Pomfret Magazine | Winter 2025

Contents

04

TIM TALK

On staying true to Pomfret’s unique rhythm.

58

CLASS

NOTES

Updates from the alumni community.

06

32 86 ON THE HILLTOP Campus news from May — December 2024

CHAPEL TALK

Sebastian Lutts ’25 is on a lifelong quest for knowledge.

Pomfret School

398 Pomfret Street • PO Box 128 Pomfret, CT 06258-0128 860.963.6100 www.pomfret.org

Editor Garry Dow gdow@pomfret.org

Head Writer

Corrine Szarkowicz

Copy Editor

Tina Lefevre O’Connor

Class Notes Editor

Deb Thurston dthurston@pomfret.org

Designer Jordan Kempain

Contributing Writers

Sebastian Lutts ’25

Tanya Nongera-Nickerson

Tim Richards

IN MEMORIAM

Remembering those we lost.

90 ICONOGRAPHY

VISTA: Inspired by the Elements

Photographers

Ella Antoine ’27

Kalkidan Birhanu ’26

Sissi Chen ’25

Chuck Choi

Jim Gipe (Pivot Media)

Cindy Huang ’26

Lindsay Lehmann

Jackson Lyon ’17

Mwendo

Tina Lefevre O’Connor

Corrine Szarkowicz

Caroline Wardlow

James Xiong ’26

We Want to Hear from You

Really, we do. These are your stories and this is your magazine. If we’ve inspired, challenged, or disappointed you, please tell us about it.

Our Mission

Pomfret School empowers students to pursue lives of purpose and meaning.

Pomfret Magazine is published by Pomfret’s Communications Office © 2025

Printed on FSC certified stock by a facility that is both certified by the FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) and is an EPA Green Power partner.

Pomfret School does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, handicap, gender, sexual orientation, age, or national origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid, or other programs administered by the School.

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“We have carried on, perhaps with a different sound — not better, not worse, but different — and have always performed in the key of Pomfret.”

The first iteration of the Dead was formed by a combination of two other bands, a jug band called Mother McRee’s Uptown Jug Champions, and a second group called The Wildwood Boys. In 1965, Jerry Garcia, Ron “Pigpen’’ McKernan, Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, and Phil Lesh came together to create The Warlocks, and a short time later, they became The Grateful Dead — without question the greatest jam band in history. For thirty years they continuously refined their craft, and yet throughout, they had to evolve time and time again. They are known to have had several distinct eras during their thirty-year run, largely defined by the introduction to the band of a new musician. Each brilliant musician who departed the band was replaced by another virtuoso who carried the torch.

Over the course of Pomfret’s history, countless enormously talented people have left our “band,” only to have other gifted educators, administrators, and staff members step in. We have carried on, perhaps with a different sound — not better, not worse,

but different — and have always performed in the key of Pomfret.

When Heather Wills Daly officially joins Pomfret on July 1, she will bring her own virtuosity to the mix, adding new vision, creativity, and panache to our band of educators. She crushed her audition, and I am confident that Heather’s formidable leadership experience will directly empower Pomfret to continue to live out its mission and vision — to empower our students to pursue lives of purpose and meaning as we continue to inspire the next generation of change makers and problem solvers.

“You do not merely want to be considered the best of the best. You want to be considered the only one who does what you do.” These words from Jerry Garcia resonate strongly with me as I think about Pomfret School. It is my hope and belief that as I prepare to leave the band and Heather prepares to join it, Pomfret will continue to strive to be the best and most authentically Pomfret it can be.

Let’s keep on Truckin’.

Raising the Bar

In his Opening Chapel Talk, Head of School Tim Richards encouraged Pomfret students to pursue excellence this year, drawing inspiration from the sportsmanship and ambition of Olympic athletes. He urged them to support one another like coaches, fostering growth and camaraderie across all aspects of school life. “Let’s aim to make Pomfret a better place next May than it is today by raising the bar for ourselves and those around us. If we can commit ourselves to doing that, it will indeed be a year for the record books.”

Arrival Day and the days that followed were inspiring and full of traditions as students greeted old friends and new. The school gathered around the Proctor Sundial for Pomfret’s most cherished tradition — the Opening Sundial Ceremony. Convocation was held in front of VISTA to celebrate students’ achievements from the previous academic year.

The bar was set for an outstanding year.

Change Brings Opportunity

School President Sebastian Arreola ’25 and School Vice President Charmaine Chinodakufa ’25 share the ultimate goal of making Pomfret a place where everyone is an active member of the community. “You can sit in your room and think about how you can make this school a better place, or you can get out there, share your ideas, become involved, and make Pomfret what you want it to be,” says Sebastian.

Each year, student leaders are asked to develop a motto that embodies their goals for their term. Sebastian and Charmine developed “Change Brings Opportunity.” They close each School Meeting with the phrase, reminding their classmates to be engaged in the school community. “We encourage student voices to be a part of institutional decisions and for collaborations between administration and the student body,” says Charmaine.

Charmaine and Sebastian want their leadership to affect the current and future generations of Pomfret students, which includes Charmaine’s sister, Annette Chinodakufa ’27, and Sebastain’s brother, Nico Arreola ’27. “We want to establish traditions that will be upheld and help change the culture that will continue after we graduate, especially for our siblings,” says Charmaine. “We want them to be in a school that strives to improve and be even better than it already is.”

Jitters

By Tanya Nongera-Nickerson, Dean of Academics

The first day of school always gives me jitters. The good kind of jitters — the ones you feel when you are sitting at the peak of a roller coaster right before it takes a plunge. It’s worth noting that I also LOVE roller coasters. I love walking the school supplies aisles of Walmart, restocking my pencil case, organizing my binder, and cleaning out my school bag in preparation for the new year. Back-to-school shopping is one of my absolute favorite things. Many of you don’t know this about me, but I am sentimental about school. I have owned the same pencil case since I was sixteen years old.

I am a product of boarding school — it’s home for me. I attended boarding school in Zimbabwe since grade four, and I have always loved it, even when I was failing. I remember struggling with spelling and practicing with my friends at the breakfast table every morning. I also remember working on my times tables during my evening walks with my dad so that I could get through more than five problems during our speed math rounds. If you told my algebra teacher that I’m a math teacher now, I don’t think he would believe you.

I still remember my mid-year grades for fourth form: a D in Miss Edinburgh’s English Language class and an F in Mrs Dennis’ Geography class. Those were real gut punches, but they certainly lit a fire in me to pull up my

socks and put in the work to do better. When my results came in the following year, I couldn’t wait to brag about them. School was hard! But the best part about it was that I was surrounded by all my friends and by teachers who loved me and wanted me to succeed.

Boarding school is where I learned to fail and flourish. I learned how to organize my time around a hectic extracurricular schedule — dashing from marimba band to field hockey practice and then to choir. I learned how and when to seek help from those around me. I learned that I wasn’t going to be great at everything, but it was important for me to give my best effort. I learned about helping those around me when they needed it, and I also learned to take a moment every day to fill my cup — whether that was through time spent with friends or quiet moments spent lying on my bed.

Now, as a full-grown adult, I still feel those back-toschool jitters because I know that this will be a time for all of you to ride the roller coaster too. You will have some hard days, some really low lows. But I also know that the highs will be so high that you will also learn to fail and flourish. I am excited for this ride we are all about to embark on together, and I look forward to continuing to learn from you all. My schooling is never done. I’ll be on this roller coaster forever.

“Boarding school is where I learned to fail and flourish.’’

Tanya Nongera-Nickerson delivers opening remarks at Academic Convocation this year.

2024 Matriculation

Bard College

Bates College (2)

Baylor University

Bentley University

Boston College (4)

Boston University

Bucknell University

Carnegie Mellon University (2)

Case Western Reserve University

Citadel Military College of South Carolina

Colby College

Colgate University

College of Charleston

College of the Holy Cross

Colorado School of Mines

Concordia University

Cornell University (3)

Drexel University

Elon University

Emerson College

Emory University

Gettysburg College

Gordon College

High Point University

Hofstra University

IE University- Segovia

Indiana University

Ithaca College

Johns Hopkins University (2)

Junior Hockey (3)

Kenyon College

Lafayette College

Lehigh University

Macalester College

Marist College

New York University (5)

Northeastern University (4)

Pennsylvania State University

Princeton University

Providence College (2)

Purdue University

Rochester Institute of Technology (4)

Saint Anselm College

Savannah College of Art and Design

Southern Methodist University (2)

St. Anselm College

St. Lawrence University

Syracuse University (3)

Trinity College

Tufts University (3)

Tulane University (2)

Union College

United States Merchant Marine Academy

University of Alabama (2)

University of California - Irvine

University of California - Los Angeles (2)

University of Chicago

University of Connecticut (2)

University of Denver

University of Exeter

University of Georgia

University of Maryland (Engineering)

University of Miami

University of Mississippi

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

University of Richmond

University of Rochester (2)

University of South Carolina

University of St Andrews

University of Tampa

University of Virginia (2)

Vanderbilt University

Washington University in St. Louis

Williams College

CLASS OF 2024

Commencement

Graduates of the Class of 2024, faculty, classmates, alumni, trustees, family, and friends gathered on the Hilltop for the 130th Commencement of Pomfret School.

Olin Rummler delivered the student address and spoke about kindness and how Pomfret faculty and the upperclassmen inspired him and his classmates when they arrived at Pomfret. As the Class became campus leaders, they were responsible for exemplifying Pomfret’s kindness taught to them. Olin encouraged them to spread that kindness as they left the Hilltop. “As the Pomfret Class of 2024, it is our responsibility to carry this spirit forward, to spread the kindness and values we’ve learned here to the world beyond the Hilltop,” he said.

Malik Ducard ’91, the commencement speaker, echoed Olin’s remarks about the impact the graduates could have on the world. He challenged them to lead the human revolution against a society focused on likes and evolving technology. “Champion feelings like pride, empathy, passion, nostalgia, and love that are swirling here today and values like fairness, opportunity, and community that can never be automated. Be heroes for humanity,” he said.

After Pomfret School Board Chair Justin Klein ’65 said the words everyone was waiting to hear: “With the powers vested in me by the State of Connecticut and the bylaws of Pomfret School, I hereby declare the Class of 2024 to be graduates of Pomfret School. Congratulations,” the band struck up and the crowd cheered loudly. It was the pictureperfect ending to a picture-perfect day.

Select Awards

Second in Class: Simiao Li

First in Class: Delia Jean Bousquet

The Pomfret Bowl: Paige Anderson Jesse Heinberg

The Chick Cole Cup: Daniel-Seth Onwuka

The Cowperthwait Award: Anna Weaver

The Edward J. Kelley Award: Danny McNeill

The Halleck Lefferts Award: Olin Rummler

The Richard H. Randall, Jr. ’44 Award: Carolina Völcker

The Paul M. Rosenfield ’67 Award: Miles McClentic

The Wendell D. Mansfield Cup: Paige Anderson

The Founder’s Medal: Grace Charles

Tell Me About Yourself

“Tell me about yourself” seems like a simple social prompt, yet few people respond in a way that keeps the conversation going. Most share only general information about themselves, and the exchange ends there. However, meaningful communication is crucial for building connections. That’s why our students learned how to refine their introductions during a recent Leadership Academy session.

To practice, Leadership Academy students were tasked with introducing themselves to ten faculty members. Edward King’oo ’26 practiced with Head of School Tim Richards. “While I already know Mr. Richards, introducing myself using the methods I learned in the Leadership Academy session was a great way to tell him about my passion for social justice, which is something that we haven’t talked about before,” he shares.

Developing this introductory skill has benefits far beyond student leadership roles. It will be valuable during college visits and interviews and when applying for internships and jobs. The Leadership Academy equips students with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to excel. By fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and self-reflection, the Academy empowers students to lead with empathy, integrity, and resilience — both within the school community and beyond.

Empowering Digital Citizens

Pomfret has partnered with The Social Institute to implement their #WinAtSocial curriculum, a forward-thinking program that equips students to navigate the complex intersection of wellbeing, social media, and technology, empowering them to make positive, healthy, and high-character choices that fuel their health, happiness, and future success.

Using engaging and interactive techniques such as gamification, students will learn the skills they need to navigate their social worlds, both online and offline. Associate Head of School Don Gibbs and Science Teacher and Form Dean Stephen VanHoesen will lead the underclassman pilot program. They plan to partner with academic departments and the Sexual Health and Wellness program to incorporate The Social Institute’s topical lessons into their offerings.

“I am very pleased that Pomfret has decided to implement The Social Institute curriculum,” says Head of School Tim Richards. “It’s critical that our students learn how to harness the power of social media.”

Mashamoquet Day wraps up each year with the highly anticipated tug-of-war competition, where classes face off in a spirited test of strength. The freshmen, bolstered by the faculty’s support, put up a strong fight, but it was the seniors who ultimately claimed victory, bringing the day to a triumphant close.

Serving More than Aces

At a youth volleyball clinic, nervous children were paired with members of the girls varsity volleyball team to practice the fundamentals of the game. As the morning progressed, the young athletes began to open up and smiles lit up their faces as they honed their skills.

The clinic is one of many ways Pomfret School’s athletics and afternoon programs serve the community. Service and stewardship opportunities are deeply woven into school life. Integrating service as an essential part of a Pomfret education instills the values and strength of character students to lead socially responsible lives.

“Service learning and stewardship provide our students with experiences to see beyond themselves and put their empathy into action,” says Service Coordinator and Director of Wellbeing Erin Fisher. “These are opportunities for our students to intensify their capacity to care more deeply about others and become even more engaged in the world.”

Branching Out

Students are literally planting roots on the Hilltop by helping plant chestnut and apple trees across campus.

The student environmental group, known as the Green Griffins, helped plant ten new apple trees outside of Orchard Cottage. They put the orchard back in Orchard as they worked to breathe new light into the orchard that once grew outside of the house dormitory.

West of Orchard, the freshmen planted chestnut trees. They partnered with the American Chestnut Society, whose mission is to develop a disease-resistant American chestnut tree and return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.

We cannot wait to watch these trees grow and flourish alongside the students.

Shaping the Tides

While on a scuba diving trip, Jacky Wu ’25 experienced firsthand the devastating impact of human activity on coral reefs. His observations left a profound mark on him and now shape his ceramics work. As a self-described introvert, working with clay provides him with an outlet for self-expression. “My art is a way to raise awareness for the natural world and share my concerns with others.”

Jacky has completed a large-scale nine-tile mosaic of a seascape and the civilization above the shoreline. The marine portion features varieties of coral, and the urban portion will depict ancient and modern architecture. “I want to convey that we are living and have always lived with nature all around us,” says Jacky. “The older buildings demonstrate that the coral reef has been there throughout history, while the modern buildings will symbolize that if we want the reef to be part of our future, we must adopt sustainable practices.”

It’s All About Perspective

“I never thought I would be taking pictures of LEGO Minifigures,” says Ella Antoine ’27.

In Pomfret’s iPhoneography class, students learned to master the art of smartphone photography through assignments that explored light and shadows, self-portraiture, panoramic landscapes, and macro and micro photography.

The purpose of the LEGO assignment was to capture a storyline in which the Minifigures appear. The Minifigures are not to be seen as toys but instead require the viewers to suspend their disbelief as the LEGO characters interact with the background. “It’s all about perspective,” says Ella.

While DSLR cameras offer exceptional detail and versatility, the class highlighted the advantages of smartphone photography — namely, its accessibility for spontaneous moments. Whether capturing a carefully staged scene or a fleeting moment, like a stunning sunset, students discovered the unique opportunities their phones provide for creative expression.

Ella Antoine ’27

Sissi Chen ’25

Dreams, Drama, and Dilapidation

For its fall production, the Pomfret School Theater delighted audiences with George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart’s George Washington Slept Here. Though set in the 1940s, the plot about achieving the American Dream of home ownership and a sense of belonging still resonates with modern audiences.

The play centers on Newton Fuller, played by Lucas Lu ’27, and his determination to fulfill his dream of having a little place in the country to call his own. This native New Yorker, swept up in romantic visions of rural life, impulsively buys a house in rural Pennsylvania, convinced by the legend that George Washington once slept there. His wife, Annabelle, played by Kylie Corrigan ’25, is blindsided by the purchase.

At every turn, things go awry. Mr. Kimber, the house’s caretaker, played by Henry Chen ’26, reveals the numerous costly repairs needed to make the house livable. There’s no working well or heat, the roof leaks, and the door barely keeps out the elements. To make matters worse, they discover that George Washington never actually slept there — though Benedict Arnold did. Adding to their woes, neighbor Mrs. Prescott, played by Mandy Wang ’27, claims she owns the only road leading to the house and makes access nearly impossible for the Fullers.

The complex show required a tremendous effort from the crew. They transformed the set and expertly moved props between each scene to reflect the evolving renovation of the Fullers’ farmhouse. “I’m so proud of all of the hard work the students put into the show,” says Theater Director Chip Lamb. “There were a lot of moving parts, and they worked to juggle each plot line, props, and scenery transformation to bring this comedy to life.”

Metrics and Mindfulness

Pomfret’s Mind Body Connection course explored the importance of mindfulness meditation, physical exercise, and healthy sleep. The students wore fitness trackers to measure their heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and stress. They used data visualization software to examine the relationship between various behaviors and wellbeing indicators. They graphed behaviors — such as school workload, social media use, diet, and meditation — against outcomes like sleep quality, stress levels, mood, and heart rate. Students formulated hypotheses, considered external factors, and assessed sample size limitations.

Joey Mitchell ’26, a goalie on the boys varsity hockey team, focused on how sleep impacts reaction time. Using the Human Benchmark’s Reaction Time Test, Joey gathered data on his reaction time and compared it to his hours of sleep — noting the time spent in REM and deep sleep — hypothesizing a correlation between adequate sleep and improved reaction times.

“I was interested in finding the most optimal sleep times and durations that work for me and sharing my findings with others in hopes that my research could be useful to them,” says Joey.

Putting Confidence to the Test

At the 2024 Masters Tournament, Scottie Scheffler won the coveted green jacket with an impressive average of 1.51 putts per hole (pph). Inspired by Scheffler’s performance, Mathematics Teacher Remy Hatfield ’13 challenged his Statistics class to calculate their pph, prompting them to explore the likelihood of achieving comparable success in subsequent attempts.

Each student took fifteen putts from five different distances on the turf field to generate their dataset, recording whether each putt found its mark or missed the hole. They crunched the numbers, calculating their attempts’ mean and standard deviation and skillfully plotting a normal distribution curve for each distance.

Hatfield pooled their data and provided the students with the population. With this collective dataset, students calculated confidence intervals for each distance. They mapped these intervals onto the normal distribution curve, visualizing the range within which the true success rate (proportion) is expected to lie.

Brooks Pearce ’24, a member of the Pomfret golf team, embraced the opportunity to refine his game. “I got to see what range of putts I needed to practice more because I could see the percentage at which I made them.”

The Best Weekend

The unseasonably warm and sunny weather during Family Weekend was the perfect setting for families to reconnect and catch up on the learning and fun at Pomfret.

From classroom visits and a tour of VISTA to learning more about the certificate programs and study abroad opportunities, families participated in a weekend full of engaging activities. They enjoyed artwork created in the painting and drawing, ceramics, and recording studios in the Work-In-Progress Gallery. They heard performances by the Honors Chamber Ensemble, “The Frets,” and “The GriffTones.” Head of School Tim Richards delivered the State of the School address, discussing Pomfret’s commitment to supporting students and adopting competencybased learning. The weekend culminated in spirited athletic competitions, with families cheering from the sidelines.

“This was perhaps the best Family Weekend in my forty-year career,” expressed Richards. It was a fantastic weekend for all who attended.

Lessons from the Road

Many parents find the college application process and teaching a teenager to drive equally stressful. This is why Boston College’s Dean of Undergraduate Admission and Financial Aid Grant M. Gosselin suggested that parents approach college admissions like teaching driving by focusing on guidance, trust, and shared experiences. Drawing on nearly 30 years in higher education, Gosselin shared his “lessons from the road” with students and families during Family Weekend as the W.P. Carey Speaker.

Gosselin recommended focusing on the road ahead of them instead of what is in their rearview mirror. “With an eye on the future, focus on how your student can continue to grow, develop a strong application, and take a challenging course load at Pomfret,” he said. With students behind the wheel of their college journey, parents should be a calming presence in the passenger seat. While on college road trips, Gosselin suggests being a copilot and exploring the area around the campus. “If you can build in time beyond just the standard college tour, I think it will be helpful, not only for them but also for your relationship and the memories you’ll build along the way.” He left families with ten tips for a road map to success — and a reminder to enjoy the ride.

Unforgettable Adventures

Each time the Outdoor Adventure crew returned to the Hilltop from a weekend of hiking, camping, and exploring, they brought back not only stories shared around the campfire but also a newfound appreciation for nature, a collection of new skills, and memories that will last a lifetime.

This fall, they canoed the Saco River in the White Mountains and hiked Mount Alander, Mount Wachusett, and Mount Monadnock. On their trips, they slept out under the stars and took in spectacular fall foliage views.

For Outdoor Adventure Founding Director and Science Teacher, Bill Martin, this fall was bittersweet. After twenty-seven years Martin is retiring at the end of this school year.

These trips weren’t just about friendship and fun, though. They deepened the students’ appreciation for nature. “I’ve developed a new sense of gratitude for the outdoors,” Yige Yuan ’27 reflected. “Whether it was watching the changing foliage as we paddled or listening to the sounds of the river at night, it was truly beautiful.”

Mindset Matters Most

Finishing the regular season with an impressive record of 10-4-4, the Pomfret girls varsity soccer team entered the NEPSAC Class C tournament as the third seed. With a collective outlook of “Mindset Matters Most,” they dominated sixth seed Portsmouth Abbey in the quarterfinals and edged out second seed Greens Farms Academy in a tense semifinal match — punching their ticket to the finals.

Pomfret entered the championship match prepared to play their third game in five days. They were physically drained and battling fatigue and injury but were mentally fortified. Despite facing the top-seeded and 2022 NEPSAC C champion Brewster Academy Bobcats — who had tallied a staggering 93 goals this season — the Griffins were focused and determined to win the School’s first girls soccer championship in twenty-six years.

Throughout the first half, the defense excelled in neutralizing Brewster’s high-powered offense, goalie Maddy Antos ’27 made several clutch saves, and the midfielders limited Brewster’s ability to make plays. The scoreboard still read 0-0 at halftime — an early triumph that helped fuel the team’s energy and mindset in the second half.

Brewster’s frustration with the inability to capitalize on multiple opportunities to find the back of the net fed Pomfret’s determination and resilience. The Griffins dug deep and turned the tide when the Bobcats scored with fifteen minutes remaining. Six minutes later, on a throw-in by Amber Sherman ’28, Krystal Medina Angeles ’25 received the ball, beat her defender, and set up Gracie Needham ’26, who drilled the ball into the net, equalizing the score. The goal energized the team and the crowd, setting up a dramatic finish.

With just four minutes left in the game, Krystal and Amber connected again, finding Gabbie Brown ’26 at the top of the box, who coolly slotted the game-winning goal. Brewster attempted a late push, but Pomfret’s defense held firm. Fans rushed the field as the final whistle sounded and celebrated the team’s historic triumph.

“We came out on top because of our mindset,” said Captain Quinn Sharfstein ’25. “At the end of the day, both teams can play soccer, but the team with the better mindset and approach will win. It’s about staying focused, picking each other up, playing for one another, and trusting the process.”

It was an outstanding finish to the 2024 season. This championship and impressive season was the result of a season-long commitment to perseverance, dedication, and teamwork.

Four for Four on Forty-Four

In the fourth year of the Battle for Route 44, Pomfret made the long journey west to Millbrook School. But the lengthy drive and cool and breezy weather did not ruffle the feathers of the Griffins, who played their hearts out, cheered on their classmates, and celebrated Pomfret’s fourth straight victory over the Mustangs.

Shutouts from boys thirds soccer and the JV field hockey, JV volleyball, and JV girls soccer teams got Pomfret on the board early in the day. Boys JV soccer played an outstanding game and beat Millbrook with a final score of 5-2.

During the varsity competitions in the afternoon, the boys cross country team added a tally in the win column after outracing Millbrook at the NEPSTA Championships. Victories over the Mustangs in girls varsity soccer and field hockey helped seal the Pomfret win.

The entire school gathered on the sidelines to cheer on boys varsity soccer in the final competition of the day. The team put up a valiant fight against Millbrook and ended the game celebrating the Battle for Route 44 win with the entire school.

Head of School Tim Richards raised the Peck-Pulling Trophy, named after the founders of the two great schools, for the final time before he steps down in June. Under his leadership, the School remains undefeated in The Battle for Route 44, a rivalry he helped start four years ago. The day has quickly become a favorite tradition among Pomfret’s students.

A Slam Dunk

Lewis Gymnasium received a facelift this spring. The entire gym was painted, and the court underwent a transformation. After being sanded down and refinished, the floors received a fresh coat of paint, complete with updated Griffin branding and the iconic Pomfret “P.”

Once the paint dried, the championship banners were proudly hung over the court. This reimagined display highlights the Griffins’ success throughout history. New wall padding behind the basketball hoop enhances player safety and elevates the space’s overall functionality. Additionally, modern window film replaced outdated curtains, allowing natural light to flood the gym.

The enhancements to Lewis Gymnasium align with the Strategic Plan’s goal of developing and sustaining a competitive athletic program. This project is one of several recent upgrades to Pomfret’s athletic facilities. Pomfret recently added a hardwood court surface in Strong Field House and, in 2021, completed a major renovation of Jahn Rink. The $3.8 million project included cutting-edge mechanical systems, new ice-making equipment, and a new dehumidification system, extending the rink’s usability from September 1 through April 1.

On This Winter Night

The GriffTones, Chamber Ensemble, Festival Chorus & Orchestra, and student readers came together to create a heartwarming evening of music and poetry at the annual Candlelight event, celebrating the spirit of peace and goodwill. Performing pieces like “On This Winter Night” and “Peace Between,” the GriffTones and Festival Chorus filled Clark Memorial Chapel with melodies that radiated warmth and love. The chapel glowed softly as Director of Spiritual Life Bobby Fisher lit his candle and passed the flame to Head of School Tim Richards and a student reader, who then shared the light with others, filling the room with flickering candlelight. Together, the School joined in singing “Silent Night” and “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” led by the Chorus. The evening concluded with Fisher’s benediction, as students and faculty carried their candles into the night, accompanied by the cheerful strains of “Sleigh Ride” on the organ.

Introducing Heather Willis Daly

Pomfret’s 13th Head of School

The Pomfret Board of Trustees has selected Heather Willis Daly as Pomfret School’s thirteenth head of school. Heather will be the first female head in Pomfret’s history.

A graduate of Wellesley College with a master’s degree in management from the University of Illinois, Heather has spent nearly thirty years living and working in independent schools. Heather began her career in admissions and has been highly successful as both an educator and an administrator.

In her current role as an associate head at Laurel School in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Heather oversees admissions, marketing and communications, athletics, college counseling, health and safety, food service, signature programming, summer programs, and sustainability. She is also the driving force behind Laurel’s new strategic plan. In addition, Heather is the chair of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Financial Aid Advisory Task Force, which advises school leaders on developing sound financial aid policies and best practices.

academic programs, and the creation of the Mastery Transcript Consortium (MTC). In addition, she grew Hawken’s student of color population from 18 percent to 30 percent, boosted overall enrollment by 173 students, and realized eight consecutive years of record enrollment growth.

“Heather is, quite simply, a superstar.”

— Daryle Bost ’89, Search Committee Chair

“In Heather Daly, Pomfret has found a leader who typifies the characteristics our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents value in a leader,” says Head of School Search Committee Chair and Board of Trustees Vice Chair Daryle Bost ’89. “According to her references, Heather is, quite simply, a superstar. It is abundantly clear that she is truly respected by faculty. She is a savvy, authentic, and gracious leader who constantly keeps the big picture in mind. She prioritizes integrity and collaboration. She exemplifies Pomfret’s brand, institutional growth, and Griffin spirit.”

Prior to Laurel School, Heather was the dean of admissions and financial aid at St. Andrew’s School in Delaware. There, she increased applications by 40 percent, achieving all-time high selectivity rates. In addition, Heather worked closely with the St. Andrew’s Advancement Office to guide and support financial aid donor appeals, scholar selections, and stewardship efforts. In the midst of the pandemic, the school turned to Heather to redesign its recruitment process, marketing materials, and comprehensive yield plan.

Before St. Andrew’s, Heather spent a decade at Hawken School in Ohio. During her time there, she implemented significant curricular changes and innovations alongside colleagues, helping to put Hawken at the forefront of a national conversation related to service and experiential learning, community partnerships, signature

In accepting the position, Heather said, “I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve as Pomfret’s next head of school, and I am excited to lead such a vibrant and innovative boarding community. Pomfret’s mission to empower students to pursue lives of purpose and meaning resonates with me deeply, and I am inspired by how this mission is woven into the fabric of everyday life on the Hilltop. The warmth, connection, and genuine sense of belonging I experienced during my visit with students, faculty, and staff affirmed my desire to join this remarkable community. I am truly grateful to Daryle Bost, Board Chair Justin Klein ’65, the search committee, and the Board of Trustees for entrusting me with the privilege of leading Pomfret into its next chapter, building on the legacy of Tim Richards and those who came before him.”

Heather is married to Brendan Daly, an independent school science teacher. Together, they have three children: a son at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, a daughter at the University of Richmond, and a daughter at St. Andrew’s School in Delaware.

Faculty & Staff News

NEW STAFF

NEW FACULTY

BACK ROW

Melissa Woodin, Chief Financial Officer

Kevin Vlasseman, Mathematics Teacher

Jack Hutchinson, Science Teacher

Sean Murphy, English Teacher

Marc St Laurent, Director of Learning Support

FRONT ROW

Shay Albert, Digital Arts Teacher

Lindsey Neff, History Teacher

Charity McClure, Director of Health Services

NOT PICTURED

Eric Rizzo, Music Teacher

Scott Ross, Learning Support Specialist

Amy Yu, Learning Support Specialist

Victoria Babcock Science Lab Technician

Chelsea Mendoza Controller

Dana Miller Major Gifts Officer

Emily Morrison Director of Annual Giving and Constituent Programs

Brandie Souza Student Life Administrative Assistant

Goodbye, Dear Friend

After twenty-six years of serving our deans, administrators, families, and students, Assistant to the Dean of Students Chris Lamothe is retiring. She is an indispensable member of the Deans’ team and the face of travel, attendance, “points” and accountability here on the Hilltop. Guided by a good heart, an enviable work ethic, and a love for kids, coworkers, and cocker spaniels, Chris ruled with compassion and charisma while making our campus a second home. We will miss her, and Libby, and wish them the best of luck.

Quinn [Admissions 2017–2023] and Charlotte McMahon [Dean of Students Office 2017–present], along with big sister Willow and big brother River, welcomed Marlow Finnegan Post McMahon on June 14, 2024.

OH BOYS!

Amy [Science 2022–present] and Steve VanHoesen [Science 2022–present] became the proud parents of Leon “Leo” William VanHoesen on July 12, 2024.

GAME-CHANGING SUMMER

Pomfret student-athletes weren’t the only ones staying on top of their game this summer. Director of Athletics and Afternoon Programs and Head Girls Lacrosse Coach Mo Gaitán spent a portion of her summer at the USA Lacrosse headquarters in Sparks, Maryland, as a facilitator for Athletes Unlimited (AU) Pro Lacrosse.

“ These athletes were playing at a level I had never experienced,” said Gaitán. “It was inspiring to see these professionals putting so much time and energy into their game and the little details.”

W ith her front-row seat to see how these elite athletes responded and adapted to different game situations, Gaitán absorbed everything she could. “I filed away little nuggets of information and was prepared to apply what I had learned and experienced when the Griffins were preparing for and were in the heart of the next lacrosse season.”

Gaitán learned off the field, too. “It was such an amazing opportunity to be a part of the new league and the next generation of women’s professional sports,” said Gaitán. “I picked all the organizers’ brains to find new things to integrate and implement into Pomfret’s athletic programming.”

Codes Against Academy

After the release of the generative AI chatbot ChatGPT in November 2022, schools faced the challenge of deciding how to respond.

While some banned AI, Pomfret embraced it, establishing policies to guide responsible use.

At Pomfret, Science Department Head Josh Lake became a leading voice on AI. He’s presented workshops across the country and co-led the “Future Ed: AI in Your Classroom” institute during one of several Grauer Summer Institutes. His exposure to diverse opinions on AI inspired him to create a card game, Codes Against Academy, designed to spark conversations about AI’s role in education.

The game features seventy-five scenarios of AI use by students, faculty, and administrators, with three ways to play: a reaction-based format, an ethics-ranking tier system, and open discussions. “My favorite way is the tier system,” Lake says. “I ask people why they rated a scenario as they did and what changes might adjust their ranking.”

L ake introduced the game at a recent educational conference, where interest was so high the session was moved to a larger room. Educators eagerly bought copies to facilitate AI discussions at their schools, with some planning to use them in faculty meetings or orientations. To date, the game has sold over one hundred copies, and Lake is considering new versions for higher education and the workplace.

“ This game has led to some truly productive conversations about AI’s ethical implications,” says Lake. “We need these discussions because AI is undeniably part of the future.” He uses AI in his classes and hopes that years from now, his students will reflect on having gained valuable insights from their exposure to AI. “Just as calculators, computers, and the internet have transformed education, AI has the potential to do the same — if teachers understand how to use it effectively and guide students in doing so.”

CHAPEL TALK

By Sebastian Lutts ’25

Life’s Grand Chessboard

Exploring identity, curiosity, and the lifelong quest for knowledge.

Igrew up in Russia speaking English as a first language with an American accent. I have lived across three continents, traveled to over fifteen countries, hold dual citizenship, and regularly visit my family across the globe. My cultural background is a mosaic of often contradictory characteristics. Alternately growing up on the sophisticated streets of London and navigating the untold opportunity presented in America, enduring the harsh traditional Russian culture, and adapting to the contrasting blend of rich heritage and modernity present in the UAE, I have had to develop a personal identity that simultaneously balances flexibility and consistency.

W ith all that in mind, I had only 650 words. No more than 650 words to provide my story in the common application. Seniors know the challenge all too well. My first draft was three thousand words, or five pages, singlespaced. That draft bounced around from my experience growing up boxing in Russia and facing my brother in the ring (and, of course, winning every time) to an inner philosophy centered around personal development and the struggle of becoming a refugee, leaving my home unsure of when I would return. There was so much to talk about. It was nearly impossible for me to pinpoint

one crux of my essay. There was nothing I hated more than getting rid of pieces I loved or information I keenly wanted to share. I faced a similar challenge when writing this Chapel Talk. From the unimaginable complexities of our minds to the one in four hundred trillion chances of being born, or the importance of living in the moment and making the most of the opportunities we are presented with, I wrestled with countless messages and lessons I wanted to share with you all.

When Covid hit and quarantines began, I had to search within myself to find interests and passions that would keep me occupied. That was when I discovered the beauty of ancient history and the stories of the great empires. Submerging myself, I watched every YouTube video and documentary I could find on the topic. Among the copious amounts of information, I stumbled across an intriguing character: Socrates. I was fascinated and inspired by his wisdom and philosophy, primarily the quote, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”

Having always supported me in my endeavors and encouraged me to explore beyond what I already knew, I asked my dad about this quote. Pulling out a pen and paper, he drew three concentric circles. “This is what you

know,” he said, pointing to the inner circle. “This is what you think you know, and this is what you don’t know. The more you think you know, the less room there is to learn. That simple explanation became a pivotal moment in my life, knowing that I know nothing can be a frightening thought. It encourages uncertainty, a trait that some might view as a weakness. However, it also creates a sense of awe, a natural skepticism, and an excitement for all the lessons yet to come. I have found myself fascinated by the endless avenues of inquiry down which to explore, each one altering my attitude and reshaping my perspective.

Among them was chess. At the age of seven, I sat across from my father and prepared to go to war. Between us stood the rank and file, warriors and castles, kings and queens, all upon a checkered field of battle. Captivated by the mysteries of the intricately carved pieces, I analyzed the chessboard, immersing myself in a new world. After spending an hour memorizing the rules, I began obsessively formulating strategies to lure the opposing army into traps, divert their attention with feints, and get into their heads. “Poydem! Follow me!” I shouted, dragging my longsuffering dad to play yet another round. I was quickly signed up for chess classes (my father was, no doubt, eager for a more challenging opponent) and proceeded to spend the next few years fascinated by this simple yet complex game.

Whether hatching a flawless plan or rallying to defeat impossible odds, I lost myself in a sense of flow, strategically navigating the uncertainties of the future, approaching problems holistically, thinking several steps ahead, and persevering through seemingly impossible situations. Just as I work constantly to improve my position on the chessboard, I search continuously for new knowledge and skills.

The power of loving to learn is an extraordinary concept that can lead to unimaginable growth and change. This learning goes far beyond the reaches of a classroom and even academics or intellect as a whole. It includes learning what you like, learning what you don't like, learning to try new things, learning to broaden your perspectives, learning gratitude, learning appreciation, learning to listen, learning to understand, learning to love, learning to suffer, but above all, learning to learn. After all, the quest for knowledge is a lifelong journey that we should never abandon.

In chess, the number of possible unique games, known as the Shannon number, 10 to the power of 120, exceeds the estimated quantity of atoms in the observable universe. The fact that simple, small decisions can create compounding chains of unimaginable complexity mirrors how we constantly and actively engage in the construction of our lives. Balancing that dizzying freedom with responsibility, I believe, is the key to the real Noble Game, in which there is no checkmate, and all that matters is how we play.

At long last, Pomfret science has a home worthy of its vision.

STORY BY Garry Dow | Reporting by Corrine Szarkowicz

PHOTOS BY Jim Gipe & Chuck Choi

Only eighteen months ago, on this very spot, a bulldozer ripped open a gash across the face of the Ambrose Monell III ’26 Science Building.

Piece by piece, brick by brick, the venerable old building was clawed down and carted away, erased from the earth. Soon nothing was left but a gaping hole in the ground.

VISTA sits on roughly the same plot of land and follows roughly the same sloping gradient as its predecessor, but the new building is shifted slightly to the south to offer more expansive views of the western valley beyond. At night, VISTA looks otherworldly — a brightly lit bulb standing in sharp contrast to the historic buildings around and the inky sky above. In the setting sun, the building’s metal skin exudes warm tones of red and brown that shimmer and pulse.

As guests arr ive for the grand opening, they cannot help but marvel at the building’s incandescent beauty, made all the more beautiful by the improbability of its existence. Near the entrance, a few eager students

mill about hoping to catch the eye of Nobel Prizewinning scientist Dr. James Rothman ’67. When he finally turns up, Rothman chats with the students for a while, then enters the room and is immediately mobbed by several more adults who are just as eager to make his acquaintance.

In the background, a bartender is busy pouring chemistry-themed drinks. Nearby, BB and Jud Reis ’60 P ’98 GP ’26 are chatting with Stephanie Olmsted, widow of Robert M. Olmsted ’59 P ’89 and Board Chair Justin Klein ’65. Across the room, Science Department Head Josh Lake is deep in conversation with Director of the Grauer Family Institute Gwyneth Connell.

Not far away, architects Ann Beha and Tom Hotaling are chatting with Facilities Committee Chair Buzz Yudell ’65. They are friendly and engaging,

especially Ann, who founded Annum Architects more than thirty years ago. They have spent months planning for this moment, and they have imagined it for many more. A few feet away is Stacie Guilfoyle, the general contractor of Shamut Design and Construction, who made Annum’s design a reality.

S oon, servers in white shirts and black aprons begin handing out cream-colored cocktails served in Pyrex-style beakers. Each drink comes with a small test tube filled with bluish liquid. Eventually, Head of School Tim Richards rises to his feet and clinks his glass several times. It is a loud, boisterous crowd and it takes a minute for everyone to quiet down. A toast — to the future of science education at Pomfret School . Everyone raises a glass. One by one, they pour the contents of the test tube into the contents of the beaker, setting off a chain reaction.

‘‘VISTA is a microscope, a telescope, a whiteboard, and a lab bench — a space where ideas are built, explored, and brought to life.”

— Josh Lake, Science Department Head

hundreds of students and dozens of faculty have yearned for a new science center to call their own. At times, the School has gotten remarkably close, but for one reason or another, the projects have always stalled.

TODAY, SCIENCE IS THE MOST SUBSCRIBED SUBJECT AT POMFRET SCHOOL. Twelve different teachers offer thirty unique courses in eleven distinct fields

In 2021, Director of Advancement Will Mitchell ’84 was deep into developing what would become Amplify: The Campaign for Pomfret School, an $80 million, multiyear fundraising effort, when he had an idea. Mitchell had

Of course, it is one thing to want a science center, it is quite another to build one. Science centers are notoriously expensive. Cost overruns, equipment shortages, and supply chain interruptions are just a few of the many landmines that can blow up a project. Early estimates suggested the building would require the single largest capital expenditure in Pomfret history ($22 million). To pull off such a project would require vision, courage, and a little bit of madness.

Eventually, Head of School Tim Richards, working with Mitchell and Pomfret’s Board of Trustees, hosted a series of focus groups totaling more than 150 people over fourteen meetings. “The excitement was really palpable,” he says. “This was something the community was hungry for and wanted to support.” ~ CONTINUED ON PAGE 42 ~

Q&A

A Conversation with Nobel Laureate Dr. James Rothman

Q&A BY Corrine Szarkowicz

Today Dr. James E. Rothman ’67 is one of the world’s most distinguished biochemists, but back in 1967, he was just Jim — a seventeenyear-old, whip-smart kid whose love for physics and fascination with rockets earned him the unique distinction of being the only Pomfret student to almost blow up a science lab.

In 2013, Dr. Rothman was awarded a Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for his breakthrough discovery related to the key molecular machinery responsible for the transfer of materials among compartments within cells. His work has impacted the lives of countless individuals by providing the conceptual framework for important processes like how insulin is released into the bloodstream, how nerve cells communicate in the brain, and how viruses enter into cells.

“As an undergraduate at Yale, I wanted to study physics,” he says. “But my dad, who was a small-town pediatrician, would incessantly say, ‘You really ought to give biology a chance. Why don't you take a biology course?’ To make him happy, I took a course in biology, and that was it. Two or three lectures into the course, I began asking research questions that I couldn't ask in physics, and I never looked back.”

In September, Dr. Rothman returned to Pomfret as the 2024 Lasell Visiting Alumnus, a program that brings alumni home to share their time, talent, knowledge, and real-world experiences with students and faculty. Between delivering lectures, visiting classes, and sharing meals, Dr. Rothman took time out of his busy schedule to sit down with us. This is what he had to say.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST DEVELOP A LOVE FOR SCIENCE?

I remember wanting to be a scientist when I was five or six years old. I grew up in an era when the world was launching rockets in the Space Race. I loved building model rockets. I taught myself algebra, trigonometry, and geometry to track my rockets and determine how high they went. Vaccines were also being developed at this time. I was cognizant of the importance of science and technology. It was a value infused in me and many other people my age.

YOU INITIALLY WENT TO HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL BUT ULTIMATELY SWITCHED TO THEIR PHD PROGRAM. WHAT PROMPTED THAT CHANGE?

I never thought I would practice medicine. I went to medical school with the idea that I would learn the science I needed to be a researcher. Having had a deep education in the physical and mathematical sciences, I missed out on my opportunity as an undergraduate to learn biology. I thought the best thing to do was to get an education in human biology, learn about human diseases, and then see what happened afterward with an open mind.

WHEN YOU BEGAN THE RESEARCH THAT ULTIMATELY LED TO YOUR NOBEL PRIZE, YOU REPORTED ACHIEVING VERY LITTLE INITIAL SUCCESS. WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO KEEP SEARCHING?

Everybody told me it was nuts to go and try to reproduce the mysterious complexities that occur in a cell-free extract and I had five years of failure, really, before I had the first initial sign of success. But I was at one of the world's best — if not the best — biochemistry departments at the time. The lab at Stanford was led and founded by Arthur Kornberg, a Nobel laureate who had developed a pioneering understanding of how cells copy their DNA and how they are key elements of cell division on the basis of genetics. He was my hero in the field of biochemistry and a beacon who taught everybody to focus on the long-term value of things. And as successful and prestigious of a lab as it was, it was an environment that allowed me to fail. I had senior colleagues who supported me and my work. There were some times when I started losing confidence, but I gained confidence because the people I really admired had confidence in me.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO RECEIVE THE CALL THAT YOU HAD WON THE NOBEL PRIZE?

There’s nothing quite like somebody calling you at 4:30 in the morning and telling you that you've won a Nobel Prize and then informing you that Swedish Radio will be getting on the phone line and interviewing you in about two minutes. You wake up pretty quickly. It's an experience.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW?

What I am studying right now is really important to me. I wake up excited to study it daily. To put it into broad terms, my lab of fifteen young scientists from around the world and I are focused on trying to determine the “CPU speed” of the human brain, which is primarily controlled by how fast neurotransmitters pass between neurons. We are studying how neurotransmitters are released at a speed much faster than other bodily processes. We hypothesize that this is due to the proteins in synapses being evolutionarily optimized into crystal-like structures. By uncovering the steps that form these structures, we hope to gain insights that could lead to treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders.

IN

ADDITION TO YOUR

RESEARCH, YOU ARE A PROFESSOR. WHAT DO YOU LECTURE ON NOW?

Nowadays, my time spent teaching is limited, but I give the first lecture to the new medical students at Yale. I lecture on why they should be learning basic science in medical school. Since most medical students feel they have studied enough science and want to be doctors, there's a bit of a hill to climb. I feel like it's incumbent on someone in my position to try to help them understand the value of science in the medical profession. Because if you don't consider the physiology and biochemistry of what is going on in your patient, you'll think of the patient as a statistic.

IS THERE ANY END IN SIGHT FOR YOUR RESEARCH AND WHAT YOU WANT TO STUDY?

I have no plans to retire. I plan to continue as long as I'm sentient and doing useful work. Sometimes, it's hard to know when it is time to retire, but right now, the younger people are choosing to come and work with me. The last honest people in the world are the young people, and in the end, they're the ones who have the most at stake in their decision as to where to get their training. So they're voting with their feet, and if they continue to vote to work with me, I'll try to be there for them.

James Rothman is the Sterling Professor of Cell Biology and Professor of Chemistry at Yale University. He is also the chair of the Yale School of Medicine’s Department of Cell Biology and the founding director of the Nanobiology Institute. In addition to Yale and Stanford, Rothman has taught at Princeton University and Columbia University. He also founded and chaired the Department of Cellular Biochemistry and Biophysics at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Rothman attended Yale as an undergraduate and earned his PhD at Harvard Medical School. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and spent many years as a professor in the Department of Biochemistry at Stanford University.

VISTA STANDS FOR VENUE FOR INNOVATION, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND ACADEMICS. In endorsing the name, Science Department Head Josh Lake described the building this way:

“ VISTA is a microscope, allowing for our deepest and most focused scientific studies yet. It’s a spectroscope, a place where our scholars sample across the spectrum of scientific fields. It’s a telescope for our most passionate students to look far into their futures. It’s a whiteboard on which students will record their ideas, hypotheses, graphs, and conclusions for all to see. It’s a 3D Printer, a generative space where student designs will be built up and made real. And it’s a humble lab bench, an open surface

for equipment, notebooks, computers, and measurement tools, where so many students in the coming generations will have their first key spark to become scientists.”

At 22,000 square feet, VISTA is double the size of Monell. The building, which came in on time and on budget, is a marvel of value-based engineering and design. Every square inch is used efficiently, nothing has gone to waste. “The amount of potential packed into this building is massive,” says Lake. When students returned to campus in September, they were in awe. “It was a shock to see the new building,” says Finn DeNapoli ’26, whose father, Ted DeNapoli ’89, attended classes in Monell. “I love it.”

‘‘The goal for this project was to create something that would not just serve science students, but really the whole Pomfret community.’’

— Ann M. Beha, FAIA RAIC

The open and air y design is the brainchild of Annum Architects. Annum clients include leading academic, civic, and cultural organizations like the US Department of State, Yale, MIT, Harvard, and the Smithsonian. Awards for their work include the Boston Society of Architects Educational Facilities Award, American Institute of Architects Honor Award for Architecture, and the SCUP/AIA-CAE Excellence in Architecture Award. Based in Boston, the firm was founded by renowned architect Ann Beha over thirty years ago. “The goal for this project,” she says, “was to create something that would not just serve science students, but really the whole Pomfret community.”

The construction of VISTA took eighteen months to complete. The company that made Annum’s vision a reality is Shawmut Design and Construction. Shawmut was no stranger to Pomfret, having partnered previously on the renovation of Hard Auditorium in 2022 and the construction of the Health and Wellness Center in 2018. “When the contract went to bid, Shawmut really stood out from a crowd of qualified contractors,” says Director of Campus Planning and Facilities Services Brenda Bullied.

The center piece of VISTA is an airy space called the Hamilton Hub, named for Gray ’11 and Miles Hamilton ’13. Windows stretching two stories bathe the space in natural light. The floors are polished cement, and the walls and ceiling are accented with natural wood. The Trust Observation Deck offers spectacular views of the athletic fields below.

Be yond the Hub, the building branches into a labyrinth of classrooms, labs, and gathering spaces. Oversized hallways called “commons” are extensions of the classrooms themselves. Everywhere, glass walls create an atmosphere of openness and transparency. On the uppermost level of the building, state-of-the-art lab spaces are paired with the roof mechanicals needed to support them. The top floor also has a dedicated laboratory prep space with two pass-through chemical fume hoods. In each classroom, suspended electrical outlets power microscopes and other instruments positioned on movable lab benches.

James Rothman, who donated to the project, was also a vital member of the design process. “I had the opportunity to share my thoughts with Annum and I am just floored by what they came up with. With its beautiful design and fluid interior, the building invites you in and broadcasts the key message that science is not just a body of facts and hypotheses but is an organic and dynamic human process.”

‘‘ The building invites you in and broadcasts the key message that science is not just a body of facts and hypotheses but is an organic and dynamic human process.”

— Dr. James Rothman

‘‘ It’s not just a building. It’s the physical embodiment of our dedication to academic excellence and innovation.”

— Brenda Bullied, Director of Campus Planning and Facilities Services

On the ground level, reinforced steel struts allow physics students to hang and then measure the trajectory of heavy objects as they swing. A mudroom next to the environmental science classroom brings students directly outside.

Across the landscape, a large door connects the indoor makerspace to the outdoor makeryard, giving student-engineers ample room to assemble their creations and store oversized materials. Just to the north, a grassy hill abutting a pollinator garden has been left open for students to kick back and relax.

Reflecting on the last eighteen months, Brenda Bullied summed it up this way: “It’s not just a building. It’s the physical embodiment of our dedication to academic excellence and innovation. With its modern facilities and flexible spaces, VISTA will serve as a catalyst for transformative learning experiences, empowering our students to explore, discover, and reach new heights of scientific achievement for many years to come.”

Breaking the Ice

Pomfret celebrates fifty years of girls hockey.

Hanging on the wall in the Doug Woodruff '77 Lobby of Jahn Rink are the mahogany captain boards engraved with the names of past leaders of Pomfret's girls hockey team. The list starts in 1975 with Cindy Ferguson ’75 and Donna Reynolds ’75. They were there at the beginning — fifty years ago — when girls ice hockey first began at Pomfret with thirteen players. As the years passed, the team grew in both size and talent. They went from learning how to play the game to winning one game to having a winning season.

Inside the r ink, to the right of the scoreboard, hangs a banner listing the fourteen times the girls hockey team made the New England Championship Tournament. Below the scoreboard is their 1997 New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Championship banner.

On the wal l near the entrance hang six framed professional and Olympic jerseys — four belonging to former girls team members. These four and several of their teammates have been inducted into Pomfret’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

These visual representations of achievement at the rink only begin to tell the story of the program’s legacy. Over the decades, dozens of student-athletes have gone on to play ice hockey at the collegiate level, winning regional and national championships.

On the ice are eighteen members of the fiftieth girls hockey team who are working hard to achieve similar success and having fun with every shift — just like the young women who came before them.

First Period: Chasing the Puck

Pomfret began accepting female students in 1968, joining the regional shift to a coeducational boarding school experience. Initially, girls spent their winter afternoons in the theater or on the basketball and squash courts. But Donna (Reynolds) Lynch ’75 was among a small group of girls who were drawn to the ice. They approached the athletic director and Headmaster Joseph Milnor about forming a team. They started as a club in 1973, when a group of five girls learned how to skate, practiced basic stick work, and studied the rules of the game.

“ I liked to ice skate and I was looking for an alternative to basketball and squash,” says Reynolds. “We found enough girls who wanted to play, and the coaches were very patient with us. Some girls played in figure skates rather than hockey skates.”

Former headmaster Brad Hastings ’68 was their coach at the time and worked admissions. To express their appreciation for all of the time he spent teaching them how to play, Reynolds and her team presented him with a plaque at the end of the year to commemorate their undefeated season — despite never playing a single official game.

Af ter two years as a club, in 1975, the girls had their inaugural season as a team and became one of the six original prep schools to offer girls hockey as a team sport, joining Loomis-Chaffee, Taft, Choate, Northfield Mount Hermon, and Williston. The original six played games against one another and local colleges, including Yale, who had recently added girls hockey to its lineup of sports.

The team pr acticed at night, long after the boys cleared the ice. One benefit of the late hours was that their classmates were less likely to make their way down hockey hill and laugh at them as they developed their skills. “They were a special group of girls,” said Charlie Putnam, one of the team’s early coaches. “It certainly wasn’t easy for them.

“Women’s hockey has been around for a long time. I get frustrated that every four years, when the Winter Olympics comes around, people are stunned to learn there are women playing hockey.”

— Kay Cowperthwait ’87

They were taking a risk by being some of the first to pursue this sport. They were all groundbreakers.”

W hile some girls had their own sticks and gear, many used old equipment from the boys' teams, including their jerseys.

“My senior year, my dad was so fed up with our hand-medown jerseys that didn’t even say ‘Pomfret Hockey’ on them that he paid for new uniforms for the team,” said Sue Mead ’81. Mead was one of Pomfret’s first star girls hockey players. Before coming to the Hilltop, she played for a regional team. After their starting netminder decided to spend the semester studying abroad, Mead was invited to be the goalie for Harvard University’s club team. When she played for Pomfret, she was a brick wall and kept the Griffins competitive in many games. “Any game we won or came close to winning was because of Sue,” says Putnam.

The Pomfret team grew in size and talent in the early 80s. Regionally, more girls began playing youth hockey. They were often the only girl on the team — resigned to getting dressed in the bathroom or janitor's closet while their male teammates suited up in the boys locker room. Prep schools became their primary opportunity to represent their school and play on the girls team. In 1988, the New England

Preparatory School Girls Ice Hockey Coaches Association began to sponsor a championship tournament.

Each year, more girls enrolled at Pomfret who not only knew how to skate and the rules of the game but were experienced and outstanding players. The team swelled in size until a JV squad was eventually added in 1985 — just ten years after the varsity program was established.

“ Women’s hockey has been around for a long time. I get frustrated that every four years, when the Winter Olympics comes around, people are stunned to learn there are women playing hockey,” says Kay Cowperthwait '87. “We have been playing hockey in college and on national teams for quite a while.”

Many Griffins continued to play hockey in college and beyond. Though Mead stopped playing ten years ago, she minded the goal well into her fifties, playing primarily on men’s club teams and representing our country in national and international women’s senior competitions. Cowperthwait played hockey in college and is a former head coach of the Amherst College women's hockey team. She now runs clinics for women who are looking to improve their skills.

’97

Second Period: Power Plays and Breakaways

In 1990, Waddy Rowe began coaching the girls ice hockey team. The team had some great club players who happened to make their way to Pomfret. They competed against some strong opponents and held their own — often losing in the final minutes. Rowe began to travel to club team tournaments and showcases around the country and Canada to recruit top players who would be a good fit for the Pomfret team. His recruiting efforts helped elevate the program, attracting talent from across the region.

The team worked hard to achieve a winning record each year, but making it to the championship tournament was not easy. In 1995, NEPSAC added a second division to expand the tournament and invite more teams to the playoffs. Pomfret played in the early rounds of the Division II tournament during its inaugural year. The following year, they fell in the finals. In 1997, they earned their first championship. This victory marked a turning point, symbolizing Pomfret’s arrival as a dominant force in girls hockey. They moved to the upper division the following year and made eleven championship tournament appearances in seventeen years.

NEPSAC NEW ENGLAND WOMEN'S CHAMPIONS 1997 P

Their success as one of New England’s top girls hockey programs helped recruit talent to the Hilltop. They faced off against some tough competition, many of whom played on the national team. Pomfret had some great players, including Danish national team member Janie Madsen ’94, US national team member Genevieve Richardson ’99, twotime Canadian Olympic gold medalist Sarah Vaillancourt ’04, and 2016 US Women's Under-22 Select Team member Makenna Newkirk ’15.

Off the ice , the girls achieved similar success. Most were three-season athletes who helped the School win soccer and field hockey championships. The team and their coaches advocated for equity for girls sports, and with the support of then Headmaster Brad Hastings, received equal quality ice time, new equipment, and travel support and lodging when they traveled to holiday tournaments. They went on to be recruited and play hockey at the collegiate level, winning regional and national tournaments. The successes and efforts of the team helped raise the bar for girls sports here at Pomfret, while women’s hockey gained notoriety beyond the Hilltop.

The Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) was established in 2007. In 2015, the National Women’s Hockey League (which was later rebranded as the Premier Hockey Federation in 2021) was founded, becoming the first US professional women’s hockey league to pay its players salaries. Along with Vaillancourt, Richardson, Micaela Long ’06, and

Jaimie Leonoff ’11 all played on various professional teams in these leagues, with Long and Leonoff playing for the Connecticut Whale. After the CWHL dissolved in 2019, the Professional Women's Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) was established by the players and was dedicated to advocating for the promotion of professional women's ice hockey. For four years, the PWHPA organized a series of exhibition seasons. Newkirk played two seasons in the New Hampshire Region.

The Professional Women’s Hockey League was formed in 2023. The inaugural 2024 season was an outstanding success, marked by record-breaking attendance, viewership, and partnerships. The league is gearing up for a great second season, with more games at larger venues and featuring additional talent and teams.

W hile a handful of Griffins went pro, many more went on to coach. Sam Slotnick '10 returned to the Hilltop from 2017 to 2020 to coach her former team at Jahn Rink. Newkirk is entering her third year as an assistant coach at Penn State. Before coaching at Syracuse College, Heather Farrell ’00 guided the girls hockey program at St. Paul’s School for eleven years; her tenure included facing off and ultimately defeating Pomfret in the 2015 NEPSAC championship tournament finals. When Farrell left to become the head coach at Syracuse, she passed the St. Paul coaching reins to Kelli Mackey ’14. Mackey is excited to return to the Hilltop when the Pelicans take on the Griffins in late January. Tiffany Hayes-Romaniello ’99 has coached many girls club teams and will coach the U141 Hartford Junior Wolf this year. The leadership and dedication of these and so many of our alumnae continue to ensure the success and future of girls hockey.

“Coaching hockey is part of my DNA. I love to develop a player, build a team, help them succeed, and take their game to the next level.”

—

Dave Peltz, Head Coach

Cindy Huang’26

Third Period: The Next Shift

In 2023, Pomfret was searching for a new girls ice hockey coach. Hayes-Romaniello shared the opportunity with her friend David Peltz. Peltz has twenty-six years of coaching experience behind the bench at both the Junior and Tier 1 AAA youth hockey levels. He has won a USA Hockey National Championship, three Junior Hockey National appearances, and several regional and state championships. He’s led his teams to league championship tournament appearances and wins throughout his coaching career. Many of Peltz’s athletes have gone on to play Division I and III college hockey programs, with some going professional.

Peltz was eager to help the Griffins achieve success at Jahn Rink. He teamed up with English Department Head Todd Matthew, his assistant coach, and the pair have been recruiting and inviting players from the region’s and nation’s top club teams to the Hilltop to meet the team. The girls and their families learn about the S chool and the academic programs that not only prepare them for college but for life. Their campus tour includes a stop at the rink, which underwent extensive renovations in 2021, including a stateof-the-art mechanical room, new ice-making equipment, and a dehumidification system that extends the rink’s season from September 1 through April 1.

Peltz and Matthew are investing their time and energy into the future of the girls hockey program because they love the game. “Coaching hockey is part of my DNA,” says Peltz. “I love to develop a player, build a team, help them succeed, and take their game to the next level.”

The gir ls team has an opportunity to compete for a championship once again. In 2023, Pomfret and teams from five other independent schools formed the Vaillancourt Conference, named in honor of Pomfret’s own Sarah Vaillancourt ’04. Pomfret finished the season ranked fourth.

O ver the last fifty years, these moments — etched into the ice, the scoreboard, and the hearts of players — are more than just memories; they’re milestones in the story of Pomfret girls hockey. But this story is far from over. Each game, each period, and each shift is a testament to the talent, determination, and potential of girls’ sports at Pomfret. With a legacy built on hard work and camaraderie, and a future that promises even greater achievements, the girls who lace up their skates here are not just making history — they're shaping it.

Kalkidan Birhanu ’26

A Boarding Life

Head of School Tim Richards, or TR as he is affectionately known by Pomfret students, has lived and worked in boarding schools for almost sixty two years. But come July, he will say goodbye to the Hilltop and start the next chapter of his life.

INTERVIEW BY Corrine Szarkowicz

IN COLLEGE, YOU WANTED TO BE ANYTHING BUT A TEACHER. WHAT CHANGED?

I grew up on a boarding school campus and I was convinced that I wanted to be anything but a teacher. That all changed in the spring of my junior year of college. I was home for spring break. My parents were hosting a dinner party for the Andover history department. I was tasked with serving drinks behind a little card table. Virginia Powell, an art teacher and director of the Andover Summer Session, started making small talk. She was excited to learn that I was studying psychology and French because she was looking for a teaching assistant in psychology. I told her I wasn’t interested, but she left the conversation, saying that if I hadn’t found a summer job, I should give her a call. When I didn’t find a summer job, I gave her a call and became the TA in two psychology classes under the master teacher, Gabriel Palmer-Fernandez. I told him my story about not wanting to be a teacher. After observing me in the classroom, he said, “You say you never want to be a teacher, but that’s the only thing you’re ever going to be.” I returned for the Summer Session the next year and started teaching right out of college. And here we are, forty years later.

WHY DIDN’T YOU WANT TO BE A TEACHER?

If I became a teacher, I would be a fourth-generation educator. I believed it was time for a Richards male to do something besides teaching. I wanted to chart my own course. We all see how that turned out. My brother, Chris, also tried briefly to do something else. He is now celebrating thirty-eight years as a independent school teacher.

WHAT DO YOU MISS ABOUT BEING IN THE CLASSROOM?

The main thing I miss is the immediate connection with the students in and out of the classroom. I miss the banter before class, around the advisee dinner table, and during squash practice.

I loved to witness the joy of understanding. When I was teaching French at the higher levels, it was wonderful to see my students operate in a different language and learn how to use a different side of their brain effectively to tackle complex literary and philosophical issues. While teaching about mental illnesses in my abnormal psychology class, I enjoyed introducing students to actual clients of the mental health system and allowing them to have deep and earnest conversations about the plight of the mentally ill and the ways our country is not meeting the needs of people who have these types of disabilities.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE TO NEW FACULTY MEMBERS?

I encourage them to explore different areas of boarding school and to raise their hand to try new things — especially if they have aspirations to achieve a leadership or administrative role. You need to take the steps to show people that you are interested in being responsible for more. Apply to be a form dean, a QUEST leader, or Project:Pomfret coordinator. If there isn’t a leadership opportunity, take the initiative and develop something to show that you are committed.

IN WHAT WAYS DID YOU RAISE YOUR HAND THAT ULTIMATELY LED TO BECOMING A SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR?

I volunteered to be in a role similar to Pomfret’s QUEST leader, created a peer-to-peer counseling program, and was involved in early diversity conversations. I became an assistant dean of students. The position didn’t come with an office, reduced workload, or a phone, but it demonstrated my interest. I attended conferences and workshops and earned my master’s degree, all to further my knowledge and skills. I didn’t get the role the first time I applied to be the dean of students, but I put my nose back to the grindstone, kept my head down, and worked hard. When I applied for the second time, I earned the role.

RAISING YOUR HAND SOUNDS LIKE IT TOOK A LOT OF TIME. HOW DID YOU MANAGE?

I could not have done all that I have without my amazing wife, Anne. She is the single reason I’ve been able to do this work in so many ways. She’s been my cheerleader, counselor, nurse, chauffeur, spouse, and colleague. She arrived at Pomfret as a classic “trailing spouse” without a designated role, yet she developed her own purpose and role here. She previously taught fourth grade for twenty-three years and was adamant that she would never teach high school. Now, she teaches two of the coolest and most popular courses we offer — Y Yoga and Bigger Than Ourselves. Her role in our yoga program and Wellbeing Department has been transformative for hundreds of students and faculty members. She has worked with social service organizations, like TEEG, to connect this privileged place on the hill to some of the poorest parts of the poorest county in Connecticut — bringing greater awareness to our students about the community they live in. I’m a big fan of Anne Richards. I don’t know if I will ever find a way to adequately express my gratitude, appreciation, and love for her for allowing us to have this particular chapter in our lives.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO STEP DOWN?

In the summer of 2023, about six months before the announcement was made, Anne and I were on a safari in Africa. We were far away from Pomfret for two weeks, disconnected in nature, and we had time to contemplate what was next. At the end of the trip, I had an epiphany: Schools need to continue to evolve and change. One of the areas they can do that is in leadership. There’s a value to the institution in having a fresh perspective. I love what I do, and I am excited and energized by all the great work we do. However, fourteen years is a long time, and institutions can use a fresh perspective.

We have a limited amount of time in this world to do the things that we want to do. For fifty-eight years, I’ve lived within the constraints of an academic schedule that dictates what I can do and when I can do it, who I can see, and when. I’d like to set

“I don’t know if I will ever find a way to adequately express my gratitude, appreciation, and love for Anne for allowing us to have this particular chapter in our lives.”

“We have a limited amount of time in this world to do the things that we want to do. For fifty-eight years, I’ve lived within the constraints of an academic schedule that dictated what I could do and when. Now, I want to set my own schedule, spend more time with family, and see more of the world.”

my own schedule and see the people who are important to me — friends and family, including my three wonderful children, an amazing granddaughter, a fantastic daughter-in-law, and my siblings. I want to see and learn more about the world. I can’t do all of that if I am serving as the head of school.

It would also be naive to say that my health issues didn’t contribute to the decision. After facing a series of health challenges, which happily seemed to be behind me, I need to prioritize my health.

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE?

I am proud of how nimble we have become. We are not standing still as an organization. We have done so many things in the past fourteen years. There have been many building projects, including VISTA and the renovation of Jahn Rink and Hard Auditorium. However, I am most proud of the construction of the Health and Wellness Center. The new facility demonstrates our commitment to well-being. We don’t just want to educate our students. We care about their physical and mental health.

We have done so much to enhance the student experience in the classroom. Most recently, we have moved towards competencybased learning and thoughtfully implemented research-informed practices that support student learning, skill development, and well-being. Earlier in my tenure, we dropped AP classes and did away with having seven different classes in one day. We created experiential learning opportunities like Project: Pomfret and the experiential ed travel program, not just because it was a cool thing to do, but because it allows for deep and meaningful learning. I’m proud that we’ve been willing to try new things and sometimes be at the forefront of movements that are growing nationally.

I also am proud to have established the athletic rivalry with Millbrook School. Over the past four years, Pomfret vs. Millbrook Day, or the Battle of Route 44, has become a great community builder of which everyone is a part. It has quickly become a favorite tradition. After I leave, I hope it will continue and we will keep winning the Peck-Pulling Trophy.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING AFTER YOU STEP DOWN?

I am excited to spend time with my family and friends without the next meeting or phone call looming on the calendar. While we have a long bucket list of places to travel to, we have yet to plan any grand trips and are excited about our free schedules. I want to continue to explore photography and dedicate more time to reading. I want to spend more time hiking, fly fishing, and kayaking. We will not be bored!

WHAT WILL YOU MISS THE MOST ABOUT POMFRET?

I will miss the Chapel Talks. Director of Spiritual Life Bobby Fisher always quotes Patti Digh saying, “The shortest distance between two people is a story.” Clark Memorial Chapel, what it represents, and the stories shared inside are the best parts of who we are as a school. Our students and faculty courageously stand up at St. George and share with our community who they are. Each year, the talks get better and better. I will also miss Candlelight and the opportunity for the community to gather to spread peace and light in this world.

HOW DO YOU BELIEVE POMFRET’S NEXT HEAD OF SCHOOL, HEATHER DALY, WILL LEAD POMFRET INTO ITS NEXT CHAPTER?

From my biweekly conversations with Heather, I am confident she will lead the School with energy and passion. I hope she finds a way to put her stamp and vision on the School. She can help us take the next step in competency-based learning so that we can become a role model for other schools who see the value in this research-based best practice in education. After getting to know our traditions and values, she will be responsible for establishing the strategic direction for the School. I have a tremendous amount of confidence in her.

CLASS

50s

Members of the Class of 1958 gathered for dinner in October 2024 to celebrate the visit of Andre Dreyfus to the Mystic, Connecticut area. L-R: George Shaw, Andre Dreyfus, Richard Gildersleeve and Ed Johnson. Also in attendance were George’s wife, Anna; Richard’s wife, Koko; and Ed’s daughter and caretaker, Lacy.

Class notes featured in this issue were received prior to November 18, 2024. Notes received after this date will be published in the next issue. Class notes are appreciated and may be submitted via your Class Agent, the Pomfret School website, or by e-mail to:

Deb

Thurston, Class Notes Editor, at dthurston@pomfret.org.

We encourage and welcome appropriate news items and photographs from all alumni and friends. Please note that not all submissions are guaranteed to appear based upon subject matter, photo reproduction quality, and space availability. Also, we reserve the right to edit for consistency and style but we will give every consideration to each author’s individual writing style.

Members of the Class of 1962 had a very nice summer gathering at the home of Rick Leslie in Woolwich, (Maine,) in August 2024. L-R: Pat Morss, Wally Buschmann, Kim Coit, Mo Ewing, Drew Diefendorf, Rick Leslie, Dave Richardson, Howie Mallory

Members of the Class of 1964 and their spouses gathered to celebrate their 60th reunion. L-R: Kate Logan, Frank “Flash” Fuller, Steve Cook, Karen and Tom Barbour, Dave Woodrow, Paul Steege, Mark Constantian, Charlotte Constantian, Paul Fowler, Nat Barrows, Cathy Planchart, Spinner Findlay, Cathy and Vip van Voorhees, Connie and Jock Dix. Missing from photo: Mark Simon

Jock Dix standing in front of the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Barcelona, Spain. Dix managed the construction of this hotel.

1964

Jock Dix wrote, “Connie and I traveled to Portugal and Spain this past spring. One memorable stop was in Barcelona, where I was the project manager for a new hotel by Skidmore Owings & Merrill (SOM). I made several trips to Barcelona, which I loved, but only saw the inside of a construction trailer where we yelled at the contractor, the contractor yelled at the architect, and the owner yelled at both of us. I never had the chance to see much (like, nothing) of Barcelona while working there. The name of the project in SOM, as it was being designed and built, was “Hotel Hell.” I left SOM in 1990 to join another architectural partnership and had to wait thirty-three years to see my project completed. It is now a Ritz Carlton Hotel with

external structural bracing. It was paired with a nondescript high rise, but together make a noticeable pair of buildings at the edge of the “Med.” I was provided with an added bonus, as the 2024 America’s Cup races were held in front of the Ritz, which was an elegant and noticeable backdrop on several tacks, depending on which direction the wind was blowing. Sweet! It’s nice being able to look back in time from retirement and feel a warm glow. As much of a thrill it was to see a building I had been so involved with its creation and construction, that experience paled to the majesty and awe of the Sagrata Familia Basilica. Both its exterior and interior have to rank as one of the greatest wonders of the world, even while not completely finished. Antoni Gaudi designed a building that is Gothic, Modern, and Futuristic all at the same time.

newest book

The

by Barry Bobrick ’65

1965

Congratulations to Robert Orr and his company, Robert Orr & Associates, for being named to Forbes’ inaugural America’s Top 200 Residential Architects List for 2025.

Benson “Barry” Bobrick’s most recent book is A Voice From the Back of the Room: Views and Reviews, 1985-2023. A collection of occasional prose, it contains long and short essays, op-eds, book reviews (originally published in The Washington Post and The New York Times), a public talk on the current state of Civil War studies, and some etymological and starry musings. The book was published by Stillwater Books in June 2024.

Jim Seymour wrote, “[My wife] Sharon and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary for two weeks at a villa in Tuscany. Our two sons, Stephen from London and Jeffrey from Connecticut, joined us with their wives and our five grandchildren. We live in Wickford, Rhode Island. I am still on the board of a venture capital firm based in India requiring annual trips to Bangalore and Mauritius. I am also on the board of Girls First Finance, which focuses on the education of young women in Kenya, and several other non-profit boards including the Episcopal Church at Yale. I remain active in coaching social enterprise start-ups and in mentoring young adults from whom I learn so much.”

1969

Andy Goldmark released his latest single called, “Time On Mars” as the artist, Ando’s Record Shop. He wrote, “To the 69ers shining bright who taught me and gave me so much. With us I felt I had permission to be myself unjudged which, in my case, meant being able to pursue writing songs in complete privacy and anonymity at Pomfret. I’ve been lucky enough to spend a career doing this. And now I’ve come full circle to being a singersongwriter again instead of only writing songs for others.” Andy’s songs can be found on iTunes and Spotify.

Peter Welsh wrote, “I joined Amtrak in June 1973 immediately following graduation [from college]. It was a challenging and rewarding series of field and corporate positions. In late 1996 and then in my mid-40s, I resigned from Amtrak to seek other careers commensurate with my experience and skills. I found senior living to be the perfect fit, and joined Sunrise Senior Living in 1997 after relocating from Bethesda, Maryland, to Sudbury, Massachusetts. Other opportunities followed. My goal throughout was to direct operations and services in a continuing care campus environment. That opportunity came in the form of New Pond Village, a 200-apartment, primarily independent community shared with a skilled nursing facility. I was fortunate to have a challenging but fantastic experience for thirteen years. Following my retirement, I was rehired as Interim Executive Director of Evergreen Woods,

Sharon and Jim Seymour (center) with their family in Tuscany, Italy

Members of the Class of 1969 gathered to celebrate their 55th reunion. L-R: David Howe, Eric Coleman, Rick Levin, Reginald Carroll, Peter Borgemeister, Jock Herron, Bill Gallery

an even larger CCRC, while it underwent the sale process in 2016. Although I enjoyed the 24/7 responsibility of my Amtrak and senior living assignments, I was ready for a change, and in January 2017, I became a substitute teacher for Sudbury schools, focusing primarily on middle school. I generally enjoyed this as well and did this for three years until Covid. In late 2020, I became a literacy coach for a program called Literations, based in Boston. I individually coach up to four students on reading comprehension twice a week at a Framingham, Massachusetts, elementary school. I also read for the blind at a radio station in Worcester, and do public service voice-overs for another Worcester radio station. I am a very active host and volunteer at Ascension Parish in Sudbury. I have also been a very active singer for many years in church choirs, various mixed and male choral groups, opera choruses, and stage musical light operas. I recently re-joined the Boston Saengerfest Chorus in Weston, Massachusetts. It is a fine group with a great director. Overall, I feel blessed.”

70s

1971

Congratulations to Alex Gibney, who was honored with a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to the field of documentary filmmaking at the 45th annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards on September 26, 2024.

Rush Taggart wrote, “I have been retired seven years from a career in financial services IT, and while not looking for new projects, I do have some spare time. When the email came from Ben Bensen ’70 seeking a class agent, I accepted. I’ve not been very engaged with the School; however, we donated to Pomfret’s new Science Center, a project clearly overdue. Dorothy and I have been married for forty years. We’ve lived in various places in the northeast (Brooklyn and Pelham,

The family of Peter Welsh (third from left) gathered in New York City in March 2024 to celebrate the wedding of his daughter, Madeline. L-R: Jay Beaudoin, daughter Julia, Peter, Connor Jennings and his bride, Madeline; Peter’s wife, Martha; and daughter Katherine.

New York; Princeton, New Jersey; and now Valley Forge, Pennsylvania). She is a bird watcher and loves to travel; I join only sometimes to not be an anchor for the birding crowd. The golf game is terrible but improving, and the house is in almost perfect shape. One of our three daughters is married, but all are self-sufficient! Pleased to have visitors if you are passing by. I expect to attend Reunion Weekend [next June].

Boston Holiday Reception

Head of School Tim Richards P ’15 with members of the Class of 2017 at Pomfret’s holiday reception in Boston on December 5, 2024. Seated, l-r: Samantha Yoon, Liz Clagett, Milan Marzilli. Standing, l-r: Mallory McArdle, Nathan Donze, Amanda Hatfield, Chris Cleary, Melissa Browne, Robby Cleary ’14, Brandon Mitchell, Sydney Fisher, Kevin Griffin, Tim Richards.

Alumni Awards

2024

WILLIAM BEACH OLMSTED DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

In 1991, the Alumni Association of Pomfret School established the William Beach Olmsted Distinguished Service Award. The award was created to recognize and honor distinguished, sustained, and dedicated service to Pomfret School. It is named in honor of the Reverend William Beach Olmsted, who served as headmaster for thirty-two years until his death in 1929.

2024 Recipient Marshall ’70 and Ginny Eaton P ’91

After serving the school for more than seventy years combined, in which they had a profound impact on diversity, inclusion, and belonging, Marshall and Ginny continue to stay connected with their former students and their families.

POMFRET SCHOOL ALUMNI AWARD

The Pomfret School Alumni Award is given annually to an alumnus or alumna who has achieved distinction in his or her chosen profession and has demonstrated ongoing interest, loyalty, and commitment to the School.

2024 Recipient Michael Gary ’82

Michael is the head of Friends Select School. He previously served in admissions roles at Pomfret and other boarding schools. He served on the Pomfret School Board of Trustees from 2008 to 2016.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL

The Pomfret School Alumni Association Achievement Medals are presented each year to alumni who have graduated in the last twenty-five years and have demonstrated outstanding service to society and/or excellence in their endeavors.

2024 Recipient Matt Lowell ’04

Matt is the lead singer of Lo Moon, an alternative music band. Portions of the band’s third album, I Wish You Way More Than Luck, were inspired by Matt’s time at Pomfret.

S. PRESCOTT B. CLEMENT CUP

The S. Prescott B. Clement Cup, given in memory of Pres Clement ’40, is awarded to that class agent who has demonstrated exemplary effort in sustaining communication with classmates and maintaining above-average class participation in the Pomfret Fund. This award was established in 2007 to honor a current class agent who exemplifies the spirit in which Pres Clement performed his class agent duties for sixty-seven years, demonstrating dedication to his classmates and Pomfret School.

2024 Recipient Paul Fowler ’64

Paul has been a long-serving class agent. As a result of his dedication, 50 percent of the Class of 1964 has given in the past ten years, and 70 percent has given in the past five years.

New Canaan Paddle Party P

omfret alumni and parents gathered on November 1, 2024, at the New Canaan Field Club for the 13th annual paddle tennis event. Front row, l-r: Meg Campbell P ’01, ’07, Louisa Jones P ’04, Joey Moffitt ’82. Middle row, l-r: Paul Fowler ’64, Kenyon Clark ’67, Cheryl Bundy P ’23, Susan Squires, Kelsey (Hubbard) Rollinson ’89, Andrew Sereysky ’67. Back row, l-r: Art Crabtree, Carson Baker ’95, Susie Hubbard, Director of Admissions Operations & Financial Aid Peter Anderson, Joan Sereysky. Missing from photo: David Still ’05, Greg Still P ’05, Etienne Vazquez ’04

1975

The Class of 1975 had their first 50th Reunion Zoom call on October 30. Classmates in attendance were Chris Boak, Ed Chow, Charlie Cole, Neil McDonough, Tim Matthews, Karen Mook, George Santiago, and Haskell Simpkins. We hope many of you in the class can join us at Pomfret for our reunion next June!

1978

Arthur Diaz has coached the girls JV soccer team at Pomfret for fifteen years, nine of which while serving as Pomfret’s CFO, and the past six years since retiring from his job as Groton School’s CFO. One of the girls on his current team is the granddaughter of his former crew coach, Chick Cole [Art, 1951–1998]. He previously also coached the great-granddaughter of his freshman English teacher, William Parquette [English, 1952–1980], and (on a local travel team) the granddaughter of his math teacher and advisor, Per-Jan Ranhoff [Math, 1954–1991]. For many years, he coached against his former Spanish teacher, Steve Taft [Spanish, 1976–1979], who had a long career at Deerfield after leaving Pomfret. In addition to coaching, Arthur has kept busy teaching an elective class in personal finance at Pomfret.

’78

Arthur Diaz coaching the girls JV soccer team

’84

Members of the Class of 1984 came out in force to celebrate their 40th reunion at Pomfret. Front row, kneeling, l-r: Adam Carpenter, Matt Keator, David Crompton. Standing, l-r: Luke Sterner, Marc Archambault, Elizabeth (Coe) Rivers, Will Russell, Genie (McPherson) Trevor, Susanna (Neilson) Dubois, Director of Advancement Will Mitchell, Nat Reeder, Heather (Richardson) Bonner, Dave Carnahan, Hilary Romaine, Dave Samelson, Jeff Curran, Nadim Abuhaidar, Rob DeFreitas, Martin Thijssen, Eric Crane, Lexie (Rosenthal) Proceller, Dana (Percy) Plunkett, Lee Dulaney, Ben Dane, Polly Hallowell, Alden Tucker, Beth Organ, Nydia CalderonGazard, Corey Collins

80s

1981

Congratulations to Kenn Elmore, who was inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Collegium of Scholars at Morehouse College in April 2024.

1982

Congratulations to Armen Merjian, who was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York Law Journal in September 2024. Armen, senior staff attorney for Housing Works, is one of the nation’s leading civil rights lawyers and the preeminent lawyer in the history of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. He has been successful in advancing the civil rights of indigent people of color for thirty-four years and active in combating housing

discrimination, achieving significant victories that have not only set legal precedents but also reformed policies that have impacted millions of lives. Armen is a co-author of the national treatise on AIDS and has published twenty law review articles on civil and human rights, publishing in the nation’s top law journal in five different subject areas. He has presented, lectured, and trained in city, state, national, and international fora and has drafted many laws protecting the rights of the most powerless. He has won numerous city, state, and national awards, including the New York State Bar’s highest civil rights award, the Haywood Burns Memorial Award.

Celebrating the wedding of Lisa Walsh and Joshua Nelson were (l-r) their parents, Alexander and Marion Walsh, Lisa, Susan Nelson, Josh, and John Nelson.

1986

Elisabeth Harrington is fulfilling a lifelong dream of serving in the Peace Corps. She was placed in Paraguay where, she is using her Spanish, which she studied at Pomfret, and learning the indigenous language, Guaraní. She is working with women and youth in the sector of Community Economic Development in the Department of Caaguazú.

1987

Lisa Walsh and Joshua Nelson were married, May 11, 2024, in The Old Town Hall in Wilton, Connecticut. In attendance were both sets of parents, their siblings, sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephew, and Lisa’s daughter, Sophia.

1989

Liz (Scribner) Repetto wrote, “My husband, Skip, and I live in Bethel, Maine, after living eighteen years in Anchorage, Alaska. We spend our summers outside gardening, trail building, mountain biking, and observing nature as often as possible. In the winters, we ski patrol on groomed surfaces at Sunday River. I also lead efforts to develop resiliency practices and stress injury awareness

amongst our patrol team. I am constantly seeking the balance between living life moving forward and pausing to offer time and attention to my healthy elders, whom I call Mom and Dad. How lucky I am to have time to give back after all the time they offered me as I grew old. I know many of you are on the same journey, and for that I commend and remind you that you are not alone. I saw Ashley (Joy) Wood this past summer after almost 25+ years. We met in Massachusetts, and it was magical!”

Elisabeth Harrington visiting the botanical gardens in Asunción, the capital of Paraguay.

What a Blast 50 Years

Over 200 Pomfret alumni gathered on the Hilltop in early June, celebrating classes ending in 4 and 9, with the Class of 1974 marking their 50th reunion. The weekend kicked off with a Grand Reunion Luncheon, followed by class dinners where old friends reconnected and shared memories. On Saturday, alumni explored campus with tours and panel sessions led by faculty, gaining insight into the school’s academic and athletic offerings today. They also got an early look at VISTA, Pomfret’s new science building, with one

alum saying, “It’s incredible to see the vision we had as students come to life.”

“Reunion is a special time for Griffins from around the world to come together and strengthen their ties to our community,” says Director of Advancement Will Mitchell ’84.

IN THE PHOTO: L-R: Julio Rodriguez, Alan Reynolds, Lennox Thomas, Susette Milnor, Dan Blumenthal, Dave Bartley, Dan Rubin, Rob Casper, Margaret Lamb, Rob Campbell

“Reunion is a special time for Griffins from around the world to come together and strengthen their ties to our community”

— Will Mitchell ’84, Director of Advancement

Members of the Class of 1994 gathered to celebrate their 30th reunion. L-R: Zander Adell, John Huss, Ed Wartels, Yuichi Shigeie, Tim Whipple, Peter Lehman, Nate Russell, Tucky Ridder, Jessica (Gillespie) Karia (rear), Cristi (Barnet) Sauser, Peter

,

90s

1994

Gretchen Hess was honored with the Teacher of the Year Award for her district for the 2024-2025 academic year. Additionally, she has been recognized as a semi-finalist for Connecticut Teacher of the Year. Congratulations, Gretchen!

1996

Anderson Bottomy was elected to the board of directors of the American Association of Men in Nursing (AAMN) in June 2024. The AAMN is a professional organization that works to improve gender diversity and inclusion in nursing, as well as shape the practice, education, and leadership for men in the field. Anderson is currently a registered nurse in the Neurology/Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit at Vanderbilt University Hospital. He is also president-elect of the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the AAMN. In November, the AAMN recognized Vanderbilt University Medical Center with the 2024 Best Workplace for Men in Nursing Award.

Monique (Jennings) Miles was honored to be included in the publishing of Built for More, a book for practitioners and researchers in the after school and youth development sector. Monique co-authored the chapter titled, “Creating Authentic Spaces for Youth.”

Post, Maria Kontoudakis

Jenny Rodriguez, Joy (Glazer) Dittman. Missing from photo: Matt Doelger

1998

JD Rogers was named Dean of Enrollment Management at Tilton School in Tilton, New Hampshire, beginning in July 2024. He previously served as Assistant Head of School for Enrollment Management & Marketing at Marianapolis Preparatory School in Connecticut. He spent fourteen months working overseas as the founding Associate Head of School for the institution’s sister school in Bien Hoa, Vietnam — SNA Marianapolis — helping to establish enrollment operations, train personnel, and drive decisions about curriculum and operations. Congratulations, JD, in your new role!

1999

Congratulations to Colonel (Dr.) Vincent Capaldi, who was honored with the prestigious 2024 Army Surgeon General’s Award for Military Academic Excellence, also known as the MG Lewis Aspey Mologne Award, on November 19, 2024. The award – named in honor of former Commanding General of Walter Reed Army Medical Center and a distinguished leader in military medicine –is the Army Surgeon General’s highest honor and recognizes the outstanding leadership of one active-duty officer and one reserve officer in military medicine, as well as their contributions to national academic achievements. Vincent was selected for the award based on his distinguished career in military medicine and his contributions to advancing psychiatry and behavioral health research. He is currently assigned to the Uniformed Services University (USU), where he has served as professor and chair of the Department of Psychiatry since 2023. In his previous role as vice chair in the department, Vincent helped to build the psychiatry department’s reputation as an internationally recognized leader in behavioral health science education and research. He has also served as a consultant to the Army Surgeon General in the field of Sleep Medicine.

Joe Horton wrote, “Johnny Lorenz and I spent six days together in Guam in November. He and his wife, Ploy, flew all the way from their home in Belfast, Maine, to our home in Asan, Guam, and stayed with us to experience this American tropical paradise. We visited several historic sites and World War II battlegrounds. We ate delicious Chamoru food and went snorkeling and scuba diving to see the colorful marine life. It was great to catch up after our 25th reunion, where Johnny spoiled us with a 54-lobster fiesta. My wife, Francine, and I will continue to serve our country in Guam for another seven months before relocating to D.C. Should any classmates find themselves wanting an island retreat here in Guam, feel free to contact me.”

Army Surgeon General’s Award for Military Academic Excellence from Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Mary Izaguirre

’99

Col. Vincent Capaldi receiving the 2024

Members of the Class of 1999 celebrated their 25th reunion together. L-R: Mariana Munoz, Johnny Lorenz, Chris Lui, Marianne Beauvais, Matt Atwood (rear), Brian Brzek, Monique Biggs, Gen Richardson, Michaela Brown, Joe Horton, Liz Leder. Missing from photo: Joel Ayau

Johnny Lorenz (left) and Joe Horton in Guam

00s

2001

Shakeena Jones published a collection of poetry, entitled One Voice Shy, in May 2024. The book explores loss, love, and inspiration of a woman finding her way.

2002

Barbi McCoy announced, “On July 7, 2024, I married Anthony Carrier. I have also published a book called It is as Easy as Z to A: A Journey Through the Alphabet. The book can be found on Amazon.”

McCoy and her husband, Anthony Carrier,

L-R: Etienne Vazquez, Dylan Wolchesky, Matt Lowell, and Form Dean Lindsay Lehmann P ’24, ’27 celebrated their 20th reunion together.

Michelle (Gilmore) Castiglione ’06 and Bill Army at Tydeman Farm in Germantown, New York, in July 2024, where Bill’s production company, Sketchbook Theatre, performed Romeo and Juliet

Barbi

on their wedding day.

2006

Jenny Bellonio, along with her husband Abe Male, created and published the first SCUBA diving book tailored for younger kids or first-time divers. Entitled Z, the book shares the wonders of underwater exploration utilizing the alphabet to teach divers of all ages about SCUBA diving. The book is available on Amazon.

A new book by Jenny Bellonio ’06

A small gathering of Pomfret alumni from the Class of 2006 has changed a great deal over the years. Now including several children and dogs, the group met at the Griff Inn in Waitsfield, Vermont in July 2024 to celebrate 20 years of friendship. L-R: Molly & Mike Sullivan, Prisca Jones with daughter Brooke, Greg Jones, Sara Pinkham, Else Ross Griffin ’07 with daughter Nell, James Pinkham, Brady Griffin, Jackson Jones, and Michelle & Nic Birdsall with their son, Dean

’06

New York Holiday Reception

More than ninety alumni, parents, board members, and friends attended the holiday reception in New York City on Thursday, December 12. The event was a bright spot on the calendar, with all the bright lights and seasonal cheer in Manhattan at this time of year. Everyone had a great time, and spirits were high.

James Pinkham was happy to announce that he and his wife, Sara, welcomed their baby daughter, Claire, in October 2024. “Everyone is doing well and she’s the greatest addition to our family,” he said.

2008

Meredith (Colwell) Swisher announced, “We had a pretty outstanding spring – our son, Elliot, was born at the end of March 2024, and I became a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology the first week of May.” Meredith currently serves as a general dentist in the U.S. Navy.

2009

Congratulations to Corey Gingras and Brittany Zulkiewicz ’10 on the birth of their baby daughter, Arden, on September 14, 2024!

James Pinkham catching a quick nap with his baby girl, Claire

Elliot Swisher, son of Ian and Meredith (Colwell) Swisher

Members of the Great Class of 2014 celebrated their 10th reunion. L-R: Michael Weaver, Molly Read, Form Dean Arthur Diaz ’78, Ambra Fisser, Emmeline (Albright) Carney, Katherine Pearson, Dana Diaz, Eric Boyda, Gunnar Merrick. Missing from photo: Liam McGannon

10s

2013

On November 1, 2024, Lauren and Keith Ducharme were married at Church Landing at Mills Falls in Meredith, New Hampshire. Congratulations, Keith and Lauren!

2015

Congratulations to Gaby Araya, who was the 2024 recipient of The Mach Arom ’89 Alumni Award from Connecticut College. This award honors young alumni for service to the College and for distinguished achievements in their professional field or in society. Gaby is a social worker at the Mount Sinai World Trade Center Health Program, aiding 9/11 first responders and survivors in accessing mental health care and management services.

2016

Andrew Douglas wrote, “I just got back from deployment with SEAL Team Three as their Intelligence Officer. I was in various locations throughout the Middle East. I also attended the wedding of my Pomfret classmate, Kyle Penn, in beautiful Maui, Hawaii. Congrats, Kyle!”

’19

Members of the Class of 2019 came out to celebrate their 5th reunion. Front row, l-r: Sophie Nardelli, Chelsea Castle, Alessandra Zwack, Nhu Vo, Nicholas Ng, Liv Passarelli, Alexa McNeil, Zoe Mintz, Caroline Woodard, Brinton Thomas, Gillian Horst, Maddy Metcalf, and Maddie Fisher. Back row, l-r: Rory Schauder, Jack Lo, Brandon Griffin, Ed Brambil, Sawyer Zimmerman, Dale Dunning, Tucker Sheehan, and Hugh Toulmin

20s

2020

Bao “Tintin” Nguyen graduated from the University of Arizona on May 10, 2024 summa cum laude with honors with a Bachelor of Science in physics, astronomy and mathematics. Additionally, he was awarded the Merrill P. Freeman Medal for outstanding character and notable achievements. Tintin’s desire to pursue astrophysics was nurtured at the university’s Steward Observatory, where his investigation on the observational signatures of super-spinning black holes culminated in a publication in The Astrophysical Journal and two talks at the American Physical Society conferences. He also spent summer 2023 as a research intern at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Tintin was a tutor in Mentorship and Education in Science for Tucson, an initiative to support Native American high school students in math courses. He currently serves as a leader in the Tucson Initiative for Minority Engagement in Science and Technology program and as a lead undergraduate research ambassador at the university. Tintin plans to pursue a doctorate in astrophysics and hopes to continue mentoring undergraduates and volunteering in outreach initiatives to bring astronomy to the public.

’21

Griffins are everywhere! Phoebe Hager and Mike Newton ’96 met each other at a mutual friend’s summer party in Beverly, Massachusetts, in August 2024. Phoebe and Mike connected about all things Pomfret, from faculty they both knew to dorms they lived in. Senior Chapel speeches began during Mike’s time on the Hilltop, and they shared their fondness for this seminal experience at Pomfret.

Former Faculty

Steve Morison [English, 2002–2007] and Emily Allen [English, 2002–2007] were very excited to join The American School of Marrakesh (ASM) community in Morocco this year. Steve is the new Head of School, and Emily is the Director of Student Guidance and College Counseling.

Brad Davis [Chaplain/Creative Writing, 1987–2016] released a new book of poems, entitled On The Way To Putnam: New, Selected, & Early Poems, in May 2024. He shared his talents with Pomfret students, faculty, and guests in October as part of Pomfret’s Sunday speaker series.

L-R: Former faculty member Reb Brooks [Admissions, 2004–2019], Gillian Horst ’19, Bridget Horst ’22, and Abby Horst ’15 all connected for a meal in Prague (Czech Republic) in September 2024. Reb was visiting on behalf of Cheshire Academy Admissions, Bridget is studying there, and Abby and Gillian went to visit them.

2021

Anya Button shared the exciting news that she was selected as a Schwarzman Scholar, which is similar to a Rhodes/Marshall scholar program, but hosted by Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.

2023

Jack Ventresca was thrilled to announce that he has begun an internship in the Washington, DC office of Congressman Joe Courtney. He’s very excited to serve the people of Connecticut’s Second District and give back to his hometown community.

2024

Carolina Völcker was excited to announce that her first children’s book in Spanish was published in July 2024 by Editorial Sar Alejandría. Her story, Naroa y el Amuleto, encourages children to find their inner strength and voice. Pomfret’s World Languages Department even incorporated the book into their curriculum. Carolina’s book is available on Amazon.es and in Spanish bookstores.

Anh Lê reported, “I have the most fortunate opportunity to attend Boston College and I couldn’t have done it without Mrs. G in the counseling office. I’m currently an Applied Psychology and Human Development major and hoping to minor or double major in English. My time at Pomfret has prepared me for the smoothest possible transition to college through dorm life as well as academic work. I also credit my ability to crank out essay after essay to Mr. Litowitz and Ms. Forrestal, as they’ve been such amazing role models for me. I’ve been making so many great connections in college and I love my roommate more than anything. An amazing coincidence was when Boston College had a Swab to Save a Life drive, a project that I know Mr. Wildes has been dedicating his blood sweat and tears to. I also went to my first Model UN conference in five years at Boston University, and it was nothing short of chaotic goodness. I hope the class of 2025 college admission process goes well and I’ll leave you with this: one closed door will lead you to many open ones. Don’t be defeated and work hard!”

’24

Anh Lê participating in a Swab to Save a Life drive at Boston College

New Canaan Tennis Event

Pomfret alumni gathered on August 14, 2024 at the New Canaan Field Club for an evening of tennis. Front row, l-r: David Marks ’99, Kenyon Clark ’67, Christine Marks, Joey Moffitt ’82, Lisa (Walsh) Nelson ’87. Middle row, l-r: Joan and Andrew Sereysky ’67, Mackie (Pilsbury) Spadaccini ’03, Mark Spadaccini, Director of Admissions Operations & Financial Aid Peter Anderson. Back row, l-r: Paul Fowler ’64, Colin Kroll ’20, Winnie Goodrich ’05, Katie (Bell) Bues ’03, Alex Bues.

Pomfret Across the Globe

We were delighted to reconnect with our Pomfret communities in Seoul, Korea; Beijing and Shanghai, China; and Hong Kong. We offer special thanks to our hosts: Chongwon Kang P ’26 and Kyunglim Kim P ’25 in Seoul; Vivian Zhang P ’26 in Beijing; Weibin Shi and Catherine Qin P ’27 in Shanghai; and Trustee Kate and Murray Wilson P ’20, ’21, ’26 in Hong Kong.

The dinner events brought together alumni, parents and friends to enjoy one another’s company and celebrate the global Pomfret family. To everyone who joined us, a thank you from Head of School Tim and Anne Richards P ’15 and Director of Advancement Will Mitchell ’84!

Beijing

Shanghai

Hong Kong

Korea

With gift planning, you can provide longlasting support for Pomfret School while enjoying financial benefits for yourself.

Get started at pomfretlegacy.org

The Pontefract Society honors all those who have taken the special step of including Pomfret School in their long-term plans through a bequest provision, life-income gift, or other deferred giving arrangement. Members of The Pontefract Society have demonstrated a loyalty, foresight, and generosity that will benefit Pomfret and contribute to its excellence for generations to come.

IN MEMORIAM

To request a printed copy of full-detail alumni obituaries, call the Advancement Office at 860.963.6129.

Lucien L. Kinsolving ’40 March 2, 2024

E. Morgan Gilbert ’49 July 11, 2024

Alfred G. Reimers ’45 May 19, 2024

Goldthwaite H. Dorr III ’52 June 27, 2024

Charles D. Halsey, Jr. ’46 March 29, 2024

Jonathan “Ben Ali” Haggin ’52 June 8, 2024

Samuel H. Ordway III ’48 March 23, 2024

Philip R. Allen ’53 November 22, 2023

“Dear friends, we know that life is short and we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel with us. So be swift to love, make haste to be kind.”

John F. Richard ’59

George R. Metcalf III ’55 June 14, 2024

John

Sherman Hoyt, Jr. ’60

E. Davies Allan ’58

Remembering Bob Olmsted

We are saddened to share the news that Robert “Bob” Olmsted ’59 passed away on June 20, 2024 in New York City.

As a dedic ated alumnus, past parent, and trustee, Bob’s support of Pomfret School was unwavering. He served the School with sincere devotion for over fifty-six cumulative years – including forty-two as a trustee, of which he served as treasurer and vice president, chair of the Finance Committee, and as a member of the Investment Committee. Bob also served nine years as secretary for the Class of 1959, four years as president of the Alumni Association, and additional years as a member of the Priorities for Pomfret Campaign Steering Committee, a volunteer on several Reunion Committees for his class, as well as various other committees. For all of his dedicated

Olmsted Observatory

years of support and service to the School, Bob was honored with the William Beach Olmsted Distinguished Service Award in 2009.

Bob’s commitment to the School was not only evident in his volunteer activities but also through his generous philanthropy. He was a leader in every campaign during his lifetime, supporting the construction of the Olmsted Observatory, Olmsted Student Union, and the newest building on the Pomfret School campus, VISTA. He was also a major contributor to the Class of 1959 Endowed Merit Scholarship Fund, as well as other endowed funds, to support all major aspects of school life.

Bob’s wonderful spirit, kindness, loyalty, and generosity will be missed by so many. The Pomfret community shares in the sorrow of losing a valued alumnus and friend. We offer our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Stephanie, daughters Kate ’89 and Lexie, and to the entire Olmsted family.

Olmsted Commons, VISTA

Olmsted Student Union

The Chemistry of Design

The arrangement of VISTA’s copperhued siding panels was inspired by the spectral fingerprints of Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen. These four elements are considered the most crucial for life on Earth and make up the majority of biological molecules.

Where Durability Meets Design

Elemental Discovery

Look closely and you’ll find the elemental codes for Carbon and Hydrogen on the east side of the building, Oxygen on the west, and Nitrogen on the south. It’s a veritable treasure hunt for the curious!

Ranging from 5 to 30 feet in length and weighing just 4 pounds per square foot, the panels cover 10,500 square feet of the building’s facade. Strong, light, and built to last, they’re the ultimate fusion of performance and design.

VISTA’s Siding: Inspired

by the Elements

Strength in Every Shade

VISTA’s siding is a masterstroke of design and engineering. The panels, crafted from lightweight aluminum and durable Galvalume, come in three striking colors: Colonial Red, Redwood, and Copper Penny.

Shifting Perspectives

The staggered panels on VISTA’s siding create the illusion of movement, shifting as you change your perspective. This fluid design serves as a visual metaphor for the ever-evolving nature of scientific discovery.

More than Meets the Eye

When light interacts with an element, it creates a series of bright lines — a spectral fingerprint. These patterns emerge when electrons jump between energy levels, revealing each element’s unique signature.

From MIT's Building 10 to The Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, science buildings around the world honor renowned scientists through names etched into their facades. At Pomfret, we’ve reimagined this tradition by weaving the life-sustaining elements directly into VISTA’s facade — a quiet nod to the wonders of light and matter.

This fall, students rang the victory bell after a series of triumphant wins, including defeating Millbrook in the annual Battle of Route 44 and capturing the Girls Varsity Soccer NEPSAC Class C Championship.

CLASS AGENTS & SECRETARIES

Wheeler (Simmons) Griffith

Katharine (Carnes) Petrycki

Hadley (Weiss) Rosen 1998

Kip

Toyin Moses

Livia (Skelly-Dorn) Roustan

1999 Lindsey (Boardman) Duerr

TJ Patrick 2001

Caitlin (Rogers) Connelly

Libby Wood

2002

Christina (Galanti) Dickson

Jo Anna (Galanti) Fellon

Colton

Chris

Bill

(Buckley)

(Gilmore) Castiglione

(McLoughlin)

Katy (Winogradow) Munno

David

Chelsea (Weiss) Baum

Laura (Keeler)

Chris

Mackie (Pilsbury) Spadaccini

(Detmer) Taylor

(D’Agostino)

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