Kimball Union Magazine Spring/Summer 2025

Kimball Union

SPRING/SUMMER ����

Features

Healthy Habits for Restful Nights

Promoting well-being through positive sleep hygiene

“Capture Their Hearts”

Scrib Fauver H’25 P’09 ’12 retires after 33 years.

EDITOR

TRICIA MCKEON

Director of Marketing and Communications

Kimball Union

EDITORIAL DESIGN

WENDY MCMILLAN ’78 P’09 ’11

McMillan Design

COPY EDITOR

THERESA D’ORSI

PHOTOGRAPHY

Eli Burakian, Courtney Cania

Chris Johnson, Michael Pezone

Roy Knight P’10

CONTRIBUTORS

Megan Dodge P'28

Theresa D’Orsi, Patrick Hyjek '20, Tricia McKeon, Anna Olson, Michael Pezone, Stacey Summerfield, Cathy Vollmann P'25

MAIL: Kimball Union Magazine welcomes submissions, letters, and comments. We reserve the right to review and edit all material that is accepted for publication. Please email submissions to Tricia McKeon at tmckeon@kua.org or send to: Kimball Union Magazine, PO Box 188, Meriden, NH 03770.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

OFFICERS

MOLLY BOURNE STEFFEY ’92 P’20 ’22

Board Chair Vero Beach, FL

RYAN MCPADDEN ’92 Vice Chair

Wellesley Hills, MA

GLENN POGUST J.D. P'13

Secretary New London, NH

KEITH MILNE ’05

Treasurer Hanover, NH

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP

DAVID ALLYN ’86, P’17’25 Skaneateles, NY

WILLIAM BARKER ’90 Acton, MA

DAVID BARRETTE ’05 Hanover, NH

BRIAN BODELL P’25 Bronxville, NY

JENNIFER BORISLOW ’78 P’07 ’10 Methuen, MA

JUSTINE FAHEY P’19 ’28 Norwich, VT

NEERAJ GARG P’25 Westport, CT

ROBIN GRONLUND ’81 P’11 Shelburne, VT

SCOTT HAMNER P’25 ’27 ’29 Norwich, VT

VIVA HARDIGG P’21 ’23 Hanover, NH

EDWARD G. HILD, J.D. '88 Washington, DC

JOSHUA MANDEL P’25 New York, NY

NELS OJARD P’27 Portsmouth, NH

JADI TAVERAS ’03 Haverhill, MA

KARLA RADKE P’21 New Ringgold, PA

CHANDLER SONG ’14 West Hollywood, CA

SHELDON STANSFIELD ’11 Lyme, NH

STEPHEN SURGENOR P’16 ’17 ’20, ‘25 Meriden, NH

TRUSTEES EMERITUS

SARAH GILES P’84 Booth Bay, ME

DON LOWERY ’73 New York, NY

JACK H. NELSON ’63 Hanover, NH

DAVID POND ’64 Bronxville, NY

“The circumstances vary but … there is always a thread of adversity that subsequently develops the trademark KUA quality of resiliency.”

Head of School Real Life Happens Here

With the great parade of the year all cleaned up and even the Quad now recovered from our rather soggy (and yes, muddy) Commencement ceremony, the great scenes of the past year are now the dominion of memory and photos, as we already work on setting the stage for the year ahead. By the middle of July, all the windows in Densmore Hall have been removed, completing a large-scale campus replacement process; sidewalks on both sides of Main Street are torn up from top to bottom for repaving; and a new greenhouse and garden emerge as a new chapter in our farm, food, and sustainability efforts is launched. September will not catch us by surprise!

In what had to be a KUA first, we closed out the year with two successive weekends of Commencement ceremonies. The Class of 2025 modeled resiliency to the finish line in braving the elements until the clouds parted for a post-celebration on the Barrette Student Center lawn. Not to be outdone, the Class of 2020 completed a redemption tour after being denied by COVID-19 the opportunity to have an in-person graduation. Approximately 40 members of the class came back to complete their high-school ritual, many as college graduates.

In my six years at KUA, each graduating class has had strikingly unique characteristics that defined their journey. The circumstances vary but—along with the joy, the friendships, and the amazing memories—there is always a thread of adversity that subsequently develops the trademark KUA quality of resiliency. Sometimes these challenges take the shape of large-scale events that rock the foundation of our full community or even the broader world, such as the tragic loss of a classmate or navigating through a global pandemic.

During Reunion weekend, an alumnus reflected on checking the bulletin board in Miller for their number on the Vietnam War draft list, and another alumnus shared the stupor that swept across campus on the morning of the 9/11 attacks. Real life happens here on The Hilltop in ways that galvanize us and deepen our connections to the people and the place that is such a comforting home through the unpredictable teenage years. For many years and circumstances, it is wrestling more traditional coming-of-age topics: being away from home, academic and social challenges, and learning to manage the emotional peaks and valleys that define the teenage years.

Resilience and gratitude are natural results of the KUA journey, and I hope you will enjoy seeing those themes throughout this issue, in the voice of a beloved retiring faculty member, the reflections of current and graduating students, and even an epic bike ride by an alumnus that captured the attention of the nation.

I could not be prouder of our graduating seniors this year. I shared with them often that they exhibited such wisdom—an uncommon characteristic to apply to a group their age but completely befitting. Whatever your connection to KUA, know that your school is thriving in program, facilities, enrollment, and, most importantly, in the people. The wisdom of our newest cohort of alumni, earned through their strength and demonstrated by their gratitude, is both definitive of them and a hallmark of our greater community.

Enjoy, TYLER LEWIS Head of School

HEARD FROM STUDENTS AND ALUMNI

Pump Up the Volume

We asked students and alumni to share the songs that would appear on their KUA soundtracks—the tunes that take them back to a moment in time on The Hilltop. Their responses are as eclectic as the generations they represent and make one fantastic playlist (or mix tape).

DAVID POND ’64

“What I remember best is going back to my room after an afternoon athletic practice, and as I got ready for dinner, I would turn on a Beach Boys’ album.

DAVID ALLYN ’86

“More of an album—Dire Straits’ Alchemy—on hockey trips.”

CHARLIE WILLIAMS ’25

“Noah Kahan is from the area and the song ‘Stick Season’ became popular when I got to KUA. Whenever I hear the song, it reminds of the memories I’ve made.”

GWENDOLYN STAR ’75

“Emerson, Lake & Palmer is what I hear any night in any dorm.”

BRYNN GARG ’25

“ ‘Upside Down’ by Jack Johnson reminds me of watching sunsets on Stu lawn and playing Spikeball until it’s too dark to see.”

MORGAN EDGERLY ’93

“Basically any grudge and hair band song from the ’90s.”

JASON BOURNE ’88

“I can’t hear ‘Who Made Who’ by AC/DC without thinking of ‘jam sesh’ in DR. My hearing was permanently damaged, but I think it was probably worth it.”

DREW OELTMANN ’87

“ ‘New Speedway Boogie’: I spent a little time on the mountain. I spent a little time on the hill.”

MATTHEW MCKINNEY ’95

JILL KATZ ’95

“Sharing Walkman headphones on the Whaleback ski lift and listening to ‘Peace Frog’ by The Doors.”

LUCY TILLINGHAST ’28

“ ‘Woodland’ by the Paper Kites reminds me of going to the deli in the early fall and the strange whimsy of exploring the stream and the edge of the nearby woods on the way.”

ISABELLE (NICOLAS) BAECK ’95

“Indigo Girls’ ‘Closer to Fine’: May have lost my voice screaming that on our way back from a few games.”

MELISSA LONGACRE ’89

“ ‘Buffalo Soldier’ puts me right back on the bus to an away soccer game!”

TONY LYNCH ’86

“ ‘Hurdy Gurdy Man’ in Bryant Hall.”

OLIVER AYERS ’27

“When I’m at a varsity hockey game and we score and hear all of the crowd sing ‘heyyy baaabbby, uhh ahh.’ ”

BOB FITZGERALD ’82

“AC/DC ‘Back in Black.’ ”

Hilltop

NEWS FROM CAMPUS

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Zoie Stevens ’25

If you asked Zoie Stevens ’25 as a child what she wanted to be when she grew up, she’d say she hoped to be a lawyer. She wasn’t interested in a lucrative salary, instead she’d cite her motivation to help others.

That answer changed two years ago after her father suffered a heart attack. Stevens witnessed the constant stream of caretakers flowing in and out of his hospital room at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. It prompted a change of heart about her career path.

“Seeing him in the hospital and the way the nurses reacted to everything made me want to become a nurse,” she says, adding that her father is now doing well. “They were always checking in on everybody— not just my dad—and making sure we were all okay. Some of them were really great.”

For the duration of the fall semester, the day student from Claremont, New Hampshire, took her first steps to begin a career in healthcare.

Stevens used an exemption to spend her required afternoon activity block in a 12-week licensed nursing assistant (LNA) training program. Upon completing the classroom and clinical training, Stevens passed the exam for her nursing assistant license last December and is now a practicing LNA in New Hampshire.

As an LNA and high school senior, Stevens’ schedule is busier than ever. She spends two nights a week working eight-hour shifts at Sullivan County Health Care, a nursing home in nearby Unity, New Hampshire. On workdays, she arrives on campus ahead of her 8:30 a.m. classes and usually leaves The Hilltop by 3 p.m.

After her shift wraps up around 11:30 p.m., it’s time to rest up ahead of another school day.

Despite the constant running around, Stevens says the work is extremely rewarding.

“I love working in the nursing home because I make connections with all of my residents,” she says. “I get really close to them. For some, family doesn’t come to visit a lot, so I’m all they have to talk to. That’s definitely been one of my favorite parts.”

Outside of class and work, Stevens is instrumental as starting catcher on KUA’s varsity softball team. Coach Matt Underhill P’28 credits Stevens as someone who leads by example and is always willing to help some of the team’s younger athletes.

What stands out most, Underhill says, is her work ethic.

“It’s hard enough to attend KUA as a student, let alone as a varsity athlete with such a demanding schedule,” says Underhill, who also teaches English. “She’s just go, go, go. It’s incredible, and she never complains about how busy she is. She’s just so happy to be here, and we’re so lucky to have her. She’s like a professional in an amateur setting.”

Following graduation, Stevens will attend Worcester State University to pursue a bachelor’s of science in nursing. From there, she hopes to work in either an intensive care, perioperative, or cardiovascular unit.

“KUA opened me up to meeting new people and putting myself out there more,” Stevens said. “I love it here. I’m getting a great education and have an amazing softball team, so it’s been really awesome.” K

—ZOIE STEVENS ’25

“KUA opened me up to meeting new people and putting myself out there more.”

850

Tacos enjoyed by the community on behalf of the DEIJB Student Leaders

15

Students read a poem during an April All-School Meeting in honor of National Poetry Month

211

Students and employees participated in this year’s campuswide game of Gotcha

7

Senior members of the Fire Brigade drove Engine 2 through an obstacle course and blew the air horn during their final night of training

KUA Design

EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH New KUA Publication Debuts

Kimball Union Academy released its first edition of KUA Design Review. This annual publication is a testament to the Academy’s dedication to integrating cutting-edge neuroscience into its educational practices.

KUA’s educational philosophy, called KUA Design, roots the Academy’s program design and informs its iterative approach to building on everything from professional development to technology policies and health and wellness practices on campus. The publication highlights the innovative work and research faculty have undertaken to enhance teaching and learning within the community.

“We are committed to being leaders in the practical application of the evolving neuroscience that informs teaching and learning,” said Head of School Tyler Lewis. “On our scale, KUA Design Review is an intellectual journal that inspires our educators to share their deep dives into published research and how they are applying the science in their own practice.” K

NEWS FROM CAMPUS

The Class of 2025

Applications sent to colleges & universities

218

Institutions admitted KUA students

94

Students enrolled at 76 different colleges and universities

5

Graduates will enroll at Endicott College

20

Graduates will enroll at a college in Massachusetts, the most popular state among graduates

22

Graduates are “trailblazers,” the first from the past five KUA graduating classes to enroll at a particular school

Focus on Best Fit

Nationwide, the Class of 2025 is on top of its game.

The number of high school graduates in the United States was projected to peak this year before starting a steady decline, according to data collected annually by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. That means KUA’s 106 graduates of the Class of 2025 will be in good company as they depart The Hilltop.

This fall, 94 of KUA’s most recent alumni will step foot onto 76 college and university campuses. Other members of the class will go on to pursue a gap year, play junior hockey, or pursue a postgraduate year. Regardless of their destination, this year’s graduates overcame an ever-changing college enrollment landscape.

With the help of the Office of College Advising, college-bound seniors managed those changing trends and focused their efforts on schools with the best fit for their individual success. As a result, the Class of 2025 boasted a higher overall acceptance rate than in years past while having submitted fewer costly applications.

What are the trends among this year’s graduates?

More students are applying early decision. Applications continue to rise, especially at large public universities, and many of those schools are seeing big increases in out-of-state interest. Southern universities—such as the University of Alabama, the University of Miami, Texas Christian University, and Virginia Tech—are on the rise among KUA and other high-school graduates in the Northeast.

“There’s been real growth in applications from first-generation students and those from underrepresented backgrounds, even as we start to feel the early signs of the demographic dip that’s coming,” adds Director of College Advising Gunnar Olson. “Some schools are leaning more on waitlists, and the conversation around fairness in admissions continues to evolve, with more schools moving away from legacy preferences and adjusting how they pursue diversity in a post-affirmative-action world.” K

College Destinations

Adelphi University

Auburn University (2)

Babson College

Bates College

Bentley University

Berklee College of Musi

Boston University (2)

Bowdoin College (2)

Brandeis University

Brown University

Bucknell University

California State University (Fullerton)

Carnegie Mellon University

Clarkson University

Colby College

Colby-Sawyer College

Colgate University

College of Charleston

Connecticut College

Cornell University

Dartmouth College (2)

Drew University

Endicott College (3)

Fairfield University

Franklin & Marshall College

George Washington

University

Haverford College

Hendrix College

Hobart and William Smith

Colleges

Ithaca College

Kenyon College

Lafayette College

Lehigh University (2)

Loyola Marymount University

Lynn University

Merrimack College (2)

New York University

Newberry College

Nichols College

North Carolina State University

Northeastern University (2)

Penn State University (University Park) (2)

Reed College

Rhode Island School of Design

Rutgers University (New Brunswick)

Saint Michael’s College

Salve Regina University

Siena College

Southern Methodist University (2)

St. Lawrence University

Stonehill College

Texas Christian University (2)

The University of Alabama

University of California (Berkeley)

University of Colorado

Boulder (2)

University of Connecticut (2)

University of Denver (2

University of Massachusetts (Boston)

University of Miami

University of New Hampshire (Main Campus) (2)

University of Rhode Island

University of Rochester

University of San Diego

University of Southern California

University of Vermont

University of Virginia (Main Campus)

Vermont State University

Virginia Military Institute

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Washington University in St. Louis

Wesleyan University

Wheaton College (MA)

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (2)

Worcester State University

Yale University

“The comprehensive upgrades have revitalized the space.”

—BECCA MAIN, GEORGE AKERSTROM CHAIR OF ATHLETICS

RENOVATIONS

A Higher Caliber

Community gathers to celebrate renovations and remember legacy of David Winslow ’81.

The Kimball Union community filled the Whittemore Athletic Center and Akerstrom Arena on February 8, warmed by the memories of David Winslow ’81 and the Winslow family, whose generosity helped propel major renovations to the facilities.

Seventy members of the KUA community—including parents, alumni, and many of Winslow’s classmates— came together to celebrate a legacy gift from Winslow that created a $250,000 challenge to the KUA community. More than 80 donors answered that match to collectively raise more than $500,000 to complete the renovations.

“This project honors the past with a nod to the people and teams who have passed through and secures a future that will inspire pride and achievement,” said Head of School Tyler Lewis P’28.

Upgrades were made to the main entry lobby, the concourse level, and the lower-level corridor. Some of the visible renovations include a new color scheme and décor, branding, and championship banners that enhance the visitor experience. Significant

upgrades to the HVAC system, lighting, restrooms, laundry, and locker rooms will bolster the facility and have a direct impact on the student experience for years to come.

“The renovations to the Whittemore Center and Akerstrom Arena have been truly transformative for our athletics program,” said Becca Main, the George Akerstrom Chair of Athletics. “These improvements not only elevate the daily training and competition experience for all our athletes but also serve as a powerful statement of our commitment to excellence, aiding in the recruitment and retention of top-tier talent.”

The celebration preceded boys’ and girls’ varsity hockey games, with a ceremonial puck drop between games. On hand to drop the puck were Winslow’s partner Lisa Clarke along with her daughters, Alexandra and Nicole; Scot Barry ’81; and Woodie Haskins ’69, head coach of KUA’s 1982 New England Championship Team.

“This project marks our first major investment in athletics and wellness here at KUA in well over a decade— and serves as a springboard to many exciting projects to follow,” Lewis told the crowd, including former players and teammates of Winslow.

This winter season all the Wildcat teams continued to play to the higher caliber of their refreshed arena. The boys’ varsity hockey team won the Lakes Region League Regular-Season Championship, the Lakes Region League Tournament Championship, and ultimately the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Small School Championship—its eighth since 2010.

Although the Athletic Center serves as a worthy home to the boys’ and girls’ ice hockey programs, it’s also a hub of activity for KUA Athletics, where you can find athletic offices and training rooms accessed by all student-athletes and coaches.

“The comprehensive upgrades have revitalized the space,” said Main. “They’ve created an environment that energizes our student-athletes, coaches, as well as our entire community.” K

OBJECT LESSON A Dress for Success

Today’s Kimball Union graduates don academic regalia including a gown and mortar board, but just as high school attire has evolved, so too have commencement traditions. Since the 19th century, many young women at high schools and colleges have selected white dresses to mark the ceremonial end to their studies. The color is believed to signify uniformity and gained further traction when adopted by suffragists and women’s rights activists in the early 20th century. Flora Thrasher, Class of 1908, wore this white, handmade cotton dress adorned with a floral pattern as she and 15 classmates participated in commencement exercises on the morning of Wednesday, June 17, 1908. Thrasher was one of nine children born to Eliza Dickinson and Wallace Thrasher, who also attended KUA. As a student, she made the 7-mile walk from her Plainfield home to campus each weekend carrying food for the week, Thrasher’s family said, as full board amenities were not yet available to girls. Thrasher went on to become a teacher in Vermont. She passed away in 1964 at the age of 73. Her dress was gifted to KUA in 2021 by her family and is housed in the archives. K

CAMPUS LIFE

Winning Spirit

Head to a JV game and you will undoubtedly catch a glimpse of what makes the JV experience at KUA special. You may find a seasoned athlete mentoring a young player or trying their hand at a new sport, a first-time athlete taking introductory steps onto the ice, a student scoring their inaugural goal to the roar of a crowd, a packed gymnasium greeting a team of ninth-graders, or players turning to a trusted coach for support after a tough loss. Here are just a few of those moments from the 2024-25 academic year.

1. Good Energy

Boys’ JV2 basketball attracted a range of players this year, including varsity athletes and seniors who played on other teams but brought leadership and energy to the court. Daniel Machado ’25, who will play baseball at Hendrix College next year, had not played organized basketball since the fourth grade, but his parents traveled from New Jersey to watch the team’s final game.

2. Sweet Revenge

After the boys’ JV lacrosse team suffered five losses on the road, players turned things around to win their last four, including beating Proctor and Holderness at home in a span of fewer than 24 hours. The game against Proctor was played in a solid downpour, which didn’t dampen the spirits of players, coaches, or the large student section cheering on the win.

3. Undeniable Spirit

Year after year, girls’ JV hockey brings an undeniable spirit to Akerstrom Arena, often accompanied by a curated playlist. Lily Swidler ’25 and Hadley Bethke ’25 greet the refs with fist bumps before taking the ice during a game with Holderness.

4. Game of Firsts

“This was Aerin Kim’s first year ever playing lacrosse, and she got her first goal in our last game of the season!” says Tai Rivellini, Head Coach of girls’ JV lacrosse. “J.C. Bernard ’27 also got her first hat trick in a lacrosse game that day—and this was her first season playing.”

5. Electric Atmosphere

“It was such an amazing crowd to cheer our team on— and what a game!” says Tom Lord P’09, Head Coach of girls’ JV basketball. “The New Hampton coach said afterwards that it was the most electric atmosphere he had ever seen for a JV game of any sport. I had to agree! Really proud of our girls and our fans!”

6. Cherished Memories

“Growing up in Florida and playing hockey for 10 years now has been an ironic story that follows me around, but this past winter season I was able to experience pond hockey for the first time on Chellis Pond with all my teammates and coaches,” says Gio Gelli ’27. “Although to everyone up north this experience feels like an annual tradition, kids like me from the South will cherish and enjoy these memories.”

“It was such an amazing crowd to cheer our team on —and what a game!” —TOM LORD P'09, HEAD COACH OF GIRLS’ JV BASKETBALL

NEWS FROM CAMPUS

COMMENCEMENT

Show of Resilience

There was no way the Class of 2025 was going to let a little cold rain and a muddy Quad dampen their spirits. Not on their big day.

And in a sense, the showers that cleared just as the 106 graduates rose to accept their long-awaited diplomas served as a fitting reminder of the importance of resiliency when faced with life’s imperfections. That, after all, has been a familiar theme for a class that began its high school journey during the tail-end of a global pandemic.

“It’s you, your accomplishments, resiliency, and excellence that we’ve put our warmest socks and best suit on to honor today,” Head of School Tyler Lewis P’28 told graduates and the hundreds in attendance to support them. “You’ve been a class that thinks and feels deeply, and you express it in so many different ways. It was one drop-the-mic moment after another this year. So many original songs, poems, monologues, game-winning goals, and boldly expressive pieces of art have come from your hearts and minds. You have amazed us. All of you.”

That sentiment was echoed by World Languages Department Chair Scribner Fauver H’25 P’09 ’12, who retired from KUA this spring after 33 years of service to the Academy. Fauver, as he noted during a heartfelt Commencement address, felt a kinship with the graduates as he was departing for his next chapter as well. He used his time to impart one final lesson.

“Students, you can do anything,” he said. “You can win Olympic medals. You can perform in Broadway shows. You can change the world. But that’s not all. You have huge hearts that have been stretched large this year. It has been a privilege to live and work with you and to learn from you. I love you.”

For her part, Valedictorian Isobel Bent ’25, a Lebanon, N.H., native who heads to Carnegie Mellon University in the fall, reminded her peers to thank those who’ve helped them overcome countless challenges on their journey to graduation. A Global Scholar, Cullman Scholarship winner, and member of the girls’ varsity tennis team, Bent earned the valedictorian designation typically awarded to the individual with the highest academic record in the class.

“I am so proud of everything we’ve accomplished these past four years,” Bent told her peers. “But none of it happened on our own. So, thank your parents, thank your teachers, thank your friends and classmates, and most of all, thank yourself. You’ve worked so hard to get here.”

This year’s ceremony also honored the life of Macy Piersiak ’25, a member of the Class of 2025 who died tragically last fall. Graduates and faculty wore pink roses in memory of Piersiak, who was posthumously bestowed the Class of 1920 Award, given by the graduating class to one classmate who, in their opinion, represents KUA’s shared values and personifies how the class would like to be remembered.

Graduating seniors were celebrated during several events in the day’s leading up to Commencement, including a formal senior reception and dinner, awards ceremony, and Baccalaureate service. And in front of a packed audience during the Baccalaureate service, Co-Salutatorian Angus Spence ’25 was met with a standing ovation after offering one final wish to his peers.

“I wish you strength in the face of adversity, that your aid of peers is reciprocated, and that resilience is your guided light toward the end of the tunnel” said Spence, who shared salutatorian honors with Brynn Garg ’25. “I wish you all a productive struggle that makes you stronger.”

For the Class of 2025, those words resonate rain or shine. K

“You have huge hearts that have been stretched large this year.”

—SCRIBNER

FAUVER H’25 P’09 ’12, WORLD LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT CHAIR

106

Graduates in the Class of 2025

40

Hours Scrib Fauver H’25 P’09 ’12 practices pronouncing graduate names before reading them at Commencement

14

15

Graduates completing Arts, Global, and STEM Scholar programs

300

Ponchos

“You’ve been a class that thinks and feels deeply, and you express it in so many different ways.”

—TYLER LEWIS, HEAD OF SCHOOL

Hilltop

SPORTS

SPORTS NEWS FROM CAMPUS

Courting Success

Girls’ varsity basketball reaches new heights.

Getting high school basketball players to buy into a new coaching philosophy can be difficult. Especially when that philosophy revolves around out-hustling and out-working the competition.

But when those demands lead to results on the hardwood—say, three New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) girls’ basketball tournament appearances in four years—it’s tough to sit on the sidelines while others put in the effort.

That’s been the case for the KUA girls’ varsity team under Head Coach Angelica Pascual. Since she took the helm four years ago, Pascual’s teams have earned a reputation as NEPSAC contenders, most recently competing to the championship game of this year’s tournament. And although the Wildcats didn’t come away with the title, the team’s 20-5 overall record and NEPSAC runner-up finish represented the program’s best season since 2015.

“You get what you put in, and I coach with that mentality every single day,” says Pascual, who also serves as assistant director of admission. “Shifting a culture doesn’t happen overnight, but consistency builds trust. And when players trust you, bonds form. Those bonds become the foundation for team culture—family, tradition, and accountability—and I think that’s how you get true buy in.”

KUA entered this year’s NEPSAC Class C tournament as the No. 1 seed by virtue of an impressive regular season that featured an 11-game win streak and went on to clinch its first ticket to the title game in a decade.

“Coach Angelica has been a blessing from God,” says starting point guard Nyasia Caban ’27, NEPSAC Class C Player of the Year. “She’s taught me that hard work always beats talent, and that is

CHAMPIONS

The varsity softball team captured the 2025 Lakes Region League Championship with a 7-3 win over Tilton. It was the Wildcats’ second Lakes Region championship in three years.

something I will keep with me the rest of my life. She taught me to believe in myself and that I’m more than just a basketball player.”

Pascual’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed by her peers, who named her 2024-25 NEPSAC Class C Coach of the Year. Pascual said she was humbled by the award, but rather than gaining accolades, her true motivation is helping student-athletes grow as individuals.

“I started coaching because I used to be that kid seeking connection and someone who believed in me,” Pascual says. “I understand how crucial this role is for young athletes and how it can significantly affect their lives, positively or negatively. This work is not easy and being recognized reminds me of why I chose this profession: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our student-athletes.”

There’s no denying the impact Pascual has had on her athletes both on and off the court, as demonstrated by both their in-season success and camaraderie long after. That camaraderie, Pascual says, is reinforced during countless excursions and team dinners and makes her confident in her team’s future—even with a constantly evolving roster.

The Wildcats graduated four seniors after advancing to this year’s NEPSAC title game: Dakoda Correia ’25, Stella Kozak ’25, Sylvie McClure ’25, and Bethany Solari ’25. Although Pascual says she’ll miss the leadership these four provided daily, she’s excited to see who will step up to fill that void.

“Tradition lives on,” Pascual says. “We have some promising players coming in, and someone will step into that leadership role. The standard has been set, and next year’s team is ready to write its own chapter while honoring the one before it.” K

3

“You get what you put in, and I coach with that mentality every single day.”

— ANGELICA PASCUAL, GIRLS’ VARSITY BASKETBALL HEAD COACH

SUPER MASTER

Former faculty member Andy Kaplan made it to the championship round playing for Team USA (60+) in the invitation-only Super Masters World Cup Soccer Tournament at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, in May.

student-athletes will represent their nations in the Men’s U20 World Lacrosse Championships in Seogwipo, South Korea in August

UPSET

Six alumni played in the 2025 Division I Hockey Tournament, with Cornell’s Sullivan Mack ’20 scoring a goal with 10 seconds remaining to lift the No. 16 Big Red to a 4-3 upset over No. 1 Michigan State in the opening round.

SELECTED

Kyra Russman Araya ’20 played for Vermont Green FC in its Women’s Exhibition games in June under Head Coach Sam Mewis, former U.S. pro soccer player and Olympian.

ARTS NEWS FROM CAMPUS

THE ARTS

Moments of the Sublime

Cullman Scholar leans into inspiration and her intangible heritage.

For as long as she can remember, Elena Wang ’25 has loved art in all its forms.

From doodling in a notebook or on an iPad to watching movies with her parents, Wang was often immersed in some artistic endeavor. But it wasn’t until she arrived on The Hilltop as a ninth-grader that she realized the depth of that love.

“I realized art classes were the classes I’d get really excited for,” Wang says of her first year at the Academy. “I remember never really wanting to get up in the morning for an 8:30 class, but if that class was painting or something like that, I was happy to go. And I was kind of like, ‘Oh, maybe that’s what I want to do with my future.’ ”

Wang credits Dean of Faculty and Visual Arts Teacher Julie Haskell and Visual Arts Teacher Riley Adams for shaping her abilities as an artist. Although she came to KUA with strong technical abilities, she struggled to convey a message through her work. That all changed as she completed “Advanced Studio Art II,” however, thanks to some meaningful conversations and good old-fashioned repetition.

“Elena kept making art and leaning into the subjects that interested and inspired her,” Haskell says of Wang’s determination to

find her artistic voice. “Over time her work became focused on the human experience: moments of the sublime, times of deep sorrow, and those confusing or passionate moments in between. Elena has so much to say, and her work is very rich in both meaning and beauty. She is one of the most gifted artists I’ve had the honor to teach.”

Those artistic gifts earned her plenty of recognition along the way. As a sophomore, Wang received a National Gold Medal Award through the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for her digitally created piece, Youth. This spring, she earned the best painting award at the AVA Gallery & Art Center’s annual student exhibition after having earned honorable mention in the category the previous two years.

KUA has also afforded her the opportunity to pursue one of her less-explored artistic passions for filmmaking. Wang says she grew up watching movies—roughly 600 by her count—with her parents and recalls falling in love with the craft while watching Tim Burton’s Big Fish.

“It became like a family thing for us to watch a movie together on weekends and I remember watching Big Fish and thinking, ‘I’m in

love with this,’ ” Wang says. “I’m a painter but movies are also a really big part of my life.”

Wang was awarded a Cullman Scholarship to further develop that passion for filmmaking. She worked last summer with a New York University professor on her own documentary. This meant spending time in her native China to tell a story of intangible heritage—those practices, knowledge, or skills recognized by groups as part of its cultural heritage—through the lens of bamboo over porcelain, a traditional Chinese technique of weaving bamboo over porcelain craftwork. She developed a script, filmed B-roll, conducted on-camera interviews, and worked with her NYU professor to develop a 10-minute documentary.

Wang says she enjoyed the experience so much that she plans to make more personal films, beginning with a postgraduation trip to South Korea with some KUA friends. Wang will return to New England this fall to attend the Rhode Island School of Design, where she’ll major in painting.

“Art has become such a big part of my life, and I’m grateful to the people at KUA who pushed me to become better,” Wang says. “I’m going to miss it here.” K

“Art has become such a big part of my life, and I’m grateful to the people at KUA who pushed me to become better.” —ELENA WANG ’25

Six seniors completed and presented capstones as part of the Arts Scholar Program in disciplines ranging from music to dance to poetry to film to painting.

FESTIVAL

Pianist Norwood

’25 participated in the Intermuse International Music Institute & Festival, a 10-day program designed for elite high school and college musicians.

West Lee-Ogilbee ’28 represented KUA in the New Hampshire Poetry Out Loud Regional Semifinals, memorizing and reciting two poems at New England College.

HEALTHY HABITS FOR RESTFUL NIGHTS

PROMOTING WELL-BEING THROUGH POSITIVE SLEEP HYGIENE | BY SCOTT WINHAM P'25

As the dean of Residential Life, I am interested in how to optimize our boarding students’ time in their dorms. Initially, I hoped to consider the aspects of dorm life between dinner and “lights out”—when students must turn out the lights and go to sleep—during my fellowship. However, after beginning this process, I realized two things: First, sleep is crucial for many reasons, especially to teens; and second, everything that happens between dinner and lights out can impact healthy sleep. Although I have always known the importance of sleep, I had not fully appreciated the many ways it impacts our students’ well-being and academic performance. Through my research, I discovered several fascinating insights into adolescent sleep patterns and how we, as a school, can foster positive sleep hygiene.

The scientific community has long established the critical role of sleep. However, some findings stood out for our work with teenagers. Teen brains naturally shift to prefer later sleep onset due to delayed melatonin production. This change means that traditional, early school start times may not align with their biological clocks. Additionally, our evolutionary history suggests we are designed to sleep in sync with natural light cycles, highlighting the importance of exposure to natural light. Another crucial point is that while individual sleep needs vary, the optimal duration for teens is

“The role of sleep in consolidating memory and the development of the prefrontal cortex … further solidifies the need for prioritizing sleep in our students’ routines.”

—SCOTT WINHAM Dean of Residential Life

around nine hours. These factors became guiding principles in evaluating our current practices and exploring areas for improvement.

I came across studies by Feinberg and Campbell (2009) that used EEG readings to shed light on the changes in sleep patterns during adolescence, emphasizing the significance of slow-wave sleep and REM sleep in memory consolidation, cognitive development, and synaptic pruning. Their work underscores how crucial adequate sleep is for teens, not just for rest but for their overall brain development. The role of sleep in consolidating memory and the development of the prefrontal

cortex—responsible for executive functions such as impulse control and anxiety management—further solidifies the need for prioritizing sleep in our students’ routines.

The physical benefits of sleep are equally compelling. According to Mason et al. (2023), adequate sleep is crucial for physical growth, muscle recovery, and overall health. Adolescents who get less than eight hours of sleep are significantly more likely to sustain injuries and have weakened immune systems. This reinforces the need to advocate for better sleep hygiene as part of our students’ physical well-being, especially for student-athletes.

Reflecting on our practices at KUA, I found that our lights-out policy and the nightly shut-down of the internet at 11:30 p.m. support healthy teenage sleep patterns, aligning reasonably well with our students’ natural rhythms. Our 8:30 a.m. class start times, though constrained by various factors such as sports and meals, also seem to strike a balance, though there is always room for improvement. The timing of our Study Hours, from 8 to 9:30 p.m., followed by a later lights-out, appears beneficial based on research by Holz et al. (2012) and Gais et al. (2006). These studies showed that learning activities conducted shortly before sleep positively impact memory consolidation, particularly when followed by adequate rest, and reinforce the importance of structuring evening activities in a way that supports both learning and sleep.

Exposure to light emerged as another critical factor. Bright or blue light exposure in the evening delays melatonin production, disrupting sleep onset. Conversely, morning sunlight helps regulate sleep cycles. This insight has prompted me to consider ways to adjust our dorm environments, perhaps by dimming lights in the evening and encouraging natural light exposure in the mornings, and we will be conducting dorm audits to see where we can make improvements. Also, simple activities such as walking to the dining hall before class can offer valuable morning light exposure, aiding in better sleep regulation. For our students who live in different time zones than KUA, it is of the utmost importance to get as much natural light as possible when they are reacclimating to the rhythms of campus life.

Technology use before bed is another area of concern. Hysing et al. (2015) highlighted the negative impact of screen time on sleep, including shorter duration, delayed onset, and overall sleep deficiency. Encouragingly, face-to-face social interactions, as discussed by Jones and Wikle (2023), promote better sleep patterns. This insight has been instrumental in

shaping our policies, such as the new “Tech Turn-in” policy for ninth-grade boarding students. The anecdotal feedback has been positive, with students reporting getting more sleep and parents appreciating the initiative. This success has sparked discussions about extending similar opportunities to other grade levels.

While policies can set the stage, empowering students with knowledge about healthy sleep practices is crucial. This fall, we initiated a program of educating dorm proctors on the importance of sleep and asking them to lead dorm meeting activities designed to educate our boarding students and promote positive sleep hygiene. The inaugural meeting in October focused on brain science and the impact of sleep on brain development and cognitive function, featuring an engaging trivia contest. Ongoing work will focus on the physical benefits of sleep and the impact of light and how nutrition affects healthy sleep. Additionally, sharing this information with parents ensures a holistic approach, reinforcing these habits both at school and at home.

This fellowship has deepened my understanding of the multifaceted role of sleep in adolescent development. While I always knew sleep was important, this research has illuminated just how critical it is for cognitive, emotional, and physical health. KUA’s current practices are on the right track, but there is always room for growth. By continuing to refine our approaches, fostering a culture of awareness, and putting sleep-encouraging structures in place, we can better support our students in achieving healthy, restful nights and, ultimately, greater overall well-being. K

Scott Winham is the dean of Residential Life. He served as an inaugural KUA Design Fellow. His work represents his findings from a project he completed as part of a summer fellowship in 2024 to engage in research related to his professional work. This article appeared in KUA Design Review

REFERENCES

Feinberg, Irwin, and Ian G. Campbell. “Sleep EEG Changes During Adolescence: An Index of a Fundamental Brain Reorganization.” Brain and Cognition 72, no. 1 (2010): 56–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. bandc.2009.09.008.

Gais, Steffen, Brian Lucas, and Jan Born. “Sleep After Learning Aids Memory Recall.” Learning & Memory 13, no. 3 (2006): 259–262. https://doi.org/10.1101/lm.132106.

Holz, Johannes, Hannah Piosczyk, Nina Landmann, et al. “The Timing of Learning before Night-Time Sleep Differentially Affects Declarative and Procedural Long-Term Memory Consolidation in “Adolescents.” PloS One 7, no. 7 (2012). https://doi. org/10.1371/journal.pone.0040963.

Hysing, Mari, Stale Pallesen, Kjell Morten Stormark, Reidar Jakobsen, Astri J. Lundervold, and Borge Sivertsen. “Sleep and Use of Electronic Devices in Adolescence: Results from a Large Population-based Study.” BMJ Open 5, no. 1 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1136/ bmjopen-2014-006748.

Jones, Blake L., and Jocelyn S. Wikle. “Activities and Social Contact as Antecedents to Sleep Onset Time in U.S. Adolescents.” Journal of Research on Adolescence: The Official Journal of the Society for Research on Adolescence 33, no. 3 (2023): 1048–1060. https://doi. org/10.1111/jora.12857.

Kinsey, Amber W., and Michael J. Ormsbee. “The Health Impact of Nighttime Eating: Old and New Perspectives.” Nutrients 7, no. 4 (2015): 2648–2662. https://doi.org/10.3390/ nu7042648.

Mason, Lorcan, James Connolly, Lydia E. Devenney, Karl Lacey, Jim O’Donovan, and Ronan Doherty. “Sleep, Nutrition, and Injury Risk in Adolescent Athletes: A Narrative Review.” Nutrients 15, no. 24 (2023): 5101. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15245101.

Tarokh, Leila, Jared M. Saletin, and Mary A. Carskadon. “Sleep in Adolescence: Physiology, Cognition and Mental Health.” Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 70 (2016): 182–188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. neubiorev.2016.08.008.

Typaldos, Marlene, and Daniel G. Glaze. “Teenagers: Sleep Patterns and School Performance.” The National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project (2021).

Urrila, Anna S., Eric Artiges, Jessica Massicotte, et al. “Sleep Habits, Academic Performance, and the Adolescent Brain Structure.” Scientific Reports 7 (2017). https:// doi.org/10.1038/srep41678.

“CAPTURE HEARTS”THEIR

SCRIB FAUVER H’25 P’09 ’12 RETIRES AFTER 33 YEARS.

After you’ve worked with Scrib Fauver H’25 P’09 ’12 for some time, you’ll start to notice a little twinkle in his eye during a conversation over lunch or a casual passing in the Quad. You realize he’s either about to deliver sage advice or he’s up to some mischief.

It’s probably why for the past 33 years he’s garnered a loyal following from adults and students.

Fauver retired at the end of the academic year as chair of the world languages department. Although he taught Spanish at various times, his French courses were a constant for the duration of his tenure. And while you’d think he’d profess a deep love of French language and culture, he dismisses this notion.

“College professors teach their subjects, but high-school teachers teach kids,” he says. “French is secondary. It’s the way I get to them and help them grow up—help them find their thing.”

To help his students find their thing, he devises engaging projects that even the most jaded teenagers can’t resist, creating French murder mysteries, conducting interviews on Main Street, enjoying French dinners by candlelight, filming class documentaries, storming the Bastille, and perhaps his pièce de resistance—building a model of Notre Dame Cathedral only to set it alight and then narrate its demise, in French, naturally.

His oft-quoted motto, which has been replicated by generations of teachers: “If you capture their hearts, their minds will follow.”

When students weren’t finding their thing in French, they were finding it on the playing field or court, as Fauver coached boys’ varsity soccer for nine years, girls’ varsity soccer for four years, and JV basketball and soccer for many more. He even helped a student find his future wife—daughter Olivia—after bringing him home for an advisory dinner and they connected while chopping onions.

“Scrib was always ahead of his time,” says Eric Russman P’20 ’24, dean of students and Spanish teacher who worked

with him for 21 years. “He understands people. Most importantly—and here’s the secret sauce—he cares about them, especially his students. In his quiet, sincere, earnest, wise, and wittiest of ways, Scrib has an instinct, an intuition, a way of seeing, anticipating, believing, and knowing what is important; what matters, what works, and what really makes the difference.”

That sense of care is likely what drove Fauver to abandon a job in corporate litigation in Boston and move to rural New Hampshire to teach at the Academy.

“I thought we’d stay five years,” he says of his start at KUA. “I was young and all about moving up. But my kids grew roots here, and they loved it. My wife started the KUA dance program. It took me a little longer, but I ended up falling in love with the whole thing. It was fun to watch the school grow and improve in all kinds of ways.”

KUA was also closer to his alma mater of Dartmouth, where he learned the craft of teaching and found his spark under the tutelage of John Rassias, a renowned professor who developed the

“COLLEGE PROFESSORS TEACH THEIR SUBJECTS, BUT HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS TEACH KIDS.”

“Rassias Method” for teaching language while training Peace Corp volunteers in the 1960s. Fauver later brought the Rassias Method to KUA for a summer institute for nine years, creating a training ground for language educators. Learning never had an age limit for him. After KUA, Fauver is looking forward to more time with a new granddaughter, exercising, and exploring. “I can finish my damn book,” he says. “Whatever I do, I tend to go all in. I’m a little curious about what the next thing is going to be, but I’ve had practice with retirement every summer and I’m quite good at it.”

He plans to remain in Meriden, where he will inevitably be learning and teaching someone something. This is, after all, a place that captured his heart. K

Connect

NEWS FROM ALUMNI

Top Right: Head of School Tyler Lewis P'28, Valedictorian Xinyu Xu '20, and Former Head of School Michael Schafer H'13 P'12, '15, '19 celebrate the Class of 2020 at Reunion.

Middle Left: Jer Shipman ’04, Alyssa Morris ’20, Alex Parsons ’20, Dylan McGraw ’04, Kristen Richardson ’20, Megan Dodge P’28, Abby Prewitt ’18, Riley Dole ’18, and Tamara Waraschinski enjoy the Boston Peer Schools Networking

Middle

Bottom

Bottom

“Life is not about what you do in a day, but why you are doing it.” SARAH ROBERTS '08

Connect

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

NEWS FROM ALUMNI

Support at Every Turn

Spencer Cline ’17 pedals across the country to raise awareness of frontotemporal degeneration.

At 6-foot-7, Spencer Cline ’17 was accustomed to attention for how he performed on the basketball court. Now, the former KUA, Saint Anselm, and Babson player might be known most for what he accomplished on two wheels.

It’s exactly the goal he hoped to achieve.

Cline was on a mission last year to raise awareness and funds for frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), a disease that took the life of his father, Lawrence, in 2012, when Cline was just 13 years old. FTD is the most common form of dementia for people under the age of 60. It gradually erodes an individual’s personality: their ability to speak, make sound decisions, control their movements, behave within social norms, and relate to

those they love.

Armed with a bike, 50 pounds of gear, a desire to see the country, and the power of social media, the Atlanta resident pedaled across the country from Oregon to South Carolina in what may have felt like the only option after watching a loved one suffer from a disease with no cure and no way to slow its progression.

“My main goal was to raise enough awareness and funding to see a cure in my lifetime,” he says. “After the first week, I thought I should’ve done a bake sale.”

It turns out cycling is hard and the road is long. Flat tires, stray dogs, broken wrists, and bike crashes impeded his progress. Yet Cline said there was reason to forge ahead: Genetically linked ALS/FTD also claimed the lives of three uncles, and he and his siblings stand a 50-percent chance of developing one of these diseases in their lifetimes.

“I think for me it’s extreme, but I look at it as success or death,” says Cline, a triplet with two older siblings. “I need to see a cure in my lifetime, or I may have to watch my siblings go through the same thing, or my future wife or future kids will have to go through what I went through.”

Cline found a lot of support—and the attention he hoped for—at every turn.

“I met a lot of strangers who would help, give me food and water or a place to stay, some people had even given me a hotel for a night,” he says. “I reached out to churches, and they’d let me sleep there for a night. I found a lot of kindness from strangers.”

When he couldn’t keep pedaling, others jumped on their bikes to fill the miles and cheer him on through social media, including Emma Heming Willis, whose husband, actor Bruce Willis, suffers from FTD. Toward the end of the road, ABC News heard of his journey and named him “Person of the Week.” He also served as the keynote speaker at the AFTD Hope Rising Benefit in New York City.

“It’s taught me that life is fleeting and tomorrow is not always guaranteed,” says Cline, who has been working in tech sales since wrapping up his trip in January. “I’m enjoying the low moments that often get overlooked. Thursdays I play cornhole with my brother.” K

“We made this campus a story worth telling, and we did it all together.” —KRISTEN RICHARDSON ’20

Home at Last

Their graduation was five years in the making.

There is a cadence to high-school life that has carried many a KUA alum into their college years and beyond. For the Class of 2020, that sprint to the finish of high school came to a halt when COVID-19 reached Meriden and shuttered KUA. There was no prom, no senior trip, no spring games or senior performances, and no march through Bicentennial Quad to “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Boxes filled with gowns, mortarboards, diplomas and yearbooks were dispatched from campus to KUA’s global graduating community. On May 23, 2020, the Academy held a virtual “Closure Ceremony” to celebrate the many accomplishments of the class and mark the official end of high school, with plans to reconvene in person at an “appropriate point in the future.”

That point came on June 1, as the Class of 2020 reconnected for its fifth reunion and members heard their names called one by one at an in-person ceremony in the Schafer Family Library. “This moment has been five years in the making, a celebration that never happened for a chapter that ended far too soon,” said Kristen Richardson ’20, who helped organize the event.

Former Head of School Mike Schafer H’13 P’12, ’15, ’19 and current Head of School Tyler Lewis P’28 reminded the 40 classmates who returned to campus that high school is not defined by a single, culminating event but by the moments that happen along the way. “You saw things in yourself that you never had discovered, and we saw things in you that you never really did realize that you could dream and do,” said Schafer of the faculty.

Lewis, who arrived at the start of the 2019-20 academic year, reflected on his first impressions of the class and its leadership. “In those opening months, I was in awe, in awe of all of you and in awe of this culture that has been developed and that you were perpetuating so well.”

The class invited former English teacher Sarah Roberts ’08 to serve as guest speaker. “People can feel a little untethered in their early 20s,” she said. “Your fiercely structured lives are a little emptier, and you might be trying to find your footing for your greater purpose. And I’m here to tell you that’s all okay. I want you to try things and change your mind and then change it again. Life is not about what you do in the day, but why are you doing it.”

“This weekend does not fix what we lost in 2020,” Richardson told her classmates, “but it gives us something just as powerful: a real chance to connect and remember who we were and how much we all meant to each other. We made this place a home. We made this campus a story worth telling, and we did it all together.” K

Class Notes

DISPATCHES NEWS FROM ALUMNI

1953

Stanford B. Vincent (508) 457-6473 • stan@vincentcurtis.com

One of the pleasures of being class agent is the ability to keep in touch with classmates from all parts of the country, hear what they’ve been up to, and share stories of the past. Among those checking in this spring were Pete Bowser from northern California, Pete Whiteside in Florida, Charlie Harriman from coastal Maine, Charlie Lawrence in Vermont, and two Massachusetts guys, Pete Meleney and Paul Russo. Unfortunately, I see that our class news appears to be placed closer and closer to the beginning of the Class Notes section and the content tends to be less and less. While this should be expected, the product of our having passed our 90th year, nevertheless it brings with it the sad news of the passing of some of our closest friends. Since the last edition of this publication, obituaries have been received of Tom Fay, Ralph Rose, and Roger “Harry” Jones

1955

Warren Huse (603)524-6593•warrenhuse�@gmail.com

I am sorry to report that Anthony Crovo, 88, of Newton and Duxbury, Mass., and Naples, Fla., died, March 14. Tony was president and founder of Crovo’s Liquor Store of Randolph, Mass., for 42 years. He was also president of Webster Island Beach Association, an avid golfer and handball player. The class sends condolences to Tony’s wife, Adeline, and children Anthony “Chip” Jr., Melina, and Maria

and her husband, Eric; and grandchildren Joseph, Angelina, Adeline, Isabella, and Anthony III.

George Place reports that despite a small turnout and a deluge of rain on Saturday, May 31, our 70th Reunion was a success. “Ron Harrison, Carl Houghton, and I presented Kathy Munro with a Commendation Award from KUA and the Class of 1955. The ceremony was held on the balcony (Gathering Space) in the new student dormitory named Howe Dewdney Hall that Kathy had funded. It was an area for students and faculty to mingle outside of class to encourage more socialization in student housing; a departure from the more institutional dormitories of the past. Kathy accepted the award with much appreciation and was totally surprised. Carl could not stay for that night’s Awards Dinner, so Ron and I were the sole representatives of the class. In addition to being the oldest class in attendance, two of us received Alumni Volunteer Awards; One went to me and the second went to Warren Huse (in absentia). As a sign of respect for our graduation so many years ago, Warren and I received a standing ovation from those in attendance. Several extra copies of the 70th Reunion booklet were available and well received by alumni, faculty, and staff. Head of School Tyler Lewis even mentioned it in his remarks during dinner. A signed copy went to the school archivist, Anna Olson.” (Bravo to George for putting the booklet together!)

Howie Goldberg writes: “Fortunately, due to our proximity to one another, George and I have been able to get together several times since my last transmission. I did, however, miss his big weekend at

our reunion. He’s done a great job keeping our class together. His effort to make Kathy Munro an honorary member of the great Class of ’55 was an excellent move. His outstanding Alumnus Award is well deserved! I have had some contact with Ron Harrison as well. Unfortunately, due to our inability to match dates, we haven’t been able to get together recently. I have had some very enjoyable phone conversations with my old buddy Byron Koh. It’s always great to get together by phone, even if we don’t manage to be together in person very often. We used to have many really enjoyable conversations in our time together on The Hilltop. These interesting conversations continue now on the phone. Sheila and I are hanging in. She is in better shape than I am.”

From Walter Phelps: “I think I mentioned last time I had major surgery on my tongue (1.75 inches removed). Recovery since last August has been difficult to say the least. Now I have to deal with problems in the same area requiring scans and biopsies. I chose not to do radiation and now wonder whether I made a mistake. Bonnie and I continue to live in a retirement community. She loves it; me not so much.”

Ron Harrison writes he “did attend the great Class of ’55 70th reunion along with George Place and Carl Houghton and their wives. I was accompanied by my friend, Linda, who came all the way from Michigan to do so, such is the drawing power of KUA.”

Bruce Whitney says that his wife, Ruth, had a setback in late May and ended up in the hospital again. She was home in early June, “and we are doing home rehab with the help of Franklin Visiting

Nurse Association. They come to the house and do vitals and bloodwork. Making progress one step at the time. Sorry we were unable to make the class reunion. Ruth has to be on oxygen all the time. I am very busy doing housework. Hope the rest of the class is doing well.”

I had my own hospitalization in April, following some low blood pressure issues, but am on the mend at this writing in early June. I only missed three issues of my weekly “History Pages” for the newspaper. Being without access to a computer for a month was frustrating. Who would have thought that in 1955!”

1970

Dennis Mullen, Charles Hackett, Joan Bishop H’00 P’85 ’86 ’89 ’91 GP’18 ’22, Leroy Walker, Steve Bishop H’00 P’85 ’86 ’89 ’91 GP’18 ’22, and Bill Bolton recently gathered in Venice, Fla., for a mini class reunion, with Glenn McNab and Rob Thomson joining via FaceTime.

1990

William Barker joined the Kimball Union Academy Board of Trustees.

1992

Kevin Wickless (203)641-4681 kevinwickless@gmail.com

Molly Bourne Steffey writes, “I got a kick out of connecting Pamela Roskin with Will Johnson ’22, a great friend and classmate of my son, Charlie Creelman ’22. Pamela and Will met in N.Y.C. to discuss a fashion venture that Will is pursuing. Additionally, as I enter my eighth year as a trustee at KUA and my fourth year as board chair, I’m

grateful to Ryan McPadden, who joined the Board of Trustees last year. Prior to that, Ryan and I last saw each other at graduation in 1992. Good news/bad news: Neither one of us has changed. Ryan is an MVP on the board; his business acumen and old-school humor has been appreciated by all. Finally, I was stopped on Greenwich Avenue in Greenwich, Conn., recently and asked if I was ‘Molly Bourne’ by a man standing next to me at a walk light. Wait for it: Bill Connell ’90 recognized me, and we had a fun and funny conversation as we made our way up the avenue. Bill is doing well, and it was great to see him decades after our KUA years.”

Ryan McPadden says, “I’m living in Wellesley, Mass., with my wife, Maria, and our daughters, Vivian (14) and Sloane (13). We spend our summers in Little Compton, R.I., where I recently caught up with Ted Marvel. I also ran into Kevin Wickless on the Sugarbush slopes this winter—always great to bump into KUA friends in fun places. During the past year I’ve really enjoyed re-engaging with Kimball Union through some board work alongside Molly Bourne Steffey. It’s been incredibly rewarding to reconnect and see how KUA is thriving.”

Kevin Wickless writes, “Jason Dimitriadis ’94 lives nearby in Connecticut, and we often have cordial chats and texts about life in eastern Connecticut. Cristin, my wife, and I are splitting our time between Vermont and Connecticut. Son Jackson (16) attends Proctor Academy and is entering his junior year, while Madelyn (19) is entering her sophomore year at the University of Denver. All is well and everyone skis as much as possible!”

“Always great to bump into KUA friends in fun places.” —RYAN MCPADDEN ’92

1. Stephen Bishop H’00, Taylor Sheehan ’18, Katy Sheehan ’85 P’18 ’22, Steve Sheehan P’18 ’22, Caroline Sheehan ’22, and Joan Bishop H’�� enjoyed a trip to Venice, Fla., this spring.

2. Kelly (Wodwod) Brandis ’97 celebrated the graduation of son Declan Brandis ’25 from KUA in May.

Class Notes

1. David Weidman H’22, Tom Kardel, and Kristy Wolter ’98 caught up over lunch in Honolulu. Kristy serves as a colonel in the U.S. Army.

2. Ella Victoria (Malone) Carlsen ’17 married Magnus Carlsen on January 4 in Oslo, Norway. The couple is excited to welcome their first child this fall.

3. Neil MacKenzie ’09, Mike O’Connell ’09, Ben Hayden ’10, Cody Danforth ’09, Zachary Musgrave ’09, and Josh Dollinger ’10 competed with their Wildcats pond hockey team.

4. Alex Radke ’21 celebrates his graduation from College of William & Mary alongside his mother and KUA trustee Karla Radke P’21, and sister Emily.

DISPATCHES NEWS FROM ALUMNI

1997

Dan Sheff (860) 417-9215 • dansheff@gmail.com

Kelly (Wodwod) Brandis’ son, Declan Brandis, graduated from KUA in May.

Matt Zayatz married Megan Gardiner on September 28, 2024. Dan Sheff and Toby Bartles ’96 were in attendance.

Hannah (Sachs) Fresco’s daughter, Willa, will be a ninth-grader at KUA this fall.

Dan Sheff will succeed recently retired Scrib Fauver H’25 P’09 ’12 as chair of the World Language Department. He is excited to come back to KUA and will live on campus with his family.

2005

Dave Barrette recently joined the Montcalm Golf Club team in Enfield, N.H., as executive chef.

2014

Chandler Song joined the Kimball Union Academy Board of Trustees.

2017

Ella Victoria (Malone) Carlsen married Magnus Carlsen on January 4 in Oslo, Norway. The couple is excited to welcome their first child this fall.

2020

Bella Parento returns to KUA, working in the Gosselin Center for Teaching and Learning and coaching girls' varsity soccer, Kyra Russman-Araya will serve as assistant coach while she conducts research at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Orthopedics and applies to medical school. They join Patrick Hyjeck who joined KUA's Department of Marketing and Communications in July 2024.

James Surgenor will soon begin medical school at Washington Uni-

versity School of Medicine in St. Louis. His primary research interests center on the neurobiology of cancer and non-invasive brain imaging. James first became involved in this field as a student at KUA, where he initiated research as part of his senior capstone project.

2021

Alex Radke graduated from the College of William & Mary.

2024

Benjamin Lawton is working parttime as a firefighter/EMT with the Newton, Mass., Fire Rescue while a student at Boston College.

Help plan the 2026 Reunion Weekend!

Contact Megan Dodge at mdodge@kua.org to volunteer.

Deaths

Roger Bell ’56

John H. Bensinger ’69

Robert T. Blanchard ’56

Timothy J. Crutchfield ’79

Rhett Holden-Dodge ’63

Thomas Arthur Fay ’53

Robert Frisch P’01 ’05, former trustee

Timothy Holland ’65

Roger H. Jones ’53

William “Kim” Love ’64

Robert E. Marvel ’66

Ralph Rose ’53

Michael L. Steinberg ’60

Jay K. Stevens ’71

Gary Wade ’68

Gregg S. Whitney ’47

Harold B. “Bart” Whittemore Jr. ’51

Stanton Williams ’57

After leaving The Hilltop, he became the first KUA alumnus to win a Stanley Cup. —A.J. GREER ’15, YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT

Celebrating Alumni Achievement

Congratulations to the 2025 Alumni Award winners. 2026 nominations are now open at kua.org/alumniawards.

A.J. GREER ’15

Hockey was ingrained in Greer long before KUA, and his passion for the sport has only grown since. After leaving The Hilltop, he became the youngest forward in NCAA history at Boston University and helped lead the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies to a Quebec Majors Junior Hockey League championship.

He was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in 2015 and has played with the Avalanche, New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, and currently, the Florida Panthers. During a stint with the AHL San Antonio Rampage in 2016-17, Greer was awarded the Yanick Dupre Memorial Award as the league’s Man of the Year.

In 2025, he played with the Florida Panthers, becoming the first KUA Wildcat to win a Stanley Cup.

WHITNEY GAGE ’00

SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

Gage brought humility and an unmatched athleticism to KUA’s varsity field hockey, ice hockey, and softball teams. Her selflessness was perhaps encapsulated best during a softball season in which the Wildcats were without a pitcher. Sidelined with an injury that prevented her from throwing overhand, Gage learned to pitch and ended up tossing her team into contention.

She played both field hockey and ice hockey at the University of Vermont, though significant injuries kept her from making the on-field (and on-ice) impact she had hoped. Today, Gage shares her passion for athletics with children as a youth ice hockey coach and still plays in what she describes as an “Old Lady” hockey league. She also rides in The Prouty, an annual fundraiser for the Dartmouth Cancer Center.

JEFFERY PHILLIPS ’70

YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD

McGough has always been a behind-the-scenes kind of guy. As an aspiring sound engineer at KUA, he was one of the first students to win the school’s Senior Theater Award as a non-performer—which remains a rare feat—and was instrumental in the redesign and upgrade of the original Flickinger sound system.

Since graduating from Ithaca College with a degree in theater production, McGough has established himself as a trusted technical design engineer specializing in Broadway productions. During the past four years, he has worked on projects including 16 Broadway shows, four national tours, Saturday Night Live, and the 94th Annual Academy Awards.

ALLAN MUNRO ’55 ALUMNI VOLUNTEER AWARD

In its inaugural year since being renamed in honor of Allan Munro ’55— whose decades of dedication to KUA helped countless alumni keep in touch and led to some of the most significant gifts in the Academy’s history—the award was fittingly bestowed upon two of Munro’s classmates at their 70th Reunion.

Place and Huse have remained in consistent touch since their graduation and can often be found inspiring fellow alumni to give back to their alma mater. Modest to his core, Place is considered the glue that keeps the Class of 1955 connected, most recently compiling a memory book for classmates unable to attend this year’s Reunion. Huse, meanwhile, has served for nearly 70 years as class reporter for Kimball Union magazine and is always excited to share the personal and professional accomplishments of those who called The Hilltop home.

For more than 40 years of his personal and professional life, Phillips has prioritized sustainability, which he attributes to time at the Woodstock Music Festival and a postgraduate year at KUA.

Phillips spent 18 years helping to grow a small consumer products company by developing products marketed as “better for the environment.” This pioneering concept helped increase revenue from $18 million to

$150 million during his tenure. Seeking a new challenge, Phillips took his environmentally friendly philosophy to Vermont, where he spent the next 18 years with Seventh Generation, transitioning the company’s failing consumer catalog by prioritizing eco-healthy household products. By the time he retiremed in 2012, Seventh Generation had increased annual sales from $500,000 to more than $150 million.

Last Word

At 31 Main Street in Meriden, a brick home was being built in 1825 as the Academy was approaching its fourth decade. Elsewhere, Harriet Beecher Stowe was publishing Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Louis-Napolean Bonaparte was proclaiming a constitution for the French Second Republic. Now, 200 years later, the world—and KUA—look quite different. That brick house at 31 Main remains. Kilton House was purchased in 1938 and is believed to be named to honor a gift from John F. Kilton, who was not an alumnus but learned about the Academy through his friendship with Judge Caleb Blodgett, Class of 1852. Kilton died in 1905 and left his estate of approximately $50,000 to KUA. Administrators used these funds to establish the Kilton Fund, a scholarship fund for “needy students.”

The building was renovated and opened to students in 1941. The dormitory was renovated a second time in 1988, and the Douglass wing increased the number of student beds. Last year, Kilton was transformed into a 32-bed residential hall and renamed Howe Dewdney Hall. The original home from almost 175 years ago still stands, and now serves as a faculty residence. K