Head of School Dr. Jennifer Zaccara approached the podium to welcome the Class of 2023 and to initiate the night of celebration. She welcomed the Vermont Academy Student Association (VASA) co-presidents Abby Hawkins and Alden Ormont up to the stage to introduce the faculty speaker chosen by the Class of 2023 - Director of International and Residential Programs Mr. Adrian Diaz ’14. They spoke about him with gratitude as they noted how, “his presence on campus improves the student experience significantly.” 

Mr. Diaz both reflected on this class’s time at Vermont Academy and looked toward their futures. He acknowledged that there will be uncertainties and challenges ahead, but hopes they remember, “the strength of relying on other people, of showing hard work, the ingenuity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and resilience [they] have shown here in many areas.” Through the use of the familiar opening song from the television show Cheers, he wanted students to know that they will always have a home at Vermont Academy and hopes they view it as a “home away from home.” 

Dr. Zaccara came back to the podium to acknowledge the four-year seniors, who have attended Vermont Academy for their entire high school career. Each one stood after their name was called and everyone gave them a round of applause. These students are:

Livia Brooks

Benjamin Hart

Thorin Martin

William Noble

Stella Noonan

Alden Ormont 

Josh Paprin

Susannah Pennell

Erik Sorensen

Yunfeng “Gary” Zhu

 

The salutatorian and valedictorian of the Class of 2023 were also announced by Dr. Zaccara:

Salutatorian: Alden Ormont 

Valedictorian: Sam Boxer

 

After the applause died down, Dr. Zaccara went on to introduce the Class Marshals, who are two members from the junior class selected every year to lead the graduating class into commencement holding a ceremonial key where a small portion had been painted by a member of the graduating class. Those who held this distinct honor this year for all of their accomplishments and contributions to VA were Natalie Kucerova ’24 and Sydney Palmiotto ’24. Philippe Longchamps was the member of the Class of 2023 who was chosen to decorate the key on behalf of his class and he was also recognized by Dr. Zaccara.

 

The 2023 Class Representatives were introduced, who are selected and charged with communication, reunion planning, and alumni activity coordination. This year’s representatives were Abby Hawkins and Wyatt Turner, who stood up to be acknowledged and celebrated for their work.

 

Dr. Zaccara went on to read her Head of School remarks, titled “Be True to Your Best Self and Finding Your Own Voice.” She began by remembering Clara Converse of the Class of 1879 and Clara’s student Florence Sabin of the Class of 1888. She talked about how Clara became the head of the Soshin School for Girls in Yokohama, Japan, aspiring to give these young girls all that education had to offer. Dr Zaccara wondered what Clara taught Florence and others about being true to their best selves and following that motto of Vermont Academy. She urged the Class of 2023 to find their purpose as they go forth, and will therefore begin to put that motto into practice. In sharing famous one-liners by significant figures, she noted that they revealed each person’s authentic voice. When students grasp that purpose, she says, “you will have the courage to speak and write authentically, in your own voice.” After she concluded her remarks, she transitioned the night to the awards section of the program.

 

Mr. Jonathan Barron ’96 presented the Fischer Drama Award, which is awarded to a member of the graduating class for his/her interest in and enthusiasm for the dramatic arts and has made the greatest contribution to the success of the dramatics program at VA. The award was given to Abby Hawkins.

 

Mr. Steve Cady presented the O’Connor Music Award, which is presented annually to a Vermont Academy senior who has demonstrated excellence, dedication, and devotion to the art of music. He presented the award to Tian Ragle. 

 

Mr. Ryan Burch presented the Frederic Stanley Art Award, which was established by Mrs. Frederic Stanley as a memorial to her late husband’s interest and achievement in art. Their sons are Vermont Academy alumni: Frederic, Jr., class of 1954 and Lee, class of 1961. In order to achieve this honor a student must show a strong work ethic, interest in learning and produce at a high level artistically. This year’s recipient was Mamta Dey.

 

Ms. Maddie Paydos presented the first Senior Scholar Athlete Award, which is presented to a member of the senior class who has made significant contributions to the athletic program and has a distinguished academic record. The award was presented to Liv Brooks. 

 

Mr. Sean Allen presented the second Senior Scholar Athlete Award to Sam Boxer.

 

Mr. Brian Allen presented the Brown Family Award, which is awarded to the individual who has overcome academic obstacles and preserved and excelled in athletics. The award was presented to Billy Durand. 

 

Dr. Greg Martin presented the Samuel B. Pettengill Scholarship Award, which is awarded to a member of the graduating class who exemplifies high ideals of outstanding citizenship and academic excellence. Created in 1992 with funds from the estate of Samuel B. Pettengill 1904 and Helen M. Pettengill, the income is used for college scholarships for Vermont Academy seniors from Vermont families. This year the award was presented to Sam Boxer. 

 

Mr. Russell Mayhew presented the H. Edmund Tripp Award, which is made to a member of the graduating class whose achievements in math during two or more years at VA have been outstanding and worthy of recognition. Ed “Beano” Tripp taught math at Vermont Academy for 39 years. He’s been described by former students as a deeply knowledgeable teacher who took joy in sharing his expertise with others. This year the award was presented to Kim Osmec Perusa. 

 

Ms. Christine Armiger presented the Hayes Environmental Prize. Established in 1997 through the generosity of A. Reed Hayes III ’64 previous chairman of the Vermont Academy board of trustees and creator of the Hayes Environmental and Outdoor Fund, the prize is given each year to the student who best exemplifies both an understanding for our need to exist in harmony with the natural environment and a commitment to act on this understanding. This year’s recipient was Jess Shapiro.

 

Ms. Laura Frey presented the World Language Award, given to the student in the senior class who has demonstrated a deep love for languages and a sincere appreciation for the multiple and varied ways we express ourselves. Thus, we recognize this extraordinary student as a linguist who has the ability to improve the world by influencing how we can better communicate, understand, sympathize, and empathize with each other as human beings. This year’s recipient was Mamta Dey.

 

Ms. Lisa McNealus ‘79 presented the The Bob ’37 and Beth Campbell Art Purchase Award. In the interest of acquiring more art work for our alumni art collection, Vermont Academy uses this award to purchase a piece of art work each year from an artist in the senior class. This year’s recipient was Jess Shapiro for her pottery collection titled “A Feminist Tea Party.” 

 

Mr. Russell Mayhew presented the Donald T. Brodine Memorial Award, which honors a faculty member who exhibits many of the characteristics of long-time Vermont Academy English teacher Donald Brodine -- one of the Academy’s most revered teachers. This year’s recipient was Ms. Laura Frey. 

 

Dr. Zaccara presented the Barbara Sweet Award, which is given annually to that full-time faculty or staff member within the Vermont Academy community who has served as an exemplary teacher, coach, advisor, dorm parent, and role model. The recipient of this award, as chosen by the graduating class, will have touched and significantly influenced the lives of all community members in all aspects of life here at Vermont Academy. This year’s recipient was Dr. Greg Martin. 

 

After all of the awards were handed out, the Class of 2023 slideshow was played, and the graduating students got to sentimentally look back at photos of themselves during their time at VA. 

 

Dr. Zaccara closed out the night with some final remarks and reminders of details for the commencement ceremony the next day. Students were off to have a fun night by the bonfire and everyone was ready for the final festivity to come.

 

Photos from the night can be found here.