Westminster Bulletin Fall 2024

Westminster

On the cover: Sophie Grace Stevenson ’25 welcomes students back to campus during Opening Days. Photo: Wendy Carlson

From the Head of School

Dear Westminster School Community,

Who would have thunk it? Charlie Griffith, P’11,’14,’17, is also a counter of rings. Like all faculty for the past 136 years of Westminster history, Charlie wears many hats — teacher, coach, dorm parent, advisor, driver, chaperone, tutor, chef, confidant — far too many key roles to fully capture with just a noun, and this summer he added tree ring counter to that repertoire.

On Friday afternoon of Aug. 2, Williams Hill and the surrounding area experienced a microburst that left incredible damage in its wake. Luckily no one was hurt in the storm and, at Westminster, we experienced very little building damage.

The storm wreaked havoc on campus trees. Within minutes many towering oaks and pine trees were ripped out by the roots or sheared in half by the 80-100 miles per hour winds. Once the dust had settled, Charlie started counting rings.

Two other powerful storms have impacted the tree canopy on campus. The first is the Hurricane of 1938, which hit Connecticut on Sept. 21, and caused devastating damage and significant loss of life and injuries. On campus, among the wreckage, we lost “The Great Oak,” which had long stood gracefully on the Hill. The second storm was the Great Ice Storm of 2010, whose timing was near the end of Parents Weekend, allowing for all students to be safely off campus. That long fall weekend was extended to a full week both to manage the cleanup and, more importantly, the return of electricity. Not a complaint was heard from any student about the extra days of break.

After each storm, parts of campus looked decidedly different, and such is the case this year because of the microburst. As Charlie Griffith inventoried the damage, he counted tree rings; in general, he found that the pines had between 80-100 rings to reflect each year of their growth, and the white and red oaks had between 150-170 rings that marked their lifeline. To see these trees provokes powerful emotions –– shock that something so mighty could be felled so quickly and grief because the very beautiful trees that have sheltered us from storms, both literal and metaphorical, are gone.

One red oak boasted 178 rings. That tree began its life essentially three centuries ago, just prior to the advent of the Civil War. One cannot help but ponder the profound history that this tree witnessed. And as it was germinating and building strong roots in the soil of Williams Hill, so, too, were the educational ideas and dreams of William Cushing. So many of the trees lost in the microburst were growing in 1900 when Cushing opened the doors of Westminster in Simsbury, and for the past 124 years those trees have looked over generations of Martlets. They have seen so much in our own history, including watershed moments like the move to coeducation, and many important smaller daily moments of life and growth, of heartache and happiness.

Our campus does look different, a fact that is reinforced by every alumnus who visited campus this past June for our Flock Reunion, but not solely because the tree canopy has changed. It is because Westminster, like every good school, is evolving. The past 20 years on the Hill have been marked by significant construction and the new facilities — including Armour Academic Center,

Center, and the new dormitories of Gund, Squibb and Kelter — help to set our school apart, emphasize our distinctive community and offer inspiring spaces for living and learning. Through our strategic initiatives we have embarked on a plan to ensure that all of our programs — academic, athletic, arts, residential, communal — build the knowledge, skills and experiences that our students need to thrive at Westminster and beyond.

It is the people within our spaces, though, both the ones dedicated to wearing many hats and the ones who proudly don the black and gold, who have not changed their essence. Faculty wrap their arm around a student’s shoulder and students readily engage with one another or adults; we hold doors and offer smiles and greetings. We pause to break bread together. We act according to the “common good.”

We will plant more trees, of course, and they will grow strong and beautiful as they mature alongside the next many generations of Martlets. As the Greek proverb notes, “Society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit,” and the same is true for the work that we do on this campus.

As faculty wear our many different hats, we are “planting trees” that imbue our students with grit and grace; that focus them on our core values of character, community, involvement and balance; that inspire them “to reach well beyond the ordinary” and “to commit to a life of service beyond self.” Those behaviors and expectations are deeply rooted in the Westminster ethos, and they are not easily shaken or felled by even the strongest of storms.

With grit, grace and gratitude,

Elaine White Head of School

Armstrong Dining Hall, Brockelman Student

Celebrating the Scope of Student Talent

On May 23, Westminster presented its Spring Performing Arts Festival on the Booker T. Bradshaw Jr. Stage in Werner Centennial Theater with performances by the Dance Ensemble, Jazz and Concert Bands, String Ensemble, Westminster Belles, Chamber Choir, Chorale and a guitar solo by Phil Zhang ’24.

Facilities and Grounds

Absent from photo: Arnie Orschel.

When

an Historic Storm Struck

the Campus,

A Swift Response Ensured Everyone Was Safe

The Westminster campus experienced the most damaging storm in the school’s recent history on Aug. 2, when a “microburst” struck the campus mid-afternoon. Kudos to the faculty, staff, and members of the grounds and facilities crew who stepped up immediately afterward to secure the safety of the campus and manage the massive cleanup.

The microburst — an area of sinking air, or a downdraft, in a thunderstorm that has high winds — hit the town of Simsbury resulting in downed trees and power lines and the closure of almost 30 roads. On campus, the storm ravaged the landscape, downing more than 60 trees on the upper campus areas alone, including five on Commencement Lawn. Dozens upon dozens of trees were uprooted or snapped like toothpicks throughout other areas of the campus, including on the hockey path behind Hamilton Art Studios, around the Jackson Hockey Rink, along the back drive to Winterset Circle, near faculty homes on Winterset and on the cross-country course. Fortunately, no one was injured and the storm caused only minor damage to several campus buildings.

Alumni House suffered broken windows and roof damage, and one of the faculty houses on Winterset sustained roof damage. There was some slight damage to two other campus buildings and an uprooted tree ruptured a gas line, according to Phil Ryan, director of facilities and security operations.

Most importantly, a crisis communication plan was immediately put into action, ensuring everyone was protected and the campus was safe.

As Head of School Elaine White commented, “There is so much that was remarkable about the storm — the surprise of it, the level of tree destruction, the relative calm of those who experienced its potency — but the immediacy of our response truly captures

crew, from left to right: Michael McLaughlin, John Pardus, Todd Forsyth, Paul Sellitto, Gary Preston, Mike Stein and Director of Facilities and Security Phil Ryan.

Trees on the campus have long been a significant part of the school’s history, including those planted in honor of alumni, parents, or students. Fortunately, none of those trees were damaged.

the prize. It is as if we had drilled for this type of experience many times over. People snapped to action and ensured the safety of everyone.”

The storm hit fast and furious and lasted for about five minutes.

“It was apocalyptic,” said Sixth Form Dean Kelly Wosleger, who was home in Kelter House with her husband, Tyler, and their fivemonth-old baby, Remi. “After it was over, we all went outside and everyone was wondering what just happened.”

Immediately after the storm, Ryan and security officers Larry Evans and Dwayne Googe headed to Memorial Hall where they learned a tree had fallen on the building. Facilities, maintenance and grounds teams also responded and began triaging the damage. With the help of Dean of Faulty Lee Huguley P’19, ’26 and Associate Dean of Faculty Charlie Griffith P’11, ’14, ’17, Ryan evacuated Memorial Hall, Gund House and the Sherwin Health and Athletic Center. The pool visitors were unable to leave until several hours after when the downed trees across the driveway and back gate were cleared away.

Meanwhile, Grounds Manager Arnie Orschel had the tree removal company on speed dial, and they arrived within an hour to clear the main driveway. The fire department and Connecticut Natural Gas also responded quickly to the ruptured gas line.

The microburst struck on the last day of Horizons summer enrichment program, scheduled to end at three o’clock that day. Executive Director Patrick Owens saw the storm rolling in, and along with student volunteers, staff and faculty, sheltered the children in Sejong Lecture Hall during the storm.

Once the rain cleared, Owens learned the driveway was inaccessible, so the challenge was finding a way for the children to meet up with the buses to get home. Horizons staff and faculty led the children through the dining hall, down three flights of stairs

and out through the loading dock, then down to Hopmeadow Street until they reached the parking lot of Liberty Bank, where they waited with the students until the buses arrived.

For those community members on campus that day, the storm was not only surreal, but also an example of grit and grace in action.

“Our communication plan worked well to keep those living on campus informed and protected,” said White. “Once campus was safe, Phil and his crew then orchestrated an incredible cleanup, with numerous outside experts and equipment to aid us in our efforts to be ready for the new school year.”

After the downed trees were removed, Charlie Griffith counted the tree rings on the larger trees and discovered that most of the hardwoods (mostly red and white oaks) were between 150 and 170 years old. The oldest was 178, and the softwoods (white pines, mostly) were all between 80 and 100 years old.

Hill Headlines

Opening Days Kicks Off with a Surge of Martlet Spirit

You could hear them cheering from every corner of campus. The Prefect Board was irrepressible on Opening Day, Sept. 3. As a steady stream of cars wound up Williams Hill, new and returning students and their families were first greeted with smiles and waves from Dean of Admissions Miles Bailey ’94, Dean of Residential Life A-men Rasheed and campus security members. Then, as the cars reached the top of the Hill their cheers rose to a crescendo. Prefects, dressed in Black and Gold jerseys, leaped and shouted and waved and twirled their pom poms overhead.

It was an invigorating start to Westminster School’s new academic school year. Of the 424 students who arrived on campus, 143 are new students, representing 14 states including Nevada, California, Wisconsin, Maine, North Carolina and 12 countries, including Spain, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Ukraine. There are a total of 109 Sixth Formers and

postgraduate students, 119 in the Fifth Form, 112 Fourth Formers and 83 in the Third Form.

Peer leaders, Sixth Formers and international students returned earlier in the week, but most students arrived on Opening Day. Once they worked their way through registration in Armour Academic Center, faculty members directed families to their dorms and Sixth Formers sprang into action to help carry boxes, luggage and clothing.

Melissa Scollans P’26 drove from Greenwich, Conn., with her son, Connor, and was grateful for the enthusiastic welcome at the top of Williams Hill and for the extra help from the community. “The students were amazing. Just like last year I got all teary-eyed again when I saw them at the top of the hill waving and cheering,” said Scollans.

Like many students, her son, Connor, couldn’t wait for the start of school. “He

was so excited he packed the entire car himself last night,” said Scollans.

Third Former Julia Agyeman from Enfield, Conn., had a lot to look forward to during her first year on campus, but she was most excited to make new friends. That sentiment was echoed by many returning students as well.

“I’m excited to see new faces,” said Fifth Former AJ Kraus, who was reconnecting with his lacrosse teammate and roommate, Cole Callison ’26.

Families arrived on campus in stages and by early afternoon, most of the new and returning boarding students had settled into their rooms and were ready to reunite with classmates and meet new friends. Prior to Opening Day, new day students and their families had a head start getting acquainted during a campus picnic held Aug. 29.

After lunch, there was ample time for students to visit Brockelman Grill, toss a

football or just mingle on Baxter Lawn. Early in the afternoon, new families and students met with advisors and class deans. Then, it was time for final hugs and goodbyes as students prepared for afternoon activities that included an allschool meeting on residential life, followed by form activities and an all-school carnival after dinner.

The official first day of classes began Thursday, Sept. 5. On the following Saturday, Head of School Elaine White formally welcomed the entire community in an assembly in Armstrong Atrium of Armour Academic Center. Head Prefect Chip Genung ’25 addressed students prior to the traditional pin and sign-in ceremonies.

“We are lucky to have so many opportunities here, but honestly it doesn’t necessarily matter what you do at all. It matters how you do it, and it matters that you commit to it,” Genung said.

It took Genung his entire Third Form year to learn the lesson of commitment, which is this year’s community theme. When he first arrived, he was very excited to meet new friends, new teachers and experience a whole new environment.

“Along with having braces and missing quite a few teeth, I was also, in some ways, too excited,” he said,

As a result, he signed up for nearly 20 clubs at the club fair, “which is something I definitely do not recommend,” he said. He ended up being very busy and attending multiple meetings a day before he realized there simply wasn’t enough time to do everything. He knew he had to commit to choosing quality over quantity, so he started prioritizing those activities that he enjoyed the most, which served him well in the long run.

“People want you to succeed here. We want you to do your best, which means all you have to do is find that thing. Find what

you’re best at, find what you’re passionate about and commit to it. It’s that simple,” he said.

He also challenged seniors to leave Westminster a better place than how they found it, reminding them that the school doesn’t leave them when they graduate. They will carry it with them forever.

Following his address, Sixth Formers led a procession toward the Sixth Form Lawn for the pin ceremony. Former Head of School Graham Cole began the practice as a way of recognizing the Sixth Form and emphasizing their responsibility as leaders to uphold the core values of character, community, involvement and balance. The Sixth Form class designs its unique pin in the spring of their Fifth Form year. That design is also emblazoned on their Sixth Form flag, a practice begun by former Head of School Bill Philip. The flag then resides in the head of school’s office for the year, until it is needed to call a Hill Holiday. Sixth Formers wear their pins all year as a constant reminder of that responsibility.

Following the Pin Ceremony, the Prefect Board led new students into Andrews Memorial Chapel for the Sign-In Ceremony. Students are expected to commit themselves to do their best to live up to the community standards and to embrace that commitment when they sign the school ledger, another tradition begun by Graham Cole.

See more photos on our Flickr Gallery.

Commitment in Action

This year, Westminster is focused on the theme of commitment through living, learning and serving the greater community with grit and grace. The theme was selected by the Sixth Form Student Council during their Fifth Form year.

When the theme was discussed last spring, the first word that came to mind for Sophie Grace Stevenson was commitment. “I feel that one of the most important things at Westminster is school spirit and that means showing up to games and showing support for each individual and really committing to the small actions that makes Westminster the school it is,” she said. “Our class is committed to the entire community and to each individual and leaving Westminster a better school than how we found it.”

This fall, the school administration further supported the theme through student leadership training, social and emotional learning (SEL) programming and a residential life curriculum, which supports student well-being by prioritizing self-awareness, empathy, healthy sleeping habits, digital citizenship, substance misuse education and prevention and good decisionmaking.

Additionally, the Prefect Board, Peer Leaders, and Student RAs arrived on campus a few days before the start of school to undergo leadership training. Dr. Brooklyn Raney worked with students in BeBOLD High School Advisory Program that provides student leaders with the skills needed to act in partnership with the trusted adults in the community in a way that builds strong, healthy relationships. The student leadership teams, including day student leaders, are dispersed throughout the dorms and team up with advisor groups following Saturday SEL programs to lead discussions on culture and well-being.

the flag

Throughout the year, the Bruyette Leadership Academy provides leadership training for over 100 students who serve on

the Prefect Board, Student Council, DEIB Board, Peer Leaders, Student RAs, varsity team captains and co-heads of programs such as John Hay, Dramat and the Dance Ensemble. The training provides development and seminars for these students as they lead, with faculty support, in the many communitybuilding initiatives in residential life.

Carrying

on Opening Day, Sixth Formers Liza Merrill, left, and Lauren Neuman

Facing Fears Head-On

Motivational speaker Darryl Bellamy, known for his work with students in overcoming fear, delivered an energizing presentation to the Westminster community on Sept. 5. Fear is a fundamental human experience, he said. It shows up in our bodies, our conversations and our relationships, often influencing our decisions and shaping our lives. He believes that understanding and managing fear is crucial for personal growth and success.

About a decade ago, Bellamy left a successful corporate consulting career to become a full-time motivational speaker, driven by his desire to connect with and inspire students. One of Bellamy’s most impactful experiences occurred at his alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. During his presentation, he asked students to write down their fears. His plan was to collect their responses, read about their fears, and then symbolically

burn them in his backyard. However, when Bellamy began to read through what students had written down, it struck him that most of their fears were exactly the same. He realized that our fears are often universal and connect us more deeply than we might realize.

Bellamy told students that instead of striving to be fearless, which he believes is impossible, they should act and face their fears. He emphasized that the most effective way to handle fear is to confront it directly. This might mean stepping out of your comfort zone, taking on new challenges or addressing a worry head-on. Even if this leads to failure, it’s crucial to give ourselves grace and understand that failure is part of the journey.

He advocates “tracing” our fears, which involves documenting them — whether through writing, recording, or sharing them with others. By making our fears tangible and visible, we can better

understand and manage them. This process not only helps in confronting fear but has also been shown to lessen anxiety when dealing with it.

Another key strategy he uses is the “five-second rule.” When we have a thought or impulse, we usually talk ourselves out of acting on it within five seconds. Bellamy cited a Cornell University study where students recorded their worries over a week and then reviewed them over 30 days. The study found that only 15% of these worries materialized. Furthermore, 79% of the concerns led to learning or personal growth, meaning that 97% of the worries either didn’t happen or provided valuable insights.

Fear is a natural part of life, but it doesn’t have to control us, he told the community. He stressed that they should spend less time worrying and more time focusing on steps they can take to move forward with courage and support.

Social Media Expert Laura Tierney on Using Tech for Good

The founder of The Social Institute, Laura Tierney, spoke to the Westminster community on Sept. 26 as part of the school’s collective path toward good digital citizenship.

Her presentation in Werner Centennial Center focused on helping students navigate technology and social media in a way that supports their mental health and well-being. Her key points included encouraging students to “play to their core” by focusing on their interests, values and goals when using technology. She emphasized the importance of “controlling the controllable” such as setting boundaries and using device features to limit distractions. She also encouraged students to seek joy and positivity through other activities to counteract the impact of social media and screen time.

“The more that you can seek joy every day the more it leads you to something else amazing,” she said. “Let’s say the positive habit that you introduce is drawing. So, you start this habit of drawing, and you introduce a focus mode on your device, so it mutes notifications during that time, which allows you to focus on something that you really love and brings you joy.”

She pointed out why intentionally seeking out joy is so important. A study published in the recent U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory update talked about how time spent on social media per day has been linked to a higher risk of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.

At the beginning of her presentation, she tested the audience’s level of concentration by projecting a grid of numbers from 1-100 in random order and allowing them 60 seconds to find each number in numerical order. Meanwhile, notifications kept popping up on the screen distracting them.

At the end of her presentation, she asked them to perform the same task only this time without those annoying pop ups and notifications. Most students beat their previous scores, proving that social media and tech can seriously disrupt your concentration.

Tierney left students with a call to action: Introduce a healthy, positive habit as an alternative to “doom scrolling” or other unproductive technology use.

Student RAs and leaders would then track their progress to see how long they can continue that positive habit day after day. She also encouraged students and faculty to work together on ways to use social media positively and powerfully through group sessions or “huddling.” In her view, a strict school policy is not going to change the whole culture.

“I really hope that you can take one or two things away from this presentation to use tech for good in your lives because it’s not going away. The challenge is how do we harness it for good.”

Before founding The Social Institute, Laura worked with K-12 students through leadership programs at Duke University and espnW. She previously managed social media for espnW, Nike, Disney, Procter & Gamble Co and Duke Men’s Basketball. A highly decorated athlete, Laura is a four-time Duke All-American Athlete, twotime team captain, and Duke Athlete of the Decade. She also played field hockey for Team USA.

Catching your ZZZs with Sleep Expert Dr. Rebecca Robbins

On Oct.17, Westminster welcomed renowned sleep expert Dr. Rebecca Robbins who shared her knowledge with the community on a topic that resonates with us all: sleep.

Robbins co-authored “Sleep for Success” and is an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and an associate scientist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Her work focuses on the unique sleep challenges faced specifically by teenagers. She shared how a lack of sleep in her formative years adversely affected her mental and physical health, and her relationships.

Today, she aims to equip young people with practical tools and techniques to improve their sleep quality.

Adolescents face distinct biological hurdles that impact their sleep patterns, according to Robbins. After puberty, teenagers become inherently sleepier than they were in middle school, require more sleep due to rapid brain and hormonal development and tend to shift their sleep-wake cycles toward becoming “night owls”. Research shows that over 70% of teenagers do not meet their biological sleep needs, which can lead to a range of health issues.

Robbins spoke about the impact of sleep deprivation on adolescent cognitive function and overall health. Her studies illustrate that students who sacrifice sleep for studying often perform worse on tests compared to those who prioritize rest. Chronic sleep deprivation can also heighten the risk of illnesses. She emphasized that keeping a consistent sleep schedule is just as crucial, if not more so, than the total number of hours slept.

Speaker Eric Kapitulik Kicks Off Bruyette Leadership Academy Program

He has competed in Ironman triathlons and ultra marathons, served as a U.S. Marine Corps Infantry and Special Operations Officer and scaled some of the highest peaks in the world. Eric Kapitulik has faced extreme challenges his entire life and he used those experiences to help students learn how to become better leaders and teammates,

Kapitulik’s presentation in Werner Centennial Center Sept. 13, kicked off the Bruyette Leadership Academy program, which provides training for more than 100 students.

Kapitulik is the founder of The Program, a veteran-owned leadership and teambuilding company. After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1995, where he was a four-year varsity letter recipient on their Division 1 lacrosse team, Kapitulik went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps as both an Infantry Officer and Special Operations Officer with 1st Force Reconnaissance Company, 1st Marine Division. In his address, he

told students: “On whatever your chosen battlefield, individuals and individual talent can win games, but great teams compete for championships. And great teams are comprised of great teammates and great team leaders.”

Talent, he said, allows you to be great in your field, but making a commitment to do that much better every morning when you wake up allows you to be that much greater. He then asked students to repeat after him, shouting: “Make a commitment, be a great teammate and leader.’’

“Great teammates set the examples, but they also hold each other accountable,” he continued.

That can stand in the way of being well liked, he said. We all have egos, and we all want to be good friends to each other. And being good friends to each other is never a problem except when being good friends for one another becomes more important than being great teammates for one another. Good friends are nice to each other, but niceness, he noted, can be laziness.

“Of course, we are going to be nice to each other, but great teammates are kind to each other. They hold each other accountable, which is a form of kindness,” he said. It can be uncomfortable, he acknowledged. “But show me a team that is accountable to each other, and I will show you a team that cares very deeply about each other,” he said.

Great leaders, he said, adhere to two additional standards: They ensure they accomplish the mission, and they always take care of their teammates.

To illustrate this, Kapitulik drew from his own personal experiences from facing the physical challenges of climbing five of the highest seven peaks on seven continents to dealing with the emotional stress of learning that his family had to return a baby six days after they had adopted it because the birth mother changed her mind.

So, even though you give 100 % effort, you can still fail, he noted. Successful leaders and teammates require physical toughness, but also mental and emotional resilience, which can be developed, Kapitulik said.

His presentation resonated with the audience, said Joe Rodrigues ’96, P’23, ’27, director of alumni engagement and giving and head boys’ lacrosse coach.

“Eric’s message was especially impactful to our students because he shared tangible examples of how to operate as a great teammate and team leader in very challenging environments.”

The Bruyette Leadership programming, speakers and support of student leaders would not be possible without the Bruyette Fund, which was founded by Kathy and Gene Bruyette P’77, ’78, who established it in honor of their late son, Brian T. Bruyette ’77, who died from cancer in 1977.

Hill Headlines

On Grandparents Day, a Slice of Student Life

More than 260 grandparents arrived on campus bright and early on Sept. 25, eager to start the morning by attending classes with their grandchildren. After a warm welcome by Head of School Elaine White in Armour Academic Center, they headed to classes with their grandchildren leading the way. Some of them learned about the origin of black holes in an astronomy class held in the Class of 1957 Planetarium, others rolled up their sleeves and unleashed their creativity in art classes and still others tackled math equations they hadn’t solved since high school.

On left, Deidre Cowan with her granddaughter, Annabelle Krieger ’27, attends an art class with Ron and Jean Gailun P’98, ’04, GP’26 led by Kerry Kendall, head of the visual and performing arts department.

Throughout the day, grandparents toured the campus, often locking arms with their grandchildren as they strolled the pathways. They had their portraits taken with their grandchildren, enjoyed lunch in the Armstrong Dining Hall, participated in chapel in Andrews Memorial Chapel and attended athletic contests in the afternoon. By the end of the day, they had a full snapshot of student life at Westminster.

For some, the Westminster experience is a familiar one. Ron and Jean Gailun P’98, ’04 were visiting their grandsons, twins Henry ’26 and George Baird ’26. They are also the parents of alumni Emily Oakford ’04 and Elisabeth Baird ’98, P’26, who is a Westminster trustee. Over time, the Gailuns have visited campus more times than they can count, but they were thrilled to return to Williams Hill this time as grandparents. The visit gave Jean an opportunity to attend art class with one twin, while Ron looked forward to precalculus class with another. “I want to see if he [George] can solve the equations!” he joked.

For Thomas Turton ’61, P’82, ’83, ’85, ’88, GP’25, ’27, visiting Westminster was like coming home. Turton, who delivered the chapel address, spoke about how Westminster has been a part of his family’s life for six decades. Seven members of his family are alumni, including his four sons. Now, he and his wife, Cathy, have two grandchildren at Westminster, Shaw ’25 and Mason Grace Turton ’27.

He reflected on his time spent on Williams Hill — freezing late nights when the boys had to hose down the outdoor hockey rink to make ice, swimming in a pool that was only 20 yards in length and playing football when it was part of the athletic program. Life has changed on campus since then, but the warmth of the Westminster community has endured, he said. From the time he was a student, the community has always treated him as family. He spoke about how he and Cathy were comforted by Westminster

friends and faculty members when their son, Daniel Turton ’85, P’25, ’27, died suddenly in January.

Turton also credited Westminster with setting himself and many fellow Martlets on the right track.

“All of us Turtons agree on one thing: We don’t exactly know how, but Westminster kicked us into gear,” he said. “Westy gave us a head start and pointed us in the right direction. And it gave us the grit to make things happen in our lives, and the grace to accept when things were difficult or not exactly as we planned.”

Jonathan and Tammy Hall with their granddaughter Adrienne ’25

In a word, “Spectacular!”

A Perfect Weekend on Williams Hill for Visiting Parents and Families

“Spectacular” is the word most overheard to describe Parents and Family Weekend held Oct.17-19. The peak foliage weekend was full of activities, including teacher conferences, athletic contests, student performances and special programming. The weekend began with an international family gathering in Gund Reading Room on Thursday, Oct.17. Later that evening, all parents were welcomed by Head of School Elaine White and Chris White at Pratt House.

On Friday morning, parents and families enjoyed the Fall Festival of the Arts in Werner Centennial Center, where Alexandra Walter P’27 was thrilled to watch her daughter, Margaux, perform a dance routine from the movie “Barbie” and sing in Chorale. Later, in Gund Dining Room, Head of School Elaine White introduced Parents Committee Co-Chairs Ali Dwyer Edwards ’95 and Philip Edwards P’27, who warmly welcomed parents to join the committee.

The afternoon was non-stop with parent -teacher conferences and form gatherings, which were highlighted by the Sixth Form Class Gift Dedication. Parents and families of students of color met in the Gund Reading Room prior to the day’s athletic contest and a harvest dinner in the Armstrong Dining Room was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Saturday was a full plate of activities starting with Sixth Form parent coffee, conversation and college counseling and special programs for each form. Athletic contests continued during the day, which was the highlight for Scott and Cassin Chaisson P’27 who were excited to watch their daughter, Piper, play soccer. Almost as nice, they said, was lounging on the sunny Keyes Patio enjoying the fall colors.

Alex Walter P’27, Margaux Walter ’27 and Saski Pearman P’23, ’25

Na Ding and Caogang Li P’26 chat with Head of School Elaine White.

Melissa and Brendan Scollans P’26

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day: The Vision of Lacrosse Player Jeremy Thompson

On Oct. 4, Jeremy Thompson, a member of the Hawk Clan of the Onondaga Confederacy of the Six Nations, spoke about his own journey experiencing the challenges faced by many Indigenous youth. Thompson is the founder of the Thompson Brothers’ 4 The Future Foundation, an organization dedicated to inspiring Indigenous and underserved youth through athletics and cultural pride. His father graduated high school and his mother did not, and both wanted more for their own children. Thompson’s early education in an all-immersion Mohawk language program was both a blessing and a challenge, as he navigated complex language barriers. He used lacrosse as an outlet and vehicle to further his education and earned a scholarship to Syracuse University, where he achieved recognition as a two-time Junior College Lacrosse National Champion and 2nd-team All-American.

Throughout his talk he wove lacrosse into the fabric of Indigenous culture, serving as a connection to the past and a tool for the future. Thompson also shared his personal experiences around the struggle many Indigenous people face, including issues related to substance use and mental health. He spoke candidly about overcoming addiction and the importance of healing through connection with nature, community and culture. His journey to sobriety spans the last 13 years, during which time he has shared his story and helped others to recover.

Thompson plays in both the National Lacrosse League and Premier Lacrosse League, but his vision extends far beyond the playing field. Thompson is passionate about food sovereignty and reconnecting Indigenous communities with traditional agricultural practices. He aims to restore Indigenous food systems and promote a healthier lifestyle. As he put it, “We’re always planting seeds, whether in the ground or in the minds of youth, nurturing the next generation’s potential.”

“By working together, we can cultivate a future where every individual can thrive and achieve their dreams.”

We’ve Been Busy!

Since last spring, we have:

1. Installed an EV charging station near the hockey rink

2. Completed interior renovations in Werner Centennial Theater (seats, flooring and new paint)

3 Added a package locker system for food deliveries

4. Renovated and updated faculty housing

5. Expanded locking system in Hamilton and gyms

6. Installed a new scoreboard and timing system in the pool

7 Upgraded wireless and firewall systems

8. Upgraded classrooms in Armour Academic Center

9. Began work on the Class of 2025 community space (photo below)

10. Completed annual dorm painting and improvements

For Singer-Songwriter

Mimi Gilbert, Each Song Is Its Own Universe

On Oct. 3, Mimi Gilbert, an indie-folk singer-songwriter, brought her soulful music to the Booker T. Bradshaw Jr. Stage in Werner Centennial Center as part of the Graham Gund ’59 Visiting Artists Series.

Embracing Adversity: Jake Thibeault’s Inspiring Journey

On Oct. 4, Jake Thibeault shared his story of recovery and triumph with the community. In the fall of 2021, as Jake entered his senior year at Milton Academy he was paralyzed from the chest down after being hit while playing in an ice hockey tournament. Thibeault’s story from that day forward has been one of incredible inspiration. He lives his motto of “No Quit” daily and believes that there are no bad days. His story is a powerful narrative of resilience, determination and the profound impact of community support. Through his journey, Thibeault, who currently attends Babson College, has not only transformed his own life but has inspired countless others to face their challenges with courage. For Thibeault adversity is not the end of the road but rather a steppingstone towards a brighter future.

Horizons Executive Director Patrick Owens worked at Milton Academy when Thibeault was a student there and facilitated his visit to Westminster.

Gilbert’s evocative songs have been described as timeless reflections on love, loss and a life deeply lived. Many of her lyrics reflect a sense of vulnerability, uncertainty and heartache that resonated with students and faculty members alike in the all-school assembly.

During her performance, she spoke about her own journey toward becoming a songwriter. “I didn’t have a wonderful time in high school,” said Gilbert, who was born and raised in California. Music became her way of processing her world, and particularly her hardships. Instead of paying attention in her Spanish class, she would write poetry that she would later craft into lyrics. She first learned how to play guitar and bass in church but is largely self-taught.

Her fourth album “Undrowning” will be released later this month.

“I view songwriting as not just about being a good listener and being aware, it has also taught me how to become a better human, it expanded my world,” she said.

Following her performance, Gilbert met with members of the Chorale and Chorus to discuss her approach to songwriting.

The Graham Gund ’59 Visiting Artists Series is sponsored by the Gund family in honor of Graham Gund, Class of 1959.

Spring 2024 Sports Roundup

Varsity Baseball

It was another strong year for the baseball program. The year started off with a spring training trip to Vero Beach, Fla., filled with baseball and the beach. Highlights from the regular season included winning six in a row, capped by a 1-0 victory over New England’s second ranked team, Deerfield, at Dunkin’ Park in Hartford. The Martlets would qualify for the Founders League playoffs for the second time in three years, eventually falling to Avon Old Farms on a walk-off single. The team returns a strong senior class and will look to build on a 41-20 record over the last three years.

Varsity Softball

The team achieved 10 wins for the season by successfully bringing together experienced players and several Third Formers who contributed to a strong season. The cohesive spirit of the team began with preseason in Orlando, Fla. Regular season highlights included big wins against Loomis Chaffee, Cushing Academy and Williston. Although the team was defeated in the Western New England Quarterfinal game, it showed resilience and grit throughout the spring. Marleigh Monroe ’24 had a stellar season on the mound, while Olivia Gordon ’24 and Catherine Graves ’24 contributed at the plate and in the field. Emily Ginter ’24 played well until her season was shortened by injury. These seniors had an immensely positive impact over the past four years, but the future looks bright due to the talents and determination of Mia Magriz ’25, Melody ElAmin Stewart ’27 and Anna Hassett ’27, among others.

Easton Masse ’25

Anna Hassett ’27

Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse

The spring season was a successful journey marked by intense competition and improved performance. The team displayed resilience and determination throughout the season, finishing with a record of seven wins and 10 losses with two heartbreaking one-goal losses. Despite the record, offensive players made remarkable strides, increasing goals per game from 8.1 to an impressive 13.4 goals per game. On the defensive end, the team decreased goals against per game from 11.2 to 10.5 goals per game.

The team also had notable wins over Hotchkiss for the first time since 2018 bringing the Black and Blue Bowl back to Williams Hill, and they defeated Berkshire for the first time since 2017.

Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse

The spring season for Westminster girls was a journey filled with heart and hustle. The team embraced every challenge it faced with determination, finishing the season with a record of 7-11. Throughout the season, each game was a testament to the dedication and spirit of the players. From nail-biting victories to hardfought battles against tough opponents, every moment showcased the grit and grace that defines Westminster athletics. With their passion and perseverance, the 2024 team has set the stage for even greater success in the season to come this spring.

Ultimate Frisbee

The team had an unforgettable 2024 season — its second ever! With a standout 7-2 record, it not only excelled on the field but also built a vibrant community. From thrilling victories to unforgettable moments shared during post-game gatherings, the team forged bonds that went beyond the game. A special shoutout to the generous parents whose support, especially with the amazing feeds, fueled the team’s energy and camaraderie. This season was about more than just wins; it was about playing together and growing together.

Margaret Dilks ’24

Miles Kim ’24

Matt O’Connell

Girls’ Track and Field

Overall, the squad learned a lot and remained unified and supportive throughout the season. Highlights from last spring included: Emme Pacheco-Hager ’25, who broke the school record in the javelin, Elysse Cumberland ’24, who broke the school record in the triple jump and Blessing Kieh ’24, who broke the school record in the 100-meter dash. Collectively, the team posted an impressive third-place finish in the Founders League Championship and a fourth-place finish at the New England’s track and field championships. The team looks forward to a strong 2025 season.

Boys’ Track and Field

Much like the girls’ team, the boys’ 2024 campaign also saw many highs and lows, but more importantly the team bonded as a unit. Unfortunately, the overall team record did not reflect individual successes of its athletes. Several notable performances from the season included Benji Hanson ’27 dropping his 400-meter time by three seconds, Reggie Kanu ’25 improving his personal record in the high jump by 4 inches, and the team MVP Daniel Edwards ’24 leading the boys with outstanding performances in 300-meter hurdles.

’25

Adrienne Hall ’25

Taylor Horgan ’24

ATHLETIC RECOGNITION

Team Awards

VARSITY BASEBALL

Michelini Most Improved Player: Alex Mihailovich ’25

Lea Most Valuable Player: Jack Sheldon ’24

BOYS’ GOLF

Most Improved Golfer: Julien Kocatas ’26

Most Valuable Golfer: Brody DiBeneditto’26 and Will McCarthy ’25

GIRLS’ GOLF

Most Improved Golfer: Lucy Wainwright ’25

Stevens Most Valuable Golfer: Cindion Huang ’25

VARSITY BOYS’ LACROSSE

Hovey Ground Ball Award: Aiden “AJ” Kraus ’26

Class of 1981 Most Improved Player: Hunter Grace ’27

Hovey Most Valuable Player: Drew Knight ’24

Girls’ Varsity Golf

Last spring, the team was dedicated to improving all elements of the game. Seven of the 15 players were ready to compete on Wednesdays and Saturdays, while newly minted players worked on swing development in anticipation of playing matches this spring. Placing seventh out of nine schools in the competitive Founders League tournament, the team celebrated a last afternoon together and competed well against the best players in the league. The end of the season was bittersweet as both Taylor Horgan ’24 and Ella Ungerman ’24 made their final putts to close out their last competitive rounds as Martlets.

Boys’ Varsity Golf

The team enjoyed a successful 2024 season, highlighted by a regular season record of 18-7 and receiving the Houghton Award for the team with the best season. The team was led by Brody DiBeneditto ’26 (38.1 average), Will McCarthy ’25 (38.3 average) and Reed Ghriskey ’26 (39.5 average), but a total of eight different players contributed at the varsity level. The brightest point of the season was setting a school record with a score of 179 (-1) in a dual match versus Pomfret at Hop Meadow Country Club. Along with the lowest nine-hole score in school history, the day was made more special by McCarthy shooting 31 (-5) to tie the all-time school record.

VARSITY GIRLS’ LACROSSE

Ground Ball Award: Hadley Crowther ’25 and Margaret Dilks ’24

Most Improved Player: Charlotte Radin ’25 and Julia Matyas ’24

Kurtz Most Valuable Player: Alex Musser ’26

VARSITY SOFTBALL

Most Improved Player: Gabby de la Fe ’26

Most Valuable Player: Marleigh Monroe ’24

VARSITY BOYS’ TENNIS

Most Improved Player: Hugh Olson ’25

Davenport Most Valuable Player: David Suit ’24 and Will Whiting ’24

VARSITY GIRLS’ TENNIS

Most Improved Player: Clover Cooper ’26

Most Valuable Player: Nora Davis ’24

BOYS’ TRACK AND FIELD

Most Improved Trackster: Benji Hanson ’27

Scull Most Valuable Trackster: Daniel Edwards ’24

GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD

Most Improved Trackster: Emme Pacheco-Hager ’25

Scull Most Valuable Trackster: Elysse Cumberland ’24

ULTIMATE FRISBEE

Most Improved: Anthony DiBartolomeo ’25

Most Valuable Player: Alex Wood ’25

Girls’ Varsity Tennis

Boys’ Varsity Tennis

The 2024 spring tennis season was a successful swing, with all the players contributing from late March to late May. For the third time in the last 20 seasons, the team beat a talented Loomis Chaffee squad and had equally competitive matches against Avon, Salisbury, Kingswood Oxford, Choate and Deerfield. The team qualified for the New England Class B championships for the second season in a row, and it has now had the third consecutive season achieving 10-plus wins. The Sixth Formers, in their last three seasons on the team, reached a cumulative win total greater than the previous eight seasons combined. The players were lucky to have had strong, genuine leadership from its elder statesmen as well as brilliant play and determination from its young stars.

The spring season was a great year for the team; it competed hard and played fair. The girls worked together and grew over the course of the season. Since most of the matches were away, the team spent a lot of time on the road and ended the season 4-9. Two Third Formers joined the team and they both worked hard and started in regular matches. The team will miss departing Sixth Formers Cecily Belford, Avery Bressel, Nora Davis and Payton Harding, who paved the way with commitment and instilled a great work ethic for players to follow. The team looks forward to next season with grit and grace.

The Stephen Harris Squibb Bowl honors the athlete from each varsity team who demonstrated the greatest sportsmanship, consistent effort and inspired performance.

BASEBALL: Vinny Maslauskas ’24

BOYS’ GOLF: Reed Ghriskey ’26

GIRLS’ GOLF: Taylor Horgan ’24

BOYS’ LACROSSE: Reid Bulger ’24

GIRLS’ LACROSSE: Margee Mahoney ’24

SOFTBALL: Olivia Gordon ’24

BOYS’ TENNIS: Finn Hocking ’26

GIRLS’ TENNIS: Cecily Belford ’24

BOYS’ TRACK AND FIELD: James O’Connell ’25

GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD: Adrienne Hall ’25

ULTIMATE FRISBEE: Dane Moliterno ’24

The Hopley-Jackson Award is given to the Westminster lower team or teams with the best season.

TEAMS: JV Girls’ Tennis and JV Boys’ Lacrosse

COACHES: Peter Doucette (Girls’ Tennis); Mike Lawler, Chris White, Julien Nicolas (Boys’ Lacrosse)

CAPTAINS: Westie Strawbridge ’24, Colby Smith ’24, Eliza Cabot ’24 (Girls’ Tennis); Cayden Darnowski ’25 (Boys’ Lacrosse)

The All-Founders League Award is given to two members of each Varsity team. The award is given in recognition of those student athletes who best exemplify the league ideals of sportsmanship, hard work and character in the spirit of competition and fair play at the varsity level.

BASEBALL: Evin Curtiss ’24 and Shaw Turton ’25

BOYS’ GOLF: Brody DiBeneditto ’26 and Will McCarthy ’25

GIRLS’ GOLF: Ella Ungerman ’24 and Taylor Horgan ’24

BOYS’ LACROSSE: Jake Carbone ’24 and Jackson Alpaugh ’24

GIRLS’ LACROSSE: Tilly Lynch ’25 and Liza Merill ’25

SOFTBALL: Paige Herlihy ’25 and Anna Hassett ’27

BOYS’ TENNIS: David Suit ’24 and Liam Hibbard ’27

GIRLS’ TENNIS: Remi Morello ’25 and Lauren Neuman ’25

BOYS’ TRACK AND FIELD: Reggie Kanu ’25 and Daniel Edwards ’24

GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD: Elysse Cumberland ’24 and Adrienne Hall ’25

ULTIMATE FRISBEE: Alex Wood ’25 and Henry Warner ’25

The Frederick D. Houghton Award is given to the Westminster team or teams with the best season.

TEAMS: Varsity Softball and Varsity Boys’ Golf

COACHES: Mitch Overbye, Nicole Garcia (Softball); Greg Marco (Boys’ Golf)

CAPTAINS: Marleigh R. Monroe ’24, Olivia F. Gordon ’24, Mia R. Magriz ’25 (softball); Daniel Venture ’24 (Boys’ Golf)

David Suit ’24

Building on a Foundation of Excellence:

Westminster’s Next Strategic Plan

Over the last 15 years, Westminster has thoughtfully and intentionally transformed its physical spaces with new facilities — including Armstrong Dining Hall, Brockelman Student Center, Kelter House, Squibb House, Gund House and the faculty carriage houses — all of which support the school’s core value of community and provide inspiring spaces for living and learning. Westminster’s growth, however, has extended well beyond its buildings to financial aid, faculty development and record operational support for The Westminster Fund. Great schools challenge themselves to continually assess the relevance and effectiveness of their mission and program in meeting the needs of their current and future students. So against this backdrop of tremendous growth, Westminster embarked on a comprehensive strategic planning process in the spring of 2022 to identify the key priorities that will drive the school’s continued growth and ensure that a Westminster education remains a vibrant, valued and viable legacy for future generations.

WESTMINSTER’S LAST STRATEGIC PLAN

was developed over a decade ago at the beginning of Bill Philip’s tenure as head of school. After the successful completion of the Soar Together campaign and the appointment of Elaine White as the ninth head of school, it was time to evaluate the school’s next strategic priorities. Additionally, the school was emerging from two years of pandemic uncertainty and upheaval, an experience that reinforced the immense value of an independent school education and highlighted the incredible importance of Westminster’s holistic, relationship-based education.

The Strategic Planning Committee was co-chaired by Renée Lynch Carrel ’84, P’19, ’21, chair of Westminster’s Board of Trustees, and Charlie Griffith P’11, ’14, ’17, associate dean of faculty. In addition to the chairs and Elaine White, the committee comprised 21 members, including four trustees, two current parents, and faculty and staff from all key departments (academics, athletics, arts, student life, college counseling, communications, advancement, diversity equity and inclusion, technology, business and facilities).

Over the course of a year, the committee solicited feedback from the broader Westminster community — alumni, parents, students, faculty and staff — on the school’s strengths and opportunities for growth. “The process was designed to be broad, inclusive and transparent,” said co-chair Griffith. “We intentionally included a wide range of voices.” Community members expressed their enthusiasm and affection for Westminster, citing its reputation for academic excellence; its nurturing community; its balanced approach to educating the whole student; its motto of Grit and Grace; and, especially, its transformational faculty-student relationships.

With this feedback as the foundation, the committee conducted an in-depth assessment of the school’s unique strengths and opportunities — as well as the surrounding educational landscape — to identify the most important and impactful priorities for the coming decade. “The process affirmed that we are incredibly fortunate to approach the future from a position of considerable strength,” said Carrel. “But it also challenged us to explore new ways to evolve and advance our program to ensure that we stay competitive in the marketplace and continue to meet our mission in a world that’s being driven by unprecedented change.”

Five Key Strategic Initiatives

With much of the master facilities plan complete, the strategic plan focuses primarily on expanding and deepening the school’s investment in people and programs. “We know — and hear consistently from our alumni — that it is the people and programs that most profoundly shape students’ experience and growth at Westminster and impact their lives most beyond Williams Hill,” said Griffith. “So student education, experience and impact are at the heart of this plan.”

Five key strategic initiatives, which were approved by the board of trustees in September 2023, will guide Westminster’s work over the next decade. This plan is intended to be dynamic so that the school can adjust and respond to the evolving needs and experiences of students. The broad nature of the five strategic initiatives allow the board, in partnership with Elaine White and her leadership team, to ensure that the plan stays focused on fulfilling the school’s mission.

1 Invest in Faculty and Staff:

Invest in the growth and well-being of faculty and staff to attract and retain the most talented educators and ensure excellence in teaching and learning

“We have begun the work, we are excited to share our progress as it unfolds, and we welcome the partnership among faculty, alumni and families to realize the plan.”

– Head of School Elaine White

Speak to any Westminster School alumni — young or old — about their time at the school and you will quickly learn the names of their favorite teachers and coaches and the valuable lessons those people taught them. The school’s dedicated and talented faculty and staff impact students well beyond the classroom — on the playing fields, in advisory, at family-style lunch, on stage and in the studio, in the dorm and throughout the community. Through these authentic, multifaceted connections, Westminster students form deep, long-lasting and profoundly impactful relationships with faculty and staff. With the rapidly evolving needs of students and the growing demands of teaching, particularly in boarding schools, Westminster “needs to be realistic about what a given employee can actually do while they are ensuring excellence in a given area,” Griffith said. Westminster is focused on providing sufficient resources to enable

Physics teacher Tahj Bailey in the classroom

faculty and staff to hone their craft, to explore and adopt new ways of teaching and collaborating with students and to balance their professional responsibilities and their personal lives.

2 Advance Academics:

Enhance the strength of Westminster’s curriculum to ensure a dynamic academic program that prepares students for a rapidly evolving world

Westminster’s academic program has long been distinguished by its rigor, engagement and balance. In today’s complex world of unprecedented technological, environmental and social change, the school must be intentional about ensuring students have the knowledge, skills and experiences they will need to thrive at Westminster and beyond. By advancing the school’s curriculum and building a dynamic academic program, Westminster students will be prepared and inspired to be the next generation of changemakers.

To that end, Westminster is committed to strengthening skill development; writing and research; cultivating independent and critical thinking; fostering collaboration and teamwork and retaining traditional teaching methods while capturing the best of what’s new in technology, interdisciplinary advances and real-world applications.

3 Cultivate Community & Culture:

Deepen Westminster’s distinctive culture and commitment to Grit and Grace in a vibrant, diverse, engaged and inclusive community

Westminster’s motto of “Grit and Grace” defines and distinguishes the school’s culture, the community and its members’ commitment to themselves and to others. Grit characterizes the effort students make to meet high expectations for academics, athletics, and community involvement. Grace speaks to the way they negotiate those responsibilities with generosity of spirit, good manners and respect for all. Never has the school’s motto felt more relevant or important than it does in today’s world.

For students, Grit and Grace has meant cultivating confidence –– the kind of confidence they need to embrace new opportunities and challenges, to feel comfortable with themselves and to successfully interact in the increasingly complex world beyond Williams Hill. This third initiative will focus on embedding opportunities to imbue and amplify Grit and Grace — as well as the school’s core values of Community, Character, Involvement and Balance — to build an even stronger, healthier Westminster community.

Associate Dean of Faculty Charlie Griffith P’11, ’14, ’17 conducts a history class in Sejong Lecture Hall.

Jess Keough, associate head of school, holds an advisory meeting.

4 Elevate the Co-Curricular Experience:

Infuse the co-curricular program with enhanced opportunities for learning, growth, skill building and connection

Learning is a fully integrated endeavor at Westminster that extends well beyond the classroom to the athletic fields and the theater, to Chapel and the dorms, and to volunteering through service programs like Loaves and Fishes and Horizons at Westminster. Co-curricular programs offer important opportunities for students to grow personally, to engage in physical activity and team sports, to be creative, to collaborate and work independently, and to make meaningful connections with their classmates, their coursework and their community. More opportunities for learning, growth, skill-building and connection will further challenge and inspire students to broaden their horizons, pursue their passions and contribute to the life of the school and the broader community.

5 Secure the Future:

Ensure the long-term sustainability and vibrancy of Westminster School

Over the past few decades, the school has transformed its physical campus, strengthened its financial resources and enhanced its competitive position in the marketplace. Ensuring the longterm sustainability and vibrancy of Westminster School builds on that tremendous momentum and is essential to the school’s continued growth and relevance in the 21st century. This requires that the school not only evaluate its existing programs and operational efficiencies, but also make

substantial investments in the school’s people, programs and campus to ensure Westminster will continue to flourish in the years ahead.

The Start of Implementation

After the strategic plan’s approval last September, Elaine White and her leadership team began to develop a comprehensive implementation plan with specific action items to fulfill these five strategic priorities.

Some of that work has been immediate. The first action step of the Invest in Faculty and Staff initiative calls for building the optimal faculty and staff — in quantity, quality, and qualification — to strengthen academic offerings, create a sustainable balance of faculty and staff responsibilities, and preserve and enrich Westminster’s signature relationshipbased model of education in all aspects of school life.

In the past two years, through a thoughtful use of operating budget and two significant endowed gifts, several key investments have driven action. The school has added three new positions — a director of mental health services, a second learning specialist and a dean of students — to support the immediate needs of the greatest number of students. In addition, the teaching load for academic department heads has been reduced by one course so that they can focus on curriculum development and faculty training and evaluation. A similar reduction in the coaching requirements for form deans has allowed for more time to implement supportive, student-focused programming. The college counseling office has been able to increase support and resources for students and families and implement a comprehensive four-year college curriculum by adding a fourth, full-time counselor and eliminating counselors’ classroom teaching responsibilities. These strategic investments have profoundly strengthened Westminster’s commitment to fostering

Student volunteers work on a Habitat for Humanity project in East Hartford, Conn.

Director of College Counseling Greg Williams P’25, ’27 joins family-style lunch with students.

a supportive, holistic educational environment, ensuring that every student has the resources and guidance needed to grow and thrive.

Several new programs and pilot opportunities are already in place that address more than one priority, according to Carrel and Griffith. Westminster’s newly proposed Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, for example, is designed to support the first two initiatives by investing in faculty and advancing academics. Once it is fully built out, the Center will house four learning specialists, an academic technologist and a director of pedagogy and teaching excellence. While it will take time and resources to fully staff the Center and achieve its teaching and learning goals, the strategic plan outlines its two-fold purpose:

• Learning Excellence: A dedicated space and program — that is staffed by trained faculty and accessible to all students — to provide academic coaching, subject-specific academic support, and dedicated writing and math resources.

• Teaching Excellence: A center focused on offering more robust professional development and mentorship; encouraging diverse and innovative teaching methods and learning experiences; and enriching the culture of collaboration, accountability, and evaluation. It will also purposely and strategically support faculty in integrating technology, including generative AI applications, into the curriculum to augment learning and advance research, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.

In his capacity as associate dean of faculty, Griffith is steering the Center’s teaching-related efforts, which include a new faculty mentoring program spearheaded by Bill Sistare, director of studies. The student-learning initiatives are under the direction of Kelly Curtis P’24, ’28, who holds the Simpson Family Chair for Teaching and Learning Excellence and serves as Westminster’s director of academic support. This fall, for the first time, the school is offering support four nights each week for all Westminster students through its new evening study hall program.

“What we are trying to do is create academic support that can work with any student at Westminster School regardless of whether they have a learning difference or not,” Curtis explained. “Every student can benefit from sitting down with somebody and having them help manage their week, organize a paper or write an outline.”

The Journey Forward: Aspirational, Inspirational and Achievable

Westminster has embarked upon an important and critical journey, one which will require support in many ways from across constituencies. Each initiative and its supportive action steps will take time, resources, creativity, development and, in some instances, significant funding in order to come to fruition.

“The strategic plan is aspirational and inspirational. It is practical and realistic. It is comprehensive, and it focuses on people and programs, which are the heart of the Westminster experience,” comments White. “It will require increasing the endowment substantially to ensure more fiscal stability and flexibility for the future. We have begun the work, we are excited to share our progress as it unfolds, and we welcome the partnership among faculty, alumni and families to realize the plan.”

Sixth Form Dean, math teacher and Horizons Program Director Kelly Wosleger also coaches girls’ varsity soccer.

Director of Academic Support Kelly Curtis P’24, ’28

Physics and Astronomy Teacher Elgin Leary Helps Students Learn Complex Theories

No spoilers. But if you see Martlets measuring distances between points on Williams Hill with puzzled looks on their faces, they are probably Elgin Leary’s science students. Appointed in 2023, Leary currently teaches physics to Third Formers, AP physics, and astronomy, and is working with one student on an independent study in astrophysics.

Leary focuses on helping students to develop a better understanding of scientific modeling — the use of abstract models that make a particular part or feature of the scientific world easier to understand, define, quantify, visualize or simulate. It requires students to select and identify relevant aspects of a situation in the real world and then develop a model to replicate a system with those features.

“Most high school math is twodimensional, X & Y. A set foundation. I teach students to think of the world in which they live and take it down to how systems arrange themselves in threedimensional space,” explained Leary. “The question is how to explain it. We need a case to teach it through.”

has long sought outlets that foster teaching opportunities.

At North Georgia College and State University, where he earned his B.S. with a double major in physics and music, he learned to operate the school’s planetarium and observatory for public events. “I had worked on the data collection side of science, but always had an interest in the communication side. I enjoyed the interaction with the public,” he said.

He continued his studies at the University of North Georgia, where he completed his master of science education. Later, he would go on to host “star nights” at a botanical garden off campus from the University of Georgia, where is he pursuing his Ph.D. in science education.

“I teach students to think of the world in which they live and take it down to how systems arrange themselves in three-dimensional space. The question is how to explain it. We need a case to teach it through.”

— Physics and Astronomy teacher Elgin Leary

Enter embodied modeling. After introducing astronomy concepts through classroom teaching, his students head outdoors and use a trundle wheel to measure linear distance, and mark the scale of the earth, moon, and sun. They then use three-dimensional manipulatives to recreate how celestial bodies move in space. As Leary explains, if you think you know, you probably don’t. What we observe from earth does not tell the whole story…. It’s much more complicated. Leary’s students discover that objects in space move in unexpected ways.

Leary piloted this method of teaching on university campuses, where just as at Westminster, students are confused for at least a day and a half until the eureka moment occurs. “Two or three students in the second round of observation and calculation will ‘get it’ and draw the solution for the remainder of the group,” he said. “They learn to solve problems they don’t initially understand, which coordinate goes with which movement.”

These principles, Leary emphasized, can then be applied to advanced physics applications subjects like nuclear physics, electrostatics and relativity.

Leary’s interest in space science began at an early age. When he was in grade school, he aspired to become an astronaut. In sixth grade, his parents gave him a backyard telescope, and in ninth grade, provided him with a more sophisticated model. While he did not pursue becoming an astronaut, he remained intent on learning as much as he could about the night sky and

Leary started his teaching career in public schools in 2013 in Gwinnett County, Georgia. “I did not have an awareness of independent schools at that time,” he said. “I loved it. I loved the classes. I loved coaching, but the standardsbased education system bothered me. I had flexibility to develop methods to deliver material, but I felt the curriculum left my students with an 1800s view of the world,” he recalled. After five years, he was at a crossing point. “I questioned how to inject more robust science understanding in K-12 settings.”

In 2018, he left public-school teaching and returned to school full time, earning an M.S. in astrophysics at the University of Georgia. “Each summer, I participated in summer internships in science labs where I created lessons that take frontier thinking and distilled it down to K-12 level.”

He has nearly completed a doctorate in science education studying an intervention to teach 3D-time-dependent relations in celestial mechanics to introductory students. He has presented his work at National Association for Research in Science Teaching and Association for Science Teaching Education conferences.

“My PhD. status is ‘ABD’ — All But Dissertation,” he joked. “I hope to complete it by the fall of 2025 if I can get heavy writing done over the summer,” he said.

Meanwhile, this fall, Leary introduced the Westy Space Science program to offer students more opportunities to study the night sky in the observatory and in the planetarium as well as outside. He is also eager to rekindle his work of sharing his knowledge of astronomy with the wider community.

“Westminster has wonderful resources — the 16-seat Class of 1957 Planetarium, a computerized telescope and the BarnesBristow Observatory. They created a title for me — Director of Planetarium and Observatory. I am hopeful that I will soon be able to launch a community-based astronomy program.”

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: MEIYIN REN ’25Ben

How Westminster’s science courses helped

one student relate physics and engineering theories to real life

“A

dual degree of freedom pneumatic shoulder rehabilitation device” is a hefty title for a simple concept aimed at helping patients gain easy and efficient access to physical therapy. Meiyin Ren ’25 designed the award-winning rehabilitation device last spring as her entry in the Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair.

Her project won several awards in the annual competition, including first place in the physical science category and the Zepke Award for best use of electronic circuitry. She also received the H. Joseph Gerber Award of Excellence from the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering.

Meiyin was also chosen as one of seven finalists to represent Connecticut in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair 2024, the world’s largest pre-college STEM competition, held in Los Angeles last May.

Her inspiration for the design resulted, in part, from her own shoulder issues that she experienced while playing Varsity softball. She knew that other members of her team and other athletes and coaches also have had shoulder aches and pains from time to time that require physical therapy. And, in China where she lives, access to physical therapy is limited, especially for the elderly. So, Meiyin set out to design a rehabilitation device that would operate without the assistance of a physical therapist. Once she had the idea in mind, the most difficult part of the project was coming up with a solution that no one had proposed before.

That involved a process of reviewing previous research and trying to figure out what already exists and what might be a new approach.

Most rehabilitation devices operate either mechanically, requiring patients to use their own force, or by pneumatic resistance similar to the pull-cable trainers typically found at fitness centers. Meiyin’s device, which is worn like a vest, is powered by a pneumatic-controlled vacuum pump that captures air and transports it around a circuit that generates the energy to automatically lift the user’s arm. Meiyin also created an app so that the person using the device can select which movements they want to perform.

“It allows you to independently perform physical rehabilitation movements on your own time, which increases the accessibility to rehabilitation and makes it more efficient. It basically aims to replace physical therapy,” explained Meiyin.

Meiyin said the device is best suited for patients who need physical therapy immediately following surgery when they lack the muscle strength to move their arm independently. It lifts their arm and shoulder so they are able to complete movements that activate their muscles.

The design also supports a dual range of exercises. Most of the physical therapy devices only allow for singledegree freedom, moving the arm either vertically or horizontally. Meiyin’s design can facilitate both horizontal and vertical movements.

Since she had never taken an engineering course before, Meiyin sought advice from engineering teacher Susie Bailey, who is the faculty advisor for the Society of Women Engineers. She helped guide Meiyin through the design process, which involves several steps including identifying a need, researching the problem, building a scale prototype and finally testing and evaluating that prototype.

Bailey was very impressed with Meiyin’s attention to detail in each of the engineering steps, noting that her firsthand experience with the problem coupled with her prototype idea and model made her project remarkable.

Meiyin also took a hands-on approach, employing the knowledge she learned

in her physics class such as calculating air pressure and determining torque and applied those principles in her design. Rather than reading material and taking tests, she used what she learned in the classroom to create something tangible.

She scheduled meetings with Bailey to review her progress. She also reviewed her submitted work, which provided valuable feedback. Additionally, both Bailey and Associate Director of College Counseling Kate Rogers supported her extensively during the application process for the Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair. “Given the complexity of the application process and that only a few students had applied before, their guidance was invaluable,” said Meiyin.

“Throughout the entire process, my advisor Senior Associate Director of Admissions Mitch Overbye also supported me, encouraging me and helping with logistics as I traveled to Los Angeles to represent Connecticut at the International Science and Engineering Fair.”

Equally impressive was Meiyin’s decision to donate the $1,625 prize money from the Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair to Horizons. Her act of generosity was inspired by Matthew Park ’21 who donated his prize money to the program after he earned first-place for his invention in the Stanley Black & Decker and Discovery Education 2021 Making for Good Challenge.

“One of the first Instagram posts I saw about Westminster before I even enrolled was about Matt Park donating his science prize money to the Horizons,” said Meiyin. “I think that really represents what

Westminster stands for and I made a deal with myself that if I were to win anything while I was a student at Westminster, I would donate to Horizons.”

Meiyin is a volunteer this fall in Horizons’ monthly Saturday Academy, an enrichment program for students from Moylan Elementary in Hartford. Horizons Executive Director Patrick Owens said Meiyin’s gift was great timing for Horizons, which is expanding its STEM program. “We’ll certainly be able to put the money to good use, buying supplies for experiments and incorporating engineering into our mid-school curriculum as well,” he said. “It’s just so great that Westminster students like Meiyin are supporting the Horizons initiative.”

Her volunteer spirit extends beyond Williams Hill. At home in Beijing, China, Meiyin is also active in her community. Since 2019, she has been teaching English and math to children from underserved rural areas of China. She also teaches softball and baseball, with the goal of teaching them skills that they can enjoy beyond academics.

Meanwhile, her science project has piqued her interest in biomedical engineering. “Many of my family members are doctors. I’m probably not going in that direction, although biomedical engineering is related to healthcare,” she said.

This year she is considering developing her device into more of a refined product for next spring’s state competition. While she has tried the device herself, one of the drawbacks of competing in the science fair is that its rules do not allow her to test her device on other people. Alternatively, she may design a similar device for rehabilitating a different joint.

“I’ve also entered other more businesscentered competitions. I’ve gotten a lot of feedback also from the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering on how to improve the device,” she said.

And who knows, if it goes well, Meiyin said she might even apply for a patent. That could be good news for those of us with annoying shoulder pain.

Scan the QR code to view a short video showing the robotic arm in motion.

Meiyin’s self-operating shoulder rehabilitation device

Photo: Patrick Lantrip/The

“Art” Gilliam Jr.’59 is Still Breaking Racial Barriers

A After 40-plus Years in Radio, Herman

bus ride nearly 70 years ago changed the trajectory of Art Gilliam’s life.

He remembers the day clearly. He was a kid growing up in Memphis in the deeply segregated South when he hopped on a city bus one day heading downtown from his all-Black neighborhood. Before taking a seat, he ambled past a familiar sign at the front of the bus that read: “Colored passengers occupy rear seats first.” He took a seat halfway down the aisle on the nearly empty bus and as he turned his gaze toward the bus window he hadn’t noticed that the white passengers boarding the bus refused to sit behind him and remained standing in front. Unwittingly, Gilliam was breaking the law. The driver soon radioed the police, an armed officer arrived and Gilliam was ordered to move to the back of the bus. But he did not move to the back of bus; instead, he got off the bus and walked the rest of the way downtown.

“I’ll never forget that sign and what it said,” said Gilliam, now 81. It was that moment of civil disobedience that, in part, set him on a course to Westminster, then to Yale and eventually to his role as a community leader who has broken racial barriers during his decades-long career as owner of the Memphis radio station WLOK.

In 2023, Gilliam was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame for his leadership of WLOK, the first and only independently owned Black radio station in Memphis that broadcasts both AM and FM. Last February, he was recognized by the University of Memphis Black Student Association with their Lifetime Achievement Award, given annually to a Memphian whose life exemplifies outstanding dedication to the Memphis community.

Gilliam’s journey to Westminster began with his father, also named Herman. He was not college educated himself, but he had read about Yale University and he was determined to send his son there. When Gilliam was only four, his father had him running touchdowns for Yale in imaginary games against Harvard. As a young man, Gilliam’s father had worked as a Pullman porter, did odd jobs, and had a short stint playing in the Negro Baseball League in New York before he landed a job with the Universal Life Insurance Company in Nashville, one of the largest Black insurance companies in America. Later, he became vice president of sales and moved the family to Memphis. Gilliam’s mother attended Tennessee State University, before Columbia University in New York, and after graduating she returned to

Daily Memphian

Nashville to teach. Both parents wanted the best education for their only son, and their determination to see their son enrolled in the Ivy League school became a driving force in young Gilliam’s life and Westminster the bridge to his future.

Although Gilliam was an exceptional student and excelled at his segregated high school in Memphis, none of his courses prepared him for an Ivy League education.

In an essay for his 25th Westminster reunion in 1984, Gilliam described how he arrived at Westminster: “It is in that context of having come from the then

decadent and completely segregated South that Westminster became my bridge to the future. I was the only child of a family that had, by my thirteenth year, become a middle-income family. My dad’s dream and vision, my mother’s sacrifice, and the circumstance of being an only child combined to bring me to Williams Hill.”

Today, Gilliam says there was another compelling reason his parents sent him East for an education. In 1955, Emmett Till, a young Black boy, was killed by white men in Money,

“I was a couple years younger than Emmett Till and the threat of physical danger toward young Black kids in the South along with the lack of educational opportunity made my father look outside the South to further my education.”

– Herman “Art” Gilliam Jr. ’59

Mississippi, a town not far from Memphis in the Mississippi Delta.

“I was a couple years younger than Emmett Till and the threat of physical danger toward young Black kids in the South along with the lack of educational opportunity made my father look outside the South to further my education,” he said.

When he arrived on Williams Hill in 1956, as a Fourth Former at age 13, Gilliam was one of a few Black students on campus. Booker Bradshaw Jr. ’58, from Richmond, Virginia, was the first Black student to attend and graduate from Westminster, having enrolled a year ahead of Gilliam.

By all accounts, Westminster was a seismic shift for Gilliam. “Imagine, I was coming from an environment that was all Black to one that was essentially all white,” he said. The welcome he received from the community, and in particular long-serving teacher and coach Rankine Hinman and his stepson, Gordon Ramsey ’59, helped him adjust.

“Gordon, a classmate, took me rock climbing the first week I arrived,” Gilliam said. “The Hinmans were the first white family I ever met and interacted with in any way. They took me under their wing and that helped me tremendously because from the day I arrived at Westminster to the day I completed my education at Yale, I would be primarily interacting with whites.”

After graduating from Westminster, Gilliam fulfilled his father’s wish and enrolled at Yale at the age of 16, one of five Blacks in the freshman class. He earned a B.A. in economics from Yale in 1963, and went on to the University of Michigan, where he graduated with an M.A. in actuarial science in 1967. Between his graduate years, he took a year off when he signed up for a seven-year obligation as an Air Force Reservist. After he graduated from Michigan, he returned to Memphis to work at Universal Life Insurance Company where, like his father, he would also rise to become a vice president of claims and underwriting.

Soon after, his career path began to shift. In 1968, the year Dr. Martin

Art Gilliam on one of his first days at WLOK Radio.

Luther King Jr., was assassinated in Memphis, The Commercial Appeal was looking for Black voices and tapped Gilliam to write weekly editorials. He became the first Black columnist for the newspaper and the first to write about the sanitation strike leading up to King’s assassination. He was recruited by WMC-TV in Memphis to be a weekend news anchor, becoming Memphis’ first Black person on air. Except for the year he spent working in Washington, D.C., as the administrative assistant to U.S. Congressman Harold Ford Sr. for 19751976, Gilliam has been immersed in radio ever since.

After returning from D.C., he launched Gilliam Communications, Inc. and in 1977, he bought WLOK in Memphis, which became the first Black-owned radio station and the city’s first locally-owned station. While the purchase was a good business decision, Gilliam was also motivated by the power of radio to engage the Black

community. The radio always drew his family together and as a kid he recalled the memory of sitting with his parents and grandma around the radio listening to the Joe Louis fight. He wanted his station to build that kind of connection and unity in the Memphis community.

When he took over the station, Memphis was still very segregated ––and so was the station. Gilliam built a more diverse staff by hiring more Black employees. Then, he initiated another major programming change. The previous station owner was Starr Broadcasting, which was chaired by conservative intellectual and commentator Williams

F. Buckley Jr. Under Starr ownership, the station dropped its Operation PUSH programming. (Once considered a militant group, Operation PUSH is a national organization that pursues social justice, civil rights, and political activism.) One of the first things Gilliam did when he took over operations was restore Operation PUSH programming

to the station. He also enhanced the station’s presence in the Black community by launching annual events, including the WLOK Stone Soul Picnic and the WLOK Black Film Festival, both of which are funded by his non-profit Gilliam Foundation, Inc.

Art Gilliam welcomes Operation PUSH’s founder Jesse Jackson to WLOK.

Art Gilliam interviewing B.B. King at the WLOK Stone Soul Picnic.

Scan to listen to one of Gilliam’s Spotify playlists.

“I am very optimistic, because the pendulum in America has always swung toward justice and freedom. I feel it is important for all of us who have those values to work tirelessly to make America a more perfect union.”

– Herman “Art” Gilliam Jr. ’59

While WLOK had been known for its R & B playlist, under Gilliam it became nationally celebrated for its gospel music. In 1997, the station earned the title of top gospel station in the country, an honor it held for several years running. Many photos and awards of famous recording artists, including the Bar-Kays, Booker T. and the MG’s, Al Green and Isaac Hayes, whose careers were advanced by WLOK, adorn the station walls. But Gilliam is equally proud of plaques awarded to the station for its civic and community service as well as the series of vintage photos of slave cabins donated by a listener. His Danish wife, Dorrit, whom he met in 2004 and married in 2005, is chief operating officer of the Gilliam Foundation, whose mission is to create opportunities for disadvantaged persons through group training and education

that in turn serve to strengthen and stabilize communities. Gilliam still works at the station and is an on-air guest each Thursday on the station’s daily talk show. He plans on continuing his involvement with WLOK, cementing its roots as a voice that reflects the community and ensuring its success as a Black-owned business.

Though deeply rooted in Memphis, Gilliam never forgot his Westminster ties. From 2000-2004, he served as a trustee and he has returned to campus for Reunions, most recently for the Flock Reunion. He continues writing editorials on racial issues, and in 2014, he published, “One America, Moving Beyond the Issue of Race,” a book in which he shared his experiences of growing up in the South during the Civil Rights Era, the impact of racism on

Blacks in America and his hope and vision for the future of America.

For Gilliam, it has been a long journey from that fateful bus ride he took in his youth to owning an award-winning, Black-owned radio station. Despite the great political, racial and social unrest he sees in the country today, he is upbeat about the nation’s future.

“I am very optimistic, because the pendulum in America has always swung toward justice and freedom,” he said. “I feel it is important for all of us who have those values to work tirelessly to make America a more perfect union.”

During his time at Westminster, Gilliam served as an assignment editor on the news board.

Gilliam’s photo as it appeared in the Spectator

Congressional Affairs Specialist Kate Lovas ’18 Works Behind the Scenes

When she was growing up, Kate Lovas ’18 –– the first U.S. citizen in her family –– knew she wanted a career with an international perspective.

After WWII, her Hungarian grandparents lived in refugee camps before resettling in Australia, where Lovas’s parents were born. Her mother was largely raised in India, where her parents were missionaries, and her father’s work brought the couple to Hong Kong, the United States and to Brussels, where Lovas attended international school and became acquainted with the work of foreign service officers.

Today, her work with the U.S. Department of State is a perfect intersection of her career and life experiences.

Behind the scenes at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM), Congressional Affairs Specialist Lovas prepares senior officials with information they need to provide upto-the-minute briefings and testimony to members of Congress. PRM is the humanitarian bureau of the State Department. It promotes U.S. interests by providing protection, easing suffering, and resolving the plight of persecuted and forcibly displaced people around the world.

“I learn about each member of Congress and anticipate what State Department officials are going to be asked at briefings and hearings,” explained Lovas. “Testifying before Congress can be up to a two-month process. I set up role playing of real-time scenarios that prepare State Department officials on how to respond. We practice ensuring they can knock questions out of the park.” She also prepares associated hearing binders, Q&As, testimony, and press releases. Congressional Affairs Specialists are assigned to specific global regions. Lovas’s portfolio has included areas across the Western Hemisphere, including the United States Southern Border. “I was an intern during the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. It was all hands on deck. I helped write talking points.” Later as an employee for the State Department, she was assigned to the team that supported the agency’s work on evacuations from Sudan and the Israel-Hamas war.

Lovas said her experience at the State Department has taught her about managing international crises. “On Oct. 7, the foreign service officer covering the Middle East was on vacation. It was a fast-learning experience,” she recalled. “There were floods of press inquiries and numerous Congressional briefing requests. It’s important to make sure that all information requests are met. We never want to have a member of Congress believe we aren’t complying with their oversight responsibilities.”

By the time information reaches her desk, it has been cleared for consistency and intelligence protocols. “We make sure that the right information is released to the right people.”

Westminster history teacher and Lovas’s advisor Sara Mogck, who worked in politics early in her career, is not surprised that Lovas is thriving. “Kate stood out because she was unflappable. She was able to maintain perspective and remain calm in the face of any type of challenge. This quality allowed her to perform well under pressure and to take necessary risks. I am so proud of Kate and look forward to learning about all she will continue to accomplish.”

“I was an intern during the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. It was all hands on deck. I helped write talking points.”

– Kate Lovas ’18

While at Westminster, Lovas volunteered as a math and science tutor at Grace Academy in Hartford, took AP French Language and Culture and AP Psychology, played JV lacrosse and soccer. She now plays in an adult recreational soccer league and coaches youth soccer on weekends. “Sports was a positive experience for me,” she said. “I met my best friends on JV soccer. I’m still in touch with Becca Gavel ’18. She plays soccer in Boston. We are bonded over it.”

Between Fifth and Sixth form years, Lovas secured a legal internship in New York through a program called Summer Discovery. “I was part of a group of high school students who lived at Pace University in dorms. Each of us had a different internship — one in fashion, one at a magazine, one at a medical practice. It was like camp,” she recalled. That summer she also volunteered with Art Helping Life, a not-for-profit benefiting young people in Senegal.

After graduating from Westminster, Lovas was accepted to the Shreyer Honors College at Penn State University and was

named a Paterno Fellow. While at Penn State, she earned a series of prestigious internships: Chief Legislative Page at the Ohio House of Representatives, Senate and Congressional internships, and two separate stints at the U.S. Department of State.

In December 2021, she earned a B.A. in International Politics with a focus on international relations, completing her degree in three and a half years. “The Shreyer honors program was just like Westminster,” said Lovas “Classes were small, and I met my requirements early. Westminster 100% prepared me. I had confidence in my writing and presentation skills.”

During her senior year, Lovas was a research assistant at Penn State Law School and held an intern position with the U.S. Department of State Global Engagement Center’s Network Engagement and Training cell, where she mapped influencers and foreign government communicators to counter propaganda and disinformation. In January 2022 she joined a D.C. law firm, where she tracked issues related to data privacy and prepared Big Tech clients to deliver Congressional testimony before finally returning to the State Department as a contractor.

“I was offered a full civil service position just one year after coming to the State Department as a contractor. It’s been challenging to step into an advisory role for senior officials when I’m the age of their children. Luckily my time at Westminster has prepared me to build trust and overcome these hurdles.”

Young Alums in College

COMING TO YOU LIVE:

Ben Mihailovich ’22 takes his love of athletics on a new trajectory — behind the mic

Ben Mihailovich ’22, a junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) majoring in media and journalism, has parlayed his passion for being an athlete into being a tenacious sports journalist and broadcaster. It all began at Westminster.

Up until his Fifth Form year, Mihailovich played soccer, basketball and baseball. He stopped playing basketball his sixth form year so he could broadcast the hockey and basketball games for both the boys’ and girls’ teams.

“Tyler Wosleger, associate director of communications, was my baseball coach and does a lot of sports media at Westminster. We realized it would be feasible for me to

broadcast two games a week. We already had the livestream going, so from there, it was just about getting a soundboard and plugging it into the camera and having me go.”

“I loved, loved, loved playing sports, but eventually I realized that playing sports in college was not something I was athletic enough to do. Sports journalism helps me still be around sports and still talk about it,” he says.

Mihailovich, who hails from Stamford, Conn., has put in two years as a play-by-play commentator on the broadcast team for the Bristol Blues, a member of the New England Collegiate Baseball League. Last summer, he called over 20 games in Bristol, Conn., and across New England.

On campus, this is his second-year interning in the UNC athletic communications department, a wide-ranging role that has him entering and recording official stats for games, doing graphic design, editing media guides and more.

COMMUNITY FIRST:

Isabel “Izzy” Bailey ’21 Thrives on Equitable Justice Young Alums

“Anything that the sports information directors want me to do or don’t have time to do, they off-source to me,” he says.

Mihailovich is also the color commentator for Ravenscroft School football in North Carolina, which plays in the state’s independent school league.

Balancing his coursework and extracurriculars can be tricky, but he has a system.

“It’s really just about being timely,” Mihailovich says. “I have to look ahead throughout the week. There’s also a little bit of preparation for high school football. During the week, I set aside time to do my assignments and 30 minutes to an hour to prepare for the game — look over rosters, see who’s going to be an important player, storylines to look out for.”

For three weeks last summer, UNC’s Hussman School of Journalism sent Mihailovich and 19 other UNC students to Paris on a plum assignment: visiting the 2024 Olympics and interviewing anyone with a connection to North Carolina.

“We found athletes, media members, an official timer for swimming, caterers, people who did religious missions in North Carolina,” he says. “Any way we could connect someone to the state, we did. We filmed and recorded interviews, then we wrote stories and sent them to NBC outlets in North Carolina.”

“I loved, loved, loved playing sports, but eventually I realized that playing sports in college was not something I was athletic enough to do. Sports journalism helps me still be around sports and still talk about it.”

– Ben Mihailovich ’22

At the Olympics, Mihailovich was required to problemsolve on the fly — a skill he first learned while in the booth at Westminster’s Jackson Hockey Rink.

“The very first game I did was a girls’ hockey game, Westy against the Hill School. The big realization moment for me came when I was up in the booth in Jackson Rink, just standing there and I thought, ‘Oh my God. I’m going to be live on the air.’ And I’d done my preparation, I memorized the players, I knew what I was going to say. But it still hits you hard. Once the cameraman hits the button, you’re live and you’ve got to figure it out.”

“The lesson came back to me in Paris,” he says. “I didn’t really know how to use a camera but was handed one on the first day and was told, ‘Hey, go film this.’ I was like, ‘All right, got to figure it out.’ Wasn’t great at editing but had to edit. Gotta do it. Look it up and ask questions if you need to.

“Westminster totally shaped how I got my start, and it shaped me in building my confidence while broadcasting. In life, you’re eventually going to be on your own and are going to have to figure it out.”

“I

never thought of myself as a huge government person.

I thought I was more into English and writing, and that was where I was going to go,” says Izzy Bailey, a senior at Wesleyan University from McLean, Va.

A government and American studies major, Bailey remembers her early experience at Westminster inspired her toward working in public service.

One thing that sparked her interest in government was working in student government with Dean of Residential Life A-men Rasheed. “It was my first intro to community building and public service-type work. And I was on the Diversity Leadership Council with Lisa McGrath, who was then the director of diversity and multicultural affairs, which was more of a look into social justice and policy-related issues,” says Bailey.

These were formative first steps for Bailey, laying the groundwork for a pivotal next step: an AP Comparative Government class taught by history teacher Betsy Heckman.

“That class opened my eyes to all things government,” says Bailey. “I was so fascinated by everything we learned. I was originally going to stay on the American Studies route, but then my dad moved to Washington, D.C., and I started spending a lot of time there, doing on-the-ground policy work. That changed my perspective to be even more government-oriented and less academic.”

The late Dan Turton ’85, former senior adviser at the U.S. House of Representatives House Committee on Rules, mentored Bailey. This led to an internship opportunity last winter in Washington, D.C., within the House Rules Committee, where she shadowed Democratic staff members.

“We saw a lot of policy drafts before they even went to the floor, which was super cool,” says Bailey. “The Rules Committee is bipartisan; I was seeing debates between Republican and Democratic representatives, and they were passionate about what they were fighting for. But there was also an underlying level of camaraderie and professionalism that I didn’t expect.”

This past summer, Bailey interned under U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo at the Office of Policy and Strategic Planning in Washington.

“It was such an incredible experience,” says Bailey. “Everything that’s going on in Commerce goes through our office. I got to get an inside look into what is going on.

“The challenges were in the importance of the work, trying to be present and grateful and work my hardest, every day I was there,” she continued. “It was an incredible gift.”

Bailey’s stint in the U.S. Department of Commerce helped to clarify what aspects of government she wanted to explore next. While there, she worked closely with Counselor for Equity Ines Hernandez, who became another mentor. Everything clicked.

“I’ve always been interested in equity, both in DEI terms and in equitable investment,” says Bailey. “Working at Commerce changed my mindset. I’m seeing the power of policy — when we make that promise, what it looks like. I’m learning that it’s not just about what policy we’re drafting; it’s about how it’s being implemented equitably and effectively on the ground.”

“I think my draw toward public service is the same draw that my 14-year-old self had toward community building and wanting to make a community in Westy.”

– Isabel “Izzy” Bailey ’21

Bailey largely credits her career choice with her experience at Westminster and the support of her teachers.

“I think my draw toward public service is the same draw that my 14-year-old self had toward community building and wanting to make a community in Westy,” she says.

Learning selflessness came from teachers like Rasheed and Nancy Urner-Berry ’81, P’11, ’16, who taught her what it means to have grit and grace and give back to your community. Upon graduating from Westminster, Bailey was awarded the Paul Winship ’35 Alumni Book Prize for her commitment in both breadth and depth to the school’s programs and activities.

“Westminster was such a community-oriented school. All I wanted to do was give back to that community and make sure I was reaching everybody,” she says. “That’s the same thing I’m trying to carry into a career in public service.”

The Water Tower:

A Once Infamous Landmark Shrouded in Mystery

For many years, Westminster’s black water tower dominated the campus landscape. Rising more than a story above Cushing Hall, it served as a landmark for air traffic in and out of Bradley International Airport. Built in 1928, the arguably unattractive structure was a necessity. For years, it provided sufficient water pressure to feed the sprinkler system on the third floor of Cushing Hall. Today, a paperweight cast from the original manufacturer’s markings and a piece of a steel strap stored in Archives are all that remain of the tower, which came under the wrecking ball in 1984. But myths and stories about this once infamous campus landmark abound.

Scott Stevens P’07, ’09, ’12, a retired English teacher who delivered the Commencement address last spring, described the black water tower as “almost Star Wars-like, hovering over the Hill and stationed as an ominous sentinel” at the site where Werner Centennial Center now stands.

“It was a gigantic, omnipresent and intimidating structure; and yes, there are stories of mythic proportions underlying the monolithic tower,” he said.

A severe penalty was handed down to any student who attempted or succeeded in climbing the tower. Each year, in the fine print in the W Book, was a rule that every student and faculty member knew: If students were ever seen climbing the

steps of the tower, or on the walkway that circled the very top of it, they would be summarily expelled from school.

Word has it that over the school’s history several students were expelled for committing the forbidden act. Just who those culprits were and when they made the climb remains a mystery. A rumor persists that there was a very secret society of Westminster daredevils named the 84 S, which stood for the 84 steps up to the water tower. It was an informal student group that dated back to the 1940s whose members could boast of having climbed those treacherous steps.

In the early 80s, before home games against Westminster’s big rivals, students would ascend the steps to the top of the tower and attach white bed sheets with the words sprawled across it in black paint that read: “Crush Choate again” or “Leave Loomis in the dust,” according to Stevens.

“The following morning as students and faculty crisscrossed campus hurrying to breakfast, classes and appointments, the community’s collective gaze would level on that bold banner, framed by both the black color of the tower and a cerulean sky. Everyone would smile and move along with their day not wanting to acknowledge amazement and even quiet appreciation,” Stevens said. “The Deans would conduct a short, inconclusive investigation and then make their

informal report in the faculty room during midmorning break amid smiles, chuckles and a few knowing faculty winks.”

Today, you’d be hard pressed to find any alumni who would readily acknowledge having climbed to the top of the tower. Several alumni from the Class of 1974 who attended last spring’s Flock Reunion professed to know of a classmate who dared to climb the rungs of the tower and left proof of their secret feat by painting “74” in white paint across the face of the water tower. Yet, no one has owned up to the crime. It’s best left as a class legacy, say some members of the class. The date was painted over, presumably by facilities. The 1974 Spectator doesn’t include a photo of the defaced tower, nor is there mention of the

defiant act. The only scrap of proof is a photo unearthed from Archives.

Gene Atwood ’73 did brave climbing the tower as a student and shared his story with the Bulletin at the Flock Reunion:

“One very frosty night, I went up there with another student and we looked around and then saw the night watchman heading toward Cushing and we climbed down. And that was that, until I requested to go off campus the following weekend and Dean Hovey had to do the final sign off. His pen paused over the permission slip, and he growled: “No more climbing the water tower, Atwood.”

As for Westminster’s female students, none were known to have climbed it. As one alumna quipped, “We weren’t that stupid.”

On left, the class year “74” was painted across the tower, which was razed in 1984. Upper left, a paperweight cast from the original manufacturer’s markings.

The Class of 2024 Commencement

A Timeless Moment

Retiring English teacher Scott Stevens P’07, ’09, ’12 stood in the shade of the Commencement Tent on the morning of May 25 and surveyed the crowd of students, families and friends gathering for Westminster’s 136th graduation ceremony.

“I

t’s such a timeless moment,” Stevens said. “The cycle continues. We have another great group of Sixth Formers who have had the Westminster experience and are about to be launched into the world. It’s a pleasure and privilege to see them off,” said Stevens, who delivered this year’s commencement address. The weather was idyllic for the sendoff. A bright blue sky greeted the 113 members of the Class of 2024 as they stepped onto Keyes Patio earlier that morning to receive their flower boutonnières and bouquets.

For Sixth Formers it was a day of mixed emotions. “I feel bittersweet, but I’m happy that it’s graduation,” said Robert Yalda, head prefect, who posed for a photo outside Cushing Hall flanked by his brothers, Francis and Christian ’22.

During his year as head prefect, he said he learned to be a better leader and to be more reliable for others. “I am going to miss my classmates and the faculty,” said Yalda, who is attending Boston College this fall.

His classmates expressed similar feelings. “I’m so excited for what’s to come,” said Maya Tavares, as she waited in a processional line with her classmates. “I will miss the people and the beautiful views we have up on the Hill,” added Mia Davis. “And the Dining Hall food,” Ally Reich chimed in.

Kicking off the ceremony in the Commencement Tent, Head of School Elaine White welcomed the class and parents, families, friends, trustees, faculty and staff members and students. She asked the Class of 2024 to recognize the many people who have helped them reach this milestone in their lives with their guidance, love and support.

Salutatorian Robert Yalda

In his salutary address, Head Prefect Robert Yalda reflected on this year’s theme of “engagement” by recalling his own arrival on the Hill as a Fourth Former.

“I was so uncertain and uncomfortable in my early days here. I didn’t know if

I was going to have friends. I didn’t know when to talk, what to join, or where to be. I felt so uncomfortable, but I sat in that discomfort, and I found avenues where I could engage in clubs and activities,” he said.

Head Prefect Robert Yalda

Outstanding Scholar Johnathan Li

In September, Yalda challenged the entire community to embrace discomfort rather than shy away from it. “And throughout the year, everyone met this goal, but most importantly the Class of 2024,” he said.

The class spearheaded initiatives to foster inclusivity, organized fundraisers for important causes and led discussions on pressing issues, all of which had a meaningful impact on the community.

“Our journey as a class wasn’t just about individual achievements; it was about coming together to create positive change. We celebrated each other’s successes, supported each other through challenges and forged bonds that will last a lifetime,” he said.

“We commence the next part of our journey, and while that is quite frightening to hear that, the bonds we created with peers will keep us connected,” Yalda said. “Do what you feel passionate about in the spirit of discomfort. Life is inherently uncertain so take that leap of faith and embrace that discomfort before the opportunity is gone. I challenge the Class of 2024, to seek discomfort and live life to the fullest with grit, grace, gratitude and compassion.”

Outstanding Scholar Johnathan Li

In his address, Johnathan Li reflected on the innately human apprehension of the future within the context of his personal life.

“We are not accustomed to thinking about endings,” he began. “When I was young, I was often petrified of the idea of leaving someplace or something behind,” he said.

He recalled arguing with his mother when she asked him to clean his room

during a summer break. At first, he protested by arguing with her that it is important to preserve history. Eventually, he acquiesced. While cleaning he discovered piles of decaying notebook pages, defaced textbooks from middle school, and a heap of souvenirs all stacked haphazardly on top of each other.

All these mementos of his past led to a surge of anxiety and the realization that

he needed to move forward into the next stage of his life. At the same time, he was angry that he was leaving his past behind, about losing the familiar and all that he held dear.

He told his classmates that they, too, must face the realization that they must move forward, and leave behind the familiar to embrace the future that awaits them.

“Eventually, we will reach a day when we are able to look back upon today and to laugh at ourselves for being so apprehensive,” he said.

“We will want our future selves to dredge up the memories we have made here and remark upon the simplicity of our anxieties and to say jokingly to our present selves, ‘You’ve got nothing to worry about!’”

But to arrive there, he continued, “We must first step into the vast and eternal realm of the unknown. We must first confront the inevitable termination which accompanies standing at the frontier of life’s unfolding.

“For to be is to become,” he said.

“We can shape our future in accordance to how we eventually wish to recall it.”

Stevens Scholarship Announced Scott Stevens P’07, ’09, ’12 arrived on the campus of Westminster in 1983, to teach English, coach hockey and lacrosse and live in the dormitory. His dedication and commitment to the school continued to flourish after he and his wife, Amy, P’07, ’09, ’12 (who retired in 2022), married and began a life together. They raised their three children on the Hill –– Nick ’07, Abby ’09 and Will ’12. During his tenure, he also served outside the classroom as director of development in what is now the advancement office. In addition to other duties, he coached several sports and started the girls’ Varsity golf team in 2015.

“For 41 years, Scott has brought magic to all our lives on this campus through eternal optimism, which graces his work,” said Head of School White.

“There are people whom we never want to ‘graduate’ so to speak from this unique world of boarding schools. Scott and Amy Stevens are two of those

people,” said White prior to announcing The Scott and Amy Stevens Scholarship Fund. Established in 2024 by former trustee Doug Londal and Kristin Londal, parents of Alex ’17, Nate ’19 and Chris ’21, the scholarship honors Scott and Amy. It will be awarded to a deserving student who offers academic promise for the future and represents Westminster’s core values of character, community, balance and involvement.

Keynote Speaker: Scott Stevens P’07, ’09, ’12

Stevens began his address by describing what the campus looked like when he arrived on Williams Hill in 1983. It had a less than grandiose entranceway, 1950s institutional-style dormitories and, of course, the infamous black water tower that loomed over campus. Over the decades that followed, living and learning on the Hill changed drastically. So, too, did the stories students carried with them upon graduating.

“If you arrived in the early 1980s, it was a time when you would have had to wear black ties and yellow ribbons 24/7 as part of a ritualized initiation, a time when everyone rolled up their sleeves for dish room duty, a time when the student grades list was publicly posted and included two lower level statuses that no longer exist, and Imus, indicating which students were failing. You would partake in Sixth Form Coffee after dinner with faculty to drink coffee and smoke cigarettes and pipes together and review the day. It was a different time to be sure.”

“You, the Class of 2024, arrived during the full force of a pandemic, a crucible of sorts as you began your own remarkable and storied Westminster careers.

Keynote Speaker Scott Stevens P’07, ’09, ’12

“Your journey began, as you know first-hand, with your own painful rite of passage into Westminster life — the awkwardness, the restrictions, the isolation, the loneliness, the mental health struggles, the world of Zoom, and of the collective uncertainty and an underlying fear.”

But in true Westminster fashion, the Class of 2024 came together, Stevens said, touching upon the unifying tradition of chapel talks in Andrews Memorial Hall. Those stories often described individual struggles in the first year on campus during the pandemic. “Nobody is born with grit, but the collective nature of the Class of 2024’s chapel reflections were inspiring to witness in their honesty, courage and wisdom,” he said.

“I have had the wonderful good fortune of a life immersed in stories,” he continued. “Both in real life on the Hill and in the classroom with many of you.”

He noted that Westminster has become a more complicated place in which to lead, teach, learn and grow. “With access

and exposure to virtually anything just clicks away, our community is bombarded with weighty world topics to learn about and to consider beyond the familiar curriculum. It’s a world that constantly challenges everyone’s ethical, moral and emotional ecology. The Class of 2024 has demonstrated an amazing ability to be curious, interested and sometimes moved by these topics.”

Despite those challenges, the rewards of teaching remain the same, particularly what Stevens called those “lift off” moments in the classroom when everything just clicks.

“There is suddenly collective curiosity, provocative questions and collaborative learning –– one pulse in rhythm together,” he said. “It is a unique chemistry arising out of a shared student experience and an unwavering respect for one another; teachers and students alike create these moments of wonder and bliss. It is my hope that the Class of 2024 has enjoyed many of these moments. I know I have.”

Awarding of Diplomas and Diploma Passing

Head of School White and Chair of the Board of Trustees Renée Lynch Carrel ’84, P’19, ’21, presented diplomas. White then congratulated the Class of 2024 and offered them the same parting gift that she has given past graduating Martlets. “It’s called Saturday. Part of your experience on the Hill has been to learn its value, and next year you are going to be able to enjoy it as you see fit. Use it well,” she said.

Following the ceremony, the graduates participated in the Westminster tradition of passing their diplomas on the Sixth Form Lawn. They formed a circle and passed the random diplomas they received during the commencement ceremony until they received their own diploma. They then stepped out of the circle, signifying their graduation.

Scan the QR codes to view photos and watch a recording.

Student Prizes

ADMISSIONS

The Joan Howard Award is given to a tour guide whose devotion to learning and the Westminster community exemplifies a depth of passion, dedication and interest in others.

Henry Flaton ’25

Ganzenmuller-Buckey Award is given to the student who contributed the most to Admissions at Westminster.

Jackson Raymond ’24

Outstanding Community Service Award is presented to the student who demonstrates extraordinary service and commitment to the Westminster community. Aisha Rozi ’24

Horizons at Westminster Award for service.

Taylor Schuster ’24, Alice Tao ’24

ACADEMIC PRIZES

Edward Scull Jr. ’71 Award for Excellence in Architecture

Jake Holland ’24

Cowing Art Award

Mia Lee ’24

The Gretchen Hupfel ’82 Art Prize

Morgan Curtis ’24, Harvey DeMovick ’24 and Maya Tavares ’24

Judi Tolomea Dance Award for outstanding contributions to dance

Fundee Tongtip ’24

J. Lawrence Gilman Award for Achievement in Music and Participation in Musical Activities

Carolyn Cheng ’24, Phil Zhang ’24

Lewis J. Powers Photography Award

Aniela Apteker ’24, Elizabeth Pruellage ’24

Dramatic Award for Achievement in Theater

Taylor Schuster ’24

Dramatic Award for Service and Leadership

Morgan Curtis ’24

Brian Ford Writing Prize

Cindion Huang ’25, Lucy Wainwright ’25

Critchell Rimington Creative Writing Award

Asia Daniela Odong ’24

Gordon McKinley Award for Excellence in English

Cassie Goundrey ’24

Fifth Form History Essay Prize

Remi Morello ’25

Robert Rodney History Prize

Khang Ngo ’27

Peter Briggs Prize for Excellence in Economics

Wills Erda ’24

Class of 1941 Peter Mars Memorial History Prize

Margee Mahoney ’24

Burdett Prize for Excellence in the Study of French Sophia Peterson ’24

Moncada Prize for Excellence in Spanish

Aniela Apteker ’24, Allison Reich ’24

Kevin Kwok-Fun Chau ’79 Prize for Excellence in Chinese

Madison Khuu ’24

The Richard P. Hopley Excellence in Latin Prize

Johnathan Li ’24

Joyce Wilson Prize for Excellence in Mathematics

Johnathan Li ’24

Excellence in Physics

Johnathan Li ’24

Excellence in Biology

Kimi Weng ’24

The Nancy Urner-Berry ’81 Prize for Excellence in Chemistry

Kimi Weng ’24

Excellence in Science

Kimi Weng ’24

Butler Bowl

The faculty presents this award to a Third Former who demonstrates the traits of character and leadership.

Melody El-Amin Stewart

Adams Bowl

The award is presented to a Fourth Former who best embodies the qualities of Richard and Barbara Adams, who devoted more than 40 years of service to the school. Barbara served on the faculty from 1995-2011, and Dick served on the faculty from 1970-2013.

Hannah Maltby

Wilbraham Bowl

given to a Fifth Former who best embodies the qualities of Geoffrey Wilbraham, who gave distinguished service to Westminster from 1958-1994.

Sophie Grace Stevenson

Keyes Bowl

The award recognized as the school’s most prestigious commencement award, presented to a Sixth Former who displays loyalty, courage, leadership and humility.

Wills Erda

Richard K. LeBlond II Honor Award given to a Sixth Former who exemplifies dedication to academics and loyalty to the school.

Kimi Weng

Outstanding Scholar Award is presented to the Sixth Former who in the opinion of the faculty, is the outstanding scholar of the class. The award is not necessarily determined by rank in class but is based, rather, on the attributes of a true scholar: curiosity, imagination, power to associate new observations with prior experience, thoroughness, appetite for ideas rather than for grades as an end in themselves and the ability to move easily in the realm of concepts.

Johnathan Li

Paul Winship Alumni Book Prize

awarded to the Sixth Former who has made an unusual commitment in breadth and depth to school programs and activities.

Margee Mahoney, Taylor Schuster

Brian T. Bruyette ’77 Senior Athletic Leadership Award given annually to the Sixth Form student(s) who through their enthusiasm, sportsmanship, effort and skills, represent all that is best in their school.

Olivia Gordon, Jillian Gregorski, Jackson Raymond

Faculty Awards

The newly established Simpson Family Chair for Teaching and Learning, endowed by Sandi and Gary Simpson P’24, lays a foundation for a future Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence. The chair recognizes a faculty member that supports the academic needs and growth of all students.

Kelly Curtis P’24, ’28, director of learning services

The Swayze Prize is given to a member of the faculty for outstanding contributions to the life of the school.

Andrea Thomas, associate director of admissions; co-director of student activities

The O’Brien Prize recognizes a faculty member who has been selfless and generous with time and care in the nurture and support of students.

Kelly Wosleger, math teacher, coach, form dean and program director of Horizons

YEARBOOK DEDICATION

Spectator editors announced the 2024 yearbook was dedicated to retiring faculty member Nancy Urner-Berry ’81, P’11, ’16

What It was Like to be the First Black Student

Mason James Abbate

Jackson Ellis Alpaugh

Kai Kalaimalanai Appleton

Aniela Apteker

August Daniel Barrett

Cecily Cutting Belford

Michael Justin Bianco

Austin Joseph Black

Avery Spier Bressel

Reid John Bulger

Eliza Campbell Cabot

India Robinson Campbell

Jacob M. Carbone

Justin Cardia

Bryan Joseph Carey II

Yufeng Chen

Carolyn Cheuk Lam Cheng

Sydney Grace Courtmanche

Haley Jean Cramer

Elysse Georgette Cumberland

Rebecca Morgan Curtis

Evin Jerzy Curtiss

Tyler Talber Daley

Mia Dodge Davis

Nora Beth Davis

Matteo De Luca

Tristram Van Wyck Deery

Santino Vincenzo DeFazio

Harvey Charles DeMovick IV

Margaret Birgitta Dilks

Leonardo James DiStefano

Jaewon Do

Nicholas C. Dowling

Daniel Nicholas Edwards

Eric Brian Elbery

Olivia Grace Emerson

Wills Frederick Erda

James Peter Frangos

The Class of 2024

Emily Kate Ginter

Annabelle Daisy Gitterman

Olivia Francoise Gordon

Cassandra Jane Goundrey

Catherine Brianna Graves

Jillian Carey Gregorski

John Winthrop Hadden III

Payton Angelina Harding

Jake Dawson Evert Holland

Taylor Elizabeth Horgan

Pinchao Huang

Yee Ting Tiffany Hui

Jermaine James Jr.

Shi Jack Jin

Brian Stephen Judge

Grace Mckenzie Kelly

Madison Khuu

Blessing Tayounue Kieh

Miles H. Kim

Albertus Magnus College

Amherst College

Boston College

Boston University

Bryant University

Bucknell University

Carnegie Mellon University

Chapman University

Cleveland State University

Colby College

Colgate University

College of Charleston

College of the Holy Cross

Connecticut College

Duke University

Elon University

Emory University

Fairfield University

Florida Institute of Technology

Franklin Pierce University

George Washington University

Gettysburg College

Hamilton College

Andrew William Knight

Kaitlin Rooney Koch

Haein Mia Lee

Jinny Lee

Sung Min Nathan Lee

Sarah Elizabeth Lenox

Chung Hon Johnathan Li

Francisco Jarrett Nivero Lilien

William Barrett Lown

Margaret Douglas Mahoney

Rhys Alan Marschke

Vincent Julius Maslauskas

Julia Elizabeth Matyas

Kaitlyn Elizabeth McQueeney

Dane Tommaso Moliterno

Marleigh Rose Monroe

Asianut Daniela Odong

Owen Patrick O’Farrell

Grant Henry Owen

College Matriculation

Hobart William Smith Colleges

Iona University

James Madison University

Middlebury College

New York University

Northeastern University

Oberlin College

Pennsylvania State

University-Main Campus

Pitzer College

Princeton University

Quinnipiac University

Rollins College

Sacred Heart University

Santa Clara University

Skidmore College

Southern Methodist University

St. Lawrence University

Syracuse University

Texas Christian University

Trinity College

Tufts University

Tulane University of Louisiana

Jiaming Pang

Sophia Katherine Peterson

Elizabeth Ann Pruellage

Charles Alastair Green

Raymond

Jackson Edward Orestes

Raymond

Allison Forsythe Reich

Sarah Elizabeth Rocchio

Nora Katherine Rodgers

Aisha Rozi

Taylor Lauren Schuster

Jack Gordon Sheldon

Max Evan Simpson

Colby Whelan Smith

Michael C. Song

Tessa Camilla Sorenson

Anne West Strawbridge

Nolan Thomas Styspeck

David Alexander Suit

Logan Zhi Hong Sun

Leyi Tao

Pyo Tarapi

Maya Melody Tavares

Cholchanok Tongtip

Nicholas Tsatas

Grace Katherine Tyler

Ella Marie Ungerman

Daniel James Venture

Aidan Xavier Walsh

Lily Emlyn Wendler

Yefei Weng

Alexandra Teresa Whalen

William Gordon Whiting II

Jacqueline Wu

Nicholas Dober Wurts

Robert Augustine Yalda

Kelly Forbes Youngman

Zhaoyang Zhang

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Connecticut

University of Denver

University of Hartford

University of Kansas

University of Miami

University of MichiganAnn Arbor

University of Rhode Island

University of Richmond

University of Southern California

University of St. Andrews

University of Vermont

University of WisconsinMadison

Vanderbilt University

Villanova University

Wake Forest University

Washington University in St. Louis

Wesleyan University

Williams College

Wofford College

With Much Fanfare, the Lawn Ceremony Ushers in Class of 2025

Martlets from the Fifth and Sixth Forms gathered the evening before commencement for the annual Lawn Ceremony. In this long-standing Westminster tradition, members of the graduating class individually invite Fifth Formers onto the Sixth Form Lawn, signifying that members of the Class of

2025 are now leaders of the school. The ceremony reaches a fever pitch when the Sixth Form Prefect Board members escort new board members onto the lawn, often carrying them aloft.

The 2024-25 Prefect Board members are Avauni Anderson, Adrienne Hall, Cullen Horn, J.J. Hurley, Will McCarthy,

Liza Merrill, Lauren Neuman, Ben Norten, Emme Pacheco-Hager, Sophie Grace Stevenson and Lucy Wainwright. Chip Genung, a boarder from Stowe, Vt., was named the Head Prefect and Ben Swift, a boarder from Chicago, was named the Junior Prefect.

Oh, What a Time it Was!

A Flock Reunion to Remember

A celebration of classes ending in 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, and 0 — and the Seventh Form

Blue skies and balmy temperatures greeted more than 500 Martlets who gathered on Williams Hill for Westminster’s multi-year Flock Reunion held June 7-9. Over the weekend, alumni reconnected with classmates, former teachers, coaches and advisors and took part in a range of activities, including a golf tournament, a co-ed softball game, coffee on Keyes Patio and line dancing on Commencement Lawn.

For many alumni, returning to Westminster felt like coming home, a sentiment shared by former Head of School Don Werner P’79, ’82, who served the school for 33 years beginning as a teacher. “I feel great warmth just being here among friends. I have so many memories,” said Werner, who caught up with former students and colleagues at the 50th class reunion dinner held in Gund Dining Room Friday evening.

The reunion officially kicked off on campus Friday afternoon with tours, archive visits and faculty-taught classes as well as an alumni art collective opening in Baxter Gallery, featuring the work of 12 alumni artists. Outside the Cole Library, a book display showcased the work of 22 alumni authors.

In the archives, alumni pored over their yearbooks and combed through a treasure trove of Westminster memorabilia. Susan Gossling Walters ’75 was thrilled to unearth a stack of black-and-white photos that included images of her former teacher Charlie Dietrich. “Charlie is the reason I came to Westminster,”

she said. “I babysat for his children. He tutored my brother and that’s how I learned about Westminster and ultimately why I convinced my parents to send me here.”

Alumni mingled on Keyes Patio for coffee or under the reunion tent for cocktails while listening to the music of Firetown Road, featuring faculty member Dan Aber P’16, ’18, ’20 along with former faculty members Michael Cervas P’96, ’01, ’10 and Grant Gritzmacher. Those celebrating their 50th enjoyed dinner in Gund Dining Room, while other classes gathered at area restaurants and private homes and on the Sixth Form Lawn, where they enjoyed entrees from food trucks serving wood-fired pizza, barbecue and Mexican fare.

On Saturday, the day’s events started with a brisk run around the campus for those willing early birds. Later that morning, alumni had an opportunity to take a more leisurely walking tour of the campus, join in faculty-led yoga or engage in a LinkedIn networking session.

In the afternoon, campus master planner Graham Gund ’59, whose firm designed Werner Centennial Center, Armour Academic Center, Armstrong Dining Hall, Brockelman Student Center and faculty and student housing on campus gave an historical overview of the school’s physical growth.

Affinity and Alliance groups gathered in Adams Dining Room, and Head of School Elaine White hosted a cocktail hour in Keyes Study for women who attended Westminster in the 70s. Popular faculty-led lectures continued Saturday including an ethics workshop with history and ethics teacher Todd Eckerson P’09, ’11, ’17, ’21. Since the pandemic, Eckerson has been offering the class to alumni over Zoom, drawing devoted attendees from a wide range of class years.

Eve Poole Percival ’90, who traveled to Westminster from her native Scotland, said having the opportunity to meet other alumni from the online class was one reason she looked forward to returning to Westminster for reunion. The other, she

Scan QR to watch video of Graham Gund’s ’59 address

said, was to personally thank Eckerson for offering the class to alumni.

“During the past four years, we have studied the most extraordinary books, and it has kept my learning alive in a way that nothing else could possibly have done,” she said. “And the friendships I’ve made through that class have been extraordinary through a very difficult time. As many of us who could came to the reunion to meet in person –– and that has been just great.”

For many alumni, every Westminster reunion is “must attend” on their calendar. “I’ve come to as many reunions as I can,” said William Foy ’90. “Westminster was literally the best educational experience I ever had. It made my college years so easy by comparison.”

His classmate, Veronica Flores ’90, concurred. “Before Westminster, I had been attending an inner-city school in Manhattan but when I came here, I experienced another way of life and culture. It opened a lot of doors for me,”

she said. “I am really appreciative of the school and my education, so much so that I want my daughter to come here.”

At the chapel service in Andrews Memorial Chapel, the school remembered those alumni who passed away since the last in-person reunion held on campus in 2022. Their names were read aloud by Director of Advancement Newell Grant Jr. ’99 and Director of Alumni Engagement and Giving Joe Rodrigues ’96, P’23, ’27. Chapel speaker and Westminster Alumni Association Scholar Jillian Gregorski ’24 spoke about her difficult decision to stay at Westminster for a fifth year.

She took to heart the advice her father gave her when he told her to ‘trust the process’. Last fall, Gregorski co-captained the girls’ soccer team, which won the Class A New England Championship for the first time in the school’s history. Looking back, she said her Fifth Form year gave her more time to find a college that met her criteria

academically and athletically and to further grow socially, academically, emotionally and athletically. Named an All-American by the United Soccer Coaches organization, Gregorski began her freshman year at the University of Kansas this fall.

Following the chapel service, bagpipers led the Grand March to Werner Centennial Center for the presentation of the Alan F. Brooks ’55 Distinguished Alumni Award. Head of School Elaine White presented the award to Michael “Spike” Lobdell ’75, P’07, who was inspired by Westminster’s core values when he launched New England Science and Sailing Foundation (NESS) in 2002. The nonprofit teaches life skills and STEM-based education to youth from all backgrounds, providing them with an opportunity to get out on the water and have fun regardless of their financial needs or their ability. Following the award presentation, White delivered the state of the school address, in which she discussed the strategic initiative plan.

Scan to watch a video of the address.

“It is a broad, comprehensive and aspirational plan,” she said. As part of the process, White said, “We have drawn some lines in the sand. Three strengths that shouldn’t surprise you: relationships, holistic education and a commitment to Grit and Grace. These hallmarks of a Westminster education cannot be lost and must be strengthened.” (Read more about the Strategic Plan on page 23.)

Looking forward White said: “It is a tricky balance to try to hold onto everything that has defined Westminster for more than 130 years — the ethos of Grit and Grace, the role of community, the palpable impact of faculty living and working with students –– and still evolve and improve to meet the needs of our most current students and to anticipate the needs of future generations.”

In the evening, during cocktails under the Commencement Tent, White and Associate Dean of Faculty Charlie Griffith led a toast honoring retiring faculty members Nancy Urner-Berry ’81, P’11, ’16, Scott Stevens P’07, ’09, ’12, dance instructor Judi Tolomea and staff member Gary Ransom. Alumni then filtered into Armstrong Dining Hall for the Black and Gold dinner and wrapped up the evening dancing under the stars.

Whether they were recent graduates or Seventh Formers, alumni expressed gratitude for the enduring friendships they formed during their time spent together and how much Westminster has meant to them throughout their lives. Looking back on their time on Williams Hill, former Head Prefect for the Class of 1964 Peter Greene and his classmate Howard Capito remarked how a Westminster education paved the way for a successful college career and beyond. “I couldn’t have done it without Westminster,” said Capito.

Scan to view more photos of Reunion Weekend.

Scan to watch a video of Reunion Weekend.

“Spike” Lobdell ’75, P’07

Receives School’s Highest Alumni Honor

During Reunion Weekend, former trustee Michael “Spike” Lobdell was awarded the Alan F. Brooks ’55 Distinguished Alumni Award. He has been a Fellow at Westminster since 2023, a member of the Thring Society since 2005 and he continues to be actively involved with the school. In 2002, Lobdell founded New England Science and Sailing Foundation (NESS) in Stonington, Conn., with just 14 students and five small sailboats. Since then, the nonprofit has grown into a nationally recognized and accredited educational organization teaching up to 9,000 students.

The following are excerpts from Lobdell’s acceptance speech in Werner Centennial Center on June 7.

“Westminster’s four core values inspired me to define NESS’s core values when we created the foundation. Our core values are inclusiveness, experiential learning, personal growth and stewardship. Like Westminster, our core values have not changed over the years. In fact, they mean more to NESS now than ever before. They have been the bed rock that has held us together in pursuit of our mission of transforming student lives.

“At NESS, students are learning STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) on water-based platforms like sailing. In doing so we are not only hoping to enhance their academic achievement while they acquire valuable life skills such as self-confidence, leadership, communication, self-control and perseverance. Students in our programs are nine times more likely to have positive changes in self-confidence than those who don’t. Approximately 50% of our students receive some form of financial aid to participate.

“Why NESS? I was that NESS kid. No, I did not have the financial barriers faced by many of our students, but I did lack self-confidence. Because I am dyslexic, traditional learning was difficult for me. Early on, having poor grades, getting picked on and always being told ‘No you can’t’ was hard. Sailing was the vehicle that taught me ‘I can’. I learned how to problem solve, persevere and I became a valued member of a team. That is where I got the nickname Spike when I was 10 years old. Sailing transformed my life. Why shouldn’t that learning experience be offered to all?

“Westminster’s core value of community has been the one that has impacted me the most. NESS really is all about building stronger communities through experiential learning, which leads to academic achievement and social emotional growth. A great community is represented in this theater today. We span the ages with common bonds. This community provides belonging, support, and identity, where we can connect with old and new friends. We feel a sense of identity, belonging and pursuit of the common good. Both in the good and not so good times. Strong communities have never been more important than they are today. The world needs a lot more schools like Westminster and organizations like NESS.”

“Students in our programs are nine times more likely to have positive changes in self-confidence than those who don’t.”

— “Spike” Lobdell, founder, New England Science and Sailing Foundation

FLOCK REUNION 2024

More than 500 Martlets gathered for Westminster’s three-year Flock Reunion to celebrate classes ending in 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, and 0 — and the Seventh Formers — those alumni who have marked 50 years since graduation.

Class of 1960 Toby Kent, Eric Fris, Bill Carey, Bill Johnston

Class of 1954 Dick Cuyler

Class of 1966 Robert Hawes, Derek Fahey, Scott Glickenhaus, Brian O’Donnell, Chris Williamson

Class of 1963 Tony Islan and Steve Squibb

Class of 1968 Doug Griffin, Keith Barrand, Charles duPont, Jock Tate, Hunter Smith, Al Dorr, Ridge Beale, Jim Mendillo, Fran Lee, Pat Lee, Tom Remley

Class of 1959 Sarah-Jane Kerr, Phil Kerr, Art Gilliam, Dorritt Gilliam, Lee Dunham, Nancy Dunham

Class of 1964 Edward Cosden, Howard Capito, Peter Greene, Stuart Pollack

Class of 1965 John Devereux

Class of 1969 Back Row: Andrew Cort, Hilly Ebling, Michael Monagan, David Bailey, Richard Porth

Front Row: Peter Anlyan, Larry Bodine, Chris Garvey, Bob Bynum, Jim Bickford, Mark Roberts, Tom Geissler

Front

Muffi Richter

Class of 1975 Back Row: Rick Rickman, John Ford, Bags Brokaw, Jeff Mills, Larry Wasiele, David Wood

Front Row: Rick Ford, Stephen Lehmann, Spike Lobdell, Wendy McKinley Uvino, Caroline Britton Gordon, Heidi Grinold Derbyshire, Susan Gossling Walters, Laz Santiago, Wayne Carter, Wally Taylor, Mike Jackson

Class of 1973 Back Row: Dick Stout, Hank Merriman, John McGrath, Lee Carlson, Kim Carson Riggott, Michael Cady, André Kazanjian, John Kebabian, Jeff Crandell, Bill Downer

Row:

Viets, Nancy Loomis Collins, John Pearson-Hart, Hilary Kumnick, Scott Coburn, Gary Wolff, Bentley Boger, Peter DeLorenzo, Franklin Morton, Gene Atwood, Will Sillin

Class of 1974 John Diaz, John Hugens, Steve Barrand, David Bartram, Win Hotchkiss, Michael Spalding, Ike Dana, Morgan Mitchell, Art Santry, Tom Browne, Irene McCormack, Andrew Lazarus, Bill Jordan, Larry Davidson

FLOCK REUNION 2024

Class of 1979 Back Row: Jake Jacob, David Schramm, Jamie Karp Stone, Tim Willard

Front Row: Betsy Werner Canaday, Betsy Black Dixon, Margaret Bruun-Anderson Smith, Hendon Pingeon, Melinda Grinold Bicknell

Class of 1989 Back Row: Sloane Andrews Bergien, Aishling Watterson Peterson, John Mechem, Jamie Peterson, Rob Horsford, Hector Gordon, Suzie Lowry Bailey, Will Beckford

Front Row: Randy Richardson Beckford, Dinah Steward, Matt Vendetti, Suzanne Oppenheimer, Dan Keating

Class of 1978 Back row: David Welsh, Lithgow Osborne, Chuck Buffum, Mark Wallace, Philip Ohler

Front Row: Beth Anderson Coogan, Jane Porterfield, Tyler Yeomans Madden, Ingrid Gustavson Hill

Class of 1980 Debbie Stanton Sacra, Dave Werner, Marie-Noelle Serafini Siegel

Class of 1983 Liz Crawford Van Duyne, David Pivirotto, Penny Neal Whitlock, Rick Gould, Peter Van Duyne ’82, Woods Fairbanks

Class of 1988 David Wilkins, Jane Kessler Lennox, Joe Goldsmith

of 1994 Beecher Scarlett, Emily Fuller Rooney, Darcy Halsey, Suzanne Daglio Armstrong, Beth Richey Cristini, Miles Bailey, Madden Payne, Alexis Donney Lannan, Michael Wiernasz, Kelso Davis, Maritza Torres-Manzino, Steve Reeves

Class of 1990 Suzanne Jarrett Melan, Aileen Daversa, Veronica Flores, Jen Bihldorff, Eve Poole Percival, William Foy

Class of 1993 Julie Madsen, Whitney Smith Jiranek, Kari Hamon, Andrew Black, Lee Carstensen Genung, Doug Knight, Alison French Nathan, Tyler Hill, Mary-Sumpter Johnson Lapinski

Class

Class of 1998 Mike Innes, Sandy Bryant, CJ MacDonald, John Johnson, Alexis Van Der Mije McAndrew, Leila Mountain Shaw, Josh Gladding, C.C. Corriveau Alexander, Luke Earl

FLOCK REUNION 2024

Class of 2004 Tami Couch Rance, Ted Levine, Fred Dirkes, Teddy Wertheim, Scott Carleton, Tyler Young, Chelsea Cipolla Diehl, Rob Martin, Shane Spinell, Lindsey Armstrong Strawn, Jess Faiella Kemmenoe, Chris Wacker, Michael Reddy, Andrew Stone, Peter Lorimer, Kiley Murphy Giordano

Class of 2003 Kenneth Reeves, Dorothy Stancill Nassar, Adrienne Bowler Greenwalt, Rob Lautensack, Stephen Bartram, Daniel Roper

Class of 2000 Blair Gallagher Sheehan, Emily Rotando LaFemina, Michele Wiernasz Puopolo, Kate Hastings Bahnemann, Tim Joncas, Jen Barrett Crocker, Liz Kelly Freeman, Erin Sullivan Davis, Molly McInerney Babcock

Class of 2013 John FitzPatrick, Lindsay Morton, Roman Ammirato, Alli Devins Ammirato, Will Mayer, Laura Tingley, Gavin Durham, Maggie Garrison, Drew Poling, Ryan Strange, Charlie Beck, Alexandra Colon, Ariel Villanueva Rosas, Heather Frew, Matthew Cucurello, Julie LeBlanc, Herbert Cheng, Cullen Matt

Class of 2014 Kuran Malhotra, Yvonne Pruitt, Jennifer Girard Martinez, Mackenzie Blinn, Jackie Mendia, Yamilex Munoz, Rachel Chan, Ed Lin

Class of 2010 Cris Gomez

Class of 2008 Kelly Cheng, Emma Beck, Sarah Marco White, Lisa Cavazuti

Class of 2005 Kevan Quinn, David Pringle, Ned Reeves

Class of 2015 Erin Ozturk, Duncan Kellogg, Derin Ozturk

FLOCK REUNION 2024

Class of 2018 Matt Cosentino, Mason Horrigan, Emma Lange, Emily Samar, Jimmy Zhang, Emma Alpaugh, Pat Dawson, Dan Zlatopolsky, Paul McNamara, Liza Lennox, Rosy Sieglaff, Gabbi Drumm, Iz Niles, Ryan Doolin, Hannah Buckley, Rebecca Gavel, Max Brigham, Kate Lovas, Elton Paintsil, Katherine Nielsen, Chris Whipple, Amelia Poling, Maddie Dwyer, Natalie Wilson, Katy Maxon, Sophia Gasser

Class of 2019 Front Row: Audrey Froelich, Wick Carter, Blake Cote, Georgia Swank, Gabe Grimeh, Paul Kendall, Susie Renehan, Jill Parsons, Scott Wilson, Jack Murdock, Carl Ekholm, Hamilton Stuart

Middle Row: Alec Paro, Elaina Comia, Matt Norris, Alex Lin, Hannah Carbone, Isabel von Bargen-Burke, Alex Wolf, Reese Poe, Shannon Keefe, Jane Ogden, Sarah Levine, Lily Carrel, Martina Daniele, Eliza Polukhin, Caroline McCausland, Souley Ballo, Eugene Kim, Dorka Nagy, Cam Jury

Back Row: Ethan Na, Will Carlisle, Kaitlyn Eddy, Justin Schuster, Matt Quinn, Alex Hu, Nate Pane, Lukas Dudzik, Sean Clarke, Drew Brownback, Emmett DeKanter, David DeFronzo, Khalil Walker, Walker Stevens, Julia Krys

An Evening on Williams Hill

Expressing Thanks for the Gifts of Grit, Grace and Gratitude

Westminster’s Board of Trustees joined Head of School Elaine White, alumni, parents, faculty and staff for An Evening on Williams Hill Sept. 20. The annual event celebrating the community began with a cocktail reception in Armour Academic Center, followed by dinner in Gund Dining Room in Armstrong Dining Hall.

In keeping with the dinner’s theme on the gifts of grit, grace and gratitude, the host of the evening, Junior Perfect Ben Swift ’25, along with Helen Marshall ’25, president of the John Hay Society and Head Prefect Chip Gejung ’25, read aloud letters of appreciation they had written to their parents.

Reading from his letter, Swift said, “I remember showing up on Williams Hill with a multitude of emotions. I was excited, scared, happy, exhilarated, nervous and much more.”

He found a new family at Westminster, noting that “many of the faculty members have become like parents to me, always there to offer guidance, share wisdom, or just listen when I need it.”

Above all, he expressed gratitude to his parents for lessons learned at Westminster. “I cannot wait to take advantage of this place for the next eight months. The journey I have had on Williams Hill has been filled with growth. The experiences here will help me in ways that will last a lifetime,” he said.

Helen Marshall, in her letter to her parents, noted that while “Westminster continues to evolve and adapt to the modern world, our traditions and values always remain constant.”

“I am forever grateful that I was granted the freedom to write my own story and pave my own path with the space that you gave me. Because of your

generosity and support, I have learned to navigate the ebb and flow of my life not just on Williams Hill, but in all aspects of my life. I have learned the importance of integrity and putting as much faith into others as I do myself,” she said.

Head of School Elaine White then added a twist to the evening’s theme by sharing some of her thoughts about the many gifts that the students give to faculty.

Among the gifts she mentioned are the many ways students simply make faculty laugh and bring

them joy. Students also inspire faculty to stay in their work and give them the gift of hope for the future.

“We look at them and we know that, with the program and faculty support that we have here and our partnership with parents, we are building a core of graduates who will show up prepared and organized in their next community, set goals and achieve them, be accountable and responsible, listen more than they speak, collaborate more than they demand, face adversity or challenge or failure and pick themselves up to start anew,” she said.

“Our students are bright, curious, passionate and engaged. They are kind and compassionate. They are resilient. They do it right far more often than they get it wrong. We trust that we can pass them the baton and they are going to run with it and move our world forward. What a gift.”

Junior Prefect Ben Swift ’25

Simsbury Parent Gathering

Aug. 29, on Keyes Patio

New

City Parent Reception Oct.

Terry Meguid P’26, Head of School Elaine White and Barbara Meguid P’26

Sandra Buergi and Carol Flaton P’25, Callie and Chris Greco P’28

Phil Lauderdale ’02, Kirsten Sichler Webb ’98 and Ted Grace ’91, P’27

Ali Dwyer Edwards ’95, P’27, Kathleen Kocatas P’25, ’26, Alison Harmelin and Samer Hamadeh P’25 and Lara Trafelet P’23, ’26

York

10, at Four Twenty Five, a Jean-Georges Restaurant

Jamie and Mary Ellen Reece P’28, Charlie Griffith P’11, ’14, ’17, associate dean of faculty, and A-men Rasheed, dean of residential life

Marnie Smith P’27, Chris and Susan Perillo P’26, ’28

Director of Mental Health Services Amy Raskind P’25, Brittany and Joe Covill P’25, ’26, Tucker and Beth Griffith P’27

Lisa O’Connor P’28

Keeping in Touch with Young Alumni

Throughout the year, the Director of Young Alumni Engagement travels around the country to gather and connect with Martlets in college, sharing news from Williams Hill and providing access to the alumni network.

Seventh Form Gatherings

The Seventh Form refers to alumni who have marked 50 years since graduation. Regular in-person and virtual programming provides opportunities to make and renew connections within and across class years.

Boston College: Cassie Goundrey ’24, Ava Lynch ’23, Samantha de Kanter ’22, Sophia Peterson ’24, Eddie Shin ’21, Robert Yalda ’24 and Zach Blest ’21

NYU/Parsons: Rachel Ha ’21 and India Lalor ’21

Trinity College: Top row: Justin Cardia ’24, Peter Sanger’21, Bennett Ostern ’21 and Andrew Nelson ’23

Bottom row: Caroline Pratt ’22, Sydney Courtmanche ’24, Tatum Constant ’21, Jenny Guider ’20 and Betsy Winslow ’21

Milford, Conn. — Evan Stewart ’70, P’11, Jerry Glover ’72 and Hunter Smith ’68

Charlottesville, Va. — Jim Smith ’66, D.G. Van Clief ’66 and Bob Baydush ’54

Welcome New Trustees

Christopher M. Beck P’08, ’13 returns to the board after serving as ex officio in his role as president of the Parents of Alumni Association from 2019-2022. He is retired after a long career at The Chubb Corporation, where he served in senior leadership positions, including as vice president of corporate development. He earned a B.A. in geology and economics at Middlebury College and a MBA at New York University Stern School of Business. His interests include skiing, enjoying the outdoors, being on the water and traveling. He lives in Harpswell, Maine.

Harish Dadoo ’07 joins the board as an ex officio member, while serving as president of the Alumni Association. Born in Mexico City, Harish is the founding partner at the private equity fund, Ampersand Capital. He has more than 10 years of investment banking experience, specializing in cross-border merger and acquisitions in Latin America. He is an investor in several start-ups and other ventures.

Harish holds a S.B. in industrial engineering from Purdue University and an M.B.A. from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. He currently resides in both New York City and Mexico City with his wife, Maria. He enjoys alpine climbing (working on reaching the “seven summits”), skiing, ultra-running and recreational aviation.

Alexandra “Ali” Dwyer Edwards ’95, P’27 has joined the board as an ex-officio member while serving as co-chair of the Parents Committee with her husband, Philip. Ali graduated from Bucknell University with a B.S. in business management. Ali started her career in investment banking and wealth management before transitioning to executive search. She now works for the financial services executive search firm, Glocap, in New York City. Ali is involved in a local food pantry, NOSH, as well as Memorial Sloan Kettering organization and hospital in New York. She lives in Locust Valley, N.Y., with her husband and three children, Veronica ’27, Zinnia and Patrick.

Edward V. Dardani Jr. P’14, ’18 rejoins the board after having previously served as a trustee from 2014 to 2022 during which time he chaired the business committee. Ted has been an investor and worked with service businesses for over 25 years. He is the founding partner of Harkness Capital, which helps owners and managers of business service companies grow and thrive. Prior to Harkness, Ted was a partner at Oak Hill Capital Partners. Ted earned a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College and a master of business administration from Harvard Business School. He and wife, Mary, live in Waccabuc, N.Y. They have four children, including Sam ’14 and Ian ’18. Ted is active in coaching lacrosse and remains a loyal New England sports fan.

Philip Edwards P’27 joins the board as an ex officio member serving as co-chair of the Parents Committee. He graduated from Choate Rosemary Hall in 1993, earned a B.A. in economics from Trinity College and an MSc in finance from Cass Business School in London. Phil has enjoyed a 20-plus year career in finance where he worked in both private equity and investment banking, most recently as a managing director at Jefferies in New York. Throughout his career, Phil has sat on company boards, led complex financings and capital raises and worked with companies across a wide array of industries. Phil was a varsity wrestler at Choate and now enjoys playing recreational hockey in Long Island, where he spends more of his time watching his kids also play hockey and various other sports.

Halle Grace P’27 lives in Hingham, Mass., with her husband, Ted Grace ’91, and their three children: Hunter ’27, Lexi, and Colby. She graduated from Cornell University, where she earned a B.A. of science from the School of Architecture, Art, and Planning. After graduating from Cornell, she worked for Coach, Inc. as the director of global merchandise planning and is currently an advisor at Alps & Meters, a luxury sportswear brand. Since settling in Hingham, she has served on several education-centered boards including the Dexter Southfield Leadership Council, Hingham Education Foundation, and was the president of the board of Hingham Nursery School. She enjoys spending time with her family and watching all of their pursuits, especially on the side of a lacrosse field.

Make Your Mark on Westminster

All Martlets can make a mark on Westminster by supporting the aspects of life on Williams Hill that are most important to them. Here are the priorities that you can choose to support:

Ashley Ladd ’09 is director of diversity, inclusion and social impact at Snyk, a developer security platform empowering organizations to develop fast and stay secure. Ashley leads the company’s global diversity, inclusion and social impact strategy focused on building innovative programs and partnering with leaders across the organization to drive impactful business outcomes. She furthers these initiatives in collaboration with Snyk Resource Groups (SRGs), Talent Attraction, and Talent Brand to foster a best-in-class workplace where everyone feels like they belong. Ashley is a passionate leader committed to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities through thoughtful conversation, education and ongoing action. In 2013, she graduated from St. Lawrence University where she was a Presidential Diversity Scholar. She was appointed to the board of trustees as a McCurdy-Sprague Trustee from 2019 to 2023. She lives in Canton, Mass., with her husband Adam, and children Olivia and Henry.

Kathleen is a trustee of her family’s foundation, Hope for Youth and Families, a member of Bay Path University’s Board of Trustees and a member of the advisory board of Horizons at Westminster. Kathleen and her husband, John, live in Simsbury, and have three children, all of whom are Westminster graduates, Justin ’19, Sydney ’21, and Taylor ’24.

Kathleen Schuster P’19, ’21, ’24 earned a B.A. in managerial economics from Union College and a M.B.A. from Boston University. She began her career in retail management in New York City before joining her family’s former business in western Massachusetts, Pride Stations & Stores. Kathleen has been an active volunteer in the greater Hartford, Conn., community. She is a past president of the Junior League of Hartford and the Hop Meadow Country Club. Currently,

Matt Warner ’91, P’22, ’25 grew up in Granby, Conn., and was a day student at Westminster. After graduating, he attended Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., where he earned a B.A. in public policy and economics and played varsity soccer. After college Matt started a 20plus year career in investment banking focused on the technology industry. Over the course of his career, he worked at firms in Palo Alto, San Francisco and in New York, including Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse and Citigroup. He is currently the head of technology, media and telecom investment banking at Nomura Securities. At Nomura, Matt is also co-chair of the junior talent board which is focused on helping employees find success as they begin their careers in finance.

Matt and his wife, Sanny, live in New Canaan, Conn., with their two dogs, Marty and Mabel. Their oldest son, Will ’22, attends Purdue University and Henry ’25 is entering his senior year on Williams Hill. Matt’s brothers, Trip ’93, and Doug ’00, both attended Westminster and Matt’s mother, Kathy, worked in the Admissions office at Westminster for many years.

The Griffiths are dedicated to Grit, Grace and the Greater

Good

Westminster has been a part of Charlie Griffith’s life for as long as he can remember. His father and uncles attended the school in the 50s, 60s and 70s. In college, Charlie considered a career in education but opted instead for banking and finance in New York City. After five years, he left New York for graduate school and teaching. He’d met Jeannie, a teacher, and together they looked for a school community that shared their values. When Head of School Graham Cole called in 1994 and asked them to join Westminster’s faculty, they knew they were heading to a special place.

Charlie is a teacher, devoted coach, steady advisor and reliable dorm presence. As the Associate Dean of Faculty, he is on the leadership team and helping to shape Westminster’s future, with a particular interest in teaching and learning. Jeannie is an assistant librarian, tutor, and faculty advisor to the Bibliophiles, the school’s student-led book club. They are the proud parents of three Martlets: Kathryn ’11, Tommy ’14 and Jack ’17. There is no challenge too great for this very talented couple.

can help them learn that.” Charlie and Jeannie’s dedication to Westminster School is limitless.

What’s harder to describe is their impact on the students they have worked with over three decades. When Charlie thinks about his time, he shares, “There are all sorts of things you can do with your life, and all have their value. But if you want to help kids at a critical time in their lives, when they’re trying to figure out who they are, then this is the place to do it. Jeannie and I greatly admired the faculty who were the ‘veterans’ when we arrived: Ann and Larry Gilman P’78, ’80, Linda and Richard Miller P’86, ’89, Barb and Dick Adams P’91, Tally and Peter Briggs ’71, P’01, ’05, ’07, Amy and Scott Stevens P’07, ’09, ’12 and, of course, Carol and Graham Cole H’09. We were honored to work alongside other long-serving faculty members and tried to live by their example. They were tirelessly supportive, patient and inclusive with the kids. They understood that a life of grit without grace is a life of meanness and meaninglessness.” Jeannie adds, “Embracing and practicing grace matters so much for young people in this world, and we

The Griffiths consistently give their endless energy, wisdom, patience and love to Westminster. Last year they decided to make the ultimate gift and include Westminster in their estate plans. The Griffiths joined the Thring Society because every day they see the important work the school is doing for young people, and they believe the world can never have enough grit and grace. Charlie adds, “We do what we can for each other. The Griffith family believes in Westminster and in the school’s future, and we will do what we can to secure it. This is a way for Jeannie and I, as part of our legacy, to tell our friends and family what matters most to us.” They know their gift will help Westminster continue to be a special community of people dedicated to grit, grace and the greater good.

If you would like to honor your Westminster School experience with a planned gift, please contact Jennifer Keyo, director of legacy and leadership giving, at 860-408-3039 to discuss the best way for you to join the Thring Society.

Class Notes

Send alumni news and class notes via email to classnotes@westminster-school.org. Send updates to contact information to spierson@westminster-school.org

1952

Martin R. Bartlett recently donated a collection of his photos to the Penobscot Maritime Museum in Searsport, Maine. Marty has a lifelong connection with the ocean. A preface on the museum collection page reads: “His photographs are a privileged on-deck view of tuna and sword fishing during a critical time for those fisheries.” Marty had been searching for images from the museum’s National Fisherman Collection for a book he was writing (Wind Shift at Peaked Hills, a nonfiction account of sword fishing). Marty grew up fishing with his dad along the shores of Cape Cod. He fished commercially from the Gulf with a crew for several years until swordfish, tuna and groundfish stock began to disappear in the 1980s.

1957

Peter Palin was given the inaugural Planned Giving Professional Advisor Lifetime Achievement Award at the Annual Symposium for the Planned Giving Council of Broward County, Fla.

1958

A call out from Michael Fiske to the Class of 1958: “Please get in touch with me with your latest news. It’s gotten lonely being the class agent. While I am waiting to hear from you I have shot my age four times in June. Please call at (910) 603-5617, or text at the same number.”

1961

James Silverhorne writes, “Throughout my association with farm livestock animals (particularly horses 1972–2008), I endeavored to become skilled with conventional methods and materials for animal care. Then, I persistently sought

to improve on them. Improvements of all sorts were possible, way beyond what I had earlier imagined. The ordinary barnyard, viewed with attention, is complex.

For years I sought to decrease, by non-toxic means, the population of flies at animal shelter areas. In 1982, I observed the natural dynamic of flies’ attraction to the gases produced by fresh and decaying manure. Following a rapid abatement of those odors, almost no flies! They left. Hooray! Without attractant odors, flies are not, can not be attracted to an area. If they are already there, they leave. Fresh air attracts no flies. Abatement of manure’s odor production was accomplished by surface application of an ordinary natural mineral compound.

Years later I developed a blend of natural mineral powders to add to animals’ feed that greatly increases the digestibility of feed materials, which results in no-smell manure. Currently, a business team of young people is developing it for commercial production. I am glad that more animals will be living better. I continue investigating the formation of bio-efficacy.”

Mimi Mead (formerly Mimi Maxim), who was head of development fund, editor of the Bulletin and director of public relations at Westminster from 1977-1990, ran into Tom LaMotte ’54 at the Old Lyme Beach Club last July. Tom was in town for a family wedding and Mimi is a member of the club in Old Lyme, Conn.

Larry Wilson ’62 sent this photo from his August vacation in rural Austria, where he was stretching out his new hip with some hiking. “Life is good,” he writes.

1966

D.G. Van Clief reports, “I serve on the National Thoroughbred Racing Museum and Hall of Fame Advisory Board (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.), where I chair the Hall of Fame selection committee for our “Pillars of the Turf” category that selects notable human contributors to the sport across the centuries.”

1968

Jock Tate reports,“After being on the board for over 16 years, last year I was elected as a lifetime trustee for Wake Forest University. I did not know that the newly elected lifetime trustees were dinner speakers so I gave a talk on the mentors of my life which also included former faculty member Ashley Olmstead at Westminster School.”

1969

Richard Porth writes that the Class of 1969 was saddened to hear of the recent passing of friend and classmate Willis Ellis “Buzz” Hartshorn IV, as expressed in the outpouring of heartfelt comments below. Read his full obituary in In Memoriam.

Michael Komie: Such a special person. So kind, super smart, talented, humorous, and wise. He was also one of the most ethical people I have ever known and had both enormous dignity and grace. Prayers in his memory, and condolences to his family.

George Smith: Awful news indeed. What a great guy he was!

Tom Geissler: Thanks for passing along the sad news. Buzz had a nice way about him. Solid guy and fun to be around. He had a gift for making others feel good. Sad day.

Ace Bugbee: That’s a damn shame.

John Dunbar: Missed seeing you guys in June but won’t miss the next one. As Monagan said, count your blessings and make the most of every day because we never really know what tomorrow brings.

Jim Bickford: This is really sad news. Buzz was such a special guy. I remember coming back to Cushing after Christmas break. This was our Fourth Form year. I went up to, I think it was, the third floor to reconnect with some guys and I heard this incredible drumming. It was of course Buzz who brought his drum set back and set it up in his room. Arondel, Fred Mann and I just stood there listening to Buzz doing his stuff. Amazing. Sometime later, I heard Mr. Gilman say Buzz had the best sense of rhythm of anybody he’d ever seen…or words to that effect. It was true.

John Lape: Not the news we wanted to hear before a holiday. He will be missed.

Hilly Ebling: The very best drummer I have ever played with the true heart and soul of Alka Seltzer on the Rocks! So very sad and what a tough life he had been living. God bless him!

Michael Monagan: I had intended on being a drummer but when I heard Buzz I switched to guitar!

Bob Bynum: This is sad news and we all knew that Buzz had been suffering for a number of years with Parkinson’s disease. This is a terribly cruel illness that destroys a person’s quality of life for years. I remember that Buzz was not only a talented musician but a genuinely nice person who got along well with everyone. I always enjoyed seeing him at reunions and enjoyed his music while we were in school, at our 20th reunion and at our 40th reunion. He will be greatly missed.

Chris Garvey: Who was Buzz? He was the best at everything. That simple. God Bless Him — no need to wonder; he is with the Big Guy.

Rob Clemens: Buzz was probably the most “connected” (to our class) of the ’69 Prefects. As noted by other commenters, he was smart, genuine, personable, and a friend to all. Proud to have shared the page opposite him in our yearbook!

Peter Anlyan: Very sad. Wish he could have joined us for our 50th.

Jay Remer: Buzz was kind and talented and shared both generously. We worked in NYC at the same time, with others in the art world. His knowledge of photography was impressive and timely. He was a valued professional. And, it is his gentleness as a human that I will always remember along with his warm smile. We will miss Buzz.

Rich Porth: Buzz joined our merry band of pirates on Keyes corridor in our Fourth Form year, with me, Arondel Jones, Fred Mann and Mike Fales. Francis and Louise loved the drums!

Mark Roberts: I am sorry to hear of Buzz’s passing. Indeed, he was a good man, as evidenced by the numerous tributes posted by his classmates here. Rest in peace, Buzz.

Tim Vincent: RIP Buzz. Hope all is well with you all. Stay safe and count every day as a blessing

Ric McBrier: Buzz was the greatest person and a great roommate.

Nine members of the Class of 1970 gathered at the memorial service for Doug Yorke ’70. Pictured from left to right are: Evan Stewart, Matt Pook, Chris Rice, Kevin Whittman, Opie Jackson, Peter Hitt, Chuck Gifford, David Grant and Bim Oakley.

Five members of the Class of 1971

From

to Queenstown, Maryland

Eleven members of the class of 1971 gathered in California for a mini-reunion. The group visited sites in San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore and classmate Olle Lundberg’s home. Back row, left to right: Bill Bartholomay, Bill Rolfing, Bill Coleman, Dawud Shabaka, Doug Hanson, John Collins, Arch Montgomery. Front row, left to right: Jim Steers, Doug Dobbin, Olle Lundberg, Chris Beale.

Art Santry ’74 still enjoys sailing, especially on his boat, Temptation.

Class of ’82 friends Susie Werner Berenson, Julie Morris Ogden, Betsey Yeats and Sarah Christel Scully celebrated their 60th birthdays on Lake Sunapee this June, including a visit to the nearby historic home of John Hay!

traveled

to join Doug Dobbin for an annual party at Spring Cove Farm last June.

left to right: Jim Steers, Ken Egbert, Doug Dobbin, Bill Rolfing, Chris Beale and John Collins.

In April, Basil Seggos ’92, P’27, Hank Forsyth ’92 and Nick Dilks ’92, P’24 caught up at an event in western Pennsylvania and celebrated Basil’s retirement as the longest serving Commissioner of the New York Dept. of Environmental Conservation.

Chelsea Anderson Hall ’07, Robert Shapiro ’84 and Madison Cronin Hall ’04 gathered at Heather Mintz’s P’28 wedding at the Bears Club in Jupiter,

May 4, 2024.

Fla.,on

Martlets gathered at Adam King’s house in Rowayton, Conn., last summer. From left to right: Hunter Siegel ’07, Caitlin Romaniello Whitcomb ’07, Chelsea Hall Anderson ’07, Daley O’Herron Avery ’08, Liza Winship ’07 and Adam King ’07.

Whitney FitzPatrick ’09 with her daughter, Izzy, and Taylor Gould ’09 and his daughter, Mallory.

Whitney FitzPatrick ’09 and her husband, Paul Graven were married in Steamboat Springs, Colo., in 2022 and are based in Denver, Colo.

Maddie King ’10 married Eesan Balakumar in a beautiful ceremony in Litchfield County this past May. Celebrating with the newlyweds were Maddie’s brother, Adam King ’07, and friends from the Class of 2010, including Colby O’Neil, Charlotte O’Herron, Bronwyn Shortly, Isabelle Hill, Sara Nolan, Emily Snoddon, and Maddie Garnett, who stood beside the bride as maid of honor.

Andrew Marco ’11 married Meghan Collins Conley in Boothbay Harbor, Maine on Oct. 1, 2023.

Front row: Cathy Marco P’08, ’11, Andrew Marco ’11, Meghan Collins Marco, Sarah Marco White ’08, faculty member Jeannie Griffith P’11, ’14, ’17.

Second row: Christine Rubicam P’99, ’01, ’05, faculty member Greg Marco P’08, ’11, Andrew Overbye ’09, faculty member David Chrzanowski, Jake Benedict ’11, faculty members Peter and Siobhan Ulrich P’09, ’10 and Charlie Griffith P’11, ’14, ’17.

John Fitzpatrick ’13 and Lindsay Morton were married in Doylestown, Penn., on August 31, 2024. Whitney Fitzpatrick ’08 served as a bridesmaid, and Herbert Cheng ’13 served as a groomsman. Also in attendance were Chris Ix ’96, Will Mayer ’13, Cullen Matt ’13, and Ryan Strange ’13, and Gage Kennie ’13 who was not pictured.

2004

Sarah Griffin Chumley married Chris Chumley in Oct., 2023, in Sonoma, Calif. She was recently promoted to associate director of property management at CBRE. Her husband, Chris, owns a primary care practice, Itinerant Primary Care, and is a physician focused on geriatric home-based medicine and preventative care.

2010

Kathryn Brady ’10 and her husband, Zach Danssaert, welcomed their daughter, Madeleine Brady-Danssaert, in March 2024.

Meg Barnes Taylor and her husband, Adam, welcomed their first child, Charlotte, in November 2023.

and

Colin Cross ’12 and Maggie Cross were married in Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 21, 2024. They are pictured at the wedding with their son, Hudson, who was born in 2023.

David Hallisey ’13 married Samantha

Palm Beach, Fla., last March.

Nicholas Finn ’12

his wife, Michaela, welcomed their first child, Theodore “Teddy” Finn, into the world on April 9, 2024.

Chai in

Annie French ’13 married Will McCool on Sept. 14. Attendees from Annie’s class included Charlotte Gould ’13, Alex Regan ’13, Caty Pooley ’13, Eliza Worcester ’13, Sydney Rivers ’13, Madeline Purdy ’13, Lindsay Hanau Head ’13, Michela Gozzi ’13 and Emma Conlon ’13.

Danielle Amiot Olsen ’13 and Ben Olsen were married in St. Barths on July 12, 2024. Classmates Laura Tingley ’13 and Julie Dee LeBlanc ’13 served as bridesmaids.

Kayla Foley Wooley ’13 and her husband, Rob Wooley, welcomed a baby girl, Mae Clara, in May 2024.

Sean Orlando ’13 and Ansley Vanover Orlando were married this past June in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

Daniel Parsons ’13 married Colleen Parsons on May 11, 2024, in York, Maine. Justin Parsons ’20 served as Daniel’s best man, while John Dowling ’14, Tim Chartier ’14, and Will Lammey ’13 served as groomsmen.

Alemante Tedla ’13, Columbia Class of 2017, Stony Brook MS 2020, graduated as medical doctor from Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University on May 14, 2024. Alemante will be a resident doctor at USC and is now based in Los Angeles. Alemante is pictured with his father, Tedla Asfaw, and mother, Zelekashe Demissie.

A dedicated group of Martlets cycled in the annual Pan-Mass Challenge from Sturbridge to Provincetown Mass., in August to raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Pictured left to right: Katherine Kelter ’14, Will Stevens ’12, Abby Stevens ’09, former English teacher Scott Stevens P’07, ’09, ’12, and history teacher Nick Cary. Katherine and Nick rode for Team NextGen while Scott, Abby and Will rode for the Crus11Tour team.

Thiele Schroeder ’14 married Liam Donovan in Dayton, Ohio, on June 29, 2024. Martlets in attendance, though not all pictured, included Elizabeth Schroeder ’84, Elisabeth Massey ’84, Lisa Dobbs ’84, Kingsley Schroeder ’10, Alex Regan ’13, Camilla di Galoma ’14, Mimi Connelly ’15, and Georgia Morley ’15.

Members of the Class of 2015 gathered at the bridal shower for Georgia Morley ’15, who is marrying AJ Alexakos. The photo includes Julia Cooper ’15, Kate Breed ’15, Margot Frank ’15, Nina Wilmerding ’15, Georgia Morley ’15, Mary French ’15 and Ginny Durfee ’15.

In Memoriam

OBITUARIES

1944

Clinton Elliott, of Sarasota, Fla., and Tyringham, Mass., died Nov. 12, 2024. He was 96. Born in New York City in 1927, he attended Westminster School and studied music at Yale University. He served in the Navy on a submarine chaser in the Philippines at the close of World War II. Clinton graduated from Yale in 1949 and continued his studies in musical composition in France and at Columbia University where he received an M.A. He went on to write scores for documentary films for CBS and ABC. Among these were “Mr. Dickens of London” with Michael Redgrave, “Hall of Kings” with Michael and Lynn Redgrave and Rachel Carson’s “The Sea Around Us.” He also wrote for the pioneering television series “Twentieth Century” and “Omnibus.” He wrote two operas, “Melanctha,” based on a story by Gertrude Stein and “Pope Joan” with a book by Sloane Elliott, based on the novels of Emmanuel Rhoides. During his many years as director of the Tyringham Historical Commission, he created an archive of local history including original research of which he was proud. He wrote “Hidden Lives: A Collection of Gay Biographical Miniatures” and recently completed “The Male Witches of Salem,” the first history to be written on the subject. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Elizabeth Bayard Hollins Aldrich; his three children from his first marriage, nine grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.

1949

Willard Allen Speakman Denham died on June 21, 2024. With a twinkle in his eye, an ever-present infectious smile and a mischievous grin, he was nicknamed “Sunshine” or “Sonny.” He followed in the footsteps of his two older brothers by attending Westminster School. When he arrived at Westminster, a teacher promptly dubbed him “WAS,” which he was affectionately known as during his time there. He served as Head Prefect

and excelled in sports. His love for Westminster was apparent as he continued to serve as a Class Agent, was a member of the Thring Society and served as a Fellow.

He attended the University of Virginia, graduating in 1952, then entered the Navy, where he graduated from Officer Candidate School and served three years as a lieutenant. After leaving the Navy, he went to work for Speakman Company where he served as vice president and general manager of manufacturing for 45 years. Sonny was a member of many clubs, including Pine Valley, Wilmington Country Club and Bidermann. In his later years, he was quick to “coach” those on the driving range. He played Arnold Palmer in 1963, and rumor has it Arnold lost. While he excelled at golf, his real love was flying. He loved nothing more than to hop into his Twin Cessna and take off, much to the delight of his youngest and the chagrin of his wife and oldest. His other loves included hunting, fishing, flowers, dogs, cars, music, Boca Grande, Fla., and talking about that beach house he was going to get one day. His greatest love and proudest accomplishments were his family. He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 60 years, Cynthia, and is survived by his daughters Cynthia Denham Smith and Susanna Denham Meserve and five grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his older siblings, William Bailey Denham Jr. ’43, Susanne Denham Singer and James Scott Denham III ’47. His Westminster relatives included a nephew James S. Denham IV ’83 and cousins Robert W. Hill Jr. ’52 and Rodman Ward III ’83.

1950

William “Bill” M. Chittenden Jr. died June 12, 2024, in Montrose, Colo., with his devoted wife, Penny, and daughter, Heather, by his side. He was predeceased by his three sisters, Susan Barber, Mary Zonino and Virginia Pierpont. He grew up in Naugatuck, Conn., and attended McTernan School in Waterbury, Conn., followed by Westminster School, where he excelled in baseball and served as the quarterback of the football team. He

attended Wesleyan University, where he expanded his passion for sports to include squash and became an active member of the fraternity Psi Upsilon. During his collegiate years, he attended Officer Candidate School and subsequently served during the Korean War. After the war, he worked at Travelers insurance in Hartford, Conn. Later, he joined his father’s business, establishing a Chittenden Insurance branch office in Clinton, Conn., where he also worked in the local real estate market. Bill and Penny raised their five daughters in Clinton, where they lived for 60 years before relocating to Venice, Fla. In addition to his wife, Penny, he is survived by his daughters, Hilary, Poppy, Heather and Alison as well as numerous grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. His Westminster relatives include Charles Barber ’06 and Peter Barber ’03.

1957

Peter “Pete” Jenness III, 85, of Spofford, N.H., died May 19, 2024, with his family by his side.

Born in 1938, in Cambridge, Mass., he grew up in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and graduated from Westminster School, where he made lifelong friends, appreciated his instructors and coaches and enjoyed hockey, football and baseball. Pete enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving as a jet engine mechanic from 1958 until 1962, stationed at Homestead Air Force Base. After marrying his lovely bride, Neil, he resided in Boston and attended Wentworth Institute, earning an associate degree in engineering (a goal of his ever since his first Erector Set). Peter and Neil then moved to Keene, N.H., where he began his career of over 40 years as a design engineer with Markem Corporation.

Pete took great pride in working around his home, helping his neighbors, maintaining his yard and vegetable garden, engineering fixes and custom woodwork for the house and even building a water wheel for the brook. His favorite pastime was playing the guitar, which he learned while in the Air Force from his best friend, Ron Banks. Pete

enjoyed sharing his talent with many, playing in three bands throughout the area in the 60s and 70s. Until a few years ago, he played with his daughter, Stephanie, a flutist, and with Ron — for their own reminiscence and pleasure. He learned to play the steel guitar at age 70, with Ron guiding him once again. Pete’s greatest love was being with family and good friends, sharing with them his big heart and great humor and always taking great interest and pride in all that they enjoyed and accomplished. He played many a game of pool with his pals and he had been rooting for the Red Sox ever since he and Neil walked over to Fenway from their first apartment in Boston, a love he shared with his daughter, Cathy, as well. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Cornelia “Neil” (Proctor) Jenness; his two daughters, Catherine “Cathy” E. Jenness, and Stephanie M. J. Wahlberg; a sister, Helen Connell, of Somersworth, N.H.; and several nieces and great-nephews.

1962

Timothy M. Stevens of Branford, Conn., died May 1, 2024. After graduation and marriage, he joined the International Silver Company as the fifth generation in the Stevens family to work for this company. He ended his business career as the National Sales Manager for Oneida Silversmiths. At Westminster, he played football, baseball and basketball, captaining an undefeated team in 1951. He attended Southern Methodist University, where he met his wife, Gayle, of 55 years. They settled in Branford, Conn., where he was an active member of the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club, serving as golf chairman, house chairman and president of the club. He was a passionate golfer and golf fan and played golf all over the U.S. and Europe with his son, Chip. His greatest passion was in spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was known his entire life for his hearty laugh and his ability to make others feel like the most important person in the room. He is survived by his wife, Gayle Stevens, and his children, Amy Stevens and Timothy Stevens Jr. He is also survived by five grandchildren.

1966

Hugh Auchincloss Thacher died in Ojai, Calif., on July 22, 2024, on his 76th birthday. He is survived by his wife Eliana Mary Thacher, his sisters Barbara Plimpton and Elizabeth Hawn, his brothers Peter and Andrew Thacher, seven nieces and nephews, and 12 great-nieces and -nephews. While a long battle with a Parkinsonian-like disease eventually stole his booming voice, physical hardship never bested his sense of humor, enduring kindness, gratitude to his caregivers, loyalty to family and friends and love of mischief, The Grateful Dead, fly-fishing and the Yankees. Hugh grew up in the Riverdale neighborhood of New York surrounded by a large family, dogs and lifelong friends. He attended Riverdale Country Day School, North Country School, Westminster School and Lake Forest College. After graduating college, the prevailing counterculture drew him to San Francisco, where he embraced (and was embraced by) the West Coast branch of the Thacher family. In 1975, Hugh founded the San Francisco Wine Exchange (SFWE), one of the first wine marketing companies focused on the then nascent California wine industry. The SFWE built countless small family-owned producers into respected and recognized global brands. When he sold the company in 2015, it was the oldest independent wine marketing company in the United States, with a global reach.

1969

Willis Ellis “Buzz” Hartshorn, former director of the International Center of Photography (ICP), died June 29, 2024, after living with Parkinson’s disease for the past 17 years. His tenure at ICP spanned over 30 years, the last 18 years as director. Buzz began as an intern, shortly after its founding 50 years ago by Cornell Capa. He was ICP’s second director. Buzz’s ground-breaking exhibitions for young contemporary photographers and world-renowned masters alike were perfectly suited for his role as director. Among the exhibitions he curated were “MAN RAY/Bazaar Years,” “Annie

Leibovitz: Photographs 1970-1990,” and “Brian Weil: The AIDS Photographs.” Under Buzz’s leadership, ICP moved from its founding location on East 94th Street to two separate but adjacent much larger facilities at 43rd Street and Sixth Avenue. There, Buzz and ICP created a new museum with 40% more space, a new state-of-the-art school, established an MFA program, and provided the collection and library with museumquality facilities and staff. Every division of the institution blossomed and was professionalized to the highest standards. ICP today at 79 Essex Street in the Lower East Side has achieved Buzz’s vision of reuniting the school and the museum in the same location. After his retirement from ICP in 2012, Buzz resumed a focus on his own photography. In 2015, his exhibition, “A Fine Life,” was a reflection on his slower pace, as he was managing life with Parkinson’s. Contributions in Buzz’s memory may be made to ICP.

1978

Phillip Earl Wilson Montgomery, 64, of Hartford, Conn., died Sept. 5, 2024. Phillip graduated from Westminster School and earned his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College in 1982. He spent the last 31 years at CBIA. He was the director of compensation services and safety and a certified compensation and benefits professional. An avid soccer fan, he was a board member of the Connecticut Soccer Officials Association and the Connecticut Lacrosse Officials Association. Community service meant a great deal to Phillip. His time spent on Journey Found’s board of directors was one of the most important and impactful aspects of his life. He enjoyed listening to jazz, gardening, reading, biking, tennis, and discovering new restaurants. He enjoyed spending time with his nieces, nephews, and godchildren. He is survived by his wife, Andrea Montgomery; a son, Phillip Kendall Alexander Montgomery; brother, Winston Lloyd; sisters, Beverly Harriott and Yvonne Lloyd and several nephews, nieces, great-nieces and -nephews.

Voting and the Value of Civil Discourse

By Chip Genung ’25, Head Prefect

Civic engagement is highly valued at Westminster; in fact, there is even a class dedicated to it. Taught by history teacher Todd Eckerson, Civic Engagement and Public Speaking teaches Fourth Formers to engage in meaningful dialogue while considering opposing views and honoring the conventions of courtesy and respect. The course culminates in the Fourth Form Public Speaking Competition at the end of the spring term.

But every four years, Westminster students who are 18 years of age and all Americans, have an opportunity to make their voices heard as engaged citizens of a democracy. I am, of course, talking about voting in presidential elections.

This year’s tight presidential election underscored the importance for voters to cast their ballots. So, at the end of last year, my advisor and history teacher, Betsy Heckman approached me with an idea. It involved teaching my Sixth Form class, which is the only class with students who are old enough to vote, about the voting process and explaining that it is their right and a civic duty. Head of School Elaine White first approached Ms. Heckman about the project and as Head Prefect, I was all for it. But with the busy schedule of my Sixth Form year, I knew I couldn’t do it alone. Thankfully, Ms. Heckman encouraged me to enlist students to join me in forming the Westminster Voting Registration Committee.

“In a world where discussion of politics in everyday life often creates division, it is important that we help build a culture that allows us to spend time in a space with people who have different opinions.”

– Chip Genung ’25

I reached out to two other members of Ms. Heckman’s advisory group, Sophie-Grace Stevenson ’25 and Elle Kozusko ’25, for help. I knew they were both committed and engaged members of the Westminster community. Additionally, they are both interested in politics, so I knew they would be knowledgeable. We also recruited Miguel de la Fe ’25 and Jillian Mihailovich ’25, because they, too, care about politics. More importantly, we all were passionate about our goal of getting every student at our school who is 18 years old or older registered to vote.

We knew this challenge wouldn’t be easy because first-time voters are often the least interested in registering. But we thought if we made the process as simple as possible for our peers, it would encourage them. So, we set up times, often right after buffet lunch, when students who hadn’t registered to vote yet could walk through the process led by me or another member of our committee. During these sessions, we registered as many students as we could and informed them about how the voting and election process works. Often, they don’t realize how complicated the system can be and assume all they must do is cast their ballot.

The most valuable outcome of this project, though, has been the effect it has had in our community. In a world where

discussion of politics in everyday life often creates division, it is important that we help build a culture that allows us to spend time in a space with people who have different opinions. While Westminster already strives for this kind of environment, and does it very well, there is always room for improvement. We are trying to help students understand that it’s not about which side is “right or wrong,” it’s about the value of civil discourse and its relevance to our school community and the world beyond Williams Hill.

So, one step we took was to hold special discussions at family-style lunch to encourage conversations that would spark various opinions. For the first discussion, we presented a simple question for everyone to talk about at their tables: Which are better, cats or dogs? It might sound silly, but ultimately the topics of our conversations didn’t matter. We wanted students to understand that they can engage in conversations and disagree in a civil manner. Or, even better, they might leave the table having learned something new.

Now that the presidential election is over, I’ve seen an increase in interest among my peers in the politics and the election process in the United States. Not only are more students talking about politics at meals and in their free time, but they are doing it in a respectful and insightful way with the goal of making informed decisions when it is their turn to vote. While there is still a lot of work ahead, members of the Westminster Voter Registration Committee have an immense faith that we are making a difference by inspiring our form and all Westminster students, to take an active interest in politics and to think more deeply about the election process and how they can become more informed voters.

John S. Armour ’76

Emeritus Park City, Utah

Elisabeth M. Armstrong P’04, ’06, ’07 Emerita Dallas, Texas

Jeffrey H. Artis ’72 Alpharetta, Ga.

Elisabeth Gailun Baird ’98, P’26, ’26 New Canaan, Conn.

Christopher M. Beck P’08, ’13 Harpswell, Maine

William L. Beckford ’89, P’23 Baltimore, Md.

Christopher J. Campbell ’91, P’24 London, U.K.

Renée Lynch Carrel ’84, P’19, ’21 Chair of the Board Boston, Mass.

Lisa Cavazuti ’08 Ex officio New York, N.Y.

Harish Dadoo ’07 Ex officio Mexico City, Mexico

Edward V. Dardani, Jr. P’14, ’18 Waccabuc, NY

John H. Davis P’05 Emeritus Tequesta, Fla.

Harvey C. DeMovick III ’90, P’24, ’26 Westerly, R.I.

S. Colin Dowling P’24, ’27 Indian River Shores, Fla.

TRUSTEES

Alexandra J. Edwards ’95, P’27 Ex officio

Upper Brookville, N.Y.

Philip Edwards P’27 Ex officio Upper Brookville, N.Y.

William C. Egan III ’64, P’92, ’95, ’00, ’02 Emeritus Jackson, Wyo.

Joseph L. Gitterman III ’55, P’86, ’86, ’90, GP’24 Emeritus Washington Depot, Conn.

Halle Grace P’27 Hingham, Mass.

Eunice J. Han ’84, P’21 Harrison, N.Y.

Powell W. Holly III ’82 Fredericksburg, Va.

Martin R. Irani ’83 Encino, Calif.

Katherine B. Kelter ’14 Bozeman, Mont.

David W. Kistler ’87, P’22 Tiburon, Calif.

Ashley Ladd ’09 Canton, Mass.

Shannon Lanzone P’25 Lafayette, Calif.

Philip Lauderdale ’02 Greenwich, Conn.

Bryan R. Martin ’86 Larchmont, N.Y.

T. Treadway Mink Jr. ’77, P’11 Emeritus Greenville, S.C.

Ian M. Morton ’87, P’22 West Hartford, Vt.

Moyahoena Ogilvie ’86 Emerita Bloomfield, Conn.

Mary Minns Peck ’90 Denver, Colo.

C. Bradford Raymond ’85, P’19, ’20, ’24, ’24 Emeritus

New York, N.Y.

Regina Rockefeller P’23 Keene, N.H.

Elizabeth Grant Schroeder ’84, P’10, ’14 Ex officio Dayton, Ohio.

Kathleen Schuster P’19, ’21, ’24

Simsbury, Conn.

Gary L. Simpson P’24 Water Mill, N.Y.

Samuel Thorne ’46, P’74, ’76 Emeritus Bedford, Mass.

Mathew L. Warner ’91, P’22, ’25 New Canaan, Conn.

Kirsten Sichler Webb ’98 Greenwich, Conn.

Elaine White Head of School Ex officio Simsbury, Conn.

Sara L. Whiteley ’91 West Chatham, Mass.