Family Weekend & Reunion

On a beautiful autumn weekend, over three hundred families took part in Suffield’s Fall Family Weekend. The crisp fall air and overall spirit and energy on campus made it a wonderful weekend. It marked the half-way point in the fall term. Parents had the opportunity to meet with classroom teachers and faculty advisors, view a performing arts showcase, and participate in a state of the school discussion with Head of School Charlie Cahn. Other offerings included a program centered on the college admissions process with Director of College Counseling & Leadership Ann Selvitelli and Dean of Academics & Faculty Sara Yeager, yoga in the Hillary Rockwell Cahn ’88 Balance Barn, and several athletic events spanning Friday evening to Saturday afternoon. Families gathered with faculty and alumni on Friday evening under a tent adjacent to the varsity football game under the lights. Several teams traveled to Loomis Chaffee for athletic events on Saturday afternoon with Suffield families cheering them on. As Family Weekend concluded and students traveled home for a few days of rest, Reunion weekend continued to celebrate classes ending in 4 & 9.

Alumni took advantage of Saturday’s warm weather with several outdoor offerings including golf at Suffield Country Club, tennis and pickleball on the new tennis courts, and climbing the high ropes course and rock wall at the Courtney Robinson ’88 Outdoor Leadership Center. Additionally, they participated in a bootcamp with strength & conditioning coach Chris Setian ’09 in The Performance Center, enjoyed yoga at the Balance Barn, and attended an alumni of color and international alumni reception in Cone Lounge. In the midst of the day’s activities, many alumni joined Head of School Charlie Cahn for his state of the school discussion which highlighted Suffield’s past, present, and future. David Holdridge ’62 and Alec Lyall ’62 hosted a talk on the topic of Suffield Academy to Vietnam with several alumni joining the dynamic conversation. The highlight of the weekend was the evening reception, dinner, and dancing which brought alumni together from all eras. Director of Development Phil Riegel shared "It was wonderful celebrating the classes ending in 4 and 9 at this year's reunion. From the football team's big win over Salisbury on Friday night to the class of 1964 singing the alma mater at dinner in memory of George Pervear, the entire weekend was filled with memories, rekindled friendships, and endless laughter. Our beautiful campus provided the perfect backdrop, with the vibrant fall foliage and crisp autumn air enhancing the beauty of every moment. The warmth of the Suffield family, coupled with the stunning scenery, made for a truly unforgettable weekend that honored both our traditions and the friendships that span generations." 

After an excellent weekend with family, friends, and alumni, classes resumed on Wednesday, October 23 for the remainder of the fall term.

To view photos from Reunion, please click this link, then select View Gallery for Suffield Academy Reunion 2024, and enter your email and password: 1019