News
2017
-
December
Using Art and Science to Save Priceless Works of Art
Read MoreChapel Hill-Chauncy Hall students recently learned how art and science come together to conserve priceless art and ancient artifacts.Students from Mrs. Keating's Intro to Visual Arts class and Ms. Shipley's Biochemistry class visited the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston to visit with Louise Orsini, an art conservator.
While visiting with Ms. Orsini, students learned about the process of conserving fine artwork through a special behind-the-scenes look at works in progress including a pre-Renaissance polyptych from Venice, and ceramics from Byzantine-era Italy.
The classes also met with two of Ms. Orsini's conservator colleagues who gave insight into their background and demonstrated the process of conserving pieces of art. Students learned about the close connection between art and science in this interdisciplinary field trip. This was a chance to see master paintings up close, gain an understanding of the process of conservation, and learn about a career that combines these two academic endeavors! -
Charger Classic 2017
The highly anticipated Charger Classic Basketball Tournament begins this week on Thursday evening with the Lady Chargers taking on local rival, Cambridge School of Weston at 7:00 p.m. The tournament will run December 7-9 and includes both our girls' and boys' varsity basketball teams. In addition to Cambridge School of Weston, Boston Trinity Academy, Eagle Hill School, and The International School of Boston will be bringing their teams to challenge our Chargers! The full schedule is listed below.Read More
Thursday, December 7
GIRLS' ROUND 1:
Eagle Hill vs. BTA 5:30
CHCH vs. CSW 7:00
Friday, December 8
BOYS' ROUND 1:
CSW vs. Eagle Hill 5:30
CHCH vs. ISB - 7:00
Saturday, December 9
Girls' Consolation - 10:30 a.m.
Boys' Consolation - 12:00 p.m.
Girls' Final - 1:30 p.m.
Boys' Final - 3:00 p.m.
GO CHARGERS! -
Weekend Activities, 12/8 - 12/10, 2017 (Closed Social Weekend)
Read MoreFriday, 12/8*Charger Classic Boys’ Round 1 (No sign outs until after the 7pm game ends)5:30pm CSW vs. Eagle Hill7:00pm CHCH vs. ISB9:00pm Pizza Party (Charger Café)Saturday, 12/9*Charger Classic (No sign outs until after all games end. Must return to dorm by 7pm dorm bonding)10:30am Girls’ Consolation12:00pm Boys’ Consolation1:30pm Girls’ Final3:00pm Boys’ Final5:00 – 7:00pm H Mart7:00 – 9:00pm Dorm Bonding (Respectiev dorms, all boarders attend)Sunday, 12/1011:00am – 2:30pm Natick Mall3:00 – 5:00pm Study Hall (No sign outs)7:00 – 9:00pm Game Night (Worcester Hall, all boarders attend) -
November
Weekend Activities 12/1 - 12/3, 2017
Friday, 12/1Read More
6:00 - 8:30pm Target
6:30 - 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle
8:00 - 10:00pm Holiday Movie & Snacks @ the Farm House
Saturday, 12/2
7:15am SAT Shuttle to Waltham High (Email Ms. O'Brien by Thursday, 11/30 to reserve a spot)
8:00 - 9:00am Continental Breakfast
*9:00am - 4:00pm Winter Pre-Season Practices (Check the athletics schedule)
6:00 - 9:30pm Natick Mall
8:00 - 10:00pm Holiday Cookie Decorating (Clements Room)
Sunday, 12/3
8:00 - 9:00am Continental Breakfast
*9:00am - 12:45pm Winter Pre-Season Practices (Check the athletics schedule)
1:00 - 5:30pm Boston Winter Holiday Market
-
Welcome back Class of 2017!
It was wonderful to welcome alumni from the Class of 2017 back to campus on November 22, 2017 to reconnect with their former classmates and update us on their college experiences. We hope that you visit campus the next time your travels bring you to Waltham.Read More -
Alumni Painting Party
Read MoreOn Saturday, November 18, the CH-CH Alumni Council hosted their first event of the year, Alumni Painting Party. At this event, alumni were given a canvas where they painted scenic views from around campus.Thank you to all the alumni who came to this event! -
Hardmon Signs Letter of Intent
Read MoreThe CH-CH community came together this afternoon to witness and celebrate Xavier Hardmon ’18 signing a National Letter of Intent, accepting a scholarship to play Mens’ Lacrosse at Pace University. Xavier is a 7-time varsity letter recipient at Chapel Hill–Chauncy Hall School. He is a two-time Massachusetts Bay Independent League Lacrosse All-League selection, winner of the Boys’ Lacrosse Most Outstanding Player Award, and the 2016 Massachusetts Bay Independent League Boys' Lacrosse Most Valuable Player. Congratulations, Xavier! -
Cardin Named IGC Volleyball Co-MVP
Read MoreCongratulations to Hunter Cardin ’18 on being named the 2017 Volleyball Co-MVP of the Independent Girls' Conference. Hunter is a three-time varsity volleyball letter recipient and a two-time IGC All-League recipient. In her three years at CH-CH, Hunter has established herself as a dominant force on the varsity volleyball team. She understands the flow of the game, watches the play develop on both sides of the net, and is ready and in position whenever a play needs to be made. As Libero, Hunter is an incredibly consistent defensive player as well as an effective hitter. Over her volleyball career, Hunter has developed a significant amount of gamesmanship: serving weaker passers, placing the ball into open space, speeding up and slowing down her rate of serve to throw off receivers, and serving the stack to take the other teams out of system.Coach Nick Bryant reflects that, “what puts her over the top are her intangibles. She consistently sets a positive example and encourages players around her to play better and harder while being driven and focused on her own mistakes and cleaning them up. She always trusts and relies on her teammates which is essential in this sport. She is always humble and knows that she can’t do it alone.”Congratulations, Hunter! -
Chargers Recognized at Fall Athletics' Awards Night
Monday, November 6, we gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of our fall athletic teams as well as recognize some individual award winners for their outstanding contributions. Congratulations to the following award winners:Read More
GOLF
Coaches Award: Kaiyuan “David” L. ‘18
GIRLS' VARSITY SOCCER
Coaches Award: Callie D. ‘18
Coaches Award: Audrey S. ‘21
Captain's Award: Alicia W. ‘20BOYS' JV SOCCER
Impact Player: Joshua S. ‘19
Most Improved Player: Jie En “Jay” W. ‘21
Coaches Award: Noah D. ‘19
BOYS' VARSITY SOCCER
Most Improved Player: Cameron S. ‘20
Most Improved Player: Benjamin G. ‘20
Coaches Award: Prashant C. ‘18
Coaches Award: Curtis A. ‘19
GIRLS' JV VOLLEYBALL
Most Improved Player: Sonya G. ‘21
Most Improved Player: Zoe H. ‘21
Coaches Award: Lara-Kate L. ‘21
GIRLS' VARSITY VOLLEYBALLMost Valuable Player: Hunter C. ‘18
Most Improved Player: Isabelle H. ‘18VARSITY CROSS COUNTRYMost Valuable Runner: Cameron B. ‘19Most Improved Runner: Jiahui “Harvey” S. ‘20Coaches Award: Samuel D. ‘20Coaches Award: Robert M. ‘19
Congratulations to the following athletes on being awarded all-league recognition:IGC Volleyball MVP:Hunter C. ‘18IGC Volleyball All-League:Hunter C. ‘18Phoebe D. ‘18Sidney D. ‘21IGC Girls’ Soccer All-League:Sarah M. ‘20MBIL Cross Country All-League:Cameron B. ‘19Tyler S. ‘19Robert M. ‘19Samuel D. ‘20MBIL Boys’ Soccer All-League:Alex N. ‘19
GO CHARGERS! -
Chargers Win IGC Volleyball Championship!
Read MoreThe fall has been a record-breaking season for CH-CH Athletics!In front of a packed home crowd, the Varsity Volleyball team won the Independent Girls Conference Championship on Thursday afternoon. The team finished the regular season 10-0 in the league, securing the #1 seed heading into the tournament. After receiving a bye in the first round, the Chargers defeated Gann Academy 3-1 in the semifinals. Thursday’s championship game resulted in a 3-0 victory for the Chargers against a strong Montrose team.The team’s over-arching themes throughout the season have been aggressive play, consistency, communication, cooperation, and focus. Coach Nick Bryant notes that in the championship game, “We showed exactly that. We were aggressive in how we attacked the ball. We were making smart, consistent plays during difficult and out of system moments. We communicated well, stayed focused, and worked together to win points. I couldn’t be happier!”Congratulations, Chargers! -
Weekend Activities 11/10 - 11/12, 2017 (CLOSED WEEKEND for Boarders)
Read MoreFriday, 11/104:30pm: Around the World and C.H.I. L Intramural GamesSaturday, 11/111:00 - 3:00pm Study Hall*4:00 - 4:45pm Early Dinner4:45 - 7:45pm Improv Boston*8:00pm Wraps/Snacks8:00 - 10:00pm Open GymSunday, 11/1210:30 - 11:15am Harrington Hall Brunch*11:15am - 12:00pm South Hall Brunch*12:00 - 1:00pm Worcester Hall Brunch*3:00 - 5:00pm Study Hall*7:00 - 9:00pm On-Campus Dorm Bonding Events**=Mandatory for all boarding students. -
Chargers Win IGC Volleyball Championship!
Read MoreIn front of a packed home crowd, the Varsity Volleyball team won the Independent Girls Conference Championship on Thursday afternoon. The team finished the regular season 10-0 in league, securing the #1 seed heading into the tournament. After receiving a bye in the first round, the Chargers defeated Gann Academy 3-1 in the semifinals. Thursday’s championship game resulted in a 3-0 victory for the Chargers against a strong Montrose team.The team’s over-arching themes throughout the season have been aggressive play, consistency, communication, cooperation and focus. Coach Nick Bryant notes that in the championship game “we showed exactly that. We were aggressive in how we attacked the ball. We were making smart, consistent plays during difficult and out of system moments. We communicated well, stayed focused, and worked together to win points. I couldn’t be happier!”Congratulations, Chargers! -
CH-CH Cross Country Win MBIL Championship!
Read MoreFor the first time in CH-CH history, the Cross-Country team bested all competition, winning the 2017 Massachusetts Bay Independent League Championship. The Chargers had four runners finish in the top 20 to help secure the victory with a team score of 63.Coach Jon Andruchow noted, “Our top five runners executed our game plan perfectly. Cam B. ’19 showed a lot of patience when that top pack made a move in the second mile and was able to take home third place. Tyler S. ’19 continued to be our team’s rock, running in 6th place pretty much start to finish. Rob M. ’19 and Sam D. ’20 found themselves in the high 20s from the outset but just kept chipping away and chipping away, passing enough runners to move up to 11th and 14th. This was our largest margin of victory all season, which is a testament of how hard this team works at bettering themselves day in and day out.”This was the meet the team had been training for all season and it showed. Cam B. ’19 set a new boys' course record of 18:54; Emily C. ’19 set a new girls' course record of 24:17. Four runners won All-League recognition following the race: Cam B. ’19, Tyler S. ’19, Rob M. ’19, and Sam D. ’20. The top 7 Charger finishers listed below:Top 7:3. Cam B. ‘196. Tyler S. ‘1911. Rob M. ‘1914. Sam D. ‘2029. Nick E. ‘1836. Henry L. ‘2039. Cobi P. ‘19Congratulations, Chargers! -
Chargers Win MBIL XC Championship
Read MoreFor the first time in CH-CH history, the Cross-Country team bested all competition, winning the 2017 Massachusetts Bay Independent League Championship. The Chargers had four runners finish in the top 20 to help secure the victory with a team score of 63.Coach Jon Andruchow noted, “Our top five runners executed our game plan perfectly. Cam B. ’19 showed a lot of patience when that top pack made a move in the second mile and was able to take home third place. Tyler S. ’19 continued to be our team’s rock, running in 6th place pretty much start to finish. Rob M. ’19 and Sam D. ’20 found themselves in the high 20s from the outset but just kept chipping away and chipping away, passing enough runners to move up to 11th and 14th. This was our largest margin of victory all season, which is a testament of how hard this team works at bettering themselves day in and day out.”This was the meet the team had been training for all season and it showed. Cam B. ’19 set a new boys' course record of 18:54; Emily C. ’19 set a new girls' course record of 24:17. Four runners won All-League recognition following the race: Cam B. ’19, Tyler S. ’19, Rob M. ’19, and Sam D. ’20. The top 7 Charger finishers listed below:Top 7:3. Cam B. ‘196. Tyler S. ‘1911. Rob M. ‘1914. Sam D. ‘2029. Nick E. ‘1836. Henry L. ‘2039. Cobi P. ‘19Congratulations, Chargers! -
CH-CH Hosts League Championships
Read MoreIt is an action-packed week here on campus with CH-CH hosting back-to-back Championship events. Wednesday, November 1, the Chargers will host the MBIL Cross Country Championship Race beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Atwood Field. Come out to support your Chargers while they compete against 140 other runners racing throughout campus!Congratulations to the Varsity Volleyball team on their 3-1 victory vs. Gann Academy in the IGC Semifinals! The Chargers will host the IGC Championship Game vs. Montrose on Thursday at 4:00 in Beaver Gymnasium. The team enters the tournament as the #1 seed after a regular season league finish of 10-0.GO CHARGERS! -
October
Weekend Activities 11/3 - 11/5, 2017
Read MoreFriday, 11/36:00 – 9:30pm Natick Mall6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 9:00pm Open Gym8:00 – 10:00pm Poker Night & Snacks w/ Mr. BloomSaturday, 11/41:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym1:00 – 4:00pm Hiking @ Blue Hills Reservation4:00 – 6:15pm Yoga Class (Bring $8)4:15 – 8:30pm Movie Outing: Thor Ragnarok (Signups closed, bring money for snacks and dinner)6:30 – 9:30pm Restaurant Outing: Orinoco Venezuelan7:00 – 9:00pm Open Gym8:00 – 10:00pm Bake w/ Ms. LeonelliSunday, 11/51:00 – 3:00pm Board Games & Snacks @ Charger Café -
Weekend Activities 10/27 - 10/29, 2017
Read MoreFriday, 10/276:00 – 9:30pm Natick Mall6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 9:00pm Open GymSaturday, 10/2811:00am – 3:00pm Faneuil Hall1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym1:00 – 6:00pm Pumpkin Palooza! @ Lawn on D (Bring money for snacks and dinner)7:00 – 9:00pm Open Gym8:00 – 10:00pm Halloween Movie & Snacks (Clements Room)Sunday, 10/291:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym2:00 – 5:00pm Bowling @ King’s Burlington (Charge to student account)3:00 – 5:30pm Party City/Chipotle/Five Guys -
Volleyball Extends Win Streak to 8-0
Read MoreThe Charger Volleyball team extended their winning streak to 8-0 on Friday defeating the Landmark School. This win secures the Chargers the number one seed and a first round bye in the IGC Championship Tournament. The Chargers will host the IGC semi-final game on Tuesday, October 31. The team is currently ranked 4th in New England. GO CHARGERS! -
Weekend Activities 10/20 - 10/22, 2017
Read MoreFriday, 10/206:00 – 9:30pm Burlington Mall7:00 – 9:00pm Open Gym8:00 – 10:00pm Movie & Snacks @ the Farm HouseSaturday, 10/218:45 – 11:30am Free Fitness Class @ Lawn on D1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym2:00 – 4:00pm Bake Halloween Treats w/ Ms. Doolan @ East Hall3:00 – 5:00pm H Mart4:00 – 8:00pm Harvard vs. Princeton Soccer Game & Dinner (Bring money to buy dinner)7:00 – 9:00pm Open Gym7:00 – 10:45pm Dance @ CSW (Signups closed)Sunday, 10/221:00 – 3:00pm Halloween Arts & Crafts @ Charger Café1:00 – 3:00pm Lawn Games- Outside of Harrington3:00 – 5:30pm Halloween Costume Shopping @ Garment District -
Weekend Activities 10/13 - 10/15, 2017
Read MoreFriday, 10/136:00 – 9:30pm Natick Mall7:00 – 9:00pm Open Gym7:30 – 10:00pm Ice Cream & Movie @ Dining HallSaturday, 10/1412:00 – 2:00pm Pumpkin Carving @ Dining Hall1:00 – 4:30pm Alewife Shuttle1:30 - 3:30pm Open Field (Lower Field)2:00 – 4:00pm Garment District6:30 – 11:00pm Governor’s Academy Dance (signups closed)7:00 – 9:00pm Open GymSunday, 10/151:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym1:00 –4:00pm Pats vs. Jets Game Viewing @ Worcester Lounge3:00 – 5:00pm Target -
CH-CH Unveils the Nancy S. Emery Memorial Garden and Learning Commons
Read MoreDuring a ribbon cutting on Thursday, September 28, 2017, Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall unveiled two new spaces on campus, the Nancy S. Emery Memorial Garden and the CH-CH Learning Commons.Nancy Spooner Emery was a member of the CH-CH community from 1972-1997. During her time, Nancy was a beloved teacher, educator, colleague, and friend. She shaped the lives of individual students, she mentored faculty members and she helped to create a school where each person mattered and was recognized and respected for their individual worth.As a former CH-CH teacher, current Trustee, and a good friend of Nancy, Margaret Allen spoke at the ribbon cutting to the importance behind the Nancy S. Emery Memorial Garden. “There are times in the life of an organization when things come together to create a special moment, a unique opportunity. This is one of those times for Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall”, said Allen. “Today, we recognize this extraordinary person, Nancy Spooner Emery, and honor the central role she played in the history of the School, as she worked to guide it from its early beginnings to the School that it is today.”The Nancy S. Emery Memorial Garden will be used for both outdoor classroom space and independent work and features flowering plants and trees, and a Soapstone Sphere designed by David Allen ’93 of Stone Point Studio. It is a place designed for quiet reflection and the peaceful enjoyment of nature, with an aesthetic that would have pleased Nancy's sensibilities.The CH-CH Learning Commons brings many new features, including a maker space with 3D printing capabilities, a collection of modular group work tables, and a portable stage. It also is the new location of CH-CH’s collection of books, reference materials, and access to the many databases and online resources. A key aspect of nurturing this creativity is flexibility. The entire space is designed to be flexible enough to accommodate several small groups of two, three, or four students working together, but can also become a space big enough to handle two whole classes working separately, or an entire grade level engaged in some large group activity.
To view photos from this event, click here. -
Chargers Win Back-to-Back MBIL Races
Read MoreFor the second straight week the Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall Cross Country team took home the top spot while running in the fourth regular season MBIL race yesterday at Jericho Forest in Weston. The Chargers bettered their team score from last week's victory, tallying an impressive 60 points. The team competed against a field of 111 runners from 8 different teams. First year runner Cam B. '19 finished 4th overall, earning his third top 5 finish of the season. Teammates Tyler S. '19, Robert M. '19, Sam D. '20, Nick E. '18, freshman Boge L. '21, and Ben G. '20 rounded out the top 7.Several team records were also set on Tuesday. Emily C. '19 set the girls team records at Jericho Forest with a time of 24:49. Marley F. '21 set the team course record for freshman girls, crossing the line in 25:09. Cam B. '19 set the boys team course record with a time of 18:43 and teammate Sam D. '20 set the boys team sophomore course record with a time of 19:30.Top 74. Cam B. '199. Tyler S. '1911. Rob M. '1912. Sam D. '2024. Nick E. '1826. Boge L. '2158. Ben G. '20
GO CHARGERS! -
Weekend Activities, 10/6 - 10/9, 2017
Read MoreFriday, 10/66:00 – 9:30pm Burlington Mall7:00 – 9:00pm Open Gym8:00 – 10:00pm Games & Snacks @ Clements RoomSaturday, 10/711:00am – 8:00pm Six Flags (Sign up online by Thursday, 10/5)1:00 –3:00pm Open Gym1:00 – 5:00pm New England Aquarium6:30 - 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 9:00pm Open Gym8:00 – 10:00pm Pinkberry Frozen YogurtSunday, 10/811:00am – 3:00pm Kimball Farms1:00 –3:00pm Open Gym3:00 – 5:00pm H Mart8:00 – 10:00pm Movie Night @ the Farm HouseMonday, 10/912:00 – 3:00pm Alewife Shuttle1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym1:00 – 4:00pm Museum of Fine Arts -
September
2017 CH-CH Chronicle is Published
Read MoreThe latest issue of the CH-CH Chronicle, the magazine of Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School, is in the mail and will soon be arriving in over 4500 mailboxes around the country. We are excited to share our second issue as it provides wonderful articles and updates to all of our community members.Our theme for this issue is CREATIVITY. You will meet students, alumni, and educators who are demonstrating creativity in myriad ways at CH-CH.We are appreciative of the support of our writers, designer, and fellow CH-CH staff members. They built the CH-CH Chronicle with incredible writing, engaging design, and beautiful photography. We are also indebted to the members of our new Chronicle Editorial Board, who considered and evaluated themes and article ideas. -
Weekend Activities 9/29 - 10/1, 2017
Read MoreFRIDAY, 9/296:00 – 9:30pm Natick Mall7:00 – 10:30pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 9:00pm Open GymSATURDAY, 9/3011:30am – 4:00pm Apple Picking (Bring $ or charge to student account)1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym1:00 – 4:00pm Hiking & Ice Cream @ Great Brook Farm State Park6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 9:00pm Bake w/ Ms. Doolan @ East Hall7:00 – 9:00pm Open GymSUNDAY, 10/110:00 – 11:45am Yoga Class @ Central Rock Gym (Bring $15 or charge to student account)11:00am – 1:00pm Brunch @ Little Big Diner1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym2:00 – 4:00pm Target -
Weekend Activities 9/22 - 9/24, 2017
Read MoreFRIDAY, 9/226:00 – 9:30pm Burlington Mall6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 9:00pm Open GymSATURDAY, 9/2311:00am – 5:00pm The Big E Festival (Bring $ for snacks and games)1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym2:00 – 4:00pm Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 9:00pm Open Gym8:00 – 10:00pm Bake w/ Ms. LeonelliSUNDAY, 9/2411:00am – 3:00pm Central Flea Market & Dumpling Festival (Free admission, bring $ for food & flea market shopping)1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym2:00 – 4:00pm CVS/Hannaford’s -
Weekend Activities 9/15 - 9/17, 2017
Read MoreFriday, 9/156:00 – 9:30pm Burlington Mall7:00 – 9:00pm Open Gym8:30 – 10:30pm Desserts & Movie @ Charger CaféSaturday, 9/1611:30am – 3:30pm Apple Picking @ Honey Pot Hill Orchards3:00 – 5:00pm H Mart6:30 - 10:30pm Alewife Shuttle8:00 – 10:00pm Outdoor Movie & Snacks @ Worcester DeckSunday, 9/1711:00am– 1:00pm Dorm Room Shopping @ Bed Bath & Beyond1:00 –3:00pm Open Gym2:00 – 4:00pm Kayaking (Waiver form MUST be signed by parent/legal guardian)4:00 – 5:30pm Pizi’s Ice Cream -
Weekend Activities, 9/8 - 9/10, 2017
Read MoreFriday, 9/83:30 – 5:30pm Pre-season practices6:00 – 9:30pm Natick Mall8:30 – 10:30pm Ice Cream Party (Charger Café)Saturday, 9/98:00 – 9:00am Continental Breakfast9:00 – 11:00am Pre-season practices1:00 – 3:00pm Pre-season practices6:00 – 8:00pm Target7:00 – 9:00pm Make Enchiladas with Mr. Bloom (Mr. Bloom’s Apartment)Sunday, 9/108:00 – 9:00am Continental Breakfast9:00 – 11:00am Pre-Season Practices1:00 – 3:00pm Pre-season practices4:30 – 6:30pm All-Dorm BBQ/Lawn Games (Harrington Lawn) -
August
Welcome to Our New Faculty and Staff
Read MoreAs we prepare to start the 2017-2018 school year, we are excited to welcome some new faculty and staff to the CH-CH community. We have pride in our motto, We teach the way students learn, and a huge part of what makes that motto a reality is our passionate and dedicated faculty and staff.Kasey Aulenback joins the 9th grade team and the history department to instruct World Civilizations I and II. She will also be coaching JV volleyball and Ultimate B. Kasey earned a BA in History and Secondary Education from Providence College. Kasey has spent time fundraising and writing grant letters for the cardiac unit at Children’s Hospital Boston.Chris Abrams is a local professional artist who will be joining the visual and performing arts department as a ¾-time member of the faculty. As part of the 11th grade team, Chris will also assist our new winter MakerSpace co-curricular opportunity. Chris holds a BFA in Visual and Environmental Studies from Harvard University, a Certificate of advanced study from the Graduate School of Design at Harvard, as well as an MFA in Sculpture from Massachusetts College of Art. You can view his artistic work at www.christopherabrams.com.Danielle Gutelius, a long-time campus resident, will join the science department to teach our one AP Environmental Science course this year. Danielle holds a BS in Biology from Bucknell University, as well as a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences: Molecular Virology from Brown University. Danielle (spouse of CH-CH Director of Technology and the Khalsa Center, Jon Andruchow) has taken on various support roles at the School in our Communications and Admissions departments, as well as athletics and residential life.
Jim Barrett is the first of our two Teaching Fellows for the upcoming year. Jim will be working with our history department, living in Worcester Hall, and coaching boys’ varsity soccer with Scott Bloom, girls’ JV basketball with Cassandra Dinkel, and girls’ varsity softball with Jacquie MacDonald. He will also be a member of the 11th grade team. Jim holds a BA in History and African Studies (minor) from Trinity College. Jim has lived on campus and been a substitute teacher at the Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, CT for the past three years while finishing up his degree at Trinity.
Kelsey Mack is our second Teaching Fellow; her focus will be in the sciences, and she will participate on the 9th grade team. Scheduled to live at the north end of campus in the Clark Farmhouse, Kelsey will be helping with the winter musical this year. Kelsey is a recent graduate of Smith College, earning a BA in Chemistry. Kelsey just completed summer work as a teaching assistant, dorm counselor, and academic advisor at Phillips Academy Summer Session in Andover.Nichole Mercier-Fitzpatrick joins CH-CH as our new Athletic Trainer as Sarah Orban’s role shifts this year. Nichole holds a BS in Athletic Training from the University of New England, an AS in Physical Therapy Assistant from Bay State College, and an MS in Education-Sports Management from Baylor University. Nichole will also be joining our 11th grade team. Recently, Nichole has been an Athletic Trainer at Phillips Exeter Academy.Anne Kaduboski comes to us from Cambridge Montessori School where she fulfilled the role of Assistant Director of Finance & Operations. At CH-CH, Anne will fill her retiring father’s role as Controller and work in East Hall. Anne earned her BS in Corporate Finance and Accounting from Bentley University. She also has an MBA from Bryant University. While at CH-CH, Anne will continue to coach the varsity women’s swim team, including her younger sister, at Bentley.
Leslie Thatcher Wales will formally begin her six-month position as Interim Director of College Counseling on November 6th while Brooke Fincke is on extended maternity leave. Leslie recently concluded a decade of work at Worcester Academy in various roles, such as Associate Director of Admission, Freshman Dean, Residential Faculty, Learning Specialist, PG Advisor, Orientation Coordinator, and faculty member. Leslie holds a BA from Lewis & Clark College, as well as an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Leslie recently launched Thatcher Education (www.thatchereducation.com), providing services in college counseling, academic and career planning, and tutoring. -
July
Passion Beyond the Classroom
Read MoreBeyond the CH-CH campus, faculty members have a wide range of unique interests. Here, learn more about how two CH-CH teachers spend their free time and how it impacts their classroom.SARAH ORBAN: A SKATING SENSATIONAthletic trainer and anatomy and physiology teacher Sarah Orban strapped on ice skates for the first time at age four and fell in love with the sport of figure skating. At age 13, after nearly a decade on the ice, she faced a tough decision: she could continue to skate, but the intense commitment that the sport demanded meant that she would have to give up all of her other activities. “I was involved in everything imaginable — soccer, softball, volleyball, clubs,” she says. Rather than sacrifice it all, she hung up her skates.
Years later, in her first semester at the University of New Hampshire, she saw a flyer recruiting people for the synchronized skating team. With synchronized skating, teams of 12 to 20 or more people perform on the ice at once. “It’s kind of like the Rockettes,” Orban explains. “It’s more about lines, circles, speed, and footwork, not about jumps and spins.”
Skating became a part of her life again, and she performed on the ice through all four years of college. But after graduation, the real world took over. “I moved to Florida for grad school, and I didn’t bring my skates,” she saysA RETURN TO THE RINKAfter finishing graduate school and moving back to Massachusetts, she ran into a friend who performed with an adult synchronized skating team. “I tried out — and I made it,” Orban says. She’s been skating with the team for the past four seasons, competing, exhibiting in shows, and attending the Eastern regional championships.
She points out that as a CH-CH house parent, it can be hard to pull herself away from campus, and skating pushes her to do something that is different from her school life. “It’s definitely one of those things that makes me feel complete,” she says. “I don’t want to sound corny, but it’s something to look forward to weekly. I do it for me — because I want to do it.”SHARING SKILLS WITH STUDENTSAs an athletic trainer and experienced skater, Orban lands opportunities to volunteer at top local skating events, including national and world championship competitions for individual and synchronized skating held in Boston. “It’s been amazing,” she says. “I’ve been sitting rinkside watching skaters who are the best from all over the world.”
Those experiences give her something to share with her anatomy and physiology students. “You have to be ready for anything—from getting a bag of ice to finding a doctor if two skaters collide. You’re on your toes the entire shift,” she says. This year, she volunteered at the Boston Marathon as well. “I can come back and explain to classes the real-life scenarios. I teach about the body, and I see it and live it. I can tie it into lessons, and it helps [the students] get the point a little better,” she says.PATRICK COOKE: EMBRACING THE ICEOur students and staff sometimes spot history teacher Patrick Cooke hanging around the rock wall in the gym— literally. As an ice climber, Cooke suspends himself from the climbing holds on the wall to build the stamina he needs to hang from ice picks.
Cooke got hooked on rock climbing in college—and soon discovered he liked ice climbing even more. “I have a special affinity for ice climbing,” he says. “As much as I love rock climbing, come September, I’m itching to get out on the ice and looking ahead to winter.”
Now, just about every weekend, you’ll find him out on either rock walls or ice sheets in the Northeast, depending on the season. And in the summers, he heads to the western United States for an extended climbing trip.A FAR-REACHING PERSPECTIVEWhile Cooke recognizes the risks and demands of iceclimbing, he appreciates the opportunities that it brings. “Climbing allows me to explore the world around me in ways I don’t get to otherwise. When you’re hanging on a little ledge on the side of a cliff and you’re seeing a peregrine falcon, a turkey vulture, or a blue skink lizard, you get to enjoy the natural world.”
Climbing has brought him in contact with other communities and cultures, as well. “There have been so many memorable trips and special climbs,” he says. “I’ve been able to climb in the Canadian Rockies three times, and I was invited to Scotland to climb two years ago.”AN EARLY DRIVE TO TEACHRaised in upstate New York on the edge of the Appalachian Trail, Cooke fell in love with the outdoors. While working at summer camps as a counselor, he found his calling. “I really love the act of teaching,” he says. “My passion is getting to work with other people, to share insight and knowledge and help them understand a concept or idea.”
Cooke’s climbing experience informs his work in the classroom, particularly in the modern global issues class he teaches. “With environmental issues, I can bring my firsthand experiences of global warming. I’ve seen the effect on glaciers, ecosystems, and habitats in my own travels,” he says.
His focus on climbing also helps him recharge for the work week. “Climbing is so intense and requires such focus. It allows me to be a better teacher — because each weekend I get to recharge.” After a weekend of rock climbing, his hands are covered in cuts and scrapes, and he’s stiff and a little tired. “The last thing I want to do then is put my hands back on rocks,” he says. “Then I shift gears. I engage with the kids and get a sense of perspective.”
Stephanie Thurrott is a professional freelance journalist based in Boston. -
June
CH-CH Welcomes New Board Members
Read MoreChapel Hill-Chauncy Hall is excited to announce that there are two new members joining its Board of Trustees. Made up of current and former parents, friends and former educators, the Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing both the immediate and long-term success of the Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School. The board carries out critical fiduciary, strategic, and generative functions for the School.Rhonda Bentley-Lewis – Rhonda is an endocrinologist at Mass General Hospital’s Diabetes Center and physician scientist studying mechanisms by which diabetes in pregnancy promotes subsequent maternal cardiometabolic disease risk. She is the mother of Candace Lewis '19.Ben Giess – Ben Giess – Ben is the Managing Partner and a co-Founder of Anvil Capital LLC, a private equity firm that invests in niche manufacturing and business services companies. Ben is the father of Samuel Giess ’17. -
Alumni Day - 2017 (recap)
Read MoreOn Saturday, June 10, we welcomed alumni from Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall back to campus for Alumni Day. Alumni traveling from New Mexico, North Carolina and points in between reconnected with former classmates, teachers, and friends. Guests included alumni from the classes of 1974 to some of our most recent graduates from the Class of 2014.
There was also a special 1980’s reunion where we welcomed back over 20 1980’s alumni. This was organized by Michael Raphael ’84. Other activities throughout the day included campus tours, a scavenger hunt, access to our new pools and great conversations all around.
Former faculty members Richard and Margaret Allen, Teresa Corrigan, Gus Favreau, Peter Hendrickson, Brad Pratt, Nancy Richardson and Vanessa Schukis mingled with colleagues and former students and were joined by current faculty and staff members Jon Andruchow, Bill Gostylo, Paul Harlan ’10, Leslie Jacobson Kaye, Conor Maguire, Sam Melanson ‘10, Ben Rogers, Alice Solorow and Matt Soule.
In his remarks during the BBQ, CH-CH Alumni Council Vice-Chair, Sean Mulvehill ‘10 described the impact of his CH-CH experience on his life and career and explained the ways he continues to give back his alma mater. In honor of Alumni Day, guests made gifts to support the School’s Annual Fund and the Nancy Emery Memorial Garden.
If you were unable to attend Alumni Day but would still like to make a gift to support CH-CH in any way, please go online at www.chch.org/donateonline. If you prefer, you may contact Director of Alumni Relations Ben Rogers directly at 781-314-0810 or brogers@chch.org.
Throughout the year, there are many opportunities for alumni to remain involved with CH-CH. The next time your travels take you to the Waltham area, please stop by the Alumni Relations Office – a member of the team would be pleased to host you on a campus tour and share some updates on School activities.
Click here to view photos from Alumni Day -
The Class of 2017 Graduation!
Read MoreOn Saturday, June 3rd, Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School recognized the forty-five graduates of the Class of 2017 in its 189th commencement ceremony. Valedictorian Tianyan Yu and Salutatorian Lily Maite Antunez delivered heartfelt addresses to their classmates. The commencement address was delivered by Richard Weissbourd, Ed.D., a child and family psychologist, as well as member of the faculty of Harvard's Graduate School of Education.“You know, it was only a short three or four years ago that we first set foot onto this campus,” Tianyan Yu reminisced, as she addressed the Class of 2017. “It is amazing to see that we’ve changed, and we’ve all changed together. Together, we learned to advocate for ourselves. We learned to become independent thinkers. We learned to love and care.”In his commencement address, Dr. Weissbourd urged the Class of 2017 to continue striving towards personal freedom. "I hope that you will remember to please keep exercising the freedom to care, focus, sacrifice and deeply attend," said Dr. Weissbourd. "That kind of freedom is at the core of an ethical life. That kind of freedom is at the core of love in every meaningful sense of this word."Head of School, Lance Conrad, Ed.D. closed the ceremony with an emotional message to the graduating class, “Our role and responsibility has been to push you to be alert, eager, empathic and intellectually capable young men and women. We hope that we have taught you to flourish and to spread your wings as far as they can reach.”Congratulations the all of the graduates of the Class of 2017 and the following award recipients:Junior Awards:Rensselaer Medal: Hangyu “Allen” LiNancy S. Emery Award: Lily KaplanHarvard Book Prize: Jiawen “Vivian” LiSenior Departmental Prizes:
English Prize: Seung Soo ChaeDonald Welch Social Studies Prize: Jeffrey Thomas Puschak
Allen American Studies Prize: Carl Rothenhaus
Paul Economides Foreign Language Prize: Erin Elizabeth Loonie
Bishins-Strachman Economics Prize: Anh Le Phuong NguyenFarnsworth Mathematics Prize: Anh Le Phuong Nguyen
Kurt Science Prize: Seung Soo Chae
Lewis Clapp Science Prize: Lily Maite Antunez
Performing Arts Prize: Eric Cobert
Visual Arts Prize: Madison ColmanJosé Rafael Arboleda Sportsmanship Award: Ryan Robinson Donovan
José Rafael Arboleda Sportswomanship Award: Alexandra LoriaSenior AwardsSiri Akal Singh Khalsa Award: Rae Henley Erdos-Steinberg
MIT Prize: Jeffrey Thomas PuschakFaculty Prizes:School Spirit Award: Carl Rothenhaus
Headmaster's Prize: Erin Elizabeth Loonie
Worcester Prize: Lily Maite Antunez
Valedictorian: Tianyan YuSalutatorian: Lily Maite Antunez
CH-CH Society Prize: Josh Bubar -
May
A Successful Spring Gala
Read MoreOur community came together on Saturday, May 13, 2017 for the 3rd Annual Spring Gala Dinner and Auction, and made it a night to remember!The goal of the evening was to raise $55,000 to fund professional development opportunities for CH-CH teachers, and we are excited to report that we exceeded this goal!Professional development allows our teachers to build their craft, and is a strong source of inspiration that they bring back to the classroom. Inspired teachers equal inspired students.During the event a video was presented featuring teachers discussing the strong impact that professional development has on their classroom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s214CcO7I5IThe Gala was made possible thanks to the dedicated work of our volunteers, as well as the CH-CH faculty and staff. Thank you to all of those that made this amazing night possible. A big thank you to everyone that attended, made a gift, donated an auction item, or sponsored the Gala in any way. Your support is making a direct impact on our teachers and students.See the full album of event photos here: https://goo.gl/Gcv0JJ -
A Sample Weekend
Read MoreFriday6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 9:00pm Open Gym8:00 – 10:00pm Korean BBQ w/ Ms. O’BrienSaturday11:30am – 1:00pm Garage Sale Hopping3:30 – 5:00pm Pizzi’s Ice Cream7:00 – 9:00pm Open GymSunday, 5/2812:00 – 2:00pm Target1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym3:00 – 6:00pm Burlington Mall8:30 – 10:30pm Outdoor Movie & Snacks @ Worcester Deck -
Chargers Recognized at Spring Athletics' Awards Night
Read MoreMonday evening, May 22, we gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of all of our spring athletic teams as well as recognize some individual award winners for their outstanding contributions. Congratulations to the following award winners:VARSITY SOFTBALLImpact Award: Aria R. ‘17Most Improved Player: Emma M. ‘19Coaches’ Award: Angela V. ‘18VARSITY BASEBALLMost Improved Player: Nathan L. ‘19Coach’s Award: Seung Soo “Joseph” C. ‘17Coach’s Award: Adam K. ‘18BOYS’ VARSITY LACROSSECoaches’ Award: Dax D. ‘19Coaches’ Award: Jeffrey P. ‘17GIRLS’ VARSITY LACROSSEMost Valuable Player: Isabelle H. ‘18Unsung Hero: Lily A. ‘17Most Improved Player: Jordyn K. ‘19Coaches’ Award: Caroline B. ‘20VARSITY ULTIMATE FRISBEECaptains’ Award: Ryan F. ‘19Spirit Award: Tyler S. ‘19Rookie Award: Curtis A. ‘19
ULTIMATE FRISBEE B
Spirit Award: Gabriel A. '19
Spirit Award: Yaqi "Aries" L. '20
Captain's Award: Evan K. '19Congratulations to the following athletes on being awarded all-league recognition:IGC Softball All-League:Savannah W. ‘17Kathleen C. ‘19Makayla M. ‘20MBIL Boys’ Lacrosse All-League:Xavier H. ‘18Dax D. ‘19IGC Girls’ Lacrosse All-League:Clea E. ‘17Isabelle Y. ‘17Isabelle H. ‘18MBIL Ultimate Frisbee All-League:Ryan D. ‘17Edward E. ‘19Tyler S. ‘19
GO CHARGERS! -
Weekend Activities 5/19 - 5/21, 2017
Read MoreFriday, 5/193:30 – 6:00pm Relay for Life7:00 – 9:00pm CH-CH Spring Play: Edgar Lee Masters’ Spoon River AnthologySaturday, 5/208:00am – 2:00pm Book Sale12:00 – 2:00pm Lawn Games & Snacks- Outside of Harrington2:30 – 4:30pm Study Hall6:00 – 9:30pm Natick Mall6:45 – 11:00pm Brooks Dance (Sign up online by 3pm on Wednesday, 5/17. $5 cover charge- bring cash!)Sunday, 5/2110:00 – 10:45am Brunch @ Charger Café10:45am – 4:30pm Dorm Bonding: Kimball Farm Outing5:00 – 6:00pm Dinner @ Charger Café6:00 – 7:30pm South Hall Dinner6:15 – 7:15pm Worcester Hall Dorm Bonding: Outdoor Games6:30 – 8:00pm Harrington Hall Dorm Bonding: Dessert Diva7:30 – 9:30pm Study Hall for South and Worcester Halls8:00 – 10:00pm Study Hall for Harrington Hall -
Weekend Activities 5/12 - 5/14, 2017
Read MoreFriday, 5/126:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle8:00 – 10:00pm BBQ & Games @ FarmhouseSaturday, 5/1311:00am – 2:30pm Natick Mall6:00 – 6:45pm Promenade (Harrington)6:30 – 10:00pm Dinner & Movie @ East Hall6:45 – 11:00pm All-School Prom @ Sandy BurrSunday, 5/1412:00 – 3:00pm New England Aquarium1:00 – 3:00pm Make Your Own Pizza2:00 – 4:00pm Kimball Farm’s Ice Cream Stand3:00 – 5:00pmHannaford’s/CVS -
April
Weekend Activities 5/5 - 5/7, 2017
Read MoreFriday, 5/56:30 – 8:00pm Prom Dress Drive @ Student Commons7:00 – 9:00pm Open Gym8:00 – 10:00pm Movie & Snacks @ Worcester LoungeSaturday, 5/67:00am SAT Shuttle to Waltham High9:00am – 12:00pm Community Service: Help Mrs. Buerger11:30am – 2:00pm Hiking@ Noanet Peak12:00 – 3:00pm Natick Mall1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym6:30 – 10:00pm Movie Outing: Guardians of the Galaxy 2 @ Burlington AMC (Sign up online by Wednesday, 5/3)6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 9:00pm Open GymSunday, 5/78:45am – 12:00pm Community Service: Race 4 Research (Signups closed)12:00 – 2:00pm H Mart1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym3:00 – 5:00pm Lizzy’s Ice Cream -
Spring Athletics Day!
Come out and support your Chargers this Saturday, April 29 at our Spring Athletics Day! We will be hosting 4 varsity games between 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. followed by a campus barbecue in front of Harrington Hall. Student government will be hosting lawn games during the barbecue along with an outdoor movie on the Harrington Lawn at 8:00 p.m. The complete game schedule is below. GO CHARGERS!Read More
Girls’ Lax vs. BTA 11:00 a.m. (Lower)
Softball vs. BTA 1:00 (Lower)Ultimate A vs. Pingree 1:00 (Upper)Boys’ Lax vs. BTA 3:00 (Upper) -
CH-CH Spring Session: On the Border
Read MoreWith Spring Session only one month away, let us look back to last year's where a few students had the opportunity to visit the U.S.-Mexican Border.
“You’re taking your students where?”This was the response CH-CH history teacher Ian MacPhail most often received when he explained that he and fellow history teacher Colin Meiselman were going to be taking students to the U.S.-Mexican border in Texas for an up-close look at immigration issues in America.
The trip was part of the CH-CH Spring Session, a week of experiential learning opportunities at year’s end that are led and designed by teachers. Inspired by the ongoing presidential debates, MacPhail saw the trip to the Mexican border as a way to gain an understanding of the current immigration debate by meeting those most closely involved.
MacPhail and Meiselman accompanied 11 students as they met with political leaders and worked with local charities in towns close to the border.
One stop on the tour included McAllen, Texas, where they had the opportunity to meet with the mayor.
“McAllen’s Mayor Jim Darling talked with us for an hour and a half, and we were not expecting it,” says MacPhail. “I was really impressed by the questions our students asked and what they took away from the discussion.”
What students took away from the experience was an appreciation of the complexities surrounding the issue of immigration. “It’s not black and white,” says MacPhail. “There are so many issues to consider, involving kids and their families, medical and political challenges, and socioeconomic realities.” -
Weekend Activities 4/21 - 4/23, 2017
Read MoreFriday, 4/216:00 – 9:30pm Natick Mall6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 9:00pm Chipotle/Five Guys7:00 – 9:00pm Open GymSaturday, 4/2212:00 – 4:00pm Kimball Farm1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym1:00 – 4:00pm Open Lab2:00 – 5:00pm Prom Dress Shopping @ Glitterati4:00 – 11:30pm AISNE Students of Color Conference @ Worcester Academy (signups closed)6:30 – 9:30pm Bowling @ Lanes & Games7:00 – 9:00pm Open Gym8:30 – 10:30pm Movie & Snacks @ Charger CaféSunday, 4/23 (Open House)11:30am – 2:00pm Hiking @ Middlesex Fells Reservation12:00 – 3:00pm BICCA College Fair @ Milton Academy (signups closed) -
Weekend Activities 4/14 - 4/17, 2017
Read MoreFriday, 4/146:00 – 9:30pm Natick Mall6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 9:00pm Open GymSaturday, 4/151:00 – 4:00pm Open Lab3:00 – 5:00pm Open Gym6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 10:00pm Restaurant Outing8:00 – 10:00pm Movie & Snacks @ the Student CommonsSunday, 4/1611:00am – 1:00pm Garage Sale Hopping1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym1:00 – 4:00pm New England Aquarium (Limit to 6 Students)2:00 – 5:00pm Prom Dress Shopping8:00 – 10:00pm Cookie Decorating @ the Charger CaféMonday, 4/1711:00am – 3:00pm Boston Marathon1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym2:00 – 4:00pm Pizzi’s Ice Cream Stand3:00 – 5:00pm Target -
Weekend Activities 4/28 - 4/30
Read MoreFriday, 4/286:30 – 8:00pm Coffee House8:00 – 10:00pm Ice Cream Party @ Charger CaféSaturday, 4/298:30am – 12:30pm Community Service: Waltham City Cleanup (Sign up online by Wednesday, 4/26)11:00am Girls’ Lacrosse Game (Lower Field)1:00pm Softball Game (Lower Field)1:00pm Ultimate A Game (Upper Field)3:00pm Boys’ Lacrosse Game (Upper Field)5:30 – 7:30pm Dinner & Lawn Games @ Harrington Lawn8:00 – 10:00pm Outdoor MovieSunday, 4/301:00 – 3:00pm Study Hall3:00 – 5:00pm Open Lab (Poster Party- NO EXPERIMENTS!)3:00 – 5:00pm Open Gym3:00 – 5:00pm Target7:30 – 9:30pm Game Night @ Worcester Lounge for all boarders -
Weekend Activities 4/7 - 4/9, 2017
Read MoreFriday, 4/76:00 – 9:30pm Natick Mall6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 9:00pm Open GymSaturday, 4/81:00 – 3:00pm C.H.I.L Volleyball Tournament1:00 – 4:00pm Open Lab2:00 – 5:30pm Colby vs. Tufts Softball3:00 – 5:00pm Open Gym6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 11:15pm Onyx Dance @ Milton (Sign up online by Monday, 4/3)8:00 – 10:00pm Movie & Snacks @ Charger CaféSunday, 4/912:00 – 2:00pm Moody’s Deli1:00 – 4:00pm Open Lab2:00 – 4:00pm Target3:00 – 5:00pm Open Gym -
March
Weekend Activities 3/31 - 4/2, 2017
Read MoreFriday, 3/316:00 – 9:30pm Burlington Mall6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 9:00pm Open GymSaturday, 4/112:00 – 2:00pm Hannaford’s/CVS12:30 – 4:00pm Alewife Shuttle1:00 – 4:00pm Open Lab3:30 – 5:30pm Open Gym6:00 – 9:00pm Bowling @ Lanes & Games8:00 – 10:30pm Movie & Pizza @ the FarmhouseSunday, 4/211:00am – 3:00pm Franklin Park Zoo (Online signup)12:00 – 3:00pm SoWa Open Studios (Limit to 6 students)1:00 – 4:00pm Open Lab3:00 – 5:00pm Open Gym3:00 – 5:30pm H Mart -
Alumni Entrepreneurs
Read MoreIf alumni Diana Levine ‘03, James Lipcon ‘97, and Sofi Madison ‘03 have one thing in common, it’s that they each took full advantage of their time at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall. As a boarding student, Levine developed an affinity for understanding different cultures. Lipcon flourished academically and personally because of the School’s emphasis on individualized learning. Madison learned the value of staying open-minded. CH-CH’s influence on their lives did not end when they graduated. All three have continued to draw on their CH-CH experiences as they run businesses of their own.DIANA LEVINE ‘03 CAPTURES THE MOMENTFew working professionals are confident enough in their abilities to leave full-time employment during a recession. But in 2008, that’s precisely what then Boston Magazine designer and staff photographer Diana Levine ‘03 did.
Levine moved to New York City with her husband, also a full-time freelancer, and started shooting portraits. She has worked for ad agencies, magazines, and record labels, and she has photographed celebrities such as Alicia Keys, Kim Kardashian, and President Barack Obama. Although the Greater Boston area was Levine’s home growing up, the Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall alumna felt at home in the melting pot that is New York City, in part because of her secondary school experience. Levine loves immersing herself in different cultures, which she had the opportunity to do as a boarding student at CH-CH.
In fact, while a boarding student, Levine’s Taiwanese roommate taught her Mandarin Chinese. The two keep in touch almost daily, and Levine’s since passed on the Mandarin lessons to her oldest child.
“I think being surrounded by people from all different backgrounds can only improve your life,” Levine explains. “When I was at Chapel Hill, many of the girls I lived with spoke Chinese. I think learning a whole new language from scratch gives you confidence that you can take on a big learning challenge and succeed.”
The confidence Levine gained from learning Mandarin was a microcosm of her CH-CH experience.
“Overall, I feel like I left Chapel Hill a much more confident person,” she says.One educator who contributed significantly to Levine’s professional success is 11th grade dean and visual arts teacher Alice Solorow. Levine returned to campus for Alumni Day in 2015 so she could see her former teacher.
“Ms. Solorow was a huge part of my life,” says Levine, who never actually took a photography class with Solorow. Their relationship was forged through newspaper and yearbook; Solorow served as the club’s advisor. “I spent so much time with her, and I learned so much from her.”
Levine wasn’t always sure that she would embark on a career in photography, though; social work, a job in immigration, or working as a translator all interested her when she was younger.
But Levine’s experience at CH-CH instilled confidence in her that she would flourish in whatever she pursued; it was the same confidence she later used to pursue her freelance photography career in New York City. And the supportive environment of CH-CH was central to her success.
“Everyone was really kind to each other and appreciative of each other’s differences,” Levine recalls. “I felt that the whole community, both the students and the teachers, seemed to really value each other. My experience at CH-CH gave me the confidence that I could get things done and learn whatever I wanted to put my mind to.”Last year, Levine moved back to the Boston area with her husband (and high school sweetheart) Matt, and their 3-year-old son and 10-month-old daughter. She currently shoots for Boston-based clients such as MIT, Harvard, and a variety of magazines and ad agencies. Her portfolio is online at www.dianalevine.comJAMES LIPCON ‘97 CONSTRUCTS HIS DREAM JOBProspective clients often want to learn about James Lipcon’s ‘97 credentials before they hire him to take on a large-scale construction project, and the Marlborough resident has no shortage of experience on his résumé.
Lipcon, 37, earned his undergraduate degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology (Class of 2002) in Construction Engineering. He then worked as project manager for nearly three years at a commercial renovation company in Lexington before he left for Concord, where he helped run an interior design company for about six years. In 2010, he started his own residential construction company, Lipcon Construction, based in Concord.
He always had an interest in construction, interior design, and property management, and along the way, Lipcon honed the people skills that make him popular among customers. He learned how to effectively manage a group, and a strong academic background was required for someone his age to ascend so quickly in the business.Lipcon points to his secondary school education as the foundation of his success. Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall served as the springboard that Lipcon needed to develop the skills that have aided his success in the construction industry.
“It’s hard for me to specifically staple individual lessons to what I do today, but it’s more about what I’ve gained from the whole experience,” Lipcon says. “One of the most useful things I learned was knowing when to ask questions and when to listen.”
“I was given the opportunity to participate in after-school activities at Chapel Hill, which allowed me to both get energy out, and become more focused.” Lipcon also credits his success to the level of support he received. “Obviously, nobody falls through the cracks at Chapel Hill, so that helped get me through high school – and into college.”
Unlike his experience at public school, Lipcon’s teachers at CH-CH took a hands-on approach to make his classes more engaging. The teaching style proved to be effective, and it helped the Concord native flourish in his new academic environment. Outside of the classroom, Lipcon found a way to further his interest in work that aligned with his eventual career. Lipcon, who wrestled and played lacrosse, grew close to the CH-CH buildings and grounds crew. The School recognized his interest, and in the fall semester, he and a few friends performed maintenance work around campus.
“I really enjoyed that,” he says. “That was another big win in my book. It allowed me to express myself – and do the things that I wanted to do so that I could stay focused in the classroom.”
Lipcon may have left CH-CH as a student nearly 20 years ago, but he hasn’t overlooked its impact on his life. He remains heavily involved with the School, serving as the Alumni Council chair and a member of the CH-CH Board of Trustees.
“If I had stayed in the public school system, I would not be anywhere near where I am today. I’m fully aware of that,” Lipcon says. “That’s why I’m so involved with the school – because I know how much it helped me.”SOFI MADISON ‘03 BRINGS HER UNIQUE FLAIR TO BOSTON’S SOUTH ENDWhen Sofi Madison ‘03 opened her own specialty gift store, Olives & Grace, in Boston’s South End, it gave her an outlet to share her passions of art and stories with others. Now, as Madison looks back on her experiences, she finds that one of the most valuable lessons in both life and work is in finding balance.
Located on Tremont Street in Boston, Madison’s store, Olives & Grace, features a wide range of products created by individuals that she often discovers at craft fairs or farmers’ markets.
“This is my way to explore storytelling and design,” she says. “Our whole idea (at Olives & Grace) is to help tell the stories of the makers and give our customers a better understanding of who it is and what it is that they’re buying into.”
As the owner of a small business in Boston, Madison meets customers and clients from myriad backgrounds. It’s similar to the environment at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall, where Madison learned, socialized and played after-school sports alongside students from different cultures.
“There was a lot of diversity,” says Madison. “I think that helped me and a lot of my fellow students be able to relate to people from different demographics." As a small business owner, Madison gets a sense of satisfaction from knowing that Olives & Grace wouldn’t be successful without her personal care and dedication. This sense of accountability is, in part, what drives Madison. “The baby will never exist without me treating it very carefully,” she reveals. “I think if you start a business, you are walking right into accountability.” Madison has embraced this accountability.
“Part of the adventure of owning a small business is staying curious and open with your mind – definitely with your heart, so that you can continue to grow. If you are stuck and narrowed in, then you don’t have that adventure.”
Developing a balanced lifestyle while running a small business has been a priority for Madison. Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall emphasized the value in balancing multiple endeavors with its emphasis on after-school activities and social experiences, coupled with academic work.
“I think back at Chapel Hill, we were set up with the tools to create a balanced lifestyle,” Madison says. “It’s our job to hold on to what we were taught there so that we can apply it – because in real life, you need to carve out time for the people that matter. You need to stay physically active and care about what you’re putting in your body.” While the lessons at CH-CH have helped Madison strike a balance, it’s the people who made the difference.
“The people that you’re surrounding yourself with will ultimately be shaping your reality, making sure that you’ve got that balance. Chapel Hill did a good job helping us recognize that balance when we had it.” -
Running Brook Camps Wins 'Friend of the Year'
Read MoreOn March 16th, Waltham Family School presented Running Brook Camps at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall with their Friend of the Year Award for the camp’s years of outstanding support in providing camp scholarships to their students.In 2003, the founders of Waltham Family School created a four-week summer program to extend learning opportunities for the preschoolers and their families. The school was then faced with the challenge of trying to provide opportunities for the elementary aged siblings of the Waltham Family School preschoolers and their parents who wanted to continue the program through the summer.It was during this time that Running Brook Camps founder, John Cloninger, offered the first two scholarships for Waltham Family School students.Over the past 13 years Running Brook Camps has provided scholarships for their summer camp programs to Waltham Family School children. The scholarship started out with the two Waltham Family School students in 2004 and grew to 23 kids having the opportunity to attend camp in 2016. Throughout the summer of 2017, the camp will host over 30 Waltham Family School students.Running Brook Camps received the award at Waltham Family School’s annual Fiesta!. There camp director Jim Bellanca accepted the award on the camp’s behalf stating, “We are very humbled and honored to be connected with the Waltham Family School. We love kids and we know that camp is a very profound opportunity for kids to grow and make social connections.”To find out more information about Waltham Family School and Running Brook Camps visit their websites at http://walthamfamilyschool.org/ and www.runningbrook.org. -
Weekend Activities 3/24 - 3/26
Read MoreFriday, 3/246:00 – 9:30pm Natick Mall7:00 – 11:00pm Movie Outing- “Get Out”-Sign up online-You MUST be 17 or older to sign up8:00 – 10:00pm Game Night @ the Charger CaféSaturday, 3/258:00 – 9:00am Continental Breakfast8:30 – 10:00am Boys’ Lax Practice10:00 – 11:30am Girls’ Lax Practice11:30am – 1:00pm Softball Practice1:00 – 2:00pm Ultimate B Practice1:00 – 2:30pm Boys’ Lax Practice2:00 – 3:30pm Ultimate A Practice6:30 – 9:00pm Restaurant Outing-Get a group of friends, decide on a restaurant, and email Mr. MacPhail!8:00 – 9:30pm Ice Cream Party @ the Charger CaféSunday, 3/268:00 – 9:00am Continental Breakfast10:00 – 11:30am Ultimate A Practice11:30am – 1:00pm Softball Practice1:00 – 2:30pm Boys’ Lax Practice1:00 – 4:00pm Open Lab3:30 – 5:30pm Target -
February
Girls' Basketball Earn NEPSAC Bid
Read MoreThe Girls’ Varsity Basketball team has earned a bid to the NEPSAC Class E Tournament for the second consecutive year! The NEPSAC tournament consists of the top 8 ranked small schools in all of New England. The girls will travel to the Dublin School on Wednesday afternoon for the a 3:00 quarter-final game. Congratulations and GO CHARGERS! -
Alumni Find Dream Job at Running Brook Camps
Read MoreIn these cold months, we are excited to a share an article about CH-CH alumni that found an amazing job right here, at our very own Running Brook Camps:Luke and Nick DiOrio are not just brothers and alumni of Chapel Hill - Chauncy Hall — but they are also counselors at Running Brook Camps on the CH-CH campus. Both Luke and Nick began working at Running Brook Camps in the summer of 2013. They had an immediate connection to this camp because of their time as students.
In 2016, Luke worked as the sports specialist, organizing sports and activities for the campers. Nick was the assistant counselor for a group of 10- and 11-year-old campers. Luke and Nick both appreciate working at their former secondary school. They really enjoy interacting with the campers and helping make the kids’ experiences the best. “I love getting the opportunity to work with my brother,” says Luke. “With the two of us in college and always on the move, it’s nice that we get to spend this extra time with each other – whether it’s in the car on the way to work or if we cross paths throughout the day.”
“I love the community feel and knowing that we are all one big family as counselors and staff,” says Nick. “It is especially nice to know that my brother, Luke, is on campus with me all day and that we’re making a difference in these campers’ lives.”
After the summer at Running Brook, they both attend the University of Hartford. Luke continues his Ultimate Frisbee career as captain of the semiprofessional team, Colt, located in Hartford, CT. Nick is also an avid Ultimate player.
Ben Rogers is the Assistant Director of Development and Director of Alumni Relations at CH-CH. -
Weekend Activities 2/24 - 2/16, 2017 (Closed Weekend)
Read MoreFriday, 2/244:15 – 6:15pm C.H.I.L Dodgeball Tournament (Hosted by National Honors Society)7:00pm Coffeehouse (Hosted by the Student Government)Saturday, 2/2510:00 am – 12:00pm Study Hall for Worcester 9/1011:00 am – 3:30pm Harrington Dorm Bonding: Fire & Ice and Shopping on Newbury St.12:15 – 3:00pm Worcester 9/10 Dorm Bonding: Fire & Ice1:00 – 3:00pm Study Hall for Worcester 11/12 and South Hall3:30 – 5:30pm Study Break: Dog Therapy (Hosted by National Honors Society)6:30 – 11:00pm S.A.F.E Dance @ Belmont Hill SchoolSunday, 2/2611:30am – 2:00pm Worcester 11/12 Dorm Bonding: Great Wall Chinese Restaurant
11:45am – 2:30pm South Hall Dorm Bonding: Bisuteki Japanese Restaurant1:00 – 3:00pm Study Hall for Harrington Hall -
Chargers Recognized at Winter Athletics' Awards Night
Read MoreTuesday evening, February 21, we gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of all of our winter athletic teams as well as recognize some individual award winners for their outstanding contributions. Congratulations to the following award winners:BOYS’ VARSITY BASKETBALL:Most Valuable Defensive Player: Ryan D. ‘17Most Valuable Offensive Player: Gianni T. ‘20Coaches' Award: Nira B. ‘17BOYS’ JV BASKETBALL:Most Improved Player: Yaqi ‘Aries’ L. ‘20Most Improved Player: Wei ‘David’ Z. ‘19Coaches’ Award: George ‘Gus’ V. ‘19GIRLS’ VARSITY BASKETBALL:Impact Player Award: Genesis C. ‘17Most Improved Player: Aria R. ‘17Coaches’ Award: Savannah W. ‘17GIRLS’ JV BASKETBALL:Most Valuable Player: Makayla M. ‘20Most Improved Player: Denisa L. ‘20Coaches’ Award: Nia W. ‘20Coaches’ Award: Anthea ‘An’ C. ‘20VARSITY WRESTLING:Senior Award: Benjamin G. ‘20Coaches’ Award: Ethan S. ‘18Congratulations to the following athletes on being awarded all-league recognition:IGC Girls’ Basketball – Savannah W. ‘17MBIL Boys’ Basketball – Gianni T. ‘20 -
Blokh and Grayzel Qualify for National Wrestling Tournament
Read MoreMark Blokh ’17, Lucas Courtney ’18, Benjamin Grayzel ’20, Ben Jorgensen-Duffy ’19, and Ethan Snow ’18 traveled up to Hyde School, ME over the weekend to wrestle against the best in New England. Jorgensen-Duffy fought hard through two tough match-ups while Courtney and Snow each finished the day 3-2 in their first New England appearances.Mark Blokh went 6-2 on the day placing 4th in his weight class. This sets the CH-CH record for the highest finisher at the New England Championships. Benjamin Grayzel wrestled a number of upperclassmen and compiled two pins while almost pinning the #3 seed in a close match-up. Grayzel placed 6th as a freshman which is a remarkable feat. These placements qualify Blokh and Grayzel for the National Wrestling Championships this weekend at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. This is the second time in CH-CH history that we have sent athletes to this prestigious event.Congratulations and good luck! -
Three Wrestlers Win E.I.L. Championship
Read MoreThe Charger Wrestling team traveled to Portsmouth Abbey last weekend to compete in the Eastern Independent League Championship meet. Ben J.-D. (’19), Lucas C. (’18), and Ethan S. (’18) each won their individual weight classes, earning the title of 2017 Eastern Independent League Champion and a bid to the New England Championship Tournament. Mark B. (’17) and Benjamin G. (’20) have also qualified to compete at New Englands by winning 66% of their overall matches. Congratulations to the EIL Tournament top finishers below and good luck to Ben, Lucas, Ethan, Mark, and Benjamin this weekend! GO CHARGERS!EIL CHAMPIONS:Ben J.-D. (’19) – 120 lbs.Lucas C. (’18) – 126 lbs.Ethan S. (’18) – 132 lbs.2nd place:Mark B. (’17) – 195 lbs.3rd place:Ryan F. (’19) – 138 lbs. -
CH-CH alumnus speaks to current students
Steve Abramowitz ’89 visited campus on Wednesday, February 15 and spoke to our business club about his latest business venture, KULKEA. Steve told our students that if “you work hard and stay focused, you can accomplish anything.” Thanks Steve for visiting CH-CH and speaking to our students!Read More -
Basketball Teams Clinch Playoff Spots
The Boys' and Girls' Varsity Basketball teams have each clinched a playoff spot in their league championship tournaments. The boys host Covenant Christian Academy today at 4:00 in the Beaver Gymnasium. The girls will travel to Landmark School this afternoon to take on the Vikings. The Lady Chargers recently hosted the Vikings and took the game into a thrilling double overtime before losing by two. The team is eager for redemption against a strong league rival.Read More
GO CHARGERS! -
Weekend Activities 2/17 - 2/20, 2017
Read MoreFriday, 2/176:00 – 9:30pm Natick Mall6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 9:00pm Open GymSaturday, 2/1812:00 – 4:00pm Faneuil Hall Outing1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 9:00pm Open Gym8:00 – 10:00pm Trip to Pinkberry Frozen YogurtSunday, 2/199:30 – 11:30am Yoga Class12:00 – 3:30pm Alewife Shuttle12:00 – 4:00pm Screening of George Takei’s Allegiance1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym6:00 – 9:00pm Bowling7:00 – 9:00pm Open Gym8:00 – 10:00pm Movie & SnacksMonday, 2/208:00am – 5:30pm Ski Trip to Wachusett1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym2:00 – 4:00pm Target/Best Buy -
Weekend Activities 2/10 - 2/12, 2017
Read MoreFriday, 2/106:00 – 9:30pm Natick Mall6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00pm CH-CH Winter Musical: Urinetown7:00 – 9:00pm Open Gym8:00 – 10:00pm Movie & Pizza @ the Farm HouseSaturday, 2/119:00am – 2:00pm Snow Tubing @ Nashoba Valley12:00 – 2:00pm H Mart1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym3:00pm CH-CH Winter Musical: Urinetown6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 9:00 Korean BBQ @ Ms. O’Brien’s8:30 – 10:00 Ice Cream Party @ Charger CaféSunday, 2/1211:00am – 2:30pm Alewife Shuttle12:00 – 2:00pm Community Service: Help organize art classrooms1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym3:00 – 5:00pm Chipotle/Five Guys -
January
Message to the CH-CH Community
Dear CH-CH community members,Read More
At the end of the past week, the President of the United States issued an executive order that effectively stops immigration from seven Muslim-majority nations. The order bans immigrants from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen from entering the U.S. for the next 90 days and suspends the admission of all refugees for 120 days.
On the heels of this executive order, a federal judge from the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, granted an Emergency Motion for Stay of Removal that disallows anyone “removing individuals with refugee applications approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services as part of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, holders of valid immigrant and non-immigrant visas, and other individuals from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen legally authorized to enter the United States.”
At this time, there is still much that American and global citizens, as well as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, do not know concerning the direction of the U.S. immigration policy in the days and months ahead. For more information, you may wish to read the following New York Times article from Sunday. Please know that we will be monitoring this situation closely as news evolves.
While Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall does not currently enroll any international students from these seven countries, we have in the past. These men and women proudly represent CH-CH as alumni and school ambassadors throughout the world. It is the School’s intention to continue our longstanding tradition of enrolling international students in a safe and secure environment on our campus in Waltham. Our 41 current international students (23% of 180) join thousands of international students that have attended CH-CH over the past 40+ years. It is our pledge to continue ensuring a safe learning environment for ALL students enrolled at the School. We will regularly check-in with our international students and their families to ensure their needs are met, questions are answered, and concerns are addressed.
In the School’s recently adopted 2020 Strategic Plan, we made a commitment to increase the international student diversification over the next three years. This includes not simply a broader range in the countries of origin, but also increased ethnicities, races, languages and, yes, religions amongst our student body. The equity and diversity of the Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall student body is one of the shining lights of our community, and we are more committed than ever to supporting a more globalized learning environs that champions these principles.
Let me close by acknowledging the difficult balance I find myself needing to maintain in the present political climate as both an educational leader of an independent school and the citizen of a democracy. While I, Lance Conrad, certainly maintain very strong feelings about what I’m witnessing in the world today, on many levels, I acknowledge that it is improper for me to step up to the proverbial pulpit and preach my mind. Rather, it is vitally important for me to understand that there are “teachable moments” happening all around us these days that are best captured in the classrooms, dormitories and even the Charger Café as dialogues between all community members.
It is important that we all maintain respect for the opinion of the other, even if we don’t agree with it. In a democracy, you absolutely have the right and, in fact, obligation to form opinions grounded in independent, informed thinking. Discourse is a natural product of effective teaching and learning; I simply ask that the CH-CH community maintain decorum in discourse as we move forward, together. Please embrace and live the golden rule.
Warm Regards,
--Lance Conrad, Ed. D.Head of School -
Weekend Activities 2/3 - 2/5, 2017
Read MoreFriday, 2/36:00 – 9:30pm Burlington Mall6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 10:00pm Dave & Buster’s7:00 – 9:00pm Open GymSaturday, 2/411:00am – 1:00pm Target1:00 – 3:00pm Make Your Own Pizza w/ Mr. Soule2:00 – 5:00pm Alewife Shuttle3:00 – 5:00pm Open Gym7:00 – 10:00 Movie OutingSunday, 2/512:00 – 2:00pm Bake w/ Ms. Leonelli1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym3:00 – 5:00pm Study Hall6:30 – 11:00pm Super Bowl Party -
CH-CH Students Driven to Succeed
Read MoreThis article from our inaugural issue of the CH-CH Chronicle follows three inspirational members of the Class of 2016. They are each in the middle of their freshman year at college, where their drive to excel continues:Nelson Andrade ‘16 vividly remembers the moment he decided that he would be the first in his family to attend college. It was fourth grade, and he was sitting at the little table in the middle of his Newark, NJ, living room, working on his homework.
Normally, homework was a breeze for Nelson, but on this day, he was stumped by a math problem. Nelson’s mom stepped in to see if she could help, but with less than a high school education, she could not figure it out, either.
When he looked at the problem with new eyes, the solution finally came to Nelson. With proud tears on her cheeks, Nelson’s mom – a native of Ecuador – said the words that would transform his future:“Eres muy inteligente. Se puede asistir a la universidad.”“You are so smart. You can go to college.”Nelson responded: “I’ll go to college for you.”
He kept his promise, and the now 18-year-old Nelson – a 2016 Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall graduate – enters Bowdoin College in Maine as a freshman on a full academic scholarship. This is no small feat: in Nelson’s family, earning a high school diploma is a serious accomplishment, let alone with honors from an independent college preparatory school.
Equally inspiring are the journeys of Nelson’s classmates Stephanie Andrade ‘16 (his cousin) and Dana Marecheau ‘16 – both of whom credit CH-CH and the access programs that opened the doors to the boarding school experience. Nelson and Stephanie entered CH-CH as freshmen through the Newark-based Wight Foundation, while Dana came in as a scholar of the A Better Chance (ABC) program. Both programs provide support and financial assistance to students to unlock their potential through independent school education.
Nelson, Stephanie, and Dana are three of the finest leaders in recent years at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall, each off to great colleges after accomplished high school careers. It was clear to all of the teachers and advisors that these students possessed enormous potential as they made their vision of success a reality at CH-CH. Each of them credits the atmosphere at CH-CH for developing them not only as scholars – but people.DANA MARECHEAUGrowing up in a tough section of Brooklyn with her mother, who emigrated from Grenada, anxiety could be a daily occurrence for Dana Marecheau. For her senior presentation, Dana tearfully told her classmates the story about the time she heard gunshots outside of her house. Her mom was scheduled to be walking home and, unable to reach her by phone, Dana feared the worst.
Thankfully, her worst fears were not realized that afternoon, but the impact it left on Dana remains to this day.
Besides turmoil in the neighborhood, school could be difficult as well. Always more interested in academics than her classmates, Dana remembers a time in middle school when she went to the overhead projector in the front of the room to help a substitute teacher work a math problem for the class.
“No one was listening to me,” she recalls. “I was in the eighth grade, teaching a whole class. I realized, I don’t want to be in an environment where no one cares about their education.”
So Dana’s mom began searching for a program that could help her daughter attend an independent school. Dana became a scholar with A Better Chance – and eventually was accepted into Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall. She resolved to chart a new course and welcome every new experience and opportunity. She served as a resident assistant (RA) and led the Students of Color Alliance (SOCA), a campus diversity group.
“She had her hand in so many leadership roles on campus, it’s staggering,” says English teacher Benjamin Riggs, who worked closely with Dana as SOCA’s advisor.
Dana will no doubt become a campus leader at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, where she is a freshman this fall. With a dream of eventually starting a nonprofit that helps other kids from tough neighborhoods find a home in great boarding schools, Dana will take as many business and entrepreneurship classes as she can in college.
“Being [at CH-CH], I understand the value of college, and I want to use college to give back to my community and those who want to strive to do the best they can but just don’t know how to.”STEPHANIE ANDRADETeachers, advisers, and friends all used one word to describe Stephanie when she first arrived on campus from Newark: “quiet.” In fact, “silent” or “timid” might be better descriptors of a 14-year-old Stephanie.
Participation in class was always a challenge prior to arriving at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall. Often reticent to speak out loud, she would write her questions and comments to teachers in a notebook. Like her soon-to-be best friend Dana, Stephanie felt out of place socially and academically in her large, urban public school. Despite being a high academic achiever, she withdrew and remained quiet.
Not long after enrolling at CH-CH as a Wight Foundation scholar, Stephanie says she began to find comfort – and a voice. She settled right into dorm life, receiving mentorship and support from her resident assistant, Tonian Ortega ‘14, who helped her through those first few weeks. But Rhonda Auguste, executive director of the Wight Foundation, says she noticed an evolution taking place in Stephanie almost immediately.
“Within days of being in the new environment, she began speaking up, became more confident,” Auguste remembers. “I knew in my core that she needed to be in a different environment, where teachers challenge her and take her to the next level.”
One of those teachers was Benjamin Riggs, Stephanie’s English teacher. The two bonded over poetry during her junior and senior years, and Stephanie chose Mr. Riggs as the faculty advisor for her senior presentation: an original, interactive poem on the theme of silence. For an introvert like Stephanie, it certainly did not feel natural performing a deeply personal poem in front of all 170 students and dozens of faculty and staff. However, on the day of the presentation, she owned it. “It was my time to kind of speak my mind, to speak to everyone here – which I never really got to do,” Stephanie says. “I enjoyed being in the spotlight.”
Riggs remembered the Head of School Dr. Lance Conrad catching him as he left after the presentation: “That’s why we exist right there,” Riggs recalls him saying. “Look how far she was able to come in her time here.”
Her leadership on campus came in the form of paying forward the kindness she received from her supportive RAs – by becoming an RA herself and making the dorm transition a little easier for incoming girls.
“These girls, in a way, look up to us, and we are their older sisters,” Stephanie says. “We have to be there for them.”
This fall, Stephanie is attending Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, where she is receiving a full academic scholarship. She says she is not sure what she will study specifically, but she knows what she wants to be doing longterm: writing.NELSON ANDRADEAs a seventh grader, Nelson was unsure what his new home would be like. He could not envision how an independent school environment could build him as a student and a person — but several teachers, parents, and counselors around him could. They rallied around him to make it happen. For example, Wight Foundation scholars are required to complete a two-year preparation program – called the Student Training Enrichment Program, or STEP – before they can start boarding school. On the day that Nelson’s STEP application was due, a middle school guidance counselor who had been helping him through the process pulled him out of class and sent him to an empty computer lab to complete it.
Once he was accepted into STEP and began participating that summer – which focused on preparing the students for some of the cultural and learning differences they would encounter at boarding school – he was sold. “I started realizing I loved it,” he recalls.“I really want to stress how well conditioned we became because of the Wight Foundation,” Nelson says. “We really can’t thank them enough.”
Teachers and staff say that after the positive presence that Nelson had over his four years at CH-CH, it will be difficult to imagine campus without him. He came in singularly focused on soccer – but left having excelled at scores of other co-curriculars – from lacrosse to wrestling to Ultimate Frisbee.
Much of his school leadership centered around mentoring and grooming younger and incoming students. He became a resident assistant because he says he wanted to “raise the profile” of the position in the dorms, inspired to do so by his experience as a freshman being welcomed and helped by an upperclassman in the dorm. And he did it all with a smile and a sense of humor.
“He’s one hundred percent invested in everything that we’re doing here; it’s infectious,” says Riggs.
Entering Bowdoin College on scholarship, Nelson says he’s going in with an open mind about his studies, but he still hopes to play soccer.
“College is just another opportunity to be at the pinnacle of my personal success,” he says, “not only for myself but for my family and what they’ve sacrificed for me.”Rhonda Auguste of the Wight Foundation praises the progress made by both Nelson and Stephanie: “If you’d met them at 12 or 13, you’d be amazed at how far they’ve come – the confidence, the drive. It was already in them. Chapel Hill just helped support them to let it come out.”“DYNAMIC LEADERS”It is almost so obvious that it does not need to be typed: Nelson, Dana, and Stephanie contributed as much to the CH-CH community as they received. Yes, the School and its foundation partners give a handful of students the opportunity to exchange their surroundings for a serene, welcoming academic environment, laser-focused on unlocking each student’s potential within. In turn, many of these students – including Nelson, Dana, and Stephanie – become “dynamic leaders on campus,” according to Director of Admissions Lisa Pelrine, one of the first to meet students as they enter CH-CH. Students from these programs offer a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds, she adds, that “bring a real-life situation into the classroom at the high school level that you might not get until the college level or the workplace.”
The backgrounds of the students coming to CH-CH through access programs often become the fuel for their success. Dana says her story – after overcoming her initial fear to tell it – has given her a drive to keep striving, no matter what obstacles she faces. It is a characteristic that is easy to see in Stephanie and Nelson, too.
“I wouldn’t change where I grew up,” says Dana. “I wouldn’t redo that whole experience, because it allowed me to have something so close to my heart that I don’t think anyone will be able to take away from me.”
Steve Holt is a professional freelance journalist based in Boston. -
Weekend Activities 1/27 - 1/29, 2017
Read MoreFriday, 1/276:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 10:00pm Open Gym8:00 – 9:30pm Five Guys/ChipotleSaturday, 1/2811:00am – 2:00pm Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum12:00 – 2:00pm H Mart1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym3:00 – 6:00pm Natick Mall5:00 – 8:30 Lunar New Year’s Dinner @ Dr. Conrad’s6:00 – 9:00pm Bowling @ Lanes and Games6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife ShuttleSunday, 1/2911:30am – 2:30pm All-You-Can-Eat Football Food Frenzy12:00 – 3:00pm Thrift Store1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym3:00 – 5:00pm Lizzy’s Ice Cream -
Magazine Feedback Request
This fall we released the inaugural issue of the CH-CH Chronicle and now we need your help! As we plan the 2017 issue, we would love to hear your feedback. To read the CH-CH Chronicle online, and submit your valuable feedback, please visit www.chch.org/page/CH-CH-Today/CH-CH-Chronicle.Read More -
Weekend Activities 1/20 - 1/23, 2017
Read MoreFriday, 1/206:00 – 10:00pm Burlington Mall6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 9:00pm Open GymSaturday, 1/2112:00 – 3:00pm New England Aquarium (Sign up online)2:00 – 4:00pm Open Gym2:00 – 5:00pm Alewife Shuttle6:30 – 9:30pm Restaurant Outing7:00 – 10:30pm The Scottsboro Boys (Signup CLOSED)Sunday, 1/2212:00 – 3:00pm Open Studio1:00 – 3:00pm Launch Trampoline Park (Sign up online, Waiver form required)1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym2:00 – 4:00pm Target/Best Buy Trip3:00 – 5:00pm Make Bubble Tea @ Ms. O’Brien’s -
Weekend Activities 1/13 - 1/16, 2017
Read MoreFriday, 1/136:00 – 10:00pm Natick Mall6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 9:00pm Open GymSaturday, 1/141:00 – 3:00pm Badminton Tournament1:30 – 4:00pm Ice Skating3:00 – 5:00pm Open Gym6:30 – 11:00pm MLK Dance @ Pomfret School6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle8:00 – 11:00pm Patriots vs. Texans Viewing Party @ Worcester LoungeSunday, 1/158:30am – 6:00pm Ski Trip1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym1:00 – 5:00pm Wrentham Outlet Mall1:30 – 5:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 9:00pm Open Gym8:00 – 10:00pm Pizza and Movie @ the Farm HouseMonday, 1/1612:00 – 2:00pm Target1:00 – 4:00pm Faneuil Hall2:00 – 4:00pm Open Gym -
New Fiction in the Morgan Library
Read MoreThe Art of Holding On and Letting GoBeen Here All AlongThe Bitter Side of SweetBluefishHarry Potter and the Cursed ChildInescapableThe Last Boy and Girl in the WorldThe Last Full MeasureSon [the conclusion to The Giver]Tetris -
Weekend Activities 1/6 - 1/8, 2017
Read MoreFriday, 1/66:00 – 10:00pm Burlington Mall6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle7:00 – 9:00pm Open GymSaturday, 1/79:00am – 3:00pm Snow Tubing (Sign up online, waiver must be signed)2:00 – 4:00pm H Mart6:00 – 10:00pm Newbury Street Outing6:30 – 8:30pm Open Gym8:30 – 10:30pm Movie and Snacks @ Worcester LoungeSunday, 1/812:00 – 2:00pm Minado Sushi Buffet1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym3:00 – 5:00pm Cookie Decorating @ the Charger CaféFriday, 1/6· 6:00 – 10:00pm Burlington Mall· 6:30 – 10:00pm Alewife Shuttle· 7:00 – 9:00pm Open GymSaturday, 1/7· 9:00am – 3:00pm Snow Tubingo Sign up online by Thursday, 1/6.o $25 will be charged to your account.o Bring $ for food and snacks.· 2:00 – 4:00pm H Mart· 6:00 – 10:00pm Newbury Street Outing· 6:30 – 8:30pm Open Gym· 8:30 – 10:30pm Movie and Snacks @ Worcester LoungeSunday, 1/8· 12:00 – 2:00pm Minado Sushi Buffeto $22 will be charged to your account.· 1:00 – 3:00pm Open Gym3:00 – 5:00pm Cookie Decorating @ the Charger Café!
Chapel Hill - Chauncy Hall
Below are the next steps to learn more and stay engaged with CH-CH. Complete the Inquiry Form to hear CH-CH news and upcoming events. Book an in-person or virtual tour and interview, it's the best way to experience what makes CH-CH such an inspiring and engaging environment for our students. You can always contact our admissions office with any questions at admissions@chch.org.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this website, you consent to our use of these cookies. Read our Cookie and Privacy Policy.
