As the ISL champions, our players also earned spots on All-New England teams, including Anthony Pellagrini ’23, John Milewski ’23, and Brady Miller ’24 on the first team, and Brennan Barlage ’23, Reuben Siegel ’23, and Charlie Walsh ’24 on the second team. Brady Miller ’24 earned the 2023 ISL MVP and All-Scholastic award. Brady finished the year with a 6-0 record over 43 innings pitched, recording 44 strikeouts while surrendering only four runs.

At our year-end Athletics Award Chapel, Reuben Siegel ’23 won the Langdon Prouty Jr. Baserunning trophy for the second consecutive year, Jack Farrell ’23 and Cam Carey ’23 shared the honor of the Henry B. Sawyer Sportsmanship Award, Brennan Barlage ’23 and Nolan Henehan ’23 won the Most Improved Player Award, and Anthony Pellagrini ’23, John Milewski ’23, and Reuben Siegel ’23 shared team MVP. The talented and deep senior class will surely be missed by the baseball program next year. Captains Pellagrini ’23, Farrell ’23, and Milewski ’23 were amongst the strongest leaders the program, and the School, has seen in some time.

We thank these three for their service to our baseball community, as well as our graduating seniors Ben Kuechle ’23, Nate Keating ’23, Jonathan Mack ’23, Kevin Simmons ’23, Cameron Connell ’23, Nolan Henehan ’23, Cam Carey ’23, Brennan Barlage ’23, Reuben Siegel ’23, and Whit Russell ’23.

Crew CHRIS RICHARDS, Head Coach

The 2023 Belmont Hill crews had a tremendous spring season which culminated with an NEIRA team championship and a second-place finish at Youth Nationals for the 1V4.

even with mixed lineups. One of the very best races of the spring came in the Awad Cup, a newly christened intrasquad event, in which the 3V8 and 4V8 lineups were mixed and went toe-to-toe; the winning margin was one foot!

Forgoing our usual spring break training trip to Florida to start our season, this year we opted instead to stay home and train on the Charles. We had a great week, and the boys emerged fit, confident, and excited for what lay ahead. Successful early season scrimmages against several perennial powers in the 8s league (Kent, St. Paul’s, and Exeter) were encouraging and gave us the sense that we were going to have some fast crews this spring. Our 4s racing commenced in late April with successive sweeps against Pomfret, Middlesex, BBN, and Hopkins; we then split races against Nobles, with the 1V4, 4V4, and lower boats all winning, and we retained the Bassett Cup. After this the varsity 4s swept Brooks and Groton and then NMH, while the 3V8, 4V8, and 9V4 continued their winning ways as well against Brookline, BC High, and others. We were dealt a tough challenge with illnesses that laid low a number of team members over a three-week span in the middle of the season, but the team was resilient and continued to rally with great training and performances

At New Englands, the 4V4, 2V4, and 1V4 all won in dominant fashion (by an average margin of over four seconds) while the 3V4 took a strong second; the team thus scored 47 of a maximum possible 49 points, and we won our fourteenth Team Championship since 2003. The 1V4 then headed to Youth Nationals in Sarasota, FL, where it rowed impressively throughout the regatta, winning its semifinal race then taking the silver medal in the final just behind a very strong California crew.

The tone set this spring by our captains Mac Bobo ’23, Sean Egan ’23, and Luca Mezzanotte ’23, as well as our other seniors, was outstanding, and really created the environment for such a fun and successful season for the team. Our coaching roster of Steve George, Graeme Calloway, David Parker, Gregg Stone, and Ray Parejo was without peer. Next year’s squad will be led by captains Andrew Bittner ’24, Alex Schmidek ’24, and Aaron Stanger ’24, and we already have high hopes for the 2024 season!

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coaches’ corner

Golf CHARLIE DOAR, Head Coach

A season that began with uncertainty finished with an emphatic punctuation.

Having graduated six seniors who helped Belmont Hill golf establish itself at the top of the ISL in recent years, we entered April with three returning players and five newcomers hoping to navigate the 2023 season.

They did more than merely navigate it.

Relying on both experience at the top and depth across the rest of the lineup, this group was the strongest match-play team in the league. After an undefeated ISL regular season (18-0-1), Belmont Hill won the WalworthSullivan Trophy as regular season champions. That said, they eyed something that hadn’t been achieved in many years for our program: to walk away with the WalworthSullivan Trophy and Kingman Cup. Five players traveled to Newport Country Club on May 15 to compete against thirteen other ISL schools in the Kingman Tournament, an 18-hole stroke-play contest.

For the first time since 2019, Belmont Hill won the Kingman Cup with a team score of 307. Leading the way was captain CJ Winchenbaugh ’24 who fired a scorching 67 (-5) and won the Patty Whitney Award named in honor of the beloved former Belmont Hill coach. Winchenbaugh also earned All-League recognition and was named Globe All-Scholastic. Aidan Moahan ’24 (All-League) and Ryan Hoffman ’25 (All-League Honorable Mention) were recognized for their impressive 2023 campaigns as well.

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From our brisk early-April matches to the last beautiful day at Newport, this group of eight young men did it the right way. They epitomized what it means to be student-athletes, carrying themselves with humility and representing Belmont Hill superbly. With no seniors on this year’s team, they remain hungry for further success in 2024.

Lacrosse TIM SULLIVAN, Head Coach

Finishing the season with an overall record of 15-1 and a 12-1 league record, the 2023 varsity lacrosse team battled its way through an especially intense and challenging schedule to finish in second place in the ISL. Captains and four-year letter winners Eli Goldstein ’23 and Charlie Hazard ’23—along with Matthew Torrey ’23 and fellow seniors Drew Asherman ’23, Christian Brunner ’23, Brogan Chitkara ’23, Josh Doolan ’23, John Goguen ’23, Luke LoPresti ’23, Daniel Moran ’23, Ronan O’Donnell ’23, Wyatt Schmidek ’23, Luke Theberge ’23, and Ben Wood ’23—all worked together to provide outstanding leadership, character, and dedication to the team throughout the season. This remarkable senior class graduates with a three-year record of 41-5 to go along with an undefeated ISL season in 2021.

We kicked off the season with an overnight trip to southern Connecticut, highlighted by a team dinner and three scrimmages in the cold and rain versus Connecticut public school powerhouses, Darien and Staples. We then opened the regular season against Deerfield Academy looking for our first victory against the perennial Western New England and national power. Playing a disciplined, efficient, and methodical style of play, we emerged victorious (6-4). We would continue our out-of-league schedule with victories over Westminster (10-3) and Avon Old Farms (6-5). The team’s balanced style of play would continue throughout the ISL season as the offense played team lacrosse, and the defense stifled opponents with its modified zone defense and the outstanding goalie play of Torrey ’23.

crowd of Belmont Hill students, parents, and alumni. In a back-and-forth game, the team would emerge victorious 8-5. Again, the defense of Wood ’23, Hazard ’23, Fox ’24, Doolan ’23, Reilly ’24, O’Donnell ’23, and Peterson ’24 led the way backstopped by Torrey ’23, and the offense was paced by Dylan Casillo ’26 (1g), Evans ’25 (1g, 3a), Stewart ’25 (1g, 1a), Theberge ’23 (2g), and Goldstein ’23 (2a). The face-off play by Verville ’25 and Friedman ’25 allowed the team to win the possession battle all night.

The senior class finishes their career 5-0 against St. Sebastian’s. The team closed out its season with a full team effort, highlighted by tremendous all-around play

by Wyatt Schmidek ’23 and Dan Moran ’23, in the Panel-Plaque Game versus long-time rival Middlesex School, winning 15-10.

Matthew Torrey ’23 was awarded the Team MVP. Ben Wood ’23 and Josh Doolan ’23 earned Team MIP, and Luke LoPresti ’23 and John Goguen ’23 earned the Henry B. Sawyer Sportsmanship Award. Eli Goldstein ’23, Eli Friedman ’25, Charlie Hazard ’23, Finn Fox ’24, and Matthew Torrey ’23 were named All-League, and Will Stewart ’24, Ben Wood ’23, and Preston Evans ’25 received All-League Honorable Mention. Additionally, Goldstein ’23, Torrey ’23, and Hazard ’23 were named All-NEPSAC and Wood ’23, Evans ’25, and Fox ’25 were named All-NEPSAC Honorable Mention. Matthew Torrey ’23, for his excellence and leadership in the classroom and on the field, was awarded Academic AllAmerican by US Lacrosse and the Independent School League. Next year’s captains, Finn Fox ’25, Declan Reilly ’24, and Will Stewart ’24, as well as a strong and experienced nucleus of 20 returning letter winners, will lead the team in 2024.

There were many great ISL games during the season.

The team beat Middlesex 19-11 in a game that featured a 10-goal run highlighted by goals by LoPresti ’23, Asherman ’23, and Goguen ’23. A 9-2 win over Governor’s 9-2 was a complete team performance led by the defense and the offensive efforts of John Goguen ’23 (1g, 1a), Goldstein ’23 (1g, 1a), Theberge ’23 (2g), Stewart ’24 (2g, 2a), and Lindan Verville ’25 (1g). In a season of many memorable moments, none was more memorable than the opportunity to play longtime rival St. Sebastian’s under the lights at Nickerson Field in front of a large

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coaches’ corner

Sailing PETER CREEDON, Head Coach

The varsity sailing team completed a challenging, but rewarding season. The team competed all over New England from Lake Cochituate in Framingham to Portland Harbor in Maine, but started the year with a loss to Wellesley followed by a win against Marblehead. The rest of the season followed suit, but the tireless work and commitment from our sailors never waned.

Often in sports, how we respond to the challenges thrown at us defines our character, both individually and as a group. There wasn’t an athlete on the team this year that had even a modicum of “give up” regardless of the score.

We had multiple Saturday regattas with three or more teams. On these days, the boys are in their boats without rest for four to six hours. When you’re winning this can be easy; when things aren’t going your way, or it’s 40 degrees out and you’re wet and cold, it can be grueling.

Not for one instant did the level of sportsmanship diminish. Not even for one practice session did the boys’ competitive spirit die. The team finished the season with

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a team racing record of 4-8, and a final ranking of 11th in the state for fleet racing. For our three graduating seniors, we wish nothing but the best as they begin their collegiate journey. They set the example that our sailors will continue to follow when it comes to dedication and effort.

I’m so proud of the boys and everything they accomplished this year. They were an incredible group, and one that I had fun coaching and competing with every single day. They’re comfortable being challenged, hungry for improvement, and ready to take the next step in their sailing development! I’m excited to see what the future holds for this awesome young team!

Congratulations to the award winners this year.

You earned them ten times over: The Sailing Trophy: Captain Quinn Healey ’23 Most Improved: Roger Wellington ’28 Henry B. Sawyer Sportsmanship Award: Trey Penna ’23

Tennis WILL SPEER, Head Coach

This year’s tennis team finished with a record of 14-5, placing third in the ISL. The team qualified for the NEPSAC championship tournament for the 18th consecutive year. Belmont Hill hosted Westminster (CT) in the quarterfinal round, with Ethan Sidman ’24 clinching a 4-2 victory (reprising his heroic clinch against Middlesex just two days earlier). With little time to spare before the semifinal, the team raced to Milton to take on Roxbury Latin, losing a difficult indoor match.

Bobby Cooper ’23 and Ernest Lai ’25 were awarded All-ISL for their superlative play at #1 and #2 singles.

Bobby earned All-NEPSAC honors as well. We also had consistent excellence elsewhere in the lineup: Morgan Rich ’27 went 13-1 at #3 singles, and Aidan Lee ’24 won

12 matches at #3 doubles. Doubles was a strength of this team, as we won 80% of the doubles matches we played, and doubles points contributed to several of our close team victories.

At the end of the season, Bobby won the Coach’s Trophy, Ernest won Most Improved, and Carver Porter ’24 won the Henry B. Sawyer Sportsmanship Award.

Many thanks to Bobby, Will Nolan ’23, and Cooper Nelson ’23 for their senior leadership this season. We will be fortunate to return four starters next year, while Jack Nolan ’25 and Will Sandor ’27 will be ready to challenge them for their spots. We look forward to Carver and Aidan leading the team as captains next season.

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coaches’ corner

Track ADAM HARDER, Head Coach

The goals that the coaches and captains set each year are simply stated: vie for the ISL title and be a competitive force at the Class A New England Championships. This year’s young squad rose to the occasion and exceeded expectations.

Starting off the season with a six-team home scrimmage, we were able to log impressive results for early April, as well as compete directly against half the other teams in the ISL. Each successive weekend provided opportunities to compete in scored meets, while also providing the coaching staff with an opportunity to shift personnel, looking to establish our championship meet roster entries, which are limited to two competitors per event.

We expected that our throws group was going to be strong, and with the addition of three standout newcomers, we were a dominant force in the shot put, javelin, and discus events in both the ISL and New England Championship meets. Thomas Rupley ’25 ended the season with the top ISL throw in the discus overall, a second-place finish at the ISL meet, as well as a third-place performance at NE’s. Josiah Gomes ’25 capped off an impressive campaign with the top ISL throw in the shot put overall, a first-place finish in the discus and second-place finish in the shot at ISL’s, and at NE’s he earned the team 14 points with a second-place finish in the discus as well as a thirdplace finish in the shot put. New to Belmont Hill and to track this year, Sampson Onuoha ’25 won the tie-breaker of second best toss to win the ISL meet in the shot, and his future is bright. Also new to track this year, Scott Black ’24 and Nick Ascione ’24 have quickly established themselves as talented javelin throwers. They had a huge day at the ISL meet, with their second- and fifth-place performances earning our team crucial points in the final event being contested, and both athletes exceeding their personal bests. In the rain and cold at the New England meet, they earned 10 points with their third- and fourthplace finishes.

We knew that points earned in the field events were going to be crucial to our success this year. Senior captain Will Lloyd ’23 had another great spring in the high jump, capturing the ISL championship title, and earning third place at the NE’s. As well, he volunteered to compete in the 300m hurdles, and his third-place finish at ISL’s was 56

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impressive, given the fact that he was a novice hurdler.

Pole vaulter Garrett Theberge ’24 finished third at the ISL meet and fourth at the NE’s. Triple jumper James Hurd ’23 finished in fifth place at both championships. On the track, our two relay squads were competitive, with the 4 x 400m quartet finishing in second place at ISL’s, and the 4 x 100m group earning a sixth-place finish. Sprinter Jordan Summers ’25, new to the team this year, kept getting better and better as the season evolved, and he capped off his efforts with a sixth-place finish at the NE’s in the 100m. Captain Miles Sandoski ’24 earned the team important points in the 800m at the ISL’s, and he ended the campaign with a season-best time and fourth-place finish at NE’s in the 800m, as well as anchoring our 4 x 400m relay squad. Jackson Pagan ’24 and Justin Li ’26 were stellar in the 110m hurdles this spring, with Pagan ’24 taking second place at ISL’s, as well as fourth place at NE’s. Li ’26 finished fifth at ISL’s, as well as competing in the triple jump at both championship meets. Pagan ’24 was runner-up in the 300m hurdles at ISL’s, in addition to earning a third place at NE’s. Distance phenom Will Trautz ’27 ran his season best 3000m time, capturing fourth place and crucial team points at ISL’s.

With only three first-place finishes at the ISL meet, the fact that we captured the team title this year with over 100 points speaks to the depth and breadth of the 2023 squad.

Following ISL’s, we finished up with a fifth-place finish at NE’s, scoring 55 points, surpassing last year’s total.

While our boys are an athletic and hard-working group, much of their success is a result of the expert coaching from my colleagues Fran Kirby, Warren Fowler, Jake DeCaprio ’16, and Maya Gorman. They are a tireless and dedicated group whose unflagging efforts on a daily basis ensured that our boys were at their best in the crucial moments of the season.

corporation news

CORPORATION NEWS 2022–2023 COMMITTEE ON TRUSTEES TAGGART M. ROMNEY ’88, CHAIR

AMY B. MADDEN

JON M. BIOTTI ’87

CARL J. MARTIGNETTI ’77

JOHN T. GRADY ’66

GREGORY C. PAUL ’09

DANIELLE A. HEARD

GREGORY J. SCHNEIDER

JASON H. HURD ’90

MARGARET M. WADE

EMMETT E. LYNE ’77

NEW TRUSTEES

FLORENCE T. BOURGEOIS P ’24, ’26, ’29 Florence Bourgeois is an associate professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and physician-scientist at Boston Children’s Hospital. She is a graduate of Yale University, where she earned her B.S. focused on molecular biophysics and biochemistry. Florence earned her M.D. from Washington University School of Medicine and a Master’s degree in public health from the Harvard School of Public Health. Florence lives in Boston with her husband, Andrew Davis, and sons, Samuel Davis ’24, Lucien Davis ’26, Finn Davis ’29, and daughter, Eloise Davis. She is a member of the Parents Fund Committee at Belmont Hill and was elected to the Belmont Hill Corporation in 2022, and is Board Chair of the International School of Boston.

TODD A. MACLEAN P ’27 Todd MacLean is managing partner at Silversmith Capital Partners. He is a 1995 graduate of Dartmouth College, where he earned an A.B. in English. He went on to earn an M.B.A. at the Wharton School of Business in 2003. He lives in West Newton with his wife, Laura, and daughter, Stella, Winsor School ’24, and son, Liam, Belmont Hill ’27.

Todd is a member of the Parents Fund Committee at Belmont Hill. Todd has served as director of more than 20 private company boards past and present and served as a trustee of The Park School from 2016 to 2021 and as chair of its investment committee from 2020 to 2021.

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corporation news

NEW CORPORATION MEMBERS

MARCO J. J. FERRARI ’93 — Marco Ferrari ’93 is a managing director of PSG Equity. A 1993 graduate of Belmont Hill, he went on to Harvard College where he majored in economics, played hockey, and graduated in 1997. After graduation, he moved to Germany where he played professional hockey and subsequently began his business career. He then attended Harvard Business School, earning an M.B.A. in 2005. At Belmont Hill, he serves as a class agent and a member of the Reunion committee for his class. He also sits on numerous corporate boards. Marco lives in Winchester with his wife, Magdalena, two daughters, Isla, 17, and Luisa, 15, who attend Middlesex School, and son, William, 12, currently at McCall Middle School.

COREY T. GATEWOOD ’07 — Corey Gatewood ’07 is a resident in internal medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine. A 2007 graduate of Belmont Hill, he attended Stanford University where he earned a degree in human biology, ran track, and played football. After graduation, he signed with the National Football League’s Minnesota Vikings, where he played cornerback. After his stint in the NFL, he returned to Stanford to conduct research in injury prevention and rehabilitation. His work there culminated in multiple publications and domestic and international presentations. He moved on to attend medical school at The Ohio State College of Medicine, where he founded the nonprofit organization, Black Men in Medicine, which is aimed at increasing the recruitment and retention of Black males in the medical profession. Corey lives in Atlanta with his wife, Nicole. Next year, he will be off to the University of California Davis to complete his specialty training in physical medicine and rehabilitation. At Belmont Hill, Corey has been a featured speaker with the MAP Mentorship Program and recently spoke to the entire School in Chapel as a panelist on Alumni in Medicine.

RONALD W. HSIN ’07 — Ron Hsin ’07 is a general dentist at New England Dental Group in Southborough and Marlborough. After graduating from Belmont Hill in 2007, he attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where he earned a degree in Public Health and Psychology. After college, he attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine where he earned his D.M.D. Ron has been a co-director of Belmont Hill’s Multicultural Alumni Partnership (MAP) and its Mentorship Program since 2021. Ron and other alumni mentors meet with current students once a month over Zoom and provide a variety of different programming, from guest speakers to networking to career opportunities. He lives in Holden, MA, with his wife, Liza, who is a teacher at the Fay School’s Early Learning Center in Southborough, and his two children, Darren (3) and Lana (1).

JOSHUA M. ISNER ’04 — Josh Isner ’04 is the COO of Axon Enterprise. After graduating from the Hill in 2004, he went on to graduate in 2009 from Harvard, majoring in government. He lives in Scottsdale, AZ, with his wife, Christina, and daughters, Hadley, 7, and Penny, 3. At Belmont Hill, he is a class agent and serves on the Class of 2004 Reunion Committee. Josh is also a board member of RollKall, Inc. His passion is golf, and he is a member of the Phoenix Thunderbirds, a non-profit organization formed to distribute monies raised through the Waste Management Open golf tournament.

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KELLY GARVEY PELLAGRINI P ’23, ’25 — Kelly Garvey Pellagrini is the founder and co-director of Charlestown Nursery School, an innovative early education center. She has served on the Mayor Advisory Committee for 0-5 School Readiness, the Boston Women’s Workforce Council, and as the lead organizer for the Wonder of Learning Boston. She holds a B.A. from Bates College, an Ed.M. from Smith College, and an M.Ed. from Lesley University. Most recently, she was part of the first cohort in the Saul Zaentz Early Education Leadership Initiative at Harvard University. Her work has been featured in several articles, books, and documentaries. Here at Belmont Hill, Kelly is co-president of the Parents’ Council. She lives in Charlestown with her family, including her sons, Anthony ’23 and Nicholas ’25.

NIKHIL R. SAHNI ’01 — Nikhil Sahni ’01 is a partner in the McKinsey & Company Boston office, serving organizations across the healthcare spectrum on strategy topics. He is also the leader of McKinsey’s Center of U.S. Healthcare System Reform. Nikhil is a fellow with Professor David Cutler at the Harvard University Department of Economics. His academic work is published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Health Affairs, Journal of the American Medical Association, British Medical Journal, Harvard Business Review, and the Stanford Social Innovation Review, and has been cited in the Economist, Wall Street Journal, New Yorker, Washington Post, and other media outlets. He serves on the board of Health Care Without Harm.

Nikhil is a 2006 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his B.A.S., B.A., and B.S.E. From there he attended Harvard Business School/Harvard Kennedy School, attaining his M.B.A. and M.P.A./ID in 2012. At Belmont Hill, Nikhil has assisted the School with strategic planning and has been a visiting speaker in student classes. He lives in Chestnut Hill with his wife, Ishani, daughter, Kimaya, 9, and son, Kethan, 6.

IAN M. SCHMIDEK P ’23, ’24 — Ian Schmidek is a managing director at Goldman Sachs and joined the firm in 1994. He lives in Weston with his wife, Camille, and his sons, Wyatt ’23 and Alex ’24.

A graduate of Groton, he went on to earn an A.B. at Harvard. At Belmont Hill, he has served on the Parents Fund Committee since 2016. Ian has also served as a trustee for The Nature Conservancy of Vermont and the Weston Soccer Club, and currently serves on the Strategic Campaign Leadership Committee for Shelburne Farms in Vermont.

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honoring jack connors

HONORING JACK CONNORS — APRIL 27, 2023

Distinguished Alumni Award Honorary PRESENTED TO

Jack Connors Be Bold Jack Connors has been involved with Belmont Hill ever since his sons John ’85 and Kevin ’97 arrived at the School.

Elected to the Board of Trustees in 1993, Jack’s energy and passion are a treasured asset to Belmont Hill. Jack is an incredible civic leader and pillar of the Boston community in business, healthcare, and education and we are extremely fortunate that he has made Belmont Hill a priority.

His remarkable drive and vision have helped guide the School through several campaigns, always urging his colleagues to dream big and set ambitious fundraising goals.

Jack’s great wisdom, generosity, and love for Belmont Hill have played a vital role in the School’s tremendous growth and strength. He is a tireless champion of this school and its students, faculty, staff, and families. With humility and grace, he has touched so many lives through his extraordinary kindness and willingness to always help others.

Belmont Hill strives to develop young men into alumni of character who will make a positive difference for others; what better role model could there be than Jack Connors? With our most sincere gratitude, we honor Jack with our Distinguished Alumni Award.

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Jack Connors.

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Rick Melvoin and Ron Druker ’62.

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Ann Ryan, Gretchen Cook-Anderson, Danielle Heard, Bunny Melvoin, Mitali Prasad, Vinita Shah, and Leslie McCafferty.

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Ronald M. Druker ’62 Head of School Greg Schneider, Amy Schneider, Eileen Connors, and Jack Connors

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Shelle Santana, Kristin Forbes, Bob Crowley ’90, Kate Crowley, and Steve Calhoun.

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Greg Schneider, Kevin Connors ’97, Eileen Connors, Jack Connors, Sandi Fenwick, and George Lynch ’88.

Back Row: John Connors ’85 and Jon Biotti ’87.

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Jeanne Tift, Jackie Hendrix, and Blair Hendrix.

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Sandi Fenwick, Jay Bounty, Greg Paul ’09, and Danielle Heard.

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Rick Ganong ’82, Kris Ganong, and Kurt Simon ’83.

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Tony Ryan, Florence Bourgeois, and Bill Achtmeyer ’73.

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Cliff Goodband ’97, Will Averill ’87, and Ted Martellini.

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Rick Melvoin, Iris Chandler, and Mark Chandler ’74.

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Jon Biotti ’87, Tony Ryan, Ron Druker ’62, and Bill Achtmeyer ’73.

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Alumni & Family Events

alumni & family events

100 Years of the Arts January 26–27, 2023 Belmont Hill kicked off its 2023 Centennial events by celebrating the Arts. An evening celebration was held in the Kraft Theater on January 26, 2023, followed by a School Meeting for students in Hamilton Chapel on January 27.

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Don Rober ’73, Steve Price ’73, and Andy Cadiff ’73.

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Jan Stewart, Tony Starr ’73, and Kathy Starr.

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Karen Bittner, Ed Bittner, Kevin Xie, and Jiao Wei.

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Alan Glickman ’73 and Mark Jennings ’73.

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Amy and Ted Madden ’88.

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Maura Fitzgerald, Joan Fitzgerald, Kevin Fitzgerald ’76, and Harold Prenatt.

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Joe Cannistraro ’86, Susan Cannistraro, Jennifer Mugar, and Peter Landau ’86.

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Jeffrey Drucker ’90, Karen Dawson, Leslie Shaff, and Harvey Shaff.

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Ken Victor ’73 and Mark Jennings ’73 performing with the B Flats in the Kraft Theater.

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Keynote speaker Andy Cadiff ’73.

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Donnell Patterson.

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Ken Victor ’73, Mark Jennings ’73, and Paul DiResta performing with the B Flats in Hamilton Chapel during the School Meeting.

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Scan this code to see videos, photos, the programs, and a commemorative Belmont Hill Arts history booklet.

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alumni & family events

Grandparents and Honored Guests Day for Forms I and II May 1, 2023

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William Dolan, Tristan Dolan ’28, and Bernadette Dolan.

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Lynn and John Morris.

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Steve Carson, Connor Carson ’27, and June Carson.

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Dorothy Price and Connor Lynch ’27.

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Ruth Goodband and Owen Goodband ’28.

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Glee Club.

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Margret Arrigo, Rylan Flynn ’27, and George Arrigo.

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Mr. Schneider greeting the guests.

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Guests attended classes as part of the morning program.

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Terry Dreyfus, Will Greenhill ’28, John Wylie, Hugh Wylie ’28, and Ann Wylie.

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Jack Creedon ’28 and Patrick Murphy.

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Katharine Wrisley Atkins (KWA) Women’s Series United States Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco May 5, 2023

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Suzanne Coté, Lisa Monaco, Gwen Ganong, and Connaught Colbert.

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Yanyan Shen and Susan Zhou.

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Seated: Abby Ackerman, Meredith Hall, Lora Farkas, Kelly Garvey Pellagrini, and Jackie Hendrix. Standing: Kate Ascione, Lisa Monaco, Margy Dunn, Jill Hatton, and Meghan Weldon.

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Katie Ragosa, Mary LaGatta, Phyllis Gleason, and Ann Tolkoff.

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Sarah Gosselin, Julianne Bacsik, Leslie Shaff, Elizabeth Alizadeh, and Laurie Gorelick.

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Gail Zhang, Catherine Hack, and Karen Lynch.

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Nan Theberge, Lisa Harrison, and Jen Voss.

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MAP Directors Dinner Meeting

MAP Fellowship and Update May 19, 2023

March 6, 2023

Seated: Emmett Lyne ’77, George Lynch ’88, Groom Dinkneh ’09, Jason Hurd ’90, John Grady ’66, Carl Dawson ’72, and Greg Schneider.

Standing: AT Desta ’05, PJ Lee ’10, Mike Rudzinsky ’11, Caleb Collins ’93, Greg Paul ’09, Will Forde ’05, Ron Hsin ’07, and David Walker ’82.

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Seated: Caleb Collins ’93, Carl Dawson ’72, David Walker ’82, and Karen Dawson.

Standing, first row: Jason Hurd ’90, Nancy O’Connor, Donna David, Groom Dinkneh ’09, Alex Lo ’23, Bobby Cooper ’23, Leo Montoya ’23, Davi Souza Ribeiro ’23, Albert McField ’22, and Will Forde ’05. Back row: Steve Carr ’93, Norman (Mogen) David, Tarek Nahabet ’98, AT Desta ’05, James Hurd ’23, Aidan Lee ’24, Thomas Sheehan ’25, Merhawi Ghebrelul ’23, Mason Daignault ’23, Daniel Slatkavitz ’24, Matthew Biotti ’23, Jon Biotti ’87, Bryce Andersen ’19, Sean Coughlin ’83, Donavan Payne ’18, George Lynch ’88, Greg Paul ’09, and Ron Mallik ’94.

100 Years of Athletics May 20, 2023

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Kevin Walsh ’93, Brian Callahan ’93, Mike Taylor ’93, and Caleb Collins ’93.

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Visit centennial.belmonthill.org to view the event programs and booklets created for the Centennial celebrations.

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Joey Butler ’03, Valeri Butler, Amanda O’Grady, and Sean O’Grady ’03.

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Paul Cannistraro ’88, Ted Burt, Eileen Burt, and Dan Margulis ’88.

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Athletic Director George Tahan provided a memorable presentation of the history of Belmont Hill athletics.

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Dave Luo ’13, Henry Ogilby ’13, and Matt Hayes ’13.

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Sridhar Ramaswamy ’83 and Rama Ramaswamy.

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Bruce Greer ’78, John Raleigh ’78, and Kathy Raleigh.

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Gavin Prodgers ’18, Zack Cannata ’18, Arnav Prasad ’18, and Nick Gallo ’18.

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Gardner Bradlee ’83, Scott Bates ’83, Rick Ganong ’82, and Kevin Coakley ’83.

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John O’Neil ’83, Dina O’Neil, John Sidd ’83, and Sandra Sabourin.

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9 Step into the excitement of the Centennial Athletics celebration by scanning this code. Enjoy an array of videos, photos, and programs, all curated to commemorate this special occasion, made even grander in synergy with Alumni Reunion Weekend.

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Class of 1953 — 70th Reunion Roger Cogswell ’53, Ann Cogswell, Tom Worthen ’53, Sherbie Worthen, John Gahan ’53, and June Gahan.

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Class of 1958 — 65th Reunion Seated: Dorothy Bacon, Sallie Brainard, and Minako Henderson. Class of 1958 members: Bill Schaffer, Dave Brainard, Reg Howe, Ken Bacon, Chris Egan, Barclay Henderson, and Reg Elwell.

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Class of 1963 — 60th Reunion Standing: Bob Walsh ’63, Cindy Vietor, Dick Vietor ’63, Doug Amon ’63, and Woody Underwood ’63. Seated: Hooper Brooks ’63, Charlie Peck ’63, Peter Shaw ’63, Gil Campbell ’63, and Marriett Campbell.

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Class of 1968 — 55th Reunion Seated: Naoko Hague, Mary Wright, Linda Mattlage, and Anne Ogilby. Standing: Don Hague ’68, Vinnie Lynch ’68, Cynthia Lynch, Conrad Wright ’68, Henry Ogilby ’68, and Stef Mattlage ’68.

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Class of 1973 — 50th Reunion Front row: Jim Foley ’73, Steve Price ’73, Andy Cadiff ’73, Bill Achtmeyer ’73, Alan Glickman ’73, Jim McGrath ’73, Tony Starr ’73, Joe Knowles ’73, Mark Jennings ’73, Joe Guarnaccia ’73, and Don Rober ’73. Middle row: Charlotte Foley, Amy Rokicki, Don Stewart, Jan Stewart, Louise Sennott, Robin Grossman, Dana Burnham, Mike Kitsis ’73, Joyce Robbins, Kim Furnald, Ann Chiacchieri, Mary Flanagan, Claudia Braunstein, Kathy Starr, Ron Braunstein ’73, Ken Victor ’73, Nathalie Bélanger, Rajita Sinha, Sue Seeley, Wendy Powell, and Mary Hudson.

Back row: Dave Farrell ’73, Paul Petersen ’73, Jane Petersen, Burry Gowen ’73, Tim Hester ’73, Jim Stratton ’73, Polly Knowles, Jim Burnham ’73, Frank Sennott ’73, Will Schmidt ’73, Deb White, Clint Furnald ’73, Jon White ’73, John Taylor ’73, Andy Schley, Dan Schley ’73, Andy Magee ’73, Austy Lyne ’73, George Seeley, and Charlie Hudson ’73.

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Class of 1978 — 45th Reunion Seated: Shannon Curtis, Geoff Curtis ’78, Christine Chang, Owen Coté ’78, Hans Klein ’78, Mike Sherman, Eileen Burt, and Carolyn Hintlian. Standing: Terry Wilson ’78, Art O’Keeffe ’78, Kathy Raleigh, John Raleigh ’78, Tom Pounds ’78, Rich Goldhammer ’78, Jim Kalustian ’78, Jim McNulty ’78, Bruce Greer ’78, Jamie Hintlian ’78, Ed Nardi ’78, and Ted Burt.

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Class of 1983 — 40th Reunion Front row: Sean Coughlin, Andy Washburn, Henry Grossman, Chris Sweeney, and Mike Mahoney.

Second row: Sridhar Ramaswamy, Bob Cleary, John O’Neil, Kevin Coakley, Kevin Plunkett, and Greg Dayton. Third row: John Gaziano, Tom Dolan, Josh Levy, Peter Mills, John Sidd, and Geoff Johnson.

Fourth row: Mark Sutton, Gardner Bradlee, Scott Bates, Jim Reichheld, and Harry Duvall.

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Class of 1988 — 35th Reunion Front row: Jim Coady ’88, Ted Martin ’88, Peter Coté ’88, Ted Madden ’88, Carolyn Feeks Maws, Tony Maws ’88, Peter Leis, Jen Storo, and Paul Cannistraro.

Back row: Gardi Willis ’88, Dan Margulis ’88, Hossam Shobokshi ’88, Mike Liles ’88, Brian Carey ’88, John Golden ’88, and Chris Foster ’88.

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Class of 1993 — 30th Reunion Bob Hart, Caleb Collins, Mike Taylor, Jesse Ahrendt, and David Ciccconi. Back row: Matt Fritz, Matt Kilmartin, Dan Jones, Kevin Walsh, Luis Villegas, Brian Callahan, and Peter Folan.

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Class of 1998 — 25th Reunion Front row: Mason Smith ’98, Kelly Smith, Steve Messigner ’98, Lauren Messinger, Jay Basnight ’98, Pete Rosenblum ’98, Chip Franklin ’98, Erin McCafferty, Kevin McCafferty ’98, and Jeff Perry ’98. Second row: Ryan Goodband ‘98 , Mike Maturo ‘98, Dave Seeley ‘98, Al Murphy ’98, Michael Cannistraro ’98, and Kelly Cannistraro. Third row: Matt Barber ’98, Oliver Bell ’98, and Tarek Nahabet ’98. Back row: Jed McGraw ’98, Mike Vallarelli ’98, Marcella Vallarelli, Dan Lombard ’98, and Chandra Lombard.

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Class of 2003 — 20th Reunion Front row: Kelly Kraines, Kirkland Kraines ’03, Lilli Homer, Geoff Homer ’03, Fran Yuen ’03, Caty Yuen, Maddy LeBlanc, and Paul LeBlanc ’03.

Second row: Radhika Shah, Shankar Samlal ’03, Niles Lingard ’03, Alexandra Lingard, Jamie Marcus ’03, Hanna Marcus, KristenAldrich, Brian Aldrich ’03, Greg O’Brien ’03, Caitlin O’Brien, Amanda O’Grady, Ryan Glynn ’03. Third row: Chris Stoeckle ’03, Lizzy Stoeckle, Claudia Incandela, Lee Incandela ’03, Zach Toth ’03, Frannie Toth, Schuyler Reece ’03, Morgan Dorsey, Jay Fahey ’03, Joe Pagliuca ’03, Sean O’Grady ’03, Mark Ohanian ’03, and Bill Doyle ’03.

Class of 2008 — 15th Reunion Front row: Taylor Crouch, David Pierce ’08, Marina Tyquiengco, Benjamin Driver ’08, Sean Po ’08, Al Minahan ’08, Mike O’Donnell ’08, Josie Choate, Carly Glenmullen, Michael Glenmullen ’08, and Andrew Cornelia ’08. Second row: David Crowley ’08, Matt Trachy ’08, Allison Trachy, Carly Martinetti, Jack Wendler ’08, and Sam Choate ’08.

Third row: Matt Egan ’08, Charlie Carey ’08, Robbie Stone ’08, Jimmy Ramsey ’08, and Pete Bourneuf ’08.

Fourth row: Max Pasterczyk ’08, Charlie LeBlanc ’08, and Daniel Mahoney ’08. Back row: David Cancian ’08, Iris Hoxha, Timothy Toomey ’08, and Nicole Cimbak.

Class of 2013 — 10th Reunion Front row: Colin Power, Danny Wanger, Zack Farkas, Jon Goodman, Yonas Dinkneh, Alec Ceccon, and Mike Daskalakis. Second row: Keelan Smithers, Henry Ogilby, David Luo, Matt Hayes, JP Miller, Petros Davos, Patrick Burpee, and Ryan Keigher. Third row: JP Cannistraro, Jimmy Lennox, Kevin Chen, Petros Palandjian, and Kyle Laracey. Fourth row: Nick Favaloro, Charlie Feinberg, Jack O’Hara, Mack Clair, Grant Steiger, and Mudit Tandon. Fifth row: Robby Danziger, Ty Gill, Angus MacKinnon, and RJ Grant. Back row: Graham Stack, Dan Kreytak, and Colin Sargis.

Class of 2018 — 5th Reunion Front row: Donavan Payne, Isaiah Collins, Nick Gallo, Zack Cannata, Ethan Roberts, Tony Marinello, Philip Conigliaro, Brian Antonelli, and Quinlan McGaugh. Middle row: Quentin Harris, Ben Pradko, Ishaan Prasad, Will McCormack, Bradford Litchfield, Bennett Morris, Duncan Grant, Jared Stier, Noah Traylor, and Gavin Colbert. Back row: Jovan Jones, Eric Taitano, Brian Gotti, Matt Simon, Gavin Prodgers, Henry Wyett, Jake Haase, Arnav Prasad, Andrew Berg, Eric Whitehead, Jack Bell, Nick Wilkins, and Alex Ackerman.

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class notes

ALUMNI, FACULTY, AND STAFF: We would love to hear from you and share your latest news with the Belmont Hill School community.

Please email your notes and photos to alumni@belmonthill.org. Length and content are subject to editorial approval; some submissions may appear as excerpts. The deadline for the Winter/Spring Bulletin is 2022.

December 1, 2023.

VETERAN’S PROFILE: Have you served in the military? To be publicly recognized in the Belmont HillHill School Military Register, please the Belmont School Military Register, complete the online form found please complete the online formunder found under “Alumni” on the website. If you have any questions, please call the Alumni Office at 617.993.5203. at 617.993.5203.

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1949 TED WINSHIP ’49 wrote on July 15, “I wanted to express my special thanks and appreciation for JOHN PIKE ’49 for the many years of his service to Belmont Hill School. His work and guidance helped make Belmont Hill a great school. And lastly, to ‘Jeep’ Hamilton and faculty for their help in enabling me to enroll and graduate From Amherst College, Class of 1953.

Retired, but last gig was the Screen Actors Guild, from 1993. My wife spent six years as a stand-in for Angela Lansbury on the production of Murder, She Wrote.

I benefited from her outstanding reputation. Prior to that, I was a real estate broker for about 37 years.”

196 3 This from CHARLIE PECK ’63: “Have just started teaching asylum seekers basic English. They are from seven or eight countries in Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe, lodged in local low-grade hotels in southern England while their petitions for status grind through months/years of what passes for due process. Nearly 60 years ago, right after college, I taught English to refugees in Zambia. In my end is my beginning but a lot has happened along the way since Mayor Collins and Henry Meyer gave us pep talks and diplomas, respectively, and sent us on our way.”

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On May 21, 2023, Deb Sawyer (Henry B. Sawyer, Jr. ’32) celebrated the graduation of grandson, Henry Sawyer Clarisey from John Carroll University in Cleveland, OH.

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Celebrating his 75th reunion — David Wallingford ’48 with his wife, Betsy, and sons, Chris and Todd, with Greg Schneider.

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Michael Patterson ’51’s daughter, Deb Ligda, and his grandson, Cooper Ligda, traveled to Boston in August and paid a visit to Belmont Hill. They took a tour of campus and particularly enjoyed seeing the beautiful panel that Michael carved. They have kept in contact with Bob Blacklow ’51 and Howie Ulfelder ’51 as they were all close friends in school.

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Bill Green ’52 of Pittsburg, PA, stopped by the Alumni House with his two sons, Jeff and Matt. They enjoyed the tour of the campus and revisiting his panel carving in the Jordan Athletic Center.

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Ann and Roger Cogswell ’53.

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Burt Permutter ’54 came to the Alumni House to talk about Reunion 2024.

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Jeff Eaton ’55 paid a visit to campus in June.

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Hal Estabrook ’55 stopped by campus to say hello to his friends in the Alumni House.

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Reunion luncheon: Claude Welch ’57, Martha Dyer, John Welch ’60, Lulu Welch, and Jack Dyer ’23.

10. Dave Brainard ’58 visited the Alumni House in March 2023.

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Traveling from Seattle, Susan Korn and Eliot Bolan ’59 visited campus on June 5 and stopped for a photo with his panel.

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TOM WERMAN ’63 writes, “I had a wonderful four years at Columbia University in New York, followed by a couple of dodgy years at the Business School. At Columbia, I had a band that played at colleges, Manhattan clubs, and private parties all over the Northeast. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart Suky for 55 years, with three wonderful middle-aged ‘kids.’ I took my M.B.A. to Madison Avenue, hating advertising, promptly switched to rock and roll across town at CBS Records in 1970. In 1978, we moved to fabled Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles. I worked at Epic Records for 12 years, finding and producing bands, and continuing in 1982 as an independent producer, making 23 gold and platinum albums out of a total of 52 albums over 20 years. I loved every minute. When music changed in the nineties, we moved back to the Berkshires and established a luxury B&B in Lenox, just down the road from Tanglewood. We ran our award-winning inn for 20 fascinating and stimulating years, and retired three years ago. Jawbone Press is preparing to publish a book I wrote about the glory days of the record industry, and hopefully we’ll see it out before the end of this year. We renovated

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our wonderful house for two years and are blissed out in the Berkshires: travel, golf, long walks, and a grandson, more and more of the winter in Southern California each year, and looking forward to seeing my classmates at the Centennial in October. Looking at what’s going on in the world around us, I think it’s a nice time to be older, to be staying out of the traffic, and to be gazing down from the peaceful and blue Berkshires at the valley of chaos.

I know now why they’re called the good old days.”

1973 DAVE FARRELL ’73 writes, “On my first day of law school down at Duke, a crotchety professor drawled we would end up writing more in our careers than any novelist and he was probably right. Belmont Hill gave me the best preparation for that plus the quantitative skills for mastering varied technical issues in my cases. Our teachers were almost all excellent.

Because they were also our coaches, my other big Belmont Hill thank you is daily exercise. Although it’s getting much harder, since 1978 I’ve run a steady, stabilizing

1,000 miles annually. (No doubt Tim wishes I’d started at Williams.) It’s been critical for blowing off steam and keeping me healthy.

I’m fortunate to have enjoyed admiralty law for 40 years. A clear path from relishing my work on the Cape’s waters, I started at a big Seattle law firm and learned a ton but it was about to implode and I determined a boutique practice would better serve the maritime industry. I also figured it could be done from a home/office, to facilitate a work-life balance, which has gone well since moving back to Chatham in 1991.

My firm generally represents vessel owners (massive cargo ships down to pleasure boats) and I litigate marine casualties involving them before erudite and demanding federal court judges vs. a hard fighting yet typically courteous maritime bar. I continue extensive U.S. and overseas travel and serve The Maritime Law Association of the United States, advising the federal government and international shipping authorities.

My sons are in their thirties and working hard. Dave is a lawyer on the South Shore, Sam manages big ship construction

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The Walshes: Bob ’63 and Kevin ’93, father and son, graduated exactly 30 years apart. Both were acknowledged for their academic and athletic achievements by the Massachusetts Football All-Scholastic team for their respective seasons.

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Seated: Michael Sherman, George Seeley, Rick Melvoin, and Don Stewart. Middle row: Sue Seeley, Robin Grossman, Dana Burnham, Don Rober ’73, Andy Cadiff ’73, Alan Glickman ’73, Jan Stewart, Tony Starr ’73, and Kathy Starr. Back row: Steve Price ’73, Natalie Belanger, Ken Victor ’73, Alli Achtmeyer, Bill Achtmeyer ’73, Jim Burnham, and Mark Jennings ’73.

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around the country, and I love getting together with them and with Dotty, John, and Martha and their families on the Cape.

While it is debatable whether we met through Babe Ruth baseball or Al-Anon, Amelia Rokicki and I have been a most happy common law couple for two decades. She’s a dedicated teacher with two daughters and a son the ages of mine and everyone and the granddogs play nice.

When she can, Amy joins me on off-Cape adventures, but we also like coming back over the bridge, especially in the off-season. I’ve cobbled together five acres and have somewhat updated an 1840 farmhouse, heating by wood stove and maintaining a semblance of rural life amidst the leaf blowers. I want to preserve it as a conservation corridor and continue my primal interest in natural history.

I very much look forward to seeing dear old friends at our 50th and hope the whole class makes it—we spent formative years together during an earlier divisive time and it will be a fascinating anthropological study to reunite during another.”

JIM FOLEY ’73 reports, “Over the past ten days, I have been flooded with memories of my time at Belmont Hill. Searching to make sense of these odd, disjointed shards of emotion, I have come to see it as a reconciliation of sorts, reuniting with old friends, and measuring how far we’ve come and how much still remains.

Throughout the process I have been surprised to realize just how much Belmont Hill has meant to me over the years.

I arrived at Belmont Hill in the fall of 1966 at the age of 12, repeated the third form,

Jim Foley ’73 and family: Katie, Emily, and Charlotte, summer 2019, Block Island, RI.

and left after our fifth form year when I was 18. Certainly, those were formative years. In the fall of ’72, I entered St. Paul’s School. I had been accepted from the waiting list ten days before school started and was not able to transmit this information back to my friends at Belmont Hill.

The hope was that I could put together a couple of good years academically and improve my chances for college admission. My experience at SPS was a positive one. It was nice to get away from home, where my parents were going through a rough divorce. Some of the pressure came off. My grades were good and for the first time in my life I experienced learning for learning’s sake. I didn’t make the varsity hockey team, but I did get to stroke the first boat in the spring. Before the season began, SPS had announced that the varsity crew would make a trip to Henley.

At Henley we won three races before getting beaten by Ridley in the finals of the Princess Elizabeth Cup. In April of ’74 I was accepted at Harvard and Princeton.

I chose Harvard and looked forward to rowing there. That summer I rowed for Kim Bassett and JOHN SHEETZ ’70 at the Belmont Rowing Club. In early August, I was hit by a car while hitchhiking on Rte. 2 in Concord. As a result, my left arm is paralyzed and my left knee was totally dislocated. So that changed everything.

Needless to say, these physical difficulties made my time at Harvard very challenging. And within a very short time I was asked to leave not once, but twice. So, I was out at Harvard. With that I pulled up stakes and left town. I spent the better part of the next year living and working in San Francisco. In the spring of 1979, I came back to St. Paul’s as an assistant crew coach. While there I began taking classes at the University of New Hampshire.

Pretty soon I was going full time, and graduated in 1983 with a degree in English. After UNH, there were about five years working at Locatelli Realty in Belmont Center, plus part-time coaching,

first at Nobles and then at Middlesex. In August of 1988, I married the former Miss Charlotte Katherine Black, of Memphis, TN. If ever I made a good decision, this was it. For the past 35 years, Charlotte and I have made our home in St. Louis, MO. We came here so that I could attend architecture school at Washington University. We stayed because our kids were young and happy in their schools. We stayed because Charlotte felt closer to her family here.

And we stayed because my architecture license and Charlotte’s job were both here.

We have raised two strong and independent daughters, Emily, 31, and Katie, 28, both of whom are now living on the East Coast and would like to see us move back.

I am not opposed to the idea, but it may not be as simple as they seem to think.

In 2003, I became a Registered Architect in the State of Missouri. Prior to that time, I worked at several local firms doing CAD work. Since then, more of the same. Now that I am self-employed and mostly retired, I am finally getting to do some of the fun stuff, i.e., design work. I still have a couple of professional clients, other architects for whom I do computer drafting. I like to think I work about one week a month, but it rarely works out that way. The work shows up sporadically, when it wants to, and when it does come, it usually has a very short fuse.

Now, on to the Reunion. It was great to see so many people there. We had a really good visit with the people at our table: DAN SCHLEY ’73, JON WHITE ’73, JOE KNOWLES ’73, and their spouses. There were a few classmates missing: CHARLIE FISHER ’73, PAUL KELLEY ’73, CLEM DARLING ’73, KENNY ASHJIAN ’73, and JAMIE CASNER ’73; and sadly, some who couldn’t be there ANDY MAZZONE ’73 and GREG STANTON ’73. I wish I could have spent more time with MIKE KITSIS ’73, BURRY GOWEN ’73, BILL ACHTMEYER ’73, and ANDY CADIFF ’73. Nonetheless, Charlotte and I had a wonderful time. And what a phenomenal turnout! I’m sorry Summer–Fall 2023

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we couldn’t be there on Friday night. (We kept waiting for ANDY CADIFF’s bus to arrive.) A special tip of the hat to TONY STARR ’73, who made me feel welcome and cared for. Finally, here’s a toast to our old friend, Morgan L. Service, Class of 1973, whom I still haven’t seen for twelve and a half years now. As these memories wash over me, I still return to the first and last verses of the School Hymn: How happy is he born and taught, That serveth not another’s will…?

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Lord of himself, though not of lands, And having nothing, yet hath all.

–Sir Henry Wotton (1568–1639) What I will always treasure about my time at Belmont Hill are the friends I made there. I learned what it means to be a good teammate, about pulling hard, and always giving your best. I want to thank all my teachers for the gentle way they imparted that knowledge.

I especially want to thank the Alumni House for helping with all the arrangements and making our 50th so easy to attend.

ANDREW MAGEE ’73 retired from his position as Vice President of Chemistry, Biothera.

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Andy Cadiff ’73, Ken Victor ’73, and Jon White ’73 at the Concord Country Club for golf and pickleball hosted by Bill Achtmeyer ’73.

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Dan Schley ’73 writes, “Nearly 50 years to the date of our last time together. Thrill of a lifetime.” 1973 first boat with Chris Richards, current varsity coach. Tim Fulham ’74, stroke; Jon White ’73, #3; David Foster ’74, cox; Burry Gowen ’73, #2; and Dan Schley ’73, bow.

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Mark Chandler ’74 and Tony Green ’74 skiing in Snowmass, CO.

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Art O’Keeffe ’78, John Porrell ’78, Jon Dayton ’78, and Ed Nardi ’78. Four great players from the undefeated football team from the Class of 1978.

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Bill Cleary ’81 and Jim Coady ’88 with their sons. Quinn Cleary pitches for Yale and Owen Coady pitches for UPenn!

This from SEAN COUGHLIN ’83: “Currently an Adjunct Professor at Roxbury Community College, Merrimack College, and the Wentworth Institute of Technology teaching some of my classmates’ children. JOHN PETTIT ’83 and I were both U.S. Marine Corps Officers around the same time. Best part of my life along with being married to my wonderful wife, Maryanne. Two boys, Thomas and Owen, each out of college and making their way in the world. Semper Fi!”

Attorney’s Office with over 25 years of legal experience and has served as First Assistant United States Attorney since January 2022. Josh was an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, from 1997 to 2004, serving in the Criminal Division’s Economic Crimes Unit. There, he prosecuted a wide range of white-collar crimes, including health care fraud, securities and investor fraud, terrorism financing, and environmental crimes.

JOSHUA LEVY ’83 was named Acting United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. He joined the U.S.

ANDREW MILLER ’83 is a managing director of and a principal in Hilco Digital Assets, a venture between him and Hilco

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Global, one of the leading asset advisories and investors in the world. An entrepreneur and connector, Andrew has a record for facilitating strategic mergers and acquisitions, game-changing premium domain name transactions, advising Fortune 100 companies, VC and PE firms, and investors. He has been a principal on over $500 million of domain name acquisitions and sales, including recent deals for Chat. com, Home.com, Tours.com, Candy.com, and Universal.com. Andrew is the founder of CreditCards.com, sold to Austin Ventures: InsuranceQuotes.com, sold to Bank Rate, and an advisor to and shareholder

in Thrasio, one of the leading consumer goods companies in the world. After Belmont Hill, Andrew graduated from Cornell University in 1987 and Harvard Business School’s Owner Management Program in 2004. He and his family live in Newton.

STAN NOWAK ’83 writes, “My wife Lori and I relocated from Manchester, MA, to Tucson, AZ, in the fall of 2022, likely spending summers in Kennebunkport, ME (to keep from melting). My three sons are in colleges scattered across the country. Working as an entrepreneur in residence at Mass General Brigham, working on a mental health startup (focused on college-age kids). Spending as much time as possible getting lost in

the desert on ATVs, the American West is beautiful—maybe a little less beautiful after I’ve been there.”

1984 JOE TULLY ’84 reports, “Not much has changed since the last reunion. Same job, Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Commonwealth Financial.

Same family, wife Sue and daughters Clara and Lydia. Still hanging out with the same group of Belmont Hill guys I was hanging around with 40 years ago. As I write this, we’ve just lost JON GOLDBERG ’84. Jon was a great guy who brought laughter to everyone he met. His passing will hurt for a long time.”

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DAN MARGULIS ’88 is Senior Director, Programming and Acquisitions, ESPN. This from GARDI WILLIS ’88: “Hello everyone. Not much to report. Fortunately, business continues to grow and do well. Our daughters, Caroline and Gardiner, are now both in college—Sewanee and University of Denver. Hard to believe, honestly. Elizabeth continues to put up with me, my business travel, and my hunting and fishing expeditions—not much changes. My sister, Artemis, is back living at our place in Weston after completing her Ph.D. at the University of Chicago. Mom continues to do well, splitting time between Weston and Juno Beach. She will be 93 this year! Look forward to catching up with everyone. All the best, Gardi.”

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Ted MacMahon ’84, Boston Marathon, April 17, 2023.

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Jon Biotti ’87, Jack Connors, and Chris Biotti ’85 at the Belmont Hill Corporation meeting where Jack was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award, May 27, 2023.

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David Parrot ’86 played baseball against Phil Thurner ’06 in a San Francisco league game in June and they discovered they both graduated from Belmont Hill, having played there also.

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Phil Privitera ’86 (Dartmouth B.A. ’90, M.A. ’93) congratulates son Payton Privitera ’19 in Center Ice at Dartmouth College after Colby College squared off against Dartmouth College (ACHA). While Dartmouth won, Payton assisted on the goal that knotted the game at 2 in the second period. Phil was recently voted President-Elect of the Boston College Law School Alumni Council.

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Michael Coughlan ’98 enjoying the Bay Area.

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Julien Appignani ’99 stopped by campus to say hello and mostly to spend time with Doc Fast who meant so much to him when he was at Belmont Hill.

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Visiting from Dallas, TX in March 2023 were Jamie Byrnes ’99 with wife Kristen and daughter Chole.

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class notes

2006 CHUKS EKWELUM ’06 writes, “My wife and I co-founded Legacy of Excellence Academy (LEA), a hybrid, secondary school here in Rwanda, back in 2021. Once sufficiently resourced and off the ground, LEA would be the first school of its kind in Rwanda and on the African continent. Its design is geared toward making a world-class, high-quality education attainable for a wider demographic of youth. All are encouraged to visit our website to learn more: www.legacyrw.org.”

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DAN GAYNOR ’06 has announced his candidacy for Newton City Council, Ward 2 in Newton.

2009 GROOM DINKNEH ’09 has started a new role as Program Manager, Membership at the Experimental AL at Northeastern University.

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2013 From IAN MEYER ’13 comes, “Marrying my husband, Chris, last September was handsdown the highlight of the last ten years! With every major life decision since Belmont Hill (college, job changes, apartments) I’ve ended up moving just a few miles east —now my office is surrounded on three sides by water at the very end of the Seaport, so I’ll be sticking around for a while! Can’t wait to catch up with everyone!”

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Benjamin Joseph David Marcus was born on January 16, 2023 to Hanna and Jamie Marcus ’03.

Big brother Jackson, 3, is thrilled with his new friend.

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Asher McClure Sawitsky born on January 12, 2023 to Denice and Aaron Sawitsky ’04.

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Aiden Aletheia Hayre, 5-month-old daughter of Kendra and Dylan Hayre ’04.

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Congratulations to Marissa and Jay Donovan ’06 on the birth of their son Joey on May 16.

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Michael Brenton Heath, son of Lauren and Zach Heath ’07.

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Trustee Emmett Lyne ’77 with new Belmont Hill Corporation member Ron Hsin ’07 at the Annual Meeting on April 27, 2023.

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Andy Davis ’07, Bradley Starr ’07, Chris Zamore, and Ben Zamore ’07 at the Centennial event on Alumni Weekend.

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Andrew Cornelia ’08 stopped by the Alumni House. Andrew has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz HPC North America LLC. In his new role, he will be responsible for the launch and operations of the Mercedes-Benz charging network in the U.S. and Canada.

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Ian Meyer ’13 (right) and husband Chris.

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2018 DUNCAN GRANT ’18 writes, “Since graduating, I grew a mustache and then shaved it off. I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up, and I still am convinced I can speak Spanish fluently.”

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2021 CALEB MCGRATH ’21’s startup company Cleana was featured in the Boston Herald on July 10. He is the youngest member of the company leadership team. He is heading to Fordham Gabelli School of Business in the fall as a transfer student.

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Johanna and Graham Stack ’13 were married on September 6, 2022 in Slane, Ireland. Belmont Hill graduates pictured: Matt Melanson ’14, Graham Stack ’13, Danny Ramsey ’13, and Kyle Saidnawey ’13.

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Cameron Connors ’16 married Alex Bayer on March 17, 2023 in Palm Coast, FL. Both the bride and groom are West Point Class of 2020 graduates. The bride and groom are First Lieutenants in the Army stationed at Fort Carson, CO. Alex is an Armor Officer and Cameron is a Field Artillery Officer. Pictured from left to right are: Kevin Connors ’10, Eric Butte ’16, Alex Bayer, Cameron Connors ’16, Matt Armstrong ’16, Charlie Danziger ’16, Mike Armstrong ’17, and Sean Connors ’12.

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Andrew Kaneb ’17, Will Galligan ’16, and Charlie Danziger ’16 at Alumni Weekend in May.

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Payton Privitera ’19 was awarded the Colby College Italian Prize, where he graduated this spring with a major in English and double minors in Film Studies and Italian. Payton also broadcasted a weekly sports radio show on WMHB Radio in Waterville, ME, and was elected assistant captain of Colby’s ACHA Intercollegiate Hockey Team in his senior year.

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Ikenna Ugbaja ’20 visited campus in May to speak with the Brother 2 Brother student group.

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Jack Barry ’21 and Christopher O’Connell ’21. Boston College played Northeastern in club lacrosse at Alumni Stadium on April 14, 2023 in the Red Bandana Game, a fantastic night for both teams.

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Dylan Rosen ’22, David Carter ’22, Gabriel Klug ’22, and Ben Trotsky ’22 at Alumni Weekend in May.

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In May, at the Eastern Sprints (the college championship for the Eastern US) Coach Richards caught up with some of our college rowers.

Kneeling: Tyler Forg ’21, Sreetej Digumarthi ’21, George Carroll ’25, Bennett Carroll ’23, Jack Kastner ’25, Vince Mezzanotte ’25, Luca Mezzanotte ’23, and Andrew Bittner ’24. Standing: Nick Hebard ’21, Ryan Williams ’17, Henry Thomas ’18, Howard Huang ’22, Coach Ray Parejo, Teddy Danziger ’19, Stephen Warming ’22, Sean Mannion ’18, Coach Gregg Stone, Jackson Stone ’19, Chris Richards, and Bobby Pare ’19. Competed at Sprints but not pictured: John High ’19, Luca Foschi-Walko ’20, and Adam Alto ’21.

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Recent Alumni Gathering August 9, 2023

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Recent Alumni were invited to a Boston Gathering with a few Belmont Hill faculty and staff at Trillium at Fort Point.

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Chris Bracken ’15, Tyson Trautz, JR Arakelian ’11, Nick Davos ’11, Rob Caggiano ’11, and Michael Kenary ’11.

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TJ Agnihotri ’17, Greg Katz ’16, and Brian Melly ’16.

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Bryce Anderson ’19, Kevin O’Neill ’19, Hunter Anderson ’19, Matt Goguen ’19, and Tim Sullivan.

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Dennis Chin, Jack McHugh ’20, Andrew Hart ’19, Tyson Trautz, and Jason Oliveri ’20.

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THE DARREN D. GALLUP ’03 SCHOLARSHIP: A Legacy of Tremendous Impact (continued from page 18) In addition to the scholarship, which was made possible by donors, Belmont Hill named its three-sport athlete award in his honor. The Darren D. Gallup ’03 Three-Sport Athlete Award is one of, if not the most, cherished athletic awards presented by the School. Given on Prize Day each year, it recognizes those boys who participate broadly in athletics by earning varsity letters in each season of their senior year. The multi-sport athlete has been, and continues to be, one of the cornerstones of the Belmont Hill athletic program and the 100-year history of the School. Belmont Hill’s sustained success in athletics can be attributed directly to boys participating and contributing across multiple seasons and sports.

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“Darren Gallup was the quintessential Belmont Hill multisport athlete,” says Athletic Director George Tahan. “He loved athletics, being on teams, supporting his teammates, and wearing the Belmont Hill jersey. It has, and continues to be, my great honor to present this award each year. In doing so we both remember Darren and honor those boys who have followed in his footsteps in keeping the tradition of the multi-sport athlete thriving at Belmont Hill.” Since 2003, 217 students have received this distinct honor, carrying Darren’s spirit and legacy forward.

faculty & staff news

NEW FACULTY AND STAFF

RYLEE ALLEN A 2023 graduate of Berklee College of Music with a B.M. in music education and a minor in psychology, Rylee Allen joins Belmont Hill as a one-year music teacher providing sabbatical coverage in our Arts department.

Ms. Allen will teach two sections of music, will lead our bands and orchestras, and will assist with the organization of Belmont Hill’s private music lesson program. Prior to graduation, Ms. Allen was a student teacher at Newton South High School and John Eliot Elementary School teaching improvisation, lab jazz classes, jazz ensembles, and symphonic band and wind ensembles. She also taught private piano lessons and served as president of Berklee’s National Association for Music Educators chapter.

ELLEN ARENA A 2021 graduate of Hobart and William Smith Colleges with a B.A. in elementary education and a minor in child advocacy, Ellen Arena joins Belmont Hill as a Development and Admission Associate. In this role, she will be working with Belmont Hill’s Young and Recent Alumni, assisting with the Annual Fund, and supporting the Admission Office with campus outreach events, campus tours and interviews, file reading, and yield events.

Prior to Belmont Hill, Ms. Arena was the assistant women’s lacrosse coach at Amherst College and also worked at HubSpot.

JENNIFER BAKER

Jen Baker (nee Ruys) joined the Belmont Hill staff in 2019 as an athletic trainer. This fall she transitions to the faculty where she will teach Science 1, Quantitative Physiology, and health classes. She will also advise students and coach.

In addition, Mrs. Baker will also continue in her role co-directing the Sports Performance Team. She holds an M.S. from Bridgewater State University and a B.S. from Suffolk University.

TI-CHENG CHIU BALBO Ti-Cheng Chiu Balbo joins Belmont Hill as a one-year interim Chinese teacher providing sabbatical coverage in our Modern Languages department. Prior to joining Belmont Hill, Ms. Balbo was a Chinese instructor in the World Languages department at Salem State University. She is a member of the New England Chinese Teachers Association. Ms. Balbo received a Master of Applied Linguistics in Foreign Languages from the University

of Massachusetts, Boston, and holds an M.A. in American Studies and a Mandarin Teacher Training Course Certificate from Tamkang University in Taipei, Taiwan.

ANTHONY FUCILLO Anthony Fucillo joins Belmont Hill as the Assistant Athletic Director/Head Varsity Football Coach. Mr. Fucillo comes to Belmont Hill after working at some of the top academic colleges at the Division I, II, and III levels, most recently as the safeties coach at Harvard University. As a national recruiter at Harvard, he was instrumental in identifying the qualities and characteristics of students who thrive in highly rigorous academic institutions. At Amherst College, he served as a recruiting coordinator during a momentous effort to diversify the student body. Prior to Harvard, Mr. Fucillo was the quarterbacks’ coach at Amherst College and also held coaching positions at WPI and Stonehill College. He is a graduate of Tufts University where he was the captain of the football team and a two-year starter at quarterback, playing for coach Jay Civetti ’97.

JOHN KING John King joins Belmont Hill as an athletic trainer following 12 years as the head athletic trainer at Brooks School in North Andover, where he provided traditional athletic training services for approximately 350 students in grades 9–12. Prior to his time at Brooks, Mr. King worked as an assistant athletic trainer at Harvard University. He holds a B.S. in athletic training/exercise science and an M.S. in sports psychology from Ithaca College.

BENJAMIN LISTON Benjamin Liston joins the Counseling Office where he will assist June Schmunk in providing counseling services. Mr. Liston will also teach health classes and support Belmont Hill’s health programming. Previously, Mr. Liston served as the interim assistant head of school and the director of student support services at Gann Academy. Prior to Gann, he held the position of director of counseling and wellness for seven years at Rivers School. He holds a Certificate of Advanced Study and a Master of Education in Risk and Prevention from Harvard Graduate School of Education, as well as a B.A. in the performing arts from Colby College.

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NEW FACULTY AND STAFF CONT.

LAWRENCE R.A. LOPEZ-MENZIES Lawrence Lopez-Menzies joins Belmont Hill as a member of the faculty, assisting in the Admission Office, working with student affinity groups, coaching basketball and crew, and advising. A graduate of Yale University with a B.A. in political science, Mr. Lopez-Menzies is currently completing an M.A. in clinical psychology from Columbia University Teachers College. He is the co-founder and president of Crew Haven, an organization committed to removing barriers to access and opportunity in rowing.

TONY MAWS ’88 Tony Maws ’88 joins Belmont Hill as Director of Culinary Excellence. The scope of his role will cover the comprehensive food experience at Belmont Hill, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner for our day and boarding students as well as catering services. Mr. Maws was the owner and chef of local favorite restaurants such as Craigie on Main, Craigie Burger, Craigie St. Bistrot, and the Kirkland Tap & Trotter. He is a James Beard Award Winner as the Best Chef in the Northeast in 2011, and he has been recognized by Food & Wine, Boston Magazine, and GQ for his restaurants and his cooking. He is a graduate of Belmont Hill and the University of Michigan, and he has been active with various local charities related to food.

CHANEL NIJMEH Belmont Hill welcomes Chanel Nijmeh as Director of Academic Support. In this role, she will lead the School’s Office of Academic Support and provide direct instruction to students. Ms. Nijmeh joins Belmont Hill from the Marin School in San Rafael, CA, where she served as the Dean of Students and led and strengthened the school’s Program for Academic Success. In addition, she was responsible for overseeing all student programs to ensure they were serving students and provided leadership and vision for their DEIJ committee.

Prior to the Marin School, Ms. Nijmeh spent seven years as an educational specialist at Archbishop Riordan High School, an all-boys high school in San Francisco where she provided individualized academic and social support. Ms. Nijmeh holds a B.A. in English education and an M.A. in special education from San Francisco State University and will complete her M.Ed. in educational leadership from Arizona State University in 2024.

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CELINE PAK After receiving her B.A. in classical languages and comparative literature from Haverford College in the spring of 2023, Celine Pak joins Belmont Hill as a teaching fellow in Belmont Hill’s Classics department. Ms. Pak has worked in many different roles in education, even though she is a recent graduate, including serving as a teaching assistant in Elementary Greek and a research assistant in the Classics department at Haverford. She received the Class of 1896 Prize, in honor of outstanding work in Latin upon graduation.

ALISA SIMMONS Alisa Simmons joined the Business Office in the spring of 2023 as Business Associate, managing student billing as well as the bookstore.

Mrs. Simmons earned a B.A. in economics and accounting from Holy Cross. She has worked in public accounting with Ernst & Young and as an analyst at Harvard University and Lahey Clinic. More recently, she was the business manager at Saint Raphael’s Parish and School assisting with audits and all aspects of the financial operations.

DAVID VARGAS David Vargas joins Belmont Hill as a teaching fellow in our Science department where he will teach science, assist with soccer coaching, and work with musical ensembles. He comes to Belmont Hill as a 2023 graduate of Dartmouth College with a B.A. in neuroscience and minors in public policy and chemistry. With experience in tutoring both for the SATs and chemistry, Mr. Vargas also served as a biology Learning Fellow and a Teaching Assistant for introductory biology while at Dartmouth. Originally from the Dominican Republic, he is also a musician who co-founded a small music school in the Dominican Republic during the pandemic that offered free classes in music theory, bass guitar, and piano to local students.

FACULTY & STAFF NEWS

JOSEPH MARZILLI RETIRES AFTER 22 YEARS In honor of JOE MARZILLI’s retirement in December 2022, we pay tribute to his remarkable contributions as a longtime member of the facilities team at Belmont Hill. Joe joined the staff in the summer of 2000. Throughout his tenure, he has been an essential and valued presence, taking immense pride in maintaining the campus and fields to perfection. He has consistently gone the extra mile for our coaches and the boys, embodying the spirit of true teamwork.

Joe Marzilli, Belmont Hill Facilities 2000–2022.

As we bid farewell to Joe, we recognize the impact he has had on our school and community. His strong work ethic, combined with his friendly and supportive nature, has left a positive mark on everyone who had the pleasure of working with him. To Joe, we extend our warmest congratulations.

May your retirement be filled with well-deserved relaxation and adventure. Thank you, Joe, for everything you’ve given to Belmont Hill!

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Congratulations to Jen (Ruys) Baker and her husband Jon on their July 15 wedding in Maine.

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Great to see Bunny and Rick Melvoin at numerous events this year. Five years have passed as swiftly as five minutes.

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Congratulations to Lauren Ayers and Graeme Calloway on their June 17 wedding. Belmont Hill guests included Will Ryan ’17, Ryan Ganong ’09, Chris Richards, Stephen George, Jake DeCaprio ’16, and Will Weiter ’16.

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Faculty reunion, summer luncheon. Seated: George Seeley and Harold Prenatt. Standing: Buddy Bates, Bob Arnold, and Michael Sherman.

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in memoriam

Nathan M. Pusey ’55 died on August 6, 2023, at age 85. David S. Ross ’61 died on September 8, 2023, at age 80. Jeffrey M. Gold ’68 died on June 19, 2023, at age 73. Former faculty member James Hejduk died on September 18, 2023, at age 79. Their obituaries will appear in the next Bulletin.

Mr. Hodgdon is survived by his daughter, Kerry Hammond and husband Michael Jay, son Keith Hodgdon and wife Judy, and son Kenneth Hodgdon and wife Teri.

He also leaves his grandchildren, Kenny Hodgdon, Leia Hodgdon, Brittney Little, Ben Hammond, Matthew Hammond, and Jeremiah Hammond, and his great-grandchildren, Eli and Briella Hammond.

JAMES E. TILLOTSON ’47 ROBERT E. HODGDON ’47

Robert Earl (Bob) Hodgdon of Scarborough, ME, died on July 3, 2022. He was 93.

Born in Boston on July 31, 1928, he was the son of the late Alby and Helen (Earl) Hodgdon. After moving on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Springfield College, Mr. Hodgdon enlisted in the U.S. Marines and served for two years.

He worked at Pineland Hospital; and then became the Parks and Recreation director for the State of Maine, as well as a professor of Parks and Recreation Leadership at Westbrook College. He was president of the Higgins Beach Association in 1967– 1968 and a member of the Scarborough Planning Board.

James Edward (Jim) Tillotson died on April 23, 2023, in Weymouth, MA. He was 94.

Dr. Tillotson was born on February 9, 1929, in Cambridge, MA, the son of the late Kenneth and Vivian Tillotson. He went on to earn his A.B. from Harvard in 1953, a master’s from Boston University in 1956, and his doctorate from MIT in 1964. He also received a business degree from the University of Delaware in 1969. Early in his career he worked in chemical policy at DuPont in Wilmington, DE, following his graduation from MIT. He then went on to work in food policy as the vice president of research and development at Ocean Spray Cranberries in Plymouth, MA, until his retirement in 1989. He was the founder of ARD Inc., a consulting firm in the food industry.

Mr. Hodgdon loved his family and his many pets. He was often seen chasing “one way” drivers up Ocean Avenue. He organized many lobster bakes with friends, and he loved boating, fishing, and golf. In his later years, he enjoyed plowing and was a handyman for many residents of Higgins Beach, where he was well known.

Following his retirement from Ocean Spray, Dr. Tillotson began a new career as a professor of food policy in the school of nutrition at Tufts University. He was also an adjunct professor of international business at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and an adjunct professor of family medicine and community health at the school of medicine. He retired from Tufts in 2016.

Preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor C. Hodgdon and son-in-law, Craig Hammond,

Dr. Tillotson was always an athlete. He loved bicycling, and even worked repairing

bikes in college. He also loved playing tennis and squash, and while living in Delaware, he was ranked eighth in the state in tennis. In the late seventies he discovered a passion for ballroom dancing. He and his wife, Cynthia, took many lessons and spent hours dancing with friends. Also he went on to take part in many Pro-Am competitions with his instructors and was quite successful. He sparked an interest in ballroom dancing in his granddaughter, Katie, who continues the family tradition of competition today. He was still taking lessons and practicing until just a few months before his death.

Dr. Tillotson also enjoyed writing, publishing many scientific papers and biographical pieces as well as short stories.

In recent years, he developed a love of cooking, baking, and painting.

He was preceded in death in 2006 by Cynthia, his wife of 48 years, and in 2001 by his daughter, Kimberley Wolgamuth.

He is survived by his daughter, Pamela Desrosiers, son-in-law, Mark, and grandson, Josh, as well as his son-in-law, Todd Wolgamuth, and his granddaughter, Katie. He is also survived by his partner of the last several years, Anne Collins.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Theodore L. Tillotson ’51.

JOHN A. PIKE ’49

John Abbott Pike, of Lincoln, MA, died on July 19, 2023. He was 92.

Born in Winchester, MA in 1930, Mr. Pike was the son of the late Joan Abbott and Herman Fay Pike. He went on to graduate from Williams College and Harvard Law Summer–Fall 2023

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School and later joined the firm of Ropes & Gray in Boston, where he spent 36 years as a corporate and real estate lawyer.

Following his retirement, he worked with the Conservation Law Foundation on issues of the environment and public interest.

He chose to devote many years of service to Belmont Hill School, which held a special place in his heart from the days when he was enrolled with Dixon Pike ’50, his late younger brother, great friend, and hockey teammate. Mr. Pike served on the School’s board of trustees for 20 years and was its president from 1989 to 2001, a period of dynamic growth bridging the administrations of Christopher Wadsworth and Richard Melvoin. Later, he served as chair of the Corporation and as a member of the leadership committees of capital campaigns and of the School’s Centennial observance.

In recognition of his remarkable service over many years, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2002 and an honorary trusteeship in 2016.

An avid hockey fan, particularly of the Boston Bruins, and a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, Mr. Pike exemplified dignity, integrity, and fortitude, and, while gracious and respectful, he was a man who did not shrink from whatever responsibilities and challenges life presented. He was comfortable in the corporate world but happiest when he was splitting wood and driving his tractor on some project around his family property in Randolph, VT, or enjoying fun and games with his family, particularly his grandchildren.

Mr. Pike is survived by his beloved wife and constant companion of 65 years, Polly Pike; his children, John R. Pike ’77, William A. Pike ’84, Susan Wendell Pike Lurvey, Margaret Pike, and Sarah Pike Isaacs; ten grandchildren, and many friends and admirers, all of whom will cherish memories of his calm demeanor, sage advice, dry sense of humor, possibly his mischievous side, and definitely his hands, which were warm and strong to the end.

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KENNETH F. JOHNSON ’52

DENNIS LITTLE ’52

Kenneth F. (Ken) Johnson, of Camden.

ME, died on May 18, 2023. He was 89.

Dennis Little, of Vero Beach, FL, died on January 3, 2023. He was 87.

Born in Cambridge, MA, Mr. Johnson was the only child of the late Adolph and Erma Carman Johnson. He grew up in the Boston area and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College and later his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago. In June of 1957, he married the love of his life, Sandra Weldon.

Born in Boston on June 22, 1935, Mr. Little was the son of the late Margaret de Ronge Little and Thomas Wolcott Little.

He went on to earn his A.B. and M.B.A. from Harvard and served as a U.S. Naval officer on Midway Island from 1956–59.

Mr. Johnson’s career in business and healthcare consulting took him up and down the entire East Coast with a stint in Cleveland, OH. Eventually, he and his wife settled in Winthrop, ME, where they finished raising their three children. He took advantage of life in rural Maine, enjoying cross country skiing, puttering around his barn and yard, and being an avid cheerleader for his children’s activities. Once their children flew the nest, the Johnsons moved to the Washington, DC area and spent ten years working there and enjoying the cultural offerings of a larger city. When he retired, they moved back to their home in Winthrop and spent many happy years entertaining their grandchildren. A few years ago, they moved to Quarry Hill Senior Community in Camden, ME. Mr. Johnson is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra Johnson, of Camden; his children, Mark Johnson, of Tewksbury, MA, Kristen Bird, of Munich, Germany and Islesboro, ME, and Kimberly Kopelman, of Littleton, MA; and four grandchildren, Matthew, Sophie, Alexia, and Oliva.

It is said that he lived a big life, marked by great business success, great adventure, and great fun. He had relentless drive, softened by his mischievous humor. A remarkable athlete, he excelled at soccer, hockey, and tennis.

Mr. Little’s career path was as a financial executive at JP Stevens, General Cable, and Textron. He also served on several boards, including Russell Reynolds Associates, Collette Travel, and Bryant University in Rhode Island.

He was married to Susan Gay Walker from 1957–1983 and then to Jo Bennett from 1984 until her death in 2020.

He is survived by his first wife, Susan, of Hingham, MA, their two daughters, Heather and Jennifer, and five grandchildren.

He is survived by his son Peter Henkels Jr. and his daughter Julie Henkels.

ERIC DUNN ’53

Eric Dunn, of Sarasota, FL, died on December 29, 2021. He was 88.

Born in New York City in 1933, Mr. Dunn was the son of the late Clarence A. Dunn Sr. and Lucia Mae Dunn. He went on to Boston University after proudly serving in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953–56. He was an avid sailboat racer and squash and racquetball player.

Mr. Dunn is survived by his son, Eric Dunn, daughters, Kimberly Dunn and Deborah Langer, eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Carolyn Dunn, his wife of 25 years, his sister, Jean Smith, and his brother, Clarence A. Dunn, Jr.

PETER D. HENKELS ’57

Peter D. Henkels, of Thorndale, PA, died on December 24, 2022. He was 85.

Born in Newton MA in 1937, Mr. Henkels was the son of the late Maurice and Helen Henkels. He went on to earn his BA at Colorado College and worked for many years in the insurance industry, including time at the Reliance Company in Philadelphia and Liberty Mutual in New Jersey.

STEPHEN J. LERMAN ’57

Lerman had an extraordinary affection and respect for all children, and the world will be a much less interesting place without him.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, and his first wife, Lindsey Miller-Lerman and their two children, Hannah and Jeremy Lerman; his grandchildren, Spencer and Piper Cook; his stepsiblings, Joan and Robert Winer, cousin Nancy London, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Martin and Roger Lerman.

Stephen James (Steve) Lerman, of Reno, NV, died on June 6, 2023. He was 83.

Born in Brookline, MA, he was the son of the late Jacob and Jeanne (Rosenbaum) Lerman. He went on to earn degrees from Princeton University, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and Harvard School of Public Health.

Dr. Lerman was in his element as a summer camp counselor at his beloved North Woods on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH. He continued his medical training in pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Later, he served in the U.S. Public Health Service, investigating disease outbreaks in Nigeria. Dr. Lerman strived to improve public health by organizing children’s vaccine trials at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE, including the first trial of flu vaccine for children.

He thrived on travel adventures, visiting over 50 countries in his lifetime. He consulted on child health programs from Africa to Asia, and in Switzerland working for the World Health Organization. After Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Lerman reactivated as a Captain in the U.S. Public Health Service. He guided American families in adopting almost 300 children during his 22 trips to China.

He met the love of his life, Phyllis Sander, on a volunteer archeology expedition to Turkey. They married in Brookline in 1999 and moved to Reno, NV, in 2009 to be an active part of his grandchildren’s lives. Dr.

LUKE A. GRIFFIN ’66

Luke A. Griffin, of Wellesley, MA, died on April 1, 2023, at the age of 74.

Born in Woburn, MA, to the late Stephen and Helen Griffin, he grew up in Winchester, MA. He went on to graduate from the University of Notre Dame in 1970 with a degree in broadcast journalism and received his master’s degree from Boston University.

Mr. Griffin was an avid fan of all Boston sports. After completing his studies, he was able to pursue a career that aligned with his passion, working in sports radio at WCCM in Lawrence, MA. It was there that he met the love of his life, Barbara, and they married in 1972. Shortly after, they moved to Iceland, where he was stationed in the U.S. Navy at the Keflavik Naval Air Base and worked as a sports broadcaster.

He went on to have a successful career at Mutual Broadcasting, WFAN in New York, and finally with the Red Sox Radio Network in Boston. His work allowed him to travel all over the country and the world, where he covered the 1980 and 1984 Summer–Fall 2023

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Winter Olympics, several Super Bowls, college bowl games, and PGA tournaments.

During their 35 years of marriage, the Griffins enjoyed raising their five children, traveling, and making lifelong friends in all the places they lived. The death of Barbara in 2007 had a tremendous impact on him. Since then, he devoted much of his energy to supporting the Lymphoma Research Foundation through proceeds he received from eBay sales of his sports memorabilia collection.

Mr. Griffin made Wellesley, MA, his home for the past 25 years. He was active in the community of St. Paul’s Church, where he regularly served as a Eucharistic minister.

He could also be seen frequently at the post office or walking his best pal, Ernie the pug, around town. After retiring from broadcasting, he enjoyed working as a counselor at Hurley House in Waltham, MA. He was the devoted father of Stephen Griffin and his wife, Julie, of Wellesley; Luke Griffin, Jr. of San Diego, CA; James Griffin and his partner, Margaret Farmer, of Red Hook, NY; Amy Griffin and her partner, Eszter Hamori, of Jamaica Plain, MA; and Allison Griffin of Wellesley. He was a loving Grampy to granddaughters, Jacklyn and Reagan of Wellesley. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Audrey Meikle, and her husband, Robert, of North Andover, MA, and brothers-in-law Ronald of North Andover, as well as Stephen and his wife, Raquel, of Pembroke Pines, FL. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

PETER F. KRONENBERG ’66

Peter Fletcher Kronenberg, of Washington, DC, died on June 26, 2023. He was 74.

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Born in 1948, he was the son of the late John L. and Margaret Fletcher Kronenberg. He was raised in Weston, MA, and went on to Williams College, where in 1970 he received his Bachelor of Arts degree. He earned his J.D. from Suffolk University School of Law in 1974 and his Master of Science in forensic accounting from Northeastern University Graduate School of Professional Accounting in 1983. He continued his studies at McGill University School of Law. Mr. Kronenberg spent ten years as a chartered accountant with “Big 8” firms, and as an IT consulting analyst and manager in North America, Liberia, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Haiti, where he successfully rebuilt failing HMOs. His nieces used to think he was a spy, for all of his mysterious travels to far-flung parts of the globe. No matter how busy, he would always remember to bring them unique gifts.

He was most proud of his 30+ years’ experience in what he called “the trenches of the HIV epidemic.” He installed the first IT system of the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts, facilitated support groups for the newly diagnosed, and served as vice president for communications of the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA), and editor of its publication Positive Voice. He was a tireless advocate, traveling nationwide building bridges.

Mr. Kronenberg received his Master of Theological Studies degree in 2008 from Harvard University Divinity School. He then moved to Washington, DC upon his acceptance into Catholic University of America’s School of Theology and Religious Studies.

He was an experienced adult educator in the US Episcopal, Canadian Anglican, and North American Old Catholic (Germanspeaking Anglican) churches, a translator of musical texts from German, French, Italian, Latin, and liturgical Greek for performing organizations including the Boston and Toronto Symphony Orchestras, and a noted tenor in the worldrenowned Handel and Haydn Society of

Boston. An avid reader, whose home office was piled high in books, Mr. Kronenberg had a remarkable collection of antique leather-bound Bibles and theological works, many in the original tongues.

In what he called the high point of his career, in 2017 he was ordained a priest in the Old Catholic Diocese of the Chesapeake Bay. In 2021, he was ordained Bishop Vicar. He spent much of his time out among the street community of his beloved Washington, DC, bringing love, empathy, and encouragement. He was one of the last true Renaissance Men, and above all a gentle spirit.

Mr. Kronenberg leaves a brother, John (Jay) Kronenberg ’65, sister-in-law, Ruth, two beloved nieces, Liz and Sarah, a treasured grandnephew, Parker, and half-siblings, Carl Eichenwald, Lucy Eichenwald, and Maria (Eichenwald) Slowe. He was preceded in death by two longtime life partners, Robert (Bob) Hart of Boston and Tomijiro (Tommy) Namura of Vancouver, BC.

JONATHAN P. ELLIS ’71

Jonathan Perry (Jon) Ellis, of Dunedin, FL, and a summer resident of Avon, CO, died on June 18, 2023. He was 70.

Mr. Ellis was born in 1953 in San Diego, CA, to the late Rebecca Ruth Perry and Dwight H. Ellis, Jr. He attended Harvard College, where he played on the golf team.

Later, he obtained a master’s degree from the Harvard School of Public Health.

Following his studies, he worked for Governor Jerry Brown’s administration in California before relocating to Florida

in 1981. It was there that he met his future wife, Dr. Yael Yokel, while working at Cigna Healthcare. The couple eloped in 1983 and went on to have three children. Mr. Ellis was seen as a loving, caring husband and an amazing father who was always there for his children, never missing a single soccer game or tennis match.

For the majority of his career, he served as a consultant for the City of Largo, FL, until his retirement in 2018, when he and his wife moved to Dunedin. He was a natural athlete and enjoyed tennis, skiing, golfing, pickleball, and scuba diving. He also enjoyed traveling and embarked with his wife on numerous trips across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and South America, with plans to explore Asia and Africa as well. At heart, Mr. Ellis loved spending time at home with his family, reading, watching sports, and taking their dogs to the dog park. He and his wife spent summers in Avon hiking, golfing, and playing pickleball, and returned every winter season to ski.

He is survived by his wife, Yael Yokel Ellis; his children, Coral Ellis Cable (Sam Cable), Hope Emma Ellis, and Dylan Perry Ellis; his grandchildren, Eli Tommy Cable and Emma Ruth Cable; his brother, Thomas R. Ellis ’68; his ten nieces and nephews and their families; as well as his dogs, Rocky and Tini. Mr. Ellis was preceded in death by his brother, Dwight H. Ellis III ’65 and his niece, Anna Ellis.

PRESTON G. CURTIS ’81

Preston Gray Curtis, of Gloucester, MA, formerly of Winchester, MA, and Newport Beach, CA, died on June 16, 2023. He was 60.

Born in Winchester, he was the son of Judith (Pearl) and Henry Curtis. He went on to attend Rollins College and graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he was active in the school’s television news station.

Mr. Curtis was the owner and founder of Harbor Appraisal, a North Shore real estate appraisal firm.

While at Belmont Hill, he developed a particular interest in studying Latin, which kindled a lifelong interest for language. He served as captain of the varsity crew and was a member of the first boat, which set a course record for the New England Interscholastic Rowing Association that stood for many years. After college, Mr. Curtis spent time in the Boston area and in Newport Beach, where he worked in the nascent cellular telephone industry. He spent a few memorable years living on his sailboat docked in Newport Beach Harbor.

When knee trouble threatened his running career while living in California, he took up barefoot running and soon found himself competing in 10k races and half marathons.

Returning to Boston, he started Team New England Barefoot Running, which organized local barefoot events. A true lover of water, he was happy swimming, kayaking, sailing, and spending time at Good Harbor Beach.

Mr. Curtis had a keen interest in genealogy and Revolutionary War history. Recently, while immobilized by ALS, he researched his ancestry and identified himself as a descendant of a colonial captain who fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill. This discovery prompted him to join the Sons and Daughters of the First Settlers of Newbury and the Sons of the American Revolution.

He is survived by his parents, Henry and Judith (Pearl) Curtis, of Winchester and Gloucester; his brothers, Geoffrey Curtis ’78 and his wife, Shannon; and their children, Austin ’23, Caroline, and Rhett Curtis ’26 of Winchester; and Matthew Curtis ’83 and his wife, Monica; and their child, Alejandro, of Cambridge.

JONATHAN I. GOLDBERG ’84

Jonathan I. (Jon) Goldberg, of Denver, CO, died on June 18, 2023. He was 57.

The son of the late Don and Joan Goldberg, he grew up in Newton, MA, and went on to Brown University and the University of Virginia Law School. He became a real estate agent and true real estate professional in the Denver area, known for his understanding and patience with his clients.

Mr. Goldberg was a lifelong collector of deep friendships dating from his school and college days and including many rugby teams along the way. Called big-hearted, warm, and life-affirming, he lived a life of zest, humor, and love.

He was an enthusiastic cyclist and skier and enjoyed playing the guitar. Reconnecting with his extended family at Thanksgiving and in summer visits to Cape Cod were important annual commitments for him.

Devoted to his family, Mr. Goldberg is survived by his loving wife, Megan, and their sons, Owen and Sebastian.

He also leaves his sister, Anne, and her husband, Michael, his sister, Lisa, and her husband, Roy, his stepmother, Maxine, and his stepsister and stepbrother, Laura and Robert.

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Belmont Hill School

Board of Trustees Jon M. Biotti ’87, President William F. Achtmeyer ’73, Vice President Gregory J. Schneider, Secretary Anthony W. Ryan, Treasurer Samuel P. Bartlett Florence T. Bourgeois Mark D. Chandler ’74 Gretchen R. Cook-Anderson Warren Cross, Jr. ’83 Carl D. Dawson ’72 Groom Dinkneh ’09 Jeffrey D. Drucker ’90 Ronald M. Druker ’62 Jean C. Egan Daniel S. Farb William A. Forde ’05 John T. Grady, Jr. ’66 Christopher J. Hadley Danielle A. Heard Jacqueline L. Hendrix ex officio Jason H. Hurd ’90 Stephen R. Karp ’57 Jonathan A. Kraft ’82

George W. Lynch II ’88 ex officio Emmett E. Lyne ’77 Todd A. MacLean Amy B. Madden Carl J. Martignetti ’77 Gregory C. Paul ’09 Sarah H. Pelmas Taggart M. Romney ’88 Jill M. Shah Brian J. Shortsleeve ’91 Herbert S. Wagner III honorary trustee John M. Connors, Jr.

350 Prospect Street Belmont, MA 02478 617.484.4410 www.belmonthill.org We welcome your comments and suggestions.

Please address all correspondence to the Bulletin Editor at the above address, or email us at communications@belmonthill.org. managing editor Bill Mahoney editors Amy Hirsch Lindsey Taylor class notes & in memoriam Eileen Foley Harold Prenatt photography John Gillooly, John Gillooly IV, Kristie Gillooly Dean, Neal Hamberg, Amy Hirsch, Bill Mahoney, Adam Richins, Matt Risley, Dan Duarte, and the Belmont Hill School Archives ©2023 Belmont Hill School. All rights reserved.

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Below: The Hamilton Chapel is decked out for Belmont Hill’s yearlong Centennial celebration.

On back cover: Class of 2028 at their Form I Field Day, Spring 2023.

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