For more photos of happenings across campus and beyond, please check out Blair Academy on Photoshelter, where we regularly post images.

Disconnect to connect. The phrase seems counterintuitive, but according to founder and CEO of Social Awakening, Max Stossel, it’s a strategy that will lead to happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives. During an all-School presentation Monday, Mr. Stossel spoke to Blair students about the effect technology—social media, in particular—has on their lives, typically without anyone even noticing. His visit came a few weeks into a new academic year in which Blair has put an updated cellphone policy in place to teach healthy phone habits and cultivate even more in-person connection across our community.

“My hope is that Mr. Stossel’s visit will help our students make positive meaning from what we are asking them to do,” Associate Head of School Ryan M. Pagotto ’97 said. The new policy of “away for the day” means that cellphones are not to be seen in hallways or academic buildings; in classrooms without permission from a teacher; in community gathering spaces; or on the pathways, roads or courtyards throughout campus during the academic day. “My hope is not only that he will help students reflect individually on their own interactions with their phones and social media, but also reflect on their role as community members and how phones can pull them away from the very cool people around them and the beauty of this hilltop.”

During his presentation, Mr. Stossel acknowledged the importance of technology and the “magical” power of having the world at your fingertips. “But ask yourself this,” he prompted the crowd, “am I using technology or is technology using me?” A one time industry insider, Mr. Stossel began his career running social media and marketing many of the social media structures discussed in the presentation. He explained the gamification these companies are having on their users’ social lives, likening the addiction of scrolling feeds for acceptance and pleasure to gambling on a slot machine. “These companies are not on the same team as us,” Mr. Stossel warned the audience. “They sink into our actual relationships in ways we wouldn’t opt in to if we knew.”

Throughout the presentation, Mr. Stossel encouraged the audience to prioritize real life connections. He instructed everyone in the DuBois Theatre to turn to the person sitting next to them and share a time they felt alive, free and connected to the people they love. When the group reconvened, Mr. Stossel asked, “Did anyone bring up a time when they were on their phone?” Nobody raised their hand.

Citing studies that show that academic performance is not only affected by looking at your phone but also by having it in the room with you, the award-winning poet, filmmaker and speaker shared some advice about how students can minimize the control social media has on their lives. He suggested turning off notifications that aren’t from a human being, unfollowing Instagram or TikTok accounts that make you feel bad and finding ways to make the algorithm work in your favor. “Put your attention and energy into what you have control over,” he advised.

After his presentation, Mr. Stossel met with a smaller group of campus student leaders—along with Mr. Pagotto—to talk about social media and how the new policy is working. Most students agreed that the policy has reduced screen time and they aren’t missing their phones during the day, but the evenings and weekends are times when it is harder to stay off their devices. Together, the group brainstormed how they can acknowledge the difficulties and work together to promote healthier use and lifestyles for the community. “Being a human being means learning how to deal with hard things,” Mr. Stossel said, “and having a judgment-free space where you can recognize it’s hard and talk about these difficult things will help.” 

At the center of everything we do at Blair, we prioritize the health and well-being of our community. Our students cannot reach their full potential if they can’t cope with the stress, anxiety and the pressure of living in the fast-paced and demanding world beyond Blair. As we seek to graduate students who are prepared for success in life, we hope that the discussions prompted by leaders like Mr. Stossel will help them engage in-person with the world around them and understand the appropriate use of cellphones and other devices.
 

Not a day seems to pass when our society isn’t reminded of the harmful effects of climate change. Forest fires frequent civil populations and global temperatures reach new, unfortunate highs. At the upcoming Skeptics on Tuesday, September 19, Blair students will get to hear from a leader and former Blair student who is trying to help make the world a better, cooler place: Rick DeFino ’07.

Upon graduating from Blair, Mr. DeFino went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree in international relations and economics, political science and government at St. Joseph’s University in Pennsylvania. Aspiring to travel the world, Mr. DeFino researched and accepted global professional opportunities whenever he could. Between 2013 and 2015, Mr. DeFino traveled to countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Nepal, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, where he not only gained professional experience but also cultural awareness as well.

“At Skeptics, I plan to talk about my path from Blair and what I learned while at Blair, my travels visiting over 60 countries around the world, and the founding of my solar company,” said Mr. DeFino in a pre-event interview. “I’d like to elaborate on how I developed my leadership style and my thoughts on the evolving renewable energy industry, my work on developing solar microgrids for containerized hydroponic installations. I’d also like to explain the policy and congressional bills that have allowed my industry to succeed and what the future may hold for renewable energy and sustainability.”

While working in Australia and New Zealand for nearly two years, Mr. DeFino began to rapidly develop his professional skills and education in renewable solar energy. After running successful branches of the companies he worked for at that time, the Blair graduate took the calculated risk to return to the United States and eventually build his own business, Vanguard Solar Services in Denver, Colorado.

Today, Vanguard Solar Services proudly serves as Colorado’s premier commercial and industrial solar installation company, while their additional business model of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) maintains the production and health of renewable energy assets. Vanguard Solar Services manages and repairs the 1,300+ solar installations of the Denver Housing Authority and other solar assets of publicly-traded companies while building brand-new solar installations for building owners and municipalities.

Having had the opportunities he did to travel the world, Mr. DeFino has accrued a vast arsenal of life lessons that have influenced his professional ones.

“It is a privilege to be on the other side of the podium and communicate my perspective and lessons learned since graduating from Blair 16 years ago,” said Mr. DeFino. “It is an honor to share my past, my values, my irregular path and the choices that have led me to the career and life I have built for myself with the school that was so formative.”

“A life lesson I’ve learned is that you should never become paralyzed by your own fear. Repetition in taking chances, believing in your own ability, cultivating comfort with the unknown allows you to achieve incredible things.”

All are welcome to hear Mr. DeFino speak in the forum of the Chiang-Elghanayan Center next Tuesday at 7 p.m.

History of Skeptics

The Society of Skeptics was established as a forum for students and faculty to discuss and debate important global issues; it has grown to become one of the premier high school lecture series in the United States. Each week, speakers from the political, social, scientific, economic and literary arenas share their unique perspectives with students, who are encouraged to engage with presenters, asking questions and debating points of view.

The program, which is funded in part by the Class of 1968 Society of Skeptics Endowment Fund, is an outgrowth of the Blair International Society, begun in 1937. Forty years later, former history department chair Elliott Trommald, PhD, Hon. ’65, established the modern Skeptics program as a regular forum for student discussion and debate; history teacher Martin Miller, PhD, took over in the mid-1980s and molded the program into a weekly lecture series, one that has since continued without interruption. Under the tutelage of Dr. Miller and his successor, history department chair Jason Beck, Skeptics has featured a wide variety of speakers who are thought-provoking, engaging, accomplished in their respective fields and often controversial. For a listing of upcoming Skeptics programs, please visit Blair’s website.

For more photos of happenings across campus and beyond, please check out Blair Academy on Photoshelter, where we regularly post images.

In an exhibit titled “Still Waiting for Normal: Cuba and the United States,” professional photographer Joe Guerriero creates a portrait of life in Cuba under the U.S embargo and how it affects the citizens. The exhibit will be on display from September 19 to October 13 in Blair’s Romano Gallery.

“There is an attraction that people feel about Cuba after visiting even once,” Mr. Guerriero explained. “It’s mostly about the people, their warmth and friendliness, their art, music and culture. I hope my work will open people’s eyes to the struggles and strength of those who have endured more than half a century of obstacles and oppression.”

Mr. Guerriero first traveled to Cuba in 1999 with the Maine Photo Workshops, the first outside group permitted to hold workshops in the country. After that trip, he was hooked, and acquired a photojournalist license from the U.S. Department of the Treasury to continue telling the stories of the Cuban people. In more than 20 subsequent trips since then, he also began making documentary films. He completed an award-winning feature documentary in 2010, Curtain of Water, about the U.S. embargo of Cuba, which aired on PBS television and was screened at many colleges, universities and organizations. Curtain of Water was even selected for inclusion in the 2014 International Festival of New Latin American Cinema (The Havana Film Festival).

A professional photographer for more than four decades, Mr. Guerriero operates a commercial studio out of his home in Northern New Jersey, teaches photography courses at Sussex County Community College, and leads photography groups to Cuba, Bhutan and Tuscany. In addition to his work in Cuba, Mr. Guerriero has completed international photo projects about Pakistan, Turkey and China. His work has appeared in publications including Sports Illustrated, Family Circle and Photo District News. 

An artist’s reception will be held at the Romano Gallery on October 5, beginning at 7 p.m., and members of the public are welcome to attend. 
 

For more photos of happenings across campus and beyond, please check out Blair Academy on Photoshelter, where we regularly post images.

Blair’s chaplain, the Rev. David Harvey, opened up the 176th Convocation ceremony Wednesday night with the sentiments felt throughout our community this week: “It is a joy to see your faces, and it is a joy to be together.”

The collective joy was evident as students gathered prior to the ceremony for class photos, hugging friends they had reconnected with at Orientation a day prior and posing for snapshots, dressed in their best formal attire. Next, the community gathered on the Hardwick Quad for an all-school photo to commemorate the start of an exciting new chapter in their Blair careers before students marched the historic path to Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts’ DuBois Theatre, led by the traditional bagpipers and flag bearers proudly waving their countries’ flags.

“I’ve always found this particular tradition moving,” Head of School Peter G. Curran P’27 ’27 shared with the audience. “We are following in the footsteps of so many Bucs who lived and learned here and then went out into the world and made it a better place, carrying forward all that is best about a Blair education.”

Mr. Curran then welcomed Machua Muchugia ’24, a member of the Senior Class Council and boys’ soccer team, who serves as prefect in the Insley Hall dorm. “When was the last time you tried something for the first time?” Machua asked the audience, sharing his hope of “creating a year defined by the many and incredible new first experiences to come.” During his speech, Machua urged new faculty and students to make the most of their new experiences on the hilltop. “At Blair, the best moments always come unexpectedly and on the other side of a little bit of discomfort,” Machua advised.

Fellow Senior Class Council member, girls’ soccer player and prefect Brynne Grant ’24 addressed the Blair community next. “Convocation is the celebration of the beginning,” Brynne began. “While we are all together in celebration of the same thing, this beginning looks very different for all of us.” She shared her Blair journey with the crowd, admitting that once she committed to being “all in,” the School helped transform her into the well-rounded individual she is today. Before concluding, Brynne left the community with a small piece of advice, “Don’t take life so seriously.”

The evening progressed with a heartfelt performance of “Siyahamba” by the Blair Academy Singers, led by Director of Vocal Music Ryan Manni, before Mr. Curran returned to the stage to share a message that echoed Brynne’s closing remarks. “As we begin a new year,” Mr. Curran said, “I hope we can approach it with a joyful purpose that allows us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the Blair experience and the impact this community has on all of us.” 

To watch this year’s Convocation ceremony in full, click “play” below:

The objective of any single sports competition is simple—win. But, at Blair, behind that goal lies a greater purpose, and it is the reason more than 170 athletes ended their summer breaks early and returned to the School for preseason—to build character. For Blair athletes, character encompasses a myriad of skills obtained both on and off the field: sportsmanship, growth, unity and teamwork. Throughout preseason, these are the skills coaches, advisors and leaders aimed to instill in their players long after the physical drills ended.

“Preseason is a kickstart to the season and a new school year for the Bucs,” Athletic Director Paul Clavel ’88 said. “It’s a great opportunity to get to know one another and participate in activities that are important for a well-rounded athlete.” 

After moving in early, preseason athletes began a schedule of practices with drills aimed at refining skills and punctuated with activities to build character, foster teamwork and bond teammates in a way few other activities can.

During preseason, senior captains and leaders also took time to sit down with Mr. Clavel, Assistant Athletic Director Rhett Moroses ’13 and Dean of Campus Life and Director of Leadership Programs Carolyn Conforti-Browse ’79 to discuss their leadership abilities and how that translates to their teams’ potential for success or failure. The session was part of a program first initiated five years ago. The group discussed what it means to be a leader, how to create a positive culture and how to move from the “groaning zone to the growing zone,” as Mrs. Conforti-Browse explains it. The dynamic group brainstormed ways to improve team morale and discussed their pitfalls in leadership that will become the focus of future workshops throughout the year. 

“Be positive this year,” Mr. Clavel advised the group. “It’s a new day; take every negative and turn it into a positive. You’ve got to flip the narrative. I have a really good feeling about the leadership in this room. I’d put you up against anyone.”

With strong leadership to captain each team, preseason activities progressed into other programs that forged well-rounded athletes with character. Together with Mrs. Conforti-Browse, Bucs brainstormed positive traditions to introduce this year, discussed how to be a good teammate and learned how to foster unity during team-building sessions. English and mindfulness teacher Sarah O’Neil worked with teams in multiple capacities, hosting yoga classes for all teams and sharing a presentation about the mental game in sports performance, which combined mindfulness techniques with sports psychology. Ms. O’Neil’s lessons on mindfulness, or “attention with intention,” will help develop the mental grit needed in those difficult games in the upcoming months, including the much-anticipated Peddie Day.

Along with focusing on mental strength, athletes worked with Geno Palmasano, Blair’s strength and conditioning coach, to ensure the Bucs are taking care of themselves physically as well. With a state-of-the-art facility that includes cardio machines and premium Hammer Strength equipment featuring two full elite power squat racks, six half elite squat racks and one Smith Machine, the training curriculum focuses on implementing safe practices in efforts to not only improve performance, but also reduce injuries throughout athletes’ seasons.

As the fall season commences, the training and effort that athletes put in as summer came to a close will soon pay off. They have equipped themselves with skills to be successful not only on the field, but also in all aspects of school life. Soon, fans will be filing onto Hampshire Field to cheer them to victory and begin another exciting season of Blair Athletics. Go Bucs (Beat Peddie)!
 

As the blistering final days of summer give way to crisp September mornings on the hilltop, Blair Academy is excited to welcome the Class of 2027 to campus. A talented cohort of gifted scientists, writers, artists, athletes and more will soon fill the halls of Clinton and begin the transformative journey that connects generations of Bucs across continents. After receiving a record-breaking 1,600 applications during the latest admission cycle—dropping the acceptance rate to an all-time low of 14 percent—Blair’s new class has proven to be the most competitive yet and embodies what it means to be “all in” for this experience.

“As the admission team traveled around the world this year to bring the best of what Blair has to offer to prospective families and meet future Buccaneers, we heard from so many who share our vision for the boarding school experience,” Dean of Enrollment Teddy Wenner ’96 said. “Our mission—to balance a warm and supportive environment with superior academic opportunities—resonates with so many students and parents, and it is what continues to make Blair a top choice among the nation’s boarding schools.”

The Class of 2027 will join a diverse community on the hilltop, reflective of the world they will enter upon graduating. Blair students represent 23 countries and 28 states, with 17 percent international students and approximately 36 percent of students and families receiving financial aid in an effort to support the best and brightest applicants of all socioeconomic backgrounds at Blair. “It is hard to believe that 2022-2023 was our first year back to a completely normal admission cycle in four years,” Mr. Wenner reflected. “To finally have a summer and fall without the presence of COVID restrictions was a welcome change. Families came to campus free of masks, distancing or any other precautions that were part of our lives for too long.”

Throughout the admission cycle, the admission team was excited to share with prospective students the campus enhancements that the Class of 2027 will benefit from this year:The Romano Dining Hall underwent renovations this summer to elevate the on-campus dining experience and provide easier access to healthy dining options. Our state-of-the-art fitness center in Hardwick Hall was revamped with updated equipment to enhance team and individual athletic performances. In the spring, construction is set to begin on the new Center for Health and Well-Being, which will mark an additional step in the mission of caring for our students as a whole and promoting health and wellness across the community.

“Throughout this year, we’ve learned that support for adolescent physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health continues to be at the forefront of what parents are looking for. Now, more than ever, we are helping students acquire the skills that support their well-being through a wide range of offerings,” Mr. Wenner explained. “The new center will allow us to educate our community about the importance of physical and mental well-being, as well as nutrition, mindfulness and spiritual health in one central location.”
 
“I am incredibly excited about our incoming class and what they will bring to the Blair community,” Mr. Wenner stated. “Our School is built upon an incredible culture of warmth and rigor, and we pride ourselves on filling our classrooms and pathways with kind, caring, bright and talented students and the Class of 2027 certainly carries on this tradition.
 

Casey Gottlieb ’25 strives to have a positive impact on the people she connects with and the spaces she occupies. “Even if it’s just in the life of one person, I want the world to be a better place because I was in it,” she said on the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business podcast, “Future of the Business World.”

Casey was featured on the monthly podcast in May after launching her own public relations (PR) firm, Lumaire Agency. Her interview—Wharton’s first feature on a PR guru—was a prelude to the Essentials of Entrepreneurship program at the University of Pennsylvania through the Wharton School’s Global Youth Program Casey attended this summer. On the podcast, she chatted about all things public relations, her business and how her debate experience helped shape the entrepreneurial spirit within her. Listen to the full podcast here.

Since founding her company, Casey has helped a handful of clients—while remaining a full-time student—with content creation, media placement, social media management and so much more. “Public relations is the bridge between a business and the public,” she explained on the podcast. “All communication, whether visual, in writing or just the message you take away from a company, is public relations. PR is about helping a business shine in the public eye and resonate with its audience.”

During the entrepreneur program, Casey improved on experience she already had to craft an even better footing for Lumaire and her future endeavors. Through lectures on business building, effective communication and the business world, she immediately implemented her newfound knowledge into Lumaire’s business plan, revamping her website and incorporating experimentation with AI platforms to make her work more efficient. 

“The program took my understanding of business and transformed it into a panoramic view of the intricacies behind business decision making,” Casey said, adding that her experience helped secure a few more clients for Lumaire. “One of my biggest takeaways from the program was that successful business is not about using the current approaches to solving gaps in the marketplace,” she explained. “It is about taking calculated risks to implement new practices to solve existing gaps.”

In the upcoming school year, Casey hopes to continue Lumaire’s growth and success. Communication is one of her biggest tools and she enjoys harnessing the power of connection she experiences on Blair’s hilltop to further her entrepreneurial pursuits. 

“Through the advancement office, I have had the opportunity to meet impressive women in business, and I am going to combine the lessons I learned at Wharton with the lessons from Blair alumni to take my junior year and my business to their maximum potential,” Casey concluded. “I am looking forward to more Blair events where we learn from and connect with alumni.” 
 

As Blair’s faculty and staff came together to celebrate a new academic year at the annual Opening of School Dinner on August 24, three members were honored for their continued service to the School. Following a reception at Sharpe House, the entire body of faculty and staff shared a meal in the Romano Dining Hall, where Head of School Peter G. Curran P’27 ’27 thanked the employees for their 10 years of service to the School and the success of its students.

To commemorate this milestone, faculty and staff members received wooden chairs engraved with the Blair seal. Joining this esteemed group in 2023 is Senior Associate Dean of Admission and Director of Financial Aid Caroline Wilson, who serves as assistant coach of Blair’s varsity swim team and dorm head of Locke Hall. History teacher Joanne Brandwood also celebrated a decade of working at Blair. When she’s not in the classroom, Mrs. Brandwood directs the annual Day of Service, serves as a monitor for the sophomore class and is a co-leader of the Blair Service Corps. As technology has rapidly evolved over the past 10 years, Assistant Director of Technology Sean Lex has ensured that Blair keeps pace, supporting the day-to-day digital operations of the School and keeping members of the Blair community connected.