Academy World Fall 2020 by Wilbraham & Monson Academy

by brian p. easler Head of School

perspectives

‘The WMA community has what it takes . . . to persevere despite what lies ahead’

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

here is only one thing I know for certain about this school year — that it will continue to challenge the WMA community, all of us, in ways we have never been challenged. I am also confident, although we are still learning more every day, that we have done everything in our power, literally, to prepare the Academy for this year. This preparation, regardless of how extensive, will inevitably be insufficient to totally shield WMA from some impact from the global pandemic. There are hard days ahead, but we remain ready. Anyone who has graduated from WMA in the last 22 years has probably heard me ramble on at one time or another about how easy our normal day-to-day lives are, generally, and that we are never really pushed to our limits to discover that our real limits are actually far beyond where we think they are. This was part of my message to the Class of 2020 in my address to them at their Virtual Commencement. It is a belief I hold dear, having been pushed at times in my life, like many of you, far beyond what I thought my limits were, to the realization of this tenet. This understanding fills me with confidence because I know that every single student and adult in the WMA community has what it takes, even if they do not realize it yet, to persevere despite what lies ahead. This year, with all of its potential for disruptions and complications, presents us an opportunity to test our limits and to set a new bar, higher than we thought, for what we can manage and accomplish as individuals and as a school. Some of the lessons may be hard earned, for sure, but those lessons will undoubtedly serve our students well as they forge their lives after graduation. I hear from alumni all the time how well their years at WMA prepared them for the challenges they have faced in their lives and how their time at the Academy has served them well as a foundation for continued learning and development. It is a hallmark of the transformational WMA experience. I have no doubt that their time on campus was influential in their journeys and that this year presents just such a learning opportunity for our current students. If it was to be a normal year with a

Athenaeum: Night and Day

casual campus social life and an easygoing ebb and flow of interpersonal engagement, it would certainly do just that. This year, however, presents an even greater opportunity for our students, because it will not be a normal year. I know they will rise to the challenge, and I know they will reap similar long-term benefits. Many of our alumni have taken the lessons they learned here at WMA and, through their varied life and career experiences, applied them in roles and professions directly critical to managing this pandemic. Some of them are highlighted in this magazine. Their stories are inspiring and provide a glimpse into the possibilities that exist for our graduates to transform themselves and the world around them for the better, especially in times of crisis. The light of their example will guide us through this year, and we will emerge on the other side of this, with a triumphant Commencement for the Class of 2021, stronger than ever before and ready for the next challenge. Respectfully,

• Photographs courtesy of Flansburgh Architects

contents

Editor

Design

Teddy Ryan

Stoltze Design

Associate Editors

Printing

Russ Held Bill Wells

Hadley Printing

Board of Trustees Art Director

Chris Tinnesz Advisory Board

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

Mark Aimone Brian Easler Molly McGill Janet Moran Cole Salvador ’22 Sean Valentine Bill Wells Arnelle Williams ’13

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 Linda B. Griffin William R. Guerin ’89 Judith A. Knapp Robert F. Little Barry M. Maloney ’85 Andrew P. Mele Craig A. Rubin ’63W Paul J. Sullivan ’91 Trustee Emeriti

Photography

Paul Bloomfield Flansburgh Architects Russ Held Tom Kates Molly McGill Dave Roback Teddy Ryan Bill Wells Various contributing photographers

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

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

WMA Community

WMA Alumni

2 4

46 Reflection: Arnelle Williams ’13 48 Alton Cheney ’38W

Opening of School Challenges Community Fund Update

WMA Spotlight

Departments

44 Antonacci Family Makes a Difference 50 Faculty Fun Facts 54 New Trustee: Paul Sullivan ’91 60 Senior Stones: Every Stone has a Story

6 10 14 16 30 62

WMA Alumni in Health Care

In Memoriam

32 34 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43

News from the Hill Titans Victorious Winter Athletic Season Recap Fine & Performing Arts Virtual Reunion 2020 Class Notes

69 We Remember Dr. Mark Keroack ’72 Dr. Bonnie Faulkner Ryan ’82 Eric Peterson ’99 Kirsten (Peterson) Falteisek ’95 Hannah Clewes ’15 Kayla (Caine) Richards ’09 Brett Zalkan ’83 Megan Pehoviak ’14 Elijah Barrows ’12 Jeremy Korytoski ’06

amendment

HISTORY 56 Celebrating Influential Women of WMA 70 African American History

on the cover A “Thank You” to all WMA Alumni who have worked on the front lines of health care to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Produced by WMA’s Art Director Chris Tinnesz.

Our Mission

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

In the Spring 2020 issue of Academy World, Michael P. Shebek ’49W was identified as a Wilbraham Academy graduate in the “We Remember” section. He also graduated from Monson Academy in 1948. Mr. Shebek attended Wilbraham as a postgraduate.

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.

note

get social with us!

The fiscal year annual report, which usually appears in the Fall edition of Academy World, is moving to a standalone publication that will be mailed this winter. Be on the lookout for the debut of The Giving Report.

@wilbrahammonsonacademy @WMAalumni @wilbrahammonson wilbrahammonsonacad @wilbraham_monson

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

By Brian P. Easler Head of School

LEADING WMA: OPENING OF SCHOOL

Opening of school a complete team effort To guide us in our planning and preparations, we utilized the expertise of four leaders in their respective fields who served as our unofficial advisory council. • Dr. Bob Brown, president of Boston University and a member of the panel of college and university presidents that provided school-opening guidance to the state • Dr. Tom LeBlanc, president of The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. • Dr. Bonnie Faulkner Ryan ’82, a WMA Trustee and emergency medicine physician at UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester and front-line COVID-19 care specialist • Dr. Mark Keroack ’72, a specialist in infectious disease, president and CEO of Baystate Health in Springfield and member of (Massachusetts) Governor Baker’s Reopening Advisory Board This assembly of professionally and geographically ideal advisors was a critical source of information and guidance, especially in the early stages of planning, and a sounding board for WMA as we prepared to navigate uncharted territory. We quickly realized that our efforts would need to revolve around three primary directives: Walking down The Hill on a casual dress code day.

of the COVID-19 pandemic, long before most other schools began thinking about the 2020–2021 school year, the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Administration and Board of Trustees began planning. Why? Because we knew that we needed to open the campus, safely, to in-person programming. Families invest in WMA for the educational experience, not simply an online instructional program. With so much unknown, especially early on, we knew this would be a significant undertaking. From the very beginning

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WMA’s rapid transition to online learning in the spring was extremely effective, especially for the limited time available to make it happen. We were thoughtful and decisive in our actions, and we led the way among our peer schools for timely and successful communication and implementation of our plans. But, we also knew, with four spring and summer months to plan, that we could do even better. So, we started with one primary goal in mind: safely open the Academy for the 2020–2021 school year and end the year in a solid position to launch into the equally critical following year.

1. We would need an educationally sound program that could adapt quickly to potentially changing circumstances and that afforded seamless engagement, whether people could be on campus or were required to be remote. 2. We would need a rigorous testing program — fear of the unknown was a primary adversary in this effort, so knowing when and where the virus was on campus was a key to managing it. 3. We would need to implement as many precautions as possible to prevent transmission of the virus on campus when it inevitably arrived.

Of course, we do not know exactly what lies ahead for WMA for the remainder of the year, but we are confident that we will overcome any challenges with the kind of grit and thoughtfulness that has gone into our planning thus far and with the continued support and encouragement of our loyal alumni family. What follows, in outline form to keep it concise, is the summary of the plans that led to an overwhelmingly successful opening of the Academy in the midst of unprecedented, societal upheaval.

Academic Plans • Created a true hybrid educational model where students and teachers can learn together synchronously with everyone on campus, everyone off campus or any percentage necessitated by circumstances at the time • Remodeled the entire academic program from a trimester 5-course system to a semester block schedule system to better transition to and from in-person and online learning • Adopted a new school-wide Learning Management System, Canvas, to better support students and teachers on or off campus • Committed very early to a fully online academic plan for the three-week interim period between the fall and winter vacations, to limit the impact of typical related travel • Thumbs up from Cara Murphy ’22

• Engaged faculty in significant summer training programs and curricular revision • Purchased laptops and other single-use technology for faculty members to limit device cross-contamination

Testing/Quarantine Plans • Contracted with The Broad Institute in Cambridge for “gold-standard” PCR testing of every person on campus, twice every week with no more than four days between tests • Purchased analysis capacity, guaranteeing 24-hour results regardless of local or regional circumstances • Signed lease with Quidel for two Sofia2 rapid antigen test machines (all leases superseded by the Federal Government, so we are utilizing PCR testing 100%) • Leased a temperature-controlled trailer for twice-weekly testing to keep it distinct from Health Services functions • Renovated a handful of offices on campus, which had attached bathrooms, into comfortable individual quarantine rooms • Purchased five RV travel trailers and installed them on campus as individual quarantine quarters • Planned for the quick transition of several large spaces on campus into isolation wards, should that become necessary • All faculty and staff were PCR tested during the weeks leading up to the opening of school • All boarding students quarantined for five days upon arrival and underwent a series of three PCR tests, every other day • All day students were PCR tested the week before classes began

Transmission Prevention Plans • Masks properly worn, at all times, when on campus — the only exceptions are when eating meals at shielded tables or when sitting in Mask-Free Zones • Designated several large outdoor, six-footdistanced Mask-Free Zones and outdoor teaching spaces to give community members a healthy break from mask wearing

• Renovated indoor spaces across campus to fully accommodate six-foot distancing in all classrooms at all times, with 100% attendance every day • Designated building entrances and exits to help prevent hallway crowding • Turned Alumni Memorial Chapel into a grab-and-go dining hall in order to split dining capacity to meet state requirements and create additional safe indoor dining space • Repurposed the Campus Center as a Middle School Dining Hall to accommodate cohorting • Plexiglass dividers on all dining hall tables for safe and communal meals • Designated all restrooms on campus as single-use only • All HVAC systems on campus outfitted with ionizing air purification systems • All mini-split heat and AC units in the dorms outfitted with ionizing filters • Every classroom and meeting space on campus outfitted with a True HEPA air purifier, sized appropriately for square footage • Constructed three new bathrooms in Rich Hall, one on the south wing of each of the three dormitory floors, to split capacity and facilitate cohorting of residential students • Enhanced campus-wide cleaning operations with an additional crew designated specifically to disinfection of high-touch surfaces and high-risk areas • Continued daily extracurricular activities, after alterations, in accordance with guidance from DPH and CDC • Canceled all early-season interscholastic events or performances in favor of late-season events, if they become feasible As you can see, it was quite a busy few months at WMA, but we are thrilled with the results. Even under these circumstances, school still opened with a flourish of student energy and enthusiasm at being back . . . and the students have been truly exemplary in their acceptance of the new campus expectations: “It’s not that bad, Mr. Easler, and we would rather be here, together, with a little inconvenience than not be able to be here.” We are all so proud of them.

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

SUPPORTING WMA: WMA COMMUNITY FUND

by MARK AIMONE Director of Advancement

Uncertain times reveal ‘true character, resolve and extraordinary commitment’ of WMA community In April as the full scope of the pandemic became a reality, we launched the Community Fund as a way to focus all of our fundraising efforts on providing the resources necessary to react and adjust to the needs of our faculty, our students and their families, and our programs — with a goal of completing the 2019–2020 academic year. We have faced challenges before in our history, and in these times the true character of our community has been revealed. It is only through the resilience, the loyalty and the resolve of the entire community that each time we have emerged as a stronger, more vibrant place. The current situation is no exception. Thanks to the commitment and generosity of our community, we were, in true Atlas style, able to persevere through the spring, provide a high-quality, emergency online program and find a way to honor the Class of 2020 with a heartfelt, socially distanced send-off that involved our entire school community. Although the academic year came to an end for the students, it was just the beginning of the work that needed to be done in order to prepare for a new school year in the presence of a global pandemic. When we launched the Community Fund, we were not certain what our needs as a community would be. But as those days turned into weeks, it became clear it would take significant resources to prepare our campus for the fall and the safe return of our students and faculty. Without the benefit of a large endowment, we are left to rely on our own fiscal discipline and voluntary support to make this happen. Your support of the Community Fund played a key role in putting us in a position to be ready for in-person learning this school year. With almost $200,000 raised since the launch of the Fund up to June 30, we were able to take significant steps to insure the safety of our community — from relatively small items, like masks, hand sanitizers and air purifiers, to much larger projects such as the addition of three new shared bathrooms in Rich Hall and

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removal of the pews in Alumni Memorial Chapel to make room for additional dining seating. The biggest project on campus has been the renovation of the basement in Mattern Science Building. The original plan for the summer was to convert the more than 4,500-square-foot space into a Design & Fabrication Space that would be ready for September 2020. Unfortunately, the pandemic delayed the original plan, but because we had half of the necessary funding in hand, we were able to move forward on the renovation part of the project to create much-needed space for socially distanced classrooms. At the conclusion of this academic year, we will turn our efforts to the second phase of creating the Design & Fabrication Space. Perhaps the most important part of our plan for in-person classes has been having the ability for widespread, frequent testing here on campus. We are participating in a testing consortium with the Broad Institute that has allowed us to test students and faculty two times per week. The Community Fund will continue to be the focus of our fundraising efforts through this year as it will take time to fully recover from the impact of this pandemic. As you can read in the Opening of School article on pages 2–3, we continue to invest in the education of our students while prioritizing the health and safety of all members of the WMA community. These efforts require a significant and ongoing financial commitment. We are grateful and appreciative for all of your support and hope that we can continue to count on you to help us meet the challenges that lie ahead. Throughout our history, the WMA community has always come together to support and guide us through tough times and this moment is no exception. While we don’t know what the future of this pandemic will hold, one thing is certain, it is times like these when we see the true character, resolve and extraordinary commitment of the entire WMA community.

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

departments: NEWS FROM THE HILL

News from the Hill Liam Etti ’20, Chuc An ‘Ann’ Tran ’21 win Harvard Model UN honors Specialized agency — the phrase alone is impressive and stands out. Similarly, at the largest Model United Nations event in the world, two students from Wilbraham & Monson Academy were impressive and stood out. Among more than 4,000 peers, Liam Etti ’20 and Chuc An “Ann” Tran ’21 received awards based on their performance at the Harvard Model UN, which was held in Boston on the last weekend of January. The 67th session of Harvard Model UN drew students from 57 countries. Liam and Ann participated in Specialized Agencies, aka Crisis Committees, which are more intense than the traditional format. Liam portrayed Omotola, a Nigerian female who verbally and physically fought against the British Empire for the Women’s War of 1929.

Ann, meanwhile, was the master of supplies for the Pirate Confederation of Ching Shih in the early 1800s. Liam won an Honorable Mention Award, while Ann was recognized with a Diplomatic Commendation. “Specialized Agencies are uniquely difficult to prepare for, because sessions are designed around ‘crises’ that happen in real time, while delegates are simultaneously trying to work on the larger problem that they have spent months researching,” said Ms. Sommer Mahoney ’11, who serves as faculty advisor with Mr. Gary Cook. “Both Liam and Ann are particularly talented researchers, writers and persuasive speakers, and they’ve learned how to apply all of those skills in the intense situations that Harvard creates for these committees. We’re so proud of their success.”

Chuc An “Ann” Tran ’21

Liam Etti ’20

Shane Appiah ’21, Norah Omar ’21 lead on, off campus

Shane Appiah ’21

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Norah Omar ’21

Norah Omar ’21 and Shane Appiah ’21 are exceptional role models in the Wilbraham & Monson Academy community. Being leaders on campus, though, wasn’t enough for either, as they joined the Youth Advisory Board for District Attorney Anthony Gulluni ’99 last year. In February, Norah and Shane brought Mr. Gulluni’s Netsmart Program to an elementary school in Chicopee to educate Grades 2 and 3 students about internet safety. “It was heartwarming because they were responsive and interactive,” Norah said of the presentation’s success. “They responded to it very well. I think it’s crucial we do this because there are a lot of unsafe conditions on the internet right now, especially with social media use increasing with the younger ages.” “The Youth Advisory Board feels it’s the best way to combat people who are being affected online in a negative manner. We want to start very young with elementary students so they know how to interact online safely.”

WMA wins 5 awards at state Model Congress Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s reputation as a school with an influential presence in regards to government — both locally and globally — has been brought to the forefront at the state level this year. Soon after the Upper School’s Model United Nations program landed two award winners and four more from the Middle School, WMA’s Model Congress had five students receive honors at the state event in Boston in February. Kyle Yamagishi-Rodstein ’20, Michelle Itkin ’22, Jack Perenick ’21 and Chuc An “Ann” Tran ’21 won Best Delegate Awards, while Liam Etti ’20 earned an Honorable Mention. “The overall performance of the 2020 Model Congress team was outstanding,” said Dr. Anthony Kandel. “In addition to winning four Best Delegate Awards and one Honorable Mention award (a school record), the entire group was focused, on task, engaged and truly enjoyed the experience. In sum, the trip was a major success by any measure.” Model Congress, an after-school activity, was led by Dr. Kandel, Chair of the History & Global Studies Department. “Model Congress is an important part of the WMA co-curricular program for several reasons,” Dr. Kandel added. “Students with a deep interest in the political process have the opportunity to engage in that process at a very well-run event. Additionally, our students develop relationships with many students from other schools who share the same interest. Finally, Model Congress is a great way to develop knowledge of national current events, enhance public speaking skills and improve one’s diplomatic skills as well.”

Chuc An “Ann” Tran ’21

Michelle Itkin ’22

Liam Etti ’20

Jack Perenick ’21

Kyle Yamagishi-Rodstein ’20

Pair earn National Latin awards

Liam Etti ’20

Michelle Itkin ’22

Respect for their teacher helped two Wilbraham & Monson Academy students earn lofty awards on one of the country’s most difficult assessments. Liam Etti ’20 and Michelle Itkin ’22 received Silver Medals and a Maximum Cum Laude Certificate for their performance on the 2020 National Latin Exam. Liam took the Latin 4 test, while Michelle tackled the Latin 2 exam. Both praised the efforts of their teacher Mr. Don Kelly, who has been instructing Latin to WMA students for more than 40 years. “It really is an honor to receive an award from the NLE,” Liam said. “Mr. Kelly is one of the best teachers at the Academy, and it has been one of the great honors of my educational experience to be his student. Mr. Kelly is fully dedicated not just to the academic lives of his students, but also to their success at the Academy as a whole. If there is one thing

that I will take with me to Ireland and Columbia it’s the classical lessons and charisma of one of the great teachers of the Academy. And, of course, his unforgettable advice: ‘Semper Ubi Sub Ubi.’” “I’m proud to have won a silver medal on the exam,” Michelle said. “Mr. Kelly and I spent the weeks leading up to the test reviewing for it so I’m glad our work paid off. I’ve loved taking private lessons from him this past year, and Latin has been one of my favorite classes in high school so far.” Also receiving recognition for their performances on the National Latin Exam were: Liam Murphy ’20 Magna Cum Laude Certificate, Latin 3 Exam Theresa Kervick ’20 Cum Laude Certificate, Latin 4 Exam Asha Puri ’20 Cum Laude Certificate, Latin 2 Exam

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

departments: NEWS FROM THE HILL The following students earned awards on this year’s national exam. French 1

Guo Yin ’23, silver medal, ninth place nationally James Kumpulanian ’21, certificate French 2

Tiana Gao ’22, silver medal, sixth place nationally Brady Gouin ’23, certificate French 3 Honors

Catarina Carter ’20, gold medal, fourth place nationally Sophia Hurtado Rodriguez ’21, silver medal, fifth place nationally Yuzuki Yamaoka ’23, silver medal, eighth place nationally Bernardo Hurtado Rodriguez ’21, bronze medal Cole Salvador ’22, bronze medal Kathryn Quinn ’20, certificate Catarina Carter ’20

Catarina Carter ’20 places 4th in country on National French Exam Two years ago, Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Catarina Carter ’20 was interrogated by French Police on the France-Spain border regarding a problem with her visa. She didn’t understand a word and felt helpless. Never again. Following her second year of taking French as a foreign language, including her first at WMA, Catarina finished the National French Exam (Le Grand Concours) as one of the top students in the country for her skill level. Catarina won a gold medal and posted the fourth-best score in the nation on the French 3 exam. “This is probably the first time I’ve met the very high expectations I had set for myself, so I couldn’t be more excited about winning a gold medal,” Catarina said. “It’s safe to say that I’m now obsessed with most things French, a result of Madame Dubois’ incorporation of Francophone cultures into her curriculum.” “Catarina has a unique perspective on things because she has been exposed to several languages and cultures, and she would bring this multiculturalism to the classroom in her humble and respectful way,” Madame Dubois said. “Catarina also participated this year in all the French Club activities, the immersion day at Bancroft; and she won second place in our class baking contest, putting a lot of care and effort into making delicious macarons. Catarina’s unpretentious, dynamic, warm personality and enthusiastic interest in the Francophone culture will truly be missed.”

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French 4 Honors

Genna Miccoli ’22, bronze medal Lainey Gilmartin ’22, bronze medal Xiaojing “Emily” Du ’20, certificate Muwei “Katharine” Xu ’20, certificate Julia Puppolo ’20, certificate French 5 AP/Post AP

Jeremy Dubois ’21, Division 5C, gold medal, sixth place nationally Jack Perenick ’21, Division 5A, silver medal, 10th place nationally Liam Garrison ’20, Division 5A, bronze medal Charlotte Derose ’21, certificate Karin Yamaoka ’21, certificate Emily Fafard ’20, certificate Tendo Kalule ’21, certificate Ian Brook ’21, certificate

Giang Tran Bao ‘Cindy’ Doan ’24 advances to state National Geographic GeoBee

Giang Tran Bao “Cindy” Doan ’24

Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Giang Tran Bao “Cindy” Doan ’24 qualified for the National Geographic GeoBee State Competition after winning the Middle School GeoBee and then scoring in the top 100 amongst all of the school winners in the state on an online exam. “Advancing was a big surprise,” Cindy admitted. “I surpassed my expectations. I was happy. I learned I advanced in the middle of science class and everyone started cheering. I promised them each $10 if I won the money (for earning first place).” Led by Madame Fabienne Dubois, the GeoBee and Model United Nations were offered as an after-school activity in the Middle School during the second trimester. “Cindy worked a lot during the trimester,” Madame Dubois said. “She was focused and engaged in everything we did. She came a little late into the group because she was busy with robotics but she caught up. She was amazing. She studied, was on task and used her time well. It didn’t come as a surprise when she advanced to the next round. She deserved it; she worked really hard for it.”

Middle School Model UN If students in Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Middle School had a say right now, there would be plenty of clean water for everyone in the world. Four Middle School students — all representing countries in regard to clean water — received awards at this year’s Innovative Model United Nations Conference at Northeastern University in Boston in February. Working together, Leah Thorn-Szostkiewicz ’24 and Dakotah Thomas ’26 won a Best Delegate Award for their representation of Germany. Meanwhile, Giang Tran Bao “Cindy” Doan ’24 and Padraig Dunbar ’26 teamed as members from Sweden to win Best Position Paper. The after-school activity, which was run in conjunction with the National Geographic GeoBee, was coordinated by Madame Fabienne Dubois. “Model UN teaches the students about problems in the world; issues in the world,” Madame Dubois expressed. “It requires students to dig deeper and reflect on possible solutions. It’s amazing for a Middle School student to be thinking how we can make the world a better place. Also, they have to learn how to speak, debate, write, research, compromise; so many skills are involved in this. I think it’s an invaluable experience for them because we learn so many things.” Nine Middle School students, who received help prior to the event from Upper School Model UN members Liam Etti ’20 and Jack Perenick ’21, attended this year’s conference.

Giang Tran Bao “Cindy” Doan ’24

Dakotah Thomas ’26

Leah Thorn-Szostkiewicz ’24

Padraig Dunbar ’26

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

departments: Titans Victorious

Jinyu “Melody” Zhan ’22

Junyi “Brian” Lu ’21

Ryan Cordeiro ’21

Wooseung “Colin” Oh ’22

riflery

Riflery lands 4 on all-state team On the heels of another perfect record, the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Riflery team landed four members on the Connecticut Rifle & Revolver Association 2020 High School All-State First Team. Ryan Cordeiro ’21, Junyi “Brian” Lu ’21, Jinyu “Melody” Zhan ’22 and Wooseung “Colin” Oh ’22 garnered the association’s highest honors. WMA, which has had 14 All-State selections during the last four years, accounted for one-third of the 12 spots on the First Team.

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“The All-State selections for these four are well deserved,” Coach Bill Passy said. “They were the backbone of the team, which captured yet another state championship for WMA and won every competition they entered. Some of the events they won came against more experienced, year-round shooters. I look forward to having them all back next year.”

swimming

Xin ‘Julie’ Xiong ’20, Yuhan ‘Alex’ Zha ’22 win swim titles

• top: Xin “Julie” Xiong ’20. bottom: Yuhan “Alex” Zha ’22.

Xin “Julie” Xiong ’20 and Yuhan “Alex” Zha ’22 were great during the regular season for the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Swimming team. That didn’t change in the championship season either. Against some of the toughest competition in the region, Julie and Alex each won an individual event at the Babcock Invitational at Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, Massachusetts, in February. Julie touched first in the 200 individual medley in 2 minutes, 19.60 seconds, and also took second in the 500 freestyle. “I was hoping to get my best time and improve in the backstroke. It’s an honor to win it,” Julie expressed. “There were a lot of strong competitors. From my point of view, my weakness is backstroke. This race I did that pretty well. I didn’t get caught by any other swimmers. The only downside was I didn’t sprint really hard in the freestyle. That’s something I could improve.” Alex won the 100 butterfly with a meet-record time of 56.05, and also finished third in the 200 IM. “I think overall I did pretty well,” Alex said. “My start was pretty good. I think I could still improve on my turns. If I can make them faster I can improve my time.”

girls’ basketball

Girls’ Basketball lands pair on All-NEPSAC team Much like it is for the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Girls’ Basketball team, the future is bright for Najla Cecunjanin ’21 and Rhaymi Porter ’21. After being selected to play in the New England Prep School Athletic Council Class C All-Star Game in March, the junior teammates were named to the All-NEPSAC Team for Class C. Najla made the first team while Rhaymi earned a spot on the honorable mention list. “Najla shined brilliantly in her first year in Titans’ red and blue,” Coach Durelle Brown applauded. “A multidimensional player, Najla was able to provide our team with an assortment of her skill set. Najla can shoot it (41%) from three, she can drive to the basket, she can pull up off the dribble, she can hit the offensive glass, she can create for her teammates, she can handle the ball against pressure, she can rebound and she can guard multiple positions. “Rhaymi truly blossomed in her second year as a Titan. Last season as a repeat sophomore, Rhay was surrounded by veteran leadership, which afforded her a lesser role. But this season Rhay was forced to do more for her team to find success. Always a freakishly dominant rebounder and shot blocker, the true growth in Rhay’s game was seen on the offensive end. She nearly doubled her total points and points per game average this season, while becoming a focal point for us on the offensive end, all the while not relenting at all on her defensive responsibilities and capabilities.”

• Najla Cecunjanin ’21, left, and Rhaymi Porter ’21.

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

departments: Titans Victorious

boys’ basketball

Trio named to all-league for Boys’ Basketball With success comes rewards, and there were plenty of both for last season’s Wilbraham & Monson Academy Boys’ Basketball team. Soon after winning its first New England title since 1986, three Titans were named to the New England Prep School Athletic Council Class AA All-League team. John Adams ’20, who made the honorable mention team the previous two seasons, earned a spot on the selective First Team with teammate Kyle Filipowski ’22, while Keller Boothby ’20 was named to the honorable mention list. “To have three players be named all-league is a testament to the basketball the team played this year and, for these three players, an incredible honor,” Coach Mike Mannix said of the three players receiving postseason honors.

John Adams ’20

Keller Boothby ’20

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Kyle Filipowski ’22

skiing

Nick Morin ’21, Beti Stevens ’20 each claim 2 ski medals

• Beti Stevens ’20

Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Nick Morin ’21 and Beti Stevens ’20 knew very little about the competition or the course at the New England Prep School Class C Alpine Ski Championship at Shawnee Peak in Bridgton, Maine, in February. So Nick and Beti kept their skiing simple — they just raced. Nick and Beti each earned a pair of medals at the New England Championship, which drew schools from throughout the Northeast. Nick topped a field of 42 skiers to win the giant slalom before taking third among 46 competitors in the slalom. “My first run was good,” Nick said of the GS competition. “I wasn’t being too aggressive because I knew I had to finish both runs. But I laid down a solid run and didn’t make any major mistakes. For my second run there was a lot of pressure because I was in first, but I had a pretty big margin so I knew I just had to finish. I think it was a big deal for me because I’ve been working hard all season. I had a good race.” Meanwhile, Beti placed third in the giant slalom and slalom, which both boasted 39 skiers. “We had GS first thing in the morning,” Beti said. “The GS course held up well. Everything ran smoothly for both runs. I learned after my first run what I needed to adjust to improve my second run. I was a little faster my second run. Usually I tend to do better in slalom, but I did a lot better in the giant slalom than I usually do. I was proud of myself for that. Overall, it was good.”

• Nick Morin ’21

boys’ basketball

Kyle Filipowski ’22 reaches milestone Not every high school basketball player can score 1,000 points. Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Kyle Filipowski ’22 isn’t like every high school basketball player. Already with multiple offers from Division I college basketball programs, Kyle reached the 1,000-point mark in just his third year of varsity basketball. Kyle sank a foul shot during an AA Conference game at MacDuffie School in Granby, Massachusetts, in February to reach the milestone. Kyle, a versatile 6-foot-9, 215-pound forward who hopes to play at a high-major Division I program, was later recognized for his accomplishment before WMA’s Senior Day game against Brimmer & May School of Newton, Massachusetts. “I really didn’t know I was that close to it,” Kyle said. “It was kind of surprising to me. I just wanted to go out there and do what I want to do and have fun. I’m extremely proud of myself for that and I’m going to just keep doing what I usually do.”

• Kyle Filipowski, center, with his mother, Becky, and father, David, right.

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departments: winter sports Highlights

Winter Sports Highlights 2019–2020

coed riflery Varsity season record: 10–0 Captains: Alexander Otte ’20, Ryan Cordeiro ’21 Highlights: Third undefeated season in last four years; Prep School Gallery Match Champions for fourth straight year; used individual (199 out of 200, Junyi “Brian” Lu ’21) and team-record (967) scores to win CT High School Riflery League Championship; Jinyu “Melody” Zhan ’22, Wooseung “Colin” Oh ’22, Lu and Cordeiro were named All-State First Team.

• Another Riflery team championship photo.

coed skiing

boys’ basketball

Captains: Nick Morin ’21, Beti Stevens ’20 Highlights: Morin won the New England Class C individual championship in the giant slalom and placed third in slalom; Stevens finished third in both GS and slalom, and won the league’s sportsmanship award; Girls’ team finished fifth at the New England Class C Championships, while the Boys’ placed eighth.

Varsity season record: 18–12 Captain: John Adams ’20 Highlights: Won Class AA Championship, first program title since 1986 and fifth overall; Kyle Filipowski ’22 was named Tournament MVP; NEPSAC All-Stars were first-teamers Adams and Filipowski, and Keller Boothby ’20 (Honorable Mention); team won WMA’s prestigious Trustees Cup.

• Beti Stevens ’20, left, and Nick Morin ’21

• Celebration time for the Boys’ Basketball team and Titan Nation.

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girls’ basketball Varsity season record: 11–12 Captains: None Highlights: All-NEPSAC Class C selections Najla Cecunjanin ’21 (First Team) and Rhaymi Porter ’21 (Honorable Mention) played in the NEPSAC Class C All-Star game; team finished runner-up in the Dexter Southfield Holiday Hoop Classic and third in the Kingswood Oxford Invitational Tournament. • Theresa Kervick ’20

• Julia Pelletier ’21

• Blake Stewart ’20

winter track Captains: Emma Curley ’20, Kyle Dube ’20 Highlights: Blake Stewart ’20 set the school record (21 feet, 10 inches) in the long jump; Dube, a top sprinter, anchored the 4×200 and 4×400 relay teams, while Julia Pelletier ’21 excelled in the high jump and 300; team concluded the season with strong performances at the Armory Youth Championships in New York City.

boys’ swimming Varsity season record: 0–6 Captains: Egor Tokarskiy ’20, Ian Brook ’21 Highlights: Team MVP Yuhan “Alex” Zha ’22 was one of five individual qualifiers for the NEPSAC Championships, where he placed second in the 100 butterfly to help the team to a sixth-place finish; Nagomu “Nago” Yoshitake ’23 won the team’s Coaches Award.

wrestling Varsity season record: 7–5 Captains: Will Crocker ’20, Tristan Lynch ’20 Highlights: Lynch (195 pounds) and Griffan Wolusky ’21 (160) qualified for the New England Championships; Lynch was Team MVP, and Crocker won its Coaches Award; team wins included Williston, Hotchkiss, Hamden Hall, Pomfret and Canterbury.

• Yuhan “Alex” Zha ’22

girls’ swimming Varsity season record: 1–5 Captains: Xin “Julie” Xiong ’20, Isabella Gomes ’20, Norah Omar ’21 Highlights: Seven girls qualified for the New England Championships, where Xiong won the 100 butterfly to lead the team to a fourth-place showing; Xiong was Team MVP, while Gomes was honored with the Coaches Award.

• Norah Omar ’21

• Will Crocker ’20

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departments: fine & performing arts

Fine & Performing Arts 5 students earn state honors for art Zheng “Richard” Xie ’20 and Jingting “Gina” Xie ’20 both entered art contests in 2019 and didn’t come away with the results they had hoped. Richard and Gina entered contests again in 2020, with their expectations set very low. Those hopes turned to unsuspecting glee in February when they received silver medals for their entries into the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, a statewide contest for students in Grades 7–12 in Massachusetts. Richard’s collection of illustrations was completed for his AP 2D Art class last year. “Throughout my project, the main topic was communication between now and present times,” Richard said. “I drew pictures of older versions of myself and projected them onto a wall.

• Artwork of Zheng “Richard” Xie ’20.

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Then I stood next to it and communicated with the older version of myself.” Gina made a four-minute video for her college portfolio. “I filmed this movie for a collection of my garments because I’m doing fashion design,” Gina explained. “I designed clothes. I wanted to show things under the cover because most people are covering themselves and pretending, most of the time. I was trying to show people have colors. In the video I have a model. She is wearing the clothes I designed. It’s a collection of clothing. She’s wearing all of them at once. In the video she’s ripping off the clothes, like taking off the cover.” WMA also had four students earn Honorable Mention recognition: Zihan “William” Chen ’21 (twice); Eric Kim ’21; Tianqi Li ’20; and Richard.

• “The Cover” by Jingting “Gina” Xie ’20.

Voice of Tianyi ‘Andrea’ Xu ’25 heard Much like so many women in the United States 100 years ago, Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Tianyi “Andrea” Xu ’25 wanted a voice. After learning about the 19th Amendment in Mr. David Allen’s Grade 7 World Cultures class in the Middle School, Andrea entered and won a poster contest hosted by the Mercy Warren Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in April. Andrea was declared the winner of the middle school division. The drawing included suffragists Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, as well as the movement’s red-fisted symbol and quotes along the borders. Her work was displayed at the Wilbraham Public Library. “I wanted to draw a poster because I think it is important for people to raise their awareness on women’s rights, and I think this is an interesting part of U.S. history,” Andrea said. “The way Andrea worked in quotes by suffragettes on the borders is especially thoughtful, yet I can’t help but think that her vibrant use of colors also caught the judges’ attention,” Mr. Allen said. “We turned some of our class focus to Women’s History Month in March and read “I Am Malala” in our online classes as a concluding experience, so it was nice to keep this focus going with some Middle School trips to the Wilbraham Public Library to see Andrea’s poster this fall.”

• Award-winning artwork of Tianyi “Andrea” Xu ’25

Writers Norah Omar ’21, Yusi ‘Christine’ Mo ’21 win state awards

• Yusi “Christine” Mo ’21

What began as a writing assignment for a class at Wilbraham & Monson Academy turned out to be pieces of award-winning literature for two members of the Class of 2021. Following a prompt in Mr. Tim Harrington’s ’73 AP Language and Composition class regarding a childhood memory, Norah Omar ’21 and Yusi “Christine” Mo ’21 earned silver medals in February for their submissions to the statewide Scholastic Writing Awards. “I never thought I would be good at personal narrative — nonfiction,” Christine said. “But once I started to write this year in AP Lang., I found out it’s a good way to express myself and talk about my experiences to share with other people. I find it intriguing and I like it a lot. I’m very surprised I won an award. I didn’t think my writing would be recognized like that. I’m very thankful toward Mr. Harrington.” Norah used a trip to Asia as inspiration for her entry of “Superman On A Rooftop.” “It’s about a trip I took to Bangladesh, which is where my parents were born,” Norah said. “There were these two boys, and I think they were not even 5 years old, and I saw how independent they were. I admired that about them and I learned so much from that. But it was also frustrating because there was a certain helplessness. Growing up in the U.S., I have so many opportunities that these boys didn’t have, and that’s what I tried conveying in my story.” Three WMA students also earned Honorable Mention honors: Chuc An “Ann” Tran ’21, Cole Salvador ’22 and Christine.

• Norah Omar ’21

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DEPARTMENTS: Class of 2020

Bell Ringing Ceremony 1

Class of 2020 students and their immediate families were invited to campus on Friday, May 22, to experience a time-honored and prestigious tradition — ringing the Monson Bell. Members of the graduating class were also presented an unofficial diploma by Head of School Brian P. Easler and allowed to take photos of their ceremonial Commencement walk through the LaBrecque Academic Gate. 1 Head of School Brian P. Easler. 2 Theresa Kervick ’20. 3 Julia Puppolo ’20, second from left, and family. 4 Alexander Otte ’20. 5 Kya Monette ’20. 6 Always a Titan. 7 Isabella Gomes ’20. 8 Mariel Picknelly ’20. 9 Vincent Sweeney ’20. 10 WMA Pride! 11 Jackson Bloomfield ’20, second from right, with sister Zoe Bloomfield ’18, right, and proud parents Fine & Performing Arts Department Chair Paul Bloomfield, left, and former faculty member Sherri Krassin. 12 The view up Broad Walk. 13 Tristan Lynch ’20. 14 Faculty Marshal Don Kelly. 15 Liam Garrison ’20. 16 Edward “Tripp” Barkett III ’20, center, with family.

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Commencement: Class of 2020 graduates virtually

by Cole Salvador ’22 Atlas Editor

Commencement: Class of 2020 graduates virtually The following story appeared in the online edition of Atlas on May 29, 2020.

Wilbraham & Monson Academy kicked off its weekend of senior Commencement festivities in a unique way this year: with multiple ringings of the Monson Bell by the Class of 2020 (from an acceptable social distance). Although the entire community was not able to gather for this event, the bell ringing was attended by local seniors and their families. The Monson Bell is rung for important victories or ceremonies, and granting this privilege to this year’s graduating class was a fitting start to the seniors’ weekend. Because the Academy was not able to bring together all of its students for a typical graduation ceremony, a prerecorded event was orchestrated by the Academy’s administration and Marketing & Communications Department. The video was released to the WMA community on Saturday,

May 23, at which point seniors were instructed to open graduation care packages that had been mailed out or personally delivered to all seniors before the event. The hour-and-a-half-long commencement video began with a thoughtful reenactment of the typical senior procession through the campus LaBrecque Academic Gate and over the Senior Bridge. Next, Head of School Brian Easler, wearing his instantly recognizable blue commencement robes, spoke from the chapel podium. He introduced the circumstances of the ceremony and the Class of 2020’s first student speaker Julia Puppolo ’20. Puppolo offered a heartwarming account of this class’s journey through high school from humble beginnings in ninth grade all the way to this unconventional commencement ceremony. She said her farewell to the WMA community and spoke about moving on to the more-thanever uncertain world as high school graduates. Above all, Puppolo offered her congratulations for the Class of 2020 graduation and for all the hard work it took them to get there. The ceremony proceeded with the induction of the new members of the Cum Laude Society and presentation of Prizes awarded to members of the Class of 2020. After awards were presented, Mr. Easler orated a bittersweet and heart-wrenching valedictory. He spoke about the lives of his recentlydeceased parents and passed the lessons and experiences of their lives on to the graduating class as they proceed into the world. The final student speaker was Hao “Harrison” Pan ’20. Pan turned his speech toward the future rather than the past. Pan stressed the importance of perseverance through difficult times like these, saying this will not be the last time a difficult period • Happy times for Asha Puri ’20.

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• Emily Tarbell ’20 shares a family moment.

arises, so we must learn what we can now to be more prepared for the next. Pan knows WMA has prepared for the world a unit of global leaders who are capable of working together and in any area they desire. The ceremony closed with a reading of the names that form the graduating class by Dean of Faculty Walter Swanson, as well as a musical performance by Moonsu “Jackson” Kang ’20. Kang performed a rendition of “For Good” from the Broadway musical “Wicked.” The song was selected for its themes of friendship and goodbyes. Although this year’s ceremony was anything but typical, it was certainly a special experience nonetheless. “It was disappointing that I couldn’t graduate the normal way where I could see all my friends and teachers and celebrate together, but the experience was very new, interesting and kinda fun,” Kang said. Many seniors hope to see their friends and teachers again for the final gathering that was taken away because of the current circumstances. In order to state that need, WMA is planning a “large celebratory event” where all students and faculty can be welcomed back to campus to celebrate the Class of 2020. The date for this event was not yet decided at the time of printing.

Wilbraham & Monson Academy is very proud of the perseverance and resiliency shown by members of the Class of 2020. The above is a list of college decisions made by the graduating class. Congratulations to all!

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Prizes: Class of 2020

Class of 2020 Prize Winners The Academy’s storied tradition of Prize Day and Commencement has long honored students who excel in all parts of campus life. The announcement of Class of 2020 prize winners was made through a virtual commencement video on May 23, 2020. The Frank Chapin Cushman Memorial Award and the Cora Pease Chandler Award are considered to be the two most prestigious prizes awarded at Commencement.

Liam Garrison ’20 Cora Pease Chandler Award

Presented each year to the student who has shown the best Wilbraham & Monson spirit during the school year, excelling in character, courtesy, scholarship and athletics.

Julia Puppolo ’20 Frank Chapin Cushman Memorial Award

Presented each year to the student of Wilbraham & Monson Academy who best lives up to the Academy’s motto of: “Live Clean, Speak True, Work Hard, Play Fair.”

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Class of 2020 Prize winners

Induction of Cum Laude

A full list of prize descriptions can be found here: www.wma.us/students/class-of-2020.

Don Kelly, President of WMA Chapter of the Cum Laude Society

Berube Prize Emily Fafard ’20

Elected with the Class of 2019 Hao “Harrison” Pan ’20

Dr. Joseph P. Cebula Memorial Award Kizuki Koyasu ’20

Class of 2020 Xiaojing “Emily” Du ’20 Emily Fafard ’20 Emily Fallon ’20 Liam Garrison ’20 Grace-marie Gouin ’20 Ragene Hong ’20 An Nguyen ’20 Julia Puppolo ’20 Pheeraphat “Pete” Trairatanobhas ’20 Xin “Julie” Xiong ’20 Muwei “Katharine” Xu ’20 Kyle Yamagishi-Rodstein ’20 Yinqi “Sherry” Yang ’20 Eungi “David” Youn ’20 Tianyu “Joe” Yu ’20

Gift of the Class of 1965 Moonsu “Jackson” Kang ’20 Head of School Award Hao “Harrison” Pan ’20 Billy Lak Prize Edward “Tripp” Barkett III ’20 Stephen D. Luckraft Memorial Award William Crocker III ’20 Markell and Monson Class of 1898/ Owen David Dow Memorial Award Grace-marie Gouin ’20 Harriet Jones Nelson Trust Pheeraphat “Pete” Trairatanobhas ’20 Pieria Prize Margaret Kuhn ’20 Dr. George E. Rogers Scholar Athlete Award Jonathan Adams ’20 Phil Shaw Awards Xin “Julie” Xiong ’20 and William Crocker III ’20

Most Valuable Member Award The Hill – Saki Doi ’20

fine & performing arts department

Visual Art – 2D Design Erika Zaripova ’20 Visual Art – 3D Design Tianqi “Wernich” Li ’20 Music Vocals Madeline Rahilly ’20 Music Chamber Ensemble Mu-Chieh Huang ’20 Music Jazz Ensemble Jackson Bloomfield ’20 Marilyn Erickson Memorial Prize Zheng “Richard” Xie ’20 History & Global Studies

AP World History Pheeraphat “Pete” Trairatanobhas ’20 Mathematics Department

AP Statistics Pheeraphat “Pete” Trairatanobhas ’20 AP Calculus BC Tianyu “Joe” Yu ’20 Ernest J. Lawton Memorial Award Hao “Harrison” Pan ’20

Eveline Barber Departmental Awards

Science Department

center for entrepreneurship, economics & finance

Edward F. Morris Prize Muwei “Katharine” Xu ’20

Entrepreneurship & Finance Kyle Dube ’20 English Department

Kyle E. Webb Award Betelihem “Beti” Stevens ’20

AP Senior English 12 Julia Puppolo ’20

Trustees Cup Varsity Boys’ Basketball

Howe S. Newell Senior English Award Edward “Tripp” Barkett III ’20

AP Environmental Science Joshua Besse ’20 World Languages Department

Advanced Spanish Catarina Carter ’20 Catherine Ingraham Award for Excellence in French Liam Garrison ’20

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Prizes: upper school underclassmen

Prizes: Upper School Underclassmen The list of high achievers in our Upper School was very strong during the 2019–2020 academic year. Here are photos and names of our Special Prize award winners, and a complete list of Eveline Barber Departmental Awards. Special Prizes Alumni Award Chuc An “Ann” Tran ’21 Class of 1977 Humanitarian Award Jeremiah Patterson-Yancey ’22 Davison Prize Norah Omar ’21 John L. Nepomuceno Prize Shane Appiah ’21 Trustee Award Yusi “Christine” Mo ’21 A full list of prize descriptions can be found here: www.wma.us/students/class-of-2020.

Norah Omar ’21

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Chuc An “Ann” Tran ’21

Jeremiah Patterson-Yancey ’22

Shane Appiah ’21

Yusi “Christine” Mo ’21

Eveline Barber Departmental Awards Center for Entrepreneurship, Economics & Finance

AP Economics Hong Linh Duong ’21 English Department

ESL Language & Literature Qianrui “Cara” Liang ’23 Freshman English Madaket Stoltz ’23 Sophomore English Genna Miccoli ’22

Mathematics Department

World Languages Department

Algebra Matthew Filipowski ’22

Intermediate Latin Jiseong Choi ’23

Geometry Julia Besse ’23

Advanced Latin Emma Adelson ’21

Precalculus Yewon Lee ’21

Intermediate Spanish Madaket Stoltz ’23

Rensselaer Mathematics and Science Award Zihan “William” Chen ’21

Intermediate French Tiana Gao ’22

AP Calculus AB Hong Linh Duong ’21

Advanced French Tendo Kalule ’21

Science Department

Most Valuable Member Award

George H. Hefflon Memorial Award Chuc An “Ann” Tran ’21

Computer Science & Technology Hong Linh Duong ’21

Atlas Cole Salvador ’22

Fine & Performing Arts Department

STEM 9 Brady Gouin ’23

Theater Kylie Kane ’21 History & Global Studies

World History Yuzuki Yamaoka ’21

Biology Jack Whitcomb ’21 AP Biology Yewon Lee ’21

AP Human Geography Mai Khanh “Kayla” Nguyen ’21

Chemistry Zihan “Angela” Tian ’22

AP US History Ryan Cordeiro ’21

AP Chemistry Sungbeom Choi ’21 Physics Pradipa “Miang” Patanakijpaibul ’21 Bausch & Lomb Science Award Mai Khanh “Kayla” Nguyen ’21

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Class of 2020: Titan Deliveries

Class of 2020: Titan Deliveries Titan — our trusty mascot and often times the face of WMA — made house calls to Class of 2020 students who lived in the immediate area of campus. The purpose on a sunny Thursday in late May? To deliver yard signs to seniors, so they could proudly display them on their front lawn. Decked out in traditional Titan gear, Titan traveled 200 miles and made 44 stops in 14 different towns to add a special touch to the Class of 2020 and their family members. Way to go, Titan; and way to go, Class of 2020!

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12 1 Maddie Rahilly ’20, center, with mom and dad (Steve ’79). 2 Vanessa Gwozdzik ’20. 3 Atilla Troy ’20, left, and his sister Sara Troy ’20. 4 Cayden Brodnax ’20, center, and proud family members. 5 Margaret Donahue ’20, second from right, with her family. 6 Kasey Reed ’20, was surprised during a work shift at Costco. 7 Linea Lamothe ’20, third from left, and family. 8 Kathryn Quinn ’20 and her mom, left. 9 Liam Etti ’20, right, with sister Cecily ’21, left, and family. 10 Asha Puri ’20, second from left, and her brother Rohan Puri ’23, left, and family members. 11 Vin Sweeney ’20 and his proud dad. 12 J.P. Catellier ’20, left, next to sister Brooke ’22 and family.

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DEPARTMENTS: MIDDLE SCHOOL

WMA Middle School Awards 2019–2020 WMA’s Middle School held its Closing Ceremony on May 28, 2020, and with it honored many of its finest and brightest students. Director of the Middle School Stuart Whitcomb was the emcee during a virtual ceremony offered to families. Director’s Award Sally Geoghegan ’24 Eveline Barber Prizes

Grade 6 English Mary Kathleen “Katie” Hutcheson ’26 Grade 7 English Emma Landry ’25 Grade 8 English Emily DeNucci ’24 Grade 6 Math Zoe Pinnock ’26 Grade 7 Math Kennedy Pelletier ’25 Pre-Algebra Lilyth Mathison ’24 Algebra 1 Anh “Angel” Tran ’24 Algebra 1 Accelerated Breslin Grozio ’25 Honors Geometry Yebin Sim ’24 Grade 6 Science Dakotah Thomas ’26 Grade 7 Science Olivia Tierney ’25 Grade 8 Science Stephnie Essien ’24

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Grade 6 World Cultures Dakotah Thomas ’26 Grade 7 World Cultures Brooke McLaughlin ’25 Grade 8 World Cultures Giang Tran Bao “Cindy” Doan ’24 MS ESL Composition Riri “Lily” Chiken ’24 MS Spanish 1A Ally Orquiola ’25 MS Spanish 1B Liam Shea-Gallagher’24 US Spanish 2 Owen Swanson ’24 MS French 1A Breslin Grozio ’25 MS French 1B Mariana Mujica ’25 US French 2 Sally Geoghegan ’24

Grade 6 Health Mary Kathleen “Katie” Hutcheson ’26 Grade 7 Health Sarah Henderson ’25 Grade 8 Health Meiyi Chen ’24

Paul Beach Godard Prize Callie Dunbar ’24

Grade 6 Music Padraig Dunbar ’26 Grade 7 Music Emma Landry ’25 Grade 8 Music Lilyth Mathison ’24 Grade 6 PE Caitlin Stratton ’26 Grade 7 PE Javier Herrera ’25 Grade 8 PE Kayden Chhoun ’24

James Lagomarsino Leadership Award Emily DeNucci ’24

Grade 6 Art Padraig Dunbar ’26 Grade 7 Art Ally Orquiola ’25 Grade 8 Art Geunyeong “Suri” Bae ’24

Residential Life Award Meiyi Chen ’24

Middle School: Grade 8 Yard Sign Deliveries

Middle School: Grade 8 Yard Sign Deliveries 1

Without the traditional, in-person Middle School Closing Ceremony to honor our Grade 8 students and other prizewinners, a handful of faculty members were able to make personal and socially distanced deliveries to local students. It was fun for all to see familiar and happy faces again. 1 Kayden Chhoun ’24, middle, and his family — the Mannix clan. 2 Gabe Dziura ’24, third from left, with faculty parents Michael and Sue and siblings. 3 Owen Swanson ’24, second from left, brother Jack Swanson ’23, right, and parents Kelly McLellan, left, and Dean of Faculty Wally Swanson. 4 Lily Mathison ’24, right, with mom and faculty member Amy Mathison. 5 Leah Thorn-Szostkiewicz ’24 with her parents, Daniel Szostkiewicz, left, and Jennifer Thorn. 6 Faculty member Meaghan Cavanaugh and Liam Shea-Gallagher ’24. 7 Callie Dunbar ’24 with faculty member Virginia Giokas. 8 Audrey Harris ’24, right, with her sister Rilee Harris ’23, left, and their parents. 9 Gabby Pierce ’24, left, and faculty member Jes Rohan.

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alumni: REUNION

Virtual Alumni Reunion: June 2020 Alumni Reunion 2020 went virtual! In lieu of an in-person event last summer, alumni logged on to hear updates about the Academy, reconnect and surreptitiously sneak a peek into the homes of their former classmates and teachers. During the weekend of June 5–7, the Classes of 1980, 1985 and 2010 held mini “ReZoomions” and alumni of all ages joined a virtual address from Head of School Brian P. Easler. Mr. Easler joined the call from the new Athenaeum, and attendees were treated to a “first-look” tour of the space. It was great to see the faces of alumni near and far! We look forward to a “supersized” Reunion next year, when we will celebrate classes ending in ’0s, ’1s, ’5s and ’6s. Save the Date for June 12, 2021!

• Class of 2010 ReZoomion

Left to right, top row: Steff Robbins ’10, Director of Alumni Relations Molly McGill, Caitlin Mitchell ’09 and Russell Dinkins ’09. Second row: English Department Chair Meg Lenihan Hutcheson, Emma Camilleri ’10 (and her new puppy, Wilson!), Hannah Dunphy ’10 and English Department faculty member Tim Harrington ’73. Third row: Head of School Brian P. Easler, Caitlin Charette ’10, Rachael Roy ’10, History & Global Studies Department faculty member Gary Cook. Bottom row: Assistant Director of Athletics/Head Athletic Trainer Erika Whipple, Will Bourgeois ’10 and Brian Fracasso ’10 (no picture).

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• Head of School Brian P. Easler gave attendees a “first-look” tour of the Athenaeum.

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Alumni in Action: Dr. Mark Keroack ’72

By BILL WELLS Director of Student Promotion

Dr. Mark Keroack ’72: Through pandemic ‘we will question old ways of doing things’ There was no playbook for Mark Keroack ’72, M.D., MPH, on how to definitively approach COVID-19 when it crept into the Western Massachusetts region in March. Along with comforting powerless patients and their families, the Chief Executive Officer and President of Baystate Health in nearby Springfield needed to ensure his staff of more than 12,000 people at the largest health care provider in Western Massachusetts could administer the necessary aid in a safe work environment. At a climactic time in the career of most everyone in health care, Dr. Keroack called upon his experiences from a generation ago to help him in the medical trenches and on the front lines of a pandemic that gripped so many during an unprecedented time in the world’s history. “Having lived through the HIV/AIDS epidemic as a front-line caregiver, and having studied societal responses to epidemics in the past, much of the pandemic was strangely familiar, even though the speed and scope of this particular infection had not been seen since the flu pandemic of 1918,” Dr. Keroack recalled. Much like COVID-19, the HIV/AIDS situation in the 1980s was a topic of discussion

throughout the country, dominating all news outlets. An unknown disease had entered the U.S. and there was no protocol. Was it contagious, and if so, how contagious? There were so many questions. Finger-pointing, fear, protests, anger, myths and uncertainty were common, and the medical field lacked effective treatment. People in the medical profession were concerned about their own safety. Sound familiar? “Having been a front-line caregiver, particularly having been a physician caring for HIV/AIDS patients in the early days of that pandemic, it helped me to empathize with those who felt fear and stress in dealing with an unknown threat. “It reinforced how important it was to first protect the caregivers; we went to extraordinary lengths to secure personal protective equipment and testing supplies in the early weeks. We communicated frequently and fully, including things we were uncertain about. We also encouraged front-line decision-making and innovation. All of these things were keys to success in developing systems to care for patients with AIDS, and we applied them to our approach.” Dr. Keroack’s approach to his job shifted as COVID-19 progressed. He recognized early if his

With numerous WMA Alumni engaged in the health care industry, so many have embodied the meaning of our mission statement of “being challenge-seeking citizens and leaders of an evolving world.” From fighting COVID-19 on the front lines to caring for some of the most vulnerable populations, we are highlighting in our Health Care edition a handful of those who have embraced the challenges of a global pandemic. WMA extends our gratitude to all of our alumni on the front lines of COVID-19.

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staff didn’t have the necessary equipment, there would be no one to care for the rapidly growing number of patients. He could not allow his facility — and staff — to be overrun. He delegated power within, and then stepped outside of the Baystate umbrella for necessary assistance. “I was blessed by a highly talented and dedicated management team, organized into an incident command structure that had daily briefings around issues of employee protection, supply chain, hospital operations, clinical innovation and organizational communication,” he explained.

“It reinforced how important it was to first protect the caregivers; we went to extraordinary lengths to secure personal protective equipment and testing supplies in the early weeks.” — D r. Mark Keroack ’72

• Dr. Mark Keroack ’72, fifth from right in back row, at a Children’s Behavioral Health Partial Hospital Program visit in August 2018.

“With internal operations in those good hands, my job shifted outside the organization, securing the support of government leaders, fellow hospital CEOs, suppliers and the general public to support our work. This came in the form of regulations (or their suspension), relief monies, surge planning, securing testing supplies and PPE, and overall compliance with public health guidance.” Baystate spiked for a month starting in midMarch, reporting 180 positive cases and admitting 40 patients into critical care in what Dr. Keroack called an “all hands on deck” effort by his staff. “The absence of any clear playbook was the key challenge,” the former Cora Pease Chandler Award winner and Varsity Boys’ Soccer captain admitted. “Every day, we needed to deal with problems that had never been addressed before, such as supply chains for personal protective equipment and testing supplies drying up, interpreting and implementing guidance to protect our work force, redeploying people into new roles at a moment’s notice, and brainstorming on how best to move forward.” Baystate Health provided care for more than 1,000 COVID-19 patients. During this madness, Dr. Keroack reached back to his time as a student at Wilbraham & Monson Academy and opened Albert Camus’ “The Plague,” a fictional story

about a how an “existentialist hero dealt with a similar threat.” “History teaches us that societies and people are forever changed by pandemics and plagues,” said the East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, resident, who looked upon faculty members Mr. Roger Lincoln, Mr. Nick Fleck and Mr. Andre Chesnoy as role models. “I know that living through 20 years as an HIV/AIDS provider changed me.

“As we emerge from COVID-19, I suspect we will all have acquired new skills in digital interactions. We will question old ways of doing things and perhaps be more innovative. We will appreciate the value of social connectedness. I also hope that we as a country can take lessons from other countries that did better than we did in controlling the spread of the virus because they shared a greater sense of community and sacrifice for the common good.”

• Dr. Mark Keroack ’72, bottom left, with members of the Sterile Supply Department at Baystate Health in Springfield, Massachusetts.

• Dr. Mark Keroack ’72, right, with a PPE coach on the COVID-19 Unit.

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

Alumni in Action: Dr. Bonnie Faulkner Ryan ’82

By BILL WELLS Director of Student Promotion

Dr. Bonnie Faulkner Ryan ’82: ‘At WMA, I learned how to learn . . . communicate and lead’ As an emergency physician at the a COVID-19 infection can be. I take every University of Massachusetts Memorial precaution at work, home and when I am out in Medical Center in Worcester, the community.” Massachusetts, Bonnie Faulkner Ryan, M.D. ’82 Always one to be in the middle of the action, was surrounded by COVID-19. Dr. Ryan doubled down on all things COVID-19. For Dr. Ryan, a Fellow of the American “I have volunteered to work all of my shifts College of Emergency Physicians (FACEP), it and overtime throughout the pandemic,” she said. put her in a potentially fatal environment. “At work I feel well prepared and supported with A cancer survivor herself, the Wilbraham & the equipment we need to do our job safely. Now Monson Academy 1982 Class President wasn’t I am focused on not letting my guard down. sure if her immune system could win a battle “The fear of contracting COVID or bringing against the coronavirus. the virus home to my family is the most She was afraid. challenging aspect of the job. Wearing several But Dr. Ryan also had a job to do, and she layers of PPE (personal protective equipment) was going to do her job. With the coronavirus and modifying our emergency procedures inevitable at her workplace, she made an educated such as intubation is challenging. I’ve added a decision — respect the virus. shower and change of clothes at the hospital “Honestly, I am stressed and fearful,” said and decontamination process at home to keep Dr. Ryan, who was diagnosed with cancer my family safe.” in 2012. “I’ve done my best not to demonstrate In a sense, Dr. Ryan felt lucky. The pandemic these emotions at work. As a cancer survivor struck New York City and nearby Boston well I prefer not to test my immune system with this in advance, giving her and her colleagues time to viral infection. I respect how deadly and severe prepare for the worst. “We utilized their successes and attempted to avoid the failures,” Dr. Ryan explained. “We opened extra ICUs for ventilators, extra treatment areas and a temporary hospital at the DCU Center in Worcester. We were able to increase our staffing in the emergency department. It takes longer to take care of a patient when donning and doffing PPE.” While UMass Medical was never overburdened by the coronavirus, there were still plenty of challenges. Tasked with suddenly dealing with primarily COVID-19 patients, Dr. Ryan was forced to learn something new daily — sometimes hourly. “Emergency physicians received daily email updates regarding procedures and available treatment/testing areas for patients,” she said. “We modified our workflows and staffing to safely isolate and treat the COVID patients. There are no patients in the hallways and no visitors. All staff and patients wear surgical masks or face coverings at all times.” • 1982 WMA yearbook photo

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“I have always been very interested in giving back to WMA.” — D r. Bonnie Faulkner Ryan ’82, the 1982 Cora Pease Chandler Award winner

Interestingly, the native of Palmer, Massachusetts, could just as easily not have been in the medical field. During her time at WMA and Union College, she had another plan. “I have always had an interest in science,” the former WMA Girls’ Soccer and Girls’ Lacrosse MVP said. “Prior to applying to medical school, though, I worked in marine biology and then research. Unfortunately, I was often seasick on the boat. I also found the research lab isolating. Medicine was a great combination of human interaction and science.” Plan B worked, but being “just” a physician wasn’t enough. Always humble, she needs to be doing that little extra. Calling upon her many years of Latin at the Academy, she explained how the word “doctor” comes from the Latin term “docere,” meaning to teach. “Prior to the pandemic, I was teaching medical students while working in the emergency department and in the simulation lab at the

medical school,” she said. “This lab allows students to practice diagnosis and procedures on robots and mannequins. “We also teach a disaster day, where students learn how to triage and stabilize a mass disaster. On this day there are live people dressed as victims with lifelike injuries. There are several stations set up where students learn several skills, such as how to stabilize a person’s airway, use a tourniquet, place an IV, practice a chest tube (on pork ribs), splint and more.” Working with medical students at various stages of their education, she loves teaching and giving her time to help those with a shared passion. Similarly, when her children shifted into adulthood, Dr. Ryan knew it was time to join another group of people with a shared interest — an interest in WMA. In 2015, Dr. Ryan became a valued and thoughtful member of the Academy’s Board of Trustees. “I have always been very interested in giving back to WMA,” the 1982 Cora Pease Chandler Award winner said. “Once my children were in college I had more time for my own personal interests. “At WMA I learned how to learn. I was challenged academically with honors and AP classes. I most enjoyed the science and math classes, and also learned how to best manage my time and multitask. As part of student senate, Senior Class President and team captain, I learned how to communicate and lead.” Dr. Ryan continues to communicate and lead — as a doctor and teacher in a dangerous work environment, all while being a survivor.

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

Alumni in Action: Eric Peterson ’99

By BILL WELLS Director of Student Promotion

Eric Peterson ’99: ‘WMA was like a family, and I would do anything to help my family’ Zoom became a household name in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many academic institutions used the online video company to hold classes, while businesses throughout the world benefitted from its userfriendly format to conduct conference-like meetings. People also used Zoom to hold family reunions or social events, such as a book club. For Eric Peterson ’99, a critical care nurse at Lowell (Massachusetts) General Hospital, Zoom was both good and bad. On one hand, it provided a family an opportunity. On the other hand, though, that opportunity was for loved ones to say goodbye. During the spring, when the coronavirus was at its apex in Massachusetts, a woman was admitted to the hospital. With a shortness of breath, she tested positive for COVID-19 and was put in isolation and not allowed to have visitors.

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The woman’s chart read DNR, which in medical terms meant Do Not Resuscitate. “This woman was getting ready to take her final breaths and couldn’t even be around those who love her,” Mr. Peterson painfully explained. “We as nurses were struggling with this initiative. We were taking shifts being with her holding her hand.” Mr. Peterson, a charge nurse responsible for all 13 nurses and 36 beds at the critical care facility, and his staff had already seen too many patients die. The hospital morgue was at maximum capacity, and dead bodies were placed in makeshift areas for dead bodies. Mr. Peterson and his staff knew this lady was about to become another coronavirus statistic, but they didn’t “WMA helped me deal with want her to simply fade away on her own. COVID-19 by being strong and “As she got worse we brought in a computer and contacted her family via Zoom,” Mr. Peterson family oriented. WMA was said. “The family was all able to say their like a family, and I would do goodbyes. Some of the nurses were crying in the anything to help my family.” background. She eventually passed later that day. “This was the hardest thing to deal with — Eric Peterson ’99 during this pandemic.” For Mr. Peterson, a Westfield, Massachusetts, native who attended the Academy for seven years, it was work. Granted, this wasn’t the kind of responsibility he envisioned when he took coronavirus placed on Mr. Peterson and his staff. his mother’s advice and pursued a career in “The policies changed every day,” said nursing while he was playing baseball at the Mr. Peterson, whose sister, Kirsten (Peterson) University of Massachusetts Lowell. But a job Falteisek ’95, is also a nurse on the COVID-19 needed to be done, and he did it. front line, and his mother, Chris, was WMA’s “To be honest I was focused on the job at Director of Health Services from 1992–1999. hand,” said the former WMA Baseball MVP “We were swamped with new emails on how to and Coaches Award winner. “I wasn’t able to care for the patients. This was all new and we think about my emotions. This was saved until were learning on the fly.” I went home to my wife, where my emotions Often understaffed at the hospital, Mr. Peterson opened up. There aren’t words to describe what regularly called upon the leadership skills he we were seeing every day. People were dying at learned at the Academy to get his team through an unprecedented rate and there wasn’t anything their shifts. we could do. Not only were the elderly being “WMA helped me deal with COVID-19 affected, but individuals in their 30s and 40s were by being strong and family oriented,” said also dying. Mr. Peterson, whose role models during his “People outside the hospital setting sometimes time at the Academy were Mr. Don Kelly and don’t see this. They think it’s fake. This is not fake.” Mr. Joe Mazeika ’73. “WMA was like a family, Also not fake were the daily challenges the and I would do anything to help my family.”

Alumni in Action: Kirsten (Peterson) Falteisek ’95

By BILL WELLS Director of Student Promotion

Kirsten (Peterson) Falteisek ’95: WMA proved ‘preparation and hard work will always pay off, even in ways not intended’ In her interview for an Academy World article regarding the challenges essential workers faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kirsten (Peterson) Falteisek ’95 shared her struggles as a registered nurse at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital in Arizona. Her comments were powerful and well articulated. It was clear she was a caring nurse and a pro in her field. One phrase, though, stood out — the type of phrase that makes a person stop and reflect on what’s truly important in one’s life. Late in the interview, she said the responsibility of working in a children’s hospital during the coronavirus pandemic “has been both a blessing and a curse in a way that has forced me to face my own mortality.” Tough phrase: “my own mortality.”

Those three words — just 14 letters — removes all the pettiness of the coronavirus. Suddenly, putting on a mask while picking up a coffee at the drive-thru no longer seems so daunting, and staying socially distanced at the grocery store isn’t so difficult after all. For Ms. Falteisek and other essential workers, COVID-19 is a life-and-death matter on a daily basis. However, it isn’t just life and death for her — it’s life and death for her family, including her two elementary school-aged children. “There is always a presence of anxiety that hovers around the possibility of contracting the virus and not doing well,” said Ms. Falteisek,

whose workday ranges from the Intensive Care Unit to pre- and post-operative services to the Forensics Department. “The not knowing part of whether you would be considered one of the lucky ones and remain asymptomatic, or placed on the opposite end of the spectrum. This week (in July) there have been two deaths of health care workers, who were previously healthy, without co-morbidities, and had small children. “This anxiety has been both a blessing and a curse in a way that has forced me to face my own mortality and ensure that I have my affairs in order. What was previously placed on the back burner has suddenly become a priority because you just never know. This has led to focusing on the important matters in life, to be thankful for stable work and to let go of daily stressors that once occupied my life.” Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, Ms. Falteisek’s responsibilities in the ICU placed her in position to work with “our most vulnerable population, where outcomes in these children span the range from tragedy to miracle each and every day.” Now more than ever, Ms. Falteisek can’t help but have her “mom” eyes on at work, with visitor limitations a priority at hospitals throughout the country. “Families are displaying an increased stress response with limited to no visitation policies in place,” explained Ms. Falteisek, who attended Wilbraham & Monson Academy for two years, serving as captain for the Softball team. “This is particularly true for those kiddos in the COVID-19 unit who are alone. This is a heart-wrenching time for all directly involved.” While the unknown bred more questions and stress, for Ms. Falteisek, one place of comfort during uncertain times was her education, both in the sense of her academic foundation and what she could control in the moment. “I can’t speak highly enough about how WMA has prepared me for many aspects in my life,” said Ms. Falteisek who has a brother (Eric Peterson ’99) working on the front lines, and her mother, Chris, was WMA’s Director of Health Services

from 1992 to 1999. “One of the most prominent was how preparation and hard work will always pay off, even in ways not intended. While a student at WMA, exam preparation was one thing I always made sure was emphasized and that continues today through continuing education. It has taught me that when prepared for something, stress is relieved exponentially. “COVID-19 is a prime example of this. Through proper preparation by both hospital and staff, I like to think that we are better equipped to handle the increase in numbers and patient case variation. Learning about this virus is ongoing and WMA has always pushed students to think outside the box, to push individual limits in order to solve world problems. This pandemic is a prime example where both brains and determination will prevail through teamwork, and I have no doubt that past, current and future WMA students are already seeking ways to help this world recover.”

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

By BILL WELLS Director of Student Promotion

Alumni in Action: Hannah Clewes ’15

Hannah Clewes ’15: Nursing career gives chance to ‘strive to make an impact in someone’s life every day’ Phrases such as “going to war” and “plan of attack” are often used as military terms. For Hannah Clewes ’15, she was going to war — against an invisible, deadly and vastly unknown enemy called COVID-19. As a registered nurse at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, and just months into her first job, all of her responsibilities in the Emergency Department pivoted. The emergencies didn’t stop, but so much of what she learned in nursing school suddenly shifted. One area never changed, and that same area is what drove Ms. Clewes to join the nursing ranks — taking care of patients. Ms. Clewes attended many more doctor appointments than most children. For the former Coaches Award winner for Softball at Wilbraham & Monson Academy, who has a sister with special needs, going to New England’s finest medical facilities was routine. And she was an active participant at meetings, serving as an advocate for her younger sibling. • Hannah Clewes ’15 with Head of School Brian Easler, left, at Commencement.

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“I got to experience first hand the difference a nurse could make in someone’s health care experience,” she said. “I liked that nursing was the bridge between all aspects of care and I admired the relationship that nurses held with the patients and their families. I wanted a career where I could strive to make an impact in someone’s life every day I went to work.” Four months after graduating college, Ms. Clewes became that bridge. She believed the Emergency Department “set the tone for a patient’s hospital stay.” “About two weeks before COVID hit the United States, I was signed off of my orientation as a new graduate RN,” she explained. “When COVID started, I was petrified because I felt that I hadn’t had a chance to be a nurse on my own yet and I was already being thrown into a pandemic. Luckily, I work amongst a strong group of nurses, ED techs and providers that make up the ER team and support each other.” Ms. Clewes had support, and she benefitted from the wisdom of her more experienced colleagues. But a medical war had begun, and Ms. Clewes was in the crossfire of a novel coronavirus and how to combat a largely unknown disease. “The fear of the unknown is what made my job the most difficult,” she said. “The beginning of COVID felt like watching a tsunami build up, waiting for it to strike. Nobody truly knew how to prepare or what to prepare for but we were

taking note of the dramatic effects of the virus abroad. Many people thought ‘never here, not the U.S. We’ll have it under control; we have great medical care.’ And then it hit. The PPE shortage made nurses feel like they were going to war without a gun.” Ms. Clewes endured some tough moments. She often drove to work in complete silence, not knowing what her shift would bring. How dangerous would it be? How many emails with new life-saving protocols would be in her inbox? Would they run out of personal protection equipment (PPE)? But Ms. Clewes always drove to work. “We continued to care for patients just as we normally would, but each task included additional steps,” she described. “We added pieces to our normal process, such as screening patients for symptoms and exposures, donning and doffing PPE before care, and COVID education. Nurses became a source of education for patients, as well as the general population, who truly just wanted more information on the mysterious virus that was forcing people to stay home. “The nursing field is ever changing, and to be a nurse you have to adapt to various conditions. Part of working in the ER means you never know what is going to walk through the door at any given time. Although the coronavirus has impacted the world, nurses are constantly trying to find different ways to provide the same care to patients.”

Alumni in Action: Kayla (Caine) Richards ’09

By BILL WELLS Director of Student Promotion

Kayla (Caine) Richards ’09: WMA ‘encourages each individual to find ways in which he or she can improve the community as a whole’ Like a great athlete with a big game on the horizon, Kayla (Caine) Richards ’09 was ready to play her role in the fight against COVID-19. A registered nurse with five years of experience working at multiple children’s hospitals, Mrs. Richards was two months away from completing a three-year doctorate degree from Georgetown University as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist when her life was put on pause. In mid-March and within a matter of days, with the coronavirus beginning its initial surge in the United States, Mrs. Richards and her classmates were informed they would not be able to complete their clinical training and would finish the program at their respective homes — not in a hospital. Essentially, Mrs. Richards was told she would have to sit out the fight against COVID-19 and watch from the sidelines, at least for the time being. Guilt and frustration then became the norm for Mrs. Richards. “I felt guilty that I knew I could help, but wasn’t able to in a way that was out of my control,” said Mrs. Richards, a Wilbraham, Massachusetts, native. “I felt guilty that people I admired and trusted with my education were running into this thing and I was watching instead of being by their side. “Some people were relieved, because it was a scary time. But I was frustrated. I felt like I had been pulled from the big game. I was ready, and I had it in my head that I was going to do whatever I needed to do. It’s just my husband and I, and he’s in a hospital, in the ER a lot because he’s an orthopedic surgeon.” Her friends or colleagues in the medical field encouraged her to be patient, and “my time was going to come, and there will be a time for me.” That time came in August when Mrs. Richards started a new job as a registered nurse anesthetist at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. “I do miss the face-to-face time with patients, because forming that human connection is so

important to gaining their trust in us before their surgeries, but we have certainly adapted and are still able to care for and comfort our patients through any amount of PPE!” said Mrs. Richards, who followed her grandmother’s footsteps in the field of nursing. “It is an honor to provide care and comfort to people during some of the most stressful times of their lives, even without the added weight of a pandemic.” Whether she was at home educating herself on everything COVID-19 or at her new position, Mrs. Richards valued the lessons learned — both in the classroom and out — that she received at Wilbraham & Monson Academy. “My experiences at WMA shaped so much of my adult perspective and decision-making,” said Mrs. Richards, who earned Cum Laude Honors, the Eveline Barber Department Award for Biology and the Billy Lak Prize during her senior year. “WMA fosters an essential sense of community and encourages each individual to find ways in which he or she can improve the

community as a whole. Now, more than ever, we are all relying on our community’s teamwork and better understanding our impact on the greater population. This is evident in our daily personal lives and is also a tremendously crucial dynamic in the health care world” . . . the health care world she is proud to be in, now serving on the front lines.

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

By BILL WELLS Director of Student Promotion

Alumni in Action: Brett Zalkan ’83

Brett Zalkan ’83: WMA was ‘a boot camp for a lifetime of managing complexity’ A fter a shift in careers and just 10 months into his new profession as a registered nurse, Wilbraham & Monson Academy class valedictorian Brett Zalkan ’83 found himself on the front lines in the early and uncertain stages of the escalating COVID-19 pandemic. Working at multiple isolation and quarantine sites — without the supplies a standard hospital offers and with so many unknown elements working against him — Mr. Zalkan relied on his experiences at Wilbraham & Monson Academy to manage and thrive during unprecedented times. Specifically, he called upon the lessons he learned in Latin four decades ago. Yes, his Latin. “(WMA prepared me for COVID-19 the) same way it prepared me for everything else I’ve done,” said the registered nurse with Seattle-King County Public Health who now resides in Seattle, Washington. “I’m methodical, disciplined,

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occasionally creative, and skilled at breaking down problems into manageable components. I’ve always credited the advanced study of Latin for instilling these skills. “But I think it was the whole approach of the school: keep people busy with a variety of academic, intellectual, athletic and even social complexities. In fact, if I could abstract one phrase for what the Academy provides, it’s a boot camp for a lifetime of managing complexity.” The coronavirus was certainly complex, and so was Mr. Zalkan’s working environment. In late February when Washington recorded one of the first deaths due to COVID-19 in the country, Mr. Zalkan started to work at repurposed hotels to serve people who had other life-challenging issues, let alone the coronavirus. Some patients were homeless, while others battled substance abuse and mental health disorders. All had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and needed treatment. “(The) biggest challenge was alcohol abuse,” the Springfield, Massachusetts, native said. “We couldn’t let a patient hooked on alcohol withdraw without access to hospital-level medications and treatment protocols. Instead, we followed the principles of harm reduction. Working with our medical director, we determined the amount of alcohol the patient needed not to withdraw. “We treated vodka like medication. We had a patient who was going from quarantine to detox, and he decided to start quitting on his own by

cutting back how much of the vodka he drank. He started going into withdrawal, which led me to utter a phrase I would never have expected to utter as a nurse: ‘To be safe, you need to keep drinking your vodka.’” That was Mr. Zalkan’s life, and he loved it. After graduating from Bowdoin College in 1987 and earning his doctorate from the University of Washington in 1995, Mr. Zalkan worked as a senior technical writer and senior content manager. That came to an end when Mr. Zalkan became a nurse, completing his course requirements at Shoreline (Washington) Community College in December of 2018. “(My) previous career in tech had played itself out,” said Mr. Zalkan, who noted Mr. Don Kelly, Mr. Gary Cook, Mr. John Perry, Mr. Ed Dunn and Mr. Alan Sherman as faculty members he relied on during his six years at WMA. “(I was) miserable and contemptuous of the billionaires who were squeezing out more pennies from overworking employees. I felt that a career in health care would contribute more to my community than working a job I came to hate. “(It was) incredibly gratifying to work in the epicenter of a global health crisis with people who were most vulnerable to its effects. This represents a huge change for me. When I was trying to become an English professor, my hope was to find a niche in some backwater college where I got to talk about books for a living and few people other than my students would know who I was.” While COVID-19 undoubtedly and understandably took a massive toll on many brave and selfless people in the medical field, for Mr. Zalkan it validated his career change. He plans to earn his Master of Science (Nursing) at Washington in 2022. “I am thriving in an environment that mostly serves our most vulnerable citizens,” Mr. Zalkan said. “I am plotting a long-term career path, and I hope that after the COVID-19 emergency subsides, I’ll transition into care for vulnerable people battling substance use disorders.”

By BILL WELLS Director of Student Promotion

Alumni in Action: Megan Pehoviak ’14

A passion for science and health care led Megan Pehoviak ’14 to the front lines With a passion for science and the experience of taking care of her ill grandmother in high school, going to nursing school for college made perfect sense for Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Megan Pehoviak ’14. Soon after becoming a registered nurse, Ms. Pehoviak landed a dream job at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee — not a bad spot for a 22 year old. Less than two years into her first job, though, COVID-19 began its spread through the United States, hitting Tennessee hard first in late March, and then a resurgence again in early July. Professionally, Ms. Pehoviak’s world turned upside down. Her unit on the orthopedics and trauma floor closed, and she was required to learn and take on new responsibilities — fast. “At the height of COVID-19, I was working on many other nursing units because elective surgeries were canceled,” Ms. Pehoviak explained. “Even after our unit opened back up, we were learning a new sense of normal — constantly doing COVID-19 testing on the floor to either

rule out symptomatic patients or enable patients to be discharged to a rehab or nursing facility, wearing masks and goggles for the entire shift, and constantly talking on the phone with patients’ families about their updates since visitors were not allowed. “Every day there seemed to be a new CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guideline and it took being constantly flexible and adaptable to be able to stay focused on the job of taking care of our patients.” One change that didn’t sit well with the Monson, Massachusetts, native was the no-visitor policy. It went against who she was, not only as a nurse but as a person. “Having to be assigned to work on other units where everything is strange and patients’ diagnoses are unfamiliar caused a lot of anxiety,” she said. “I think another aspect that has been challenging that many may not think of is the visitor policy. For weeks, no patients were allowed to have visitors at the hospital, other than a few exceptions, and only now (in late July) are they able to have one person, and they still have to be screened every day. Patients are vulnerable, especially after surgery, and it has caused all of us to have better communication with patients and their families and empathize with them.” The 2014 Phil Shaw Award winner mentioned the word “anxious,” and with good reason. Along with all of the changes and challenges presented in her work environment, a few of her coworkers were diagnosed with COVID-19. Ever the

• Megan Pehoviak ’14, left, enjoys a light moment with co-workers.

optimist, though, the situation only amplified the pride the former WMA three-sport standout has for her profession. “While the numbers of COVID-19 in the state of Tennessee, at the hospital and even in my close circle of friends and coworkers increases, the thought of ‘what happens if I get this virus’ crosses everyone’s minds constantly,” she admitted. “It is a whole new work environment in having to wear masks and eye shields for 13-plus hours and know you are coming in contact with hundreds of individuals each shift, not knowing whether or not they have been social distancing or following the CDC guidelines. However, I cannot imagine working with a more supportive staff than I do, and they are constant reminders of why I studied to become a nurse.”

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

By BILL WELLS Director of Student Promotion

Alumni in Action: Elijah Barrows ’12

Elijah Barrows ’12: ‘WMA taught me everything I needed to know on how to communicate effectively with anyone’ Every single day, there was anxiety. Every single day, there were new patients. Every single day, bodies had to be taken to the morgue. And every single day, COVID-19 didn’t relent for Elijah Barrows ’12. Less than three years out of college, Mr. Barrows was doing pretty well for himself, serving as a nursing assistant in New York City at the Hospital for Special Surgery, which is regarded as one of the top-rated medical facilities in the country. Nice pace; famous people; great colleagues — just what he had hoped for when he followed his mother’s footsteps into the medical field. And then New York City became the epicenter of the novel coronavirus in mid-March, jolting the lives of millions of people, including that of Mr. Barrows. His workplace became a makeshift intensive care facility in order to handle the overflow of patients from nearby hospitals. “Everything about my responsibilities at work changed,” he said. “My daily life went from the world of luxury to the grunt work. It was no longer the celebrities, dignitaries, politicians and athletes who I saw every day. It was the old, the poor, the homeless gasping for breath and dying alone. The bells and horns from the monitors rang constantly. It was all a mess.” And it didn’t stop. “The most challenging experiences that came from this pandemic were dealing with the anxiety that came with doing the hard work each and every day,” he continued. “There were moments where I didn’t know when this would ever end. I had been working at this virus for weeks and months and it wouldn’t end. A new patient would climb their way up to my unit every day. I would load more and more people to the morgue every single day it seemed. I hadn’t seen my own family in months. I thought about them constantly; I knew they woke up every day worried about me. I couldn’t stop thinking about them.”

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• Elijah Barrows ’12 at the Senior Stone ceremony.

When the Springfield, Massachusetts, native would start to reach his breaking point — when COVID-19 kept throwing more and more at him — he would reach a unique level of calmness, focus on what needed to get done and call upon the lessons he learned at Wilbraham & Monson Academy. “WMA taught me everything I needed to know on how to communicate effectively with anyone — any type of person,” he said. “The doctors I worked under, the nurses I collaborated with, the assistive staff I delegated tasks to, the patients I served. WMA taught me to cut the differences and taught me how to have an impact at each of these levels and with each of the interactions.” The medical field isn’t for everyone. But with the worst of COVID-19 hopefully over in the New York City area, Mr. Barrows knows the medical field is for him. “COVID-19 and this pandemic have solidified that I am in the position and field that I need to be in,” he declared. “It has been an honor and pleasure to have had this experience, although it was very tough to deal with at that time and even still presently. I am still truly honored to have done my part to help and to share my experiences from this historic and unprecedented time. This is history and I was a part of it. I can’t help but shake my head and say, ‘Wow!’”

• Elijah Barrows ’12 accepting his diploma from then Head of School Rodney LaBrecque.

By BILL WELLS Director of Student Promotion

Alumni in Action: Jeremy Korytoski ’06

Jeremy Korytoski ’06: WMA initiated ‘a level of perseverance and determination even while under tremendous stress’ Jeremy Korytoski ’06 was cautious and uncomfortable, but prepared. For this Academy World story, he was asked questions about being a front-line worker during the COVID-19 pandemic. What was the experience like? How did it affect you? Was; did — words in the past tense. A registered nurse since 2011, Mr. Korytoski knew better. He concluded his interview in late July on the side of prophetic: “COVID is still here. We have seen the communities rally together, and though we have been lucky in Massachusetts, we are far from done with this pandemic.” Within hours of his interview, there was a coronavirus outbreak at a nearby medical facility, with more than 40 employees and patients testing positive from one single host. Mr. Korytoski was right — we are far from done with this pandemic. Mr. Korytoski’s professional life is routinely hectic. A valued member of the Emergency Room at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, history showed anything could come through the emergency room doors at any moment. The coronavirus came through those doors in late March. “Nursing is not a profession for the faint of heart,” he said. “It poses challenges on a daily basis with a variety of outcomes. Some days you assist the doctor to reset a fractured bone, other days you’re holding a hand while someone takes their last breath. You just never know. “The ER can be a stressful place at baseline. However, with COVID, the stress has tripled. The way you approach patients and the sheer reality you could develop symptoms at any time certainly contributes to the stress. COVID’s wide array of symptoms and asymptomatic tendencies are going to keep ER’s around the nation on guard throughout much of the winter months.” Saying the nursing profession chose him, the Northampton, Massachusetts, native uses a mindset he developed at Wilbraham & Monson

Academy as a way to handle the many physical and emotional obstacles of his current work environment. “A level of perseverance and determination even while under tremendous stress has been a trait I’ve been working on for a long time, but one that was initiated at WMA,” he said. “The desire to strive for answers, face challenges head on and persevere has helped me face the unknown of COVID with confidence. “This virus shows no discrimination to your creed, gender, sexual orientation or political views. One thing is for sure, though, the only way to succeed is together.”

• Jeremy Korytoski ’06, second from right, holding his son Noah, 2, with his wife, Lily, and Finn, 1.

That determination and drive have helped the former three-time WMA Skiing MVP focus on his work, shift by shift, minute by minute, especially since the coronavirus entered his workplace. “I have been a nurse for nine years. I have seen and treated many illnesses,” he revealed. “After seeing my first COVID-19 patient and the palpable fear within the patient’s eyes, it became clear that skills would have to be sharp and emotions would have to be checked at the door.” One area that has remained constant throughout the craziness and uncertainty of COVID-19 is the safety of his family. The married, father of two said, “The most challenging and important change to my job has been making sure my family remains healthy and protected.”

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

By BILL WELLS Director of Student Promotion

Alumni in Action: Antonacci Family

Antonacci Family uses Foundation to make a difference

s COVID-19 spread, businesses closed and jobless rates skyrocketed during the spring of 2020, one selfless family thought the time was right to step in and help people in need. Well, technically it’s two families. OK, breaking things down another step, at this point in their adult lives, it’s really six families — specifically, six Wilbraham & Monson Academy graduates. The Antonacci Family, which owns five successful businesses in Connecticut and Massachusetts, led a regional push through its Antonacci Family Foundation to provide more than one million meals to people during the economic low-point of the coronavirus. “My dad, Frank Antonacci, and my uncle Jerry Antonacci thought we should look into something,” said Chris Antonacci ’06, whose family operates Sonny’s Place, USA Hauling & Recycling, All-American Waste, GreatHorse and Lindy Farms. “We all mobilized and quickly executed a plan of action. It was a team effort, and hopefully some good came out of it.” More than some good. With his two brothers (Frank ’01 and Phil ’13) and three cousins (Guy ’05, Sara ’07 and Matt ’13) all chipping in, they set out to help people who had fallen on hard times while the world buckled to a pandemic. “With the impacts of the COVID closures, people out of work and businesses shutting down, we started to see food banks run out of food and lines to receive food at unprecedented lengths,” said Mr. Chris Antonacci, a current member of WMA’s Board of Trustees. “We were taken aback by all this, and discussing with our friends, neighbors and co-workers, we got a sense of what a lot of people were going through.” Originally, the family planned to visit food banks in approximately 150 communities in Connecticut and Massachusetts, but that quickly became too daunting. Soon thereafter, the family caught a break. “Rather serendipitously, we ran into (WFSB) Channel 3 News in Connecticut and they were

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trying to put together a similar type of food drive,” Mr. Chris Antonacci said. “Together we came up with this Millions of Meals initiative. The acronym is MOM and it coincided with Mother’s Day.” With Channel 3, its regional affiliates and also iHeartRadio on board, the Antonaccis held one event in Massachusetts and three more in Connecticut, where the food banks in those areas dispersed goods. After a launch in Springfield, Massachusetts, the program next went to Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut. It was there that, for many of the family members, the situation gained substance. “That was eye-opening,” Mr. Chris Antonacci admitted. “We were there for two hours. There were 100 volunteers who were handing out food. Operationally, it was great. People drove by each station like a slow roll. People would stay in their vehicles as the volunteers put bags of produce and groceries in the trunk. It was a steady stream of cars for at least two hours. The sheer number of individuals and families seeking meals drove home just how dire our local economic situation was. “It was satisfying, but also alarming. This was a month-and-a-half or so after things started closing down, and . . . there’s a thin line that a lot of people live on.”

• Frank Antonacci ’01 speaks at a Millions of Meals event in Waterbury, Connecticut.

• A long line of families in cars await the help of the Antonacci family.

“We all mobilized and quickly executed a plan of action. It was a team effort, and hopefully some good came out of it.” — Chris Antonacci ’06

• Brothers Frank Antonacci ’01, second from left, and Chris Antonacci ’06, third from right, and their cousin Guy Antonacci ’05, middle, at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut.

With even more resolve, the Antonaccis traveled south to East Haven, Connecticut, for another event. “There were even more cars,” Mr. Chris Antonacci said. “It confirmed that this initiative was urgently needed. We knew our donation was only going to make a dent in the region. We needed other people to join in. That’s why we were happy to team up with Channel 3 and iHeartRadio to get the message out and get other donations in, too.” After a three-week push, Millions of Meals raised approximately $1 million. The Antonacci Family Foundation accounted for half of that. The food bank supervisors estimated that $1 purchased at least two meals, meaning the initiative provided two million meals for people in the region who were struggling during one of the most difficult stretches the country has seen in more than 100 years. “I can’t say enough about the volunteers we saw,” Mr. Chris Antonacci praised. “Hundreds of

people came to assist, and at that time it was considered unsafe to be out and people were scared. But they were out and getting the job done. They were masked up, working next to other people, and they didn’t miss a beat. It was encouraging to see people jumping into action during a time of need . . . ” Along with the satisfaction of knowing thousands of concerned people benefitted from their generosity and efforts, on a lighter note, the Antonaccis learned about a family story that had somehow remained silent for decades. “I knew my grandmother (Maryann) did Meals on Wheels, but apparently, as our initiative came out, she revealed that she had worked every week at a food bank in Enfield (Connecticut) for 40 years,” Mr. Chris Antonacci beamed. “Nobody knew about it; I don’t even think my father knew. She said it was awesome we were doing this, and then she throws in this tidbit. So it was nice for her to see that. Hopefully this will further that tradition.”

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

BY ARNELLE WILLIAMS ’13

WMA ALUMNI: REFLECTION

‘We all have the potential to be a light in this world’

cannot talk about my current accolades without giving a well-respected homage and ode to the life-changing work an experience at Wilbraham & Monson Academy did in elevating a quirky, teenager from Brooklyn, New York, to be a confident Black woman, educator and mentor. The beauty of writing this reflection during quarantine is that I am able to pause, reminisce and smile at how my journey, still being written, has fashioned me to become passionate about fighting against social injustice, creating what the late, legendary congressman John Lewis said is “good trouble,” and educating and empowering young people to envision a better world. Growing up in an Afro-Caribbean neighborhood in Brooklyn, I was incredibly comfortable with the sights, smells and sounds of inner city life. A walk to the corner store for quick necessities, block parties and frequent use of public transportation created both a demeanor and citizenship that was edgy, creative and familiar. However, within my social context, nobody I knew in the neighborhood nor family members went away for high school. When it was time to embark on this novel chapter and depart from the familiar, it felt like I was being uprooted from everything I’d known to study in a distant, foreign land even though it was only three hours away. Retrospectively, I have learned that every once in a while you must be uprooted,

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there for my social-emotional development. challenged so that you can discover more of They were my village away from home and I yourself, and grow in humility, love and respect express my gratitude. for other people. Yet, as much as WMA became a celebrated When my sister Amber and I arrived on multicultural community, I could not ignore Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s campus in the ways in which I became very aware of how August 2009, I experienced the effects of being my Black identity transgressed certain spaces. uprooted. It was culture shock. I could not I could not help but notice that in almost all of believe there existed an educational system that my AP classes, in varsity sports and as a Global brought students from all over the world to learn Scholar, I was the only Black American girl. and mature, and the class size was, at most, 15 I could not help but notice that my peers looked students! Living in the dorms, eating new foods at me awkwardly when we spoke about slavery in the dining hall, cultivating time-management in history class or questioned the conditions skills during study hall and interacting with of my kinky hair. I could not help but notice that different students on sports teams and clubs, was all the Black students sat together in the dining a privilege unlike anything I’ve known. Like hall or when I said that I was from Brooklyn, a sponge, I soaked up this revelation and quickly people imagined it as a dangerous place. I could became involved. not help but wonder if I was being awarded I joined the Atlas newspaper as a budding something based on merit when words like journalist, became a writing tutor, a lead dancer “affirmative action” or “it’s because she’s Black” in theater, a prefect in the dorm, a volunteer circled around me. I also could not ignore how at the local soup kitchen, a global scholar, my upbringing did not include Harry Potter participated in Model UN and co-founded references nor “summering” in the Hamptons “WMA’s Got Talent” with an Italian international or receiving a car at 15. Although the 2018 movie student. But my need to help others and give “The Hate U Give” was a fictional account of back to communities fueled any ambitious the complexities of boarding school for the spirit. Each activity shaped my passion for protagonist Starr, in many ways I related to her writing, leadership and the arts, and I indebtedly liminality when I transgressed between home and pursued them during my four years at Wesleyan boarding school. Despite WMA’s best intentions University. There, I was co-president of the for creating a tolerant community, I realized that Caribbean Students Association, joined the Ankh I still had to find ways to navigate different social (a student of color publication), danced, and settings. I recognized that privilege is historic, became a residential advisor. These parallels were and a direct reflection of how we treat people in not a coincidence, but rather a result of what this country. It finds its way into the very fabric of happens when you follow your passions and they a society and will expose itself when representation make room for you to flourish. of people of color is little, color blindness I also had great teachers who became becomes a practice and unconscious biases persist. mentors to me: Mr. LaBrecque, Mr. Harrington, This experience opened my eyes to the realities Mr. Moran, Ms. Hutcheson, Mr. Whitcomb, of opportunity gaps in communities of color Mr. Swanson, Mr. Deziek, Mr. and Mrs. Dziura, and how these disparities affect generations who Mr. L (Lautenschleger), Ms. Decker, Ms. Markowski and many others. They all helped strive for success. I left WMA not only very prepared for a me to excel academically. I had Mr. Boozang, studious and extracurricular life at Wesleyan, but Mr. Easler, Mrs. Power, Ms. Gallagher, also with an unwavering voice in my quest for Ms. Norman, Mrs. Swanson, Mrs. Smith, understanding how socioeconomic and political Ms. Jalbert, and Mr. and Mrs. Sparks who were

“I reflected on how teachers at WMA advocated for me and created unique opportunities on my behalf, and I sought to do the same.” — ARNELLE WILLIAMS ’13

structures create inequalities. At Wesleyan, I was labeled a “student of color” for the first time ever, and immediately learned what predominately white institutions were. I kept making parallels between WMA and Wesleyan concerning themes of race, class and belonging. They were hot topics on campus, especially the Black Lives Matter protests for the deaths of unarmed Black men and women at the hands of police officers. I witnessed Colin Kaepernick’s kneel to the national anthem in the sports world spill over at Wesleyan, and I dealt with the aftermath of the 2016 election of Donald Trump when one of my residents was the subject of a hate crime. These events exposed the damaging effects of what happens when white supremacy slips under the radar and goes

unchecked. Those experiences peppered how much I valued the lives of marginalized students. In my senior year, after studying abroad in Cuba for four months, I decided to do a thesis in anthropology on blackness as taboo in Cuba that correlated to issues of citizenship and belonging. Although the setting was Cuba, I came to understand that blackness was an African diasporic identity that affected people everywhere. We, as a society, needed to be more compassionate, tolerant and just. I want this mantra to begin with our leaders of tomorrow: young people. I decided to apply for Teach For America because I believed in the power of education and how important it was to empower young people. I spent three years as a Teach For America corps member in Clarksdale, Mississippi. I taught Grade 7 and 8 English and Dance at the only middle school in the district, and it was a humbling and rewarding experience. I underwent hurdles as a young teacher, but I learned how to advocate for students inside and outside the classroom. I reflected on how teachers at WMA advocated for me and created unique opportunities on my behalf, and I sought to do the same. For example, I helped

to fundraise and sponsor three students to the 2019 Girl Up Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. I created an online diary for middle school girls called “Inside Her Diary” to help elevate their stories. I also coordinated a dance school trip to Memphis, Tennessee, to see Alvin Ailey Dance Company perform during Black History Month. Overall, I saw tremendous growth in my students’ reading and writing scores. Being uprooted from a college bubble and living in the historic, blues-ridden Mississippi Delta pushed me to recognize myself as an educator and mentor for kids. Currently, I am an educator, mentor and writer. I am attending Columbia University for my master’s program in Educational Leadership. I plan to continue advocating for students in education and give back to communities. We all have the potential to be a light in this world, and I think the recent events suggest that the time is now to act, respond and rebuild healthy, thriving institutions.

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

By SEAN VALENTINE Director of Stewardship & Donor Relations

Alumni: Alton “Al” Cheney ’38W

Oldest-known living alumnus has aptitude for success

ne would never suspect that when Alton “Al” W. Cheney ’38W was born, a loaf of bread cost 12 cents or that the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote had been law for barely a month. Mr. Cheney’s voice is clear and steady with an easy chuckle and an obvious sense of humor, completely belying the fact that he turned 100 in September — m aking him the oldest-known living alumnus of WMA. Mr. Cheney grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts, in a house on Howes Street that still stands. “I skipped some grades earlier in my life and graduated high school at age 16,” Mr. Cheney said. “My parents felt I needed another year before going off to college and so they enrolled me at Wilbraham Academy.” He lived in Rich Hall during his postgraduate year and was a member of the Football, Tennis and Basketball teams. “Everyone except the center was like me, short and fast,” he recalled of his time on the basketball court. “I guess if you have a tall center like we did, you can get away with that.” Mr. Cheney was busy off the court, too, participating in Glee Club, and was sports editor for Atlas (school newspaper) and assistant editor of Del Todo (yearbook). As for the academic rigors of the Academy, Mr. Cheney said they were tough but he fondly recalled a newly hired chemistry teacher who he said “didn’t know the text book very well. Eventually he admitted to us that he was only a chapter ahead!” For his own part, Mr. Cheney rated himself a “good student,” which may be a bit modest as he was offered a scholarship to Yale University upon his graduation. “I never would have made it without that one year at Wilbraham,” he said. Mr. Cheney graduated from Yale in the spring of 1942 and was quickly snapped up by the U.S. Army Air Corps but did not immediately put his engineering degree to use. “I had done some work at Yale designing aptitude tests that were supposed to predict a student’s eventual GPA. It predicted mine exactly, so I guess I was good at it. The Air Corps put me to work on aptitude tests for would-be pilots.” An accident involving a motorcycle put Mr. Cheney in the hospital for five months and ended his military career early. “They determined I was more than 50 percent disabled so I was out.” He also learned that five Academy classmates, including Warren A. Hindenlang ’38W, who had attended Yale with him, had been killed in action. According to Academy records, other classmates killed in action during World War II were William D. Emery ’38W, John C. Henderson ’38W, Harold J. Laveille ’38W and William A. Preston ’38W.

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There was a bright spot, however. Before his accident, Mr. Cheney had met Lillian “Lee” Osberg, a Women’s Air Corps Sergeant in the Signal Corps. They were married in June 1944. After the war, Mr. Cheney spent 32 years as a mechanical engineer for the Chain Belt Company (later Rexnord Corporation). His career took him and Mrs. Cheney — and eventually four sons — to Wisconsin, Michigan and Southern California. He took early retirement in 1977 and then made an interesting decision. “I thought it might be nice to get my law degree, so I did.” He entered John Marshall Law School in Chicago and graduated in 1980. “I found no one would hire a brand new lawyer who was already 60 years old, so I decided to open my own practice.” His doctor suggested a drier climate, so the Cheneys relocated to Prescott, Arizona. A 20-year career as an attorney followed, with Mr. Cheney concentrating on the needs of the elderly. “I focused on wills and probate, normally charging $100 per hour rather than the typical $300. I did a lot of pro bono work, too,” he said.

“I’ve always been an outgoing person and giving back is just what you do. I find helping other people helps me.” — Alton “Al” Cheney ’38W

• LEFT: Yearbook photo of Alton “Al” Cheney ’38W RIGHT: Recent photo of Alton “Al” Cheney ’38W • Yearbook entry for Alton “Al” Cheney ’38W

Upon his second retirement, Mr. Cheney began volunteering in the outpatient clinic of the local Veterans Administration Hospital. “I’ve always been an outgoing person and giving back is just what you do. I find helping other people helps me.” Likewise, Mrs. Cheney volunteered for the Prescott Samaritan Village and was a hostess at nearby Sharlot Hall Museum. Their family grew — he now counts 17 greatgrandchildren — and Mr. Cheney fought a successful battle against prostate cancer. Following Mrs. Cheney’s death at 92 in 2010, Mr. Cheney began volunteering three days a week with Good Samaritan Hospice — a commitment he kept until the pandemic began last spring. “I’ll go back as soon as they’ll have

me,” Mr. Cheney said. “At this point most of the people I help are younger than I am!” Mr. Cheney chose a fitting quote for his yearbook entry 82 years ago: “No distance too great, no road too tough.” And when asked what advice he would give to current students, Mr. Cheney said: “Don’t go with the crowd. Don’t aim to be ‘better’ than anyone else, just be unique.” Recognizing Mr. Cheney’s own uniqueness and volunteerism, the town of Prescott declared Sept. 19, 2020, as “Alton W. Cheney Day” in his honor.

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

departments: Faculty Fun Facts

Titan Faculty: Outside the Classroom

Mark Aimone Director of Advancement Mr. Aimone was interviewed by CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education) for the July/August edition of its magazine “Currents.”

Fabienne Dubois Chair, World Languages Madame Dubois participated in weeklong seminars with ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages), AATF (American Association of Teachers of French) and MaFla (Mass Foreign Language Association) for professional development. She wrote an article for the French Review, a professional magazine for language teachers and professors. The article was accepted and will be published in the spring. She also studied and worked on getting the OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview) rater certification.

Michael and Sue Dziura Faculty: (Michael) History & Global Studies (Sue) Fine & Performing Arts, English Mr. and Ms. Dziura’s fourth child, Josie, celebrated her first birthday on July 22.

Maureen Kelly Chesky ’02 Faculty, College Counseling Ms. Kelly Chesky and her husband, Phil ’02, celebrated the birth of their third child, William Dean, on Feb. 19, 2020.

Mike MacDonald Faculty, Admission Mr. MacDonald and his wife, Stephanie, celebrated the birth of their second child, Maximo William, on March 26, 2020.

Trevor Portlock Faculty, Science Mr. Portlock released the 8-Bit Fit app to the Apple App Store — a customizable workout timer with an 8-Bit workout buddy.

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Brian Easler Head of School Mr. Easler taught himself how to use a smoker to make barbecue.

Mark Fischer Chair, Mathematics Mr. Fischer took his children, Thea and Frederica, to his family’s farm in Missouri during the summer.

Russ Held Director of Electronic Communications Mr. Held was named as the 74th recipient of the Western Mass. Tee Party Award for his promotion, service and dedication to the game of golf. Mr. Held was a longtime local sportswriter and radio talk show host before joining the WMA community in 2016. He covered many Titans during his 32 years in the media.

Craig and Tess Presnal Faculty, History & Global Studies (Craig); School Counselor (Tess) Mr. and Mrs. Presnal welcomed their first child, Mackenzie Joy, to the world on Feb. 22, 2020.

Jeff Vartabedian Faculty, Health Mr. Vartabedian celebrated his 50th birthday with his twin brother, Jake (right).

Greg Walsh Faculty, College Counseling Mr. Walsh took an online class at the Klingenstein Center of Teachers College at Columbia University titled Anti-Oppression Teaching & Leading in Schools.

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

departments: Faculty Fun Facts

BY DURELLE BROWN Assistant Director of Admission and Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach

If These Walls Could Talk

3 1 2

1 Bicycle canvas

3 Pictures with Adelina

5 Adelina’s canvas art

Very simple. Although I love to joke with people and say that I made it, it was bought. Haha. I saw it and instantly thought of my daughter Adelina, 10, and how much she would love the colors.

Very special moment at my aunt’s 60th birthday party. The pictures were taken by my childhood AAU teammate who is now a photographer. The picture to the right was candid, then he had us pose for the picture on the left.

Again, Adelina LOVES arts and crafts. The owl picture was done at a friend’s birthday party where they followed a leader. She created the rainbow picture on her own.

A quick snapshot of the office walls of Durelle Brown, Assistant Director of Admission and Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach.

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I love colors! So I like to make sure that my office is bright and lively, full of colors. It is bright and fresh for me to see every day, and a nice place for young people, who may be nervous to interview, to see and feel more comfortable.

6 WMA varsity letter

TITAN PRIDE!!

2 Wall behind my couch 4 2016–2017 Trustees Cup picture

One of my favorite mementos! Our Prize Day picture of being recognized as the school’s best team in 2016–2017 — great leaders on campus, great students, team GPA of 3.67, multiple team community service initiatives, a 17–5 record and heartbreaking NEPSAC Class C semifinal playoff loss.

7 Multiple team photos

As a coach, I have been blessed to have some very special and supportive parents in our Girls’ Basketball program. Mrs. Cronin, mom of Carly ’13 and Katie ’17, gifted me framed collages of our teams from 2015 to 2017. My mom

7 8

12 11

gifted me a picture of my 2017–2018 team winning the Kingswood Oxford School Invitational Tournament, and my 2018 seniors gifted me a beautifully-framed picture of our 2017–2018 team picture.

9 Desk photo

11 Desk nameplate

My desk is happily decorated with gifts from my family, my Titan players and WMA friends. The desk’s decorations and mementos give me a sense of warmth, love, gratitude and pride.

Haha, a nameplate of pure love. My parents gifted me a nameplate that states I was the Most Outstanding Coach during our 2017–2018 basketball season. I am so appreciative of my parents’ undying love and support, as are my players. Thank you, Mom and Dad. I LOVE YOU!

8 Ceramic Steph Curry jersey

Alex Garrison ’18 created this piece in her Ceramics 1 course. Her challenge was to design a piece of high and difficult detail, and she chose the Golden State Warriors Steph Curry jersey. Myself being a Lakers fan, this gift was given out of love, but also to troll me! HA!

10 Multiple drawings done by Adelina

Adelina has made countless pictures since I was hired at WMA in July 2014. And she puts them up all around my office. Always nice reminders of her.

12 Ceramic Lakers Winnie the Pooh

One of my favorite gifts of all time. SO thoughtful. My advisee and first four-year basketball player Alex Garrison ’18 made this during her Ceramics 2 course. “Pooh” is one of my childhood and college nicknames. The Lakers are my

favorite NBA team. And Pooh’s sweater also has a No. 32 on the back. My favorite player of all-time is Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Just speaks volumes to the bond between Alex and me. It means so much! 13 Drawing of me playing basketball

A former camper of my mentor’s camp, where I was a camp counselor for more than 20 years, once recreated an action photo of me playing while I was in Argentina. He recreated the photo for a college art assignment while attending the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Very cool gesture!

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

WMA SPOTLIGHT: BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Paul Sullivan ’91: ‘Without WMA, I wouldn’t be where I am today’ Name: Paul Sullivan WMA Class: 1991 Current hometown:

New Canaan, Connecticut Family: Wife, Laura; daughters Virginia (11), Phoebe (8) and Astrid (3) Two dogs, three cats, a fish or two Place of employment:

The New York Times Job title: Wealth Matters columnist; also writes the Money Game column in GOLF Magazine College education and degrees:

Trinity College, B.A. (history) University of Chicago, M.A. (history) Author of two published books

“Clutch: Why Some People Excel Under Pressure and Others Don’t” “The Thin Green Line: Money Secrets of the Super Wealthy”

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BY BILL WELLS Director of Student Promotion

What do you like to do when you are not working? I play as much golf as work and family allows! I belong to a club called Woodway Country Club in Darien, Connecticut, but I’m up for an invite pretty much anywhere, anytime. The only exception is the weekends, which are reserved for family time. If you could visit one city in the world, where would you go? Tokyo. Early in my career, I was a reporter traveling around Mexico and South America. I know those countries well. I’ve also traveled around Europe and to South Africa. But I’d love to visit Tokyo and begin to learn about Japanese culture. What’s the most interesting thing about you most people don’t know? I’ve discussed the art of tying a bow tie with three world leaders, including Bill Clinton. What is one of your greatest memories of WMA? I have so many. WMA was the most formidable four years of my life. There are sports memories — water polo, swimming and golf — and academic memories. I have great memories of sitting on the couches in Rich Hall with my friends. But the memory I always come back to is Don Kelly ribbing me when I’d walk into Old Academy for Spanish class and he was teaching my friends Latin across the hall. He always had something witty to say about my poor choice of languages! What extracurricular activities did you do in school? Water polo, swimming and golf. I tried lacrosse my first two years (because I thought it was the ultimate prep school sport) but I realized I neither liked hitting people nor getting hit myself. Golf was a much better spring fit.

How did WMA prepare you for your future? Better than I could have ever imagined. I graduated second in my class and was able to more than hold my own academically at Trinity and Chicago. But beyond academics, WMA gave me confidence, which I was lacking coming in in ninth grade, the tools to work at a high level always and lifelong friends. What’s your lasting impression of WMA? Of a small school that punches above its weight, of faculty members who took an interest in my education and that of my friends. During your time in high school, if there were one thing you could have changed at WMA, what would it have been? Nothing I can remember. My last year the dress code relaxed a bit. I preferred the traditional blue blazer approach, not because I was an overly formal kid, but because that uniform was a great equalizer of rich and poor kids.

“But beyond academics, WMA gave me confidence, which I was lacking coming in in ninth grade, the tools to work at a high level always and lifelong friends.” — Paul Sullivan ’91

• Speaking engagement at WMA

What would you tell someone who knew nothing about WMA? It’s a school with a growth mindset that is always trying to improve on what it delivers to its students. Why are you interested in joining the Board of Trustees? Without WMA, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I was a financial aid student and WMA literally pulled me out of a bad public school setting and gave me the tools to create a life I never would have imagined. As a Board of Trustee member, what is your goal? First and foremost, to help wherever I’m needed. But my skills are best suited for communications and development work.

Which faculty members did you rely on during high school? Mr. Don Nicholson ’79, Mr. Gary Cook, Mr. Charlie D’Avanzo, Ms. Dunreith Kelly and Mr. James Lagomarsino.

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

departments WMA SPOTLIGHT: INFLUENTIAL WOMEN

BY Janet Moran Director of Archives

Academy’s long history rich with influential women

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In celebration of Women’s History Month last March and the 100th anniversary in 2020 of the ratification of the 19th Amendment that granted women the right to vote, Wilbraham & Monson Academy highlighted on social media some of its countless connections to women who have made an impact — near and far. The Academy salutes all women who have helped make WMA and the world a better place. History of women attending the Academy Wilbraham & Monson Academy was created in 1971 with the merger of two historically significant institutions of learning — Monson Academy and Wilbraham Academy (formerly Wesleyan Academy). Both schools — Monson Academy (founded in 1804) and Wesleyan Academy (1817) — were founded as coeducational academies. Throughout its first century, Wesleyan had an enrollment of approximately one-third female students, an unusually high percentage for the times. Many of the young women who attended Wesleyan contributed extraordinarily to the world as notable alumnae, while a young teacher at Monson Academy in the early 20th century became the first female cabinet member in the United States, an integral part of drafting the New Deal as Secretary of Labor under President Franklin Roosevelt. Both Wilbraham Academy (1912) and Monson Academy (1926) closed briefly during the early 20th century due to financial constraints and reopened as male-only academies. In 1968, Monson started admitting girls as day students only. Wilbraham admitted girls as day students in 1970, just before the merger, after which WMA has been a coed institution for the last 50 years.

• A turn of the century photo on the steps of Rich Hall.

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

history: Academy’s long history rich with influential women

• Class of 2019 students pose together at Matriculation in August 2018.

• Old and new, but still “The Hill.”

• Staff members circa 2003: Front: Helen McEwen; Second row: Sue Craven, Marian DeMayo, Ann Marie LaMontagne, Carol DeLand. Back row: Mary Ellen Jamroz, Karen White, Barbara Moran, Dorothy Mason and Sandra Schoppe.

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Mary Ann Allard Booth

Frances Perkins

Christine Ladd-Franklin

One of the early 20th century’s leading female scientists and pioneer in the field of microscopic photography; Collier’s Weekly acclaimed her as one of the world’s seven most illustrious women scientists in 1917; an 1859 Wesleyan graduate.

Taught at Monson Academy in 1903 and 1904; Secretary of Labor through President Franklin Roosevelt’s four terms and first woman to hold a cabinet position; designed most of The New Deal social welfare and labor policies (Social Security, minimum wage and the Fair Labor Standards Act); featured on cover of Time Magazine in 1933.

Class valedictorian was an innovator and feminist; developed a theory of color perception; first woman to complete all requirements for a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University; a Wesleyan Academy student from 1863 to 1865.

Lucy Stone

Mabel R. Welch

Chloe Clark Willson

Abolitionist, suffragist, acclaimed speaker and women’s rights activist; founded The American Woman Suffrage Association in 1869; attended Wesleyan Academy 1839–41.

An acclaimed late 19th century American painter, known for portrait miniatures and landscapes; attended Wesleyan Academy from 1884–1888.

Active with Methodist missionary work; first and only teacher at the Oregon Institute (later renamed Willamette University); attended Wesleyan from 1837 to 1839.

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

Alumni: SENIOR STONES

By MOLLY McGILL Director of Alumni Relations

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.

• The Ton-Morrison’s shared Senior Stone.

The couple first met during their junior year at the Spa, From “The Hill” to the front of Rich Hall, along Main Street and Faculty Street, and now past the Athletic Center, Academy thanks to mutual friends Morah Palmer ’17 and Jeb Brown ’15. “Thy went down to the Spa with her roommate Morah to play alumni have designed and left their own, unique 10-inch-bysome card games,” Mr. Ton-Morrison said. “My friend Jeb 7.5-inch mark on our campus. All told, approximately 6,500 and I were on our way to the gym, but we went through the Senior Stones are permanent fixtures of both individual and Spa first. Jeb and Morah knew each other, so Morah called us Academy history. over to play (thanks Morah and Jeb!). We made lots of jokes, and in an absolutely cliché moment, our hands touched when Drew Ton-Morrison ’16 and playing cards (a pretty violent hand-slapping game, but still . . . ) Thy Ton-Morrison ’16 and we knew.” That first meeting led to more talking, and the two started Drew Morrison and Thy Ton Nu came to WMA from very dating on Sept. 29, a date they still celebrate today. As students, different places. Mr. Ton-Morrison came as a sophomore from the pair enjoyed hiking through the woods around campus. Keene, New Hampshire, and Mrs. Ton-Morrison joined the WMA community during her junior year as an international student from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. However, the mark they left on campus in the form of their senior stone represents Every stone has a story, and we want to hear the union of two cultures, two backgrounds and, ultimately, yours! Email us at alumni@wma.us to share two lives. The design of their stone “ . . . celebrates how our your Senior Stone story and maybe you’ll see cultures influence our relationship and make it stronger,” it in future issues of the magazine. Mr. Ton-Morrison said. “We wanted something simple and recognizable, and the flags are a good representation of that.”

“We wanted something simple and recognizable, and the flags are a good representation of that.” — D rew Ton-Morrison ’16

Mr. Ton-Morrison said their walking sticks are probably still on campus, leaning against a tree near the entrance. They also spent weekends visiting their favorite librarian Mrs. Smith because as Mr. Ton-Morrsion said, “how else would you spend Friday night?” When it came time, during their senior year, to design their stones, the couple said they always knew they would design a single stone together (mainly because Mrs. Ton-Morrison was reluctant to carry the heavy stone during the graduation ceremony wearing heels). It turned out to be a good decision for more than one reason. Mrs. Ton-Morrison sprained her ankle shortly before Commencement, so Mr. Ton-Morrison would have been stuck juggling two stones during the ceremony. And while some might say that carving your high school relationship into stone is a risky proposition, for the Ton-Morrisons, the stone is a marker of the strength of their relationship. Just four years after setting down their stone in front of Rich Hall, the pair celebrated their first wedding anniversary. They were married July 12, 2019, in a small ceremony at City Hall in Boston, with their families and “lots of happy tears.” Mr. Ton-Morrison graduated in Spring 2020 from Massachusetts College of Art and Design and has been working as an Architectural Designer for two years. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in Fall 2021. Mrs. Ton-Morrison has been working as a pharmacy intern at CVS for two years and is currently finishing her doctorate degree for pharmacy. Along with their busy work and school schedules, the newlyweds share a love of travel. They spent their honeymoon in New Orleans (“one of our favorite trips we’ve been on!”) and have also visited San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Disneyworld, Atlanta, Quebec, Portland (Oregon), Singapore and Malaysia, as well as three trips to Mrs. Ton-Morrison’s home country of Vietnam. They plan to continue to travel together and possibly hold a larger wedding ceremony with their old and new friends somewhere in Europe. While 2020 has brought challenges to everyone around the world, the Ton-Morrisons have found comfort in their relationship. “For us, it’s really helped to have each other, so thank you to WMA for introducing us,” Mr. Ton-Morrison said.

• The Ton-Morrisons pose with their Senior Stone at their WMA Commencement in 2016.

• The Ton-Morrisons during a trip to Da Lat, Vietnam.

departments: class notes

Class Notes 1955 Monson

1963 Wilbraham

At 85 years young, Dick Bailey is still coaching softball at Saint Joseph’s College in Standish, Maine, and is enjoying time with his family, including two great-grandchildren.

Edwin Swarbrick writes from lockdown in the United Kingdom (on his 75th birthday!): “Being in the ‘high risk’ category is a little scary, but we are all still fit and well otherwise. I look back to graduation in 1963 and feel sorry for this year’s class, who I guess will miss out if your lockdown is like ours . . . My year as an ESU exchange student was an extraordinary developmental year for me. The cultural differences were much greater then, and I learned a lot about myself and how I wanted to live. I returned to England and started medical school in October 1963 and loved my career as an Internist/Gastroenterologist, retiring finally in 2017 at 72. To keep my brain working, I am taking a History of Art course at Oxford University. Otherwise I fish, shoot, sing, play my guitar and ski when I can. I have only managed to get back to Wilbraham once since graduating but think about my time there frequently.”

1960 Monson 1 Paul Kreminski continues to run an insurance agency in Sarasota, Florida. In his spare time, he enjoys time with his grandchildren, fly-fishing trips to Mexico and the Bahamas, and annual trips to Cuenca, Ecuador, to visit friends. Paul writes, “I enjoy hiking in Cajas National Park, but the 14,000foot elevation is getting harder to handle.” Earlier in 2020, Paul and his wife, Cynthia, enjoyed a visit from classmate Dick Harrington ’60M and his wife, Sandra.

1962 Wilbraham 2 Although interrupted due to travel concerns with COVID-19, Richard Taylor did complete more than 3,000 miles of a road trip earlier this year. He was also able to visit with classmate John Adan Jr. and his wife, Joanne, in Statesboro, Georgia. Richard writes that he enjoyed a “great visit to the 8th Air Force Museum and Fort McAllister, and the Adans provided excellent accommodations and food!”

1965 Wilbraham Rene Hebert checked in with the Office of Advancement in July. Rene has been living in Palm Beach County, Florida, for about six years and is enjoying retirement. He hopes to see classmates at their (postponed) 55th Reunion in 2021!

1973 Thomas Langer retired from BAE Systems, Inc. in July 2019 and moved to Amelia Island in Florida. He is enjoying biking and fishing and is weathering the pandemic. He has also formed a consultancy to keep his hand in the national security community. Thomas writes: “A salute to all the

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nurses, doctors, EMT’s, police and fire personnel in our alumni and their extended families. They are the true heroes of this pandemic, as are the service workers who have done so much with so little recognition. Many of us have worked those service jobs in high school and college so you know how it feels.”

1978

starting his beef and hay business. He also serves as Chair of the West Brookfield Agricultural Commission and President of the Hardwick Farmers Cooperative Exchange.

1994 6 Tonie Fenton and her partner, Luis Pileta, welcomed a son last summer. Chase Nasir Pileta was born June 18, 2019.

3 Anthony “Tony” Mangiacotti checked in with the alumni office in July. He reports some health issues, including a recent triple bypass; but he is doing well with the help of family and loved ones, and is feeling stronger every day.

1984 4 Kelley McCormick, a captain with the Boston Police Department, has come to WMA to speak to Mr. Cook’s Sociology class for the last six years. This year’s presentation looked a little different via Zoom, but provided students an opportunity to ask questions not only about his extensive background in law enforcement, but how COVID-19 has changed the dynamics of his work.

1993 5 Matt Koziol, of West Brookfield, Massachusetts, manages 265 acres of farmland in the Brookfields and surrounding towns. Much of the land he farms has been certified organic since 2015. His local enterprise sells grass-fed beef as well as certified and conventional hay. Matt also offers custom haymaking for many of the local farms. Farmer Matt, as he’s known, has 10 years of experience with five farm internships leading to

1996 7 Beni Okwenje was appointed General Manager for Financial Markets at Centenary Bank in Kampala, Uganda. In this position, Okwenje will champion the development and implementation of the bank’s financial markets strategic plans; and manage, promote, control and coordinate its financial markets business. Okwenje previously served as a Fixed Income Trader at Stanbic Bank Uganda.

1997 8 Jason Laverty and his wife, Cassy, welcomed a baby boy to their family. Michael Jason Laverty was born April 20, 2020, and joins big sisters Charlotte, Zoey and Alyssa, and big brother Jack.

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

departments: class notes

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1999

2001

9 Edward Han-Burgess is a biopharmaceutical researcher based in Atlanta, Georgia, and London. He recently designed and led a clinical trial aimed at getting epilepsy patients at high risk of drug resistance matched to experts, and the right treatment sooner. His project was included as partner content in the May 2019 issue of National Geographic Magazine.

10 Dawn Augustus and Demetri Tsolakis took a road trip this summer to check out the national parks. They are pictured here at Horseshoe Bend at the Grand Canyon with Dawn, right, sporting her WMA Basketball hat.

2002 11 Justin Danhof and his wife, Kristin, welcomed a baby girl to their family. Juliet Ruth Danhof was born April 16, 2020, and joins big sister Nora. 12 Adam Perron accepted a position as assistant men’s soccer coach at the University of Virginia. Adam previously served for two seasons as the top assistant and recruiting coordinator at James Madison University. “It is certainly a dream come true to be with one of the top college soccer programs in the U.S. while coaching in the ACC,” Adam writes.

Dade McDermott has been named Spokesman & Partner for PureAg Organic Golf Products, which has developed a complete line of organic substitutes for turf fertility. McDermott, a Class “A” Master Teaching Professional and PGA award winner for extraordinary citizenship and teaching sport, previously served as the Master Teaching Professional at Lely Resort (a Top 50 resort course in the U.S.) in Florida before leaving to help make golf organic in 2018. He was named as a Top 10 golf teacher in the world in 2017 by the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America. Dade is an author, has mentored many aspiring teachers and has taught thousands of golf lessons and clinics in his career. He stopped teaching at chemical golf courses on July 24, 2017, in order to pursue his passion and help make golf organic and safe for all.

15 Shamika (Munnings) Starke and her husband, Myke, welcomed a baby girl to their family. Eila Quinn Starke was born March 4, 2020, and joins big sister Avah. The family resides in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

2005 Alexander Ely and his wife, Neha Ansari, welcomed their first child, Samina Elizabeth Ely, on May 5, 2019. The three recently relocated from Boston to Washington, D.C., where Alex is practicing law and Neha is completing a predoctoral research fellowship at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. They plan to raise Sam as a Red Sox fan. 16 Sarah (Merry) Mariucci and her husband, Adam, welcomed a baby boy to their family. Cameron David Mariucci was born March 6, 2020, and joins big sister Mason. 16

2003

2007 19 Ali Mapplethorpe Balicki and Greg Balicki were married on November 8, 2019, in Woodstock, Connecticut. The couple met while students at WMA, and their wedding was attended by many WMA classmates, friends and faculty. Pictured in the wedding party: Chris Antonacci ’06, Pat Pio ’06, Nick Clement ’05, Carolyn (Weeks) Balicki ’05, Rob Balicki ’04, Ali and Greg, Mark Mitchell ’07 and Jonathan Kalmakis ’04. WMA faculty members Gary Cook and Christa Robinson also attended the wedding. In January 2020, Ali and Greg purchased their first home in Wilbraham, Massachusetts.

13 Angel Ortiz took a new position as the wide receivers football coach with the Coffeyville (Kansas) Community College Red Ravens. Angel writes that he’s happy to continue coaching at the college level and hopes to continue to make his WMA family proud! He previously coached at Scottsdale (Arizona) Community College, Pima (Arizona) Community College, Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas, and Ottawa (Kansas) University.

2004 14 Chris Beck and his wife, Karyn, welcomed a baby boy. Thomas “Tommy” James Beck was born Feb. 29, 2020.

18 Mark Robbins defended his doctorate in isotope geochemistry from the University of Michigan in December 2019. He is now an instructor in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department at UM. He was awarded “Outstanding Graduate Instructor” by both the students and faculty in the fall.

17 Yung Ti “Mindy” (Chang) Laio and her husband, Jeff, welcomed a baby boy to their family. Cooper Laio was born Jan. 30, 2020.

20 Courtney Petrone-Autry and her husband, Pierce, welcomed a baby boy to their family. Preston Petrone Autry was born Dec. 13, 2019, and joins big brother Parker, 2.

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departments: class notes

2008

2010

21 Adam Reed married Stefanie Sonstrom on June 27, 2020, in an intimate wedding ceremony. They plan to have a wedding reception for family and friends in December at The Woodwinds in Branford, Connecticut. The couple resides in Shelton, Connecticut. Adam is an inbound sales executive for Xfinity Comcast in North Haven, Connecticut.

22 Maoi Marcelino married Katrina Mendoza on June 7, 2020, at Blues Point Reserve, Sydney, in a simple civil ceremony. They now live happily ever after in Castle Hill, New South Wales. #nottodaycovid

2011 Jeremy Gilfor is living in Los Angeles, California, and working as the writer’s assistant on the Adult Swim show “Rick and Morty,” which has finished four seasons. Season 5 should be coming soon, and they’ve already begun production on Season 6! Jeremy had his first credit on Season 4, Episode 8, which aired May 17. Great work, Jeremy!

2012 2009 Russell Dinkins is sharing his writing on Medium.com, and a recent piece gained national attention for influencing Brown University’s decision to reinstate its men’s varsity track and field program. Brown University initially cut men’s varsity track and field, and cross country, along with 10 other varsity programs, in May. On June 2, the former champion track athlete at Princeton University, wrote “Brown University, If You Were Actually Serious About Racial Justice You Would Not Be Cutting the Men’s Track Team,” in which he highlighted how diverse sports like track and field “provide a distinct pathway to an elite education.” Brown officially reinstated the program in June. Russell’s writing has been highlighted on MileSplit USA, ABC6 Rhode Island, CNN and was tweeted by Malcom Gladwell. Congratulations Russell!

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23 Will Awad and Katie Boynton were married on Sept. 22, 2019 in Sharon, Massachusetts. They reside in Lowell, Massachusetts.

departments to critical care in order to assist with the overflow of patients experiencing symptoms from the virus. Elijah wrote this summer: “Now that things are winding down, I’ve turned my focus back to applying to PA (Physician Assistant) school to further my career in the surgical field. I look forward to expanding my medical career and life in New York City.” Read more about Mr. Barrows and his health care career on page 42. 25 Veronika “Nika” Hickson welcomed a baby boy. Babak Joseph Rabi was born Sept. 28, 2019. 26 Brianna (Goncalves) Lacroix married Eric Lacroix on June 22, 2019. Their reception was held at Wentworth by the Sea in New Castle, New Hampshire. They live in Derry, N.H. Ashleigh Morris is living in Brooklyn, New York, and works as an Executive Assistant/Marketing Coordinator at Asylum Records/Warner Music Group. In her role, Ashleigh supports executives in office organization and coordination and works closely with the A&R (Artists and Repertoire) team to keep releases on schedule.

2013

24 Elijah Barrows has spent the last year working at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, rated by U.S. News and World Report as the No. 1 orthopedic hospital in the country. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HSS converted its various

27 Amber Williams is currently one year into the NBC Page Program in New York City. The program offers early career development experience for college graduates interested in a career in media. Amber is enjoying the exposure to different businesses and opportunities that NBC has to offer. She expects to graduate from the program in March 2021, after which she hopes to pursue a career in TV development, PR or production.

2016 28 Junhao “Mark” Xu will begin the doctorate program in Business Economics at Columbia University this fall. The program is hosted jointly by Columbia GSAS’s Department of Economics and the Columbia Business School. BusEc Students are enrolled in the GSAS Economics Ph.D. program, but can also leverage the resources at the Business School. Mark writes: “The program gives generous funding for six years, allows me to receive a very rigorous training in economics, and most importantly offers me opportunities to work with the worldclass researchers at Columbia and NYU. I consider myself to be incredibly fortunate, if not undeserving. I am extremely grateful for the resources and the opportunities I have enjoyed at NYU Abu Dhabi, a young but internationally-renowned institution that has contributed tremendously to my personal and academic growth. Thanks to its generous scholarships and globally-oriented curriculum, I am graduating debt-free (in fact with some savings), studied in five countries, interned in Guangzhou and London, conducted research for two summers in New York and attended an economics conference in Turkey.” Best of luck, Mark!

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departments: class notes

2017 29 Emma Kindblom was named president of the Manhattan College Jaspers’ Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for the 2020–2021 academic year. Emma joins a group of seven other Manhattan studentathletes to make up the SAAC Advisory Board, which serves as the unified voice of Manhattan College’s studentathletes. In addition, Emma was selected as one of the captains for the Manhattan College Softball team and was recently named to the Epsilon Sigma Pi Honor Society, the highest scholastic honor that can be achieved by a Manhattan College student.

2018 30 Wofford College and the AFL, a global manufacturer for fiber optic cable and telecommunications equipment, announced that Dan Wesson was selected as one of two Student-Athlete Leaders of the Month for February. Last season, Wesson became the first Terrier to win the Southern Conference individual

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championship in air rifle. The sophomore earned All-SoCon honors in both air rifle and small bore. He also took the gold for men’s small bore and air rifle in the South Carolina Junior Olympic Qualifier.

2019

played was nationally ranked, and we were climbing the rankings as well.” We look forward to watching Jack and the Hawks in the 2021 season! 32 Idan Tretout won the Hamilton Fish ’10 Most Improved Player Award for Harvard men’s basketball for the 2019–2020 season.

Alyssa Gaderon took a position as an alumni intern with KIPP Schools, a nonprofit network of college preparatory and public charter schools serving elementary, middle and high school students. Alyssa’s role includes connecting with alumni from the founding classes of KIPP to gain their input on future networking programs. In addition to her work with KIPP, Alyssa is studying at The George Washington University. 31 Jack Robinson, a sophomore at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, was named Men’s Lacrosse Rookie of the Week by the Northeast-10 Conference in March 2020. While the remainder of the season was canceled, Robinson said “we were on a roll, 3–0, every team we

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.

We Remember Mr. Michael J. Ahearn Jr. ’51M Alumni

Mr. Robert G. Hormell ’65W Alumni

Mr. William Stringfellow ’46W Alumni

Mr. James D. Cherry Alumni Parent

Mr. Robert J. Ardison III ’55W Alumni

Mr. Donald M. Joffray ’46W Alumni

Mr. C. S. Thomas Jr. ’50W Alumni

Mr. Michael E. Dahlen Alumni Parent

Mr. Kenneth Bennett ’53M Alumni

Mr. Carsten W. Johnson II ’62W Alumni

Mr. Gordon B. Tiziani ’52M Alumni

Mr. J. Ronald Goode Alumni Parent

Mr. Kraisakdi Choonhaven ’67W Alumni

Mr. Stephen G. Keith ’53M Alumni

Mr. Gordon C. Todd ’59M Alumni

Mr. Paul M. Kalill Alumni Parent

Mr. David F. Collamore ’78 Alumni

Mr. John M. Lovejoy ’54W Alumni

Mr. Ronald C. Trask ’67M Alumni

Mrs. Ann Marie LaMontagne Alumni Parent

Mr. Christopher C. Crowl ’60W Alumni

Mr. Maurice A. Lynch ’48M Alumni

Mr. David W. Harlow ’65W Alumni Non-Grad

Ms. Judith Plotkin-Goldberg Alumni Parent

Mr. Paul M. Dailey ’74 Alumni

Mr. Joseph T. Moynahan ’58M Alumni

Mr. Charles P. Mason Jr. ’63W Alumni Non-Grad

Mrs. Mary Joe Stollenwerck Alumni Parent

Mrs. Beverly R. Ellithorpe ’46M Alumni

Mr. John D. Nehmer ’54M Alumni

Mr. Donald R. Welcom ’53W Alumni Non-Grad

Mrs. Jane N. Putnam Alumni Spouse

Mr. Curtis L. Gendreau ’54M Alumni

Mr. Gary L. Nicol ’62W Alumni

Mr. Erwin S. Bilsky Alumni Parent

Mrs. Marguerite Easler Friend

Mr. Walter P. Gunn ’41W Alumni

Mr. William E. Stacy ’52W Alumni

Mr. Frederick G. Burritt Alumni Parent

Mr. Guy Easler Friend

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

HISTORY: FROM THE ARCHIVES

By JANET MORAN Director of Archives

Mr. & Mrs. James L. Brown IV ’55M help bring Academy’s African American history to forefront

• James L. Brown IV ’55M in his yearbook photo from 1955.

he connection between Wilbraham & Monson Academy and the important history of African American people has been present from the start of WMA’s formative years. It began at Wesleyan Academy, where it sat on the same footprint as the current WMA campus, continued through the days of Monson Academy and Wilbraham Academy, to the current days at WMA. Thanks to the tireless efforts of James L. Brown IV ’55M, a Trustee of Wilbraham & Monson Academy from 2000–2008, and his wife and lead researcher, Charlotte Brown, that rich history has been thoroughly documented and is celebrated on campus by students and visitors alike. In 1951, Mr. Brown, a young African American man from Richmond, Virginia, arrived in Monson, Massachusetts, to continue his education at Monson Academy. This journey started him on his path to making an immeasurable difference in the lives of countless families in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and, with Mrs. Brown, to his alma mater, now Wilbraham & Monson Academy. Mr. Brown attended Monson Academy from 1951 to 1955, graduating second in his class with honors. He received the Stephen D. Luckraft Memorial Award. It is awarded annually to the member of the senior class who has displayed in their daily actions and personal contacts a genuinely fine character. Mr. Brown was also the only African American student in his graduating class, which marked the 150th anniversary of that institution. He matriculated from Virginia Union in Richmond, Virginia, where he first met Mrs. Brown. The Browns later moved to Philadelphia, where they formed the Parkside Historic Preservation Corporation, for which Mr. Brown served many years as its executive director. In establishing Parkside, the Browns were able to preserve and renovate a large area of the city. It provided beautiful and affordable housing for its residents, many of whom were African Americans moving into their first homes, as the Browns had done years earlier. The city of Philadelphia, where he is known as one of the most prominent preservationists in its history, has honored Mr. Brown on numerous occasions.

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In 2000, Mr. Brown was asked to serve as a Trustee of Wilbraham & Monson Academy. He graciously accepted, but wondered openly, as expressed in a letter later written to the Academy, “What can I provide to the Academy as a trustee other than some money and an African American presence as a trustee of an all-white boarding school?” The answer is an immeasurable contribution in the discovery, documentation and celebration of the significant African American history of the Academy, as well as significant financial support to future young African American students at WMA. Mr. Brown contacted his good friend Garey M. Browne ’54M, a postgraduate, and together they created and funded the William and Gertrude Harper-Browne Fund. With a significant donation from Mr. Browne, it was the first and largest fund established by an African American graduate of Monson Academy. The fund has continued to be supplemented by Benjamin F. Wilson, Esq., ’69W, a former Trustee (1994–2000) who has provided additional financial support for the fund. The fund has been used to allow the full student body to see Maya Angelou when she visited Springfield, Massachusetts; and to assist in arranging a visit to the Academy by Nettie Washington Douglass, the great-great-granddaughter of Frederick Douglass and greatgranddaughter of Booker T. Washington, among many other important events. The fund continues to this day, serving to enhance and enrich the African American experience for all WMA students. In addition to providing financial support, and just as critical, the Browns worked tirelessly during Mr. Brown’s tenure as a Trustee, and well beyond, to investigate and document the strong ties between the Academy and African American history. Specifically, Mrs. Brown’s research revealed that five important figures in African American history, all free men who went on to prominence in their respective fields, attended Wesleyan Academy during the pre-Civil War era. Among them was John Miflin Brown (no relation), who holds a prominent place in both historical and current events. Born in Delaware, Mr. John Brown attended Wesleyan Academy in 1838, prior to attending Oberlin College and becoming pastor of an African Methodist Episcopal Church in Detroit in 1868. Mr. John Brown’s roommate at Wesleyan Academy was James Lindsay Smith, who had escaped enslavement in Virginia to nearby Springfield in 1838. Mr. John Brown obtained a license to preach and spent 20 years preaching in a Methodist Church. Pastor Brown was elected bishop in 1868 and served in a variety of A.M.E.

leadership roles. Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church in Selma, Alabama, the starting point for the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965, was named after him. Brown Chapel was mentioned specifically by President Obama in his eulogy of U.S. Rep. John Lewis in July 2020. Through more research, Mrs. Brown discovered that Ebenezer Don Carlos Bassett — the first African American appointed as a United States diplomat — had attended Wesleyan Academy in the late 1840s. The native of Derby, Connecticut, was appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant as United States Ambassador to Haiti in 1869. Dr. John J. Smallwood, whose life was also documented by Mrs. Brown, was a fugitive slave from Virginia who escaped his confinement in North Carolina at age 12 and entered Wilbraham Academy in 1866. He later became an exceptional orator and lecturer, speaking internationally and frequently on “The Race Problem in America.” Dr. Smallwood studied at London’s Trinity College, and ultimately founded his own institution in Virginia in 1892 to educate America’s freed men. Dr. Smallwood’s grandfather was Nat Turner, the enslaved person who had led the failed Southampton Insurrection and was killed in 1831. Further research of Mrs. Brown revealed that Thomas E. Day, a prominent cabinet maker from Milton, North Carolina, had sent three of his children to Wesleyan Academy from 1849 to 1851.

Mr. Day, who remained a free man in southern Virginia before the Civil War, is considered one of the finest master craftsmen of his time. His works are still shown at prominent galleries and museums, including at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The lives of a number of these notable African American men, and others, are celebrated in a permanent exhibit on display in WMA’s Campus Center on the lower level of Lak Dining Hall. Now is the time to celebrate diversity among us. Wilbraham & Monson Academy has been extremely fortunate to have been at the forefront of that celebration since its inception as Wesleyan Academy in Wilbraham and to benefit immensely from the legacy of amazing African American students who have walked through the doors of the Academy. WMA has also been extremely fortunate to have had this amazing history documented and supported due to the extraordinary efforts of Mr. and Mrs. Brown, who have taken on this task as a labor of love.

Written with special thanks to former Archivist at the Academy Coralie Grey, LuJuanna Hood, former Director of Pan African Historical Museum USA (PAHMUSA) for African history Springfield, Massachusetts, and historian Maryann O’Keefe, of Derby, Connecticut.

• James L. Brown IV ’55M, right, stands in front of the Monson Bell with his wife, Charlotte Brown, and his sister Yolanda Spencer, left, during a bench dedication in 2005.

John Mifflin Brown

WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY

SUPPORTING WMA: WMA Community Fund

Why I support WMA . . . “We give to the Academy because we are confident in the leadership of WMA. Not only are we impressed by what Brian (Easler), Mark (Aimone) and the faculty have done to prepare a safe environment for our children for the reopening of the school, we also feel inspired by their vision for the future of WMA.” — M ike DeNucci ’91 P’22 ’24 • From left: Michael DeNucci ’91, daughter Emily DeNucci ’24, Board of Trustees member Linda Griffin, son Daniel DeNucci ’22 and wife, Corinne DeNucci.

Coming soon: WMA’s newly designed The Giving Report.

AC A D E M Y WO R L D FA L L 2 02 0

by brian p. easler Head of School

perspectives

‘The WMA community has what it takes . . . to persevere despite what lies ahead’

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

Athenaeum: Night and Day

• Photographs courtesy of Flansburgh Architects

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

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Academy World Fall 2020

Articles inside

Women of WMA African American History

Senior Stones: Every Stone has a Story

Community Fund Update

a Difference Faculty Fun Facts

Celebrating Influential

New Trustee: Paul Sullivan ’91

Reflection: Arnelle Williams ’13

Alton Cheney ’38W

Antonacci Family Makes

Opening of School Challenges