Vermont Academy Life Magazine Spring 2014

V ERMONT AC A DE M Y

LIFE SPRING AND SUMMER 2014

Vermont Academy— A willingness to

REACH.

Vermont Academy Global Programs in Belize during spring break.

Vermont Academy

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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Michael A. Choukas ’73, P ’94, Chairman David E. Robinson ’77, Vice-Chairman Col. Richard I. Stark Jr. ’74, Secretary Christopher Cota ’66, Treasurer Jose Barreiro P ’14, ’16 Corina Luther Belle-Isle ’80 Carolyn Blitz P ’12 Mark Candon Casey Cota ’89 Carrie Dunn ’91 Stuart Eisenkraft ’74 Penny Gendron P ’10, ’12, ’15 David Holton ’68 Penny Horowitz P ’98 Reverend Peter Howe P ’07, ’10 Steven E. Karol ’72, Former Chairman Timothy Lord ’69, P ’05, ’10 Donald G. McInnes ’59 Hon. George P. Moser Jr. ’48, P ’79 Marvin S. Neuman P ’03 Lee Ryder ’90 Carolyn Salzman P ’11 Kevin J. Seifert ’80 Mark Smith ’87 S. Tylor Tregellas Nikki van der Vord P ’14 Andrew Ward ’93

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Faculty Profile:

Lisa McNealus

EMERITUS TRUSTEES

Robert M. Campbell ’37, P ’65, ’68, ’70 (2), ’80, ’82 W. Gene Hays Jr. ’55 Hugh Pearson ’54 HE ADMASTER EMERITUS | Michael Choukas Jr. ’46, P ’73 HE AD OF SCHOOL | Sean P. Brennan EDITOR | Jennifer Jones CL ASS NOTES EDITOR | April Worden DESIGN | Jennifer Fleischmann PHOTOS | Cover: Christine Armiger, Conor McArdle,

Maryann McArdle, FJ Gaylor Photography Vermont Academy Life is published twice a year by Vermont Academy, Saxtons River, VT. The magazine reserves the right to edit all material that it accepts for publication.

802-869-6200 | V ER MONTACADEMY.ORG

Education for Life —One Student at a Time

Our Mission By providing a supportive community and close, personal attention to its students, Vermont Academy develops confident, active learners and respectful citizens.

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REACH

College Counseling:

For many of us, the summer of 1968 was a turning point in our lives. Our potential was made crystal clear. If we stretched ourselves, beyond the limits of our means and expectations, we need not settle.

At summer’s end, one thing was certain: None of us were ever the same again.

Anne Atkins

— ADELE C . GER AGHT Y

Author-Publisher-Graphic Designer Summer of ’68 student artist

VA Sta y connected with

current If we don’ t have your email, please send it to demy. org. aworden@vermontaca

Refer a student to VA

vermontacademy.org/inquire amillikin@vermontacademy.org

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Headmaster 1965-1977

Michael Choukas Jr. ’46

Contents 2

Head of School’s Letter

18

Lady Wildcats: Game On

4

105th Winter Carnival

22

Wildcat Profile: Wyeth Olmsted ’15

6

College Counseling: Anne Atkins

24

Feature Interview: Michael Choukas Jr. ’46

9

Senior Reflections: David Persha

28

Vermont Academy Events

10

Wildcats: We Want to Know!

30

Open Letter: Javier White ’98

12

Faculty Profile: Lisa McNealus

32

Class Notes

17

Long Walk Legend: Robin Vanderputten Del Giorno ’97

42

In Memoriam

We want to hear from you! Email feedback to valife@vermontacademy.org

Head of School’s Letter

DE A R V E R MON T AC A DE M Y C OM M U N I T Y, On May 24, I will watch my eldest child step on stage at Vermont Academy and graduate from high school. It won’t be possible to see Molly clutching her diploma without remembering the first time I held her at the hospital or took her picture as she marched off to her first day of school.

I hung her art in my office and burst with pride at those early school concerts and plays—precious moments. But I’ll also recollect the first time her face fell at the realization that life wouldn’t always go her way, that there’s no cosmic fairness at play. We’ve all been rattled by that moment of clarity, delivered to a mental fork in the road that tests our character and grit.

“ Through the years, the very soul of the school has attracted students and faculty with heart and guts and passion.

I’ll put my trust in that foundation.”

— SEAN P. BRENNAN,

Head of School

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As a Head of School, I’m often asked, “What distinguishes Vermont Academy?”

In my experience, what distinguishes a school continuously evolves to reflect the context of the times. I believe a better indicator of true and enduring identity is people—those with the ability, patience, and passion to transform a student’s educational experience, not only academically but also socially and emotionally.

That is Vermont Academy.

One of the most challenging times in Vermont Academy’s rich narrative was in response to what was happening in the country in the 60s and early 70s.

Tasked with navigating Vermont Academy through these turbulent waters was Headmaster Michael Choukas Jr. ’46. The 1960s saw a wave of youth rejecting

REACH “VA has taught me to never give up on anything, always work hard, and keep working to achieve or even exceed my goals.”

— DOMENIC SENERCHIA ’15

the cultural standards of their parents, especially with respect to racial segregation and initial widespread support for the Vietnam War. As racial riots burned across the country, Mr. Choukas asked his wife, Nita, “What can we do? Is there anything we in Saxtons River can do to make an impact?”

It turns out there was.

“ Ideas stand or fall on their merits alone.

Sooner or later you will have to accept responsibility for what you believe; you owe it to yourselves to do your own thinking.”

Chairman, French Department, Vermont Academy Excerpt from his advice to the Class of 1968

— G .R. MACMILLIN,

Under Mr. Choukas’s leadership and unwavering commitment to “just wanting to help kids,” Vermont Academy rallied around him. The school was an early champion of A Better Chance, the Jersey City Project, and the summer of ’68 Art Students League of New York workshop. In 1975, the school reopened its doors to female students for the first time in 43 years. All of these decisions were fraught with risk and, at times, controversy. But without question, for the students, faculty, administrators, and even the town itself, there was a determination to transcend what was happening outside the walls of Vermont Academy and—together—become something more. Read a firsthand account from Mr. Choukas about his era as Headmaster, including how Vermont Academy became known as “an independent school with a willingness to reach” (see page 24).

Next fall during Reunion Weekend, Vermont Academy will honor its alumni. It will be a particularly poignant occasion for the Classes of ’64, ’69, ’74, and ’79 to reconnect,

HONEST Y VA Network

T RUS T

remember, and celebrate their contributions to this transcendent period in Vermont Academy history. Hand in hand, they cut through the storm brewing across the country and gave back to Vermont Academy something beautiful and lasting. I like to imagine that all those years ago they encouraged one another with the same advice freshman Katrina Vital shares with us today as her personal belief, “Keep your head up” (see page 11).

Founded in 1876, Vermont Academy emphasizes the building of character, using as its guiding principle sensitivity to the needs of others. Long after we’re gone, Vermont Academy will continue its legacy of providing students with an education for life and abiding by the themes of its Core Beliefs—helping others, respecting differences, and building community.

Students will grow and develop and seek excellence with character and integrity. These principles are timeless and what we’ll keep close as our country faces many of the same fundamental forces as in the 60s.

Ask me “Who distinguishes Vermont Academy?” and I’ll tell you to look in the mirror. Through the years, the very soul of the school has attracted students and faculty with heart and guts and passion. I’ll put my trust in that foundation.

To Vermont Academy seniors, including my lovely daughter, Molly, I am confident that you are ready to move out from the shadow of childhood. You are strong. You are independent in mind, body, and spirit. You are Vermont Academy.

S E A N P. BR E N N A N

Head of School VA Network

R E SPEC T

Sean is part of Vermont Academy’s Networking Group. Join at vermontacademy.org/linkedin.

R ESPONSIBILIT Y

V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 3

VERMONT ACADEMY

CELEBRATES

WINTER 105 CARNIVAL ITS

th

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Vermont Academy is proud to host the country’s longest-standing Winter Carnival! The school started the tradition in 1909, and Dartmouth College was so impressed, they followed suit the next year. For the first time in recent memory, a blanket of snow graced campus as day student boys and West Hill girls were crowned Vermont Academy’s 2014 Winter Carnival champions.

V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 5

Jumping into the Deep End of the

College Pool with Anne Atkins VERMONT ACADEMY’S DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING

S uccess is measured on an individual basis. It’s different for each student. As a school, we’re successful when a student is excited and looking forward to the next year.

— ANNE ATKINS,

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Director of College Counseling

REACH “As a three-year junior, VA has helped me reach through defining moments by supporting me and providing me with the necessary tools to surmount the most challenging life experiences.”

— K ATHLEEN EDDIE MILLER ’15

Tell us a bit about your experience with boarding school life.

I’ve been in a boarding school setting with my husband, Mike Atkins, VA’s Director of Athletics, for over 25 years. We spent 21 years at Northfield Mount Hermon, a school of 1,050 students, where I was the associate dean of students.

College “To Do” List: JUNIOR YEAR

Take the PSAT in October

Did that role help prepare you for college counseling?

Absolutely. In a boarding setting, we’re in loco parentis. We’re helping to make decisions that fit each student as an individual. There is no “one size fits all.” As the Associate Dean of Students, I found connecting with students to be the easiest part of my job. It was a good foundation to guide students along the college path.

What stands out about helping students navigate the process?

Every student is in a different place. It’s everything from: “I don’t want to go to college” to “I can’t wait to go to college” to “I have no idea what I want to do” to “I want to be in theater.”

How do you approach the “no idea” students?

I spend a lot of time getting students to reflect on when they have been successful and happy in their high school careers. We review the conditions that made them successful in those circumstances. Helping students understand their unique talents and how that translates to their accomplishments is a core focus at Vermont Academy, one we explore fully through our MAPS™ program.

Take VA’s college class January–May Register for the ACT and SAT Use your Naviance account Visit colleges during March break Craft your college list SUMMER VACATION

Visit more colleges! esearch your colleges’ R admission processes Complete your Common Application Register for the ACT and/or SAT SENIOR YEAR

Continue with VA’s college class

I ask questions to help them evaluate their learning styles and preferences. For example, “Do you want to take a class sitting around a Harkness table or in a theater with 300 other kids staring at a professor on a stage?”

Meet with college reps that visit VA

What do you recommend on the SAT/ACT front?

We push for at least one score by the end of a student’s junior year, although taking both tests is best, including the writing portion of the ACT. Many schools look for that. I evaluate each score with the student, and we assess which one to focus on for senior year.

Ask teachers to write recommendations

Do you have much contact with colleges and universities?

Absolutely. On any given day, I could call a school’s admissions office about a student. Through our conversation, they’ll give me a good indication of whether the school is a likely option for that student.

T ake the ACT and/or SAT September–November

Finalize applications, essay, and college list Submit applications November–January Early decision notifications are from mid- to late December ll notifications are from mid-February A to April 1

Congratulations—you did it!

V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 7

TERMS TO KNOW:

Articulation Agreement – an agreement between institutions regarding acceptance of course credits Common Application – a single application to apply to over 500 colleges Early Action – a nonbinding application in which a student receives an early admission decision from one or more colleges Early Decision – a binding application that requires a student to commit to attending the college if admitted FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) – most colleges require this form to be completed to award financial aid Likely School – a college that a student would like to attend and would also likely be accepted Priority Date – the date by which an application for admission, housing, or financial aid must be received to be given the strongest consideration Rolling Admission – an admission process by which the college considers each application as soon as the student’s required credentials have been received

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What’s the biggest myth about the college process?

Sometimes I think parents have the notion that colleges are playing their cards close to the vest. While it’s true that colleges are getting a bigger pool of applications through the Common Application and can be more selective, they’re very open about what they’re looking for and what’s important to them. It’s not a mystery.

What’s your tip for students and parents starting the college process?

Don’t test the waters—jump in! It’s not difficult; you just have to do it. My advice is to jump in the car and start visiting colleges right away. Don’t let being unfamiliar with the process be the reason to put it off. The first information session you attend, if it’s a good one, will cover the whole college process. Visiting is going to answer all of the questions you have. It also provides the information you need to start making decisions.

What do I like? What am I interested in? How far geographically am I willing to go?

What does a successful process look like?

Success is measured on an individual basis. It’s different for each student. As a school, we’re successful when a student is excited and looking forward to the next year.

My goals: Be patient, pay attention, and keep my prescribed timeline in perspective.

I meet students where they are in the college process—ready to help at any time.

That’s my personal measure of success.

HIGHLIGHTED STUDENT MATRICULATION, 2010 TO PRESENT:

Boston University

Northeastern University

Brown University

Occidental College

Carnegie Mellon University

Pitzer College

Connecticut College

Saint Michael’s College

Dickinson College

Skidmore College

Emory University

St. Lawrence University

Franklin & Marshall College

Syracuse University

Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Trinity College

Lawrence University

University of Richmond

Middlebury College

The University of Vermont

New York University

Wesleyan University

SENIOR REFLECTIONS WITH

DAVID PERSHA “ Vermont Academy provides a lush landscape to cultivate one’s true self.”

I can reflect back on my time at Vermont Academy and see a lot of growth and development, not just academically, but personally, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. You do have to take advantage of the opportunities provided, but if you’re committed to bettering yourself— to achieving your goals—you’ll be able to grow and develop.

While at Vermont Academy, I looked for mentors who not only challenged my skills and abilities but also my ideas and outlook on life—to challenge me to question my own abilities.

Mr. Krahn saw my enthusiasm for history and challenged me to think outside of the box. During discussion questions, I began focusing on events in the context of a global scale. It usually ended with us debating the issue but also cultivating ideas and new thoughts and strategies.

It felt amazing to form my own understanding of things, my own opinions and ideas where I held the reins.

Ms. Bonny took my energy in writing and showed me how to hone it by expanding my vocabulary and becoming more eloquent. She took my raw chunk of creativity and chiseled it into what she knew I was capable of. She pushed me to go further—to test limits, break barriers.

Mr. Tesar guided me to make my own discoveries at the heart of deep, philosophical questions in his world religion class.

It felt amazing to form my own understanding of things, my own opinions and ideas where I held the reins.

Mr. Williams helped me understand the process and procedure behind science. He puts great effort into making kids smile, the lessons fun, and the classroom atmosphere light. I have a class next to his now and can look in the window. I always see his students laughing, yet paying attention. I know exactly how they feel.

My education at Vermont Academy made me want to learn, not for the sake of a grade, but for my own knowledge as a human being. I discovered that learning is not absorbing what things mean in general but what they mean to me.

My teachers pushed me academically and expanded my learning ability to the max. Their passion and attention gave me the energy and drive to know that I can reach for anything—it’s there for the taking.

V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 9

Wildcats: We Want to Know!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VERMONT ACADEMY CORE BELIEF?

DAVID PERSHA ’14

LARA YOUNG ’15

Hometown: Bend, OR

Hometown: New York, NY

FAVORITE CORE BELIEF – Will grow and develop and is given every opportunity to do so here

FAVORITE CORE BELIEF – Is important, has worth and dignity, and is viewed as an asset

What it means to me: I’ll leave Vermont Academy knowing that all of these people helped me improve by helping me improve me. My eyes were opened to my abilities.

What it means to me: At VA, there are so many kids from different places and so many international students with various backgrounds and interests. It’s a diverse community, yet one that values us as individuals.

Everyone at VA has potential to discover a level of self-awareness that goes beyond a grade or college choice. Once you know who you are, so much more becomes available to you. — D.P. Personal belief: Never stop growing; there’s always room for improvement.

Mother’s Day shout-out: You’ve kicked me in the rear a few times, but it’s always been in the right direction.

So, yeah, I love you, Mom. Read David’s Senior Reflections on page 9.

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Everyone feels comfortable with who they are at VA and that generates confidence to explore and participate. I saw that confidence in the alumni I’ve met. VA empowered them that way. — L.Y. Personal belief: My dad and I share a favorite Winston Churchill quote, “Never, never, never give up.” Always keep pursuing what you love—what you think will make you happy.

VA is a really good place to do that.

Mother’s Day shout-out: I love you and thank you for giving me the opportunity to go to VA. I think it’s exactly what I needed.

REACH “VA provided me with the opportunity to learn how to rebel effectively. My father sent me to VA from Arizona to go to Dartmouth and become a corporate employee.

Instead, I found a great job as a cowboy in Alberta, Canada, and went there two days after graduating from VA. I am now a writer and still a rebel.

— JOHN DUNCKLEE ’47

LLOYD WILSON ’16

KARINA VITAL ’17

Hometown: Laurel, MD

Hometown: Queens, NY (Brother, Class of ’16)

FAVORITE CORE BELIEF – Acts with the highest level of honesty and integrity What it means to me: The best way to make a community better is to always be honest with one another—it brings a sense of ease. With that understood trust, there’s a great feeling around campus.

VA puts honesty and integrity into action with Mr. Hodgson’s Part of the Solution program. Students are nominated for a T-shirt when they’ve done something outstanding.

It’s just a shirt, but when I wear mine, it’s kind of awesome. — L.W. Personal belief: Honesty and clarity. If someone is confused about something, they should say so. Be direct and don’t sugarcoat things.

Mother’s Day shout-out: Happy Mother’s Day! Thanks for dealing with me my whole life. It’s brought me to where I am.

It’s a good thing.

FAVORITE CORE BELIEF – Seeks and gives help when appropriate What it means to me: It was really hard for me to leave home because I’m really close with my mom. On the freshman trip, I really opened up about it to the ninth-grade advisor, Mrs. Hodgson, who is also my dorm parent. It really helped me.

Now, I can talk to her about anything.

Next year, I hope that I can help other freshmen that might be feeling homesick.

VA’s core beliefs have made me more aware about thinking of others. — K.V. Personal belief: It’s something my mom always tells me: “Never let anybody talk you down. Keep your head up.”

Mother’s Day shout-out: Thank you for sending me to Vermont Academy and giving me this chance.

V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 11

VERMONT ACADEMY’S VISUAL ARTS CHAIR

OUTSIDE THE LINES WITH LISA MCNEALUS Vermont Academy provides the whole world in a drop of water.

We’re not one of those schools where everyone is the same.

Were you always interested in art?

Yes. I took summer classes and lived in an artistic community, where several parents made their living as artists. It’s amazing to me that my passion for art sprouted in the midst of my family. My dad was in the military, and his biggest foray into creativity was trying to play the bagpipes. My mom loves to knit and sew.

What did your father do in the military?

As a West Point graduate, he was in the infantry and was a ranger. During the Vietnam War, he became an “agricultural advisor.” My mom got a great laugh because he couldn’t grow anything. In 1967, he was under deep cover in Laos as part of what was later called the Secret War. After a year alone in the states, my mom packed us three kids, and we were on our way overseas—with different identities, of course.

Leyte McNealus ’14 and Lisa McNealus ’79 at Leyte’s last home soccer game.

Ms. McNealus’s “You must see this!”

Anything by John Singer Sargent— I love how he paints. Check out how he painted the dresses in The Wyndham Sisters.

The Winged Victory of Samothrace— classic, amazing, and inspiring.

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What was Laos like?

Amazing. We lived in a compound and the houses were all on stilts. Lao ponies roamed inside the fenced-in military airport, and the big surprise was that I got a pony for Christmas. Like any 6-year-old girl, I dreamed of having my own white pony named Silver. I took one look at my pony and my mouth fell. “What are you going to name him?” my mom asked excitedly. I said the first thing that came to my mind—Lead.

In 1975, you enrolled at VA as a day student, marking the re-emergence of coeducation for the first time since 1932.

What was the vibe?

I think that year there were 8 day girls—4 freshmen, 3 juniors, and 1 senior.

We just got mixed in with the boys because that was reality. I do remember walking the gauntlet at lunch—girls walked in and everyone turned to look.

This work by Lisa reflects the contentment and serenity she gains from walking in the Vermont woods. The maps are of Vermont and the natural materials were collected on her walks. Not her typical output, it was part of an AP workshop.

What do you remember about the Choukases?

They were wonderful and even fixed the top floor of Leavitt House so we could stay overnight, and our locker room was temporarily in their basement. Mrs. Choukas was a nurturing force for the entire student body but especially for “her girls” as she still calls us today.

Were you involved in art as a student?

I took pottery and introduction to drawing—the only art classes at the time. But I was the kind of kid that got involved in everything. I was a high-level athlete and acted in all of the plays. I left VA feeling like I could do anything. The community gives you that confidence.

Where did you go to college?

I went to the University of Vermont and studied art history.

I had one of those classic teachers who would be so excited about a gargoyle on a building, with her perfect blue suit and little cap of gray hair. She was fabulous.

How did you make your way back to VA as a faculty member?

I was Director of Development at Burr and Burton Academy in Manchester, VT. After eight years, I got an opportunity to work part-time in development and part-time as an art teacher. I loved it. The next year, they eliminated all part-time jobs. Luckily, one of VA’s art teachers was going on sabbatical.

Jim Mooney called on my birthday. I got the job.

I left VA feeling like I could do anything.

The community gives you that confidence.

Mary Hepburn was an amazing mentor—engaging and helpful. I was living in a beautiful place, making art, and going to theater and music events in the evening. I felt so lucky and still do. I’ve had some wonderful students who have truly made this a completely fulfilling career.

V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 13

Do you view art as an academic class?

I tell my students to view art exactly as they would any other class. They are learning a specific skill set and then being asked to solve a specific problem. As an example, I might say to create something that speaks to your sense of self. How they choose to interpret that is the creative process.

Lisa McNealus, Madison Cota ’14 and guest artist Tim Gunn, host of Project Runway BOB AND BETH CAMPBELL ENDOWMENT

Alumna artist Caitlyn Stone-Bressor ’99

The Bob ’37 and Beth Campbell Endowment has made an enormous impact on the visual arts program.

Through the endowment, one piece of alumni art is purchased each year for display in Vermont Academy’s permanent art gallery.

This is such an honor for the artists.

Their generosity also provides scholarships, a lecture series, an annual stipend for an art library, and sponsorship for field trips to museums and galleries. It is in their honor that students follow their passion and continue to create art at Vermont Academy. Thank you.

Robert M. Campbell ’37, P ’65, ’68, ’70 (2), ’80, ’82

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How have you seen art evolve at VA? We’re at a place where we’re growing the arts. Mary, in particular, got everything started—from the visual arts program to music and theater. Steve Cady is the Performing Arts Chair and has brought those programs to the next level.

The Freshman Arts program is a huge success and exposes ninth graders to all of the arts. We offer many more classes than when I was here or even when I first started teaching.

This year at Brattleboro, our artists received three Best in Shows: sculpture, digital photography, and drawing with color, and four Honorable Mentions. We were thrilled.

You’ve experienced VA as a student, alumna, parent, and faculty member. What makes Vermont Academy special?

Without question, it’s our faculty. I love that I’m working with people who taught me and still have wisdom that I seek.

I think it’s also that you can be yourself here, and people help you find that. As a student, you have so many options for a small school, yet you can’t fall through the cracks. We educate the whole student, and they’re all going to excel at different things—and that’s okay; it makes it real. That’s the whole thing about intimacy, personalization, and individualization.

Vermont Academy provides the whole world in a drop of water.

We’re not one of those schools where everyone is the same.

“ The summer of ’68 art program solidified my decision to make a life as an artist.”

BERNARD STANLEY HOYES ’70 Bernard Stanley Hoyes ’70 emigrated from Kingston, Jamaica, to New York City in 1966 to pursue his passion for art. He attended evening classes at The Art Students League of New York and immediately excelled. Based on his portfolio and future promise, he was selected to join 85 other NYC art students for an intensive workshop and mentorship at Vermont Academy in the summer of 1968.

Bernard putting final touches on his Winter Carnival ice sculpture.

“Coming from Jamaica to the States when I was 15, being an immigrant, being a person of color—I had all of those things to deal with. To have Vermont Academy, and the people at the academy, give me moral support gave me a meaningful connection to a future that was previously absent in my life.

When I came to New York, I met my father for the first time.

We didn’t bond right away; it took us awhile. And I didn’t bond with VA right away. As time went on, I realized the impact the school was making on me was to become a more mature person with greater resolve as a creative individual.

I’m trying to stay away from saying “artist” but that’s basically what it was. The pursuit of being an artist is recognizing and building on that drive to be creative and honoring your skills and innate gifts. That recognition came as a result of being around people like Mr. Choukas, Mr. Dey, the Assistant Headmaster, and faculty, including Mr. Butterworth, Mr. Brodine, and Mr. Peters. They were high-standing, moral individuals who understood the impact of what was happening in America at the time. The counterculture was outside of VA, and Mr. Choukas chose to bring it into the school because he realized it would strengthen the moral fiber of students. The art program was able to have the impact it did because of his hands-on approach of bringing new adventures to the students. It was one of his greatest successes.

Mr. Choukas encouraged students to express themselves and take a leadership role in making the academy work from a democratic level. At one point, there was a moratorium across the country for protesting the war in Vietnam. Students petitioned to get the day off from classes, and they prevailed. Reverend Chevrier from Christ’s Church in Saxtons River gathered us on the field, and everyone was able to share their views of what was going on in society. When you see the effectiveness of people getting together to discuss their impact on their surroundings, it instills a level of confidence to go into the world and be part of the democratic experiment at large. It’s not like going to class and taking student government. We were actively demonstrating the principles of government right there on campus.

To have Vermont Academy, and the people at the academy, give me moral support gave me a meaningful connection to a future that was previously absent in my life.

Being a part of that time—the Classes of 68, 69, and 70— those guys really instilled in me a personal outlook to get involved and have my principles straight. The students from the Class of 1969 were some of my best and most influential friends. I love those guys, and I missed them when they graduated. They were my introduction to Vermont Academy.”

Bernard Stanley Hoyes’ work is collected around the world. He is one of Vermont Academy’s esteemed Florence Sabin Award winners.

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DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT, JAMES A. (JAY) GUNDY III, DISCUSSES THE LONG WALK LEGENDS SOCIETY AND PROFILES A LEGEND

ARE YOU A VERMONT ACADEMY

Long Walk Legend?

LEGENDS HAVE HEART, PRIDE, AND COMMITMENT. WE THINK YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES.

Long Walk Legends are Vermont Academy’s most loyal alumni and friends who understand that an annual investment in our community transforms students’ lives and shapes the school’s future.

The Long Walk Legends Society was established in 2013 to recognize Vermont Academy constituents who pledge their unfailing support to our great community by contributing a gift—regardless of size—year after year.

Everyone can be a proud member To be inducted, simply pledge your support of any size over the next five years or more. Your support level will be recognized based on the number of consecutive years you give. Induction is based on your continual giving today, with the opportunity to become a cherished member of The Dorothy Leavitt Society over time.

To become a member of The Long Walk Legends, please visit: vermontacademy.org/longwalklegends or call 802-869-6223.

THE LONG WALK LEGENDS RECOGNITION LEVELS THE DOROTHY LEAVITT SOCIETY: 20+ YEARS

THE “BEANO” TRIPP SOCIETY: 10–14 YEARS

Named for the wife of our longest-serving headmaster, The Dorothy Leavitt Society honors our most loyal, most consistent supporters. They, like Dorothy, embody duty, service, loyalty, tradition, and family.

H. Edmund “Beano” Tripp embodied everything VA prizes in an outstanding teacher, coach, athletic trainer, and counselor. For over 35 years, Beano was a friend to more than 2,000 Vermont Academy students who relied on him every day, year after year.

THE WARREN CHIVERS SOCIETY: 15–19 YEARS

THE KEY SOCIETY: 5+ YEARS OR A PLEDGE OF 5+ YEARS

For 37 years, Warren Chivers demonstrated unwavering commitment to students, athletes, and alumni. His standards challenged young people to achieve at their highest levels, strengthening both character and the pursuit of excellence, lessons they later took with them.

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VA Network

Each graduating class presents the “Vermont Academy Key” to rising seniors. A long-standing custom, the Key symbolizes a cherished legacy of tradition, knowledge, loyalty, and responsibility that is passed from class to class and generation to generation.

Jay is part of Vermont Academy’s Networking Group. Join at vermontacademy.org/linkedin.

LONG WALK LEGEND:

Robin Vanderputten Del Giorno “ I view Long Walk Legends as alumni who are committed to keeping Vermont Academy’s traditions alive for years to come in recognition of how much the school meant and did for them.”

What I’m working on: Planning the John Jay Awards dinner, a black tie fundraising event for 500 guests that honors members of the Columbia College family for distinguished professional achievement.

What comes to mind when I hear Long Walk Legend:

2014 Love New York City and my career planning events in Alumni Affairs and Development at Columbia University

2008 Followed my dream to the Big Apple and managed special events for The Museum of Modern Art

2001 Took the road to Boston and landed at Harvard University in the exciting world of event planning

2001 Graduated from St. Lawrence University with a degree in art history

1997 Graduated from Vermont Academy

I think of the Long Walk because it unites all of us who have traveled its path— graduates’ names adorning the bricks in beautiful tradition. The first thing I did at my 15-year reunion was show my husband my brick; it’s a validation of my part in Vermont Academy’s history. I view Long Walk Legends as alumni who are committed to keeping Vermont Academy’s traditions alive for years to come in recognition of how much the school meant and did for them.

Best moment: My entire time at Vermont Academy was my best moment. Honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am today had it not been for Vermont Academy, my teachers, coaches, and lifelong friends that I made in my three years there.

Impact: The minute I started getting the one-on-one help I needed at Vermont Academy, I felt less like a number and more like a student eager to learn and, in doing so, succeed.

senior class picture

VA Network

All of the teachers at Vermont Academy will go the extra mile and work with students in their personal time to ensure that they pass a test—to make sure that they understand the process and not just memorize facts. Those were such pivotal years for me.

Why I give: Vermont Academy provided me with a new beginning, lifelong friends, and life lessons.

I want students like me to have the same experience I did and say the same thing about their experience in their Long Walk Legend profile 15 years down the road. Vermont Academy also prepared me for life. I was put in a living and social situation where kids were not just from South Burlington, VT. They were from all over the country, with different social and economic backgrounds.

It was both an eye-opening and bonding experience. I could never repay Vermont Academy for all of the life lessons that I received, but I owe it to myself to give back.

Shout-out: I am grateful to my teachers, coaches, and friends who helped me get to where I am today. To the alumni community, a reminder that Vermont Academy was a stepping-stone to our future—now is the time to reflect on what the school meant to us and give back in whatever capacity we can.

Robin is part of Vermont Academy’s Networking Group. Join at vermontacademy.org/linkedin.

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, JENNIFER JONES, TALKS SHOP WITH VA COACHES

Lady Wildcats: PLAYING TO WIN WITH CONFIDENCE, TEAMWORK, AND GRIT

W

Game On

ith a baseball coach for a dad and two brothers who were Division I athletes, I grew up in a house where training, competing, and developing drive were the order of

the day. As a kid, I wasn’t exactly sure what “you gotta have drive” meant, but it sounded important. Now I know that drive—gutting it out when the chips are down—is the key to any endeavor. Recently, I spoke with Director of Athletics, Mike Atkins, and several of his talented coaches, to discuss the lasting impact of athletics. As coaches shared philosophies and team accomplishments, their drive was clear. VA’s Lady Wildcats are playing to win.

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VA Network

Jen is part of Vermont Academy’s Networking Group. Join at vermontacademy.org/linkedin.

REACH “VA is preparing me for the world by teaching me about leadership, responsibility, and respect. I’m so grateful for the people I’ve met.”

— BRIANNA WOOD ’17

Varsity lacrosse, hockey, and soccer

ey s and Liz Mack Abbey Edward It was a building year for some of our Lady Wildcat teams.

How do you keep players motivated?

We have a saying, “Control the controllable.” We can’t control the weather or bad calls from the ref or how fast the other team is, but we can control our fitness level, our attitude, and how hard we work.

Aurelia Davidson recalls what she told her field hockey players when she met them. “Every day I’m going to teach you about field hockey, but I promise you’re going to learn much more about your character and how deep it goes. It’s when you’re down 7–0 that you figure out who you are. Are you going to throw down your stick and cry, or are you going to dig in and finish strong?”

Are there any unique challenges of coaching young women?

As with any pursuit, you need to have confidence in your abilities to succeed.

We build confidence in our female athletes by ensuring that they all have a role and understand its importance. Last year, a goal of the lacrosse team was to have the loudest bench at every game. The role of support players was to motivate teammates on the field, while continuing to work hard in practice to improve their skills.

C ER VA R SI TY SO C Abbey played soccer and rugby at Middlebury and has coached for 13 years.

Liz played ice hockey at Middlebury and has coached for 3 years.

Donna Parkhurs t and Aurelia D avidson

We build confidence in our female athletes by ensuring that they all have a role and understand its importance.

Field hockey implemented power pairs. In each game, a more experienced player was partnered with a rookie, giving them the opportunity to bond and share perspectives on the sport. The duo was responsible for pumping up the team before the game with a speech, video clip, or song.

And, like with all athletes, emotions need to be checked at the door. Once you step foot on the court, field, or ice—it’s time to play.

VA R SI TY FI EL D H O C K EY

Donna played field hockey at Skidmore, started VA’s field hockey program in the late 80s, and has coached for 25+ years. urelia played field hockey at A St. Michael’s and has coached for 9 years.

V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 19

REACH “We learned to stop thinking individually. Win or lose, we did so as a team.”

— WHITLEY NEUMEISTER ’16,

Varsity field hockey

nd Jenn Calver a n a n n re B y d Wen

It’s when you’re down 7–0 that you figure out who you are. Are you going to throw down your stick and cry, or are you going to dig in and finish strong?

R O SS E VA R SI TY LA C

Wendy played lacrosse at Dartmouth and has coached for 27 years.

Jenn was a Regional All-American in lacrosse at Trinity and has coached for 3 years.

Annie Muse an d Lisa Wilson

VA R SI TY IC E H O C K EY Annie played ice hockey in high school and has coached for 6 years.

Lisa was All-ECAC in ice hockey at Holy Cross and has coached for 3 years.

Mike: With over 25+ years in athletics, how have you seen high school athletics change for both boys and girls?

I’ve seen a decline in the multisport athlete. Many athletes today want to specialize in one sport and play it year-round in hopes of attaining a scholarship. With roughly one percent of athletes earning scholarships, the majority forfeits the value of playing several sports.

What are those values?

Our philosophy at Vermont Academy is to encourage students to participate in as many activities as possible to develop confidence and pride in multiple areas.

We’ve seen many specialized athletes—male and female—suffer an identity crisis when their athletic dreams veer off course. It’s a lot of pressure to put on a kid. Multiple sports enable athletes to meet more kids, play under varying coaching styles, and stretch their comfort zone. It takes courage for a player who is normally a starter to play a secondary role in a new sport. When players branch out, it often improves their play in their main sport.

How does athletics impact athletes later in life?

We wouldn’t be coaches if athletics hadn’t made a huge impact in our lives— helped shape the people we are today. Playing sports and being on a team instill so many qualities for success: hard work, dedication, commitment, perseverance, and teamwork. It’s having the drive to reach and not give up when the scoreboard’s not on your side. It’s grit. We’re proud we see that in our Wildcats day in and day out.

TEAM TO WATCH – In a tremendous showing for first-year head coach

Lisa Wilson and assistant coach Annie Muse, the varsity girls’ ice hockey team ranked 14th among 60 teams in New England play.

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Describe the value of being part of a team.

Team sports are about finding your role and working to evolve it over time.

What are your strengths and weaknesses? Where do you fit in? We tell recruits, “When you come to VA, you’re going to make an impact. It’s up to you to determine what it is.” Everyone can bring contributions and make a positive impact, no matter the skill level. It’s about getting in there and doing your personal best—giving it all you’ve got.

Mike arden and a g m o o B Maggie

How does VA impact its students?

We encourage every individual to find and appreciate that special something they bring to the table as a student leader, athlete, or artist. Maybe it’s as simple as being a supportive friend. We’re always asking students, “What contributions can you bring to the community? What kind of impact do you want to make?”

Then it’s game on!

VA R S IT Y

BA SKETB

Atkins

ALL

Maggie played varsity high school sports and has coached for 2 years.

Mike played football at the University of Maine and has coached for 25+ years.

Congratulations!

Varsity Girls Basketball—Undefeated in Class D League Play A GREAT SEASON

NOTABLES

VARSITY ROSTER

For the first time in five years, Vermont Academy’s varsity girls’ basketball team qualified for the New England Prep Championships. VA is part of the highly competitive Lakes Region League and faced in regular league play five of the seven teams that qualified for the championship. The team took a tough 52–45 loss in the semifinals from Hartford, Connecticut’s Watkinson School, who went on to win the tournament.

Four-year senior Karen Porl caps her high school career with 96 games, the most of any female player at Vermont Academy.

Two recruited players, both postgraduates, delivered major impact to VA’s success. In just one season, Sam O’Gara netted more threepointers than any other female player. She also chalked up the season’s most points with 477, averaging 19.1 points per game. Haley Wilder finished the season with 345 points, averaging 13.3 points per game.

Karen Porl #2 Marta Glazquez Garcia #5 Kasi White #10 Sam O’Gara #11 Molly Brennan #13 Madison Cota #14 Kelsey Parker #20 Elkanah Linder #21 J’Nisha Little #22 Haley Wilder #24 Courtney Prentiss #30 V E R M O N T AC A D E M Y | 21

Wyeth in kindergarten

Tell me a little about your family.

I live with my parents in Westmoreland, NH. My mom works at Eastern Mountain Sports, and my dad is an English professor at Landmark College.

How did you come to Vermont Academy?

I was looking for more support and opportunities than my public school could provide. I really liked the vibe of Vermont Academy when I visited and toured the classes. VA offered me the best opportunity for academic support, theater, and a snowboarding team.

When did you start snowboarding?

I was ten. My mom and I have a tradition of hitting the slopes together on Christmas Eve. Continuing the sport was important to me.

WILDCAT PROFILE:

Wyeth Olmsted ’15 What’s Coach Kelly like?

He’s a great coach. All of the coaches and staff go out of their way to create memorable experiences. To celebrate the Sochi Olympics, they created the “Slope Style VA Olympics,” and we competed for medals. Coach Kelly gives us pointers on technique and style at Okemo. We hit the mountain up to six times a week. It’s a great deal.

Vermont Academy has helped me become a well-rounded student and person. I’ll leave here feeling like I can do anything.

Do you have a favorite class?

I took cell biology with Mr. Collins my freshman year. I’ve always loved science, and the class affirmed my desire to study biology in college. I learned so much that was intriguing to me. Mr. Collins was tremendous about helping me outside of class. I have also really enjoyed being able to balance traditional academics like math and science with art and theater classes—particularly, my advanced theater class with Ms. Tadlock.

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Have you experienced collaborative learning at Vermont Academy?

Teachers do a great job of breaking things down, encouraging class participation, and supplementing lectures with hands-on activities.

In Dr. Cohn’s AP US history class, we’ll break into discussion groups after a short lecture. It generates a lot of elevated thinking.

In Ms. Tadlock’s advanced theater seminar, we explore and collaborate on diverse topics. In the fall, we looked at ways we could adapt Shakespeare— what was good about it, what was bad. My partner and I performed a 1920s-esque scene from Romeo and Juliet. Ms. Tadlock has brought so much to VA’s theater arts, including the 24-Hour Play Festival.

I can’t wait until next year!

How has Learning Skills impacted you as a student?

I was diagnosed in eighth grade with dyslexia, so the support offered by Vermont Academy’s Learning Skills program was really important. As a freshman, I used a weekly block with Ms. Lanterman. In my sophomore year, I still dropped in for periodic help when needed. At this point, I’ve graduated from using the services. Mission accomplished!

Discuss how Vermont Academy is preparing you to reach your goals.

I’ve gained confidence in so many areas. I’ve also had the opportunity to try new things, like lacrosse, that turned out to be unexpected pleasures. Vermont Academy has helped me become a well-rounded student and person. I’ll leave here feeling like I can do anything.

REACH VA’s loving and caring community is preparing me for anything.

— JOHN-HENRY PALUSZEK ’16

How does the MAPS™ program benefit students?

It’s a great way for new students and their advisors to start a partnership. MAPS™ helped me to not only set goals but also prepare a plan to get there. Reaching my goals—to get a B+ or higher in chemistry and into the National Honor Society—was a real feeling of accomplishment.

Wildcat bonus: Give a shout-out to Mom for Mother’s Day! Going to Vermont Academy is definitely a family commitment, and my mom has done more than her share. So—thanks, Mom— I couldn’t have done it without you!

V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 2 3

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, JENNIFER JONES, INTERVIEWS MICHAEL CHOUKAS JR.’46

Headmaster 1965-1977

Michael Choukas Jr. ’46 A WILLINGNESS TO REACH THAT SHAPED THE FUTURE OF VERMONT ACADEMY Recently, I had the pleasure to visit with Headmaster Emeritus Michael Choukas Jr. ’46 and his wife of 62 years, Nita. Mr. Choukas has experienced Vermont Academy as a student, alumnus, teacher, and coach—culminating in his iconic Headmastership from 1965 –1977.

During our conversation, husband and wife often looked to one another to check a fact or color a detail. Their mutual respect and support was evident as we looked back to when they guided Vermont Academy through a pivotal era in its history—partners in their commitment to help kids and to the lives they had made for themselves in Saxtons River.

What brought you to Vermont Academy as a student?

At Hanover High, I concentrated more on sports and other extracurricular activities than I did on academics—with predictable results. At the end of my sophomore year my father, who was a professor at Dartmouth, decided I needed a change.

He knew Headmaster Larry Leavitt and, as a result, I ended up at Vermont Academy—still a sophomore!

Wasn’t your son, Michael, valedictorian at VA? Yes, he was.

You must kid each other about your high school careers.

I don’t know that he actually knows all that. I never brought the subject up!

How did you come back on the faculty of VA? I got out of the Marine Corps in the fall of 1953 and took a job at Millbrook School, coaching hockey and running a dormitory. Larry Leavitt heard I was there, and he offered me a position as a math teacher and hockey coach to start in the fall of 1954. By then, Nita and I had two young daughters. We lived in a two-room apartment on the second floor of Alumni Hall. Our kitchen consisted of a sink, a small refrigerator, and a hot plate. At Christmas, the boys on our floor gave us a toaster oven, probably so Nita could turn out goodies for them at a faster rate. I am sure there were those on the faculty who had known me as a student and wondered how Larry Leavitt could have hired me!

Nita laughs. Yes!

1968

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“ The most wonderful experience in working with young students is to penetrate what often seems impenetrable—their world—and to enter, not as an intruder trying to mold, impose, and reshape, but as a friend with something of value to share.”

— MICHAEL CHOUK AS JR. ’46,

Quoted June 1968

Left: summer of ’68 artist at Vermont Academy

What made Vermont Academy special?

We were good at helping students who were underachieving in their previous school realize their full potential. Our belief was that success in one area of a student’s life spilled over into other areas, notably academics. Because we were a small school where everyone knew everyone else, these successes resonated. My goal was for Vermont Academy to become the best small boarding school in the country.

REACH “Vermont itself offered a way of life and mindset that I enthusiastically embraced, and VA was a window into that world.”

— BILL HOSLEY ’73

What is the ABC program?

“ABC” stands for A Better Chance. The program started in the mid-60s to bring disadvantaged students (mostly, but not exclusively, students of color) to independent schools. Our first ABC student was Trudell “Butch” Guerue, a Sioux Indian from South Dakota. He came to VA as a junior in 1964, Headmaster Larry Tuttle’s final year. In those early years— prior to whichever boarding school they would attend—ABC students went to indoctrination programs during the summer

Michael Choukas ’46, Nita Choukas, Dr. Robert Watts ’73 September 2013

at either Dartmouth, Williams, or Duke. The Dartmouth program was designed and run by Charles Dey, a dean at Dartmouth. “Butch” Guerue attended the Dartmouth session where Larry Leavitt learned of him and personally sponsored his coming to Vermont Academy. Guerue later was honored as Vermont Academy’s 39th Florence Sabin Award winner.

Did you have a connection with Charles Dey prior to the ABC program?

Charley was a class behind me at Dartmouth, and we knew each other through athletics. His brother, Bill, was a class ahead of me, and he later became my Director of Admissions and eventually the Assistant Headmaster.

V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 25

REACH “I have come to know Vermont Academy as a school characterized by able faculty, skillful leadership, and spirited students. More important, however, is my admiration for Vermont Academy as an independent school with a willingness to reach.”

— CHARLES F. DEY,

Dean, Tucker Foundation Dartmouth College, Quoted June 1976

What led to your decision to participate in the ABC program?

It was under Larry Tuttle that we admitted our first ABC student. I felt it was important to expand Vermont Academy’s participation. These were challenging times in our country. The Vietnam War was increasingly unpopular, a counterculture was brewing among young people, and most importantly, the African American community, spurred on by the inspirational rhetoric of Martin Luther King, was protesting. Most of the protests were in cities that had no direct effect on Saxtons River, but Nita and I were concerned and determined to do whatever we could.

In the fall of 1966, we admitted our first African American students, freshmen Carl Banyard ’70 and Carston Pratt ’70 and sophomores Braxton Cross ’69 and Ken Sauls ’69. In 1967, Layton Grant ’69, a white student from Washington County in Downeast Maine was our next ABC student. Then we began to add African Americans who did not come through the ABC program. Lynwood Herring ’70, Bernard Hoyes ’70, Bill Tibbs ’71, and Robert Watts ’73 were among them. Tibbs and Watts later became trustees of Vermont Academy.

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Nita has cited the art program in the summer of 1968 as one of your greatest decisions.

What was its significance?

In addition to it being the first use of VA’s facilities for an outside summer program, it brought a large number of minorities to a virtually all-white village. John Torres, a well-known black sculptor, approached me with the concept of taking kids talented in fine arts from the inner city and bringing them to a summer program with professional artists to develop their portfolios in preparation for college admission.

Torres had a grant from the Ford Foundation and wondered if VA would be interested. The board was mixed about bringing in 85 city kids over the summer. I pointed out what was going on in our country. There were riots in many cities. Detroit was burning. Washington, DC was burning. Baltimore and Chicago. We decided to do it. As soon as word got around Saxtons River, there was much negative outpouring.

Nita chuckles. Oh, God. Some of the leading citizens of Saxtons River were very upset at the decision and made all kinds of waves and even threats.

Nonetheless, The Art Students League of New York came.

It didn’t take very long for the town to come to the realization that they were pretty good kids. Opinion changed. At summer’s end, there was an art exhibit and most of the town came. It was a defining moment.

Nita: It was wonderful.

How was faculty affected by the sweeping changes in the 60s?

Up until the early 60s, there was never any question about values. If a kid did something wrong, everyone knew he did something wrong, and the only question was what the discipline would be. All of a sudden, you’re in a faculty meeting and young teachers are saying, “Is what he did really wrong? Think about where he came from.” Then you had the old faculty saying, “He did this and has to be disciplined.”

I had to juggle this, and, of course, I had my own opinions.

A painting purchased by the Choukases from Joseph Delaney, an artist-in-residence at the summer program.

The view is from Proctor House looking south toward Fuller Hall.

What was the Jersey City Project?

It was conceived in the Tucker Foundation at Dartmouth where Charley Dey had become Dean. The thought was that the ABC kids were so few in number in any one prep school that they weren’t able to talk and share problems with peers.

Their idea was to put enough kids from the same city into a school where they could psychologically reinforce one another and share a common bond in their experiences. Charley Dey proposed the Jersey City Project to me.

Was it a difficult decision to participate?

Very. The idea of the Jersey City Project was that ten kids would come their junior year and ten more the second year, all from Jersey City, where Dartmouth maintained a presence.

That’s a total of 20 minority students from the same city in a student body of 160. What would the impact of that be? I had to think long and hard about that. I knew it was controversial.

Ultimately, we decided to do it.

What was the impact of the program?

When the Jersey City kids joined the African American students already at VA, a critical mass was reached, and the Black Student Union was formed. They began to articulate issues with the administration and the white community. It was a wake-up call for us. Like most colleges and secondary schools, we had assumed that these kids would be so grateful for the opportunity we were giving them that they would be model students. We weren’t prepared for them to question things and didn’t really appreciate what they were going through—coming into a white institution that was so unfamiliar and scary in so many ways. I give the kids a lot of credit for working together in a democratic way so their voices could be heard. Together as a community, we made a lot of progress.

What led to the decision to bring back coeducation in 1975?

Times were changing fast, and the changing role of women in society was an important part of that. Also, kids coming through grade school were thinking coeducational. Families from CT, NJ, and NY were moving to southern Vermont, and they were accustomed to coed. I was sure there was going to be a need, and if VA didn’t fill it, another school would.

“ I truly enjoyed my years at Vermont Academy. I loved my life there—the students, the faculty and staff, the faculty children, and my many friends in the village.”

— NITA CHOUK AS,

2014

You set a foundation for an inclusive VA community that endures today. Did you envision the long-reaching impact it would have on the school?

I wasn’t thinking about being inclusive. Helping kids was what motivated me. I did think it was important to have kids of different backgrounds to educate one another. Understanding that everyone in a community comes from a different place, with different outlooks, is an important lesson to learn.

V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 2 7

VERMONT ACADEMY EVENTS Our small, tight-knit community provides students, faculty, and alumni with continual opportunities to participate, connect, and make an impact.

24-Hour Play Festival

Fall Cabaret

Pumpkin Run

Student/alumni soccer game

Rail Jam—Love Your Brain

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Black Box—The Flatline

Winter Cabaret

Fall Cabaret

Speakers Dominique Christina and Denice Frohman, Sister Outsider Poetry

Speaker John Smolens, novelist

Speaker Tim Gunn, Project Runway Speaker Cherylyn Lavagnino, Dance Company

A special thank-you to the Bob ’37 and Beth Campbell Endowment, which generously supports two Campbell Lectures within the Vermont Academy Speaker Series. This year we had especially interesting and thought-provoking guest speakers that inspired with their stories and stimulated conversation among our community.

Speaker Kevin Pearce, champion snowboarder

Winter Cabaret

1940’s Radio Hour

Kurn Hattin Celebration

Student/alumni hockey game

V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 2 9

OPEN LETTER:

JAVIER WHITE ’98 DE AR V ER MONT ACADEMY, am so happy we met those sixteen years ago in the fall—a time that was to become the first chapter of the rest of my life. You gave me the confidence to pursue all that I wanted. When I reflect on my experience with you, I am reminded that we almost missed our chance to spend two great years together.

I

In life, there are events that can permanently alter the course that we are traveling. I reached a fork in the road during the summer of 1996, while I was working at a day Javier and Melissa White celebrate little Javier’s first Christmas with family camp with Chido Alozi, Class of ’97. One day, Chido in Massachusetts. mentioned that he attended Vermont Academy and had done so since the ninth grade. At the time, I had never heard of boarding schools and did not want to leave my beloved Sleepy Hollow High School. Ultimately, I decided that it was time to take a leap and discover what a life outside my realm of “normal” could be like.

Joining Vermont Academy was a pivotal moment in my life, marked with the feeling of change—from a concrete-loving city slicker to a lover of walking barefoot in a grassy field; and from a meat-devouring ice hockey player to a salad-eating wrestler trying to maintain weight while winning the Massachusetts prep school championships at the 215-pound weight class. I’ve become a better member of society, college graduate, current graduate student, devoted husband, and loving father.

These changes undoubtedly transformed my life for the better. I look forward to my next visit when I can walk barefoot in the grass and see my brick on Long Walk with my son, a future Wildcat, in tow. See you soon, and Go VA! Regards,

JAV IER W HITE ’98

VA Network P.S. Special regards to Teun Deckers ’98.

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REACH “There was no defining moment but there was perhaps something more important for me: I learned that a youngster from a small town whose dad died when he was 15 could compete, succeed, and prosper as well as anyone else. All of us were a family who grew through those formative years into well-prepared young adults.”

— DON EDWARDS ’55

V E R M O N T AC A D E M Y | 31

SK I A N D R I DE DAY AT STOW E , M A RC H 5, 2014

Trustee Marvin Neuman P 0 ‘3 Headmaster Emeritus Michael Choukas 4‘ 6

Head of School Sean Brennan

Trustee David Holton 6‘ 8

VA Freeski Coach and Teacher Chris Marks

Kelley Tully ‘83

Jennifer Cota P 1‘4

C L A SS N OTES

REACH “Learning is a process that can only occur from taking action; during my four years at Vermont Academy, I was encouraged to be an agent of action. This posture has made me more culturally competent, emotionally intelligent, and spiritually centered— these are the filters through which I interpret and relate to the world—and it has made all the difference in a world of uncertainty and complexity.”

— DR. ROBERT WAT TS JR. ’73

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PHOTOS Below: Jonathan Curran ’79 and his father, John Curran ’49, both won first-place medals in the 2013 Duke City Marathon 5K race/walk in Albuquerque, NM. Jonathan was the overall winner with a time of 27:04 minutes and John in the 80 to 85 age group with a time of 40:39 minutes.

CLASS OF 1939 Our 75th Reunion is September 26–28, 2014.

Mark your calendar now!

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Class Volunteer: J. Whitney Brown 53 Conanicus Avenue, Apt. 2G, Jamestown, RI 02835, whitleo621@cox.net

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Class Volunteer: George Bentley 180 Main Street, Apt. B106, Walpole, MA 02081, BetsyBentley@comcast.net

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Class Volunteers: Richard Leary, PO Box 518, New London, NH 03257; R. Duke Powell, 217 Rivermead Road, Peterborough, NH 03458, rdukepowell@comcast.net

CLASS OF 1944 Our 70th Reunion is September 26–28, 2014.

Mark your calendar now!

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Class Volunteer: Franklin Pierce Jackson 120 Indian Trail, Scituate, MA 02066, fpjackson@comcast.net

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Class Volunteer: William Reoch PO Box 1184, Kennebunkport, ME 04046, reochwg@earthlink.net

John Duncklee, Las Cruces, NM, wrote: “At 84, I am still vertical and still writing 2,000 words a day on novels and short stories. As of now, I have thirty-five books in print and over one hundred short stories.

These are all in Special Collections in the University of Arizona Library in Tucson. Sorry to read about Sam Davis passing. Sam liked to winter near Tucson, and we would get together on occasion. When we were sophomores at VA, his room was across the hall from mine in Jones Hall. Malcom Speirs is planning a stopover here shortly on his way to San Felipe in Baja California.” VA Network

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Class Volunteer: Robert Taft 50 Timberpond Dr., Apt. 3301, Peterborough, NH 03458

CLASS OF 1949 Our 65th Reunion is September 26–28, 2014.

Mark your calendar now!

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John Curran Jr. wrote: “Retirement, as they call it, isn’t the life of leisure the advertisements purport it to be. At least that’s been my experience. Since quitting the newspaper business in 1985 and a property management position in 1998, I’ve devoted most of my spare time to handweaving. My interest grew back in

New England, where my father was a manager in a textile mill, and retirement has made it possible [for me] to expand from weaving as a hobby to a part-time business. Although I began weaving mostly Colonial overshot pieces, a tradition in the East and Southeast, I now also turn out thick wool and linen rugs on a large shaft-switching loom designed by an English rug weaver, the late Peter Collingwood. I purchased “the beast” as I call it from Harrisville Designs in New Hampshire, and it looms large in a craft room I share with my wife, Nora, a Chinese brush painter. Classmates fortunate enough to visit New Mexico are always welcome to stop by. The Southwest is many things, some good, some less so, but visitors will always find it warm and welcoming.”

Rayner Weir, Charlotte, NC, wrote: “Hope to be at our 65th in September.”

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Class Volunteer: Robert Scholl 470 Park Road Extension, Middlebury, CT 06762, scholllaw@sbcglobal.net

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Class Volunteers: Robert Anderson 345 Westbrook Road, Saint Helena Island, SC 29920, rbanders@islc.net

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Class Volunteer: Dick van Riper 67 Transylvania Road, Roxbury, CT 06783, vanriper@charter.net

C L A SS VO L U N T E E R S N E E D E D : 3 9 | 41 | 4 4 | 4 6 | 4 9 | 5 2 | 5 7

VA Network

Designates part of Vermont Academy’s Networking Group. Join at vermontacademy.org/linkedin.

V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 33

REACH “VA taught me the importance of reaching for the stars, setting goals, working hard, measuring results, and—no matter what the odds seem to be—never giving up.”

— CB VAUGHAN ’59

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Class Volunteer: Donald Megathlin 925 Main Street, PO Box 125, Cotuit, MA 02635, capemegathlins@verizon.net

CLASS OF 1954 Our 60th Reunion is September 26–28, 2014.

Mark your calendar now!

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Class Volunteers: Donald Scholl, 895 Copes Lane, West Chester, PA 19380, dbscholl@verizon.net; W. Eugene Hays, 104 Cortland Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789, intlfruit@aol.com

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Class Volunteers: Peter Hickey, 37153 South Desert Sun Drive, Saddlebrook, AZ 85739-3077, phickey37@juno.com; Frederic Nichols, 23500 Cristo Rey Drive, Unit 302D, Cupertino, CA 95014, fnichols56@gmail.com

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Class Volunteers: Leslie Lewis, 6 Alpine Trail, Pittsfield, MA 01201, buddy456@me.com; Robert Luke, 77 Hillside Avenue, Florham Park, NJ 07932, rdhl322@hotmail.com

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Class Volunteers: Donald McInnes, 75 Waterside Avenue, Falmouth, MA 02540, dgmc@flash.net; Peter Myers, 53 Thibault Pkwy, Burlington, VT 05401, peter.myers@lmsre.com

CLASS OF 1959 Our 55th Reunion is September 26–28, 2014.

Mark your calendar now!

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lass Volunteers: George Yeomans, PO Box 33, C 106 Masquesatch Road, Westport Point, MA 02791, gyeomans106@yahoo.com; Penn Lardner, 20705 Meadow Drive, Sonoma, CA 95476, richardlardner@ sbcglobal.net; Dan Brown, 13 Foxborough Drive, Gilford, NH 03249, danbrownnh@gmail.com; Ronald Stewart, 919 Maumee Avenue, Mansfield, OH 44906, marqprint@aol.com Class Volunteer: John Anderson 304 Murphree Street, Troy, AL 36081, athtrain@troy.edu

Lee Stanley wrote: “Hi, Vermont Academy Family! My wife, Linda, and I took off from Los Angeles in late October 2013 aboard our trawler, Stanhaven III, and cruised down the west coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico, stopping at various ports along the way. We are currently in La Paz on the Sea of Cortez enjoying the local people, kicking back, and diving the wonderful nearby islands. Our goal for this expedition was for Linda and me to get closer to our Lord and to each other. So far this has been a very successful trip. We fly back to LA the second week of February for business and seeing our kids— then returning to our trawler to start the voyage north for more diving and appreciating each other and life. Our thankfulness and joy are underscored by the fact that this month (February), I will be cancer free for five years. Nothing like a bout with the Big C to put everything in perspective. Wishing all my friends and classmates at Vermont Academy our very best.”

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VA Network

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Class Volunteers: Peter Flatow, 3 Thomas Road, Westport, CT 06880, flatowp@coknowledge.com; Richard Weeks, 4242 N. 119 St., Lafayette, CO 80026, dick_weeks@hotmail.com

Peter Johnson wrote: “To get away from ‘global cooling,’ we went to Panama to do the canal transit. I had to do some cultural stuff with the wife first. The canal is an ongoing engineering marvel.

Fascinating!! Then back home to shovel the white stuff. Take care.”

Steven Ruddell wrote: “2013 was a challenging year for me. I was run over by my runaway truck. Broke my pelvis in six places. If you’re curious, check out my Steven Renewal page on Facebook: facebook. com/stevenrenewal. I’ve made a lot of progress in [my] recovery. I’m walking again without a cane, though rather stiffly! More work to be done. Looking forward to better-than-ever health in 2014. Wishing that for you, too!” VA Network

Designates part of Vermont Academy’s Networking Group. Join at vermontacademy.org/linkedin.

PHOTOS Left page: Lee Stanley ’61 and Linda Stanley, Stanhaven III

Dear Classmates, The countdown has begun and planning is well under way, so please mark your calendars to save the dates of Sept. 26–28, 2014, for our upcoming 50th Reunion.

Through the Alumni Office, a block of rooms is being held for our class at the nearby Grafton Inn (graftoninnvermont.com, 800-843-1801). You can see the full (albeit, tentative) weekend schedule by clicking ‘Reunion Weekend’ under the Alumni tab on the main VA website (vermontacademy.org).

Dave Koepf (dako45@q.com) is helping to coordinate our reunion, but others are stepping up to lend a hand. You might hear from one or more of us in the coming weeks as we continue to encourage your attendance and participation. In fact, you can begin right now by sending either of us your email address, which will make it easier to share future announcements.

We look forward to hearing from you and to seeing you on campus this fall!

Toby Hoopes ’64 Class Representative | toho33@gmail.com

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lass Volunteers: Townsend Hoopes, 96698 Arrigo C Boulevard, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, toho33@gmail.com; Dave Koepf, 2099 Summer Breeze Drive, Prescott, AZ 86303, (h) 928-772-4666, dako45@q.com; David Young, 13006 Avenue, DuBois SW, Lakewood, WA, dmy32544@aol.com

CLASS OF 1964 Our 50 th Reunion is September 26–28, 2014.

Mark your calendar now!

David Koepf wrote: “Looking forward to our 50th on September 26–28, 2014! I hope to see lots of old friends there along with the old faces!”

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Class Volunteers: Craig Baab, 637 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery, AL 36106, baablaw@aol.com; Augustus Clement, 4815 Rushford Plain, Colorado Springs, CO 80923, voicedocgc@hotmail.com

Dr. Augustus Clement wrote: “Around August 16, I had a feeling that something exciting was going to happen in Colorado Springs, CO. I was standing by the Mining Exchange (one of the older hotels in town) when a car with New Mexico license plates drove up. To my surprise, Al Ely (1965) and his charming wife, Bonnie, got out of the car. But Al saved the best for last, for out of the back of the car stepped Virginia Ely, Al’s most gracious mother. This was the making of a great weekend! We went to many of the picturesque spots in the

Springs and ate at some fun restaurants. Al is doing well. His business is doing well, keeping Al quite busy. I had never met Bonnie but found her to be quite funny and enjoyable to be around. Virginia Ely has not changed a bit from the time we were attending VA. It was a sad Monday when they headed back to New Mexico.

On August 23, my wife, Cheryl, our daughter, Marie Clement-Smith, our two-year-old grandson, Augustus Smith, and I went to Austin, Texas, to see my son, David, and his wife, Jennifer, who live in Georgetown. It was a relaxing time. We checked in on David, who is the service manager of a Harley-Davidson distributorship, which is next to Ft. Hood. During the weekend, my niece, Leigh Doughty VA ’01, came down from Dallas, where she is working for a sporting goods company. She enjoys her job and loves living in Dallas. In September, I ventured to Buffalo, New York, for a family reunion. It was the 100th birthday of the house my great-grandmother, Carolyn Tripp Clement, gave to the Buffalo Red Cross. It was a great weekend, filled with relatives and wonderful Buffalo history.”

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Class Volunteer: Richard Janis 1739 Maybank Highway, B8-337, Charleston, SC 29412, rick.janis@gmail.com

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Class Volunteers: Richard Moulton 109 Moulton Drive, Huntington, VT 05462, rwmjr@gmavt.net

Thomas Gingras wrote: “Happy New Year to all! Just celebrated my 65th birthday and finished my 25th year at Austin Community College with twenty-three of them in the Art Metals Program within the Welding Technology Department, a unique program turning out workforce artists skilled in metalsmithing, blacksmithing, and sculpture, with strong technical training in welding technology.

Jewelry Design has grown to become its own department. I’m an old man there but still love the work. I teach four separate classes in the spring: Art Metals to beginners, Metal Sculpture to returnees, Applied Metals Design for history of metals, including visits to local artists’/friends’ studios, and Advanced Studio Problems in Art Metals as a capstone course for impending graduates wanting a real-world simulating portfolio experience. Book writing has followed course development. Early designs for courses came from my last two years at Stetson University, under the tutelage of Gary Noffke, and street smarts. Visit tomgingrasma.com for my other work.

Still the memories of life and lessons at VA serve as guiding tenets: honorability, accountability, ethics in dealing with others, searching for your uniqueness and strengths, and allowing/enabling their empowerment. Gratitude to all for these enduring gifts. That which educators give now is more important than ever on planet Earth.

Special thanks to Mr. Choukas, who could have hung me out to dry but won me over with love instead! It’s the tactic that still works best.”

C L A SS VO L U N T E E R S N E E D E D : 63

V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 35

REACH “Later in life, I realized it was VA that taught me I could go anywhere in the world and—by truly being myself—forge lasting friendships, fit into an awesome community, and realize success in life.”

— PETE SAW YER ’78

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Class Volunteer: Richard Sacknoff 24 Buckman Drive, Lexington, MA 02421, rsacknoff@yahoo.com

CLASS OF 1974

Class Volunteers: John Hoder, 95 Riverscape Lane, Tiverton, RI 02878, rfhoder@aol.com; Mark Russell, 8 Sweet Fern Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, mark.russell@rbc.com

CLASS OF 1969 Our 45th Reunion is September 26–28, 2014.

Mark your calendar now!

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Class Volunteers: Bernard Hoyes, PO Box 961, Palm Springs, CA 92263, bernardhoyes@hotmail.com; Richard Patterson, 5 Nibang Ave., Old Saybrook, CT 06475, rpatterson@durhammfg.com

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Class Volunteers: Stanley Wilkinson, 227 Whetstone Road, Harwinton, CT 06791, budw@ride-ct.com; Thomas Hinman, 50 Baston Road, North Yarmouth, ME 04097, thinman14@gmail.com

John Krafsur wrote: “We were on campus last summer and saw the new rink—quite nice and a big change from flooding the field.”

Our 40th Reunion is September 26–28, 2014.

Mark your calendar now!

William Macy wrote: “I am currently the COO of two humanitarian aid organizations. One is a nonprofit called Boston Children’s Foundation; the other is a for-profit called International Trauma Center. After a long career in high tech, I decided in 2011 to change it up a bit and help some friends scale up these companies to meet the increasing demands for their services. We focus on helping youths and adults recover from having been exposed to serious psychosocial and/ or physical trauma as a result of violence, war, and natural disasters.

We also work with communities and agencies to put trauma-resilience resources in place in the event of a serious occurrence of traumatic incidents. We work all across the US and in Haiti, Sudan, Uganda, West Bank, Gaza, Turkey, Nepal, Tibet, and Guyana. My wife, Lynn, is a teacher at a local Catholic school. My son, Michael, is a junior at San Jose State University, and my daughter, Katie, is a freshman at Lesley College in Cambridge, MA. We live in Capitola on the northern part of Monterey Bay in Central California. Hope all is well at VA.”

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Class Volunteers: Daniel Quartin, 108 Carriage Hill Drive, Newington, CT 06111, d_quartin@cox.net; James Bamman, 2 Reeves Avenue, Guilford, CT 06437, jmbbam@comcast.net

Daniel Quartin wrote: I’m taking my wife, Tamara, and her family to Florida on a Disney cruise for her birthday. It’s a surprise, and she has no idea about it—have kept it hush-hush for a year. On her birthday just giving her the plane tickets and telling her I’m taking her to Florida.

Once we land in Florida, I’m telling her I have to pick up a package at a different baggage claim when actually we are meeting her family.

Then at our first dinner in Florida, Mickey Mouse will be calling her cell phone and telling her about the cruise. SURPRISE! Looking forward to being a grandfather for the first time. Have had enough of this cold and snow already, so bring on spring and riding weather.”

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Class Volunteers: John Brucato, 12 Whip O Will Lane, Milford, MA 01757, jbrucato@gmail.com; Charles Gunn, 107 Emery Hill Rd., Henniker, NH 03242, cgunn@tds.net Class Volunteers: Richard Stark, 2007 N. Upton Street, Arlington, VA 22207, ristarkjr@aol.com; William Reid, 394 Walnut Street, Putnam, CT 06260

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VA Network

Designates part of Vermont Academy’s Networking Group. Join at vermontacademy.org/linkedin.

PHOTOS Left page, left: John Krafsur’s son, Harry, the terror of Northern Virginia Hockey Left page, right: Daniel Quartin is ready for spring!

Right page, right: JDRF Hockey Fundraiser

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Class Volunteer: Sean Bersell 1213 N. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, CA 91207, VA77@mindspring.com

Sean Bersell wrote: “I’m keeping busy working three ‘jobs’ these days. My paying gig is still with the Entertainment Merchants Association, the national trade association for the retailers of DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, online video, and video games. In addition to managing the government relations and public relations functions, which I’ve done for the past 15 years, I got a new assignment last year managing our digital supply-chain initiatives. It was a welcome addition because digital is the future of our industry, and it has forced me to learn new things (I knew what metadata was before the Edward Snowden story broke!). My second ‘job’ is as the volunteer executive director for The Glendale Historical Society. I’m responsible for all the operational aspects of our 500-member organization, which conserves our city’s heritage. It’s a great group of people who share a common interest, and we have a good mix of educational programming, preservation advocacy, and social events. My third ‘job,’ of course, is as your class representative. And last year VA asked me to also serve as the class representative chair. So I am now helping organize the VA class reps and reinvigorate the class rep program. VA77@mindspring.com 818531-4362. VA Network

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Class Volunteer: Emily Colson 1619 Boros Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28303, emcolson@gmail.com

Class Volunteers: Diane Wilder, 807 Aubrey Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003, dwilder@haverford.edu; Jane Ogden, 3714 County Road 103, Carbondale, CO 81623, janevermont@gmail.com

CLASS OF 1979 Our 35 Reunion is September 26–28, 2014.

Mark your calendar now! th

John Curran ’49 wrote: “Jonathan Curran ’79 and his father, John Curran ’49, both won first place medals in the 2013 Duke City Marathon 5K racewalk in Albuquerque, NM, Jonathan overall winner with a time of 27:04 minutes and John in his age group of 80 to 85 with a time of 40:39 minutes.”

Henry Kimball wrote: “Good morning! All is good at Kimball Realty Group, and I hope all is well with the great class of ’79. I wanted to shout out to the VA community that we are holding our 10th annual JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) hockey fundraiser on April 5, jdrf.org/jdrfhockeyfundraiser. My sixteen-year-old daughter, Allison, is a type 1 diabetic, and in just ten years we have raised over $1,000,000 in our small community through our hockey and walk fundraisers. Ally is also autistic, so we have another charity close to our hearts: autismspeaks.com. My very best to Jim Frey, Bob Harrington, and Bob Long. I know you guys had your hands full with our crew.

Just so you know, your guidance at VA has played a big role in my life.

VA Strong!” kimballrealtygroup.com, hmkimball59@gmail.com

Jane Ogden wrote: “After five amazing years of living in Carbondale, CO, this Vermonter is ready to move back to her home state. My husband, Bill Emerson, and I plan to relocate to the Middlebury area once we sell our beautiful Colorado home. If any Vermont Academy alums or parents are interested in a perfect ski/retirement home in the Roaring Fork Valley, please contact me at janevermont@gmail.com or check out our little website: beautifulcoloradohome.com.

On a life note, life is great—working, running, skiing, gardening, selling at a farmer’s market that I helped found in Basalt, raising three pet goats, and enjoying that our four grown boys are happy and successful! My oldest son, Thad, is at Berkeley Law School after graduating from Pomona College and working for three years in Mountain View, CA, for Google’s legal team. He is engaged to marry Carrie Piper from Lower Waterford, VT. She is a Holderness and Bates graduate and is getting her master’s in teaching while teaching at Prospect Sierra School in CA. An August wedding in Vermont is planned. My youngest son, Nat, graduated from Kimball Union in 2009 and headed west to CU Boulder. He will graduate in May with a double economics and environmental studies major. Inspired by the rugged mountains in the West, he wants to work as a mountain guide or in the ski industry. Bill’s oldest son, Peter, was married in Vermont in August and now works for New Breed Marketing in Winooski. His youngest son, Jamie, worked for Garmin Slipstream in Boulder and will graduate in August from Boulder Digital Works.

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V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 3 7

REACH “Pointing my skis down the in-run of VA’s 30-meter ski jump for the first time taught me that taking risks can be truly rewarding!”

— ROSS LEVENTHAL ’86

The time has come for us to move back to Vermont and build a small home there and begin our next adventure! We both now feel the strong pull to be back in Vermont to be closer to aging family, dear friends...and hopefully future grandchildren!

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Class Volunteers: Lawrence Echanis, RR 4, 33533 Wilgus

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Class Volunteers: Foster McKeon, 10 Old Orchard Road, Easton, CT 06612, foster374@aol.com; Kathryn Carver, 75 Nice Way, Colchester, VT 05446, carverdan@myfairpoint.net

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Class Volunteers: Thomas Oxholm, 1079 Firetower Road, Colora, MD 21917, tcoxholm@gmail.com; Andrew Griswold, 8 Whitman Road, Medford, MA 02155, av.gris@verizon.net

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Class Volunteers: Scott McKeon, 783 Cherokee Road,

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Cemetery Road, Frankford, DE 19945, echanis@mchsi.com; Karen Galloway, 885 County Road, Walpole, NH 03608; G. Ewing Buta, 141 Oak Tree Drive, Canfield, OH 44406, ebuta@advancedcaststone.com

Lake Forest, IL 60045, scott.mckeon@acegroup.com; Daniel Dougherty, 22 Shattuck Street, Natick, MA 01760, dougherty. doc@gmail.com; Keith Canning, 126 Hersey Street, Portland, ME 04103, kcanning@pinestatetrading.com, Dora Sudarsky, 2 Bay Court, South Burlington, VT 05403, dsudarsky@msn.com, Adam Tschorn, 6310 Maryland Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90048, atschorn@gmail.com Class Volunteers: Mark Culkin, 823 Tequesta Drive, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, mjculkin@verizon.net; Michael Gerity,

Class Volunteer: Chris Wall 141 S. Waiola Avenue, La Grange, IL 60525, cgwall@sbcglobal.net

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Class Volunteers: Michelle Wells, 232 West 74th Street, #3B, New York, NY 10023, michelle@hoxton7.com; Billi McCullough, 5460 S. Jasmine Street, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, brmccullough@hollandhart.com

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Class Volunteers: Bay Mackall, 31 Gibson Avenue, Narragansett, RI 02882, baymackall@msn.com; Charmion Handy, PO Box 439, Hartley Hill Road, Saxtons River, VT 05154, charmion_handy@yahoo.com

39 Chapman Ter., Middletown, NJ 07748, geritym@msn.com

CLASS OF 1984 Our 30th Reunion is September 26–28, 2014.

Mark your calendar now!

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Class Volunteers: Christopher Stevens, 92 Bullard Street, Holden, MA 01520, cstev18@aol.com; C. Charles Schafer, 41 Larchwood Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764; Andrew Bigelow, 1002 W. Altgeld Street, Chicago, IL 60614, ajbigelow@hotmail.com

Jeffrey Milne wrote: “Have not written to you folks in a while, so I thought I would update you. I am currently in Lynnfield, MA, living with my wife, Leslie, and my four daughters.

As you can imagine, four daughters will keep you busy and sometimes crazy. They are: Sophie, 17, Madeline, 15, Georgia, 9, and Chloe, 8. I have been working in the interior office design/furniture industry as a Red Thread sales representative for twenty-one years, and my wife is a visual stylist at Nordstrom. All is well.” jmilne@red-thread.com

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VA Network

Mark Cox wrote: “In June 2013, I became the chief executive of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island. The organization works tirelessly to improve the lives of the children and families we serve. I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact of mentoring in the smiles on the faces of our Littles, and I’m honored to serve the communities across Long Island.” VA Network

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Class Volunteer: John Kemper 143 Beattie Road, South Londonderry, VT 05155, jakemper@verizon.net

CLASS OF 1989 Our 25th Reunion is September 26–28, 2014.

Mark your calendar now!

Howard (Sandy) Turner wrote: “It has been some time since I stopped by the campus. This June will be twenty years at Foxwoods Resort Casino working in human resources. The last four years I have been in the medical-leave area of benefits. The last ten to fourteen years I have also been working on local high-speed ferry boats on Long Island and Block Island Sound in the summer months. Currently, I live in Mystic, CT. I have had the opportunity to go to Vermont by boat twice. I went to Burlington on each occasion on my family’s boat.”

Designates part of Vermont Academy’s Networking Group. Join at vermontacademy.org/linkedin.

PHOTOS Left page, left: Jeff and Leslie Milne Left page, right: The Milnes’ beautiful daughters Right page, top: Lily and Dominick Dawes Jr. Right page, bottom: Demere and James Hess celebrate with friends and family

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Class Volunteers: Ann Jones, 21 Maple Street, Woodstock, VT 05091, anndanjones@gmail.com; Lee Ryder, 2361 S. Columbine Street, Denver, CO 80210, lryder@univhousing.com; Jamison Gagnier, 37 Peterson Road, Duxbury, MA 02332, jgagnier@me.com; Mary Dean, 2 Hanson Road, Canton, CT 06019, hotmary@mail.com

Cindy Tintle wrote: “I am married and am the very proud mother of two growing boys. Life in Oregon is great. I work as a fitness instructor and membership director at our local athletic club. Thinking of VA always makes me smile.”

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Class Volunteer: Amy Howard 317 29th Street, Apt. 206, San Francisco, CA 94131, amyh294@gmail.com

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Class Volunteers: Elizabeth Adams, 24 Central Ave., Rutland, VT 05701, ReillyVT@yahoo.com; Mark Engelke, 181 Hillside Avenue, Chatham, NJ 07928, markcengelke@aol.com

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Class Volunteers: Noel Chipman, 418 Mountain Rd., Concord, NH 03301; Adam Garner, 900 S. Lamar Blvd, Apt. 203, Austin, TX 78704, adam_k_garner@yahoo.com

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Class Volunteers: Katherine Dawes, 243 Moria Place, Aston, PA 19014, katherinefdawes@gmail.com; Sarah Murrow, 107 Greenridge Rd.,Timonium, MD 21093-6123, sarah.ramian@gmail.com

CLASS OF 1999 Our 15th Reunion is September 26–28, 2014.

Mark your calendar now!

Mrs. Dominick Dawes wrote: “Hi, from Philly! Dominick and I live in Aston, PA, just outside of Philadelphia. Dominick is the assistant athletic director and head coach for the men’s hockey team at Neumann University. I am an RN case manager and home hospice coordinator at Fox Chase Cancer Center. We welcomed Dominick Jr. and Lily on Sept. 18, 2012.” VA Network

Class Volunteer: Meghan Giroux meghan.giroux@gmail.com

CLASS OF 1994 Our 20th Reunion is September 26–28, 2014.

Mark your calendar now!

Russell Klein P ’94 wrote: “Justin Klein ’94, his wife, Anne, and their children, Makenzie, 8, Aedan, 6, and Logan, 4, now reside in Mooresville, NC, on Lake Norman. Justin is the store manager of a Panera Bread. They are loving the warm climate of the South!”

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Class Volunteers: Erika Gustafson, 34 Wedgemere Rd., Medford, MA 02155, gutentuf@hotmail.com; Alison Johnson, 2415 W. Wilson Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625, harmon2476@gmail.com

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Class Volunteer: Kirk Vaughan 2145 Pine Drive, Raleigh, NC 27608, Kirk.Vaughan@gmail.com

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Class Volunteers: Sarah Weilbrenner Viteri, 61 Gutzon

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Major Demere L. (Kasper) Hess wrote: “Hi, VA Community! I’m looking forward to the 15-year reunion for the Class of ’99 and showing VA to my husband, James. There was a mini VA reunion of sorts at my wedding on Oct. 5, 2013. Andy Tyson ’99, Katherine (Farkas) Dawes ’99, and Sarah Knight ’97 were in attendance, while my sisters were my maid of honor and bridesmaids: Johanna Kasper ’02, Annie Kasper ’06, and Christina Kasper. James and I had our formal wedding after I returned from a tour in Afghanistan. I was selected to deploy with US Special Operations and helped open a

Borglum Rd., Stamford, CT 06903, sweilbrenner@gmail.com; Erin Kennelly, 563 West St., Keene, NH 03431, ekennelly@gmail.com; Aaron Walsh, PO Box 385, Marlboro, VT 05344 Class Volunteers: Kathryn Turner, 20385 Belmont Park Terrace, Unit 114, Ashburn, VA 20147, kathryn.abernethy@ gmail.com; Alexander Law, 2721 Black Oaks Lane N., Plymouth, MN 55447, alexhlaw@yahoo.com

V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 39

REACH “I’ve been able to work for myself for 30 years, and I’ve been married for 56 years.

I think it’s mainly because of Vermont.”

—JOHN JEFFREYS ’56

comprehensive health center in a remote area of Kandahar Province, as well as provided primary and trauma care to local women. It was a very rewarding experience. James and I have now settled into domestic life on the New Jersey side of Philadelphia and try to see Katherine and Dominick Dawes (both ’99) and their twins as often as possible.”

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Class Volunteers: Jeannlis Sanchez, PO Box 1123, Soundview Station, Bronx, NY 10472, tiatula973@gmail.com; Grayson Holden, 444 Rich St., Oakland, CA 94609-2513, grayson.holden@gmail.com

Alistair Mawson wrote: “Hello, hope all is well. My wife, Julie, and I recently added a new addition to the Mawson family.

Matthew Bo Mawson was born on August 20, 2013. I have included a picture of him at five months from the “snowstorm” we had in Atlanta. We currently reside in Brookhaven, GA, just outside of Atlanta. If anyone is in the area, please email me; I would love to catch up.” alistairmawson@gmail.com

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02118, elizascross@msn.com; Britton Inglehart, 21857 Lake Ave., Wellesley Island, NY 13640, binglehart@gmail.com; Andrew Robinson, 816 S. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21230, andrewrobinson01@gmail.com; Amy Olsen, 1118 River Cir., Victor, ID 83455, amyvelte@gmail.com; Christina Flood, 67 Main St., Apt. 11, Brattleboro, VT 05301

Class Volunteers: Hillary Talbot, 3913 Westminster West Road, Putney, VT 05346, hillarytalbot@gmail.com; Jean-Daniel Lussier, 988 rue Guy-Burelle, Laval, QC H7W 0G5, Canada, jl24@calvin.edu

CLASS OF 2004 Our 10th Reunion is September 26–28, 2014.

Mark your calendar now!

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Class Volunteers: Corey Esau, 2 Mason St., #2, Marblehead, MA 01945, corey.esau@hotmail.com; Alexandra Walsh, 159 South St., #1R, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, alexandraguard@ gmail.com; Matthew Cotter, 41 Service Road, East Sandwich, MA 02537, capecotter11@gmail.com; Devin Finigan, PO Box 193, Sedgwick, ME, 04676, devineyre@hotmail.com; J. Andrew Guard, 159 South St., #1R, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, jandrewguard@gmail.com; Kristin Dubak, 561 California Rd., Bronxville, NY 10708, kmdubak@gmail.com Class Volunteers: Robert Bergman, 95 Settlers Dr., Hancock, ME 04640, robergdawg@yahoo.com; Amber DiPasquale, 13685 Water Springs Ct., Centerville, VA 20121, amberdipasquale@gmail.com

Joseph Mullen wrote: “My wife, Katie, and I welcomed our first child, Eleanor Ruth, on December 4, 2013. We have really enjoyed these first few months as a family and look forward to watching her grow.

Who knows—maybe she will be a future VA student!”

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Class Volunteers: Eliza Cross, 665 Tremont St., Boston, MA

Lauren Shockley wrote: “It was so great to see everyone at alumni weekend. I was so happy for my fiancé, Dan, and my sons, Daniel (age 3) and Evan (6 mos.) to get to see Vermont and VA. We are living in Miami. I am working as a nurse while Dan works in finance and continues to work on his master’s in fine arts. We hope to get the opportunity to see VA and our Vermont friends before another decade passes.”

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lass Volunteers: Laura Gage, 2701 Calvert St. NW, Apt. 721, C Washington, DC 20008, laura.gage1@gmail.com; Corbin Vreeland, PO Box 1374, Bridgehampton, NY 11932, cvreeland@gmail.com; Robert Harlow, 23 Northwood Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089, Robert.harlow@jetblue.com; Lauren Zwicker, 15 Jenny Ln., Brattleboro, VT 05301, laurzwick@gmail.com

Nicole Cardoza-Mase wrote: “Life has been an incredible journey. I’m currently living in Asheville, NC, with my fiancé, although we don’t plan on a wedding anytime soon. Enjoying life too much right now. I’ve somehow ended up as a freelance writer and befriended some amazing people and now am a lyricist for a few pretty wellknown bands such as Umphrey’s McGee, the Mantras, Jahman Brahman, and hopefully Papadosio soon. I’m also working with Umphrey’s McGee percussionist Andy Farag on his side project, sumpumpproductions.com. I plan to finish my business degree next year at UNC Asheville. Hopefully I will make it up to Vermont sometime soon!”

Designates part of Vermont Academy’s Networking Group. Join at vermontacademy.org/linkedin.

PHOTOS Left page, top left: Matthew Bo Mawson at 5 months Left page, bottom left: Eleanor Ruth Mullen Left page, top and bottom right: Nicole Cardoza-Mase and her fiancé Right page: Kelli Morin running the Dana-Farber Marathon

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Class Volunteers: Zachary Jandl, 20 West Canal St., #332, Winooski, VT 05404, zjandl@mvphealthcare.com; Austin DeLonge, 32 Speridakis Terrace, Cambridge, MA 02139, austin.delonge@gmail.com; Calvin Stowell, 1 Charlestown Rd., Claremont, NH 03743, cstowell@dosomething.org

Class Volunteers: Cassandra Howe, PO Box 2242, Hillsborough, NH 03244, cassandrahowe1@gmail.com; Alexandra Moran, 812 Hancock Avenue, Natchitoches, LA 71457; sprtgrl1288@aol.com; Kelli Morin, 18 Hathorn St., Apt. 2, Somerville, MA 02145, kelli.morin@gmail.com; Kaitlyn Schiro, 63 Londonderry Dr., Greenwich, CT 06830, kait.schiro@gmail.com

Alexandra Moran wrote: “Hello, all! Just wanted to pass along some updates on our classmates. Clara Gaudinier ’07 and Jay Spahr ’07 are engaged and living in Boston. Chloe Cebek ’07 and Taylor Smoke ’05 have one child and one on the way. Meghan Annis ’07 is engaged to Andrew Prim and recently moved from Vermont to Arkansas. Katie Hurley ’07 is engaged to Chris Michael. They are living in Boston.” VA Network Kelli Morin wrote: “Hi! Just wanted to pass along that I will be running in my third Boston Marathon as part of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge. Here is a picture from last year (wearing the DFMC singlet and Northeastern hat). Can’t wait until April 21, 2014!”

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Class Volunteer: Paulina Borrego 73 Perthshire Rd., Apt. 3, Brighton, MA 02135, paulinaborrego12@gmail.com

Demelza Levick wrote: “I graduated from the University of Vermont in May 2013 with a degree in international development and applied economics. I am currently pursuing a career in international development. In the meantime, I leave in ten days with my boyfriend to backpack for the winter throughout Central America. In May, we arrive in Ecuador to WWOOF at Finca Mono Verde farm for the summer. My interest in Latin America, development, and sustainable agriculture was first sparked during a Heifer International Study Tour in Honduras offered through Vermont Academy during my junior year.

I am thrilled to be returning to the region again. If any past or present VA teachers or alumni are in the area, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’d love to meet up!” VA Network

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Class Volunteer: Ashley Greenwood, 111 Musselbed Shoal Rd., Portsmouth, RI 02871, agreenwood@assumption.edu

CLASS OF 2009 Our 5th Reunion is September 26–28, 2014.

Mark your calendar now!

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Class Volunteers: Sophie Yingling, PO Box 247, Truro, MA 02666, syinglin@student.umass.edu; Brooke Wilcox, 152 A Monument Hill Rd., Springfield, VT 05156, bawilcox@vwc.edu; Kerrin Lundberg, 336 Deer Hollow Dr., Napa, CA 94558

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Class Volunteers: Kelly Johnson, 60 Orchard Drive, Eastham, MA 02642; Adam Hennick, 109 Marie Curie, Dollard-desOrmeaux, QC H9A 3C5 Canada, hennick_13@hotmail.com

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Class Volunteers: Shelby Johnson, 6 Leominster Rd., PO Box 774, Sterling, MA 01564, shelbu579@gmail.com; Thomas Savoca, 47 Circle Dr., Ridgefield, CT 06877, tsavoca878@aim.com

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V E R M O N T AC A DE M Y | 41

I N MEMO R I A M

Excerpt from a poem written by Reverend Smith in 1888 for VA to commemorate the construction of Fuller Hall.

And year by year shall many a soul— Like jewels from the mine, Polished, and set—a perfect whole— In holy beauty shine.

While arch, and pinnacle, and spire Point to the skies, O living souls, grandly aspire To shine in Paradise.

Reverend Samuel Francis Smith, 1888 Author of lyrics to “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,” entitled America

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Mr. John B. Cadwell ’40 NICKNAME: George HOBBIES: Tennis, golf AMBITION: to go to a big city,

at night ACTIVITIES: Asst. mgr. football,

basketball, tennis, outing club, Cum Laude Society

The Cadwell family announces the peaceful death of John Burditt Cadwell at his home in Pittsford on February 9, 2014, after a long illness. Mr. Cadwell was born in Florence on June 6, 1921, the only child of John Ashley Cadwell and Minnie Burditt Cadwell. He attended Pittsford High School, Vermont Academy, and Middlebury College ’44.

He entered the military during World War II and fought in the European theater, receiving the Purple Heart in France in September 1944.

After the war, he attended Cornell University, where he received his degree in agriculture. While at Cornell, he met Mary Elizabeth Allen of Proctor; they married in 1947. Returning to the Burditt farm in Pittsford, he soon discovered a greater affinity with people than with animals and a greater ability in financial planning than with farm machinery. Although he never left the farm, which was run by his uncle, Daniel Burditt, he turned his attention to sales.

Over the next 50 years, Mr. Cadwell built a successful career in life insurance. Known as skilled and honest, he was inspired by the belief that he was, as the term implies, insuring his clients against life’s challenges. He was an active member of his community. Among other positions, he served in Pittsford on the water commission, the library board, and the school board, and he was a deacon of the Congregational Church. In Proctor, he served on the board of the Proctor Bank. In Rutland, where he established his office in the Griffon Building, he served on the arts council, the chamber of commerce, and the hospital board. He was generous to many causes, including Middlebury College, Vermont Public Radio, and Vermont Community Trust. The Vermont Community Foundation graciously recognized the Cadwells’ commitment to their community in 2010.

Mr. Cadwell welcomed friends near and far, those he knew in town and those he met during his education, career, and many travels.

His library was extensive: fiction, biography, history, the arts, sports, and current events. He read the Rutland Herald and The New York Times every day. Other periodicals came and went, but he was never without The New Yorker. He loved a good discussion, yet followed the Vermont custom of listening more than speaking. He knew good values and was true to them, yet enjoyed all well-told stories. He was a devoted husband and a generous father to his six sons, Ashley of Middlebury; Steven of Concord, MA; Michael of Columbus, OH; Jared of Waitsfield; Alden of Burlington; and Jason of Shelburne. His wife and sons survive him, as do his sons’ spouses, Louise Boyd Cadwell,

Joseph Levine, Jane Murphy, Kathy Weeks Cadwell, and Deb Sherrer.

He also had eight grandchildren, John Alden, Christopher, Celia, Gus, Parker, Isaac, Katharine, and Eliza, and one great-grandson, Asher.

For his intelligence, generosity, and uncommon good sense, his family, friends, and community are ever grateful. The Cadwell family expresses its deep gratitude to the people of Pittsford for supporting John and Mary when they most needed it. In particular, the family thanks Melody Robinson, Julie Lonergan, Jayne Fjeld, Kim Moyer, and Eric Bacon and Rob Kallen for their compassion, humor, and devotion.

A celebration of Mr. Cadwell’s life was held this spring. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made by check to The Cadwell Fund at the Vermont Community Foundation, 3 Court St., Middlebury, VT 05753.

Mr. Alvin G. Edwards ’44 NICKNAME: Al HOBBIES: Avoiding them SPORTS: Football, hockey,

tennis, track ACTIVITIES: Outing club,

dramatic club

Alvin Garfield Edwards of Stuart, Florida, and Norwell died peacefully at age 86 on November 17, 2013, after a short illness. Mr. Edwards was born in Malden and raised in Medford. He was the son of the late Cleon G. and Mary R. (Kelley) Edwards and the brother of the late Marjorie C. Edwards and Barbara E. Barron. He attended Immaculate Conception Elementary School in Malden and was a 1944 graduate of Vermont Academy. He worked with his father at C.G. Edwards Co.’s ship chandlery in Boston. Mr. Edwards relocated the business to South Boston, where it’s now in its third generation of family ownership.

He served in the Merchant Marines and the United States Navy. He married the late Helene F. (Morin) Edwards and resided for many years in Hanover, where they raised their family. They enjoyed cruising the East Coast from Maine to Florida. He was a devoted father of Eric G. Edwards and his wife, Martha, of Jupiter, FL; Gail M. Litchfield and her husband, Kevin, of Hingham; Mark F. Edwards and his wife, Ailish, of Milton; and Adam J. Edwards of Plymouth. Mr. Edwards was a loving grampy to Caroline, Matthew, Jason, Emily, Peter, and Mark. He was a dear friend to Simone D’Addario of Stuart, Florida.

He is a past president of the Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Boston, a member of the board of governors for the Foreign Commerce Club of Boston, and a member of the board of directors of the Crossroads Yacht Club in Stuart. Contributions in Mr. Edwards’ memory can be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, PO Box 910, 11500 SE Lares Ave., Hobe Sound, FL 33475.

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Mr. R. Bruce MacLeod ’44 NICKNAME: Zombie HOBBIES: Photography, sleeping SPORTS: Football, ski team manager ACTIVITIES: Camera club, dramatic club, outing club, Emblem, LIFE magazine

R. Bruce MacLeod of Bristol died on December 30, 2013, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 88. He was the husband of Alys (Farnsworth) MacLeod, his wife of 61 years. Born and raised in Providence and a resident of Bristol for 34 years, he was the son of the late Norman Douglas and Maud (Tucker) MacLeod. He previously resided in Worcester, MA, for a number of years. A graduate of Vermont Academy, he attended Brown University and was a member of the Class of 1950. He served in the US Army Air Corps as a sergeant during World War II. Mr. MacLeod was a sales engineer for machine tools for 36 years, retiring from the Supfina Machine Co., Inc. of North Kingstown in 1986. He had previously worked for machine tool companies in East Providence, Worcester, MA, and Woonsocket.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Elizabeth MacLeod of Bristol, Rory MacLeod (Sandol) of Richmond, Tucker MacLeod (Ann) of Princeton, MA, and Caroline M. Sawyer (David) of Foxborough, MA, and four grandchildren, Alys Sawyer, Steven Sawyer, Linna MacLeod, and Evans Ratliff. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, N. Douglas MacLeod Jr. and Donald R. MacLeod. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Visiting Nurse Services of Newport and Bristol Counties, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871 or to the Gosnold Community Fund, 63 Union Street, New Bedford, MA 02740.

Mr. Clarence R. Smith Jr. ’44 NICKNAME: Cueball, Goon HOBBIES: Hiking, reading, talking to

the natives SPORTS: Skiing, track, touch football ACTIVITIES: Outing club, camera

club, glee club

Clarence R. Smith, Jr., 87, died on November 19, 2013, at his residence in Edgewood, North Andover. He was born in Lower Marion, PA, on May 2, 1926, to the late Clarence R. and Marian Louese (Brown) Smith. He was raised in Georgia and Vermont and was a graduate

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of Vermont Academy. Clarence then enlisted in the Navy in August 1944 and served during World War II; he was honorably discharged in July 1946. After his service, Clarence continued his education: He graduated from Harvard University and completed a master’s degree in business administration at Northeastern University. He was employed by Babson Financial Company as a publisher before his retirement. He enjoyed traveling with his late wife, Betty CS (Saltmarsh) Smith, before her death in May 2005. In his spare time, Clarence was very active as an alumnus of Vermont Academy, a volunteer at the MSPCA in Methuen, and an avid golfer. Clarence is survived by his sister-in-law, Priscilla Saltmarsh, of North Andover and his brother-in-law, Hazen J. Saltmarsh, of Westwood, MA.

Dr. James T. Bailey, M.D. ’45

NICKNAME: Wings HOBBIES: Dancing SPORTS: Football, skiing, baseball ACTIVITIES: LIFE magazine, band

Dr. James Bailey, M.D., age 85, of Danville passed away on December 25, 2013, in Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) in St. Johnsbury. Dr. Bailey was born on June 28, 1928, in Whitefield, NH, to Walter and Grace Bailey. After graduating from Vermont Academy, he attended the University of New Hampshire, receiving a bachelor of science in 1950 and a master’s of science in biochemistry in 1952. A talented Alpine skier, Dr. Bailey represented UNH’s ski team, winning the NCAA slalom championship.

Following his graduation from UNH, he entered the University of Vermont Medical School in 1953, receiving his M.D. in 1956. After an internship in Burlington, Dr. Bailey completed his residency training at Portland’s Maine Medical Center in 1958. Dr. Bailey settled that year in Lyndonville, where he started his general practice above Edmund’s Pharmacy. After joining the New England Obstetrical and Gynecological Society in 1962, he began a specialized obstetrics and gynecology practice with Dr. Joseph Bamford in St. Johnsbury.

Dr. Bailey briefly retired from his practice in 1993, when he resumed work in Lyndonville as a general practitioner. At the request of NVRH, however, he returned to obstetrics practice, serving patients and the hospital until 1998.

Growing up next door to a hospital in Whitefield inspired him to pursue studies in science and later to seek a medical degree. He also heeded his father’s advice to choose a profession where “you can be your own boss.” He often recalled charging $3 for office calls, $4 for local house calls, $5 to travel to West Burke, and $12 for house calls in Island Pond. To reach his patients, Dr. Bailey rode a snowmobile in winter and a tractor during mud season. In those days, patients sometimes paid him in maple syrup or chickens.

Dr. Bailey’s devotion to protecting and facilitating life extended well beyond his medical practice. Not only did he help bring thousands of children into the world, but in his private life Dr. Bailey became a prominent breeder of Connemara ponies, serving as president of the American Connemara Pony Society and passing on his passion for horses and riding to his children. His legacy to his children also included his love of music and dancing. Most winter weekends would find him carving turns on the slopes of his beloved Burke Mountain, and he delighted in the simple beauty of the Northeast Kingdom and the strength of its people.

Dr. Bailey is survived by his loving wife, Mary; their two sons, Ian of Denver, CO, and Ross of Honolulu; six children from a prior marriage, John Bailey and his wife, Jean, of Burlington; Kathryn Bailey and her husband, William B. Hoyt, of Hartland; Thomas Bailey and his wife, Deborah, of Pound Ridge, NY; Jody Tvetenstrand and her husband, Christian, of Binghamton, NY; Anne Burridge and her husband, Lewis, of Middleburg, VA; and Margaret Austin and her husband, David, of Surry, NH; twelve grandchildren, Andrew and Eric Bailey; Caitlin Bisson-Hoyt; Grace Bailey; Emily, Astrid, and Per Tvetenstrand; Amanda, Allison, and Samuel Burridge; and Abigail and Sophie Austin; one great-granddaughter, Nunzi Nelson; and his sister, Barbara Ghioto of Leesburg, FL. Donations can be made in Dr. Bailey’s memory to the March of Dimes Smile Train or to NVRH.

Mr. John E. Taylor ’49

NICKNAME: Johnny HOBBIES: Journalism SPORTS: Football, recreational skiing,

track

John E. Taylor, 83, died on February 6, 2014, at Mount Ascutney Health Care Center in Windsor. He was born on July 8, 1930, the son of Bernard H. and Charlotte (Waterman) Taylor. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1948, attended Vermont Academy and the University of Vermont, and graduated from St. Mary’s College in Leavenworth, KS, with a bachelor of science degree.

After a year of enlisted service in the Army, Mr. Taylor graduated from Artillery Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, OK, in 1953 and from the United States Army Command and General Staff College in Ft. Leavenworth, KS, in 1968. He served in Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Germany, and the United States during a 20-year career, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1972. He received numerous decorations, including the Legion of Merit Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and multiple Army Commendation Medals.

He enjoyed gardening, was a car enthusiast, and frequented antique car shows. He is survived by his wife, Gwynna (Miller) Taylor, whom he married on June 2, 1956, in Schweinfurt, Germany; two children, John Taylor Jr. of Longmeadow, MA, and Cynthia Hornemann of Peachtree City, GA; two granddaughters; and a grandson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Mount Ascutney Health Care Center, 289 County Road, Windsor, VT 05089 or Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156.

Mr. Arthur M. Keleher ’50 NICKNAME: Art HOBBIES: Sports SPORTS: Football, baseball ACTIVITIES: Glee club, ensemble,

rifle club, dramatic club

Arthur M. Keleher passed away on July 2, 2013, at Alexandria Hospital in Alexandria, VA. Mr. Keleher, son of Arthur Bernard Keleher and Marion Mansfield Keleher, was born on February 19, 1932, in Garden City, Long Island. After graduating from Vermont Academy and Dartmouth College, Mr. Keleher served as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 to 1959 and retired as a captain.

Mr. Keleher began his 43-year career at Frank Parsons Paper Company in 1961 as a salesman. He saw the local Washington company through its expansion into multiple states and retired as chief executive officer in 2004. He served on the National Paper Trade Association Board for five years and was its president for two years. An avid hunter and fisherman, Mr. Keleher enjoyed sailing in the Chesapeake Bay. A member for over twenty years of the Alexandria Board of Architectural Review of the Old and Historic District, he was also a member of the Belle Haven Country Club, Small Point Club in Phippsburg, ME, Yale Club of New York City, Old Dominion Boat Club, and Rotary Club of Alexandria.

He married Murney Tyler of Waterville, NY, in 1958. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children: Kimberly Keleher of Alexandria, Leslie Harris of Greenwich, CT; Sue Ann Kane of Wilmington, DE, and Michael Keleher of Reisterstown, MD. Mr. Keleher also leaves four grandchildren; his brother, Bernard Keleher, of Atlanta; and his sister, Sally Goodwin, of Dunedin, FL.

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Mr. Webster U. Walker Jr. ’51

Mr. W. Booth Gardner ’54

NICKNAME: Web HOBBIES: Sports, coins, parties SPORTS: Football, recreational skiing,

ski team manager, baseball ACTIVITIES: LIFE magazine, camera

club, outing club, cheerleading

Webster Upson Walker Jr. 82, of Vero Beach, FL, and Southport, CT, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2014, in Vero Beach with his loving family by his side. He was born in Bridgeport, CT, on November 30, 1931. Web attended Forman School, where he later became a trustee. He graduated from Vermont Academy and Rollins College.

He also served in the Army and was president of the University Club in Bridgeport. Web was president of Matthews Office Supply and Furniture Company. He was on the boards of the Easter Seals, Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce, and Bridgeport Hospital; he also was a member of the hospital’s executive committee and the chairman of the building committee. He was very involved with the United Congregational Church, serving as a trustee for many terms.

Web was a devoted father, husband, and active member of the community. He enjoyed playing tennis and golf and was an avid football and baseball fan, holding season tickets for many years. His quiet acts of support, service, and belief in giving opportunities to others and his earnest love of family and friends will be remembered by all. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Joy K. Walker; his daughter Ann Walker Kelly, her husband, Jack, and their children, Virginia, Philip, and Henry; his daughter Sally Walker Kelly and her children, Robert, William, and Helena; his son, Webster Upson Walker III, his wife, Lisa, and their son, Webster IV; and his stepchildren, Julie Hempfield and her daughter, Kathryn, and Robert Baird, his wife, Lisa, and their children, Robert, Alison, and Caroline. He is also survived by his sisters, Virginia Walker Wier of Wilmington, DE, and Edith Walker Filliettaz of Vero Beach, FL. He was predeceased by his brother, Harry Walker, and his wife, Alethea Walker, and brothers-in-law Robert Wier and Robert Filliettaz.

Memorial services were held on February 22 at the Community Church of Vero Beach. Services are also planned for May 17 at the United Congregational Church in Bridgeport. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the United Congregational Church, 877 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 or a charity of your choice.

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NICKNAME: Booth SPORTS: Basketball, track and field, football ACTIVITIES: Cheerleading, band, camera club

Booth Gardner, a two-term Democratic governor who spearheaded a campaign that made Washington the second state to legalize assisted suicide for the terminally ill, died after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 76. Mr. Gardner died on March 15, 2013, at his Tacoma home of complications related to the disease, family spokesman Ron Dotzauer said. “We’re very sad to lose my father, who had been struggling with a difficult disease for many years, but we are relieved to know that he’s at rest now and his fight is done,” said Gail Gant, Mr. Gardner’s daughter. He was the northwestern state’s 19th governor. The millionaire heir to the Weyerhaeuser timber fortune led the state from 1985 to 1993 following terms as a Pierce County executive, state senator, and business school dean.

Since then, he had worked as a US trade ambassador in Geneva, in youth sports, and for a variety of philanthropic works. However, his biggest political effort in his later years was his successful “Death with Dignity” campaign in 2008 that ultimately led to the passage of the controversial law that mirrored a law that had been in place in Oregon since 1997. The law allows terminally ill adults with six months or less to live to request a legal dose of medication from their doctors.

Mr. Gardner knew that he wouldn’t qualify to use the law because Parkinson’s disease, while incurable, is not fatal. But at the time, he said his worsening condition made him an advocate for those who want control over how they die. “It’s amazing to me how much this can help people get peace of mind,” he told The Associated Press.

The Washington state law took effect in March 2009. A documentary about that campaign, The Last Campaign of Booth Gardner, was nominated for an Academy Award in 2010. A biography published by Washington’s Heritage Center’s Legacy Project entitled Booth Who?— after a campaign slogan in political buttons created during his first run for governor—was published that same year.

William Booth Gardner was born on August 21, 1936, in Tacoma to Evelyn Booth and Bryson “Brick” Gardner. His parents divorced when he was four, and his mother married Norton Clapp, one of the state’s wealthiest citizens who was a former president of Weyerhaeuser and one of a group of industrialists who helped build the Space Needle for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair.

After Mr. Gardner’s mother died, Clapp remained a presence in his life, and although he was a Republican, he made significant donations to both of Gardner’s gubernatorial runs. In November 1984, Mr. Gardner beat Republican Governor John Spellman. During his two terms, he pushed for standards-based education reform, issued an executive order banning discrimination against gay and lesbian state workers, banned smoking in state workplaces, and appointed the first minority to the state Supreme Court. The state’s Basic Health Care program for the poor was launched in 1987 and was the first of its kind in the country. Toward the end of his first term, he appointed Christine Gregoire, then an assistant attorney general, as head of the Department of Ecology. She later went on to become attorney general and then governor.

Mr. Gardner was re-elected in 1988. In his second term, he and Ms. Gregoire, then attorney general, secured an agreement with the federal government that the nuclear waste at the Hanford Site would be cleaned up in the coming decades, and he banned any further shipments of radioactive waste to Hanford from other states. Ms. Gregoire, who stepped down as governor in January 2013 after not seeking a third term, called him a “progressive visionary ahead of his time.” In 1991, Mr. Gardner announced he wouldn’t seek a third term.

He went on to become the US ambassador to the General Agreement on Tariffs & Trade in Geneva. While abroad in 1995, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Mr. Gardner didn’t make his battle with the disease public until 2000, when he discussed it in an interview on TVW, the state’s public affairs network. That same year, he launched the Booth Gardner Parkinson’s Care Center in Kirkland.

He announced his plan for a ballot measure to allow assisted suicide in 2006. Washington state had already rejected a similar assistedsuicide initiative in 1991, but after a contentious campaign, where he contributed $470,000 of the $4.9 million raised in support of the measure, nearly 58 percent of voters approved the new law in 2008.

In his biography, when asked how he wanted to be remembered, he responded, “I tried to help people.” He is survived by his son, Doug, his daughter, Gail, and eight grandchildren.

Mr. Michael D. Gallagher ’60 NICKNAME: Mike HOBBIES: Skiing, hunting, fishing, reading, tennis SPORTS: Cross country, skiing, track ACTIVITIES: Outing club

Michael D. Gallagher, 72, of Pittsfield died on October 3, 2013, at his home. He was born on October 3, 1941, in Yonkers, NY, the son of Donald M. and June (Scherer) Gallagher. He was raised in Rutland and graduated in 1959 from Rutland High School. He attended Colorado University in Boulder on an athletic scholarship for several years, arranged to train with the Norwegian ski team in 1964 for the Olympics, and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1967 from Castleton State College.

Mr. Gallagher’s passing has left a large hole in many hearts, both in this country and abroad. He was an inspiration to many in cross-country skiing for decades. As a young man, Mr. Gallagher developed a taste for Alpine ski racing and pursued cross-country skiing because it complemented his natural ability for running. As a racer, he made three Olympic teams and three FIS World Championship ski teams, and racked up an impressive nine US national titles. His most cherished result was placing 19th at the Holmenkollen 50km classic in 1968.

Jim Page, former NCAA skimeister for Dartmouth in 1963 and 1964 after competing in the ’64 Olympics, coached Holderness and faced Warren Chivers and his troops many times. He chuckled as he recalled how Chivers had gotten Michael Gallagher for a lone year at Vermont Academy after he had graduated from Rutland High School.

“Michael was like a man among boys. He was a ringer... just so much above the other athletes. He was quite a skier, and Warren made him a great cross-country skier.”

— Excerpt Rutland Herald, August 29, 2006

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Mr. Gallagher went on to serve as head coach for the US ski team from 1980–1986. He also became a highly skilled bicycle racer for a number of years. Later in his career he spent many years as the Nordic skiing director at Mountain Top Inn and also taught skiing at Mountain Meadows. In addition, he coached high school skiing for 17 seasons.

In 1988, he was inducted into the National Ski Hall of Fame, as well as the Castleton State College Athletic Hall of Fame.

While attending Castleton and training for the 1968 Olympics, Mr. Gallagher raced on the track team, setting New England state college records in the 880, one-mile, and two-mile events. In 2007, he was inducted into the Vermont Ski Museum Hall of Fame for his contributions to the Nordic ski industry; in 2011, he was inducted into the Mount Washington Road Race Hall of Fame. He was the first person to win the road race four times, and he did it in four consecutive years from 1968 to 1971.

At all levels, this indefatigable Vermonter has left a mark with his love of life, of family, and of storytelling. His Irish songs sung with great gusto in the sauna, his kind and sentimental side, and his toughness were the stuff of legend. Never did he tire of talking about cross-country skiing, and never did we tire of listening. He is survived by his wife, Tyna Baird Gallagher; his sons, Jesse Gallagher of Alaska and Vermont and Sean Gallagher of Pittsfield, VT; and grandson, Andrew. Memorial contributions can be made to Rutland Public School Scholarship Fund, Ref: Michael Gallagher, 6 Church Street, Rutland, VT 05701.

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Mr. Douglas S. Seelye II ’79 NICKNAME: Schnooks HOBBIES: Telling dumb jokes, doing anything crazy SPORTS: Soccer, track ACTIVITIES: Dramatic club,

newspaper

Douglas Stuart Seelye II of Newington and East Berlin—a beloved son, brother, nephew, and World’s Greatest Uncle—died suddenly on January 4, 2014. He was born on October 25, 1960, to Gail (Collins) and Morgan Seelye. Doug graduated from Vermont Academy, where he caught the acting bug. Doug was a member of Hole in the Wall Theater in New Britain, where he practiced his craft with most productions but also worked with other community theater groups.

Doug was an avid reader and enjoyed going to the movies.

He is predeceased by his mother, Gail (Collins) Seelye. He is survived by his father, Morgan Seelye; his brother, Roy Seelye, and his partner, Alison Hollo; his sister Elizabeth Seelye; his sister Abigail (Seelye) Napier and her husband, Al; his uncle and aunt, John and Alice Seelye; and Doug’s pride and joy, his nieces Sarah and Heather Napier, Hannah and Katharine Seelye, and Jessica Seelye and Shelby Leone; his grand-nephews, Justin Joshua Negron and William Morgan Venezia; his stepnieces and nephews, Barrett, Stephen, and Whitaker Hollo, Chandler Wagner, and Joshua and Kennedi Venezia. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hole in the Wall Theater, PO Box 942, New Britain, CT 06050.

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Education for Life —One Student at a Time

2014

Pumpkin Run

VERMONT ACADEMY FUND Goal: $650,000 Closing: June 30, 2014

24-Hour Pla y Fest ival

GIVE YOUR GIFT AT vermontacademy.org/giving

When we reach together, we have an impact.

n lebratio e C in t t a Kurn H

105th W inter Ca rnival

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Save the Date!

Vermont Academy Reunion Weekend S E P T E M B E R 2 6–2 8, 2 0 1 4 Please join us in Saxtons River this fall for a celebration of the academy’s rich history and its trajectory and vision for the future. Spend a beautiful weekend in Vermont, reminiscing with classmates, meeting current students and faculty, and enjoying athletic events, evening receptions, and more!

We’re celebrating class years ending in 4 and 9, but all alumni are welcome to attend.

See you on the Long Walk!

FOR INFOR M ATION OR TO R EGISTER, GO TO : vermontacademy.org/reunionweekend