Academy World

SPR I NG 2021

The Magazine of Wilbraham & Monson Academy At Home. In the World.

ACADEMYWORLD FRED WATTS

by brian p. easler Head of School

perspectives

The biggest lesson of all . . . (is) that we can all thrive in the face of challenge and adversity

A

Read the Head of School’s page at www.wma.us/hos

ny time we overcome a challenge or persevere through adversity, we learn from it. The adversity forces us beyond our normal day-to-day routines and systems in ways that require creative thinking and inspire innovative action in order to succeed. Like a good teacher, a challenge can cause us to question our expectations and our modus operandi, and push us into a realm where necessity encourages inspiration. It forces us to see differently, to think differently, to test ideas, to evaluate outcomes, to adapt and . . . to learn. This set of circumstances is essentially our mission as a school, which we endeavor to provide for our students on a daily basis. Just as our students adapt and evolve and learn from the challenges we present them, so does the school when facing similar circumstances.

The challenges over this past calendar year in particular, in order to safely stay open full time and in person during the pandemic, have provided us with a treasure trove of lessons that will serve the WMA community well going forward. Naturally, some of these adaptations will be short-lived, but others will impact the Academy for years to come.

Changes to the physical plant are the most obvious changes over the last year, and while many are temporary measures to create distanced teaching spaces, some of them will certainly be permanent campus improvements. The new bathrooms in Rich Hall, for example, which were necessary to meet state COVID-19 occupancy ratios, essentially doubled the available facilities.

This permanent upgrade has greatly improved the quality of dorm life for most of the boys living on campus. It was needed for a long time, but the adversity of the pandemic gave us the nudge we needed to creatively get it done.

Likewise, I’m certain many of you have experienced sitting in the Chapel for gatherings during the warmer months, whether it was for a school meeting or a reunion, packed in and sweating like you were in a sauna. Prior to the pandemic, we believed that central air for that space, especially given its limited use, was just too expensive to justify over other priorities. Once we decided to convert the Chapel into a dining hall for this year, again, to satisfy occupancy

restrictions, we knew we needed to do something about air quality or people would simply not use it. With a little creative ingenuity, temporary air conditioning in the chapel ended up costing us less than $10,000—complete with the innovative use of an exhaust fan with existing vents to circulate air away from people and expel hot air from the ceiling peak. It’s not a permanent solution, because the future renovation of the Chapel into a dining hall will include central air, but it has served us well this year and will continue to do so until the full renovation is complete.

Some other long-term campus adaptations were simpler in execution, but no less impactful, such as the construction of the new Design & Fabrication Space/STEM Lab in the lower level of Mattern Science Building. This was no simple addition by any measure, but was completed during the pandemic because the donors to the project understood the impact the new facility would have on the school, especially once we no longer need it for distanced classrooms. Outdoor casual seating areas around campus, as a respite from daily mask-wearing, have shown us the powerful cultural impact of such a simple and healthy communal space.

Necessary changes in teaching and learning have provided similar lessons of great value.

There are obvious advantages of a more flexible and continuous way of providing an educational experience, either full in person, full remote (online) or a full-time hybrid of the two. We have learned that, like any good tool or technique, these teaching modes each have their strengths and weaknesses from which we can adapt.

Our faculty and academic leaders have become seasoned practitioners balancing these three teaching styles, sometimes simultaneously for multiple classes, which has naturally deepened their understanding and skill in ways that will benefit themselves, the Academy and the profession of education in general.

The fluid nature of our revised educational program with the advantage of simultaneous modes of engagement has paid dividends to our families and faculty members this year, in what has become a seamless transition, when necessary, Continued on page 19

contents

Editor

Design

Teddy Ryan

Stoltze Design

Associate Editors

Printing

Russ Held Bill Wells

Puritan Capital Board of Trustees

Art Director

Chris Tinnesz Advisory Board

Mark Aimone Brian Easler Don Kelly Molly McGill Janet Moran Contributing Writers

Mark Aimone Brian P. Easler Don Kelly Meg Lenihan Hutcheson Molly McGill Janet Moran Walter Swanson Bill Wells Stuart Whitcomb Junhao “Mark” Xu ’16 Photography

Paul Bloomfield Russ Held Tom Kates Molly McGill Nate Lanier Dave Roback Bill Wells Various contributing photographers

Scott B. Jacobs ’75, Chair James E. LaCrosse ’50W, Vice Chair Mark R. Shenkman ’61M, Vice Chair David A. Reeves, Treasurer Krista Hanson, Secretary Raymond J. Anton ’61M Christopher C. Antonacci ’06 Bonnie Faulkner Ryan ’82 Caitlin S. Flynn ’06 William R. Guerin ’89 Linda B. Griffin Judith A. Knapp Robert F. Little Barry M. Maloney ’85 Andrew P. Mele Craig A. Rubin ’63W Paul J. Sullivan ’91

Eric W. Anderson Michael J. Flynn Richard S. Fuld Jr. ’64W Peter C. Lincoln ’55W Donald J. Stuart ’73 Life Trustee

William E. James ’64W

“Academy

World” is published in the spring and fall for alumni, parents and friends of the Academy. Please direct comments and letters to: Wilbraham & Monson Academy Marketing & Communications Office 423 Main Street Wilbraham, MA 01095-1715 marketing@wma.us Our Mission

Wilbraham & Monson Academy is a transformational experience where students become challenge-seeking citizens and leaders of an evolving world.

Wilbraham & Monson Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, gender identity, and any other categories protected by federal, state or local law.

@wilbrahammonsonacademy @WMAalumni

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Trustee Emeriti

Alumni, we’d like to hear from you! Send your current contact information and news to alumni@wma.us.

Get Social with us!

12 FEATURE STORY

WMA ALUMNI

22 Remembering Fred Watts

36 38 40 42 54

SUPPORTING WMA 2

“All In for WMA”

WMA SPOTLIGHT 12 18 20 44 46 48 52

Ice Hockey to return Fall Semester a success Salute to Class of 2021 Trustee profile: Bill Guerin ’89 Faculty & Staff Recognition Faculty Fun Facts Senior Stones: Every Stone has a Story

TITANS IN ACTION 30 Middle Schoolers make a difference 32 Seniors challenge human trafficking

Nick Gourley ’18 Dean Rohan ’84 Matt Koziol ’93 Chris Costello ’96 Alumni Reflection: Junhao “Mark” Xu ’16

DEPARTMENTS 4 8 14 16 56

News from the Hill Titans Victorious Fall 2020 Athletics Recap Fine & Performing Arts Class Notes

IN MEMORIAM 28 62 63 64

S. Prestley Blake Dr. Charles Warden Jr. Gail Chesworth-Taylor We Remember

ARCHIVES 65 History of resiliency 66 Tornado anniversary

on the cover The many photos of the many years Fred Watts spent with the WMA Community.

Produced by WMA’s Art Director Chris Tinnesz.

@wilbrahammonson wilbrahammonsonacad @wilbraham_monson

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SUPPORTING WMA: december challenge

By Mark Aimone Director of Advancement

“All In for WMA” challenge brings out the Academy’s best In many ways the holidays this year were unlike any in our recent history, void of the usual holiday parties, hectic shopping trips and large family gatherings. However, one thing that certainly remained was the spirit of giving back. Nowhere was this more evident than within the worldwide community of Wilbraham & Monson Academy.

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On the first of December, we launched “All In for WMA,” a historic challenge match inspired by the incredible generosity of our Board of Trustees. The Board demonstrated their philanthropic leadership by committing $500,000 to match every gift, dollar for dollar, to the Academy through the month of December. As if this wasn’t enough, the Vice Chair of the Board, Jim LaCrosse ’50W, offered an additional $150,000 if we received 50 gifts during the final week of December.

Not only was the Board’s generosity historic, but the timing was also significant as we faced unplanned expenses related to our COVID-19 protocols. As you have learned, the Academy invested more than $2 million to provide a safe environment for our students to continue in-person learning.

It was a significant impact on the Academy’s limited resources; but, in our opinion, essential to continue having in-person classes and meeting our mission of educating the next generation of global citizens. This challenge provided us the opportunity to begin to replenish those resources and provide a strong fundraising foundation for the second half of our fiscal year.

By the end of December, we had received more than 485 gifts and pledges totaling more than $415,000—all matched dollar for dollar. And, in the final week, when we needed 50 gifts to unlock an additional $150,000, we received more than three times that number!

Our alumni, parents and friends overwhelmingly responded to the Board’s call to action; in doing so, they demonstrated their confidence in and commitment to the Academy. Many were so inspired by the Board’s leadership that they increased their gift over previous years. Others took the opportunity to make a second or even a third gift this year. The generosity was not just financial. Over the course of the month, Atlas Fund Co-Chairs Mike Dolaher ’90, Liz Wagoner ’01 and Steff Robbins ’10—along with parent and alumni volunteers, Board members and faculty—spent countless hours reaching out to friends and classmates to encourage them to be “All In for WMA.” While the challenge ended on Dec. 31, the momentum created by it has not waned. We are on pace to have the strongest annual fund year in our history. It has been extraordinary to see how this community has come together during these difficult times. In so many ways, this year has truly demonstrated how so many of you are “All In for WMA,” and we know that with your continued support we will emerge from this pandemic even stronger.

TOTAL RESULTS:

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By Bill Wells Director of Student Promotion

departments: NEWS FROM THE HILL

News from the Hill

“This news demonstrates, and affirms, the resilience and raw determination that is so prevalent in our students and our community. Not only did our students adapt to the massive spring disruption and reorganization of their normal AP preparation schedule, they responded by turning a challenge into an opportunity and posted the best scores in years. This is what it means to be a Titan.”

— Brian Easler, Head of School

WMA lands 5 National AP Scholar awards Pandemic? No problem.

Despite one of the most challenging times in the 200-plus year history of Wilbraham & Monson Academy, the school’s students excelled on the 2020 Advanced Placement Exams, posting its best scores in recent years.

WMA landed five National AP Scholars, the highest award granted by the College Board.

Additionally, six students received AP Capstone Diplomas. In all, more than 50 students earned recognition from the Board.

Julia Puppolo ’20

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Hao “Harrison” Pan ’20

Jack Perenick ’21

Kyle Yamagishi-Rodstein ’20

Eungi “David” Youn ’20

“Earning six Capstone diplomas is a significant and exciting achievement for the students and for the Capstone program here at WMA. I think it speaks to the commitment and passion that the students show for their education and research.”

— Valeri Wallace, AP Research teacher

“Advanced Placement classes have demanding collegelevel coursework in which teachers must set high expectations and move at an accelerated pace. To have five National AP Scholars in one year for a small school like WMA is exceptional and noteworthy. I applaud each of the five National AP Scholars for their outstanding work ethic, strong command of material and genuine intellectual curiosity.”

— Erik Kindblom, Dean of Academics

WMA students who were honored by the College Board for their performance on the AP exams national ap scholar Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 4 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of those exams Hao “Harrison” Pan ’20 Jack Perenick ’21 Julia Puppolo ’20 Kyle Yamagishi-Rodstein ’20 Eungi “David” Youn ’20 ap scholar with distinction Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of those exams Joshua Besse ’20 Keller Boothby ’20 Catarina Carter ’20 Zihan “William” Chen ’21 Saki Doi ’20 Xiaojing “Emily” Du ’20 Jeremy Dubois ’21 Liam Etti ’20 Emily Fafard ’20

Liam Garrison ’20 Tianqi “Wernich” Li ’20 Nicholas McLaughlin ’20 Yusi “Christine” Mo ’21 An Nguyen ’20 Jayce Nielsen ’20 Hao “Harrison” Pan ’20 Jack Perenick ’21 Julia Puppolo ’20 Pheeraphat “Pete” Trairatanobhas ’20 Chuc An “Ann” Tran ’21 Jack Whitcomb ’21 Muwei “Katharine” Xu ’20 Kyle Yamagishi-Rodstein ’20 Yinqi “Sherry” Yang ’20 Eungi “David” Youn ’20 Tianyu “Joe” Yu ’20 ap scholar with honors Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of those exams Shane Appiah ’21 Will Crocker ’20 Hong Linh Duong ’21

Mu Chieh “Jay” Huang ’20 Lauren Jamal ’20 Tendo Kalule ’21 Alexander Otte ’20 Vincent Sweeney ’20 Karin Yamaoka ’21

Nathan Rivera ’20 Cole Salvador ’22 Jingting “Gina” Xie ’20 Zheng “Richard” Xie ’20 Xin “Julie” Xiong ’20 Yikai “Joe” Zhou ’20

ap scholar Granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams

ap capstone diploma

Jonathan Adams ’20 Sydney Caro ’20 Jean-Pierre Catellier ’20 Ryan Cordeiro ’21 Charlotte Derose ’21 Grace Dineen ’21 Emily Fallon ’20 Grace-marie Gouin ’20 Michelle Itkin ’22 Katherine Johnson ’20 Gene Kang ’20 Moonsu “Jackson” Kang ’20 Theresa Kervick ’20 Sung Jung “Ron” Lien ’20 Mai Khanh “Kayla” Nguyen ’21 Norah Omar ’21 Kasey Reed ’20

Emily Fafard ’20 Liam Garrison ’20 Jack Perenick ’21 Julia Puppolo ’20 Chuc An “Ann” Tran ’21 Muwei “Katharine” Xu ’20 ap seminar and research certificate Shane Appiah ’21 Grace-marie Gouin ’20

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departments: NEWS FROM THE HILL

Hmmm, doughnuts or cookies?

Tough choice.

Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Mrs. Gayle Hsiao surprised her Entrepreneurship class—and especially two of her Dutch students—when she invited Holland native Joost Elling to Zoom with the group in September.

Mr. Elling, founder of Joost Wafel Company in Delaware, explained his career journey to WMA students, which included Marenthe Hofstede ’21 and Binnert Van Den Blink ’21 of the Netherlands.

Always one to have a trick up her sleeve, Mrs. Hsiao had Mr. Elling’s treats delivered to WMA for the students to enjoy. Binnert chose a stroopwafel cookie, while Marenthe went for a ooliebollen donut.

• Zihan “Angela” Tian ’22

Zihan ‘Angela’ Tian ’22 writes 1 million word novel Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Zihan “Angela” Tian ’22 had surgery on her left leg in March 2020.

To her dismay, she didn’t have access to Wi-Fi at the hospital. Bored, she started to write a story.

One million words later, she had her first novel—a fantasy fiction piece that loosely translates from Mandarin “Mi Ying Meng Die.” Being published is nothing new to Angela.

She received payment to have five of her poems published in China as a sophomore.

A year later, after posting her novel on a blog, she signed a contract with a Chinese company to have the first 300,000 words—equivalent to 100,000 English words—of her novel published.

The publishing company designed the cover and edited the copy.

“It’s extremely exciting,” she said. “To get a book by myself published is amazing, even though after three days I wanted to publish more.

But when you first get your book it’s exciting.”

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To put the 100,000 words into context, Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” was 46,000 words, J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” 95,022 and Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” 100,338.

There was a three-month stretch when Angela wrote roughly 1,300 words/day. Novelist Stephen King typically writes 2,000 words/day during a project.

Angela’s original goal was to write about the political and historical fields. However, she realized getting books published in that realm was difficult. She shifted to a novel format, which gave her the freedom to write about anything she desired.

In her novel, the protagonist is born in a protected environment. However, after unintentionally threatening the regional powers, she is kicked out. She travels the world through various political systems “trying to learn why people are targeting her.”

Angela’s book is for sale on Amazon, Apple, Koko, Thalia, Bol.de, Angus & Robertson, Vivlio, Barnes & Noble and Lulu.

“Joost Elling is the son of my neighbor in Bethany Beach (Delaware). His dad introduced him to me as ‘my son, the entrepreneur!’ You can imagine how that piqued my curiosity.

After hearing his story, I had in the back of my mind that he would be a good guest speaker for my class someday because he started making his stroopwafel cookies when he was only 13.”

— Mrs. Hsiao

• Marenthe Hofstede ’21, left, and Binnert Van Den Blink ’21 of the Netherlands.

Students win trio of Model UN delegate honors There are a lot of words that come to mind when describing COVID-19.

For Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Jack Perenick ’21 and Michelle Itkin ’22, a key word for them was “adapt.”

When the school’s Model United Nations program shut down at the Academy in 2020–2021 due to the coronavirus, it was a devastating blow to many members of the popular class.

Jack and Michelle, though, refused to go a school year without their favorite extracurricular activity. They took action, forming a studentrun group “to connect WMA students to international affairs and discourse on world events,” said Jack, the team’s president.

“This year has required a significant willingness to adapt, and the Model U.N. world has been no different. When Michelle and I saw how difficult it would be to keep up our usual Model U.N. program, we decided to take advantage of the situation and start the WMA International Relations Association.”

The result of their efforts was nothing short of astounding. At the conclusion of the Yale Virtual Model U.N. Conference, held in January 2021, three WMA students—Jack, Michelle and Madeleine Soukup ’22—earned honorable delegate awards for their performance during the U.N. Committee simulations. Only the top 5 percent of participants received awards.

Eleven WMA students took part in the four-day event, which included 7 to 10 hours of opening ceremonies, an admissions panel, speakers, lectures by Yale professors and approximately 16 hours of committee sessions.

Jack represented The Kingdom of Denmark in the World Bank.

“In my committee, we spent the weekend debating how to change global trade policy to adapt for the world after the pandemic,” he described. “We also discussed how World Bank funds should be allocated in the future to better prepare for and reduce the devastation of global disasters.

“Just like many Model U.N. sessions, by the fourth day we arrived at a compromise, driven by hours of debate, resolution drafting and amendment, not to mention unofficial consensusmaking negotiations.”

session to get my points across. My resolution was Michelle served as a delegate for the State of not passed, but I did merge with several groups Israel in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization prior to the final resolutions and was able to keep (NATO). many of my points.”

“Our goal was to write a resolution on the WMA often wins an award, maybe two, at future of the committee in regard to the war in the annual Harvard Model U.N. event, typically Afghanistan,” explained Michelle, vice president held in Boston, Massachusetts in January. But of WMA’s program. “In the end I wrote and passed a resolution forming an overlap committee three, and by a student-created program? That may be a first. joining NATO and a new ‘Near-Eastern “It was an excellent opportunity to return Coalition’ that would provide aid to the region to YMUN and debate in committee, listen and facilitate peace talks with the Taliban.” to lectures from Yale faculty and again be Meanwhile, Madeleine was a representative recognized with a delegate award, among some for Lithuania in the United Nations Economic, of the other WMAIRA members,” Jack said.

Scientific, Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

“I hope WMA can continue to attend YMUN in “This was my first Model U.N. conference so future years, and our students can continue I was unsure of what to expect, especially since to learn about international relations and discuss the conference was virtual,” Madeleine said. “My global events.” goal was to speak at least once per committee

• From left: Madeleine Soukup ’22, Jack Perenick ’21 and Michelle Itkin ’22

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departments: Titans Victorious

lacrosse

Karsten Nyarady ’21 shines in All-American lacrosse championships What Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Karsten Nyarady ’21 missed for lacrosse in the spring of 2020 he more than made up for in the summer.

After the coronavirus cancelled spring sports throughout the country, Karsten spent part of his summer competing with and against a select group of high school lacrosse players. He was selected to the Midwest Under Armour All-American Lacrosse Games and helped his team win the West Super Regional, recording 12 goals and seven assists in five games.

Notes: • Two-way midfielder from Westfield, Massachusetts • Tournament was held in August in Indiana • West Super Regional consisted of teams from the Midwest, Southwest and West • Midwest team went 3–1 in bracket play before winning the regional championship • Had three goals and two assists in three national championship round games (all team losses) at Virginia Beach, Virginia, in October • National tournament started with 12 teams

Karsten on his team winning its Super Regional: “It was pretty awesome. On the first day we lost to the Southwest team. They have a lot of Division I commits, including the fifthranked goalie in the country. He stopped a lot of our shots. We played them again in the championship, and we beat them by a good amount. It was a phenomenal experience, and I’m glad I’ll get to play with them again.”

WMA Boys’ Lacrosse Coach Mike MacDonald on Karsten’s summer: “Karsten played a key role in the Under Armour All-American Games this summer. His team won the championship, and Karsten was a key contributor to the team’s success.

We are proud of the way he represented our school and lacrosse program. Karsten has a bright future and we will see him play at Colorado College.”

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Luke on why he wanted to attend the event: “This event is known as ‘North America’s Premier Recruiting Event,’ which makes it possible for me as a player to showcase what I can do in front of all different levels of college coaches. My goal was to be selected for the ‘Fab 40’ All-Star Team. I knew this was probably a long shot because I’m a Western Mass. kid and I would be playing against players from New York, Florida, Texas and California.”

Luke on how he thinks he performed: “I was happy with how I played at this showcase and enjoyed seeing a different level of play. The big highlight was when I found out later that I was selected as The Class of 2023 Defensive Manney’s Men, which is the top performing defenseman in my age group.”

Luke on being named the top defenseman in his class: “I was very excited and also pretty surprised to be chosen considering it was a national event with some really good players that are already nationally ranked.”

lacrosse

Luke Robinson ’23 showcases his lacrosse talents A starter since Grade 8, anyone associated with the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Boys’ Lacrosse team over the last few years knows how strong of a player Luke Robinson ’23 is as a defenseman.

After his performance at a showcase that drew lacrosse players from throughout the country, a lot more people know just how talented Luke is, too.

Luke was selected for the all-star game and named the top defenseman in his class at the 11th annual Nike Boys Philly Showcase, which attracted more than 600 players and nearly 200 college coaches to Downingtown, Pennsylvania, in November.

WMA Coach Mike MacDonald on Luke’s ability as a lacrosse player: “Luke’s hard work and dedication to becoming a better athlete have propelled him to a new level. His lacrosse IQ and stick skills have improved, and every year he continues to improve his game. We are looking forward to Luke being a top defenseman in our league this upcoming season. It’s always nice as a coach knowing that your best defensive player is still going to be around for three more years.

I am looking forward to watching him grow as a player, leader and member of the WMA community.”

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departments: Titans Victorious

Quotes from Erika Whipple, Head Athletic Trainer at WMA on the Academy winning a Safe Sports award: “It’s a great honor to be in the league with other private schools as well as public schools to be considered a safe sports school.”

WMA earns national Safe Sports School Award recognition Add another award to Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s 2020 resume.

A month after being named the Top Private School in the region (by MassLive.com), WMA earned a Safe Sports School Award from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association in September.

Among the areas, the honor takes into account a school’s athletic care, how it develops injury prevention strategies and provides psychosocial consultation to its athletes.

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On how WMA keeps its students safe athletically: “I feel like we do a really good job keeping kids safe. Maintenance keeps our fields going, we make sure our students have good nutrition, we work really hard at rehab, our coaches know how to train our kids with stretching, we do a good job at preventative care and we educate our students every year with a presentation about concussions.”

Winter Sports 2021 While COVID-19 restrictions forced the cancellation of all spring sports in 2020 and limited fall sports to practices only, competitions against other schools returned for some sports during the winter 2021 season.

The Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball teams and Skiing teams were able to compete in a limited schedule of head-to-head action, while the Riflery and Boys’ and Girls’ Swimming teams engaged in virtual competition.

• Katarina “Kiki” Brook ’26

• Nagomu Yoshitake ’23

• WMA players, from left (in blue): Kyle Filipowski ’22, Khalil Kamara ’21 and Jaakko Juusela ’21.

• Ryan Cordeiro ’21 • WMA players, from left (in red): Hallie O’Toole ’22, Autumn Perry ’23, Caterina Ravosa ’26, Meagan Schuermann ’23 and Rhaymi Porter ’21.

• Nick Morin ’21

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departments: ATHLETICS

By Bill Wells Director of Student Promotion

Ice Hockey to return to WMA after 2 decades he Titans shoot.

The Titans score.

Starting in 2021–2022, ice hockey will return to Wilbraham & Monson Academy after a 19-year hiatus.

The program will begin as a club sport for boys and girls, with the plan of offering teams at the varsity level in the very near future.

“I was here when we dropped hockey,” WMA Head of School Brian Easler said. “I know the reasons for it, and they were good reasons at the time. However, honestly, we’ve all been hoping since that day for the time when we could bring hockey back to WMA, and we feel that time is now.

“As an institution, and I mean that from the Board of Trustees down, we couldn’t be more excited to do this. Hockey is a part of our heritage, it’s a part of our history and it’s going to be part of our future.”

Support for hockey at the Academy came instantly following the announcement Feb. 19, with hundreds of alumni and current families reacting on WMA’s various social media platforms.

“The return of ice hockey to the WMA sports program is certainly being greeted with great enthusiasm by so many within our overall community,” Director of Athletics Don Nicholson ’79 said. “It has been very rewarding to also see the reaction from our alumni body as so many former players have communicated with the Academy to let us know of their excitement and to offer their support.”

“Being local, my immediate response was how can I help and how can I give back,” said Bryan Musa ’92, an active local coach, including that of his three daughters. “I built lifelong friendships. I just talked to one of my teammates. Playing hockey at WMA gave me an opportunity to continue to play hockey and to get exposure to play in college.”

WMA won Western New England Prep School Division II hockey titles in 1972–73, 1984–85 and 1985–86. Rick Bennett ’86, the men’s coach at Union College, was named MVP of the 1986 team.

“It was an honor to wear the Wilbraham & Monson Academy hockey jersey,” said Bennett, whose Union team won the NCAA Division I title in 2014. “The program offered a tremendous experience, filled with extraordinary opportunities. I am forever grateful to WMA and to have played with such terrific teammates.”

More than 20 current WMA students have played, or are playing, organized hockey for clubs in the region.

“I thought it was a great idea because it will attract more people to the school since hockey is such a big deal in the area,” Cory Bignell ’24 said. “We can make this work.”

“It’s going to be great for our school to have another program and give our students something else to participate in,” J. J. Fox ’23 added. “I’m excited for it.”

• Our mascot, Titan, took to the ice on Crystal Pond to share excitement of the return of Ice Hockey to WMA.

• Wearing a retro WMA Hockey jersey, Titan got an early start on the return of the sport to campus.

• Wilbraham Academy team photo, 1971

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departments: ATHLETICS

Athletics: Fall 2020 The Academy’s varsity athletic teams were able to practice throughout the fall. Although no competitions against other schools took place, each team did its best to learn from the experience and find silver linings considering the circumstances.

•

boys’ soccer

“The silver lining of not playing games was our ability to work more on the fundamentals of the game and gel as a team.

We learned to appreciate each other and the simple things that can be taken away from us at any minute.”

— Head Coach Roy Fink

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football

“I think we all gained a much higher appreciation for being able to be together as a team and for the opportunity the players have to play such a great game.”

— Head Coach Jeff Vartabedian

•

•

girls’ cross country

“It was amazing to see our small team support each other, may it have been by cheering each other on, offering encouraging words, staying positive or running back/ extra so as to finish training runs together.

During our only virtual 5K race on the track they all met, or came just a few seconds from meeting, their lofty goals set at the beginning of the season; and I think this is due to staying focused on doing their best in practice every day.”

— Head Coach Kelsea Lewis

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boys’ cross country

“We learned as a team that it’s a lot harder to stay motivated and push yourself when there isn’t a meet to be won. We had to find different motivations to work hard, more internal reasons. The silver lining was that at the end of the season, we got to be more lighthearted and just play! We played games amongst ourselves and against other sports.

This was a great team bonding experience!”

— Head Coach Danielle Vartabedian

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water polo

“We learned that intrasquad competition could be every bit as rewarding as playing another school. Our scrimmages went down to the last shot of the last game to determine the 2020 champion. The silver lining was that there was room in practice for more innovation and fun without impacting the quality of drills and scrimmages. We will carry that into next season.”

— Head Coach Jon Brook

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girls’ soccer

“Our silver lining this year was the amount of fun we had! As competitors, of course we would have loved to play a real match, but this year we got to bond with lots of inside jokes and fits of laughter (often in the middle of a drill!). I’m so proud of the way the team took care of each other, stayed positive and worked hard—simply because they love the game and love being together.”

— Head Coach Sommer Mahoney ’11

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girls’ volleyball

“The season brought us closer than any other season. I know for some of my seniors it was a good season for them because they spent more time working on skills and being ready for the game that never came . . .

It is truly one of the best seasons because I was able to put more work into them, and have them train and work harder at learning the game.”

— Head Coach Rodger Goodhind

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field hockey

“The elements that formed and sustained our team were beyond league competition.

Players supported and encouraged one another. We celebrated the leadership and accomplishments of our seniors and PG. They found enjoyment in the game beyond competitions and even mildly came to enjoy running around with a mask on.”

— Head Coach Elizabeth Fontaine Squindo

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departments: fine & performing arts

Fine & Performing Arts

Silent Sky Academy Players found the creativity (and safety protocol) to present “Silent Sky” outdoors in the November night via live stream and to a limited in-person audience in November.

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Porch Jams Performances by our talented on-campus musicians were a welcomed relief . . . to seemingly everything. A new tradition of Porch Jams on the Athenaeum Terrace was a big hit during outdoor lunch periods and seasonable fall weather. Indoors, a Dawn to Dusk concert kept the music playing on campus until Fall Vacation.

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on campus: fall semester

Students return for full-time, in-person learning in 2020–2021 Widely recognized as one of the most proactive schools in its response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, WMA went above and beyond to ensure the health and safety of our entire community when we returned to campus last fall to participate in a true hybrid learning model: students could attend live classes remotely from anywhere in the world.

WMA began planning for the 2020–2021 academic year in the spring and relied on basic safety measures: at least 6 feet of social distancing; required mask-wearing and hand-washing; and twice-weekly COVID-19 PCR testing for all students, faculty and staff.

Mask-free zones assisted in creating some normalcy for our students and faculty to socialize safely distanced from one another. Revamping dining schedules, procedures and space—including repurposing Alumni Memorial Chapel as a second dining hall—created more options for mealtimes.

Social distancing in all areas of campus was made possible through extensive renovations that transformed the meeting places and unused areas on campus. The opening of the Athenaeum offered much needed space, especially during inclement weather. Ventilation systems were also updated with ionizers and hospital-grade air purifiers in all buildings and dorms.

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Continued from inside front cover

from in person to remote and back again as individual, family and school circumstances change. Online parent/teacher conferences work extremely well, by providing a much more convenient and effective method of communication for all involved. By contrast, weekly Zoom meetings for students to meet with their faculty advisor groups, though they have been useful, are far from ideal in developing relationships with students—this goes to the core of what makes WMA so special. From each of these examples and many more like them, we have learned much and we will be a stronger school for having been pushed to adapt.

On the programmatic side, we have learned many things that will improve our management of campus life. We have discovered the power of a sunny midday concert on the Athenaeum Terrace, playing to people casually eating their lunch in Adirondack chairs, to lift the spirit of the whole town.

We have learned that trying to create a sense of community electronically, when it is not possible to meet together, is just not effective—and it has caused us to find new and more creative ways to bring the school together. We have learned that while some traditional WMA ceremonies were not possible given the circumstances, others have emerged that are likely to linger— I suspect graduates will be ringing the Monson Bell as a symbol of their victory at Commencement in the years ahead.

We are still determining how much or what parts of these changes we will preserve and how they may benefit the Academy post-pandemic, but one thing is already certain if you poll any student on campus—the ability for the entire school to switch instantly to remote only for inclement weather days has put an end to the need for the occasional and iconic New England Snow Day, and the students are already petitioning hard for us to let that part go.

Of course, these physical, educational and programmatic changes represent just a selection of the widespread institutional learning WMA has experienced this year. For me, the biggest lesson of all, and one that will surprise no one who knows this school, is the extent to which WMA has risen to the challenges as an engaged, committed, resilient and adaptive community of learners who have succeeded this year when many others have not, learned much in the process, and which has proven, collectively, that we can all thrive in the face of challenge and adversity.

Respectfully,

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CLASS OF 2021: SENIOR MOMENTS

Senior Moments Wilbraham & Monson Academy extends its most sincere congratulations to the Class of 2021. All members of the graduating class have shown true resiliency, patience and adaptability to not only conquer the rigors of an Academy education, but to do so through 15 months of a near-crippling pandemic. If there’s a lot that was “lost,” there was and will be far more to gain through this experience—both individually and as the Academy’s 217th graduating class. Forever bonded, we will next see each of you as part of a larger community—our proud alumni.

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In Memoriam: Fred Watts

Fred Watts 1927–2020

The Academy community lost one of its most revered members with the passing of Frederick D. Watts in late October 2020. Mr. Watts was a mainstay on campus from 1952 to 1992, embracing people he encountered in various roles during those 40 years.

If you knew him, or of him, you’ll likely find reason to smile as we look back on his time at the Academy on pages 22–27.

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By Don Kelly Faculty Marshal

Faculty Reflection

Fred Watts: ‘Thanks for a million laughs’ I often eat lunch these days in Alumni Memorial Chapel, which has been converted into a temporary dining hall as we do our best to maintain social distancing during the pandemic. As I enjoy my lunch, I can’t help but look up at the portrait of Fred Watts, which hangs high on the rear wall of the Chapel overlooking what used to be the center aisle. In the portrait Fred sits with his legs crossed, he has a cigarette in hand and there is a wry smile on his face. I keep waiting for him to make some witty wisecrack about life at WMA or to tell an amusing story from his career at school. But instead, I content myself with the many good memories that go through my mind of the funny stories Fred told and the witty remarks he made about school life over the years.

In thinking about Fred Watts these days, the great death bed scene from Edwin O’Connor’s novel “The Last Hurrah” comes into my mind. In that scene, Frank Skeffington, the political boss who has just lost an election and has suffered a serious heart attack, is lying in bed and receiving the respects of his closest political allies. One of his cronies, an obsequious character named Ditto Boland, who always was a source of laughter to Skeffington and his pals, approaches Skeffington’s bed. Ditto doesn’t know what to say to his dying chieftain. After all, he received his nickname “Ditto” because he always repeated what somebody else had just said seconds before. As Ditto searches for words to express his concern and sadness, Skeffington stops Ditto before he can say anything and asks rhetorically, “Ditto, how in the world do you thank a man for a million laughs?” That same question comes into my mind when I think about Fred.

I am sure that many people who had met Fred Watts, either faculty who have worked with him or students who have been taught by him, have had a laugh or two with Fred. His humor could be irreverent but never unkind and oftentimes was directed at himself.

One of my funniest and most favorite memories of Fred occurred on one of his last days on campus before his retirement in 1992.

Having finished teaching a class up the hill in Fisk Hall, I returned to my office in Rich Hall.

Upon entering the Rich Hall lobby, I stopped in my tracks. There, set up on an easel in front of the Head of School’s office, was the portrait of Fred commissioned by the school, which I now see every day in the Chapel at lunch.

I stopped and examined the portrait, and I could sense a feeling of sadness coming over me as I began to realize that a good friend, a mentor and an icon of the Academy would no longer be on campus to enliven us with his wit as well as his wisdom.

By fortunate coincidence, as I stood there in my melancholy reverie, the man himself walked by heading to his office at the north end of Rich Hall. I immediately complimented Fred on his portrait, and feeling a need to show him my gratitude for his friendship and kindness to me over the years, said, “Fred, this is a

• Faculty Marshal Don Kelly, left, reacts to being presented a gift from Fred Watts during a Prize Day ceremony.

wonderful portrait of you. Is there any special place you would like it to be displayed?

I will do whatever I can to make sure that it is placed there.”

Never one for self-aggrandizement and without breaking his stride as he moved across the lobby and with only a disdainful glance at his own portrait, Fred replied, “Mr. Kelly, hang the damn thing wherever it will aggravate the most people!”

Any melancholy feelings I may have had immediately evaporated with that remark.

It was so typical Fred—blunt and self-effacing.

I laughed all the way to my office. I realized that I just had a moment with Fred I could keep forever in my mind and that it would always put a smile on my face.

So, Fred, thank you for your service to the school, but, most of all, let me join Frank Skeffington and also say, “Thanks for a million laughs.”

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In Memoriam: Fred Watts

In our words . . .

The passing of Fred Watts brought an outpouring of responses from alumni, former and current faculty, and so many who knew him in some capacity.

We’d like to share a handful of the words shared in his memory.

Frederick D. Watts 1927–2020 (Adapted from his obituary in October 2020) Wilbraham & Monson Academy is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Frederick D. Watts. Mr. Watts died peacefully at his care center in Salem, New Hampshire.

He was 93.

Mr. Watts served the Academy for 40 years, from 1952 until his retirement in 1992.

His duties at the Academy included: • Master of English • Master of Geography • Master of Mathematics • Master of History • History Department Chair He also served as: • Citizenship Advisor • Director of Residence • Senior Master of Rich Hall • Dean of Students • Director of Alumni Relations • Head of School Mr. Watts took all of his roles seriously, but none more so than teacher, mentor and friend. His influence on the lives of countless students and fellow faculty members over the years cannot be overstated. He became a legend in his own time, and will be deeply missed by everyone who had the good fortune to know him.

We have created on our website: www.wma.us/fw a page to honor Mr. Watts.

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“. . . reasons I remember and admired Fred: • He was well-grounded, confident in his persona, comfortable smoking and sipping coffee while reading a book.

• He was unflappable, able to anticipate student misbehavior, respond to it effectively without being overly punitive and retain the respect of all.

• His background (being in Beirut), uniqueness (not driving, but using buses to visit alumni) and ease with young students and overbearing parents alike—these gave him a Renaissance-man-like aura.

• His only-child devotion to family was exhibited by a memorial organ concert he endowed at the Methuen Memorial Music Hall.

• His interest in, and memory of, people and events and places never failed; and his spoken reflections were inevitably graceful, often lighthearted and tempered with understanding bordering on forgiveness.

• Fred’s response when asked to be “Acting Headmaster” was a “No.” Because (he said) “one cannot ‘act’ as Headmaster,” but “Yes” to be Interim Headmaster.” — Bill Faulkner ’57w

“I and my three children—Jeff, Carla and Brian—benefited from his teaching and mentoring. Ria and I remember the lively evening discussions at his home when we and the Russ Cook family attended Parents Weekends and other Academy activities. One discussion was about the house previously being a dentist office and haunted. Next morning Ria confirmed to Mr. Watts that indeed she did see a ghost in the upper hallway during the night.

RIP Mr. Watts. Your legacy lives!” — Charles Pettee ’57w

“‘Derf’ (Fred backwards), as some of us secretly called him, had an uncanny ability to know all things at all times, or so it seemed. His piercing glance over the top of his glasses when he asked you a question, informed you that he already knew the answer but wanted to hear what your response would be. An important part of Fred’s interaction with students was his dry wit. If a stern message was needed, the addition of a little humor made it much more palatable. Fred was a true humanist and a treasured asset not only to WMA but also to all those he influenced over many decades.” — Sandy Ganun ’60w

“Very much a gentleman, Fred was a true scholar, a terrific teacher, and a mentor. For me, his lasting legacy is the critical role he played in making the difficult and often contentious merger of the two academies work: it was he who took the lead in gaining the support of faculty, most of whom were Wilbraham people, and not at all pleased. Without Fred’s patient and effective counsel, WMA might well have collapsed.”

— Herb Wilkinson ’61w (and former faculty)

Alumni & Community Reflections “For me he was the icon, the pinnacle, the ultimate, the paragon of steadfastness, of wit, of academic excellence, of compassion, of all that is to be hoped for in a world-class (but always modest) leader. I would give my right arm to be his history student again today!!! What a brilliant mind. He touched my heart and mind. He sparked my hope. As a man of absolute integrity, he made a world of difference in my ability to feel safe, not only in his presence but everywhere at Wilbraham, a novel experience for me. His equal is rare. His uniqueness, incomparable! His influence lives on in me today in inexpressibly wonderful ways. He will never be forgotten in my lifetime. His memory burns ever bright.”

— Charles Kellogg Jr. ’62W

unforgettable people in our lives. We all have Mr. Watts stories (some, multiples . . . ). Such a profoundly good man, as a teacher and a guide.

I know—because he told me—how proud he was of his boys; and, I told him how much he meant to us all. But, of course, being Mr. Watts, he already knew.”

— David Kent ’69W

“I remember Mr. Watts as a safe port in the storm.

He always had a smile and a kind word. A very connecting person that made you feel good to be around him. Never judging, always available and open, very encouraging and accessible, truly the characteristics that make for an exceptional teacher, mentor and friend.”

— James Prudden ’70W

history was derived from his sincere passion and interest in everyone and everything W&M. He was a great mix of joviality (with that famous Watts’ grin and twinkling eyes), irreverence and deadpan seriousness when work had to be done.”

— John Banas ’80 “Fred always asked me how I was doing and checked up on me. He made me feel like I was important to him, and that the friendships and mentoring he gave to those before me, mattered to him. He always had a smile (for me, anyway!) and a twinkle in his eyes. He, his ties and his spirit will be missed! Legacy.”

— Elizabeth Mulcahy ’84

“I learned a lot about leadership . . . Fred kept his cool and didn’t raise his voice. He reasoned with us as if we were equals. He articulated his concern and set an objective for us. He sought our buy in. Fred was an example I tried to emulate.

I never saw him mad or loud. He always had that twinkle in his eye and his understanding that boys will be boys. He could communicate a lot with those eyes without ever saying a word! He was a great role model for me.”

— Fletcher Swanson ’63W

“What a wonderful teacher he was! Mr. Watts’ class radically changed the way I approached history. He challenged us to interrogate history and really think about what it meant.”

“When Fred would visit WMA, he would show such genuine interest in the English program by visiting classes, inquiring about the books we were teaching or asking about new technology.

I enjoyed our conversations and could tell he was a passionate teacher. He knew the value of fostering discussion and dialogue among teachers and students—the shared experience of true learning. This plaque is posted in the classroom where I now teach, and it inspires and reminds me daily of Fred’s legacy as a beloved educator.”

— Meg Lenihan Hutcheson, Chair, English department

— Christine Galavotti ’73

“Mr. Watts was like a north star, keeping us on course when psychologically . . . I was often veering off. Somehow, he just knew what was going on, as if he had bugged every room and had TV cameras in the hallways. We all feel the same about Mr. Watts, that he was one of the

“Mr. Watts spanned two generations of our family—my Dad (’55W) and myself. My first day in 1976, he tracked me down just to say hello and make me feel at home by regaling me with memories of my father’s time, which he recalled as vividly as if they had just happened yesterday.

His uncanny recall of students and Academy

“My husband, Bill ’68, was deeply fond of Fred.

Fred was the reason Bill joined the Board years ago. As a young development officer, Fred welcomed me, teased me and taught me much about WA values, meaning and lore. Both Bill and I treasured our later visits with Fred, whose mind remained sharp forever.”

— Linda Griffin, current Trustee

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by brian p. easler Head of School

In Memoriam: Fred Watts

Letter to Alumni: From Head of School Brian P. Easler Sent Nov. 13, 2020 Dear WMA Alumni, I have known Fred Watts for 22 years, since 1998 when I first began working at Wilbraham & Monson Academy as the Director of Alumni Affairs. Fred had recently retired from the Academy, but he was no less active in the life of the school or influential in the community or with the alumni. Mr. Watts is literally an institutional icon at WMA; he was the center of every gathering (with a gravitational pull few could resist), and he certainly had a significant impact on me, the young and very green new Alumni Director.

I would spend hours with Fred in those days—sitting together in some campus space, or at the Student Prince or the Colony Club after retrieving him from the train station, perhaps with a cold refreshment or two—reminiscing about his exploits at the school and reveling in his vivid, well-told and usually hilarious stories. I learned about WMA from the inside out, from the man who knew it all. What better resource could a new alumni director have, and what better friend to accompany me on my own WMA journey.

Fred had a great deal of patience with me (he would say with a twinkle in his eye that I required a great deal of patience).

Those of you who knew him well would expect that kind of patience, and you would also expect that he had a good bit of fun at my expense when I deserved it. Although Fred was never my formal teacher as he was to thousands of WMA alumni, he was my teacher and mentor nonetheless because that is what Fred was at heart—a teacher and a mentor to anyone who benefitted from engaging with him. It is said that a teacher’s impact is measured in their positive influence on the lives of their students for the decades that follow. As such, Fred Watts leaves behind a remarkable legacy through not only those of us who learned from him but also many, many more who benefit secondhand through Fred’s positive impact on us.

We would all be fortunate to leave such an imprint on the world.

I know Fred was disappointed in me at least twice, or so he quipped—once when I switched from the Alumni Office to the Deans Office, and then again when I became a (dreaded) headmaster. The best piece of educational advice I ever received came from Fred on one of those occasions, however, when I became the Dean of Students. Fred said—“If you MUST become the Dean, Brian, you will need to strike the right balance in your relationship with the students. Their feelings toward you should roughly equate to 40% respect, 40% love and 20% fear.” I have to admit . . . I was skeptical. In

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my experience, though, 14 years as the Dean and now six as the Head, Mr. Watts’ advice was absolutely precise and timeless . . . and that formula served us both very well.

Through all of his humor and his wit and his ribbing . . . and his storytelling . . . it was obvious to all that Fred cared deeply for the Academy and all of its people; and that love was reciprocated in a way that should warm the hearts of all educators.

I will spend the rest of my time continuing to try to make Mr. Watts proud of me and his beloved school, and trying to live a life as purposeful and honorable as the one he lived.

Brian P. Easler Head of School Wilbraham & Monson Academy

Thanks for a million laughs, Fred Watts

In Memoriam: pres blake

by brian p. easler Head of School

Pres Blake: A Savior and Friend to the Academy

• Pres Blake in his younger years.

S. Prestley Blake, a name well known by anyone associated with Wilbraham & Monson Academy, was truly larger than life.

He kept proving that, year after year, until he died at age 106 on Feb. 11, 2021. Aside from being an internationally known business leader and hailed for his integrity, he was also, with his wife, Helen Davis Blake, a remarkable philanthropist. The long list of lives they have positively impacted is impossible to overstate. In fact, their generosity frequently exceeded normal expectations into the realm of savior for some, individuals and institutions alike. That is exactly what Mr. Blake was to WMA, having played a pivotal role in saving the Academy at a time when it was facing enormous challenges.

Some of you may be thinking, wow . . . 106, what class was he, exactly? Mr. Blake was in the class of 1934—of Northfield Mount Hermon. Why then, you may wonder, would Mr. and Mrs. Blake be moved to have such a significant impact on the history of Wilbraham & Monson? The answer, like many of us who did not graduate from WMA, is that they simply fell in love with this

• Pres Blake, left, and Helen Davis Blake, right, with Chelby J. Wakefield ’09.

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school and this community and chose to make it a part of their life’s work together.

As such, and fitting a legacy such as this, the name Blake can be seen throughout our campus community on Wallace Blake Dormitory, Blake Middle School, the S. Prestley and Helen Davis Blake Scholarship Fund, and most recently the S. Prestley and Helen Davis Blake Reading Room in the newly constructed Athenaeum. Aside from these projects, Mr. Blake has left his

“The long list of lives they have positively impacted is impossible to overstate. In fact, their generosity frequently exceeded normal expectations into the realm of savior for some, individuals and institutions alike.”

• Head of School Brian P. Easler with Helen Davis Blake, right.

• Pres Blake, center, stands with Heather Little ’14, left, and Arnelle Williams ’13.

mark on nearly every capital project for the last 35 years, the construction of LaBrecque House dormitory, Malley House and countless other initiatives that do not bear the name Blake but were only possible through the Blakes’ influence.

Mr. Blake was equally generous with another precious resource: his time. He was always excited to take calls or visits from Dick Malley, Rodney LaBrecque and most recently me, to be a sounding board and source of guidance, wisdom and inspiration. Frequently the Heads Office phone would ring out of the blue because Mr. Blake had woken up, as Mrs. Blake will attest, with “an idea,” because he never stopped thinking about us.

In honor of his transformational influence on Wilbraham & Monson Academy for the last 35 years, and for us all to fully celebrate Mr. Blake’s impact on the Academy, we will make Mr. Blake’s full WMA story the centerpiece of the next edition of The Giving Report. Until then, please join us in celebrating the life of S. Prestley Blake and recognizing with tremendous gratitude how fortunate we were to have known him.

• Pres Blake, right, with Head of School Brian P. Easler.

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by Bill Wells Director of Student Promotion

TITANS IN ACTION: Ally Orquiola ’25

Ally Orquiola ’25: ‘Even if you don’t necessarily know someone who is in need, you can still help’

“Even if you don’t necessarily know someone who is in need, you can still help. Maybe you can’t make a connection, but you can still help out during the pandemic.”

— Ally Orquiola ’25

• Ally Orquiola ’25, left, and Sarah Henderson ’25

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Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Ally Orquiola ’25 helped lead a massively successful food drive at the Middle School the week prior to Thanksgiving 2020, teaming with Sarah Henderson ’25 to collect 229 pounds of nonperishable food for a local survival center.

Filled with a sense of community service and inspired by her mom’s common acts of selflessness during COVID-19, Ally extended her volunteerism initiative deeper into 2020 despite the pandemic.

During the three weeks she was at home for scheduled remote learning due to the coronavirus, Ally and her family made four trips to a local food pantry—delivering roughly a half-dozen paper bags filled with scarfs, mittens, foot warmers and hats. They even included McDonald’s gift cards and purchased items on clearance at Target.

“Even if you don’t necessarily know someone who is in need, you can still help,” Ally explained.

“Maybe you can’t make a connection, but you can still help out during the pandemic.”

Ally emailed Director of the Middle School Stuart Whitcomb regarding spearheading a food drive at the Middle School. The coronavirus slowed down the process, but Ally and Sarah were given permission to put bins outside the building and email the students in the Middle School. In one week, Ally and Sarah far exceeded their goal and collected more than 200 items.

“It went really well,” said Ally of the November endeavor. “We got a lot of canned food. I was very happy. It was good everyone was able to contribute.

“I always like helping people and helping people in need. This was a good way for people who were struggling to get a meal and some extra help with their food insecurity.”

by Bill Wells Director of Student Promotion

TITANS IN ACTION: Sarah Henderson ’25

Sarah Henderson ’25: ‘It felt like I was doing something great for struggling families’ COVID-19 has impacted so many people in so many negative ways—illness, death, isolation, financial hardship . . . the dire list goes on and on.

Wilbraham & Monson Academy Middle School’s Sarah Henderson ’25 has impacted a number people in the region as well, but for all the right reasons.

During the first nine months of a pandemic that shaped every minute of every day for nearly every person in the world, Sarah spearheaded three causes to help others, which is nothing short of remarkable given the countless obstacles she faced due to COVID-19. And, oh by the way, she’s 13 years old.

“I enjoy the process,” Sarah said. “Getting other people involved makes it a better experience. I enjoy helping people and the feeling of success at the end.”

First came the Will Bike for Food campaign, an annual bike-a-thon that raises awareness and funds for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Due to the coronavirus, Sarah couldn’t get things in place to form a team at the Middle School, so she recruited her family and friends in September to raise money and participate in a virtual event during Hunger Action Month.

Next came “Just Tryan It,” a virtual triathlon held throughout the United States that serves as a fundraiser for children with cancer.

“I know during COVID-19 so many people have been struggling, especially families who have to pay for children’s medication,” said Sarah, who rode in honor of a 12-year-old girl who developed complications after her initial cancer surgery. “This was just something I really wanted to do to help out.”

With the approval and help of the Director of the WMA Middle School, Stuart Whitcomb, and other staff members, students were allowed to participate in the event on campus in late September.

“I was really happy with how it went,” Sarah added. “We raised a good amount of money and I was happy people came.”

Lastly, and most impressively, Sarah worked with classmate Ally Orquiola ’25 on a weeklong food drive at the Middle School. After hanging

From Stuart Whitcomb, Director of the Middle School: “We were missing a community outreach program at a time when our community was itching to do something for others, but overwhelmed by the logistics of it all. Sarah is focused and organized, two key elements if this was going to work, but she is also resilient—time and again she worked through barriers to success.

Remarkably, the first event she tackled single-handedly, working with Mr. Vartabedian to nail down some of the details. For the second event she and Ally joined together on a very successful food drive, again finding a way to support the greater community while giving their fellow students a sense of agency.”

• Kennedy Pelletier ’25, left, and Olivia Tierney ’25, center, with Sarah Henderson ’25 during their “Just Tryan It” efforts.

flyers in the building and sending emails to students, the pair collected 229 pounds of non-perishable food during just one week in November.

“People contributed,” Sarah beamed. “I was happily surprised and it was a great experience.

I felt proud because it was great to get past our goal. I felt like I was doing something great for struggling families.”

The food drive amassed more than 200 donations, doubling their goal of 100. Her greatest satisfaction, though, came a week later when she delivered the goods to a local survival center, where she was given a tour by the director and an explanation of how the facility distributes food.

The two food drives were a reaction to a routine drive along a street in Springfield, where she saw signs at three locations that posted the same message—they were in need of food donations.

“I also saw on the news how many people were struggling with hunger and the amount of people going to food banks had increased by about 20 percent,” she explained. “It inspired me to take a bad situation and help people who were struggling during this time.”

• Sarah Henderson ’25 with donated supplies at a local Survival Center.

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Titans in Action: Chuc An ‘Ann’ Tran ’21 & Yusi ‘Christine’ Mo ’21

by Bill Wells Director of Student Promotion

Chuc An ‘Ann’ Tran ’21 and Yusi ‘Christine’ Mo ’21 create an international human trafficking prevention project

• Yusi “Christine” Mo ’21

• Chuc An “Ann” Tran ’21

DreamGirls Vietnam Editor’s note: Academy World interviewed Chuc An “Ann” Tran ’21 and Yusi “Christine” Mo ’21 about a human trafficking prevention project.

Two years ago, Chuc An “Ann” Tran ’21 and Yusi “Christine” Mo ’21 learned of an extensive human trafficking crisis pervading their home nations, Vietnam and China. Living under destitute and patriarchal conditions, young women in Sapa, a town in the Vietnamese highlands and a major trafficking hotspot, have faced greater dangers of trafficking due to social media proliferation.

Even though COVID-19 has reduced trafficking rates in Sapa, NonGovernmental Organizations have estimated that one girl is kidnapped every 25 days.

This knowledge inspired Ann and Christine to embark upon a personal trafficking prevention project, where interviews and collaboration with ETHOS Humanitarian Association, an anti-trafficking NGO, helped them produce a digital graphic novel titled “No Way Home,” based on the experiences of a survivor. Their graphic novel has since been distributed through ETHOS’ platform and connections.

Since their graphic novel’s completion in October, Ann and Christine have expanded the scope of their student-led advocacy project, establishing and naming it DreamGirls Vietnam to reframe their mission around empowering and educating young, ethnic minority women in Vietnam.

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Q: What inspired you to begin DreamGirls?

Christine: We began our project two summers ago when I flew to Vietnam for two weeks. Here, we reached out to multiple anti-trafficking and women’s rights NGOs. Talking with social workers, we learned that social media proliferation has endangered girls significantly as it provides a medium for traffickers to easily manipulate girls.

As teenagers, we benefit from social media every day, so hearing that such a mindless aspect of our lives can endanger girls our age was shocking.

We knew that our goal was to aid prevention efforts as that was within our capabilities, given that we are only high school students and that we go to school thousands of miles away. Hence, we decided to write a digital graphic novel to raise awareness of social media’s role in trafficking.

This way, our story would be accessible and engaging to those most vulnerable.

Q: Tell us about your inspiration for “No Way Home.”

Ann: Once we settled on our graphic novel idea, we wanted to depict an authentic story in order to directly appeal to our target audience in Sapa and shed light on the harsh realities young women faced. Many NGOs we interviewed were very cautious about sharing their clients’ profiles.

As a result, we did not have a complete story to work with until we met with ETHOS, a social enterprise in Sapa.

Through ETHOS, we learned of May, a 13-year-old survivor who ETHOS had rescued several years ago. After being abused by her father, May ran away from home. Without the protection of a guardian, May was tricked by an older male trafficker under the guise of a romantic interest and sold across the Chinese border to be a child bride.

Q: How did you begin the production process?

Christine: After interviews with ETHOS and May’s little sister, we drafted our storyboard,

complete with dialogue and panel designs.

Then, we used the Upwork freelance platform to hire an artist to help us bring our vision to life.

From here, we meticulously edited each page through the sketching and coloring process, then followed with the translations to create two versions, one in English and one in Vietnamese.

Once we had our final product, we surveyed women and young girls in Sapa in order to ensure our product was accurate and engaging. The entire production process took approximately eight months, lengthened due to the pandemic.

Q: You mentioned social media as a factor contributing to girls’ risk of being trafficked. Can you elaborate? Are there other factors?

Ann: We were actually really surprised to find that social media proliferation serves as a vehicle for traffickers, who can now easily contact and coerce girls through Facebook. Many traffickers would form relationships and build trust with vulnerable girls before tricking them into traveling to border cities for dates or directly to China with lofty

promises of job prospects and brighter futures.

This was the case with May. However, social media is not a root cause of trafficking. Rather, destitution, a lack of education and gender inequality lie at the heart of this crisis.

Further, China’s One-Child Policy especially has created a drastic gender imbalance that has bred the market for trafficking across Southeast Asia.

Q: Can you tell us more about China’s role in creating this crisis?

Christine: This was actually one of the key pieces of information that piqued our interest in human trafficking, as we were intrigued by the dynamic between our two home countries. After China’s economic reformation in the 1980s, a population boom led the government to enact the OneChild Policy.

Due to their traditional Confucian gender roles, families in China, desperate for a male heir, would abandon or abort their female children, causing a gender imbalance of approximately 40 million more males than females.

Additionally, China’s deeply-rooted view of women’s inferiority has historically perpetuated the commodification of women’s bodies. This interplay of factors have fostered China’s markets for bride and sex trafficking, which now draw women from all across Southeast Asia.

Q: In what other ways does gender inequality fuel trafficking?

Ann: On Vietnam’s side, Sapa’s large H’mong population and its patriarchal society strips girls of opportunities and protection. With widespread destitution, families prioritize their sons’ education and economic status, pushing their daughters to drop out of school and work to sustain their families.

To lift economic burdens, daughters are also often sold into child marriage. Wed to men years their senior, many young women become victims of domestic abuse.

Trapped in oppressive systems without economic autonomy, many women become mesmerized by an idealized image of China, where they believe they will be granted freedom and social mobility. These women are traffickers’ prime targets.

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As research has shown that children who grow up in unstable, violent households are most vulnerable to forming unhealthy relationships, these volatile conditions generate this region’s entrenched intergenerational trauma.

Q: You mentioned poverty as a root cause of trafficking. Can you elaborate?

Ann: I would argue that poverty is the greatest cause of trafficking. Beyond inhibiting social mobility and autonomy for women, deprivation also pushes men to become intermediaries of trafficking. Most importantly, scarce finances are the sole reason behind Sapa’s limited educational resources. With scarce schooling opportunities, few are able to escape the cycle of poverty. It is a huge reason why Sapa itself is a trafficking hub, and not a larger city such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Q: How is May’s story a reflection of the systemic problems at the heart of human trafficking?

Christine: In every way. Growing up in an impoverished family, May, her mom and her siblings suffered from their opium-addicted father’s abuse. This abuse led May’s mom to flee to China and May to feel excluded at school and drop out to work at a soup kitchen.

She was captured while working illegally as a child laborer.

Unlike most victims of trafficking, May was fortunately rescued years after. However, due to mental health stigma and limited resources, Sapa currently lacks psychological counseling infrastructure. Compounded with Sapa’s culture of victim blaming, May was unable to reintegrate into her unwelcoming community and is now trapped in an abusive second marriage.

Q: What do you think needs to happen in order for the human trafficking crisis to cease?

Ann: While prevention is vital, it is not a longterm solution to human trafficking. During an interview with Hagar International, an NGO that supports victims of trafficking and abuse, a case manager explained that solutions must encompass three categories: individual, societal and governmental.

Across these levels, comprehensive solutions must range from prioritizing women’s access to education, social service, and employment opportunities to legislative and budgetary changes that work toward dismantling gender inequality.

Finally, the Chinese and Vietnamese must collaborate despite their strife to address the issue. Today, the tension between the two nations results in staggered communication and limited cooperation in the process of rescuing victims and arresting traffickers.

Consequently, the work of retrieving girls is left to a few NGOs with licensing to cross the border, such as Blue Dragon. Additionally, rampant corruption minimizes the governments’ abilities to hold complicit officials accountable and eliminate trafficking markets.

Q: What has DreamGirls done since releasing the graphic novel?

Ann: Since establishing DreamGirls officially in November, we have recruited eight more content creators and designers to our team, several of whom are friends from WMA while most are from Viets for Change, a youth advocacy organization that I am leading in Vietnam.

Together, we have crafted an expanded mission and unified aesthetic as we aim to increase our social media presence.

Most excitingly, thanks to the additional time we have had at home, Mai Khanh “Kayla” Nguyen ’21 and I, along with some of our friends, had the opportunity to travel to Sapa in March when we finally got to meet the founders of ETHOS in person and film five short films.

• H’mong girls in Sapa, Vietnam.

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Q: Tell us more about your trip.

Ann: The objective of our trip was to film minidocumentaries centered on the personal stories of four extraordinary H’mong women in order to shed light on greater systemic problems that impact ethnic minorities.

Two young girls told us of their experiences with education inequality and being street vendors, while two mothers shared the heartbreak of having loved ones trafficked. Actually, two of these women are May’s sisters, Cha and My. While conducting our interviews, we got the chance to visit a village, harvest our own vegetables, cook on a fire pit and share a meal with a H’mong family. Next, we assisted one of ETHOS’

health and hygiene workshops for ethnic children, many of whom had never been taught to use soap or a toothbrush. We also did a lot of hiking.

We were able to fully immerse ourselves in Sapa’s culture and learn of incredible and empowering, but harrowing, stories that we are so excited to share. It was truly one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had.

Q: Where is DreamGirls going from here?

Ann: Right now, we are focused on editing and piecing together our films. This has been challenging as our members live everywhere from Hanoi to Osaka, and none of us have extensive editing experience.

Additionally, we are continuing to find more robust ways to distribute our graphic novel, which thus far has been launched on our website and distributed through ETHOS. We are working with ETHOS to turn our graphic novel into activities for the trafficking awareness workshops that they hold.

Beyond our ongoing projects, we also have ideas to create virtual health, sexual education and leadership seminars in order to provide women with vital information in an accessible manner.

As this project has shaped our future aspirations, we will remain dedicated to DreamGirls’ growth with hopes to broaden our impact and inspire women in any way we can.

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by Bill Wells Director of Student Promotion

ALUMNI IN ACTION: Nick Gourley ’18

Nick Gourley ’18: ‘WMA engrained in my mind that I could go out and do anything’

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ith COVID-19s grip firmly around the neck of the world, Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Nick Gourley ’18 wanted to help in some capacity.

But how? The former president for the Class of 2018 had no experience in the medical field. What could he do?

Mr. Gourley looked within, found some skills and interests he thought could be helpful, made the difficult choice to take a gap semester from college and opened his own startup company late in the summer of 2020.

Arcadium—named after the band Red Hot Chili Peppers’ ninth album—was born, as Mr. Gourley and three of his classmates at Tufts University opened a strategic consulting company, with its sights set firmly on how they could aid struggling companies near the Medford, Massachusetts, campus.

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“I figured I could help with my business experience,” Mr. Gourley explained. “It would have been cool to get involved in the medical side; but since there was very little I could do on that end, I took what business knowledge I had and ran with it in the fall.”

Mr. Gourley had started a three-month internship at the Boston Food Allergy Center in the spring semester of his sophomore year at Tufts when COVID-19 slammed into the United States. His responsibilities shifted at the clinic, but he was happy to aid the facility in any way during the pandemic.

• Nick Gourley ’18 during his tennis-playing days at WMA.

“It almost felt like a wartime effort with the first responders and people in health care,” the economics and international relations double major said. “I wanted to get involved, so I did some economic consulting for this clinic, working on the business end figuring out ways to increase company revenue.”

As the summer drew closer to the start of school, Mr. Gourley faced a difficult decision: take a gap semester Tufts was offering to its students or attend online classes. From his off-campus apartment, he took a bold step and created his startup, registering his consulting business with the state and putting school on hold.

Then came the real hard part—finding clients. After a month of knocking on doors of local businesses, a personal training company in neighboring Somerville took on Mr. Gourley and his team.

• Nick Gourley ’18, right, with Head of School Brian P. Easler at Commencement in 2018.

• Nick Gourley ’18, left, with a pastry shop owner, a client of his startup company Arcadium.

“We went to 30 people before someone said they’d be interested in working with us,” he said.

Arcadium landed five clients: a Danish pastry shop owner, interior designer, vinyl record company, a startup looking to sell its unproduced caffeine spray, and the personal training company.

Mr. Gourley worked 60–70 hours per week and his staff grew to 11. Mr. Gourley and his team conducted specific research for each company, developed applications, created social media accounts, investigated marketing strategies, and mapped out revenue possibilities and financial responsibilities.

The business slowed in January as Mr. Gourley and his classmates prepared to go back to school.

“The clients expressed a lot of gratitude over time,” Mr. Gourley said. “Once, a close friend of one of our clients came up to me and said the work Arcadium did completely saved her business from closing. Hearing things like that is the coolest thing in the world.”

Launching a startup as a 20-year-old during a pandemic, with people’s tensions at an all-time high, usually isn’t a recipe for success. How did Mr. Gourley pull it off?

“The AP Seminar and AP Research classes I took at WMA engrained in my mind that I could go out and do anything,” Mr. Gourley praised.

“It sounds like a generality but the point of those classes was to create an original piece of research from a vast field of existing work.

“Obviously, that doesn’t translate directly to a business, but navigating those courses definitely gave me the confidence I needed to start with a completely blank slate and create something out of it.”

Behind his ingenuity, intelligence and drive, Mr. Gourley created something—something helpful for struggling businesses during one of the most trying times in the history of the world.

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Alumni in Action: Dean Rohan ’84

by Bill Wells Director of Student Promotion

Dean Rohan ’84: ‘On The Fly’ thinking taps into success

I

• Yearbook, 1984 • Dean Rohan ’84 alongside a row of beer fermenters.

• Dean Rohan ’84 outside the main entrance in Charlton, Massachusetts.

n the business world, there has been very little “new normal” during COVID-19. Ever-changing, mandated regulations at the state and federal level have made it nearly impossible for companies to find any consistency.

Since March 2020, businesses have had to adjust on the fly.

Co-founder Dean Rohan ’84, his partners and staff of 180 employees at Tree House Brewing Company in Charlton, Massachusetts, put a twist on that phrase, firmly establishing the 10-year-old company as a pillar among tap rooms in the world.

“We had to think on the fly to make On The Fly work,” Mr. Rohan said of the company’s new method of sales. “It lends itself to a pretty good business model moving forward.”

Tree House opened its current 70-acre, 80,000-squarefoot facility in 2017. Business was good. No . . . business was GREAT—serving 15,000 people weekly on site, a figure any brewery on the planet would love to put into its books, and a far cry from its early days of operating in the kitchen of one of Mr. Rohan’s music-playing friends.

Rumblings about a novel coronavirus began in January 2020, but most people in the United States had no idea of the life-altering storm on the horizon.

Mr. Rohan, though, picked up an early indicator of what was looming. His daughter was supposed to travel to Shanghai, China, for the Mock G20 Summit in late January, and Mr. Rohan and his wife planned to spend two weeks in China prior to the event. The Chinese government, though, cancelled the summit due to COVID-19, which put Mr. Rohan into motion at Tree House well before any restrictions hit the U.S.

“At that point I knew it wasn’t the flu, and it wasn’t a bug,” Mr. Rohan explained. “It wasn’t going to be contained.”

The team ordered massive amounts of personal protective equipment (which they later donated to hospitals in Massachusetts) online for the employees. Tree House doesn’t distribute beer, and only made money on site. The company had to stay open in order to survive.

First, the team built what Mr. Rohan labeled “The Great Wall of Tree House,” which were rows of plywood standing 8-feet high. Customers stood 10 feet apart and snaked through the property. Health-wise, it was safe and a way to stay open.

Mr. Rohan, however, wasn’t comfortable.

“I found myself so paranoid; the staff was paranoid,” Mr. Rohan said. “The customers kept coming. But we opted to say, ‘No, we’re done.’ It wasn’t safe for the psyche of our employees.”

• Overhead view of the entrance to the Charlton, Massachusetts, facility.

The coronavirus had won, shutting down the successful tap room—but only for a day.

Quickly, Tree House drafted and put a new method in place so it could sell beer in a contactless format to customers on site: On The Fly. With the new online order method, staff loaded beer in cardboard boxes from pallets onto hand trucks and wheeled them from the warehouse to outside. There, the staff retreated 10 feet as customers wearing masks got out of their vehicles to grab their liquid goodies.

The brilliance was in the efficiency. Upon arrival customers showed the code of their online order to a staff member, who relayed the information to a person in the warehouse. By the time the customer waited in a line of cars, the order was at the curb.

“This is more efficient than before, and we’ll adopt it postCOVID,” said Mr. Rohan, who noted the hand trucks are cleaned after each delivery. “We’ll more than likely build a building that’s strictly for ‘On The Fly.’ “(In the future) when you come to enjoy Tree House you can come and have a good time with your pints, get some food from food trucks, see bands; and then pick up your phone, order a couple cases through ‘On The Fly,’ drive through the drive-thru, pick up your cases and you’re off. It will be the ultimate experience. I’m so excited for it.”

Tree House didn’t serve as many customers during COVID-19, with a range of 300–1,600 people making the trip to the wooded campus every day. However, since people no longer had to carry their beer from the facility to their parked car, sales increased.

“A big order previously was two cases,” Mr. Rohan said.

“Now, someone buying 3–4 cases is a normal order. Some people get 2–3 dollies full of cases.

“It’s common for people from Boston to rent cars or get a Zip Car to come here. We get people daily from New Jersey and New York, and cars from Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Florida are commonplace. During the summer, people take Beer-cations. Sometimes the out-of-state license plates dwarf the Massachusetts ones. It’s unbelievable.”

Tree House is inching closer toward opening a breathtaking 100,000-square-foot site in Deerfield, Massachusetts, and it bought another facility in Sandwich on Cape Cod complete with a spectacular ocean view.

“To be in the pandemic like we are,” Mr. Rohan said, “and to be scared for your friends and family and everyone around you, to be able to have our business and maintain and thrive in certain areas has been a blessing.”

• Sign of the times.

• View of the Charlton, Massachusetts, facility.

• Enjoying the festive outdoor space is a big part of the experience for customers.

this page: All photos courtesy of Nate Lanier Photography.

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by Bill Wells Director of Student Promotion

ALUMNI IN ACTION: Matt Koziol ’93

Matt Koziol ’93: ‘WMA allowed me to explore in any direction I wanted to go’

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ilbraham & Monson Academy’s Matt Koziol ’93 had visions for his farming business. He pictured an agritourism spot, where people could enjoy all aspects of a rural property. He estimated it would take him 10 years to get there.

Then the novel coronavirus struck in 2020.

For many business owners, COVID-19 was crippling. For Mr. Koziol, it turned all of his dreams into a reality—in a hurry.

After 10 years as a financial counselor and nine more as the owner of two companies, the multitasker completed a farming internship in 2009 and rented a farm in West Brookfield, Massachusetts, a year later.

“I took money from my solar business and put it into purchasing cattle and farm equipment,” the Ludlow, Massachusetts, native said.

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“Farmer Matt” owned 200 cattle and had a seasonal farm stand, with his biggest source of revenue coming from beef and hay sales.

He was financially fine, although he was in no position to buy his own farm.

COVID-19 trickled into the United States during the early months of 2020. Mr. Koziol recalled the day that changed his life and shaped his future.

“It was March 10,” he recalled. “It was my birthday, and we were having a party. Nobody had beef in the local grocery stores. The phone started ringing off the hook. March is usually our slow time. People aren’t thinking about grilling until May, June, July, August.

“I quickly caught on this was possibly a major event about to go down. On March 10, people weren’t sure what was happening. But I secured

butcher slots; I went into overdrive. I was taking a big risk but I could sense something big was happening. I purchased additional freezers, I ramped up production as much as I could and it never really slowed down.”

Sales quadrupled. That’s right—quadrupled.

In a matter of months, Mr. Koziol’s business had completely changed. He suddenly saw his dreams were within reach, prompting him to purchase a 214-acre farm in neighboring New Braintree in September 2020.

“Things went off the charts for me,” Mr. Koziol humbly said. “Things have stayed steady, and that allowed me to open this property, which allowed me to open up a myriad of new possibilities because we have this new, beautiful spot.

“Agritourism is on its way. We can picture what this is going to turn into this summer.”

Hikers and horseback riders went to the farm in the winter to enjoy the paths, which connect to a larger trail system. With commercial kitchen space, Mr. Koziol hired an experienced chef to make entrees for takeout orders, as well as a baker and pastry chef. He uses flour provided by a company owned by his sister, Andrea ’94.

“We’re making homemade bagels, cheesecake,” he said. “It’s morphing as we speak. No time to sleep.”

Trout fishing in the brook, a comforting view and cozy fire pit are other amenities. There’s also a building that was remodeled by the previous owners to be a restaurant/brewhouse.

“It will be a fun place to bring the family,” he said. “That’s what it will be this summer—a fun place to bring the family.”

Somehow, someway, the worst pandemic to hit the world in a century made it all possible.

“What I’m doing right now is I’m seeing out some dreams I’ve had,” Mr. Koziol explained.

“The farm I was renting, I envisioned some agritourism and I envisioned people to hunt, hike, fish, canoe and enjoy the property the way I do. I had always imagined that. COVID has fast-forwarded me 10 years and has allowed me to do what I want to do. These are all ideas I’ve had.”

WMA also had a hand in making it possible.

Mr. Koziol first came to campus in Grade 6 as a student at Academy Hill Day School, which was located in the current Middle School. He then

attended the Academy for Grades 7–12, winning a New England Wrestling title at Northfield Mount Hermon his junior year. He wrestled for two WMA coaching legends—Hugh Harrell and Phil Cardone.

Mr. Koziol’s experience at WMA as a wrestler and student largely shaped him into the successful person he is today.

“I’m ADHD,” he said. “WMA allowed me to explore in any direction I wanted to go.

Anything was possible and nothing held me back.”

And nothing is holding Mr. Koziol back now—not even COVID-19.

“What I’m doing right now is I’m seeing out some dreams I’ve had . . .

COVID has fast-forwarded me 10 years and has allowed me to do what I want to do.”

— Matt Koziol ’93 • Yearbook, 1993

• Photos from Matt Koziol’s ’93 new farm, purchased in September 2020 in New Braintree, Massachusetts.

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by Bill Wells Director of Student Promotion

ALUMNI IN ACTION: Chris Costello ’96

Chris Costello ’96: Walking the walk as an entrepreneur

• Yearbook, 1996 • Chris Costello ’96 with young students in Montreal sparked by the entrepreneurial spirit to help others.

W

ilbraham & Monson Academy’s Chris Costello ’96 founded a nonprofit organization in Montreal, Canada, after he recognized there was a large population of homeless residents, including many who suffered from foot problems.

In 2020, his company—Toe2Toe—made a shift and went toe-to-toe with COVID-19.

During internships in emergency rooms for medical school, he noticed a trend within the homeless population.

“There were always foot problems and foot infections,” Mr. Costello explained. “It was something I was curious about at that point. I wondered why was there always a foot problem.”

A medical condition landed Mr. Costello in a Montreal hospital for several days in 2012. His roommate was a member of the homeless community. Prior to discharge, Mr. Costello asked a pointed question.

“Upon discharge, I asked him what did the homeless population need that the general population wasn’t thinking about. He brought up socks. That’s when things made sense. A lack of foot hygiene leads to foot infections and foot problems.

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“He said he could get food and get shelter, he could find a hat and jacket; but he couldn’t find socks, and he could go six months wearing the same socks. You consider the level of a lack of hygiene, that’s what was contributing to all of these foot infections. It puts the body open to systemic infections, which could go anywhere.”

Six months in the same pair of socks—a recipe for a health disaster, especially for people whose immune systems were already being stressed due to factors like cold weather, substance abuse and a lack of nutrition.

“I see the entrepreneurial spirit. They say they’re going to go online and drive something, or they’re going to go to their hockey team or art class, and they look for ideas. I push the entrepreneurial spirit.”

— Chris Costello ’96

Opening in 2012, Toe2Toe grew to be a savior in the Montreal area, which houses a homeless population of approximately 3,000 people.

Toe2Toe’s process—connect with schools and private businesses, have them conduct a sock drive, collect the socks and deliver the items to Accueil Bonneau, a homeless shelter in Montreal—worked.

“The students like it because they’re part of the mission,” Mr. Costello said. “They have to go get something specific, like socks, not just hand over money.

• Chris Costello ’96 was a guest speaker, via Zoom, in Gayle Hsiao’s Social Entrepreneurship class.

“With all schools I work with, it’s such a blessing because I see an entrepreneurial spirit in the students. If I go to a school, they then go to their hockey or baseball team and do a drive.

That’s how they contribute.”

Montreal’s first case of the novel coronavirus was diagnosed at the end of February 2020. Within weeks, COVID-19 cases began to climb rapidly, and by the end of April the city already had 1,000 deaths.

Mr. Costello recognized how susceptible the homeless population was. He made a shift in Toe2Toe’s mission.

Actually, it was more of an addition. He put together a plan for COVID-19 kits, complete with a mask, non-alcoholic hand sanitizer and vitamins.

“In the homeless population, if you have a lack of nutrition you will have a lack of vitamin intake and that’s what keeps your immune system up and running. If the immune system is already comprised and people develop COVID-19, they are more vulnerable for major symptoms.”

Mr. Costello also saw this as an opportunity to educate people, not just about homelessness but about the coronavirus as well.

“I started leaving it open to students whenever I did a presentation,” he said. “I said if they wanted to do socks, by all means, do it. But if they had a concern and wanted to be educated on COVID-19 and what are some resources that

might be limited within the homeless population, then by all means do that drive and we’ll distribute those.

“I’ve enjoyed the COVID-19 drives because it’s a little bit of a learning point.”

Mr. Costello and his team received their first donations of COVID-19 material before Christmas. The turnaround time from making a commitment with a group to delivering the goods was typically 4–6 weeks.

“The most serious feedback I get is that I see the entrepreneurial spirit,” he said. “They say they’re going to go online and drive something, or they’re going to go to their hockey team or art class, and they look for ideas. I push the entrepreneurial spirit.”

Not surprisingly, the entrepreneurial spirit was alive and well at WMA, too. After addressing faculty member Gayle Hsiao’s Social Entrepreneurship class as a guest speaker via Zoom, the students agreed they wanted to chip in, but not in a standard fashion. They wanted to participate in both the sock and COVID-19 Kits, and each kit would contain four months of supplies.

With the help of the WMA Service Team, WMA made donations toward the Latino Ministry and the Center for Human Development, which serve adults in Springfield, Massachusetts, as well as the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, which assists children and families in nearby Holyoke. The Social Entrepreneurship class partnered with a local church to make more donations.

How strong is the entrepreneurial spirit at WMA? The exchange between the students and Mr. Costello was so profound that it gave him some fresh ideas for Toe2Toe. “Presenting and meeting with Gayle’s class was an absolute pleasure, and they had motivating and thought-provoking questions,” said Mr. Costello, who was captain of the Football, Wrestling and Boys’ Lacrosse teams at WMA. “They provided me with ideas on how Toe2Toe is going to move forward.

It was an honor to be speaking with the students and working with people at WMA.” • From left: Victor Simunek ’23, Caitlin Lee ’21 and Nick Vedovelli ’21 with supplies to donate.

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by Bill Wells Director of Student Promotion

WMA SPOTLIGHT: BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Bill Guerin ’89: ‘Everyone’s goal is to make WMA a better place’

Name: Bill Guerin WMA Class: 1989 Current hometown: Wayzata, Minnesota Family: Wife, Kara; daughters Kayla, Grace and Lexi; son Liam Place of employment: Minnesota Wild (National Hockey League) Job title: General Manager College: Boston College, Boston, Massachusetts

What do you like to do when you are not working?

I love to spend time with my family, at the Jersey Shore and playing golf.

If you could visit one city in the world, where would you go?

I would visit Hong Kong. It seems like nothing I have experienced before. Hopefully, someday I’ll get there.

What’s the most interesting thing about you most people don’t know?

That I am half Nicaraguan. My mother is from Managua, Nicaragua.

• Yearbook, 1989 • Olympic playing days on Team USA.

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• General Manager of National Hockey League’s Minnesota Wild.

• Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009.

“I want to be a part of the positive momentum that is going on there. The school is going to new heights with great leadership and a great vision for the future.”

— Bill Guerin ’89 What is one of your greatest memories of WMA? Beating Longmeadow in lacrosse in 1989. We were always the underdog against them but I didn’t see it as an upset. That year we were just better.

What extracurricular activities did you do in school?

Lacrosse. That was my second passion after hockey.

Which faculty members did you rely on during high school?

Don Kelly, Don Nicholson ’79 and Phil Cardone. All of them had their own style, but we could always tell that they had our best interest at heart and were willing to go the extra mile for us.

How did WMA prepare you for your future?

It prepared me for college for sure. The way our schedules were set up forced me to manage my time wisely. It was a good balance of being tough but having control of how you approached your work.

What would you tell someone who knew nothing about WMA? It’s just a great place to go to school. If you are looking for a supportive and challenging institution that is in a great location, this is your place.

Why were you interested in joining the Board of Trustees?

I want to be a part of the positive momentum that is going on there. The school is going to new heights with great leadership and a great vision for the future.

As a Board of Trustee member, what is your goal?

I want to bring my life experiences to the board. It’s a team and everyone’s goal is to make WMA a better place.

What’s your lasting impression of WMA? My crew of friends. We were together there for a long time and remain in contact today.

Hockey career details, of note:

During your time in high school, if there was one thing you could have changed at WMA, what would it have been?

They would have had a more solidified hockey program.

Hopefully that can be restored someday.

• Three-time U.S. Olympian (1998, 2002 and 2006)

• Four-time Stanley Cup Champion (two as a player) • United States Hockey Hall of Fame • Boston College Hall of Fame • Four-time NHL All-Star

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departments: FACULTY & STAFF RECOGNITION

Years of Service Awards Each year, WMA honors faculty and staff who reach milestones for their years of service at the Academy. The following 16 people—with comments from colleagues— are our honorees during the 2019–2020 academic year.

5 years Karen Dufresne, Middle School Mathematics “Karen Dufresne embodies the Middle School mind. She is a true teacher as she models the very idea of an independent master learner. We all know when Mrs. Dufresne is in the building because we can often hear her cheery chant of ‘It’s almost Friday’ even when it’s Tuesday morning.”

— Jes Rohan, Middle School English

Charles Gambino, Maintenance & Facilities Department “We are very lucky to have Charlie in the Facilities Department. He is the jack of all trades. He’s a talented carpenter with a background in landscaping and can fix any equipment that breaks down.”

— Chris Reed, Director of Facilities

Christa Robinson, Middle School Health “Christa has worked very hard during her time at WMA to develop a comprehensive Health program, designed to support our Middle School students as they develop physically, socially and intellectually. She is a true professional and very dedicated educator and coach.”

— Jeff Vartabedian, Middle School Health and Physical Education

Kimberly Therieau, Controller, Business Office “Kim has brought a breadth of knowledge and experience to the Business Office.

She is dedicated and passionate about WMA and is an invaluable part of our team.”

— Kim Davis, Chief Financial Officer, Business Office

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10 years Josh Bain, Information Technology Department “It is my pleasure to work with Josh Bain. His professionalism is a quality that I admire.

Josh has an uncanny ability to effectively interact with all community members. He is thoughtful, resourceful and he is genuine.”

— Dr. Marxan Pescetta, Director of Information Technology

Virginia Giokas, Middle School Art “A creative and tireless art educator, Virginia coined one of the best phrases in education—Artitude.

Basically, it speaks to one’s willingness to show up and try one’s best while remaining positive and open to new ideas and approaches.

What a beautiful philosophy and what a great fit for Virginia.”

— Stuart Whitcomb, Middle School Director

Bill Rosenbeck, English Department “Billy has done a wonderful job developing the English 10 curriculum over the years. He is a kind, dedicated and caring teacher who shares his passions and creativity with his students.

The new Meditations and Literature class, which merges all his interests, has become a favorite here at WMA.” — Meg Lenihan Hutcheson, English Department Chair

Clark Seibold, Fine & Performing Arts Department “Much appreciated and beloved by parents, students and staff, Clark has been delivering his personal style of ‘serious fun’ to hundreds of young ‘cats’ since his arrival 10 years ago. Thank you, Clark, for instilling your passion and commitment to our community.” — Paul Bloomfield, Fine & Performing Arts Chair

15 years

30 years

Sue Dziura, English Department, Fine & Performance Arts Department

Bill Passy, Head of Security “Bill Passy protects the school while the rest of us sleep. He keeps us safe, and he has a sixth sense about when something on campus might be amiss.”

“Sue is able to bring her infectious excitement to all that she does at the Academy, whether in the classroom, stage or planning activities for students.

She has been a thoughtful colleague and a generous friend to my family since we arrived on campus many years ago.” — Wally Swanson, Dean of Faculty

Stuart Whitcomb, Middle School Director “Stuart and I met in graduate school decades ago, and his influence helped me to land at the Academy. Since that time, he has continued to be a constant source of support for students, teachers and parents here on campus. His blend of gentle humor, thoughtfulness and care have helped many students through their time here.” — Wally Swanson, Dean of Faculty

20 years John Boozang, Director of College Counseling “John is the ultimate team player. As captain of the College Counseling team, he is always rooting for his students on their academic journeys and supporting his colleagues and the success of WMA in every way possible.” — Maureen Kelly Chesky ’02, College Counseling Department

Mark Fischer, Associate Director of College Counseling “Math Phobia runs away when Mr. Fischer enters the math classroom. His calmness in teaching math to students is surpassed only by the clarity of his presentations and his passion for good teaching and his desire to lead students to success.”

— Don Kelly, Faculty Marshal

— Brian Easler, Head of School

Current full-time Faculty & Staff with 10 or more years through the 2019–2020 academic year (with current position/department) Don Kelly, World Languages (44) Gary Cook, History & Global Studies (41) Don Nicholson ’79, Director of Athletics (37)

“Kate Gaw was one of my first hiring decisions as Head, moving her up to Director of Admission—and she was a fantastic choice. Kate has built a powerful Admission team that serves the Academy well, she keeps the right priorities in focus during challenging times and she fills the school with top-notch students. Kate’s work ethic and drive are second to none.”

Tim Harrington ’73, English (16)

Charles D’Avanzo, Science (31)

Caroline Smith, Executive Assistant to the Head of School (16)

Todd Jenkins, Maintenance (31)

Wally Swanson, Dean of Faculty (16)

Bill Passy, Director Security (30)

Susan Dziura, Fine & Performing Arts/English (15)

Doreen Majka, Athletics (27) Erika Whipple, Athletics (24) Erik Kindblom, Dean of Academics (23) Marxan Pescetta, Director of Information Technology (23) Brian Easler, Head of School (22) Sandi Scott, College Counseling (22) Lucie Ziemba, Health Services (21) John Boozang, Director College Counseling (20) Mark Fischer, Mathematics Chair (20) Kate Gaw, Director of Admission & Financial Aid (20) Rose Power, Director of Health Services (20) Sarah Wakelin, Advancement (20) Meg Hutcheson, Chair, English (18)

Kate Gaw, Director of Admission & Financial Aid

Michael Dziura, English/History & Global Studies (16)

Anne Kindblom, English as a Second Language (18) Tina Girhiny, Advancement Office (17) Brian Lautenschleger, World Languages (17) Linda Pietras, Business Office (17) Paul Bloomfield, Chair, Fine & Performing Arts (16)

Stuart Whitcomb, Director of the WMA Middle School (15) Jeff Vartabedian, Health and Physical Education (14) Gayle Hsiao, CEEF/International Student Program/Director of Summer Programs (13) Maureen Kelly Chesky ’02, College Counseling (13) David Weeks, Athletics (13) Barbara Conlon, Deans Office Registrar (12) Staci Kelley, Administrative Assistant to the Director of the WMA Middle School (12) John Lombard, Mathematics (12) Mike Mannix, Dean of Residential Life (11) Josh Bain, Information Technology (10) Virginia Giokas, Fine & Performing Arts (10) Bill Rosenbeck, English (10) Clark Seibold, Fine & Performing Arts (10)

— Brian Easler, Head of School

Rose Power, Director of Health Services “Rose is the most caring person anyone could meet, and she’s always willing to go the extra mile for everyone.”

— Erika Whipple, Head Athletic Trainer

Sarah Wakelin, Director of Annual Giving, Office of Advancement “Sarah has been guiding the Annual Fund and developing strong relationships with alumni and parents for the past 20 years. She is a terrific team member and always willing to do whatever is necessary to support the Advancement program and the Academy.”

— Mark Aimone, Director of Advancement

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departments: Faculty Fun Facts

Titan Faculty: Outside the Classroom Showing their flare for turning a thorn into a rose, a number of Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Faculty and Staff learned new hobbies or found simple ways to enjoy life during COVID-19.

Paul Bloomfield Chair, Fine & Performing Arts “Since COVID-19 hit last spring, I had the sudden urge to get on a motorcycle again. It had been 20 years, and it seemed the right time. I got an old Triumph sports bike and gradually relearned how to ride. It was a bit scary at first for sure, but addictive. I had ridden for many years in the United Kingdom, where I was even a full-time motorcycle courier for two years in London. Now in winter here in New England, I’ll occasionally go out in sub 32-degree weather if the sun is out while I await spring.”

Fabienne Dubois Chair, World Languages “I am excited I completed the training to get the certification to become an Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) rater, which will help me evaluate studentspeaking skills in any language class.

I started learning Mandarin. I also listen every day to ‘The Bible in a Year’ podcast and to a Spanish podcast while walking. Three of my goals in one.”

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Jon Brook Faculty, World Languages “I have never done so much home repair and renovation in my life! I installed windows and an exterior door, finished a shed that I started in 2019, built two small decks and re-sided part of the garage and living room wall. I’m no Bob Vila (or Property Brothers, for the younger reader) but it all looks good, doesn’t leak and hasn’t fallen apart!

Working with my hands and body got me out of my head and helped keep me relatively sane since March.”

Diana Cost Chair, Science “During the summer I took a Cornell University Birdwatching course.

I can now identify six new types of birds and have discovered that we have nesting great horned owls, titmouse, cardinals, spotted woodpeckers, turkey vultures, blue jays and turkeys on my property.”

Mark Fischer Chair, Mathematics “During lockdown the Fischer family worked on our French skills by listening to lots of French language ‘emissions’ over the internet. I told my girls my computer had a tech issue and it would only play cartoons in French.

Knowing this was their only option, they fell for it. In addition, to take the edge off of the news cycle, I started listening to the news from France (it was still depressing—not really a solution for tranquility). Anyway, we hammered the language skills and may have made just a little progress.”

Charlie D’Avanzo Faculty, Science “Our son hung out with us for a while as fall turned to winter to escape the desolation of dealing with COVID-19 in Philly and we watched ‘The Mandalorian.’ ‘Star Wars’ came out in May 1977, which was the year I began my teaching career at Amherst Regional Junior High School. My first lessons (crafted on something called carbon paper) featured characters based on ‘Star Wars’ and offered hints to answer my science questions. So, watching ‘The Mandalorian’ (especially that last episode!!) brought the story full circle for me!”

Kelsea Lewis Faculty, Science Ms. Lewis and her husband hosted an aviation discussion in Alumni Memorial Library and on Zoom in February. They covered such topics as how to become a pilot, airplane physics, effects of altitude and more.

John Lombard Faculty, Mathematics “Luke and I have a 27-foot archery range in our basement that has been getting a lot of use since the start of the pandemic. The competition between the two Lombard men can get intense. Luke is using my old bow (40 pounds of pull) for the first time this year.

We only shoot one arrow per target for five targets because we are so close to the targets. Luke shoots his bow with a three-finger/ traditional technique, and I use a mechanical release device to send my arrows to the target.”

Erik Kindblom Dean of Academics & Institutional Analysis “I wouldn’t call it a hobby or a new skill, but I often bring a plastic shopping bag with me when I go for a walk or run and pick up trash along the way.

My walks and runs often take me past Crystal Pond. Much of the trash around Crystal Pond is not easily reachable, and I would tell myself to save it for another day. That day was April 4, 2020.

I grabbed two large contractor size garbage bags and (daughter) Emma ’17, and we enjoyed a half day of warm sun and garbage collecting.”

Sean Valentine Office of Advancement, Director of Stewardship & Donor Relations “I finished a wooden dollhouse kit for my daughter’s Christmas present. It needed everything: assembly, paint, shingled roof, fixtures, etc. I started in April and finished a week before Christmas, working roughly three hours a week.”

Mike Mannix Dean of Residential Life “I’ve become a skilled at-home barber.

My shop includes all the candy it takes to keep a 4-year-old from screaming at me.”

Amy Mathison Faculty, English “During COVID-19, I cultivated a sourdough starter that has birthed many loaves of delicious crusty bread. This activity has taught me so much about science, patience and gluten. While I had always been a novice baker, the time at home gave me an opportunity to perfect my ‘go-to’ recipes.”

Trevor Portlock Faculty, Science “Ever since Hugo was born, I have picked back up the guitar and been playing with him every day. I have finally graduated from Mel Bay’s Classic Guitar Method 1 book to book No. 2. It was fun playing Christmas tunes on the guitar for family over the holidays as well.”

Erika Whipple Athletic Department, Head Athletic Trainer & Assistant Director of Athletics “I have learned to make masks with a couple different patterns.”

Jeff Vartabedian Faculty, Health “Since COVID-19 started, I found myself spending more time fishing and hiking with the family. Also, I had time to improve my juggling, and even a do little more cooking.”

Stuart Whitcomb Director of the WMA Middle School “To stay sound in both mind and body, I have been building new mountain bike trails on campus—an arduous task made more challenging by our unforgiving New England soil. Understanding my plight, Mr. Easler purchased a tool for me to try: a Rogue Rake/Hoe. Made of half-inch steel and weighing in at 5.5 pounds, it is best described as a bulldozer on a stick.”

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By STuART WHITCOMB Director of the WMA Middle School

departments: Faculty Fun Facts

If These Walls Could Talk

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2

1

3

A snapshot of the office walls of Stuart Whitcomb, current Director of the WMA Middle School and longtime teacher, coach and dorm parent on campus.

1 Map

2 Large photograph print

A 17th-century French map of northeastern North America reminds me of Maine and Prince Edward Island, where I go to unwind and recharge with my family.

This is a prized possession— a print by WMA artist and Fine & Performing Arts Department Chair Paul Bloomfield. I find myself staring into it all the time.

It is brilliant.

3 Hurley

A gift from my brother for reaching 50 years old, it is a hurley—the stick used in the Irish game Hurling.

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7

5

6

8

9 10

4 Crowns

5 Photographs on file cabinet

6 The scary pile of papers

8 Glasses and notepad

As Director of the Middle School, I have come to realize two things: People love a good “dad joke” and people snap to it if you are wearing a crown. I have two of each, depending on the mood of the room.

True influencers in my life— the 2013 WMA Girls’ Varsity Basketball squad and the students of Woodburn Success, a dropout recovery program in Oregon. They taught me (again and again) the importance of persistence, resilience and forgiveness.

These papers, resistant to my horizontal filing system, revolted to create their own vertical filing system.

A nod to a bygone era, I still use paper . . . and I can’t see the paper without my “cheaters.”

9 Coffee cup

7 The whiteboard

This whiteboard is where good ideas are picked apart to ensure they are, in fact, good ideas. This one is a good example of a bad idea.

Frankly, I find this shocking. Only one coffee cup?

10 Mask

The No. 1 must-have accessory for the 2020–2021 season.

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By MOLLY MCGILL Director of Alumni Relations

Alumni: SENIOR STONES

Every Stone has a Story

In 1947, Wilbraham Academy Headmaster Charles Stevens sought a way for graduates of the Academy to leave a piece of themselves for posterity. For many years, students had engraved symbols into the foundation of Fisk Hall. Mr. Stevens’ idea resulted in the creation of the Alumni Wall, which is now a series of walls in various parts of the campus on which graduating classes leave their Senior Stones.

From “The Hill” to the front of Rich Hall, along Main Street, down Faculty Street and now past the Athletic Center, Academy alumni have designed and left their own, unique 10-inch-by-7.5-inch mark on our campus. All told, approximately 6,500 Senior Stones are permanent fixtures of both individual and Academy history.

• Magin Schantz ’97, Senior Stone

W

hen you walk along Faculty Street from Rich Hall to the Athletic Center every day, it can be easy to no longer take notice of the stones lining the sidewalk. However, in this particular stretch of senior stones that line the Athletic Center parking lot, there is one that stands out. From December through March, the oval center of the stone is often filled with ice, which shimmers in the winter sun to catch the eye. Upon closer inspection, the relief of a face is visible, sometimes just under a frozen leaf.

“Thinking about it now, it’s a fairly confrontational stone. Putting your

own face into something like that, it was a bold move!”

Magin Schantz ’97 laughs about her “confrontational” Senior Stone, but notes that it is a good reflection of her presence at Wilbraham & Monson Academy. “It’s my nature to break form,” she said. “I was often pushing the limits of the dress code and dying my hair crazy colors. The stone was a way to continue to make that mark.”

The eldest of four siblings to attend WMA, Ms. Schantz entered the Academy in Grade 6.

“WMA was appealing because of the well-rounded curriculum. They required that you have a multidisciplinary experience,” she recalled.

Well-rounded is an apt description of Ms. Schantz as a

Every stone has a story, and we want to hear yours! Email us at alumni@wma.us to share your Senior Stone story and maybe you’ll see it in future issues of Academy World.

• Magin Schantz ’97 is executive director of Supermoon Art Space in Queens, New York.

• Magin Schantz ’97, senior portrait at WMA.

WMA student. She was MVP and Co-Captain of the Girls’ Lacrosse team her senior year, MVP of the Swimming team in her junior and senior years, and an avid member of ARC (Academy Repertory Company), which offers conservatory training in the art of acting and all facets of the production of live theater. “I think I was in about 20 plays during my time at WMA,” Ms. Schantz said.

In fact, even though she was a day student, Ms. Schantz was often so busy at school that she felt more like a boarder, remaining on campus well into the evening on most days.

“The school is so great at encouraging kids to try different things, and I really wanted to do my best at anything that I could.”

After graduating from WMA, Ms. Schantz earned a bachelor’s degree in theater at New York University and spent about a decade in the industry in New York City. Now, she operates Supermoon, a community art center, daycare and gathering place in Queens, N.Y. Describing the transition from theater, Ms. Schantz noted: “The arts can be a really insular world and I wanted to connect with people, to try to bring people together through the arts. People need to connect, so creativity and collaboration are important, even virtually.”

As far as the logistics involved in bringing her Senior Stone idea to life, Ms. Schantz was able to call upon the help of her father, artist Jim Schantz, and his friend who was a ceramist. Together, they made a mold of her face and sent it to the ceramist to do a cast.

“The stone company left a space in the center and my dad and I put the mold in. It was a collaborative effort!” Ms. Schantz described.

Like many alumni, Ms. Schantz did not limit her carving to the top of the stone. She and her friend Melissa (Cormier) Desimone ’97 carved “Partners” and “In Crime” into the front of their stones, which were placed side by side.

The quote, “We’ll see how brave you are,” is from the Tori Amos song “Yes, Anastasia.”

“I was totally into her music and I thought it spoke to the experience of graduating and moving on to something new . . . a sense of bravery and bold spirit,” Ms. Schantz said.

Some of her former teachers and advisors at WMA have influenced Ms. Schantz’s life well beyond high school, including John Sbordone, Gary Cook, Don Kelly and Charlie “Mr. D” D’Avanzo, whose energy she sought to emulate when she went into teaching herself.

“Jane Kelly, in particular, stands out,” said Ms. Schantz, with emotion in her voice. “She was my advisor and swim coach, and was just an amazing person. She taught me what it means to be hard-working and strong.”

By Junhao “Mark” Xu ’16

WMA Alumni: Reflection

‘I learned to take comfort in seeking discomfort’ and ‘to cherish the value of different perspectives’

W • Senior portrait, 2016

hen I boarded the airplane on that hot summer night of 2012 from China to the United States, I knew I was embarking on a life-changing adventure, for I did not know anyone in this distant land.

As I found myself lost in O’Hare with three gigantic suitcases, not knowing where to go for my connecting flight to Hartford, I questioned whether I was making a mistake by leaving my family and friends behind to attend a high school in New England.

Nine years later, I can safely conclude that I, in fact, made the right decision in choosing to spend four years at Wilbraham & Monson Academy. It was here where I developed a love of learning, a passion for stepping out of my comfort zone and, perhaps most importantly, a desire to learn about different experiences and perspectives. These three qualities have continued to change my life for the better.

One of the reasons I was attracted to the American educational system is its flexibility in allowing students to explore their interests and choose the courses they are interested in.

As a student at WMA, I tested many different fields, ranging from French to photography to finance. I discovered my immense interest in economics by taking Market Economy with the beloved and late Dr. Charles Warden and AP Macroeconomics with my advisor Erik Kindblom. That interest has not diminished since then—after graduating last year with a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science, I am currently pursuing a doctorate in business economics at Columbia University.

During my time at WMA, I also learned to take comfort in seeking discomfort. On multiple occasions, I had to step out of my comfort zone, whether that was competing for the Varsity Swimming team, volunteering for a seahorse conservation organization on a desert island off the coast of Cambodia or serving as a class officer. They all led to significant personal development. I have kept that spirit since graduating from WMA. To name a few examples: I went from not being able to draw a cube to depicting the Guildhall on my sketch book after enrolling in an architecture class while at NYU London; spent a few nights in a dilapidated hostel in Cairo; and enjoyed every second of my visit to Lebanon, a country sadly portrayed by media as war-torn and dangerous.

• Visiting Lebanon • Graduation from New York University Abu Dhabi, 2020.

• Presenting at the 3rd International Conference on Economics Research in Turkey in 2019.

The student body of WMA, particularly the international students, taught me to cherish the value of different perspectives. In the small New England town of Wilbraham, I made friends from all over the world. In every aspect of life, we engaged in scintillating conversations and exchanged different points of view as I gradually came to appreciate the value of attending “The Global School.” It was this love of learning about other opinions and experiences that encouraged me to apply to colleges in three continents and eventually attend New York University Abu Dhabi, a liberal arts college in the United Arab Emirates. It is also, in many ways, a global school: our class of 320 students hails from more than 80 countries, and students could choose to spend time at any of the 15 global sites of NYU. I personally had the opportunity to study in Abu Dhabi, Florence, London, New York and Oman; in addition, thanks to the generous scholarships, I was able to travel to 25 countries with my stipends. As it was not rare to have the 12 students of a seminar class represent 12 nationalities, we were in a constant state of learning about other people’s stories and viewpoints. I have to thank the Academy for cultivating my passion for multiculturalism and for educating me to become a true global citizen.

Although I graduated from WMA five years ago, the positive effects of my time here have not faded away; on the contrary, they have only deepened. I will forever remember the uphill walks to the academic buildings, especially during the winters that seemed to last forever. I will cherish the memories I shared with dear friends in the swimming pool, on the Adirondack chairs that the Class of 2016 donated, and at the restaurants of Northampton. And I will always be grateful for the love and support I received from the WMA faculty and staff.

“It was here where I developed a love of learning, a passion for stepping out of my comfort zone and, perhaps most importantly, a desire to learn about different experiences and perspectives.

These three qualities have continued to change my life for the better.”

—Junhao “Mark” Xu ’16

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departments: class notes

Class Notes 1960 Monson

1960 Wilbraham

1967 Wilbraham

1972

1 Ken Campbell and his wife, Peggy, fulfilled their bucket list goal of visiting all seven continents. They are pictured during a stop at the Falkland Islands while on their way to Antarctica in 2015.

4 Carl Schuster spent his time in pandemic lockdown writing a book titled “Henry Hudson and the Bastard Map: The Un-redacted 7 KA Cartographic History of Hudson Bay.” Carl wrote: “Fred Watts, my History Master, once chastised me because I had not read primary sources on our topic. Thank you, Fred; this work revolves around previously untouched, primary sources from the 17th and 18th centuries.” Carl is pictured during a trip to Morocco in 2010, where he and his wife, Angela, were guests of the King of Morocco and The Explorer’s Club.

7 Tony Gagliardi and his wife, Bonnie, spent most of 2020 in South Carolina having escaped COVID-19 in their hometown of New Rochelle, New York.

Tony writes: “It looks like we may establish residence in South Carolina sooner rather than later. Fortunately, our children and grandchildren are well. We hope that all of our friends are safe and stay that way. Keep a positive mind—it makes a difference!”

9 Dr. Mark Keroack, President and CEO of Baystate Health in Springfield, Massachusetts, has been chosen as one of the Healthcare Heroes of Western Massachusetts, a program of BusinessWest and Healthcare News.

The 2020 Healthcare Heroes program has been dedicated to honoring the heroes of COVID-19 in the region. Read more about Dr. Keroack’s work during the pandemic at businesswest.com/ blog/mark-keroack-president-andceo-baystate-health. Dr. Keroack was also featured in the Fall 2020 Academy World magazine. Mark, right, is pictured with Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass.

2 Dick Harrington and Don Collins wrote in with the sad news that their classmate Frank Perez-Abreu passed away on Nov. 5, 2020. Dick writes: “Frank was my roommate in the Homestead Dormitory. He loved to sing and sang in NYC for many years.

He was a very nice man.” Pictured from left: Don Collins ’60M, Dick Harrington ’60M, Dick Lafond ’60M and Frank Perez-Abreu ’60M. 3 Paul Kreminski is pictured enjoying extreme bonefishing in Costa Maya, Mexico. He writes: “Getting closer to my retirement and time is flying by faster and faster. To all my classmates, stay safe.” Later in the year, Paul returned to Cuenca, Ecuador, for a few weeks in November for some dental work and to visit with friends there.

Paul writes, “Masks mandatory even outdoors. Hard getting used to COVID.”

1961 Wilbraham 5 Ralph Leonard published a novel entitled “Martin Dascomb’s Civil War” in October 2020. To find out more, visit his website at ralphfleonard. wordpress.com. Mr. Leonard is a retired educator with a lifelong interest in New England and American Civil War history. He has an MFA in Writing from Vermont College, and this is his first work of fiction. It is available from the publisher at blackrosewriting.com or on Amazon.

1965 Wilbraham

3

6 Tom Jurkowsky wrote a book titled “The Secret Sauce for Organizational Success: Communications and Leadership on the Same Page.”

Tom writes: “I discuss many of my experiences working with the news media in my 31-year Navy career, at Lockheed Martin and at the U.S. Mint.

I also discuss the important role leadership plays in an organization’s communications program.” The book is available in both paperback and Kindle formats on Amazon.

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1969 Wilbraham 8 Robert Longo shares that he is semiretired after two careers. He continues to work in the mental health field specializing in neurofeedback (brainwave training). He has published three books in this field, one of which is now being finalized in a revised edition and another new one ready to go to press. Mr. Longo continues to serve on the advisory board to the International Society of Neuromodulation Research. He writes: “It is especially rewarding to be able to help others with mental/brain health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. I know being a graduate of Wilbraham made a difference in my life, and have enjoyed reconnecting with Wilbraham and classmates.”

8

1973 Greg Coons, President/CEO of BioFore USA in San Diego, California, is currently completing method evaluation for mobile, on-site agricultural testing of pesticides, solvents and heavy metals. Greg writes, “Once completed, this will have an immediate impact on minimizing any testing delays relative to the needs of the growing national cannabis markets as on-site testing eliminates many cross contamination issues and provides all principals with necessary

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departments: class notes

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product data.” Greg has been awarded two U.S. patents for engineering and design. As of Aug. 31, 2020, his team was also working on data collection for Point of Care COVID-19 identification using highly preferred PCR methods that complete test results in 60 minutes with virtually unlimited capacity. Greg’s middle child, Kaitlin (a former touring LPGA golf pro), has completed her medical/ PA rotations and passed her national certification exam. She was married in mid-September. Greg’s son William is in his second year at University of Santa Clara Law School. His daughter Erin is the assistant director of operations at MobiLab USA LLC.

1975 Ted Osmond ’79 shared that his brother Doug Osmond passed away on Nov. 24, 2020. Doug spent his 25-year career with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Renee Sprinthall writes that she transitioned to female in 2019 and “I hope to see classmates this June at our reunion!”

1978 Alex Olmsted writes in with some nostalgia to share with fellow alumni: “Seeing Fred Watts’ name reminded me of several other of my long ago teachers. Galel Giles was a great Spanish teacher, and my best teacher of all time was Hugh Harrell. My favorite time of summer was when Roger Lincoln hosted an annual faculty party at their house in Ware.

I can still remember how cold and refreshing their spring-fed pond was to swim in.”

1990

1998

2004

10 Chris Porreca is in his 10th year as the Executive Vice President for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms Hockey team, located in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

His role is to oversee all aspects of the team from the business side of the organization; ticket sales, corporate sales, marketing, social media and community involvement. Prior to moving to Allentown, the team was located in Glens Falls, New York, and was known as the Adirondack Phantoms. Chris writes: “During our five seasons in Glens Falls, we helped to reestablish professional hockey in the community and left a good foundation for another team to move into the community and continue our efforts. We built a new arena in Allentown to help spur the revitalization of the downtown. At the time (2014), the arena was the newest American Hockey League arena at a cost of just over $220 million.” Chris lives in Allentown with his wife, Anne, and their teenage sons, Owen (left) and Liam (right).

After three years of working as a director of marketing & communications at private schools in Los Angeles, Stacy Jagodowski has relocated back to Massachusetts. She will serve as the Director of Communications at Tabor Academy in Marion, Massachusetts, bringing with her nearly 20 years of private school experience working in admission and marketing/communications roles.

Stacy is looking forward to being closer to her family, including her sister Lindsay Jagodowski ’03 and nephew Finn, future WMA Class of 2037?

14 In December 2020, Liz Zenchenko graduated from McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin with a Master in Professional Accounting (MPA). Pictured is the screenshot from the commencement ceremony which, appropriately for the times, was conducted via Zoom.

Liz will start with KPMG in Dallas this summer. In the meantime, she is managing a few clients through her own consulting business and studying for CPA exams. She writes, “Eventually, I’ll take some sort of much-needed time off!” Congrats, Liz!

1999

2007

11 Gerrard Evans has been living in China for the last six years, working as the Center Principal of the AP Program at Suzhou Experiment High School.

Gerrard writes, “I hope everyone is safe and sound back in the states!”

15 Greg and Ali Balicki welcomed a baby boy. Camden James Balicki was born on Nov. 14, 2020.

1995 Shawn Jones earned his Master of Public Administration from Strayer University in December 2020.

Shawn is the Director of Residential Services at the Northeast Center for Youth & Families in Easthampton, Massachusetts. Congrats Shawn!

2000 12 Andrea (Giokas) Jacobs and her husband, Sean, welcomed a baby girl to their family. Samantha Case Jacobs was born Oct. 1, 2020, and joins big brothers Ryan, 7, and Tyler, 5.

2003 13 Carrie Ertl and husband, Eric, welcomed a son on July 9, 2020.

Theodore Atlas joins big sisters Evelyn and Harper in the Ertl family.

16 Alex Tuohey (Alex2e) released his latest single “Lonely” on Jan. 15, 2021 on all major streaming platforms.

Alex and his work were featured in The Republican/MassLive.com, and as of the end of January, the single passed 5,000 streams in 10 days on Spotify.

In other good news, Alex and Lindsey Goodman were engaged in November 2020. Lindsey is also the creator of the single artwork for “Lonely.”

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departments: class notes

2008

2009

17 Dennis Conway and Yukako were married on Jan. 21, 2021, in Houston, Texas. The couple met in Japan, where Dennis was teaching English (with fellow WMA alumna Wakasa Ito ’10).

Dennis writes: “We applied for Yukako’s Visa right before the pandemic hit in March and weren’t able to see each other for a whole year while waiting for the Visa and COVID to settle.

We were lucky to be approved during this time and were happy to finally be reunited after this tough year.”

The couple resides in Houston, Texas.

20 After spending the last year and a half playing football in Germany and Denmark, Eddie Jewel has accepted a position as a Research & Technology teacher at New Bedford (Massachusetts) Middle School. He continues to be involved in football by coaching at the high school level.

18 Devin Gordon and his partner, Samantha, welcomed a baby boy.

Jace Emory Gordon was born on Dec. 12, 2020. Devin also plays drums in the band 78 Sedans, which released its first EP on Spotify in April 2020.

Congratulations Devin!

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19 Brigid Jurgens has been selected for Lieutenant Commander in the Navy. She is currently stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and specializes in logistics and supply chain management. Brigid is pictured second from left.

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2011 21 Brittany Barry started her own business in July 2020 as a hair stylist in a new salon in West Springfield called WORKsTATION. She also continues her full-time work with dementia patients at Orchard Valley at Wilbraham as a Memory Care Programming Coordinator.

22 In November 2019, Chloe Snyder opened an indoor cycling studio in Newport, Rhode Island. The studio, WAVE Cycle, won Best of Rhode Island 2019 for fitness classes. Chloe writes, “We are very excited to continue our outdoor classes on the pier as well as our indoor classes safely indoors!”

23 Congrats to Mr. Tom Iannacone (who taught at WMA from 2013–2018) and Jeannette Viens, who were married July 31, 2020. Faculty member Sommer Mahoney ’11 was the maid of honor and Jack Viens ’13 was a groomsman.

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24 Allie Cerpovicz earned her master’s degree in Geology from the University of Buffalo in 2019, where she focused on marine geology and had the chance to study sedimentation and hydrodynamics on a reef on the southern coast of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. She spent the last year working as a field paleontologist, traveling throughout most of the western part of the U.S. Allie is currently living in Denver, Colorado, and working for Intermountain Electric Inc., in their preconstruction division. She is pictured here enjoying the view at Mayflower Gulch in Colorado.

25 Payton Grande participated in the 8th annual Military Friend’s Foundation Tough Ruck event, held virtually Sept. 11–13, 2020. She ran 26.2 miles carrying a 15-to-35 pound rucksack on her back in honor of the fallen military and first responders who sacrificed their lives on 9/11.

You can read more about Payton’s ruck at https://www.thereminder.com/ localnews/eastlongmeadow/ local-field-artillery-officer-rucks-forfallen-her.

2015 Alexandra Baltazar started at the University of Bridgeport Physician Assistant Institute in January 2021.

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We’d like to hear from you!

Send your news to alumni@wma.us or call Molly McGill, Director of Alumni Relations, at 413.596.9118.

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By Walter Swanson Dean of Faculty

In Memoriam: Dr. Charles Warden Jr.

Dr. Charles Warden Jr.: ‘Retirement gig’ inspired careers for many others Dr. Charles “Charlie” Warden Jr. served university level, and worked within private Wilbraham & Monson Academy honorably for industry in the energy and data sectors among eight years to cap off an amazing professional others. His professional experiences ranged career and a wondrous life. Dr. Warden came to from North Korea to West Africa and from the Academy at age 80, after falling in love and the former Soviet Union to Europe and North marrying Cleo Warden, who was working at the America. Additionally, Dr. Warden had an WMA Middle School. impressive career working in Naval Intelligence After meeting Mrs. Warden, he became in the Pacific. My personal favorite part of his intrigued with the Academy as a “retirement gig.” seven-page resume was the final page that listed Boarding school life is busy, and Dr. Warden “Selected Unclassified Professional Publications.” jumped in wholeheartedly teaching AP As a colleague, I appreciated his wit, wisdom Macroeconomics, as well as Financial Markets and his natural contrarian nature. My most vivid within our Center for Entrepreneurship, memories of Dr. Warden are from within our Economics & Finance (formerly CEGS) WMA faculty meetings.

Department.

There are always a few topics in any meeting Former Head of School Rodney LaBrecque you know are going to potentially be sensitive. At said: “We were so lucky to hire Charlie at the times you hope for rich dialogue, and other times inception of the CEGS program. His expertise (if we’re being honest) you hope to just breeze and guidance were crucial to its success and laid through without a war breaking out. As I would the groundwork for a strong future experience broach a sensitive topic, it would often be met for those students who are taking advantage of with silence to which I thought (yes! . . . this one this program.”

Dr. Warden’s life experiences were “Dr. Warden lived an amazing life and inspired nothing short of impressive. He served as an many to live their dreams and become economic advisor in the U.S. government, successful. He was a great educator, teacher was an accomplished professor and dean at the and human being. I am thankful that I was able to humbly learn from him. He will not be forgotten.”

— John Tierney ’15

“Dr. Warden greatly influenced my life while I was at WMA and after I graduated. He taught me Intro to Market Economies, so he was the person that introduced economics to me . . . and here I am now pursuing a Ph.D. in economics. In fact, when I revisited the Academy in Fall 2018 for Alumni Weekend, I had a brief chat with him where I shared that I wasn’t sure about doing a Ph.D. He offered very kind words of encouragement and support. It’s safe to say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.” — Mark Xu ’16

“I am deeply sorry to hear this. AP Macro with Dr. Warden led me to study economics at NYU.” — Henry Seo ’13

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is not going to cause us a lot of worry) and just as soon as that thought had entered into my head, a slow, steady hand raised at the back of the crowd and Dr. Warden stood up (always standing when making a comment) to offer a contrarian point of view to what I had presented. It was done gently, professionally, but with the intention of pushing our thinking outside of what may be comfortable.

It always produced subsequent comments and involved a larger section of the faculty. I appreciate his wisdom, his willingness to offer an alternative viewpoint and will greatly miss that slow, steady hand raising skyward.

Yet, Dr. Warden’s greatest impact was upon his students. Teaching Economics into his late 80s, he was always able to connect to young people and weave in his experiences to the ones his students were having in their own time.

Dr. Warden passed away on Feb. 7, 2021.

“A true teacher.”

— Liam Etti ’20

“Dr. Warden was the epitome of a perfect teacher who encouraged many students to love learning and pursue a career in economics.

Thank you.” — Samuel Zablotnij ’19

“Dr. Warden was such a kind and gentle spirit. I feel very fortunate to have taken his classes and learned from him. He will be deeply missed by the entire WMA community.” — Veronica Bernardo ’15

“It was an absolute pleasure to have him as one of my faculty leaders on formal Thursday lunches.

I still remember the great wisdom he passed down during our conversations at these lunches.”

— Matt Naumec ’15

By MEG LENIHAN HUTCHESON Chair, English Department

In Memoriam: gail chesworth-taylor

Gail Chesworth-Taylor: ‘An architect of school pride’

recharge the batteries and put that pep back in your step. What a wonderful reminder that goodness can be imparted through simple, thoughtful gestures.”

From Linda Pietras, Business Office Administrative Assistant:

“Gail’s love for life was so vibrant and so infectious . . .

I loved her enthusiasm for every holiday and her To many in the WMA community, Gail Chesworth- like this.’ Because she knew me so well, because she knew all of us so well, she was ALWAYS caring for her husband, her mom, her fur babies Taylor will be remembered as more than just the right; and the one she brought to show me always and the students at WMA. She made the store a manager of our Campus Store. Ms. Chesworthhappened to be my size. She would do the same place not only for purchasing merchandise but also Taylor was a lovely soul who created community thing with stuff for my wife, Stephanie. She was a place to come to chat about life and, of course, and made the bookstore a favorite destination for ALWAYS right then, also, and she would say have a mint. I worked for her during Reunion so many on campus. Whether giving out candy with a twinkle in her eyes ‘just take it home to when she couldn’t, and the amount of past students to the faculty children or providing treats to the her and I’ll charge it to your account.’ who came in the store that were disappointed she faculty dogs or assisting a new student in “She knew all of the kids just as well, perhaps was not there was testament that she was a huge purchasing their books or helping an alum with better, and she was quick to let us know if she part of WMA culture.” a gift suggestion, Ms. Chesworth-Taylor was sensed a kid was struggling so we could get a head a person of generosity, integrity, strength and start helping them. She was ALWAYS right about From Erik Kindblom, Dean of Academics & warmth who made WMA a better place. She was those things, too. This is all because Gail paid a caretaker—someone who took great pride in Institutional Analysis: attention, ALWAYS and intentionally, to all of us.” “Gail would ALWAYS speak of our students in the handling all our needs. She was an architect of school pride, selecting wonderful WMA clothing, nicest of ways. It was her nature to be friendly and swag and accessories to foster school spirit. So helpful.

My fondest memory of Gail was when From Caroline Smith, Executive Assistant the next time you wear your WMA gear, please Middle School kids would have a quick break. You to the Head of School: remember Ms. Chesworth-Taylor, who provided “She always had a warm, pleasant smile on her would see them running up the stairs, around the for us with such commitment and care. We will corner and into the bookstore to grab some candy, face and a calming sense about her. I always miss her dearly. which Gail always had plenty of. You would hear admired her strength and resilience and to me, she was my hero . . . After working together for over 15 Gail ask, ‘How is your day going?’ And for the next Ms. Chesworth-Taylor passed away on Nov. 21, 2020.

3-to-5 minutes the Middle Schoolers would tell her years, she knew what I needed from the bookstore everything they could until they realized they were at specific times of the year. It is comforting to going to be late to their next class . . . and from afar, know that she is no longer in pain and suffering, From Brian P. Easler, Head of School: you saw Gail, with a warm smile. You could see and I am sure she will be sadly missed by the “I remember how Gail would bring me new that those were the moments she cherished.” many of us who knew and loved her.” clothing items from the bookstore when they came in and she would say, ‘Brian . . . I think you’ll From Sue Wood, former Rich Hall receptionist:

From Erika Whipple, Athletic Trainer and Assistant Director of Athletics:

“She was a dear friend and an inspiration to so “I have tons of very fond memories with Gail. When many. She always had a kind word and a quick my nephew was fighting cancer, she asked every day smile and such a gentle temperament. She was about him and she was there when I got the phone a very sweet woman who was loved by all who call of his passing. She was so supportive and led me were lucky enough to have her in their lives. in the right direction. My dogs, Kalli and Tilli, What an inspiration Gail was to me every day would take stuffed animals from the bookstore and when I would see her pushing through with never take them for a walk down the hallways, and Gail a complaint and always something positive to would love to see them play with them and finally say. Her lunchtime stories about her loving mom gave each of them one that lived on the bottom shelf and adoring husband, Greg, gave us a window in the bookstore. She was one of the strongest, most into the abundant love she had in her life.” caring women I have met.”

From Stuart Whitcomb, Director of the WMA Middle School:

From Gary Cook, Faculty: History & Global Studies:

“For many, Gail and the bookstore served as an “Gail was always upbeat, with a smile ready! She was oasis. Whether age 3 or 73, two-legged or four, easy to work with, professional yet personal . . . and Gail knew having a place to stop for a quick hello, she was so helpful and so cheerful. I miss her every a warm smile and a treat was a lovely way to time I walk by the bookstore.”

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We Remember Mr. Thomas M. Clason ’57M Alumnus

Mr. Carlton M. Briggs Jr. ’52W Alumnus

Mr. Donald E. Rowe Alumni Grandparent

Mrs. I. Stella Metzger Former Staff

Mr. Timothy J. Kennedy ’48M Alumnus

Mr. John F. Chapple III ’60W Alumnus

Mr. Wesley L. Wright Alumni Grandparent

Mrs. Rita A. Southworth Former Staff

Mr. Jarvis D. Littlefield ’46M Alumnus

Mr. Ignacio Cisneros Aisa ’56W Alumnus

Mr. Alexander Debelov Alumni Parent

Mr. Mark Bistline Former Faculty

Mr. John V. Meregian ’58M Alumnus

Mr. John H. Halvorson ’60W Alumnus

Mr. John R. Denby Alumni Parent

Dr. Charles Warden Jr. Former Faculty

Mr. George S. Norfleet III ’65M Alumnus

Dr. Charles A. McCallum Jr. ’43W Alumnus

Mr. John N. Sarno Alumni Parent

Mr. Frederick D. Watts Former Faculty

Mr. Frank S. Perez-Abreau ’60M Alumnus

Mr. Ralph A. Quackenbush ’51W Alumnus

Mr. Robert Scott-Smith Alumni Parent

Mrs. Marjorie Steiger Friend

Mr. Richard C. Upton ’60M Alumnus

Mr. Robert P. Wilson Jr. ’66W Alumnus

Mr. Robert Stirton Alumni Parent

Ms. Gail Chesworth-Taylor Staff

Mr. William W. Waslick ’52M Alumnus

Mr. Robert A. McElaney ’85 Alumnus

Mrs. Virginia L. Hoyt Alumni Spouse

Mr. Douglas W. Osmond ’75 Alumnus Ms. Lisa R. Sergienko ’80 Alumna

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By JANET MORAN Director of Archives

HISTORY: FROM THE ARCHIVES

Academy proves its historical resiliency Editor’s note: As Wilbraham & Monson Academy continues to face the many challenges presented by COVID-19, the Academy has proven to be resilient and forthright, both in its history and current day.

Then known as Wilbraham Academy, the school’s idyllic environment was simultaneously challenged—and not spared—from either the 1918 flu pandemic or the first World War. In the early fall of 1918, as the second wave of the pandemic was beginning to take hold locally, a decision was made to halt classes for a few weeks out of an abundance of caution.

Upon returning to regular classes a few weeks later, it was discovered that a beloved Academy teacher, Master of Latin Arthur C. Hopkins, had succumbed to the epidemic of influenza.

The school’s 1919 yearbook was dedicated to him,

and the students were deeply saddened that they would never see their most beloved teacher again.

At the same time, many students and alumni rose to the call of duty and shipped out before graduation to serve their country. Back on campus, the new military training course designed to teach the students the rudiments and elements of the military game was well underway. O. D. (olive drab) uniforms were purchased for the boys, and the drills began under the direction of Major H. P. Ward. The Wilbraham Academy Cadet Corps was official. The Academy had more than its fair share of officers, both commissioned and non-commissioned, engaged in the war efforts.

When the war ended on Armistice Day 1918, the Academy was jubilant. The flu was slowly dissipating and all were eager to celebrate. A dance was planned before Thanksgiving, inviting

attendees from other schools with all of the boys proudly wearing their uniforms. Graduation was solemn but carried on, in addition to a very well-attended alumni weekend that June.

Although the influenza took more lives than World War I globally, the Academy had greatly contributed to the war efforts and managed to keep the school going and remain “Idyllic Wilbraham.”

• Wilbraham Academy’s 1919 yearbook was dedicated to teacher Arthur C. Hopkins, who died from the 1918 flu pandemic.

• Amidst the 1918 flu pandemic, Wilbraham Academy formed its own Cadet Corps to help train students for engagement in World War I.

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by Bill Wells Director of Student Promotion

HISTORY: FROM THE ARCHIVES

Anniversary of close-call tornado brings back memories to campus On June 1, 2011, the unthinkable happened—a persistent tornado carved a 39-mile path of destruction through 10 towns and cities in Western Massachusetts. The EF-3, which reached a width of a half mile, destroyed approximately 500 homes and caused millions of dollars in damage. Three people were killed.

The tornado sliced through the town of Wilbraham, one of the hardest hit areas. Wilbraham & Monson Academy was spared, the treacherous trail just a mile south of campus. Interestingly, the twister exited Wilbraham into Monson, where it ripped through the former site of Monson Academy.

Below are accounts—in their own words—from current WMA Faculty and Staff regarding that memorable and disturbing day.

Brian Easler Then Associate Head of School, Dean of Students

The seniors were gone and we were still in school. I was in the Deans Office and (Administrative Assistant) Cindy Shults had the alert radio, but honestly, we would get those alerts all the time. I was thinking: Tornado? Western Massachusetts? Never going to happen. I had actually just called my wife and told her I was thinking of getting a haircut before dinner, and she said, “Are you hearing the tornado warnings?” She convinced me to stay and not go get my haircut.

I was sitting in the Deans Office, and I got a call from someone and they were at work in the Agawam/West Springfield area. They said there was a tornado and it was headed for us. That’s when I started to take it seriously.

I was tracking it on my phone but still not super worried. We gave the order on campus to shelter in place. I went up to Rich 4 and my plan was to start clearing my way through the floors. Some of the boys were in the shower and I was calm Mr. Easler, asking them to hurry up and get to the basement.

I was standing in the lobby and looking out the back window. It’s a tiny window. I remember looking out the window and thinking, “What is that?”

I went closer to the window and it looked like there was a big smudge on the window. Things weren’t connecting in my head, and then I saw a roof lift off one of the houses on Tinkham Road and vaporized inside the smudge.

And then I turned around and was no longer calm Mr. Easler to the boys.

We got down to the basement fast.

We were all huddled in the basement of Rich. We had people in the basement of Smith, Wallace Blake, I think there were some folks sheltering in the gym. Campus wasn’t full so it wasn’t too bad. People were nervous and I was tracking the tornado on my phone. We could see it wasn’t right on top of us.

Once it looked like it was moving away from us I came up and went on the front porch of Rich. Mostly I was making sure there weren’t any stragglers on campus. I stood on the porch and thought, “What’s that noise?”

It sounded like a freight train. Again, the dots weren’t connecting for me.

All of a sudden, I realized that was the tornado crossing Main Street. It was a mile down the road. We stayed sheltered until it was all clear and then we let everybody out. It was a crazy hour.

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Erik Kindblom Dean of Studies

I remember being the head coach of (daughter, Class of ’17) Emma’s youth softball team. All the parents were contacting me about a bad storm coming in and wondering if the game was canceled. I told them it was not canceled yet and only go to the game if they felt comfortable doing so. Emma and I hopped in the car and were off to the game, which I think was at Greenleaf Park that day in Springfield.

We had just crossed the Stony Hill Road intersection and received word the game was canceled. We turned around and zipped home. I turned on the news when we got home and saw the tornado coming up the Connecticut River. After a couple minutes, I told the family it’s time to grab the pets and head downstairs.

(Wife) Anne noticed two or three international students walking toward campus from the Village Store. I went out and told them to immediately come to our basement. I never heard any train-like whistles. I recall wind and dark clouds. We waited and waited. I can’t remember how long.

We reached a point when things seemed safe, and I brought the international students into Rich Hall to the Campus Center staircase and told them to join the other students. I caught up with Brian Easler and remember standing with him and looking at the southwest sky from the Rich Hall parking lot and seeing orange and dark gray skies—very ominous. You kind of felt safe because they were in the distance, but then again you didn’t feel safe because the sky looked dangerous.

WMA students and faculty did their share to help the local community clean up from the tornado in 2011.

Mike Mannix Rich Hall dorm parent

I was sitting in my apartment on Rich 4 and heard someone yell, “Everyone out of your dorm rooms!” It was, then, Dean of Students Brian Easler.

I walked to the south end of the building and saw a sky that reminded me of the tornado clouds I experienced when I lived in Indiana.

I helped Mr. Easler gather the students and bring them to the bottom of the stairs that lead from the Dining Hall lobby area into the Spa. We waited there for quite some time. Faculty members joined with their children and pets. We rode out the storm in Rich Hall until things settled in the evening.

We needed dorm parents on duty all night that evening because of the power outage. I took a shift in the middle of the night, but other faculty members were still helping because they were not able to sleep. In the end, we kept our students safe and the administration did a great job getting our community through a few difficult days that followed.

Stuart Whitcomb Faculty, English Department

June 1st was to be a celebration—my daughter, Caeli (Class of ’25), was turning 4 and we had a party planned at the Wilbraham Children’s Museum.

Located at the intersection of Tinkham Road and Main Street, it featured a big playground and some tables for eating cake—perfect for our needs. A few hours before the party it looked like we might see thunderstorms so we called an audible, instructing families to meet in our backyard on the WMA campus.

The tornado, when it arrived, blasted down Tinkham Road and through the Wilbraham Children’s Museum playground, tearing down trees, toppling swing sets and littering the area with shrapnel from the vegetation and homes it had stripped along the way.

Thankfully we were safe, huddled in the basement of Smith Hall a mere mile away. Caeli’s birthday cake, en route with her grandparents, was trapped on the wrong side of the damage so Tiffany Alrefae, then Dean of Residential Life, scurried up to her apartment and brought down the leftover cake from her recent baby shower—such a wonderful gesture, the symbolism of which had poets reaching for their pens.

We were lucky. Frankly, I do not dwell too often on that day for the “what ifs” are unbearable.

• Erik Kindblom, then Dean of Studies, left, and Brian Easler, then Dean of Students, led a large number of WMA volunteers who helped local residents deal with the aftermath of the 2011 tornado.

Michael Dziura Faculty, English Department

We were at Caeli Whitcomb’s birthday party in Smith Hall. Camille (Class of ’27), a couple weeks shy of 2 years old, discovered plastic Disney princess shoes and was walking around the lobby. Mr. Whitcomb and Mr. Swanson came in from outside and mentioned that the sky looked strange. Mr. Whitcomb wondered whether we were going to have a tornado, and I told him I didn’t think so. Mrs. Dziura and I had lived in Memphis for four years, and I thought I knew everything about tornadoes. Turns out I knew nothing.

Once the tornado hit, we all went into Smith basement and waited for more information. Mrs. Dziura and I were the head dorm parents in Wallace Blake at that time, and once the tornado passed, she took the opportunity to bring Gabriel (’24) and Camille back to our dorm. I stayed down the hill until Mr. Easler handed out walkie talkies and started to put the safety plan into motion. I should say that working with him in a crisis situation immediately gave me the sense that everything was going to be OK. I got back to Wallace Blake just in time to find out that there was potentially another tornado headed in our direction. Mrs. Dziura, the other WB dorm parents and I brought everyone into the concrete basement and sat in the dark. After a while, the weather passed and Mark Fischer brought food up from the dining hall on a golf cart. Everyone was shaken, but OK, and once everyone went to bed, the dorm parents needed to take shifts sitting in the lobby on fire watch because the power outage knocked out the fire alarms. I took the 2 to 5 a.m. shift and watched “Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia” on my still-charged MacBook.

The power came back the next day, and everything went back to some semblance of normal. I was grateful for Mr. Easler’s guidance, for being a part of such a close-knit community and for having a concrete shelter to go to in case of an emergency. Of course, my family and I needed to retreat to that shelter again (for a microburst) one month later, but that is another story . . .

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SUPPORTING WMA: MATCH YOUR GIFT

Will your employer match your donation to WMA? If so, your gift could double or triple its impact.

Many employers sponsor matching gift programs to match charitable contributions made by their employees. These can be quite generous and include employees’ spouses and retirees.

Visit www.wma.us/matchinggift to search if your company matches contributions.

Have you matched your gift to WMA already this year?

Thank you! We are doubly grateful we are a good match for each other!

Visit www.wma.us/give to make a gift to the Atlas Fund.

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Inside the Athenaeum

• Emalee Watson ’21 and Tatum Perkins ’21 • left: Enrique Rosado ’22

right: Denzel Muthua ’22

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Wilbraham & Monson Academy 423 Main Street Wilbraham, MA 01095-1715 www.wma.us tel: 413.596.6811 address service requested

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