From its Middle School to its Upper School, the Worcester Academy community has 100 reasons (maybe more!) to celebrate life on the Hilltop.

Here are just a few recent happenings … including, of course, Porter Dawley's 100th birthday!


Grade 6 English students in Michele Scola's classroom recently had the pleasure of a visit from television journalist Suzanne St. Pierre to culminate their study of journalism.

Ms. St. Pierre is an award-winning journalist with a quarter century of experience as producer of newsmagazines, including "60 Minutes." Four segments that she produced won Emmy Awards.

Ms. St. Pierre shared her experiences and answered questions about her profession.  She also showed the students a segment that she produced and brought along an Emmy Award for them to see.

Ms. St. Pierre, a three-time Columbia-duPont award winner and Peabody Award winner, has been honored by American Women in Radio and Television.

"We imagine that she may have inspired a future television journalist," said Mrs. Scola.


Worcester Academy's oldest living alumnus, Porter Dawley, Class of 1927, celebrated his 100th birthday Jan. 2.

Mr. Dawley, a friend and loyal supporter of WA throughout his lifetime, is the former owner of the Westminster (Mass.) Cracker Company.

In recognition of his birthday, Mr. Dawley was visited by staff from the Academy's alumni office and presented with 100-plus birthday cards, full of best wishes, from WA's Middle School students.

As Westminster's oldest resident, Mr. Dawley also recently received the town's Boston Post Cane.

Happy birthday Porter, and many more!


Students in Worcester Academy’s Grade 6 held their most recent Arts Cafe Jan. 9, serving up generous helpings of fried bananas and island hospitality.

The Cafe, a popular interdisciplinary learning experience, focuses on different cultures and themes each time it is held.  This week's cafe - the Mindelo Cafe - featured the cuisine of the Cape Verde Islands, in honor of WA's 2007-08 John Hope Fellow, Robyn Thompson, who is of Cape Verdean descent.

While completing Arts Cafe studies, students research the culture and foods, prepare menus and art, and then cook and serve cafe-style delights.  Afterward, they handle bills for customers, who include parents, faculty members, and fellow students.


Worcester Academy's Sage Dining Services staff received national recognition this week.  It received the company's coveted "Best Program" award, beating out 160 other Sage programs nationwide.

According to Jim Dermody, SAGE Dining Services district manager, the Academy's staff won because it represents the best that SAGE has to offer in food quality, taste, nutrition, variety, and service.

"This is an outstanding achievement," Mr. Dermody said, while visiting the Academy Wednesday.  "I congratulate everyone.  They’re setting a great example for Sage, as well as the industry."

Misha Shtivelman, WA's dining services manager, will be recognized at the company's next annual meeting. Last year, Mr. Shtivelman was recognized as Sage's "Rookie (manager) of the Year."

He shared news of the award with WA Business Manager Bill Toomey, Head of School Dexter Morse, and Chef Manager Dean Thibault, yesterday afternoon.


Worcester Academy parents and faculty welcomed noted psychiatrist and best selling author Dr. Edward Hallowell, M.D., who spoke to each of groups earlier this month.

Organized by Jennifer McCarthy, director of counseling at Worcester Academy, Dr. Hallowell's visit was an effort to support parents in taking charge of today's super-busy world so it doesn't take charge of them (hence the topic of his recent book, "Crazy Busy").

He outlined steps for promoting successful learning and lifelong joy, which parents, teachers, and others can use to give children "happiness that will last a lifetime."

Dr. Hallowell, a child and adult psychiatrist, was an instructor at Harvard Medical School for 20 years. Author of many award-winning books and publications, he is director of the Hallowell Center for Cognitive and Emotional Health in Sudbury, MA.

UPCOMING …


Walk and Rock, Worcester Academy's annual fundraiser for The Jimmy Fund and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, will host a reception in Ross Auditorium, Warner Theater, Jan. 26.

The program, which runs from 7-9 p.m., will feature student and faculty speakers, a short film, and remarks by Karen Albritton, M.D., a pioneer in the field of adolescent and young adult cancer treatment.

Light refreshments will be served and the Worcester Academy Jazz Combo will provide entertainment.

"We invite everybody to come and learn how they can have an immediate and important impact in developing new and better diagnoses and treatments for young adults," said student organizers.

Rock and Walk, to be held this year at East Park in Worcester, June 1, has raised more than $43,000 for cancer research and treatment in the last two years.  The event, which combines food and music for a good cause, is sponsored by the WA Jimmy Fund, an Upper School club.

Organizers ask that those planning to attend the reception in Warner RSVP by Jan. 18, either by e-mail at walkandrock@worcesteracademy.org or by calling Dr. Francine Smith, faculty advisor, at 508-754-5302 x543.