Classroom Spotlight: Economics and Philanthropy
Students in Michael Cohen’s Economics and Philanthropy class are learning directly from business leaders this year in the new Economics and Philanthropy Speaker Series. Each week, a different guest speaker from an accomplished group of CEOs, investors, and entrepreneurs, will share insights from their career, offering real-world perspectives to deepen student understanding of capitalism and culture.
Sarah Eustis, CEO of the hotel management company, Main Street Hospitality, visited the class last week. She shared her career journey, detailing how her two decades-plus experience working in the U.S. and abroad for corporations including Ralph Lauren, the Gap, and others, helped her grow her family business (which includes the beloved Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge), and eventually launch Main Street Hospitality in 2013. She also talked about what qualities make a business successful, the importance of a company’s culture and brand, weathering Covid, and answered questions in a concluding Q&A.
My biggest take away from Sarah Eustis's visit was how to set your business apart from others, by building a brand that resonates with both your employees and customers. It’s not just about offering great services; it’s about crafting an experience that people will remember and want to come back to.”–Summer Lichtenfeld ’25
I could tell Sarah Eustis really enjoys what she does, and I learned how important it is for a business owner to stay involved with the company since that close connection can often lead to success."–John McCoy '25
Bears in the Air
Flight Simulator Named For Michael Lee
Over the past decade, Aviation Science teacher Michael Lee has revitalized Berkshire’s “Education With Wings” program which began in the 1940s. The Aviation Science class prepares Bears to take the Federal Aviation Administration's Ground School Certification Exam by practicing both in the classroom and in the air.
Berkshire’s flight simulator was named in honor of Lee during All-School Meeting this month. Lee is the parent of four Bears (Chris ’94, Josh ‘06, Jack ’10, Shannon ‘19) and an experienced pilot himself.
I love working with the students in my class. It lights up my life to see that smile on your face when someone first takes off in an airplane, and the biggest smile when they land.”–Michael Lee
MLK Day
In honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, held this year on January 20, the community gathered during All-School Meeting to reflect on his impact and legacy.
Regal Sealy, Acting Dean of Diversity and Inclusion, shared words of reflection and encouraged students to think deeply about the messages of Dr. King.
As we gather together today, I want to remind you that how we choose to show up for each other matters. It’s about more than kindness; it’s about actively creating spaces where everyone can thrive. When we reach out to one another, embrace our differences, and uplift one another’s voices, we build a supportive community, one that mirrors Dr. King’s ideals of community and peace."–Regal Sealy
Dr. Jallicia Jolly from Amherst College will be visiting campus in the coming weeks to further this conversation. Dr. Jolly was unable to travel to campus for MLK Day due to the storm.
Warren Family Gallery Exhibit
Glen Seelenbrandt, a faculty member in the Visual Arts Department, is exhibiting a wide variety of his art, including paintings, photographs, prints and mixed media work, in a show of his own in The Warren Family Gallery, "Palimpsest: Works by Glen Seelenbrandt."
The exhibit is on view through Saturday, March 8.
Fifth Form College Program
Families of fifth-formers are invited to campus for the Fifth Form College Program on Wednesday, February 5 and Thursday, February 6.
Representatives from Kenyon College, Syracuse University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Vanderbilt University will be on campus to lead workshops and answer questions, kicking off the college process for the Class of 2026!
Traveling with the Strom Grant: Sarah Pitcher-Hoffman
During the summer of 2024, English teacher Sarah Pitcher-Hoffman traveled to Sri Lanka thanks to a grant from the Jonathan W. Strom Program for Asian Studies. She traveled throughout the country with a tour group, getting the chance to experience the landscape and culture she teaches about come to life.
I plan to bring what I learned about Sri Lankan history, culture, and religion to my teaching of the book 'Funny Boy' by Shyam Selvadurai. As I teach this book I look forward to sharing the pictures, videos, and knowledge I have gained from my trip with my students." –Sarah Pitcher-Hoffman
Bears Unbeaten
Girls Varsity Basketball is off to an impressive 12-0 start this season, and remains the only unbeaten team in the NEPSAC. Berkshire is currently ranked the No. 2 team in Class B, according to Head Coach Junior De La Hoz, whose Bears are scoring an average of 58 points per game while only giving up 34 per game to opponents. The team averages 15 assists a game, a sign of how well the Bears share the basketball!
"Despite facing significant adversity, including injuries and illness, we focus on getting one-percent better every day. If we do that throughout the season, we will be much better by the end of the season." –Head Coach Junior De La Hoz
De La Hoz has also carried on the tradition of the late Wil Smith, honoring the former Bears' coach by adopting the mantra #weWilkeepworking. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of Smith's passing.
Berkshire travels to Boston today to play The Newman School at the TRACK at new balance. Tip off is at 4:00 p.m. Go Bears!
Thompson '20 Among Nation's Best
Aidan Thompson '20, a junior forward with the University of Denver's Men's Ice Hockey team, was recently named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. The award is given annually to the top men's player in NCAA Div. I Hockey. Show your support for Thompson by voting below!
Thompson has scored 13 goals and recorded 16 assists this season for the No. 5-ranked Pioneers. In 2022, he was drafted in the 3rd Round of the NHL Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks.
With the arrival of 2025, the countdown to Commencement has begun! This year’s ceremony will be held on Friday, May 23 at 11 a.m. and will be followed by a luncheon under the tent on Stewart Pitch.
Area lodging fills up quickly, so if you haven’t already made arrangements, please see below for a list of local accommodations.
Ritt Kellogg Mountain Program Winter Trips
This winter, the Ritt Kellogg Mountain Program is leading outdoor trips throughout New England.
From experiences designed for students who want to learn to ski and snowboard to excursions that give students a chance to try something new, there are activities for everyone this winter!
To learn more about any of the upcoming adventures, email the Director of Ritt Kellogg Mountain Program, Glen Seelenbrandt
Alumni Spotlight
Lisa Roberts '91 is a culinary nutritionist, culinary archaeologist, and chef. She leads classes at Stanford University’s BeWell Program and New York University, and partners with organizations including Canyon Ranch and the American Heart Association.
The author of NA Wine & Food, Roberts created the industry’s first guide to nonalcoholic wine and food pairings. She is featured and quoted in many publications including NASDAQ, Huffington Post, The New York Post, and The Wall Street Journal.
Distinguished Alumni Award
Do you know an alumnus/a who might fit this description: "A graduate of Berkshire School who has brought distinction to Berkshire as a result of vocation or avocation, community involvement, or other professional or personal achievements, and who has demonstrated an interest in the welfare of the School?" If you answered yes, please let us know!
Last call for nominations is Friday, January 31, 2025.
Alumni Spotlight
Twenty-two years ago, Kenny Coard '85, P'22,'23 founded Hoop Skool Foundation, a nonprofit that targets at-risk student-athletes and identifies potential boarding schools to help them succeed academically, athletically, and socially.
Coard is a former Berkshire faculty member and a longtime volunteer for the School, currently serving on the Board of Trustees. He has been a leader in supporting Berkshire's BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) alumni.
The annual Alumni Hockey Game featured Bears from the classes of 1971 to 2009. While Green and Gray were neck and neck for all three periods, Gray ultimately won with a final score of 10-8 last Saturday at the Jack.
Alumni Hockey Co-Chairs Chris Reichart ’98 and Jason Pendrock ’98 presented this year’s awards. The W. Ross Hawkins Alumni Hockey Player of the Game was awarded to Matt Crowson ‘05 and The Elizabeth Hayes McGraw Alumni Hockey Player of the Game was awarded to Allison Letourneau ‘07. Special thanks to Chris and Jason for organizing this year's game!
Thank you to all who attended this event and enjoyed some family skating as well!
Olympian Kacey Bellamy '05
After participating in the Alumni Hockey Game, Olympic gold medalist and two-time silver medalist Kacey Bellamy ’05 made a surprise visit to the Girls Varsity Hockey locker room. She delivered an inspiring pre-game speech to her fellow Bears on developing a “champion mindset” as they prepared to face The Hill School in the day's match-up. Former Berkshire coach Buzz McGraw also addressed the team, sharing a few words in the locker room named in her honor. The Bears went on to earn a 1-0 victory!
