GFA Magazine Winter 2026

Board of Trustees

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Ward Horton P ’24, ’28, Chair

Meade Fogel P ’27, ’28, ’28, Co-Vice Chair

Don San Jose P ’22, ’25, Co-Vice Chair

Michael Blitzer P ’24, ’27, Treasurer

Melanie Smith P ’22, ’24, ’29, Secretary

David Durkin P ’18, ’22, ’23

Roger Ferris P ’18, ’18, ’20, ’28

Gil Aikins P ’33

Jessica Bailey P ’27, ’29, ’32

Renee Bea P ’28, ’30

Howard Blaustein P ’31, ’35

Bill Bucknall GP ’24, ’26

Catherine Foster Ellison ’00 P ’35, ’37

Sandy Ewing P ’20, ’23, ’26

Roopali Hall P ’31, ’33

Chris Milligan P ’36, ’37

Sean Obi ’13

Andy Papadakos P ’26, ’30, ’37

Amber Paquette P ’28, ’28, ’33

Dmitri Ponomarev P ’30, ’31

Page Tremaine ’93 P ’23, ’26

Megan Tuvlin P ’28

Sara Wiener P ’31, ’36

Caroline Williams P ’27, ’29

Bob Whelan P ’24, Ex-officio

GREENS FARMS ACADEMY

MAGAZINE winter 2026

Editors

Linsey Alvarez Meghan Chew

Design

Lindsay Russo

Contributors

Linsey Alvarez

Yoon S. Byun

Samantha Casamento

Ana Holwell

Rose Ann Martinez

John Nash

Lindsay Russo

Greens Farms Academy does not discriminate against any person in admission, financial aid, program involvement, employment, or otherwise because of sexual orientation, race, religion, age, gender, national origin, or disability.

How will our mission, and the enduring spirit of Each for All, continue to shape who we are as the world changes around us?

A message from the head of school, BOB WHELAN

Dear GFA Community,

As we bring our Centennial year to a close, I am filled with both gratitude and anticipation. Marking 100 years naturally invites reflection, but it also compels us to look ahead. What will this community look like a century from now? How will our mission, and the enduring spirit of Each for All, continue to shape who we are as the world changes around us?

The future is not as distant as it might seem. You can already see it taking shape across our campus. In classrooms, students wrestle with complex ideas, learning how to think deeply and question thoughtfully. On fields and stages, they discover the power of commitment, collaboration, and shared purpose. The stories in this magazine capture a few of those moments, subtle but powerful glimpses of the curiosity, energy, and care that define life at GFA and point toward the future ahead.

I’m deeply grateful for the engagement, generosity, and belief of our students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. It is because of you that GFA not only endures, but thrives.

Thank you for all that you give to this community, today and for generations to come.

Each for All,

Bob Whelan Head of School

homecoming

GFA’s Centennial Homecoming brought students, families, alumni, and faculty together for a full weekend on campus, celebrating the traditions and connections that make GFA a home for generations of Dragons.

Spirit week and a pep rally led into Friday and Saturday’s games, where fans cheered on our fall sports teams. Saturday’s Dragon Fair, hosted by the Parents Association, offered something for everyone! Attendees enjoyed performances and hands-on activities from Danny Magic and the Critter Caravan, along with surprise guests, inflatables, games, and more. Alumni returned for a soccer game, and younger athletes joined a field hockey clinic run by the varsity team.

GFA hosted eight games over the course of the weekend, and went away with five wins and two ties, including a clean sweep of all four varsity contests.

GFA Voices

This year’s GFA Voices celebrated the theme “Dance Across the World: Uniting Cultures Through Dance!” Students, families, and faculty of all ages joined together to highlight the diversity and creativity within the GFA community. Attendees enjoyed a multicultural potluck dinner, and a fashion show offered a vibrant display of culturally significant attire, giving participants a chance to share pieces of their heritage with one another. Throughout the evening, stories and traditions came alive, connecting us and reminding us of the unique perspectives each family brings to GFA.

Visiting Reader

This October, the Upper School welcomed Andrew Delbanco as GFA’s Visiting Reader, a program that invites distinguished scholars to engage students in close reading and reflection. Delbanco—the Alexander Hamilton Professor of American Studies at Columbia University—began the day at assembly, where 9th and 10th graders recited Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” and “Second Inaugural Address” before he spoke about the lasting power of Lincoln’s language and leadership.

Across classes throughout the day, Delbanco joined students in discussions ranging from primary source analysis to the moral questions in Melville’s “Bartleby.” His visit reminded the community that close reading is more than an academic skill—it’s a way of engaging with purpose, justice, and the enduring ideas that shape our world.

Coyle Scholar

Professor of American Studies at Columbia University

This year’s Visiting Coyle Scholars, Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson, brought the GFA community together for a day of engaging conversations about sleep, autonomy, and well-being. Middle schoolers learned how consistent rest strengthens resilience, while upper schoolers explored how balance—“work hard, play hard, rest hard”—supports both success and happiness. In the evening, parents gathered to discuss how connection, calm guidance, and fostering independence help children grow into confident, self-directed young adults. Throughout their visit, Dr. Stixrud and Mr. Johnson reminded us that rest, relationships, and autonomy are essential foundations for thriving at every age.

Johnson President of PrepMatters and educational expert

This year’s speaker was Middle School World Languages Teacher and Grade 6 Dean, Elena Aniel.

Speaking to the middle and upper school community, Aniel began by sharing her early struggles learning English as a young student in the Basque Country. What had once been a source of embarrassment and frustration transformed unexpectedly when her father, instead of offering a lecture, handed her concert tickets, an act of grace that shifted her mindset and helped her rediscover language as a source of joy rather than shame. That moment, she explained, ignited her lifelong curiosity about words and cultures.

Aniel wove together history, neuroscience, upbringing to illustrate the profound shaping how people think and see the suppression of Basque and other

This October, the Lower School Parent Association hosted the 3rd annual Connect and Protect event at Burying Hill Beach, bringing families together for an afternoon of environmental learning and hands-on stewardship. With support from the Maritime Aquarium, students learned about local wildlife, from horseshoe crabs to the endangered piping plover, and even helped install a protective fence around a plover nest. The day concluded with a beach cleanup in partnership with SAVE THE SOUND, as families worked together to care for our shoreline.

Aniel, Kohorn Address

Speaker

dictatorship—a period when native tongue could lead to entire cultures were re-

Yet despite the represlanguage endured, carrybeautifully layered expressions.

different cultures map time, and define life staglanguage is far more than that influences thought, emotion, and identity. She contrasted the English word retirement, rooted in retreat, with the Spanish jubilación, tied to jubilee and joy, illustrating how subtle linguistic differences can shape cultural attitudes.

Aniel also highlighted research showing that speaking multiple languages expands perspective and even strengthens cognitive health, while verbalizing emotions, quite literally speaking aloud, has measurable benefit for the brain and body.

Ultimately, she reminded the community that languages are invitations to connection, curiosity, and understanding. Her

Connect and Protect

COMING SOON!

ATHLETICS & WELLNESS CENTER

Executive Functioning

As part of our mission to prepare children for lives of purpose, we want to be sure we’re helping them develop skills that will support their overall success, not just their academic success. “ “

Jane Verlin, Head of lower School

As part of our commitment to professional learning that is both research-based and grounded in the science of learning, the Lower School team recently partnered with outside practitioners to deepen their understanding of executive functioning—the thought processes involved in planning, completing tasks, managing behavior, and regulating emotions. Together, the Lower School teaching team explored the behavioral, emotional, and cognitive components of these skills, with the goal of better understanding what we ask of children, how we can set them up for success, and how we can provide intentional opportunities for them to practice essential life skills. “Lower School teaching practices and classroom management, by design, have always supported these skills, but we want to be sure we’re equipped with a greater understanding of the why,” explains Jane Verlin, Head of Lower School.

In today’s landscape—where technology influences attention and memory, and children have fewer opportunities for unstructured play that once naturally nurtured these abilities—our role in supporting executive functioning has never been more important. Verlin adds, “As part of our mission to prepare children for lives of purpose, we want to be sure we’re helping them develop skills that will support their overall success, not just their academic success.”

Through this work, the Lower School teaching team left the experience more knowledgeable, better prepared, and energized with ideas for how to be even more intentional in bringing awareness and dedicated time and space to these developing and essential life skills.

I Believe Middle School Speech

At GFA, helping students find their voice is central to our support of their academic, social, and emotional growth. Nowhere is this more important than in Middle School, a time marked by rapid change, increasing self-awareness, and the early formation of identity. During these years, students begin asking essential questions about who they are and how they want to show up in the world. Our role is to create spaces where reflection, expression, and courage are not only encouraged but expected.

One powerful example of this commitment is the 8th Grade Speech program. During the first six weeks of the school year, every eighth grader participates in a reflective, student-centered experience that prompts them to examine their lived experiences closely and identify the values that matter most to them. Rooted in the “This I Believe” framework, the speech is not a traditional academic essay or a retelling of a life story. Instead, students focus on a small but meaningful moment and explore what it reveals about who they are becoming. Writing in their own voice and speaking honestly about what they believe, students learn to articulate their ideas with clarity, respect, and authenticity.

Before the end of the school year, each student stands before the entire Middle School community in the Forum to deliver their speech during an announcements period. It is a moment that requires vulnerability and confidence, and one that often becomes a defining milestone in a student’s Middle School journey. Final speeches are also collected into a class booklet, creating a lasting record of student voices at this important moment in time. Together, these experiences reflect GFA’s broader commitment to nurturing confident, thoughtful individuals who know themselves, value their perspective, and are prepared to contribute meaningfully to the community around them.

“This I Believe” is based on a 1950s radio program hosted by journalist Edward R. Murrow that engages youth and adults from all walks of life in writing, sharing, and discussing brief essays about the core values that guide their daily lives.

Writing in their own voice and speaking honestly about what they believe, students learn to articulate their ideas with clarity, respect, and authenticity.

one

trusted adult

Trusting relationships are at the heart of student learning. Research shows that even one trusted adult can make a profound difference in a young person’s life— boosting engagement, supporting healthy development, and encouraging positive choices. At GFA, students are surrounded by many: teachers, advisors, coaches, and mentors who take this responsibility to heart.

This commitment was front and center when Upper School faculty and athletic coaches came together for a joint professional learning workshop with Dr. Brooklyn Raney, founder of One Trusted Adult. The session offered practical strategies for deepening trust with students and strengthening the partnership between the classroom and the athletic fields—an approach that

Dr. Raney emphasized simple, actionable ways to build authentic relationships, the importance of clear expectations and alignment, and the power of surrounding each student with multiple sources of care and guidance. “The only thing better than one trusted adult,” she reminded the group, “is surrounding a student with many.”

Reflecting on the value of bringing faculty and coaches together, Associate Director of Athletics Jennifer Harris noted, “When we come together across roles, we model the very collaboration and teamwork we hope to see in our students.” Head of Upper School Ward Abel echoed this sentiment, affirming, “By prioritizing relationships, we create the conditions for students to do hard things

“By prioritizing relationships, we create the conditions for students to do hard things and for deep learning to thrive.”

Ward Abel, Head of Upper School

It was another successful fall sports season for GFA Athletics as our Dragons produced another New England championship and a trio of league finalists, one of which brought home another title, as well.

All told this fall season, GFA’s varsity teams posted an overall record of 61 wins, 14 losses and five ties. The five varsity teams also produced 15 All-New England players, 23 All-FAA picks, three All-State soccer selections and one NFHCA All-Region field hockey player.

Here’s a sport-by-sport rundown of where our Dragons shined once again this fall season.

CROSS COUNTRY

The GFA cross-country team enjoyed an upward trajectory throughout the course of the year, culminating in a range of well-deserved postseason honors.

Three runners took All-FAA honors for their effort: Hadley Rosow ’26 was awarded first team for the third time in her career, and Delilah Johnson ’26 and Amelia Klebacha ’28 received honorable mention status. At the New England championship meet, Rosow again had a big race to earn All-New England honors, and Benny Lublinsky ’26 ran his best race of the season, placing well enough to earn All-New England Honorable Mention accolades.

The season was also memorable for head coach Glen Colello, who coached the Dragons for the 20th straight season.

FIELD HOCKEY

Coming off last year’s New England championship season, the GFA field hockey team made the jump to NEPSAC Class B this year and faced a tougher-than-ever schedule, battling strong, competitive opponents all fall.

By the time the season ended, the Dragons posted a 126-1 mark (two losses by just one goal) and advanced to the FAA semifinals.

Cate LaFreniere ’26 capped her five-year varsity career by being named NFHCA All-Region, All-New England First Team, and All-FAA First Team. Joining LaFreniere as an All-New England pick was Caroline Almeida ’28. Both athletes were named All-FAA, along with Lanie Campisi ’27, Cam Blessey ’27, and Greer Weiland ’27.

Boys SOCCER

For the second straight fall, GFA boys soccer made it to the FAA championship, falling in the title tilt. The Dragons were 15-3-2 overall, also advancing to the NEPSAC semifinals.

Goalkeeper Oscar Nelson ’26 pitched nine shutouts this season, and was named AllNew England first team, as was Owen Potack ’26. Honorable Mention honors went to Jack Meyer ’26 and Jacob Jones ’27. Nelson and Potack were both named All-State, as well as All-FAA along with Meyer, Jones, Oliver Murphy ’26, and Gavin Murphy ’26.

Boys JV soccer had an up-and-down campaign, finishing 7-7-1. Diego Lebrija ’26, Jean-Gabriel Messier Delaval ’26, and Casey Simon ’26 provided tremendous leadership on and off the field throughout.

Girls SOCCER

Girls varsity soccer delivered one of the strongest seasons in school history, going undefeated and capturing the FAA regular season championship, the FAA tournament title, and the NEPSAC Class C championship. They outscored opponents 76-9, put up 11 clean sheets, and no team scored more than a single goal against the GFA defense all season.

Lauren DeLaurentiis ’26 was named All-State and NEPSAC Class C Player of the Year. She was joined on the All-New England list by first teamers Suzuran Draper ’26 and Piper Rothman ’26, and honorable mention player Halliwell Kline ’28. All-FAA honors went to DeLaurentiis, Rothman, Draper, Klein, and Fiona Curis ’26.

The GFA girls JV soccer season also had a positive campaign, finishing 6-2-1.

VOLLEYBALL

The varsity volleyball team proved itself this fall, returning to the upper echelon of the FAA and advancing to the league championship game for the first time since 2011.

The Dragons finished the season 16-5, with two losses to the league champions and one to the New England Class B finalists. Kate Ewing ’26, Kiara Copeland ’26, Scarlett Hanscom ’27, and Logan Penske ’27 earned All-FAA honors while Ewing and Hanscom earned All-New England nods.

Both the JV and JV2 squads improved throughout the season. The JV team went 8-5 and placed third at the FAA JV tournament. The JV2 squad won its second match of the season and lost three others by just a single game.

College Commitments

Seven Greens Farms Academy student-athletes were celebrated at the school’s annual Fall College Commitment Ceremony, held in Coyle Gymnasium.

The event recognized students who have committed to Division I programs, either through National Letters of Intent, “likely letters” from Ivy League schools, or verbal commitments. Friends and family gathered to honor the athletes’ achievements and cheer on their next steps.

This fall’s honorees included Alex Barbagallo (University of Michigan, Lacrosse), Kiara Copeland (University of Rhode Island, Volleyball), Kate Ewing (Northeastern University, Volleyball), Jackson Heslin (Bucknell University, Wrestling), Kaleb Jackson (Brown University, Wrestling), Blake Jacobson (Virginia Tech, Wrestling), and Tyler Neiva (Columbia University, Wrestling).

We look forward to celebrating several other student-athletes whose commitment to play at the college level is finalized with admission later this spring.

Postseason Honors

ALL-SCHOOL AWARDS

VARSITY LETTERS

Caroline Almeida, Casey Blattman, Cam Blessey, Jules Blue, Lauren DeLaurentiis, Hazel Hempleman, Victoria Herold, Diego Lebrija, Jacob Jones, Rose Karlan, Halliwell Klein, Ciara Kuryla, Jack Meyer, Oscar Nelson, Ryan Savicki, Greer Weiland, Campbell Yates

VARSITY SWEATERS

Graham Ackerman, Fiona Curis, Bella Fiordalis, Ryan Jacobson, Delilah Johnson, Mae Morelli, Owen Potack, Luke Rassias, James Stapleton

VARSITY WATCHES

Sydney LaForce, Benny Lublinsky, Sadie Luth

EXCELLENCE IN ATHLETICS AWARD

Natalie Blazovic

TEAM AWARDS

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Most Valuable Runner: Bryce Acheychek

Most Improved Runner: Briggs Davidson

Coaches Award: Oliver Rohrbasser

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Most Valuable Runner: Hadley Rosow

Most Improved Runners: Delilah Johnson, Amelia Klebacha

JV CROSS COUNTRY

Coaches Award: Derek Zapanta

Dozens of Greens Farms Academy student-athletes were honored on Thursday, November 13, during the school’s annual Fall Sports Athletics Banquet. Here is a list of the winners:

FIELD HOCKEY

Most Valuable Players: Cate LaFreniere, Caroline Almeida

Most Improved Player: Ryan Farnum

Heart Of The Dragon: Cam Blessey

Coaches Award: Nora Glynn

BOYS VARSITY SOCCER

Most Valuable Players: Owen Potack, Oscar Nelson

Most Improved Player: Jose Tamayo

Heart Of The Dragon: Jacob Jones

Coaches Awards: Gavin Murphy, Jack Meyer, Brady Jordan

BOYS JV SOCCER

Top Goal Scorer: Sam Walter

Breakthrough Player Awards: Kane Ventrella, Baylor Rothman

GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER

Offensive Player Of The Year: Lauren DeLaurentiis

Defensive Players Of The Year: Suzuran Draper, Piper Rothman

Coaches Award: Sydney LaForce

GIRLS JV SOCCER

Coaches Award: Elsie Crum

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

Offensive Player Of The Year: Kate Ewing

Defensive Player Of The Year: Kiara Copeland

Heart Of The Dragon: Eliza Legnani

JV VOLLEYBALL

Coaches Award: Anya Bhuyan

JV2 VOLLEYBALL

Coaches Award: Minna Reilly

““This is a show of characters who all want to be the center of attention, and it’s been a blast to help guide this cast in discovering their own confidence to present themselves as the stars that they are.”

Kellie Comer Director of Theater

Upper school THEATER PRESENTS:

CHICAGO

This fall, middle school students took to the Black Box stage, bringing humor and flair to the division’s first-ever oneact play, “When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors.” For many students, it was their first experience in drama, and the production offered a glimpse into the budding talents of our young actors. Audiences can look forward to more in the spring, when middle schoolers will bring “Willy Wonka, Jr.” to the stage.

Winter Concerts

In December, GFA students filled the Janet Hartwell Performing Arts Center with the sounds of the season, sharing solo and ensemble performances from each division’s band, choral, and orchestra groups.

Meghan Capozzi Rowe

Founder of White Leaf Provisions

If you ask Meghan Rowe ’99 where her story begins, she’ll tell you it started long before her company, White Leaf Provisions, ever had a name. It began in Greenfield Hill, Fairfield, in a home where food and entrepreneurship were a way of life.

Meghan grew up with parents whose careers blended business, creativity, and food. Her father, John Capozzi, was a multi-talented entrepreneur and accomplished marketer—“long before that was the trendy title it is today,” she says. Her mother, LaDonna Capozzi, was equally pioneering: one of American Airlines’ first international flight attendants, later leading the airline’s stewardess college, and eventually becoming head of menu planning for SkyChefs.

In the 1990s, the Capozzis launched a snack foods company out of their home. LaDonna developed recipes on the kitchen counter, and Meghan was the chief taste tester. The company was eventually acquired by Campbell’s under the Pepperidge Farm label. “You could say I never really had a choice not to be in this world,” says Meghan, “Food and entrepreneurship were simply the energy of our household.”

Meghan’s GFA story began in the 1980s, when she started Kindergarten with Mrs. Fogarty. She fondly remembers teachers who shaped her earliest experiences: Mr. Buckley, Mrs. Ford, Mrs. Hiller, Mrs. Martinez, and Mr. Santella

GFA’s rigorous academics taught her discipline and persistence, and built her sense of dedication. Meanwhile, participating in sports showed her that showing up matters just as much as standing out. Teachers like Mr. Santella, Mr. Buckley, Mr. Benz, and Mr. Dietrich made learning fun and approachable, and helped her embrace both her strengths and weaknesses as keys to success.

among them. After seventh grade, Meghan spent two years at boarding school as she navigated her ADHD, then returned to GFA in 10th grade to finish high school alongside her brother Peter ’99. Her time at GFA shaped her in ways that would carry into her entrepreneurial journey. The rigorous academics taught her discipline and persistence, and built her sense of dedication. Meanwhile, participating in sports showed her that showing up matters just as much as standing out. Teachers like Mr. Santella, Mr. Buckley, Mr. Benx, and Mr. Dietrich made learning fun and approachable, and helped her embrace both her strengths and weaknesses as keys to success.

After graduation, Meghan began her fresh man year at SMU in Dallas, but quickly real ized it wasn’t the right fit: “That experience taught me one of my earliest adult lessons: jump early, pivot quickly, and don’t waste time in environments that don’t align with who you are becoming.” She transferred to the University of Vermont and majored in Fine Arts, a choice she describes as “what my soul craved at the time.” In retrospect, it was the perfect fit: “I didn’t need a college degree to understand business,” she says, “ I was already learning far more at home than any textbook could teach me. So instead, I chose to study what inspired me.”

Travel deepened her perspective, and at eighteen, a summer in Italy opened her eyes to Europe’s approach to food, farming, and quality standards. “The quality of everyday ingredients was on an entirely different level,” she recalls. Struck by Europe’s strict regulations on chemicals, additives, and preservatives, she spent subsequent summers abroad, eventually earning a master’s degree in Paris. Later, Meghan settled in Key West, where she met her husband, Keith Rowe. She looks back on this move fondly, saying, “Key West taught me to follow opportunities rather than force them, and that sometimes the most meaningful chapters begin in places you never planned to go.” Today, she and Keith live in Charleston with their sons, Keegan and Cameron.

After her first son was born, Meghan experienced postpartum depression and anxiety, and became highly aware of the products she was using around her baby. She was startled by the lack of clean, transparent, organic baby food and formula options in the U.S., and wanted to give her son a better start—‘good enough’ was not going to work. In 2014, Meghan and Keith co-founded White Leaf Provisions, a family-run food company offering biodynamic, regeneratively farmed, certified organic, non-GMO baby and toddler foods. Meghan’s commitment to regenerative

“Go all in”

farming is central to White Leaf’s mission. She emphasizes that it is not a trend but a revival of traditional, sustainable practices that restore soil health, nurture ecosystems, and produce more nutrient-dense food. Biodynamic farming guides every decision the company makes—from sourcing ingredients to building relationships with farmers.

The company’s early years were defined by challenges. U.S. baby food manufacturers required minimum orders of 300,000 pouches per flavor—an impossible starting point for a new brand—so they looked to Europe. After nearly three years of searching, they found a manufacturer in the Italian Dolomites who offered 10,000 unit minimum runs, allowing them to start small and scale responsibly, officially launching in 2018. Today, the brand is now in roughly 4,000 stores nationwide, and has grown from two products to thir teen, with three more set to launch in 2026. The brand has expanded from small independent and natural food stores to national chains like Whole Foods, and is now entering conventional grocery stores like Publix and Meijer. Meghan sees this trajectory as proof that regenerative, biodynamic food isn’t just a niche interest, but something that’s becom ing the choice more families are making for their children.

Connect

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Special Assistant to the Mayor for the City of Stamford Arts and Culture Program Manager

As the Himes race wound down, Aaron wasn’t ready to step away. He began looking for ways to stay connected closer to home, and became involved in local campaigns, including that of then–State Representative Caroline Simmons, who was running for reelection. The connection proved formative: Simmons later wrote one of Aaron’s college letters of recommendation and the two remained in touch over

service deepened. Aaron campaign, and during the college, he reached Simmons ultimately offered which Aaron began to the Mayor for the Program Manager, wide-ranging interests and his days look the same. resident navigate a neighthe next, he’s supportarts and culture grants project he’s especially holiday market at Stamdesigned to spotlight and support local small businesses. “You never know what the day will bring,” Aaron says. “But that’s the best part—it’s hands-on, it’s real, and it matters.”

Some of Aaron’s work has taken him beyond city limits. One standout experience included a meeting with Finland’s Consul General in New York, Ambassador Jarmo Sareva, at his

residence to discuss international partnerships and economic development opportunities for Stamford. The conversation also touched on politics in the Nordic region and the war in Ukraine. “I remember thinking, how many 25-year-olds get to do this?” Aaron recalls. “It was incredible.”

Aaron traces much of his passion for service back to his time at GFA, where courses in history, government, international relations, and environmental science encouraged him to think critically about leadership and global responsibility. Teachers including Ms. O’Grady, Mr. Guffin, Mr. Llanque, and Mr. Abel left a lasting impression, helping him sharpen his analytical skills and broaden his perspective. “Those classes absolutely helped shape who I am today,” he says.

After graduating from GFA, Aaron studied government at Bowdoin College with a concentration in international relations, a field that has long fascinated him. He was recently appointed Deputy International Affairs Officer for the Young Democrats of America, a role that allows him to collaborate with youth political organizations around the world on issues ranging from sustainability to global conflict.

Despite opportunities that could take him elsewhere, Aaron remains deeply rooted in Stamford. “I’ve lived here my whole life,” he says. “I love this city, and I want to make a difference here.” While he hopes to one day run for office himself, for now he is focused on learning the work from the inside, making the most of every opportunity to serve the community that first sparked his interest in public life.

When asked what advice he would offer current GFA students interested in public service, Aaron’s answer is simple: get involved. “There’s always an election, always an issue, always a way to help,” he says. “Reach out, volunteer, and don’t give up if the first door doesn’t open.”

Aaron traces much of his passion for service back to his time at GFA, where courses in history, government, international relations, and environmental science encouraged him to think critically about leadership and global responsibility.

events

Homecoming Game

Alumni took came away with another victory! A big highlight of the day.

Reception

This fall, alumni got together conversation with friends old and new. The reception was hosted in the U.S. Capitol’s historic LBJ who shared stories of the space’s fascinating history. The gathering also had a surprise McCormick P ’19, ’21, ’23, ’25 of Pennsylvania, and Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy of Connecticut.

New York City Social & Networking Event

Alumni in the tri-state area also gathered at The Terrace at Company in New York City for an evening of drinks, light bites, and conversation. The Midtown setting provided the perfect backdrop for reconnecting with old friends, meeting fellow graduates, and celebrating the GFA community.

The Thanksgiving Gathering annual tradition marks the start of the holiday holidays, visiting family, or simply passing

ANN MILLER FORMER FACULTY

Ann Richardson Miller, 70, of Redding, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 3, 2025, after a multi-year battle with mesothelioma.

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Ann dedicated much of her professional life to independent schools, where she was deeply committed to education, community, and helping young people flourish. Ann served as GFA’s Director of Enrollment for eight years, retiring in June 2023. She loved GFA and was unwavering in her commitment to our students, colleagues, and families.

Those who worked closely with her knew how fortunate we were to have Ann as a colleague, mentor, and friend. She brought high standards to her work, always paired with a spirit of joy—time with Ann almost always included laughter, lots of it. Ann’s devotion to students was remarkable. She could often be found in the bleachers or along the sidelines at athletic events, admiring student art on the walls, or being the first on her feet, calling for an encore at a performance. Ann delighted in celebrating the talents and passions of our kids.

KATHRYN “KAY”

KELLOGG BURCHINCAL ’51

Kathryn Kellogg Burchinal, 91, passed away on July 17, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born in New York City in 1933, Kay grew up in Wilton and attended The Bolton School, The Madeira School,

At 23, she embarked on a European adventure, working in publishing, hospitality and importing/exporting, before serving the US Third Air Force in England, followed by roles with the US Navy, NATO, and the Pentagon. She married USAF General David A. Burchinal, and embraced a life of service abroad and at home. Even upon retirement, Kay devoted decades to community service, the arts, and charitable causes, leaving a legacy of compassion and grace. She will be buried at Arlington Cemetery.

ADELEINE “ADDY” HUPY

Adeleine Jane Hupy, 28, passed away at her home 18, 2025. She was born in Stamford in 1996 and GFA before receiving a Bachelor of Business (BBA) in Music Business from Belmont University. as a Patient Care Coordinator at a physiotherapy

Addy faced her health challenges with courage in the hardest of moments, she met the world dry, witty humor that lifted others. Her love for across many genres, and she used that passion and create. Addy left an indelible mark on anyone her beauty—inside and out—remains with those

quick-witted, pression

peacefully on Auspinocerebellar ataxia, neurodegenerative

After GFA, Sally received a degree in Child Study and Human Development from Tufts University, and a M.A. in Special Education from West Virginia University. She married Arch Wilson Riley, Jr. in 1980, and they raised two daughters, Ann and Sarah. In 1990, she was appointed to the West Virginia Early Inter vention Interagency Coordinating Council, and helped shape policies to support young children and families.

Sally taught at King’s Daughters Child Care Center and later worked as a maternal-infant health outreach worker for Northern Head Start. She volunteered widely, leaving a legacy of warmth, wisdom, and dedication to children, families, and the arts.

Reunion

June 5-6, 2026

Milestone reunions for 1s and 6s, but all alumni are invited.

June 5, 7-8 p.m.

Welcome Drinks at the Horseshoe in Southport

June 6, 2-4 p.m.

Former Faculty Luncheon

This event is for GFA former faculty only

June 6, 3-4 p.m.

Tours of Campus

Leaving from the main entrance

June 6, 4-6:30 p.m.

Reception on the Front Lawn

Last October, we publicly launched Lives of Purpose: The Centennial Campaign for GFA. Historic in its scope and ambitious in its goals, the campaign will shape the future of our school.

Your gift to the GFA Fund is a gift to the campaign—allowing you to be part of a huge collective impact and make an important statement about the value of a GFA education.

To give online, please visit www.gfacademy.org/give or scan the QR code.

thank you for your support!

GFA engages students as partners in an innovative, inclusive, and globally minded community to prepare them for lives of purpose.