Campus News

Bob '37 and Beth Campbell Endowed Lecture Series: Robert Shetterly: an American Living his Truth

9/23/2022

Artist, writer, and activist Robert Shetterly loves his work, but he will share that he accidentally backed into this phase of his career when the United States went to war with Iraq, following the September 11, 2001 attacks. He was angry that another unnecessary war was being launched, this time on a country that was not involved. He knew he had to do something and art and activism were his passions. This inspirational, and arguably Renaissance man, jumped headfirst into the VA community during the two days meeting and speaking with students on September 19 and 20. It was clear from the outset that his greater purpose was reaching young people and getting them engaged in activism, which he describes as his life’s passion. For 20 years, Shetterly has been painting portraits of courageous Americans, and speaking about how the bravest people learned to overcome their fears out of necessity for what they believed in. This project is called, Americans Who Tell The Truth.

2022 Convocation - Coming Together as a Community

9/22/2022

The school year officially began with Convocation on Monday, September 5. The opening of the 2022-23 school year began with an invocation from John Zall, VA Humanities teacher, member of the College Counseling department, and the Head Coach of the Boys' Basketball team. He spoke about the importance of diversity in people’s beliefs and understanding, and the need to begin the new school year with open-mindedness, patience, and daring greatly, to quote Theodore Roosevelt.

The Return of the 9th Grade Trip

9/16/2022

The 9th Grade trip is a special tradition that welcomes students into the VA community. It is an incredible opportunity for teenagers to get to know each other, early in the school year and develop shared memories for a lifetime. Students are challenged to try new things - some have never been camping before and with a great deal of support, this year’s ninth graders found the success that began a major new phase in their lives. They had time to play outside and develop strong friendships which will last for years.

Back on the Long Trail Again!

8/26/2022

Contributing authors: Jess Shapiro '23, Wyatt Turner '23, and Ms. Christine Armiger

The Long Trail and the Long Trail hike have direct roots to Vermont Academy. James P. Taylor, Assistant Head of School at VA in 1907-1911, came up with the idea of creating a long trail through the Vermont wilderness while he was getting Vermont Academy students to embrace their own passion for climbing and mountaineering. For many years to follow, Vermont Academy students hiked and volunteered their time to help maintain the trail. This was incorporated into a pre-orientation experience until COVID put a temporary pause on things. It was with great excitement that this year’s students and faculty were able to hit the trail again!

Happy Juneteenth!

6/14/2022

Here at Vermont Academy we celebrate Juneteenth to honor the official end of slavery in the United States. Last year on June 17, 2021, president Biden signed legislation that made Juneteenth a federal holiday.