Eleven Highlanders Commit to Collegiate Athletics

WE ARE SO PROUD OF THE HARD WORK, DEDICATION, AND PERSEVERANCE EACH STUDENT HAS DEMONSTRATED THROUGHOUT THEIR TIME AT PINGREE AND CAN’T WAIT TO WATCH THEM COMPETE AT THE NEXT LEVEL.”

—Betsy Kennedy, Pingree’s director of athletics and afternoon programs

Congratulations to the following students on their achievements!

STUDENTS FIND THEIR VOICES AT PINGREE AND IN DOING SO THEY BUILD THE CONFIDENCE THEY NEED TO TAKE RISKS, MAKE DIFFICULT DECISIONS, AND SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES IN LIFE.

This was a big takeaway for me when I graduated from Pingree and the same point rings true as I feel like I’m graduating from Pingree for the second time now.”

Len Williamson ’09, departing dean of students

YOU MAY NOT REALIZE THE EFFECT EACH OF YOU (AND I INCLUDE ALL OF YOU HERE TONIGHT) HAVE ON US, ON THIS PLACE.

You are its foundation and I thank you and so many classes and families before you. We evolve and grow with each setback, each new batch of people. We weather and repair the cracks and learn from the broken. It’s been a privilege to have a lifetime that has been so full of you.”

Liz Taft ’73, former ceramics teacher

Senior Tribute Event

Marking the official start of Senior Week, our annual Senior Tribute Event is a much-cherished opportunity to honor the strength of connections between students and adults in the community.

Every year, Pingree’s graduating seniors ask members of the faculty and staff to write tributes in their honor, highlighting their unique passions, achievements, and most cherished personality traits.

This year, we combined Baccalaureate speakers with Senior Tributes, offering an opportunity for departing longtime faculty to impart their parting words of wisdom. Len Williamson ’09, dean of students, and Liz Taft ’73, ceramics teacher, were our keynote speakers.

“When and if people try to undermine who you are, encourage you to walk off of your destined path, and seem to raise those hurdles up a notch, I encourage you to find your inner strength to continue strong in what you know. No matter what is thrown at you during your next few years as you transition into the real world, you always have the opportunity to go high and rise above the negatives.“

Commencement

On Saturday, June 11, the 95 members of the class of 2022 ended their careers as Pingree students with a commencement ceremony held in the Hedge Garden.

Students, faculty and staff, families, and friends gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the senior class and enjoy a warm sendoff from their community. The sunshine-filled day included bagpipers, heartfelt reflections from graduates, and rousing rendition of “Life is a Highway,“ performed by the graduating members of the Pingree Music Ensemble. Josh Allen ’98 returned to campus as this year's keynote speaker, encouraging graduates to “get comfortable with the uncomfortable...[which is] where you find growth.” Congratulations, graduates!

YOU ALL HAVE SO MUCH POTENTIAL, SO MUCH GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT WAITING TO BE HAD.

Each and every one of you has so much to offer. I know this is only our beginning, so I implore you all to dream.”

Drew Botta ’22, student baccalaureate speaker

SENIOR TRIBUTES Class of 2022

Like so many of your paintings, the promise we’ve perceived in you all along is emerging. You are innately curious and deeply passionate. Your determination to grow is a compass that will always guide you forward.

—Ann Lyons

It doesn’t take a statistician to see the significance of your impact on those around you and on Pingree as a whole. We look forward to hearing about the amazing things you will accomplish as you step out into the world and forge a place for yourself among the stars.

—Lex Kottmeyer

She’s really perceptive—not just about the classroom material, but about the people around her. Good at taking advice when she needs it, and fiercely protective of her friends, family, and faith. We can’t wait to see what the future has in store.

—Mike Wilmot

You’re the glue guy. Whether making saves, captaining the baseball team, or calculating the standard deviation, you’re thoughtful, kind, respectful, and slyly funny espected by peers and adults alike. You’ve made the strong, silent type fashionable again.

—Mike Wilmot

She’s a cherished and devoted young woman committed to academics, friends and family, and soccer life. You are confident, passionate, mentally strong, and communicate well. That’s Erin: undeniably, a woman empowered.

—Deb VanderMolen

Guided by an unshakeable internal moral compass, you are a fiercely loyal friend, teammate, brother, and son. You begin and end every conversation with a heartfelt “thank you.“ You will undoubtedly bloom wherever you’re planted.

—JK Park

A quiet and unassuming student has become an extremely driven and determined young man. Never one to desire the spotlight, but always someone dialed-in. Jack exemplifies the fact that effort and desire are keys to success.

—John Young

You know that it’s not all about you. In all that you do—Problems and Solutions, student government, baseball captain—you’ve proven that it’s not all about personal victories, but rather lifting up those around you. Congratulations: you’ve made us better.

—Mike Wilmot

Teachers would call you determined, ambitious, focused, a leader, and someone who jumps in with both feet. You seek excellence in yourself and you always put your friends first.

—Eric Stacey

From the coffee house stage to the Island School, you have continuously pushed yourself to stretch your limits and revel in your passions. You have brought so many talents to our community, not least of which is your creative, compassionate spirit.

—Liv Poulin

Marley will make you smile with quickwitted banter, impress you with deep thinking about life’s big questions, inspire you with bravery, and make you marvel at her unique works of art. We have all been influenced by the beauty of her soul.

—Jon Gistis

A viola player, a programmer, and a hockey player walk into a room—and build a robot. This is James. Patient teacher of programming, designer and builder of robots, and granter of hereditary titles, your joie de vivre has brightened all our days.

—Alec Burt

You explore the wonder of mathematical intricacies, the depth of philosophical conundrums, the physics of individuality, all the while staying a true friend, kind soul, and generous human being.

—Ed Kloman

You are a funny, frenzied, fearless wonder of the world. You have summited peaks that people told you were impossible, making your way by never being afraid of failure— always with joy and tremendous empathy.

—Anna McCoy

You have been happy, free, and confused in the best way. There is happiness because of you—a lot of it. Your integrity makes us seem small; you swiftly paint on the wall. We would swing with you for the fences, Ellie. Welcome to New York. You did it… all too well.

—Kristin Brown

While others fret, delay, or procrastinate, Catherine simply gets things done. She seeks out challenge, strives to leave things the better for her having taken part, and looks out for the people she cares about.

—Jim MacLaughlin

Beyond your humor that kept things light at the lunch table, you’ve learned to track the play of your courses, cut down the angles on approaching assignments, control rebounds from the hardest challenges, and nab the academic biscuit.

—Mike Gracey

You give the phrase “taking the world by storm“ new meaning. Your commanding presence reminds us: there is only one Annabelle. As you begin Act II of your ongoing adventures, we know your insight, wit, and confidence will remain center stage.

—Liv Poulin

We view an astute individual who dives deep into philosophical texts and smiles brightly on stage. Take life one step at a time, live forward, and be sure to pack a good book… or, knowing you, pack 20.

—Meg O’Neill

Ben, you are an outstanding drummer, good-humored collaborator, alienseeking FBI agent, and all-around good guy. Thank you for your creative spirit and goodwill. Long may your beats and samples propel you forward!

—Eric Haltmeier

You are fixed in the urgency of nature’s beauty and contemplative in every observation. The joy in the presence of friends and exhilaration in harnessing newfound knowledge feed you. Good journeys, Teddy: take it all in.

—Deb Vandermolen

Good luck catching Erica! You’ve run this race with poise, compassion, humor, joy, and unyielding love for those around you, and you’ve won by a mile. On your mark… get set… go.

—Jordan Coulombe

You defy gravity during setbacks. Whether you’re donning your shamrock power suit, running a play in lacrosse, or singing on stage that last day of classes, you really know how to rally a crowd and make the world a better place.

—Deb VanderMolen

There’s no doubt you will accomplish great things. Your kindness brightens everyone’s day. We hope others get to know you as the smart, trustworthy, and thoughtful friend that you are. We’re so proud of you.

—Sheng-Chu Lu

You do not see obstacles, rather opportunities, and your intellectual journey takes you to courses and destinations that you never imagined but ones you embrace with clarity and intention. The waterways of Waterville beckon.

—Ed Kloman

Your personal lens identifies the “just right“ of your Pingree story. You view life’s big picture with an honest, percipient eye—focusing on kindness, empathy, and positive connections. You are beauty in this high school snapshot. L.A. will indeed shine brighter.

—Liz Taft

You are someone who sees what others only glance at, and then dig deeper by reflecting, questioning, and gently demanding thoughtful responses and impactful action. We anxiously await the masterpiece we know you will create.

—Mary Dyer

Knit with a wry, quick-witted mind, Charlie possesses that wonderful sense of fun. He is kind of like the Cat in the Hat, full of derring-do and colossal messes but when he leaves, the world is right and settled, and now we share his wry smile.

—Ed Kloman

A creative lens, a desire to use your learning to effect change, and an admirable openness to challenge and self-reflection; each has led to the development of your distinct voice and a self-confidence which make you an unstoppable force.

You’ve emerged as a top dog in and out of the classroom. A captain of two of the most successful teams in Pingree history, you were able to walk off your home football field as an undefeated bowl game champion. When we had problems, you had solutions.

—Mike Wilmot

Ellie is effervescent cheer like air bubbles wriggling to the surface of a chlorinated lap pool. She lights up whatever space she is in and is a welcome jolt of exuberance for everyone around her. Ellie is positively enthusiastic, positively wonderful, positively Ellie.

—Elyssa Barrett

Referred to by some as the “Mayor of Pingree,“ he wants to know how you’re doing, or more importantly, how he can help. Matt has taught us all that it’s all about laughing with people and not at them.

—John

Young

There is your radiant smile when you have fun, the excited and up-foranything smile when you are eager to try something new, and the compassionate and encouraging smile when you care for others. Your positivity is contagious.

—Sheng-Chu Lu

You are a powerful athlete and your powerhouse personality extends into the classrooms. As a head tour guide, you beautifully told your unique Pingree story to visiting families. Intellectual leader, stand-out athlete and role model.

—Di Mathey

You’ll graduate as a young man who has met that Pingree challenge in so many ways. You made it work and have demonstrated so much growth and maturity in the process. Best of luck as you continue your upward trajectory. The sky’s the limit.

—Mike Wilmot

There is always—always—a little glint in your eye. It might be a moment of humor, a recognition of the ironic, or a spark of joy. Whatever it is, it lights your face, it brightens our community, and it will guide your future.

—Anna McCoy

Her colorful makeup and expressive outfits surround a commitment to learning and a passion for creating belonging at Pingree through education and community. Her incredible light will cause all those she encounters to shine brighter.

—Lex Kottmeyer

Four winters ago, you appeared in robotics by accident and decided to stay. Your robot designs were flexible both in purpose and in structure but your personal goals were fixed: you were on a journey. We look forward to our paths crossing again in the future.

—Alec Burt

You, Talia, lead with your voice. You’ve delighted audiences in winter musicals and performances, you’ve delivered us the news, and you’ve shared your wideranging knowledge about sports. We admire all the ways you’ve shared your voice with us.

—Nick Soodik

George Washington University

Being good is simply overrated when it comes to curiosity, social justice activism, feminism, and sustainability. As both a free spirit and diligent planner, you are the ideal combination this world needs for meaningful change. Stay curious, always.

—Meg O’Neill

Emerson College

We are so proud of you! You are a powerful dance performer, talented painter, dedicated social justice advocate, proactive leader, respected senior. You have truly made a difference at Pingree. You will be greatly missed.

—Sheng-Chu Lu

With Highest Distinction

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Ceci’s a secret mix of smarts, pizzazz, and grit. She’s an advocate, peer tutor, leader and scholar. She’s competitive, too: four years a cyclone on varsity ice. But mostly, she is wonderful, and has a heart of gold.

—Deb VanderMolen

With Distinction

Franklin & Marshall College

The kid who comes back to school every morning on his own schedule but always with a friendly greeting. As you leave us for greener fields and bigger classrooms, we hope you will consider making one more comeback—this time just to visit.

—Alec Burt

With Highest Distinction

University of California, Los Angeles

Armed with a vast wellspring of knowledge, you see connections, motivations, and possibilities. Deeper oceans of knowledge await. Enjoy, explore, and don’t forget to share what you have learned.

—Alec Burt

With Distinction

Boston College

A harbinger of courage, compassion, and grace, you are relentless in your pursuit of friendships, revel in brotherly camaraderie, and dwell deeply in intellectual curiosity. For all of us, that connection is grounding, brightens the vibe, and sends us on our way.

—Ed Kloman

With Highest Distinction

Brown University

You have bolstered our newspaper, shared your skills in the Quant Center, and graced our community with your artful dance and bass playing, encouraging us to be brave in our ideas and physical expression. Go make your mark on the world.

—Chris Grenier

With Highest Distinction

You’re the one who colors inside the lines. Literally. You’re a keeper of checklists, minder of time, and follower of rules. You care passionately about the things you study, the school you study in, and the world around you.

—Alec Burt

You played under Pingree tables as a baby, raced up soccer fields as an adolescent, and now stand here all “growed up,“ ready to graduate. To witness it all is our greatest treasure.

—Ed Kloman

Lafayette College

Kind, gentle, and approachable. People naturally gravitate towards you with your warm and inviting smile. A woman of many talents: ski racer, critical defender, competitive rider, school spirit and mental health leader, and empathetic and kind-hearted person.

—Caroline Collins

Connecticut College

As rowing team’s captain and coxswain you navigated a true, swift, and steady course through Pingree, leading shipmates with an eye on social justice, and a personal horizon in medicine. A true friend to underlings and grizzled old teachers alike.

—Eric Olson

With Highest Distinction

Carleton College

Eva is solar power: limitless, inexhaustible, and ready to change the world, brightening every room she enters. With a wellspring of effervescent kindness, she provided everyone with warmth and energy. Good luck shining your light into the broader world.

—Jordan Coulombe

You came to us with rough edges and we are so thankful that some remain, because to smooth them out would be to erase your grit, your spontaneity, your penchant for hard truths, and your tendency to be elbow-deep in whatever endeavor you encounter.

—Anna McCoy

Your name means courage, hard work, integrity, toughness, gentleness of spirit, and warmth of smile. You are a young woman of the world, forged by the melding of different cultures, places, and people into someone who fights for others and laughs at herself.

—Anna McCoy

You are leaving behind an incredible legacy, one of honest observations, giving us much to ponder. Courageous leadership, setting the standard we must maintain as we strive to be a community where all feel a sense of belonging.

—Mary Dyer

A talented hockey player, you distinguished yourself as even a better leader. You arrived a capable student, and emerged as a scholar, one fully engaged in the academic process. A kind and thoughtful person, you model compassion and empathy.

—Buddy Taft

Without daily danger of predators, you sought strength, power, athleticism, ability, and intellect. A career of thoughtful contributions, good humor, and a bellowing “my guy!“ Pingree proudly sends you off towards a bright future where you are certainly favored to thrive!

—Casey Finch

In true Amelie fashion, let’s start by making a list: challenge oneself academically; demonstrate kindness, compassion, and determination fueled by a quiet confidence and genuine love of learning. Continue to make lists, set goals, and achieve dreams.

—Meg O’Neill

Bryan is as versatile and as hardworking as they come. Need someone to stop a quarterback? Bryan will get you a sack with a smile. Looking for a scholar? That’s Bryan, too. He’ll outwork you, outthink you, go undefeated, and break a school record in the process.

—Mike Wilmot

Sneaky strong: Karlyn, you are a pillar of strength. Your journey has been one of resilience, perseverance, and curiosity. Sister, daughter, friend—the force is strong with you! “Do or do not. There is no try.“ Yes, Karlyn, you are wise beyond your years.

—Ed Kloman

With a hilarious sense of humor and a good natured approach to life, you naturally bring people together. We will miss your incredible, big-hearted smile, extraordinarily long stick check windup, passionate cheers on the field, and big bear hugs!

—Caroline Collins

Thank you for the gifts you have given to Pingree: your laughter, which if bottled, would sell out in a day; your positivity; your mature honesty; and your thoughtfulness which has touched so many and reminded us how much a smile and kind word can brighten a day.

—Mary Dyer

You will forever be remembered as an invested learner, an active listener, and a tireless athlete. An understated young woman who flies under the radar but has accomplished so much. With your incredible drive and determination, you will find so much success.

—Caroline Collins

Chloe, you are the epitome of the energizer bunny! Chloe keeps on working and working, she never complains. You’re the first to practice and the last to leave. Most importantly, Chloe is just fun to be around. You will be missed.

—Rob VanTuyl

Like a chrysalis, the Norton transformation is a marvel of science. Patience is rewarded. The Norton butterfly emerges with a confident, knowing smile. Gifted athlete, driven intellectual, and future biomedical engineer, her powerful and colorful wings are ready for flight.

—Tim Johnson

Lilly is chill! Everyone wants to hang out with her. She knows and does cool things. But what you may not know is that she’s competitive, driven, and has a high capacity to get stuff done and done well. Take your coolness and your drive and do great things.

—Rob VanTuyl

Our coffeehouse emcee, fun and outgoing friend, teammate. Within this electric personality lies a caring and supportive person, an intellectually curious and skilled student, and a passionate performing artist.

—Phil McGowan

The Dario Department: there you’ll find a dedicated student, DECA leader, and soccer fan. This department is noted for warmth, kindness, and humor, making everyone feel like family. Dario is curious, enthusiastic, and committed to excellence.

—Casey Finch

You brought your inquisitive lens and hunger for growth to every academic experience. Perhaps most wonderful has been your willingness to embrace vulnerability, exploring the possibilities of storytelling through movement on stage and on ice.

—Liv Poulin

Calm, cool, and collected, a caring friend, loving son and brother, and kind person to all. Just as strong and agile off the football field, overcoming life’s unique challenges with patience and courage. With your heart and determination, nothing can stop you.

—Len Williamson

You are an unlimited person living in a limited world. You have the strength of will and courage to change, to listen and learn, and become the wonder of yourself. Family first, you extended your arms to bring friends into your family, and that’s boundless.

—Ed Kloman

Much like your time on the court, it’s been a fast-paced four years. You’ve been a committed teammate, a loyal friend, and enthusiastic contributor. Your coaches at Pingree are happy to watch you spread your wings.

—Casey Finch

Wise, perceptive, and intuitive. A confident decision-maker with the vision of a point guard—seeing the whole floor and knowing the best play to make to help the people around him. Keep taking big shots and remember to hold your follow through.

—Len Williamson

A champion of empathy, it is Olivia’s mission to give voice to the less heard and to amplify the shared humanity of all. Thank you for modeling how to turn compassion into action, how to surrender to the song, and how to fall in love with the future.

—Eric Haltmeier

There’s something about your smile that says it all. See it in the hallways, Commons, even the library. That smile’s there when you sing, strain over the final leg of a race, drive the lane in hoops. It’s even there when you stretch our curriculum. You’re amazing.

—Eric Stacey

A combination lock: your sense of humor and infectious joy send you spinning three turns to the right, your athletic skills twist you back to the left, a third spin lands on intellectual courage. With the dials aligned, you emerge authentic, charismatic, and outgoing.

—Nick Soodik

Your thoughtfulness lets others feel warm and welcome. Your compassion draws people to want to be around you. Your kindness and integrity inspire others to reach a higher standard. With your talent and hard work, there is no limit to how far you will go.

—Sheng-Chu Lu

Funny, smart, and engaged! Whether it’s wearing a Christmas sweater in May or a green guy suit in January, Sam is all in and will give it his all. He will give you the straight answer even if you don’t want to hear it. Sam makes everyone better.

—Rob VanTuyl

You have forged your path from a quiet young scholar to an academic superstar with a strong, empathetic voice. Never an unkind word and always there to offer help, you have gained respect in every aspect of your journey. The road ahead is full of opportunities.

—Deb VanderMolen

Don’t be fooled. He can seem aloof then dazzle with his intellectual brilliance and moral reasoning. Alex always knows what he’s doing and he does it all with a bounce in his step, making everyone else around him feel happier, smarter, and noticed.

—Jon Gistis

Maddy uses a palette of words and feelings to transform the world with color, complexity and creativity. The canvas of her mind is stunning, bright, and uninhibited. Her beauty elevates as she stays grounded, reminding us to hug our friends.

—Kristin Brown

It’s time to flex your achievements. As a student, you enthusiastically engaged in class as you spotted classmates. You were not one to shy away from the heavy-lifting. You took no days off as you worked to earn the title of “champion.“

—Casey Finch

Curious, self-motivated, inquisitive, you are an intellectual and athletic powerhouse. You lend your ear to listen carefully and provide an introspective viewpoint in return. You look to celebrate others, rather than yourself. Today, we celebrate you!

—Caroline Collins

As you approach the 18th green of your Pingree career, we are struck by your above-par performance as a student, athlete and citizen. Always on top of the leaderboard, you made those around you feel seen, heard and respected. Keep your head down and the ball in play!

—Buddy Taft

With a big heart, Keris is a meticulous student whose focus is evident in the classroom and on the court, ice, and field. Faced with a challenge, she does not back down, instead increasing her efforts and persevering to achieve her goals.

To listen like Hugo is to hear in each sound a creative possibility that might evolve into one of many kaleidoscopic layers in his brilliant productions. We eagerly await a world to come that will continue to resonate with the color, vibe, and heart of your artistic alchemy.

—Eric Haltmeier

Your quiet confidence made you a leader on and off the ice. We could always count on you for a commanding grunt that would get us back on track. Those grunts will be missed. Thank you for always being cool under pressure.

—Jabari Scutchins

There’s one minute to drive. The odds don’t look good. Unless you ask Alex. Similar to a math exam, morning Wordle, or advisory game of Uno, Alex is all business. Knowing smile, stoic, confident, he has trained for this moment. The ball is up. Alex delivers!

—Tim Johnson

Drew makes beats, he makes desks, he makes apps, and he makes an impression: his maturity, resilience, independence, and adventurousness. He makes connections, he makes time for his friends, he makes us smile.

—Elyssa Barrett

Fully in flight, you took command in your classes, leading conversations with astute insights and your characteristic compassion for others. Your unceasing desire to grow amazes: you are limitless.

—Liv Poulin

You are a hero who battles the world’s obstacles with a wonderful blend of humor, emotion, and passion. A consummate traveler, you understand the power of brotherhood and sisterhood, the need to gather friends together to tell tales and talk truths.

—Ed Kloman

You’re a driven academic, fierce friend, and a humble servant with a mischievous glint in your eye that suggests a joke is waiting. Your wit, integrity, and compassion make our campus a better place, and will soon make the world a better place.

—Jordan Coulombe

Through thorough introspection, you’ve transformed your fears into well-crafted lyrics, and evolved your hopes into tuneful melodies. You have become holistically intertwined with your art, and our community has become the better for it.

—Eric Haltmeier

Xavier planned this: everyone else first. Extraordinary. Did you know he holds two Pingree track records? Patience. Wait and you will be rewarded by the wisdom and depth from this scholar. Mr. Yepez is destined for greatness!

—Tim Johnson