Indian Mountain School, Author at Indian Mountain School

Camerata Baltimore Performs at 91��ý

Indian Mountain School — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 19:32:05 +0000

On January 22, the entire 91��ý community of students, faculty, and staff gathered in the Qianxun Performing Arts Center for a special performance by Camerata Baltimore. The singers had the audience on their feet, clapping, swaying, and singing along. It was a joyous start to a winter day, and a celebratory way to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

When we think of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we often think of his speeches. But before the podium, there was the Baptist church—churches like Ebenezer Baptist in Atlanta—filled with sound: That music shaped community, faith, and courage. What you will hear today would be very similar to what Dr. King heard growing up and preaching himself.

I invite you to listen, not just with your ears, but with your imagination. Music has always been more than entertainment. It is a way to express joy and creativity, but also a powerful way to communicate freedom and resistance. When words are not enough—or not safe—music carries hope, truth, and resolve. As Camerata Baltimore performs today, let the music remind us that art doesn’t just reflect history—it inspires people to imagine and work toward something better. A better future for everyone.

– Ahmad Cantrell, 91��ý Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

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Connecting Literature to Lived Experience

Indian Mountain School — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:51:11 +0000

“I’m going to share things with you that my father couldn’t share for 40 years of his life.” Health and Wellness teacher Nora Yasumura was addressing the eighth grade students, who had been reading Julie Otsuka’s historical fiction When the Emperor Was Divine for their English class. The book is about an unnamed Japanese-American family sent to an internment camp from 1942 until 1945.

“Until I was a teenager, I never knew about the Japanese Incarceration during World War Two. There was nothing about it in my history books. But, when I was about 14 years old, my father told me that when he was a child, he was a prisoner in one of the camps.”

Sharing photographs of her father as boy, artifacts, newspaper clippings, and notices from this dark chapter in American history,�� Ms. Yasumura provided students with real-life context to deepen their understanding of the novel they were reading. “It’s important to tell our stories, even though it’s not easy, so that we never forget our past and, hopefully, we learn from it.” added Ms. Yasumura.��

Two photos, taken decades apart: Matsuo “Muts” Yasumura in the Japanese incarceration camp in Arkansas; Ms. Yasumura and her father, Matuo “Muts” Yasumura��

The themes of identity and resilience are common threads throughout the 91��ý curriculum. Books that cover challenging, complex topics and the intense desire to hold onto one’s identity and culture can help teach empathy and also serve as a reminder that the persecution of marginalized people is not isolated to one moment in history.

Included in the eighth grade reading list is Maus, Art Spiegelman’s graphic novel about the Holocaust. Here, the English Department amplified the reading with the help of 91��ý Learning Specialist Susan Decker, whose parents and grandparents were Holocaust survivors.��

Students were able to look at her family’s passports, stamped with symbols of the Third Reich, and with middle names changed to “Sarah” or “Israel” by the government. One of the students said, “It is hard to see how much the world tried to erase their identity.”

Reflecting on the class, Ms. Decker said, “All of our international students have passports, and they know what it means to be identified by that document, so when I bring this piece of history to life for them, it emphasizes that it’s not just a page in a textbook.”

By learning about crisis times in history, not only through elegant prose in their English class texts, but also through the very real experience of someone they know, students are given a deeper understanding of identity, and the healing power of holding on to – and telling –�� our stories.

The diverse makeup of 91��ý students adds another layer of richness to classroom discussions, opening a space for students to begin sharing their own family narratives. By reading these books in conjunction with real-life context, our students are given the tools to understand the weight of the past, and develop a deeper connection to the present.��

Nora Yasumura volunteers for an organization that focuses on healing for the Japanese-American community. ��Learn more about

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Announcing our Next Head of School

Indian Mountain School — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 12:48:32 +0000

91��ý is delighted to announce that Lisa Sun will serve as our eleventh head of school. A visionary leader, teacher, and mentor, Lisa will begin her headship on the Mountain July 1, 2025.

Message from the Head of School Search committee

October 11, 2024

Dear 91��ý Community,

With great enthusiasm, we write to announce the appointment of Lisa Sun as the Eleventh Head of Indian Mountain School. Lisa brings 30 years of experience as an educator and leader in public, independent day and boarding schools from Pre-K through Grade 12, most recently as Head of School at The Philadelphia School, a Pre-K through Grade 8 school in Pennsylvania. Lisa will begin her tenure on the Mountain on July 1, 2025.

The Head of School Search Committee and Board of Trustees set out to find a head of school who will pursue excellence by leading with curiosity, purpose, and joy. From among a slate of exceptional candidates, Lisa emerged as the leader best suited to take 91��ý to its next summit. During her time as Head of The Philadelphia School, Lisa demonstrated exceptional leadership in strategic planning and execution, including leading successful initiatives to improve retention and experience for students, faculty and staff. Working closely with her team and the Board of Trustees, Lisa also led the largest and most ambitious capital campaign in her school’s history, securing the stability of the school’s finances and physical plant. Beyond her administrative achievements, Lisa is deeply committed to nurturing a school culture in which students, faculty, staff, and families are known, supported, and challenged to grow. As we got to know Lisa through this thoughtful and comprehensive search process, it became clear that there was a natural alignment of values and vision. We knew that Lisa would embrace, support, and lead the 91��ý experience with purpose and joy.

As a child who immigrated with her family to the United States from South Korea, Lisa’s deep belief in the value of relational education is palpable. In her formative years as a student in public school, Lisa learned first hand the immense power that teachers hold to positively shape a student’s life path and sense of self. Thanks to the impact of an attentive art teacher, Lisa began her career in education teaching art to both high school and pre-k through third grade students. To this day, Lisa finds time to think, rest, and reset in the ceramic studio. Lisa moved from the classroom into administration as the first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion director at Nashoba Brooks School. At the same time, she and her husband worked as dormitory parents at Concord Academy and The Walnut Hill School. Lisa went on to hold numerous teaching and administrative leadership positions at The Park School of Baltimore before assuming her headship at The Philadelphia School seven years ago.

The Search Committee and Board are confident that Lisa will continue 91��ý’s current momentum while acting as the visionary and solutionary leader who will take 91��ý to greater heights. She is committed to deepening 91��ý’s mission to inspire the courage to climb, the joy to create, the passion to learn, and the spirit to contribute in kind and meaningful ways.

On behalf of the Board and our entire school community, we thank the Search Committee, our search partners at Isaacson, Miller, as well as the faculty, staff, parents, and alumni whose thoughtful and critical input helped guide this important work. Over the coming months, the Board will work closely with Lisa Sun, Scott Erickson, and the 91��ý faculty and staff to ensure a seamless and successful transition of leadership. There will also be opportunities to introduce Lisa to the 91��ý community, and we will continue to update our web page with information.

Please join us in welcoming Lisa Sun and her family to 91��ý!

David Nuzum��P’25 ’27
President of the Board of Trustees / Co-Chair, Head of School Search Committee

Savannah Stevenson��P’26 ’31
Trustee / Co-Chair, Head of School Search Committee

“I know that Lisa will love, appreciate, and enjoy the 91��ý community as much as I do. I'm excited to partner with Lisa this year as we anticipate her arrival next summer. Thank you for supporting us in this important work!"

Dr. Scott Erickson
91��ý Interim Head of School

Message from Lisa Sun

October 11, 2024

Dear Indian Mountain School Community,

It is with joy and excitement that I write to you as the incoming Head of Indian Mountain School. I’m incredibly grateful to join such a vibrant and dynamic institution, and I am honored to serve this remarkable community. I want to extend my deep appreciation to David Nuzum, Savannah Stevenson, the Search Committee, and the Board of Trustees for entrusting me to guide 91��ý into its next chapter, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish together.��

From the moment I stepped onto campus, it was clear that 91��ý is a very special place. As I toured the beautiful Upper and Lower Campuses and met with members of the community, I could feel the deep sense of connection that defines 91��ý. During my visit, I was moved by the warmth and dedication of the faculty and staff, the enthusiasm of the children, and the profound commitment of all. 91��ý is more than just a school—it’s a close-knit community where children are encouraged to be curious, to take risks, and to embrace theadventure of learning. 91��ý lives its mission and embodies the values of honesty, compassion, and respect in every aspect.��

I look forward to immersing myself in the life of 91��ý, and I am eager to return to the supportive environment of a boarding school community. My husband, Peter, and I spent nine wonderful years as dorm parents, raising our two children at Concord Academy. Those years were profoundly rewarding, and we are so excited to join the 91��ý community and introduce you to our children.

One of my top priorities will be to build meaningful relationships with each of you. Together, we will continue to nurture the growth of every student, ensuring that they feel supported, challenged, and inspired. We will build on the work that is underway to create beautiful spaces and opportunities for students to gather, learn, and express their creativity. 91��ý is an extraordinary school, and I’m thrilled to come to the mountain and climb higher with you.��

In partnership,

Lisa H. Sun

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Looking Back and Moving Forward with Jody Reilly Soja

Indian Mountain School — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 13:20:36 +0000

After nine years as Head of School, Jody Reilly Soja will be departing 91��ý and joining Loomis Chaffee as their next Head of School. Jody has been an integral part of the community and growth at 91��ý and we can't wait to see all she accomplishes in her next role.

Before she departs, we sat down with Jody one final time to reflect on her legacy at 91��ý.

You came back in 2015 to be our ninth Head of School and the first female head of 91��ý. In those first years, what did you draw from that shaped your work and vision for the school?

I was really lucky to have worked here from 1999-2009, so while I was a new Head of School in 2015, I wasn’t new to 91��ý. I returned to the Mountain with an already deep appreciation for the junior boarding experience and for the playful atmosphere cultivated at 91��ý by faculty and staff who really enjoy educating young people.��

In my first few years as Head of School, I became really interested in the history of 91��ý – particularly the founding Head of School, Francis Riggs, and his motivation for starting a school. I also tried to remain grounded in the core values at 91��ý: honesty, compassion and respect, and to think about how we create the conditions for learning and living together based on those principles.��

In my second year as Head of School, we also created the first Strategic Plan of my tenure,��The Courage to Climb,��and that plan really shaped the work we have done together over the last nine years.��

You have logged more hours than anyone else in our archives, pouring through documents, articles, musings, and photographs from the past. From your view, what are the ways in which we remain true to the vision of our school’s founder, Francis Behn Riggs?

Well, Mr. Riggs was educated at Groton and then Harvard and he had a deep appreciation for quality education and for learning environments where debate and discourse were cultivated and encouraged. Furthermore, he was deeply affected by the horrors of World War I and believed that education was our best path to avoid conflict in the future. It is not as well known that Mr. Riggs was a very active pacifist. He wanted to educate the next generation so that we could avoid conflict and violence in the world. I share his view and continue to strive toward that goal.��

Mr. Riggs also wanted to create a school, in those early days, for “boys of modest means.” Very few students in the early years could afford to pay full tuition, and so it has always been a goal for 91��ý to support financial aid and create access for education in a setting like ours. I am proud of 91��ý’ commitment to financial aid and to investing in future generations.��

Lastly, Mr. Riggs chose��Life Through Service��as our school motto. To me, this motto highlights not only our responsibility to care for our local community and the world, but also to think about how we care for each other. Being a member of a community is both a privilege and a responsibility, and Mr. Riggs laid the foundation for that mission and ethos from the very start.��

Last year we celebrated 100 years on the mountain. What did that mean for you?

I was incredibly proud to serve as the Head of School during the School’s centennial. As the first female Head of School at 91��ý, I think it was particularly poignant for me – as a sign of the future and how far we’ve come in the last 100 years as an institution and an industry. 91��ý holds a very dear place in my heart, so to have been here during this important time in our history has been very meaningful to me.

There has been so much growth at 91��ý, in enrollment and in our physical space. Talk about the vision and work that led to this growth.

In my early days as Head of School at 91��ý we conducted a campus master plan. Through that process, we identified athletic and community spaces as our biggest needs. That plan had input from faculty and staff, parents, alumni, and students, and all agreed on these needs and priorities, which made it very easy to focus on these critical physical spaces. In the last nine years, we have renovated and redecorated dorm common rooms and bathrooms, built the addition on Stockton to increase our boarding enrollment, added six new beautiful tennis courts and the O.W.L and, of course, completed the construction of Centennial Field and the Morehead Athletic Center.

When I arrived we were under-enrolled and continued to be for two years. Slowly over time, thanks to everyone but especially the leadership of Heather Eckert and then Charles Brown, we stabilized and then began to grow our enrollment. In the fall of 2019, we opened at our target enrollment of just over 250 students. Never in our wildest imagination did we imagine the massive changes to come with the pandemic in 2020. It was our goal to emerge from the pandemic from a position of strength. Certainly, the booming enrollment in 2020-2021 helped that goal, but the fact that we have not only maintained but also built on that momentum has been really impactful for 91��ý in very positive ways.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the students who graduate from 91��ý and the way they positively�� impact the communities they join after they leave us. I have heard from other Heads of School that 91��ý graduates are amazing community members in their secondary schools, and that makes me really proud.��

What’s the biggest or perhaps most unexpected lesson you’ve learned from your years at 91��ý?

As an introvert who does not enjoy public speaking, I have had to really push myself out of my comfort zone in this role. I have actually found so much inspiration in the courage of our students. Routinely, 91��ý students challenge themselves by picking up a new instrument or sport, speaking at morning meeting or morning circle, going on a camping trip for the first time, and more. Despite uneasiness, they embrace new experiences and are willing to try.�� As with all things, practice makes it easier, and I have learned to at least be��more��comfortable speaking in front of large audiences.��

What do you hope for our next Head of School?

I hope that our next Head of School finds as much joy in the work as I have. There is so much laughter and silliness at 91��ý, and this is a highlight of the school and the job. I hope that the next head of school can find time to be in the company of our students- whether it is dorm dinners, food Fridays in the ECC, at the dining table for meals, or at drop off – to understand how amazing and hilarious our students are. I also hope that the next Head of School has as much support from an amazing faculty and staff, a collaborative and dedicated administrative team, and a thoughtful and engaged Board of Trustees. I have been blessed by all of the above.��

Speed Round Questions

Favorite spot on campus (upper and lower)?

On the Upper Campus it is the deck of Becket House and on the Lower Campus it is the Early Childhood Classroom(s).��

Favorite tradition on the Upper Campus?

It’s a tie between Mountain Day, dorm dinners and 6th grader Tuesdays at Becket House, and Halloween.

Favorite tradition on the Lower Campus?

I love scooping ice cream on LEAP day.

Most embarrassing moment?

Anytime I have to sing the birthday song acapella.��

Favorite meal from the dining hall?

The homemade chicken tenders, I love those things!

Maroon or Gray?

MAROON! But really I’m impartial

Fondest Memory?

There have been so many, but what comes to mind are the fireworks at the Centennial Celebration and what they symbolized for me. I also feel very fortunate that I was able to be present for both of my sons’��This I��Believe��speeches. That was really meaningful to me as a mom and made me so grateful for the education they received at 91��ý.��

Thank you Jody for enriching the lives of our entire community at 91��ý!

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Spring Athletics Falcon Report

Indian Mountain School — Thu, 09 May 2024 20:15:18 +0000

As the spring season nears completion, here are a few highlights from our spring teams in our latest Falcon Report:

Our Varsity Tennis team started strong and has continued to have a fantastic season. Not only have they won a majority of their games but the leadership from Captains Charlie, Letitia, and Santi has been essential to help build and maintain a strong culture within the team. The team recently enjoyed a rare off-day and had a team bonding day at one of the local day student’s homes. The team currently has a record of 10 wins and 3 losses.

Our JV Tennis team has been building and progressing all year. Most of their matches have been very close, with the developing players needing to dig deep to help the team achieve success. This type of season forces everyone to push themselves outside of their comfort zones. The growth so far this season has been great and many of these players have a Varsity future next year and beyond.��

Our 5/6 (Developmental) team has also been learning and growing within the sport this year. While this program is dedicated to having fun and some days do not involve traditional tennis instruction, there have also been many members of the team who have progressed greatly in the past two months. They just had their first match of the year where they got to test themselves against another school’s team. Unfortunately, the match was cut short due to thunderstorms but they have another chance coming up in two weeks!

The Softball team entered the year very inexperienced, with the majority of the roster being seventh graders. With the leadership of Harper (eighth grade) and Louella (ninth grade), the team has progressed rapidly and continues to battle hard in their games. Another great aspect of this group is how close they’ve grown and how much fun they have on a daily basis at practice. Considering the youth of this squad, the future is very bright and we anticipate an even more talented, bonded group in future seasons. They have many games left in the last two weeks of the season and currently have a record of 2 wins and 2 losses.��

After graduating almost all of our top baseball players the past two years, the Baseball team is in a season of rebuilding. Most of the experienced baseball players are in seventh grade or younger so this group has approached the season from the ground up, developing fundamentals and knowledge of the game. They, too, have a bright future and look to build on their recent victory as they move toward season’s end.��

The Ultimate Frisbee team has had a huge season of growth and development. While a few of the players are experienced in the sport, the majority came into the season with almost no history of playing Ultimate, or even throwing a frisbee. Through daily hard work, this group has developed into a talented and dynamic team. Most of their games have been hard fought and while they have not always come out on top, their attitudes and perseverance have been exemplary. With a couple of games left, this team looks to finish the season strong and keep building this relatively new program at 91��ý.��

The Golf team had an influx of sign-ups at the beginning of the spring season, pushing their roster size to over 20! While only six or seven students can play in a given match, the full group has been present at each practice and working to improve their abilities. In the matches, the team faces the challenge of only competing against local high school teams, so they are at a size and strength disadvantage. Despite this, they have been competitive and have represented 91��ý to the highest level. With two more matches to go, they’re looking to keep building on their progress this season and end on a high note.��

A new offering to the 91��ý spring Athletics program, Arts and the Outdoors is a non-competitive sport that blends the use of our campus, mountain, and trails with artwork inspired by time spent outside. Our goal was to offer a program that engages students in multiple disciplines without the traditional competitive nature of our other sports. The group has enjoyed the improving spring weather and this is a program we hope to offer for many years to come.��

The Varsity Girls Lacrosse team has had another outstanding season. Despite losing several starters from last year, this year’s team reloaded and has continued to build on the past few seasons’ successes. They’ve played seven games so far and have a record of 6 wins and 1 loss. With the New England Junior School Girls Lacrosse tournament coming up this weekend, they look for their third consecutive championship! They also have five more games after the tournament, highlighted by four home games on Centennial Field to finish the year.��

The JV Girls Lacrosse team saw a huge jump in enrollment this spring. With about 30 members, this team had a mix of complete beginners and some more advanced players. The coaches’ goals were to develop strong, smarter, and more fit players who look to follow in past players’ footsteps to make the jump to Varsity next year. They’ve had many games so far through wins and losses, have progressed so much. The Girls Lacrosse program is in good hands with this group.��

With about 40 students at the first day of tryouts, the Boys Lacrosse program set a new standard of competitiveness, built on past years of strong play and development. The Varsity team, comprised of 28 members, has had a successful season from a record standpoint (7 wins, 2 losses) but the biggest success of the team has been the continued growth and development of everyone on the roster. The starters have set a high bar of commitment and focus and the reserves have been challenged to keep up. This model ensures a strong season but also leads to a strong team for years to come. The Varsity team travels to Boston in a week for the New England Junior School Boys Lacrosse tournament, looking for their 3rd championship in the past four seasons.��

The JV Boys Lacrosse team hit the ground running this season. With a mix of varsity cuts, younger talent, and new players, the challenge was to bring this team together so they could learn the value of “team” play. The coaches have done a great job developing this team and the progress is evident, both on an individual level and also in terms of team success. Several of the members of this team represent the future of the Varsity program and the collective growth is a testament to the hard work and dedication that this group puts in every day.��

��

Thus far, it has been a great spring on the 91��ý Upper Campus, with our students learning, growing, and enjoying the final term of the year.

Go Falcons!

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91��ý Welcomes Interim Head of School, Dr. Scott Erickson

Indian Mountain School — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 19:25:36 +0000

With joy and optimism, we write to announce the appointment of Dr. Scott Erickson as Interim Head of School for the 2024-25 academic year. Scott brings to 91��ý more than 25 years of experience as an educator and leader in independent day and boarding schools across the Pre-K through grade twelve spectrum, including 13 years as a head of school. We are fortunate to welcome someone of Scott’s caliber to 91��ý as we build on Jody Reilly Soja’s legacy and plan for future generations of Falcons.��

“I am excited to join the joyful 91��ý community this summer! Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Interim Head of School. I have enjoyed getting to know many community members during the search process and look forward to collaborating with all of you in the coming year.”

Dr. Scott Erickson

Most recently, Scott has been the Head of School at Phillips Brooks School, a co-educational Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5 school in Menlo Park, California. Prior to his 13-year headship at PBS, Scott served as middle school division head and director of studies at National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C., and as a department head, faculty member, and dorm parent at St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire. During his headship at PBS, Scott led the school through two strategic plans, which addressed complex challenges like faculty recruitment and compensation, long-term campus viability, community engagement, and curricular alignment across grade levels.��

The Head of School Search Committee and 91��ý Board of Trustees believe Scott is the right leader for this critical transition year for several key reasons:��

Scott is a solutionary leader, educator, and communicator with proven ability to unite communities, manage organizational complexity, and elevate programs according to strategic priorities.��
His professional standards and personal values align with the values and aspirations of the 91��ý community, most notably the relationship between joy and excellence.��
Scott’s experience at top tier schools throughout the country spans the breadth of the 91��ý student age range from our youngest in Pre-K to our graduating ninth graders, as well as the rigor and boarding experience of the secondary schools to which 91��ý students matriculate.��
His demonstrated ability to lead and develop administrators and faculty through compassionate support, resourcefulness, and integrated interdisciplinary processes will work to advance 91��ý’s people and programs.��

The Search Committee and Board are confident that Scott will further 91��ý’s momentum, build bridges in this important time of transition, and deepen 91��ý’s mission to inspire the courage to climb, the joy to create, the passion to learn, and the spirit to contribute in kind and meaningful ways. Scott’s love for children and belief in the value of independent schools are evident the moment you meet him.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Scott Erickson to the 91��ý community!

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Students Attend Youth Leadership Summit For Climate Change

Indian Mountain School — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 23:49:50 +0000

Earlier this year, several 7th-grade students and our Sustainability Science teacher Sonya Friel attended the third annual Youth Empowerment & Sustainability Summit (YESS!) in Olivebridge, NY. Our team joined like-minded students from grades six through twelve for this immersive, three-day event. This year’s theme was From Coalition to Action: How to Lead Change in Your Community.

Students attended a series of informative presentations and workshops, and also engaged in team building activities, musical performances, and educational hikes. They discussed important issues surrounding climate change and climate equity with sustainability experts, including State Senator Michelle Hinchey, Tim Guinee of and , and Dr. Allison Thompson, founder of . Also at the event were several youth representatives of empowerment and climate action groups such as Students for Climate Action and The Wild Center.��Sustainability practices were incorporated throughout the event, not just in the presentations and discussions, but also during the zero-waste mealtimes, the educational nature hikes, even the material for the name tags.��

During the 3-day summit, students from each attending school worked together to share the sustainability initiatives already in place at their school, and to brainstorm other effective methods for implementing sustainability practices in their everyday lives. The summit culminated in the creation of an ‘Action Plan for Sustainability’ for each participating school. Students created their action plan based on the breakout groups and lectures that they attended during the summit, and presented their plan to the other groups at the end of the third day.

“Being able to make a plan to change how our school approaches sustainability was really exciting. We were given so much support and advice from the presenters at the Ashokan Center about creating a good and strong plan for 91��ý,” said 7th grader Charlotte Sutton-Do.

Ms. Friel, 91��ý Sustainability Science teacher, also utilized the summit to learn more about sustainability practices and build connections with local schools and sustainability experts. She added, “I was inspired by everything that I learned and by discussing sustainability practices at other schools. I definitely plan to go back and implement some of the topics and ideas into my curriculum!”��

Education that is rooted in service-learning and leadership is woven through all grade levels at 91��ý, helping students understand the ripple effects of their actions, both in their community and on the environment. Participating in events like the YESS! summit empowers students to use what they’ve learned to implement positive change.��

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Opening Night for 91��ý Community Art Exhibit

Indian Mountain School — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:43:32 +0000

The 91��ý Community Art Exhibit and Contest is an annual event that celebrates the range of artistic expression found in our local community. Thanks to the vision of Trustee Emeritus Samuel Posey P’07,’01 this show celebrated its eighth year with an opening reception on Friday, April 5. Mr. Posey spoke at Friday’s reception to a room filled with many other friends of 91��ý: current parents, alumni, neighbors, visiting artists and art enthusiasts.

Our recently introduced Strategic Plan, The Courage to Climb Higher, outlines our current strategic priorities, including “The Joy of Childhood.” It is in that spirit that the theme of JOY was chosen for this show.

We received an incredible 107 submissions from artists in the tri-state area. Our jurors had the challenging task of selecting the 23 pieces of artwork that are now on display for the contest and exhibit, which runs through April 26. The pieces are also for sale, and include the works of three current 91��ý students:�� Eva Borges, Coco Wang, and Alex van Dyke.

The inaugural 91��ý Community Art Exhibit and Contest was in 2014, and celebrated the opening of the Student Center, which houses our Art and Music Departments. The success of that show prompted this beloved yearly tradition and today the event continues to connect 91��ý with inspired and talented artists and celebrate the importance of arts education.

��

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91��ý Athletics: End of Season Recap

Indian Mountain School — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 22:13:02 +0000

As we prepare to depart for a well-earned break, we take a look back at the Winter season to recognize some of the incredible accomplishments and milestones of our Winter Athletics teams.��

The Squash team reached a new high this year in terms of interest and enrollment. The addition of our on-campus courts in the Morehead Athletic Center (MAC) certainly contributed to this interest. However, much of the credit goes to our dedicated coaches and especially, our older Varsity squash players for making the sport so inviting and appealing for new students to try.��

The Varsity Squash��team had an excellent season, with several of the top players finishing out their 91��ý careers without losing a match all year. These experienced players also helped foster a terrific environment for the younger students on the team to help carry the legacy in future years. The team placed 21st at Nationals while missing some of the top players, a remarkable accomplishment.��

The JV and Developmental Squash teams also made great strides this season with several of those players having their eyes set on a Varsity position in the coming years. Increased access to court time contributed greatly to the development of our younger teams and the future is so bright for 91��ý Squash!

What a year for the basketball programs here at 91��ý! We saw a larger sign-up than ever before. With three boys teams and two girls teams, our new Athletic Center was constantly filled with players practicing and competing.��

Varsity Girls Basketball had the opportunity to play the first-ever game in the MAC and from there, they were off and running. Led by a few key ninth graders, this team had an excellent season. Their success was not only about wins, it was also about how many younger players developed this season and contributed to this team, while also ensuring strong teams in the coming years.��

JV Girls Basketball returned to 91��ý for the first time in more than a decade and with it, the promise of so many talented players who worked hard all season. The work this group put in will certainly pay dividends as we look to keep building a strong Girls Basketball program.��

Varsity Boys Basketball had a year of growth. After losing so many starters from the previous year’s team, the coaches did not know what to expect. The team came together and formed a close bond which helped them overachieve on the court! Several players got their first Varsity experience this year and with a large portion of the team returning for next season, this group will keep getting better.

The JV Boys and 3rds boys programs were restructured this past year to allow for a more open tryouts and ensure that students were placed on the correct team for their skill level and development. The result was a strong season for both teams. Not only did both squads fight their way to some great wins but they worked closely with students in different grades, strengthening our basketball program and at the same time creating a closer-knit community during the academic day and residential hours.

The Ski Team had a year for the record books! While waiting for snow, the team spent the month of December on campus with Coach Rosen doing dryland training and watching films, preparing for the season ahead. In January, the team went undefeated in all of their races against in the regional ski league. They consistently had seven of the top ten finishers in any given race. Additionally, the team entered NEPSAC Class C Championships for the first time and despite going against all high schoolers, the Boys team took home third place and the girls team was the NEPSAC Champions! We’re so proud of how this team and we know the future will hold many more big moments for this group!

The Swim Team had yet another stellar year of development and success in their races. With a wide array of experience levels, it was uncertain how this team would come together as the season got underway. The ninth-grade leaders on the team set a great example for both work ethic and team culture. The younger students felt welcomed and were encouraged to grow in both fitness and technique. The result was a cohesive team that won all but one of their meets. The graduating students were part of a three-year run of incredible success and leave behind a strong legacy for the next wave of swimmers to follow.

The Hockey program had big year of growth this winter. The Varsity team had the rare combination of more goalies than needed and not enough skaters. Graciously, the goalies took turns contributing to the team’s overall success both in net and skating out. This team-first mentality permeated through the rest of the players and turned out to be a defining characteristic of this team. So many of the players stepped into new roles this season and by season’s end, they put together a couple of great games and ended on a two-game win streak.��

The JV Hockey team had a larger roster than any team in recent memory. With a full range of experience and talent, this team’s priority was to develop as hockey players and athletes but never lose sight of having fun every day at practice. Almost the entire team will be returning for next year so the future of the JV team, and by association, the Varsity Hockey team, is bright!

The Dance team had a wonderful season. They added two new coaches and found a new dance studio, so the season got off to a slower start than usual and then took off! Students dove into several types of dance all the while becoming close collaborators who had a lot of fun while learning so much and growing as a dance group. The end of term dance recital was an exceptional display of talent, skilled choreography and teamwork. Moving forward, this team will get to dance and train in our new performing arts center and the program will continue to grow and thrive.

The Rec Ski team began going to Catamount after winter break when there was enough snow. Then the team was able to enjoy three-to-four days every week on the slopes. The purpose of the team is for students to enjoy their time skiing and snowboarding without the pressures of competition.�� Despite some unusually warm days and some rain, the team managed to have a full, dun�� season of skiing and snowboarding.

We’re so proud of all of our Winter teams and athletes. Their contributions to the athletics program helped build our strong teams and overall culture of good sportsmanship and teamwork. We thank everyone for a great season and look forward to another successful season in the spring.��

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Sixth Grade Learning at Taconic Outdoor Education Center

Indian Mountain School — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 21:37:52 +0000

A hallmark of the 91��ý experience is our Outdoor Adventure and Education (OAE) program. At each grade level, students spend time in the great outdoors in multiple ways, learning about their surroundings and about themselves.

In mid-February, our sixth graders headed to the Taconic Outdoor Education Center for two days of learning and fun. OAE Director Eliza Statile describes the trip.

Two white buses, filled with students, sleeping bags, snow pants, and water bottles departed for the Taconic Outdoor Education Center on Thursday, February 15th. As they traveled, the snow got deeper, and the singing got louder! With a combination of nervous and excited energy, thirty sixth graders filed out of the buses and headed into the TOEC lodge.�� They were greeted by the smiling faces of the outdoor educators who would be spending the next two days with them. Soon thereafter, classmates headed down the snowy path to their cabins. Little did they know that each cabin group would be handed a small animal mascot and would be tasked to come up with a name and a chant for it. They also had no idea that they would be participating in an epic lip-sync competition that very night!

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At meal times, students contributed as kitchen helpers and had “limiting food waste” competitions. They also spent time snowshoeing (many for the first time), experienced night hiking, and learned about maple sugaring — how to identify maple trees, tap them, and boil the syrup (of course they tasted some too!). They also learned about survival priorities, building fires, and tracking animals.��Students were challenged to step out of their everyday comfort zones in many ways.��

These two days of technology-free space allowed for many laughs, card games, and deep conversations. As one sixth-grader said on the way back to campus, “this was the best time of the whole year.”

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