Treasurer Valentine Hollingsworth III ’72, P’17 Dover, Mass.
TRUSTEES
Peter J. Caldwell
Providence, R.I.
Catalina Dib P’25, P’26
Boston, Mass.
Peter V.K. Doyle ’69
Sherborn, Mass.
Cheryl M. Duckworth P’22, P’23
Lynnfield, Mass.
Anthony H. Everets ’93 New York, N.Y.
Julia Saltonstall Haley ’88, P’25
South Hamilton, Mass.
Paul L. Hallingby ’65 New York, N.Y.
Kevin R. Hendrickson ’04, P’24, P’26 North Andover, Mass.
Monique Y. Johnson P’24, P’26 North Andover, Mass.
Booth D. Kyle ’89
Severna Park, Md.
Diana Merriam P’08, P’11 Boxford, Mass.
Sally T. Milliken ’88, P’22, P’24, P’27
Byfield, Mass.
Sunit Mukherjee P’15, P’22
North Andover, Mass.
John R. Packard Jr. P’18, P’21
Head of School
North Andover, Mass.
Russell T. Pyle ’87, P’25 Chestnut Hill, Mass.
Vivek Sharma P’24
Boston, Mass.
Isabella Speakman Timon ’92, P’26
Gulf Stream, Fla.
Alessandro F. Uzielli ’85 New York, N.Y.
Meredith M. Verdone ’81, P’19 Newton Center, Mass.
Christopher T. Wood ’85 Los Angeles, Calif.
Tents became a campus fixture in May, as Brooks celebrated both Commencement and Alumni Weekend.
ALUMNI TRUSTEES
Matthew Nash ’14
Dover, N.H.
Aron Xie ’15
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
TRUSTEES EMERITI
William N. Booth ’67, P’05
Chestnut Hill, Mass.
Henry M. Buhl ’48
New York, N.Y.
Steve Forbes ’66, P’91
Bedminster, N.J.
Steven R. Gorham ’85, P’17, P’21
Ipswich, Mass.
H. Anthony Ittleson ’56, P’84, P’86
Green Pond, S.C.
Michael B. Keating ’58, P’97
Boston, Mass.
Frank A. Kissel ’69, P’96, P’99
Far Hills, N.J.
Peter A. Nadosy ’64
New York, N.Y.
Eleanor R. Seaman P’86, P’88, P’91, GP ’18
Hobe Sound, Fla.
David R. Williams III ’67
Beverly Farms, Mass.
Head of School
John R. Packard Jr. P’18, P’21
Acting Head of School
Nina Freeman
Director of Institutional Advancement
Gage S. Dobbins P’22, P’23
Director of Alumni and Family Programs
Sara Bird
Director of Family Engagement and Giving
Mary Merrill
Director of Admission and Financial Aid
Bini W. Egertson P’12, P’15
Director of Communications and Marketing
Kate Moran
Director of Print Communications
Rebecca A. Binder
Design Aldeia
www.aldeia.design
Alumni Communications Manager
Emily Williams
Director of Digital Communications
Jennifer O’Neill
Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome. Opinions expressed in the Bulletin are those of the authors and not necessarily of Brooks School.
Correspondence concerning the Bulletin should be sent to Editor Rebecca A. Binder: mail
Editor, Brooks Bulletin 1160 Great Pond Road North Andover, MA 01845 email rbinder@brooksschool.org
16 A Proud Farewell
The class of 2024 enjoyed a full slate of graduation activities in May. The class celebrated its milestones and achievements with the school community, families, loved ones and each other.
26 An Enthusiastic Return
Brooks welcomed alumni back to Great Pond Road for a twoday reunion celebration in May. Brooksians gathered, reminisced and celebrated faculty emeriti Doug Burbank and Bobbie Crump-Burbank.
“To me, integrity represents that we carry ourselves authentically and honestly; it is our aspiration to be our best self, make good and courageous choices, and be a caring and supportive citizen to others.”
A MESSAGE FROM NINA FREEMAN ACTING HEAD OF SCHOOL
A Focus on Integrity
What a joy to pen this letter as acting head of school. As noted in the last Bulletin, John Packard is on his six-month sabbatical, and I have the honor of leading the school through the end of December. It has been an absolute pleasure to be in the role thus far and experience Brooks from a new perspective. I am grateful to wear this temporary responsibility and do so with deep respect. I will also add that I feel immense pride in being the first African American to hold this position in Brooks’ almost 100 years of existence.
I attended independent schools for most of my academic life, and my experiences led me to explore unimaginable avenues. Now in my 18th year working in independent schools, I continue to embrace my personal promise to give what I have gained, as I have seen firsthand how such an education and experience can transform lives. I am so fortunate to see it happening daily at all levels at Brooks.
As I wrote in my July letter to current students, parents and guardians, when I first joined the Brooks community in 2022, I was not only drawn to our powerful mission statement but also to our six core values. You can find them written on the walls of our academic building as well as on banners around campus, reminding us that engagement, integrity, passion, empathy, confidence and creativity are at the heart of who we are as Brooksians. Although these values intersect with one another, each carries its own meaning and significance in the day-to-day life of the school. I’ve chosen INTEGRITY as our theme to kick off the 2024–2025 academic year. To me, integrity represents that we carry ourselves authentically and honestly; it is our aspiration to be our best self, make good and courageous choices, and be a caring and supportive citizen to others. In the upcoming school year, messaging around this core value will permeate the campus and we will each honor it through our words and actions. I’m excited to see the ways in which we embrace integrity as we begin afresh this fall.
In my first Chapel speech in the fall of 2022, I celebrated the educators who had a profound impact on my life’s journey, and a common message among them was the importance of integrity and character. In this upcoming year, we will lean into these principles and, in so doing, build community within our Brooks village and deepen connection with one another. My hope is through integrity we can learn from and appreciate those around us, especially embracing the diversity within us all. We aspire to nurture a sense of belonging here in order for everyone to flourish and feel a part of something meaningful. Going back to the core values of our school is a path to getting there.
Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to the months ahead!
The school’s six core values — empathy, engagement, creativity, confidence, passion and integrity — are displayed around the Brooks campus, including on banners affixed to lampposts. To learn more about the importance Acting Head of School Nina Freeman places on integrity, please read her letter to the Brooks community on the facing page.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
The school gathered in Ashburn Chapel to honor 17 members of the class of 2024 who were inducted into the Brooks School chapter of the Cum Laude Society in April. The Cum Laude Society, which is modeled after Phi Beta Kappa, recognizes academic achievement in secondary schools. There are 382 active chapters across the United States and the world, and approximately 4,000 students are inducted each year.
THE INDUCTEES
Bernardo Camino Garcia
Tessa Darke
Jack Dawson
Eben Dooling
Sofia Fortenberry
Sonakshi Ghosal Gupta
Lana Gibbs
Adi Hande
Connor Herlihy
Christina Liu
Katie MacDonald
Marcello Maitino
Sylvia Marks
Grant Moore
Emma Plante
Jasmine Shi
Alex Staniscia
“The Cum Laude Society induction ceremony is an opportunity for the entire Brooks community to focus on the value of academics and our appreciation for a group of students who embody the very best of Brooks scholarship.”
— Dean of Academic Affairs Currie Joya Huntington
WELCOMING GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS TO BROOKS
Grandparents and Special Friends Day in April gave current students a chance to connect with their grandparents and special friends on campus, and to give their loved ones a first-hand experience of a Saturday at Brooks. Nearly 100 visitors registered, and joy and excitement perme ated the campus.
While they were at Brooks, the visitors were encouraged to go to the day’s classes with their student, peruse the Lehman Gallery exhibit “Women’s Work” and hear remarks from Head of School John Packard followed by performances from talented student musicians. Lunch in Wilder Dining Hall followed, and then guests spent the afternoon cheering on Brooks teams in their athletic contests.
Above: Gianna Carroll ’27 (right) with her guest at Brooks.
This year’s Cum Laude Society inductees.
The Tailam family hosted a HOLI CELEBRATION on campus this spring. Holi is a Hindu festival of colors and also a celebration of the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. The essence of Holi lies in gathering together and playfully throwing colors on other participants. Students, faculty and their family members enjoyed the event, which also included a variety of Indian snacks and Bollywood music. “I enjoyed the Holi celebration because the community was open-minded and enthusiastic,” says Maanya Tailam ’25. “Exposing everyone to Indian culture was gratifying, and I look forward to continuing this in the years ahead.”
Noted Poetry
Three Brooksians were honored this spring in North Andover’s annual Anne Bradstreet Poetry Contest. This year’s theme was “Words Changing Worlds.” Daniel Min ’25 was a finalist in the high school category, English faculty Dean Charpentier P’20 was the winner of the adult category and Shelley Osafo-Grant ’25 was awarded first prize overall.
“Reading poetry gives us the opportunity to experience the beauty and complexity of language and learn about other people’s experiences and points of view,” says Chair of the English Department Danielle Coriale. “When our students write poems of their own, they discover new ways to express themselves, describe their experiences and find their voices. We encourage them to see poetry as a source of beauty, power and insight that they can enjoy in adolescence and throughout their lives.”
Kippy Liddle Day
On April 15, Brooks held its annual Kippy Liddle Day Chapel. This service honors Katherine “Kippy” Liddle, a Brooks faculty member who died during a pre-season practice in 1984 with the Brooks crew. In her memory, the school honors the outstanding achievements, accomplishments and character of female athletes, while also celebrating the virtues of athletics that apply to all.
This year’s speakers were sisters Margaret Klein ’10 and Emilie Klein ’13, who delivered a joint speech. Emilie Klein was a soccer and lacrosse Academic All-American at Brooks. She then captained both the soccer and lacrosse teams at Colby College, where she was honored as an All-NESCAC First Team member and Defensive Player of the Year. Margaret Klein, also a lacrosse Academic All-American and standout soccer player at Brooks, continued to play lacrosse at Washington & Lee University, where she was named 2014 Old Dominion Athletic Conference Player of the Year.
Together, the Klein sisters reflected on the ways in which athletes can apply lessons from sports to life and also on what it means to be a teammate. Margaret Klein told the audience that working “toward a common goal with people from all walks of life, all different backgrounds and all different skill sets is a lifelong skill and practice that goes far beyond our time on the field.” Emilie Klein added, “If you take anything away from today, we hope you can do this: Prioritizing the team is about selflessness and humility.” She concluded that “it’s about celebrating the success of the team and others as much as your own, and being willing to make sacrifices for the betterment of the team.”
Kippy Liddle Day Chapel Speakers Margaret Klein ’10 (left) and sister Emilie Klein ’13.
Susanna Waters and Willie Waters ’02 Receive Emeritus Honors
The pair of bedrock Brooks faculty, who met at Brooks, gave the school a combined 32 years of service.
Susanna Waters was named the next head of school of Fay School in Southborough, Massachusetts, in October 2023. During the Prize Day Ceremony in May, the school celebrated the immense contributions she and her husband, Willie Waters ’02, have made to Brooks. The Waters duo were named faculty emerita and faculty emeritus, respectively, and Head of School John Packard lauded the ways in which they have made Brooks better.
“That they both landed here within a couple of years of one another, found their way to one another, started and raised their family on this campus, and poured every ounce of themselves into Brooks School life has to be among the greatest strokes of good fortune our school has ever known,” Packard said as he presented Susanna and Willie with their honors. He continued, stating his “deep and abiding appreciation for what they have done for the school, what they have done for me, and what they have surely done for so many in this class of 2024, and the scores of students and colleagues whose lives they have touched.”
SUSANNA WATERS most recently served Brooks as associate head of school for academic affairs. During the course of her 15 years since arriving on campus as a history teacher, she has also served as chair of the history department, and was the holder of the endowed Holcombe Faculty Chair during her time in the classroom. Waters moved to the administration as academic dean, then dean of academic affairs before assuming the associate head of school role.
Waters sparked the evolution of many aspects of the Brooks academic program while solidifying the
foundational programming that defines the school. She spearheaded the ongoing implementation of the school’s competency-based education, and also reshaped the academic affairs team to more effectively serve students. Her Winter Term class on regional Native American history gave rise to the school’s land acknowledgment. Waters oversaw the school’s Davis Fellows program, which supports a young educator who is new to independent school life and who identifies as a member of an underrepresented population. She also introduced the All-Community Read, and cultivated an atmosphere of academic integrity that has led to the school’s adoption of the Community Pledge and Community Covenant. Waters’ legacy will include increased collaboration across the academic and department chair teams; the prioritization of sustainability work across campus; a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the curriculum; and an expansion of the school’s elective offerings and signature programs, as well as the new computer science program.
Waters served students as a dedicated advisor who was beloved by her advisees and who routinely found time in her busy schedule to hold one-on-one
meetings with each of them. She coached in the girls lacrosse and basketball programs and lived in Chace House since it was built. A bachelor’s and master’s graduate of St. Lawrence University, Waters also recently earned a master’s degree in private school leadership from Columbia University and held a fellowship with Leadership + Design, a nonprofit collaborative that exists to positively impact schools and other learning communities.
WILLIE WATERS , who graduated from Bowdoin College after his time as a student at Brooks, arrived back on Great Pond Road for the 2007–2008 academic year as a history teacher. He most recently served the school as associate director of admission and as alumni gifts officer. Previously, Waters had a long tenure as dean of students. Waters was senior prefect as a sixth-former, and he also made a name for himself as a captain of the boys 1st soccer, 1st baseball and 1st ice hockey teams as a student. He came back to Brooks and immediately continued the strong tradition of Brooks soccer as coach. After the retirement of fellow faculty emeritus and longtime Brooks soccer coach Dusty Richard P’99 in 2019, Waters took over the heralded program and committed to continuing its success. Over the course of his time on the Brooks sidelines, the boys 1st soccer team won three ISL championships and two New England championships, most recently winning the New England championship in 2022.
Waters’ impact was arguably felt most closely in his dayto-day interactions with students. Also a beloved and dedicated advisor to scores of Brooks students, Waters served Chace House as its dormitory head since it opened for occupancy. Waters reinvigorated the school’s annual House Cup competition; he also used his affable personality and sense of humor to write all-school emails announcing lost and found items on campus. Waters taught the Winter Term course “Hawks and Doves” alongside Packard.
“Absent faculty members like him, the school’s wheels don’t turn,” Packard reflected on Prize Day. “His selflessness and humility are trademarks, and both have endeared him to this community in ways that make it very difficult to let him go … [H]e personifies Brooks School at its best.”
Susanna and Willie Waters, along with their three children — Ainsley, 10, Cal, 7, and Milly, 2 — made Brooks their home for many years, while also helping to make Brooks a home for their students and colleagues. Packard said on Prize Day that their future is bright: “Our school has been the beneficiary of what I think many years down the line will be their opening act in independent school education. And what an act it has been,” he concluded. “[H]ow fortunate schools and students will be to draw from their talent, their commitment and their principled approach to all that they do.”
A ThoughtProvoking AllCommunity Read
Since 2015, Brooks has asked its students and faculty, and invited all employees, families and alumni, to engage in an annual All-Community Read. Each year, a different academic department selects the book. This year, the science department chose “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot. All students and faculty will read the book prior to the opening of school, and we invite you to read along!
The nonfiction piece, a New York Times bestseller, reveals the life of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells — taken without her or her family’s knowledge as she was treated for cancer in 1951 — became the first “immortal” human cells grown in culture. Now known as HeLa cells, Lacks’ cells have led to some of medicine’s most important breakthroughs: they were used to help develop the vaccines for polio and COVID-19; they led to important advances in genetic research; and they have been bought and sold around the world by the billions.
Lacks was a Black woman who worked as a tobacco farmer; until the publication of this book, the details of her life were virtually unknown. The book’s themes include past and present racial inequality in healthcare; the ethics of healthcare and research; classism and sexism; informed consent and privacy; and the ethics of journalism. On their return to classes in the fall, students and faculty will engage in course-specific work on the book and will also enjoy all-campus events related to the book.
“If our mother is so important to science, why can’t we get health insurance?”
— From “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” this year’s All-Community Read
<< The Waters family. From top left, and continuing clockwise, Susanna, Willie ’02, Milly, Ainsley and Cal.
STUDENTS ON THE FOREFRONT PLACEMENTS
Brooks recently expanded its notable Students on the Forefront of Science summer experience program to also include experiences and internships in fields across the arts and humanities.
This summer, the school placed 19 rising sixth-formers into 15 different summer experiences ranging from observing surgery to spending time in a state senator’s office. The organizations, labs and efforts that Brooks students got to immerse themselves in this summer include:
Amnesty International
Axial Financial Group
Catherine Truman Architects
Harlem Filmhouse
Salon Design
Massachusetts State Senator Barry Finegold
Clinical rotations in Cardiology and General Surgery, Lawrence General Hospital
Surgical Clinical rotation, Massachusetts General Hospital
Amyloidosis Laboratory research, Boston Medical Center
Orthopedic Medicine rotation, Tufts Medical Center
Psychiatric Neuroimaging Laboratory of Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Coastal Restoration and Climate Resilience Lab, University of New Hampshire
Medical device development and testing, Globus Medical
Cancer research at the Stein/Lian Laboratory, University of Vermont
Thank you to the alumni, parents and friends of the school who helped facilitate this expansion of the Students on the Forefront program. Your care for the school and the students make this unique program and its irreplaceable lessons possible.
Please visit www.brooksschool.org/academics/ students-on-the-forefront for more information on this summer’s experiences and the Students on the Forefront program.
Heard on Campus
Third-formers (from left to right) Ashley Caiazzo, Kaylie Feldberg and Grace Keane, along with other members of the third form, sing at Brookstock as part of the Arts Exploratory Chorus. The arts exploratory curriculum asks all Brooks third-formers to rotate through visual, musical and performing arts units, which allows them to experience a full survey of the Brooks arts curriculum.
Community
Service Day
As has become tradition in the week prior to Commencement Weekend, this year’s sixth form took a day to perform community service at local organizations. Groups of sixth-formers traveled to Appleton Farms in Ipswich, Massachusetts; Camp Tasker, a camp run by the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Haverhill, Massachusetts; Greater Lawrence Community Boating in Lawrence, Massachusetts; Windrush Farm in North Andover; and Rolling Ridge Retreat Center, which is located down Great Pond Road from the Brooks campus. Brooksians prepared garden beds, cleaned and repaired equipment, performed landscaping work and lent a hand wherever they could in order to help these valued community organizations to better serve their own constituents.
Associate Director of Student Affairs
Cora MacKenzie organized the day and accompanied a group of sixth-formers to Windrush Farm. “I had an incredible time,” she says. “It was a great opportunity to explore what exists in our own backyard and give back to our community.”
SIXTH-FORM
Sixth-formers (from left to right) Ryan Kelleher, Timmy Mulvey, Cade Chezum, Jack Taylor, Guszti Sztermen and Adam Jin (background) pitch in to help ready a boat for service at Greater Lawrence Community Boating.
PERFORMING ARTS
Queens of the Castle
Brooks staged a three-night run of “SIX: Teen Edition” this spring. The actors got to experience performing a show that is still a Broadway production and also got to meet and receive mentoring from a current professional cast member.
“SIX: Teen Edition” is a pop music retelling of the six marriages of King Henry VIII of England from the perspectives of the historically overlooked queens. The musical’s premise is of a singing competition in which each queen adopts the style of a different modern music genre to sing about her travails and attempt to win the audience’s vote as most afflicted. The stunning costumes, high-energy dances and contemporary lyrics and tone of the musical bring a fresh take to history. The Brooks audience clearly enjoyed the show and reacted by repeatedly rising to its feet to dance, clap and cheer for each queen.
Director of Theatre Meghan Hill calls the show, which intends to celebrate and highlight the struggles of women, non-binary people and people who exist outside the gender binary, “engaging and
unexpectedly relevant.” The cast was also presented with two opportunities that made this Brooks production especially meaningful. First, since “SIX” is still a Broadway production, the school had to apply and was chosen for a limited license to perform the show. “It was an honor to be granted the opportunity to produce such a sought-after show,” Hill says. “It’s meaningful that only K-12 accredited institutions and youth groups have the opportunity to perform ‘SIX’ alongside the professional world tours. It gives young performers a trajectory, values their talent and ignites their passion for performance.”
Second, the cast benefited from the mentorship of professional actor Krystal Hernandez, who currently stars in a touring production of “SIX” as Anna of Cleves
Reece McJunkin ’25, who performed the
(the fourth wife of Henry VIII, whom he annulled his marriage to after deciding that she was not as attractive as a portrait of her indicated). Hernandez met with the cast in mid-April to share her experiences and provide some coaching, and stayed in touch with cast members after her visit concluded.
“Krystal might be one of my favorite people ever!” says Shelley Osafo-Grant ’25, who played Anna of Cleves in the Brooks production. “She was super supportive and gave us all amazing advice after seeing a bit of our work. Even after meeting her in person, I would send her questions I had or videos of my costume and she would respond with nothing but love and support. It’s truly an honor to say I’ve shared a role with such an amazing woman.”
role of Anne Boleyn, the wellknown second queen of Henry VIII, during Brooks School’s production of “SIX: Teen Edition” in May.
Miles Summerson ’24 (left) receives congratulations from his Brooks baseball teammates on Senior Day this spring.
Sophia Alvarez-Backus ’24 and Bella Hacker ’24
A pitcher-catcher duo for the Brooks softball team helped build and lead a program, engaged in life at the school, and formed a dominant battery on the field.
Pitcher Sophia Alvarez-Backus ’24 and catcher Bella Hacker ’24 formed a solid battery for the Brooks softball team, and they’ve backstopped the program into one of New England’s best. They can each play a variety of positions — they both spent time patrolling center field this year, and Alvarez-Backus routinely took reps at shortstop and first base when she wasn’t pitching. When they first stepped onto the Brooks campus as students, the softball team was in a rebuilding era. This year’s team, captained by the duo and Molly McDowell ’24, won the Big East Championship, a feat Brooks had not accomplished since 2006. Last year’s squad went undefeated in regular-season play and also took home the Independent School League title.
Alvarez-Backus raked in All-ISL and All-NEPSAC honors in 2023, as well as honorable mentions to both teams this year. A switch-hitter, she posted a .389 batting average this year, and turned heads in 2023 when she logged 69 strikeouts with 198 batters faced. She committed to a 45-minute day-student commute to and from Lancaster, Massachusetts, when deciding to attend Brooks. “I chose Brooks because of the really tight community feel,” she says. “The campus is great. And, when I visited, I really felt the support. I could really see myself thriving here and experiencing and exploring new things.”
Meanwhile, Hacker, a Burlington, Massachusetts, native who picked
up All-ISL honors in 2022 and honorable mention notice in 2023 and 2024, was also named to the AllNEPSAC Honorable Mention team in 2023. She hit .385 in 2024 with 19 RBI, hit .328 in 2023, and bashed for a .409 average in 2022. Hacker applied to Brooks when she sought an academic and athletic experience that provided the challenges and opportunities she was looking for. She visited a handful of schools and says Brooks was the only one to which she applied. “The energy at Brooks is very different,” she says. “Brooks feels like a place that’s invested in helping you figure out who you’re meant to be, where you’re supposed to go and what you want to do with your life.”
The school’s softball followers took notice when the duo arrived on campus as third-formers; AlvarezBackus was a highly touted pitcher, and Hacker had an impressive record as a multi-sport athlete. Alvarez-Backus remembers showing up to her first Brooks softball practice and realizing that she could immediately make an impact on the program. “It’s been so indescribably inspiring and heartwarming, and just a proud moment, to see how far we’ve come in just four years,” she says. “I’m so excited to see where the program keeps going. All the girls have made it our own team, and we’re a really serious, competitive and supportive team that plays good softball.”
“We used to go around campus hounding people to come play
softball,” Hacker adds, agreeing with Alvarez-Backus. “Now, we have great options at every position. It’s really cool to see how far everyone’s come, and how awesome of a team we are in terms of people and in terms of skill.” Hacker also lauds the entire school’s support of the team. “The team’s worked really hard, and we’re being recognized,” she says. “Teachers brought their classes to watch us play in the Big East Tournament. People passing us on Main Street ask us how our game went. It’s pretty awesome.” Hacker quickly pivots to the program’s coaches, Director of Athletics Andrea Heinze P’19 and program alum Britt Hart ’09. “We probably have the best coaches around,” Hacker says, “and you couldn’t ask for them to be better people. They care so much about us and about the team, and it makes a difference.” Alvarez-Backus shares that, while she doesn’t remember her first meeting with Heinze and Hart, “my first memory with them is getting to work and having a lot of fun doing it.” Heinze was also Alvarez-Backus’ advisor, and Alvarez-Backus says that Heinze has been a crucial part of her support system at Brooks beyond softball as well.
“They brought versatility to the team, being able to play multiple positions, and always had a great work ethic,” says Heinze. “While the team became more serious about softball, they also contributed to having fun and bonding
with teammates as we went along. Their love for the game, their competitive attitudes and great role modeling helped build the success of the program. I am grateful for their leadership and efforts on and off the field. It was a privilege to have coached them!”
Alvarez-Backus and Hacker have made their mark on other parts of the Brooks community as well. Hacker served as school prefect, Thorne House dorm prefect and as captain of the girls 1st ice hockey team last winter. She was also the speaker on athletics at Lawn Ceremony and recipient of both the Athletic Prize and the Allen Ashburn Prize. Hacker also served as a leader of No Planet B, the school’s student organization dedicated to promoting sustainability efforts and knowledge on campus. Alvarez-Backus, meanwhile, became a force for the 1st volleyball team. The school’s newest athletic team took massive steps with Alvarez-Backus at the helm. She’s also found a home in both the Asian Student Alliance and SWIRL, campus affinity groups that offer space to students of Asian descent and students who share multiple ethnicities and identities, respectively.
Both Alvarez-Backus and Hacker will play collegiate athletics. Alvarez-Backus, who plans to engage in the pre-medical academic track, will suit up at NCAA Division I Lafayette College next year as a pitcher for the softball team. Hacker, meanwhile, will lace up her skates for the Hobart and William Smith Colleges women’s ice hockey team. [Ed. Note: While in a group interview, Hacker mentioned to a reporter that William Smith does not have a softball team; Alvarez-Backus, dismayed, immediately encouraged Hacker to start a club team.]
Brooks, both agree, provided Alvarez-Backus and Hacker with an excellent footing for college. “One hundred percent,” Hacker says. “And not just for sports. I’ve learned how to balance my academics and my social life and sports. More than that, though, Brooks teaches you how to be a good
person.” Alvarez-Backus endorses Hacker’s thoughts, and concludes, “And beyond that, the coaches here really emphasize what it means to be a good teammate. We learn here that in order to do well at any school, you need to be a good teammate above all else.”
Bella Hacker ’24 (left) and Sophia Alvarez-Backus ’24 pause for a photo while warming up for a game.
A Standout Spring
Brooks athletics wrapped up the 2023—2024 academic year with an impressive spring season, highlighted by outstanding team performances, a Big East Invitational championship for softball, and some record-setting individual accomplishments for current student athletes and alumni.
Softball Dominates to Claim Big East Invitational Title
The Brooks softball team had another remarkable season, finishing its 2024 campaign with a record of 17 wins and only two losses. Led by All-ISL and All-New England fifthform pitcher Jackie Giordano, who finished the season with a Brooks record of more than 300 career strikeouts, the team dominated the Big East Softball Invitational, winning four games in just two days on its way to the title.
Lydia Tangney ’25 drives toward the net against Kimball Union Academy. Tangney notched her 200th career point this spring.
Barrett ’20 Selected in MLB Draft
Seamus Barrett ’20 was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 10th round of the Major League Baseball draft in July as the 310th overall pick. The right-handed pitcher’s final season at Brooks was his fifth-form season due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s virtual learning experience in the spring of 2020; in his final Brooks game, Barrett struck out 10 batters. After matriculating to the University of Louisville and transferring to Loyola Marymount University, Barrett earned a 4.78 ERA with 58 strikeouts and 14 walks in 43 1/3 innings this spring.
The squad had fans nervous in the opening inning of the tournament, finding itself down 2–0 against Tabor Academy. But, after a rally in the third inning of the opening game that eventually finished 7–2 in favor of Brooks, the team never looked back, and defeated Buckingham, Browne & Nichols School 3–0, Phillips Andover 1–0 and St. Paul’s School 2–0 to take home the trophy.
Head coach and Director of Athletics Andrea Heinze P’19 recaps the incredible run with some words at the end of the season. “I’m so happy for these girls and so proud of what they’ve accomplished,” she says. “They showed up each and every day with a smile on their faces and put in the work. They earned everything they got this spring, and we look forward to defending the title and improving on the season we had.”
Crew Ushers in New Era With The Demoulas Family Boathouse
The Brooks crew ushered in a new era for the program with the opening of the Demoulas Family Boathouse this spring. The program also put into place a livestreaming platform that allows fans to watch live races on Lake Cochichewick with the use of drone footage, all handled by student-managers within the program.
“We are so excited to get to work and build upon the historic legacy that is crew here at Brooks,” says program director Tote Smith P’18,
P’20, P’22. “The work that has been put in by so many people to make this possible is so greatly appreciated, and our program will do everything we can to make sure that crew is a point of pride for the school for years and years to come.”
On top of the state-of-the-art facility and the state-of-the-art livestreaming platform, the crew thrived on the water this season. The boys four finished third at the New England Interscholastic Rowing Association Championships, while the girls team took second place. Their outstanding work earned them a bid to Youth Nationals in Sarasota, Florida, at the end of the school year. At nationals, the girls placed second in the B final, while the boys took home third in the C final.
Girls Lacrosse Wins The ISL Consolation Tournament
The girls 1st lacrosse team wrapped up its season with an ISL consolation championship after a 20–14 victory over BB&N in late May. The team came up just short of a top eight spot in the ISL tournament after a heartbreaking 9–10 loss against Milton Academy, and instead earned a first-round bye in the consolation tournament.
In the semifinal against St. Mark’s School, Brooks came out on fire and took a 8–0 lead in the first half to secure victory, and then hosted the consolation championship on Anna K. Trustey Memorial Field a day later, once again
Miller ’20 Sets A Record
Girls lacrosse program graduate
Isabela Miller ’20 set the singleseason program record for points and assists for the College of the Holy Cross women’s lacrosse team. Miller posted 40 goals and 50 assists this season.
jumping out to an early lead and taking home the title.
A standout in the tournament was fifth-former Lydia Tangney. She reached a career milestone with her 200th career point and was also named a USA Lacrosse All-American for her efforts in a Brooks uniform this spring.
Herlihy ’24
Throws
a No-Hitter
Team captain Connor Herlihy ’24 made his mark on Brooks baseball history in early May when he took to the mound against BB&N. The righty hurler turned a postponed game into a highlight reel, throwing fewer than 100 pitches in a complete game no-hitter in a 2–0 win for Brooks. The victory was Herlihy’s third consecutive complete-game win.
MORE ONLINE: Please visit the Brooks athletics website at www.brooksschool.org/athletics for more information on your favorite Brooks team, including schedules, game recaps and up-to-date news.
A Proud Farewell
The Brooks community spent two days in May lauding the individual and collective accomplishments of the class of 2024 and seeing them off as they graduated.
May brought a joyous time to Great Pond Road, as the class of 2024 readied itself to leave Brooks through a series of meaningful commencement events. The entire community was able to celebrate the graduates at the school’s Lawn Ceremony, Boo Hoo Service and Prize Day Ceremony, in adddition to the second annual Donning of the Stoles and Symbols Ceremony. The class also enjoyed the traditional Prize Day Chapel service and pinning breakfast.
Applauding Student Leadership
The morning of Sunday, May 26, brought celebrants and loved ones to Ashburn Chapel for the Donning of the Stoles and Symbols Ceremony. More than two dozen sixth-formers who participated in and led affinity groups at Brooks were recognized for their achievements and individual identities. The ceremony featured a procession
and recession led by African drummers, cultural performances and recognition of each student as they received a stole from an advisor or employee who provided them with meaningful support at Brooks. Trustee Charlie Cornish ’06 served as speaker for the ceremony. “I’m very excited to be able to stand here today as a proud gay man to tell my story,” Cornish shared. “Hopefully you’ll leave here today excited about where you are in your journeys, where our school is and where our society is in theirs. You should all be so proud to have been your authentic selves and stand as examples of what makes Brooks special.”
Lawn Ceremony, during which the school awarded almost four dozen prizes recognizing student achievement in the arts, athletics, academics and community life, took place on Sunday afternoon under the main tent overlooking the school’s stunning fields
New Brooks graduates Tessa Darke (left) and Julia Sanz-Rios celebrate after the Prize Day ceremony in May.
and views of Lake Cochichewick. Three student speakers — graduates Bella Hacker, Grant Moore and Jasmine Shi — spoke movingly about their paths through athletics, the arts and academics at Brooks, respectively. The student-led Boo Hoo Service followed. Once again, the receiving line following the service lived up to its name, as the departing sixth-formers bid emotional farewells to the faculty, the younger forms and finally each other.
Awarding Accomplishment
Monday morning, Memorial Day, dawned with a breakfast for the graduates hosted at the Head of School’s House. As the class readied for Prize Day and spent precious time together, they were each presented with the traditional Brooks rosette. Each rosette is handmade by a member of the Brooks community, (Currently, by former faculty Deanna Stuart P’19) and graduates wear them on the right side of their blazer or top during the Prize Day Ceremony. A Chapel service followed, during which the graduates sang the school hymn for the final time.
Finally, the assembly of loved ones was seated in the main tent for the Prize Day Ceremony, officiated by Head of School John Packard H’87, P’18, P’21. The Brooks faculty processed into the tent, followed by the graduates. Three more prizes were awarded to outstanding student leaders, and departing faculty Susanna Waters and Willie Waters ’02 were conferred with the title of faculty emeritus [Ed. Note: Please see the news story on page 6 for details on the contributions Susanna and Willie Waters have made to Brooks during their tenure at the school]. Sixth Form Speaker Philip Mwangi reflected on the ways in which the class of 2024 had formed an individual and collective identity during its time at the school. Then, Packard, assisted by President of the Brooks School Board of Trustees John Barker ’87, P‘21, P’23, conferred diplomas on the 88 members of the class. When the ceremony concluded, newly minted graduates, their loved ones and the faculty spilled out onto the fields to celebrate one final time before sending the class of 2024 on its way.
DONNING OF THE STOLES AND SYMBOLS
CEREMONY
Commencement Weekend at Brooks began with the Donning of the Stoles and Symbols Ceremony, which recognizes the achievements of graduates who have participated in affinity groups during their time at Brooks. School
Trustee Charlie Cornish ’06 served as the speaker for the event.
[ 1 ] Bernardo Camino Garcia (left) celebrates with World Languages faculty Lillian Miller P’14, P’17, P’20 as Miller presents Camino Garcia with a stole for his work in affinity group Alianza Latina.
[ 2 ] Charlie Cornish ’06 addressing the audience and participants on the value of working for organizations and companies that value diverse identities.
[ 3 ] A troupe of African drummers led the procession and recession of participants into and out of Ashburn Chapel.
[ 4 ] Christina Liu (left) receives a stole from her advisor, science faculty Ellie MandzhukovaWamboldt.
LAWN CEREMONY
On Sunday, May 26, Brooks held its traditional Lawn Ceremony. The school welcomed reflections from student speakers on the arts, athletics and academics at Brooks and awarded dozens of prizes that touched on areas across school life.
[ 5 ] Jasmine Shi speaks on academics and intellectual curiosity at Brooks.
[ 6 ] From left to right, graduates Cate Creevy, Hannah Evens, Julia Callahan, Zoe Milmoe, Caroline Gay and Honey Plum settle in to enjoy Lawn Ceremony.
[ 7 ] Grant Moore speaks on the topic of the arts at Brooks during Lawn Ceremony.
[ 8 ] Bella Hacker addresses the Lawn Ceremony audience on the ways in which her athletic career influenced her time at Brooks.
BOO HOO SERVICE AND RE CEIVING LINE
Following Lawn Ceremony, the student body congregates in Ashburn Chapel for a student-led service that includes a raucous sing-along. Following the service, the sixth form lines up on Chapel Walk to receive well-wishes and farewells from faculty, the younger forms and each other.
[ 9 ] As is traditional, a bagpiper marks the procession into and recession out of Boo Hoo Service.
[ 10 ] Arshia Sharma (left) and Olivia Homiller take the stage at Boo Hoo Service.
[ 11 ] The crowd inside Boo Hoo Service.
[ 12 ] The scene on the Boo Hoo Service receiving line.
[ 13 ] Tessa Darke (left) and Jack Dawson greet Associate Head for Academic Affairs Susanna Waters on the Boo Hoo Service receiving line, as Adi Hande (right) moves to the next faculty member to say farewell.
[ 14 ] Emma Plante (right) on the Boo Hoo Service receiving line.
“
Being a part of this class and this school has given me clarity to an identity that I was yearning to discover: An identity that has gone beyond the blocks that populate our schedule and that has become a larger story of who we each are and will be.”
SIXTH FORM
PINNING BREAKFAST
On the morning of Prize Day, the sixth form has breakfast at the Head of School’s House. During the breakfast, senior members of the faculty and faculty with graduating children affix traditional Brooks rosettes and Brooks shields to the graduates’ attire.
[ 1 ] Director of Athletics
Andrea Heinze P’19 affixes a rosette to the outfit of Jess Maina.
[ 2 ] On the morning of Prize Day, graduates Molly McDowell (left, and continuing left to right), Bella Hacker, Katie McDonald and Hilary Young enjoy time together at the Head of School’s House.
[ 3 ] From left to right, Michael Keiyah, Grant Moore, Will Pflaum, Gordy Gibbons, Miles Summerson, Philip Mwangi, Mithayus Diaz, Alex Stansicia.
[ 4 ] May Eggleston (left) and Sophie Genden on the morning of Prize Day.
[ 5 ] From left to right, Aidan Moschella, Jeffrey Pan, Eben Dooling, Cade Chezum and Ryan Kelleher at the Sixth Form Pinning Breakfast.
PRIZE DAY CEREMONY
The Prize Day Ceremony is the culmination of commencement weekend. The highlight of the ceremony is the distribution of Brooks diplomas to the graduating class.
[ 6 ] Sixth Form Speaker Philip Mwangi addresses the Prize Day Ceremony audience.
[ 7 ] Kiara Mejia shortly after receiving her Brooks diploma.
[ 8 ] Sophia Alvarez-Backus (left), and Kofi Boakye-Mensah enjoy the Prize Day Ceremony festivities.
CELEBRATING COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND
[ 9 ] Next year’s school prefects were announced at the conclusion of Lawn Ceremony. These members of the class of 2025 are, pictured here from left to right, Emersen Davis, Michelle Osafo-Grant, Cheng Zhuang, Francesca Maitino, Charlie Rousmaniere, Senior Prefect Lydia Tangney, Zach Amato, Lauren Puglia, Sam Lubick, Sophie Broussard and Ben Pettorelli.
[ 10 ] Graduates Christina Liu (left) and Sylvia Marks beam with pride at the end of Prize Day.
[ 11 ] Kyleigh Matola ’25 stands ready to celebrate graduate Rowan Kennedy (pictured on sign).
[ 12 ] Tri Changkasiri (left) and Scotty Gribbell.
“So, if, like me, you sometimes find the weight the world is carrying to be overwhelming, take comfort in knowing that this class of 2024 has what it takes to make a difference — partially due to circumstances they have overcome, partially due to all they engaged in while here, and partially by seeing and knowing what community-building work can yield. ”
Head of School John Packard speaking at the Prize Day Ceremony
Winners 2 024
Over the course of Lawn Ceremony and the Prize Day Ceremony, the school awarded prizes to students who had distinguished themselves in the arts, athletics and academics, and as leaders for the school community. The school also awarded a new prize for faculty: The William Dunnell Faculty Prize, which honors late faculty emeritus William Dunnell. All student prize recipients are members of the class of 2024 unless otherwise noted.
FACULTY HONORS
The William Dunnell Faculty Prize recognizes an earlycareer faculty member for excellence in teaching and notable contributions to community life: English Faculty Sam Spicer
The Reverend George F. Vought Prize is given by the Sette-Ducati Family and awarded by the head of school to honor a member of the faculty who in their first few years has made special contributions to the school and exhibited notable professional growth: Arts Faculty Michael Vincent Bruschi
SPECIAL PRIZES
The Trustees Prize is awarded by the faculty to any member of the school community who has served beyond the call of duty: Lana Keats Gibbs
The Faculty Prize, given by George C. Haas, is awarded annually to a student who has made outstanding contributions to the life of the school: Julius Philip Mwaura Mwangi
The Head of School’s Prize is given in memory of George B. Case Jr.: Joel Miguel Mireles
ARTS AWARDS
The George A. Tirone Prize is awarded by Mrs. Randolph
The Russell Morse Prize is awarded to an upper-school student who has made distinguished contributions to the visual arts at Brooks: Grant Emery Moore
The Parkman Prize in Drama is given in memory of Terry Parkman to a student who has worked long and hard backstage with no thought of any reward: Emma Rachel Plante
The Knowlton Drama Prize is given in memory of Warren Knowlton of the class of 1967, and awarded to a member of the Brooks community who has shown those qualities of loyalty and devotion to drama, and versatility and enthusiasm in work before and behind the scenes, that were typified by Warren Knowlton: Arshia Sharma
The Music Prize is awarded in recognition of dedicated, longterm study of an instrument or voice that has resulted in the highest level of musical performance in the graduating class: Tessa Katherine Darke (Vocals), Mithayus Louis Diaz (Instrumental)
The Robert Lehman Art Prize: Hannah Judith Evens
ATHLETICS AWARDS
Recognition of 12 First-Team Letters: Kylie Masters Correa; Gordon Hayes Gibbons; Isabella Ann Hacker; Molly George McDowell
The Independent School League Award of Excellence recognizes a female athlete and male athlete at each ISL school for exhibiting the Independent School League ideals of integrity, sportsmanship, fair play and good citizenship while participating as a multisport athlete during their Independent School League career: Jalyn Judith Colon, Connor James Herlihy
The Athletic Prize is an annual award to two sixthformers who, in the opinion of coaches, have distinguished themselves in sportsmanship and athletic ability, and whose achievements have demonstrated an outstanding record in the athletic life at Brooks: Gordon Hayes Gibbons, Isabella Ann Hacker
The Kerri Ann Kattar Prize is awarded annually by the faculty to that female member of the graduating class who, by her warmth and generosity of spirit toward others, by her outstanding contribution to Brooks athletics, by her presence alone, has added that precious quality of kindness for which we remember Kerri Ann Kattar: Molly George McDowell
The Frank D. Ashburn Athletic Award is given by Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Cogswell to honor an outstanding individual or team performance in which intangible extra qualities have added a special flavor to the school: The 2024 Softball Team
ACADEMIC AWARDS
The Publications Prize is awarded to a student whose diligence, devotion and skill have contributed significantly to the successful production of a Brooks publication: Cheng Zhuang ’25
The Wilder Speaking Prize is given by John G. and H. Todd Cobey Jr.: Kiara Maria Rivera Valdez ’26, Charles Joseph Rousmaniere ’25
The Edmund Samuel Carr Prize in Latin: Zhaohan “Jasmine” Shi
The Edmund Samuel Carr Prize in Beginning Latin: Julia Sarah Glick ’27
The Spanish Prize: Julia Sanz-Rios, Caroline Cristoforo St. John
The Rene Champollion French Prize: Julia Sanz-Rios
Outgoing Senior Prefect Joel Mireles receives the Head of School’s Prize during the Prize Day Ceremony.
The Charles C. Cottingham Class of 2008 Chinese Prize: Miles LiuYang Summerson
The A.G. Davis Philip Prize is given by the science department to an individual who has demonstrated an interest in and who shows considerable promise in science: Rohan Nilesh Amin ’26
The John J. Cabral Prize is given to the Brooks student who has shown a high degree of interest in physics and for the depth of involvement in the subject: Connor James Herlihy
The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal for excellence in mathematics and science: Seho “Daniel” Min ’25
The John B. Melvin Computer Science Prize: Charles Joseph Rousmaniere ’25
The Nicholas J. Evangelos Science Prize: Sonakshi Ghosal Gupta
The Mathematics Prize: Marcello Anthony Maitino
The Howell van Gerbig Jr. Prize given for the best essay on the development of political institutions, for his paper titled “The Second Amendment: An Argument for Increased Gun Regulations”: Jack Patrick Dawson
The Richard K. Irons Prize for the best essay on a pressing problem in American history or international relations, for her paper titled “The Battle For Healthcare: Women in the AIDS Epidemic”: Phoebe Lee Dooling ’27
The Michael W. McCahill Prize in History is awarded to a sixth-form student who has demonstrated a love for the discipline by taking a wide and rigorous program in history, a mastery of analytical thinking and writing, an enthusiasm for the craft of historical research, a delight in the exploration and exchange of ideas, and an empathy for the human condition: Zhaohan “Jasmine” Shi
The E. Graham Ward English Prize is awarded to a student who has demonstrated a love of literature in all of its forms. This student is a talented reader and writer gifted with the ability to respond to literature both analytically and creatively: Zhaohan “Jasmine” Shi
The Harvard Club of the Merrimack Valley Prize is awarded by the Harvard Club of Andover to a fifthformer nominated by the faculty for high academic achievement, leadership and active participation in school affairs: Charles Joseph Rousmaniere ’25
The Columbia University Club of New England Prize is awarded to a fifth-former who has demonstrated an ability to combine academic achievement, personal character, extracurricular contribution to the school, and accomplishment in and dedication to a field of interest meriting personal recognition: Cheng Zhuang ’25
The Phillips Brooks Prize, donated by the Phillips Brooks Society, is awarded by the school minister in memory of the Reverend George Frederick Vought and presented to a sixth-former who, during their time at school, has followed in the path of Phillips Brooks by offering constant love, exemplary service and good humor to the community, and by setting a high standard for others: Bernardo Camino Garcia
The Oscar M. Root Prize, given by Morgan H. Harris Jr., is awarded to a member of the Brooks community who, during the year, has exemplified certain characteristics with which Oscar M. Root for many years enriched life at Brooks. These characteristics include excellence in the sciences, devotion to nature study and a sense of humor, which provided a rare overview of life: Katelyn Anne MacDonald
The Jolene and Stephen C. Eyre Prize for Scholarly Achievement is awarded each year to the ranking scholar in the sixth form: Sonakshi Ghosal Gupta
GENERAL PRIZES
The Malcolm G. Chace III Prize is awarded to a third-, fourthand fifth-former who, in the judgment of the head of school, has made the most personal progress during the year: Third Form: Tyler Richard Principe
Fourth Form: Joel Effah-Boadi Fifth Form: Emersen Lee Davis
The St. Lawrence University Book Award is in recognition of the value that St. Lawrence places on fostering a welcoming and inclusive community, and honors the achievements of a fifth-former who has displayed a significant commitment to inclusivity: Michelle Ohenewaa Osafo-Grant ’25
The Leonard S. Perkins Prize is awarded by the faculty to that member of the fifth form who makes an outstanding contribution to the life of the school: Lydia Lydon Tangney ’25
The George B. Blake Prize is awarded in recognition of extended, voluntary and generous service to others: Tessa Katherine Darke
The Harvey P. Hood Prize is awarded in recognition of special interests such as working with young children, making things with one’s hands, and in memory of a lively, gentle view of life: Hilary Elizabeth Young
The Thomas Perkins Brooks Jr. Prize is given in memory of Ensign Brooks, who was lost in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and is awarded annually by the faculty to a member of the sixth form who during their career at Brooks has met certain requirements of development, leadership and responsibility: Lughano Lusako Nyondo
The Kilborn Bowl was given by Mr. and Mrs. John W. Kilborn for the greatest all-around improvement: Adam Yanrong Jin
The Russell Prize was given by the late Richard S. Russell, and awarded by the faculty for an outstanding single contribution to the life of the community: Michael Nganga Kieyah
The Dunnell Prize is given by the faculty in honor of Jacob Dunnell and William W. Dunnell III, who jointly gave 57 years of dedicated service to their students and the school, and is awarded to a sixth-former who has worked without fanfare to better the school: Grant Emery Moore
The William R. Ferris Jr. Prize, given by Howell van Gerbig in honor of William Ferris ’60, is awarded to a sixth-form student who stands out among their peers for the depth and range of their intellectual curiosity, energy and creativity. A nominee for this prize is presented to the faculty by the six faculty members who hold endowed chairs: Zhaohan “Jasmine” Shi
The Headmaster Emeritus Prize is awarded by the faculty for any reason it considers appropriate: Gexuan “Christina” Liu
The Allen Ashburn Prize, given by the late James D. Regan, is awarded each year by the faculty for any purpose it deems suitable: Isabella Ann Hacker
Destinations
The class of 2024 has an exciting future in store. Members will matriculate to colleges and universities across the country, and at least three members of the class will pursue opportunities in junior hockey leagues. The following is a list of colleges and universities the class plans to attend as of July 2024.
Babson College (2)
Boston College (5)
Brandeis University
Brown University
Bucknell University
Colby College
College of the Holy Cross
Connecticut College
Cornell University (2)
Dartmouth College
Denison University
Elon University (2)
Emmanuel College
Franklin & Marshall College
Furman University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Gettysburg College
Hamilton College
Haverford College
Hobart and William Smith Colleges (3)
Indiana University
Bloomington
Lafayette College
Loyola University Chicago
Marquette University
McGill University
Merrimack College
New York University
Northeastern University (15)
Pepperdine University
Providence College
Purdue University
Sacred Heart University (2)
Savannah College of Art and Design
Skidmore College
Southern Methodist University (4)
Stevens Institute of Technology
Syracuse University
Tufts University (2)
Tulane University
University of Chicago
University of Miami (3)
University of Pennsylvania
University of Richmond (2)
University of Rochester
University of Southern California
University of Tampa
University of Texas at Austin
University of Vermont
Vassar College
Villanova University (3)
William and Mary
An Enthusiastic Return
The school hosted Alumni Weekend in May, and attendees relished the opportunity to return to Great Pond Road for a weekend of celebration of the school’s past, present and future.
Brooks played host to more than 400 graduates and their guests on the weekend of May 10 and May 11, 2024. The two-day Alumni Weekend celebration welcomed members of classes ending in 3, 4, 8 and 9, as well as graduates from all other years, to return to campus for a set of commemorative and celebratory events, as well as the chance to visit classes, an open theater rehearsal, and a meaningful Lehman Gallery exhibit.
The weekend began on Friday with the Ashburn Luncheon, hosted by Head of School John Packard H’87, P’18, P’21. The Ashburn Luncheon honors the members of the FDA Society (alumni who have thought of Brooks in their estate plans) and graduates who are celebrating their 50th reunion and beyond. The group gathered for welcome cocktails at the Head of School’s House before moving to a sit-down meal in the waiting room of the school’s new admission building. After the luncheon, the 50th reunion class of 1974 departed for a campus tour that was led by sixth-formers Tessa Darke, Jess Maina and Philip Mwangi.
Graduates spent the rest of the afternoon immersing themselves in the Brooks of today: They sat in on open classes and visited a rehearsal of the spring musical and other afternoon activities. Brooksians also had a chance to view an exhibit of sculpture by Riv Pyne ’64 (d) that was on display in the Lehman Gallery.
Friday class dinners opened the campus to a multitude of class years. Peter Rathbone ’64, P’04, P’15 reports from his class dinner: “There were various toasts and I pulled out my usual assortment of Brooks memorabilia, my third-form biology flower album, a beautifully preserved Rutter’s laundry bag, etc. All-inall, a delightful evening.” The class of 1974 celebrated its 50th reunion dinner in the just-opened Demoulas Family Boathouse on the shores of Lake Cochichewick.
Saturday kicked off bright and early at 7:45 a.m. with the Alumni Row at the boathouse. Crew graduates created new memories of rowing while also appreciating the new boathouse and the stellar home it’s given to the Brooks crew. A continental breakfast in the Keating Room came next, followed by Memorial Chapel in Ashburn Chapel. The service was officiated by School Minister the Rev. Jim Chapman, and it gave alumni a touching chance to remember their friends and classmates who have recently passed away. Another campus tour and classroom visits followed, as well as the dedication of the admission building’s conference room in honor of Phil Porter ’78 (d).
A scene from the water during the Alumni Row.
“Several of us were lucky enough to have them as dorm parents, coaches, teachers and mentors during our time at Brooks, so it was very special to be there for their bon voyage. We greatly enjoyed the trip down memory lane.”
CASEY PELLERIN WESTGUARD ’99
REFLECTING ON THE CELEBRATION OF DOUG BURBANK AND BOBBIE CRUMP-BURBANK AT THE ALL-ALUMNI RECEPTION
Midday, attendees gathered once again in Ashburn Chapel to hear Packard’s State of the School address. Lunch in Wilder Dining Hall followed, and then graduates were invited to cheer for Brooks in home games, watch an open dress rehearsal in the theater, or relax with their children at a family-friendly setup of lawn games and refreshments in the Class of 2020 Quad. Affinity gatherings for alumni of color and LGBTQIA+ alumni were held at staggered times, during which faculty advisors to the Black Student Union and the Gender and Sexuality Alliance were able to brief alumni on developments at the school and alumni were able to connect with others who share their lived experiences.
Ashburn Chapel was a hub of activity again at 5 p.m., as the school awarded its alumni awards: Ginger Pearson ’99 received the Alumni Bowl; Daniela Schirmer Izzie ’04 was awarded the Alumni Shield; and classmates Henry Lee ’64 and Peter Nadosy ’64 were honored with the Distinguished Brooksian award. The attendees then headed toward the main tent on the fields overlooking Lake Cochichewick for the All-Alumni Reception, which included a cocktail reception, dinner and dancing. The night took on a special flavor at the gathering, as the school took time to honor the vast and deep contributions of faculty emeritus Douglas Burbank H’98, P’11 and faculty emerita Roberta Crump-Burbank P’11. Casey Pellerin Westguard ’99 reflects on the recognition of Burbank and Crump-Burbank: “Several of us were lucky enough to have them as dorm parents, coaches, teachers and mentors during our time at Brooks,” she says, “so it was very special to be there for their bon voyage. We greatly enjoyed the trip down memory lane.”
1 ]
[ 2 ] Younger classes enjoyed their first
like these
[ 3 ] Peter Cross ’63 P’07
[ 4 ] Cam Ray ’18 (left) and Seamus Lambert ’18 heading into the All-Alumni Reception.
[ 5 ] Representing the class of 1983 at the Alumni Row: Abby Shayvitz,
]
[
A conversation by the Brooks flagpole.
Brooks reunion,
members of the class of 2018 (from left to right) Millie Brady, Blakey Dimeo and Emma Flaherty.
(left) and Cliff Irons ’63.
Sarah (Edwards) Feeney, Stephanie (Platt) McCaa and Laura (Macdonald) Parsons.
[ 6
Members of the Porter family celebrated the dedication of the Porter Conference Room in the admission building, given by the late Philip Kelsey Porter II ’78.
[ 1 ] Peter Rathbone ’64, P’04, P’15 speaking in Ashburn Chapel about Lex Manice ’64 (d).
[ 2 ] The class of 1974 heads into the Athletic Center in front of glorious spring foliage.
[ 3 ] From left to right: Class of 2019 attendees Abby Zerbey, Brooke Robinson, Lexie Prokopis, Taylor Berberian and Amanda Monahan.
[ 4 ] Jim Saltonstall ’63, Riley Baker ’18, Cliff Irons ’63 and Peter Cross ’63, P’07 dring the Alumni Row.
[ 5 ] Head of School John Packard H’87, P’18, P’21 addresses the All-Alumni Reception crowd.
[ 6 ] A group of former Hett East residents from the class of 1999 at the entryway to Hettinger East.
[ 7 ] From left to right: Fiftieth reunion attendees Scott Lebowitz ’74, Chris Volk ’74 and Brad Niziak ’74.
[ 8 ] From left to right: Jamie Waters ’04, Andrew Small, Seth Reilly ’04, Kristin Homer Small ’04, Lauren Young ’04 and Kelly Sheehan Plaisted ’04.
[ 10 ] From left to right, Cliff Irons ’63, Kim Sluder ’64, Jim Saltonstall ’63 and Peter Rathbone ’64, P’04, P’15 catch up before the Ashburn Luncheon.
Alumni Awards
Head of School John Packard awarded the school’s Alumni Shield award, Alumni Bowl award and Distinguished Brooksian award in an Ashburn Chapel ceremony on Saturday afternoon.
The Distinguished Brooksian award honors a member of the Brooks community whose life and contributions to society exemplify the nobility of character and usefulness to humanity embodied in the spirit of the school. This year, Brooks honored two graduates — who were roommates at Brooks and Harvard College and continue to be lifelong friends — with this prestigious award.
henry lee ’64 is an academic and leader in his commitment to environmental sustainability. He currently serves as the Jassim M. Jaidah Family Director of the Environment and Natural Resources Program within the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School; faculty co-chair of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Arctic Initiative and Decarbonization in China research endeavors; and a senior lecturer in public policy. He has been at the Kennedy School since 1979, and previously worked in the Massachusetts government for nine years as director of the state’s energy office and special assistant to the governor for environmental policy. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Harvard. Lee has also served as a member of the Harvard Presidential Committee on Sustainability.
Lee has served on countless boards in the public and private realms focused on energy and the environment. Along the way, he served as chair of the Massachusetts Stewardship Council, which oversees state parks and recreation facilities.
His research has focused on energy and transportation issues, United States climate policy, China’s energy policy, and public infrastructure projects in developing countries. His recent work centers on the economic viability of electric vehicles and the impact of climate on infrastructure, as well as case studies examining the integration of renewables into the electrical grid.
Lee’s father, Henry Lee ’44, received the Distinguished Brooksian award 15 years ago, Packard noted. With the younger Henry Lee’s receipt, the school welcomes the first parentchild Distinguished Brooksian pair the school has ever had. It’s a fitting honor for Lee’s important work: “He has informed important policy discussions that have paved the way for real solutions to some of the most pressing climate challenges of our time,” Packard said. “His work continues, and we are all better for it.”
peter nadosy ’64 is, Packard said, one of the most respected financial managers in the United States and the world. He has used his talents to help Brooks strategically manage its endowment for years. Following his graduation from Harvard, Nadosy received his MBA at Columbia University and began a 27-year career at Morgan Stanley, building an asset management department focused on institutional business in the United States and overseas. He served as president of Morgan Stanley’s asset management subsidiary and became vice chair in 1995. Nadosy retired in 2008 and started his own firm, advising families and foundations
about asset allocation and investment manager selection.
Nadosy was born in Hungary and lived there until he was 12 years old, when, in a time of political turmoil, he and his family fled to Austria and then the United States. A recommendation led him to pursue admission at Brooks; Founding Headmaster Frank D. Ashburn made it possible for Nadosy to attend by ensuring his tuition would be covered by financial aid. This assistance, Nadosy said in a previous Bulletin profile, has inspired him throughout his life to help people find their ways to institutions to which they otherwise would not have access.
In addition to his active involvement in Brooks (Nadosy is a trustee emeritus of the school who served on the board from 1990 to 2005), Nadosy assists other institutions by caring for their endowments. He played a central role in helping Amherst College revitalize its endowment; in 2001, Amherst awarded Nadosy with an honorary degree and its Medal for Eminent Service — the college’s most prestigious honor — and made him a life trustee.
Nadosy has given much of his efforts and talents to social and educational causes. He serves on multiple boards, including the Ford Foundation, the Charles A. Dana Foundation, and the Central European University board. He has also chaired Harvard University’s endowment and has served and continues to serve on a virtually countless number of nonprofit investment committees. Nadosy successfully advised the Ford Foundation board to dedicate
$1 billion of its endowment to impact investing that delivers meaningful social returns. He advised the Hungarian philanthropist George Soros as Soros started Central European University in Budapest, Hungary, which has become the most respected university in the region.
Packard said that Nadosy gave to Brooks “generously in every respect: time to the school’s ongoing thinking about how it might continue to be better; wisdom to ensure the school endowment had best-in-class management; and financial support, in general, and of financial aid, in particular, that has him on a short list of the school’s most transformational donors.”
The Alumni Shield award recognizes an alumna or alumnus who graduated from Brooks fewer than 25 years ago who has made significant contributions in the field of his or her endeavor.
daniela schirmer izzie ’04 is an activist in the area of accessibility. “With personal values rooted in inclusion and disability justice, she has carved out a specialty in reaching and serving a historically underrepresented audience via contemporary digital routes, and, most importantly, through building close relationships and partnerships with everyday people in generative and exciting ways aimed at improving circumstances for people with disabilities,” Packard said.
Izzie earned her bachelor’s degree from John Cabot University in Rome before returning to the United States to earn a master’s degree in English from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. At the age of 23, she suffered an accident that left her quadriplegic. “This event changed the course of her life,” Packard said, “and also provided her with a platform for activism in the area of accessibility — a platform she has leveraged to extraordinary effect over the years.”
Izzie is currently a digital marketing professional who works to craft inclusive marketing for brands both in and outside the disability space. She has also shared her own story in a variety of media and gives a personal glimpse into what it is like to become and be a mother as a wheelchair user, including the release of the documentary “Dani’s Twins.”
Izzie was unable to attend Alumni Weekend; friend and classmate Vanessa Rathbone ’04 accepted the Alumni Shield award on Izzie’s behalf.
The Alumni Bowl award, given by the Brooks School Alumni Office, recognizes dedicated and thoughtful service to the school.
ginger pearson ’99 has, Packard said, “given her time and talent to our school in countless ways over the 25 years that have passed since she graduated.” She was a class agent for 13 years, a class correspondent for 10 years, a phon-a-thon volunteer, a fourtime reunion committee member,
and her class reunion chair in 2009. Pearson has served on the school’s board of trustees and alumni board, including serving as alumni board president for three years.
Pearson received her bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College before moving toward a career in banking, business administration and marketing. She served as vice-president of Butler Bank before moving to the University of Massachusetts in Lowell as the executive director of advancement. A 10-year stretch in college advancement work followed, including Pearson’s most recent position as assistant vice president of advancement administration at Babson College. Currently, Pearson is president of Gateway Center Corporation, a diversified real estate holding company in Lowell, Massachusetts.
Pearson’s volunteer work stretches far beyond her dedication to Brooks. She serves as executive director of the Battles Foundation, where she oversees charitable donations that help the underserved in the Merrimack Valley. She also actively volunteers at Nashoba Brooks School, is on the governing board of Lowell General Hospital, serves as a board member of Runway for Recovery and is a corporator at Emerson Hospital in Concord, Massachusetts. Pearson was named United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley’s Volunteer of the Year in 2013.
[ 1 ] Two old friends greet each other in Wilder Dining Hall.
[ 2 ] Bobbie CrumpBurbank (right) and Doug Burbank (center right) with their son Andres ’11 and Erika Proulx.
[ 3
Stella Si ’19 (left) and Sarah Fleischman ’19.
[
A scene from the Ashburn Luncheon, which was held in the waiting room of the new admissions building.
(center)
Casey Pellerin Westguard ’99.
6
class of 1974 walks down Main Street in front of Thorne House.
[ 7 ] Congregants at Memorial Chapel.
[ 8
Brooksians gathered at the dedication of the Porter Conference Room in the school’s new admission building.
9
Jane Surran Pyne W’64 at the Lehman Gallery exhibit of work by her late husband, Riv Pyne ’64.
PARTING SHOT
Rower Henry Hollingsworth ’17 took home a bronze medal for the United States of America in the Paris Olympics in July. A first-time Olympian, Hollingsworth was a member of the men’s eight, which posted a time of 5:25:28. Great Britain and the Netherlands won the gold and silver medals, respectively. Hollingsworth rowed at Brooks and then captained the crew at Brown University. At Brown, Hollingsworth earned Second Team IRCA All-America honors, along with Second Team All-Ivy and All-Ivy accolades. He works as an engineer in San Francisco, California.
“A cross-country runner, a guitar player in a student band and a strong student, Henry was the archetype of a Brooks oarsman,” says Director of Rowing Tote Smith P’18 P’20, P’22. “In the fall of 2016, as his four prepared for the Head of the Charles on Sundays, it was clear to me that he had been well-coached at Brooks, at Fessenden School and in his summer programs. That he hails from a family of excellent rowers didn’t hurt either: Making boats go fast is encoded in Henry’s DNA somewhere.” Hollingsworth’s father, school trustee Val Hollingsworth ’72, rowed at the University of Pennsylvania, and Henry’s cousin is also an Olympic rower. In a moment of foreshadowing, while he was a student Henry and the Brooks crew met with three-time Olympic gold-medalist rower Elle Logan ’06 at the Head of the Charles Regatta.
Thank You
Your generosity helped the Brooks Fund top its goal for the fiscal year. Together, you donated $2.52 million to the Brooks Fund. Here at Brooks, we feel the tangible impact of your support every day. For example, here’s an update on summer maintenance and renovation work, made possible by your care for the school:
• Air conditioning units installed on the top floor of the Academic Building
• A new common room and laundry facility in Merriman House
• New water heaters in Wilder Dining Hall and Blake House
• New boilers in the Athletic Center
• New refrigeration and freezer equipment in Wilder Dining Hall
• Painting, roofing, siding, window replacement, masonry repairs around campus
• Resurfacing the tennis courts
“By supporting preventative maintenance, we are imp roving operational efficiency and comfort levels fo r all who live, work and study at Brooks.”
DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES AND PLANNING LIZ MARTIN P’27
1. Gene Record ’59 and his morning cup of joe. 2. Left to right: Cliff Irons ’63, Ilonka Tumelaire W’66, P’96, P’97, wife of Shel Pitney ’66 (d), Jim Madden ’66, Ted Ritchie ’66 and Steve Kratovil ’66 in Newport, Rhode Island, this June. 3. Miles Sedgwick ’99 with son, Rohan, wife, Amy, and daughter, Kalinda. 4. Larimer Richards ’67, who recently passed away, in Cuba back in 2002. 5. Facing the camera, Paul Welch ’68 participated in a 1976 televised demonstration of classical wooden sword techniques at his graduation from a traditional Japanese arts school outside of Kyoto. 6. Future Brookisan Abby, daughter of Sean Nagle ’99, models the Brooks hoodie that her dad brought back to her from Alumni Weekend. 7. Maggie Bailey ’00 and Sally Milliken ’88, P’22, P’24, P’27 at an April 2024 mystery and crime fiction writers conference.
