Dear Blair family,
It is hard to believe that the end of 2025-2026 is already upon us. It has been a true privilege to see our students grow this year, challenging themselves to step outside their comfort zones, try new things, meet new people and fully embrace all that Blair has to offer. I hope the summer is filled with ample opportunity for rest, rejuvenation, and time to reflect on the past year and all that lies ahead. It is not always the big milestones that have the greatest impact, but sometimes the small ones that happen during late-night dorm chats, inspiring moments in class, challenging practices and performances, new friendships or difficult roommate situations. All of these little and perhaps seemingly insignificant milestones add up to shape who we are and who we want to be. In my graduation remarks at the end of May, I referenced journalist David Brooks’ distinction between “résumé virtues” and “eulogy virtues,” contrasting achievements that earn recognition—grades, awards, titles and accomplishments—versus the deeper qualities that define a life well-lived: kindness, integrity, humility, empathy and generosity. Blair challenges all of us to pursue academic excellence, but the most important education extends far beyond academics and accolades. It happens in the way you treat one another and how you develop character. At Convocation back in September, I challenged our community with a simple theme: See the good. This summer, I ask all of our students to continue practicing that mindset by putting their phones down and prioritizing conversation with families and friends. Our lives can so easily become dominated by screens and distractions, so I hope the break will allow students to rekindle relationships at home and lean into genuine conversation. Engaging with others and learning from them is an important part of building relationships and carrying culture forward, and that is certainly something we are counting on our returning students to do when we welcome 144 new Bucs in the fall. Blair’s spirit and sense of community depend on the investment of us all, and I am inspired by the many ways our community makes this a collective effort that defines and strengthens Blair. Fifteen weeks will pass quickly, and before we know it, we will be back in DuBois Theatre for Convocation and the opening of Blair’s 179th year. Campus will look a little different by then. Work on Hoffman House will wrap up in August, adding a new floor of residential space in what used to be the old Health Center, while the corner of campus that is home to Mason and Freeman Halls and the Bowl will return to its former glory as a hub of community and connection. With renovations to be completed in August and a new turf field ready to host field hockey, soccer and lacrosse, we can’t wait to cheer for the Bucs from the sidelines together. Again, wherever the summer takes you, I hope you enjoy every moment along the way. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if your travels take you near Blairstown as I’d love to catch up if our schedules align. In the meantime, wishing you a pleasant break ahead!
Cheers,
Intersession Sparks Curiosity on Campus & Beyond
By Ashley Taube
As winter began to finally soften in Blairstown, creativity and discovery bloomed throughout Blair’s campus. Intricate quilts are sprawled across biology tables in Bogle Hall. Chess boards were lined up in Timken Library. Kitchens in faculty apartments were working overtime. It’s an unconventional scene out of a classic boarding school landscape, but the experience paves the way for new connections, interests and passions that last well beyond the course’s conclusion.
The experience is Intersession, and its reach extends further than Blairstown, to far away destinations like Italy for a musical performance tour and Kenya for a school service trip. Held each March, Intersession is an intensive course that Blair students complete annually. Courses during Intersession (previously called J-term) are usually team taught, offering topics intended to spark students’ intellectual curiosity and not otherwise covered in the standard curriculum, and they are graded on a pass/fail basis. Outside experts, some of whom are Blair alumni, contribute to the experiences that our students and faculty enjoy. Many courses include day trips to New York City, and this year one group even traveled to Niagara Falls to photograph and draw one of the great natural wonders of the world.
At the end of nine intensive days of exploration, reflection and creation, students share their learning with the entire community through presentations, movie showings, musical performances and gallery walks. In March, the community gathered in the Chiang-Elghanayan Center for Innovation and Collaboration to take in the sights, sounds and smells that filled the space. Marbles traveled down roller coasters built of paper, Banksy-inspired art hung from the walls and candles flickered behind intricate stained glass pieces. “This year we experienced great chess playing, amazing food and fantastic artwork,” Assistant Head of School for Academics Nathan Molteni shared. “The presentations celebrated an incredible nine days of discovery.”
The students of “A Common Thread” shared the handmade clothing they designed and produced during the Intersession course. While some chose to wear their creations, others stood by, eager to share their concepts and ideas with those attending the session. Aanya Bhat ’28 explained how learning about fashion, colors and textures during class inspired her to create a beaded head scarf for her final project. “Understanding the use of textures to convey messages through our pieces was a big lesson in this class,” Aanya shared. “The colors and shape of my piece are meant to symbolize our Earth, but the textures of sequins and different beading were something I wouldn’t have used otherwise. They help tell the story of the different textures of the planet.”
As students ventured home for spring break, they carried with them new skills, new interests and perhaps even new friendships—proof that Intersession is a time for exploration, creativity and lasting personal growth.
Sophomore Speech Contest Defines Impactful Spaces
“Living is a choice,” Tyler Parkins ’28 told the crowded DuBois Theatre. “When you decide to live, you’ll see that pain and joy coexist….When you decide to live, you’ll see that you’re not so alone in this world after all. When you decide to live, you’ll bring others along with you.” Once again, the annual Sophomore Speech Contest kicked off the final sprint to the end of the year, and Tyler, along with nine fellow speakers from across English 2 classes, gave judges the difficult task of choosing only one winner. “The quality of speeches was so high that the judges deliberated for more than 30 minutes before reaching a conclusion,” English department chair and event emcee Jim Moore, Hon. ’93 explained. The slate of speeches covered a wide array of topics centered around spaces that have had an impact on the speaker’s life. Sports weighed heavily on the minds of some, as did family members (both two-legged and four), demonstrating that places are more often defined by the people you share them with. Across the board, the evening’s speeches were thoughtful, well-articulated and composed. “I want to make sure that while we’re giving credit to all contestants for their superb work, we also acknowledge the guidance of their teachers who helped them craft such excellent speeches,” Mr. Moore continued. When the winners were announced, it was Tyler who was awarded first place from English teacher Kendall Rice’s class, with Lenox Nickles ’28 claiming second for Ms. Rice’s class as well. In third place from English teacher Amira Shokr’s class, Michael Martic ’28 shared a heartfelt speech about the connection between him and his sister, soon-to-be Blair graduate Gianna ’26. At the end of her speech, Tyler left the audience with a poignant reminder: “With your knowledge of who you are as a result of the moments and spaces that have shaped you, know that you’re here right now. What you choose to do, who you choose to be and what choice you make to impact the people in this space…that is entirely up to you.”
Blair Focuses on Nutrition & Mental Health in the New Year
With a continued focus on mindfulness in the new year, Blair welcomed nutritionist April Milevski, MS, RDN, to campus to speak with students, faculty and staff about the power of nutrition on mental health. During her presentation in Cowan Auditorium, Ms. Milevski shared insights on “Eating for Mental Health from an Integrative and Functional Perspective,” offering practical ways to support well-being through nutrition and demonstrating how food can be as powerful a medicine for the mind as it is for the body. “I’m excited to give back to the community and help those who could benefit the most from this information,” Ms. Milevski shared in an interview before her presentation. “I wish I knew this information when I was in high school. Even in college, I had to do my own research and continue to educate myself on these topics. This information will be extremely useful for the Blair population, whether for athletes or general mental health.” During the presentation, Ms. Milevski broke down the differences between integrative and functional medicine and how they apply to nutrition. She introduced students to the STAIN Approach, developed by the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy, which focuses on identifying the root causes of symptoms through five key areas: stress, toxins, adverse food reactions, infections and nutritional imbalances. From there, she explored the connection between gut health and mental health. “The bacteria in our gut affect not only digestion, but also health throughout the body,” Ms. Milevski explained. “When gut bacteria are out of balance and the gut is inflamed, it has been linked to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.” The presentation also included tips students could easily incorporate into their daily lives, such as reducing high-sugar drinks and increasing fiber intake. Ms. Milevski emphasized that the information shared was for educational purposes only and not a substitute for individualized medical advice, encouraging students to consult with a healthcare provider before making changes to their diet or exercise regimen. “Many people do not know that there is such a strong link between diet and mental health, and it’s our responsibility to make sure that this education is available for all students and adults in this community,” Director of Mindfulness Education and self and society department chair Sarah O’Neil said. “My hope is to increase awareness around the importance of nutrition so that we can support our students, faculty and staff in achieving optimal health and well-being.” Ms. Milevski’s visit continued the following day with one-on-one meetings with faculty and staff, where she answered questions about dietary needs and optimizing well-being through nutrition. That evening, she met with female varsity athletes for a presentation titled “Eating for Optimal Performance—An Integrative and Functional Approach to Cyclical Health and the Athlete Triad,” which focused on how nutrition supports physical, cognitive and hormonal performance, as well as the importance of fuel, balance and support in female athletes’ lives. Blair also welcomed nutrition scientist and registered dietitian Dr. Joseph Stanzione ’08, who met with male varsity athletes for a similar presentation tailored to their needs. These programs were arranged at Blair with the support of a generous donor. Throughout the academic year, Dr. Stanzione is meeting with all ninth graders to provide a foundational nutrition lesson through their Foundations of Well-Being 1 class, and Ms. Milevski worked with tenth graders in March during Foundations of Well-Being 2 classes. “It’s simple: When the mind and body are both healthy, people are happier and more productive,” Ms. O’Neil noted. “I want to give our community the best chance to thrive!”
Grandparents’ Day Brings Smiles to the Hilltop
Grandparents filled the hilltop with love for Blair’s annual Grandparents’ Day celebration. It was a unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of their grandchild’s life at the School and enjoy time together on a beautiful spring day. The schedule was filled with class visits, musical performances, games and practices, and meeting the faculty and friends who shape their students’ experiences. “It was wonderful to welcome so many grandparents to campus for Grandparents’ Day again this year,” said Director of Parent Engagement and Philanthropy Anna Andrasek P’24 ’26. “The beautiful spring weather added to the warmth of the day and made it even more special to see students share Blair with those who mean so much to them.” Below, please enjoy just a few of the highlights of the day, captured by Director of School Photography Tyson Trish and Video and Marketing Specialist CJ Palanca.
Blair Life: April in Pictures
As spring arrived, the Blair community reached the point in the year with days full of beautiful weather and a flurry of activities as the end of the semester loomed near. From concerts and art shows to spring athletics, Bucs were busy on the hilltop making the most of those final weeks.
‘Advanced Student Art Exhibit’ Dazzles Blair Community
While Blair’s upper-level studio courses are known for their challenging pace and high expectations, all that hard work pays off in the end! The Advanced Student Art Exhibit went live in the Romano Gallery last week, and the community gathered for an exceptional show to celebrate a year of growth, creativity and determination. After an enticing gallery walk, attendees gathered in DuBois Theatre to hear form the artists as they shared their creative journey through their medium of choice.
‘The Story It Tells’ Celebrates Blair Theatre
By Director of Theatre L'Oreal Carter
The Blair Academy Players concluded their year of productions with The Story It Tells. Every theatre season is its own ecosystem, and this year, our students have cultivated a truly remarkable landscape. We began our journey in autumn with Kate Hamill’s vibrant adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. In that world, we explored the rigid social gardens of the Regency era—the “neatly trimmed hedges” of reputation and the courage required to bloom outside the lines of expectation. As the frost set in, we moved into the delightfully macabre world of The Addams Family. There, our students leaned into the “nightshade” of the human experience, proving that even in the darkest, strangest corners of the family tree, love is the root that sustains us. We learned that there is immense power in being “untypical” and that every family has its own unique, beautiful bloom. Finally, we arrived at something different. The Story It Tells showcased an experimental collage—a “living gallery” that bridged the gap between the scripts of world-renowned playwrights and the raw, original voices of our own students. This production asked a fundamental question: What does it take to grow? To answer that, our cast organized the evening into phases, using the life cycle of a flower as our road map. Audiences witnessed the high-energy “reach” of a job interview, the heavy “ancestry” of our inherited ghosts, the mechanical “labor” of waiting for our turn and the kitschy, colorful “call” of modern love. By weaving together the absurdist wit of Christopher Durang, the rhythmic intensity of Fleetwood Mac and the vulnerable poetry written in our own classrooms, these performers were no longer just “playing a part.” They invited viewers into a shared garden of the human experience and showed that whether we are sunflowers seeking the spotlight or fuchsias thriving in the shade, the “storms endured” are what give our stories their color. Thank you for being the sun that our students faced. Your presence completed this ecosystem. As you watched these scenes and movements unfold, I hope you were able to reflect on your own season of growth. After all, the story is yours to grow.
Spring Concert Concludes Exciting Season of Music
Hot on the heels of their Italian Performance Tour, Blair’s musical ensembles took to the stage once more for the Spring Concert in DuBois Theatre. For seniors, it was a poignant moment, marking the last performance of their Blair careers. The evening featured performances by the Singers and Chamber Choir, Jazz Ensemble and Advanced Jazz Combo, and Symphony and Chamber Orchestra. Inspired by Italy, the birthplace of classical singing and countless melodies that never cease to stir nostalgia (or craving a slice of pizza), the choir explored Italy’s rich tradition of singing. The Spring Concert program highlighted two of the country’s beloved tunes, one from Napoli and another by Puccini—each spotlighting the talents and vocal agility of Blairitones and Sopralti. Drawing on this history of virtuosity, the Chamber Choir pushed itself with “Sure on This Shining Night,” a demanding work featuring shifting tempos and intertwining melodies. They rounded out their set with two special performances: “Like a Prayer,” led by student conductor Mikey Antonelli ’26, and a joyful finale of “I Sing Because I’m Happy,” that the seniors sang in ninth grade and unquestionably makes one feel…happy! A notable performance by the Symphony and Chamber Orchestra was a piece by Blair’s own cellist Claire Zheng ’26. She describes “Awakening of Light” as a reflection of her own personal journey of growth, uncertainty and finally finding where she belongs as a student. “Having those emotions brought to life by my peers makes me feel like my story is truly being heard,” Claire explains. “My biggest hope is that this music inspires others to trust their own voices. We all face unique challenges, but there is so much power in letting that journey shape who you become. I hope this encourages my fellow students to be courageous in finding their own awakening of light.” The Spring Concert was one of the last all-community events of the school year and a fitting conclusion of months of dedication.
Spring Wraps Another Year of Renowned Skeptics Tradition at Blair
Every Tuesday night at 7 p.m., speakers from the political, social, scientific, economic and literary arenas come to campus to share their unique perspectives with students, who are encouraged to engage with presenters, ask questions and debate points of view. Below are just a few of the speakers who have shared their wisdom with Blair students this year.
Olivia Miles ’21 Selected No. 2 in WNBA Draft
All eyes were on the WNBA draft when Blair’s very own basketball standout Olivia Miles ’21 was selected by the Minnesota Lynx as the No. 2 pick for the 2026 draft. After an amazing NCAA career that saw Olivia top the rosters at Notre Dame and Texas Christian University, the jump to the WNBA is an exciting next step that has Bucs all over the world cheering her on. During an unprecedented senior year caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Olivia graduated as a 1,000-point scorer, three-time Mid-Atlantic Prep League champion and two-time NJISAA prep “A” state champion. In 2019, Olivia represented the United States in the FIBA U16 Women’s Americas Championship. She represented her country again in 2025 during the FIBA Women’s Americup, leading in assists and helping the team to their fifth championship title. “It is such an honor to represent your country in international competition,” Olivia shares. “Having the ‘USA’ across your chest when playing brings another level of pressure to the game, but in a good way, because you’re literally fighting for an entire nation instead of an institution or club team.” The point guard made her NCAA tournament debut rather special by scoring a triple-double in the Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s 89-78 win over UMass in the first round. In her first year at Notre Dame, she garnered first-team All-ACC honors, became a top-five finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award and a WBCA All-American Region I finalist, and she ranked as the No. 2 freshman women’s basketball player in the country, according to ESPN. Olivia leaves the NCAA as a three-time AP All-American who led the NCAA in triple-doubles, finishing with 2,000 points, becoming one of just four players in NCAA history to tally at least 2,000 points, 800 rebounds and 800 assists. During an impeccable run, Olivia led the TCU Horned Frogs to an Elite Eight finish at the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Her decision to forgo the 2025 WNBA Draft last year, where she was a predicted No. 1 pick, and play one more year with the Horned Frogs was questioned by some, but today, it is a decision she is grateful to have made. “I learned that I could be pretty resilient amongst a lot of people who were upset at me for doing so, and I think, twofold, I learned my self-worth and to bet on yourself in moments where it may seem risky or it may not work out in your favor,” Olivia says in a USA TODAY interview. “I mean, look where I’m at now. And I’m so grateful that I waited one more year, or else I wouldn’t have been (in Minnesota).” The Blair community has loved watching Olivia’s strategic gameplay and resilient spirit at the college level, and we can’t wait to see her success mirrored in her professional career as well. To read more about Olivia’s future with the Lynx, click here.
Blair Rowing Captures Multiple Medals at the Garden State Championship
By Rhett Moroses
Hosted by the Garden State Scholastic Rowing Association, the Garden State Scholastic Championship Regatta serves as the state championship for high school rowing in New Jersey. This year, on Saturday April 25, 2026, 54 schools from across the state competed for medals and qualification spots. Boats that finished in the top three of each event earned invitations to the Scholastic Rowing Association of America National Championship Regatta. Blair entered 13 boats across 11 events on both the boys’ and girls’ sides. To reach the medal rounds, crews first advanced through time trials or heats before competing in semifinal and final races. After a long and competitive day on the water, Blair athletes delivered an outstanding performance with the following results: Gold Medal Finishes
- 1st Place – Women’s Senior 4+
- 1st Place – Women’s Junior 8+
Silver Medal Finishes
- 2nd Place – Men’s Senior 4+
Bronze Medal Finishes
- 3rd Place – Men’s Second Varsity 4+
Additional Strong Finishes
- 4th Place – Women’s Junior 4+ A 4th Place – Men’s Junior 4+ 4th Place – Women’s Novice 8+ 5th Place – Men’s Novice 8+ 5th Place – Women’s Second Varsity 4+ 6th Place – Women’s Junior 4+ B
Roundtable Speaker Dr. Carey Zimmermann ’97 Discusses Mental Health Advocacy
By Paula Hong '16
Blair students gathered in Clinton for a sobering and insightful conversation with Dr. Carey Zimmermann ’97, a clinical psychologist currently at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Danbury, Connecticut. As part of the Alumni Roundtables series, Dr. Zimmermann shared her experiences working within the federal prison system, offering students a rare look at the intersection of mental health, law and social responsibility. Hosted by Head of School Peter G. Curran, the event focused on the critical need for proper mental health support and the “tips and tricks” for maintaining personal well-being in high-pressure environments. “In roles like mine, you really do a little bit of everything,” Dr. Zimmermann explained to the students. “You treat people with serious mental illness, respond to crisis calls and run group sessions. You are there to support people through their sentences and offer the best mental health services possible while they are incarcerated.” Much of the conversation centered around raising awareness for her area of expertise. She addressed the deinstitutionalization of mental health facilities, which has led to an increase in the incarcerated population. She spoke candidly about the troubling reality of individuals remaining in jail because they lack the competency to navigate the legal system and struggle with mental instability. Beyond the immediate crisis of mental health in the legal system, Dr. Zimmermann added her deep concern for youth who enter the federal system before their brains are even fully developed. She explained to the students that research shows the human brain—specifically the part responsible for anticipating consequences and controlling impulses—isn’t fully formed until age 25 for men and 23 for women. She reflected on the challenges of long prison sentences for those who commit offenses at a young age, encouraging the audience to consider their lasting human impact and what it means to move forward after such a significant portion of life is spent incarcerated. When asked by a student how she manages the emotional weight of such a challenging environment, her answer was rooted in the same advice she offers her patients and interns: the power of community and peer support. “I wish I had a perfect answer for how to deal with the heavy things we see,” she admitted. “But the truth is, I talk to my colleagues a lot. We lean on each other. We support incarcerated individuals the best you can and then support each other.”
Bogle Scholars Past & Present Continue Brothers’ Tradition
By Ashley Taube
While sifting through his late mother’s home, Dean Tanella ’78 made an unexpected discovery: a collection of letters from the late Blair Board of Trustees Chairman Emeritus Jack Bogle ’47. The letters, written throughout Dean’s time in college, business school and the start of his career, offer a direct look at the mentorship Jack provided to the students he supported. As the first recipient of the Bogle Brothers Scholarship, Dean is one of hundreds of Blair students whose education was made possible by Jack’s philanthropy. “My mom kept all of those letters because they were powerful influences on her son’s life,” Dean shared. “They are a living testament to Jack’s influence.” Jack Bogle established the scholarship in 1975 to honor his brothers, David C. Bogle ’47 and William Y. “Bud” Bogle III ’45. His mission was to give students the same opportunity afforded to the three brothers to attend Blair. The scholarship has been given to students “of special promise to obtain necessary funding for their Blair education,” after demonstrating financial need, academic ability, character and determination. The Bogle family’s involvement went well beyond financial support. Jack and his wife, Eve, spent years reading letters from scholars about their daily lives on the hilltop and hosted an annual luncheon to meet them in person. Following Jack’s death in 2019, his brother, Bud, took over the tradition to ensure the connection between the Bogle family and the scholars remained intact. Now, former Bogle Scholars like Dean have carried on the tradition, staying in touch with scholarship recipients and witnessing their development throughout their academic careers. At this year’s luncheon, Dean was joined by fellow alumni, including Blair Board of Trustee Emmanuel Bello ’04, Kristen (Bogart) Salmon ’01 and Corey Downey ’20, to meet with the current Bogle Scholars. “If Jack was here today, we would marvel at Blair the same way I am, proud and humble,” Dean reflected. “He knew he had an influence on standard-setting, and to see it actually happening, bringing dreams to reality, is remarkable.” The event remains a cornerstone for the Blair community, emphasizing the continuity of Jack’s mission. For the alumni in attendance, the gathering is a reminder of the impact of the scholarship on their own lives. “Connecting with the students is always the highlight of the day for me,” said Emmanuel Bello. “There is a powerful sense of community in that room—a shared understanding that Jack’s gift was the catalyst that brought us all to Blair, which naturally inspires a deep desire to pay that generosity forward.”
The Blair Fund is one of the School’s most important fundraising initiatives. Providing day-to-day support for many aspects of Blair including: academics; athletics; arts; campus life; equity, inclusion and belonging (EIB); and scholarships, the Blair Fund strengthens and ensures a robust academic and extracurricular experience for today’s students and faculty.
Any gift, no matter the size, enhances the Blair community.