For the last quarter-century, New Hampton School has been my second home. I joined this school community as the second person in a two-person shop. Faculty and staff were quick to welcome me. They were patient, thoughtful, and respectful. Faces have changed but what has remained the same is the unique culture of this school – a welcoming, nurturing, tolerant, and unpretentious community of men and women who take pride in their work regardless of their job title, and who are always there to support each other. A staff of two soon became three, then four, and today our Alumni and Development team totals nine incredibly dedicated and talented individuals who make Husky Nation a better place every day. I treasure their friendship, professionalism, encouragement, and care. New Hampton School is truly a special place.
One of my favorite NHS taglines is: “In a world where they expect you to fit in, we teach you to stand out.” This phrase succinctly captures the essence of the New Hampton School experience. I have been privileged to work with such a diverse group of talented individuals, who have clearly stood out and have so positively impacted this institution, past, present, and future. From Jeff Beedy to Joe Williams, from Anne Richter to Sarah DeBenedictis, and everyone in between, each brought his or her dynamic personality, professional enthusiasm, work ethic, and management style to cultivate and steward this community.
Leaders inspire a desire to do more: to work harder, to care genuinely about each student, each colleague, and to come together in the best interest of the institution. I learned the value of collaboration, how teamwork fosters organizational strength, how to accept constructive criticism for what it is. It has been simply an opportunity for continuous improvement. I learned how to challenge myself outside my comfort zone and to consistently look through the lens of the broader community, mindful that the vital work of educating adolescents is what matters most. I am forever grateful for all of the lessons learned since 1994. Every voice has value in this school community, and I am a better person because of all of you.
To all the teachers and coaches who helped to nurture, challenge, support and educate our sons Eric and Matt, I am forever grateful for everything you did to mentor each of them as they discovered their unique passions and realized their potential. Their successes today are your successes.
I am forever grateful for being part of such an amazing family: our sons Eric ’01 and Matt ’05 are my greatest achievement; our daughters-in-law Brooke and Lana perfectly complete our family; our grandsons Keegan (5) and Reed (3) are just plain perfect; and my husband, Paul is my biggest fan, encouraging me to simply be me.
There is a prevailing entrepreneurial spirit intrinsic with New Hampton School and its alumni; it resonates through the countless stories shared over the years, and through the life/career paths pursued. It is what makes this amazing place so exceptional.
To our alumni, parents, trustees, former and present, I am forever grateful for your support and friendship…thank you for taking my calls…for responding to my emails and notes…thank you for your tireless energy as volunteers and mentors for others, and for always being so willing to step up and pay it forward in support of a school we all love so much. The relationships I’ve been fortunate enough to build with all of you have been the cornerstone of my NHS career.
We’ve celebrated so many milestones together: the 175th celebration in 1996, the dedication of Pilalas Math and Science Center, a renovated Meservey Hall, several new residential life houses. We’ve honored legendary faculty members such as Mark Tilton, Harrison Golden, Lou Gnerre, and T. Holmes ’38 and Jinga Moore. Through the Annual Fund and three separate capital campaigns, we collectively raised funds to ensure that our school continues to improve its programs and campus landscape to meet the frenetic demands of an ever-changing and intensely competitive independent school market. I am forever grateful to have played a role in New Hampton School’s past, present, and future.
When I shift roles next month to New Hampton’s Bicentennial Coordinator, I am excited for the opportunity to build upon existing relationships and collaborate with many of you as we celebrate 200 years of student-centered education in as many spectacular ways as possible.
Please save the date of June 5, 2021; it simply won’t be the same without you!
I know you will all welcome our new Alumni and Development team members with open arms, open hearts, and open minds. They are joining an already amazing staff at a pivotal time in this School’s history. Their talents and expertise will continue to make a difference in this unique community that is New Hampton School. I am forever grateful to call this place home.
Life is precious, enjoy every minute, and always, always remember to be nice…Because nice matters.
Happy Summer!
