Fall 2021 Retirements (Dave Fredrikson and Ken Berg) and Welcome to LA (Jackelyn Iorio and Sheri Lanni) 13 Meet the Parents’ Association

In November 2021, Dave Fredriksen retired from Lawrence Academy after 11 years of employment. As a member of the buildings and grounds (B&G) team, Dave’s focus was on the care and cleaning of several campus buildings: Elm Tree, Dr. Green, the Alumni Development House, and the field houses. But like every member of the B&G crew, Dave did far more than his specific responsibilities and helped out wherever and however he was needed.

Particular strengths of Dave’s are his incredible precision and attention to detail. His event set-up skills are legendary; he was known to use a yardstick when arranging the dining hall tables, making sure they were “just so.” Dave was also appreciated by his colleagues for being able to sense when something wasn’t quite right; on two occasions, he intuitively knew when pipes were in danger of freezing, and the problems were fixed before it was too late. Dave’s value at Lawrence Academy was known to all who worked with him, and we will all miss his diligence, humor, and knowledge.

Ken Berg retired in October 2021 after 22 years of employment in Lawrence Academy’s IT department. Providing support for faculty, staff, and students, he was known for his commitment to excellence, thoroughness, and professional integrity. Without fail, Ken would choose the correct way to solve a problem, even if it wasn’t always the easy way.

Affectionately called “the most interesting man in the world” by his immediate colleagues, Ken has a fascinating personal history that includes military service, tractor sales, lightning strikes, and travel adventures. The entire LA community will miss Ken’s patience and even-keeled demeanor. We wish him the best of luck in his retirement as he builds his dream home for his loving family and pet cats.

L-R: Austin Bradstreet, Jason Bernadini, Brian Feigenbaum, Ken Berg, and Paul Husted

WELCOME TO LA

Jackelyn Iorio joined LA as the senior leadership administrative assistant in March 2022. She has a B.A. in family community services, with a specialization in child and youth development, from Michigan State University and has completed additional continuing education coursework in special education at Simmons College. Prior to coming to Lawrence Academy, Jackelyn was the assistant to the dean of academics at Hillside School and previously held positions at the New England Center for Children and the Community Mental Health Authority. Sheri Lanni joined LA as a part-time nurse in December 2021. She has a B.S. in nursing from Simmons University and certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Crisis Prevention Intervention. She worked at Winchester Hospital for 19 years, first as the evening charge nurse in the emergency department and later as a nursing supervisor and a nurse manager. Sheri also works as a substitute school nurse in the Groton-Dunstable Regional School District. Her favorite thing about working at LA is interacting with and caring for the students. Sheri loves working on her family’s little homestead in Groton: raising chickens, gardening, and tapping maple trees. In the summer, she enjoys swimming with her family.

FALL PARENT CLASS DINNERS

For some, Fall Class Dinners were an opportunity to reconnect with parents and faculty; for others, it was a chance to meet new friends at a time-honored LA tradition. The festive and welcoming mood in the Park House tent was a promise of things to come for both new and returning families. Attendance at each dinner was excellent, and all events were followed by virtual, class-specific parent programs. PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION MEETING

With much anticipation, parents were thrilled to be meeting in person once again at the LA Parents’ Association Kick-Off meeting on Sept. 21. After a warm welcome from Head of School Dan Scheibe, updates from Assistant Head for Student Life Libby Margraf, Assistant Head for Equity and Community Life Raquel Majeski, and Director of Parent Advancement Tonya Kalmes, LAPA Chair Heather Swartwood P’23, ’23 and Vice-Chair Amy Kelly P’23 presented opportunities to get involved and introduced the chairs of individual committees.

LAMP HOLIDAY DINNER

On Dec. 16, Lawrence Academy welcomed current LAMP families and young alumni for a holiday celebration on campus. This gathering provided an opportunity for parents, students, alumni, and families to make connections with the school and each other. Over a delicious meal, provided by Flames Restaurant, and with plenty of holiday cheer. We hope that this is a new tradition at LA. THE ROLE OF THE PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

The function and purpose of the Lawrence Academy Parents’ Association is to promote a sense of community, fundraise, and serve as an educational conduit. All current parents are invited to participate. The chair and vice-chair of the Parents’ Association communicate directly with the Advancement Office and the administration, serving as liaisons and providing information and support to the parents, faculty, and administration of LA.

Chair Heather Swartwood P’23, ’23 Vice-Chair Amy Kelly P’23