Academy Journal, Winter 2022-2023

The Ac ademy Journal

Groton Hill Music Center — New Neighbor. New Partner. See inside (p.30)

Board of Trustees of Lawrence Academy • 2022-2023

Jason Saghir P’19, President

Phyllis Rothschild P’20, Vice President

Karen Mitchell Brandvold ’82; P’16, ’17, Secretary

David Stone ’76, Treasurer

Robert Achtmeyer ’97

Pamela Amusa ’06

Ronald Ansin P’80, ’83, ’85, ’87; GP’03, ’05, ’14

Katherine Beede P’16

Melissa Bois P’22

G. Randall Chamberlain ’79

Cyrus Daftary P’25

Susanna Gallant P’20, ’24

Hise Gibson P’24

Courtney Cox Harrison ’83

Kiyohiko Hirose ’94, P’22

Bradford Hobbs ’82

Robin Jones P’25

Samuel Liang P’18,’19

Douglas Long P’15, ’18

Bruce MacNeil ’70, P’04

David Mazza ’01

Michael McLaughlin P’23, ’23, ’25

Peter Myette P’00, ’03

Devin O’Reilly P’24

Taylor Sele ’02

Gordon Sewall ’67

Edward Steinborn P’23

Alex Sugar P’19

Richard Tyson, Jr. ’87

Stephen Wilkins

HONORARY TRUSTEES

Lucy Crocker Abisalih ’76

George Chamberlain III P’79, ’81

Albert Gordon, Jr. ’59

Albert Stone P’74, ’76; GP’15

Benjamin Williams III P’82, ’84

Alumni Council 2022-2023

Carolyn Balas-Zaleski ’84; P’17, Past President

Pat Donoghue ’06, President

Marianne Crescenzi Balfour ’88

Victoria Wellington Hanna ’97

Christopher Hazzard ’03

Lindsay Latuga Howard ’00

Victor Howell ’08

Paul Husted ’64

Ann Steward McGuire ’03

Catherine Floyd McMenamin ’97

Clare Noone ’14

Ben Stone ’15

Editorial Team

Kate Engstrom, faculty – learning coach

Caitlin O’Brien, director of advancement communications and operations

Joseph Sheppard, college counselor, retired

Angela Stefano, editorial consultant Editorial Council

John Bishop, director of communications

Chris Davey, assistant head of school for institutional strategy and advancement

Prudence Glover, program manager for alumni advancement and trustees

Jo-Ann Lovejoy, chief advancement officer

Layout/Design/Production

Dale Cunningham, graphic designer

Photography

Jonathan Gotlib, associate director of communications

Kirsta Davey (cover photo)

F ROM H EAD OF S CHOOL D AN S CHEIBE P’23, ’24

Happiness of Community

Probably every year, but certainly on the occasion of 230 years of existence, it is worth rehearsing how Lawrence Academy came to be here in the first place. Short story: a group of people got together and wrote to “the Honourable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts” with a “petition,” which “humbly observeth”: That the happiness of community requires the dissemination of knowledge and learning among all classes of citizens.

Intriguing that such a well-worn idea adjacent to “happy community” had such an early and explicit use in the opening line conceiving an educational institution in 1792. The remaining statements of the founding documents have a lot of bureaucratic “whereas” and “therefore” baked in, along with highminded reflections on civil society appropriate to a republic in its foundations. But the foundation, the petition, the incorporation, the genius, rest in this idea of the “happiness of community.”

Later in the “petition” the writers “humbly observeth” something else: We have procured as commodious, pleasant and salubrious a spot for the building, as any in the town & perhaps in any other town throughout the Commonwealth. Before moving on to the practical matter of governance and fiduciary structure in this act of incorporation, the writers felt compelled to note that the school was going to be built in a very pleasant location.

These areas of focus, “humbly observed” as they may be, are right on target. The tone and spirit of a community matter, and the setting in which education takes place matters. School environments need to be carefully tended, in culture, in program, and even in the buildings themselves. This Journal covers school building within board governance, DEI, the Academic Program, and our fledgling partnership with Groton Hill Music (another salubrious spot across town).

You will also a hear a good deal in the coming months about our ambitions for the Community Commons — a project that has been at the center of our campus master planning and our initial campaign planning. While this is “just a building project” (albeit an ambitious one), the more important context is the intersection of mission, identity, and strategy. It is this century’s effort towards “the happiness of community,” less a renovation project than a re-foundation project.

Lawrence Academy is dedicated to “the dissemination of knowledge and learning among all classes of citizens.” As they started to say in the mid-19th century around here, “Omnibus Lucet.” Our ultimate concern is community building in both the local and the global sense. The idea of The Greater Good posits that the “happiness of community” within school promotes the “happiness of community” outside of school. We are as excited, motivated, and clear-eyed in executing this work now as we were 230 years ago, when our humble observations became ambitious and grounded realities.

That the happiness of community requires the dissemination of knowledge and learning among all classes of citizens.

LA at a Glance

February 14

Literary Magazine Event

Lawrence Academy’s Literary Magazine hosted producer and writer Glen Mazzara, best known for his work on The Walking Dead, Damien, and The Shield, for a one-hour Q&A on screenwriting and his experiences as a writer and producer in Hollywood. The Lit Mag’s own Alexandra Kelly ’23 moderated the Zoom Q&A with Mazzara, and students watched and interacted virtually from locations around campus.

March 3

Winterim Is Back!

Lawrence Academy’s long-standing tradition of experiential education returned to the elm tree-shaded hillside. Experiences last year included on-campus favorites like Quilting and Board Game Design, and trips including Exploring the South Carolina Coast and Kids, Community and Eco-Sustainability in Puerto Rico.

February 21

Rise Against Hunger

Lawrence Academy’s Rise Against Hunger Club once again shared their love for giving back by holding the eighth annual meal-packaging event on campus. With help from students from Groton-Dunstable Regional High School, the LA community packaged 30,456 meals, bringing the all-time LA total to 142,992.

April 4

LA at Carnegie Hall

Members of the Lawrencian Chorale traveled to New York City to perform at Carnegie Hall for the fourth time since 2014. Supervised by Director of Music Jenny Cooper, LA students collaborated with peers from throughout the country to perform with a large choir and a symphony orchestra.

April 15

In-Person Assembly

For the first time since March of 2020, the entire LA community of students and faculty gathered in the RMPAC for the all-school Friday assembly, led by the Senior Cabinet. The return to in-person assembly also meant the return of a fan-favorite assembly game, the “Spartan Relationship Game!”

April 9

Casino Night

During LA’s on-campus weekend, students were treated to a casino night in the Gray Building. The dress-up affair gave Spartans the opportunity to play a variety of casino games as well as a chance to trade in their winnings for prizes.

April 18

Mees Visiting Scholar

Lawrence Academy welcomed Dr. Carrie Nugent, Assistant Professor of Computational Physics and Planetary Science at Olin College (and expert on Near-Earth Objects focusing on asteroid detection), as our 2022 Mees Visiting Scholar. Dr. Nugent presented her public talk entitled “Near-Earth Asteroids: Why Dinosaurs Should Have Studied Physics” to the community.

April 25

Cum Laude Day

The Lawrence Academy tradition of Cum Laude Day was back in person and on campus. The ceremony included student inductions into the Cum Laude Society along with departmental book awards for academic excellence and effort. Additionally, the Greater Good Award was given to Robyn Glaser ’86.

April 22

The

LA Talent Show Returns!

Students and faculty packed the RMPAC to see musicians and performers of all kinds take the stage. Congratulations to all of the acts. They were a talented bunch!

May 11

Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day

The beloved tradition of Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day is back! LA students were able to spend the morning with their grandparents and special friends as they attended classes, ate lunch, and explored campus.

May 20

Senior Cabinet Assembly

The assembly on May 20 was the last one for the 2022 senior cabinet of Meech Danas, president, Shaneice Nugent, vice president, and Andrew Huang, secretary and treasurer. We welcomed our new senior cabinet of CJ Schuster, president, Jinny Buransombati, Vice President, Ruona Ewhrudjakpor, secretary, and Tommy Whitlock, treasurer this year.

May 23

In-person One-Acts Have Returned!

This time-honored tradition is an enormous part of our culture, and this year’s productions certainly did not disappoint. Congratulations to all of our directors and their casts.

Spring 2022

D2D3 Signings

On Thursday, June 2, the Lawrence Academy Athletic Department held a Senior NCAA D - II and III recognition event just before the Class of 2022 gathered on the Quad for Senior Dinner. Fourteen seniors, their families, and friends made their way to the Stone Athletic Center to celebrate those athletes continuing their careers in college.

Lauren Cloherty, girls’ ice hockey, Salve Regina University

Jack Cunningham, boys’ lacrosse, Centre College

Ian Curley, boys’ lacrosse, Drew University

Fenix Figueroa, football, Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Travis Foster, boys’ lacrosse, Endicott College

Henry Graf, baseball, Trinity College

Khristian Karibian, boys’ soccer, St. Anselm College

Lainie Lemieux, girls’ ice hockey, University of New England

Jack McLaughlin, baseball, Tufts University

Em Moran, crew, Wesleyan University

Travis Perrault, boys’ soccer, Endicott College

Hannah Squires, girls’ ice hockey, Stonehill College

James Webster, baseball, Clark University

Liam Yardley, baseball, Bates College

Twenty-seven LA Spartans will join collegiate athletic teams in the fall.

#ArtsAtLA

Jinny Buranasombati ’23

Abigale Moran ’22

Elliott Paulek ’23

Emma Zhou ’24

Liv Ristaino ’23

Zahria Huggins ’23

Jacey Marsh ’22

Spartan Highlights

LA Takes ISL Baseball Crown with 10-0 Win Over Tabor

Yes, the score was 10-0. Yes, the ISL championship winner was a no-hit shutout for junior pitcher Justin Morris ’23. However, even the late game explosion — started by senior captain James Agabedis’ home run — doesn’t entirely cover the tooth-and-nail, hardscrabble effort of the Lawrence Academy varsity baseball versus Tabor on May 27 and throughout the entire 2022 season (12-3 ISL, 17-4-1 overall; top 8 in NE Prep School Poll).

“The camaraderie and the coming together of that leadership were just something I hadn’t seen, even in 2011, when we went undefeated,” said long-time baseball head coach Chris Margraf, comparing LA’s last two championship baseball squads. “You know, there was just something different about this group.”

Jack McLaughlin, ISL Most Valuable Player, ISL All-League Selection and Boston Globe All-Scholastic

James Agabedis, ISL All-League Selection

Tucker Brown, ISL All-League Selection

Liam Yardley, ISL All-League Selection

Henry Graf, ISL All-League Honorable Mention

Keagan Ryan, ISL All-League Honorable Mention

James Agabedis

Justin Morris ’23

A Superlative Spring for LA Girls’ Track

This past spring season featured an incredible showing for the LA Spartans girls’ track team.

At The New England Prep School Championships, Nicki Key ’24 and Shaniece Nugent ’22 dominated the Long Jump, 1 and 2, respectively. Nicki took the title with 16' 08", earning a new school record for the Spartans.

Other superlatives at NEPSACs: Shelby Richards ’22 – 4th in Shotput, Nugent also earned second in triple jump, while Key took 3rd in the triple jump.

Prior to her NEPSAC appearance, Nugent became the ISL Champion of the triple jump (34' 10" 3/4) and placed second in the long jump (16' 07")

“We are unbelievably proud of these three athletes for raising the bar for the entire track program,” said Head Coach Nicole Murphy.

Nicki Key ’24

Shaniece Nugent ’22

# GoLASpartans

Spartan Highlights, cont.

... and More Spring Teams

Boys’ lacrosse (9-7) earned a No. 5 seed in the first-ever ISL lacrosse championship, falling to No. 4 St. Sebastian’s in the quarterfinals.

Jack Taylor, ISL All-League Selection, Zachary Auble, ISL All-League Honorable Mention, Gavin Begonia, ISL All-League Honorable Mention, Cameron McGinty, ISL All-League Honorable Mention, Logan Reed, ISL All-League Honorable Mention, Auggie Swartwood, ISL All-League Honorable Mention

Softball – C.J. Jahnle, ISL All-League Selection, Abigale Moran, ISL All-League Honorable Mention

Golf – ISL Team Sportsmanship Award

Girls’ Lacrosse – Meaghan Sheehan, ISL All-League Honorable Mention

229 Years and Counting...

After two years of alternate Commencement programming and locations, LA’s graduation exercises returned to the Quad to celebrate the Class of 2022

by John Bishop

Despite ever-darkening clouds, thoughts of rain couldn’t dampen the on-campus anticipation of Lawrence Academy’s 229th graduation exercises.

Thankfully, Mother Nature cooperated on June 3, 2022. At 10 a.m., LA was prepared as faculty, family, friends, and fellow students joined the Class of 2022 for their final moments as LA students under a massive, almost circus-style tent.

Of course, the once-and-future Spartans’ day began at 5:11 a.m., when the soon-to-be graduates joined Assistant Head of School Libby Margraf on Murbach Field for “Senior Sunrise.”

The sun didn’t show, but dozens of seniors did and were very ready for their final class picture, traditionally taken in front of the Gray Building just before the Class of 2022 donned their caps and gowns for the ceremony.

After an introduction from Head of School Dan Scheibe, Senior Cabinet President Demetra Danas introduced keynote speaker Shabana Basij-Rasikh, founder of the School of Leadership in Afghanistan. Then, elected senior speakers Elizabeth Crandall and Kevin Lorden talked about their LA experience.

“COVID altered three years of our high school career,” said Demetra, or “Meech,” as she is known. “Events canceled, Mondays became online... Yet regardless of being in person or online, in the classroom or over Zoom, we were able to attend school every day and received an extraordinary education.”

Shabana Basij-Rasikh told the seniors, “We aren’t the same, you and I. We come from very different backgrounds, and there were very different roadblocks put between us and our educations.

“But we overcame them,” added the activist. “And we didn’t do it alone – we had our families behind us, we had

our teachers behind us, we had people who believed in us, and now here we are, together at commencement."

Looking ahead, the senior speakers had some words of wisdom for the Classes of 2023, 2024, and 2025.

“Anyone who wants to get the most of their time at Lawrence Academy has to learn very quickly that there is nothing on this campus that you are too cool for,” explained Elizabeth Crandall. “There is so much offered... but if you

think to yourself that you are too cool to participate in these activities, you’ll never understand why this place is so special.”

“Some advice for the students seated in the back; continue to be yourself because eventually, you’ll meet the right group of people,” added Kevin Lorden. “Embrace everything... you may not believe it, but these are some of the most memorable and fun years of your life.”

During his remarks, and thinking of the trying times during which the gathered seniors went to high school, Mr.Scheibe told the Class of 2022, “You have drawn deeply on your personal resources of strength and of will.

“You have embodied the basic desire to grow and thrive. You have practiced becoming who you are by your interests and your commitment.

“We are not just proud,” he added. “We’re grateful.”

Shabana Basij-Rasikh

Elizabeth Crandall

Kevin Lorden

“Regardless of being in person or online, in the classroom or over Zoom, we were able to attend school every day and received an extraordinary education.”

– Meech

“You have embodied the basic desire to grow and thrive. You have practiced becoming who you are by your interests and your commitment.”

– Dan Scheibe

GRADUATION AWARDS 2022

Senior Awards

The Adrian Chen ’92 Award (linguistic and cultural fluency): Andrew Huang

The Benjamin Davis Williams Prize (leadership and innovation): Kaitlyn Nguyen

The David Thomas Kinsley Prize for Public Speaking: Faith Massoni

The Faculty Award (conduct and character): Laura Sackett

The Ferguson Prize for Leadership: Shelby Richards

The Howard Glaser ’55 Award (school spirit): Bitsy Crandall

The Mary Elizabeth Chickering Prize (academic accomplishments and wholesome attitude): Henry Graf

The Melvin Mann Award (leadership and respect): Nathalie Pierpont

The Norman and Catherine Grant Award (sportsmanship): Gavin Begonia

The Pillsbury Prize for Character and Conduct: Sydney Ting

The Pillsbury Prize for General Improvement: Jenesis Perrin

The Raymond A. Ilg Jr. Award (achievement in athletics): Matt Ragan

The Richmond Baker Prize (athletic leadership): Maddy Ryan

The Thomas Park ’29 Memorial Award (loyalty and dedication): Hannah Squires

The Treisman Prize for Superior Scholastic Achievement: Meaghan Sheehan

The Whitehurst Prize (exceptional growth): Matty Berg

Underclass Awards

The Carl A.P. Lawrence Award (competence and loyalty): Owen Benedict

The Dartmouth College Book Award (intellectual and extracurricular leadership): Alexandra Kelly

The David Soren Yeutter Memorial Award (appreciation of natural beauty and LA): Rachel Leung

The Harry and Ann Davidson Prize (effort to achieve): Annie Pendleton

The Harvard Book Prize (scholarship and character): Sergei Leonov

The James E. Baker Prize (development in attitude and scholarship): Mac Ribner

The Margaret Price White Award (motivation and work ethic): Madeline Gibson

The Thomas B. Warner ’75 Memorial Prize (determination to achieve): Ham Swartwood and Liv Ristaino

The Proctor Award (integrity, initiative, and responsibility): Vincent Lamberti

LA’s Community Service

by Caitlin O’Brien

Lawrence Academy’s mission, “Lawrence Academy recognizes you for who you are, inspires you to take responsibility for who you want to become, and empowers you to take action for the greater good,” is demonstrated every day through the school’s community service program.

The belief at Lawrence Academy is that helping others is an ongoing act of community citizenship, not something that is done once and forgotten about. The school hopes to instill an understanding and appreciation of the importance of community volunteerism, and that students will experience true joy in “taking action for the greater good.”

Every LA student is required to complete six hours of community service during each academic year. These service hours can be accomplished by volunteering for organizations in the students’ home communities, or through the regular opportunities provided by LA nearly every weekend. Some of the more popular school-based service projects include: Rise Against Hunger Club, Blanket Making, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

Working for the Greater Good

Rise Against Hunger Club

The Rise Against Hunger (RAH) Club is responsible for managing all service projects related to food insecurity: organizing the food collection for the Groton Neighborhood Food Project every two months, fundraising for and participating in Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger, and facilitating the annual meal-packing event.

Despite the RAH Club’s current list of accomplishments and responsibilities, the group did not start out as a club, but as a once-per-year service project. In 2015, then-Sophomore Sam Rosenstein ’17 worked with Assistant Dean of Students Kimberly Poulin to raise the funds needed to host the first meal packaging event for the Rise Against Hunger organization. The

event was so successful that it has been repeated on campus for seven additional years. For five of those years, LA students have partnered with students at the Groton School and the Groton Dunstable Regional High School to create even more impact.

In 2022, their efforts resulted in 30,456 meals packaged for Rise Against Hunger, bringing their eight-year total to 142,992. Each meal package serves six, and contains rice, soy, vegetables, and a mineral and vitamin packet. Fundraising plays a significant role in this project; to run a packaging event, the sponsoring organization must raise at least $3,500, which covers the costs of about 10,000 meals.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is a national nonprofit with a local chapter in Littleton, Mass., dedicated to building, assembling and delivering bunk beds to children and families in need. This particular community service project is completely hands-on. Using woodworking tools such as saws, drills, sanders, and hammers, volunteers measure, level, make true woodcuts, stain, sand, and brand wood, while focusing on the mission of getting children beds of their own.

The first time LA students volunteered for SHP was in 2019, and they have been back every year since. Similarly to the RAH packaging event, there is also a fundraising component required for this activity. Each bed, including the bunk bed frame, a twin mattress, and bedding, costs $250, and LA students have developed creative fundraising opportunities to meet their goal of 15 beds per building session. The students raised money through donations from parents, a grant from the Groton-Pepperell Rotary Club, a calendar raffle, a “Spartan Sweethearts” candy sale, assessment week care packages, and a baking contest.

Kaitlyn Nhi Nguyen Service Society

This society was established in 2022 by the Community Service Advisory Board in honor of Kaitlyn Nguyen ’22 (pictured right), who volunteered over 200 hours in three years, all through various Lawrence Academy-sponsored service projects. To become a member of the Kaitlyn Nhi Nguyen Service Society, a graduating senior must have volunteered an overall total of 100 or more hours for Lawrence Academy-sponsored community service projects. Kaitlyn was announced as the inaugural member at the last Friday assembly of 2022 and the CS Advisory Board challenged other students to earn their place in the Kaitlyn Nhi Nguyen Society by the time they graduate.

Blanket Making

For many years, students have provided Project Linus with one-layer hand-made blankets to support the organization’s mission of providing blankets to children at hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, or wherever there is a need.

In October of 2020, Brita Martin ’22 led an effort for LA students to make blankets for Blanket Me, a non-profit in her hometown of Andover, Mass. that provides care for those without shelter, as part of her community service requirement. Each double-layer blanket made counts for one to two hours of community service. Started during the pandemic, this project was repeated the following year and the students' efforts were rewarded with grants from the Groton-Pepperell Rotary Club and the Parents Independent School Network (PIN) to purchase blanket-making supplies for future years.

Working for the Greater Good

Why LA faculty engage in year-round DEI work

by Angela Zimmer

Recognizing students for who they are and keeping the light shining for all requires an accessible, welcoming community. To that end, Lawrence Academy’s Office of Equity and Community Life is creating curriculum around diversity, equity, and inclusion that engages each and every Spartan — faculty included.

“There are always opportunities to grow and change and become the next iteration of yourself; we’re always asking students to do that work, and I think it’s important that adults get the opportunity to do the same type of thing,” says Meghan Smith, LA’s director of DEI professional growth and practice.

so that whoever comes in the room has a way into what you’re doing.”

Meghan, who focuses primarily on faculty DEI work, has led the development of a year-round, research-based DEI curriculum for both teaching and non-teaching LA faculty. Beginning this past summer, faculty were given required “homework” — a selection of books, news articles, podcasts, and webinars — that introduced the topics they have been covering, and will continue to cover, throughout this school year. Their education happens in a variety of spaces: during Academic Leadership Team meetings that convene the dean and assistant dean of academics, assistant head of school for academic life, and academic department chairs; in full-faculty cohort gatherings, as well as cohort gatherings for first-, second-, and third-year teachers; and in assigned equity and inclusion groups, led by the faculty members of varying races, backgrounds, and departments who are on the Equity and Inclusion Task Force.

Since the summer of 2020, Assistant Head for Equity and Community Life Raquel Majeski and the Office of Equity and Community Life staff have made a priority of working with LA faculty separately from students, through multiple avenues, and at a variety of levels.

“Lawrence is a school that believes that best teaching and learning practices incorporate DEI,” says Meghan. “We’re trying to help people understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion work isn’t just about race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, things of that nature, but actually, it includes all people and it’s something you can execute in teaching and learning philosophy no matter who’s in your class …

“For a cultural shift to happen, you need to have dedicated time, resources, and consistency … Trying to slide the work into preexisting places doesn’t allow everyone to participate … and also, it’s easy to shove aside DEI work and say, ‘I don’t have time for this.’ Creating institutionally sponsored spaces ensures that everybody is included in the work,” Meghan explains. Adds Raquel, “I’m hopeful that because those spaces are intentional … that’s going to create a level of accountability and support.”

As LA’s teachers do in their classrooms, those facilitating this DEI work meet each person where they are and help them work at their different paces toward the same goal. While buy-in has been greater this year than ever before, people are still at different levels — “and that’s okay,” Raquel notes.

“We just need,” she continues, “to be actively on this journey.”

“We’re trying to help people understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion work isn’t just about race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, things of that nature, but actually, it includes all people.”

We Love Our Parents!

The Annual Parents Association Spring Social and Fundraiser

After a two-year hiatus, Lawrence Academy was thrilled to welcome back nearly 200 guests on May 7th for this long- standing tradition of the LA parent community. We are pleased to announce that the 2022 Annual LA Parents Association Spring Social, “Our Common Ground,” raised nearly $50,000 in support of the LA Fund.

Thank you to the outstanding leadership of co-chairs, Elizabeth Masterson (Nick ’21, Caroline ’23) and Sarah Bast (Griffin ’23) whose commitment, support, and vision, were invaluable. Our gratitude is further extended to the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, Robin Jones (Eden ’25) and the entire Spring Social Committee. Because of the dedication of so many, this unique LA tradition was a resounding success.

As always, LA forwards another sincere “thank you!” to the entire parent community for its outstanding support of this annual event, which furthers the mission of Lawrence Academy and contributes to the pursuit of excellence in all areas of school life.

co-chair Sarah Bast

Master of Ceremonies Robin Jones

co-chair Elizabeth Masterson

Welcome to the Parents Association President and Vice-President

With much gratitude, we say goodbye to outgoing Parents Association President, Heather Swartwood (Auggie ’23, Ham ’23) and thank her for her incredible dedication and leadership of the parent community throughout the 2021-2022 academic year. This year, we are thrilled to welcome last year’s Vice President, Amy Kelly (Alex ’23, Addi ’26) as the 2022-2023 Parents Association President. Amy will partner with Jeana Colangelo (Alex ’25) as the new Vice President, to continue to promote a sense of community, serve as a liaison between the parents, faculty, and administration, and lead all Parents Association efforts. We’re excited to be working with Amy and Jeana this year.

LA Celebrates Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day

On February 23rd, thanks to the amazing leadership of Debie McSweeney (Ashley ’24, Summer ’24) and the team of parent volunteers, LA faculty and staff were celebrated and treated to a gift bag and chance to win 10 amazing raffle items at the annual Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day. Raffle items ranged from a Gibbet Hill gift card to Celtics tickets. Everyone was overwhelmed by the show of gratitude and support from the parent community.

Amy Kelly and Jeana Colangelo

L-R: Debie McSweeney ’24, ’24, Brenda Kline P’25, ’26, Carrie Walsh P’25, Casey Hodnett P’25, Becky Marken ’25, and Tonya Kalmes (Director of Parent Advancement)

Welcome to LA

Jason Beauchamp joined Lawrence Academy’s information technology department, as an IT technician, in June. A graduate of Fitchburg State College and Mount Wachusett Community College, Jason comes to LA from UKG in Lowell, Mass., where he had been a senior desktop support engineer since late 2017. Jason’s previous work experience also includes roles at Groton’s Deluxe Corporation (technical support analyst II), Boston’s Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky, and Popeo, P.C. (various positions from 2008 through 2015), and Bain and Company in Chicago, Ill. (senior presentation specialist/graphics trainer).

A new learning coach for the 2022-2023 school year, Abby Boucher- Lavigne comes to Lawrence Academy from Dexter Southfield School in Brookline, Mass., where she’d worked as an upper school learning specialist and field hockey, basketball, and softball coach since 2019. Previously, Abby was a school counselor at Sage School in Foxborough, Mass., and a mental health counselor at Oliverian School in Pike, N.H. She has a B.A. in social and political systems from Pine Manor College and both a M.S.W. and an M.B.A. from New Mexico Highlands University.

Emerald Carter has joined Lawrence Academy as the director of diversity, equity, and inclusion programming. Emerald holds a B.A. in sociology from Tufts University and a M.Div. degree from Union Theological Seminary. Prior to arriving at LA, Emerald taught history, coached girls’ thirds squash and JV baseball, and served as a dorm assistant at Middlesex School in Concord, Mass. Emerald also has experience coaching squash and baseball, and as a children’s ministry coordinator.

This fall, Beth Crutcher joined Lawrence Academy as the director of development. Prior to coming to LA, she worked at Vermont Academy, in Saxtons River, Vt., as the director of advancement; from 2016 until 2021, she served in the same position at England’s American School in London, and from 2011 until 2016, she was the director of institutional advancement at Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart in Princeton, N.J. Beth holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern

Michigan University and a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Sarah Chadwick joins Lawrence Academy’s development team as a program manager for parent advancement. She previously served as the development and community engagement coordinator at Wellan Montessori School in Newton, Mass., and has teaching experience as well. Sarah is a graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College and the Longy School of Music, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance and a master’s degree in opera performance, respectively. She also holds certifications in Montessori education and professional fundraising.

Jessica DeVito ‘10 is a new Lawrence Academy French teacher this school year. After graduating from LA, she earned a B.A. in French from College of the Holy Cross and she spent her junior year at the University of Strasbourg in France. Jessica spent two school years teaching English to university-level and middle-school students in France and worked as a classroom assistant at Boston’s French Cultural Center for about two years. She comes to LA from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where she’d been working as a senior clinical research coordinator since 2015.

Susan Fallon is Lawrence Academy’s new senior leadership administrative assistant. Previously, she served as an administrative assistant at Chelmsford High School (2018-2022) and Groton School (20062017), and she also has experience as a transcriptionist, marketing sales manager, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts leader, and Sunday School teacher. Susan studied at Indiana University — Bloomington, from which she received a B.A.) and Indiana Business College, where she took courses in medical transcription and terminology).

Nate Gartner is a new math teacher at Lawrence Academy for the 2022-2023 school year. Since receiving a B.S. in middle grades (6-9) math and science education from the University of North Carolina — Wilmington in 2016, Nate has been teaching math at Cheshire Academy in Connecticut. There, Nate

Whether they live on or off campus, all faculty participate in Lawrence Academy’s residential life program, either as dorm parents or affiliates. Additionally, all serve as advisors, and most have coaching or extracurricular responsibilities as well.

also served as a dorm head and coached track and field and JV football. From 2016 through 2019, Nate also worked as waterfront director and a math and science faculty member during Cardigan Mountain School (Canaan, N.H.)’s summer programs.

Emily Giddings has joined Lawrence Academy’s history department. Emily arrives at LA from Wellesley, Mass. High School, where she taught social studies since 2011. At WHS, Emily also served as an advisor for several clubs, as the Student Congress faculty advisor, and on the Faculty Senate. Emily is a Boston University (B.S., social studies education) and Harvard University (M.L.A., museum studies) graduate, and received a certificate in school leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Also new to the Lawrence Academy history department in the 2022-2023 school year is Robert (Bobby) Gilmore, a 2019 Harvard University graduate (B.A., sociology with a minor in African American studies) and a 2022 graduate of the University of Massachusetts — Amherst (M.Ed. with a focus on history and English education). In Dongguan, Guangdong, China, Bobby taught English and advised students involved in Model United Nations at Uniwise Bilingual School’s summer program in 2018 and 2019; he also has experience as a teacher, coach, and student advisor at Belmont Hill School, Catholic Memorial School, and Springfield Public Schools’ STEM Middle Academy, all in Massachusetts.

Erica Reynolds Hager ’88, P ’16 has joined Lawrence Academy’s language department as a Spanish teacher. Erica studied at Syracuse University (B.S., drama with a minor in Spanish.) She has done graduate work at Syracuse and in theatre the University of New Hampshire. Erica worked at Applewild School in Fitchburg, Mass., for 28 years, including 16 years as Applewild’s Upper School Head. During her time at Applewild, she also taught drama, Spanish, and English, and served as the performing arts department chair. Additionally, Erica has taught Spanish at Worcester Academy and spent several years working at Lawrence Academy’s summer arts camp.

Francine (Francie) McColgan has joined Lawrence Academy as a French teacher. Franny holds a B.A. in German from Wayne State University and an M.A.T. from the Upper Valley Graduate School of Education, and she is also a certified mindfulness teacher. She has taught French at Hopkinton Middle School (2017-2019), Needham High School (2019-2020), and Bedford High School (2020-2022), all in Massachusetts.

Sonya Nuñez is Lawrence Academy’s new director of advancement services. A graduate of Rhode Island College (B.A., public relations) and the University of Phoenix (M.B.A.), she has nearly 20 years of experience in coaching and mentoring advancement teams. She comes to LA from Berkeley Hall School in Los Angeles, where she spent five years as a data analyst, but she has also worked at several other schools in California and for the Motion Picture Television Fund Foundation.

Jonah Richards is a new English teacher at Lawrence Academy this school year. A graduate of Bates College (B.A., history), the University of Rochester (M.A., English), and the University at Albany (Ph.D., English), Jonah has worked at the University at Albany since 2012 as a teaching assistant and writing tutor (2012-2013) and then as a lecturer (2013-2022). Previously, Jonah was an English teaching assistant at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics in Limestone, Maine.

Annie Schneider, a 2013 graduate of Assumption College, has joined the Lawrence Academy math faculty this school year. Annie holds a B.A. in math and education and, since 2018, has been teaching math at CATS Academy Boston, where she also served as a grade dean, house parent, and coach. Annie has also worked at Milton Academy and The Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, Mass.

Welcome, New Lawrence Academy Trustees!

Dr. Hise Gibson, P’24, of Lexington, Mass., is a technology and operations management professor at Harvard Business School. He has more than 25 years of experience in the U.S. Army, and he has been honored with numerous awards for his leadership, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star (twice), and the Air Medal for service in combat.

Dr. Gibson achieved the rank of colonel before retiring from the Army in 2021. He previously worked as a professor of systems engineering at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he established the Systems Decisions and Analysis Center, and as battalion commander in the historic 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C.

Dr. Gibson has extensive board experience, including as a trustee of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where he is a member of the Quality Improvement and Risk Management Committee. He also serves on the finance committee for the West Point Association of Graduates. His other advisory board affiliations include membership in the Advisory Council for the MITRE Corporations Public Sector and the National Association of Corporate Directors.

Originally from Lufkin, Texas, Dr. Gibson holds a D.B.A. in technology and operations management from Harvard Business School, a M.S. in operations research from the Naval Postgraduate School, a M.S. of military operational art and science from the Air Command and Staff College, and a B.S. from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Additionally, he is a graduate of Santa Clara University's Black Corporate Board Readiness Program.

Katherine Beede, P’16, of Concord, Mass., has worked for The TJX Companies, Inc. since 1997. She is currently a senior vice president and director of marketing, responsible for overall leadership and strategic management of marketing efforts for T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. She is also deeply involved in T.J. Maxx’s multi-decade partnership with Save the Children and has been a member of the charity’s Corporate Advocacy Board since 2019.

Ms. Beede’s previous roles within TJX include vice president and marketing director for both T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods. While in the latter role, she developed strategic alliances with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Jimmy Fund and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Prior to joining TJX, she spent 10 years at advertising agencies in Boston and Philadelphia.

Ms. Beede is a graduate of Trinity College in Hartford, Conn. (B.A., American studies) and attended the leadership and strategic impact executive education program at Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business. She and her husband Rob have two daughters, and she is originally from New York City.

Robin Jones, P’25, of Wayland, Mass., is an independent consultant for nonprofit organizations and funders with more than 18 years of experience providing advisory and strategy services; assisting in developing and evolving organizational strategies, priorities, and metrics for success; and developing partnerships that enable entities to grow their work and maximize their impact. She also has extensive experience in restructuring, rebuilding, and re-engaging boards and helping nonprofits diversify their volunteer leadership.

Ms. Jones has a long history of active nonprofit involvement, including positions on the boards of the Boston Children’s Museum (including five years as Development Committee chair), the Carroll School, the Crittendon Women’s Union (EMPath), the Rian Immigrant Center, Roxbury-Weston Preschool, Tenacity, and Wide Horizons for Children. She has also served as president of the Wayland Swim and Tennis Club, the Ellie Fund’s Governance Committee chair, an overseer for the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, and on the Governance Committee of the West End House Boys and Girls Club of Boston.

Previously, Ms. Jones worked as the director of marketing, communications, and public affairs for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children; a writer and patient communications director for the Women’s Health Study; and a political producer and freelance reporter covering state, local, and national affairs for news organizations including WHDH-TV and WBUR-FM. She holds a B.A. in journalism from Northeastern University and has been a guest lecturer at the Institute of Nonprofit Practice, Emerson College, and the Northeastern University School of Journalism.

Cyrus Daftary, P’25, of Waban, Mass., is a tax principal and the national operations leader for KPMG’s Information Reporting & Withholding Tax Service practice and KPMG International’s Global Automatic Exchange of Information Network. He also leads KPMG’s New York Ignition tax practice, identifying, accessing, and using advanced tools to craft forward-thinking technology solutions for tax-related challenges.

Prior to joining KPMG, Mr. Daftary was the co-founder and CEO of IHS Markit | CTI Tax Solutions, where he managed the consulting practice and was integral in designing and implementing various systems for clients; a partner at the law firm of Burt, Staples & Maner, LLP; and a partner at another Big Four firm. He also served as a member and chairman of the IRS Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee.

Mr. Daftary has lectured extensively and has served as an adjunct professor at Suffolk University School of Law, Northeastern University’s master’s program in taxation, and Suffolk University’s Frank Sawyer School of Business. He is also the co-author of three editions of the E-Business Legal Handbook.

Mr. Daftary currently serves on the BINA Farm Center’s Advisory Board. Previously, he has served on that organization’s Board of Directors and on the Board of Trustees for Western Reserve Academy.

Two Pioneer Women Trustees Helped Shape LA

By Joe Sheppard

When Ben Williams was hired to succeed Arthur Ferguson as Lawrence Academy’s headmaster in 1969, he was given a mandate to return the Academy to coeducation. This he accomplished after just two years at the helm: LA’s first female seniors in three-quarters of a century received their diplomas in June of 1972. The fall of the that school year also saw the inclusion of women on the faculty.

When Lucinda Bunnen brought her son Robb ’73 up from Atlanta to interview at the Academy (which his cousin Andy Franklin ’68 had recommended), Ben knew after meeting her that he wanted Mrs. Bunnen on LA’s board of trustees. Fortunately, Robb enrolled beginning in the fall of 1970, and a remarkable woman became the first female member of the board.

Mrs. Bunnen, who died last May at the age of 92, was, in Robb’s words, “fearless, adventuresome, and incredibly intuitive.” A family trip to Peru for her 40th birthday sparked a lifelong passion for photography. Upon her return, she took a photography course at the Atlanta College of Art, thereby

launching a brilliant career. Encouraged by Lee Witkin, owner of the Witkin Gallery in New York, she started collecting photographs, and her collection flourished over her long lifetime. “She’s given several thousand pieces to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, and basically created their photography collection,” Robb explains.

Mrs. Bunnen was also a philanthropist, supporting arts giving and equal rights through a family fund. Brett Abbott,

Mrs. Bunnen, was, in Robb’s words, “fearless, adventuresome, and incredibly intuitive.”

L UCINDA B UNNEN

former curator of the High, called her “a kind of patron saint of photography in Atlanta and certainly the High.”

Mrs. Bunnen’s tenure as a trustee of Lawrence Academy roughly paralleled Robb’s time at LA and the launch of her career as photographer and philanthropist. They were exciting years for her personally, and she was more than capable of meeting the challenge of helping guide the school through that turbulent time of transition. Ben Williams could not have made a better choice for the Academy’s first female trustee.

Lucy hasn’t stopped trying out new things since her years at LA and Bowdoin College. “Volunteering her life away” is simply her way of describing a life of service to others.

Lawrence has thanked Lucy, first with the Founders’ Day Award and then, more recently, by naming her the first woman honorary trustee. “We’ll see what responsibilities that brings,” she says with a smile.

Whatever they may be, LA will once again be a better place for her having been here.

“I love being able to be helpful,” says Lucy (Crocker) Abisalih ’76, who served on the board of trustees for almost two decades, a good deal of the time as its vice president. Four school heads, from Steve Hahn through Dan Scheibe, benefitted from her energy and dedication to the school and the important matters of the day. Diversity; the balance of day and boarding students; the need for physical improvements, such as the planned expansion of the Gray Building; capital campaigns — “a lot of the same things I’m sure they’re wrestling with now,” as she says.

Serving on a board of trustees was not a new experience for Lucy, who says she’s “pretty much volunteered my life away.” After a short stint as an editor for a publishing company, she realized that she could do more good as a volunteer. “I stayed home with the kids and got on the local school committee,” she explains, “and then it kind of kept going from there.” In addition to chairing a couple of land trusts, she serves or has served on numerous boards of trustees, including that of the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, based in Fitchburg.

Lucy’s three years as a student at LA were as busy and productive as her time as a trustee. “I do remember trying out just about anything that came my way,” she recalls. She was an honors student, captain of the girls’ soccer and lacrosse teams, and a member of the 1975 girls’ soccer team that is now in the LA Athletic Hall of Fame. She was also a mainstay of the glee club’s alto section and co-editor of the yearbook. As her college counselor described her, Lucy was “one of those people who make the place run.” Her humor and her laugh were infectious, and she left a void in the student body when she graduated.

As her college counselor described her, Lucy was “one of those people who make the place run.”

L UCY (C ROCKER ) A BISALIH ’76

w w

LA at Groton Hill: A New Symphony w w

by Joe Sheppard

Four or five years ago, people driving along Old Ayer Road in Groton started to notice changes to the familiar landscape. Temporary fences went up; a stone retaining wall was built; a couple of old farm buildings were torn down; and a dirt road, labeled “Construction Entrance,” led into the empty field.

For a long time, the only visible “construction” was a big pile of dirt, but gradually, rumors turned into news: a magnificent new music center, the gift of an anonymous donor, was being built on the property, which had once belonged to rock musician J. Geils. Indian Hill Music, based in Littleton, would be moving back to Groton. The organization’s roots were in town, where it started as a small music program offered by the Groton Center for the Arts in the mid-1980s.

As the building started taking shape, so did an idea in the minds of Lawrence Academy’s Director of Music, Jenny Cooper and Director of the Arts Dina Mordeno: an expanded partnership with Groton Hill Music. Jenny, now in her tenth year at LA, explains, “For the past ten years, we’ve been working with Indian Hill Music (now Groton Hill Music) to provide our students with private voice or instrumental music lessons. The Indian Hill Music teachers would come to LA to provide these lessons, or our students would go to their facility in Littleton.”

In recent years, Jenny has done a wonderful job refining LA’s core oncampus music offerings while continuing to cultivate the partnership with Indian Hill Music to supplement what Lawrence provides as both academic and extra-curricular music options for students. “Choral music is central to LA’s idea of voice, creativity, and all those things,”

“Music acts like a magic key, to which the most closed heart opens.”

- Maria von Trapp

Gwenyth Dahl ’26 and her instructor

Jenny explains, elaborating on LA’s on-campus music program offerings. According to Jenny, students can elect to join the Lawrence Academy Singers, which is part of the regular arts curriculum, or the Lawrencian Chorale, a larger, extracurricular chorus of students and faculty that meet in the evening. LA’s on-campus music curriculum also includes voice, piano, guitar, and ukulele lessons as well as Performance Studies, a course for instrumentalists. With the opening of Groton Hill Music’s new facility less than a quarter of a mile from campus, Jenny is now able to provide an even broader complement to LA’s on-campus offerings, particularly for the more serious musician.

Having Groton Hill Music as a resource to supplement LA’s instrumental music offerings this fall has been wonderful. “LA’s size limits the breadth of our instrumental music program and it’s been challenging to offer our wide range of instrumental students a sense of belonging when everyone is at a different level and interested in a different genre,” says Jenny. “Groton Hill Music allows our more advanced students to play with 35 to 40 other musicians of their ability, so it’s incredibly exciting to see the looks on kids’ faces when they come to the music wing this fall and they pick up their instruments and say, ‘I’m off to a lesson and an ensemble practice at Groton Hill Music.’ I have heard more requests from students to open the practice rooms outside of academic hours than ever before!”

Currently, about 20 Lawrence Academy students go to Groton Hill Music for private lessons, and eight of the 30 musicians in Sinfonia, Groton Hill Music’s highest-level youth orchestra, are from LA.

Dina Mordeno emphasizes, “LA@Groton Hill is how we have branded our program in partnership with Groton Hill Music.” She adds, “This is a great partnership. We have worked with

Pete Robbins, the Director of Education at Groton Hill Music, to make sure that all the logistics work well for the students. Some have lessons right after school and before sports, and others take lessons and participate in ensembles during the dinner hours before study hall.”

For the near future, Dina continues, “We’re working together to provide the residential component for a summer day and boarding music camp that Groton Hill Music is planning on offering this summer and beyond. The plan is for students to be housed during the evening on the LA campus and go to Groton Hill Music during the day for various summer programming. We’re working on the logistics for a summer 2023 launch.”

Somewhere on the horizon as the partnership grows, is a conservatory program for very serious musicians. These students, as Dina describes, “will have a specialized schedule so that they can do more music lessons: theory, writing, independent work, ensemble work. They’ll likely also work with master

Anthony Coston ’24

classes at Groton Hill Music, as well as doing work here. And the goal will be to allow these students to earn a specialized diploma from LA that will have a music conservatory ‘addition’ to it.”

Generosity and working toward the greater good are fundamental to Groton Hill Music’s mission. As Groton Hill Music Marketing Director Dave Leary puts it, “The thing about a gift like this [facility] is that it comes with a charge — a responsibility to become worthy of this space, to become a regional music education and performance and outreach leader. As time goes on we will be able to serve more students here and hopefully more students out in the community … Right now, for education, we serve about 79 communities.”

Dina echoes Mr. Leary’s sentiment: “Groton Hill Music’s mission is to share music with everybody, regardless of need,” she says. “This is one of the things that drew us to each other. Our missions are very in line with one another — meeting kids where they are, getting people what they need, and providing creative outlets for them. This program that we've built is really helping us expand music for students beyond what we could provide here on campus.”

What a treasure. What a gift.

“Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

- Casablanca 1942

Performances at Groton Hill Music Center

Sinfonia:

Sunday, Jan. 15, 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 13, 1:00 p.m.

Lawrencian Chorale and Vista Philharmonic

Orchestra: Voices Rising

Saturday, May 20, 7:30 p.m.

wPerformances at Lawrence Academy

Winter Ensembles Concert:

Tuesday, February 21, 7:00 p.m.

Student Recital:

Friday, February 24, 6:30 p.m.

Spring Ensembles Concert and Student Recital: Thursday, May 25, 6:00 p.m.

“This program is helping us expand music for students.”

— Dina Mordeno

Kayla Nguyen ’25

Ketan (KK) Gordon ’23

“I Didn’t Know How I’d Get There, Exactly!”

by Angela Stefano

As a member of the band Phish since 1985, Page McConnell ’82 has traveled the world and lived a life most can only imagine. But, some of his favorite memories take him back to Groton, Mass.

“I look back on that year as one of the best years of my life, I really do,” says Page, who spent his senior year at Lawrence Academy. “Sometimes things just work out and you feel like you’re in the right place at the right time and everything is happening in a positive way. Even though it was just one year, I remember so many names and faces, and fun experiences we had together.”

Born in Philadelphia and raised in northeastern New Jersey, Page enrolled at LA after attending Gill St. Bernard’s School, which offered a non-traditional academic program. “I was really, genuinely not a good student,” he admits, but he thrived at Lawrence. He played soccer and golf (even though, he admits, he wasn’t a particularly strong athlete), and got involved in the theater program — “a nice, well-rounded experience,” he describes, during which he “grew up a lot.”

“I applied myself enough to do pretty well for senior year,” Page remembers.

“Lawrence Academy felt very progressive and … probably what I liked most about it was it was my first experience leaving home, living away in a dorm, and I just enjoyed the freedom … People, whatever they were into, seemed to be a little bit more focused than at the school I’d come from before, and a little more developed. It was fun to be a part of a place where everything felt that it was a slightly higher caliber in every way.”

A memorable history class taught by John Curran included a project that required setting slides from the 1960s to music of the era. Page recalls that he selected a Simon & Garfunkel song, 7 O’clock News/Silent Night, Crosby Stills and Nash’s Helplessly Hoping, and Jimmy Cliff’s anti-war protest Vietnam. He also has “really strong memories” of Joe Sheppard “as a really good advisor. He was someone that, if I seemed to be in need of some advice, he was not afraid to let me know that perhaps I was heading in a direction that I shouldn’t be going,” Page notes of Mr. Sheppard, laughing. “He really made a big impression on me.”

Page McConnell ’82, Keyboard player for the band Phish, reflects on his time at LA and a long musical career

“Sometimes things just work out and you feel like you’re in the right place at the right time and everything is happening in a positive way.”

Bethel, NY at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on July 22, 2022. Photo Credit: Rene Huemer

Page, who began taking piano lessons at the age of four, always knew he wanted to be a musician, even if he “didn’t know how I would get there, exactly.” He played music with friends, including classmate Dan Wolff, on campus and performed at graduation, but he didn’t get involved in LA’s music program. Nonetheless, an informal sort of music education was a key part of his time on the elm tree–shaded hillside.

“I think what I liked overall was just the vibe of hanging out with all these people and going from room to room and listening to music and doing what one does in a dorm, I guess, as a high school senior … There was the opportunity to sit around and listen to music with friends … a variety of different kinds of music that I otherwise would not have had a chance to sit around and absorb,” says Page, who lived in Sheedy Hall, which stood on the spot that the Ansin Academic Building now occupies. The Grateful Dead, the Police, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd, as well as the jazz records his classmate Scott Brewitt would play, created the soundtrack for Page’s time at Lawrence Academy and remain influential in his work today.

Three years after his graduation from LA, Page — then a student at the “very alternative” Goddard College in Vermont, after a stint at Southern Methodist University in Dallas — played his first show with Phish (at the time, guitarist and lead singer Trey Anastasio, drummer Jon Fishman, bassist Mike Gordon, and guitarist Jeff Holdsworth), who had formed in 1983 and met Page in early 1985, at a concert at Goddard. He knew his parents wanted him to have “something to fall back on” if his one-in-a-million dreams of a music career didn’t work out, so Page kept up with his self-designed coursework and graduated in 1987.

He’s never really needed to put that degree on his résumé, though. Phish have continued to perform regularly since the mid-’80s, save for a hiatus that began in August 2004 and officially ended with a March 2009 concert. Page has also released solo albums, co-founded the electronic trio Vida Blue with fellow musicians Oteil Burbridge and Russell Batiste, and played on albums by the comedy rock duo Tenacious D (actors Jack Black and Kyle Gass), Boston-bred alt-rock band Guster, and others.

Phish notched four Top 10 singles on Billboard’s Adult Alternative Airplay chart between 1996 and 2009, but they are best known for their improvisational live performances and passionate fan base (aka Phishheads) — and, to some, for Phish Food, their namesake ice cream flavor made by fellow Vermont export Ben & Jerry’s. Proceeds from sales of the flavor benefit the band’s WaterWheel Foundation, which began in 1997 with a focus on cleaning up the Lake

The Grateful Dead, the Police, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd, as well as the jazz records his classmate Scott Brewitt would play, created the soundtrack for Page’s time at Lawrence Academy and remain influential in his work today.

Champlain watershed but has expanded to offer monetary support non-profit groups focused on protecting the environment, promoting social justice, fighting food insecurity, providing music education, registering voters, and helping those in need, according to its website.

“It’s something that we’re very proud of, and it’s something that is absolutely part of what Lawrence was about as well,” says Page, reflecting on the organization’s connection to his time at LA. The school’s mission, in part, is to inspire its students to take action for the greater good, which Page says was a “continuation” of the values his parents instilled in him, “and I absolutely did appreciate that about Lawrence.”

While Page was not able to make it to his 40th reunion this past summer, he reconnected with his friend Chuck O’Boyle ’82 beforehand, and welcomed a gang of former classmates backstage at a recent concert. “It didn’t feel all that different to see those folks again … We all looked considerably different, but the closeness and the rapport were still there,” Page says, “… and it was very sweet, and I was very grateful to reconnect with some of those people.”

Following an unexpected hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Page and his bandmates had “the busiest year that I can remember in 25 years or so.” They’ll play four New Year’s shows at New York City’s Madison Square Garden — a Phish tradition — on Dec. 28-31 and have a four-night concert vacation in Mexico scheduled for February, but for now, Page is enjoying time off the road with his three daughters.

“It’s nice to be a little bit more in that routine,” he admits. “It has nothing to do with playing concerts, but I do enjoy it.”

Atlantic City, N.J. at Atlantic City Beach on August 6, 2022. Photo Credit: Rene Huemer

Dick Jeffers and Joe Sheppard

RICHARD A. JEFFERS Heritage Center

Keeping a Great Man’s Dream Alive

by Joe Sheppard

Dick Jeffers never forgot anything, and he never stopped looking for new things to remember. It was only logical, therefore, that he spent his life teaching history and, given that he spent the bulk of his career at Lawrence Academy, that he became the school’s unofficial historian — not a research-and-write-a-book historian, but a collector of history, a one-man repository of school “stuff” (his word), collected from innumerable sources and stored largely in his phenomenal memory.

Dick died last May, at a good old age, and he is dearly missed. Fortunately, his passion for collecting the school’s history resulted in the creation of the Richard A. Jeffers Heritage Center, given an official space in the Ansin Academic Building when it opened in 2004. The archives in the Center — the physical collection of paper, artifacts, portraits, and even an LA blazer — are named for Dick’s contemporary and fellow historian, Alan Whipple, who died in 1988, before completing a three-volume history of the Academy’s early years.

It wasn’t merely an archive — a collection of documents — that interested Dick. He was passionate about preserving the school’s heritage, the stuff that brings its history to life. He cared not only about the individuals who attended, taught at, and helped found or govern LA, but also, and even more, about what they did, whether that was founding a company, becoming governor of Massachusetts, keeping a herd of cattle, starting the photography club at LA, or getting expelled in 1886 for a prank. And, he saved everything, either physically or in his head.

Paul Husted ’64 worked with Dick on preserving LA’s heritage since long before the Ansin Academic Building opened. He puts it succinctly: “We wouldn’t have the Archives if it weren’t for him.” Paul recalls a time, fairly recently, when someone stopped in to ask when LA students became the Spartans. A few people had a vague idea of the mascot’s origins, but Dick told it all, chapter and verse. (The story is too long to repeat here.)

Dick’s head was full of information like that. But he wasn’t a writer, and much of his immense store of knowledge was never recorded. Most times, Paul could research a question using the Archives’ files, but every now and then, his only option was to ask Dick. “We get some off-the-wall questions,” says Paul, “and I don’t know how I’m going to answer them now.”

Help is on the way, however. Others will join Paul to work in the Heritage Center, and the creation of the Richard A. Jeffers Heritage Center Endowment Fund by the Class of 1972 at their 50th Reunion last spring will greatly aid their efforts. As the press release reads:

“The Class of ’72 is establishing an endowment fund to support the Richard A. Jeffers Heritage Center at LA. Mr. Jeffers has studied the long history of LA, which was founded in 1793. During the past 61 years Mr. Jeffers has worked to assemble an important archive of documents that records and preserves the almost 230-year history of our school.

The Fund’s goal is to raise a minimum of $100,000 to support the work of the Heritage Center.

That’s a huge help, but it’s not all that’s needed. As Paul said in a recent conversation, “When you’re cleaning out your attic and find any LA-related stuff, give it to us and we’ll go through it.” Truly, one person’s trash can be another’s treasure — in this case, a treasure that belongs in the Richard A. Jeffers Heritage Center.

If you would like to support this fund, please contact Jo-Ann Lovejoy,

Chief Advancement Officer,

at

jlovejoy@lacademy.edu

A Merry Feast Marks Winterim’s Fiftieth

by Joe Sheppard

The tent was gaily bedecked, the firmament glowed with the soft luminescence of pale blue Japanese lanterns, vintage wines and hearty ales complemented a sumptuous buffet, and the Quad echoed the sprightly strains of the Dukes of Circuit Avenue, imported all the way from Martha’s Vineyard for the occasion.

The occasion, of course, was the June 10th gala celebrating the 50th anniversary of Winterim, LA’s pioneer experientiallearning program. A light-hearted crowd of 150 — alumni, faculty, retirees, parents, friends — enjoyed a retrospective video masterfully prepared by associate communications director Jonny Gotlib. The presentation was colorful, funny, evocative; smiles broke out and heads nodded in recognition, and the prolonged applause at the end was heartfelt.

Speeches by Head of School Dan Scheibe, current Winterim Director Tony Hawgood P ’25, ’25 and science teacher Michelle Ruby ’98 preceded the video presentation. Dan eloquently chronicled Winterim’s development and its place in Lawrence’s curriculum and in the lives of its students. Tony offered a detailed and sometimes very funny account of the tribulations of the Winterim director, while Michelle provided delightful personal recollections of her Winterim experiences as both student and teacher.

Speeches and videos over, the group enjoyed a last drink or two, danced to the Dukes, and conversed well into the night. Then, tired but happy, they winded their way home. It was a lovely way to spend an evening.

Thanks to a wonderful host committee of alumni, parents, faculty, and friends (John Curran P ’07, Honorary Chair Tony Hawgood P’25, ’25, Honorary Co-Chair Richard Johnson ’74, Co-Chair Claire Fidelman Kinzler ’00, Co-Chair Katherine Beede P ’16, Tyler Davis ’09, Natalie DiMaria ’08, Jeannie O’Donoghue Durkee ’00, Sandy Sweeney Gallo ’75, Sophie Hamersley ’08, Jordan Lovejoy ’10, Peter D. Onanian ’73, Hannah Evans Pasman ’08, Jim Serach P ’07, Joe Sheppard P ’93, ’94, David Smith ’65, P ‘95, Ruth Glazer White ’76, P ’15, Carolyn Balas Zaleski ’84, P ‘17, Alumni Council President Patrick Donoghue ’06, Marianne Crescenzi Balfour ’88, Tori Wellington Hanna ’97, Chris Hazzard ’03, Lindsay Latuga Howard ’00, Victor Howell ’08, Paul Husted ’64, Ann Steward McGuire ’03, Catie Floyd McMenamin ’97, Clare Noone ’14, and Ben Stone ’15)

Michelle Ruby ’98

Tony Hawgood P ’25, ’25

Reunion 2022

After breakfast, Head of School Dan Scheibe provided a State of the School address followed by lively Q&A session. Lunch was held under the tent, and the recipients of the Alumni Faculty Appreciation Award, Amos Lawrence Award, and Reunion Challenge Awards were announced (see p.48).

Once the inductions and celebrations of the new Hall of Fame recipients (see p.47) were complete, the cocktail reception and class photos took place on the library terrace, overlooking Gibbet Hill. As the sun began to set, the group moved to the tent on the Quad for dinner and dancing. For many, the highlight of the evening was a visit from the Cookie Monstah truck, a mobile, hand-made ice-cream sandwich vendor. It was a delicious end to a wonderful day!

After a three-year pause, Lawrence Academy hosted on-campus reunions on June 11. While the classes ending in 2 and 7 were those being “officially” celebrated, we welcomed alumni from many years and many decades back to the elm tree-shaded hillside for a day of reminiscing, reconnecting, and having fun.

The day kicked off with the Tom Warner ’75 Memorial 5K Walk/Run and a special breakfast for LA’s golden alumni (those that graduated 50 or more years ago) in the dining hall. The Class of 1972, who celebrated their 50th reunion, was honored and warmly welcomed by all the golden alumni in attendance.

Tom Warner ’75 Memorial 5K Walk/Run

Alumni Faculty Appreciation Award

Established in 1997 by Suzanne Schiller Loonie ’88, and voted on by the alumni, the Alumni Faculty Appreciation Award is given annually at Reunion to a current or past faculty member for his or her commitment and dedication to the students of Lawrence Academy. LA alumni are asked to submit their nominations throughout the year and the highest cumulative vote recipients are presented to the Head of School for final determination of the recipient.

The 2022 awardee is Jim Holmes, who taught math at LA from 1967 to 1981.

ACADEMY WINTER 2022

Amos Lawrence Award

The Amos Lawrence Award was established in 2004 to acknowledge and honor alumni for their outstanding volunteer service, loyalty, and commitment to forwarding the mission of Lawrence Academy.

The recipient of the 2022 Amos Lawrence Award is Karen (Mitchell) Brandvold, ’82, P’16, P’17. Karen has been a trustee of LA since 2019 and is currently the secretary. She is a class agent and reunion ambassador, and was actively involved as a parent volunteer while her children were students at Lawrence Academy.

Reunion 2022

Reunion 2022

2022 Athletic Hall of Fame

Lawrence Academy’s Athletic Hall of Fame Induction ceremony and celebration is a highlight of every reunion. This year, though, the excitement was even greater! Three years had passed since the last ceremony and the recognition of our inductees was long overdue.

Emceed by Richard Johnson ’74, curator for The Sports Museum in Boston, the event opened with a video “LA Athletics: A Journey Through Time,” and a welcome from Dan Scheibe. Alumni and current and former faculty served as presenters and facilitators, introducing each inductee and leading conversations about their athletic career at LA. Thank you to our presenters: Tom Fahey ’74, Charlie Corey, P’17, ’20, former faculty, Ron Beran ’85, Rob Rand, retired faculty, Donna Mastrangelo, P’15, ’18, faculty, Sarah McCaigue, former faculty and Beth Frissora ’95.

Congratulations to the 2022 inductees to Lawrence Academy’s Hall of Fame

(pictured L-R below):

Benjamin F. D. Lord ’75

Kyle M. McDonough ’85

Kim J. Knox ’95

The 1994 girls’ varsity soccer team

Donna Bibbo Mastrangelo P ’15, ’18

Challenge Complete

Elm Tree Challenge

The Elm Tree Challenge was created to honor the non-reunion LA Class that donates the greatest amount to the LA Fund during the school’s fiscal year (July 1 – June 30).

Leaderboard:

1966 $126,078

1970 $91,028

1976 $72,300

1979 $40,302

2001 $17,121

Congratulations to the Class of 1966!

Triple Play Challenge

The Triple Play Challenge ran for the entire month of December, 2021 and was designed to increase alumni giving and participation. Here are some highlights:

Classes with the Greatest Participation

1983: 28 Gifts and Pledges

2001: $11,250 Donated

Total Number of Gifts and Pledges – 313

Total Value of Gifts and Pledges –$148,346

Total Number of Leadership ($1,000 and more) Gifts and Pledges – 49

New or Lapsed Gifts and Pledges – 36

Total Classes Represented – 69

Reunion Challenge

Established in 2020, this challenge was designed to bring classmates together and enjoy some friendly LA competition.

Challenge One: (The Reunion Giving Cup): the largest amount of LA Fund dollars raised by a reunion class:

Winner: Class of 1982 – $27,423 (See pic below)

Runner Up: Class of 1967 – $13,770

Challenge Two: the largest number of leadership gifts to any funds:

Winner: Class of 1972 – 8

Runner Up: Class of 1982 – 6

Challenge Three: the greatest number of individual donors in a reunion class:

Winner: Class of 1982 – 24

Runner Up: Class of 1987 – 18

Challenge Four: the highest percentage of first-time or lapsed donors in a reunion class:

Winner: Class of 1957 – 13.6%

Runner Up: Class of 1972 – 10.6%

Challenge Five: the largest number of unique class notes:

Winner: Class of 1972 – 4 notes

Runners Up: Class of 2002 & 1987 – 3

Congratulations to the Class of 1982 for donating the largest amount of LA Fund dollars in a reunion class. Pictured here with the Reunion Giving Cup! L-R: Kerry (Lafferty) Jordan, Katie (Ponty) Cutler, Lisa (Mecray) Rogers, Judi (Martin) Cyr, Scott Brewitt, Karen (Mitchell) Brandvold, Betsy (Wieland) Veidenheimer, and Dave Mardirosian

A New Vision for Investing in Alumni Engagement

…When I think about how impactful LA has been in my life professionally and personally, it feels very close to us,” Pat reflects. Indeed, he and his wife, Kelly Barry Donoghue ’06, are excited to take this journey together and see it as a valuable way to give back to a community that has given them much.

Since earning his undergraduate degree at Union College, Pat has been building financial experience, working in wealth management and sales and trading in global markets. He is committed to helping people make wise decisions with their resources. In July, he joined a new team within Northwestern Mutual, Civic Financial, and and looking forward to being a resource for members of the LA community. The curriculum he developed with fellow financial planner Ashley Wheeler Ott ’07 for Reunion 2021 — a virtual presentation that provided alumni of various ages with tips on how to manage their finances and work toward goals appropriate for their stage of life — was a starting point for future workshops.

by Kate Engstrom

In June, after working with the Alumni Council for a little over a year, Pat Donoghue ’06 stepped into the role of Alumni Council president, and already has gotten involved in projects that lay the groundwork for the future. Pat has a wealth of professional experience in the financial world and is now planning how he might “strengthen and repurpose the Alumni Council as a group for engagement and reengagement.”

“Ultimately, I had a fantastic experience at LA, but I didn’t realize until post-college, once I started to find some success, that LA really positioned me for that success, especially in my ability to engage socially, think critically, and build relationships

Such opportunities are in line with Pat’s belief that “it is really important for schools to provide some education around financial planning, savings, and management,” and he thinks “integrating financial literacy into the curriculum in some way could be really impactful.” Programs such as the Alumni Council’s first career panel, which focused on financial services and which Pat moderated, are other steps in the same direction, as they educate younger alumni who may not have determined their career path yet.

Pat hopes to continue with similar panels focused on other fields, building on what has already been offered, as well as finding ways to continue to bring alumni to campus. He believes in the impact of the LA experience and sees “an opportunity, now that we have survived the craziness of the pandemic, that the time is right for repositioning and strengthening how involved folks are with the alumni community.” Above all, Pat is committed to making a difference and is sure to do so with humility, warmth, and care.

Alumni Class Notes

1945

Congratulations to Theodore Madfis ’45, who celebrated his 95th birthday on July 22, 2022!

1956

Jay Beades ’56 writes: “Despite the loss of so many of our classmates, the ‘Motley Crew’ of ’56 still contributes to LA. The ‘Bad Boys of Bigelow:’ Ken Rice, Paul Wennik, Jay Beades, Bill Davidson.”

1957

J. Edward Eliades ’57 writes: “Still rock climbing and back country skiing at 83 years old. Priscilla, my wife of 58 years, died in 2017. Granddaughter Alexis is a family counselor in Denver, Colo. Grandson Sam, who has two kids, also lives in Colorado. Daughter Cheryl died in a car accident about 20 years ago.”

Jeff Foran ’57 writes: “My second novel, A Mistaken Hostage, has garnered good reviews from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, Mid-West Review and others. Writing fiction is an interesting challenge after career in analytical work. I’m working on a third novel, which I hope to finish next year. Otherwise, writing and board work are keeping me busy and out of trouble.”

1962 (60th Reunion)

1967 (55th Reunion)

1970

Ben Howard ’70 and his wife, Dale, moved to Ocala, Fla., two years ago. They spent this past summer in Harwich, Mass. Ben has been with been with Dell for the past eleven years.

Kevin McDonald ’70 sent this note along with the photo: “Members of the Class of 1970 representing LA at the memorial service for Richard ‘Dick’ Pickering in Kennebunk, Maine on Saturday, April 9, 2022. “Dick and his wife Jane were beloved members of the LA community from the 60s into the early 70s. Dick Pickering and his 1972 boys’ varsity soccer team were early inductees into the LA Athletic Hall of Fame. Dick and Jane were dorm parents in Prescott House and Waters House before leaving LA to settle in Maine.” At the service, the Pickering children fondly remembered their childhood on the LA campus and the enduring relationship between their father and Ben Williams, headmaster during their time on campus.

“The large gathering of family and friends was a tribute to the Pickerings’ legacy of inclusivity, curiosity, and generosity to generations of people they met along their journey. “A life very well lived!”

L-R: (all alums are Class of ’70): Andy Black, Steve Bull, daughter Tina Pickering, son Nathan Pickering, Gayton Bartlett, Bob Kimball, son Richard Pickering, and Kevin McDonald.

1970 (52nd Reunion)

Chuck Will ’70 and his wife Sarah retired after thirty-eight years serving Proctor Academy in a variety of teaching and administrative roles. “Along the way,” Chuck writes, “I maintained my interest in piano (thanks, Joe!) and studied both privately and at Berklee. Eighteen years ago, I fell in with a rockin’ dance band started by some talented and experienced friends. Nick’s Other Band has gained a solid following in the north country, playing weddings, private parties, ski lodges and bandstands. Otherwise, Sarah and I — married 45 years — spend our time pursuing simple pleasures with two grown kids and two beautiful grandkids. To continued health!”

1972 (50th Reunion)

Chuck Will ’70 rocking out on his piano

Alumni Class Notes

1975

Sandy Sweeney Gallo ’75 attended a great “Goon” get-together on December 26, 2021. Eight LA alumni gathered on a chilly December day in Jamaica Plain, Mass. for a lunch following a Rite of Renaming at Trinity Church. Hard to believe that most of us have been friends for 50 years!

Ben Lord ’75 wrote us after Reunion last June: “I was thrilled to be back on the Quad in June with 14 family members, my roommate Jamie Kattar, classmates, Sandy ‘LMS’ Sweeney, Eric ‘Harry’ Reisman and so many other LA Grads. And to see my Jojo! Thank you all!”

Lynn Wunsch ’75 sent this note: “Hello from Denver! I am slogging through the heat out here and the severe lack of rain. I miss the East Coast greenery and being closer to friends and family and getting to a beach! I am still an active real estate broker in the Denver and Boulder metro areas. I am enjoying walks and hikes with Beemer, my Blue Heeler mix, and figuring out my next vacation destination.”

1980

Pat Warner ’80 writes: “Chatham Reunion May 2022, what a treat! Really enjoyed gathering at Chris Wise’s home in Chatham, and what a crew! Marion ‘Quinny’ Quinn, Jenny Smith, Chris W, Scott Lane, Bob Forsberg, Kevin Keady, Ted Pryzyblo, Bill Vedder, Robin Tichnor, Julie Baker, David Messina, Jon Grossman, Tim Locke (apologies to anyone I’m forgetting ... ). Sure didn’t seem like 42 years had passed. The friendship and the love were palpable all weekend.”

1981

Brian Law ’81 was named The Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce’s Business Person of the Year for 2022.

1982

Scott Brewitt ’82 writes: “I am still at NESN (New England Sports Network), running digital sales operations for the last five years. Lots of Red Sox and Bruins games. Looking forward to Reunion as well as spending time on the Cape this summer.” (Scott is pictured on the next page with LA Alums at Phish Show)

The LA Cup made it to a recent Phish show in Mansfield, Mass., where Ainslie Wallace and Denise Korn (both ’83), Chuck O'Boyle ’82 and I met up with Page McConnell ’82 The Cup made it to the parking lot but security felt differently about us bringing it into the Show. The Cup will be traveling with Harrelson Stanley on his plane to Indiana. And I’m trying to get it to Judy Cyr as well.”

Brian Law ’81

L-R: Tony Sampas ’74, Sandy Sweeney Gallo ’75, Dave Oakes ’74, Eric “Harry” Reisman ’75 and his wife Sheryl Cooper next to Rich Johnson ’74, Tom Fahey ’74. Seated Comfort and Greg Halsey ’74 (formerly Cope), and Patrick Warner ’80. Also pictured are Greg and Comfort’s two children, Eliza on the far left (with partner Lee Goodchild) and Thomas on the far right

1982 (40th Reunion)

1984

“Depp trial” Ron Schnell ’84 was a key witness in the Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard defamation trial. The live broadcast was watched worldwide by over 500 million people. Ron testified about social media and how Heard was bullied on various outlets, coincident with certain statements by Depp and his attorney, Adam Waldman.

1985

Have a note to share in the Spring 2023 Academy Journal? Forward info and pictures to pglover@lacademy.edu.

Tom McCuin ’85 writes: “I just celebrated my third anniversary as an Account Director with DCG Communications, managing our contract supporting the Army’s Office of the Chief of Public Affairs and working to grow our defense strategic communications portfolio. The Pentagon has been my home for the majority of the last 16 years, and if you contact me before you visit DC, I will gladly take you to all the spots the regular tours don’t show you.”

Ron Schnell ’84

The 2022 LA Reunion Cup made it to a Phish show with members of the LA Class of 1982 (2022 Reunion Cup winner), L-R: Ainsless Wallace ’83, Denis Korn ’83, Page McConnell ’82, and Scott Brewitt ’82.

Alumni Class Notes

1987 (35th Reunion)

1987

Heather (Shaff) Beaver ’87 says she has “been taking cycling to a new level this past summer, competing in road races and time trials, and climbing Mount Washington twice”. She earned a spiffy new sticker that says, “This Bike Climbed Mount Washington.” Heather adds, “It’s been fun to push my limits and see what I can accomplish. Wishing LA had a cycling team when I was there! Anyone else like to ride? Let’s connect!”

1988

We received this note from Karen McCann ’88: “Hoping to see classmates at our 35th! Last June I made it to my 30th reunion at Bowdoin, where my daughter Sam is currently a rising junior. My son Keegan got his master’s at UVA and is heading to Denver this fall to work at a school. Still playing lots of soccer, paddling and a new passion — pickle ball! Following U.S. women’s soccer and heading to London to see the friendly in October as well as World Cup in Australia/New Zealand next summer. In addition to my role as Director of Auxiliary Programs at Sidwell Friends School in DC, I am also doing consulting and leadership coaching, including traveling to Dubai last March as part of ongoing work with an educational organization. Looking forward to more travel and an empty nest in the coming months!”

Heather Beaver ’87

Karen McCann ’88

LA Connect

Lawrence Academy’s alumni community is accomplished, diverse, and vibrant. Regardless of when you graduated, we want you to feel connected to each other and to the school. An easy way to build those relationships is through LA Connect, our exclusive online alumni networking community.

You can locate old friends and classmates, or look for a mentor or a new professional connection by searching by name, class year, college, or industry in the alumni directory. You can also view photos, search the job board and business directory, and get important updates from the school and fellow alumni. LA Connect is also a great place to share your experience, expertise and wisdom; volunteer to be a mentor or provide professional advice.

Visit lacademyconnect.com to register using LinkedIn, Facebook, Google, or your email address. LA Connect also has a mobile option. For iOS devices, download “Graduway Community” from the app store, and for androids, download “LA Alumni” from Google Play.

A great way to stay connected with LA friends & community afar!

It begins with you

One of the best ways to show your support of LA's mission is by making a gift to the LA Fund. Did you know that the LA Fund is a critical resource for the school, responsible for covering approximately 7% of our operating costs on an annual basis?

Lawrence Academy is, and always has been, a school dedicated to the full realization and recognition of the individual. From our student-centered mission to our commitment to highly individualized programs of learning, Lawrence Academy’s identity rests in the experience of our faculty, staff, alumni, greater community and most importantly, our students.

Show your support to LA and its mission by making your gift to the LA Fund today! It all starts with you…the LA Community. Questions about giving to LA? Please contact Ben Rogers ’02, Director of Annual Giving at brogers@lacademy.edu.

Make your gift to the LA Fund Today

Lawrence Academy recognizes you for who you are and inspires you to take responsibility for who you want to become.

Alumni Class Notes

1994

Rebecca (Webster) Boissaye ’94 sent this update: “We finally got to travel to visit family and friends in Europe after three long years. Taking the kids for a week in the UK and two weeks in France, getting to see grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, childhood friends, and grad school friends. It was a whirlwind trip across three countries that we will never forget!”

1998

JD Berry ’98 sent this update: “My wife Lari and I have two boys — Carter (3 1/2) and Liam (15 months), and also a Star Wars baby having been born on May the Fourth, 2021. We continue to live in Pittsburgh, Penn., where we purchased a 19th century house just across the river from downtown in 2015. Pittsburgh has been our adopted home since 2012 and we’ve loved it, but we will move back to the Boston area soon and are eager to do so. We spend as much time as we can in the summer on Cape Cod, where my dad lives. Lari and I each enjoy our careers, with me working at technology firms both large and very early-stage, and Lari as a pediatric nurse at the premier Children’s Hospital in the region. It’s a pleasure to start to be reengaged in the LA community!”

2003

Kris Ansin ’03 notes, “After living a stone’s throw from Powderhouse Road the last few years during COVID, I’ve relocated to Kenya to serve as Country Director for TechnoServe, an organization that uses business models to address poverty and climate challenges. Karibu Nairobi!”

Andrew Lurvey ’03 is “Writing again with more thoughts on life. It is summer in New England, the kids and I are all home from school. We spent a few weeks on Cape Cod with my brother Matt ’03. I’ve been training for an ultra endurance competition. It is like an ultramarathon, but on Peloton. I will be riding my Peloton for 96 hours straight, in my basement, to raise money for The Kale Foundation. On a related note, have you heard of wheatgrass? I’ve gotten into that too, but instead of wheatgrass, I realized it’s much cheaper to just use regular grass. Anyway, that’s it from me. Live, laugh, love, my fellow Spartans!”

2004

Kacey Schneider ’04 and Lt. Col. Randall (Randy) Dean White USMC were married in Wilmington, N.C. on June 25, 2022. The many Spartans attending included Shumway Marshall ’01, who was the officiant.

2002 (20th Reunion)

Kris Ansin ’03

2007 (15th Reunion)

Kacey is a Senior Account Director at NJI Media. In July 2022, the couple moved to Carlisle, Penn., where Randy is attending the U.S. Army War College. He had previously served as Battalion Commander at Camp Lejeune.

2007

Lauren (Brozowski) Fogell ’07 and her husband Ryan welcomed a baby boy, Tucker John Fogell, on October 4, 2021. The couple took the leap and moved across the country to Colorado in 2019 and enjoy mountain adventures with their dog, Lily.

Jonathan Heller ’07 is “Saying goodbye to snow and moving to San Diego.”

Ilana (Thombs) Carlisle ’07 married Anthony Carlisle on July 30, 2022 on the waterfront in Nahant, Mass. Ilana and Anthony met at the University of Connecticut and have been together for over ten years. Today, they live in Stamford, Conn., with their

five-year-old rescue dog, Maisie. Ilana is the Director of Strategic Partnerships at IDOC, a company serving independent optometrists, and Anthony serves as a Systems Consultant at MassMutual.

2009

Shannon (Muscatello) Atkeson ’09 and her husband Meade finally celebrated their 2020 wedding with friends and family in New Haven, Vermont.

Ilana (Thombs) Carlisle ’07

Lauren (Brozowski) Fogell ’07

L-R: Katie Woo Coster ’08, Nell Lapres ’09, Leigha MacNeill ’08, Chris Muscatello ’06, Shannon Muscatello Atkeson ’09, Meade Atkeson, Mike Muscatello ’05, Devon Bonney ’08, and Lilly Beck ’09

Kacey (Schneider) Ahearn ’04 LA Wedding

Alumni Class Notes

2013

Mariah Notini ’13 writes: “I recently celebrated my one-year anniversary as the Retail Success Manager for Fresh Connect at About Fresh, a Boston-based non-profit that supports food access by building technology that allows healthcare to pay for the cost of healthy food for their patients and assess the health outcomes.”

2010

Matt (LeBlanc) Dunn ’10 has made his passion for making Steel Sculpture his full-time job. Going by Bear Bones Sculpture, Matt creates animals and objects inspired by nature from scrap steel. Over the summer, he was commissioned by the Acton Recreational Department to create his first large-scale public installation, a wrought iron archway for Gardner Field in Acton, Mass. Matt continues to create steel sculptures from his garage in Fitchburg.

James Plummer ’13 has been working for a northeast environmental nonprofit for about five years, hosting national and regional conferences, workshops, and workgroup meetings to identify water quality issues and financing mechanisms associated with the management of wastewater, drinking water, and stormwater infrastructure. He has been a board member for the New Hampshire Rivers Council and a member of my local Conservation Commission for two years.

2012 (10th Reunion)

Matt (LeBlanc) Dunn ’10

James Plummer ’13

2014

Jason Karos ’14 is teaching mathematics and computer science at Middlesex School.

Janelle Simmons ’14 sent this note: “I was working in the ICU throughout the first year of the COVID pandemic, then started travel nursing to Baltimore, Md. I decided to move there and step away from bedside nursing to pursue a position of leadership in an outpatient setting. I have recently started a position as an RN Clinical Manager for a college student health center. I love it! ”

2015

Oren Karp ’15 graduated from Brown University in 2020, and was awarded a Fulbright grant to be an English teaching assistant in Nepal. Because of Covid, he was unable to start until March 15, 2022, but he’s there now. Oran has started a blog, which he is publishing on Substack. For anyone who would like to follow Oren, the link is https://karporen423.substack.com/

2018

Maddox Angerhofer ’18 sent us this update: “Hello! My name is Maddox and I’m a graduate of the class of 2018. I was happy to see that Winterim was reinstated this year after COVID, and saw that LA was looking for Winterim stories to share for the anniversary. The upheaval of COVID gave me the opportunity to reconnect with the activity I spent both of my Winterims doing, so I thought I would send along my story.

“As a junior transfer to LA, I was fortunate enough to join Mr. Igoe and Mr. Barker on the Call of the Wild Winterim in Ely, Minn., where we lived at a dogsled lodge and learned to mush dogs on a multi-day camping trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. My senior year, I returned to the same lodge as an intern for a Winterim Professional.

“When COVID hit, my university moved all classes online and I decided to take a year long leave of absence. I moved to the Alaskan interior to work for a professional dog musher. I lived and worked at his remote homestead 150 miles from the nearest grocery store, gas station, etc. At the end of my eight months in Alaska, my boss competed in the Iditarod with dogs I helped train and took third place out of over 40 entrants.

“This year during my spring break, I returned to volunteer for the Iditarod. My old boss was competing again, and this time he won! It was so amazing to be a part of his team’s success and I never would have taken the opportunity if it weren’t for Winterim. LA gave me both my start in the sport of dog mushing, and also provided me with an awesome winter hockey jacket that I wore to the Iditarod Start.

Maddox Angerhofer ’18

2017 (5th Reunion)

Reunion 2023

2013 (10th Reunion)

1988 (35th Reunion)

1983 (40th Reunion)

1978 (45th Reunion)

1973 (50th Reunion)

1968 (55th Reunion)

1963 (60th Reunion)

1958 (65th Reunion)

Obituaries

Paul Michael Davidson ’59 passed away on Friday, December 10, 2021 at the age of 80. Paul and his beloved wife, Fern, who were college sweethearts, were married for 57 years. They met at Boston University, and the couple moved to New York City, where Paul earned a B.A. in Education and a Phi Beta Kappa key at NYU. He went on to get a Master’s Degree in Science from St. John’s University and found a rewarding career teaching high school biology for a handful of years. Just shy of earning his doctorate, Paul harnessed his best skills, the gift of gab and the knowledge of the education system, and joined the family business, Adams Book Company. He loved crisscrossing the country, visiting schools, and meeting with all the educators — and his customers remained loyal for decades. He retired 40 years later as co-president of Adams Book Company in Brooklyn.

Paul is survived by his older brother, Dr. William Davidson, as well as by three children and six grandchildren.

Bill Vrettas ’59 of Falmouth, Mass., died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on April 15, 2021. He was 80 years old. After Lawrence, Bill played basketball for Tufts University and then Suffolk University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He spent most of his professional years as a successful real estate developer with Pappas Management in South Boston.

In addition to Joan (DiSilva), his wife of 56 years, Bill leaves two daughters, a son, and eight grandchildren.

Peter G. Beaulieu ’62 died on November 19, 2017 at Cape Cod Hospital. After a post-graduate year at Lawrence, he earned a B.S. in Math and Education from Fitchburg State college, as well as Master’s Degree in Administration. He was an educator and head football coach for the Leominster and Wachusett Regional School Systems, and served on the School Committee, and as Community Development Block Grant Director. Peter was also the City’s Affirmative Action and Fair Housing Officer during that time. After moving to the Cape, he worked hard as a self-employed business owner.

At his passing, he left his second wife, Lisa (Emery), four children, four step-children, several grandchildren, two brothers and many nieces and nephews. Peter was predeceased by his first wife, Leela, as well as by a brother and a sister.

Lex Henkels ’71, a beloved husband, father, brother and dear friend, departed this life on June 19, 2020, at the age of 67. Lex was a man of global ambition, with a sense of adventure and altruism to match. Two of his best qualities were his honesty and complete lack of guile. Whether scuba diving through Bermuda shipwrecks, defending New York City subway riders from armed muggers, searching for solutions to Nigeria’s e-waste problem, or simply offering his coat to his son Zander on their frequent winter hikes with his four-legged best friend Tally, Lex personified the modern gentleman.

Lex worked for the Associated Press in New York and the Philadelphia Inquirer. He founded Providence Trade to make a more direct global impact by supporting small businesses in Africa and the Middle East. His work focused on finding sustainable clean water and solar energy solutions for those who needed it most. Lex’s hobbies included music, kayaking, camping and Café Bustelo. However, the true driving force in his life was his devotion to his sons, Drew and Zander.

In addition to his sons, Lex is survived by his wife Margaret “Meg” Cullen, his brother R. Craig Henkels, his sisters-in-law Amy, Elizabeth and Joan, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and one sister.

George Henry Carter IV ’73 died on April 18, 2021 after a valiant battle with prostate cancer. He was 66. George was an avid equestrian who earned a well-known reputation in the horse community for his unique marathon trail rides and adventures riding his Saddlebred horse, Will Rogers. In his honor and for his exceptional achievements, the County of San Diego, Calif., Department of Parks and Recreation held a special ribbon-cutting event on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, complete with discovery table and guided tour of the newly-named George Carter Will Rogers Trail. The Trail is a half-mile stretch within the 12 miles of Los Penasquitos Canyon County Preserve, the largest urban park in the United States.

George is survived by his mother, Shirley MacLean Carter Thomas, and sisters Barbara Carter and Anne (Carter) Weiss ’74.

Former LA Trustee Lucinda Bunnen, mother of Robb Bunnen ’73, died on March 27, 2022 at the age of 92. (see tribute, page 28)

Retired faculty member Mark Burkholz died on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 after a brief illness. He was 71. Mark came to LA in 1990. As the Academy’s first Director of Information Technology, he built the school’s technology infrastructure and taught math and AP computer science classes throughout his 31-year career. He was a beloved mentor to generations of students at Lawrence as a teacher and, together with his wife Sheara Friend, was a house parent and faculty guide on annual Winterim kayaking and rafting trips all over the world.

Mark will be remembered for his compassion, generosity, and humor; as a student of history and avid reader of the New York Times; as a fifth-degree Karate black belt and lifelong student of Zen meditation (before mindfulness was a thing); for his love of nature, St. John, Acadia, Attean and Stinson lakes; as a loving husband, father, uncle, brother and friend; and for the good values and music of the 60s, by which he lived his life.

In addition to Sheara, Mark leaves their two sons, Ben ’07 and Noah ’11, as well as a sister and many other family members.

The Amos and William Lawrence Society

A Gift of a Lifetime

Stuart Graham ’63 didn’t go far when he left Groton and Lawrence Academy. He received his A.B. cum laude in English from Harvard University in 1967 and his J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1970. Prior to his retirement in 2001, he worked at the United States Office of Economic Opportunity, the Boston law firm Palmer & Dodge, and in the Office of General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Stu served as a Lawrence Academy trustee from 1982 to 1987, and he is a 2013 recipient of the Amos Lawrence Award, in recognition of volunteer service to LA. He now lives in Falmouth, Mass., with his wife Jessie, a geologist and lawyer. He has two daughters and two step-sons; he and Jessie, combined, have six grandchildren. Stu enjoys traveling and a variety of athletic hobbies.

I make annual gifts to Lawrence Academy in gratitude for the Spaulding Scholarship that funded my tuition, room, and board at the school for four years, 1959-1963. Currently, these gifts are made as qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from individual retirement accounts (IRAs). These tax-wise QCDs count toward my required minimum distribution and are excluded from my taxable income. I have designated Lawrence Academy in my estate planning as one of my IRA beneficiaries.

The Amos and William Lawrence Society was established to recognize those individuals who have made a charitable planned gift to Lawrence Academy or have made known their intentions to include Lawrence Academy in their wills or estate plans through a bequest. Donors who have made financial or estate plans of any size through wills, trusts, and other planned gifts are recognized for their loyal and lasting support of the school.

For more information about The Amos and William Lawrence Society, contact Jo-Ann Lovejoy, Chief Advancement Officer, at jlovejoy@lacademy.edu or visit www.lacademy.planningyourlegacy.org.

Stuart Graham ’63, member of the Amos and William Lawrence Society

Lawrence Academy