Cheshire Academy’s Young Alumni Trailblazers

Passion, persistence, commitment—these young alumni have it. Meet 12 of so many of Cheshire Academy’s recent graduates who are blazing trails in education, service, and industry, and hear in their own words how CA set them on their paths toward achievement and success.

A Cheshire Academy Original

Christy Bosley ’07

My experience at Cheshire Academy played a very large role in shaping me into the individual that I am today. I started being a regular on campus as an infant when my older sister, Jessica Kerr ’93, was a student. I then became a student myself at 5 years old, when I started kindergarten at Cheshire Academy. I remember the faculty being a large part of my childhood as well. The Boyds would frequently look after me and warmly welcomed me into their home. I grew up with their son, Lucian Boyd ’10, and we quickly became family. I will always be appreciative of Chip and Shelly’s kindness, as well as the kindness of all the CA faculty and staff. Throughout my time attending Cheshire Academy, I have created friendships that have lasted well beyond my graduation date.

CA influenced my career by being the place where I fell in love with science. I remember taking Mrs. Smith’s anatomy class and feeling excited for class to start. This was one of the first times where I felt such a strong drive and passion to learn, and it was so fun for me. This newfound passion then led me to get my bachelor’s degree in exercise science and health promotion and master’s degree in exercise physiology. My next goal is to get my PhD in exercise physiology. I plan to be a professor at a university teaching future medical professionals of all disciplines about working with special populations and individuals of all abilities.

The impact that I want to have on the world is to lead by example by actively supporting and serving individuals and communities that need help in a multitude of ways. I also want to teach anyone who is willing to listen about consciously removing any unconscious biases concerning people with disabilities. I stay connected to CA because I never want to forget where I came from, and I will always support the school because I want to ensure that it continues to have the same impact on its current students as it did on us during my time. I plan to be a professor at a university teaching future medical professionals of all disciplines about working with special populations and individuals of all abilities.”

A Foundation for Entrepreneurship

Jaimie Fry ’11

My experience at CA was great. I have many favorite memories from the sports fields and the classroom. I thought Discovery Week was the best thing ever! It gave me the opportunity to learn about new things, like rugby and filmmaking. I learned a lot of valuable lessons and skills while at CA. I learned to be independent, as well as how to work and live well with others. I also loved being able to learn from—and experience—other cultures. The structure provided by teachers and coaches who genuinely cared about my success helped me grow tremendously, even beyond my four years at Cheshire. I was encouraged in and out of the classroom to be my best as a student, athlete, and person. For many kids, college is a huge jump but, because of my time at CA, I had already learned time management, social skills (especially living with a roommate!), money management, and so much more.

The independence I learned at CA started me down a path of entrepreneurship. I have owned and operated businesses for the last five years, and, in 2022, I am looking to partner with Amazon. My goal is simple: try to make a positive impact on the world for all of our children. As cliché as it might sound, becoming a father changed my perspective on things. I think back about my experiences and all that I learned at Cheshire and want my son to have the same opportunities that I had. I follow CA closely, and I am happy to see how much it has continued to grow since I graduated; I am committed to do my part to see it go even further! As cliché as it might sound, becoming a father changed my perspective on things. I think back about my experiences and all that I learned at Cheshire and want my son to have the same opportunities that I had.”

Your Next Best Step

Your Next Best Step

Evan Harville ’11

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREENSBORO SWARM/NBAE.

My experience at Cheshire was nothing short of phenomenal. From late night conversations in Markin with those who are now my lifelong friends, to slushing through freshly shoveled walkways, to an early morning class—both English and philosophy—I remember it all so well. The highlight of my time spent at Cheshire was the atmosphere in which we were living. Life at CA had a way of cocooning you in positive ways. You bonded with classmates mostly over the fact that it was aggressively too cold outside, and classes were never canceled! You were far away from home and your simple luxuries. Yet, you found yourself not wanting to trade a single moment when it came time to move forward. I loved Cheshire not as one loves New York, or Cape Cod during summer, but rather as one’s true home—there was a synonymous connection with that of family. If in the dictionary there was a second or third definition of “home,” I was closest to it there. Being from Charlotte, North Carolina, and stumbling my way through being a teenager and young adult at a school where academics and morality were championed, experiences at CA naturally gave me a preparedness for college like none other. My time spent at Cheshire was more than enough; upon leaving, I still had a lot to learn, but I had been given the liberating tools with which I could now teach myself. My goal is to continue to be as positively influential as possible on the immediate circle I encounter on a day-to-day basis.

I currently work as an assistant coach for the Greensboro Swarm. The NBA is an extremely visible platform—is there a better way to lead than by example, be it in the community, workspace, or on social? Is there a better way to champion a pure heart and intention than to act as if? And if only our days were spent towards just that, a sense of self-accountability and good heartedness, where might we be able to go? I stay engaged with CA for no other reason than the simple fact that life is about connectivity. There is a blueprint to be shared, stories to tell, and friends to meet. The degree of separation from your next best step in life is one CA alumnus away.

Game Time

Adam Squinto ’11

Cheshire Academy was a phenomenal experience, one that has shaped who I am today both personally and professionally. There are many memories that I will never forget, both in the classroom and on the fields. One memory that sticks out is having the privilege of playing on the boys’ varsity tennis team and making it to the state tournament during my junior year. The intensity of that season, the camaraderie, and the way the team came together as one will be a memory I will never forget. CA was very influential in helping me prepare for college and my professional career. My teachers challenged me in areas where I needed improvement, but were very much accessible when I needed assistance. Not only did the teachers help me in the classroom, many also offered me opportunities to think about the bigger picture and what I wanted to get out of my education.

The next-level thinking instilled in me has helped me get to the biggest stage in sports at Madison Square Garden, and will help me for years to come. I have always had a passion for learning, building relationships, and sports, and I have found a role at The Garden that allows me to incorporate all three. I want to continue to learn and push myself out of my comfort zone, surround myself with individuals who have a positive attitude and provide me with different ways of thinking, and continue to be passionate about the work I do daily. It is important for me to stay connected and support Cheshire Academy as an alumnus because I would not be who or where I am today without the experiences and opportunities the school provided me.

Raising the Bar

Tanner Cook ’12

My time at Cheshire Academy was overwhelmingly positive. I made lifelong friends, benefited from devoted mentors, and developed a lasting appreciation for education. One example that stands out in my mind as illustrative of CA’s unique community is the connection I still have with a number of CA faculty members. CA prepared me for college by teaching me to value learning for learning’s sake.

Inspired by the courses I took at CA, I decided to major in philosophy. I poured my energy into deciphering complex, often obscure texts, which, incidentally, is the exact skill required in my current profession—law. Professionally, my goal is simply to be the best attorney I can be at Husch Blackwell. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside a number of talented, intelligent lawyers, and I strive to model my legal practice after theirs. Personally, my goal is to be the best husband I can be for my wife, Brontë Escobar ’13.

Cheshire Academy played a transformative role in my life, and it set me on a path I wouldn’t have otherwise taken. Supporting CA is the least I can do to help others have access to the same opportunities that I had.

I’ve been fortunate to work alongside a number of talented, intelligent lawyers, and I strive to model my legal practice after theirs.” My goal is to harness data science and math to tackle some of the biggest global problems, such as climate change and ecosystem protection.”

A Passion for Global Problems

Erik Saberski ’12

At Cheshire Academy, I learned that learning can be fun. Mr. McBreen showed me that math is interesting, and Mr. Aronson taught me how to write something worth reading. I also learned the importance of teamwork and collaboration at CA—I can’t tell you how many great memories I have to this day of cross country races and swim meets with some of my closest friends. After graduating from Bates College and earning my master’s degree in marine biology from UC San Diego, I am currently the lead data scientist for a tech startup, and I am working on my PhD researching chaotic systems. I am extremely proud of where I am today, but also extremely humbled by the fact that I know I would not be here if it weren’t for Cheshire Academy.

I plan to keep following my passions for learning and collaboration— passions I first developed at CA—to continue my career in academia. My goal is to harness data science and math to tackle some of the biggest global problems, such as climate change and ecosystem protection. I am very grateful for my time at CA and look forward to staying connected to the school community so I can, in some way, help future students find their passion.

Paying It Forward

Demi Vitkute ’13

I was lucky to come to Cheshire Academy in the second semester of my junior year when I transferred from another boarding school where I had a poor experience. Immediately, I felt welcomed on campus. I was a shy girl, but CA’s faculty and staff encouraged me every day to step outside of my comfort zone and achieve my wildest dreams. In a short time, I was regularly making announcements in front of the entire school and was elected to leadership positions. I became a proctor, served on a citizenship committee, was part of Model UN, and even received a Rizzolo-Larson Venture Grant to write a novel over the summer. The highlight of my CA experience definitely was reviving the school’s newspaper with my classmate Jon Bergamo ’13, The New Review, after 20 years of inactivity. We spent months working hard to make that happen, and eventually it became a reality. I remember the late nights at the library editing the paper and interviewing so many amazing students on campus. I come from Lithuania, and since I was a child I always aspired to be a writer and write in English for a bigger audience. CA supported me in my dream to become a writer and a journalist every step of the way.

After CA, I majored in journalism at Emerson College and later got my MS degree in journalism at Columbia Journalism School. As an international student, CA inspired me to achieve my dreams and never give up—for that, I will be forever grateful. After I graduated, there was never a place where I felt more welcome or at home than at Cheshire.

When I graduated from Emerson a year early in 2016, I co-founded The Urban Watch Magazine that I still run. I am currently working on a media project, Fashion Watch, investigating sexual assault and harassment in the fashion industry, funded by Columbia Journalism’s Brown Institute for Media Innovation. One of my proudest achievements has been publishing in and receiving a contract from The Washington Post and joining their exclusive Talent Network.

One of my favorite quotes is from Maya Angelou: “At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.” I feel responsible for the world and if I can contribute anything to humanity with writing while using 1% talent and 99% work, then I will do exactly that for the rest of my life. It’s important to me to stay connected with the Academy because I feel I am a part of the family. I also strongly believe in the power of mentorship. I habitually mentor young writers and international students, and I look forward to doing so with CA students and alumni. If I can contribute anything to humanity with writing while using 1% talent and 99% work, then I will do exactly that for the rest of my life.”

A Fashionable Ambition

Ashley Baylor ‘14

Cheshire Academy offered me the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. My experience laid the foundation for me to excel over the course of my undergraduate and graduate years at LIM College of Fashion. It also allowed me to hone my interpersonal skills, which I will carry with me for a lifetime. I learned to balance multiple responsibilities, which influenced my professional career in fashion, as well as the desire to step out of my comfort zone, which led to significant growth.

I am working in the fashion industry in New York City, where I dream of launching my own brand. As an individual with various talents and diverse interests, my professional goal is to continue to grow and move forward whenever I outgrow any position. I always strive to be at my best in my professional life, and I take every new opportunity that comes my way. My personal goal is simple: to help and empower others. I have always been passionate about helping others, and I truly feel that is what my positive impact on the world will always be. As an alumna, it is important for me to stay connected with and support Cheshire Academy because of the opportunities it continues to provide me with to this day, as so many of the people I have met along the way are like family to me now. My experience at CA introduced me to real-world problems that I continue to utilize, such as finding my place and voice as a minority, and navigating tough conversations while helping to educate others.

The Path to Success

Drew Peterson ’15

As I reflect on my time at Cheshire Academy, I am grateful for my estimable peers and mentors who made a lasting influence. From allowing me to develop on the basketball court and get recruited by McGill University, to volunteering in the community and picking up new sports like golf, Cheshire Academy was a great personal stepping stone. CA helped me learn how to balance the freedom and personal responsibility of living on my own for the first time, which is something that has served me well in college and now, as a young adult.

As I enter the professional world, I am hungry to make an impact where traditional business meets the environment. I currently work at Loop, a startup working with large consumer packaged goods brands like Nestle and Procter & Gamble, to develop reusable packaging for everyday products. After earning my undergraduate degree, I have continued my studies at Columbia University’s master’s of sustainability management program. I am excited to make my mark in the emerging circular economy field. As an alumnus, I am grateful for the foundation that Cheshire Academy has helped lay as part of my formational past. Just as Cheshire Academy played an important role in my development, I am proud to know that it will continue to do the same for the Cats for years to come.

Setting Sail Toward a Better Future

Davi Hertz ’16

My experience at Cheshire Academy was a very transformative one. I started as a timid freshman, and became a confident, sure-of-myself senior. Some of my fondest memories from my time at CA were spending free periods in Mrs. Kelly’s classroom, as well as all the experiences I had through the various leadership positions I earned, such as team captain, class president, and dorm proctor.

Cheshire Academy prepared me well for college by giving me the tools to effectively manage my time while taking a rigorous course load and by being part of several extracurricular activities. CA supported my interests, which I continued to explore at Rhodes College, ultimately influencing my professional career. In other words, CA allowed me to realize that I could do anything I set my mind to, no matter how unusual the idea! I am currently a deckhand and educator aboard the historic schooner Roseway, where I am helping maintain the safety and integrity of the ship, and educating students from St. Croix, USVI, and Boston, on various environmental and seamanship lessons. As was the case during my time as a student, I hope to have a positive impact on the world by doing my part to help make CA an even more open and inclusive institution that continues to welcome all individuals regardless of their background or circumstances.

Pursuing Passions in Art and Food Through a Sustainable Lens

Paola Fortes ’16

The first time I visited Cheshire Academy, I was immediately impressed by the sense of community. At CA, I reached my academic goals with the support of all my incredible teachers, joined many clubs and activities, experimented with different artistic mediums and techniques, and was given the opportunity to have my own studio space through the Art Major program. I still think of Mr. Rogers’ IB History and AP Government classes, how fascinating it was to hear him talk about history, and those few minutes before class when he would recommend all kinds of stuff to us, like Eric Clapton’s music or Ken Burns’ documentaries. I also recall fondly Mr. Poisson’s Art Major class because while he allowed us to work independently, the intentional and careful advice he gave us was always spot on. And Mrs. Wright, who turned math from a subject I avoided into something I actually enjoyed. Above all, my absolute favorite thing was sharing all my meals with my closest friends: Andrea, Paula, Omari, Ray, Alicia, Karon, Ishaan, Jade, Lauren, Elina—it still feels strange to eat alone sometimes! Had I not studied at CA, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to pursue my true passions: art and food.

After I left CA, I moved to Italy, out of my desire to immerse myself in artistic tradition. I briefly studied traditional renaissance painting and printmaking techniques, and found my passion for printmaking. I began studying at the Il Bisonte Foundation School in Florence, a historic print shop, where I experimented with ancient and experimental printmaking techniques and found my artistic voice, and it was all because of the foundation I had developed at CA. If it hadn’t been for Mr. Poisson, who pushed me to try new mediums like oil painting and sculpture, and the studio space I had at CA, which gave me the freedom to develop my ideas freely, I wouldn’t have arrived in Italy with that level of self-confidence. Crucially, CA taught me that it was okay to be myself and that, as an artist, being yourself is the most valuable tool you have.

After completing my printmaking specialization, I began working at the school as a studio assistant, teaching printmaking courses and printing editions for guest artists. Later on, I worked at the Atelier L’Armadillo in Florence as a studio assistant and at the same time began experimenting with food, especially handmade pasta and desserts. The latter led me to study at ALMA, the Italian School of Culinary Arts, in Colorno, Italy. I’m currently doing internships in pastry shops and restaurants while continuing my artistic works. Later in the spring I will return to ALMA to complete my professional pastry chef diploma. As an aspiring pastry chef and pastaia (pasta maker), I dream of one day opening my own pasta shop and bakery in Italy, working with ingredients that are sustainable, seasonal and locally sourced, and creating zero waste.

Despite everything that is going on in the world, I believe we are going through a period of transition into a more eco-friendly era, and each and every single one of us—including chefs and artists—has to do our part. Above all, what I love the most about art and food is that they reconnect you with what is most valuable in life: beauty, simplicity, sensibility, and artisanship. What makes CA special is that the only person that you’re compared to is yourself. CA gave me the tools and the strength to be myself and pursue my dreams. I want to continue to support CA because I know it is a place that supports and embraces people for who they are.

The Next Big Thing

Tara Lynch ’18

Cheshire Academy allowed me to explore my curiosity for learning. Every day, I entered the campus with a desire to discover and pursue excellence in my studies. I am truly grateful for the faculty and staff who always pushed me and believed in me, even when I did not believe in myself. As a student-athlete, I will always cherish my time on Simosa Field, representing our school on the girls’ varsity soccer team. Thanks to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, I felt prepared and ready for my journey at Ithaca College, and my IB Diploma has allowed me to graduate college a full year early! In addition to being a final-semester senior, I am a professional journalist for WETM in Elmira, New York.

CA also taught me to always pursue my passion, even during the most difficult of times. As a senior at Cheshire Academy, I launched my own Facebook Live series, interviewing Mrs. Anderson, Coach Dykeman, and campus guests to begin practicing my broadcast skills. Three years later, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I returned to social media and launched an Instagram TV show called “The Next Big Thing,” where I continued to hone my skills and passion for broadcast news while targeting a younger audience. As a journalist, I hope I can share people’s stories and inform others through accurate and thoughtful reporting. I am grateful for the foundation Cheshire Academy gave me, which propelled me onto the right path in college, and now, as a professional. I will always cherish my time at CA, from the eighth grade through to my senior year. As I prepare to finish my final semester at Ithaca College and move fully into the professional world, I want to thank Cheshire Academy for their support and guidance along this journey. I remain connected to CA, and plan to do so for life! As a journalist, I hope I can share people's stories and inform others through accurate and thoughtful reporting.”