2022-2023 | The Compendium

DR. PJ McDONALD May 31,1968—May 9, 2023

Remembering a Legacy

For more than two decades, PJ McDonald insisted on meeting prospective students and families after their tours of campus. He would say that it was important for them to connect with the head of school personally, to see that he was present and accessible to them.

While that is undeniably true, it was also obvious that he simply couldn’t wait to ask each every one of them, “What did you like most?” Such was PJ’s enthusiasm for Eagle Hill. He wanted to know whom they met on tour, with which faculty members they spoke, and what their favorite parts of campus were. He was delighted when, invariably, they simply couldn’t choose just one.

To walk through Eagle Hill’s history and growth is to follow the timeline of PJ’s vision, influence, and impact .

Long-time colleagues became life-long friends.

PJ dove headfirst into campus projects!

Always quick with a laugh or a joke, PJ often led the crowd with a cheer.

PJ early in his career with his beloved Fenway, an unofficial admissions ambassador.

PJ and wife, Kathryn, with son Griffin on his commencement day from Eagle Hill.

Proudly opening the PJM Stem Center at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

Recognizing long-time faculty and friends was always a highlight.

Celebrating the 50thanniversary with the Dare to Dream vision.

Ever enthusiastic about campus building projects!

PJ had close connections with generations of EHS students and alumni.

PJ was always happy to lend his expertise on the sideline!

As proud as was of the campus, it was Eagle Hill’s people PJ cherished the most.

PJ’s optimism and school spirit were unwavering.

Waller Trustee House

The Trouble with Poetry

Poetry fills me with joy

When Dr. Matthew Kim, chair of the English and reading departments at Eagle Hill, first thought to contact poet Billy Collins, he was told that Collins was vacationing in Tuscany. It didn’t sound very promising. However, he and Assistant Head of School for Academics Dr. Michael Riendeau were encouraged to write to him. And so the invitation was crafted on a Hardwick postcard, inviting Collins to come share his poetry with us at “Tuscany” on the Quabbin. Somewhat surprisingly, the invitation was accepted.

Reading a common text helps build community.

For a number of years now, Eagle Hill students and faculty have engaged in the sharing of a common text. From Shakespeare, Thoreau, and Chimamanda Adichie to climate change, refugees, and recreational math, we have—as a community—shared in the reading, pondered the text, argued the themes and the merits, and been inspired to write in response to a myriad of inspiring works.

Why community reading, you might ask? Why should we take valuable academic time to have all students read a text in common? The answer is simple: reading a common text helps build community. If you consider that a community is a group of people with diverse characteristics who are linked by social ties, sometimes share common perspectives, and engage in joint action, then community reading is a great place to start when building a school community. Sharing ideas around a text does impact how we come together, as shared conversations encourage us to learn more about each other. It is a way for us to find common ground.

The achievement of bringing Billy Collins to our campus was a coup for several who have long been fans of the two-time poet laureate. It meant a lot to Matthew Kim that he was able to “bring a living, breathing poet to our community and help students make connections to a living artist—making poetry

And I rise like a feather in the wind. Poetry fills me with sorrow

And I sink like a chain flung from a bridge. But mostly poetry fills me

With the urge to write poetry.

– Billy Collins

The Trouble with Poetry

Former Poet Laureate of the United States visits Eagle Hill.

By Jane Alwis, History Teacher and Academic Advisor

accessible to teens.” This visit would help students access and understand poetry and more importantly, write poetry.

For Michael Riendeau, it was an opportunity to meet the man behind many poems that had been taught in his classroom for years. For twenty-six faculty members, it was the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and teach something different, or explore poetry for the first time with their students, or indulge in a hidden pastime of writing poetry. For some, the thought of teaching poetry was accompanied by a sense of trepidation, quickly overcome by the excitement of the shared learning experience that this class would offer.

Poetry can be simple or more complex.

poetry, Billy Collins, and how the students interpreted the poems. I had an excellent class who came in each day and dove into the book with me. We discussed many themes throughout the book such as home, memories, and life. It brought us together in many ways as we realized we felt the same about a lot of these things and the importance of them. Poetry can be simple or more complex, but I did come to understand how much I really do love words and how, when they are strung together in certain ways, they can truly be a beautiful thing.”

“I was initially intimidated by the thought of having to teach the poetry class,” stated Dean of Faculty Jenna Hubacz. “When I saw my roster, I knew I was going to enjoy learning more about

One of the advantages of having so many people teach a text is the vast breadth of approaches taken. While mathematics teachers Karen Nastasi and Maria Zuniga had students exploring poetry terminology and finding examples illustrating the terms, Rebecca Miller took a pragmatics approach and discussed Freud’s

psychoanalytic theory, counseling, personality, and theory of development after reading Collins’ poem “Freud.” Dr. Miller’s students also read The Lanyard, and made lanyards, and wrote cards of gratitude to give to an important person in their lives. In each card, they shared a copy of the poem. English teacher Marshall Robinson encouraged students to draw artwork that was inspired by the imagery of Collins’ poems, focusing on vivid details that attracted their attention and interest the most. They did the inverse, too: he would frequently project a dramatic or powerful photograph on the board that students would use as the inspiration for writing their own poetry, following some basic rules.

Most importantly, students would make comparisons in their poetry and use descriptive words to paint a picture. For me, it was all about poetic forms, traditional and not. Fascinating discussions ensued about what made poetry poetry, and many of my students became prolific poets, completing their own anthology as a final project. Collins writes about everyday existence—the ordinary, what some might call mundane—but there is nothing mundane about his poetry. He leads us on a contemplative reflection of our days, our memories, and our relationships. His poetry is wonderfully accessible to the teen and the adult, seemingly simple in both language and form, but full of imagery and meaning. His poems encourage the reader to delve into their own thoughts and to attempt to express them.

I feel confident in saying that more students this year tried

writing poetry for the first time than any previous year. In Eric Stone’s classroom, Vladia B. ’27 crafted evocative imagery in her “Where I’m From” poem and Rylie T. ’27 delved deep into a past friendship with “This is Us.”

Josh Kanozek’s class focused on the theme of nostalgia, celebrating simple things that students fondly remembered about their early years. He stated, “With students from across the country, it was so impressive to hear each one reminisce about an aspect of their childhood, whether it be the familiar smells wafting from their elementary school cafeterias, the thud of a bouncing ball in a game of four square, or a favorite toy or snack that filled their lunchboxes. Students ran with the theme and produced some amazing original work that I’m sure Billy would be proud of.” Teddy G ’24’s poem “Nostalgia” is a wonderful example inspired by Collins’ simplistic beauty.

In Jessica Geary’s class, students played with what Collins terms a “paradelle:” a complex form that Siena M. ’23 mastered, reading her version to Collins’ obvious surprise and admiration at dinner during his stay on campus.

A small group of students and faculty were invited to have dinner with Collins when he joined us on campus for the end of the second week in March. During the evening, the conversation was as vibrant as his poetry. He was pleasantly surprised when talking to students, who easily discussed the themes and asked questions pertaining to specific poems they had read. His conversation and reading with Dr. Kim during our all-school event the following day was engaging and brought out the lighter side of Collins,

Students discuss themes and poetry at a dinner with Billy Collins.

An Evening with Billy Collins brought out the lighter side of the poet.

with many stories and poems producing heartfelt laughter in the audience. Similarly, the community event at the Archipley Cultural Center, billed as an Evening with Billy Collins, drew one of the best crowds of the season, with many staying after to chat with the poet over refreshments.

For many of us this year, the opportunity to spend a term reading and discussing poetry resulted in new, more rounded connections. It encouraged us to get to know each other on a deeper level, to have fun with language and poetic forms, and to explore and express our emotions. It taught us that poetry can amuse and indulge, but it can also encourage and support.

The trouble with poetry is, as Doug Koczur stated, “not troublesome.” We learned that poetry can support us in our time of need and help us build a stronger community.

I want to carry you and for you to carry me the way voices are said to carry over water.

Just this morning on the shore, I could hear two people talking quietly in a rowboat on the far side of the lake.

They were talking about fishing, then one changed the subject, and, I swear, they began talking about you.

—Billy Collins

Student Poetry Inspired by Billy Collins

Where I’m From

I am from Hardwick

From Hot Topic and Cinnabon

I am from the dirty snow pile outside my house

Melting, lonely

I am from a tree

Swaying in the wind

I am from the dried-up brook behind my house, and Mandell Hill

From Eagle Hill, and The Village School

I’m from the anger, the silence. From “Two wrongs don’t make a right,” from “There is nothing to worry about,”

I am from no religion

I am from Gilbertville, I am from Cape Cod

Undercooked soy meat alternatives, freezing strawberry ice cream. From pumpkin picking every windy October

To hiking at the Quabbin every snowy January Sunday

Walking under the canopy of grape vines in my dried up front yard With the hope it will revive itself in the spring

I am from those moments of 2023.

—Vladia B. ’27

Nostalgia

Ten years it has been since I was last here Here was where I had so many fond memories with friends

Friends that I wish I had kept in touch with now

Now I reminisce of the time I spent here ten years ago

Dunking on the tiny hoop outside

Outside is what I remember most

Most of my time was wanting to be outside with my friends

Friends that I wish I could say hello to today

Playing with the legos and magnetic blocks

Blocks that we would play four square in

In the playground was my favorite thing to do here Here I was happiest with the ones I wish I could talk to now

—Teddy G. ’24

Billy Collins held a writers’ workshop with students and faculty.

This

is Us

The photo reminds me of us.

The way the two friends are out late at night

Living their lives

Just as teenagers should

The fluorescent street lights shine

Just as my eyes would shine when I saw you

The girls arms are up as she rides inside the shopping cart

Just as you rode into my life

The girl behind her, pushing her friend in the cart Just like how you pushed me to achieve my dreams

I wonder if these girls are still friends?

I know we aren’t anymore

After the photo was taken, the girls put away the shopping cart Just like how you put me away

When they left the cart, they went their separate ways Just as we did

This may be the final photos the girls took together Together, one in a shopping cart, Running, Long hair blowing in the wind, It’s just like our final photo,

As the girls sat in the shopping cart

And we sat in the mall

We now sit alone

Never to see the memories again

Never to make new ones

—Rylie T. ’27

WHAT IS A PARADELLE?

Paradelles are comprised of four stanzas, each with six lines. In the first three stanzas, the first and second line are the same, as are the third and fourth, and the fifth and six lines are assembled from the words of all preceding lines. The final stanza of a paradelle is assembled from only the words in the fifth and six lines of the first three stanzas. The form itself is satirical in its complexity, though it lends itself to creative composition and surprising outcomes.

Paradelle

Warm summer nights flood my room.

Warm summer nights flood my room.

Carrying in the laughter and love from the streets below me.

Carrying in the laughter and love from the streets below me. Streets below me, flood from nights warm. In the summer, Laughter, and the love, carrying my room

Fall brings in smells through the window. Fall brings in smells through the window.

As the children jump and laugh, a single leaf floats to me.

As the children jump and laugh, a single leaf floats to me. A single leaf, brings fall through the window to me. Floats in the smells, as children laugh and jump.

Snowmen line the street, watching me watching them.

Snowmen line the street, watching me watching them.

Crisp cold breezes, combined with white snow, blows with the wind. Crisp cold breezes, combined with white snow, blows with the wind.

Street with snow, blows me the white wind. Watching, The snowmen with combined cold, crisp line, breezes. Them watching

The combined crisp snow, laughter, and smells blows through the window to me.

From the streets below me brings white breezes

With a leaf, and warm nights flood my room. Me watching as the snowmen fall, love floats in. Them watching children jump, summer laugh.

The cold wind carrying in the streets with single line.

—Siena M. ’23

Paradelle

I can hear the sky whisper

I can hear the sky whisper

Uproars into the night

Uproars into the night

hear the night can the sky uproar

I whisper

Below the Sun

Below the Sun

Under the stars

Under the stars

The Sun under

Below the stars

Kids are sleeping

Kids are sleeping

Mom & Dad are creeping

Mom & Dad are creeping

Are kids creeping?

Mom & Dad are sleeping

Sleeping under the stars

Kids whisper

Mom & Dad hear

Are the Sun below I?

Are the night sky?

Can the creeping uproar?

—Margot S. ’23

ABOUT JANE ALWIS

What is Love

Love is a flame that burns bright and pure, a passion that endures and will endure, It warms the heart on the coldest night, and fills the soul with a brilliant light.

Love is the feeling that makes life worth living, the breathless moments that keep us giving, It’s the smile we wear and the laughter we share, and the memories that we cherish everywhere. Love is the promise that we make to each other, the bond that grows and the trust we discover, It’s the kiss that lingers and the touch that thrills, and the joy we find in the secrets we spill.

Love is the melody that our hearts play, the rhythm that brings us closer every day, It’s the sweetest symphony that we’ll ever know, and the song that will live on long after we go.

Love is the answer to all of life’s questions, the source of our hope, our strength and direction, It’s the reason we’re here, the purpose we seek, and the dream that we share as we journey this peak.

—Justin D. ’25

Costa Rica

I was only there for a week Maybe two I lost track of time

But I didn’t mind.

It was like a different world

It opened my eyes

I was only twelve Didn’t know what to expect. All I knew about it was the cloud forest.

The narrow roads, up the steep mountains

The tropical trees, softly blow in the hot, sticky breeze.

The toucans, soaring

The army ants, all walking in perfect order on the path

Coati trying to get in the trash cans, only their shadows visible at dusk.

It was like a fantasy, I suppose. I want to go back. I would do anything to go back.

—Vladia B. ’27

Jane grew up in a small town in regional Victoria in Australia. She completed an Arts Degree, with majors in History and Philosophy and a minor in Literature, and then obtained a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching at a regional campus of what is now LaTrobe University. After relocating to the United States, she completed a Master of Education in Learning, Teaching, and Education Transformation at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.

Her teaching experience includes seventeen years in Australian public schools teaching History and English and one very interesting year at a small Catholic school teaching everything, including cake decorating. After relocating to the United States in 2005, she spent five years working in Massachusetts public schools—teaching amongst other things—history, social studies, and special education. She joined the Eagle Hill teaching faculty in 2011 and now teaches classes in world history, IB history, social justice, and writing.

Jane lives in Clinton with her husband. She has three adult children, three cats, and one spoiled dog. She likes to read, cook, and work in her garden, and she is an enthusiastic tea importer and drinker.

Artifactual Literacies and Global Competence

History comes alive at Eagle Hill.

By Jessica Geary, English and Literature Teacher

To write a letter is to write a message to the future. A picture is worth a thousand words. Everything old is new again. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

These are quotes and adages that represent how humans move through the world, identifying and adjusting their values, their beliefs, and their motivators.

The cycles of knowledge, invention, and action surprise and delight us, and so we, at least in

for the investigation and analysis of this information—sometimes unintentionally, in a manner that traps old ways of thinking, while other times implementing endless curriculum trends that puts us on a hamster wheel of recreation.

However, if we plant our feet firmly in the grounded nature of reflection and allow for a continuous evaluation of what was, is, and will be through historical, economic, scientific, sociocultural, political, religious, civic, and ethical lenses, then we are truly employing critical thought and not being drawn in with everything flashy and new.

By “reading” artifacts—objects, words, concepts, and experiences from our ancestors—students and teachers here continue to stretch our intellectual possibilities; we wonder, challenge, and grow while developing our global competency.

The educational framework at Eagle Hill School is flexible enough to allow for this cross-curricular exploration of rhetoric, multiliteracies, and material culture in many ways. Faculty from the history, English, makerspace, and language departments, as well as the IB program, regularly incorporate the investigation of objects, missives, ephemera, recordings, structures, and places to develop a deeper understanding of the context in which they existed or were created. This allows for the development of globally competent students who can, as Harvard’s Project Zero program describes, “learn to recognize their own and others’ perspectives, articulating and explaining such perspectives thoughtfully, empathetically, and respectfully.” 1

The critical examination of artifacts is an effective method of helping students make connections between their own lives and larger human stories. For example, Mrs. Riendeau’s collection of letters from the WWI and WWII warfronts provides students

In these letters to home, colorful drawings illustrate this soldier’s war experience .

in our U.S. History courses an opportunity to dive into the more personal components of war, and they can develop empathy with those who took part in the military campaigns of the twentieth century. They can see that soldiers who lived close to a hundred years ago shared the same human experiences of love, fear, sadness, courage, responsibility, and possibly even regret.

Through the words of these letters, students get a sense of what was going on in the world, what inventions were entertaining the masses, and how the rhetoric of the military and politicians reached the men and women on the ground, helping students make their own conclusions regarding the ethics and outcomes of the wars. The letters tell them a story, and they learn to see the incredible power of the written word to communicate messages to a diverse set of future knowledge-seekers.

Developing visual or artifactual literacies can provide a window into cultural histories and stories from various perspectives trapped in time. To examine this, we turn to Mr. Hopper and Mrs. Alwis who incorporate the study of propaganda posters into their IB English and IB History courses. This year, we had the incredible opportunity to acquire a set of seven original WWI

War Bonds posters that are now framed, preserved, and part of the decorative landscape of the History Department wing.

With the blessing of the local historical society, the school took responsibility for these vivid, enlightening, and almost pristine 105-year-old posters. Students are now able to interact with primary artifacts, which allows them to find meaning in phrases, images, and sentiments that tell the story of life in America around 1918. Students can engage in critical analysis of these objects to connect with their IB course of study by examining the rhetorical elements of the government’s campaign to boost patriotism, unity, and finances for the war efforts, while activating their previous knowledge of propaganda strategies. The outcome of this activity was the student-driven creation of informative museum placards to accompany each of the posters on display.

For example, when analyzing the Howard Chandler Christy 1919 “Americans All” poster where the beautiful Lady Columbia

Letters from an American POW held in Germany during WWII.

A collection of letters dating from the Civil War.

(the symbol often associated with America at the time) stands in front of the American flag and holds a wreath over a list of clearly printed surnames from multiple ethnic groups, students identified the call for unity of all of America’s citizens to band together, even at a time when equity and diversity were a long way from being a harmonious concept in U.S. society. Students pointed out this discrepancy and questioned the dichotomy of unity and inequality in times of war and peace. The analysis of these pictures or images brings to life the stories that history can tell.

As another example of the provocative nature of the study of material culture, my own class was able to work with Jim Haupt, the makerspace coordinator, to make our unit on collecting artifacts and repatriation less controversial and more tactile. Students in my Change My Mind class first read and viewed information about how the collecting and purchasing of items without known provenance can lead to legal issues. They also learned about the repatriation process: identifying the origins of objects that currently belong in museums around the world and determining whether they should be returned to the original owner or a family member or descendant.

This latter topic was particularly relevant, as a local historical museum in neighboring Barre, Massachusetts had just found its way into the headlines of many large news outlets for determining that it was appropriate to return Native American artifacts, taken just after the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890 by a local resident, back to the people of several Sioux tribal groups. 2

After discussing the economic and ethical components of these issues, students were challenged to think and write about how

technology might reduce the controversy in some of these cases. They conducted research on examples of this happening with major museums in the U.S. and Europe. We then visited the local Hardwick Historical Society to meet with members and discuss how technology could make this process less controversial by recreating certain items, so that both the museums and the owners could have a version of the object, and so that items made with illegal materials could be recreated and displayed even if the original item could not be.

To test out the feasibility of this idea, we engaged with the scanning technology from Scaniverse, and we were able to capture the image of a small wooden elephant that had belonged to a local resident (although, in this case, the item had been willingly donated). In many instances, objects like this were made with ivory, which is now highly regulated to protect the endangered animals that were often hunted for this material, making it a potentially controversial artifact.

Using the 3D printer, Mr. Haupt printed a replica of the elephant out of plastic, which could then be painted to match the original item. What was old became new; yet this newly told version of the artifact’s story allowed our students to recognize the ways in which beliefs can evolve, a necessary process in life on Earth, as scientists like Darwin theorized.

This leads to the final example of history coming alive here on our campus this year, which is the rediscovery of a first edition 1860 American printing of On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin.

This book has a habit of being rediscovered, as it was found about five years ago by a former student on the prop bookshelf of a student-theater production set on campus. How serendipitous

Using new scanning technology and a 3D printer, historical artifacts can be replicated, studied, and enjoyed by others.

“Americans All” WWI Bond poster.

that a book exploring the survival of the fittest managed to survive what was most likely an ominous journey through bookshelves, attics, boxes, thrift stores, and finally a theater storage closet, only to be forgotten again during the COVID years and found waiting patiently in a bookshelf in a prosaic white envelope.

It was destined to have a place of honor. One person’s discarded reading material becomes someone else’s treasured artifact.

Bring Your History Alive

Do you own an artifact that you would be interested in having students and teachers study?

Do you know the provenance?

Please get in touch with Jessica Geary (jkgeary@eaglehill.school) if you would be willing to coordinate an opportunity for research collaboration.

book preserved and ready for display. After all, in recent years, this book has been identified by some to be one of the most influential academic books in history, although not without its own controversy.

An article from Oxford University Press in 2015, written by a literature professor from The University of Cambridge, stated that Darwin’s book “has placed human history in among the longer and more diversified histories of all other species and it has offered a compelling means of understanding how, as Darwin put it, ‘We are all netted together.’ 3”

So, the investigation began.

After consulting with a historical book expert to verify that it was, in fact, an original, the school began trying to get the

This book reminds us that we are a part of something much bigger, connected to each other and our environment, and that diversity is instrumental in the continuation of life. Students at Eagle Hill will continue to have the honor of interacting with this artifact and be reminded that their differences are nothing more than the essential variance that makes all life on Earth capable of survival.

ABOUT JESSICA GEARY

Following in the footsteps of her father, Jessica Geary pursued a teaching career with students who have diverse learning abilities. An integral part of her mission is embracing individualized instruction and establishing emotional and academic integrity for all students. Jessica teaches about self-esteem, philosophy, society and human nature, culture, and history through literature and written expression. Some of her favorite literary works include those that promote cultural, global, and ethical awareness in her students. Jessica is actively engaged in creating diverse and enriching opportunities for her own children (Connor,19 and Quinn,16) and students and adults at her school and in her community.

RESOURCES

1. Harvard Graduate School of Education Project Zero. “The 3 Y’s”, 2019, pz.harvard.edu/thinking-routines

2. Enking, Molly. “Massachusetts Museum Returns Wounded Knee Artifacts to Sioux Tribes.” Web blog post, Smithsonian Magazine (blog), November 10, 2022, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/massachusetts-museum-returns-wounded-knee-artifacts-to-sioux-tribes-30-years-afterprocess-began-180981100/#:~:text=A%20small%20Massachusetts%20museum%20is,Massachusetts%2C%20for%20over%20a%20century

3. Beer, Gillian. “The impact of On the Origin of Species”. Web blog post, Oxford University Press’s Academic Insights for the Thinking World (blog), November 11, 2015, https://blog.oup. com/2015/11/academic-impact-charles-darwin/

A newly rediscovered treasured artifact, On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin.

“

Real ” History A glimpse into the past comes to life.

By Jane Alwis, History Teacher and Academic Advisor

History is the study of the past, particularly of people and events of the past. Humans have always been interested in the past, the tremendous story, a rolling narrative filled with great personalities, struggle and suffering, turmoil and triumph. As historian A.J.P. Taylor declared, “History is not just a catalog of events put in the right order like a railway timetable.” Each passing generation adds its own chapter to history, while reinterpreting and finding new things in those chapters already written. History also gives us a sense of identity, helping us to understand who we are. It provides a sense of context for our lives and existence, teaching us where we have come from and how we should approach the future. It shows us what it means to be human and highlights the human race’s tremendous achievements and great follies. History also teaches us how to organize and manage our societies for the betterment of all.

In 2012, I proposed that the history department begin to collect and display historical artifacts to enrich our classes at Eagle Hill. Students would have the opportunity to see real objects associated with their areas of study and therefore build an understanding that history is not just stories that appear on the pages of books, but rather that it is bound in real artifacts. Over the years, we have slowly built a collection that encompasses a wide breadth of objects.

With Eagle Hill becoming an IB World School, these artifacts

have taken on greater importance as students in history delve into the lives of those living through times of focus, particularly through World Wars I and II, and the propaganda they were exposed to. Students also learn about language and mass communication as part of the IB Language and Literature curriculum, studying propaganda from the twentieth century for their rhetoric and persuasive strategies.

Last year, it came to the history department’s attention that the Hardwick town library owned and displayed several posters that our students could benefit from studying. After speaking with library representatives, it became clear that we might have more luck approaching the Hardwick Historical Society about their collection. We want to acknowledge Jessica Geary, English and literature teacher, for her assistance in this process. After initial discussions about borrowing posters, the Historical Society asked us if we would be interested in purchasing a series of seven World War I Liberty Bonds posters they possessed but had no space to display. Naturally, this was an offer we could not turn down! As is often the case in small towns, the Historical Society building is bursting at the seams with the most amazing, eclectic array of antiquities.

The collection of historic artifacts on display in the History Department.

These posters were placed in a cabinet shortly after their acquisition in 1919 and have rarely been touched since.

The posters promote wearing the buttons issued to those who purchased Liberty Loans. These Liberty Loans were part of the U.S. government’s effort to sell war bonds (also known as Liberty Bonds) during World War I to defray the expense of war. Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and the wearer’s achievements, these pins and buttons

were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly were intended to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.

Our collection includes posters featuring artwork by renowned artists—Victor Clyde Forsythe, Howard Chandler Christy, Alfred Everitt Orr, and Gerrit A. Beneker—and the iconic Show Your Button poster. After being framed under protective glass, they are now on display for the entire school to enjoy and for our students to engage with; as Thomas Hopper (IB Literature and Language instructor) states, “having these original posters means students get to engage with history and literature.”

We invite you all to come and enjoy them also.

Students learn about language and mass communication as part of the IB Language and Literature curriculum.

Cookin’:

J

Jam Band Highlights 2005-2019

By Dr. Nym Cooke, Music Teacher (retired)

An ode to the origins of Jam Band through the eyes of Nym Cooke.

am Band course was originally called Musical Expression and was taught by Harold Burnett (now retired). Looking back, I think Harold was happy to hand the course over to me when I arrived at the school in the Fall of 2004. He was excited to spend more time to focus on his theatre courses.

How fortunate for me!

I can’t express how privileged I feel to have spent so much time working and playing with these fine young people—these teenagers overflowing with musical talent. My modus operandi in running Jam Band was to let the kids play exactly the music they wanted to play, and then to get out of the way as much as possible as they developed their performances (and only later, and only in some cases, to offer specific suggestions).

I’ve compiled some of my personal favorites from the many recordings (some 170 songs) made by Eagle Hill School Jam Bands over the fifteen years I coached them. The tracks are from thirteen bands’ CDs (seventeen bands capped their Jam Band

courses by making recordings). I could easily select another 77 minutes of highlights, drawing on those same discs.

The first jam band was named Ignu Vox by its drummer, Conner Chevalier ’07. Conner, his buddy Harrison Brooks ’07 (lead guitar), Jillian Gilpatric ’06 (bass), Josh Palfreman ’07 (rhythm guitar), and I (keyboard) met in the Little Red Schoolhouse, a one-story, four-room building located where Enfield Hall sits today. That Jam Band was a full-year course, and for the first three months or so, we lacked inspiration and struggled to get the ball rolling. But gradually, things started to bubble, then boil. And by the Spring of 2005 we were giving concerts and recording our first CD.

I say “first” because the band that succeeded Ignu Vox, Sawney Bean and the Ox Clan (also named, I believe, by Conner) was essentially the same group. This time, the band knew exactly what they wanted to do and firmly took the lead. The Ox Clan’s CD is, to my 2022 ears, an astounding feat, with nary a weak track. One day it will be unearthed and go super viral in as-yet-unknown late-21stcentury media.

“The Cave”, represented in this compilation, was one of the band’s finest accomplishments. It puts the listener right into the cave where Sawney Bean and his bloodthirsty band

Scan this QR code to listen to the Jam Band highlights.

Nico Santa Ana ‘19 flexing his fingers on the bass.

took their captives and killed, dismembered, and ate them.*

There may have been a dearth of Jam Band classes for some years, because the next CDs are from 2011, when two bands, The Kegels and 5th Below, made their marks on eternity. (By this time, the course had moved into my spacious classroom in the Archipley Cultural Center.)

5th Below included a quiet and assuming young man, Chris Barry ’14, who came to the school as a drummer and left the school a talented percussionist, singer, keyboardist, and phenomenal dancer (he’s still active as a professional multi-instrumentalist).

I wish I could remember how 5th Below came up with the track “Spooks.” It has four very simple ingredients; a chromatically oscillating figure on electric piano, ghostly synthesizer chords drifting in and out, a busy drum rhythm that intensifies periodically, and the

fourth element, which the drums inevitably portend (and which I’ll let you discover for yourself), work together excellently well.

The year 2012 ushered in the era of Jam Band cover songs when a truly stellar vocalist, AJ Merjan ’16, then only thirteen, signed up for the course and blew us all away with her singing. AJ soon had an equally talented counterpart in the splendidly feisty Nicole Gionet-Giacomelli ’16.

Tracks 5-10 feature these two dazzling singers in three songs each, with the backing of six different bands. They also reveal an impressive array of fine male vocalists: Max Walkingshaw ’13 (track 5), Chris Barry ’14 (track 7), Brett Fenton ’15 and Eddie Kennedy ’15 (track 9), and Sebastián Phillips ’16 and Alex Sarbin ’16 (track 10).

In the instrumental realm, “You Don’t Understand Me”, features nifty solos by Max Walkingshaw ’13

Cookin'—Nym Cooke with Jam Band students in the Kresge Theater, 2017

on guitar (Max’s solo kicks off at 2:49; dig those double stops starting at 3:13!) and by the remarkably talented Jared Kane ’13 (tune in for his first solo at 1:59, and then hear how he rings out the song starting at 4:09; be sure to listen all the way to the very end). And two of the many things I love about “With Me” are the beautiful adolescent yearning of Sebastián Phillips’s voice and the interplay of Sebastián, Alex, and Nicole’s singing (rivaled by the vocal trio of AJ, Brett, and Eddie on “Shut Up and Dance”).

During this era, Jam Band moved to the Shed while it was still the maintenance building. I remember the band Nostalgia practicing in front of lawnmowers and snowblowers, with the garage door open all the way, on a sunny spring day.

The bands just seemed to get better and better. Real Talk, with seven musicians (including THREE drummers), and Connipsis, with eight, were amazing ensembles, and the single songs that represent each of these groups here do no justice to the bands’ stylistic ranges or the richness of their talent.

Another band that included some fine musicians was The Keys, one of whose lead vocalists was the phenomenally gifted Mide Ogunwuyi ’18. Listen to Mide’s fine singing and keyboard playing on Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean”, and don’t neglect bassist Nico Santa Ana’s ’19 heroic eighth notes throughout the entire song. I’ll never forget Nico’s pained face and agonizingly flexing fingers after we concluded each run-through!

I originally intended to include here no more than one song per band. However, it proved impossible to limit myself for two later Jam Bands, The Terminally Chill and Scenes from the Machine. In the case of The Chill, these selections reveal the band’s energy,

synergy, and unity, unmatched by any student ensemble I’ve heard. They also spotlight Phil Dion’s ’17 dazzling guitar playing. Check out Phil’s guitar on “Voodoo Child.”

The Machine’s numbers reveal three impressive and highly diverse young male vocalists. The passion of Eddie Carroll’s ’18 singing on Pink Floyd’s “Welcome to the Machine” is unmistakable from the very first sobbing note he sings. As for George Medina ’18—well, I can’t listen, really listen, to his heartbreaking vocals (two vocals, really; George uses two distinct voices here) on “Creep” without crying.

You try!

And Eric Plumb ’19—who deserves a paragraph here unto himself, as he was part of so many Jam Bands and was such a sterling participant and leader in them all—triumphs twice in Pink Floyd’s chilling masterpiece “Comfortably Numb” on Night Vibes. This young man, who had been almost exclusively a bassist before he played on this song, turns in a stupendous guitar solo—probably his first ever—to close the song and this album.

When I listen to these performances now, five to eighteen years after they were recorded, I find that my students are still teaching me. I’m still discovering why they loved these songs so much; I’m still discovering aspects of their instinctive musical knowledge and their often stunning instrumental and vocal skills. My gratitude to Eagle Hill School as a whole, to Michael Riendeau in particular, and to ALL the kids (now grown into young adults), for having been vouchsafed this incomparably rich experience, knows no bounds.

*Alexander “Sawney” Bean was said to be the head of a 45-member clan in Scotland in the 16 th century that murdered and cannibalized over 1,000 people in twenty-five years.

Members of Connipsis performed in the Abby Theater in early 2016. From left to right— Lucas Dellaporta ’16, Jacob Ward ’17, Nicole Gionet-Giacomelli ’16, and Phil Dion ’17.

Jam Band and more...

Music at Eagle Hill continues to grow.

By Isabella Gentleman, Music Teacher and Academic Advisor

Every month, students from across campus have the opportunity to share their musical talents at the Open Mic series. Since the fall of 2019, Jam Band has done a number of different things, from a remote recording project during the spring of 2020, to working with STAR artist, Adis Halilovic, on a music and art installation in the Archipley Cultural Center studio, to performances at talent shows.

This year’s Jam Band getting ready to perform!

Along with Jam Band, students can learn the power of making music together in EHS Chorale, Introduction to the Performing Arts, and Introduction to Guitar, and explore the joy and art of music in classes like Music Appreciation and Music in Social Justice.

Besides the many opportunities during the school day, students also have the opportunity to make music each year at guitar club with Mr. McCann, in the musical under the direction of Ms. Gentleman, and in a variety of after-school, extracurricular music lessons.

Open Mic Nights featured musical talents from students and faculty.

Guitar Club practicing with Mr. McCann.

Eastern Europe

Exploring Historic Croatia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Slovenia, and Hungary.

By Andrew Ward, Science Teacher, Academic Advisor, and EF Tours Trip Coordinator

In September 2002, I was hardly serious when I suggested to Dr. McDonald that we should take a group of students on a field trip to the Galapagos Islands so that we could “travel in the footsteps of Charles Darwin.” What better way to teach the kids about evolution than to go to the place that most inspired Darwin to write his book On the Origin of Species? Dr. McDonald had known me long enough at that point to understand my sarcasm, but instead of laughing it off, he called my bluff and told me to make it happen. I left his office somewhat bewildered but perhaps more excited at the opportunity to build something that could change our students’ perspective of the world.

to since our first adventure in 2003.

The next April in 2003, teachers and students helped one another off an inflatable outboard onto the rocky shores of Santa Cruz on the Galapagos Islands and saw with our own eyes what Charles Darwin saw 168 years earlier. Each year since we have been challenged to come up with new adventures to take our students to, sometimes to show them places in the world they never knew existed.

This past April was no exception to that. I had some trepidation about how the kids would react to the much-awaited announcement at our all-school meeting of the next international trip when I blurted out Dubrovnik! Our student body is perhaps more worldly than I gave them credit for. The reaction from the student body when they learned we would be traveling to Eastern Europe was likely the most enthusiastic response to the introduction of a new tour that I’ve ever received.

Croatia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Slovenia, and Hungary would be added to a growing list of twenty-nine countries our community has traveled

Croatia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Slovenia, and Hungary would be added to a growing list of twenty-nine countries our community has traveled to since our first adventure in 2003. The idea to travel to Croatia was born in a conversation between chaperones, students, and parents while traveling through Brisbane, Australia.

Croatia was described by some parents who had already traveled there as being much like the best parts of Italy, without all the tourists. In 2008, we traveled to Italy, where we first witnessed the northern Adriatic Sea. In Croatia, we would have the opportunity to see it again from the other side. There is something about the blue tint of that ocean that is indescribable. This would be one of the first things we would encounter as our plane circled the jagged cliffs that dropped to the sea with the city of Dubrovnik proudly perched on its majestic hillsides.

We arrived at our seaside hotel just in time to see the sunset on the horizon turning the brightly lit orange tiles and white limestone walls of the city to hues of purple and blue as the lights flickered on all around below and along the cliffs of the sea. The scene was

so extraordinary I knew it would be difficult to beat as we had so many more places to go.

The forecast for our first full day in Dubrovnik called for rain. It would turn out to be the sunniest day of the trip. We ventured into the old city of Dubrovnik, which dated back to the 1100s. The city got its name from the oak buildings that dominated the city center. Catastrophic fires pressured city leaders to demand new construction be completed using limestone, which dominates the city today.

Much of the old city has been restored from the damage caused during the Bosnian war in the early ’90s as the former Yugoslavia was dismantled. While the conflict seemed recent to the adults in the group, it was ancient history to our students, many of whom didn’t understand its history well until we had the opportunity to meet our guides, who lived through it. Bullet-ridden building walls provided consistent reminders of what had happened there three decades earlier.

Walking atop the walls that circle the old city, fantastic aerial views were plentiful. It was easy to understand why this place was chosen to represent King’s Landing the Game of Thrones television series. To get an even better perspective of the city, we traveled by cable car to the highest point of the hillside, where we could see the city and sea on one side and the mountains and valleys on the other. The only disappointing part of Dubrovnik was having to leave.

As we traveled on our tour bus from one destination to the next, our guide taught the group about their language and culture. Much of our conversations centered around food, and there was a hot debate between our guide (who was Bosnian) and our driver (who was Croatian) about the correct way to refer to burek with

Sunset at the seaside hotel in Dubrovnik.

Walking along the stone walls surrounding the city of Dubrovnik.

cheese. Apparently, there are some things you can get away with saying in Croatia that you dare not mention in Bosnia.

Saying hello to someone in Croatia is quite easy. At least, I thought it was when our guide told us simply to say “bok.” You need to stick an “h” sound in the middle of that to come off like a local. Saying hello to several individuals in quick succession just makes you sound like a chicken.

Long bus rides seemed short with our guide Vanja entertaining the group at every turn. As we left Croatia, Vanja became especially excited to show us her country of birth as we reached the historical town of Mostar in Bosnia. Mostar’s signature centerpiece, the Stari Most, or “Old Bridge,” was completed in 1566 and was the largest single arch in the world in its day. The bridge held for four centuries until it was destroyed in the war in 1993. The existing structure is a near-perfect replica of its former self. Our students scrambled around the narrow streets of the old town looking for the perfect plate of cevapi and unique souvenirs to bring home to mom and dad.

Above: The Old Bridge in Mostar. | Right: Old Town Dubrovnik.

Above: Dubrovnik perched on the sea cliffs. | Below: Sunny City of Split.

Croatia is a country that hugs the Adriatic Sea, curving around Bosnia’s western border. The shape of the country is so odd that the geographic center of Croatia is actually in Bosnia. As we left Bosnia, we reentered Croatia to visit the city of Split.

One of Split’s main attractions is the Diocletian Palace. The palace dates back to about 1700 years ago and was built for a rather unpopular Roman emperor. He was so unliked that his palace was filled with garbage over the centuries, so much as to essentially bury its lower structures. The irony was not lost on the group as we discovered that the refuse served to preserve the palace for modern-day excavations.

ABOUT ANDREW WARD

Beautiful sunny weather in Split followed our group on a long hike to the hilltops by the sea, where we gained fantastic vantage points to the city below. The sun’s warmth would take its own vacation from the group for the next few days.

Pushing north out through Croatia, we ventured to Plitvice, Croatia’s oldest, largest, and most visited park. It was impossible to see all of this 300-square-kilometer park, but we were able to walk for hours along its well-maintained boardwalks that stretched over rushing rivers, along clear lakes, and next to some of the most glorious waterfalls in all of Europe. Even the increasing cloud cover couldn’t spoil this park’s vast beauty.

Andrew grew up in Sterling, Massachusetts, and his family has been involved with Eagle Hill School since 1984. Andrew first set foot on the campus when he was ten years old while watching his brother Christian, a student at the time, play tennis for the Pioneers. Little did he know that many years later, he would be the coach of that same tennis team. Andrew earned his B.A. at the University of Florida and his Master’s in Education from Fitchburg State University. Andrew has been teaching Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, and many other science courses at Eagle Hill School since 1999 and has been the school’s international trip coordinator since 2003. Andrew also serves as an IB faculty member, an academic advisor, and head coach of the varsity golf team.

Clear waters of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik.

Despite the ominous weather, spirits were high as we pulled up to a large farmhouse that had a rustic yet still very European feel to it. As we were treated to a delicious bounty by the fireside at the farm’s restaurant quarters, the group coined a new word to describe the venue; “eurostic,” pronounced “your-oh-steek” was born that evening as we built a large campfire and enjoyed the cool evening countryside in our last night in Croatia.

The next morning, we headed further north into the sprawling mountains of Slovenia. Our destination was the Postojna Caves, which were so large and vast that we needed to take an electric train ride three miles into the mountainside to see its best features. One of the chambers is so large, it is used as a concert hall.

The weather in Slovenia would unfortunately be much like the cave: dark, cool, and wet. Heading to Slovenia’s capital city of Ljubljana and touring Lake Bled and its famous castle, we struggled quite a bit with intermittent downpours and unseasonably cold weather. Students made the best of a tough situation, finding many opportunities to enjoy unique museums, shops, and restaurants. I was often impressed by the small adventures they would find in the short sessions of

Above: Students tour the lower level of the Diocletian Palace.

Above: Hilltop view of Split. | Below: Boardwalk and Waterfalls of Plitvice.

Hilltop view of Split

free time we afforded the group when we were in areas wellvetted by our guides.

There was a sense of relief as we left the cold and rainy regions of Slovenia for our final leg of the tour in Budapest, Hungary. Budapest is like every European city all wrapped up into one destination. After a very busy city tour of both Buda and Pest, we headed to the famed Budapest Bath House, where students quickly rambled from one hot pool to another, trying their best to stray from the chilly air surrounding the outer pools.

That evening, the group was treated to a river cruise, where we had the whole vessel to ourselves. Students gathered with the new friend groups they had created during the tour to take countless pictures of one another along the Danube River with the best parts of Budapest in the background. It was a fitting end to the tour as the sun set off in the distance and we witnessed the lights bring the bridges and buildings to life all around us. The group became its own family on the cruise that night, and the students didn’t want to leave.

While seeing new and fantastic places around the world would seem the goal of our tours, I’m reminded each year of the impact that building new, meaningful, life-long relationships has on our students. Our students’ collective curiosity, resilience, independence, and kindness are the driving forces that contribute to the success of our tours.

A Growing List

Eagle Hill students travel the world.

Since 2003, adventurous students and faculty have traveled the globe during the school’s annual international spring break trip. In partnership with EF Tours, these educational journeys provide a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to experience new cultures, explore a world of possibilities, and enjoy the wonders of experiential learning.

Science teacher Andrew Ward has coordinated these trips for twenty-one years. During the flight back from this year’s travels to Eastern Europe, he recalled the twentynine countries visited in the past twenty-one years.

Spring International Trip Countries—2003-2023

Argentina

Australia

Belize

Bosnia Herzegovina

Brazil

Cambodia

China

Costa Rica

Croatia

Ecuador

England

Fiji

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Italy

Japan

New Zealand

Peru

Slovenia

South Africa

Spain

Swaziland

Switzerland

Thailand

Turkey

Uruguay

Vietnam

Get ready for spectacular waterfalls and unique biodiversity during next year’s trip to Iceland: North to South!

Scan to learn about the 2024 trip to Iceland: North and South

Fast friends in Budapest with the Hungarian Parliament building in the background.

Goodbye, Hello!

The foundation that Kathey and Mike built.

By Dr. Michael Riendeau, Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs

If you bump into Mike Richard first thing in the morning—likely first thing in your morning rather than his morning, which starts at 4:30 when he gets ready to drive to Hardwick with his wife Kathey St. John-Richard for her 5:30 start as the school’s executive chef—you might ask Mike, “What’s going on?” He will respond, as always, “Everything, guy, everything!” And that’s true.

In this issue of the Compendium, you’ll read about a visit to Eagle Hill School by former Poet Laureate of the United States Billy Collins, the school’s spring trip to Eastern Europe, the home@eaglehill campaign for faculty housing, alums Annie Schaefer and Fred Van Lennup, recent EHS theater productions, a newly available collection of Jam Band recordings, and a lot more. In some way, Mike and Kathey have played a part in each of these stories and in the story of Eagle Hill School.

Years ago, the history department chair, Jason Przypek, told me an anecdote—true or not, I’m not sure—about Louis XIV of France, who is said to have declared before Parliament, “L’État, c’est moi”—“I am the state.” This is supposed to have taken place in 1655, only a few short years before Mike Richard began his career in the arts department at Eagle Hill…

We all know that neither Mike nor Kathey would ever utter such a prideful, boastful statement. And yet, I think we will also

all agree that in the most important ways, Mike and Kathey are the school. Finer examples of Eagle Hill’s core values of honesty, respect, kindness, and purpose could not be found anywhere. It was Mike who, forty years ago, took the new, young teacher Dana Harbert on his first duty-night trip to Friendly’s with a vanload of students just to show him the ropes. It is Kathey who, seeing me in the breakfast line, quietly slips behind the server to sneak me the hot cross bun from the middle of the pan, knowing that’s that one I want—or who, against her better judgment and culinary standards, makes meatloaf and Chef Boyardee raviolis for Eric

Fine arts teacher Finleigh Riendeau created this portrait of Mike using hundreds of individual photos of students he taught during his forty years at Eagle Hill School.

Stone because she understands that meal’s madeleine-like nostalgia for him.

As she began to think about retirement a few years ago, Kathey mentioned to Erin Wynne that she wanted to “go out as a rockstar.” I think this was Kathey’s way of saying that she wanted to leave at the top of her game, and, in my view, she has certainly accomplished that. I am more inclined, though, to focus on the rock in rockstar. Kathey and Mike are the rock, the foundation, on which this school has been built. Their bedrock commitment to the few simple but profound ideas that are Eagle Hill School—a recognition of the dignity every person, an unshakable belief that every student can learn, that every person who interacts with a student (in a classroom, the dining room, a dormitory, or on the athletic field) is a teacher, that learning differently demands teaching differently—is what makes Eagle Hill School unlike any other school. Mike’s innate sense that there is nothing we cannot imagine and create together is fundamental to our campus culture. Whether it is the 250-square-foot mural “Aspire” made of thousands of handcrafted tiles and assembled by more than a hundred students, faculty, and staff— sometimes in the middle of the night—or the first-of-its-kind Mobius bench for the math department, Mike’s fearless ingenuity has made countless back-of-the-envelope dreams into reality on this campus.

Another new, young art teacher said to me recently that she cannot imagine this school without Mike Richard. I would add that it is just as hard to imagine this school without Kathey St. John-Richard. But I have realized that neither of us will have to imagine such a school. Eagle Hill School will always be the school

that Mike and Kathey have made it. Their ideas, their values, and their work ethic will always be here. And if I know them at all, I’m sure we’ll see their faces almost as often as we always have.

Congratulations to Mike and Kathey on their hard-earned and well-deserved retirement.

Above: Every year, meatloaf and Chef Boyardee raviolis are on the menu for Dr. Eric Stone’s birthday. Kathey’s daughter Tabitha Johnson (shown on the left), is making freshly baked bread to accompany the meal.

Below: So many families have enjoyed the culinary delights served at Family Weekends and special events over the years. Kathey is shown here with veteran kitchen staff Peter Ryzewski and Eagle Hill’s new Director of Food Services, Linda Jesse.

SCHOOL NEWS - Top Stories

Comprehensive Campaign is Announced

Fall Family Weekend, always a festive event, was particularly lively last year. There were, of course, the customary receptions and conferences and a multitude of thrilling athletic contests.

Unique to 2022 was the addition of the announcement and celebration of the start of Eagle Hill’s new campaign, home@eaglehill

Diana Merriam, mother of Danielle ’15, made impassioned remarks about her reasons for her support of Eagle Hill including the lead gift to the STEM Center and the creation of an endowed scholarship. As someone whose daughter benefitted from the generosity of those who came before her, she stated her desire to pay it forward to those who came after and asked others to consider doing the same.

After remarks, the doors to the quad were opened, and a beautiful tent awaited. Lighting, sound, and ambiance befitting the celebration greeted the community as they entered for a night of music and dancing. Some students were no doubt surprised to see their parents so spirited on the dance floor!

After the community dinner on Saturday night, Head of School PJ McDonald and Board President Marilyn Waller introduced the campaign’s mission to the audience. New faculty housing consisting of twenty single-family homes adjacent to campus was the first initiative introduced, captivating the crowd with the vision of an entirely new community. Second, the plans for three new student houses lining the western edge of Jordan Field were revealed. As can be imagined, this was an exciting revelation to the student body though perhaps to the chagrin of those who will graduate before their completion! Lastly and importantly, the need for increased access to an Eagle Hill education was addressed, and the endowment and financial aid were highlighted as the final campaign priorities. Scan this QR code to view campaign details.

Movingly, and yet not surprisingly, several families rose to Diana Merriam’s challenge and committed funds to build the first four faculty houses. This was a truly incredible moment to take in as the campaign and the next chapter of life at Eagle Hill materialized before everyone’s eyes. Each announcement of a new commitment was met with raucous applause and cheering from the crowd and sincere appreciation from the faculty in attendance.

The party went on for hours, and the impact of the night will last for generations of Eagle Hill faculty and families.

Navigating Life in the Digital Age

Ben Tracy, a leading keynote speaker on digital citizenship and responsible social media, visited Eagle Hill on January 18. He is the founder of Safe Social Network, dedicated to empowering young people to take action in creating a secure online environment and digital safety.

At an all-school meeting, Ben delivered an interactive presentation on the importance of responsible social media use and how to navigate life in the digital age. He encouraged students to build an online presence representing the best versions of themselves—a representation that their future selves would be proud of. He provided materials and strategies to help cope with topics like cyberbullying, the impact of social media on mental health, and the significant consequences of inappropriate social media use.

As a high school student, Ben created social media posts and made online comments that impacted him far into his professional career. After graduating college and landing a dream job as the personal assistant to the former Governor of Illinois, Ben arrived on his first day of work only to be fired for inappropriate social media posts he made as a teenager. Ben has since made it his mission to share his experience with schools and colleges across the country to prevent others from making the same mistake.

Key topics, tips, and takeaways of the presentation included:

• Limit access to social media apps until students are at least thirteen years old.

• Be aware of online predators and take action to report them to law enforcement.

• Set all your accounts to private.

• Understand the link between social media use and mental health.

• Be a positive influence among your peers while using social media!

• Be the change!

Cyber Security in the Classroom

“There are no safe passwords,” warns Diana Mackiewicz, computer applications department chair and academic advisor. Diana is well-versed in internet security and privacy concerns, and she has been educating Eagle Hill students on these threats for years.

For her dedication to teaching trending cyber security curricula and helping to prepare students for future careers in cyber security and related fields, CYBER.ORG presented Diana with the CYBER.ORG Educator Award.

This prestigious honor is awarded to leading educators teaching cyber security in new and innovative ways to K-12 students and showing their commitment to growing the future cyber security workforce.

The award was presented at CYBER.ORG EdCon 23 on June 20-24, 2023, in Mesa, Arizona. Diana also delivered an interactive “Public or Private Information” presentation at EdCon 23 about the differences between public and private information, what should and shouldn’t be shared online, and best password practices.

Since her first experiences taking computer courses in counterterrorism and earning a master’s degree in International Security Studies, Diana has been at the forefront of cyber security.

In 2000, when Diana began teaching at Eagle Hill School, cyber security wasn’t widely recognized as an issue. Today, cybercrime has become mainstream.

Diana’s curriculum includes classes in counter terrorism and drone security. She teaches students about technology and what information is private versus public, and she conducts studies in cognitive warfare and social engineering.

Cyber security will continue to grow, making this one of the most promising and well-paid careers available today and in the future.

SCHOOL NEWS - Top Stories

Winning Streaks Continue

Eagle Hill Pioneers picked up four new championship titles this year, including a three-peat for the boys’ varsity basketball team, who won the River Valley Athletic League (RVAL) Championship for the third straight season!

Boys’ varsity soccer also had another winning season, finishing with a strong 10-5-2 record. The Pioneers went on to clinch the RVAL Championship title for the second year with a 3-1 victory against Four Rivers Charter School.

Eagle Hill varsity wrestling had another very successful season by reaching twenty wins for the first time in the program’s history, and had an overall dual meet record of twenty wins and four losses. The team went on to earn their second consecutive Easter Independent League (EIL) Tournament Championship title.

Ultimate had a record number of players this year, enough to have both an A-team and a B-team. During an epic, almost five-hour Spring Family Weekend tournament, the “No Horns” Ultimate team won the Southeastern New England Independent Schools Athletic Association (SENE) Championship title for the second year in a row.

In addition, several teams and athletes had outstanding performances and recognitions throughout the seasons.

Fall Athletic Highlights

In the fall, both boys’ and girls’ crosscountry teams placed second in the RVAL Championship Meet on November 2. Senior Andre L. placed first overall in the men’s division. On November 4, the girls placed second in the SENE Championship, and the boys placed third.

Winter Athletic Highlights

The varsity wrestling team had several athletes achieve individual recognitions: including the most EIL Individual Champions and the most New England qualifiers in program history.

• EIL Champions: Alex H. ’24, Jack R. ’24, Kefe O. ’26, Tyler F. ’25

• EIL 2nd place: Toby P. ’26, Griffin O. ’26, Daniel V. ’23, Harrison B. ’25

• EIL 3rd place: Odin R. ’25, Booker E. ’25

• EIL 4th place: Owen A. ’25, Julian K. ’25, Josh B. ’24

• New England qualifiers: Kefe O. ’26, Bri W. ’25, Harrison B., Alex H. ’24, Griffin O. ’26, Toby P. ’26, Jack R. ’24, Daniel V. ’23, Keegan H. ’27

• New England place winners: Alex H. ’24, Tyler F. ’25

• National Prep Qualifier: Tyler F. ’25

Boys’ varsity basketball SENE All-League presented honors to:

Boys’ varsity soccer SENE All-League presented honors to:

• All-League 1st team: Collin M. ’23

• All-League 2nd team: Declan M. ’23

• All-League Honorable Mention: Sergei K. ’23

Eagle Hill rowing competed in numerous regattas, including local scrimmages and regional competitions throughout New England. The crew team hosted two “stake” regattas at their home lake, Lake Wickaboag in West Brookfield, requiring a challenging hairpin turn at full power.

• All-League 2nd Team: Hampton C. ’23

• All-League Honorable Mention: Zac S. ’27

The varsity swimming team had a fantastic season, with eight athletes qualifying for the NEPSAC Division III Championships: Allegra L. ’25, Gabrielle L. ’25, Caitlin M. ’23, Olivia G. ’23, Bella R. ’23, Gabe W. ’25, Ayan D. ’24, and Sarah R. ’23, who competed in the 50 Free, 100 Free, 100 Fly, and 100 Breaststroke.

Spring Athletic Highlights

Varsity golf ended the season with an

impressive 8-2 record. Teddy H. ’26, Hudson R. ’24, and Jackson W. ’26 were recognized in the top ten players of the SENE League, while Davis K. ’24 just missed the cut in 11th place.

Boys’ varsity lacrosse SENE All-League presented honors to:

• All-League 1st team: Cole C. ’27 and Jack R. ’24

• All-League 2nd team: Wyatt B. ’23

• All-League Honorable Mention: Griffin O. ’26

Varsity tennis comprised four singles players and three doubles teams. All ten players had their share of competition throughout the season. Anderson B. ’27, had an outstanding season and was named SENE Singles Championship and Player of the Year!

Each season, Eagle Hill athletes brings out the finest in sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork. Congratulations to all our Pioneers, coaches, team managers, and support staff for their dedication to the game!

Faculty Recognition and Achievements

Mathematics teacher Wendy McFaul earned her Education Specialist (EdS) in Educational Leadership (EdL) from Bay Path University in December 2022.

Woodshop instructor Jeff Myra acquired a US Patent for his Hopper Topper. These premium maple cutting boards add a clean workspace for grilling. See more at www. hoppertopper.com

Stephanie Whitaker, pragmatics teacher, earned a master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2023.

Congratulations to science teacher Andrew Ward for earning a master’s degree in Education from Fitchburg State University.

Dr. Juan Bacigalupi finished a second master’s degree in Education on Curriculum and Instruction. He is starting another doctoral program projected to be completed in 2025/2026.

Dr. Tony McCaffrey has partnered with an AI entrepreneur to start a new company—RightBrainAI. The company combines ChatGPTs ability to analyze, summarize, and synthesize information, along with Tony’s research on creativity problems and right-brained solutions.

Immortalized in Bronze

A life-like bronzed bust created by STAR artist John Collins is now on display in the Archipley Cultural Center.

John is a sculptor and painter who joined Eagle Hill as the STAR (Students, Teachers, Artists-inResidence) Artist in the fall of 2022.

During his time at EHS, John worked with students studying Reading, Anatomy & Physiology, and History and ran workshops after school hours. During the past year, and in addition to his numerous art collaborations, John presented one special surprise for students and teachers. At an all-school meeting, John unveiled a life like bronzed bust of Dr. Michael Riendeau, assistant head of school for academic affairs.

Students have affectionately rubbed the top of Dr. Riendeau’s head for good luck for years. Usually, this is an unpleasant experience for only one of the parties involved. To remedy the problem, student Odin R. ’25 asked John to create a near-perfect likeness of Dr. Riendeau.

John took countless measurements and multiple photo references to capture Dr. Riendeau in clay. The statue now has a permanent home in the Archipley Cultural Center for all to visit for a little bit of luck and to adorn with seasonal attire!

We’re excited to announce that John is returning as a fine arts instructor for the 2023-2024 academic year.

SCHOOL NEWS - Top Stories

Eagle Hill School Presents

Eagle Hill’s thriving theater community entertained fans with three stellar performing arts productions this year.

After several months of hard work in the fall, the EHS Theater Department brought to life

Arthur Miller’s exciting drama

The Crucible about the

Puritan purge of witchcraft in Old Salem. The play is both a gripping historical retelling of the true events of the Salem witch trials of 1692 and a timely parable of contemporary society. To get in the full spirit of The Crucible, the entire cast and crew traveled to Salem, where the students could fully submerge themselves in the town’s history.

On Saturday, April 4, students performed the school’s one-act play, What I Hope I Would Say, at the METG Massachusetts High School Drama Festival preliminary round.

Although EHS did not advance to the semifinals this year, the performers and technical team produced a highly emotional and thought-provoking play on school violence set in a dramatized high school theater. Andre L. ’23 and Grace W. ’23 achieved the All Star Award for Excellence in Acting recognition award for their outstanding dramatic performances.

During Spring Family Weekend, family and friends enjoyed Working: A Musical, a production based on Studs Terkel’s bestselling book of interviews with American workers. Working paints

a vivid portrait of the men and women that the world so often takes for granted: the schoolteacher, the phone operator, the waitress, the millworker, the mason, and the housewife, to name a few.

Students conducted interviews with integral members of our own EHS community in the same manner that Studs Terkel did to inspire his writing. With guidance from director William C. Gelinas, the students adapted these interviews to feature onstage alongside the show’s original stories. These conversations took place with the housekeeping and maintenance department, food service employees, administrative employees, and teachers.

Elm & Quill 2022-2023

Eagle Hill School’s award-winning literary magazine Elm & Quill debuted its 2022-2023 issue this spring.

This magazine features poetry, fiction, and visual art created by students throughout the school year. Our student editors—Jacob F. ’23, Spencer C. ’23, and Nicole H.’ 24—worked together to produce a cohesive artistic vision and amplify their peers’ creative voices.

Scan the QR Code below to peruse this latest issue, and take a few minutes to appreciate the accomplishments of these students!

Scan to read the 2022-2023 issue of Elm & Quill.

A Starry Night-Prom 2023!

Every year, one of the most anticipated events is the prom. This magical night is dazzling with its elegance, glitz, and wild fun. And this year’s Starry Night-themed bash did not disappoint!

Held on May 13, this annual right of passage for seniors started earlier in the day at the WHIKS with Eagle Hill’s special Glam Squad to help with hair, makeup, and nail appointments. At around 5:15, the senior promenade crossed the Alsop Ampitheater, strolled down a red carpet, and stopped for formal photos at a wooden arbor.

It was a perfect evening for snapping pictures before heading to the starlit ambiance at the historic Harding Allen Estate in nearby Barre. Built during the Roaring Twenties, this magnificent mansion is known for its walled gardens and beautiful outdoor spaces, providing plenty of areas for more pictures and conversation before gathering indoors. Once inside, the party began with special mocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by dinner and dancing. DJs Mr. G. and Mr. McCann kept the dance floor packed and hopping.

Our thanks go to the prom committee and the many people who worked tirelessly to make this special celebration a Starry Night to remember.

See more prom photos by scanning this QR code.

Commencement 2023

The Last Time

A transcription of the faculty address.

By Mrs. Kristyl Kelly, Assistant Head of School for Student Life

Good evening, Eagle Hill faculty and staff, Board of Trustees and our EHS families. It’s my honor to be asked to speak to my kids, the class of 2023. Now I can see when I used the word “kids,” some of you reacted like Brynn does, depending on the day. Some days she will sit a little taller and look at me like, “I’m not a kid anymore. I’m big.” Some days she will roll her eyes and think, “Oh, man, what is she going to do now, and is it going to be embarrassing?” On other days she will smile and find comfort in the fact that she is loved and protected. I don’t take the word lightly.

As parents, our kids are our light. They are our hearts. They are the reason we drink so much coffee. Over the course of the years that you have been part of this family, I have had

the honor, the privilege to call you, my kids. And like I tell my Brynn, you will always be my kids.

You may pack up your suitcases, and your paths will take you to new destinations, but you will forever be a part of who I have become. No matter how far you go, you will always be welcomed home with a snack and a hug. So don’t forget to let me know if you arrived safely by sending me a quick text or email when you arrive. I don’t do the Snapchat.

As parents, we make a lot of mistakes. We grab milk when we should have grabbed orange juice. We make chicken nuggets when you say you want chicken nuggets when we should have

“ It is easy to get lost in thinking about all the lasts. Feeling sad because we will never have them again . ”

known you wanted mac and cheese. We leave the drum at home on Tuesday because we forgot that it is band practice or start to read emails when we should be loading you into the car so you aren’t late to school. So, my friends have told me.

I think that the biggest mistake that I ever made, however, was reading a poem on Facebook that was titled “The Last Time.” The poem was all about not knowing when that last moment will be as your kid grows up. The last nap that will be taken, the last bedtime story that will be read, the last time you carry them up the stairs. After reading this poem, I first sent a message to my “friend” who had sent it to me, and then I cried. Feeling sad about the losses that were headed my way. My heart ached to think about the last time my kid would sit with me while we colored or the last time I would wake her up in the morning before school.

This poem floated through my mind over the course of this year. I found myself thinking: This is the last soccer game Declan, Colin, Mackenzie, Max, Evan, and Serge will play in Green & White. The last time I will be by the pool screaming for Katherine, Bella, and Caitlin.

I caught myself sitting at my desk, looking out my window, thinking, this is the last time, this is the last proctor meeting, this is the last time I will see Wyatt dressed up like a little stormtrooper on the lacrosse field, this is the last time Liam will be getting off the crew bus. Mikaela won’t need the key for the store. Ashton won’t sit in my office and tell me I don’t have any good candy.

The last time I will hear, “Hey, Queen.” This is the last night our country crew will gather around the fire pit and just sit in the Adirondack chairs. The last time they will forget to turn it off before heading to the dorm. The last walk across campus for Davis and Owen. The last time Will picks up his keys. My last hug from Lucia and the last time I get to tell Harrison that the Yankees rule. And my last reminder from Marisa that we have a meeting.

It is easy to get lost in thinking about all the lasts. Feeling sad because we will never have them again. Over the course of these

past couple of weeks, I found myself watching you kids and not focusing on the last but instead, focusing on the next step. Sitting at the beach, watching you dig holes. Holding hands around a bonfire doing the wave. Laughing in my office. Watching you all prepare for your next chapter with your chin up, proud of what you have accomplished. That confidence that was shaking when you first stepped onto campus is rock solid as you prepare to step up onto that stage. Cherish the moment like it could be the last but live it with the joy of it being that next step.

I have rewritten this speech four times. I know, SHOCKING. The weight of the moment, the pressure to use my opportunity to share with you, not for the last time as students, but for the first time as soon-to-be graduates. I pulled out all the stops in these four versions. Brynnism’s, quotes—oh the quotes. You know how I like a good quote. I numbered my thoughts, put them in bullet points, color-coded, word-vomited everything. I have been told I can be wordy and I had five to ten minutes. So I sat down in the lecture hall Thursday afternoon and wrote what I really feel you need to know while listening to True Colors by Cindy Lauper, The House That Built Me by Miranda Lambert, and My Wish by Rascal Flatts.

There is family we are born into, there is family we are raised with, and there is family we choose. Not tied together by blood but by experiences.

You are family that I choose.

You are enough.

You are enough for this world.

You are enough for those that truly love you.

You are enough to live a joyful life.

You have everything you need to get through the difficult times.

You have everything you need to get to where you want to be.

You are worth showing up for every day.

You are worth every moment. Every gray hair. Every cup of coffee. Every WTF moment.

You are worth every moment.

Don’t let anyone convince you that you are less than others. Be compassionate with yourself.

“There is family we are born into, there is family we are raised with, and there is family we choose.”

Be proud of yourself.

Believe that you are more than enough.

When you don’t feel like you are enough, be extra.

You are here to be you, not to mold into an image you think someone else wants or needs.

We need you to be yourself. I can speak from experience. In our time together, each of you contributed to us because of your own unique talents and gifts. We would not be the same if you weren’t brave enough in those moments to be you.

You are brave enough.

Know that you are loved more than you will ever realize. Know that I will sit by you at any moment and hold your hand in celebration or mourning. In silence or laughter, and in those moments when your voice shakes, when you get knocked down, stand up, straighten that crown, and keep going, my kid.

The Last Time

-Author Unknown

From the moment you hold your baby in your arms you will never be the same You might long for the person you were before

When you had freedom and time

And nothing in particular to worry about You will know tiredness like you never knew it before Days will run into days that are exactly the same

Full of feedings and burping

Nappy changes and crying

Whining and fighting

Naps or a lack of naps

It might seem like a never-ending cycle

But don’t forget…

There is a last time for everything

There will come a time when you will feed your baby for the very last time

They will fall asleep on you after a long day

And it will be the last time you ever hold your sleeping child

One day you will carry them on your hip then set them down

ABOUT KRISTYL KELLY

Over the last nineteen years, Mrs. Kelly has been involved in every aspect of Eagle Hill School students’ experience on campus. She has served as a member of the Girls Leadership Program Committee and the Student Leadership Initiative Committee, SADD advisor, peer mentor advisor, Young Women’s Affinity Group advisor, ropes course manager, teacher, and coach (girls’ varsity soccer, boys’ JV basketball, varsity softball, and varsity swimming).

Mrs. Kelly has been the advisor for the Student Council since her second year at Eagle Hill and has run the floor hockey tournament, one of Eagle Hill’s most storied traditions, for almost two decades. She served as a faculty representative for the Diversity Committee, Annual Giving Fund, and administrative team. She has worked with our students as a dorm counselor, pragmatics department chair, teacher, academic advisor, and college counselor.

In 2020, it was no surprise that Mrs. Kelly was named Assistant Head of School for Student Life, having touched every facet of a student’s experience at Eagle Hill.

And never pick them up that way again

You will scrub their hair in the bath for one last time

And from that day on they will want to bathe alone

They will hold your hand to cross the road

Then will never reach for it again

They will creep into your room at midnight for cuddles

And it will be the last night you ever wake to this One afternoon you will sing “the wheels on the bus” and do all the actions

Then never sing them that song again

They will kiss you goodbye at the school gate

The next day they will ask to walk to the gate alone

You will read a final bedtime story and wipe your last dirty face

They will run to you with arms raised for the very last time. The thing is, you won’t even know it’s the last time

Until there are no more times. And even then, it will take you a while to realize.

So, while you are living in these times, remember there are only so many of them and when they are gone, you will yearn for just one more day of them.

For one last time.

Watch Mrs. Kelly deliver the faculty address.

Spencer Jack Abrams Rollins College

Liam Eric Altschul

The College of New Jersey

Katharine Olivia Aubut

Plymouth State University

Ethan Foley Bashaw Western Colorado University

Andrew Dunstan Beers College of Charleston

Wyatt Jaxon Boyd College of Charleston

Peter James Burke Gap Year

Lynn University, Class of 2028

Lucia Rayne Calvert James Madison University

Marshall Hampton Carver VII University of Mississippi

Maximilian Mai-Lun Casado University of Denver

Spencer Peter Charrington McDaniel College

James Moonho Chung Curry College

Ashton Thomas Crump Electrician Apprenticeship

Sebastián Ignacio Dueño Díaz

Loyola University New Orleans

Jacob Garrison Fendler Gap year

Evan Matthew Gage Roger Williams University

COMMENCEMENT 2023 - Graduating Class

Olivia Rose Goldfarb

Saint Michael’s College

Maria Luisa Gracias Georgetown University

Madeline Sloane Hornsby High Point University

Madeline Lucia Howell SUNY College of Agriculture & Technology

Devyn Grace Hyer Rollins College

Salome Jelke Emmanuel College

Griffin Alec Jones Endicott College

Sergei James Kelly Adelphi University

Richard Davis Kendrick University of Denver

Abigail Grace Kirby Sacred Heart University

Max Alan Kosmider Wentworth Institute of Technology

William Kenniston Krauss

New England Institute of Technology

Andre Phillip Lazarus Emerson College

Sierra Elizabeth Learned-Miller DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology

Ryan Levit Undecided

Owen Campbell Long American University

Matthew Steven Madreperla American University

Samuel Joseph Marabella University of Hartford

Siena Rose Marrero Marshall University

Collin Thomas McDade Northeastern University

Declan Patrick McGinty Kenyon College

Edward Clay Mickey University of New England

Caitlin Elizabeth Montague Roger Williams University

Katherine Elizabeth Moody Dean College

Isabela Rusca Queiroz De Moraes High Point University

Jayson Paul Morelli Belmont Abbey College

Aimee Elizabeth Nelson Landmark College

Gabrielle Gloria O’Hearn-Veloza

University of New Hampshire (Main Campus)

Schuyler Beekman Palmer Champlain College

Tuva Danfei Irma Pärson Gap year

Hofstra University, Class of 2028

Sarah Elizabeth Rieseberg Ohio Wesleyan University

Gabriel Gaynes Rohlin Entering the work force

Isabella Kate Rucci Westfield State University

Patrick Warren Ryan

Florida Institute of Technology

Sean Luke Ryan Florida Institute of Technology

Margot Zoë Sauter Westfield State University

Harrison Cole Soep Dean College

Brooke Nicole Stryker High Point University

Dylan Joost Thesseling Lynn University

Alfredo Daniel Villela University of Rhode Island

Elizabeth Grace Walls

Hofstra University

Kyle Welch Trinidad State College

Micaela Abigail Williams

Nassau Community College

Mackenzie Thomas Woolf University of South Carolina

Maximilian Azaria Zimmer Ithaca College Scan QR code to view graduation photos.

Commencement 2023

Let’s Be Grateful

A transcription of the senior class address.

By Marisa Gracias, Class of 2023

Welcome family, friends, faculty, and most importantly, the class of 2023. For the past couple of years, Eagle Hill has been the place we call home. Our teachers and faculty have become our mentors, and our peers have become our family. So, like it or not, you are all a part of my family.

Given that we are all honorary family members, I’d like to pass on a tradition my family has during big occasions. When we sit down for dinner, we go around and each share three things we are grateful for. My brother might say he is grateful for the fries he had for lunch, and my mom would launch into a tangent about every aspect of her day from breakfast with her kids to board meetings.

In those moments, we feel closer as a family and more present with ourselves. In times of uncertainty, as we head into the world, this tradition may offer confidence, a sense of purpose, or at least a different perspective. I would like to share that with my new family. My gratitudes come not only from what I have seen and heard from my peers but so much more.

First, I know I speak for everyone when I say how grateful I am for Dr. McDonald. He is an inspiration, a guiding light, and a mentor to many of us. He is the reason we are standing here today. I say “he is” because his purpose still lives within each of us. He was the first person to see the potential within us. He created a community where we belong, where we thrive, where we call home. It is so rare to

“

I am grateful for Eagle Hill’s core values: Purpose, Honesty, Kindness, and Respect.

These are more than just words, they are lived experiences.”

find a leader who will dare you to throw a snowball at him and then five minutes later tell you how proud he is of you. So, for that I am grateful.

He is so loved and missed within this community, and we will carry his legacy with us as we venture into our next steps. So, Dr. McDonald, thank you for everything.

As students with learning differences, many of us share experiences of systems that made us feel isolated and looked down upon. However, Eagle Hill has provided a nourishing environment to help us unlock our true potential. I came to EHS for more of a challenge and to find peers who valued education the way that I did.

A few weeks after I transferred at the beginning of my junior year, I went to Dr. Riendeau to switch some of my classes. He suggested that I switch into the full IB program: mind you, this was only my second conversation with him. Little did he know that in the 8th grade, I tested into 3rd grade math. I thought to myself, “This guy is crazy. He doesn’t even know me. I could never handle that.” The next day, I walked into IB math with a pit in my stomach, doubting

myself the entire time.

Then Mr. Blais dove right into class. He treated me like I could just jump right in and do it. I realized that I had surrounded myself with people who treated me like I deserved to be there, like I could do it. That was when I realized that the teachers here are a gift. They are able to conceive of their students’ full potential and encourage us to meet it, before we even suspect what’s possible. Now, every family weekend, I have to bring tissues to my parent-teacher conferences because one of my parents cries tears of joy and amazement. My father quite literally describes my experience here as “my brain exploding open.”

Second, I am grateful for Eagle Hill’s core values: Purpose, Honesty, Kindness, and Respect. These are more than just words; they are lived experiences. Their presence has shaped an environment in which we feel comfortable being our authentic selves while growing as human beings.

Purpose is the cast of One Act dedicating their lives to the art to make our school a better and more diverse place. Purpose is Ashton devoting his talents in tech to help students and faculty make their ideas come to fruition.

“ These values serve as guiding lights, not only as students at Eagle Hill, but far beyond as we take our next steps.”

Honesty is Micaela impacting the world through her art in rare ways; honesty is Jacob who (I don’t think you can capture in a sentence—but!), even though he knows most of the answers, will still ask for help, which ends up helping everyone. Kindness is Jamie and Devyn always giving a smile as you pass them in the halls. Kindness is Salo slipping notes under HH1 doors just to remind people how great they are.

Lastly, respect, my personal favorite. Respect is Liv always giving a lending ear to those in need. Respect is Jay Jay encouraging the opposing team after a basketball game. These values serve as guiding lights, not only as students at Eagle Hill, but far beyond as we take our next steps.

Lastly, I am grateful for you: the class of 2023, who I have watched come into your own. When reflecting on our class, one

word quickly comes to mind: unity. Unity is the ability to walk down the halls and see a smiling face each time. Unity is the bond we have developed regardless of where we are from, when we started, or the places we have gone. Unity is finding connection through resilience.

At a young age, we were handed a difference, a difficulty, a challenge. We have each had to learn how to cope not just with our learning differences, but the stress that comes along with them. Through those experiences we have built resilience; we have each found our own strengths, and through each other’s strength, we learn more about ourselves and our unexpected passions.

I am grateful to the class of 2023 because you have taught me more about myself than I could have learned on my own, and you have helped me feel like I belong. As a class, we have created

“

The values and experiences Eagle Hill has provided us with will help us embrace change, rather than fear it.”

a sense of belonging, a sense of unity. Through this we are all able to conceive of our potential. As you go into the world, surround yourself with people who help you conceive of possibility. Surround yourself with people who are grateful for the resilience that you have earned. Most importantly, know that wherever you are, you belong.

Today marks the beginning of a new chapter. While we have so much to be grateful for, change is always scary. That said, the values and experiences Eagle Hill has provided us with will help us embrace change, rather than fear it. The resilience this class has demonstrated has been inspiring, from the small things like failing a test and showing up the next day to facing a global pandemic.

We have been able to overcome the loss of a mentor and leader, a world in constant turmoil, unprecedented changes in society, and weekly 8am college counseling meetings, all of which allowed the community to rise and rise again.

So, as the class of 2023 prepares to take our next steps, let’s take a moment to go back to the dinner table. Let’s be grateful for the dining hall pizza, let’s be grateful for each other and the friendship we have formed. Let’s be thankful for the core values that will guide us. Let’s be grateful for the resilience each of us has developed in our path so far and our path yet to come.

To the class of 2023, despite every challenge, we did it, and I wish each of you the very best. Thank you.

Watch Marisa deliver the Senior Address.

Commencement 2023

Thank You, I’m Sorry, and I Love You

A transcription of the commencement address.

By Mr. Jadihel Taveras, Head of School for Esperanza Academy

Distinguished faculty, honored guests, proud parents, and most importantly, the remarkable graduating class of Eagle Hill School, it is with great joy that I stand before you today on this momentous occasion. As I gaze upon this gathering of talented individuals, I am reminded of the immense privilege it is to be a part of this celebration—and to each and every one of you, I want to say: thank you, I’m sorry, and I love you.

First of all, thank you.

I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to the faculty and staff of Eagle Hill School, who have dedicated themselves to nurturing and shaping the minds of this exceptional Class of 2023!

To the parents and families, I extend my heartfelt admiration. Your love and support have been essential in the journey that has led us to this very moment. Actually, for the parents in the room, I would like for all of you to take a moment and reflect.

Think about your child. Do you remember when they were three or four? Running around and looking at the world with insatiable curiosity. Their laughter echoed, infectious and pure, a symphony of joy that brightened everything. Everything around them was fascinating—a brightly colored ball bouncing in the grass, a plane flying overhead, or a puddle beckoning to be explored. Go back further. Do you remember when they were babies? They found wonder in the simplest of things: the sound of your voice calling out to them, the feeling of sand slipping through their tiny fingers, or the taste of a ripe strawberry—each sensation becoming a revelation, a gateway to understanding the world around them. Do you remember those early year?

And every night, you would put them to sleep, yourself exhausted: you would look at them, your heart heavy and full, knowing that you could never express to them how much you love them, how much you think about their future. How much they own your heart. And simultaneously, how terrified you

were. Terrified of the unknown, knowing that every day you were doing your best, and wondering if your best was enough. What will they need? Who will they become?

I stand in front of you today to say: you should be so proud. And you should be proud for many reasons. Yes, this is a class that overcame COVID disruption in their early high school career and had an unprecedented number of college acceptances and “first choice” admissions, created and starred in award-winning theater productions, and won multiple athletic league championships and individual accolades.

There is absolutely no doubt that this is an impressive group of kids who have collectively chosen their reality. They have persevered over and over again and have demonstrated what you all knew deep in your hearts: that the world is lucky to have them. But encapsulated in all of this is one common bond. A bond that has formed everyone in this room in immeasurable ways. A bond so secure and so loving that it will permeate your lives for generations. That bond is Eagle Hill.

Parents, you have chosen, and students, you are graduating from, a remarkable institution an exceptional community. I have lived in six different countries. I have worked at independent schools throughout New England, and I am currently a Head of School. I know that Eagle Hill stands alone in this world.

This is an institution that looks society square in the face and says, we will unapologetically create a community where each individual is loved and respected for who they are because we understand that brilliance, courage, and wisdom seldom present themselves as a linear formation in the human experience.

At Eagle Hill, there is an ancient truth that is held sacred that is that humans learn differently. It is a safe and inspiring environment for students to explore not only their ingenuity but their purpose and as a result, the world is better off because of Eagle Hill graduates.

And when you all chose Eagle Hill, students, parents, faculty, staff, you chose Dr. McDonald. You chose someone who believed in the power of love and opportunity. You chose someone who saw you, believed in you, and was eager and anxious for you to soar through Eagle Hill and into the world to leave your mark.

And I’m sorry.

I’m so deeply sorry for your loss and for the complex journey of healing that lies ahead.

When Dr. McDonald called me a few months ago and asked me to be the Commencement Speaker, I responded to him by saying “PJ, you must have terrible service because for a second, you sounded like you wanted me to be the commencement speaker this year.” He laughed and then said, “No, Jadi, I would be honored.”

I have to admit, I have been asking myself why. And then it dawned on me. Dr. McDonald had a gift. He knew how to see potential in people. He believed in giving people an opportunity to write their own story and speak their own truth. Through this work, he was a humanitarian. He looked at each and every one of you and believed in you so deeply. It is not an accident that a man with a gift like his, seeing the beauty in others, led this remarkable institution for twentyfive years.

Dr. McDonald was an architect of dreams and a nurturer of aspirations. With unwavering belief, he offered a guiding hand, helping every Eagle Hill student and graduate realize their worth, and helping them understand who they are in this world.

Graduates, there are people in your life who will open doors or simply see you for who you are. Pay attention to these people; they are gifts along your journey. You can stay in your hometown or travel the world. I promise you: they will appear. Sometimes they stay in your life, and sometimes they come and go. These people live across ethnicities, races, and socio-economic statuses;

“

At Eagle Hill, there is an ancient truth that is held sacred—that is that humans learn differently.”

“Graduates, there are people in your life who will open doors or simply see you for who you are. Pay attention to these people; they are gifts along your journey.”

they are humans who are put in our paths for a reason. You will feel it when you meet them. When you meet someone who makes you feel like it’s easy to be you, then you know that this person has been intentionally put in your path.

I stand here today not as an authority figure but as a fellow traveler on the road of life. I have traversed the path of triumphs and tribulations that accompany the pursuit of dreams, drawing my inspiration from this shared journey. Allow me to share a glimpse of my own story.

I was a child raised by an immigrant single mother, navigating a world filled with uncertainties. Growing up with undiagnosed ADHD presented its own set of challenges, yet I persevered. By the time I reached the age of thirteen, my family had moved from one apartment to another eight times.

In a hyper-masculine Latino culture, I often felt like I didn’t fit in—I was drawn to gardening and poetry, and my empathic nature set me apart from the narrow box of masculinity that was defined for me. I yearned for others to succeed and felt deeply connected to the world around me.

These qualities, while inherently a part of me, made it difficult to embrace who I was meant to be fully. Growing up where I did, there wasn’t much room for a soft-hearted Latino boy with big dreams.

As a “Boys and Girls Club” kid, I was fortunate to receive an opportunity—a chance that changed the trajectory of my life. I attended a boarding school where I faced my fair share of academic struggles.

During freshman year, I failed English and later had to repeat a grade. School was undeniably challenging for me, but my mind was vibrant with thoughts, dreams, and an understanding of the complexities of the human condition. While coping mechanisms and strategies eluded me, I found solace and strength in thinking differently, in dreaming, and in empathizing deeply with others. I always knew I had great ideas, but I didn’t have the environment to see them come to

fruition. But the spark inside me never dimmed.

Eagle Hill School—a place that caters to unique learners like me—would have been an invaluable resource on my journey. However, I did not have that privilege. Instead, I pushed through with impaired executive function, grappling with a slow processing speed. I lacked an understanding of the strategies that could have supported me, consistently finding myself in environments that were ill-suited to my particular learning style. Thinking something was wrong with me, my inferiority complex and imposter syndrome constantly nagged at me.

The truth is, the world we inhabit is not designed for those who think differently. But let us not forget that it is the diverse perspectives, the unconventional minds, that infuse this world with vibrancy and brilliance.

That is why I love you.

Without individuals like us, the world would be devoid of creativity, imagination, and the ability to understand the intricacies of life itself.

Today, I am the head of a school for black and brown girls who come from very challenging circumstances. Oftentimes when society looks at these girls, it has predetermined who and what they can be. And yet we have designed a program that has completely re-imagined what urban education can look like, and we are getting national attention for our education model.

School was hard for me, not because I wasn’t smart, but because it wasn’t designed for me. And now my ideas are coming into fruition and our kids, who society in many ways have dismissed are graduating Esperanza Academy. They are attending the most competitive high schools in New England, including Eagle Hill. I recently wrote an article on leadership that was shared by the president of one the largest foundations in the world. Not bad for a kid who failed high school English.

So, graduates of Eagle Hill School, I stand before you today as a

“Embrace the challenges you have faced, for they have forged in you a resilience that will carry you through any obstacle.”

“The truth is, the world we inhabit is not designed for those who think differently.”

testament to the power of embracing your uniqueness. Embrace the challenges you have faced, for they have forged in you a resilience that will carry you through any obstacle. You have to believe in yourself.

I believe in you. Your journey, though different from mine, is marked by the same spirit of tenacity and the pursuit of dreams.

There are many realities in life, and wherever you are from and wherever you will go, I promise you it’s beautiful, and it’s challenging, to find your way. Don’t make it harder on yourself by being too proud or letting your ego guide you. Never miss the opportunity to say thank you to someone who makes a mark in your life. Don’t be too proud to say I’m sorry. Never forget to say I love you when you feel it in your heart.

As you step out into the world, armed with the knowledge and support you have gained from Eagle Hill, remember that you possess an extraordinary perspective—an ability to see beyond the confines of traditional thinking. And as you embark on this new chapter of your lives, never forget that your potential to create, to empathize, and to understand the world is boundless. The world needs you—your ideas, your dreams, and your unwavering belief that thinking differently is not just valuable but indispensable.

Congratulations, graduates, on this remarkable milestone. May your impact on the world be profound. And please don’t forget to say, thank you, I’m sorry, and I love you along the way.

STUDENT COMMENCEMENT AWARDS

Ronald M. Baglio Student Life Leadership Awards: Bella Rucci ’23 and Harrison Soep ’23

Headmaster’s Cup Award: Marisa Gracias ’23

Thomas A. Schneider Entrepreneurial Award: Ashton Crump ’23

ABOUT JADI TAVERAS

Jadi is a first-generation Latino from Lawrence, MA. His background and history are very similar to Esperanza Academy students. He obtained a scholarship to Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire and received his baccalaureate degree from Siena College in 2008. While an undergraduate, he spent a semester attending Stellenbosch University in South Africa and taught in low-income communities of color. This experience, and his family’s journey as immigrants from the Dominican Republic to Lawrence, sparked a passion and commitment to supporting and advocating for marginalized communities. Upon graduation, Jadi spent a year as a program manager for the Foundation of Sustainable Development in Cochabamba, Bolivia, working closely with indigenous migrants on issues related to economic sustainability. After several years of leading international development initiatives in Latin America and East Asia, he earned his Master’s in Intercultural Leadership, Communication, and Management from SIT Graduate Institute in Brattleboro, Vermont. After serving as associate dean of students at The Putney School in Vermont and dean of multicultural education at The Governor’s Academy in Massachusetts, Jadi became the head of school at Esperanza Academy in 2018.

Jadi serves as a trustee for The Lawrence Partnership, Kimball Union Academy, the Association of Independent Schools in New England, and the Mariposa DR Foundation, a non-profit that educates and empowers girls in the Dominican Republic.

ABOUT ESPERANZA ACADEMY

Esperanza Academy is a tuition-free, all-girls, independent middle school built on justice and centered in joy. As a school they celebrate, challenge, and inspire each student to embrace their brilliance. They believe that access to foundational knowledge in reading, writing, science, math, music, and the arts is a right. Girls are empowered to redefine what is expected of them, to counter societal limitations, and to take on challenges that will positively impact the trajectory of their lives in Lawrence and beyond.

Egenberg Character Award: Liam Atschul ’23

Be Like Brit Award: Olivia Goldfarb ’23

Citizenship Award: Lucy Gilsdorf ’24 and Caitlin Montague ’23

Watch Mr. Taveras deliver the commencement address.

COMMENCEMENT 2023 - End of Year Awards

NBS Outstanding Faculty Award: Michael Richard and Kathleen St. John-Richard

The Norma B. Shields Outstanding Faculty Award is named for one of the founding members of the Eagle Hill School community and is given each year to the faculty member who best exemplifies Mrs. Shields’ unyielding, heartfelt dedication to the students of Eagle Hill School.

Kneeland Distinguished Service Award: Kathleen St. John-Richard

The Thomas A. Kneeland Distinguished Service Award is awarded annually to a member of the faculty or staff who consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty and who continually strengthens the EHS community in a quiet, dignified, and unassuming way.

Student Council Faculty Appreciation Award: Charles Crossan

The Student Council Faculty Appreciation Award award is presented to a faculty member who has built a mutually respectful relationship with their students, challenges them as individuals, and has taken the time to stop and pick them up when they needed it.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Arts Department: Caitlin Montague ’23

Athletes of the Year: Maddie Elder ’24 and Alex Hickey ’24

Classical Language Certificate: Olivia Goldfarb ’23

Classical Literature Certificate: Liam Altschul ’23 and Siena Marrero ’23

Classical Language and Literature Certificate: Schuyler Palmer ’23

Computer Applications Department: Ayden Bhagwati ’24

Computer Science Department: Quincy Davis ’24

Diversity and Social Justice Department: Lucy Crocker ’24

English Department: Olivia Goldfarb ’23

History Department: Yoni Bernstein ’24

Makerspace: Samuel Marabella ’23

Mathematics Department: Marisa Gracias ’23

Physical Education Department: Zach Sanor ’27

Pragmatics Department: Liam Altschul ’23

Reading Department: Ashton Crump ’23

Science Department: Liam Farhangi ’24

World Languages Dept/Spanish: Wyatt Boyd ’23

Our Core Values:

Life at Eagle Hill is driven by the observance of our four key values: honesty, kindness, respect, and purpose. Whether it be in the classroom, on the athletic field, or socially among friends, our belief is that decisions and growth are best navigated with strong underlying ethics. These core values are the foundation on which our students build lives of decency, consequence, and pride. We are pleased to recognize these students for their embodiment of these values.

KEEPERS OF CORE VALUES

Honesty Respect

Ryan Borski ’24

Kate Higgins ’24

Angelia LaMagna ’24

Liam Farhangi ’24

Kindness Purpose

Eitan Weizman ’24

Maddie Adorney ’24

Lucy Gilsdorf ’24

Sam Staffenberg ’24

FACULTY MILESTONES OF SERVICE

5 Years

David Annunziata

Juan Bacigalupi

Laurel Bloch

Kacie Breeds

Velvet Chestnut

Tammy Grondin

Chris Komenda

Carmela Lucich Villarreal

Caryl Rice

10 Years

Shane Francoeur

Crystal Mailhot

Richard Raymond

Donna Seymour

15 Years

Joshua Kanozek

Andrew Moreland

MaryAnn Welsch

To view the Baccalaureate, Award Ceremony, and Reception photos, scan the QR code..

20 Years

Donna Holden

25 Years

Donna Linnehan

Kathey St. John-Richard

30 Years

PJ McDonald

40 Years

Michael Richard

ALUMNI/AE SPOTLIGHT - Annie Schafer ’18

Annie Schafer ’18 is a recent Clark University graduate, earning a master of science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She traces her love for science back to her days at Eagle Hill School. “It wasn’t until I started working in the biology lab at Eagle Hill, where I discovered my passion for science, that I truly felt like I belonged somewhere,” stated Annie.

Like most students when they first visited the campus of Eagle Hill School, Annie Schafer had no idea what her future would hold. However, shortly after arriving, Annie discovered that she thrived in the science department, especially in the biology lab, under the supervision of Mr. Ward (biology teacher). As a master’s graduate, Annie was ready to reflect on some of her early struggles with her diverse learning profile. She hopes that sharing her story will inspire other Eagle Hill students to persevere through their challenges.

Annie especially struggled with test taking while an Eagle Hill School student. “I took the ACT three times while attending Eagle Hill. I got the same score twice, and then on the third time, I dropped two points. It wasn’t as if I did horrible, but I didn’t do great either.

“It was consistent with what I had been trying to overcompensate for my whole academic career leading up to that point. I knew that the knowledge I accumulated over the past four years didn’t reflect the humanization of knowledge I gained while attending Eagle Hill School. I was worried that I would

not be able to attend a prestigious college like some of my peers. Fortunately, while going through the college advising process and with the help of EHS’s college counseling department, I was accepted into Clark University, where I graduated with my master’s degree just this past May,” stated Annie.

Before graduating from Eagle Hill School, Annie learned to embrace her diverse learning profile and was shown how to use her unique learning style to her benefit. These gifts became her most significant strengths, and while attending Clark University, she fully leaned into them.

“You know, science is very strict, but you also have that creative freedom to try and solve a problem differently. I compare it to learning differently.

“For example, there are multiple ways to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. One person might make it with two slices of bread, and one person might make it while using one slice of bread, but in the end, you both end up with a sandwich. I think my best piece of advice is to follow your individuality. It’s very important as a person in science that you can work well with your classmates or colleagues to collaborate on the same project. At the same time, I think knowing when to separate yourself on your own terms is equally important.

“When I was learning all the different scientific techniques in the Spratt Lab at Clark University, it took me more time to learn, understand, and grasp all these different concepts we were being taught. People at times may get annoyed with you; they

“Science is very strict, but you also have that creative freedom to try and solve a problem in a different way. I compare it to learning differently.”

Annie conducting research in the Spratt Lab at Clark University.

may wish that you could pick up the material faster; however, in the end, take your time, own your learning differences, and always stand up in the face of adversity.

“Another piece of advice I would give EHS students coming into the STEM field is not to be afraid of being wrong. I think we all strive hard to be perfect, but in this field, you have to be wrong to learn and grow as a scientist. If you happen to get it right on the first try, that’s great, but more often, when you get things wrong and learn how to do it right, you tend never to forget how you came to that final solution,” concluded Annie.

Before Annie graduated from Clark University in May, she invited Mr. Ward’s IB Biology class to the Spratt Lab. The

RESEARCH IN THE SPRATT LAB

The regulation of enzyme catalysis and protein function resulting from the specific interactions between two or more proteins plays an integral role in cell division and homeostasis. The development of various human diseases can occur when these proteinprotein interactions are disrupted or modified. Understanding how these protein-protein interactions affect an enzyme’s ability to make or break bonds and its underlying mechanism is an important step in drug design/development.

Ubiquitylation involves the transfer of the small 76-residue protein ubiquitin between a series of enzymes (E1, E2, E3) until it labels the ε-amino group of a lysine residue on a substrate protein. This pathway is involved in many different intracellular processes including protein turnover, cell cycle progression, signal transduction, DNA repair and transcriptional regulation.

The research program focuses on deciphering the unique mechanisms employed by members of the HECT (Homologous to E6AP Carboxyl Terminus) E3 ubiquitin ligase

students had the opportunity to isolate fluorescent proteins with the assistance of Annie’s professor Dr. Spratt. After the experiment, the students also participated in an interactive discussion about career paths in STEM and got a private tour of the facilities from Annie herself.

Now that Annie has earned her master’s degree, she has signed a two-year contract with the National Institute of Health, working at the National Cancer Institute out of Bethesda, MD. Her work will focus predominantly on blood cancers and the specific protein’s overall structure to determine their function, discrepancies, and disparities.

As Annie starts her career in STEM, we thank her for being an excellent example of what it means to be a Pioneer.

family. Working at the interface of physical biochemistry and chemical biology, the research team uses biochemical and biophysical techniques including NMR spectroscopy to understand how HECT E3 ubiquitin ligases attach ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like proteins to a substrate protein. Specifically, the group is focused on the following themes:

• Molecular basis for specificity in ubiquitin chain linkage by the HECT E3 ligases

• Mechanism and ubiquitin handling by the HECT E3 ligases

• Substrate recognition by the HECT E3 ligases

These studies will help to clarify how HECT E3 ligases form multi-protein complexes to build ubiquitin chains and how the malfunction of these complexes cause various human diseases.

Reference: Clark University, The Spratt Lab. “Research”, 2019, https://wordpress.clarku.edu/ dspratt/research/

Annie Schafer in the Spratt Lab talking with Eagle Hill students.

1970

John Barry

John Barry, 1970, stopped by campus with his wife and good friend. They enjoyed a tour given by the director of admission, Dana Harbert. John could see firsthand all the incredible progress made to the school since he graduated from Eagle Hill School.

1977

Drew Fernandez

Drew Fernandez, 1977, stopped by campus with his son while driving back to their home in Newport, RI. Director of Admission

Dana Harbert and Associate Director of Development Brooke Epstein walked them around campus for a grand tour of all the new buildings. Drew and his son were amazed at the progress made since he graduated from Eagle Hill School.

ALUMNI/AE NEWS - Class Notes

2014

Sam Calle

Sam Calle, Class of 2014, has officially launched his own photo printing business—Find Adventure Photo! Scan the QR to visit his website.

Congratulations, Sam!

Andrew Best

2009

Gina Urbano

’77

2002

Sara Kaplan Callahan

Sara Kaplan Callahan ’02 was accepted into the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) program in school leadership at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Harvard Business School

Sara also recently completed an equity, diversity, and inclusion certificate program at Cornell University.

Gina Urbano, Class of ’09, started her career as an esthetician (skincare) in Boston, MA. In 2020, when the pandemic began, Gina redefined herself by taking a different career path in human services. She worked as a resident counselor for a boarding school in New Hampshire that specializes in working with students with social, emotional, and behavioral tendencies. We are happy to report that Gina returned home to “the Hill” in the fall of ’21 and is currently the Elm House dorm counselor of Harmsworth Hall One at Eagle Hill School

2011-2012

Kevin McCabe and James Wagner

Kevin McCabe, class of 2012, and James Wagner, class of 2011, just happened to be in the area in September and decided to stop by campus to say hello. Thanks to some quick camera work, we could grab a picture of Kevin and James with faculty, Mike Richard and Josh Kanozek.

’14

Andrew Best ’14 is currently teaching and training students at Boston University and Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation

Andrew has also taken over the PASS research study program through BU and UMass Medical Center, where he conducts and manages research.

Adele Larson

Adele Larson ’14 is working as a veterinary assistant and receptionist. Her sister, who is a veterinarian, inspired her to pursue this profession. She loves knowing that she is helping ensure pets are healthy and feeling better when sick.

Max Mazurczak

Max Mazurczak ’15 joined Melick & Porter, LLP, a law firm located in Boston in 2020 as an office assistant. Today, Max is utilizing his IT skills and is now the operations specialist, juggling many tasks to keep a busy office running smoothly. In addition, Max is also working with Melick & Porter’s outsourced IT partner to expand his technology skills. Max earned his bachelor’s degree from Sacred Heart University in 2019.

Max is joined by Griffin McDonald ’18 and faculty Josh Kanozek in this photo.

Eddie Kennedy

Eddie Kennedy ’15 recently released his original songs Will I Ever Get Home and Get Together Scan the QR code to listen and follow his channel on YouTube:

Matt St. Jean

Matt St. Jean ’16 stopped by in October to tour the campus and catch up with faculty, including Dr. McDonald. Matt is the founder of Rally 2 Give, a non-profit organization that connects avid car lovers driven to support children and families with special needs as well as helping grow the next generation of leaders. Interested in finding out more about the charitable work Matt St. Jean is doing, scan the QR code to visit his website.

AJ Merjan

Congratulations to AJ Merjan ’16, who is now working for the world’s 4th largest advertising company, McCann Worldgroup

Annie Schafer

Joseph Forest

Joseph Forest ’15 stopped by campus to catch up with the faculty. He is an Insurance Agent for American National Insurance Company

Samantha Leighton

Samantha Leighton ’16 started a new business, The Dog Walker FL, in Ft. Lauderdale. She invites everyone to follow her business Instagram @thedogwalkerfl, where you’ll see many cute dog and kitty photos. Scan the QR code to visit her website.

Annie Schafer ’18 earned a Master of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Clark University and is currently working as a graduate student at the Spratt Lab at Clark (see Alumni/ae Spotlight on page 49). Her lab invited EHS IB biology students to visit, where they could isolate fluorescent proteins with Annie’s professor. Eagle Hill students also participated in an interactive discussion about career paths in STEM and got a private tour of the facilities from Annie herself.

Griffin McDonald

Griffin McDonald ’18 is not only an alum but is now a new faculty member at Eagle Hill School! Griffin is the assistant director of the Baglio Sports and Fitness Center and oversees community memberships. He also is an assistant coach for the JV boys’ basketball team and an assistant coach for the boys’ varsity lacrosse team.

Griffin earned a Bachelor of Science from Dean College in Coaching and Recreation in 2022.

Lily Gottesman

Lily Gottesman ’18 was accepted to Americorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) She’ll be based in California, living and working with a team doing service projects throughout the Pacific Region.

Elan Philip Palay

Elan Philaip Palay ’18 is a University of Denver’s Daniels School of Business graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Deirdre Meagher

The Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) named Deirdre Meagher ’19 to the “All-Sportsmanship Team” for volleyball. Congratulations, Dee!

Hanna Katz

Congratulations to Hannah Katz ’19 for being named to the Muhlenberg College Dean’s List. She is shown with Dr. Kim at the 2023 Graduation Alumni/ ae Breakfast.

2020

Katherine Lodge

Congratulations to Katherine Lodge ’19 for being named to the Dean’s List from Lasell University. Katherine earned a Bachelor of Arts this Spring. She participated in the institution’s annual Connected Learning Symposium in April and presented her senior graphic design practicum portfolio at Lasell’s Yamawaki Art Center. The presentation incorporated the NACE competencies of professionalism, career and selfdevelopment, and equity and inclusion. Katherine also participated in a ceramics presentation, “Expressions in Clay,” in which they shared a piece of work created last semester and its inspiration.

Andrew Dawson

Andrew Dawson ’19 graduated from Connecticut College with a Bachelor of Arts and a double major in Government and Economics. He was also a senior admission fellow for the Office of Admission. Andrew is shown with Connor Ryan, Class of 2020.

Jake Green

Congratulations to Jake Green ’19 for making the Dean’s list at Emerson College. He’s majoring in Media Arts Production.

Harrison Stern

Congratulations to Harrison Stern ’20! Harrison was accepted into the University of New England’s accelerated master’s program in Marine Science. This program only selects a few students each year.

Harrison says, “When I came to EHS all those years ago, I had no clue what I wanted to do with my life, but I can assure you it didn’t involve graduate school. From the support I got at EHS, I have not only been able to develop into a humble leader but someone who knows how to learn and how to succeed in a world despite having learning differences.”

Clare McCartin

Clare McCartin ’20, attending Endicott College, was inducted into two honor societies, Phi Epsilon Kappa Fraternity and Mortar Board Society. There are sixty students out of approximately 1,000 inducted into the Mortar Board Society in each graduating class. Clare is one of only two selected for her major in Sports Science!

Julia Martin

Julia Martin ’20 just finished her junior year at Sacred Heart University, majoring in Biology. When not busy in the biology labs, Julie still finds time to create art as a hobby. Julia also has plans to enter law school after graduation. Julia credits her success at Sacred Heart to her Critical Thinking class with Mr. Hopper. Also attending Sacred Heart University is Julia’s roommate Chumani Heard ’20. Since attending EHS together, they remain lifelong friends!

Chumani Cara Heard

Chumani Cara Heard ’20 completed her junior year at Sacred Heart University and achieved Dean’s List for 2022-2023. She is majoring in Communications Arts with a focus on theater arts. Chumani is interning with a production company in Newark, NJ this summer and has already interviewed guests and worked behind the camera.

Ashley Mintz

Lasell University recognized Ashley Mintz ’20 for outstanding collaboration in the school’s Exercise Physiology curriculum. Peers select recipients of the Collaboration Recognition Award for exemplifying superior skills in partnership by sharing ideas and valuable information, communicating professionally, and cooperating to ensure success. She also attended the institute’s annual exercise science industry night, “Change Makers: Shaping Lives and Cultivating Diversity and Inclusion Through Health, Human Performance, and Creative Expression.”

Ty Holden

Ty Holden ’21 is stationed at Camp Lejeune as a PFC Infantry MOS 0311 Rifleman. His job is to capture, destroy, and deter enemy forces, assist in reconnaissance, and help mobilize troops and weaponry. Currently, Ty is in field and classroom training and recently completed his first year with the U.S. Marine Corps

Macy Jensen

Congratulations to Macy Jensen ’21 for being named to Holyoke Community College’s Dean’s List.

Joey Raskin Lantos

Joey Raskin Lantos is a rising junior at Hobart and Williams Smith Colleges, and he is still dominating on the squash courts playing with the Hobart College squash team. Joey has also decided to apply to the US Marine Corps Leadership Program!

Nathan Rosenlev

Nathan Rosenlev ’21 was named second honors on the Clark University Dean’s List. Congratulations, Nathan!

Molly Hartzell

Molly Hartzell ’21 completed the first year at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) in the UK studying for a bachelor degree, specializing in illustration.

Collette Barrett

Collette Barrett ’21 is heading to Middlebury College for an eight-week Russian immersion program this summer. Collette was also accepted to attend St. Andrews in Scotland for a study abroad program in the fall.

Howie Brown

Howie Brown, who is attending the MCLA (Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts), recently performed in the school’s production of the musical Urinetown

Audrey Plumb

Congratulations to Audrey Plumb ’22 for being named to the Dean’s List at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Tyler Tang

Tyler Tang ’22 is serving on the Student Council at Ohio Wesleyan University. As a newly elected senator, he will represent the student body for the next academic year. Tyler is seen with Shane Francoeur, dean of campus engagement at the 2023 EHS Graduation Alumni/ae Breakfast.

Ryan Fleming

Ryan Fleming ’22 attends Lynn University in Florida and also earned his solo piloting license in January! Ryan accredits his passion and skill for flying to Dr. Bacigalupi’s expert guidance in aviation and practicing on the flight simulator at Eagle Hill School!

Ethan White

Congratulations to Ethan White ’22 for being named to the Dean’s List at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

A Boston alumni/ae gathering at The Beehive include alums spanning several years. Above Andrew Best ’14 and his girlfriend Monica. Below from left to right: Michelle Czuber ’17, Caroline Curtis ’14, Rose Haseltine ’14, Matt St. Jean ’16, Laurel Bloch ’13, and Brooke Epstein, associate director of development and stewardship.

Looking Back and Paying Forward

FAn endowment gift of distinction from a grateful Alum. red Van Lennep, of Deerfield Beach FL, isn’t sure exactly how his parents found out about Eagle Hill. After all, it was the 1970s when he found himself struggling in a traditional school setting and they couldn’t exactly do an internet search for a school specializing in learning disabilities. Someway and somehow, Fred found his way to Eagle Hill as a fifth grader (EHS admitted younger students in its early years). The campus back then was as different from what it is today as south Florida is from Hardwick. Yet despite grounds and facilities that were decidedly modest, Fred encountered a faculty with dedication and spirit that was anything but.

“My parents thought that school just wasn’t working for me the way that it should be and thought Eagle Hill would be different. The faculty were just remarkable. I don’t know where I’d be today if it wasn’t for those years.”

With renewed confidence and strategies in place to harness his unique way of thinking, Fred finished his schooling and went on to a successful advertising career. His company produced print advertisements for local and regional business. Eventually, he worked exclusively with a fast-growing lighting company that expanded nationwide, no doubt thanks in part to his efforts.

Now retired, Fred reached out to Eagle Hill last year with an uncommonly generous idea. Out of appreciation for his time at Eagle Hill and so that others might enjoy the same experience, he has decided to create an endowed scholarship fund through his estate plan.

Last March, former Head of School PJ McDonald and Director of Development Rick Macdonald (no relation) traveled to Deerfield Beach to meet with Fred in person and express Eagle Hill’s gratitude. Fred kindly welcomed them to his home, and they went to enjoy a drink at a restaurant on the pier. They talked about his time in Hardwick, his journey afterwards, his penchant for fast cars, and the enormous future impact of his kindness.

Fifty years ago, a young Fred traveled north to Hardwick, MA. Both he and the school he encountered were young and brimming with potential. Now with both having experienced tremendous growth and achievement, their paths cross again to provide the same opportunity for others. We’re grateful for the partnership and, most of all, Fred’s friendship

Whether you have a new job, big announcement, outstanding achievement, fun photos, or just want to say hi, let us know about it. Email alumni@eaglehill.school or scan the QR code to tell your story!

Several alums attended the Alumni/ae Breakfast at Graduation 2023. Top: Daniel Greenwald ’19, Zach Archipley ’19, and Connor Ryan ’20 Middle: Sofia Kedros ’22 Bottom: Alex Balduzzi ’20, and Phoebe Carrona ‘21.

Mr. and Mrs. William Higgins P ’24

The Howard Bayne Fund

Mark and Christa Lopez P’24

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Morein P ’20

Annual Giving

The Fund

Thank you for your 2022-2023 contribution.

Eagle Hill School Loyalty Club

The Loyalty Club recognizes our most dedicated donors. Membership is granted to donors who make gifts of any amount to support the annual giving campaigns in three or more consecutive years, including the current year.

Founder’s Circle

($50,000 and up)

Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Beinner P ’24

Ms. Catherine C. Fisher P ’26

Mr. and Mrs. Antonio J. Gracias P ’23

Headmaster’s Circle - Gold Leader ($25,000 - $49,999)

Mr. and Mrs. Matt Andresen P ’19

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Archipley II P ’19

Elizabeth and Simon de Montfort Walker P ’25

Mr. and Mrs. David W. Donahower P ’24

Mr. and Mrs. David A. Hoyt P ’15

Ms. Tina Kim P ’23

Mr. and Mrs. Peter R. Merriam P ’15

Mr. and Mrs. Darryle Owens

Mrs. Abigail F. Steller ’08

Thesseling Family Charitable Fund

Headmaster’s Circle - Silver Leader ($15,000 - $24,999)

Anonymous

Dr. Jason L. Charnley and Dr. Erin M. P. Charnley P ’25, P ’27

Mr. Max Herrnstein and Ms. Danielle Curi P ’24

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ryan P ’23

Headmaster’s Circle - Bronze Leader ($10,000 - $14,999)

Anonymous

Mr. Thomas R. Banks and Ms. Candace Banks P ’24

The David and Janyce Hoyt Family Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Jason W. Dreisbach

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Gerson P ’22

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher P. Halpin P ’26

Mr. and Mrs. Adam Howarth P ’27

Ira M. Resnick Foundation, Inc.

Mr. George Joseph P ’26

Mr. and Mrs. Robert I. Kaufelt P ’25

Mr. Christopher R. Larson P ’14

Mr. Wayne Levy

Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Lipman P ’25

Ms. Camila Pastor and Mr. Stephen E. Maharam P ’23

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Nootbaar P ’24

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Roffler P ’22

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Turner P ’24

Oak Society ($7,500 - $9,999)

Mr. and Ms. Christopher J. Boova P ’25

Pioneer Society ($5,000 - $7,499)

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Bashaw P ’23

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Behenna P ’25

Mr. and Mrs. James K. Broder

Ms. Donna L. Dubinsky and Dr. Leonard J. Shustek P ’10

Fleming Family Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew S. Gilsdorf P ’24

Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Goose P ’24

Mr. Ying Hu and Mrs. Qin Wang P ’24

John & Weezie Gates Charitable Trust

Mr. Grant Jones P ’25

Mr. and Mrs. Peter S. Joseph P ’13

Steve and Sharon Judge P’07, P’10

Mr. William Kennard and Ms. Deborah Kennedy P ’19

Ms. Heath Koch P ’26

Dr. Elizabeth K. Krimendahl P ’25

Mr. Mohamed S. Lotfi and Mrs. Wassila J. Guiga-Lotfi P ’20

Mr. and Mrs. Sung Pak P ’24, in honor of Dr. Rebecca Miller and Mrs. Kristyl Kelly

Mr. James Richardson

Mr. and Mrs. Mark D. Sanor P ’27

Dr. and Mrs. David Staffenberg P ’24, in memory of Frank Shain

Mr. and Mrs. Kent Stryker P ’23

Ms. Marilyn A. Waller and Mr. Doron Weinberg P ’07, P ’10

Mr. Keith Waryas and Mrs. Amy Waryas P ’26

Benefactor’s Society

($2,500 - $4,999)

Ms. Candace Alsop P ’00

Mr. John Atwill and Ms. Maree Graham P ’19

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Audette GP ’26

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Bafaro Jr.

Ms. Helane Z. Brachfeld-Colvin P ’24

Mr. and Mrs. Howard A. Brecher P ’13

Mr. Alexander T. Dike and Ms. Siobhan S. Flynn P ’22

Ms. Kimberly Dreier P ’21

Oscarlyn and Todd Elder P ’24

Ms. Elizabeth J. Fedele and Mr. Charlie Ike P ’25

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Fiore P ’26

Dr. and Mrs. Jay M. Goldsmith P ’26

Mr. and Mrs. Eric Krauss P ’23

Mr. and Mrs. Andy LeStage P ’22

Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Mazurczak P ’15

Dr. and Mrs. PJ McDonald P ’18

Mr. and Mrs. James W. Moody P ’23

Mr. and Mrs. Steven D. Morlock P ’24

Mrs. Deb Odom Stern P’20

Mr. Lucius Palmer and Ms. Sloane Lederer P ’23

Ms. Samantha P. Resnick ’22

Dr. Michael P. Riendeau and Mrs. Mary Ann Riendeau

Rollstone Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Mr. Harold Schwartz and Ms. Elisa Pollack P ’24

Mr. and Mrs. Hamburg Tang Jr. P ’22, in honor of Dr. PJ McDonald

Ms. Susan Tom P ’26

Mr. Brian M. Tremblay and Mrs. Susan Tremblay P ’26

Hardwick Society ($1,000 - $2,499)

Ms. Jennifer Anderson P ’25

Anonymous

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. Aronica P ’12

Dr. Pierluigi Balduzzi and Dr. Margaret McMillan P ’20

Mr. and Mrs. Alexander J. Barrera P ’26

Mr. and Mrs. John Barry

Mr. and Mrs. John W. Bassick

Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. Bernstein P ’21, P ’24

Ms. Aanal Bhagwati and Mr. Thomas Mookken P ’24, in memory of Mandakini Bhagwati

Mr. Eric Blumencranz and Ms. Jessica Berner P ’21

Mr. and Mrs. Marshall H. Carver V GP ’23

Mr. and Mrs. Christian Chute P ’26

Dr. E. J. Cronin

Rich and Erin Cummings P ’19

Davidowitz Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. David Feinblatt P ’14, P ’21

Mr. Christopher Fender and Dr. Anne Fender P ’27

Mrs. Stephanie Frost P ’21

Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin J. Goldfarb P ’23

Ms. Karen Goudey and Mr. Kurt Staven

Mr. Alexander M. Gregory and Ms. Jessica K. Scott P ’24

Mr. and Mrs. Erin P. Janoff

Mr. and Mrs. Wade W. Judge P ’06

Mr. Scott T. Kelley, in loving memory of Ron Baglio

Ms. Stacey A. Kinnamon P ’16

Mr. and Mrs. Scott I. Kolsky P ’20

Mr. and Mrs. John LaMagna P ’24

Ms. Joan Lawson GP ’17

Ms. Ali Long P ’23, P ’26

Dr. and Mrs. Samuel Louie P ’00

Rick and Jessica Macdonald

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel F. Mahoney III P ’20

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Malley P ’20

Mr. and Mrs. James A. Marvin P ’22

Mr. William McCartney and Ms. Patricia Bachmann P ’16

Ms. Abby Mintz P’04, P ’05, in honor and in memory of Dr. PJ McDonald

Dr. RoseAnn Murray P ’23

Mr. and Mrs. Michael H. Nessim P ’24

Mr. and Mrs. Frank O’Brien III P ’21

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Racine P ’25

Mr. Jason L. Richardson ’83

Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell Rubinstein P ’24

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Rust P ’16

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Soep P ’23

Mr. and Mrs. David Spath P ’99

Mr. and Mrs. Gideon J. Stein P ’22, in honor of Josh Kanozek

Dr. Eric Stone

Mr. Mark Tally and Ms. Teresa Andre P ’18

Mr. and Mrs. Domenic P. Triola

Mr. John G. Valentino and Dr. Christy P. Valentino P ’24

Mr. Marc Van Der Hout and Ms. Jody LeWitter, in honor of Marilyn Waller

Zacharie and Louis Vinios P ’07

Dr. Douglas C. Waite and Dr. Martha B. Waite P ’17

The Wynne Baglio Family

Dr. Eugene Zappi and Dr. Laura Buccheri Zappi P ’22, in memory of Dr. PJ McDonald

Mr. and Mrs. Jason M. Zorfas P ’12

Green and White Club

($500 - $999)

Mr. and Mrs. Josh Abrams P ’23

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Barker P ’25

Ms. Alison W. Beers P ’23

Dr. Harlan F. Bittner and Dr. Rebecca B. Bittner P ’07

Ms. Molly Buccella

Mr. and Mrs. James Bustamante P ’18

Mr. and Mrs. David Cranford P ’22

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Dube

Dr. Steven D. Eppinger and Ms. Julie L. Laukkanen P ’08

Mr. and Mrs. Gregory T. Fair P ’21

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence J. Gage P ’23

Mr. Jed Geary and Mrs. Jessica Geary

Ms. Jeanne Goldberg and Ms. Deborah N. Gottesman P ’18, in honor of Kat Thompson

Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Goldman P ’06

Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan P. Gottsegen P ’25

Mr. Laurence Green and Ms. Karen Hershey P ’19

Dr. and Mrs. Lonnie Hanauer

Mr. Dana Harbert

Mr. Robert Isabella

Mr. and Mrs. Scott H. Kenig

Mrs. Angela C. Kitzmiller

Mr. and Mrs. Howard Krotman P ’20, in memory of Dr. PJ McDonald

Lamoureux Ford, Inc.

Dr. Nikolajs Lapins and Mrs. Denise Lapins

Mr. and Mrs. Francis F. Leaf P ’16, in memory of Nathan Leaf

Mr. and Mrs. Richard B. Lorion

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Marabella P ’23

Melissa and Alex Milne-Pott P ’25

Dr. and Mrs. John P. Nicholson Jr. P ’18

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis M. O’Leary P ’14

Mr. and Mrs. David F. Oury P ’14

Mr. David A. Passafaro P ’14

Mr. and Mrs. Bob and Deb Pillsbury Jr.

Mr. Harold Quinn and Ms. Laurie Izzo-Quinn P ’16

R. J. McDonald, Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Rassias

Ms. Hannah N. Roseberry ’13

Rich Rosen and Millie Zweir P’18

Mr. and Mrs. Alan G. Rubenstein P ’12

Mr. and Mrs. John Rucci P ’23

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Schneider P ’01

Mr. Paul A. Segretto and Mrs. Meg Klekner

Mr. and Mrs. Abbye M. Silver P ’06

Ms. Kathleen St. John-Richard

Mr. and Mrs. Craig Unterberg P ’21

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy J. Wallace P ’24

Andrew and Tesha Ward

Mr. and Mrs. Didier Weizman P ’24

Ms. Carla H. Westcott P ’12

Mr. Andrew Wingate and Dr. Tanya Bilchik P ’16

Friendship Club ($1 - $499)

Mr. Alessandro H. Abys ’12

Mr. and Mrs. David Adorney P ’24

Mr. and Mrs. William F. Aldrich P ’04

Mrs. Jane Alwis

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Amidon

Anonymous

Dottie Bachtold

Dr. Juan A. Bacigalupi

Mr. Jonathan G. Baker

Ms. Heather Bandur, in memory of Mr. Rocco Di Giorgio

Mr. and Mrs. George M. Bartlett GP ’27

Mr. Patrick A. Beers P ’23

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Begin

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Begin

Ms. Pat Bock

Mrs. Kimberlee Bonica

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Boyd P ’23

Mrs. Kacie L. Breeds

Ms. Cira L. Brown ’04

Mr. Christopher Buelow and Ms. Jenna Garvey P ’27

Mrs. Jamie L. Caban

Mr. Cole Callahan and Mrs. Sara Callahan ’02

Mr. and Mrs. Peter A. Callahan P ’16

Mr. and Mrs. Greg D. Calvert P ’23

Mr. Robert A. Caplan ’04

Mr. and Mrs. Marshall H. Carver VI P ’23

Ms. Susan A. Casey P ’08

Ms. Noreen Cassidy

Mr. and Mrs. David S. Christie P ’07

Mr. Jim Cianci and Ms. Beth Brinkmann-Cianci GP ’26

Ms. Carolyn I. Ciccotelli ’08

Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Condakes P ’14

Mr. and Mrs. Martin F. Connors Jr.

Dr. and Mrs. R. Timothy Connors

Mr. Charles Crossan

Ms. JoAnne Cuddeback

Mr. Chanceller C. Curd ’20, in honor of Dr. PJ McDonald

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Curry GP ’24

Mrs. Jeanne M. Cutrona P ’11

Ms. Michelle K. Czuber ’17

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Dawson

Mr. Frank Diliddo

Mr. and Mrs. Brad Doherty

Ms. Erin Dohn GP ’24

Ms. Emily Doiron

Mr. Michael Doldo

Mr. Eddie Dowdell and Ms. Michele Edelstein P ’25

Mr. and Mrs. Walter J. Dubzinski Jr. GP ’18

Ms. Linda C. Eason P ’14

Mr. Jonathan M. Eisenberg and Ms. Denise M. Faneuff P ’24

Ms. Brooke Epstein

Mr. and Mrs. Philip Evans

Mr. Daniel J. Feinblatt ’14

Mr. and Mrs. George M. Fenton P ’15

Ms. Andrea Ferguson GP ’25

Mr. and Mrs. Granville L. Fleming P ’22

Ms. Morgan M. Frost ’21

Mrs. Elaine P. Gauthier

Mrs. Jean F. Geraghty P ’11

Dr. John M. Grammer and Dr. Elizabeth E. Grammer P ’13

Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Gray P ’27

Ms. Molly Gray

Ms. Ashley Green

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis R. Grimes P ’12

Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Halpin GP ’26

Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Hamburger, in memory of Dr. PJ McDonald

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher C. Hammond P ’07

Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Haseltine P ’14

Ms. Rosemond M. Haseltine ’14

Mr. and Mrs. David A. Haynes II P ’11

Mr. Brian Hetzel

Mr. and Mrs. Jason Holden P ’21

Mr. and Mrs. Shannon P. Holgate P ’24

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hopper

Mrs. Jenna Hubacz

Ms. Devyn G. Hyer ’23

Mr. and Mrs. Paul R. Jackson Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Jacobsmeyer P ’12

Ms. Tricia Joseph P ’26

Mr. Matthew H. Joseph ’13

Mr. and Mrs. Alan Joubert

Mr. David Kaplan and Ms. Christine Brown P ’02

Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Katz P ’19

Ms. Ann C. Kauffman

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Keller GP ’25

Mr. and Mrs. Ian M. Kelly

Mr. Kevin Kelly and Ms. Mary Snow P ’23, in memory of Dr. PJ McDonald

Mr. Richard D. Kendrick ’23

Mr. and Mrs. Richard V. Kendrick P ’23

Dr. and Mrs. Christopher M. Kenney P’22

Rich Kmiec and Mary Elizabeth Messier

Ms. Chris Komenda

Nancy and Marc Lagrant

Dr. David M. Leahy

Ms. Danielle M. Leppert-Simenauer ’15

Mr. and Mrs. Van D. Lessig P ’03

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Levine, in appreciation of Dr. Becky Foley Miller

Mr. Kenneth Leyva

Mr. Scott M. Lincoln and Mrs. Amy A. Auman-Lincoln P ’15

Mr. Angus K. Lodge ’20

Mr. Jeffrey Y. Louie ’00

Mrs. Diana T. Mackiewicz

Mr. Daniel H. Mackinson ’08

Mr. Claude Maechling and Ms. Carrie McNally P ’22

Mr. Peter M. Mahoney ’20

Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Mahony P ’18

Mr. and Mrs. Steven R. Markoff P ’04

Mr. James F. Marrs

Dr. and Mrs. Anthony McCaffrey

Todd C. and Julie L. McDonald

Mr. and Mrs. Mark McGrew P ’26

Ms. Catharine S. Mehl P ’16

Mr. and Mrs. Paul F. Mickey Jr. P ’23

Ms. Michelle Montague P ’23

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Mosca

Mr. and Mrs. George P. Munsey IV P ’10

Mr. Jeffrey E. Myra

Ms. Brittany A. Nash ’14

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Nash P ’14

Ms. Carol Novick P ’03

Dr. Thomas Orent and Ms. Elizabeth Davidson P ’06

Mr. Jonathan A. Phinney ’06

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Plumb P ’19, P ’22

Mr. Jason Przypek P ’18

Dr. and Mrs. Richard Raymond

Mr. Michael J. Richard

Mr. Wesley A. Richardson, in honor of Jim Richardson

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Ridall P ’24

Ms. Finleigh R. Riendeau

Mr. and Mrs. Hunter Rieseberg P ’23

Dr. James A. Roth

Dr. Kimberly S. Rubin ’04

Mr. and Mrs. David Sabini P ’03

Mrs. Robin L. Samuelson

Ms. Nancy J. Skamarycz

Mr. and Mrs. D. Van Smith Jr. P ’13

The Southport School, in honor of Dr. PJ McDonald

Mrs. Cheryl A. Southwick

Mr. Harrison Stern ’20

Mr. and Mrs. David and Lea Sylvestro

Dr. EllenTelzer GP ’25

Ms. Lisa Tighe P ’27

Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Tocci P ’06

Ms. Donna Tosko, in memory of Rocco DiGiorgio

Mr. Zachary M. van Luling ’04

Ms. Nan Waller GP ’07, GP ’10

Mrs. Marie Ward

Mr. and Mrs. Barrett Weiss P ’99

Ms. Holly Weston

Mr. and Mrs. Adam C. Wheeler P ’25

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Whipple, in memory of Dr. PJ McDonald

Mr. E. J. White and Rev. Kathryn White

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Witt

Ms. Sheri A. Young P ’19, in honor of Dr. Matthew Kim’s bar mitzvah

Ms. Sally R. Zeller P ’14, in memory of Dr. PJ McDonald

The 1967 Society

The 1967 Society harkens back to the year of Eagle Hill School’s founding and recognizes those generous and farsighted friends who have made the school’s future a part of their personal legacy. Whether made by will, annuity, trust, or another fashion, planned gifts are often a school’s most significant means of support and can have a profound impact.

Ms. Candace Alsop P ’00

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Archipley II P ’19

Ms. Mary Ruth Beaumont P ’11

Mr. Alden J. Bianchi and Ms. Mary Kett

Mr. and Mrs. James Bustamante P ’18

Ms. Suzanne Chapman P ’09

Mr. and Mrs. John M. Cobb P ’13

Mr. Ricardo Escobar ’81 and Mrs. Ingrid Escobar P ’19

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin B. Fish P ’21

Ms. Maura FitzGerald and Mr. Allen Carney P ’08

Mr. Erik Fleming and Ms. Torrance Watkins

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Fortin P ’16

Mr. and Mrs. John S. Gee P ’11

Mr. Michael Haskett P ’22

The David and Janyce Hoyt Family Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Peter S. Joseph P ’13

Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Judge P ’07, P ’10

Mr. Arthur N. Langhaus and Mrs. Kathy Marlin-Langhaus P ’14

Dr. and Mrs. PJ McDonald P ’18

Mr. and Mrs. David Merjan P ’16

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Morein P ’20

Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Reynolds P ’01

Mr. James B. Richardson

Mr. Michael P. Riendeau and Mrs. Mary Ann Riendeau

Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Rogers GP ’04

Endowments

Endowments are the financial bedrock of an institution. Permanent funds, they speak to the donors’ unwavering belief in Eagle Hill School. With income providing leading support for scholarship, student life, faculty development, and more, these funds and the families and foundations behind them are forever a part of our school’s journey and growth.

The Moriah Fund Endowed Scholarship

The Larson Endowed Fund

The 1434 Endowed Scholarship Fund

The Hadley Family Endowed Scholarship

The Rod and Janice Reynolds Endowed Scholarship Fund

The

Rod and

Janice Reynolds Endowed Fund for Faculty

The Beinner Family Scholarship Fund

The Lynyak Family Fund

The PJM Endowed Scholarship Fund

The Michael Riendeau Endowed Fund for Excellence

The Joseph Family Endowed Fund for Student Experience

The Otto-Bernstein Endowed Scholarship

Matching Gift Companies

Ameriprise Financial

Google

MFA Financial, Inc

Raytheon Charity Custodial Account

Rockefeller Foundation

STAG Industries

YourCause

Community, In-Kind, and Special Contributions

Support for Eagle Hill comes in many forms. Whether it is hosting a reception for EHS families at their home (or virtually), welcoming Eagle Hill School staff and friend to their country club, volunteering on or away from campus, or any number of things in between, the Eagle Hill family is generous beyond measure. For the year 2022-2023, a special thanks to:

Mr. and Mrs. Matt Andresen P ’19

Ms. Helane Brachfeld-Colvin P ’24

Brown Electric Company

E&R Cleaners

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin B. Fish P ’21

Mr. and Mrs. Gerald M. Lodge P ’19

Melissa and Alex Milne-Pott P ’25

Mr. and Mrs. Leo N. Murray P ’25

Mr. and Mrs. Gideon Stein P ’20

Mr. and Mrs. Hamburg Tang Jr. P ’22

PJM Scholarship

Mr. and Mrs. Peter A. Allen P ’15

Ms. Kristin Altavilla

Mr. and Mrs. Scott B. Anderson

Mr. and Mrs. Matt Andresen P ’19

Dottie Bachtold

Mr. Jonathan G. Baker

Mr. and Mrs. Alexander J. Barrera P ’26

Ms. Tiffany Beer

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Begin

Bell & Hudson Insurance Agency

Mr. John Benoit

Mr. Jason L. Berger ’10

Mr. and Mrs. David W. Bergeson

Mr. and Mrs. Mark H. Berman P ’15

Mrs. Kimberlee Bonica

Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Brockelman

Brown Electric Co.

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Brunelle

Mr. Brett Bush and Ms. Kathleen Murphy

Mr. Stuart A. Cain and Ms. Kristine Yont

Mr. Cole T. Callahan P ’27 and Mrs. Sara M. Callahan ’02

Mrs. Sally K. Carrona

Century Center, LLC

Mr. and Mrs. Martin F. Connors Jr.

Ms. Alexandra Cossette

Country Bank

Ms. Allison E. Courville

Mrs. Kathryn Crockett

Dr. E. J. Cronin

Ms. JoAnne Cuddeback

Mr. and Mrs. David Davis

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Dawson

Mr. and Mrs. George F. DeFalco Jr.

Mr. Robert Dik

Mr. Alexander T. Dike and Ms. Siobhan S. Flynn P ’22

Mr. John Dolan and Ms. Sarah Lambert P ’26

Ms. Susan Downer

Mr. Joshua Doyle

Ms. Allie Dubzinski

Mr. and Mrs. John Dubzinski

Mr. and Mrs. Steven J. Dykstra

Eagle Hill School

Mr. Joe Early

Oscarlyn and Todd Elder P ’24

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Eros

Mrs. Kathy Evans

Ms. Lisa Farley

Mr. Daniel J. Feinblatt ’14

Mr. Christopher Fender and Dr. Anne Fender P ’27

Mr. and Mrs. David Finkel

Ms. Britt Flanagan

Mr. Richard P. Flaster and Mrs. Alice P. Mead P ’12

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Floyd

Mr. and Mrs. Donald M. Follansbee

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Fortin P ’16

Dr. and Mrs. James Gagne

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Gerson P ’22

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gibbons

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Goldberg P ’19

Mr. and Mrs. Evan P. Graber

Mr. and Mrs. John E. Graham

Mr. and Mrs. David R. Granchelli P ’11

Ms. Barbara Granlund

The Greenwood School

Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Groman P ’04, P ’07, P ’09

Mr. and Mrs. Salvatore F. Guerra

Mr. Randy Gunia

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher P. Halpin P ’26

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Hancock

Hanover Insurance Company Payroll Campaign Fund

Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Haseltine P ’14

Ms. Erika Head

Ms. Eileen C. Herzog

Mr. and Mrs. Sean F. Hickey P ’24

Mr. and Mrs. Jason Holden P ’21

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Hollander

Mr. and Mrs. Alan Hope P ’18

Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. Hornsby P ’23

Mr. and Mrs. James Hulette

Ms. Devyn G. Hyer ’23

Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Jacobsmeyer P ’12

Mr. and Mrs. John S. Jasinski

Ms. Tricia Joseph P ’26

Mr. and Mrs. Robert I. Kaufelt P ’25

Mr. David Kelleher

Mr. Scott T. Kelley

Ms. Christine A. Kilgore

Ms. Tina Kim P ’23

Ms. Stacey A. Kinnamon P ’16

Ms. Chris Komenda

Mr. and Mrs. Peter N. Krasco

Kelly J. Krasco and Chelsea Gill

Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Lalonde P ’26

Mr. Chuck LaPosta

Ms. Sandra M. Lian

Mr. Jonathan Logan P ’12, P ’14

Ms. Ali Long P ’23, P ’26

Mr. and Mrs. Richard B. Lorion

Mr. Kevin Lucey

Mr. John Mack and Ms. Judy Mack

Mallory, Baron, Ross, Kindler

Mr. and Mrs. James Malone

Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc.

Mr. Michael Massouh

Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Mazurczak P ’15

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McCarthy Jr.

McMillan Education Inc.

Mr. Michael Meagher

Mr. and Mrs. William Miganowicz

Ms. Heidi Molbak

Mr. and Mrs. James W. Moody P ’23

Dr. Susan Mooney and Ms. Tish Mooney P ’21, P ’26

The Moriah Fund

Ms. Frances Mortenson P ’03

Ms. Christiana Mosca

Ms. Karen L. Mulcahy

Mr. Christopher Murch and Ms. Erinn Steele

NABIP-MA

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Nootbaar P ’24

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Nuzzetti

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. O’Koren P ’04

Ms. Julia Olla

Mr. Lucius Palmer and Ms. Sloane Lederer P ’23

Mr. Thomas G. Pandiscio

Ms. Tracey Perry

Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Post

Dr. and Mrs. Richard Raymond

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Raysman P ’08

Ms. Shelley Redstone

Mr. Jesse Redstone ’04

Mr. Christopher Reynolds

Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Reynolds

Bobby Richard

Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Richard

Mr. Jason L. Richardson ’83

Mr. and Mrs. William Ritter

Mr. and Mrs. David Rizk

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Robinson

Rollstone Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Mr. Richard A. Rosenlev and Ms. Larni S. Rosenlev P ’21

Mr. and Mrs. Steven Rotman

Mr. and Mrs. Alan G. Rubenstein P ’12

Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell Rubinstein P ’24

Mr. and Mrs. John Rucci P ’23

Ms. Ruth Ryan

Mr. Marc Sachs

Mr. Steven H. Schafer

Mr. and Mrs. John Schaper

Mr. Edward Schmidlin

Mr. Harold Schwartz and Ms. Elisa Pollack P ’24

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Simes

Ms. Nancy J. Skamarycz

Mr. and Mrs. Reid Smith

Mr. John Spellane

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Spodick

Stolberg, Ebbeling & Blanchette, LLP

Ms. Laura Strohecker

Sunnyside Ford

Mr. and Mrs. David and Lea Sylvestro

Mr. Thomas Sylwestrzak

Ms. Nadine Telenson and Dr. Richard Harwell

Ms. Lisa Tighe P ’27

Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Tocci P ’06

Ms. Susan Tom P ’26

Mr. Anthony S. Toscano and Ms. Barbara Pie P ’24

Ms. Tatum A. Unterberg ’21

Ms. Mercie M. Vinton

Mr. and Mrs. George Vinton

Wachusett Regional High School Girls Basketball Program

Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Wahlberg

Dr. Douglas C. Waite and Dr. Martha B. Waite P ’17

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Webb

Ms. Alissa B. Willette

Miss Micaela A. Williams ’23

Mr. and Mrs. David K. Woodbury

Worcester Educational Development Foundation, Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. Jason M. Zorfas P ’12