It was the biggest, rainiest, happiest, most pizza-filled, BFF-reuniting, NSFG-celebrating, best reunion ever!
With 600+ people back on campus, this year’s Reunion was officially the largest in Williston Northampton School history. Below are some of our favorite moments.
Zoë’s Pizza Stole the Show: We are still dreaming about the incredible slices cooked up by celebrity chef and cookbook author Zoë François ’85. Baked in a portable wood-fired oven on the Quad, the pizzas were devoured by alumni from all classes, but especially by Zoë’s class of 1985, which turned up in droves (39 strong) for their 40th.
We Celebrated Ed Hing ’77: A huge crowd gathered to honor the retirement of longtime art faculty member Ed Hing ’77, P’10 with a Grubbs Gallery show of his remarkable body of photography. Just outside the gallery, a second exhibit, curated by Hing, showcased student work from the past two decades. Altogether, it was a wonderful send-off for a teacher who has influenced so many during his 28 years at Williston.
Couchie Played Shutterbug: At his Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony, longtime coach and photography teacher Bob Couch ’50 made his remarks memorable by saying, “I want to capture this moment and remember it forever,” and then pulled out his camera and took a shot of the audience from the stage. Another classic Couchie moment? A passing thunderstorm knocked out the power and microphone, but without missing a beat, he simply projected louder and finished his speech in style.
2020 Was Back, Baby! The class of 2020 showed up in force, with 40+ classmates making it back for their 5th Reunion. There’s something extra-special about seeing this class back on campus together, since their senior spring was abruptly cut short by COVID. So glad to have you here, 2020!
The Caterwaulers Burst Into Song: At the class of 1975 celebration, a cohort of Caterwaulers gathered around the piano and belted out “Sammy” and other classics from the Caterwauler songbook. Like old friendships, harmonies only get better with age.
The Little Moments Were Sweet: Sometimes it’s the unexpected surprises that mean the most—like when James Dixon ’05 (left) wowed friends by recalling his exact mailbox combination in Reed. Or when Anna Sawyer ’24 (right) introduced her former babysitter, Kristina Conroy ’10, at the Athletic Hall of Fame induction.
White Blazers Were In Style: Two dozen White Blazer recipients —ranging from the class of 1958 to the class of 2023—were honored at the Elm Tree Society lunch. The White Blazer award (aka the Sarah B. Whitaker Award) is traditionally given to the top female student at Commencement, a tradition that began at Northampton School for Girls. A highlight of the gathering was when Head of School Bob Hill surprised Dylan Fulcher-Melendy ’20 with her White Blazer, which she was unable to receive in 2020 due to a senior spring cut short by COVID.
Alumni Had Game: Alumni donned the green and blue once more to play basketball, hockey, and ultimate during Reunion. “The alumni game was such a special experience for me,” said Maura Holden ’19, pictured at right with Teaghan Hall ’22 and Maeve Reynolds ’22. “I hadn’t seen some of those teammates in years, and being in the rink with everyone was a blast. I take every opportunity I can to be back on campus. It feels like home.”
We Celebrated Alumni Achievements: Two ceremonies at Reunion—the Alumni Awards and the Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony—fête Wildcats who have achieved remarkable things. This year, four distinguished individuals and one hardworking committee received Alumni Awards for their accomplishments. We also inducted two memorable teams, seven stellar athletes, and one longtime coach into the Athletic Hall of Fame. For complete remarks, videos, and past winners, please click here.