The Magazine of Holderness School
| SUMMER 2021
Inside: » I NTRODUCING OUR NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL » LOOKING FORWARD WITH PHIL » A LOOK INSIDE THE DAVIS CENTER » COMMENCEMENT 2021 » LEARNING OUTSIDE THE BOX
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Kat Alfond ’90 Sandeep Alva Karyn Campbell Katie Crumbo Carolyn Cullen ’87 Bob Cunha Cecily Cushman ’11 Chris Davenport ’89 Andrew Davis Paul John Ferri Tracy Gillette ’89 John Hayes The Right Rev. Robert Hirschfeld Burgie Howard ’82 Chris Keating ’81 Rob Kinsley ’88 Flip Kistler ’85 Alex MacCormick ’88 Chip Martin ’88 Kevin Mattingly Joe Miles ’82 R. Phillip Peck Nell Reynolds, Chair Andrew Sawyer ’79 Harry Sheehy Matt Storey Sander van Otterloo ’94 Richard Vieira Chance Wright ’14 Please send notice of address changes to the Advancement Office, PO Box 1879, Plymouth, NH 03264, or advancement@holderness.org. ©2021 Holderness School. EDITOR: Greg Kwasnik CONTRIBUTORS: Rick Carey, Greg Kwasnik, Bob Hall P ’13, ’16, Nell Reynolds P ’18, ’20, ’22 DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Tessa Magnuson, Align Graphic Design, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY: Thea Dodds, John Donovan, Greg Kwasnik, Max Paro ’ 17, Emily Magnus ’ 88 P ’ 17 ’ 20, Carol Dopp ON THE FRONT COVER: The all-school photo, May 20, 2021.
Sung You ’01
HEADMASTER EMERITUS The Rev. Brinton W. Woodward, Jr.
HONORARY TRUSTEES Warren C. Cook
Holderness School Today is printed by Allied Printing Services, Inc. on sustainably produced, chain-of-custody stock certified to Forest Stewardship Council ® (FSC ®) standards.
Bob Hall Jim Hamblin ’77 Piper Orton ’74 W. Dexter Paine III ’79 Will Prickett ’81
FEATURES 8
COMMENCEMENT 2021
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A beautiful spring day on the quad. May 6, 2021
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30
INTRODUCING OUR A LOOK INSIDE THE HOLDERNESS NEW HEAD OF DAVIS CENTER OWNS WINTER SCHOOL
DEPARTMENTS From the Schoolhouse..................................................................2 From the Editor.............................................................................. 3
BONUS CONTENT
Around the Quad.........................................................................26
A Penny For Your Thoughts .......................... 22
Athletics....................................................................................... 30 Employee & Trustee Updates.....................................................38
Catching Up With The Furlonges.......................... 24
Alumni Profiles............................................................................ 40
College Commits.................. 36
In Memoriam................................................................................ 44 Class Notes.................................................................................. 46
Summer 2021 | 1
FROM THE SCHOOLHOUSE
FROM THE SCHOOLHOUSE
W
hat a difference a year makes, and what a year we have experienced! Last year, I shared this passage from Romans 5:2-4: "We rejoice in the hope of the Glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our own suffering knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope." As I reflect on this past year, we never gave up hope. I am thankful for the leadership of countless members of the Holderness family who stepped up, appreciative of all that we have learned, and confident we are now stronger as a community. This was truly a year like none other in the history of Holderness, and I want to share a few ref lections on how this community came together to achieve so much. First, for almost our entire community, we experienced in-person education for the full year. This experience even included interscholastic sports. Thanks to our health team’s proactive response, almost our entire 16+ year-old community was fully vaccinated by early May, and we enjoyed an in-person maskless Commencement of our seniors and their families. It was a glorious celebration that none of us took for granted! Although exhausting, this year taught us much about scheduling, curriculum, and technology. We tried new ways of teaching, new ways of meeting, and new ways of communicating. Who would have ever thought we would meet with all our new parents in June via Zoom! Or have our first assemblies in July, or hold over 10 meaningful alumni gatherings on important topics, or do regular parent town halls throughout the year.
Head of School Phil Peck
back to the spirit of Holderness. While we still have much work to do, that work is embedded in our DNA, and it is what the mission and motto of our little school calls us to achieve.
We also dealt with the specter of great financial challenges. Heading into the 2020-21 school year, we had no idea if we would open fully enrolled; on the fundraising front, we had no idea if we could move important initiatives forward, including our ambitious Holderness Fund goal. In the end, we were blessed to have a truly exceptional year. We opened fully enrolled last fall and this April we finished the admissions cycle 12 students over enrolled. The Holderness family rallied, and we have had one of our most successful fundraising years ever, both in participation and amount raised—including the Day of Giving when over 1,500 folks supported our school!
Finally, we were able to move many strategic initiatives forward. We have a new strategic plan with initiatives in accessibility, athletics, social justice, health and wellness, and learning through being critically ref lective. We are also working on or completing numerous exciting projects, including the Davis Center, with its outdoor classroom; the Mittersill Performance Center at Cannon Mountain; and the on-campus air bag for freeskiers and snowboarders. In the months ahead, we’ll begin installing snowmaking on the Nordic trails; resurface the existing turf field and install lights; start work on a second turf field; and begin renovating Hagerman. We’re also well into our plans to build a new athletic facility.
It was also a year of growth around social justice, equity, and inclusion issues. While creating programming for students and professional development for adults, we continually came
Oh, and I did say how excited I am about our new head of school? Having John McVeigh appointed a full year in advance is a truly unprecedented gift. He has the ability
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Through all our challenges and sufferings this year, we never gave up hope, and we relied on each other
for support. As a result, we have learned much in our work together. No question, holding on to our core values and culture, Holderness is on the move! Phil Peck, Head of School ppeck@holderness.org
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
I
f you’re anything like me, you probably spent a good portion of the last year hunched over your smartphone, endlessly scrolling.
A year of infinite doomscrolling didn’t do my neck any favors (just ask my chiropractor), but I found that I simply couldn’t stop. Perhaps, at a subconscious level, checking the news on my phone every five minutes was the only way I could exercise just a tiny bit of agency over a world that seemed to be spiraling out of control. As I write this in the early summer of 2021, the world appears to be coming out of its uncontrolled spiral—and I’m trying to put down the phone. Here at Holderness, I recently unplugged to enjoy a beautiful, in-person commencement after 15 months of COVID restrictions. It was the start of an exciting new journey for our graduates—and a first step towards the kind of life we all took for granted before the pandemic began. I hope this issue of Holderness School Today provides you with a similar look toward the future. And what a bright future it is. In these pages, you’ll learn about our newlynamed Head of School; take a peek inside the beautiful Davis Center, our newly-completed math and science building; and get a glimpse of exciting snow sports projects like the Mittersill Performance Center at Cannon Mountain and the major Nordic trail upgrades happening this summer. It’s a busy, exciting time to be a part of the Holderness community. So put down your phone for a minute – or an hour – and f lip through these pages. In a world of infinite scrolling and endless online distractions, Holderness School Today should serve as a refuge—a place beyond the reach of the algorithms that determine our daily online experiences. As such, I hope this magazine gives you an opportunity to think deeply about Holderness, and your connection to it. From in-depth stories and photospreads to the 34 pages of
Greg Kwasnik
Class Notes lovingly compiled by our dedicated alums, we invite you to put down your phone and become absorbed in the world of the Holderness—as it was, is, and will be. Greg Kwasnik, Associate Director of Communication and Marketing gkwasnik@holderness.org
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FROM THE EDITOR
to get to intimately know the Holderness community this coming year in ways that have never been possible for previous heads. I am eager to lead that welcoming process.
BY RICK CAREY
Head of School Phil Peck ponders the view from the Davis Center, the school's new math and science building
LOOKING FORWARD WITH PHIL A year before his retirement, Head of School Phil Peck discusses the challenges and opportunities facing Holderness School BY RICK CAREY
“
That point when you’re strong and healthy—that’s a dangerous place in the life of a school,” said Head of School Phil Peck in his office one afternoon in March, 2021. By then it had been several weeks since he had announced his intention to retire after the 2021–22 school year. And he was speaking from just such a dangerous place. “It’s a good place to be in, of course,” he added. “But the challenge becomes how to remain dynamic and progressive enough to stay there. It’s too easy to become stagnant instead.” In fact, as any review of Holderness School history will reveal, the school has been at its most dynamic and progressive during and after its moments of crisis. The fire that destroyed a largely uninsured Knowlton Hall in 1931, just as the nation sank into the Great Depression? That was followed by The Reverend Edric Weld’s installation of the Job Program as a cost-cutting measure the next year. Then the post-war years, as a small and chronically underfunded school began to lose its battle with its competitors? That was followed by Headmaster Don Hagerman’s hiring of skimeister Don Henderson to
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teach history—and also to build a snow sports program destined to be the envy of those competitors. Then the campus turmoil of the late 1960s? That was met by an experimental outdoor education program, a ten-day winter journey through the woods and up mountains, that was proposed by English teacher Bill Clough ’57 and first mounted in December, 1969. That program became Out Back, and it has joined the Job Program and that thriving snow sports program as vital elements of the school’s identity, all three enduring keys not just to the school’s survival, but to its prosperity. We might include the uproar that surrounded the question of co-education in the 1970s. When The Reverend B.W. (Pete) Woodward succeeded a retiring Don Hagerman as headmaster in 1977, the debate about the future of the Holderness School for Boys had polarized the school community in a way reminiscent of today’s partisan political divides. That fall, however, the new headmaster persuaded the trustees to settle the matter in favor of co-education. By the time Phil Peck succeeded a retiring Pete Woodward
in 2001, these signature programs were firmly in place and the school community was largely oblivious to the fact that there had ever been doubts about co-education. Holderness was strong, healthy—and complacent?
SETTING STRATEGIC GOALS “Fund-raising has always been part of this job, and in respect to that I had two goals in mind when I started,” Phil said that day. “Our endowment then was around $25 million. I wanted our endowment to be $100 million to help move us closer to being fully funded need-blind with financial aid. And I also wanted fifty percent alumni participation. I wanted alumni to know that I didn’t care if it was ten dollars or a hundred thousand—just chip in, just participate.” Of the two goals, the latter was the less ambitious, but not by so much. In general terms, the supportive alumni of an independent school like that school best as they remember it. Keeping a school ahead of the educational curve and on top of the marketplace—doing those things, in other words, that ensure that it remains dynamic and progressive, especially in good times—can involve a tricky high-wire act. As the new head of school ventured out on that tightrope, he took as a balancing pole the school’s motto, mission, and core values. “Pro Deo et Genere Humano, ‘For God and Humankind,’” he said. “I love the challenge built into that phrase. It’s not some kind of goal for you to achieve—instead it’s just something you do, something you can always strive to do better. And if that’s what you’re doing, if that’s where you’re headed, you go that way with a humble sort of confidence, a boldness that allows you to express and grow into your best self—your best, bold self, I call it.” For Phil, steps along that tightrope have been measured over the years in a series of strategic plans, each following on the heels of the other. “Because we needed to keep moving forward, to keep evolving, we developed a new plan as a community every three years,” Phil said. “Each plan was meant to enhance the way we foster our core values of community, character, and curiosity, and I hope that over time we’ve successfully done so.” During the course of Phil’s tenure, the plans have fallen into three broad phases. The first centered on health and safety, and it featured the renovation and expansion of the school’s health center, and also the construction of pedestrian tunnels connecting the east and west sides of the campus under busy Route 175. The second phase addressed community in its
residential aspect: Weld Hall was renovated, as well as the transformative renovations of Hoit and Rathbun dormitories to reduce the student faculty ratio; the new Pichette and Woodward dorms were built on the east side of campus; and more residential faculty were brought on campus, enough to establish an 8:1 student/teacher ratio in most of the dorms. The third phase, a propulsive boost to the school’s academics and intellectual life, will culminate this fall with the opening of the Davis Center. This new math/science facility will increase the square footage of the school’s classrooms by forty percent, and its own classrooms are being specially detailed to allow innovation, f lexibility, and collaboration across the curriculum. Stretching between Livermore Hall and the Alfond Library at the northwest corner of the campus, it occupies the very spot whose view of Mt. Stinson prompted founder Bishop W.W. Niles in 1878 to choose this site and none other for the school he envisioned. The Davis Center is in its own way visionary. “I learned that it’s not a matter of deciding how many labs you might want,” Phil said. “Instead, you have to think about where the study of math and science is going, and where it will be in fifteen or twenty years. What can we see over the horizon in terms of research, pedagogy, technology, and curriculum? Will there still even be a distinction between math and science? The building will need to be able to keep pace with all the innovations that are sure to come in these areas. It will need to be the sort of adaptable, multi-use facility that Livermore has been since it was built—what?—almost a century ago.” As this phase draws to completion—and as the Peck era nears its end at Holderness—the next strategic plan is (of course) already in place, a fourth phase now kicking into high gear. “When Don Henderson came to Holderness in 1951, the school’s ski teams were competing against the junior varsities of other Lakes Region schools because we weren’t on the same level as their varsity squads,” Phil said. “With Don aboard, and within a few years, Holderness was sending skiers to the US Olympic team. Today, on any given winter afternoon, 160 of our 280 students are out on the snow.” For the past seventy years, thanks to Don Henderson—and thanks later to the many brilliant coaches who succeeded him, including former school Nordic (and US Olympic team) coach Phil Peck—the best snow sports program in America not found at a ski academy has been offered by Holderness. Which of course is a dangerous place to be in, given the many other independent schools that want to make that claim, and are strategizing to do so.
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“It’s to our advantage that we now have this world-class training slope at Mittersill, which is also a designated training site for the US Ski Team,” Phil said. “But the slope doesn’t even have a warming hut. If you want to get out of the wind, there’s only the Port-a-Potty. Similarly, our Nordic trails need an upgrade—new lights, snowmaking capability, and widening— if we want to continue to host national competitions here.”
make a whole new footprint. That was the case with our library, which once was in the basement of Livermore, and now it’s the case with the study of math and science.”
What’s remarkable about a top-tier program such as this at a traditional independent school is its integration with a three-season calendar devoted to other sports. At Holderness, moreover—and perhaps nowhere else—snow sports are also integrated with an outdoors program that finds common ground with both athletics and Out Back.
Other physical elements of this next plan include lights and resurfacing for the Robert T. Low Turf Field, and the addition of a second turf field on the other side of Mt. Prospect Street. “By the time all the objectives of this plan have been met, Holderness School will stand as the model for an integrated outdoors/athletic program,” Phil said. “Our kids will be able to embrace the outdoors, participate in consistently outstanding team sports programs, and have available to them what will continue to be the premier snow sports program in the United States.”
“For our students, it’s not just one or the other, snow sports or traditional sports or the outdoors,” said Board Chair Nell Reynolds, speaking from her home in Hanover, NH. “Here, for example, you can play football in the fall, race on the alpine ski team in the winter, and then kayak in the spring. You can blend all three, and this next strategic plan aims to promote new levels of excellence in all three.”
One way this plan may be distinguished from its predecessors, though, is the way in which it is framed—not in the declarative sentences of a series of stated goals, but rather in open-ended questions. For example, leading off this plan: “How might Holderness amplify its remarkable athletic legacy and location by incorporating leading practices and competitiveness in all of our athletic offerings?”
The 9,200-square-foot Mittersill Performance Center— funded jointly with the Franconia Ski Club, Cannon Mountain, the State of New Hampshire, and under construction now—is the most conspicuous element of this plan and will be the sort of warming hut that also offers space for ski tuning, video training, and warm-up. But this new plan not only embraces the breadth of the school’s athletic and outdoors programs, it contains strategies as well for enhancing the school’s culture of inclusion, its habits of health and wellness, the assessment of academic growth, and financial accessibility. In this the plan is typical of its predecessors, which were similarly multifaceted, and which similarly circled back to reinforce the work of earlier plans. Such sparkling new facilities as the Davis Center and the Mittersill Performance Center might tower over the plans that produced them, but in fact they are merely the iceberg tips that rise out of layers of low-cost initiatives having to do with people and existing programs. “We would not ever want our facilities to be the reason anyone chooses Holderness,” Phil said. “Whenever we can, we renovate our old buildings, as we did with Weld, Hoit, and Rathbun. The Hagerman Center will continue to be a useful building for us, particularly with our arts programs, but sometimes new technologies, new possibilities, require that in order to best serve your people and programs, you have to
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“I HOPE IT REFLECTS MY LEADERSHIP STYLE, WHERE THE FIRST THING I TRY TO DO IS FIND THE RIGHT QUESTIONS TO ASK...” Phil has come to see this as an important distinction. “I hope it ref lects my leadership style, where the first thing I try to do is find the right questions to ask,” Phil said. “If you build a strategic plan around statements, then you’re enacting an agenda. If you lead instead with questions, then you allow the answers that align best with your vision to guide you.”
OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHANGE Do not pity Phil Peck for never having faced a crisis during his tenure, as three Holderness heads had before him—because in fact he has. The fact that it was a crisis faced by every school leader in the nation during the past year does not lessen its impact.
True, at first he had it easy. Phil was out in the woods with an Out Back group—if that can ever be called easy—when COVID-19 swept across the nation the previous March. It fell to Associate Head of School Tobi Pfenninger to coordinate the school’s first responses at a time when many students were away from campus in various Special Programs. As soon as Phil got back, however, he joined Tobi and other school leaders—at Holderness and everywhere else—in inventing on the f ly a whole different way of educating. Nor was it just a matter of coping with contagious disease. “It was three pandemics at once, really,” Phil said. “There was the disease, and then all the financial stress caused by the disease, and then also the social turmoil—and opportunities for growth—that accompanied Black Lives Matter, the MeToo movement, and the wholesale drive for social justice. These all had implications at Holderness.” If all this had to happen at once, Phil is at least grateful it happened when it did, while he was still the occupant of this office. “For me, it was a chance to apply everything I had learned over 37 years about pedagogy, team-building, curriculum, equity and inclusion, and the whole multifaceted task of leadership. It was exhilarating, experiencing the whole community pulling together on this, but at the same time, I have to admit it was really exhausting.” So far everybody has pulled together very well. School was reconvened in the fall with no active cases. During the winter a small number of cases was detected on campus, and these were swiftly contained via contact tracing and quarantine protocols. By early March, most school employees had received the first of two vaccinations. It was always Phil’s belief that Holderness would emerge stronger from this crisis, from these pandemics, and that has proven true—not in the manner this time of a revolutionary new program or an all-school paradigm shift, but rather more quietly in the discovery of efficient new options in scheduling, fruitful new techniques in pedagogy, effective new ways to communicate with parents and prospective families, and heretofore unrealized possibilities for collaboration, both within Holderness and with neighboring schools. “Well, it was the sort of opportunity for change that was forced on us,” added Nell Reynolds. “We shook things up because we had to—and now we can hold on to the things that worked.”
Director of Admission David Flynn ’96, Head of School Phil Peck, and Bella chat with an admitted student during a Virtual Brownie Night this spring. These are the sort of quiet and incremental changes that a strong, healthy school makes in the meat and gristle of a strategic plan, apart from the gleam of a new building, and that such a school can afford to make in the course of an unexpected shock. Also, in their direct interface with people and programs, these are the small-twitch adjustments that reliably keep a tightrope walker upright and a school out of danger. "Right now I'm so glad I'm here for another year," Phil said, "as we get back to normal - a year to reestablish continuity, to get back to family-style meals and chapel, to open head's houses, reaffirm the Job Program, and all the rest of it. One more year, also, to meet those fundraising goals established back in 2001. Is it likely with the endowment? “No, it’s not,” Phil laughed. I think our endowment is approaching $69 million, so we're a lot closer. But no, we won’t make $100 million.” Alumni participation? “I’ve still got a good shot at that. We had over 1,600 donors on our last Day of Giving. The Holderness Fund, of course, is no less important than the endowment, and here it is just March, and we’ve nearly reached the goal we set for that this year.” Well, they were both very high bars, those goals, and trending sharply upwards with both, within shooting distance of one, is no small accomplishment. Best of all, though, is that after twenty years and counting, Holderness remains in its dangerous—and enviable—place. n
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CONGRATULATIONS
CLASS OF 2021 Commencement is always a joyous occasion at Holderness School, but few ceremonies have been quite as significant as the one that occurred on May 23, 2021. After more than a year of contending with the life-changing impacts of COVID-19—and watching the previous year’s seniors receive their diplomas over Zoom—the mostly-vaccinated Class of 2021 enjoyed a beautiful, in-person ceremony. After a year of COVID restrictions, sacrifice, and loss, the ceremony gave seniors — and the entire Holderness community—their first glimpse of a bright future to come.
“YOU HAVE WRESTLED WITH ISSUES OF GENDER, RACE, SOCIAL INEQUALITY, CLIMATE SCIENCE, THOUGHTS ABOUT POWER AND PRIVILEGE AND GENERAL FAIRNESS. IN TRUTH, THOSE CONVERSATIONS ARE GOING TO CONTINUE WHEN YOU LEAVE HERE. AT TIMES, THEY ARE GOING TO FEEL EVEN MORE INTENSE AND RISKY—AS YOU ENCOUNTER MORE PEOPLE WHO THINK DIFFERENTLY, LOOK DIFFERENTLY AND DON’T YET KNOW YOU. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO LEAN INTO THAT DISCOMFORT. DON’T JUST STARE INTO YOUR PHONE, BUT ASK QUESTIONS AND CONTINUE TO LEARN—AND EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY.”
–Burgie Howard ’82, Holderness Trustee and Commencement Speaker
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“I KNOW THAT WE, AS A CLASS, WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO PUT INTO WORDS ALL THAT HOLDERNESS HAS DONE FOR US, BUT I ALSO KNOW THAT WE ARE ETERNALLY GRATEFUL FOR ALL THAT HAS BEEN DONE TO GET US TO WHERE WE ARE TODAY.” – Adam McNabney ’21 Holderness School President, 2020–21
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GRADUATING SENIORS Morgan Elizabeth A. from Tustin, CA Thanawan Atchariyachanvanit from Rayong, Thailand James Alexander Baber V from Richmond, VA Hallenbeck Jensen Barker from Cambridge, MA Jackman Schaub Bayreuther from Canaan, NH Aiden Levin Belt from Fort Collins, CO Jeffrey Pierce Bewlay from Fayston, VT James Sullivan Bocock from Salt Lake City, UT Tyler Todd Boes from Marblehead, MA Gwendolyn Nicole Bowler from Canterbury, NH Kate Summerfield Brayton from Waterville Valley, NH Ethan Alexander Callahan from Horseheads, NY Brooke S. Chandler from Duxbury, MA Yongrok Choi from Seoul, Korea William Scott Clouse from Brookline, MA Abigail Kathryn Cole from Plymouth, NH Joseph Arthur Colwell from Marblehead, MA Robert Cooper from Paget, Bermuda Charlotte Bray Croft from West Dover, VT Charles Morton Crumbo from Nashville, TN
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Christopher Henry James Davenport from Snowmass, CO Brendan Patrick Doyle from Stratham, NH Atkin Anthony Dwyer from Aurora, Ontario Colin James Eldred from Norfolk, MA Tiffany Feng from Suzhou JiangSu, China Emma Katherine Filosa from Bedford, MA Thomas Reed Fitzgerald from Falmouth, ME Garrison Leland Gagnon from Gilmanton Iron Works, NH Jobe McCabe Gemmell-Hughes from Hyannisport, MA Alex Willa Guest from New York, NY Patrick Martin Guinee, Jr. from Essex, MA Ethan John Hayes from Fort Myers, FL Greyson Heinzer from Westminster, MA Calvin Harold Hoder from Stowe, VT Amber Huang from Waltham, MA Sirin Jitklongsub from Bangkok, Thailand Kathleen Anne Jones from Amherst, NH SungWon Jung from Cheonan-si Chungcheongnam-do, Korea Uyen Le from Hanoi, Vietnam Shinya Ebony Lee from Rochester, NY
Thao Nguyen Mai from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Adam Steele McNabney from Baltimore, MD Ryan Jeffrey McNamara from Steamboat Springs, CO Patrick Joseph Mohan from Meredith, NH Charles Edward Morris from Hingham, MA Hien Tran Gia Nguyen from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Albert Jou Noyes from Falmouth, ME Pakorn Nunta-Aree from Bangkok, Thailand Griffin James O'Neil from East Greenwich, RI Abigail Flynn Palmer from Bridgewater, MA Honor Taylor Paton from Cambridge, MA Charles Francis Peterson from Durham, NC Alia J. Piccinni from Marblehead, MA Adam David Pilon from Farmington, CT Gene Propper from New York City, NY Isabella Qian from Beijing, China Brooks Comstock Reed from Hingham, MA Yansel Reyes from Manchester, NH Henry William Richard from Pepperell, MA Grace Jeanne Elizabeth Roe from Auburndale, MA Simon Thomas Rolfs from Telluride, CO
Madison Shea Roth from Charlotte, NC
Elijah Christopher Swanson from Meredith, NH
Avaline Elizabeth Wilson from Nantucket, MA
Jackson Wentworth Sawyer from Falmouth, ME
Ian Daniel Switzer from Thornton, NH
Kyle Charles Woodworth from Berwick Nova Scotia, Canada
Philippa Jennings Sheffield from Lake Bluff, IL
Chanaporn Tohsuwanwanich from Bangkok, Thailand
Jinyang Yu from Shanghai, China
Aaron McClain Shray from San Carlos, CA
Alexi Twahili from Kampala, Uganda
Grant Robert Zeps from Solana Beach, CA
Nicholas George Spanos from Lincoln, NH
Jacob Paul Waterman from Warwick, RI
Kwanlada Srijomkwan from Phichit, Thailand
Charlotte Mae Whitcomb from Holderness, NH
“IT HAS BEEN AN INCREDIBLE YEAR— OF CHALLENGES, OF CHANGES, OF RULES AND RESTRICTIONS, OF LEARNING, OF PERSEVERING, AND FINALLY OF TRIUMPHING—OF REACHING THIS MOMENT, TOGETHER, IN-PERSON, WITHOUT MASKS.” –Nell Reynolds P ’18 ’20 ’22, Holderness Board Chair
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COLLEGE DESTINATIONS Adrian College Bard College Bates College
Colorado School of Mines
Hobart William Smith Colleges
Providence College
Cornell University
Johns Hopkins University
Reed College
University of California-Irvine
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
University of CaliforniaLos Angeles
St Bonaventure University
University of Colorado Boulder
St. Lawrence University
University of Denver
Stanford University
University of Florida
Swarthmore College
University of MassachusettsAmherst
Bryant University
CUNY Hunter College
Bucknell University
Dartmouth College
Case Western Reserve University
Denison University
Colby College
Emmanuel College
New York University
College of the Holy Cross
Fordham University
Northeastern University
College of William and Mary
Gettysburg College
Northwestern University
Colorado College
Hamilton College
Plymouth State University
Johnson & Wales UniversityProvidence Middlebury College
Texas Christian University The College of Saint Scholastica
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Trinity College
University of MichiganAnn Arbor
University of New HampshireMain Campus University of Southern California University of Utah University of Vermont University of WisconsinMadison Vassar College Villanova University Virginia Military Institute
“MANY OF YOU FEEL AS THOUGH YOUR SENIOR YEAR WAS RIPPED AWAY FROM YOU, BUT INSTEAD, YOU ROSE TO THE CHALLENGE AND OUR WHOLE SCHOOL IS HERE TO SAY THANK YOU FOR MAKING IT THE BEST POSSIBLE YEAR THAT IT COULD BE. NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENED, YOU ALL WERE SMILING EVEN IF IT WAS FROM BEHIND A MASK.” –Maizley Tone ’22, Holderness School President, 2021–22
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INTRODUCING OUR NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL—JOHN MCVEIGH Dear Holderness Community,
I
t is with great joy on behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Search Task Force that we announce the appointment of John McVeigh as the 10th Holderness Head of School beginning July 1, 2022. After an incredibly rewarding and validating search that involved nearly 200 deeply talented and qualified candidates from across the country and around the world, we have the utmost confidence that we have found the individual that will best succeed Phil Peck. John comes to us as a beloved and integral member of the Brooks School community, where over the course of 18 years he has held the positions of Dean of Faculty, Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, Director of College Counseling, Science, Math and Oratory classroom teacher, advisor, and Varsity Boys Basketball Coach. In his current role as Associate Head of School for Faculty Affairs, he has successfully navigated Brooks through the pandemic, substantially expanded hiring and retention of faculty of color, significantly increased professional development funding and opportunities, helped to close one capital campaign and strategically plan another, been awarded an honorary degree by the Class of 2016, and served as the keynote speaker for countless events on behalf of Brooks. Prior to his time at Brooks, John worked as an engineer for Intel after graduating with a Masters of Environmental Management from Duke University. He also graduated Magna Cum Laude as a dual major in Biology and Chemistry from Merrimack College, where he was an Academic All-American basketball player and the recipient of a scholarship from the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence.
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We are thrilled to benefit from John’s extensive knowledge and broad experience, but even more so from his sincere appreciation for and desire to lead Holderness, his depth of understanding of the Holderness culture and community, and his authenticity as an educator and as a human being. It is clear from the recommendations we received and the interviews that we conducted that John has the innate ability to positively impact everyone, student or adult, with whom he comes into contact and, as such, is a clear choice to follow in Phil’s stead to uphold the mission, vision, core values, and motto of Holderness. John will be enthusiastically joined at Holderness by his wife Candice and their children Jack and Kelly. Candice is an educator as well and has taught Health and Wellness at Andover High School for 23 years. When asked for his thoughts about taking on this role, John shared "I am absolutely thrilled and honored by the opportunity to join the Holderness community and so grateful for the chance to lead such a student-centered and mission-driven school. It's been energizing to meet so many students, employees, alumni, and families who have been deeply and positively impacted by the experiences they have had and the relationships they have made over the years – their love for Holderness is as contagious as it is inspiring, and our family can't wait to join you all next summer!" In a transformational search process that highlighted the deep respect for Holderness School’s standing within the independent school world and the recognition of how wellplaced we are for continued strength and success in the future, the Search Task Force teamed with and learned from
“I AM ABSOLUTELY THRILLED AND HONORED BY THE OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN THE HOLDERNESS COMMUNITY AND SO GRATEFUL FOR THE CHANCE TO LEAD SUCH A STUDENT-CENTERED AND MISSION-DRIVEN SCHOOL.”
the extensive expertise of Carney, Sandoe and Associates (CS&A). Through a rigorous process of interviewing and surveying hundreds of Holderness constituents, a Holderness Head of School position description was created and sent out across a massive network of educators and thought leaders. This unusually large applicant pool was narrowed down to a core group and presented to the Search Task Force who worked over several months and multiple stages to eventually arrive at three eminently qualified finalists to bring to campus for in-person interviews in late May. John was unanimously selected by the Search Task Force for recommendation to the Board and was subsequently unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees. The depth and breadth of our candidates was truly impressive, and the thorough, diligent, and genuine search process was an incredible ref lection of all members of the Holderness community. We would like to acknowledge the innumerable hours of work done by our excellent CS&A consultants – Deveraux McClatchey, Rice Bryan ’91, Becky Sykes and Jessica Wright – our loyal and dedicated Search Task Force members listed below, and all participating members of the Holderness community that enabled us to reach this exciting and rewarding conclusion to our search process. The constant support from the greater Holderness community was equally integral to our success. We would also like to thank Phil and Robin Peck for their gracious, thoughtful, and honest collaboration in this process and for playing a key role in the final interview days. It was an amazing and fully Holderness team effort from start to finish, and we look forward
to this next year of transition and celebration of both Phil and John as we begin this journey together! With the deepest gratitude for the Holderness community we serve,
Nell Reynolds P ’18, ’20, ’22 Search Task Force Co-Chair Chair of the Board of Trustees
Bob Hall P ’13, ’16 Search Task Force Co-Chair Former Chair of the Board of Trustees
HOLDERNESS SEARCH TASK FORCE Carolyn Cullen ’87, P ’17, Trustee Burgwell Howard ’82, Trustee Chris Keating ’81 P ’24, Trustee Richard Vieira P ’20, Trustee Tobi Pfenninger P ’11, ’15, Associate Head of School Andy Herring, Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications Elizabeth Wolf, Math Department Chair
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OUTSI DE
LEARNING W
hen the COVID-19 pandemic overtook the country last March, it put a premature end to Special Programs. With the exception of eleventhgraders on Out Back, all students participating in Project Outreach and Artward Bound were sent home after just a few days of the start of their programs, where they would remain for the rest of the 2019-20 school year.
Special Programs 2021
This year, Holderness resolved to rethink Special Programs for the COVID era. With weekly COVID surveillance testing, masking, and social distancing, the school was able to keep the virus at bay and students engaged in outside-the-classroom learning. With a bit of flexibility, creativity, and patience, students and teachers were able to enjoy this signature Holderness program—and remain virus-free.
TH E BOX
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PROJECT OUTREACH
GRADE
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ARTWARD BOUND
GRADE
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OUT BACK
GRADE
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Starting a new job is never easy. Just ask our new Director of Health Services Karen Penny, RN, who started during a global pandemic.
PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS
I
t’s probably safe to assume that when Karen Penny decided to pursue a career in healthcare, she never imagined a scenario in which she would have to send hundreds of vials of saliva through the mail, every single week.
on campus. It was a stressful time for the new director and her staff, but the school’s success in stamping out the virus was proof that the months of planning and daily meetings with the school’s COVID response team had paid off.
But that's exactly the kind of scenario that confronted Karen, a registered nurse and Holderness School's new director of health services, during her first year on the job. And there have been plenty of situations just like that. With the threat of COVID-19 lurking over the 2020–21 school year, Holderness took unprecedented steps to ensure the health of the community: requiring masks indoors and out; practicing social distancing; and conducting pooled saliva testing of all students, teachers, and staff on a weekly basis. Those tests were an intense logistical undertaking that required Karen and her Health Center staff to create spreadsheets, assign barcodes, administer tests, and mail the school’s 450 saliva samples to a lab in New York City for testing every Tuesday.
“It’s been quite the year to take over as director, but I think it’s gone well,” Karen said during an interview this spring in the Health Center. “I think hopefully when we look back at our pandemic year we can say that we did the best we could and we would hopefully change very little. Nobody’s had to do this before.”
So how did it all work out? For the most part, all tests would come back negative within a couple of days, leaving Karen and the rest of the school to proceed with business as usual. But when testing turned up several positive cases in January, the Health Center quickly transformed into a contact tracing command center. Within hours, the school had managed to quarantine all positive cases and their close contacts, effectively halting the spread of the virus
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It was a year of firsts for everyone on the Holderness campus, and it was a year that required constant vigilance on the part of students, teachers, and staff. Every cough and sneeze was a potential cause for concern, and it was something Holderness students took particularly seriously. “Especially in the fall we had students coming in with all kinds of symptoms – a slightly runny nose, a little bit of a headache – because nobody wanted to be the first one,” Karen said. “Nobody wanted to be patient zero. The kids have really stepped up and taken responsibility for their health and the health of their peers.” The arrival of vaccines in March marked a turning point at the school. Karen noticed a profound sense of happiness and relief in faculty and staff when she began administering their Moderna vaccines in early March. It was a nice change
of pace for Karen, who wasn’t used to seeing patients smile, laugh, or cry tears of joy when receiving a vaccine. “It was really exciting to be here and be able to participate in that,” she said. “It definitely felt like a celebration in here.” Students were just as enthusiastic about the vaccines. In April, the Pfizer vaccine became available to students ages 16 and older. Less than 24 hours after students became eligible to register for that vaccine, 116 had signed up to receive a shot. The sense of relief accompanying those vaccinations was a welcome respite for Karen, but she isn’t declaring victory over COVID-19 just yet. Instead of planning a well-deserved summer vacation to celebrate her first year as director, she’s already planning summer meetings. As the current school year comes to an end, big questions are emerging about the continued presence of COVID-19, and how Holderness will adapt to this persistent virus. She’s doing everything she can to find the answers. “We already have meetings scheduled for when after school is out. I think it’s going to be: what is next year going to look like? Are we still going to be testing every week? Will we still be testing students who have been vaccinated? Will we still need to all wear masks?” Karen asks. “The vaccines are excellent and really good, but I think that it’s going to open us up to a whole new set of challenges, for sure.” n
A YEAR AT HOLDERNESS: BY THE NUMBERS
13,637
CLASS MEETINGS
10,000+ COVID TESTS ADMINISTERED
648 COVID VACCINES ADMINISTERED
181 COLLEGES OFFERING ADMISSION
$6,000 RAISED FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS
1,065 HOURS OF COMMUNITY
SERVICE IN PROJECT OUTREACH
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IN-PERSON SENIOR THESIS PRESENTATIONS
3 SEASONS OF
INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS
2 PLAYS 1
CONCERT
1 STUDENT ART SHOW At Commencement, Mrs. Penny and the school's COVID Response Team were honored for their exemplary service.
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CATCHING UP With the Furlonges BY RICK CAREY
I
n the spring of 1994, Holderness School’s new Dean of Faculty—Phil Peck—was trying to do something that has historically proven difficult: recruit faculty of color to come live and work at a small school in the mountains of northern New England. Phil was attending a job fair in Boston, one especially designed to attract teachers of color to New England independent schools. The fair as a whole was well attended, and many representatives from schools in southern New England were busy talking with prospective faculty members. Among those prospects was Nigel Furlonge, 21, an alumnus of Boston Latin and a new graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s in American history. Phil’s Holderness School table, alas, was not at all busy. So how did Nigel find himself there? “Well,” laughed Nigel 27 years later, speaking in April on Zoom from his home in Yonkers, New York, “the poor guy was sitting there alone, and I felt sorry for him.” Nigel was empathetic enough to visit that lonely table. He and Phil talked. Three weeks later, he accepted Phil’s job offer to not just teach history but also serve as the school’s Director of Diversity. It may have been very much an outside-the-lane sort of decision, Nigel’s choice of Holderness as a place to try out a career in teaching, but Phil, for his part, was ecstatic—and also worried. “Was it too much to ask someone right out of college to teach, coach, run a dorm, and also advance an important new program at Holderness?” he said during that Zoom call. “Eventually I asked Nigel if it was okay if we worked together as codirectors—and that’s how our partnership began.” Two years later Nigel—burdened but nonetheless f lourishing under all he had taken on at Holderness—acquired another sort of partner in marrying Nicole Brittingham, who had just completed her Master’s in American literature, and was about to begin work on her doctorate at the University of
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Nicole and Nigel Furlonge with their children (l–r) Logan, Wyatt, and Lucas.
Michigan. They were wed in the Chapel of the Holy Cross, and in 1997 Nicole joined the school’s English department. “Phil, you’re good at seeing the possibilities in people,” Nicole said during that Zoom call. “I still have an article you gave me on why college professors should have high school teaching experience, and it provided a way for me to articulate why I loved what I was doing there.” So began a meteoric journey up the teaching ranks that took this couple away from Holderness and then back again. From 2000 to 2007, they worked at the St. Andrew’s School in Delaware, where Nigel became Director of Studies and Nicole chair of the English department and Director of Diversity. She also earned her doctorate with a dissertation that would be expanded into a book published in 2018 by the University of Iowa Press: “Race Sounds: The Art of Listening in African American Literature.” Then to the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey, where Nigel served three years as academic dean and Nicole was a mentor to other teachers, coaching colleagues in other disciplines around their pedagogy and curriculum design. From 2010 to 2015, while Nicole taught English and chaired the department at the Princeton Country Day School, Nigel was one of the founding team members of the Christina Seix Academy, an innovative pre-K–8 school in Trenton, both day and boarding, serving children from underserved
communities. During his time there Nigel did a little bit of everything in building that school from the ground up. Yet the Furlonges were never entirely away from Holderness. They stayed in touch with Phil, and way back in 1996—at a time when Nigel was pondering a career switch to law—Phil had suggested he apply to Columbia University’s Klingenstein Center Summer Institute. The Klingenstein Center is the nation’s premier incubator of independent school leaders, and its Holderness alumni include—among many others— Jay Stroud, Jim Nourse, Jory Macomber, Duane Ford ‘74, Kelsey Berry, Jini Rae Sparkman and Phil. There Nigel’s fire for education would be rekindled in earning a Master’s in independent school organization and leadership, and later he would become the Center’s lead teacher in both its history and diversity groups. In his spare time, from 2007 to 2014, he would serve on the Holderness School Board of Trustees. In 2015 the Furlonges rejoined the Holderness faculty. Nicole started off as English department chair, then also became Director of Teaching and Learning. Nigel served as Associate Head of School, and both Furlonges were prime movers in the design and implementation of its current and also its preceding strategic plans. “In 2015, with a number of people with Klingenstein connections in the administration and on the board,” Nigel recalled, “we made a choice to centralize the intellectual and academic life at Holderness in a way that had a different sort of resonance to it—in a way, for example, that apportioned as much honor and prestige to the community’s scholars, artists, and professionals as to its Olympic athletes.” Nigel argued that this mid-decade plan to enhance the life of the mind at Holdernesss should precede a plan addressing the needs of the athletics and outdoors programs because in that order the success of both would be more possible. “Then Nicole developed a learning master plan for where math and science is going in the next 10–15 years, and played a pivotal role in securing several lead gifts for the Davis Center,” Phil said. “I was so fortunate to have this dynamic duo aligned with my vision for the school, and their fingerprints are all over what Holderness has become today.” Then suddenly, in 2018, the ambitious scholar who had been enticed into teaching at the secondary level became one of the nation’s more consequential college professors when Nicole was named the new director of the Klingenstein Center, succeeding the retiring (and former Holderness trustee) Pearl Kane.
The Furlonges and their three children—Logan, now 16; Lucas, 13; Wyatt, 9—moved to Yonkers, where Nigel became principal of the upper school at the pre-K–12 Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS) in the Bronx. Founded in 1878, ECFS emphasizes the teaching and practice of ethics in a context of equity and inclusion. This coming year, however, he will take on a new role as Head of School at New Jersey’s Montclair Kimberley Academy (MKA), another large pre-K–12 day school that foregrounds diversity and inclusion in its mission. And this is where we find them now—at a time in America when the nation is harrowed by a pandemic, riven by economic inequality, and withered by the senseless deaths of Black men and women. “And we’re also in a moment where independent schools are painted as elite and exclusive,” said Nicole. “Yes, we do in fact have privilege. We do in fact possess resources. Along with all that comes the responsibility to shift the terrain, to make the changes necessary to refashion our independent schools into authentically welcoming and inclusive communities, both at the student and faculty levels.” As with any sort of institutional change, it goes best if it comes from within. It can be done one school at a time, as by that young educator who invigorated the diversity program at Holderness; who as Director of Admissions at Christina Seix Academy in 2012 welcomed its first 70 students on campus; and who now assumes the helm at MKA on the promise—in Nigel’s words—of “cultivating empathetic listeners who understand the substance and salience of being culturally competent.” Or it can be done from the sort of pulpit that reaches all independent schools, both in America and abroad, as is being done by the former secondary English teacher who in her brief time at the helm of the Klingenstein Center has already stressed issues of equity, inclusion, and social justice in the institute’s curriculum; and who currently leads an inquiry into how the financial structures of independent schools may be brought to aid, rather than impede, progress on those fronts. It’s not a matter of building wider dedicated lanes for diversity into the robust learning environments offered by independent schools, these two potent and compassionate educational leaders are telling us—it’s a matter of building in America’s independent school infrastructure a single lane wide enough, inclusive enough, and safe enough for us all. Blueprints are available upon request. n
Summer 2021 | 25
AROUND THE QUAD
THE DAVIS CENTER
A look inside the school’s new math & science facility
On May 21, 2021—just two days before commencement—students and faculty gathered for senior thesis presentations inside the Davis Center, the school’s new math and science building. It was the n May 21, 2021 – just two days before commencement - students and faculty gathered for senior thesis first time anyone had truly transformative, square-foot academic which was presentations inside theused Davisthe Center, the school’s new35,000 math and science building. It was facility, the first time anyone designed under the themes of innovation, collaboration, f lexibility, and connecting to the outdoors. truly used the transformative, 35,000 square-foot academic facility, which was designed under the themes of It was an inspiring start for theand new building, futureItgenerations of Holderness students innovation, collaboration, flexibility, connecting towhere the outdoors. was an inspiring start for the new building, where and teachers will benefit from wet and dry science labs, versatile classrooms, enhanced faculty future generations of Holderness students and teachers will benefit from wet and dry science labs, versatile classrooms, planningfaculty enhanced spaces, planning and an spaces, atrium-like and an atrium-like Winter Garden Winter Garden with stunning with stunning views views of Stinson of StinsonMountain. Mountain.
O
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AROUND THE QUAD
Summer 2021 | 27
AROUND THE QUAD
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AROUND THE QUAD
In addition to versatile classrooms and science labs, the Davis Center features a beautiful gathering space in the Winter Garden, and an amphitheater-like outdoor classroom with views of the mountains to the west of campus.
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ATHLETICS
HOLDERNESS
OWN S
WINTE R Holderness School is known for its peerless snow sports program, but that program is quickly reaching new heights. With transformative projects like the Mittersill Performance Center and Nordic trail homologation slated for completion this fall, Holderness is quickly cementing its place as the best preparatory school ski program in the nation.
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ATHLETICS
FREESTYLE
This spring, the school’s freestyle skiers launched off the school’s new Air Bag Jump. Built into the hillside above the football field, the jump allows athletes to perfect their aerial tricks while landing on an 1,800-square-foot air bag. The Air Bag Jump will permit skiers and snowboarders to train through all four seasons, while providing a soft landing to minimize the risk of injury.
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ATHLETICS
ALPINE
The Mittersill Race and Training Slopes at Cannon Mountain is a designated training site for the U.S. Ski Team – and it’s also where Holderness student-athletes train. Next winter, our skiers will have full use of the brand-new, 9,200-square foot Mittersill Performance Center. The lodge, which will be open to all resort guests, will provide Holderness and Franconia Ski Club athletes with much-needed space for alpine ski racing and training. Designed by lead architect and project manager Evan Mullen '00, the lodge will include ski tuning rooms, coaches' offices, video review rooms, and gear storage areas.
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ATHLETICS
Summer 2021 | 33
ATHLETICS
NORDIC
How does a school host championship-level Nordic races in a climate where winter temperatures and natural snowfall are becoming more variable? Holderness will attempt to answer those questions this summer when it begins a project to build several homologated competition loops – and install 2.5 kilometers of snowmaking along a key portion of its Nordic trail system. This project will allow the school to host elite-level Nordic races, and provide a more reliable racing and training surface for skiers during the early season.
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ATHLETICS
Summer 2021 | 35
ATHLETICS
COLLEGE COMMITS Of this year’s graduating seniors, 17 have committed to play competitive athletics in college. These students represent some of the top athletic talent in New Hampshire and New England, and are testaments to Holderness School’s culture of academic and athletic excellence. We wish them continued success in college and beyond!
JACK BAYREUTHER
MORGAN AGRAN
ALEX BABER
Plymouth State University
Virginia Military Institute
HOCKEY
LACROSSE
JIMMY BOCOCK
TYLER BOES
St. Lawrence University
St. Lawrence University
Villanova University
LACROSSE
FOOTBALL
LACROSSE
GWEN BOWLER
ABIGAIL COLE
TOPHER DAVENPORT
Adrian College
Hobart & William Smith Colleges
Colby College
ICE HOCKEY
CROSS COUNTRY RUNNING
ALPINE SKIING
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ATHLETICS
ATKIN DWYER
SHINYA LEE
AJ NOYES
St. Bonaventure University
Gettysburg College
Middlebury College
LACROSSE
BASKETBALL
LACROSSE
GRIFFIN O’NEIL
BROOKS REED
HENRY RICHARD
Dartmouth College
Colby College
Vassar College
LACROSSE
ALPINE SKIING
LACROSSE
GENE PROPPER
ELIJAH SWANSON
MAE WHITCOMB
Hunter College
Emmanuel College
College of St. Scholastica
BASKETBALL
BASKETBALL
NORDIC SKIING
Summer 2021 | 37
EMPLOYEE /TRUSTEE UPDATES
New Dean of Students Mb Duckett Ireland (right) with wife Sarah Duckett Ireland and daughter Livi.
HOLDERNESS NAMES NEW DEAN OF STUDENTS BY GREG KWASNIK
W
hether they’re learning how to live in a dorm, enduring discomfort on Out Back, or just watching their teachers go about their lives on campus, students at a boarding school learn countless important lessons outside the classroom. That’s an idea that animates Holderness School’s new Dean of Students, Mb Duckett Ireland. Having spent the last 11 years as a form dean, English teacher and coach at Choate Rosemary Hall, Mb knows just how all-encompassing a private school education can be. She also knows how important it is for faculty and administrators to create an environment where all students can be comfortable growing into their true selves. “Helping students through that process of identity development and self-understanding and fashioning themselves to be ready for the world is what drives me,” Mb says. “And I just love conversations with teenagers, because they’re intellectually adults, but just have this joy that sometimes I think we lose sight of as adults.” We’re excited to welcome Mb, her wife Sarah Duckett Ireland, and their two-year-old daughter Livi to campus this summer. But we couldn’t wait that long to talk to her. Here, Mb tells us about the unique challenges today’s students face, why she loves experiential education, and what drew her to Holderness.
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What first interested you in Holderness School? I think it was the emphasis on experience as important to learning, coupled with still having a very strong academic program. The way students get to go outside —they get to actually do lots of hands-on things. A lot of schools use experiential learning as kind of a buzzword, but Holderness has been living it for a really long time. So that was a really exciting prospect to me.
Why makes experiential learning so exciting? I was involved with the Environmental Immersion Program here at Choate. It’s an interdisciplinary curriculum where all the classes kind of talk to each other about the environment and solving environmental issues through an interdisciplinary lens. I think that sort of approach to learning is very real-world and applicable to what happens when you graduate from high school and college and go out into the world. I think it’s a really meaningful way to learn, and it makes things stick with students much better than sitting in a classroom all the time. Having a student population that’s willing to sign up for a school, like Holderness, knowing that they’re going to spend 11 days in the woods and three of them by themselves? It just attracts a certain type of student that’s very much my vibe. I went on a NOLS [National Outdoor Leadership School] semester right
You served as chair of Driving Equity at Choate, an interdepartmental team created to heighten cultural competency through training, curriculum review, admission work, and hiring practices. You were also a longtime faculty adviser to Spectrum, Choate’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance. Holderness has made a strategic initiative to grow our culture of inclusivity. How do you see the Office of the Dean of Students as aiding that initiative? It’s really important work. It’s the foundation of everything that I do. If a Dean of Students office isn’t deeply, deeply involved in equity and inclusion work, then they’re not serving the students correctly. Whether it’s partnering to make programming with Jini [Director of Equity and Inclusion Jini Rae Sparkman] and her office, or making sure that we’re constantly involved in training around unconscious bias to make sure we check ourselves as adults so that we’re doing our best for all of our students and each of our students individually. I think you can’t be in the world of serving students well if you’re not constantly ref lecting on your own experience and trying to better yourself also.
What drives you as an educator? Trying to help students. I think high school is a really exciting time in the life of an adolescent, particularly at a boarding school. Whether the student is living there or not, it doesn’t really matter because they’re spending more time away from their parents than they ever have before. There’s this great opportunity for students to explore different versions of themselves, different aspects of their personality that they want to cultivate and to look around at all of these adult models they get to see up close and to say “Wow, there are so many ways to be a successful adult in the world, and I get to see so many of them in action outside of just the classroom.”
What particular challenges do today’s students face? I think it’s harder to be balanced these days. Everybody talks about the kind of drive to get into the right college and do the right thing and get the right job. It all comes
back to finding a way to live a balanced life. Academics are important, but they’re not everything. Sports are important, but they’re not everything. Sleep is important, but it shouldn’t be everything – but it should certainly be something, right? So whether it's sleep or not sleep, live your life online or live your life in person, put every hour you have into homework or do something for you – it wasn’t as much of a machine when we were in high school. When we were in high school, there wasn’t as much of a predetermined way or path to be on from a societal point of view. I think knocking yourself off of that path can be a really daunting prospect but it’s a really important thing to do in order to be true to yourself. n
RETIREMENTS This spring, we said goodbye to two longtime Holderness School employees who served the school for a combined 73 years. Peter Barnum P ’05 ’07 ’09, the school’s senior associate director of major gifts, first came to Holderness in 1980. Prior to taking on his Advancement role in 2005, Peter welcomed thousands of students to Holderness as director of admission and director of financial aid. He’ll leave Holderness with countless treasured memories. “Doc O as a neighbor my first year. Great teachers and coaches, kids and parents,” Peter says. “A school that epitomized a wonderful balance between academics and athletics. How very lucky I was to fall into this place. Thank you, Holderness.” After ensuring that generations of Holderness athletes took to the field with spotless uniforms, Athletic Equipment Manager Ed Simes is finally folding after 33 years on the job. “Does 33 years really go by so fast? It has been my pleasure to be associated with Holderness School,” Ed says. “Four of my children graduated from here, and I now have a grandchild attending as a sophomore. I will miss being here but I am looking forward to spending some quality time in retirement with my lovely bride, Kathy. Farewell and carry on, all.”
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EMPLOYEE /TRUSTEE UPDATES
after I graduated from college because I didn’t feel like I had done anything different enough while I was in school. I had always wanted to, but just never got to a place where I was willing to step outside of the classroom comfort zone. So it’s exciting to work at a place that values that so early and really emphasizes it.
ALUMNI PROFILES
TARUN SHETTY ’97 From Holderness to Hollywood BY GREG KWASNIK
W
hen Tarun Shetty ’97 was in Norm Walker’s English class at Holderness, he told his teacher that he wanted to become a writer. Mr. Walker, the legendary teacher and football coach, must have seen something special in his young student. “He said, ‘You should Tarun Shetty ’97 be funny, too – figure out how to do that,’” Tarun recalls more than two decades later. It would end up being important advice. “Nobody had ever said that to me,” Tarun says. “I took that to heart and said ‘Maybe I can do this.’ I just started trying to honor that human spirit, just to see where it took me.” Honoring that human spirit took Tarun places far beyond his native New Hampshire. After graduating from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, Tarun embarked on an odyssey to realize his potential as a writer, actor, and performer. He got his start as a doorman at the legendary Boston Comedy Club in New York City, where comedians such as Sarah Silverman, Adam Sandler, and Jim Gaffigan launched their careers. He spent years developing his material and hustling to get stage time; he even walked the streets, handing out f lyers for the comedy clubs where he was performing. It all required an immense amount of dedication, but Tarun wasn’t a stranger to hard work. He credits his work ethic, in part, to the lessons he learned working in the Job Program at Holderness. “I realized that if you just work hard enough and just hammer through that wall you can break through any way,” Tarun says. “That was my attitude as a standup, and it took me on some pretty crazy journeys.” Those journeys eventually took Tarun to Los Angeles, where he f lourished as a writer and actor. Among his many credits, Tarun was a series lead in the Disney's pilot "Code
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9"; guest-starred on NBC's "Grimm" and the thriller "DOE"; co-starred in the sitcom pilot "No Money Down" that he also co-produced, and was a cast member on season one of Fox’s reality show “Flirty Dancing.” He also wrote and produced the comedy segment “Generation Desi” on the global program “Showbiz India” and wrote and produced on staff for G4TV. It was when he was working for “Showbiz India,” a Bollywood entertainment show, that Tarun co-wrote, produced, and acted in the viral web series “Desi OC.” It was a show that focused on the problems of young South Asian adults: dating, parents, career, love, religion, and other vital topics. It spoke to a generation of young South Asians tired of seeing themselves typecast as one-dimensional characters on mainstream film and television, and became an overnight success with millions of views. “There wasn’t really a voice for South Asians at that time,” Tarun says. “So we just connected with a lot of Indians, and grew a lot from that.” That kind of creative growth has been a feature of Tarun’s career, with each phase—from standup comedian to actor to producer of a hit web series—serving as stepping stones along his creative journey. He took a new step along that path in 2019 with the publication of his first novella, “Laughing in Hell.” The book is based on his experiences in the cutthroat world of standup comedy, and is by turns wickedly funny, gritty, and very compelling. During the pandemic, he also produced a new comedy web series, “Writers Group,” a hilarious sendup of a Zoom-based writing workshop. That new show is set to premiere at the LA Comedy Festival. In a very real way, these new projects are just the latest fulfilment of Mr. Walker’s advice in his English class so many years ago. Tarun became a writer – and he found a way to be funny doing it. “You have to figure out what makes you unique and different, and that’s really your best shot - and that hopefully will speak intrinsically to who you are as an artist, whether you’re a writer, an actor, a director,” Tarun says. “And then you follow that thread. It might change, it might evolve, but the important thing is identifying that, and then having fidelity to your human spirit and seeing where that takes you.” n
ALUMNI PROFILES
Jennifer Walker Hemmen ’89 (second from left) and her Forlorn Hope Expedition partners stand above Donner Lake in California's Sierra Nevada mountains.
Jennifer Walker Hemmen ’89
HOPE, NOT SO FORLORN BY GREG KWASNIK
J
ennifer Walker Hemmen ’89 loves a good challenge. A seasoned ultrarunner, she’s completed more than 50 ultra races, including the legendary Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run near her home in California. And in 2019, she was selected to compete in EcoChallenge Fiji, a race so unbelievably grueling that it was made into an adrenalinefueled television show hosted by adventure icon Bear Grylls. So when a friend asked Jennifer if she would be interested in joining an expedition that would follow a 108-mile route taken by members of the Donner Party—yes, that Donner Party—she jumped at the chance. “I didn’t even hesitate for a second,” Jennifer recalls with a laugh. “I said ‘That sounds perfect! When is it?’” Accounts of the Donner Party’s ordeal make for difficult reading. In the spring of 1846, a wagon train of emigrants set off from Missouri on the Oregon Trail, bound for California. By the time the Donner Party reached the Sierra Nevada mountains, they were behind schedule and racing the early snows of autumn. Heavy snows in early November forced the group to make camp at Truckee Lake—now Donner Lake—just a few miles from the mountain pass that would have led them to their destination in California’s Central Valley. By early December, with numerous people dying of starvation, a group of 17 men, women, and children embarked on a desperate journey to find help. Over the next several weeks, this group, subsequently dubbed the “Forlorn Hope,” undertook an epic snowshoe journey over
the mountains. Wallowing in snow that reached 12 feet deep in places, only seven people survived the trek, and several of those who perished were eaten by those who remained. Some 33 days and 108 miles after setting out, those survivors found help at a ranch near Sacramento. Jennifer was one of four endurance athletes to embark on the new Forlorn Hope Expedition on December 16, 2020 – the same day the original Forlorn Hope party left Donner Lake. The expedition was the brainchild of Bob Crowley and ultrarunning icon Tim Twietmeyer, a five-time winner of the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run. Both Crowley and Twietmeyer had spent years obsessively researching the daily journals of the Forlorn Hope party, attempting to reconstruct their little-known route through the mountains. On the new expedition, Jennifer and her three teammates would trace the original Forlorn Hope route, traveling 10 to 35 miles a day over rugged terrain from Donner Lake to Johnson’s Ranch north of Sacramento. Along the way, they planned to carry tribute cards with pictures and bios of the original Forlorn Hope party members - a tangible reminder of their struggle. The expedition would end up being one of the most intense experiences of Jennifer’s life. Trudging through the earlywinter snowpack in the Sierras, the group made it a point to stop at important points along the journey to read letters of the Forlorn Hope survivors and the journal entries of those who perished along the way. As a mother of three children, it was all too easy for Jennifer to imagine just how
Summer 2021 | 41
ALUMNI PROFILES
“I remember being thrilled to see a helicopter but also thinking ‘Well, we clearly know which way to paddle because he just landed on that island over there,’” Jennifer says. “It’s sort of the difference between Hollywood and reality.” In a very important way, though, an adventure race —in which an entire team is disqualified if just one member quits or can’t continue—gave her important insights into the trials and rewards of team expeditions. “Physically it wasn’t the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but emotionally it is really hard. It was a really intense experience,” Jennifer says. “When you’re on a team, you’re responsible for your teammates 100 percent of the time: their safety, their emotional state, what they’re eating and drinking. It’s a whole different ball game.”
Jennifer relaxes with her husband Travis in Fiji.
difficult the journey must have been for the members of the Forlorn Hope party, many of whom were only teenagers. She even thought back to her own experience as a Holderness School student on Out Back, alone in the White Mountains during her three-day solo. “Not many people have been left in the woods, or spent two weeks snowshoeing through the White Mountains as a teenager, so that was a pretty unique experience to compare to what these pioneer people were up against,” Jennifer says. “Not mentally, of course – it’s way beyond my understanding. It was a very emotional trip.” Jennifer’s wintertime journey through the Sierras was a wildly different experience from EcoChallenge Fiji, where film crews were a constant presence and Bear Grylls would often f ly over the tropical course in a Blackhawk helicopter.
42 | Holderness School Today
A year after her team race in Fiji—and after five days snowshoeing and running across the Sierra Nevada - Jennifer and her Forlorn Hope Expedition teammates finally arrived at Johnson's Ranch in California's Central Valley. The ranch was the first settlement reached by emigrant trains in the 19 th Century, and it’s where the original Forlorn Hope party found help. As Jennifer and her teammates ran onto the ranch at sunset, they followed two sets of 175-year-old wagon ruts laid down by generations of emigrant wagon trains. Eventually, those ruts abruptly ended in the middle of a field. They had reached the end of their journey. With friends and family standing around them, Jennifer and her teammates took the 17 Forlorn Hope tribute cards they’d carried across the mountains and placed them on the spot where the survivors made contact with rescuers. The Forlorn Hope party was finally reunited after 175 years. It was a powerful experience. “When you’re there you can feel so strongly their presence and we felt, very strongly, that they knew what we were doing and could feel it,” Jennifer says. “It’s a tale of courage and hope that could give anybody the sense that if there’s something hard to accomplish, they could do it.” n To learn more about the Forlorn Hope Expedition, visit Forlornhope.org. To watch Jennifer compete in EcoChallenge Fiji, check “World’s Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji” on Amazon Prime Video.
W
hile COVID-19 made in-person meetings next-to-impossible, it also opened up some surprising new ways to connect. One such opportunity came through the new Alumni Speaker Series, which allowed the Holderness community to learn from, and connect with, notable Holderness graduates over Zoom. During a year spent living and working remotely, it was refreshing and inspiring to learn from alums who had reached the pinnacle of their fields—from directing movies to promoting international public health. It was a welcome respite from the isolation of the pandemic, and it brought the Holderness community together in ways we never could have imagined. Here's just some of the wisdom we gained from these accomplished Holderness graduates.
“
There are so many things that are thrown at you and obstacles that are put in your way. You get out here and it is a little bit like everybody is playing this board game and no one is telling you how to play…To students, I would say be as proactive as you can in whatever discipline you’re in to get people to see you or read you or see your work. I think that’s the best advice I can give. Those relationships that you make with those like-minded people do turn out to be long-lasting.”
“
I don’t feel like Holderness inf luenced me so much as presented the opportunity to follow what I wanted to do. Holderness had the outdoor programs which were available to anybody, and anyone could have taken advantage of that. I just felt drawn to it and I think that’s the most important thing. If I didn’t want to be a climber – maybe I wanted to be a lawyer or just followed a different pursuit – I could have done that, because there were many other opportunities available."
-Nat Faxon ’93, Academy Awardwinning writer, actor, and director
-Brette Harrington ’10, World-class rock climber and mountaineer
“
We were living down in lower Manhattan in this tiny apartment, eating Ramen and takeout food and by day I was writing about billionaires. My face was pressed up against the glass window to see how the 1 percent lived. I guess I don’t know how I realized this, but I just had this natural affinity for reporting. I credit Holderness with making me a curious person. I had no background or interest in real estate, but I became obsessed—the competitive side of me came out and I wanted to break the biggest story every week competing against the other columns." -Gabriel Sherman ’97, Special correspondent for Vanity Fair, and author of the New York Times best-seller "The Loudest Voice in the Room" about the late FOX C.E.O. Roger Ailes
“
Where can you make a difference? My expertise is not getting into the politics. My expertise is actually getting the healthcare out to people. they literally are trying to get to the hospital to have a baby or get their kid vaccinated. That’s where I’ve chosen to focus my attention and make a difference."
Clockwise from top right: Brette Harrington ’10 at work, Nat Faxon ’93 on Zoom, and Suzy Jacinthe ’87.
-Suzy Jacinthe ’87, Health Development Officer for USAID in Ethiopia
Summer 2021 | 43
ALUMNI PROFILES
Holderness Alums: VIRTUALLY AMAZING
IN MEMORIAM
IN MEMORIAM Richard “Dick” B. Blauvelt 1930–2021
R
ichard “Dick” B. Blauvelt (PEM), a longtime business manager of Holderness School, passed away peacefully in Glen Allen, VA, surrounded by family on February 6, 2021. He was preceded in death by his brother, John Blauvelt, and wife of 34 years, Patricia Goodwin Blauvelt. He is survived by his three children (with first wife, Dreama Shelton Price), Rick Blauvelt (Candace), Joy Blauvelt and John Blauvelt (Lyn); his two stepsons, Brian Woodilla (Kerry) and Tad Woodilla (Susan); his eight
44 | Holderness School Today
grandchildren, Kathleen Blauvelt Kime (Ryan) ’ 99, Brady and Carly Blauvelt, Kyle, Kevin, Allison, Katie and Emily Woodilla; two great grandchildren, Karis and Grayson Kime; and close family friends, Paul and Marty Elkins. Dick was born in Passaic, New Jersey on March 22, 1930 and grew up in nearby Millburn. He was a proud member of the Corp of Cadets at Virginia Polytechnic Institute where he graduated in 1953. He was immediately commissioned into the U.S. Army, served for 21 years, and attained the rank of Lt. Colonel. Military assignments included tours of duty in Japan, Germany and Vietnam. Dick earned his MBA in 1964 through the Army Comptrollership Program at Syracuse University. In 1968, he received the Bronze Star for meritorious service in Vietnam. In 1970, he received a Department of the Army Commendation for his role as Section Leader while attending
Dick retired from the Army in August 1974 and started a second career in New Hampshire. From 1977 to 1993, he was business manager of Holderness School. Always active in his community, Dick served as welfare officer for the Town of Moultonborough and on school boards in Plymouth and Moultonborough. Each year during the month of March,
he enjoyed relaxing in Florida and serving on the board of directors of Hideaway Sands at St. Pete Beach, FL. In 2011, Dick moved to Virginia to be near his family. He was well known for his appreciation of the New England Patriots, old Broadway show tunes, social events and a glass of good bourbon. Dick was a devoted father and grandfather who was supportive, generous and optimistic. He treasured deep friendships and time with his beloved family. He was warm, soft-hearted and willing to listen -- always with a smile and a kind word. That is how he will be remembered by all. Dick will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. n
David S. Hagerman ’63 1945–2021
D
avid S. Hagerman ’ 63, son of longtime Holderness School Headmaster Donald C. Hagerman, died on February 11, 2021 in Hanover, NH.
Born in Marion, MA on July 18, 1945, David was a graduate of Holderness School Class of 1963, Deerfield Academy Class of 1964, and The University of New Hampshire Class of 1968 where he was enrolled in ROTC. He attended Holderness School while his father was Headmaster; the elder Hagerman served in that role from 1951 to 1977. Having been commissioned as 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Army, David was stationed in Germany and Vietnam. He returned home to his first of four daughters, Casey (Hagerman) Bobo. David got his mentor wings as a teacher, coach, and dorm parent at Deerfield Academy where he served as Athletic Director for ten years. It was during the family's years at Deerfield when they welcomed their second daughter, Kulin (Hagerman) Reardon, and third daughter, Jamie (Hagerman) Phinney. With his growing family of females, David moved to the northwest corner of Connecticut where he was asked to join the leadership team at Salisbury School, serving as Associate Head of School, Assistant Hockey Coach, and
Head Lacrosse Coach for the next thirteen years. It was during this time when his youngest daughter, Whitaker (Hagerman) Willocks joined the roster. With David’s trademark stern face, firm grip, and resolute mind, he would inf luence years of Salisbury graduates as they turned from boys to gentlemen. From there, he became Head of School at Pingree School in Hamilton, MA, and in his later years, he transitioned to fundraising at Cardigan Mountain School and Dartmouth College. Weekends were spent traveling back and forth to watch his children’s and grandchildren’s athletic contests, joined with mostly empty hunting expeditions, maple sugaring, refereeing, and finally, his daily walks on those cold and sunny New Hampshire mornings. Amidst the years on school campuses, David was happiest on the sidelines of games either as a coach or proud parent and grandparent, listening to the Red Sox inside his red barn sugar shack, and boating along the Maine coastline with his wife, Brooke Giddings Hagerman. He is survived by his wife Brooke Giddings Hagerman of Lyme Center, NH; and his children, Casey H. Bobo, and her husband Mike of Concord, MA; Kully H. Reardon and her husband Tom of Cohasset, MA; Jamie H. Phinney and her husband Brian of Andover, MA; Whitaker H. Willocks and her husband James of Meriden, NH and their mother Parnell Patten Hagerman of Bailey Island, ME; and his grandchildren, Jake, Luke, Mac, Jack, Finn, Casey, Tommy, George, Charlie, Beau, and Lincoln; and his sisters, Judy H. Baldwin of Eugene, OR and Susie Hagerman of South Berwick, ME. n
Summer 2021 | 45
IN MEMORIUM
the Command & General Staff College in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. Among his other military achievements are the Legion of Merit and a Meritorious Service Medal. Dick was proud to serve his country and treasured the opportunity to travel in Europe and throughout the U.S., often making time for a round of golf or a family ski trip.
CLASS NOTES
CLASS NOTES Milestones DEATHS John J. Codman Jr. ’48: September 9, 2020 Jonathan F. Bourne (PEM): October 2, 2020 Peter A. Poole ’52: October 4, 2020 Richard H. Stowell ’64: October 27, 2020 Ruth Manion (PEM): October 28, 2020 Henry D. Granger ’55: November 2, 2020 Robert Bradner ’49: November 2, 2020 Robert L. Nields Jr. ’62: November 22, 2020 Joseph A. Kennedy (PEM): December 6, 2020 Bigelow R. Green ’50: January 5, 2021 Michael H. O’Donnell ’70: January 9, 2021 Robert A. Barrows ’49:
Elizabeth Wolf (EM) and Stephen Ulhman (EM): October 3, 2020 Kunal Shetty ’02 and Megan Marsden: October 16, 2020 Tyler Munroe ’05 and Joelle Castro: October 24, 2020 at North Andover, MA Katherine Brown ’00 and Julio Gutierrez: November 6, 2020 at Berkeley, CA Justin “J.J.” Hall ’05 and Victoria Hendrickson: November 21, 2020 at Boulder, CO Aiden O’Leary ’01 and Yuki Yamazaki: December 2020 Landry Frei ’08 and Victoria Hudson:
January 21, 2021 William V.A. Waldron ’68: January 26, 2021 Richard B. Blauvelt (PEM) P ’83 ’86 GP ’99: February 6, 2021 David S. Hagerman ’63: February 11, 2021 Scott W. Sirles ’78: February 18, 2021
Tai Haluszka ’06 and Billy Rivellini: July 4, 2020 at Sullivan’s Island, SC Jaime Pauley ’05 and Benjamin Cronin:
December 5, 2020 at Omni Mt. Washington Hotel, NH Christine Louis ’81 and David Fredett: January 1, 2021 at Plymouth, NH Abigail Kendall ’06 and Ahmed Alsaeedi: January 21, 2021 at Montana
Severin Rae Stowell on September 22, 2020 Shannon Fallon ’03 and Brair Bouthot: Oscar Fallon Bouthot on September 23, 2020 Brett Weyman ’01 and Amanda Lesse: Margaret “Margaux” Elle Weyman on September 25, 2020 Kristina Weatherbie ’04
on September 30, 2020 Cambria (Hempton) Brockman ’07 and Ross Brockman: Shepherd “Shep” Hempton Brockman on October 6, 2020 Evan Mullen ’00 and Jenny Mullen: Lennon Kessler Mullen on October 9, 2020 Nick Leonard ’03 and Jen Leonard:
BIRTHS AND ADOPTIONS Avi Aronson ’08 and Kali Nadeau: Bodhi Rose Aronson on August 15, 2019 Sarah (Kruysman) Espinal ’01 and Daniel Espinal: Poppy Espinal on February 3, 2020 David Madeira ’03 and Oriana Maderia: Hold McCann Madeira on June 11, 2020 James Jung ’98 and Molly Biscone: Josef “Reyn” Reynolds Jung Carling (Delaney) Bennett ’04 and Dane Bannett: Delaney Kay Bennett on September 6, 2020 Cheryl Barnhart-Wright ’01
on the Pemi, Plymouth, NH
Willow Mae Barnhart-Wright
Taylor James ’07 and Bradley Abbott:
September 21, 2020 Porter Stowell ’95 and Andrea Stowell:
Kennet Jo William Chaisson
Casey Gilman ’06 and Matt Trainor:
and Greg Barnhart:
September 13, 2020 at Mt. Wilson, CA
Rio Eileen Kaye Clements on
and Kyle Chaisson:
September 6, 2020 at The Barn Tammy Werntz ’91 and Aaron McGovern:
and Jonah Clements:
Catholic Church, Altamonte Springs, FL
on September 3, 2020
MARRIAGES AND UNIONS
Sofia Borsoi on September 8, 2020 Joanna Weatherbie ’04
December 5, 2020 at Annunciation
January 14, 2021 Bryan Charles Baxenden ’65:
Chris Borsoi ’09 and Raphaelle Harvey:
on September 6, 2020 Gillian (Howe) Wolfe ’98
Kaya Leonard on October 15, 2020 Allison (Neal) Graham ’04 and Scott Graham: Dakota “Coco” Madison Graham on October 16, 2020 Eamonn Reynolds-Mohler ’02 and Sarah Fitzmaurice: Emerson Sloane FitzmauriceReynolds on October 20, 2020 Ben Mitchell-Lewis ’06 and Frances Mitchell-Lewis: Linus Sanderson Mitchell Lewis on October 20, 2020 Laila (Schmutzler) Forster ’95 and Will Forster: Charles Otto Forster on October 21, 2020 Hilary Nichols ’06 and David Burman: Nell Nichols Burman on October 29, 2020 Joe Graceffa ’96 and Elsa Graceffa:
and Nathaniel Wolfe:
Alfio “Alfie” Gore Graceffa
September 19, 2020 at Church Island,
Josephine Roux Wolfe and
on November 1, 2020
Squam Lake, Holderness NH
Tigerlily Rye Wolfe on September 8, 2020
46 | Holderness School Today
CLASS NOTES
Lulu and Bella take a break on the quad. May 5, 2021.
Jenn (Calver) Gaudet ’05
Julia (Canelas) Vrucinic ’10
and Joseph Gaudet (EM):
and Sasa Vrucinic:
Willa Audrey Gaudet on November 4, 2020
Matija Francis Vrucinic on
Brock Hopkins ’05 and Sarah Marie Hopkins: Maisie Mary Hopkins on November 5, 2020 Layode Ahmed ’12 and Kara Ahmed: Oladayo Ezekiel Ahmed on November 6, 2020 Krista (Glencross) Officer ’06
December 3, 2020 Kelly Giller ’08 and Eric Schulz: Lincoln Dee Schulz on December 8, 2020 Emma (Schofield) Phipps ’05 and Christopher Phipps: Valorie Phipps on December 8, 2020 Kristina (Ward) Hanlon ’05
and Peter Officer:
and Dave Hanlon:
Quinn Isabella Officer on November 9, 2020
Jacob Thomas Hanlon on December 9, 2020
Alli Plourde (PEM) and
Tyler Weymouth ’01 and
Derek Plourde (PEM):
Amanda Weymouth:
Sabastian Alexander Plourde
Charles “Charlie” Mackiernan
on November 24, 2020
Weymouth on December 16, 2020
Haleigh (Weiner) Thompson ’11
Kelsey Berry (EM) and
Schuyler “Jason” Peck ’95 and Corey Lamothe: Bia Schuyler Peck on January 15, 2021 Nathaniel Campbell ’97 and Jennifer Campbell: Brayden Campbell and Carson Campbell on January 29, 2021 (Adoption) Ashley (Crook) Carlow ’04 and Greg Carlow: Wesley “Wes” Everett Carlow on February 12, 2021 Paul Baier (PEM) and Tatiana Baier: Philip Alexander Baier on February 15, 2021 Cary (Trainor) Duane ’03 and Eamon Duane: Téa Virginia Duane on February 15, 2021 Sarah (Thompson) Means ’02
and Eddie Thompson:
Michael Carrigan (EM):
and Colin Means:
Leo Thompson on November 25, 2020
Louisa Berry Carrigan on
Knox Robert Means on February 18, 2021
December 31, 2020
Summer 2021 | 47
CLASS NOTES
’47
’49
years. … And, finally, there is Bigelow Green,
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
away at his home upon retiring for the night
Bill Briggs
Bill Baskin
and was discovered by a resident nurse who
kvanlingen@holderness.org
william_c_baskin@sbcglobal.net
had been taking care of him. The news came
’48
Well, we lost Bob Bradner, our Most
young lady of whom I’ve always been very
Respected classmate, late in 2020. Bob
fond. So, we press on. … And finally, we raise
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Barrows, our Most Popular classmate,
our glasses to pay tribute to Phil Peck who
Rik Clark
sadly passed away in January 2021. This
will soon be retiring as Head of School. I have
capeclarks@aol.com
unwelcome news about the ’49ers has not
great respect for this gentleman who, during
been countered by the restrictions that the
his tenure, preserved and protected that
William B. “Bart” Chase reports that “things
COVID-19 pandemic has visited on the
special sense of camaraderie that Holderness
here in the far West are pretty quiet, with trips
Coulters’—and others’—lifestyles. However,
students embrace as future leadership
and other enjoyable times outside our home
all of our thoughts and prayers are surely
figures. He leaves a powerful legacy.
not possible. We are naturally staying very
with our Bobs, and all of our families, for
close to home and really making safety and
the remainder of 2021. ~ Bill Baskin
’51
’50
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
looking forward to another great-grandchild in the late spring of 2021. We are most
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
tmw@sisqtel.net
fortunate to have all our family living within
Frank Hammond
an hour of our home. We are certainly very
f hammond64@comcast.net
another important friend who recently passed
to me from his daughter, Sarah, a delightful
good health number one in our daily life. Our family is doing very well, and we are happily
Terry Weathers
Here is a memory of English teacher Theron “Joe” Abbey. When I arrived at Holderness
fortunate to have them all so near to us. We try to be as active as we can, getting outside
There are still a few of us left from the mid-
in 1947, I had a severe lisp and a fear of public
as the weatherman allows. I am still very
century Class of ’50. My remaining brethren
speaking. I was surprised when Joe Abby
active in the local men’s golf club, playing on a
continue to appear to be alert and sound
asked if I’d like to try out for his debating
small nine-hole course that is truly gorgeous.
of mind. If not, we won’t admit it. It was a
team. Not being an athlete, I decided to give
Actually, our condo is adjacent to this same
pleasure to receive a phone call recently from
it a try, with predictably dismal results. Joe
course. Since we’re in a retirement community
David Luce from the West Coast. We ref lected
then asked if I’d like to work on that lisp after
we do have a lot in common with our neighbors
nostalgically about our first year at Holderness
hours. He had some books on elocution and
and other friends. Excellent memories of
in the fall of 1947 as “third formers,” most
we spent some evening time trying different
Holderness and the very fine school it always
of whom were assigned to the top f loor
things. He even purchased a wire recorder
has been are very important to us. Our class
dormitory in Livermore House. I believe the
(tape recorders were not yet consumer items
has really dwindled to very small single digit
total enrollment of students from the second
in the late ’40s) so that I could hear what I
numbers. Actually, the class of 1948 was only
to sixth forms at that time was 55. The dress
sounded like. Joe finally found a book that
27 at graduation. My personal thanks to Rik
code: blazer, Oxford blue button-down shirt
described in detail how one holds one’s tongue
Clark for his outstanding efforts in keeping
and tie, gray f lannels or dress khakis—during
to make specific sounds, and voila! We found
all of us informed and offering our news to
the day and at dinner hour as well. Dave and
I’d just never learned how to do it like most
everyone.” … As for me, Richard C. B. “Rik”
I, indeed, had fond memories from yesteryear.
folks do. We practiced a lot and gradually I
Clark, the year 2020 will long be remembered,
… William “Chico” Laird, from whom we
lost my fear of speaking in front of people.
for COVID-19, the election of Biden and
haven’t recently heard, is at his home in
A quarter of a century later; one day when I
Harris and for more personal reasons. My
Franklin, TN. … And then there is Roy Krebs
found myself addressing a formation of naval
daughter, Sharon, died unexpectedly in early
in VA who continues to keep us up to date
reserve sailors and naval officers about our
January; Sandy and I purchased and moved
with his engaging messages filling us in on
probability of being mobilized for the Vietnam
into our new condominium home and we
social and political events and figures about
war, with four gold stripes on my arms, I
have been able to maintain decent health
whom he “editorializes” in his very articulate
found myself thinking, “You know, I’ll bet I
and fitness. Lobsters for Christmas dinner at
manner. … David Wise, a student from our
wouldn’t be doing this if Joe hadn’t cured my
home helped finish 2020 with a smile with
first year who became a highly thought of
lisp!” I’ll bet many other alumni have their
hope ahead for 2021 and beyond. Our 75th
public school educator in MA continues to
little Holderness experiences outside the
Reunion takes place in 2023, not that far away.
give his loyal support to the school. … I keep
classroom and off the athletic field that have
in touch with Peter Hamilton, his late father
had a big inf luence on their lives but remain
Gordon “Doug” Hamilton being a dear friend
unknown to others. ~ Terry Weathers
I think about a lot during these late autumn
48 | Holderness School Today
’52 INTERIM CLASS CORRESPONDENT CLASS NOTES
Terry Weathers tmw@sisqtel.net Want to connect with your classmates? Consider becoming a class correspondent and encouraging your classmates to reconnect in the HST class notes. Contact us at alumni@holderness.org for more information. Thank you!
’53 Want to connect with your classmates?
Craftsmanship by Tom Anthony ’56.
Consider becoming a class correspondent and encouraging your classmates to
Craftsmanship by Tom Anthony ’56.
reconnect in the HST class notes.
also replied to my second plea: “Dick, your request hasn’t fallen on deaf ears. The problem
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
in what is known as paradise—Naples, FL.
is one we all feel. Not only are we living in
for more information. Thank you!
Every year as I get older, I can’t take the cold
isolation, we are simultaneously living with
anymore, and I come here from Cape Cod
all the time we can ever use to think about
’54
around the first week of October. I have a
ourselves and the world. It is a wonderful time
great-granddaughter born on June 20th, 2019.
to dig deep and think creatively and often to
Want to connect with your classmates?
That same granddaughter blessed me with a
act in the same way, but the other side of the
Consider becoming a class correspondent
new great grandson on December 9th, 2020.
equation also demands that we share creativity
and encouraging your classmates to
Her identical twin sister is going to have a girl
and learn from the responses of others. I’m
reconnect in the HST class notes.
around the middle of March. I sure hope the
not sure where this leaves us when it’s all over.
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
pandemic is gone before I return to Cape Cod
Unfortunately, the end continues elusively.
for more information. Thank you!
so that I can spend some real good time with
I am writing on January 4th while gingerly
all of the family this summer. My kids bought
hoping I see promise ahead in our country’s
’55
me an iPad for my last birthday, and I am
fortunes; today, hoping is hard, very hard. No
doing some FaceTime with them, but it sure
trip to Italy again this year. More likely it is
Want to connect with your classmates?
isn’t the same as being with them in person.
back to my workshop in the cellar for a variety
Consider becoming a class correspondent
There is nothing better than spending time
of projects, then it’s back upstairs to do more
and encouraging your classmates to
with your family. I wish all the Holderness
editing, and then writing, so that I’ll have
reconnect in the HST class notes.
people a safe, happy, healthy holiday and
more to edit. A walk on the beach is great, and
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
new year.” … My second appeal for notes was
we can wave to people whether we know them
for more information. Thank you!
successful. Bob Armknecht sent this in: “Hi
or not. I do know how much time these months
Dick, again, kudos to you for taking on this
have given us to appreciate what has usually
’56
thankless task. Following the unexpected
been too easily overlooked. There are all sorts
death of my wife in June of 2019, I moved into
of great writers who remind us of this every
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
a CCRC (Fox Hill Village, Westwood, MA)
day. Peace.” … Philip “Brud” Folger is another
Dick Meyer
while keeping my summer place in Westport.
regular contributor. “Hi Dick, I recently had a
richard419@roadrunner.com
I liked it and being here was quite nice until
long telephone call with Gordi Eaton ’58. We
mid-February when everything shut down.
both spoke of the impact ‘Hammer’ (aka Mr.
I received an almost immediate reply from
Fortunately, we have been COVID free for the
Don Henderson) had on each of us. He and
Dave Wiggins to my long letter requesting
last seven months and shots are scheduled for
Pat Henderson were the reasons both Gordi
notes. Since I like compliments as much as
mid-January. In the meantime, things have
and I went to Middlebury. He was tough, but a
anyone, and he was not only the first to reply,
loosened up quite a bit. I have three cruises
great master and ski coach. Pat is still in their
he also gets to go first: “Hi Dick! Fine writing
booked for this year and two for next (Amazon
house and doing fine. I plan to call her. All
indeed! My best wishes to you for Christmas
in the spring and the Northwest Passage in the
goes well with me and I am looking forward to
and a far happier New Year” … He was closely
fall), so I am optimistic that life will get better
the end of shelter-in-place and the pandemic!”
followed by Dick Endlar: “I am down here
soon. Keep up the good work” … Tom Anthony
… Dick Meyer continues, “Like Tom Anthony,
Summer 2021 | 49
CLASS NOTES
Daphne and I like to walk the several nearby
operating in three separate buildings, a rented
home for many of us has been a bit like
beaches every day that I am not at the railroad.
ticket office, an executive office, and a storage/
cowering, afraid yet secure, beneath the sword
Dogs are allowed on the beaches at this time
workshop. The pandemic put a damper on
of Damocles that slices both ways. Even as we
of year, and it is great fun to watch them play
sales, and the future of the railroad looked
grind our teeth and bounce our knees
with each other, romp in the water, or chase
bleak. However, an opportunity to consolidate
restlessly where we sit in our slippers, pajama
balls. My efforts at soliciting notes from the
the office, museum artifact storage, and
bottoms, and sweatshirts, glaring at the
class of ’57 drew exactly zero, nada, or no
workshop into one building came along, and
frenzied maskless fools in DC shoving one
response directed to me. But the good news is
we are now in the midst of moving again. We
another across our television screens, we, with
Bob Backus ’57 contacted Holderness and has
must be clear of our current shop by the end
no other company than the cat, the dog, our
volunteered to be their class correspondent.
of January. Over Thanksgiving one of the
gracious wives, do also concede to ourselves
For the last several issues of HST I have
returning five and his wife came down with
that we are in the best possible—albeit
written about my experience running the
COVID-19. As of this writing, in mid-January,
minimal—company and in the best possible
restoration team at the Maine Narrow Gauge
he is still suffering fatigue and is unable to
place. For Brooke Thomas, Mike Kingston,
Railroad & Museum, and I will continue.
leave his house. I had worked with him, but
and Bill Biddle, we have been, for a
Because of the pandemic my team had stopped
by the time he reported his condition to me,
substantial part of the pandemic, at our
restoration work in March. Five of us went
10 days had passed, and I have continued to
hideouts in Vermont where there’s been little
back to work in June wearing masks. We
be symptom free. However, being informed of
pestilence, little human traffic, and, for
completed new window sash, replacements for
a close call left me with an eerie feeling. I’m
months, no jet contrails dissipating their
some of the sash with glass broken by vandals
hoping that by the time you read this we have
petrochemicals on us from overhead. Gordi
after a protest march. The wooden sashes were
all had our shots and can take off the masks.”
Eaton and his sister Stephanie’s large tract of
made by one of the team members sheltering at home. We did finish and install new seat
land in Littleton, NH appears about to be
’57
preserved as a town-owned wholesome
cushions and backs in coach 22 just in time to get the season off to a late start, operating
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
lives in Manchester, NH but escapes the
only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The
Bob Backus
plague at the seashore in York, ME. Some
next big project will be making another 160
robertbackus05@comcast.net
balance problems, and the grief he’s previously
feet of cushions and backs for coach 25. For
community recreation area. … Bruce Keller
expressed at the loss of his wife, have bothered
several years we have been running Polar
The bad news is I, Dick Meyer ’56, received
Bruce, but not so much as to distract him from
Express, licensed from Warner Bros. This
no responses to my request for notes from the
his afternoon glass of wine. … John Bergeron,
has been successful to the extent of 20,000
class of ’57. The good news is I am not your
having engineered forefront projects for
riders on just weekends between Thanksgiving
class correspondent anymore. The better news
Raytheon for years, retired early and lives in
and Christmas in 2019. It is, however, a huge
is your classmate, Bob Backus, contacted
Canaan, NH, where he keeps healthy and fit
undertaking, and requires a fee of 30% of
Holderness, and volunteered to be your
X-C skiing on abandoned backroads. He, Doug
gross paid to WB, and a ton of volunteers. This
correspondent. He will take over his duties for
Rand, and Bill Biddle have all served their
year the managers opted to go it alone but
the next issue of HST. In the meantime, if you
respective communities at length as chairs of
had to change the name to Holiday Express.
have anything you want posted here, you can
planning and zoning boards. Bill said that
The consist was extended to 10 cars from
contact Bob at: robertbackus05@comcast.net
those roles make you everyone’s enemy and no
seven, but only sold every other seat to effect distancing. Even with the pandemic raging, we
one’s friend, but John countered, “I’m used to
’58
it; it doesn’t bother me anymore.” Doug Rand,
serviced 11,000 passengers. The holiday train passes through a light tunnel on its way to
CLASS CORRESPONDENTS
said, “We made no enemies because there is no
Santa’s Village. There was a windstorm raging,
Bill Biddle
zoning and minimal land use planning. We use
and on a return trip, an extra strong gust
williambiddle@myfairpoint.net
the word “may” a lot and never use the word
distorted the arches, and the cupola on the
R. Brooke Thomas
“shall.” … When not at his camp in Cabot, VT,
last car on the last run of the last night, caught
rbthomas@anthro.umass.edu
Brooke Thomas lives in Leverett, MA, next to
on the top of the arch and ripped it apart.
on the other hand, living in rural Montana
Amherst. He co-chairs a non-profit in the
I’m told it was spectacular. A major project
The "Paradox of Pandemic" might be a suitable
Peruvian Andes that facilitates projects with
before next year is to rebuild the tunnel. This
title for our class contending with COVID-19.
Quechua alpaca herders, something he got
year was truly jinxed. When we went to set up
It has led us to two Zoomed gatherings, hosted
interested in as a graduate student at Penn
the tunnel, there were no wood blocks used
by Mike Kingston, the most recent on January
State while conducting high-altitude research
to space the arch supports off the ground. It
13th. It was a pleasure to see 14 of us (nearly
at 14,000 feet. Back in MA he serves on his
is suspected someone used them to fire up
half the living class) face-to-face: more of us
town’s energy committee, and is a trustee of
a steam engine. Since we lost our museum
than have been showing up at reunions at
the Rattlesnake Gutter Trust—which sounds
which included the workshop, we have been
Holderness. Being locked down and isolated at
like a Texas savings and loan but is actually a
50 | Holderness School Today
Dominican Republic. He then attended the
Vermont types f led, but he said that being near
Anthropology Department at UMass Amherst
Thunderbird School of International Business
Yellowstone National Park may sound better
and he and Shirley, to whom he’s been married
and took up a career in business that took him
than it is since this remote area has become
for 56 years, join their village neighbors on the
all around the world. In his retirement, first in
inundated with out-of-state tourists f leeing
shores of a nearby pond Sunday evenings to
Georgia, later in Winchester, VA, he has
the pandemic, clogging the hiking trails, and
howl for a few minutes at the world’s offenses
worked seasonally assisting the elderly with
building trophy homes. He suggested we could
and indignities. Brooke reports that this has
their tax returns. Mark also works with the
perhaps have a conversation through an app
therapeutic value in reducing the stress and
Citizens Climate Lobby. He and his wife have
about how our national politics are so messed
isolation of the pandemic. “Like laughter,” he
been married for 52 years and spent their 50th
up and what is best for us all. He said, “You
says, “it seems to feel good as sounds bounce
wedding anniversary visiting Fairbanks, AK.
could see a little of what I have been doing in a
across the ice and collide with one another.” …
… George Pransky was also with us on Zoom,
website that Ruth (his partner) has set up:
Others take a quieter, more churchy route to
cowering in his car, the heater on high,
www.doug-ruthpaths.com...Ruth is a medical
peace. Spiritual faith and prayer in times of
bundled up in winter gear, dodging in and out
researcher and has done a lot of work with
stress have played important parts in the
of iPhone visual range as he and his wife Linda
viruses.” … Tim Dewart lives in Beverly, MA,
families of several of us, including Mike
took refuge from a power outage in the house.
with his wife, and the most recent in a
Kingston, whose wife Louise is an Episcopal
He spoke with fondness of the late David
succession of Great Danes. He is also a
priest and chaplain. … After Middlebury John
“Beef ” Boynton and Hugh “Bobby” Weiss
motorcycle rider, his favorite a 1200 CC BMW
Greenman went to the Episcopal Divinity
’57. George reports that after graduating from
on which he has traveled most of North
School (EDS) in Cambridge and was ordained
Middlebury, where he played on the soccer
America, including up the Can-Am Highway
as an Episcopal minister in 1966. Shortly
team with John Greenman, he became a
to Alaska. One of Tim’s Great Danes traveled
thereafter he presided over Bill Biddle’s first
hippie for five years, lived in a commune, and
with him, riding in its own side-car drawing
wedding at Bass River, Cape Cod. John and his
made money selling beer at sports events. He
attention and admiration. And in goggles and
wife Patty live in Norge, VA, where he long
did not mention that he had previously also
helmet? We’d really like to see a photo of this!
served as a docent in various historic roles. He
graduated from Boston College Law School
… Erl Solstad reports that he served in the
currently is active in his church and assists
and practiced law brief ly and unhappily. He
marines during the Cuban missile crisis. He
newly released prisoners to re-enter society
eventually f led to the West Coast. He has since
and his wife Phakinee (from Thailand) are
and live on their own. John and Patty are
been the leader and chief practitioner in a
living once again in Brooklyn where he had
“enjoying our suburban home near
life-coaching firm, Pransky and Associates, in
lived years ago while studying architecture at
Williamsburg where my wife keeps a thriving
Washington State that he has run with Linda
Pratt Institute. He had bought an abandoned
vegetable garden and I enjoy reading history
and their daughters for many years. … After
three-story building back when the city was
books and keeping up the yard. Owing to the
Holderness and college, Doug Rand studied
virtually giving it away. A basement-to-attic
pandemic, we’re now attending services
architecture in Cambridge. An apprenticeship
restoring project ensued. Erl, Doug Rand, and
virtually at our parish church and keeping up
disappeared at the last minute just as the new
as you’ll see below, Don Latham have the
with family members by cell phone and email.
Holderness School dining hall was finished
unfinished house project in common.
Fortunately, Patty has family nearby who can
and work demolishing the old Livermore
Currently, Erl reports that the pandemic is
help us when needed. We consider ourselves
dining hall and kitchen was available. So he
everywhere in their Brooklyn neighborhood
very fortunate to have access to good medical
“sledge hammered structural clay block and
and they and their daughter are being
care and an active community of fellow
brick walls and carried it all outside. My final
especially vigilant. Like Tim, Erl rides a
retirees as well as historical attractions
job,” he added, “was chipping the mortar off
motorcycle—in Erl’s case an aging Ducati—and
galore.” … Bruce Leddy went to Trinity
the bricks, for which I was paid a penny a brick
he tinkers with a battered pickup truck that
College and then law school, eventually
for the ones that didn’t break.” In Montana,
refuses to die. A couple of large sailboats and a
becoming a real estate lawyer in Portland, ME.
where one can easily understand why he
wonderful Airstream trailer remain in a
His late first wife was heavily involved in the
escaped the Livermore bricks, he eventually
pasture back in NJ beckoning his return. …
women’s movement and to become a certified
taught architecture at the Montana State
Don Latham, mentored in art by Herb
counselor also was ordained at EDS. Since her
University’s School of Architecture. He lives 16
Waters, studied art at Duke and then got
studies and subsequent work involved a heavy
miles out of town in a house he started
himself an MEd at UMass Lowell. Somewhere
time commitment, Bruce assumed primary
building in 1977 and has been working on ever
along the way, he married the girl he’d met
responsibility for raising their children. After
since. He reports that the speed limit in
when he was 16, she 11, and they’ve been
retirement Bruce and his second wife
Montana was, until Nixon’s fuel-saving
together for 53 years. Don gave the Navy four
immediately moved to Fort Myers, FL where
national speed limit, whatever speed was
years of his life and a lifetime of patriotic
Bruce plays both tennis and golf three times a
“reasonable and proper; there are still no
follow-up: he has been the grand master of the
week. … Mark Fairbanks also went to Trinity
vehicle inspections with required stickers, and
Memorial Day Parade in Atkinson, NH, and
College (as did Andy Smith ’57) and after
you may build and drive anything that moves.”
patriotic speaker for the past 25 years. Much
Holderness served with the Peace Corps in the
You may think he’s escaped the stuff we
earlier, fresh from graduate school perhaps, he
Summer 2021 | 51
CLASS NOTES
conservation group. Brooke is retired from the
CLASS NOTES
returned to Holderness, this time on faculty to
Northeast Kingdom, not far from Brooke’s
the day? How about shooting a hunk of lead
head the art and music programs. The art
camp, and near St. Johnsbury Academy where
through Hagerman’s open bathroom window?
rooms were in the basement of Hoit, boots
he and his daughter both taught for a while, he
The result of this indiscretion was getting
required in snow-melt times. Don’s art
English to international students and she
caught but gaining a large measure of respect
students hung an exhibition of their work in
history to everyone else. Bill has climbed
for Don Hagerman, who as it turns out, had a
the new Dining Hall. Eventually Don returned
nearly all the four- and three-thousand footers
good sense of humor. I had a great year living
to MA for jobs teaching art in Winchester and
of Northern New England, and has a new
next to Buster and Hoagie with my roommate,
North Andover. He, his wife and kids have
titanium knee to prove it. After retiring from
Bruce Vogel. Buster mentioned one game we
both enjoyed and endured for many years their
the Academy, he moved on to teach writing for
would play that I would always win. It was
home in Atkinson. It was an endless interior
16 years at Lyndon State College (an
catching a dollar bill between your thumb
rebuilding project that, when they started, was
institution currently in dire straits, possibly
and forefinger before it hit the f loor. Good
finished on the outside but an empty shell
because of people like Biddle on faculty). Bill
ref lexes were the key to success. … Now from
inside. Don also had a new retriever puppy
writes for The North Star, a local literary and
the ridiculous to the sublime. Dick Floyd sent
that had more energy than is healthy for us old
cultural monthly. … The current pestilence,
the following note: “I’m sending a personal
men. The dog recently took off, yanked on the
the availability to meet collectively by Zoom,
note but it is not very interesting being that we
leash, and yanked Don’s shoulder out of kilter.
and the ticking clock have combined to bring
are sequestered due to the pandemic. My wife
… Jon Wales, another Navy veteran (four
14 of us together in what was a very pleasant
and I are well—we have cancelled all trips and
years), upon graduating from college worked
afternoon of renewal of news and collegiality.
vacations, family gatherings, parties, singing
for the First National Bank of Boston until it
In spite of some aches and pains, all looked
events (my a cappella hobby), and everything
started to morph into a mega-endeavor. He
pretty healthy on the screen. Biddle and
else which may bring us in contact with
left to join the family firm, running oil
George Pransky, and perhaps the late Denny
the public. I wear a mask imprinted with a
freighters from the East Coast down to the
Blouin seem to be the only ones who tumbled
message which says: ‘THIS MASK PROTECTS
Gulf of Mexico. Jon and his family have been
into hippiedom, and all seem to have survived.
ME AND YOU’. Had a short email from Cush
Marblehead sailing folk for three generations,
Denny’s loss came later. While a number of us
Andrews who said he was well. We have a
and Jon has continued there. Two years ago he
served in the military (and we lost Fred Wies
tentative meeting set up for this summer at
decided to throw in the anchor and give the
to Vietnam), others resisted participating in a
his Maine lake. Although I’m 80 my town is
younger members a chance to show their
war they thought wrong. Higher education-
going to use me as a volunteer vaccinator as
racing skills. To remain active, however, and
plus has affected most of us; lifelong learning,
soon as we get our hands on the stuff.” With
with some trepidation at 80, he persuaded the
all of us. … Stay well and keep in touch.
a little bit of luck one of his patients could be near neighbor Chris Palmer. … Plans to meet
family to take on a new retriever puppy, “great
’59
Cush Andrews, better known to my wife as
warned by Don Latham’s dog lament! … In late May, in part to avoid COVID-19, Mike
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
the making. … News from Henry “Gaucho”
Kingston and Louise moved out of their
Jerry Ashworth
Whitney: A trip to California and then on
Princeton, NJ home to their summer place in
ashworth.kemah@gmail.com or
to Sweden was canceled. Instead, he has
extreme northern VT and stayed put until
jashworth617@gmail.com
been writing to newspapers about Trump’s
company in the time of a pandemic.” Be
after Thanksgiving. He spoke of conditions in
Andrew Cushman, this coming summer are in
personality disorders. No need to worry
Chile, hard hit by the virus, which necessitated
Congratulations Class of 1959. You responded
about that any more, even if you are living in
temporarily closing down their wine and
to the call for news in a big way. Since this
Argentina. By the way, Henry was hinting at
tourist business. Reminiscing on his
will once again be a column chock full of
a class reunion of one sort or another. I think
endurance on the track and soccer field, he
news it will take some persuasion to get my
that is a great idea. If any of you out there have
recalled running his family’s Chilean farm’s
wife, Jeanne, to do the typing for me; my
any interest let me know. I could draft Steve
back roads in shorts, which were definitely not
typing skills still lack in proficiency. Before
Barndollar to do the heavy lifting like he did
the style at the time. Locals passing by on
I go any further, I highly recommend that
for our 50th. … Charley Murphy, you should
horseback would comment, “What happened
all of you go to your last HST magazine and
be happy. This outpouring of news makes up
to the bottom of your pants, Señor?” … Bill
read the 1958 column by Bill Biddle ’58 and
for our disgraceful past performance. I hope
Biddle has been married twice, once in the
Brooke Thomas ’58. Without a doubt it is
all is going well for you in DC. Just think,
wild hippie years to his children’s mother, an
the most relevant and honest alumni column
between you and your boss, Senator Greeley,
unrecovered hippie. Bill did recover and
that I have ever come across! Now for our
your combined ages must total up to 165 years.
finally in his late 40s persuaded Sharon
news. … I heard once again from Harold
… Bruce Vogel checks in from La Quinta with
Kenney, the woman he had loved all along
“Buster” Welch. What do you think would
news of the arrival of a new granddaughter.
(since toddlerhood in fact: they were babes in
happen when Buster, Dave Sleeper, and
Of course, the kid is just terrific in every
the bath together), to marry him. They’ve been
Chris Hoagland armed with a slingshot, got
respect, just like her terrific grandfather.
together ever since, living in Vermont’s
together after lights out one night back in
Teenage grandchildren have a tendency to
52 | Holderness School Today
’60
Middlebury, VT, where I attended college and
Time will tell. Quarantining in La Quinta is not the worst place to be. The only problem
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
company. So these are my “assets”…as I tell
is that it happens to be located in California
Gerry Shyavitz
everyone, and I am so very, very fortunate.
with all the impossible events taking place
g.shyavitz@comcast.net
Notes from classmates follow. … Arthur
is in marketing for a pet supply supplement
“Spike” Hampson writes, “So what has
there. A planned trip to Manitoba with Buster would bring some sanity to his life. Buster and
Goodbye 2020—good riddance!—the year
happened in this the year of the plague? Pretty
Bruce together, not a good recipe for sanity. …
of the “Zoom.” When I read the Holderness
much the same things as in a year without it.
Would you believe it, news has arrived from
School Today for the fall of 2020, I saw that
True, in March my good friend Dick Gardner
first time responders Ron Pierce and Pete
Edwin “Bruce” Haertl passed away. (1932–
and I got chased off the ski slopes when
Coughlan. I just received the news from Pete
2020). I remember he took us to Dartmouth
Colorado resorts shut down their operations
even though it was sent a year ago. Sorry for
and we saw his brother who followed Bruce
as a precautionary measure, but by then the
the delay, Pete, but he wishes all of us a good
play hockey for Dartmouth, as Bruce was
season was drawing to a close anyway. April
2020. The message was written in 2019 so I
captain of the hockey team there. I then
is the usual month for shifting to a different
guess that wish did not materialize. Having
reached out to headmaster Phil Peck and told
form of frivolous diversion, and as it happens
been retired for a while the Coughlans have
him that Bruce wrote the introduction to the
both Hobo the sailboat and Popeye the
been seeing new places of interest. A ten day
1960 yearbook, and Phil responded as follows:
motorcycle were sharing storage space in a
trip to Costa Rica was most rewarding as was
“Oh my Gerry, what a lovely new year’s gift.
facility not far from Port Charlotte, FL. Along
a trip to Chincoteague Island, VA, home of
So much wisdom and so very much Bruce’s
with three or four other COVID deniers, I
the wild ponies. That is one place I would like
voice. Love the lines: ‘Holderness strives to
f lew to FL and went to work preparing Hobo
to visit. … And now the long lost Ron Pierce
accomplish a great deal with each of its boys,
for launch. Eventually she made it into the
has checked in with the news that he winters
but it is under no delusion. If, while here, you
water and we cruised south to the Keys and
in Bonita Springs, FL, just a short distance
develop an honest sense of curiosity, a respect
then up along the east coast of FL to Stuart.
from my winter digs in Longboat Key. Life on
and veneration for the truth, and have begun
But this shoulder season between spring and
the Florida west coast is quite open with the
to be convinced that the only worthwhile
summer finally taught me how stupid it is to
exception of theaters and cultural shows so
way to live life is to live it decently, then I
be anywhere near FL when the hot season
Ron is coping well. It seems as though his f ly
am sure Holderness has made a worthwhile
arrives. By early May, my mind was made up.
fishing trip out of Winnipeg was canceled last
impression on you.’ Thank you for sharing.
I would deliver Popeye the motorcycle to a
year. All of you f ly fishermen should contact
Wishing you and Pearl a joyful, healthy, and
shipping company in Savannah, GA, and f ly
our expert guide—Harold “Buster” Welch.
blessing filled new year!” We, the class of 1960,
to England in early July to pick him up for a
Maybe he can help. Seems as though all is
were trying to make a strong statement. Our
few months of touring in Europe. There was
going well with you, Ron. Keep thinking 80
yearbook cover broke tradition with a white
the risk, of course, that COVID restrictions
is the new 60. If you have your health that
stripe down the side over a blue background.
would prohibit f lights to Europe in early July,
is true. … In my last column I mentioned
We saw something in Bruce that represented
but it seemed like a risk worth taking. I was
Hugh Barndollar ’56 putting Rip Richards
our aspirations. Please read his comments, if
lucky. On July 7th I arrived in London. On
over the boards during hockey practice years
you can find your book, and if not, I will send
the 9th Popeye was back in my possession.
ago. I got a response from John Cleary ’61
it to you, if you ask. It was really something.
By the 21st the quarantine period was over.
saying that Hugh was also his hero. Our
So, as usual, my fellow classmates have not
Over the following two months, we toured
class of ’59 had a so-so hockey team but it
responded that well, but I shall not give up
all parts of the UK and Ireland and then
was stacked with some really great skaters.
on you. With all that has happened this year,
used the Chunnel to get across the Channel.
For example, my two linemates each played
I can give them a pass. Pearl and I are still
After that, time was spent poking around in
Division 1 hockey, Charley Witherell ’60 at
doing fine. My plate is very full with part-
Normandy and Brittany before running south
Cornell, and John Cleary at Saint Lawrence
time estate planning and full-time at the IRS,
through France. We crossed the Pyrenees by
where he ended up winning an MVP award
etc., but I have also, to my somewhat dismay,
way of Andorra and then bounced around in
during his senior year. As for me, my college
discovered the occasional naps, although my
Spain and Portugal for about six weeks. Rain
hockey career ended after one day of tryouts
brain is still firing on full cylinders. My oldest
in northern Spain drove us south early on,
with the freshman team at Dartmouth when
grandchild may attend college in Germany
so much of our time was spent in Andalucia
the track coach so rudely demanded that I
and my oldest granddaughter is 16, followed
and the Algarve. In early November, Popeye
accompany him to indoor track practice. It
by granddaughters of ages 15 and 13. Abby, my
went into storage at a Harley Davidson repair
turned out to be a good move. Well, thanks
daughter in Montreal, practices law and works
shop in Lisbon and I f lew back to FL. I’m
for the great turnout. Don’t forget to look
for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
writing to you now from Hobo the sailboat,
for Bill Biddle ’58 and Brooke Thomas’ ’58
For the former public defenders, appearing
tied to a f loating dock in Indiantown Marina
column in the last issue of HST. It says it all.
before the Massachusetts Appellate Court,
where a few days ago I terminated the earthly
while Sara, daughter #2, lives outside of
existence of two rats who took a shine to
Summer 2021 | 53
CLASS NOTES
be quite different from their earlier years.
CLASS NOTES
Hobo’s nifty accommodations. Pretty soon,
remember this but you asked me if you could
the Salisbury Beach Reservation, in MA, year
Hobo and I will head south in the Intracoastal
room with me at Holderness, I said, great,
round, and read, and contemplate. … Win
Waterway so as to stage for a crossing to the
but different forms couldn’t room together.
Fuller, who I barely remember, but I think he
Bahamas. Bahamian COVID restrictions
I was f lattered. I see you’ve worked hard for
had dark, dark, black hair, says, “Greetings,
are awkward, but not impossible. One must
the school. Hagerman would be proud.” …
Shy. Wow, it certainly has been a very long
test negative for COVID no more than five
And lastly Rick Bullock says he and his wife
time since we made contact. In any case, Janet
days before clearance into the Bahamas, test
Patty feel “lucky to be alive and well—pretty
and I have retired to our house on Cape Cod
negative again upon arrival at a port of entry,
much staying put by ourselves. I am still
and are very much enjoying life in the ‘fast
and then test negative a third time after
working from home as a corporate f light
lane’ (yea right). In any case we have continued
having quarantined for (I think) five days. The
department manager and as a hangar landlord
to maintain our contact with Holderness. Two
procedure has been varying a lot so there’s no
at Fitchburg, MA. The rest of our family are
of our children, Jason Evans ’88 and Emily
sense in pinning down all its details much in
all nearby; regular outdoor visits when the
(Evans) MacLaury ’96, graduated from
advance of the intended crossing. If we make
weather permits. Looking forward to better
Holderness with Emily recently doing a stint
it to the Bahamas, we’ll head for Georgetown
times ahead and hopefully seeing other Class
as head of Holderness’s Health Services (she
in the Exumas and cruise in that vicinity for
of 1960 members next year. Appreciate all
also has a nursing degree from Yale). Her
a month or two. Sometime in April, the plan
your good efforts on our behalf. Hope you are
daughter, Meg MacLaury ’23, also attended
is to find storage for Hobo near Georgetown
well and that you have a happy holiday season
Holderness for a year. In addition, two more of
and then f ly to Lisbon to retrieve Popeye. The
ahead.” … In closing, may I wish you all good
our grandchildren have been recent
hope is that an early start in the spring will
health; stay safe, and until we either meet
Holderness students. Isabel Cole ’20
get us up to Arctic Scandinavia when the days
or connect again. ~ Gerry “Shy” Shyavitz
graduated last year and is now attending UNH, and her sister, Abigail Cole ’21, is
are long. I know, I know, the sun hardly ever shines in northern Norway, but when it comes
’61
currently a matriculating senior at Holderness.
to weather, I have always been fabulously lucky.” … Dave Grant responds by saying he
INTERIM CLASS CORRESPONDENT
enjoying the holiday season during these
is done strapping on the skates as our loyal
Gerry Shyavitz ’60
trying times. Thanks for taking on the
defender of the goal and reports, “In these
g.shyavitz@comcast.net
correspondence duties for our class.” … My old,
Oh well, that is enough for now. I hope you are
old, old roommate, John Cleary, who I
COVID times I need to stay out of the hospital. Not much to tell since the last time I reported
Want to connect with your classmates?
understand was a fine dancer, says, “Greetings
in. The family of my wife, myself, our children
Consider becoming a class correspondent
ex-roommate Gerry, and thank you for
and our grandchildren are all doing well. We
and encouraging your classmates to
assuming the role of ’61 class correspondent. If
are always praying for our daughter who is
reconnect in the HST class notes.
I remember correctly, the last time we crossed
an ER nurse. Actually, she works at Sturdy
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
paths occurred at a nightclub in Cambridge
Memorial Hospital where your cousin Linda
for more information. Thank you!
where I danced to some zydeco. You were there
Shyavitz was the president. She is now retired.
with your daughter? Here is a little history of
While Linda was there the hospital was always
So long 2020—we won’t miss you! I am either
my last 60 years. From Holderness I followed
at least $8 million in the black every year. She
the temporary or permanent class
Mark Morris ’59 to St. Lawrence University
ran a very good hospital. I still work for the
correspondent now for your class. And either
where I managed to continue playing both
town engineering department 19 hours a week
way, I take it as an honor; anything for
varsity hockey and soccer. I co-captained
and love my work. It keeps me out of trouble.
Holderness! I will not go into what I have been
soccer with Bobby Keller. Immediately after
Today is one of my work days but we are having
doing, as you can read my comments in the
SLU, I volunteered in our Navy and served
a snowstorm so non-essential workers work
1960 material. Except to say, my life is full,
four years on a ammunition ship in the
from home. Don’t worry, I am on my coffee
with a beautiful wife, Pearl, of 53 years,
Vietnam ‘yacht club.’ Subsequent to a
break. I am also the president of the Board
although she says, “don’t push your luck”,
successful career in the Navy, I recognized
of Directors for Spring Brook Cemetery here
together with four wonderful grandchildren
that our dollar was the common denominator
in town. It is a 22-acre cemetery with over
and two lovely daughters, and wonderful, great
to all professions and, thus, decided to seek an
8200 burials. I have created a database of
sons-in-law. These are my assets and I am so
MBA education. However, my diminished
all the records that we have been able to put
very, very fortunate. Oh, by the way, I still
scholarship history prevented admission to
our hands on. Always adding and updating
work part time as an attorney, estate planning,
most well established MBA programs. I
with material as it becomes available. I hope
and full time for the IRS…and am very active
became a participant in New Hampshire
all our classmates are well and staying safe.”
in MCLE, Massachusetts Continuing Legal
University’s newly established graduate
… Don “Soko” Sokoloski says “Sorry, Shy,
Education, (the best in the country); yes, I am
business program; I truly enjoyed education
nothing shakin’ right now!” … We even heard
still working and enjoying it! No retiring and
for the first time in my life. One well known
from Harold “Buster” Welch ’59. “You’re
picking up seashells at the seashore. For
professor contributed to my life-change as I
looking good, Gerry!,” he writes. “You don’t
relaxation, I kayak in quiet waters and go to
slipped from white collar into blue collar
54 | Holderness School Today
the keyboard and forced me to look backwards
modern medicine which has afforded my
a few decades. As this is my first time to send
active, physical life of shaping artistic outdoor
in class notes I have burned up more than a
spaces and serious LA dancing. In comparison
few grey cells for this task, so bear with me a
to New England, LA has afforded entirely new
bit. After Holderness graduation I left for a
physical and social environments. Other than
summer job at Mesa Verde National Park.
receiving ‘wows’ to my revamped outdoor
Came home and started UNH but came down
spaces, my only real accomplishment to a
with a rare neurological disorder and had to
‘better’ society is a successful establishment of
drop out. Spent four months at home
our local dog park. Satirically...WOW! I do
recuperating. Went back to UNH after winter
enjoy my weekly gathering of a coffee klatch
break but it turned out to be a mistake. Did
(with ‘social’ distancing) at the Saturday
not fit back in. Transferred to Keene State the
morning local farmers’ markets under our
next fall; not good either! Well, Uncle Sam
downtown’s live oaks to solve the world’s
found me and after conferring with a friend
problems—lots of laughter. Each day allows
who had just gotten out of the Army Security
aging to make my life a little too interesting.”
Agency I was convinced that it would be a
… Dave Norton brief ly says from the wilds of
good fit for me. Oh, did I mention that I had
catapulting us from being youthful, energetic
ME, “There’s not a lot going on with COVID-19
found my soulmate, Pearl, and we were
seniors traveling the world and having lots of
starting to run rampant here in ME. I am still
married in June of ’64. We went to Germany
interesting adventures into a sudden entry of
chasing that elusive lobster and working with
for three years and totally took advantage of
experiencing older age and the various
one of our kids now and then at
the opportunities that were presented to us to
challenges and changes it presents us. Early
nortonstoneworks.com. Hopefully things will
see most of Europe. Four years of service to the
March found us (and most of the rest of the
come back to somewhat normal before too
country. Wonderful! A son and daughter, Peter
world) adjusting to pandemic life; keeping safe
long! Have a great Christmas and holidays,
and Susan. To our joy they gave us three
as seniors with concerning complicating
Shy!” … John Holley, as I remember, was one
granddaughters, all of them now (of course)
conditions. We canceled everything, all
of my loyal members in Marshall house when I
bright young women (thinking about Lake
activities in our lives, and settled into a
was house leader, and of course before the
Wobegone) taking on the world. I enjoyed
different existence at home, taking long walks
house was replaced, alas, by a new facility,
being self-employed as a photographer
almost every day and growing a vegetable and
before it slipped down the embankment. John
specializing in commercial large format
f lower garden at our community gardens. With
says, “2020 has been a year of trials,
photography for advertising. I was doing work
the help of wonderful neighborhood and
challenges, and renewal. Recognizing that we
for several national firms, many of whom you
church friends, we figured out how to acquire
would be limited in mobility during the year I
would know. In early ’84 I was lucky to fill an
food and medicine without entering any stores
chose to take care of several medical issues. It
opening with the Army Corps of Engineers at
or pharmacies. We kept a tight COVID bubble.
started with Mohs surgery on my nose to
the Cold Regions Research and Engineering
We became semi-experts at using Zoom for
remove a cancerous growth. The outcome was
Laboratory in Hanover. Spent 18 years doing
maintaining connections to people. In August
successful. That was followed by a foot
photography in support of the research efforts
I suffered a complete heart block. I came home
infection. Sand created a blister on my bunion
for the lab. Interesting learning experience
from the hospital six days later with a
which required two months of treatment. That
and a chance to travel the country as well as
pacemaker and new diagnoses of congestive
was followed by bunion surgery and three
soak up a lot of good information from many
heart failure, blocked right coronary artery,
months of immobility. Foot is healing and I am
good engineers and technicians. During the
pneumonia and f luid in my lungs; I was weak
now up and about in time for the quiet holiday
non photography times we have built several
and using a walker. The rest of the fall was
season. We have enjoyed talking with our kids
homes, additions, and rebuilt a ’57 Chevy
spent in recovery and rehabilitation; however,
and grandkids via FaceTime and Zoom, I have
convertible; no, we do not have it any more! In
the pneumonia and f luid retention cleared up
been involved with my Rotary Club via Zoom,
retirement I kept busy with a land clearing and
very quickly and the therapies have proven
and we have taken several mini vacations to
brush hog business, found an 1825 cape in
effective. The combination of COVID, my
the Oregon Coast staying at VRBO rentals.
Vermont, and it is now in very good condition.
recent heart problems and my prior health
Here’s to a happy and healthy 2021.” … Peter
In closing, I send my best to the class of ’61
issues, has totally changed our lives. We have
Keene writes, “Happy New Year to all of the
and the greater Holderness community; good
gone from traveling a quarter or more of the
Holderness community. I hope you join me
health and a desire to keep busy, use those
year to realizing we are high risk individuals,
with the hope that this coming year will grace
hands and minds for the good of family and
who can make limited car trips for lab tests
us with better outcomes and a better sense of
mankind. All the best, Peter” … And finally,
and those medical appointments we cannot do
working together to solve the issues that face
Bill Seaver goes on to say, “As we have all
by Telehealth. Although this may change in the
us and the world. The call from Shy came and
learned, 2020 has been a strange and different
future, we are focusing on our current reality
it gave me a kick to get the fingers moving on
year. For Sherry and me, it was even more so,
and enjoying what we have here and what we
CLASS NOTES
occupations. Today, I simply am thankful to
Bill Seaver ’61 and his wife Sherry.
Summer 2021 | 55
CLASS NOTES
can do now. We still have many satisfying and
so I dropped in on him, too. He also is doing
north of Burlington, hiking, skiing, biking, and
intimate Zoom meetings with my men’s group,
well. Went for a hike with Dennis Donahue
golfing. He is largely retired from professional
the Buddhist group, my Tuck business school
’62 this fall, Zoomed to Art Sleeper’s recent
photography but still does the iPhone version.
class, our children, Revels, Sunday church,
50th wedding anniversary about a month ago,
… I quote Tom McIlvain directly, “Recently
Sherry’s neighborhood knitting group, and
and so it goes. Connecting with characters
retired after 51 years with TBM Hardwoods,
more. Zoom even makes it easy for people who
from Holderness days has been a blast. So,
Hanover, PA, family hardwood distribution
have moved away to rejoin groups and I now
when the ’63 class correspondent position
business. Our two fine sons, seventh generation,
regularly see some past friends. Our son Dana,
opened up, I sniffed and I took the bait. So
now own it. Claudia and I celebrated 51 years
his wife Alicia, and 17-month-old daughter
far, picking it up has been very nice. I have
together, four children, 13 grandchildren.
Eloise took a big leap and moved to a
sought even those without email addresses
Often draw on four great years at Holderness;
single-family house with a backyard a few
on file. Some classmates have died, sadly, and
saved my life. Keep in touch with best friends
minutes’ walk from a large park. Eloise is
others remain at the empty ends of internet
Peter Chapman and Steve Wales.” Tom lives
growing like a weed and turning into a
searches. However, long-unheard-from figures
in Sandwich, NH, in the summer. … Fred
cheerful, curious, and healthy toddler. Our
continue to pop up. And it really is cool seeing
(now “Eric”) Eidsness is not in our yearbook
daughter Abby was out of work for seven weeks
what we all have done over almost 60 years
because he spent his senior year on Daytona
in the spring due to COVID restrictions, but
now. ~David Pope … Jim “Flash” Allen, now
Beach chasing girls. He stays in touch with
her business (as an acupuncturist) came
from St Paul, MN, is retired, and I quote him
William “Biff” Cuthbert. After Vanderbilt
roaring back when the restrictions were eased.
directly, ”I was an ophthalmologist. President
Engineering School he saw combat serving in
She is currently considered an essential worker
of the thirteen member St Paul Eye Clinic,
the Army (thank you Eric) and went on to a
and thus free from current restrictions. She is
and founding director of the Midwest Eye
career in the EPA (Atlanta) and Arthur D. Little
happy to be surfing as many days as she can
and Ear Institute (a surgery center).” Now he
(Cambridge) and on to more environmental
and is enjoying taking small, COVID-safe road
gives tours at the Minneapolis Institute of
engineering in Colorado where he now lives
trips when possible.”
Art, and with his wife coaches Nordic skiing
(Ft. Collins). His book The Gorilla in the Closet
with their grandchildren’s program. While he
is about why the US EPA is becoming obsolete
’62
was at Williams College I saw him at various
and its future after Trump. Simon and Schuster
college ski meets. … David O’Connor lives
will publish it later this year. Fred thinks he
Want to connect with your classmates?
near Hartford, CT, after working overseas
was the first person from south of the Mason-
Consider becoming a class correspondent
specializing in small business development,
Dixon Line to attend Holderness. I told him
and encouraging your classmates to
with the UN, Peace Corps, World Bank, etc.
Alan Sayer might contest. … I also quote Gary
reconnect in the HST class notes.
In the last ten years or so he and his wife
Richardson directly, “After Holderness went
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
have been helping place students from the
to Middlebury followed by Boston College
for more information. Thank you!
Middle East and Nepal in US colleges since
Law School. After a brief side trip with Uncle
that’s where they spent a good deal of their
Sam, I started practicing law in Concord NH
’63
careers. They do “community work” and live
for 50 years with the same firm (unheard of
close to their children and grandchildren.
now). I’m trying to retire but my son tricked
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
… After McGill University, Dick Joyce
me into helping try one more case in January.
David Pope
returned to Newfoundland. From there his
Still married to the same woman after 51 years
popemaine@gmail.com
large construction company moved him to the
of marriage (also unheard of). Other than
Halifax area and he now lives in LaHave where
that, life has been pretty boring. Look back on
Just over a year ago I had been skiing at
he rejoices in watching the sun rise over the
Holderness with warmth and nostalgia, but
Gunstock near Laconia, NH, as they offered
Atlantic every morning. His daughter, Tricia
it took a few years for that transition to take
free skiing to geezers over 70. Somehow, I
(Joyce) Brassington ’93, is a Holderness
place. Great memory of a guy named David
contacted David Stamps ’64, who lived near
alumna. She and her family live in England.
Pope sailing off after a night at the Biddeford
there. In turn, he put me in touch with Jim
… Dick’s roommate from Hoyt was Clifford
Pool Yacht Club into a strong southwesterly
Brewer who also lived in that area. I had
“Wyck” Coddington. Wyck spent his senior
breeze toward Portsmouth. Apparently he made
several nice visits with Mr. Brewer before
undergrad year at a school on Long Island.
it. Would love to hear about the rest of you.”
he passed away just about a year ago. From
After University of Arizona, Wyck went
… Gary Richardson and his wife provided
his hospital, and then convalescing home, I
through the Navy as an officer and spent a
a wonderful meal ashore as we delivered our
found him engaging, warm and ready to talk
career in the jewelry and gift business, retiring
boat to new owners in Portsmouth. And Gary,
about just about anything. He was a gentle
2003, from Cartier, NYC, as head of corporate
thank you for your service also. I look forward
and thoughtful man. Dave Stamps said he
business to business sales. … I spoke with Steve
to hearing from more of the class of ’63. To
was lucky to have known him for the last ten
Brooke who is doing well and lives nearby in
keep up with other classes, feel encouraged to
years or so. Turns out Dave also knows Don
ME. … Turns out that Lowell “Bud” Symmes
send along pictures of you doing something
Stephenson ’55, our Nordic ski coach in 1963,
summers near me in ME and winters in VT
interesting (and legal!) -David Pope
56 | Holderness School Today
trip was to England and Germany in late 2019.
have the years gone! We are still living in
Of course I had to catch a mineral show, so we
South Portland, ME. I am executive director
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
went to the big one in Munich that fills five
of Maine Summer Camps, a nonprofit
Guy "Sandy" Alexander
vast arenas with minerals, gems, and fossils
organization that represents 140 camps in
salex88@comcast.net
from all over the world.” … And finally, we
Maine. Due to COVID-19 it was an incredibly
have these thoughts from Jim Ricker, “Hard
crazy and difficult year that resulted in only
David Stamps recently made the decision
to believe that many of us will turn 75 this
20% of our camps operating last summer. We
to share with us his voyage of discovery and
year. The last decade has f lown by. But with
look forward to the time when we will be able
understanding of Asperger’s syndrome which
four children ranging from 40 to 51, seven
to travel again, especially out west f ly fishing!”
has been a part of his life for many years. His
grandchildren ranging from three to 19, all
story was shared in the Laconia newspaper
living nearby, and a 53rd anniversary with
in several installments in 2019, as well as a
Joyce on the way, I’m finding that this is a
’66
video. … In October we received the shocking
time of contentment as career stuff takes
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
and sad news of Dick Stowell’s passing. It is
a distant backseat to relationships. I also
Peter Janney
hard to accept that we are getting to that age
find that I’m frequently thinking of our time
pj@apllon.com
where once hearty and vital souls are leaving
together in the early sixties. We were raised
our ranks. … Richard Seltzer is having great
in the fifties when conformity and never
success with several of his books having been
challenging authority were the norms—and
’67
selected for publishing. In addition to Beyond
they carried over into the early sixties. But I
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
the 4th Door which came out in August, the
also recall that our class was probably the first
Jamie Hollis
All Things That Matter Press has accepted
to sometimes challenge those norms to the
jameshollis@comcast.net
Nevermind, Breeze, and To Gether Tales for
frequent consternation of Don Hagerman and
future release. The announcement of Beyond
the faculty. Questioning the status quo really
Jamie Hollis and Jim Stearns ’68 have
the 4th Door was met with promises by many
began building with the assassination of JFK.
created a matching gift challenge to honor Mr.
to quickly order copies from Amazon. An
And then we began to see back page articles
James Edward Brewer II who passed away in
update from Richard in December indicates
in our library copy of the New York Times
March of 2020. Jamie and Jim are matching
that Nevermind has been published! … Terry
describing the situation in Vietnam and the
all gifts made to the van Otterloo-Henderson-
Morse checks in from Moab that he and his
increasing numbers of military ‘advisors’ being
Brewer Chair Program up to $50,000. Each
wife have moved into their new downsized
sent there. By the time we graduated, some of
year the Chair Program provides one or two
house on acreage outside of town with
those articles were reaching the front page.
members of the faculty the opportunity to
beautiful mountain views. He is working
And then, Vietnam was front and center as
spend time off-campus pursuing graduate
non-stop to finish up interior built-ins
we entered college. By the time we graduated
and cabinets, etc. After seeing two of his
in the late sixties, the war was raging and
previous homes, I know that this will be a
impacting all of our lives. While many were
superb example of craftsmanship. His main
already questioning the official news about
regret these days is the COVID restriction
the war, I think shock set in after the Tet
that prevents travel to see family members
Offensive. Our government lost credibility
scattered from Canada to Chile. … From
and trust as it has recently. I hope the coming
Woody Thompson, we got this letter, “The
generations will get us back on track. I also
pandemic is keeping us at home this winter.
think about the classmates we’ve lost. Way
But last summer Louise and I spent some
too many at this stage of our lives. I hope it’s
time at our cottage near Holderness, and I
a long time before we hear of any others.”
was thankful to be doing field work for the New Hampshire Geological Survey in the northeastern White Mountains. I’m mapping
’65
earth materials left by streams and glaciers in
Want to connect with your classmates?
the Androscoggin River valley. The area has a
Consider becoming a class correspondent
great network of hiking, biking, snowmobile,
and encouraging your classmates to
and ATV trails, making it easy to socially
reconnect in the HST class notes.
distance and get some much needed exercise.
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
During the fall we enjoyed the best foliage that
for more information. Thank you!
I can remember. We sorely miss the longer trips, meetings with all sorts of people, and
Ron Hall ’65 writes, “This past year Susan
having breakfast in local diners! Our last real
and I celebrated our 50th anniversary—where
MATCH OPPORTUNITY!
Support the van Otterloo-HendersonBrewer Chair program Make your gift online at holderness.org/giving/makea-gift, or by contacting Mark Sturgeon at 603-779-5225 or via email at msturgeon@ holderness.org. Please make sure to designate your gift for the van Otterloo-HendersonBrewer Chair Program.
Summer 2021 | 57
CLASS NOTES
’64
CLASS NOTES
Alan Ayers ’71 with his family following the graduation of his daughter, Sara, from high school last summer. Shown in this photo from left to right: the Ayers’ niece Althea; wife Kathy; daughter Sara; Alan; and daughter Becky.
Alan Ayers ’71 on a hike with his wife and daughters.
retired about two years ago and have been
’69
enjoying it immensely, especially the time
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
passion for me,” David writes, adding that he
Jonathan Porter
rode just short of 4,000 miles last year. “Our
jwoodporter@cox.net
son Joshua lives in the St. Paul, MN, area with
available for cycling which has become quite a
his wife, Tyler, and their two children, Ainsley
’70
(three and a half years old) and Soren (one and
Want to connect with your classmates?
face-to-face, but are making do with FaceTime
Consider becoming a class correspondent
calls like all of us. Joshua finished Columbia
and encouraging your classmates to
Law School this year, passed the bar, and is
or professional work, the type of work that
reconnect in the HST class notes.
now actively working for a Minneapolis firm.”
Mr. Brewer and Mr. Don Henderson knew
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
David also shared that his daughter, Elena
was so important for faculty and for their
for more information. Thank you!
Taylor ’10, lives in southwestern MD, has been
A recent painting by John Coles ’68 of his neighbor's dog "Queen Tilly".
students. To support this challenge you may make your gift online at holderness.
a half years old). We miss seeing them
a sixth grade language arts teacher there for
’71
six years, and is now tenured. … Next, I heard
org/giving/make-a-gift, or by contacting Mark Sturgeon at 603-779-5225 or via
INTERIM CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Bob wrote that he studied fine arts and physics
email at msturgeon@holderness.org. Please
Dwight Shepard ’72
at Union College after he left Holderness.
make sure to designate your gift for the van
shepdb@comcast.net
After graduating from Union he attended the
Otterloo-Henderson-Brewer Chair Program.
from Bob Johnson who lives in Randolph, NJ.
Pratt Institute where he earned a master’s Want to connect with your classmates?
degree in industrial design. “Fortified by my
’68
Consider becoming a class correspondent
Holderness winter-term independent study in
and encouraging your classmates to
digital circuit design, I started at an aerospace
INTERIM CLASS CORRESPONDENT
reconnect in the HST class notes.
company designing test equipment, which led
John Coles
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
to another aerospace company, which led to
johncolesart@gmail.com
for more information. Thank you!
Bell Labs designing digitally-linearized
Want to connect with your classmates?
This is my first time compiling notes for the
wireless product offerings,” Bob writes. “A
Consider becoming a class correspondent
class of 1971. Minutes after I sent out an
good run for an art major.” Lately, he adds, he
and encouraging your classmates to
appeal to the Class of 1971 to submit news to
has been working several aerospace contract
reconnect in the HST class notes.
me, I got an immediate response from a couple
jobs. “My spouse Patricia and I raised three
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
of your classmates. The first note came from
beautiful girls of poise, beauty and grace,” Bob
for more information. Thank you!
David Taylor, of Doylestown, PA, who writes
adds. “Two became clinical psychologists and
that he and his wife Deborah have been living
the third is applying to a program at NYC’s
happily in Doylestown for over 23 years. “I
Museum of Natural History to finish off her
radio-frequency amplifiers for Lucent's
58 | Holderness School Today
consortium of large innovative companies.
never tried to reach out to this family before.
finally start saving for retirement.” As if he
This organization supports predominantly
What I learned, in trying to reach
hasn’t been busy enough, Bob also says that
commercial companies to collaborate with the
Christopher Sands, is that he passed on in
“along the way” he wrote a screenplay based on
federal government on research as well as
2014. Holderness did not have an email
the aeronautical exploits of author Rinker
securing and executing government contracts.”
address or phone number for him, so
Buck’s memoir Flight of Passage. But he never
Alan says he has lived in central CT now for 13
apparently, I was the first person representing
received Buck’s blessing to publish the play, so
years, and is able to spend summers on Lake
the school who had tried to reach out to him in
it has never been seen. “In the September 2015
Winnipesaukee, and get in a lot of hiking in
a while. His sister, Amy Sands McClellan, of
issue of The Smithsonian's Air & Space
the White Mountains of NH. His daughter,
Pembroke, MA, sent me a very kind note
magazine is an article about how Rinker’s
Sara, is a freshman at Syracuse University. His
telling me that he died of a stroke on
brother and I located the crash site of Max
daughter, Becky, is a junior at Glastonbury
September 7, 2014. “Christopher was one of the
Miller,” who, Bob explains, was the first US
High School. “I spend my free time building
funniest people,” she wrote. “We had great
Air Mail pilot. “I am back into [digital]
and remodeling our house, playing my guitar,
times together. His photography was
photography and thoroughly enjoying the
and singing,” he says. “In the past year, I
incredible and his knowledge of botany was
software tools now available,” Bob adds. “I
designed and am almost finished constructing
much admired. Everyone went to him with
dabble in other areas. Recently I roughed out a
a 750-square-foot deck on our house. Kathy
their plant questions.” I remember Chris as
design for an integrated low-carbon natural-
and I play in a band that performs regularly at
being one kick-ass soccer goalie at Holderness.
gas processing, salt-water desalination, and
coffee houses. Since last March, we suspended
There are many times our team would have
cement plant to produce cement for 3D
practice as a group and hope to get back to
lost, if it wasn’t for his incredible saves. Please
printing houses in New Zealand. This is
playing together in later 2021.” Alan adds that
join me in praying for Chris, and his family. …
partially due to my being befriended by a
in 2014, because of family need, Kathy’s
That’s it for now. Thanks so much to those of
woman from New Zealand who is the spiritual
six-year-old niece came to live with them from
you who responded to my request for notes.
leader of 150,000 Maori Islanders. You can’t
California. “It was a challenging time for all of
Remember, the school is looking for someone
make this stuff up. It is like the screenplay
us, but Althea has come a long way since then
from your class to reach out to you to compile
project; things I do for no reason which
and we are happy that she is with us,” he
notes, so if you are interested, please contact
become the best things I have done. This
explains. “I wish everyone a safe year in 2021
Kelly van Lingen at kvanlingen@holderness.
comes in a strange way from having run
and am looking forward to things getting back
org. It’s really easy, it’s fun to connect with
cross-country at Holderness. How to keep
to more normal as the year progresses. It
your old buds and only happens twice a year.
going when all you want to do is stop.” Bob
would be great to be able to have the
also says that he has run in 12 New York City
opportunity to see our classmates (and
marathons. “I owe just about everything to my
bordering years) in person if things get better.”
’72
time at Holderness,” he says. No moss is
… Hannah (Roberts) Artuso writes from
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
growing under your sneakers, Bob. Good to
Melrose, MA that she retired in 2018 after over
Dwight Shepard
hear from you. … Alan Ayers writes from
20 years as an attorney for the state’s child
shepdb@comcast.net
South Glastonbury, CT, that it has been a long
support division. Her daughter, Kelty, and her
time since has corresponded with HST. “I lived
fiance, Patrick Williams, bought a house in
Susan (Glidden) Francesco writes from
in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio, for 33 years
Scituate, MA, in the fall of 2020, so are only
Holderness, NH that she has been very busy
after college, most of the time leading research
about an hour away. Her father, former math
since she retired from the state Department of
and development of portable power,” he notes.
teacher, Larry Roberts, has an incredibly
Environmental Services in 2016. In December
“The most notable consumer products we
sharp mind but, for physical reasons is now
2019, she finished climbing the “NH48” – 48
developed were Energizer batteries. In 2000, I
living at Cedar Hill Community Care in
mountains in the Granite State all over 4,000
married a wonderful, talented, and strong-
Windsor, VT. “His big news,” Hannah says, “is
feet high. Her last mountain was Cannon
willed woman, Kathy. We have two girls, Sara
that he got his first COVID vaccine on January
which she scaled in December in the snow
and Becky. I also have two older children from
7th. We are fortunate that Cedar Hill has not
and ice. “I have been working diligently on
a previous marriage, Lisa and Brian, who live
had any COVID cases. Nonetheless, we are
my birding skills and bird photography,”
and work in Ohio. In 2007, Kathy was offered
relieved he is getting his vaccines. He loves
she notes, “Most recently capturing a sage
and accepted a job at Proton Energy Systems
hearing from former students, so if anyone is
thrasher in New Hampshire. My husband,
in Connecticut. I took early retirement, as
inclined to write (he doesn’t do email), his
Pete, daughter, Angi Francesco ’98, and
Energizer decided to focus exclusively on
address is: Larry Roberts, 49 Cedar Hill Drive,
her daughter, Jocelyn, traveled to Belize
disposable batteries and not pursue high-
Windsor, VT 05089.” … Every now and then,
and Guatemala in January 2020 before the
capacity rechargeable batteries that would be
when compiling this column, I stumble across
pandemic really took hold,” explaining that
powering many devices used by all of us today.
something I wish I had known that happened
the bird-watching was fantastic as well as
Kathy, the girls, and I moved to Glastonbury,
a long time ago. However, as this was my first
the wonderful culture in both countries.
CT. I accepted the job of IDCC president, a
time reaching out to the Class of 1971, I had
“Once the pandemic hit, we sequestered
Summer 2021 | 59
CLASS NOTES
credentials to become a teacher. Now I can
CLASS NOTES
here in Holderness. Susan’s daughter, Sarah,
incredibly easy. Our granddaughters are seven,
to me! … Daryl Bradley writes, “Well, I’m
husband Fennell and two grandsons, Trey and
four and one, and the two older girls love
fine and so is the family. I’m out and about
Francesco quickly came north from New York
skiing. We had a blast with them in January,
regularly as I have one of those ‘essential’ jobs.
City and moved in with Angi to get out of the
and are looking forward to our February ski
I have a hard time saying that word to myself
city where they stayed for four months. Both
trip. Our daughter, Lisa, who used to work as
(or about myself) without laughing out loud.
of our summer cottages were maxed out for
a snowboard instructor for the Vail Companies
Other than that it’s life as NOT usual. Masks,
the summer and I spent much time cleaning,
in Colorado, bought a house with her wife
social distancing, ninja-style forays to the
disinfecting, and making sure all our summer
Heather in Denver earlier this year. She no
market and trying not to get too bent out of
guests were safe. We spend evenings at the
longer teaches snowboarding, and works for
shape at the sad turn of events these days.”
lake, social distancing with guests, swimming
Amazon in one of its warehouses in Colorado.
In preparation for our 50th, Daryl goes on
and taking long slow cruises in our antique
When Lucy and I are not in Duxbury we spend
to say, “I dragged out the cameras the other
boat, Xanadu.” Good to hear from you, Susan.
summers and occasional days throughout the
day and tried to coax them back to life. Being
… Chuck Fisher writes from Occidental,
year at our seasonal home in Dennis on Cape
largely non-mechanical no one could be more
CA, that he is “blessed in health, love and life
Cod. So, if you can’t find us on one side of Cape
surprised than I was when they all seemed to
and hope all is well with you and yours. I am
Cod Bay, chances are we’ll be on the other.
be functioning. Pandemic be damned, I need
passionate about getting to teach resilience
Everyone stay safe. Hopefully this blasted
to make pictures. I am checking and scanning
strategies to medical providers and their staff
pandemic will be gone by the end of the year.
old negatives from my Holderness days.” … Stan Theodoredis exchanged a couple
for their own and their patients’ wellbeing in this difficult time. My nonprofit gives our
’73
e-mails and he writes “I must confess that I do
work as an open education resource, free to all, and we have a version for families I’d love
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
picture is me. It would make sense standing
to send you electronically. If you or others
Dick Conant
next to a great friend at the time and forever,
are interested, please write to me at chuck@
rconantjr@msn.com
Tim Scott, and in front of dearly departed
believe the person on the right in the HST OB
roommate Mike Naylon. I also got the French
dovetaillearning.org. … “This year maybe no news is good news,” Will Graham writes
Dear Classmates, I hope 2021 is off to a good
ski team hat from Dave Taylor ’71, who was a
from South Dartmouth, MA. “Hope everyone
start for all of you and I suspect the vast
senior when I was a sophomore. As for the OB
is weathering the storm.” Will says he has
majority of us are looking for an improvement
experience—chickens, smoke in the face, John
heard from Paul “Cash” Hoyt who is living in
over 2020 and a return to “normal.” Since I
Reynolds making spice cake and delivering
Montana and David Nicholson, who still lives
can’t/won’t talk politics ...“how about them
it to us in our holes in the snow!!” Good times
in central Massachusetts. … Chris Latham
Mets!” And that’s all I have to say about
indeed! Stan goes on to write, “Because of
seems well settled with retirement in Marion,
that. … Congratulations once again to
my OB experience, one of my major papers
MA., and says “maybe we can have a good,
Tim Scott on his appointment to lead the
in grad school was on how effective outdoor
in-person, turnout at Holderness in 2022
planned and legacy giving Balch Society at
therapeutic work is. Put the technology
for our reunion.” Yup, hard to believe that
Holderness. It’s good to have a mole from
away. You have to depend on and actually
our 50th is coming up. … As for me, Dwight
our class in the organization! I suspect he
communicate in the existential world with
Shepard, my wife Lucy and I are living the
may be contacting all of us as he gets the
each other. Very good stuff in the outdoors.
life two miles away from our son, Ted, and
program up and running. … Matt Kamarck
I’ve carried that OB experience my entire
his three daughters in Duxbury, MA. We
writes that he is back from the Philippines
life.” Stan had two successful business careers
just got back from a wonderful skiing trip at
and enjoying an early season snowstorm
following the family motto, “A man’s value
Attitash Mountain and plan to go back next
up in NH. He has recently been certified
is in how much he has and attains.” He then
month. Ted’s wife Jessica, a Vermont native,
by the State of New Hampshire as a solid
followed his heart and went back to school and
stumbled across a great deal for an Epic ski
waste facility operator, which qualifies him
got his master’s degree in clinical and pastoral
pass from the Vail Companies that is good at
to work at the Marlow, NH recycling center
counseling. “After several years of working
any of their mountains. Vail owns Attitash
and fulfill his life’s ambition of becoming a
for Caron Foundation, I left to open my own
and Wildcat in New Hampshire, and other
true town character. He is planning a future
practice, Lehigh Valley Counselors: www.
mountains in Vermont and Maine as well as
reality TV series, “DumpMasters,” or maybe
lehighvalleycounselors.com. Having opened
Colorado. In these days of COVID-19, their
a sitcom, “Recyclables.” In the meantime, he
with just myself, I now work with six very
system is awesome. They send you an ID card
has burrowed in and is happy amongst the
fine and caring counselors. It’s not viewed or
that you can “load” online with whatever dates
cans, bottles, papers, and other refuse of our
felt as work but a calling, which I thoroughly
you want to go skiing. Then, when you get to
ignorant world (his words). As for Marlow,
feel and put myself into. Mike Naylon, years
the mountain, you don’t have to go to a ticket
Matt writes, “It is a small town north of Keene,
ago, called me a Greek philosopher; turns
window. All you do is get in a lift line and
no store or gas station, poor cell reception,
out he was right. The finest moments are
they scan you with a “gun” from six to eight
and due to the isolation not a lot of COVID.”
not measured by the P&L but when someone
feet away, and off you go. They have made it
Sounds like an effective real estate pitch
says, ‘I can't thank you enough for how
60 | Holderness School Today
experience together), as I indicated in my
school, I wound up working 33 years for four
Holderness and the path that got me to at
original email to the Class of ’74, Tim Scott
very different federal government agencies
this point in my life. Life is measured now
and I have been the Class Agent and Class
as a marine biologist, aquatic biologist,
for me as ‘what you do for the least of these.’”
Correspondent, respectively, for the Class
wetlands biologist, and finally with the naval
Stan sends special greetings in no particular
of ’73 for more years than I can remember. I
submarine base down here in Groton, CT,
order to: Tim Scott, all around great guy
think we keep at it for the personal satisfaction
as an environmental program manager and
and friend, Peter Garrison and his twin
of reconnecting directly with our classmates
eventually as the environmental director, i.e.,
Morgan Dewey for Axelrod and the Grease
from five decades ago, but also as a small way
desk-bound supervisor/bureaucratic paper
Guns! How many years has it been since we
to give back to Holderness, which we have
pusher. After retirement, I picked up my
saw each other up there?! Fred Savage for
come to realize played an oversized part in
hiking/climbing passion again, which started
“A Whiter Shade of Pale” in the Chapel—I
our lives. When the school independently
with Mr. Bill Biddle’s Outing Club back in
hear that song today and it’s a time machine.
approached both of us to help temporarily
the 1970s. I knocked off the AMC 100-highest
The roomies at the Cayleys’ Outhouse, Tom
cover duties for your class, we both signed up.
of New England before moving on to do state
Mawn, Mike Naylon (RIP), and whatever
We are willing to help out, but as I indicated
high points. I’m at 44 3/4ths high points
did happen to Stephen “Woody” Peirce?!
we can’t do full justice to the unique identity
now (ask me about the 3/4ths sometime if
Sam Richards, good friend and tormenter
and story of your class. Please consider
you want to hear a real story!) with mostly
on the hockey rink teaching me to be a goalie
volunteering as a class correspondent or
kick-butt climbs out west still to do. I’m
and more. And school assemblies when Mr.
agent. Both Tim and I are more than willing
scheduled to do a guided technical climb up
Cesar Nobles would exclaim, “The bus for
to discuss our experiences and offer some
Mt. Rainier this summer with my eldest son,
Tenney Mountain will leave one at 1:00 and
further encouragement. Enough preaching
COVID-permitting. My three sons are all
one at 1:30.” And finally raise your hand if you
from me: I heard from Josh Hancock who
grown and situated west of the Mississippi
remember Thor Paulsen’s Pickle Proposal!
is living the dream out in Hollywood, CA.
with wives/significant others and doing grad
The best to all! … And as for my news, I had to
According to his website, Joshcar.com, Josh is
school or working. Here in Mystic, I more
put off a planned climbing expedition out west
an entertainment automotive expert and radio
than occupy my free time with a regional land
due to COVID, but managed a loop around
host with over 20 years of industry experience
conservancy, Avalonia, sitting on a couple
the east to do nine more state highpoints,
serving as a creative consultant for motion
boards, and in the capacity of Chairperson
including the mighty peaks in IL, LA, and
pictures and television. He is known for his
for the Groton Shellfish Commission. The
FL. I am up to 44 ¾ now with mostly kick-ass
deep understanding of how cars permeate
latter helps me reconnect to my marine
climbs still to do out west before I get too old.
American pop culture. Josh began his career
biology roots, which I wandered mightily
Speaking of out west, all three sons are now
working in Hollywood collaborating with
from during my career. Finally, I wish you
west of the Mississippi, with their wives or
directors such as Martin Scorsese, Francis
all a good 2021, which might be a low bar to
significant others, attending grad school or
Ford Coppola, Andrew Niccol, Mike Myers,
achieve after 2020, and I do hope you all give
working. I plan to be out to Jackson Hole for
and Steven Soderbergh while garnering credits
some thought to jumping into a class officer
a week in February with my eldest son who
on blockbuster films including “Casino,” “The
role. Best, Richard “Dick” Conant ’73
is coming over from ID to ski with the old
Rainmaker,” “Nutty Professor II,” and all
man. And I at least plan to LOOK down into
three films in the $656 million Austin Powers
Corbett’s Coulier! Hoping for the new normal
franchise. Josh also hosted and produced a
’75
to get here soon. Take care, ~ Dick Conant
car show he created for the History Channel
Want to connect with your classmates?
called “Shifting Gears.” He’s currently in
Consider becoming a class correspondent
’74
negotiations for a new show. Josh writes “I was
and encouraging your classmates to
always very much into cars from knee-high.
reconnect in the HST class notes.
INTERIM CLASS CORRESPONDENT
My uncle, who was a captain in the Maine
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
Dick Conant ’73
State Police, put me through their training at
for more information. Thank you!
rconantjr@msn.com
the age of 15! He had taught me a lot and was someone that loved cars and driving. When I
Want to connect with your classmates?
was 13, I would travel the state with him and
’76
Consider becoming a class correspondent
it helped me understand driving on a whole
Want to connect with your classmates?
and encouraging your classmates to
different level. After Holderness and college,
Consider becoming a class correspondent
reconnect in the HST class notes.
I wanted to find a way to mix my passion
and encouraging your classmates to
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
for cars and film making and that’s the road
reconnect in the HST class notes.
for more information. Thank you!
I went down.” … And in closing, since I am
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
writing this, I guess I get to convey a bit of
for more information. Thank you!
Classmates (I think I can call you classmates
my backstory since leaving Holderness (in
since we shared a part of our Holderness
100 words or less). After undergrad and grad
Summer 2021 | 61
CLASS NOTES
you’ve helped me!’ I am forever grateful for
CLASS NOTES
’77
muster, but I truly appreciated the humor
feet, where Don operates the equipment and
shared by everyone in the “inappropriate”
sensors in what he describes “as a spy plane
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
batch! COVID has forced an isolation
for fires.” “Very busy this past season in CO
Peter Grant
regimen completely foreign to any social
and CA with over 300 mission f light hours in
pete@grantcom.us
individual. I just want my wood‐smoked
four months,” he says. When he’s not doing his
Caesar salad and pastrami at the Copper Door!
aerial gig, Whit enjoys some down time with
Peter King never thought he’d be looking
Otherwise, all is as well as can be expected.
his wife and their pop-up camper in state and
forward to this kind of shot—er, a “vaccine
The neighbors who f lew in their kids from
national parks in FL. The couple’s daughter,
shot. California’s still in rough shape with
across the country for the holidays are all
Madison, is a rookie trainer and smokejumper
COVID-19 cases rising, exponentially. In 2019,
healthy, so this area dodged a big bullet. And
based in Missoula, MT, and their two boys are
we moved to a small mountain community
we passed an extremely dangerous time in
living and working in Boulder, CO. … John
in Southern California, Wrightwood. I still
our American democracy. Looking forward
“Steitzy” Steitz is also in MT, raising sheep
handle select legal matters, but really enjoy my
to seeing you guys starting this summer!
that produce merino wool. John and his wife
status as a ‘recovering litigator’ and part‐time PSIA Certified alpine ski instructor at our
Carol recently moved from Whitefish to a
’78
larger small ranch near Kalispell. “Loving
local ski resort, Mt High. I’m hoping that all members of the Class of ’77 are healthy and
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
and all the equipment has kept us quite busy.
safe. And we’re looking forward to traveling
Luther Turmelle
The perfect year to hunker down to a big
adventures and socializing with friends and
lturmelle@sbcglobal.net
project at home and ignore the world as much
family when the pandemic clouds have passed
the new place,” John said. “Moving 30 sheep
as possible.” Steitzy said the merino sheep
by.” … Mark Melvin reports, “I was fortunate
Like most folks during COVID-19, some
“started as our contribution to restoring the
that in 2019 I retired (semi) and that has
members of the Class of ’78 are chilling close
soil through regenerative grazing and they
afforded me time to help in the communities
to home. But for Chris Goodhue, home is
have become more than that. They were
that I live in. For the past year I have been
in a whole new place now. After 23 years in
supposed to be just a part of our sustainable
working hard on raising money, helping design
central MA, Goodie and his wife Celeste made
retirement farm project,” he said. “Somehow
and bring to fruition a permanent campus
a beeline for the wilds of northern NH. John
we won the biggest wool show in the west and
for Marco Island Academy. We have raised
Denver had his Rocky Mountain high, but
are selling wool across the US, Canada, and
$6 million of the $15 million needed during
for Chris and Celeste, it’s nothing but clean
Europe.” … Hal Hawkey reports his youngest
COVID. As the PM for the school I have been
living and lots of skiing not far from their cozy
daughter, Grace, is finishing senior year at
leveraging my years as a CTO and working
mountain home just outside of Franconia in
Elon University and his oldest daughter, Sarah,
on lots of construction projects doing the IT
the Easton Valley. … Chris lives not far—in
is working in human resources at NASDAQ.
for the buildings and data centers to help
NH terms—from Paul Bozuwa and Jay Mead,
… Colin Bruce MacLeod, AK A “Spud,” has
the school bring the GC in on time and on
who both reside in Norwich, VT. Boze built
a new seasonal job running a 42-foot charter
budget. I also had to run the club we belong
a house there five years ago and reports that
boat from Washington, DC’s Georgetown
to in MI, this past summer and make a lot
he sees Jay frequently. Paul says his three
waterfront. “There’s a company called
of decisions with the board to keep everyone
daughters “are working hard to make the
Boatsetter which handles all bookings and
safe and get us through the summer with
world a better place; hugely proud of them.”
insurance,” Spud said. “It’s quite lucrative.” In
no cases of COVID. No small feat with folks
As for Paul, he is still running a division
other MacLeod family news, Colin’s son James
coming in from all over the country. I have
of a printing company that printed former
is working in HVAC and Spud’s 97-year-old
also been working with my local food bank
President Obama’s book. … Keith Suttenfield
mom just won her first annual Calcutta tennis
here on the island to make sure that people
checks in from Australia to report that his
match at her club. … Nat Hancock reports
are able to feed their families through these
e-commerce business did well last year. “After
that his son just came back from the Middle
hard times. Also back in MI I have worked on
a 13-year decline that saw me lose a large
East after having been out of the country for
three land conservation projects in our area.
portion of the proceeds of the previous 20 plus
a few years. “It’s nice to have him back but
For fun I have been building three amazing
years of hard work, I finally found my groove
life is a bit tight with him in our apartment
houses, the first of which just sold for a record
again,” Keith said. “Our new brand is called
working remotely, which I’m doing as well,”
price on the island, and was considered best
Quazzie Design and I sometimes have referred
Nat said. “Looking forward to him moving to
in its class boasting waterskiing, paddle
to myself as the quasi aussie! Anyway, I am a
Denver this summer (that’s where his company
boarding, and lots of shooting. I hope all
much happier person for it.” … In news from
is). In a couple of years we’ll be joining him;
are well in these tough times.” … As for me,
the Wild West contingent of the Class of ’78,
we have a place in the Cap Hill area.” …
Peter Grant, I sent my request for news
we get news from Don “Whit” Whittemore,
to my classmates. Sixty-eight replies with
John Steitz and Hal Hawkey. Whit is back to
hilarious news snippets, which were reviewed
trying to hold wildfires at bay, only this time
for editorial appropriateness. Two passed
from a lofty citadel. Actually, it’s from 20,000
62 | Holderness School Today
’79 CLASS CORRESPONDENT CLASS NOTES
Hratch Astarjian hihratch@gmail.com Hratch Astarjian reports, “I’m still living in central MA and working for Bose, managing global sales and marketing for aviation products. Working from home for the past 10 months has been mostly good but, like many, I am ready for a return to normalcy. I hope you are all well and safe!”
Class of 1985 OB photo shared by Allyn Hallisey, Jr. ’85.
Katsu Nakamura ’85 and his wife Naomi in Tokyo.
North End of Boston, I’m living a few miles away from Boyd Boggess ’81 in Medford
Burgie Howard since my daughter Eliza
’80
(pronounced “Med-fed.”), and have been
started college in the fall of 2019 at Yale,
emailing and texting with lots of old friends
where Burgie is Vice President for Student
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
in New England as we have been needing
Life and Dean of Student Engagement. We
Jack Dawley
something to look forward to when this
had the opportunity to reminisce about our
jdawley@northlandresidential.com
wretched pandemic is under control. My re-
years at Holderness at several events for
introduction to the Northeast is finally getting
parents in New Haven before the lockdowns.”
’81
rounded out with a healthy dose of spending
INTERIM CLASS CORRESPONDENT
and skis in late December and finally made
’83
Chris Pesek ’82
it up to Cannon Mountain last week. I drove
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
chrispesek7@gmail.com
with my three kids up to Franconia and we
Peter Hewitt
bundled up for temperatures that topped out
phewitt21@mac.com
time outdoors. I brought up my mountain bike
Want to connect with your classmates?
at seven degrees on Saturday and soared to
Consider becoming a class correspondent
a high of 18 on Sunday. I forgot about the ice
Want to connect with your classmates?
and encouraging your classmates to
too. My daughter gave us a great travel tip to
Consider becoming a class correspondent
reconnect in the HST class notes.
take our skis off at the top of the Cannonball
and encouraging your classmates to
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
Quad chairlift, and to walk through the pine
reconnect in the HST class notes.
for more information. Thank you!
trees to the observation tower which holds the
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
cell phone towers at the top of the mountain.
for more information. Thank you!
’82
We were the only ones up there on Sunday
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
couldn’t see more than the tree tops nearby.
’84
Chris Pesek
On Sunday however, we met a half a dozen
Want to connect with your classmates?
chrispesek7@gmail.com
hikers who had snowshoed up from the base
Consider becoming a class correspondent
and we could see for miles. If you get to the
and encouraging your classmates to
Classes of 1981 and 1982, I hope this note
top sometime, take the path in between the
reconnect in the HST class notes.
finds you well. I won’t ignore the fact that
pines and check out the view. It’s worth it.
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
many of us have lost loved ones and friends
For now, tell us where you’re living and what
for more information. Thank you!
over the past year and most of our lives have
you’re up to. It’s been great finding classmates
been shaken pretty badly in 2020. I can’t
here in New England and all over the world
think of a year in my lifetime that had more
and doing our best to make the world seem a
’85
“resetting,” “waking up,” and stopping the
little closer. Reach out to Kelly at Holderness
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
incessant churn of work and putting a little
at kvanlingen@holderness.org, or me at
Katsu Nakamura
more thought into life and family. I am hoping
chrispesek7@gmail.com with any class notes
katsu.nakamura@ieee.org
we come away from last year with some
you wish to share. Let’s find opportunities
lasting revelations that we all take forward
for writing, calling, laughing, hugging, and
As we gathered these notes we ref lect upon the
with us. I moved to Boston in November and
connecting again and make up for what we
loss of Alex Brown nearly two years ago. His
it didn’t take me long to look for friends from
missed in 2020. Take care, Chris Pesek …
time with us was much too short and he is
Holderness. On my second night here, Bob
Emily (Conant) Spinna writes, “I am very
greatly missed. We'd like to dedicate these
Kenney and I had dinner together in the
happy to report that I have reconnected with
class notes to Alex, our classmate and friend.
because of the cold and wind and really
Summer 2021 | 63
CLASS NOTES
Freddy Paxton ’85 and his husband Steven preCovid in Verbier.
Al Brown ’85 from the 1985 Cuban Softball Champs - THE SEEDS. Kirstie Ennis, veteran mountaineer and friend of Colby Coombs ’85.
Mike Collins ’85, Deb and Teddy (the long tailed bear) hiking at Sunday River.
Mary Post ’85 and her fiancee Scott enjoying a night out in Portland, ME. Halle Barker ’21 and Nat Barker ’85 during a fall 2020 preseason morning ski.
… Robert Rumsey starts us off with this note.
Technology. My younger son, Alex, is a junior at Colorado Academy. Hope everyone is doing well!” … David Considine shares, “Retired
“Things here in FL are going well. It is a busy
junior and starting to look towards college. I
from the USCG, and now am the national
tax season, especially with COVID, the
work in news, now at Bloomberg in New York
director of the Boat Operations and Training
stimulus, and a new administration. Yet, I am
for the past 11 years. Michelle and I will
Program teaching tactical boat training to
trying to help my clients navigate these choppy
celebrate our 30th anniversary in 2022.
state and federal law enforcement. Get to run
waters and get their returns in and understand
Hopefully travel will be back in fashion by
into Keith Eaton every once in while up in
the adjustments going forward. I was so sorry
then.” … Mary Post writes, “Two years ago we
ME, and saw Ev Hatch up at Loon. In my 34th
to hear about Al Brown, Mr. Hammond, and
(myself, my son Will age 12 and my fiance
year patrolling at Loon. Nancy, the kids, and I
Mr. Barbour. May they all rest in peace! I
Scott Couture) moved from NY to Yarmouth,
spend every summer weekend at our island in
wish everyone all the best for a fantastic 2021!”
ME. We love being back in New England! We
ME, and every weekend in winter up north.
… Ruth (Levine) Ekhaus writes, “What’s up
also have had the pleasure of reconnecting
Stop in and say hi!” … Theodore Plowden-
Class of ’85? Living my best and foggy life out
with Kathy Tuck!” … Mike Collins said, “This
Wardlaw writes that he’s “living in Portland,
here in San Francisco with my husband, two
year has been the longest outward bound
OR. Just became an empty-nester as my
kids, two dogs, and two cats. Grateful to see
experience of my life. Grateful for my family
daughter headed off to attend the School of the
you all alive and well!” … We heard from
bubble and wonderful hiking and skiing at my
Art Institute of Chicago. Meanwhile, getting
Thomas “Ted” Fine who writes, “My oldest,
Sunday River doorstep but longing for the hugs
back to my roots, coaching a big mountain ski
Noah, is graduating from Middlebury in
of my extended family of friends in the post
team, exploring the mountains and trails in
February. He made the best of four years in
COVID world.” … Margaret “Poppy” Staub is
the Pacific Northwest and staying as active as
VT. Middle child, Lily, took the year off from
“still living in Evergreen, CO, and doing
possible. I still have ties to NH, as my mom
Boston University to avoid remote classes and
environmental work for the mining industry.
lives on Squam Lake, and I make it back there
is looking forward to getting back to Boston.
It’s fun but am looking to retire one of these
once a year or so. I’ve had fun reconnecting
She plans a section hike of the AT this spring
days. My oldest son, Nic, is in college in
with old classmates, and trying to organize a
and summer. Youngest, Piper, is a high school
Redmond, WA, at DigiPen Institute of
climb and ski up Tuckerman’s Ravine next
64 | Holderness School Today
CLASS NOTES Hannes Schneider ’85 on the slopes in Austria.
Jeff Tracy ’85, his wife Kimberely and their son Shawn on senior night. Kris Figur ’85 and family at the BLM march in Boulder, CO on June 6, 2020.
Jeff Tracy ’85 and his daughter Josie.
Hazardous Waste Compliance Assurance Unit of the Colorado Department of Public Health
Jean Louis Trombetta ’85, Davinia, Silvia and Nico Dorion ’85.
and Environment, for whom I’ve been working
Hiking in Colorado. Lily, Ted ’85, Michelle, Piper and Noah Fine.
for the past 29 years (kind of looking forward to retirement!) I truly hope you are all doing
Phil Peck for all of his tremendous work and
April. Would love to have as many classmates
well and my very best wishes for a more
dedication that started when we were there so
join as possible!” ... Jeff Kaufmann “happened
normal year to come!” … Kathy (Keller)
long ago.” … Richard “Allyn” Hallisey writes,
to be in the White Mountains this weekend
Garfield writes, “Hi all! Hope this finds you
“Hey everybody. Not much to tell. Life in
skiing at Cannon and Bretton Woods with my
healthy and happy. Like everyone else, I’m
Colorado goes on. COVID keeps us out of the
daughter and her boyfriend. A balmy eight
missing my old life. Aside from that, happily
music scene, but not out of the great outdoors.
degrees and windy. Booting up in the parking
married, still working and still raising kids.
I see Alex Laughlin every now and again. His
lot due to the pandemic reminded me of the
My baby graduates from Davidson in May.
band, Highway 50, plays outdoors under a tent
cold nights under the tarp on OB. I stopped by
Happy to be done with outrageous tuition
near me. … Angus Christie writes, “Hello
school on the way back. Campus looked great
payments. Be well.” … Colby Coombs shares,
Holderness ’85. I hope you are well. Team
in the snow and the new science and math
“Our business got shut down so we made use of
Christie is doing well in ME. I am a cardiac
building looks amazing. Hoping 2021 is a
all the free time and went fishing. Planning to
anesthesiologist at Maine Medical Center in
better year for us all!” … Kris (Pfeiffer) Figur
climb Denali this May with Kirstie Ennis, a
Portland. In July 2019, I stepped down as the
says, “Hi Holderness alums! I hope you are all
veteran who inspires people to ‘stubbornly
Residency Program Director and have enjoyed
coping with this incredibly weird year. I’ve
climb the mountain in front of them.’” … We
more time with the family. My eldest son
been living in Boulder, CO, since graduating
heard from Charlie Lamson across the pond,
graduated from Holderness in May and is
from CU Boulder in 1989. My husband Chuck,
“Hi everyone. Great to see the chatter on the
currently a freshman at Tufts University.
an attorney for the US EPA, and I have been
back of Katsu’s note. Sorry Jean Louis
During COVID, I was able to learn how to
married for 20 years and we have two fantastic
Trombetta! I’m living in Ireland where I’ve
quilt and finished several projects. I am now
daughters; our oldest just started at Boston
been for the past 15 years with my wife
the proud owner of several antique sewing
University (what a strange year to be starting
Rosemary and our kids Molly and Michael. It’s
machines. Never thought I would admit that.
college!) and our youngest is a sophomore at
a good and mostly quiet place to be. I hope
Additionally, I continue to knit (a skill that I
Boulder High School. Currently, I manage the
everyone is doing well and a huge thanks to
can thank Mr. and Mrs. Clough for teaching
Summer 2021 | 65
CLASS NOTES
Andrew McDonnell ’85 and Tim Jones ’85 in Saratoga Springs, 2016.
Theodore Plowden-Wardlaw ’85 doing some skiing in the Pacific Northwest.
high school, so we will have an empty house soon and will move on to the next phase of life...weddings and grandchildren, or so I’ve
been seeing Andrew McDonnell the past few
heard from others...maybe some of the class of
years in August in Saratoga Springs.” … Dan
’85 have already hit this milestone?? It would
Taffe writes, “After several decades living at
be great to hear about it! Best to all!” …
me); that was not the only skill that I learned
boarding schools on both coasts, Michelle and
Andrew McDonnell reports he “had a great
from them. I am looking forward to the Day of
I have finally settled into our own home in
time connecting with classmates thanks to a
Giving; I really enjoy reaching out to each of
Concord, NH, with Liam (15) and an orphaned
group email from Katsu. Fun to also share
you and hearing about your exploits. Please
mutt we adopted. I was lucky early on to
stories about Al Brown. We all miss him. Have
answer the call from Maine.” … Phil Kistler
discover a career I enjoy as a surgical
fun seeing Tim Jones and Braden Edwards
sends greetings from Dallas, TX. “A lot
physician assistant and have changed jobs just
regularly and also playing in a Holderness
warmer down here than Plymouth, NH,” he
often enough to keep things fresh. After
Zoom poker game with Braden, Robert “Cort”
writes. “Hope everyone is doing well. It was
considering Holderness, Liam opted elsewhere
Pomeroy ’86, Blake Swift ’86, and Chris Zak
good to see Braden Edwards and Tim Jones
for high school, but I still got to rediscover
’86; call if anyone wants to join. Still living in
on Martha’s Vineyard last summer. Lots of
Holderness, as Michelle Taffe has been
the Hudson Valley with my wife Courtney and
laughs. All the best, Flip.” … We heard from
teaching French there for the last three years.
our three boys. The oldest is a freshman at
Hannes Schneider all the way from Austria.
Although nearly all the faces have changed,
college and other two are at Berkshire in
“Greetings from COVID lockdown in an
seeing the school anew through her eyes, it
Sheffield, MA. Looking forward to staying in
extremely snowy St. Anton am Arlberg,
amazes me how much Holderness holds onto
touch. … Nat Barker writes, “We’ve been
Austria. After having f led here last March,
the character that I remember as a teenager.”
living in Franconia, NH since March when we
three hours before the military locked down
… We heard from Jeff Tracy who says, “Hello,
went to work from home. At an acceptable
the town for the COVID outbreak in the major
class of ’85. When my family is not boating or
social distance I was able to catch up with
ski areas of Europe, I made it home to ME for
skiing we’re wrapped up in work and school.
Hannes Schneider, Tiffany (Beck) Teaford,
the summer. Back here for the winter under
My daughter Josie is about to graduate from
Ted Plowden-Wardlaw, and Ian Spencer ’87.
Austria’s third lockdown. Tourism is not
Syracuse while my son Shawn is graduating
Great to see old, but looking young, faces. Just
allowed and the only reason you can leave your
from Arch Bishop Williams. I continue to
dropped off our youngest daughter, Halle
house is for essential services. Luckily, exercise
operate Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac in Plymouth,
Barker ’21, for her senior winter/spring at
is considered essential so the ski lifts are
MA.” … Bob Zock is looking forward to seeing
Holderness. Can’t believe four years have gone
running and touring is available. The sanity
everyone in NH when our reunion is
so fast for her at our alma mater.” … Freddy
saver is that here in the fifth largest ski resort
rescheduled! … Peter Fish says “All is well in
Paxton says, “Hi from the Nation’s Capital! My
in the world we are experiencing an epic
Atlanta. Not much in the way of interactions
husband Steven and I are safe and sound living
winter of quality and quantity of snow and
down here with Holderness alums but it’s
in Adams Morgan in DC. Our time is spent
only competing with locals for the fresh snow!
always great reading HST and seeing what’s
working from home, baking, cooking, and
When the world opens back up, please come
new. I've been south of the Mason-Dixon for
enjoying our labradoodles! We cannot wait to
visit!” … Tim Jones reports he’s “been hanging
36 years...hard to believe. I still get kidded for
travel again.” … Braden Edwards is “still
out with Phil Kistler in the summers in West
being a ‘Yankee!’ Hilarious! My wife and I
living in San Francisco. Three kids. Oldest boy
Chop, Martha’s Vineyard. Also, was hanging
have three kids and we love it in GA. The
is at BC and twin junior daughters are going
out with Ian Sinclair this past year in
weather is outstanding and the people are
through the college process now. Been playing
Simsbury, CT where both our kids were
great. I have two of three kids in college (Univ.
Zoom poker with Andrew McDonnell,
attending Westminster School. Lastly, I’ve
of GA, and US Naval Academy) and one is in
Robert “Cort” Pomeroy ’86, Chris Zak ’86
Tai Haluszka ’06 and her husband Billy Rivellini.
66 | Holderness School Today
meetings all spring and summer, and workouts and then scouting kids all over South Texas daughter, Katie, is on a soccer scholarship at Angelo State in West Texas. In between school and soccer, she has been working for Xenex, the world leader in germ-zapping robots! What started out as an internship summer of 2019
Symantha Gate's ’86 new business featuring "the latest bundle from the one and only Kristin Ellison ’86".
has now blossomed into a part-time and eventually full-time career. She literally started at the ground level and when the kids got sent home from college last March the
Kristen Washburn Covert ’86 and Keith Eaton ’85 on a beautiful hike.
company responsible for Japan territory. Come
CEO, Morris Miller, had a computer waiting
visit me; hoping we will still hold the Summer
for her. She was placing orders for the robots
Olympics this summer.
for Italy, Spain, France, Japan, all over the world, and all over United States from home
’86
while I was negotiating real estate deals. It
and Blake Swift ’86. Feel free to join us. Good
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
school. We had in-school learning and our
fun.” … Kirsten (Orcutt) Singleton spent
Chris Zak
superintendent received a grant from the state
2020 “surviving through COVID and keeping
chriszak@gmail.com
to do COVID testing twice a week so we had
my job at the Massachusetts Health and
was wild. Koal, my youngest, is a junior in high
strict testing of all teachers, students, and
Hospital Association while working remotely.
We heard from Kristin (Washburn) Covert,
coaches, and we had a full fall football season
Due to a more f lexible work schedule, I
who wrote, “My husband and I are still living
with strict parameters with masks and
rediscovered my love of hiking and took over
in Astoria, OR where we have been for the last
everything. Koal had a good season. He plays
50 hikes this past year. Would love to join the
20 years. My sister and I have recently become
quarterback; he’s a good player and he really
class of ’85 trip up Mount Washington in the
caretakers of our family camp in Rangeley,
loves playing, which is the most important
spring!” Michelle Morrison writes, “I have
ME, where I have been spending more time in
part! I’m swamped at work. I don’t remember
been a pastor for over 15 years. I do quite a bit
order to be closer to my parents. The reopening
really having a day off since last March. What
of missions work across the globe. I absolutely
of Saddleback Ski Area has definitely been an
I thought was going to be a housing crash back
LOVE missions work. I travel all over the
incentive as well and I was able to get in 14
in March ended up being an accelerated
world to help the poor and preach! My hands
days right when they opened. I must say I’ve
housing boom!! Everything shifted from
are full doing missions even though I work
missed those New England winters after 30
downtown living to country living, suburban
secularly still as an attorney! I enjoy my
years on the West coast, although I’m not
living, space in the house and outside the
missions trips; in addition every year our
moving back quite yet! It has also been fun
house, distance from neighbors, bigger yards
ministry gives toys to over 500 low income
catching up with old friends. We spent time
to create outdoor living and recreation space,
kids in NYC. If anyone is in the NYC area feel
visiting Keith Eaton ’85 in Ellsworth and did
and pools!! So it was a successful year
free to reach out when the virus lifts—would
some great hiking at Acadia National Park this
professionally for me and 2021 is starting out
love to do coffee. STAY SAFE! Fond memories
fall. With our son now 21 and off pursuing his
even better. Trying to enjoy the last couple of
always!” … Martha Ellen Kesler reports, “I've
mechanical engineering degree in Portland,
years while my youngest is still in high school.
been teaching English at Wayland Academy in
we are fortunate to be more f lexible with our
I love having my kids around. Not ready to
Wisconsin for the past 23 years. I was the
time. I’d also like to give a hearty shout out to
empty-nest it!” … Taylor Hubbard checks in
swim coach for 14 years. Now I've been doing
Mr. Peck who has done such a fantastic job
with this note. “The summer after my
theater for the past ten. I spend my summers
guiding Holderness over the years since our
graduation from Holderness, I lived in
at a family home in Cape May, N.J.” …
days on campus. Good luck in your
Plymouth with fellow ’86er Jonathan Craig
Rhadames Killy writes, “I launched my own
retirement!” … Ellyn (Paine) Weisel notes,
and his family. We worked painting houses for
law practice, specializing in sports law.
“All the Weisels wish Phil well and thank him
Pete Wensberg ’84. Every day after work, we
Mainly, I represent footballers, agents and
for many decades of friendship.” … Katie
would head over to Phil and Robin Peck’s and
sports governing bodies. I still live in Paris
(Kelley) Detmer reports, “My oldest, Koy, just
meet Phil for a run. At this point, Phil was
and can be reached at rhadjillo@hotmail.com.
graduated from college this summer and he is
fresh off a standout career at Dartmouth as a
Please get in touch if you come to France.” …
now the running backs coach at Texas A&M
Nordic skier/football athlete and then US
“As for me, Katsu Nakamura, after 27 years in
Kingsville. He has always wanted to coach
Nordic Ski Team as a coach. Jonathan was
MA, I just moved my work base to Tokyo. I
college or pro so he has hit the ground
reigning prep school cross country champion
took a sales leadership position for my
running, climbing the ladder, doing the Zoom
(class agent note: congrats to Jonathan Craig’s
Summer 2021 | 67
CLASS NOTES
this fall. He loves every minute of it! My
CLASS NOTES
son who is taking his talents to the Dartmouth
class of ’86 fans will join us on this journey.
xc team!). And I was lacking in anything
Follow her website, kristinellison.com, and
’87
resembling innate cardio talent. We would
follow @artbundles on FB and IG.” …
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
head off into the hills around Holderness for
Elizabeth “Elise” Mott shares, “We are
Kathryn (Lubrano) Robinson
runs that stretched into the twilight hours.
weathering the pandemic with lots of dog
kathryn.robinson@gmail.com
Phil would strap a heart rate monitor to me
walks, hikes, and outside time. My daughter,
that would beep if I went into the red. While
Leila, is a sophomore at UVM, and my son is a
Hope everyone’s doing well in this new year,
Phil and Jonathan barely broke a sweat, I, on
seventh grader at Fenn, where I am teaching
after such a difficult 2020. I am sure that all
the other hand, had to dig deep every day.
and leading the service learning program. It’s
of you are dealing with your own challenges
Although I never told him, I would have
hard to believe that Phil Peck is retiring. He
in negotiating these new times, but I hope it
turned myself inside out to not let Phil down.
was an awesome history teacher and an
has also been balanced with joy, silver linings,
He was my hero. He had been my coach, my
incredible leader of Outback with Colby
and family milestones keeping you buoyed and
dorm parent, and most importantly, my friend.
Coombs ’85. We got a little lost the final day
sane. I heard from a few of our classmates. …
As a teacher myself, I look back at that
of hiking and ended up on an epic 10-hour
Heather (Johnston) LaRowe writes, “Our
summer and am humbled that Phil would have
overnight hike to get to our pick-up spot. Phil
eldest daughter graduated from high school
spent his time working with me and Jonathan.
has always led with kindness and genuineness
in June 2020. Three weeks later, we pulled
I will always be indebted to Phil for his time,
and Holderness has become a better school as
up to the gates of the US Naval Academy and
sincere kindness, and commitment to the
a result of his vision and care!” … Malcolm
dropped her off for Plebe Summer. Our middle
entire Holderness community. I wish Phil and
Davidson writes, “I think Phil is the last
daughter is excited to return to Holderness in
Robin all the best in their next endeavor. And,
faculty member from our days there. Because
September for her sophomore year (Go Bulls!).
yes, I'm pretty sure Phil and Jonathan could
of this, I need to send him a note sharing how
She had a wonderful freshman year, and I
still crush me.” … Caroline (Bloch) Jones
self-centered it would be if he leaves and wish
loved being back on campus and catching up.
writes, “I have enjoyed reading the Holderness
him the best. How am I? Pulling my 23rd lap
And our youngest is entering eighth grade and
magazine over the years as it highlighted many
around the fifth grade school calendar. I have
simply hoping to have a football season.” …
of the teachers who were young and active and
a sophomore at University of Washington and
Frances “Cricket” (Keleher) Braun and her
immensely important to Holderness while we
a 17-year-old budding auto mechanic. Skiing a
husband recently made a big move to Boston.
were there and for the decades after: Norm
ton this winter, to make up for the truncated
“Now that we are empty-nesters, we moved
Walker, the Hendersons, Mr. Hammond,
winter season last year. Still in Tacoma.” …
from Vermont to Boston where we both now
Marty and Paul Elkins, Mr. Woodward, and
Jake Reynolds sends “Congratulations to Phil
work. I am a psychologist in private practice
now Phil Peck. I feel that once Phil retires, all
Peck on an incredible 35-year run at
and my husband John is at MGH. Although
of the ‘old guard’ of Holderness from when we
Holderness. Hard to believe he started at the
our dogs prefer their VT digs, we love being
were there will be gone and that feeling of
school when we were juniors! Quick Reynolds
able to walk everywhere and are taking
‘family connection’ no longer there. It has been
family update: Robin and I have been living in
full advantage of the many food delivery
amazing to watch it grow so well over the years
Palo Alto, CA for the last 20+ years; three kids
options! We were able to reconnect with
under Phil. He has done such a great job
ages 19, 17, and 13. We’ve gotten a lot of family
Laura (Cooper) Page ’86 and her husband
keeping the school relevant and forward
time this past 10 months, which has been a
David, and will no doubt see them again when
thinking, as well as embracing its solid,
silver lining during the pandemic. Hard to
the pandemic lets up. I especially enjoyed
traditional past. It is always fun when we cross
believe this summer will be our 35th reunion.
hearing all about her children’s experiences at
paths with our Holderness friends. Sarah
Writing this note is making me feel old, so I’m
Holderness and reminiscing about our own!”
(Cooper) Connell ’87 and I have worked
going to stop now. Hope all the ’86s are
… Christopher “Todd” Burgess writes, “Here
closely together for the past four years for a
sheltering well and staying healthy.” … Kelly
in Hong Kong, where we thought we had this
company called Beautycounter, which is based
(Keating) Trinkle reports, “Life is very good
whole COVID thing covered, we are essentially
out of Santa Monica, CA. We have the best
here in New Hampshire with my new husband
on lockdown. On the back of protests last year
time talking about our Holderness days, as
Danny. His job takes him around the world and
and the new Rule of Law enacted this year, it
well as our busy current lives, Sarah living
I love traveling with him, especially on his work
has become a very different place to live. That
with her family in Vancouver, Canada, and
trips to Switzerland. My daughters are now 23
said, we are coping well, adapting and staying
myself in Greensboro, NC. Sarah hasn’t
and 25, out of my nest, and are working in NYC
resilient. Dylan (11) and Savanna (eight) have
changed a bit and she has once again become
and Boulder, CO. I have retired from coaching
started virtual school again and seem to be
one of my favorite people!” … Symantha
freestyle skiing and I have been busy
happy and motivated. We moved houses in
“Sym” Gates has started “a (tiny) side hustle,
remodeling homes and trying to become the
June 2020 so Katrise and I have been busy
Art Bundles. I’m collaborating with artists to
best female finish carpenter in the White
transitioning to a new home.” … Morgan
bring their work to Facebook and Instagram in
Mountains! It’s a lot of work but I love it!”
“Dix” Wheelock shared that the Wheelock
the form of sets of cards. Kristin Ellison is
family “is doing well and successfully
one of the first 10 to sign and we hope that our
navigating COVID, definitely ready to spread
68 | Holderness School Today
passes us by—holy cow, they were right; I now
and boys Reagan (nine) and big Mark (five),
think about dinner while eating breakfast.
along with our Weimaraner Steve, are moving
Our son went to college this year and is doing
to Franklin, TN soon. All our best to Phil
well and so is my high school junior daughter.
Peck in his retirement.” … We heard from
Business was slow at the beginning of COVID
Alex MacCormick who says, “All good here.
so I spent four months at my lake house.
Playing a lot of hockey this winter on Long
Amazingly, biz has gotten crazy busy in the
Island in between trips out West. Molly is
real estate market (I’m worried; seems too
a sophomore at USC and Alex Jr. about to
strong), so I’ve been working hard, loving it,
graduate from high school. Looking forward
and feel fortunate. On another note, Tulsa,
to a nice summer on Nantucket and already
OK received six inches of snow, it almost
thinking about our 35th reunion in 2023.”
shut down the town as long as COVID has
… Wilhelm Bohn hopes to be “supporting
been around. I miss the gang and hope to
renewable energy production in MA and NY.
see some of ‘y’all’ in the near future.” … We
Offshore wind fields need vessels to support
received the following news from Fredrik
maintenance efforts. Hopefully, it is my
“Tiann” and Lindley (Hall) van der Linde.
the wings and get back into the adventure
vessel out there—270 by 60 feet and virtually
“Yet another COVID casualty was the fact
routine. My twins applied to boarding schools
GHG emission-free—an emissions reduction
that our family had to cut short our two-year
for entry in the fall of 2021. They (Will and
of 10,000 metric tons of CO2 per vessel per
adventure in Hawaii. Our time at Asia Pacific
Lila) will be freshmen; that scares me. We
year.” … Chris Keeler reports, “No big news
International School was incredibly enriching
had a great visit to Holderness and got to
from the west coast. We are still just trying
for all four of us. We took advantage of as
spend a few minutes with Mr. Peck at the
to get through COVID. I am still working for
many opportunities as possible on Oahu and
fire pit in front of Livermore. Holderness
the #1 selling lemonade in the US, Calypso
three other islands, including surfing, boogie
really is awesome! We live in Chestnut Hill,
Lemonade, working around the house and
boarding, snorkeling, paddling, hiking, and
near Boston College, and would love to
trying to stay ahead of life with my wife and
mountain biking. We are happily back at
connect with local classmates when COVID
two-year-old dog, Emma. Our lemon tree
our home in Burke Hollow, VT, enjoying the
is quelled. GO BULLS!” … I agree with Dix
is bursting with lemons this winter! Going
mountains, restoring an old farmhouse and
Wheelock; it would be great to connect with
into my 52nd year on this earth; wow!” …
barn on our property, and spending the school
our classmates and Holderness again. It’s our
While the last six months have been full of
year teaching and learning at the wonderful
35th reunion next year (2022) and it would be
highs and lows, the slower pace that allows
K–8 school down the road.” … Christy (Wood)
fun to have a big crew of us there—something
for lots of family time has been a highlight.
Donovan reports that 2020 offered “Mixed
that’s never happened for our class reunions.
I am almost finished taking classes through
blessings for me. My dad passed away in
There are so many changes on the campus
Berkeley Extension towards a college and
November at age 85 after struggling with
and school program to see, a Head of School
career counseling certificate. It’s been fun,
dementia. The blessing though was that I
who is leaving to thank, cherished teachers
interesting, and something I look forward to
was able to spend lots of time with him in
who are still teaching, or cherished teachers
pursuing. I caught up with Kelley (Roberts)
the hospital, rehab, and eventually back on
who have passed away to honor. For me,
Bogardus ’91 via Zoom for an informational
Squam Lake, creating happy memories that
COVID heightened how important the small
interview assignment about her experience
I will carry with me forever. I continue to
communities I have or have had in my life;
in college counseling. The Holderness bond
manage my VA farm with 43 animals currently
Holderness is a significant one and it would
runs deep and it was great to reconnect.
including 16 chickens, 12 horses/ponies,
be pretty special to be together again after
On behalf of ’88ers, we wish the best to Mr.
seven barn cats, three dogs, two donkeys, two
so long; the memories I have of Holderness
Phil Peck on his retirement. It goes without
parakeets, and a guinea pig. The farm requires
and our class are vivid. Until next time, take
saying, the impression he made on our lives
tons of work but has been the best COVID
care. ~ Kathryn (Lubrano) Robinson
was indelible in the best way possible. ~
quarantine haven for me and my four kids
Christina “Nina” (Bradley) Smallhorn
this past year. My two college girls returned
Bruce Bohuny ’87, Chris Stewart ’88, JB Stewart (Chris' son), Steve Jones ’87, collecting early season pow turns and smiles in Jackson Hole. December 2020.
’88
home full-time for remote classes starting
’89
last spring, and my two boys have been mostly
CLASS CORRESPONDENTS Alex MacCormick
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
multitasking—doing everything except paying
amaccormick@centerlanellc.com
Brad Greenwood
full attention to their online classes. This
Christina “Nina” (Bradley) Smallhorn
brad@greenwoodbiz.com
unique situation comes with its special set of
nsmallhorn@me.com
distance-learning, becoming experts of
challenges, but the gift of seeing my kids more Brandon Perkins writes from OK, “We’ve
is priceless. My mom and I tested positive for
always heard from the ‘old people’ how fast life
COVID in April—luckily with quick recoveries
Summer 2021 | 69
CLASS NOTES
Alden “Lee” Hanson writes, “My wife Jayme
CLASS NOTES
now. Serena is on the hill coaching with the
Want to connect with your classmates?
Sun Valley Divas and Mountain Masters
Consider becoming a class correspondent
program and Lexi is working for the Sun
and encouraging your classmates to
Valley Ski Education Foundation. Though
reconnect in the HST class notes.
we don't see each other all the time, it is
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
great to know they are close by. I’ve missed
for more information. Thank you!
seeing all of my ’89ers and I know we are all looking forward to a time where we can gather again safely—especially since many of us hit
’92
milestone birthdays this year! Hope everyone
INTERIM CLASS CORRESPONDENT
is staying healthy and sane!” … As for me,
Lindsay (Dewar) Fontana ’93
2020 proved to be an interesting one for sure,
linds_dewar@yahoo.com
but the Greenwood crew survived and at times even thrived! We are remote schooling and
Want to connect with your classmates?
working and decided this would likely never
Consider becoming a class correspondent
happen again so jumped on an opportunity to
and encouraging your classmates to
get a little ski-in-and-out chalet at our favorite
reconnect in the HST class notes.
NE mountain, Jay Peak in VT. We have moved
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
after only mild symptoms—and the blessing
up here and are making the most of things and
for more information. Thank you!
now is that we have been donating blood and
getting out on the hill as much as possible.
our convalescent plasma can be used to help
Winter is here and the snow is piling up as I
Maggie Zock writes, “It's been a long time
the really sick COVID patients struggling in
write, three feet in the last few days and more
since I've submitted any news! My husband
hospitals. This year has been like no other in
to come. Bust out the fattys! David Gerasin
Pete, and I were married in Jackson Hole,
my life, and I find myself leaning on my family
’91 and kids are also up here for the season
W Y in August of 2017 and in March 2019
and friends more than ever before to help me
and we have been skiing lots with them which
we welcomed our twin boys, Charles Robert
find the strength to carry on with a bright
has been great. We hope to see some of our
Sayour and James Peter Sayour. It's been
light and to fully appreciate all the blessings
Holderness folks up here for some runs and
incredible! It's a ton of work, and worth
I have.” … Ian Kirkwood shares, “Thanks to
outside après so give a shout if you are up this
every second! They are amazing little guys.
Brad Greenwood for taking up the challenge
way. If not, see you back in ME when the lifts
We just moved to Boulder, CO in December
of marshalling content from our class! No easy
stop spinning! Cheers, Brad Greenwood.
2020 and are happy to be in the mountains
Pepper deTuro's ’90 beautiful family.
task. Celebrating my 20th year as a Telluride ski patroller (and collecting my lifetime
and the boys are enjoying all the outdoor
’90
time. Before leaving the Bay Area, I was
pass for the achievement). My fourth year as assistant director has easily been the most
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Stanford Children's in the OR. Taking a
challenging, trying to operate in a pandemic
Nina (Cook) Silitch
little break from nursing for a few months
and all, but so far we've managed to make it
ninasilitch@gmail.com
while we get settled and acclimated. Looking
happen. Hired my first Holderness alum last
working for 5 years as a pediatric RN at
forward to reconnecting with the Holderness
year, Bennett Hrabovsky ’09, who may be
Hello, Class of 90! I hope that no news is good
the best skier on our staff. I run into Chris
news and that all of you and your families
Davenport every now and then. Love to see
are well during this unprecedented time we
more ’89ers out this way!” … Amanda Black
are all experiencing. One thing that has been
’93
writes, “Well, 2020 was certainly one for the
so apparent during this global pandemic is
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
record books. It's been a year full of patience,
the power of community and I continue to be
Lindsay (Dewar) Fontana
pajamas, and gratitude for close friendships.
grateful for the Holderness community that
linds_dewar@yahoo.com
Who'd have thought we'd become so Zoom
we experienced together and that is part of
proficient? Harrison started middle school
us today. Stay safe and well. We would love
this year and has oscillated between in-person
to hear from you when you have a moment
’94
and hybrid learning. He played school soccer,
of inspiration. ~ Nina (Cook) Silitch
CLASS CORRESPONDENT Carolyn “Ramey” Harris-Tatar
is currently a U12 alpine athlete and will hopefully play lacrosse in the spring. We are
crew here in Boulder. Miss everyone!”
’91
rameyht@yahoo.com
fortunate to live in an environment where it is easy to get and stay outside! Both of my sisters
INTERIM CLASS CORRESPONDENT
I’m still working as a nurse practitioner and
Serena (Black) Martin ’91 and Alexandra
Nina (Cook) Silitch
manager at Lexington Pediatrics where I
“Lexi” Black ’16 are living in Ketchum right
ninasilitch@gmail.com
get to see kids of Holderness alums from
70 | Holderness School Today
CLASS NOTES Bjorn Franson ’96 and Field Pickering ’96. time to time. We are lucky to be surviving
Jon Conant ’96, his wife Karen and their four sons.
the pandemic well and enjoying a little more
’96
down time than usual. Hope everyone is doing
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
okay! ~ Carolyn “Ramey” Harris-Tatar
Heather (Pierce) Roy heatherbpierce@hotmail.com
’95
Arlo Storm Tankersley, son of Andy Tankersley ’97, is celebrating his first birthday with his best pal Gus, son of Sam Pope ’97.
Amanda (Knox) Hoffman
six years. Our son Jackson is 10 and Charlotte
bostonknox30@gmail.com
will be three. My husband Jonas is the head of Middle School at Germantown Academy and
INTERIM CLASS CORRESPONDENT Amanda (Knox) Hoffman ’96
Hello Holderness family. My husband, two
I own my own design studio—Studio CCLA,
bostonknox30@gmail.com
daughters (and our two dogs) are finally
LLC—which is a landscape architecture firm.
settled into our new house in Charlotte,
We work at a lot of different scales and with
Want to connect with your classmates?
VT. Our timing has at times felt a bit
a lot of different stakeholders from private
Consider becoming a class correspondent
serendipitous. This “brave little state” has done
residential properties to public parks and
and encouraging your classmates to
so much to keep residents healthy and safe
educational institutions to urban development.
reconnect in the HST class notes.
during COVID, which we feel very fortunate
We have done work from the east coast to
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
for. I loved hearing from many fellow alumni
the midwest. My website is www.studioccla.
for more information. Thank you!
over the course of the past few months. What
com. We spent this past summer in western
has resonated most in hearing from everyone
Massachusetts and northern Michigan at
Bryan Erikson writes, “For the past 17
is the connection each one of them has to their
the homes where my husband and I grew up.
years I have lived back in my hometown of
families and their careers. I can’t help but
Our parents make it hard not to come to the
Marshfield, MA with my wife Megan (now of
wonder if the seed for this success was planted
oases they built over time and it is wonderful
19 years) and my two boys (Alex, a freshman
in all of us at Holderness? I know mine was.
for the children to play with their cousins in
at UMASS Lowell, and Brady, a freshman
Wishing everyone who is reading this a safe,
the summer. They play tennis, sail, and swim.
in high school). I am currently part owner
healthy and happy 2021. ~ Amanda (Knox)
There is also a little tubing that goes on. We
of four hockey teams called the Northeast
Hoffman … Bjorn Franson notes, “My family
hope to get some skiing in this winter but
Generals. Two teams are at the U20 level,
and I are in Locust Valley on Long Island. We
are unsure if the slopes will be open. If not
one team at U18 and one at U16. I am the
moved here 11 years ago from NY right before
we will play in the streets of Philadelphia.
head coach and general manager of the
our first son was born.” … Olivier Lemire
Much love to you and your family as well
Northeast Generals’ top team that plays in
reports, “All is good on my end; my wife Aimee
as our classmates, their partners and their
the NAHL (North American Hockey League)
and I keep busy with our three kids (Juliette,
children. Stay well Holderness!” … We heard
out of Attleboro, MA. We have had over 120
14; Victor, 13; and Henri, eight). We still live
from Jon Conant who writes, “Life is great
NCAA Hockey commitments over the past
on the North Shore of Montreal. I have been
here in Rockport, MA. My wife, Karen had
five years. Love my wife, kids and my job.
working for Keurig Dr Pepper and run our
an opportunity to develop an internet startup
Everything is great at the Erikson household!”
commercial team for the Canadian market. I
with a few friends so we swapped positions
… Priscilla “Cil” Bloomfield reports, “My
made a few stops to Holderness in the last few
at the new year and I have been spending my
husband and I live in Orleans. My family
years when I was driving down to Boston for
days with my 4 boys. It has been an amazing
has been on the Cape forever, so it’s always a
some meetings with our US teammates. Miss
silver lining of this pandemic year and much
place that has felt like home. It is great to be
this place a ton!” … Carolyn Campbell writes,
more balanced than when I was juggling
here full-time after bouncing around a bit.”
“We are in Philadelphia, ‘city of brotherly
running our gym (which we sold in late 2018)
love’ and sisterly affection. Going into our
and trying to stay present with the kids.”
seventh year here after being in Boston for
Summer 2021 | 71
CLASS NOTES Dew Wallace ’98 and family at the Mounted Shooting Competition. Katy (Gannon) Bode ’98 with her family, including her newest son. things. Despite the pandemic I feel incredibly fortunate to have shared good times with most
Willow Mae, daughter of Cheryl Barnhart-Wright ’01, in her Holderness swag!
of my immediate family since last winter and along the way we welcomed another member of the next generation with the joyous arrival of my brother Evan Mullen’s ’00 second son Lennon. Among other highlights I got to share a few good times at a social distance with our classmate Becca Hanson, and Tarun Shetty’s creativity kept me laughing
Eric Mueller ’98 and his family, Anne, Eliza and Liesl, quarantining in Hawaii.
during lockdown. I also enjoyed seeing Gabe Sherman for the first time since graduation, on Zoom in December, when he shared some
’97
illuminating context in his inaugural episode
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
he spent the Trump presidency breaking
Putney (Haley) Pyles
stories for Vanity Fair. Not much else to
putneypyles@gmail.com
report but I wanted to take this opportunity
of the new Alumni Speaker Series for how
to wish everyone well. I continue to hope that
Karyn Jennings ’01 and her daughter Avery on Ragged Mountains' "Barnyard".
A new year has begun. Thank goodness. I
humanity will come away from the shared
know that I was counting down the days of
adversity we’ve faced with a stronger sense
2020. Our class correspondence was quiet
of all that we have in common.” … As for my
Want to connect with your classmates?
for this HST issue. These are busy times,
family, we are continuing to wear masks,
Consider becoming a class correspondent
unpredictable times, and likely lots of
wash hands, practice social distancing and
and encouraging your classmates to
demands on our time. As we move forward
also await the arrival of a new baby this
reconnect in the HST class notes.
into the year, we can all hopefully find some
spring. We have been longing for snow and
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
renewed energy and joy and, fingers crossed,
Mother Nature finally answered today. I
for more information. Thank you!
time to gather again with family and friends.
can see the snow angels in our yard and
… Our update this time came from Shannon
hear the squeals of laughter from my kids
Hi all. As I mentioned, I’m temporarily helping
Mullen, and she had this to share. “I’m
playing outside as I rush to get this note
out with the class correspondent role. It was
writing from midcoast ME where I’ve been
over to Kelly van Lingen! Wishing everyone
great hearing from some of you for this issue
working on a play about an artist who lives
health and safety. ~ Putney (Haley) Pyles
of the HST. Here’s what your classmates had to say. Katy (Gannon) Bode writes, “We
in the area, as well as rewriting a couple of screenplays and ‘practicing being content’
’98
welcomed our second son in July. Bec and
as my mother continues to advise. No small feat these days; I’m a writer but words keep
INTERIM CLASS CORRESPONDENT
family nature adventure hikes.” … From
falling short when I try to apply them to this
Putney (Haley) Pyles '97
Colorado, Eric Mueller reports, “Anne, Eliza,
last year. I can say this much: I am enlivened
putneypyles@gmail.com
Liesl and I decided to quarantine in warmer
to the preciousness of people, places and
72 | Holderness School Today
Rhett and the dog Kayla enjoy our frequent
climes for the holidays, escaping to Hawaii
for a few weeks. A welcome respite from the chilly mountains. Now that we’re home in CO, we need some snow!!” … And Andrew
CLASS NOTES
“Dew” Wallace notes, “We started 2021 with a bang, as our family drove from MA to FL to compete in a mounted shooting competition. While 2020 was filled with challenges, we are excited to share we are expecting a new addition to our family, a baby boy, at the end of May 2021. Our family has never been stronger and it’s been a blessing to spend so much time together. Always thankful for our experiences at Holderness, and instilling a spirit for adventure that we can pass on to our kids.” …
Caroline Evans ’03 as a Squaw Valley Ski Patrol volunteer.
Thanks for sharing this news. Best wishes in this new year. ~ Putney (Haley) Pyles ’97
’99
Ramsay (Hill) Chodounsky ’05, David, Larkey and Tippy on our front porch during the lockdown in May.
unforgettable winters at Holderness. Be well!” … Ramsay (Hill) Chodounsky checks in from
Barnhart-Wright and her husband Greg
Utah. “My husband David and I have been
Want to connect with your classmates?
welcomed their second child in 2020, Willow
hunkered down in our house in Park City.
Consider becoming a class correspondent
Mae Barnhard-Wright. “Everyone is happy
We have a 19-month-old baby named Larkey,
and encouraging your classmates to
and healthy up here in Ontario!” she reports.
and another baby on the way due in April.
reconnect in the HST class notes.
… As for me, Karyn Jennings, my year has
Teaching third grade and being pregnant
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
been wild just like everyone else's but my
during COVID has been an interesting time;
for more information. Thank you!
family and I have been doing our best staying
we have been learning in-person but also
safe, sane and keeping ourselves entertained.
going remote when cases pop up within the
’00
We have been trying to get outside as much
community. I’ve become a Google Meets pro!
as possible! Avery is ripping up the slopes this
My husband is working for a company called
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
year! We got passes to Ragged Mountain and
SE Group, which designs ski areas; right
Andrew “Sully” Sullivan
have been having a blast! If anyone is skiing
up his alley after his career as a World Cup
MyIreland20@gmail.com
there, let me know. Would love to meet up! I
skier and engineering major. Luckily, he has
also just accepted a position as the Director
been working from home and minimizing
’01
of Marketing at the Dow Realty Group out
our COVID exposure. All in all, we consider
of Wolfeboro. I'm leaving my job of 13 years
ourselves very lucky during this trying time
CLASS CORRESPONDENTS
this week, which is crazy to say but I am very
for so many. Best wishes to all in 2021, may
Karyn (Hoepp) Jennings
excited for the new challenge! I hope everyone
it be full of health and happiness.” … Ally
KarynPJennings@gmail.com
is well and I look forward to seeing you guys
Keefe reports, “Since the last class notes, I
at our (GULP) 20th reunion this summer!
have continued to work as an ER nurse in the
I’m sure all of us reading this can join Joy (Domin) Southworth in saying “oh what a
Reno-Tahoe area. Needless to say, that has
’02
been very difficult and exhausting. On a more
year.” “I am also filled with so much gratitude for my family’s good health and the ability
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
of science in nursing and passed my national
to keep my wellness center af loat. Although
Betsy Pantazelos
certification exam to become a family nurse
Gilford school may look very different this
b.pantazelos@gmail.com
practitioner! The learning curve ahead of me
year, we are very grateful our two children,
positive note, I recently completed my master
is quite steep, but I am looking forward to the
Grace (sixth grade) and Thomas (third grade),
Chelsea (Hooopes) Silver writes, “Hi there!
have been able to attend in-person this fall.
Josh, our boys (Bixby, 10; and Everett, six),
Their regular activities are cut in half but the
and I are still living in Saratoga Springs,
extra family time is a treat. My fitness studio
NY. I still run my own shop and gallery and
’03
is open for business with a limited capacity
I have been busy as chair of the board at the
CLASS CORRESPONDENTS
and a few less options, but I still guarantee
Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, NY. The boys
Nick Payeur
the same good sweat!! It will be nice to hit the
are both skiing and Bix has been racing for
ndpayeur@gmail.com
slopes at Gunstock in the coming weeks!! Drop
three years now... our weekends at Gore Mt.
Neal Frei
me a message if you are around!!” … Cheryl
and beyond still always remind me of my
nealfrei@gmail.com
challenges and opportunities of a new career.”
Summer 2021 | 73
CLASS NOTES
Emma (Schofield) Phipps ’05 welcomed her second daughter, Valorie on December 8th.
Jenn (Calver) Gaudet ’05 welcomed her daughter, Willa Audrey Gaudet on November 4. Christmas.” … Caroline “Carrie” Evans says, “Hi everyone! I am writing from Tahoe City, CA. I have moved up here for the winter as a digital nomad, and joined Squaw Valley Ski
Carlie (Bristow) Febo ’06 and husband Anthony with their daughter Luna Febo.
Patrol as a volunteer patroller to get through the winter. Hope everyone is making the best of these strange times.” … Neal Frei writes, “It has been a big year in the Frei family. My brother, Landry Frei ’08 was married this past December to his fiancé Tori and my sister Lauren Frei ’05 got engaged to her longtime boyfriend Ziad on her birthday in July. Their wedding is scheduled for October 2021. As for me, I have been getting back into CrossFit following an ankle surgery this summer. I feel very fortunate as CJ Vincent ’06 invited me to join his CrossFit crew in San Jose via
Justin Hall ’05 and his new wife Victoria Hendrickson Stephen “Jay” Connolly reports, “I recently
Casey Gilman ’06 and her new husband, Matt Trainor, on their wedding day.
Zoom. It has been a wonderful community to
teaching middle school students all sorts of
workout with every day! Looking forward to
science (because that stuff is important...
seeing everyone when things settle down.”
some people seem to have forgotten or just don’t believe in it). Our daughter Lydia is
’04
keeping my husband Mike and me quite busy
re-connected with Matt Burzon through work and have had an excellent experience
Want to connect with your classmates?
my classmates, I wish you health, happiness,
working with him and his team at The Source
Consider becoming a class correspondent
and optimism. ~ Brie (Keefe) Healy … Now
and Recruit Company, which he runs. They
and encouraging your classmates to
on to some updates! As you hopefully saw in
are a talent sourcing company that runs much
reconnect in the HST class notes.
my communications about class notes, I asked
differently than traditional ‘head hunters’ by
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
for a “one word update” to capture your life at
using technology. Matt recently ran a search
for more information. Thank you!
the moment. So here’s a few words: “gratus,”
and happy—she’s just a little joy-bomb. To all
Justin Hall; “busy,” “Emma” (Schofield)
for our new CFO and is currently running
’05
Phipps; “patience,” Jenn (Calver) Gaudet;
entire career, never have I had such a great experience finding good people. He recently
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Hickok. … Emily Sampson writes, “Hi Bulls,
moved back to VT from WI and seems to be
Brie (Keefe) Healy
I’ve been in San Francisco for four months
doing great. It’s been fun to be able to connect
healey.brie@gmail.com
and I’m really settling into the abundant
a search for a project manager. Over my
with him regularly via Zoom. Not much else
“fatherhood,” Stan Smith; “quiet,” Hannah
sunshine and outdoor adventures! Hope to
new to report here other than the Zoom call
Hi all! I’m writing from a snowy mid-January
meet up with some fellow alumni soon!” …
we all had, but maybe that was a while ago
in VT and feeling grateful and hopeful for the
Pete Schlech is doing well and reports, “My
and we already missed the most recent HST
recent change in leadership for our country.
wife Emily and I are living in Yardley, PA
notes section. We should do that again. My
While lots has changed in our new reality,
with our daughter Ruby, with a boy on the
best to you and all those up at Holderness for
not much has changed in my world; still
way in May. I’m a pilot for Delta Air Lines
74 | Holderness School Today
CLASS NOTES Taylor James ’07 and her husband Bradley on their wedding day. Kristin Keohan ’06 at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
and I just couldn't wait to be married and decided to elope in November! We just couldn't wait to start our lives together. Boulder, CO made a perfect background for an incredible wedding. A special thanks to Lauren Frei
Baird (Meem) Anderson ’08 bumped into Reed Laverack ’06 recently on the Cross Sound Ferry.
for introducing me to the love of my life.”
’06 CLASS CORRESPONDENT Casey Gilman Clgilman5@gmail.com
Krista (Glencross) Officer ’06 with her husband Peter and their baby daughter Quinn Isabella Officer.
Jesse Straus is “excited that my wife Madison is due June 7th with our baby boy!” … Jeff Meyers “spent most of the last year popping
Frei family at the wedding of Landry Frei ’08.
and work part time as a KC-10 instructor
around New England and Brooklyn working
pilot in the Air Force Reserve.” … Hannah
remotely. On the bright side I was able to
Hickok says, “I’m still living in Paris with my
spend more time with my son, who just turned
forward to making the best of 2021 now
husband Jonathan, where we’ve been through
two!” … We heard from Carlie (Bristow)
that I am officially back in Boston!” … Tai
two extended lockdowns since March and
Febo that “in early March my husband
Haluszka reports, “My husband Billy Rivellini
currently have a 6:00 PM curfew. It was our
and I were both at Holderness teaching for
and I got married this past 4th of July on
third holiday season here, but this year felt
Artward Bound when COVID-19 really hit!
the beach on Sullivan’s Island, SC! It was a
very deserted, with so many having left the
Although the program had to end early we
great, small ceremony officiated by a good
city and the majority of businesses closed. It’s
had such a wonderful time being visiting
friend with lots of fireworks!” … Krista
a strange time to live so far from family, but
artists for the special program. The rest of
(Glencross) Officer shared, “Hi! I wanted to
we take comfort in lots of chocolate croissants
2020 was spent being pregnant and then
send a quick update that my husband Peter
(boulangeries are fortunately considered
welcoming our daughter, Luna Catherine
and I welcomed our daughter Quinn Isabella
essential, so remain open). Sending wishes
Febo, on August 27th. We are enjoying
Officer on November 9, 2020 in Portsmouth,
for a happier, healthier 2021 to the whole
staying home with our new little one while
NH.” … Casey Gilman married Matt Trainor
Holderness community from across the pond!”
also learning what it means to be artists over
on December 5, 2020 at the Omni Mt.
… Emma (Schofield) Phipps and her husband
Zoom! … Kristin Keohan writes, “Despite
Washington Resort. “We were happy to be
welcomed their second daughter, Valorie
COVID, I was fortunate to see a decent
able to tie the knot, despite the pandemic
Phipps, on December 8th (class of 2038?)” …
number of Bulls this year. I hiked the White
and craziness of 2020. We even got to ski on
Jenn (Calver) Gaudet writes, “My husband
Mountains with Helena Scott, toured the
our wedding day and mother nature brought
(who now teaches at Holderness) and I just
Wyoming plains with Ashley Babcock, and
us 18 inches of new snow which made for the
welcomed a daughter, Willa Audrey Gaudet,
celebrated the marriage of Casey Gilman.
perfect day! Looking forward to celebrating
on November 4th!” … Justin Hall has had
To close out the year, I traveled to Tanzania
with a larger Holderness crew next year!”
an amazing 2020. “Victoria Hendrickson
and summited Mt. Kilimanjaro. Looking
Summer 2021 | 75
’07 CLASS NOTES
CLASS CORRESPONDENT Taylor James taylorveronicajames@gmail.com Taylor James married Bradley Abbott on September 19, 2020 at Squam Lake. “Although we had to postpone our larger wedding celebration until 2021, we were delighted to tie the knot this year and celebrate with a small group of family and friends!” … Annie Hanson
Ana "Lina" (Encalada) Goodwin ’09 outside her new place in Durham.
reports, “I am currently living and working remotely from Hanover, NH while my fiancé gets his MBA at Tuck. We are getting married
Emma Locke ’09 and her fiancée.
August 2021 in Quechee, VT.” … Marina Pappas is working with Julia Ford ’08 and
Jaclyn Vernet ’11 and wine walks with Jessie
Stuart Abelson on a nonprofit Stuart created
(Potter) King-Geovanis.” … Greg Ramey has
in Betsy O'Leary's honor, Better Faster
been staying safe and healthy while seeing
Together. More information can be found on
Holderness friends around the country: Ax
the website: https://betterfastertogether.org/.
Hayssen ’07, Dan Marvin, Andrew Grace ’09, Jessie (Potter) King-Geovanis, Baird
’08
(Meem) Anderson, and of course, Jaclyn
CLASS CORRESPONDENTS
pandemic to work on my group travel app
Baird (Meem) Anderson
called BACH—travel can’t come back soon
bairdmeem@gmail.com
enough!” … Haley Hamblin and her fiancé
Jessica White
Josh are still taking advantage of working
white.jessica.madigan@gmail.com
remotely. They’ve settled in Victor, ID for the
Vernet ’11. “I've used the down time in the
Ally (Stride) Lloyd's ’09 almost 8-month-old son, William.
ski season. She’s “loving living somewhere Annie Carney and Jessica White decided
with winter again, DC winter never really
the furniture in my apartment, re-watching
to avoid travel restrictions and rent a house
cut it.” … John “Tyler” Markley has been
Schitts Creek, and taking up activities I see
in Ludlow, VT for ski season. We’re looking
working remotely from NH and just south of
on Instagram. I recently knitted a sweater
forward to seeing some classmates on the
Cocoa Beach in FL. “It’s been a throwback to
that weighs 300 pounds and turned out to be
slopes! … Haley Wilich has recently gone
the spring lacrosse trips but without the 6:00
itchy. Other than that, I still work at Brandeis
through some changes in her life but has been
AM beach runs.” … Jessie (Potter) King-
University (from home) and am helping my
able to lean on her Holderness family for
Geovanis writes, “Since my last check-in I've
brother Jack Hyslip ’10, as best I can, with
support, and is doing much better. She is living
launched a virtual online platform for yoga,
his new gym (Plano Athletic Club); check
on the beach in Seabrook, NH and spending
wellness, and community, called Within (www.
it out on Instagram and Facebook! … Polly
weekends skiing with Annie Carney and
be-within.com). Due to this, I was fortunate
Babcock is still living in Denver and working
Jessica White. … Landry Frei got married in
to spend the past year partly between New
at Starz Entertainment as a photo production
December 2020 to Victoria (Tori) Hudson in
Orleans, Miami, and the mountains in upstate
specialist. She usually has her hands on some
a Catholic nuptial mass in Altamonte Springs,
New York. If there's one thing I'm grateful
sort of personal photography project, and
FL. They are living in a new house in Salt Lake
for about 2020 it’s that I was gifted so much
loves the artist community in Denver. In her
City, UT, enjoying all the outdoor activities the
unexpected time with family. I cohabitated
free time she can be found on the mountains
West has to offer and skiing on “the greatest
with my brother, sister, and parents for at
doing an adrenaline-rushing sport or cozy at
snow on earth.” … Dan Marvin spent two
least three months last year which was totally
home indulging in yoga and healthy cooking.
months working remotely and traveling the
unexpected and such a welcome treat :) For
… Sacha Gouchie is reading, teaching and
Midwest, going from Montana to Arizona
now, I'm excited to keep growing Within as
coaching. But her main occupation is cuddling
before finishing up in California. “Great to see
it’s allowed me to connect with people all
her cats, making tea and playing in the snow
Steve Smith ’09 and Eric Wolcott ’06 when
over the world and offered a welcome sense
with her dog. … Baird (Meem) Anderson
in Bozeman. Greg Ramey and I have taken
of community during this time.” … Gretchen
writes, “Not much has changed since my last
our talents to South Beach and are currently
Hyslip says “Hello out there! Doing all right.
update! I’m still teaching in person at Spruce
posted up in Brickell. Frequent visits from
I’ve spent my pandemic days rearranging
Street Nursery School in Boston and living
76 | Holderness School Today
CLASS NOTES
William Cosgrove ’73, Alex Rospos (Friend of Kelsey), Kelsey Muller ’09, Joe Muller ’06 meet in Bend Oregon for the first unofficial Central Oregon Alumni and friends of Holderness. Emily (Marvin) Rider and her husband are
Cody Bohonnon's ’09 dogs Phoebe and Oscar.
living in Bow, NH and both work as school counselors. She'll graduate with her CAGS in Education this spring. They welcomed a son,
Brian Friedman ’10 enjoying a little down time.
Liam, in August 2020. … William “Cody” Bohonnon and his wife Jessie bought a place
meantime, she escaped to Jackson Hole where
in Stratton, VT near the ski area and moved
she and her sister are living (also hanging
up here this fall temporarily. Both of them
out with fellow ’09 alum Amanda Ryan) and
are working remotely and enjoying a bit more
fitting in as much skiing between work as
space in a new place compared to NYC. They
possible. … Laney (Hayssen) Forton is living
have been enjoying life near the mountain,
in NYC with her husband, Max. She is in the
getting outdoors with friends and family in
process of co-founding a company in the rare
the area. They also got a second dog, Phoebe,
disease space. Stay tuned for more! … Meghan
just after Christmas and have been enjoying
McNulty is an assistant district attorney in the
watching her grow and play with their other
Manhattan DA’s office. She has worked there
dog, Oscar, who is one-and-a-half years old.
since she graduated from law school almost
… Andrew Reilly is still living in Greenwich
five years ago! … Ana “Lina” (Encalada)
in London and experiencing UK lockdowns
Goodwin recently moved into a new home
over the last year. He did get a vacation in up
in downtown Durham. She’s looking forward
to the Scottish Highlands in August when
to seeing fellow Holderness alumni at Holly
restrictions were lifted, but other than that
Block’s wedding in July! … Jake Manoukian
in Cambridge, MA. In my free time I’ve been
“it’s been working from home overlooking the
has been very busy honing skills both new
rowing a lot outdoors (on an erg) at Row
Thames. Could be worse! In 2021, I can’t wait
(Peloton) and old (f ly fishing) while trying
House, FaceTiming with friends (especially
to meet my new nephew (son of Jenn (Reilly)
to remain socially distant and sane through
Haley Hamblin!), and continuing to add
Gorman ’04) when we can travel safely
the pandemic. Jake and his wife are still in
to my vinyl record collection! Recently, I
again!” … Emma Locke is getting married
New York City and can’t wait to see all the
made a music account on Instagram for fun
this May in South Carolina. She is marrying
other Big Apple Holderness alums when the
(@bees_beats), just to share my records,
a Tabor guy—YES, a Tabor guy...but don’t
weather warms up and/or we get vaccinated.
other music I’m enjoying at the moment,
worry, their kids will be going to Holderness.
… Meredith Peck is halfway through her
etc. I miss my Holderness friends and I can’t
;) … Megan Currier has spent the past year
first year of anesthesia residency at Maine
wait until we can get together again once
leading a team of global supply managers on
Medical Center in Portland. She is excited for
everything is back to normal! … Jordan
iPad, navigating a new supply chain landscape
her dad to retire so he can come hang out :-)
Gonzales just opened Bad Habit Disc Golf &
in the world of COVID-19, working to get
… As for me, My son is almost eight months
Collectibles in Denver! 10% off for Blue Bulls.
iPads into the hands of as many students and
and doing great, he's such a happy little
parents as possible to enable both remote
man. I’m including a pic for those who don’t
’09
work and school. While difficult, working
get spammed following me on Instagram :).
remotely has its advantages. She spent the past
I’m still working for Match—we launched a
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
nine months living on the east coast with her
fun end of year campaign. If you didn’t see
Allison (Stride) Lloyd
family, while she and her boyfriend worked on
it—sharing it at https://www.youtube.com/
stride.ally@gmail.com
a van conversion. They plan to live and work
watch?v=K ABSYzPqTTg. ~ Ally (Stride) Lloyd
Chris Borsoi ’09 welcomed his daughter, Sofia, on September 8, 2020. She's wearing a sweater from her uncle George Weaver ’09.
from the van once she is finished up! In the
Summer 2021 | 77
CLASS NOTES
’10
forward to skiing with some classmates in
lots of Bulls!” … Cole Phillips writes, “After
March (Jamie McNulty, Emily Hayes and
half a decade teaching skiing and guiding
CLASS CORRESPONDENTS
Sam Macomber)! Hope to see my fellow
f ly fishing in W Y I have moved to Portland,
Elise (Steiner) Hacker
Bulls soon!” … We heard from Juliet Dalton
ME. I’m looking forward to reconnecting
elisehsteiner@gmail.com
who says, “During the pandemic, I was lucky
with alumni of Holderness on the East coast.”
enough to spend last spring and summer up
… Andrew Howe notes that he and Cole
Brian Friedman writes, “I’m currently back
at our family lake house on Champlain, and
Phillips’ 12-year streak of living together has
in Boston and working on a few wellness,
I also took the leap to quit my job! I’m now
finally come to an end after Holderness, SLU,
travel, and sales tech startups. I’m moving out
working full time (more than full time!?) on
Bozeman, and Jackson Hole, W Y. Andrew
to Whitefish, MT for the winter.” … Wesley
my functional nutrition practice. I work with
says he’s too addicted to biking and skiing and
Mitchell-Lewis says, “Thanks to 2020 being,
women who struggle with digestive, skin,
is refusing to leave the west to start a “real
I’m sure, all of our favorite year, not too much
and hormonal imbalances. I’ve even had a
life.” … Catherine “Casey” Powell says, “Hi
has changed for me. Living and working in
few Bulls in some of my group classes, which
everyone! I’m finding it hard to believe it's
South Boston. I am starting to pursue my
I have LOVED!” … Alex Kuno notes, “I have
been 10 years since we’ve graduated (and that
MBA at UMass Amherst’s Isenberg School
been working and living in Burlington, VT for
we are becoming those people that say things
in the spring 2021 semester. Hoping that the
nearly six years. Still playing hockey whenever
like that now). I am currently living in San
winter in New England sees a bit more snow
I can and doing a bit more skiing now than I
Francisco working at an elementary school
soon and looking forward to the Class of 2010
have in the past. I have been f lipping a condo
as their emotional intelligence educator. I
rescheduled (thanks 2020) 10 Year Reunion!”
that I bought almost two years ago and will
moved here after living in Bend, OR for four
… As for me, Elise (Steiner) Hacker, my
be finally ready to sell in the spring!” … Alex
years where I worked as a behavior coach for
husband Michael and I recently moved out of
Gardiner is living in Salem MA where he
kids with trauma. I ref lect back to my time at
Boston and bought a house in the suburbs! We
and his girlfriend just bought a house! …
Holderness fondly, wincingly, and with pride. I
settled in Winchester, MA. It’s been nice to
Charlotte Noyes is living in South Boston
hope everyone is staying healthy and relatively
have a yard for our dog Bailey to run around
and has been with her company for over 5
sane.” … Kyle Long lives on the Jersey shore
in. We spent the holidays in VT and were able
years! She is excited for her brother, Beckett
where there is a lot of fist pumping. There is
to do some skiing, which was great. Looking
Noyes ’08, to welcome a baby into the family
no fist pumping in his management position
forward to the nicer weather and spending
this spring. The baby will join fellow baby
at a Trader Joe’s. … Sam Macomber writes,
more time outside. … Nathan McBeath
Bulls with Charlotte’s cousins Emily (Noyes)
“I am living in UT and enjoying the many
currently resides in Boston while working
Grunow’s ’03 daughter and Kelly Casey’s
Holderness friends who also moved to the
for a rapidly growing oncology-focused
son! … Klaus Vitzthum writes, “I’m headed
mountain west! Grateful for all the Bulls who
biotechnology firm. He and his fiancée are
off to The Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate
love to play outside, especially during COVID
counting down the days until they can safely
School of Management at Cornell for my
times. … Jamie McNulty has been living in
say “I do” in Chicago on October 2, 2021.
MBA this coming fall. Hopefully it’s not
UT for almost five years. “I love seeing all of
online the entire year.” … Desi Bennett says,
the Holderness alumni who come through or
’11
“Hi all! I’m currently a fourth year medical
are living here,” he shares. “I started working
student at the University of Massachusetts
for a small custom metalworker here and have
CLASS CORRESPONDENTS
and will be graduating this June! I’m applying
been busy learning the trade. I also got a pup
Cecily Cushman
into residency for plastic surgery, and am
during all of the pandemonium so it’s been
cncushman@gmail.com
currently on the interview trail. ‘Match Day’
fun showing him around!” … Carson Houle
Jamie McNulty
is in March, which is when you match with
reports, “I continue to work for an investment
jamcnulty20@gmail.com
a program (essentially you are placed at a
management firm in the NYC area and have
certain residency based on a ranking system).
been living in Portland, ME for the last year
Jaclyn Vernet reports, “I have been spending
It will be a nerve-wracking day, but definitely
with Sarah “Ashby” Sussman ’10. I have
time between Miami and NYC for work,
looking forward to it. I applied all over the
enjoyed biking, going to the beach and skiing
enjoying the warm weather down south and
country, so I could end up anywhere for the
in Maine and NH this year and look forward
seeing Greg Ramey ’08! Recently, I started
next six years. Only time will tell!” … Amanda
to seeing more Holderness alumni around!” …
working in real estate with my business
Engelhardt reports, “I’m still living and
Zhach Pham is “living in Denver working as a
partner Robbie, enjoying this new adventure.
working in Boston and running up to play in
product manager at a fintech firm and seeing
Hope everyone is safe and healthy!” … Cecily
the White and Green mountains every chance
Holderness peeps on a pretty regular basis!
Cushman writes, “I have been living in
that I get! And even though the pandemic
Oh and I started a company recently called @
Marblehead, enjoying skiing at Sunday River
has made it hard to see friends this year, I’m
snostrip that’s going well. I actually worked
on weekends and got engaged over Christmas!
super excited for Samantha “Sam” Devine,
with Eliza Cowie ’12 to set up a partnership
Took classmate Juliet Dalton’s class on
Margaret Thibadeau, and Gabbie Raffio’s
with POW.” … Patrick Sullivan writes, “Over
healthy nutrition which was amazing! Looking
’10 weddings this summer! Hoping to see
the past few months (since November) I have
78 | Holderness School Today
CLASS NOTES From Molly Monahan ’12: A translocated BlackFooted Albatross chick at James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge. been working on the Biden-Harris Transition Team in the Domestic Policy Cluster. I’m very excited to announce I have joined the
Hope Heffernan, Sasha Jones and Maggie Roberts (all class of 2015) met up this summer in Duxbury, MA, in lieu of the postponed 5-year Reunion . The only thing missing was our dear friend Teagan Mosenthal ’15 and the rest of the 2015 crew who we hope to see soon!
Jake Rosencranz ’15 and Leah Curtis ’15 enjoying a winter hike.
Biden Administration to work in the Office of Management and Budget! I can’t wait to help
I am hoping to head north this year for some
build back a better economy where workers,
skiing with Samantha Cloud and to see Erica
especially those usually left behind, are safe,
Steiner's new condo in Boston.” … Stephanie
secure, and empowered at the workplace. I am
Symecko is “living and working in Austin,
incredibly thankful for those whose guidance
TX. Recently graduated from the Global MBA
allowed this dream to become a reality.”
program at IE Business School in Madrid, Spain. Got a COVID puppy (@bert.the.bernedoodle)!”
’12
’13
CLASS CORRESPONDENTS Alex Leininger
INTERIM CLASS CORRESPONDENT
leiningerbalex@gmail.com
Alex Leininger ’12
Kristina Micalizzi
leiningerbalex@gmail.com
kmicalizzi08@gmail.com Want to connect with your classmates?
Commissioned officer Grace Lawrence ’16 of the United States Navy.
Molly Monahan reports, “Not sure I’ve filled
Consider becoming a class correspondent
out a class notes since graduation but a brief
and encouraging your classmates to
catch-up—I’ve been working in conservation
reconnect in the HST class notes.
Hope Heffernan recently started a new job
and climate change mitigation in HI since 2019,
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
at Minute Media, working primarily on The
most recently on seabird translocations and as
for more information. Thank you!
Players’ Tribune account as an integrated marketing coordinator. Alexandra “Sasha”
a biologist on the implementation of predator
’14
Jones lives just a block away from me in
endangered seabird preserves along the Na Pali coast. I’ve been lucky enough to be working
Want to connect with your classmates?
are always looking for some Bulls to hang
since the beginning of March as an essential
Consider becoming a class correspondent
with,” she writes. “Hit us up if you ever find
worker but can’t wait to get back to NH for some
and encouraging your classmates to
yourself in the Big Apple! … Leah Curtis
much needed snow time. Maybe once we’ve all
reconnect in the HST class notes.
says, “Hello from Denver! I’m out here in
vaccinated we can have Holderness School’s (first
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
CO with Jake Rosencranz and, despite an
ever?) HI reunion.” … Brian Tierney has some
for more information. Thank you!
unusual year, we’re still making the most of
proof fences in Kauai for the establishment of
exciting news. “This past year I proposed to my
NY, so we are able to get together often and
living near the Rocky Mountains. We get to
’15
see the lovely Nikki Blair while she’s on ski
July of 2021,” he writes. … Kristina Micalizzi checks in from DC. “It has been a crazy past
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
and have had some fun visitors (like Maggie
few months here in Washington DC, but I was
Hope Heffernan
Roberts) out to visit. I work in corporate
fortunate enough to spend time outside the city
hopeheffernan@gmail.com
communications for RE/MAX and Jake is
fiance and have started planning a wedding for
with Sara Mogollon enjoying Virginia’s wineries.
patrol up at Copper Mountain on weekends
a project engineer for Howell Construction.
Summer 2021 | 79
CLASS NOTES
We always love seeing Holderness friends
Many of us are gearing up to graduate this
Ellie Batchelder writes, “Due to the
who are visiting or just passing through
spring! I (Elizabeth Johansson) have
combination of COVID-19 uncertainties and
Denver on their way elsewhere!”
one more year of undergrad at Quinnipiac
the high stakes of this past election, I took the
University since I switched my major from
fall semester off from school to work on Sara
’16
health science studies to nursing! … Connor
Gideon’s campaign for US Senate. Despite
Preston writes, “I'm planning on working
the outcome, it was an incredible experience,
Want to connect with your classmates?
in corporate sports, likely for a major sports
and I have now returned to Colby College
Consider becoming a class correspondent
marketing and talent rep agency after
for the spring semester where I am studying
and encouraging your classmates to
graduation in the spring.” … Liz Casey
government and environmental policy."
reconnect in the HST class notes.
reports, “I recently completed my history
Contact us at alumni@holderness.org
senior thesis examining the ways in which
for more information. Thank you!
various components of the post-Civil War
’19
Southern carceral system worked to preserve
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Grace Lawrence is commissioned as an
the social and economic functions of chattel
Lilly Patterson
officer in the US Navy and forward deployed
slavery. My research was enlightening and will
lgp011@bucknell.edu
with the USS Milius, an Arleigh Burke-class
definitely inform my work post-graduation;
Aegis guided missile destroyer homeported
I hope to explore professional opportunities
Tanner Ensign says, “Hi all! Hope everyone
at Naval Base Yokosuka, Japan. Milius is
that will combine my interests in education
is doing well and staying safe during the
designed to simultaneously perform anti-air,
and United States history. Aside from my
pandemic!” … Bryn Donovan is “currently
anti-submarine, surface, and strike warfare.
studies, I’m looking forward to making
an RA at Ithaca College majoring in culture
She is also a ballistic missile defense platform,
the most of my final semester at Bates by
and communications with a minor in Deaf
capable of providing theater and homeland
playing club ultimate frisbee, volunteering
studies. I play club rugby and mentor a young
protection through her ability to detect,
in the local elementary schools, and taking
girl through the Big Brothers Big Sisters
track, and engage ballistic missiles. The
advantage of the great ME outdoors!”
organization. This has been a whirlwind
ship’s motto, “Alii Prae Me” meaning “others beyond myself,” echoes Holderness School’s values of community, character, and service.
year, but my family and friends are doing
’18
our best to stay safe and healthy.”
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
’17
Stuart Clifford
’20
stugclifford@gmail.com
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
CLASS CORRESPONDENT
Sarah Rogers
Abby Vieira
Elizabeth Johansson
sarahro524@gmail.com
abigail.e.vieira@gmail.com
ecjohansson17@gmail.com
Luke Valentine lukevalentineoms@gmail.com
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! What’s happening in your world? Holderness School Today wants to know! Have you: ▪ Changed your mailing address or email? ▪ Had an addition to your family? ▪ Volunteered for an important cause?
▪ Embarked on an exciting professional or personal adventure? ▪ Experienced a chance encounter with another Holderness alumnus or alumna?
Send your photos, updates, and news to alum@holderness.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
80 | Holderness School Today
Spring is in the air. May 6, 2021.
Spring 2021 | 81
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The Class of 2021 casts a long shadow after their Prize Day ceremony. May 16, 2021.
