June 9, 2016



Dear Vermont Academy Family,



     As Chairman of the Board of Trustees, I had the recent honor of congratulating each member of the Class of 2016 and hearing their success stories. I was reminded of the amazing impact that faculty and staff have on our students. Perhaps this year's valedictorian sums it up best:



     "We, the Class of 2016, thank every single one of you sitting or standing here today. Our accomplishment is your accomplishment, for you have imparted us the courage to challenge, the knowledge to advance, and the confidence to prosper."



     Vermont Academy's greatest success is the undivided focus that we--teachers, coaches, dorm parents, staff, and administrators--place on helping each student become their best self in the classroom, on the field and stage, and in their local and world communities. Our commitment to this personal attention is sacrosanct.



     It's in this spirit that I'm sharing that Head of School Sean Brennan has stepped down to fully focus on his newly combined family before pursuing his next leadership opportunity. Stanley Colla has been appointed Interim Head for the 2016-17 academic year. The Board of Trustees will form a Head of School search committee and begin work this summer on identifying a permanent Head of School, with a targeted start date of July 1, 2017.



     Before I more fully introduce Stan, I'd like to recognize some of Sean's and VA's achievements since his appointment in 2009: 


* Growth in enrollment;

* Development of MAPS (My Action Plan for Success), a personalized learning and goal-setting program;

* Enhancement of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program and cross-curricular activities;

* Establishment of trimester programs in Europe, Asia, and South America; and

* Advancement of athletic and arts programs.


     As Sean stated in announcing his resignation to faculty and staff, "I look back at what we have all accomplished with great pride in every student, teacher, staff member, coach, mentor, and alumnus that has walked the Long Walk. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to lead Vermont Academy. I love VA and being a part of this special community."



     Sean helped to lay the foundation for Vermont Academy's future growth and continued success in providing students with the best and most innovative educational experience possible. On behalf of the board, we wish Sean well and offer him our deepest thanks.



     Our new Interim Head, Stan Colla, has intimate knowledge of Vermont Academy's culture and mission as a former teacher, coach, board member, and fundraiser. A graduate of Dartmouth College, the Harvard School of Education, and the Tuck School of Business, Stan has served as Head of the Upper School at Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations at Dartmouth College, and Vice President for University Relations at Alfred University. He is honored to return to Vermont Academy for the next year to work with our school community, as underscored by his words:



     "I am excited and humbled by this opportunity to lead Vermont Academy while it searches for its next Head. The faculty and administration have developed innovative, effective programs for enhancing the educational experience of all students, and I look forward to helping them continue along this progressive path. My wife Judi and I began our married lives together at Vermont Academy, and we are thrilled to be returning to Saxtons River as members of this dynamic and historic institution."



     You'll be kept informed on the permanent Head of School search, and Stan will be communicating in the next several weeks. In the meanwhile, have a wonderful summer.



Sincerely,





Michael A. Choukas '73, P '94

Chairman of the Board



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Vermont Academy | 10 Long Walk | P.O. Box 500 | Saxtons River | VT | 05154