Baccalaureate Speeches
Fischer Drama Award: Lauren Eppinger ’20 presented by Mr. Dan Burmester
When I came here two years ago, I was a little nervous about making theatre at Vermont Academy. Then I met Lauren Eppinger. With joy, she agreed to be our program’s stage manager. I have been eternally grateful for her since. What does a stage manager do? It means Lauren and I have worked side by side on all the productions you have seen since my arrival here. With diligence, she recorded every iteration of my stage directions and notes for actors.
With patience and empathy, she effectively communicated our NEVER-ENDING scheduling changes. With reliability and grit, she sent out the following days' schedule to our actors, keeping track of who was called to rehearsal and who was not. At VA we are painfully aware of how difficult it is to schedule a weekly meeting. Imagine having to help with that four to five nights a week, for seven weeks straight, two times a year. With bravery and joy, she teched and called our shows; cuing lights, sound, projections, scenery, actors, so that all happened with precision. With love and care, she helped ensure all things that needed to happen before and during a show did. While I think Lauren likes theatre, there are bigger reasons than theatre that drew her to stage management.
Lauren loves and cares for people, wants to bring people together for causes bigger than any one person. She believes in and practices the qualities of reliability, grit, patience, kindness, empathy, and joy. In doing so she sets a standard for others to rise to. Lauren, thank you for being my collaborator and a leader these past two years. For all of these reasons, you are the most deserving recipient of this year’s Fisher Drama Award.
O’Connor Music Award: Sarah Annis ’20 presented by Mr. Steve Cady
If you’ve seen any Vermont Academy concerts in recent years, consider if you recall, enjoyed, or would enjoy hearing performances of these great pieces. Themes from: Harry Potter, Howl’s Moving Castle, Super Mario Brothers, Castle in The Sky, James Bond, the video game Tetris, or if you remember an energized and emotional all-ensemble closing performance of Take On Me. Aside from playing critical musical roles in each of those performances, if not for Sarah Annis, they may never have happened at all - because each one was her idea. Not only did Sarah suggest many of our most successful arrangements, whether on violin or euphonium, over four years there has not been a single instrumental performance in which Sarah’s music did not play a principal role.
Sarah has attended approximately 570 rehearsals in Shepardson, (was the first there 519 times), played approximately 128 different arrangements, and played ~ 47,692 notes on stage in Horowitz. The stats are there, but the music is as well. Despite Sarah’s seemingly pragmatic approach, she truly loves playing and does so with real passion. If you’ve had the chance to hear her or better yet, be close to her in performance, you will have sensed her musical strength and vitality. Sarah, you have been an absolute rock in our music programs. I treasure your perspective, humor, and sincere care for others. We truly couldn’t have done it without you. Congratulations to this year’s recipient of the O’Connor Music Award, Sarah Annis.
Frederic Stanley Art Award: Margaret Adams ’20 presented by Mr. Ryan Burch
The most difficult part of teaching art is convincing kids to be vulnerable and express themselves. Developing a student into a strong artist isn’t easy, but a good art teacher has the recipe down. A quarter cup of technique, a tablespoon of muscle memory, and a dash of natural talent. Garnish with infinite art supplies, and place in the studio at 75 degrees for several hundred hours. But then there’s the X factor: the seemingly simple step of getting kids to feel comfortable in their own shoes, and coaxing them into letting the world see and appreciate that authentic version of themselves.
These past few years, I’ve been lucky enough to teach a student that is tough to teach for all of the best reasons. Teaching her is tricky because taking risks and expressing herself is her default setting. Teaching her keeps you on your toes because you need to remind her to put safety glasses on before the pure excitement of smashing CD’s for her handmade disco ball physically takes over her body. But most importantly, she makes you a better teacher because she unabashedly knows that her ideas are valuable and potent, and she refuses to let them be treated as anything less.
Maggie Adams demands your absolute best as a teacher every minute of every class, all while smiling, giggling, and bouncing around in Birkenstocks, a baggy T-shirt, and a pair of jeans from the 80s. She makes her teachers think and work harder, but in a way that makes you happy to do so.
Even after teaching her for 10 out of her 12 trimesters at VA, I must admit that I’m equally as intrigued and perplexed as I was when I first met her. I don’t think you ever fully “get” Maggie Adams, but as she tells me on a daily basis, “don’t worry, Mr. Burch... I’ll figure it out later.”
Maggie, I hope you continue to let these qualities guide you as you move through life. Your quirkiness, creativity, and resilient strength are a powerful combination, and for these reasons, I’d like to present the 2020 Frederic J Stanley Art Award to Margaret “Maggie” Adams.
Female Scholar-Athlete Award: Kristyna “Kalty” Kaltounkova ’20 presented by Ms. Amy Lanterman
This year’s female scholar-athlete is a powerhouse who has been all-in for Vermont Academy since the day she arrived. She’s a welcoming, enthusiastic, charismatic presence on campus. She’s a diligent, prepared, insightful, student who consistently earns academic honors. She’s a determined, strong, skilled athlete –in a word, incredible.
She’s generous in sharing her talents and has a remarkable ability to motivate herself and others. She’s willing to take risks and try new things – who can forget her memorable Winter Carnival dance routine and her performance in last year’s spring play. In all she does, Kalty refuses to settle for less than her best and looks for ways to become even better.
Here are some words from those who work with her:
From soccer coach, Dan Weintraub – “She is one of the most sincere competitors I’ve had the pleasure of coaching. She plays with all of her heart... She wants to win -- for her, for her teammates, for her school, for her country.”
From soccer coach and math teacher, Katie Stames – “Kalty has undeniable drive as an athlete. When she sets her mind to accomplish something, there’s no stopping her. She’s strong, confident, and relentless out on the field. Kalty is also this way in the classroom”.
From lacrosse coach Amanda Hodgson – “Kalty demands more of herself than she does of her teammates, but the high standards she sets for herself make those around her better. She has been crucial in improving the level of play of Vermont Academy lacrosse in the last two years.”
And from hockey coaches Savanna Poole and Chris Ardito – “She’s a powerhouse. Before coming to VA she’d never played soccer or lacrosse and in three years became the leading scorer in soccer … and an unreal lacrosse goalie. On the ice, she broke our all-time points record in three years and finished with 235 points…She has certainly left her mark on Vermont Academy athletics, winning three NEPSAC championships and being named MVP in back-to-back hockey seasons” (Poole). “She’s so much more than an athlete… She’s a leader by example; she sets the bar high and expects everyone around her to strive for it….Watching her growth…was fun. She not only grew her game, but she really grew as a person” (Ardito).
There’s so much more to say. Kalty you will be remembered and missed at VA for your formidable skill and tenacity and your awesome accomplishments, but also for your friendliness and care for others. I’m certain that you will be as amazing at Colgate as you were here. It is with admiration that I present this year’s Female Scholar-Athlete Award to Kristyna Kaltounkova. Congratulations, Kalty!
Male Scholar-Athlete Award: Andrew Peloso ’20 presented by Mr. Dan Allen
It gives me great honor to present The Male Scholar-Athlete Award. Andrew Peloso has been at Vermont Academy for three years where he has consistently received high GPAs while playing varsity soccer, hockey, and baseball all three years. Andrew has distinguished himself through his involvement in numerous activities.
He has been an outstanding role model and leader on the athletic field and ice. Andrew drives his team toward a common goal while leading by example and bringing his teammates together. Andrew is a fierce competitor on the field and ice. He pushes himself to be the best while pushing and supporting his teammates to be the best they can be. He expresses his love and pride for VA to visiting families as one of our top tour guides. Andrew has a true devotion and pride in Vermont Academy which is infectious among his peers.
He has excelled in the classroom while helping younger students understand the importance of being a student-athlete. Andrew has an infectious love for Vermont Academy, he is a great role model for younger students, his academic and athletic success is no mistake as he has earned everything through hard work and determination. So without further ado, I present the Male Scholar-Athlete Award to Andrew Peloso.
Brown Family Award: Sydnie Rogers ’20 presented by Ms. Savanna Poole
This student came to Vermont Academy as a gritty athlete. She is a soccer midfielder who would go into every tackle strong, a hockey forward that would grind in the corners of the rink and do whatever she could to get the puck, a tennis player who worked diligently to improve her strokes and knowledge of the game. Over the past two years, I believe Sydnie Rogers has surprised herself and also become a gritty student.
Sydnie has become a more confident student and learned how to use the same skills she applied on the field, ice, and court in the classroom. She has learned to advocate for herself when given tough Physics and math problems and has continually shown compassion for her classmates. All of her teachers commended her work ethic, perseverance, and sense of humor. Mr. Schilling put it best when talking about Syd in Public Speaking this winter. He said, “ Sometimes in life, we are required to do things we don’t want to do, and I believe it is how we deal with these situations that show our true character. Syd made the most of a situation that at first seemed impossible to her, and showed her wonderfully strong character in the process.”
Sydnie is leaving Vermont Academy as a more confident student and athlete. I am excited to see her excel on the ice and in the classroom next year at Salem State University.
Presentation of 4-Year Varsity Letterman Jackets presented by Mr. Alexei Sotskov
The 4-Year Varsity Letterman Jackets go to a student of Vermont Academy, who earns 12 varsity letters during his or her time at Vermont Academy. We know that earning a varsity letter every season for 4 years is a rare accomplishment. We would like to recognize the amount of hard work and dedication that goes into being a varsity athlete at VA. It is a real accomplishment to earn a varsity letter. To do it three seasons a year for all four years – is a demonstration of an incredible commitment, and dedication.
The students receiving letterman jackets are:
Ella Bushee ’20 - Soccer (2016-2019), Basketball (2016-2020), Lacrosse 2017, Tennis (2018-2020)
Jordan Loya ’20 - Soccer (2016-2019), Hockey (2016-2020), Lacrosse (2017-2020)
Gigi Wood ’20 - Equestrian (2016-2019), Hockey (2016-2020), Lacrosse (2017-2020)
Samuel B. Pettengill Scholarship Award: Sarah Annis ’20 presented by Mr. Dan Weintraub
Author Eric Liu writes, “...If you don’t learn how to practice power, someone else will do it for you—in your name, on your turf, with your voice, and often against your interests.” This is arguably even more true for those who are marginalized and disempowered by political and social norms steeped in prejudice and internalized racism and sexism. On the 100th year anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, it is indeed fitting that we celebrate the accomplishments, the scholarship and the power expressed by this year’s award recipient.
My generation has done a poor job when it comes to championing the essential natures of equity, of sustainability. We have left our children with a great deal of work to do. This year’s Pettengill Award winner is just the kind of citizen that this planet desperately needs. She arrives with no time to spare. Women’s rights activist and suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton wrote, “The best protection any woman can have... is courage."
Our award winner exemplifies courage. She speaks truth to power, and those in power need to listen. An intellectual without peer, she rises to the universal call that education, at its very best, is an incitement to virtue. I feel better about our future knowing that she is on the side of all that is good.
This year’s most deserving Pettengill award winner is Sarah Annis. She will receive a copy of Susan Cahan’s book, Mounting Frustration: The Art Museum in the Age of Black Power.
H. Edmund Tripp Award: Sarah Annis ’20 presented by Mr. Russell Mayhew
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. Mr. Tripp was dependable and reliable. He is remembered for his Sunday night Ice Cream Sundae gatherings in his living room on Alumni III.
This year’s recipient of the Tripp award was chosen in part because of the qualities she shares with Beano Tripp: expertise, helpfulness, reliability, and an understanding that providing sweets helps bring a community together. However, Sarah Annis prefers baked goods to ice cream. Sarah Annis is practically a member of the math department. We had been considering starting a student-to-student math tutoring program for a while before Sarah took the initiative to get it started. She recruited tutors, helped present and sell the program, and organized the tutor team.
Sarah helped transition the Math Club into the Math Team. Before Sarah, the focus of the Math Club was on something called the American Mathematics Competition, a brutal timed multiple-choice test where working together is explicitly prohibited. Sarah and her counterpart Siyang Wang steered the Club instead toward the MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge, a contest built on teamwork and collaboration, values more aligned with those of VA. She organized and led our teams, recruited younger members, and in doing so laid the groundwork for years to come. And of course, she provided cookies and brownies.
H. Edmund “Beano” Tripp left a legacy and built a foundation at Vermont Academy. The same can be said for Sarah Annis, and I would not be surprised if there were someday an award named after her. Congratulations!
World Language Excellence Award: Evan Zorman ’20 presented by Ms. Laura Frey
A little over a year ago, I saw Evan in live language action at an open-air market in Annecy, France. I watched him move from vendor to vendor asking specific questions about the types of cheeses and hams that pair well. He was in the process of planning a farewell picnic for the students studying with our global programs. Early on a brisk morning in a small, French mountain town, he showed extraordinary leadership through his intent to communicate effectively as he planned a special experience for his peers. Evan learns languages to communicate and interact with others all over the world, and he understands the world through embracing cultural similarities and differences. An outstanding French student, Evan also asked to move from Spanish 3 to Spanish 4 this year with only two formal years of Spanish under his belt. He is courageous, unflappable, spontaneous, fearless, and fun in the classroom. Indeed, I knew this spring that he was deserving of this award when he began to serve as the class dictionary in French. Evan recently said, “Madame, I am not aiming to be a linguist, but I do plan to be fluent in French and Spanish in the future.” Evan, the world is better for it. Thank you! The World Language Award this year goes to Evan Zorman.
Hayes Environmental Prize: Margaret Adams ’20 presented by Ms. Christine Armiger
This year’s recipient is a four year senior who arrived at VA with a Vermonter’s pragmatic sense of
environmentalism. I have been lucky enough to have her as an advisee, a companion on the Long
Trail, a leader and active member of the Environmental Club and most recently an AP
Environmental Science student.
Her list of qualifications is long, having attended numerous environmental conferences, summits
and workshops on behalf of the academy, but Maggie Adams doesn’t just talk the talk or even walk
the walk in any kind of self-righteous way. She just knows and perhaps has always known that a harmonious relationship with the Earth is the only way to live a rich and happy life.
Maggie has taught me many things in these past four years, but perhaps the most important thing is
that ART is worthy of deep attention in the struggle to help humanity heal its relationship with the
planet. Her senior art portfolio, her final projects for AP Environmental Science, and her work with
the Morning Mist has tapped right into the core of WHY we should care for our environment. Not
for some future reward or to be responsible citizens (not that those are bad reasons), but because it
is good for our own hearts.
Maggie, I am grateful for all that you have done for Vermont Academy. I hope you will continue
along the path of science and environmental leadership, but please promise me that you will never
stop being an artist for the cause… and for yourself.
Amy Lanterman Learning Center Award: Lauren Goll ’20 presented by Ms. Christy Catsos
In her three years at VA, Lauren has grown into a confident and mature student who embodies our core values of striving for excellence, seeking and giving help, and staying true to her best self. Lauren works humbly and consistently to be the best person and scholar that she can be, putting long hours into both her studies and causes that she cares deeply about.
As Lauren’s advisor, Ms. Lanterman herself says, “Lauren is unpretentious, insightful, fun-loving, and kind-hearted. She is a keen observer, sensitive to her surroundings, and she has a deep interest in social, cultural, and environmental issues. She does what she does based on her personal values, integrity, and character.” Lauren Goll is so deserving of this recognition. Congratulations, Lauren!
Faculty Appreciation Awards
Barbara B. Sweet Award: Mr. Brian Schilling ’11 presented by Dr. Jennifer Zaccara
Written by Ms. Meredith Friel: "It's been so amazing to see a group of teenagers flock to such an emotionally intelligent and caring, young faculty member. Brian is intentional, deliberate, and absurdly thoughtful. In the dorm, the boys appreciate his sense of humor that oscillates between quiet gentle jokes and nuanced observations. As a coach, I know that all of his players remark about how supportive he is. In class, he claims to have learned from the best (his mom, Joanne fuller, Whitney Barrett, Carly Fox), but I think that it is innate storytelling abilities that make his students learn to love and engage with history and literature. Brian tells captivating stories that teach you things, while you are laughing. (my favorite way to learn) His students leave class with a smile on their faces and a deeper understanding of the world and themselves.
He is a role model for all but especially for our young men on campus. His existence and success dismantle codified societal views of what it means to be a happy, successful man. So many students are drawn to his affable genius and comforting presence. He is an absolute pleasure to work with, to laugh with, and feel things with. We've had many long talks about how best he can support and encourage his advisees to make tough choices and guide them towards their better selves.
Also, he's one of the most patient and level-headed dorm parents I've ever seen. When Brian is on duty, he often sits calmly with the boys. He hears them and sees them, but never interjects or corrects. Students never worry about Mr. Schilling judging them. It is my honor to give the Barbara Sweet award to Mr. Brian Schilling."
Donald T. Brodine Memorial Award for Outstanding Faculty: Mr. Russell Mayhew presented by Mr. Nate Williams
Let's start with the cheerful part. I remember the first time I heard this faculty member speak at community meeting. All he said was, “Hello everybody,” and the audience could not help but laugh. Through his quick wit and joyful outlook on life, he makes everyone feel welcome and safe. This gift plays a vital role in our community and allows him to be truly accessible to students and faculty alike.
As for broad expertise and passion in a subject area, math is a part of him. His classes are consistently well populated, math competitions occur bi-annually, and the back of Shep always has a math study session going. Math is alive at VA because of him. And how about loyalty and devotion to VA and its students? Two words: Bread Club. This enduring ever-present organization is as inclusive as they come. Yes, gluten-free options are available. And just like a sourdough starter passed down through generations, Mr. Mayhew created a culture that has leavened the VA experience for almost a decade’s worth of students. As many of you have learned in these days of quarantine baking, a naturally leavened bread is an exquisite symbiosis of organisms that work together to create a lightness and depth that delivers a delicious and more nourishing product than your ordinary yeasted bread. Mr. Mayhew has a similar combination of seemingly disparate characteristics. His classes have depth, yet he keeps it light. He employs rigor, yet leaves room for play. His affect is earnest, yet suffused with humor.
Here is a quote from Evan Zorman, “Mr. Mayhew is a man of seemingly infinite talents. He's the
best math teacher I've ever had and has made both Calculus and Statistics some of the most rewarding classes I've ever taken. He is a baker extraordinaire, dominant ultimate frisbee player, and a reliable friend and colleague.” Mr. Russell Mayhew, for turning that hardtack cracker of a discipline that we call math, into a heavenly loaf, we present you with the Donald T. Brodine award.
Congratulations to all of the award winners!
Vermont Academy is a coed college preparatory boarding and day school in southern Vermont, serving grades 9-12 plus a postgraduate year.
