Loading

From the Homestead Williston Northampton School Alumni Newsletter

Greetings from campus!

As we move into winter, the campus landscape has shifted dramatically. Gone are the bright colors of fall, and a beautiful coating of snow has arrived making campus festive just in time for the holiday break. As we look forward to 2023 and the new year, we wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to our vibrant alumni community.

We appreciate your support of the school as we continue to grow and develop, and we hope to see you at events on campus and beyond in the coming year.

Here's to a fantastic 2023!

Steve Hoyt '95, P'25, '25 Director of Alumni Engagement

Notes from Campus

Keep an eye out for the next issue of the Bulletin which should arrive in your mailboxes shortly! In this latest issue, we present our 50 for the Next 50, a collection of alumnae who have shaped, and will continue to define, the school’s future. Check out a sneak preview of three honorees in the Alumni Spotlight section below. If you don't receive the Bulletin, please update your contact information so you don't miss this award-winning publication.

On Friday, January 6, Williston will host an open house for anyone interested in future faculty positions. All are welcome—regardless of whether there is a current job opening in the area that interests you. For more information or to register for the event, please click here.

We welcomed Grum Project artists to campus in December. Jewelry designer and owner of Anndra Neen handmade fashion jewelry brand, Phoebe Stephens '93 shared her work with us at assembly and during art classes.

Photographer Gabriel Chiu, known for his authentic visual exploration of Asian-American youth culture, conducted an afternoon workshop and evening lecture. Click here to see photos from his visit. Collage and assemblage artist Beth Duffy led a workshop for the Arts Intensive program. In her current project, Wearing, she "unravels the braided rugs common in old houses, and makes them into what they may have been." Click here to see some of the students work.

Congratulations are in order for Sarah Sawyer, esteemed English teacher and former Department Chair, who just recently sold her novel, The Undercurrent. It will be published by Zibby Books. Sawyer joins the very specific ranks of published current Williston English faculty named "Sarah," which includes Sarah Levine, whose poetry collection “Take Me Home” can be found here.

Spotlight on: Gretchen Tucker ’07

What advice would you give to a graduate from Williston today?

"Seek out new mentors and keep in touch with your teachers and classmates from Williston. These individuals can provide you with support, encouragement and inspiration. Remember to keep your own value and belief systems in sight and give yourself opportunities to challenge them." Read more about Gretchen here.

Spotlight on: Kaytlyn Racz ’05

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

"‘Comfort is the enemy of progress.’ This is a phrase I often think about in work and life. I always want to be challenging myself – whether it be in a new role at work or moving across the world (which I recently did). I know when I’m too comfortable, it may be time to change things up."

Click here to read more about Kaytlyn

Spotlight on: Phoebe Stephens ’93

What advice would you give to a girl graduating from Williston today?

"There is a difference between what we fantasize a job will be like and the reality of it. Once you know how the real world works, then I would say push boundaries and innovate in any way you can. Stand out and make people notice your uniqueness. Be disruptive, set examples for those around you who feel they can’t. Allow yourself to take risks!"

Click here to read more about Phoebe

Alumni Events

We had a great time with you at our holiday events! If you missed us, check out the photo galleries for the Western Mass, Boston and NYC parties. Watch for upcoming events in California, Florida, D.C., Boston and maybe even a few surprise cities near you! The latest news about in-person and virtual events is always on the Alumni Events page.

Next up! Join us for an Alumni Hockey Game Saturday, January 28th at 12 p.m. We will hold a post game lunch following the skate. Arrive early to watch the Boys Varsity Hockey team take on Wilbraham & Monson on Friday, January 27th at 6 p.m. Click here to RSVP.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Flickr to stay current on all that's happening across campus!

Mark and Monique Conroy: The Williston Way

"As young faculty members, we were drawn to the warm and authentic sense of community here at Williston Northampton. Twenty-three years later, we know first-hand that the quality of education is rooted in a core commitment to the individual, an emphasis on community, and an ethos of care. It’s what we call The Williston Way.

Please join us in making a gift to the Williston Northampton Fund online or by Venmo, and be part of building opportunities for all students to thrive. You can make a significant impact on an area that’s meaningful to you: Academics, Arts, Athletics, DEIB, Financial Aid."

Your gift to the Williston Northampton Fund is a gift to Williston Builds: The Campaign for Our Community. Thank you!

A powerful network just for alumni of Williston Northampton School

Wondering how the Williston Northampton professional network works? Search our alumni LinkedIn or join WillistonConnects to find alumni who share your professional and personal interests. On WillistonConnects, members of the community are ready and willing to offer advice and perspective no matter where you are in your career journey. And with nearly 1000 members and growing, the Williston Alumni and Alumni of Color LinkedIn Groups are your go-to resources for professional contacts. Tap into the power of your Wildcat Networks!

Questions? Comments? Ideas? We want to hear from you! Email us: alumni@williston.com

Created By
Steve Hoyt
Appreciate