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Reunion 2023: Joyful Celebrations, Milestones, and Remembrance

Over a celebratory Reunion Weekend in June, Vermont Academy alumni, their families, and former faculty came together to reflect upon the fond memories they made during their time on the hilltop. There were those who made new friends over the course of the weekend and those with friendships spanning the 70 years since their graduation. One thing that everyone had in common was the knowledge that Vermont Academy still holds a special place in their hearts. The weekend was filled with a variety of events that brought forth attendees’ shared appreciation for the school. It was a joy to celebrate the milestone 3s & 8s classes, with large turnouts from the Class of 1983 for their 40th Reunion and the Class of 2003 for their 20th Reunion. 
Reunion began on Friday, June 2, with a round of golf at the Hooper Golf Course in Walpole, NH, and was followed by class and decade gatherings hosted by alumni. Our gratitude goes out to the alumni who planned a wonderful array of opportunities for classmates and friends to gather:
  • George Welles ’53 and Davis Morse ’58 for planning a dinner for the classes in the 50s and 60s
  • Keith Canning ’83, Dan Dougherty ’83, and Adam Tschorn ’83 for hosting a food truck dinner for their classmates and overnight guests staying in the dorms
  • Miles Curran ’03 and his parents for hosting his classmates for dinner in Chester, VT
  • Andrew Robinson ’03 and Ian Tovell ’08 for hosting a gathering at MacLaomainn's Scottish Pub in Chester, VT for 2000s alumni to gather for after-dinner drinks
Saturday morning commenced with Head of School Dr. Jennifer L. Zaccara hosting a coffee chat in Leavitt House where she shared highlights from the school year and plans for the future of VA with attendees. Director of Place-Based Learning Christine Armiger taught a morning yoga session in the Warren Chivers Ski and Outdoor Education Center, where she was able to catch up with members of the Class of 2018. Attendees could also spend their morning taking a tour of campus tour with current VA students, playing in a small-scale mixed-gender soccer game, and playing on the tennis courts and the Wes Roussel ‘82 Memorial Disc Golf Course. 

As the school store opened for alumni to grab their favorite piece of VA gear, the student panel began in the Wildcat Den featuring Ruby Besson '25, Sydney Palmiotto '24, Sydney Shaw '25, and Jack Starkey '23 and moderated by Chair of the Humanities Department Dr. Greg Martin. These student leaders shared their experiences at VA. Members of the audience were particularly interested in hearing about how COVID impacted the students’ learning and why Vermont Academy’s in-person instruction during that time was beneficial. 

AlumniFest kicked off at lunchtime as guests gathered for a tasty food truck lunch with a variety of lawn games and other activities to partake in on Alumni Field. Alumni could also engage in tasting local wine, making crafts, sampling maple syrup made at VA, writing on the graffiti wall to share their favorite VA memories, a VA swag and gear swap, and more. Many caught up with friends while enjoying music provided by Jesse Peters ’88. 

Lunchtime flowed right into the afternoon events. First up was the Florence R. Sabin Class of 1889 Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony held in the Nita Choukas Theater in the Horowitz Performing Arts Hall. The Vermont Academy Alumni Association was thrilled to recognize Don McInnes '59 and the late Bob Campbell '37 as the 2023 Sabin honorees.

Following the ceremony, Reunion attendees had the opportunity to listen to three alumni speakers as they presented mini TED Talk-style presentations. Speakers and topics were:
  • Adam Tschorn ’83 | It’s a Pirate’s Life for Me: How the lives of scallywags and buccaneers can inspire a happier, more connected life
  • Jennifer Tolaro-Heidbrink ’03 | Parks Place: Making connections, building relationships, bettering lives
  • Bill Hosley ’73 | Discovering the Allure of Greater Rockingham: A VA cyclist’s journey, 1969-2023
At the end of his presentation, Bill Hosley ’73 encouraged those in attendance to join him for a walk into town to visit the Saxtons River Historical Society. 

As the early evening approached, many attendees gathered for the annual Vermont Academy Alumni Association meeting where outgoing Alumni Association President Amber (Smith) DiPasquale ’02 shared an update regarding new Alumni Councilors, summarized the work of the Alumni Council over the past year, and shared exciting news about the year ahead. She also introduced George Atkins ’15, our incoming Alumni Association president, to say a few words. 

Immediately following the meeting, alumni and friends gathered at the flagpole on South Lawn for a memorial service where we honored those who are sadly no longer with us. In remembrance, attendees planted gladiolus bulbs outside the entrance to Jones Hall following the service. After the service, friends and family of Kate Lorenz ’98 came together for a moment of remembrance as they celebrated the life of their beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and best friend to many.

Attendees moved over to Long Walk for the dedication of the new Leavitt Memorial Patio, a gift from the Class of 1953, and a reception. The patio, which is located outside the Shepardson Center and is adjacent to the Wildcat Den, honors Former Headmaster Lawrence Leavitt and his wife Dorothy along with the faculty who served with them. George Welles ’53, Thomas Upson ’53, and Bob Burton ’53, were there to represent the class and officially cut the ribbon. This was followed by mingling, hors d'oeuvres, and class photos.  

Finally, dinnertime arrived and featured delicious locally sourced dinner served by Vermont Academy’s very own Sage Dining Services. For those with a sweet tooth, gelato was provided by Vermont Gelato Company. Live music during dinner was provided by Jesse Peters ’88 and George's Back Pocket (George Nostrand ’91). Those who were up for a later night went up to the campus observatory with Science Department Chair Joe Echanis ’79 to explore the night sky, enjoyed a movie under the stars hosted by Theater Arts Director Jonathan Barron ’96, and/or roasted marshmallows around the warm bonfire blazing at the Nick Grout ’03 Memorial Fire Pit. 

The final morning of Reunion featured a continental breakfast for overnight guests and an Old Guard Celebration Breakfast. The Old Guard is comprised of all alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago, and this year the Class of 1973 was officially inducted into this distinguished group.

Attendees had an overall wonderful and special weekend connecting with old friends and strolling around the campus where they made countless memories. We already look forward to next year’s Reunion festivities and to celebrating the milestone classes ending with 4 & 9! 

Special thanks to the members of the Reunion Outreach Committee who helped rally their classmates and friends to join the fun! Committee members are:
  • Carter Benedict ’73
  • Paulina Borrego ’08
  • Keith Canning ’83
  • Mike Choukas ’73
  • Dan Dougherty ’83
  • Jeremy Fleming ’18
  • Bill Hosley ’73
  • David Morse ’58
  • Maddie Paydos ’18
  • Andrew Robinson ’03
  • Peter Sawyer ’78
  • Dick Shanaman ’53
  • Ian Tovell ’08
  • Adam Tschorn ’83
  • Kelley (Cota) Tully ’83
  • George Welles ’53
If you are interested in joining the 2024 Reunion Outreach Committee, please email alumni@vermontacademy.org.

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10 Long Walk, PO Box 500
Saxtons River, VT 05154
802-869-6200
Vermont Academy is a coed college preparatory boarding and day school in southern Vermont, serving grades 9-12 plus a postgraduate year.