Alumni Newsletter June 2023
From the Head of School
Head of School Patrick McHonett
"Flint Hill changed my life."
These words were said to me by a member of our Class of 1968 when she and many of her classmates celebrated their 55th reunion on campus on April 14-15. Their class was one of many that gathered for a jam-packed alumni weekend, which also included alumni athletic recognitions, our Class of 2013 opening their 10-year time-capsules and our inaugural community celebration, A Night on the Hill.
Every returning alum I spoke to throughout the weekend shared similar themes of their Flint Hill experience - caring teachers who truly saw and believed in them, sometimes in the face of adversity, or simply at a time in their lives when they needed it most.
I heard story after story about classmates, coaches, teachers and administrators encouraging one another to be better. I heard about the impact of our learning supports ensuring self-advocacy here, in college and throughout professional careers. I heard about teachers with high standards, tough assessments, impactful trips and an uncanny ability to bring the best out of their students in class. I heard about friendships and relationships, some of which were re-connecting for the first time that weekend, and others which have been going strong since Flint Hill over a decade later.
I saw a member of the Class of 2013 open her time capsule to find a letter and a picture of her and a young man. A note to her future self accompanied the picture, and it said: "I just started dating this guy…" The now 28-year old alumna laughed, showing me the picture, exclaiming that she and the young man in the picture are now engaged and planning their coming wedding this summer.
It was a powerful weekend - for our alumni, our teachers and our community - during which we celebrated the bonds that tie us together, regardless of background or experience. Flint Hill truly does possess the power to change our lives, even if we don't know it's happening at the moment. Many thanks to all who came out, shared, and connected. And, if you haven't yet come back to campus, I look forward to the opportunity to learn more from you in the coming months and years.
Happy Spring!
Patrick McHonett
Head of School
"Flint Hill changed my life."
These words were said to me by a member of our Class of 1968 when she and many of her classmates celebrated their 55th reunion on campus on April 14-15. Their class was one of many that gathered for a jam-packed alumni weekend, which also included alumni athletic recognitions, our Class of 2013 opening their 10-year time-capsules and our inaugural community celebration, A Night on the Hill.
Every returning alumnus I spoke to throughout the weekend shared similar themes of their Flint Hill experience - caring teachers who truly saw and believed in them, sometimes in the face of adversity, or simply at a time in their lives when they needed it most.
I heard story after story about Husky classmates, coaches, teachers and administrators pulling the sled together, encouraging one another to be better. I heard about the impact of our learning supports ensuring self-advocacy here, in college and throughout professional careers. I heard about teachers with high standards, tough assessments, impactful trips and an uncanny ability to bring the best out of their students in class. I heard about friendships and relationships, some of which were re-connecting for the first time that weekend, and others which have been going strong since Flint Hill over a decade later.
I saw a member of the Class of 2013 open her time capsule to find a letter and a picture of her and a young man. A note to her future self accompanied the picture, and it said: "I just started dating this guy…" The now 28-year old alumna laughed, showing me the picture, exclaiming that she and the young man in the picture are now engaged and planning their coming wedding this summer.
It was a powerful weekend - for our alumni, our teachers and our community - during which we celebrated the bonds that tie us together, regardless of background or experience. We're all Huskies, and this place truly does possess the power to change our lives, even if we don't know it's happening at the moment.
Patrick McHonett
Head of School
Reunion Weekend 2023
Over 80 alumni attended Reunion this year - it was great to welcome so many alums back to their alma mater! Some of the highlights were the Falcon Reception featuring the band A Touch of Grey, the Class of 2013 opening their time capsule, alumni athlete recognition and the Reunion Reception which included local non-reunion alumni and the Faculty Host Committee. Check out pictures from the weekend.
Classes ending in 4 and 9 - we're looking forward to welcoming you back next April to celebrate your Reunion Weekend!
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Teacher Spotlights
Jeff Sealy
What has changed about Flint Hill since you first started?
The school has gotten much larger in population. When I started in 2001, there were empty classrooms that nobody taught in. They just sat there unoccupied. Now we have teachers sharing rooms, and students searching for a quiet space. The other thing would be the spirit of the school. Flint Hill has become so much more spirited than back in the old days. Sporting events and fine arts events are much better attended than they used to be. I feel like the students are more proud of their school than 10-15 years ago.
What is inspiring you this year as a teacher/staff?
I'm inspired by the tremendous talent in this building, students and teachers alike. I'm also inspired by the sense of team. Everyone here is ready to pick each other up in times of need.
What are you binge-watching?
My wife and I just finished Your Honor with Bryan Cranston. Loved it. Did the whole final season in about 4 days.
Derek Ross
What has changed about Flint Hill since you first started?
I'd say the biggest change is obviously the new Peterson Middle School building. But the growth in the diversity of the staff and school population has also been awesome to see.
What is inspiring you this year as a teacher/staff?
My biggest inspirations are my two daughters in the Lower School.
What are you binge-watching?
I've just finished binge watching The Last of Us and Vikings.
A Visit from Author Caralena Peterson '10
Last month, alum Caralena Peterson '10, author of The Effortless Perfection Myth, returned to campus for a day to share her expertise with the Flint Hill community.
She visited with the senior class, had lunch with Upper School student leaders, and spent time in the middle school with 8th graders talking about dominant vs. alternative narratives.
In the evening, the Alumni Office and Parents' Association co-hosted a meet & greet with Caralena in addition to a book discussion: "Beneath the Surface: What Your Seemingly Self-sufficient Child Secretly Wants From You." Upper School English Teacher Tracy Peterson moderated a Q/A session.
Our 2023 Commencement Speaker,
Dev Sethi '02
Dev Sethi '02
We are thrilled to announce this year's Commencement Speaker, Dev Sethi '02. Dev currently serves as the Director, Sports Partnerships at Meta where he brings his passion for sports to his work overseeing partnerships, programs and strategies that connect sports and social media. He enjoys speaking with and supporting existing and aspiring members of his industry, including providing mentorship as part of the South Asians in Sports (SAIS) community. He was recently recognized by Sports Business Journal as an honoree in their Forty Under 40 Class of 2023.
A member of the Class of 2002, Dev was among the first students to graduate from the Upper School building on Jermantown Road. During his time as a Husky, he was co-captain of the varsity basketball and varsity baseball team, served as co-editor of "The View" (school newspaper), and was elected SCA president. He continued his education at the University of Notre Dame where he earned a bachelor's degree in marketing. After spending 13 years in San Francisco and New York, Dev now calls Reston his home.
Dev recently met with some members of the Senior-Alumni Committee as he wanted to get to know the Senior Class before addressing them in a few weeks. Seniors reflected on their time at Flint Hill with Dev and learned about some of the Flint Hill traditions that have stood the test of time from 2002 to today.
Tune in to Commencement on Friday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m. via the livestream.
Last Call for the FH Golf Invitational on May 25
The Flint Hill Parents' Association is proud to once again host the Golf Invitational and Skills Clinic on Thursday, May 25 at the Westfields Golf Club in Clifton. There are several ways to get involved- even for "non-golfers"!
Play in the Skills Clinic!
Do 18 holes feel outside of your comfort zone? Then, this clinic is for you! Enjoy 90 minutes of golf instruction in a casual environment. Learn the basics of putting, swinging and more! Register Now or read our Clinic FAQs!
Volunteer on the Course!
No experience is required! The time commitment ranges from 90 minutes to two hours. We have some fun contests: hole-in-one contests and even the longest marshmallow drive (you read that right! Who can hit a marshmallow the farthest?!). Join us!
How's $125 or $175 sound for a round? Alumni-only discounts in the 18-hole scramble! Register before it sells out! We have limited space for a complete foursome, but you can also sign up on your own and we'll pair you up. Lunch and dinner are included, as well as giveaways on the course. Check out our Scramble FAQs.
Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Parents' Association Endowment for Financial Aid in honor of Sally Hazel.
From The Archives
As we head into the spring school year traditions, we're sharing some pictures from the Archives from Lower School Field Day circa 1990 and 1991. If you can identify any of the kids in these pictures, please email Maria Taylor!
Calendar
May 25
Flint Hill Golf Invitational
Register Today!
May 31
College-Age Alumni Dinner with Faculty
Email Maria Taylor to register
June 9
Commencement
Watch the livestream
Be an Alumni Ambassador!
Is one of your favorite sections of the magazine to read Class Notes? Would you be willing to help make Class Notes even more fun to read by volunteering to be an Alumni Ambassador for your class? It's not a big time commitment and it gives you a great excuse to reach out to classmates and keep on top of what they're up to. We are looking for volunteers for the classes listed below. If you would like more information or to volunteer, please contact Maria Taylor.
1960, 1061, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1969, 1970, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021