It's A Family Affair!

For the last fifty years, Stratton Mountain School has offered student-athletes the opportunity to pursue excellence in their chosen sport while providing top-notch academic programming and a unique environment in which to develop strong personal values. Unbeknownst to some, SMS has also been home to multiple generations of families—with parents and children, coaches and children, and even future spouses all sharing the same experience that our school has to offer. To help us celebrate just how special SMS is, we share a few of their stories with you.

Carolyn Beckedorff ’85 & Harrison DiGangi ’21

Carolyn always knew that she wanted to be a ski racer. Her parents (after years of her incessant bugging) suggested that Carolyn consider SMS as an option. “I applied, and TD McCormick, the Admissions Director at the time, told me I could attend SMS but that I would be the worst ski racer they had.”

Carolyn, of course, took that challenge and attended SMS as a Winter Term student-athlete for three years.

“My SMS experience impacted my entire life, from learning how to live on my own and managing my time to learning how to race and work hard at whatever I put my mind to. My coaches, Fritz Vallant and Rob Clayton, pushed me to work hard and be my best, and Peggy deSantis patiently taught me how to be a good writer, ultimately influencing my decision to major in English in college.”

After her time at SMS, Carolyn competed for the University of New Hampshire’s alpine team and has had a successful Master’s racing career. She worked for a decade as a coach, where she met her husband, Tony DiGangi, and the two passed along their joy of ski racing to their son, Harrison DiGangi '21.

“My SMS experience has absolutely shaped me into the person and athlete I am today,” explains Harrison, who is currently ranked second in Giant Slalom and third in Slalom nationally for his year of birth.“ Matt Prendergast, Mike Morin, and my dad, Tony DiGangi, have all taught me valuable lessons and pushed me to my goals both on and off the hill. My golf coach, Topher Harlow, also played a crucial role in my time at SMS, ultimately leading the golf team to a third place finish in the state during my senior year.”

Harrison’s advice to the next generation of students? “SMS has great opportunities, and if you take advantage of all the support the coaches and teachers give you, and if you are a respectful and nice person to everyone, especially your teammates, the experience will be incredible.”

Harrison is taking a PG year at Burke Mountain Academy before he goes on to race for Colby College. Carolyn and Tony remain active members of the SMS community.

Jonathan “Mo” Flaherty ’83 & Patrick Flaherty ’21

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone in the SMS community who hasn’t met (or at least heard of) Mo Flaherty, and his love for the school is legendary. We are thankful that, early on, one of his coaches at Berkshire East spotted Mo’s potential as a ski racer and steered him toward SMS.

“I've never really felt like there was something I couldn't do, thanks to SMS.” Mo credits house mother Sue Jedlicka and his FIS Coach Hermann Goellner with helping to make his experience at SMS life changing. If you’re ever lucky enough to meet Mo, be sure to ask him about SMS’s summer training regimen, which involved biking from Oregon to Vermont while relying on the kindness of strangers for the use of their yards for camping.

When it came time to select a high school for his son, Patrick ’21, Mo was sure to bring up SMS as an obvious choice. The tight connections his father found here helped influence Patrick to attend. “My dad still talks to his SMS friends to this day; he met them when he was 16 years old and never lost the connection,” said Patrick. “They still talk on the phone and meet up for ski trips all over the world.”

Like his father, Patrick found a vital support system in the teachers and coaches at SMS. “My favorite academic staff member was Ms. Mangiacotti. She was so helpful in my senior year—staying after class, helping me with my grammar, and giving me more confidence in my writing and discussion skills. My favorite coach was Morgan Korpi ’99. He took me under his wing as one of the weaker skiers on the team and treated me the same as the best skier on the team. He always pushed me to get better in the weight room and on the hill, and he always told the truth about how I was skiing that day or if I wasn’t putting in enough effort in training—without him, I don’t think I’d be the same today.”

Patrick’s step-sister, Maeve Fiske ’20, is also an alum. Said Mo, looking back on his children’s SMS expierences, “If you want your kids to learn to work hard and be independent people, it's an amazing place. I’ve had two kids graduate from SMS with many of the same skills that I learned.”

Mo owns and operates Flaherty Brothers Construction, and lives in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Patrick is a freshman at St. Michael's College, where he has a racing commitment.

Jessica Baron ’93 & Simon Baron ’23

Jessica (Epstein) Baron fell in love with ski racing at an early age. After thriving in the Stratton Weekend Racing Program, her coaches encouraged her to consider SMS as a way to take her ski racing to the next level.

“SMS is a place that fosters hard work,” says Jess. “SMS students work hard in their sport and the classroom, and we ultimately apply this focus in our future endeavors. We develop grit—by pushing through challenging workouts, enduring freezing temperatures on winter training days, and finding time to accomplish academic work.”

Of course, Jess and her classmates also found time for fun. “One of my favorite stories is when a group of us ended up with a long layover in Nashville on our way east from Colorado Fall Camp,” added Jess. “We pooled our remaining cash and took taxis to the Grand Ole Opry. That kind of ingenuity and adventure defines an SMS student!”

Today, Jess’s three children—Simon ’23, Asher ’25, and Miriam ’28—are following in their mother’s footsteps by pursuing ski racing at SMS. According to Simon, who has been skiing for as long as he can remember, it was an easy decision to attend. “I knew it was what I wanted to pursue in life; therefore, I came to SMS to work towards my goals.”

“SMS has shaped who I am today,” continued Simon, “I have gained lifelong friends and memories. SMS has taught me to persevere even when a situation, like my schoolwork, seems hopeless. This school helps you grow and teaches you the ideas needed to carry you through life. I am very thankful for all SMS has given me.”

As a parent and alumni, Jess could not agree more. “I wanted my kids to have the opportunity to train for their sports while still having a robust academic experience,” says Jess. “SMS provides a unique high school experience with travel, independence, and adventures mixed into academics and athletics!” Jess is currently a middle school science teacher at The Mountain School of Winhall.

Ross Powers ’97 & Victoria Powers ’21

Ross Powers was just 14 years old when SMS Snowboard Director Scott Palmer asked him to join the Snowboard program. The program was still in its infancy, but Ross had made a name for himself in the Green Mountain Series (later known as the Southern Vermont Series), and he saw SMS as an opportunity to take his riding to the next level.

“It was the first year SMS had an official snowboard program, which was in 1993-1994,” explained Ross. “The SMS Scholarship program made it possible for me to attend SMS and allowed me to train full time with a coach while getting a great education and meeting people who shared my passion for snowboarding. All of those things put together really led me to where I am today.” Known by many as snowboard’s first child prodigy, Ross became the first SMS alumni to bring home an Olympic Medal in 1998 (bronze), thanks to his record-breaking halfpipe performance in Nagano, Japan. Four years later, he took home SMS’s first gold medal in Salt Lake City, Utah, for Halfpipe. “My favorite memory has to be attending the first USSA Snowboard Nationals at June Mountain, California in 1994,” remembers Ross. “I won the halfpipe and made it on the first U.S. Snowboard Team. It was such a fun SMS trip.”

So, when it came time for Ross’s daughters—Victoria ’21 and Meredith ’25—to decide where they wanted to attend high school, the choice was obvious. “I have been so lucky to share my SMS experience with my dad,” said Victoria. “He has been able to come to all my competitions and travel the world with me. It is such a cool bond to have your dad as your coach. I will always look back on the fun memories and trips we had!”

Much like her father, Victoria saw the value that SMS could bring to her pursuit of academic and athletic excellence. “Stratton Mountain School taught me time management, hard work, discipline, and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I am very grateful for my SMS experience as it has made me the person I am today and has helped me have the healthiest and happiest lifestyle possible!”

Ross has been the Snowboard Program Director for SMS since 2010, and Victoria is happily pursuing her passions as a freshman at the University of Vermont.

Sverre Caldwell & Sophie Caldwell-Hamilton ’08

The name “Sverre Caldwell” has been synonymous with the SMS Nordic program for over 40 years. Sverre joined SMS in 1980 as a Nordic Coach and spent several years honing the program with a core group of athletes. In addition to his coaching duties, Sverre also taught math, and served as Headmaster from 1992 to 1996.

“During a fall camp in West Yellowstone, a few skiers and I decided to ski into Madison Junction and jump in the hot springs,” remembers Sverre. “On our return ski, the boys started complaining about being tired—I guess five hours of cross-country skiing will do that to you—and I wanted to look tough, so I just kept skiing along without complaints. Then, a big buffalo hopped on the road and started trotting along behind us. When we realized that the buffalo was gaining on us, the boys took off as if they had been shot out of a cannon. I was left in the dust. Thus sprang the phrase: ‘You don't have to be fast, you just have to be faster than Sverre.’ Luckily, the buffalo lost interest and peeled off of the road, but we all had a good laugh about the experience.”

After shifting his attention back to the Nordic program full-time in 1996, Sverre spent the next two decades coaching some of the best cross-country skiers in the world—including his three children, Sophie ’08, Isabel ’10, and Austin ’10, who all attended SMS. Sverre’s late wife, Lilly Shuell Caldwell ’81, was also an alumna.

“My dad was my favorite coach,” explains Sverre’s eldest daughter, Sophie Caldwell-Hamilton ’08. “He is one of the wisest coaches—and people—in the world, so I feel fortunate that I was able to have him as my coach.”

Sophie has earned a wealth of impressive results on the world stage over the years, participating in three Winter Olympic Games and five World Cup Championships. Following her time at SMS, Sophie raced for Dartmouth before joining the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team and the Elite T2 Team.

“I feel very lucky to have pursued my athletics and academics at the level I wanted to at SMS. I could have found other places where I could have done one or the other, but SMS allowed me to do both, and that's something for which I will always be grateful. Many of my best friends today are still the best friends I had in high school, and the time we spent together and the experiences we had provided the foundation for what I know will be lifelong friendships.”

Sophie and her husband, Simi Hamilton, both retired from competitive cross country skiing after competing on the World Cup circuit one final time in 2021. Sverre retired from SMS in 2019 and remains involved in the Elite SMST2 program, which he founded in 2012.

Scott Reichhelm ’76 & Nina Reichhelm ’18

It’s not often that an older sibling follows in the footsteps of a younger sibling, but that’s precisely how Scott Reichhelm ’76 found himself at SMS. His sister, Kim Reichhelm ’78, paved the way for two generations of Reichhelms at SMS. (Their brother, Todd Reichhelm ’82, is also an alum.)

When asked to name his favorite teacher or coach, Scott had a hard time choosing. “Back then, everyone was so unique!” Teachers and coaches—Tim Beck, Jarold Harb, and Len Bugel—all impacted Scott and his journey through SMS. Scott’s daughter, Nina Reichhelm ’18, found a similar support system during her time at SMS. “Morgan Korpi was my favorite staff member, she said. “He was one of the first people that got me out of my shy bubble and always pushed me to achieve what he knew I could.”

When it comes to their favorite story about their time at SMS, Nina is a little more forthcoming than dad: “Getting to live with a whole bunch of people your age was such a fun opportunity at such a young age.” Scott, on the other hand, says he will take his favorite SMS stories “to the grave.”

Both agree that SMS was a unique experience that gave them the necessary tools to succeed off the snow. Scott has enjoyed a successful career as a Master’s skier. Nina is currently a sophomore at Middlebury, where she is a member of the Alpine team and was a 2020 All-American.

Hayley Simpson ’06 & Danny Davis ’06

Hayley Simpson grew up in New Jersey with her parents, Gary and Sally, and her three sisters, Caitlin, Sadie ’09, and Shelby ’10. During the winter months, Hayley spent most weekends at Stratton Mountain Resort with her family, where she developed a deep passion for snowboarding. Hayley was a natural on a board, and she quickly rose through the ranks of the Mountain Riders weekend program at Stratton. During this time, Hayley’s love for snowboarding grew, and her desire to be in Vermont full time took center stage.

“My dream was to go to SMS, but it wasn't until I qualified for USASA Nationals that my parents agreed to let me apply,” said Hayley. “I arrived my freshman year at four feet, ten inches, with a full face of braces and a thick Jersey accent.”

Little did Hayley know that she would meet her future husband (and legendary professional snowboarder), Danny Davis ’06, that same year.

“Competition snowboarding was growing more and more important to me—more than any other sports I played—so attending SMS was the logical next step,” explained Danny. “SMS is where I was genuinely introduced to the snowboarding scene.”

After graduating, Danny became the gold standard of Men’s Snowboard Superpipe, taking home back-to-back gold medals at the 2014 and 2015 X Games and a bronze in 2019. He is also the first rider in snowboard history to land three double corks in a competition run.

“Stratton Mountain School is much more than a school or athletic academy,” added Danny. “ It's the place where I made some of the best friendships in my life and met my soon-to-be-wife!”

To this day, Hayley and Danny consider their time at SMS to be one of the most valuable experiences of their lives.

“SMS really taught us to be resilient, to work hard, and the importance of community,” concluded Hayley. “We are both so grateful for our experience—honestly some of our most treasured experiences. Our SMS friends are our life-long best friends.”

Hayley and Danny reside in Truckee, California, where she works as a freelance producer while Danny brings his trademark “steez” to the Burton Snowboard Team. The two plan to wed in November 2021.

Peggy deSantis & Michael deSantis ’79

For over 35 years, Peggy deSantis set the tone for academic excellence at SMS. She understood the demands of being a competitive winter athlete while maintaining a strong academic load. Her commitment to achieving excellence in both arenas truly shaped the school’s standards.

“I’ll never forget my 35 years there as a teacher, Academic Dean, and Assistant Headmaster” explained Peggy. “It was an invaluable experience for me—the internal community, the parents (I never met one I didn’t like!), and, of course, the students themselves—a unique and magical blend of all different sorts of individuals who merged into a vibrant community.”

Peggy was first introduced to SMS in 1975, after she, her husband, and their three children relocated from Weston, Connecticut to an antique farmhouse in Vermont.

“My husband opened a dental practice, the kids were enrolled in new schools, and I went in search of a new career in education,” said Peggy. “A mutual friend recommended me to Don Burke, who was just beginning his tenure as Headmaster, and I was hired!”

Soon after she started, Peggy’s son, Michael deSantis ’79, transferred to SMS to pursue ski racing. Mike went on to race at the University of Vermont before returning to SMS to coach for ten years. After shifting his focus to a technician’s role, Mike spent the next 11 years on the international World Cup ski racing circuit tuning skis, during which his clients won 90 medals.

“SMS truly taught me how to make the most of every opportunity and how to be the very best I could be at something I love,” said Mike. “Setting goals, achieving goals, and testing my fortitude- all of these factors set me up for life, and to find success in my career as a World Cup ski mechanic for Volkl.”

While Peggy retired from her roles as English teacher, Latin teacher, Winter Term Coordinator, Academic Dean, and Assistant Head of School in 2011, she remains a treasured member of the SMS community.

“I still maintain correspondence with Larry Herrick, and ‘hats off’ to Wendy Schriebl for her many years next to the front office. And lest we forget, I taught your current Head of School, plus his two older sisters. . .. Such a pleasure!”

Peggy resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and continues to live a very happy life. Mike is the owner and operator of SkiMD.

We miss you, Peggy!