Dear Blair Community,
With a much-needed break under our belts, the hilltop is once again buzzing with excitement as we begin reuniting after a restful holiday. I know you enjoyed having your children home, and, no doubt, our students took advantage of every opportunity to sleep in, enjoy good food, and spend quality time with family and friends. I hope they used the opportunity to keep their phones at arm’s length to prioritize in-person connection with people they may not have the opportunity to see very often.
I expanded on this theme during Chapel just a few weeks ago, highlighting the power of listening to and sharing stories around the dinner table, and touching on the importance of family connections and oral history. I shared with students a bit about my close relationship with my grandmother, Marian, better known to my brother and me as Mimi. As the family matriarch, a sixth-grade teacher for more than 40 years and an avid daily swimmer well into her 90th year, Mimi can only be described as a force to be reckoned with.
Despite life’s challenges, she persevered, blazing a trail and serving as a role model not only to her children and grandchildren but also the thousands of students she taught over the course of her career. The lived experiences and historical perspectives of Mimi—and of all of our grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends—help us shape our own values and can greatly impact our life choices, both personally and professionally.
Conversations with family—whether they happen over meals, on car rides, during afternoon walks, or while playing board games, watching movies, or lounging on the couch—provide context for challenges, inspire resilience, and remind us of what changes over time and what endures. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) can help us synthesize information and sift through family history and artifacts, and it can even bring the memory of a loved one to life. But AI cannot fully recreate a shared experience, emotion or relationship. Personally interacting with someone as you learn their stories and memories is powerful and something to be preserved.
All of us are part of a family legacy, and, oftentimes, the best way to honor and carry it forward is through storytelling. I hope all of our students made the most of their time with loved ones during the break—listening to and telling stories about their past months at Blair and offering perspective on the future.
I look forward to hearing about all the ways in which you and your children soaked up moments of connection, laughter and memories over the break—gathering living history and deepening meaningful relationships in the process. We can’t wait to learn what our students have brought back with them.
Warmest wishes, Peter
Family Weekend Fills the Hilltop with Joy
Over the weekend of October 20, Blair welcomed students’ loved ones to campus for Family Weekend. As they experienced life on the hilltop, they also had the opportunity to tour the newest addition to campus—Blair’s state-of-the-art Center for Health and Well-Being—and meet all the members of the Blair family who play a role in their child’s life.
Family Weekend included a full lineup of events—sitting in on classes, cheering at games, enjoying student performances and seeing residential life up close. Families had the chance to connect with teachers, advisors, dorm heads, coaches and friends—the many people who make the Blair experience so meaningful.
Captured below are some of the warm connections and special moments our families shared this weekend.
View more photos of Family Weekend on Blair's Photoshelter.
Speaker Challenges Students to Lead with Vulnerability
“We’re all writing a story here. You’re all going to be a character in someone else’s book. Are you going to be the extra that just stands by or are you going to be the hero that saves the day? You can’t be the villain,” the words of former professional hockey player Peter Leboutillier rang through DuBois Theatre.
Mr. Leboutillier’s message for the students of Blair Academy was simple: Vulnerability is not weakness. During his all-school presentation, he shared how being open with others, and having that vulnerability reciprocated, fosters the deep connections we all need to build a safe community. But for Mr. Leboutillier, that wasn’t always the case.
At the height of his career, he felt pressured to be someone he was not. Soon, he was known as the player getting in the most fights in the league and had no outlet to express how he was truly feeling. This led to risky behaviors outside of hockey as he tried to numb the pain he was hiding “behind the mask.”
“When we teach people they can’t be emotional and must remain strong, we don’t create warriors,” Mr. Leboutillier explained. “We create silence. I was living in an isolated nightmare; I needed support and connection, but I didn’t know how to ask.”
He eventually found that support in his wife, and he encouraged students to reach out and find that trusted individual in their own lives. Over time, he built the courage to open up to other players, creating a supportive community where they felt safe to share their experiences and emotions.
“Safety unlocks vulnerability,” Mr. Leboutillier continued, “and vulnerability is the doorway to trust.”
Mr. Leboutillier spoke at Blair through the organization “I Have the Right To,” a nonprofit serving as a hub for middle and high school students, parents and educators seeking information, support and avenues of action against sexual assault. Before the presentation, senior leaders gathered for a workshop on how to best support and lead their community by speaking up and stepping in when they see problematic behavior. After Mr. Leboutillier and Program Director Karen Udall addressed the entire school, classes broke out into smaller group sessions to continue the conversation about the power of our words, consent, impact versus intent, bullying, peer pressure and healthy relationships.
A Lens on Community Weekends at Blair
At the heart of the Blair experience is a community that cares for and supports one another during their time on the hilltop and beyond. To foster that sense of belonging, Blair devotes the first two community weekends to programming that is fun and helps unite students and adults alike. From building cardboard boats for the Kon-tiki races on Super Sunday to cheering on our soccer teams at Soccerfest, school spirit radiates across campus. Director of School Photography Tyson Trish brings that energy to life in the photo essay below.
Legacy of Skeptics Continues as Speakers Spark Dialogue Across Disciplines
Each year, the Society of Skeptics gives students the opportunity to listen critically to different perspectives. Equally important, they are encouraged to engage in provocative question-and-answer sessions, and discussions about Tuesday-evening presentations often extend into Wednesday as students and teachers continue to debate salient issues in classrooms and dormitories.
This fall's lineup of speakers was no exception to one of Blair's most beloved and long-standing traditions as the varied speakers—representing finance, fashion, cybersecuirty, environmentalism, immigration and more—led thought-provoking lectures, making way for much dialogue and debate on the hilltop each week. Read on to learn more about the Skeptics speakers who have visited campus so far this year.
Blair Academy Players Reinvent ‘Pride & Prejudice’
This isn’t your typical Austen revival. Vibrant, unexpected, loud and undeniably modern, this spirited take on Pride and Prejudice took place for three nights in October, and marked the debut at Blair for Blair’s new theatre director, L’Oreal Carter.
Fall Concert Blends History with Modern Artistry
“It is crazy to think that this was my last ever Fall Concert at Blair,” Khang Nguyen ’26 reflected in the days leading up to the performance. “Knowing that I will eventually miss hearing the familiar sounds of Grace Dai ’27’s violin playing, Arturo Lopez ’26’s drum swinging, Michael Mokrov ’27’s guitar soloing or David Yang ’28’s bass walking, I cherish every second on that stage making music with my peers.” The Blair community was invited to cherish the evening of exceptional student musicianship with our performers at the annual Fall Concert in November in the Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts’ DuBois Theatre. This year’s concert offered a vibrant preview of the repertoire Blair’s ensembles will bring on their highly anticipated performance tour of Italy this winter. From iconic operatic overtures to classic staples of choral literature, the program showcased a rich blend of history, culture and contemporary artistry.
Vespers & Winter Gathering Herald the Holiday Season
One night, two traditions, one Blair community. Before winter break, the Blair community gathered to celebrate the holiday season during two cherished December traditions. Holiday Vespers candle-lit service at the First Presbyterian Church on Main Street honored the School’s longstanding traditions of unity and celebration, and Winter Gathering offered a quiet contemplative evening full of readings, poetry and music in the Chiang-Elghanayan Center for Innovation and Collaboration. Captured below are some of the warm connections and special moments by Director of School Photography Tyson Trish.
Blair Sculling Fall Season
By John Redos ’09
Blair Sculling had a wonderful season this fall. We were fortunate to enjoy incredible weather from preseason through the Head of the Charles. The season began with our preseason trip to Driftstone Campground in Pennsylvania, where we took to the Delaware River for the second year in a row to kick things off. With 20 rowers, this fall’s roster marked our largest yet, evenly split between the women’s and men’s teams.
Upon returning to our home on the Paulinskill, we enjoyed uninterrupted water time throughout September and October, with arguably the best conditions in the six years of Blair’s Small Boat Fall. Unlike the spring season, which is packed with weekly races, the fall offers more time for technical development and the opportunity to learn sculling in small boats, a challenging and rewarding endeavor.
Most athletes raced three times this fall, beginning with a home scrimmage against The Hill School on September 24. This event continued our long-standing tradition of partnering with another program that shares our commitment to small-boat sculling. While the informal format makes official scoring difficult, the day was a great success for both programs and set a strong tone heading into the Head of the Passaic on October 12.
At the Passaic, Blair athletes delivered some of our best results to date. Highlights included the women’s varsity 2x capturing silver, the first varsity medal for the program since Blair’s inaugural fall racing season. The men’s varsity 2x crews followed with strong performances, finishing 5th and 6th, while Alice Xu ’26 and Jasper Balough ’27 led the way in the varsity singles, both placing within the top 10 of a competitive field.
The doubles of Calista Chen ’28 and Ella Poliquin ’27, along with Sean Bernard ’27 and Henry Liddell ’26, represented Blair at the Head of the Charles in Boston as our two entries for this year’s regatta. The season concluded with full team participation at the Head of the Schuylkill in Philadelphia. After a well-earned rest, the athletes transitioned into winter training, where several continue their preparation for the spring season.
A Quaker’s Promise: Isaiah Carroll ’26
Written by student Victor Adebayo ’27, the following article profiles transfer student Isaiah Carroll ’26, who joined Blair Academy’s basketball program with determination to grow as both a player and community member. Isaiah has committed to play basketball with the University of Pennsylvania Quakers next fall.
When Isaiah Carroll ’26 decided to transfer to Blair Academy, it wasn’t a random move; it was intentional. A fresh start, a new challenge, and a chance to be part of something bigger than himself.
“I transferred to Blair because I had seen how well the team played last year, and after speaking with Coach Mantegna and Coach DeJesus, I knew this was the place I wanted to be”, Isaiah said.
Now part of one of the nation’s top prep programs, Isaiah has two clear goals: win and connect.
“On the court, I want to win a championship with this team. Off the court, I’m excited to meet new people and build friendships,” he said.
Bucs Lead with Spirit & Pride on 122nd Peddie Day
Peddie Week on the hilltop kicked off with a triumphant start as the JV girls’ tennis team defeated Peddie 3–2 on Monday afternoon. A week of spirited themed dress days and senior stunts followed, creating an electric energy that carried the Buccaneers through to Friday’s pep rally. Skits ran the gamut of tales—many featuring a chicken or two—as laughter filled the field house. Before the night’s end, the community formed a human tunnel to usher the seniors to the beloved annual bonfire, where friends soaked in the final moments before Peddie Day. The Bucs stormed the fields, courts and course on Saturday morning, starting strong with a varsity field hockey win on Hampshire Field and a 4–0 shutout by the JV boys’ soccer team. Peddie answered with a dominant performance in cross country, narrowing Blair’s Kelley-Potter Cup lead to 3–2 heading into the afternoon matchups. Meanwhile, at the heart of campus, Bucs of all ages gathered to celebrate the dedication of the Maine Terrace outside Hardwick Hall. A gift from Eric Maine ’77 and his wife, former faculty member Jenny Maine, along with their sons, Jack Wedholm ’13 and Harley Wedholm ’17, the terrace honors the family’s enduring legacy and generosity to Blair. Despite Blair’s relentless efforts, only one more victory came from varsity football, as JV girls’ soccer, varsity boys’ and girls’ soccer, and varsity girls’ tennis fell to Peddie. JV field hockey ended in a tie, but it wasn’t enough to hold off the Falcons, who recaptured the Kelley-Potter Cup in the 122nd year of spirited competition. “What makes this tradition truly special isn’t just the athletic competition—or even the debut of the Buccaneer Bistro, Blair’s new food truck—it’s the camaraderie and character on display,” Head of School Peter G. Curran P’27 ’27 remarked after the conclusion of festivities. “While the Cup was the focus today, just as powerful were the moments of mutual respect and sportsmanship: handshakes, congratulations and even some grudging admiration between opponents.” As always, Blair’s Director of School Photography, along with a dedicated team of student photographers, beautifully captured the energy, pride and joy of the week. From creative stunts and the pep rally to the bonfire and spirited competitions on the fields and courts, these moments highlight the very best of Blair. To view some of their best shots from the week, click here.
Shoshana Geller ’16 Electrifies Alumni Roundtables
Blair Academy welcomed back Shoshana Geller ’16 this fall for its Alumni Roundtable discussion series. Now a senior trading engineer in energy markets at Tesla, Shoshana spoke with students and faculty about her career path, her passion for the environment and how her Blair experience shaped the trajectory that led her to where she is today.
After graduating from Blair, Shoshana attended Dartmouth College, where she majored in computer science and minored in earth science and global health. Unsure at first which path to pursue, she gained hands-on experience through internships in medical technology and robotics, including a project focused on teaching American Sign Language through computer vision. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do right away,” she told students. “I figured that in any industry that I would end up in, they would need software engineers.”
Her interest in energy and the environment deepened during her Dartmouth years, especially after a study-abroad geology program across the western United States and Canada. That curiosity became conviction as Shoshana asked hard questions about the sustainability—and cost—of fossil fuels. “The transition to renewable energy often meets pushback because it’s expensive,” she explained. “But if we can make clean energy the most economically feasible option, then it becomes the obvious choice.”
Shoshana spent two years at a demand-response startup before joining Tesla’s Autobidder team, where she now develops algorithms to operate large-scale batteries on the grid. Batteries can store renewable energy and help balance demand when the sun sets or the wind dies down and are uniquely suited to handle other stressors on the grid. “Ideally, the energy transition should be a win-win for everyone,” she said. “What’s the best way to do that in balance, both that it helps the grid and that lights can stay on and energy costs go down for consumers?”
During the Q&A portion of the evening, a student asked how the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and massive data centers is impacting her work. Shoshana said the effects are twofold: “On the grid side, the surge in AI data centers means far greater energy demand, and we’re seeing many big tech companies are now looking for ways to mitigate this stress on the grid, as well as the costs associated.” On the software side, AI is changing the way engineers code. “A lot of engineering is knowing how to code,” Shoshana explained, “although AI can do a lot of that for you now. What really sets engineers apart now with AI is knowing how to properly prompt it. If you can really sit down beforehand and think about, ‘What are the edge cases that I need and what exactly are the use cases?’ That will save you a lot of time later on. If you can craft the right prompts, AI can make you a thousand times faster.”
Shoshana’s visit left students inspired to think broadly about the intersection of technology, sustainability and problem-solving in the real world. Her journey—from Blair classrooms to cutting-edge work at Tesla—highlighted the value of curiosity, adaptability and taking initiative.
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