Autumn 2013 - St. Johnsbury Academy
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Autumn 2013
Board of Trustees
CONTENTS
Samuel E. Bain Jr. ’64
Autumn 2013
John T. Benoit ’80
Gregory E. Boardman ’75 1
Message from
Bruce E. Buxton
Peter F. Crosby ’68
the Headmaster
Marcia D. DeRosia ’69 2
Commencement
Robert M. Fairbanks ’12H
Nancy Usher Goodrich
Addresses
Susan O’Neil Grayson ’67 9Class Day and
Lee P. Hackett ’57, President
John S. Hall ’66
Commencement Prizes
James H. Impey ’64 12 Reunion Weekend 2013
Alex P.M. Ko
Bernier L . Mayo ’56 24 Advancement Report
Garth B. Moulton ’88
Kimberly A . Silloway ’82 26
Thaddeus Fairbanks
Ronald W. Steen Society
Dale R. Wells ’64T
Jay O. Wright ’87 29 Gift Report
Edward R. Zuccaro
34 Revisiting Brantview
Trustees Emeriti
Ernest A . Begin ’63
40 Operation Creation
Gordon V. DeWitt ’56
John M. Farmer
45 Benefit Golf Tournament
Robert C. Fuehrer 47 Homecoming
John P. Garey ’57
Kenneth F. Hammer ’85H
William A . Julian ’45
Russell A . Reed ’34
Jean McGregor Rogers ’56
Roderic B. Vitty ’51
Published by St. Johnsbury Academy
Volume LVI Number 1, Autumn 2013
Editor: Joe Healy
Art Director/Designer: Diego Melendez
Designer: Brandon Heanssler
Freelance Designer: Craig Harrison
Advancement Office
Director of Development Academy families, friends, faculty, and staff all enjoyed Commencement
and Alumni Relations activities, while Academy Alumni joined in the fun with Reunion events, at the
Tammi Sullivan Cady ’88
tcady@stjacademy.org (802) 751-2010 end of last May and beginning of June. From Last Chapel on May 29 through
Associate Director of Alumni Relations the Commencement Ball on May 30 and the Commencement Concert in
Alan Ruggles ’84 Fuller Hall, to Class Day, Senior Recital, and the Baccalaureate Service on
aruggles@stjacademy.org (802) 748-7725
Prospect Research and
June 2, the weekend culminated with Commencement on June 3. Of course,
Development Assistant Academy Alumni spent the weekend seeing longtime friends and making new
Wendy Robertson ones during class parties, the All Class Wine and Cheese gathering, and the
wrobertson@stjacademy.org (802) 748-7797
Development and Alumni Assistant
Alumni Banquet on June 1. It was a joyous time and we hope to see you this
Bonnie Jenks coming May and June!
bjenks@stjacademy.org (802) 751-2011
The Hilltopper is published in the autumn and spring by the Office Address changes and e-mail addresses can be sent by mail to Alumni
Associate Headmaster
of Alumni and Development, St. Johnsbury Academy, Office, St. Johnsbury Academy, PO Box 906, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819, by
Advancement and Admission PO Box 906, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819. e-mail to sjaalumni@stjacademy.org or by phone at (802) 751-2011.
Jack Cummings Address Changes and E-mail Updates: Make sure you don’t miss Pictures courtesy of Alumni and Development Office,
jcummings@stjacademy.org (802) 751-2131 the next issue of The Hilltopper or SJA’s online monthly newsletter. The Caledonian-Record, Merle Haskins, Diego Melendez, Jenks Studio,
Keep your record up-to-date by sending the following informa- Joe Healy, Craig Harrison, and Alan Ruggles.
Director
tion: your name, your class year, spouse’s name and class year, new
Marketing and Communications Printed at Queen City Printers, Inc., Burlington, Vermont.
address, city, state, zip code, telephone number, and e-mail address
Joe Healy to the SJA Alumni Office.
jhealy@stjacademy.org (802) 751-2366 Cover image: The Class of 1963 celebrates their 50th Reunion at St. Johnsbury Academy.
Message from
Thomas Lovett
A
s we welcome new
students and faculty and
celebrate the diversity
of 950 students from 19
states, 30 countries, and
50 towns in NH and VT,
Reunion and Commencement activities
seem like the distant past. Both times
of the year, however, the beginning and
the end, are special occasions filled with
excitement, nervousness, but most of all,
the deep connections we share as part of
the Academy community. Over the past
few years, we have changed Baccalaureate
so that students from the various spiritual
OUR ACADEMY
The Headmaster’s Weekly Message traditions represented at our school have
Each week, Headmaster a chance to share their beliefs. Every
Tom Lovett will share
his thoughts inspired by year the theme is the same—Love—and
the Academy’s Chapel
assembly, on our Website. students select a passage and comment
Please tune in to the
Headmaster’s message to
on it, explaining their views on Love and
gain insights into themes
that are part of Academy life. Scan the
their experience of it here. The idea was
QR code above or visit www.stjacademy.org that our graduates have much to teach
us and, if we have done our jobs well,
they have voices full of confidence and
conviction with which to do so. Here are
1
Message from The Headmaster
some excerpts from one of this and selflessness. We typically do not integrate these
virtues with love, but I hope you can recognize that
year’s speakers, Claire Van der Eems: a self-sacrificing love is far more fulfilling than any
…we prepare to leave this place tomorrow afternoon personal gain. Sacrificial love is not based on feeling,
and have the choice to continue to carry on the legacy of but is a determined act of the will. Sacrificial love is a
service that has been demonstrated for us here, or too joyful resolve to put the welfare and desires of others
easily become consumed in the busyness of our own lives, above our own. This type of love—agape love—does not
educations, and careers. We will step out into a world that come naturally to you or me; however, if we truly heed
yes, is full of opportunity, but is also full of hurting and the words of John 15:13, then we will understand the
broken people. We will confront injustice, political and significance of practicing agape love. John 15:13 states,
environmental problems, but perhaps the people that will “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life
need us the most are those closest to us…. for one’s friends.” In a world that tells us to put our needs
…The Greek word for love used here in Galatians above others’, this idea may be foreign. Service is not
is “agape.” Agape love is one of the four types of love always glamorous. Selfless love may be a counter-cultural
mentioned throughout the Bible and is best demonstrated idea, but can have world-altering effects.
by God’s love for us and Christ’s death on the Cross. I find So how can we carry out a life of sacrificial love? We
this definition of agape to be specifically compelling: must love the unlovable, reach the unreachable, and—to
Agape love is unconditional love that is always giving continue with an idea that has stuck with us since last
and that is impossible to take or be a taker. It devotes year—we must love those the most that need it the most.
total commitment to seek your highest best no matter Along with a graduation that saw Ann and my
how anyone may respond. This form of love is totally youngest son, Patrick, leave the Academy, we
selfless and does not change whether the love given is celebrated the return of hundreds of alumni—all
returned or not. of them with memories of the Academy but also
Essentially, agape love is sacrificial love. It asks for accomplishments achieved by living out the kind
nothing and gives everything. of commitment Claire encouraged. The result was a
To echo Galatians again, we should serve through beautiful weekend shared with people who love each
love. We must embody a spirit of service, sacrifice, other and the school to which we belong.
Commencement Speaker
O scar Tang, retired President and CEO of Reich &
Tang, an asset-management firm in New York City
that he co-founded, gave the Commencement address
journey in this country here in St. Johnsbury,” he said
in his Commencement speech. “In 1949, the Chinese
Communists, having won a long fought civil war, took over
during the Academy’s June 3 ceremony. Mr. Tang began the country. My parents, leaving nearly everything behind,
his speech by telling the story of Capt. Chesley “Sully” fled to Hong Kong where they tried to rebuild their lives.
Sullenberger, the US Airways airline pilot who saved the Hong Kong at that time was a city of refugees, and with
lives of all on board by executing a perfect emergency its future quite uncertain, my parents decided to send
landing on the Hudson River in 2009, and how Captain my older sister Nancy and me out of harm’s way, to be
Sully views his life—not as a hero or a miracle, but as educated in America. Through a friend’s recommendation,
being a person with a purpose. He landed that plane they sent my sister to St. Johnsbury Academy where she
thanks to his passion for improving upon the precision graduated in 1953, sixty years ago. But I was barely 11, and
and excellence required of his profession through hard in the turmoil of the times, it was not clear what to do with
work and overcoming adversity. me. So, it was arranged that I would live in the Academy’s
Mr. Tang himself knows what it takes to work hard boys’ dormitory at the time, Fairbanks Cottage, and go to
and overcome adversity. “Like you, I too started my life’s the town’s public junior high school just down the street.”
2 hilltopper Autumn 2013
Oscar Tang
Mr. Tang continued: “Those early months here in Second, look upon adversity as an opportunity.
St. Johnsbury were difficult—home sickness, loneliness, For me, the loss of China to the Communists that
and the struggle to learn English. Yet, I realized that there resulted in my displacement to St. Johnsbury, was an
was nothing to go back to in China, and that my parents adversity that presented an opportunity. It focused
had allocated a part of their limited remaining resources my attention, and made me realize that I had to work
so that I could be educated here, and build a life in hard to overcome my circumstances. And overcoming
America. There was no choice except to move forward.” obstacles can be such a supercharger for one’s
Upon leaving St. Johnsbury, Mr. Tang was educated confidence and ability to deal with later challenges.
at Phillips Academy, received his bachelor’s degree in Third, recognize that you are not alone. For me, my
engineering from Yale University, and his MBA with parents made what must have been a heartrending
distinction from Harvard Business School. He has been decision to send me away at the age of 11, because
committed to the transformational role that education they felt that, under the circumstances, I would have
and Chinese art and culture can play in enhancing the a better future if I were educated here. Countless
position of Chinese Americans. A patron of the arts and teachers, headmasters, counselors, and students
education, he served as President of the Board of Trustees helped me succeed in my efforts to advance. Be
of Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts. He is also grateful for all the support you have and will receive,
active with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Skidmore as I am, and if you are ever in a position, help someone
College, China Institute in America, The Vail Valley else. Besides, there is no greater reward than to know
Foundation, and is a fellow of The American Academy of that you have been helpful to another.
Arts and Sciences. In ending his speech, Mr. Tang said, “I just want to
Mr. Tang shared with the Academy graduates his tell you that I look back with great fondness on my start
personal and touching stories of challenges and successes here at St. Johnsbury. In great adversity this country and
along the way. He left them with three pieces of advice that this town took me in, and provided me an education and
he felt were keys to his success: the opportunity to build a very fulfilling life. Today, the
First, I found fulfillment in pursuing a productive times may again look difficult and uncertain for you, but
line of work that I loved with some passion. Believe be assured that great opportunities are out there. You
in the ultimate dignity of your work and recognize have been well prepared, but this is a commencement, a
that through continuous education, training, and beginning for you to reach for those opportunities. As I
practice—in other words, plain hard work—you can look at you, I am full of hope and expectation for what you
always improve. may achieve. Congratulations!”
3
Jennifer Hastings
co-valedictorian
thought, at least I have to know by May 1, at least I’ll
know then. Apparently, you don’t actually have to have
chosen by then. But all my friends seemed to know where
they were going, so I dreaded that question, because
I ’ve found the
first words
out of someone’s
not only was I caught in uncertainty, but I felt that I was
there alone. Now people ask me, “ What are you majoring
in?” I don’t know. I admit that looking at my future from
mouth besides
questions like that, I don’t seem to know where I’m going.
“Oh my goodness,
But I want to tell you some things I do know.
congratulations!” after
they find out you’re Suggestion #4 Do some interpretive dance.
co-valedictorian are Pause and pose like I’m going to dance… but don’t…
“So what about your And you thought I would do it! Though history has it Mr.
speech?” And often, Lovett has done an interpretive dance to the Alma Mater,
once I admitted to so you can ask him about that later.
not having written it Well, I know I have stood at the bar in dance class,
yet, people offered completely lost as the class starts the exercise because
suggestions, some helpful, some not so much. I thought the guest teacher told us how to do it by rattling off some
I’d share a few with you as I get started—my top 10, French words that sounded lovely but meant nothing
actually—just so you could see what I mean. So…. to me, who took Spanish. Having just resigned myself
to failure, I heard a voice behind me softly whispering
Suggestion for my speech #1 Rap it.
instructions in English. Hannah Sourbeer dances
I knew a girl who was scared of St. Jay A
incredibly—and she took French— she definitely has the
She had been homeschooled and liked it that way
talent to rightfully be a snob. But she’s not, and she did not
But her mom and her dad said girl you gotta go
have to help me, but she chose to anyway.
So she held on a few months, and what da ya know?
I know I have seen Grady Nixon attempt to high-five
Well, I guess you can see why I discarded this
everyone in lunch, even walking backwards down the
suggestion…. But, that girl, she made friends. She
stairs to get one from Mr. Lovett, just to keep a promise he
stepped back for one second from the homework and saw
made sophomore year.
the faces of her teachers and classmates. She stopped
checking her schedule every time the bell rang to find out Suggestion #5 Sing it.
where her next class was. When I first came here after If I lay here, if I just lay here, would you lie with me and just
being homeschooled, high school was the most terrifying forget the world? Forget what we’re told, before we get too old;
thing I had ever faced in my life. just show me a garden that’s bursting into life.
And I also know I have lain on the new grass next to
Suggestion for my speech #2 Mime it.
Elizabeth Houde, while the brilliant spring sun drowned
I do the traditional in a box and fake scream mime.
me in delicious heat, listening with my eyes closed while
And that was how I felt, because what I really feared
she flipped through a book of poetry and read all her
was not knowing. Not knowing where I was going, not
favorite ones aloud to me. Then, when the bells rings, I
knowing who I’d meet, if I’d like them, or worse yet, would
have heard her sing that song, “Chasing Cars,” for me as
they like me? I went from a school of two to a school of
we part, because it’s senior year, we love the lawn, and
a thousand. Now, I am going from that to a college of
that’s our song.
12,600. Except this time, I have to leave behind my family.
I know I have seen Nate Solnit regularly take either one
I am sure you have all been asked this question at least
extreme or the other on an issue in class, while most of
once—probably more. What are you doing after high
the rest of us grouped towards the middle. When asked,
school? What are your plans? In fact, when Mr. Lovett
he always presents his case with conviction, and I have
talked to me about this speech, he made
thought that the people willing to speak for an extreme,
Suggestion #3 Talk about where we’re going. the people willing to be radical, to stand alone, are often
I did not know I was headed to Liberty University until the ones who change the world.
after May 1st, the national day you’re really supposed to Finally, I know I have sat in the last several chapels
know by. As my parents and I debated colleges, I always and heard Mr. Lovett read the senior plans. The guidance
4 hilltopper Autumn 2013
office asked you what you are doing, where you are going resisted, to my teachers and the rest of the faculty, thank
from here, and you answered, I answered. But the three you for inspiring and challenging me and our class, to
seconds dedicated to your plans hardly answered, hardly my friends, thank you for giggles and acceptance, and to
could answer, the full impact of that question, “ Where my class, thank you for four beautiful, terrifying, wacky,
are you going?” Where are we going, Class of 2013, as we and unforgettable years of high school. Thank you, and
say goodbye to each other and move ahead? And some of goodbye. Know that I wish you all the absolute best.
you may still be unsure how to answer that question any
farther than the answer read off in chapel; I’m still unsure. Suggestion #10 Leave gracefully.
I hope I have.
Suggestion #6 Use a quote.
David Fickes
“History is what holds people together and gives them
purpose, for people cannot know where they are and where
they will go until they understand where they have been.”
That quote came from my sister Rachel’s AOI. I think co-valedictorian
she said beautifully what I have been trying to say here.
I don’t have to be afraid of where I am going, because I I sense a bit of
nervousness in the
air as you are all trying
know where I have been, and I know where many of you
have been—Hannah, Grady, Elizabeth, Nate, and the many to figure out what my
others who, like they have changed my life, will continue speech is going to be
to change other people’s lives—and thus I know where like; if it’ll be a funny,
we have been. We have been helpful and spontaneous, we short and sweet one, or
have been nostalgic and lazy; we have been argumentative a snoozer about a piece
and inspiring. We have been an experiment—how about of advice from my father
being the first class to sing the Alma Mater in the Gym? that has stuck with me
That went well. through the years. Sorry
to say, but it’s the latter
Suggestion #7 Sit under the stars and get of the two. This piece
inspired. of advice is something
I guess that is my final message: don’t be afraid to get I overheard my dad give to my brother, Michael, about 6
inspired, and follow through on that inspiration, even if years ago, and it’s really stuck with me ever since. To set
it’s weird. Don’t be afraid to stand alone, or to attempt to the scene a bit, my father had just given my brother a pep
accomplish the impossible. Don’t be afraid to seem a little talk about everything he could achieve if he worked hard
ridiculous. Don’t be afraid to offer help, even to people and earned good grades in high school, and was telling my
you may not know, and don’t be afraid of saying “I don’t brother how, if he tried his best, he could be Valedictorian
know,” because even if you don’t know the specifics, you at the end of his high-school career. After hearing this
know you. talk, my brother thought for a minute and said “I hate
I’ve used a lot of different people’s suggestions to write public speaking, though, and besides I don’t know how to
this speech, but I want to end with an idea of my own, my write a speech. I don’t think I’d want to be Valedictorian.”
own suggestion for my speech, something that comforts Then my dad got down on one knee and put his hand
me, as I move forward into the hazy future, so here’s… on my brother’s shoulder. You know, that fatherly thing
that dads do when they’re about to get all inspirational in
Suggestion #8 Share my Mom’s favorite verse, movies? Well, it was just like that. Anyways, he said to my
which I’ve heard so often. brother, “Son, if you get Valedictorian, I’ll be so proud of
Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you,”
you that it won’t matter how bad your speeches are.”
declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm
That’s sweet, right? And here’s the part that I’ll never
you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
forget: he then said, “ You won’t have to worry because
I’m not out of suggestions yet, though, I have two more
I’ll be so proud of you, I’ll write your speech for you!” So
to wrap this up.
with these words in mind, I approached my dad when I
Suggestion #9 Thank the people who helped me first found out that I was going to be valedictorian, leaving
To Mom and Dad, thank you for always supporting him plenty of time to write it, being the good kid I am, and
me, and for sending me to the Academy, even when I told him to get to work. It was actually quite a refreshing
5
feeling, seeing as it’s usually the other way around. Of violin teacher, and I was playing first violin in a Mozart
course, he claimed that he didn’t remember any of that quartet. At the end of the hour and a half coaching, my
and that I made it all up, but I know the truth, dad. I know. teacher said to me, in front of the group, something
This story actually brings up a rather important piece of along the lines of “David, every single mistake that was
advice that I have for you: never lose your sense of humor. made in the rehearsal today was your fault. Fix it by next
All of the teachers who have had the most profound week.” My first response to this was one of indignation. It
impact on my time here at the Academy have always couldn’t possibly be all my fault. After all, I had practiced
approached their teaching with not only passion but also my music and I was sure that I knew it better than anyone
a sense of fun. These are teachers like Mr. Grasso, who else, so how could she be so unfair to me? So in a fit of
always threatens his students who are not paying enough rebelliousness, I spent the next week practicing more
attention with his “meter beater,” the yardstick he keeps than I had in quite some time so that I could prove to her
in his closet for when a student really needs a whuppin’; that I knew my music so well that there was no possible
or Mr. Jolliffe, who brings the class to attention by kicking way the mistakes were my fault. And when I walked into
the desks of the current slacker. the next coaching, a week later, I played my part as it was
The second point I want to talk about is community. meant to be played—and so did everyone else. Because my
Yes, I know, that’s the thing that people talk about when teacher was right: those mistakes were all my fault, and I
they don’t have any clue what else to say. Even still, you refused to see it because I let my pride and stubbornness
have all helped to build what is really a fantastic sense get in the way. I could give you countless other examples
of cooperation and friendliness at this school, a legacy of moments like these, moments when I either refused to
which I hope you will continue wherever you go. You may see what was wrong with my playing and suffered from it,
not think that’s true, but I mean, take me for example. or moments when I chose to carefully examine everything
Glasses, kind of young looking, quiet, spends all evening I was doing, fix everything that was wrong, and finally play
practicing violin and doing homework, really I’m about as it perfectly. Because once you find your faults, examine
nerdy as you can get. I’ve heard some true horror stories them, and then fix them, you can disprove another
about what happens to kids like me at other schools, common misconception—that perfection is unattainable.
but do you know how many times I’ve been bullied or So that is my advice to each and every one of you here. Do
taunted in all four years here? Not once. And not only that, not settle for anything less than perfection. Keep working
I have felt included in everything that has happened here, harder until you reach it, and if that doesn’t work, then
and for that I applaud you, because that is truly a rare look deeper and more closely at everything you’re doing
achievement, to have a class so friendly with each other until you finally are perfect.
that everyone hangs out with each other because they So with that in mind, go forth into life with every
genuinely like each other. Everyone is always welcome intention of reaching perfection. Even if you fall short, you
to go up to someone else and introduce themselves, will have come close enough that there will be nothing to
regardless of whether they’re a nerd, drama geek, jock, be ashamed of. Don’t be afraid to look at yourself honestly.
or cheerleader. We’re all one class, not a conglomerate of You may be afraid of hurting yourself, but you will gain
different cliques, and that is one of our greatest strengths a true confidence from success that will help you in
and something you should preserve wherever you go. everything you do, and that is something more powerful
The last thing I’d like to talk about is something I have than anything else I could help you reach. Thank you.
learned from all of the time I’ve spent with the violin.
Music requires a very high degree of focus and self-
appraisal, which you won’t find in many other places, and
there’s a valuable lesson to be learned from that. There’s
this idea floating around that you’re perfect as you are,
and while it’s a nice message, it’s misleading. Even though
each of you has something unique to bring wherever you
go, you need to strive to be the best you can, and you need
to be able to look yourself squarely in the mirror and see
each of the faults, not in who you are, but in what you do,
because once you have seen them, you can fix them.
As an example of this, I’ll give you a bit of a personal
anecdote. I was at a chamber-music coaching with my
6 hilltopper Autumn 2013
Jae Hong just a little! I have a whole new language under my belt, a
worldclass education, and the incredible honor of being
(James) Kim
Salutatorian. Four years ago, I did not even know what
Salutatorian meant!
I cannot stress this enough, that this is all because of
Salutatorian the help and support I received from the very strong
W e are here, we
made it, we are
incredulously, still in
St. Johnsbury community over the years. I am extremely
proud and appreciative to have been a product of
St. Johnsbury Academy. Today I stand witness to the high
one piece! caliber of our teachers here, the passionate management
First of all, I by our principal Mr. Lovett and the school administration,
would like to thank and the kindness of my peers. I am what I have become,
everyone for giving only because you have all nurtured me to be so.
me the opportunity Upon reflection, I understand that we are now all ready
to address the to face the world. Each of us as autonomous individuals
graduating class, our with a unique platform which has been slowly built up
teachers, the school from day one, and provided by our education and life
staff, and all our lessons throughout the years. Whether they be based
families. Really, this on language skills, critical thinking skills, or social
is in my mind, the skills. These platforms we have created for ourselves in
epitome of honor that collaboration with the Academy, facilitates our launch out
I can possibly receive. into the world toward our future endeavors be it tertiary
Today marks the education, a career, or whatever else we have set our
end of four years of daily learning, academic struggles, hearts upon doing.
and a time in good company. Today, we leave the safety I believe that this rings true to most of us graduating.
net of St Johnsbury Academy and no doubt all of us are We came in as blank slates. Tools were given to us, and we
wondering, “ What’s next?” developed them with the guidance of great instructors.
I reminisce while I write this, and recall that four And now, we are properly equipped to leave the nest.
years ago, when I first arrived in America, I had the Indeed, this has not been an easy task. Throughout the
biggest culture shock—things were new, different, years, life here has been anything but routine. We as a
strange, and not exactly like what we see on satellite community have been faced with challenges. Ones that, I
TV in Korea! For someone like me, who spent his life am proud to say, we stood firm to meet.
living in the concrete jungles of South Korea, moving Let us recall when we came in at a very respectable
into a campus surrounded by mountains, in a beautiful third place in the USA Today High School Sports Voting
natural environment with real trees—really made me Competition. While not a large population, we came
nervous! It could have been the excess oxygen making together with only one common goal in mind and strove
me light-headed, but I remember feeling scared and consistently forward to accomplish this goal. We voted
freaked out all day! ceaselessly then, if you remember. We voted again
Back in those days, I could barely speak English; in and again and again and again in order to honor the
fact, my entire conversational lexicon, thanks to my reputation of our establishment.
incredibly patient roommate Cameron, only consisted In happy times, we proved our school spirit. However,
of two phrases: I always started my conversation with let us never forget how in times of tragedy, our efforts
“ What’s up?” and closed with “That’s great.” Those were redoubled to show unwavering, solid support for
were my only two emotions (actually one) that I could each other.
speak during the first week of my freshman year. Later, We all remember our Melissa Jenkins and the
I became able to express my great relief at the end of extremely difficult time we faced last year in coming to
the day, by saying “Good Night!” I was like a broken terms with what happened. In the face of such a horrific
record, or a very slow, stressed-out parrot with severe event, we gathered together to comfort, remember, heal
communication problems. In all honesty, the first few and show to the world that “Love Wins.” In the face of
months were like pulling teeth! tragedy, we overcame As One. Knowing Ms. Jenkins, she
Four years later, I like to think that I have improved would have been proud of us. (Continued...)
7
Salutatory Address Continued
Recalling our times together, whether good or bad, I
have actually very mixed feelings about leaving. On one
hand I feel very happy that we are here and this is what
we have worked for, all these years. Today represents four
years of our sweat and tears; late nights and midnight oil;
our toils and troubles.
On the other hand, I know that following this, we will
all be going our own ways, as we must. We are ready, we
just need to convince ourselves now, that we are! Today, is
also the realization that we may not get to meet as we do
everyday, anymore. For some of us, we may not get to meet
for a long time. Then again, that is how life is. It is about
finishing one stage and going on to the next. And we are
indeed today, finishing this stage. But I hope, at some
point, our path may cross again.CLASS DAY Marlene Petty Rock Prize Spanish F. M. Walsh Music Prize
PRIZES Carleigh Dunnells Sarah Lynch Jennifer Hastings
Faculty Service Prize Laurie Hook Memorial Quinn Bornstein Stanley R. Oldham
Sarah O’Reilly Prize Chinese Memorial Art Prize
Maria Warden Benjamin Marston Ying- Chen Huang
Class of 1980 Sue Temple
Prize Wendy Gray Memorial Jacob Jackmauh
Jason Hinman Prize for
Johannah Driscoll Prize Ancient Languages Photography Prize
Amanda Geil David Duong Colin Jacobs
Class of 1947 Prize
Robert Sylvester English Prize Howard N. Eastman, Jr. Junjie Zeng
Jennifer Hastings Prize for History Ned & Sarah Handy Dance
Class of 1996 Prize
David Fickes Daniel Sattelberger Prize
Reilly Dufresne
G. H. Newton Public Mathematics Prize Hannah Sourbeer
Class of 1955 Mary Samuel Zuk
Speaking Prize Jae Hong Kim
Whitehill Prize
Matthew Goodell Fashion Design Prize
Sarafina Woodridge-Burns Elizabeth Bates Marshall
Yue Zhu Prize for Science Lillian Jarrett
Melvin & Lillian Chouinard
Scholarship Blanche Davis Sampson Nathaniel Solnit Sarah Lynch
Poetry Prize
Camille LeBlanc Powell-Daub Chemistry Acting Award
Samuel Zuk Prize
Shannon Lynne Narey Nora Gair
Memorial Prize Media Studies Prize Jennifer Hastings Lindsey Newton
Johannah Driscoll Alicia Plambeck Faith Harris Wilson SkillsUSA Scholarship
English as a Second Nature Study Prize Award
Charles Senter Prize
Language Prize Alice Haskins Robert Pennypacker
Cooper-John Trapp
Wangchu Jun Tang STEM Award for Academic
Darab Batmanglidj Carroll Family Memorial
Achievement
Memorial Prize Foreign Culinary Arts Prize
Language PrizeS Philipp Bader Sajni Richardson
Caroline Lawlor
Japanese Women Engineering Award Paul Poulos Prize for
OddFellow Prize
Justice Cox for Academic Achievement Proficiency in Business
Allison Picanza
Alexandra Lynch Amanda Eberhardt Claire Van Der Eeems
Community League Zachary Taylor
French Siemens Award for
Incorporated Prize
Advanced Placement
Lindsey Newton David Fickes Rita C. Dunn Prize for
Haoyue Yang Excellence in Baking
Samuel Zuk
Nicholas Cantin
9Headmaster Lovett Headmaster Lovett Jae Hong Kim accepted
presents Jennifer Hastings presents David Fickes the Clare Catherine Lovett
with the Charles L. and with the Charles L. and Memorial Prize from
Angelina Swift Prize Angelina Swift Prize Headmaster Lovett during the
during Commencement. during Commencement. Commencement Ceremony.
Horace and Huldah Scholarship Rochester Institute of Spirit of the Game Prize
Randall Prize Hunter Griswold Technology Junior Award Noah Abramson
Samuel Desrochers Eamon Roosa Sarah Lynch
UVM Vermont Scholar
Victoria Lopez
Technical Johannah Driscoll Campus Life Award
Andrew McFaul
Education Thomas Nowicki Sarafina Woolridge-Burns
Prizes Dutch Leonard Memorial Jēkabs Grinbergs
Knights of Columbus
(students of Fr. McGivney Scholastic
Sportsmanship Award
the year) Award Casey Carbone
Sales & Marketing Timothy Hartwell Brandon Legendre COMMENCEMENT
Sarah Powers Ryegate Associates Elmira College Key Award PRIZES
Scholarship Christian DeKett
Entrepreneurship Charles L. and Angela Swift
Kate Toll Andrea Roberts St. Anselm College Book Prize
Award David Fickes
Dead River Company
Automotive Technology
Scholarship Brigette Rankin Jennifer Hastings
Robert Pennypacker
Julie Oliver Harvard Book Award Clare Catherine Lovett
Built Environment
St. Johnsbury Friends of Julia Fickes Memorial Prize
Drew Hovey Football Prize Jae Hong Kim
St. Michael’s College Book
Culinary Arts Griffin Comerci Award Anna Morse Prize
Sajni Richardson Thomas Desrochers Quinn Bornstein David Fickes
Memorial Prize William Kyle
Drafting Donald M. Jacobs Prize
James Jefferson
Griffin Comerci Wellesley College Book Deanna Emery
Society of Women Award
Industrial Electricity Engineers Certificates Dengyu Yang
Laurence LeBlanc
Lucas Robillard Deanna Emery Susan Kathryn Venner
National Council of Memorial Prize
Human Services Johannah Driscoll Supervisors of Math Award
Brianna Bathalon Jun Wang Griffin Comerci
Deanna Emery
Caledonia Classic Auto Klein Tools Prize Catherine Matey Venner
Mathematical Association Memorial Prize
Club Prize William Brink of America Award
Timothy Meek Haoyue Yang
Henry L. Marshall Prize Liren Wang
Monroe Men’s Club for Leadership James Burlingame Prize
AATF Senior in French Award
Educational Grant Margaret Fogarty Haley Lary
Deanna Emery
Brianna Bathalon Byron Connor Roosa
Kinmay W. Tang AATF Underclassmen in
Jennifer Hastings Scholarship Memorial Prize
French Award
W. Clark Noyes Theatre Jiajie Yang Deanna Emery
Luke Jackmauh
Arts Award
Rensselaer Medal Award Streeter-Trafton Prize
Lindsey Newton Governor’s Institutes
Joseph McCabe Scholars Windsor Roy
Calvin College Lauren Gillott Robert Pennypacker
Kelsey Stewart
10 hilltopper Autumn 2013Steven Jolliffe accepted the Class of 2008 Impact
Prize during Commencement.
Francis X. Ryan Memorial Ladd Family Prize Kelly Urie accepted the Laudamas Veram Magistram Award
Prize Alice Haskins during Commencement.
Elizabeth Houde
Sharon Wilson
Graham Newell Education Wilderness Prize
Prize Evan Tirey
Shawnee Clapp
Christopher Acton
McGill Family Prize Memorial Prize
Jēkabs Grinbergs Nicholas Sylvia
Russell Payne Prize Joey Lemieux
Zachary Taylor Memorial Prize
Lucas Robillard
Fred Priest Memorial Prize
Robert Pennypacker Melissa Jenkins
Memorial Prize
Arthur and Helen Sprague Sajni Richardson
Memorial Prize
Drew Hovey
Dage Minors
Class of 2008 Impact Prize
Donald Vear Memorial
Prize Steven Jolliffe
Patrick Lovett Unsung Hero Award
Claire Van Der Eems Taylor Ford
Ben and Rosalie The Atwood Prize
Harris Prize Matthew Racenet
Lucas Robillard Taylor Ford ’96 accepted the Unsung Hero Award during
Laudamas Veram
Thelma Mold Magistram Award Commencement.
Memorial Prize Kelly Urie
Johannah Driscoll
Headmaster’s Prize
Jerry Drown Senior Prize Charlotte Morse
Sarras Ricci Drew Hovey
Matthew Racenet ’06 accepted The Atwood Prize during
Commencement.
11Alumni Awards ROO MOLD
The Dwayne B. Sherrer Distinguished
Alumni Award was presented to Roo
Mold ’68 during the Alumni Banquet.
He was identified as someone “who
finds the positive in everyone, is
compassionate, and puts the good
of the community in front of his own
needs.” Roo was instrumental in
community building projects such
as CALEX Ambulance, Danville Town
Hall, Danville Town Garage, Monroe
Town Garage, Barnet Fire Department,
Barnet Town Garage, Catamount Arts,
numerous residential homes, and the
list goes on. Congratulations, Roo, on
an award well deserved.
12 hilltopper Autumn 2013COMING A LONG WAY
Returning to celebrate his 50th Class Reunion,
Robert Milner ’63, from the Channel Islands,
received the award for traveling the farthest.
MOST DONORS AWARD
With the help and persistence of classmate and former Alumni
Office staff member Gail Rossier, the reunion class gathering the
largest number of donors (55) was the Class of 1973. Accepting
the award from Board President Lee Hackett ’57 on behalf of
the class celebrating their 40th reunion was class agent, Cindy
Fortier Wheeler.
DOTTIE
Dorothy “Dottie” Morrison Coombs ’53 retired after
44 years of service to her alma mater. Dottie was
recognized and given a standing ovation during the
2013 Alumni Banquet.
MERCHANTS AWARD
Ted ’53 (Trade) and Fran Brown
Merchant ’53 (SJA), were
HIGHEST PARTICIPATION presented the 2013 Northeast
AWARD Kingdom Service Award during
Board of Trustee President the Alumni Banquet. Since
Lee Hackett ’57 presented graduating, they have lived,
the reunion class gathering worked, and served in the
the highest percentage St. Johnsbury community. Over RAISING THE MOST MONEY
of participation—edging the years, they have helped their The award going to the class raising the most
out the Class of 1973 by 1 neighbors and the community money ($15,000) went to the Class of 1988,
percent—to class agent, with involvement in Habitat for celebrating their 25th Reunion. Accepting the
George Coppenrath, on Humanity, Boy Scouts, South award on behalf of the class from Board President
behalf of the Class of 1963 Church, and the Kingdom Lee Hackett ’57 was SJA Trustee Garth Moulton.
celebrating their 50th Community Service Food Shelf.
Reunion.
13Reunion Weekend 1938 Attending their 75th Reunion (yes, 75th!) were Mildred McRae Scotten escorted by son George, Leon LaClair, Violette Sykes Page, Louise Roberts Findlay joined by son John. It was a joy to have them as part of this year’s Reunion Weekend. 1943 Taking advantage of the Straszko Center at Graham’s House to enjoy reminiscing, the members of the Class of 1943 returning were, (row 1 L-R) Norma Prescott Chase, Joyce Perkins Swett, Carlene Hovey Marshall, Joyce Bean Knights; (row 2 L-R)Albert Salt, Ginny Kimball Johnson, Dorothy (Pete) Nutting Blackadar, Ginny Bean Reed, Barbara Leithead Ticehurst, Elsie Burns Hurter, Art Harriman, Sam Mills, BJ Murphy. 14 hilltopper Autumn 2013
Dick Collins and his reunion committee
spent time together deciding on the best 1948
celebration for their 65th Reunion. It
seemed appropriate to honor their late
classmate, John Stetson, by holding their
afternoon fete in the John Stetson Great
Room in The Green Dorm on the Academy
campus. Those classmates who also
attended the banquet were, (row 1 L-R)
Joyce Magill Ryder, Marion Mann Shirlock,
Betty Lou Petty Maynard, Dick Collins,
Vivian Daniels Davis, Eleanor Carroll
Lapoint, Joyce Salt Racenet; (row 2 L-R)
Walter Dodge, Robert Heon, Bob Johnson,
George Shirlock, Earl Daniels, Neil Hall,
Arthur LaPoint, Frank Thurston.
1953
Durward Ellis, Kay
Ellis, Ray Dozois,
Jayne Sager Dozois
Beulah Darrell
McGinnis ’55 and
Dick McGinnis
The Class of 1953 chose Goodfella’s in Danville, Vermont, for a lunch time gathering, followed by the Alumni Banquet.
Attending were, (row 1 L-R) Fran Merchant Brown, Dottie Morrison Coombs, Carol Morris Leavitt, Dorine Cote Gilding,
Bill Gilding, Joann Rice Gieselman, Lenora Holt Thompson; (row 2 L-R) Dick McGinnis, Francis Moriarty, Lanny Costa,
Durward Ellis, Harold Willey, Ted Merchant.
1958
Harry Chandler ’54, Ernie Thurston, Barb Cutting
Thurston ’61, Jerry Gates ’58, Leslie Gates
Arranged by Ginger Kumpf Magoon and Brenda Emery Burke, the Class of 1958 had a full schedule, beginning with
a Friday evening Social Hour at the St. Johnsbury Country Club and ending with the All-Class Breakfast on Sunday
morning. In between, they gathered at the Joe’s Pond cottage of Ernie and Barb (Cutting ’61) Thurston, attended the
Alumni Banquet, and finished out the evening at the Comfort Inn. Some class members attended the All-Class Breakfast
on Sunday morning shown here (row 1 L-R) Harriett Johnston Perkins, Brenda Emery Burke, Pat Stratton Labounty-
Harrington, Ginger Kumpf Magoon, Connie Farr Robitaille, Gloria Root Randall; (row 2 L-R) Jim Nelson, Ron Ouellette,
Don Gaskell, Don Welch, Ernie Thurston, Jerry Gates, Paul Dauphin.
15The Class of 1963 celebrated their 50th Reunion in grand fashion. After arriving on Friday at the Straszko Center at Graham’s House, the class toured the campus and ended at Brantview for the Golden Reunion Reception hosted by Tom and Ann Lovett. They proceeded to the Fairbanks Museum for a social before making their way to the Black Bear Restaurant where they danced the evening away to the Bel Aires. On Saturday, the Class of 1963 met again at the Straszko Center for food, drinks, and a memorial tribute to those classmates who have passed away. The All-Class Wine and Cheese was next on the agenda before the class was escorted into the Alumni Banquet by the bagpipes. They had the entire group in attendance (about 500 people) join them in a short rendition of Chubby Checker’s, The Twist. It certainly set the tone for the evening. Those classmates attending the Banquet included (Pictured above row 1 L-R) Dean Kimball, Pattie Dionne Dubois, Diane Dawson Collins, Jeanette Dunn Keenan, Kerry Keenan, Judith Gravett Player, Marshall Faye, Laura Barrett Penniman, Pam Whitney Frederick, Ileana Bonvicini Santore, Richard Lamothe; (row 2 L-R) Richard Choiniere, Brian Player, Steve Quatrini, Margot Hull Brown, Kerry Dunne Grenier, Clifford Whitehill, Karen Mookey Moore, Lynda Vail, Dorothy Fontaine Killmer, Glennise Remick, Diantha Peters Langmaid; (row 3 L-R) Craig Parenteau, David Dilley, Larry Tyler, Tim Rolfe, Gary Robie, Charla Oliver Drown, Maurice Drown Jr., Diane Pearce LaFlam, Lois Cobb Bimson, Frances Stahler Fissette, Richard Reed; (row 4 L-R) Ernie Begin, Robert Milner, David Ely, Guy Lessard, Charlie Freeman, George Coppenrath, Dick Benoit, Joan Black Palmer, Bonny Burlingame Fleming, Vernon Bandy, Bill Moore. 16 hilltopper Autumn 2013
1963
1968
The Class of 1968 kicked off their 45th Reunion weekend at the American Legion hosted by Billy Turner, Guy Grenier, and
Joanne Hall Sullivan. Peter and Paige Crosby welcomed everyone to their camp on Joe’s Pond for Saturday’s gathering. Later
in the day, the group reconvened at the Banquet. Those attending the Banquet included (row 1 L-R) Susan Blanchard
Birchard, Peter Crosby, Pam Calderwood Heffernan, Susan Adams, Jan Scott Adamec, Betty Groom Havers, Delta Bunnell
Merchand, Priscilla Goss Paquette; (row 2 L-R) Linda Kumpf Waterhouse, Kristina Morley Millikin, Judy Hull Groskopf,
Karen Snow Buzzell, Jo Anna Garvin Hall, Glenna Wright Pasho, Marie Humphrey Norton, Rose Cormier Noble, Carolyn
Hale Bigelow; (row 3 L-R) Steve Parenteau, Mike Bergeron, Guy Grenier, Allan Johnson, Steve Bean, Dan Pasho, Curtis
Cummings, Delaine Brown; (row 4 L-R) Eva Dickerman Emery, Roo Mold, Karlene Skinner Dussault, Linda Wheeler
Whitehill, Howard Robinson.
17Reunion Weekend
1973
The Class of 1973 packed the Danville Inn for their 40th Reunion! Host Steve Cobb welcomed classmates for the evening.
On Saturday evening, ’73 came together for the Reunion Banquet. A special thank you to Gail Rossier and her planning team
for their efforts. Those attending the banquet were: (row 1 L-R) Karen Parrish Shields, Gail Rossier, Sallie Winot Lewis,
Steve Cobb, Dee McDowell, Carol Norcross Reynolds, Patricia Black Acevedo, (row 2 L-R) Elaine Stahler Gray, Cindy Finney
Davidson, Cindy Bunnell Guibord, Cindy Fortier Wheeler, Cindy Hoyt Stanton, Robin Ackerman Tessier, Jayne Sager Dozois,
Koleen Goodwin Jones, (row 3 L-R) Clayton Gilbert, Susan Byrne Havers, Peter Stanton, Stephen Perkins, Paul Theriault,
James (Carl) Fish, Norman Smith, (row 4 L-R) Jay Austin, Maggie Wood Austin, Bradley Marsceill, Dita James, Muffi Hurley
Grinnell, Alydia Payette, Charlie Dolgin.
1978
(row 1) Ken Coombs, (row 2 L-R) Stephanie Goss
Churchill, Randy Pulling, Karen Wilkins Gammell, Crystal
Chandler Prevost, Patti Paige, Rita Temple Murdoch, Lee
Gammell, Doug Thurston, (row 3 L-R) Bill Laberge,
Mark Desrochers, David Hutchins, Dan Thurston ’50, and
Jerry Prevost ’77
Rolling into the area for their 35th Reunion, the Class of 1978
joined Crystal and Jerry Prevost ’77 at their home in Walden
Friday evening. Lisa and Tim Hale invited everyone to their
home in Waterford for the afternoon on Saturday where they
were joined by the Class of 2003 (their daughter Emily’s
class). Joining everyone for the Banquet Saturday evening
were: (row 1 L-R) Crystal Chandler Prevost, Patti Paige, Starla
Hubbard, Ken Coombs, Stephanie Goss Churchill, Rita Temple
Murdoch, Karen Wilkins Gammell, (row 2 L-R) Tom Prevost,
Mark Desrochers, Bill Laberge, Sandy Murray, Chris Ryan, 1973 boys (L-R) Randy Pulling, Jerry Prevost ’77,
Doug Thurston, and Lee Gammell. Bill Laberge, and David Hutchins
18 hilltopper Autumn 20131983
Tom Leblanc, Debbie Pessini Allard,
and Marc Broughton
Jeff Clouatre and Tyler Ayer
The Class of 1983 started their 30th Reunion by gathering at the home of Cindy Hayes Robillard, Shelly Darrell, and
Valerie Dussault Jenks
Wendell and Julie Veilleux Parrish. After an evening of fun by the pool,
on Saturday the group enjoyed the Garey home on Joe’s Pond with Mary
Lynn Garey as their host. Later that evening several classmates attended
the Reunion Banquet before returning to the Veilleux’s to wrap up their
weekend. Those attending the banquet included: (row 1 L-R) Cindy Hayes
Robillard, Lisa Desrochers Diefenbach, Valerie Dussault Jenks, Shari Repasz
Schwendener, Karen Goldthwaite, Lora Johnson Dean, (row 2 L-R) Chris
Rickson, John Robillard, Kandy Brill Petty, Doug Willson, Abbie Whitehill
Ruffner, Tim Ayer, and Shelly Darrell.
1988
Mike Gallagher, Steve Ducham,
Garth Moulton
Alan Farmer, Aaron Rose, Jerilyn
Root, Natalie Begin Levitan
(row 1 L-R) Felice Fish Raucci, James Ranney, Louise Young, Leslie
McClure Smith, Staci Husted Hosford, Jennifer Lewis Monahan, Kirsten
Nitsche Keach, Carrie Twombly Murray, (row 2 L-R) Lynn Molinaroli,
Melody Phelps Peterson, Jean Marie Sargent Johnson, Cindy Wakeham
Olson, Nicole Dauteuil Begin, Daniele Warren Storm, Natalie Begin
Levitan, Lissa Williams Modesitt, Jeanna Mercadante Anderson,
Lissa Williams Modesitt, Jean Marie Sargent Johnson,
Tammy Jewell Carpenter, (row 3 L-R) Marc Lambert, Richard
Nicole Dauteuil Begin, Kirsten Nitsche Keach, Felice
Hammer, Garth Moulton, Hans Gruenig, Matt Choate, Ben Hayes. Fish Raucci, Jeanna Mercadante Anderson
19Reunion Weekend
1993 Cheryl Rainville Brunette, Beverly Jenkins,
Allison Wright-Roberts, and Karen Wright
(row 1 L-R) Kendra Buzzell, Cheryl Rainville Brunetti,
Lisa Fontecha Amos, Kate Jackson McCarney, Caitlin Smith
Wallingford, (row 2 L-R) Andrew Davis, Andrew McGregor
Niquelle Fortin
and Shawn Timson
Anna Ely Talbot
and Stephanie Gray Melen
1998
(row 1 L-R) L -R: Lara
Killian, Marta Magnus,
Rebecca Smith McGregor,
Amanda Cobb Cashin, Marie
Lewis, (row 2 L-R) Jordan
Owens and Jacob Fournier.
20 hilltopper Autumn 20132003
Willy Nickerson and Jackie Nagle
(row 1 L-R) Anne Baker, Meghan Davis, Laura Robie Brasseur,
Lydia Fournier, Miranda Allen Wahl, Emily Hurst Thompson,
(row 2 L-R) Alex Camelio, Lindsey Bigelow, Tiffany Santy,
Theresa Heslin, Myles Hacking, Ingrid Bengtson, Warren Dow.
Miranda Allen Wahl, Emily Perry, and Shawna Wakeham
2008
Autumn Thompson
and Sam Matthews
( L-R) Benjamin Stevens, Katlynn Adams Stevens,
Grace Bengtson, Breandan Considine
21Reunion Weekend
Mount St. Joseph Trade School
Gertrude Sylvain Dussault ’61, Doris Laperle Mollica ’61, (row 1 L-R) Dick Bedor ’59, Leon LaClair ’38,
Edith Jacques Mitchell ’46 Andy Dussault ’57; (row 2 L -R) Howard Jones ’72,
Ron Noble ’69, Paul Hagan ’55
Trade School Dinner
Back: Steve Bedard ’77, Gene Sweetser ’66, Lawrence Darrell ’58, Merle Amadon ’59, Arlo Perkins ’64, Robert Farmer ’55,
Charles Leclerc ’56, Wilbur Blake ’68, Michael Thresher ’63, James Thresher ’66, Daniel Strobridge ’63, Kenneth Gammell
’63, Paul Hagan ’55, Lee Houghton ’63, Edgar Royer ’45, Richard Bedor ’59, James Heath ’63, Arthur Reynolds ’63, Oliver
Peck ’63, Alan Langmaid 70, Robert Johnston ’54; front: Phil Goss ’50, Donald Villeneuve ’63, Theron Merchant ’53, Ed
Boulay ’65, Delmar Paye ’69, David Farnham ’67, Archie Prevost ’50, Cleve Minor ’44, Richard McGinnis ’53, Stanley Wilkins
’57, Glen Gadapee ’55, Leigh Larocque ’52, Leo Bona ’59, Rod Ash ’54, Robert Frizzell ’65, Douglas Murphy ’48, Calvin Colby
’65, Dennis Perkins ’66, Ronald Hill ’62, Clark Wright ’59; kneeling: Pierre Pepin ’61, Dale Delois ’51, Andy Dussault ’57,
Harold Willey ’53, Caroll Macie ’67, Edward Timson ’68, Charles Bell ’65. Attending but not in picture: Edward Brown ’62,
Larry Gochey ’66, Bruce Quimby ’56.
22 hilltopper Autumn 2013Non-Reunion
(row 1 L-R) Anita Wood Bedor, Albert Dauphin, Doris LaPerle Mollica, Jean Wright Hagan, David Rubenstein, Jean Fleming
Williams, Edith Jacques Mitchell, Carmen Desrochers Repasz; (row 2 L-R) Bob Dumas, Joyce Atherton Dumas, Pam Burns
Kocher, Leilani Provencal, Roy Heath, Susan Sherrer Quatrini, Patti Albee Coburn, Dave Coburn; (row 3 L-R) Onie Mollica,
Jerry Prevost, Lindsay Mold, Brendan Mold, Troy Ruggles, Kelly Westover Ruggles, Joan Moore Lint, Jim Impey, David
Shields; (row 4 L-R) Dick Paddleford, Lee Hackett, Brent Beck, Bruce Scott, Terry Powers.
Current & Former Faculty & Staff
(row 1 L-R) Crystal Chandler Prevost, Jerry Prevost, Rosie Lemieux Prevost, Paige Crosby, Jean Fleming Williams, John
Robillard, Laura Penniman Barrett; (row 2 L-R) Patti Albee Coburn, Dianne Moulton Rolfe, Sandy Turman, Cindy Hoyt
Stanton, Koleen Sjolander Jones, Caitlin Smith Wallingford, Nicole Dauteuil Begin; (row 3 L-R) Roo Mold, Andy Dussault,
Dan Thurston, Jeff Burroughs, Tom Lovett, Jack Cummings.
23A Message from
Jack Cummings
Associate Headmaster, Advancement and Admission
I
n previous issues of Each spring Mr. and Mrs. Freeman would travel to
this magazine, I have St. Johnsbury to share lunch and stories with our Japan
written of the impact travelers. Their interest in each child and the impact that
globalization has had Japanese study had on their lives was always personal.
on our school. During the After Mr. Freeman passed away in 2010, Doreen and her
past summer, the Academy son Graeme would make one more trip to St. Johnsbury.
lost two very good friends The past few summers, I have been fortunate to meet
and supporters who helped Doreen and provide her with information about our
lead our transition to a students’ experiences. These occasions also offered me
global institution. While the chance to learn more about the legacy and life that she
coming from very different and her husband had shared.
backgrounds, Doreen Brown Freeman and Tyler Colwell Tyler Mason Colwell ’91 was an avid outdoorsman,
’91 have helped to make the modern Academy, with its fisherman, and skier who gravitated toward life’s solitary
tremendous diversity, possible. pursuits and for whom no physical challenge was too
Doreen was born in England in 1923. In 1948, she great. He was a world traveler and lifelong learner
married Houghton “Buck” Freeman and moved with an insatiable curiosity. An English teacher who
immediately to Shanghai. Following the fall of Shanghai respected people of all walks of life and backgrounds,
in 1949, she and Buck moved to Tokyo, where he was Tyler gravitated toward Eastern philosophy, especially
appointed Resident Vice President of AIU. Eventually, Buddhism and the eight fold path. A true “roughing it”
they would move to New York, where Buck would serve kind of guy, Tyler cherished the opportunity to meet new
as President of AIG, the company co-founded by his people. Wherever he went, whether Marlin fishing in
father, Mansfield. The Freemans would always maintain Mexico or hiking the Himalayas, Tyler was quick to gain
a close connection to Vermont and the Kingdom. Their trust and make friends.
son Graeme was born in St. Johnsbury in 1955. I believe that Tyler provided inspiration for the Colwell
Following Mansfield’s death, the couple established Center for Global Understanding, established by his
the Freeman Foundation, with a vision to improve family in 2001. Since its founding, the Colwell Center has
understanding between the United States and the become a center of life and learning at the Academy. The
nations of East Asia. Through their efforts the lives center attracts world–renowned experts to our campus
of tens of thousands of American and Asian students lecture series, coordinates our travel and study programs,
and teachers have been transformed. The Freeman has spawned numerous international community service
Foundation has also been exceedingly generous to efforts, and brought the wider world to elementary
Vermont, supporting schools, the Asian outreach school classrooms throughout the Kingdom, all the while
program at UVM, the Vermont Land Trust, and, of imparting the important lesson that “different, doesn’t
course, St. Johnsbury Academy. necessarily mean wrong.”
The Freemen Foundation was drawn to the Academy We have been blessed to receive such generous support
by our Asian experience and initiatives. We were the and leadership from these families whose vision and
only school in Vermont to teach Japanese, and we were philanthropy have made our school and the wider world
already hosting the Kaijo School exchange. To help bring a better place. The Freeman Foundation, under the
these studies to life, the Freemans offered our students leadership of Graeme Freeman, will continue to support
and faculty the opportunity to travel to Japan each understanding between East Asia and the U.S., while
year. Over the past 20 years, more than one hundred the Colwell family, in addition to their work in higher
Academy students and dozens of teachers have enjoyed education, Vietnam, and supporting those injured in
this experience. In addition, the Freeman Foundation service to their country, will work to heighten awareness of
funded a modern language learning center—a far cry the growing rate of suicide in America. Love wins.
from the language labs of my generation.
24 hilltopper Autumn 2013You can also read
