• Pulitzer-Winning Biographer Jonathan Eig Delivers Address Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

    Pulitzer-Winning Biographer Jonathan Eig Delivers Address Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

    “We gather to commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” Dr. Schaffer began, as he addressed the Roxbury Latin community at the annual MLK Commemoration Hall on January 14. “We pause to recognize the contributions of this remarkable man, and to consider anew principles of justice, equality, and brotherhood.” Dr. Schaffer continued, emphasizing how the words of Dr. King still ring true today. “Our vigilance, principles, and activism are consequential. We still have work to do to achieve the justice envisioned so many years ago by Dr. King,” he stated. “It is the responsibility of all of us to stand up for what is right.”

    Prior to Dr. Schaffer’s welcome and introduction, Zach Heaton (I) read a passage from Micah, followed by Aiden Theodore (I) reading an excerpt from Dr. King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” Dr. Schaffer then introduced the day’s featured speaker, biographer Jonathan Eig. Mr. Eig spoke with students, faculty, and staff about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—a topic explored in his Pulitzer Prize-winning biography King: A Life.

    “I begin my book with the following sentence: On December 5, 1955, a young Black man became one of America’s founding fathers,” Mr. Eig stated, as he opened his talk, referencing the significance of the day in history—the first day of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. “There was enormous risk involved. What kept people in Montgomery from equality, it wasn’t just the law,” he stated. “It was the fear of standing up, of challenging the Jim Crow society of the south. The fear of death.” As the city became more divided and segregated in the weeks following, a new leader was called upon. At just 26 years old, Dr. King, who was new to the town, was asked to lead the charge calling for desegregation and unifying the Black community. 

    As Mr. Eig continued in his address, he explored the humanity of Dr. King—his mental health struggles, his family and friendships, his difficulties in life. “In the last 39 years, since we created this holiday, I felt like we had lost sight of him. In celebrating him and hallowing him, we have hollowed him,” Mr. Eig explained. “We have turned him into this two-dimensional figure, we’ve whitewashed him, we’ve stripped away his radicalism and his faith, and we’ve lost sight of the fact that he had fears and failures. We’ve turned him into a monument, a national holiday, and thousands of street signs and hundreds of public schools, and we’ve forgotten that he was a person.” Mr. Eig’s goal in writing the first biography of Dr. King in decades was to revisit him as a person, and to share his humanity, faith, successes, foibles, struggles, and victories with readers of today.   

    After Hall, Mr. Eig spent time in history classes to participate in smaller class discussions and field questions directly from the boys. His influence and impact was felt throughout the day, with many faculty, staff, and students marveling at how engaging and important his speech was. His book, King: A Life, is a must-read. 



    Erin Berg

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  • A Look Back and A Look Ahead: Dr. Schaffer Opens the Winter Term

    A Look Back and A Look Ahead: Dr. Schaffer Opens the Winter Term

    On January 6, students, faculty and staff gathered in Rousmaniere Hall to celebrate the opening of the winter term. After unified renditions of “Morning Has Broken” and “O God Our Help In Ages Past,” Mr. Cervas read the poem “For A New Beginning” by John O’Donohue, and Sam Seaton (I) recited a quotation from Albert Schweitzer, referencing the “instant flame” ignited by our encounters with others. Finally, Dr. Schaffer took to the lectern to deliver the opening address. 

    “We are now in 2025,” began Dr. Schaffer. “We are at the beginning of a new calendar year. And one that, by the way, is quite interesting mathematically,” he continued, admittedly straying from his typical historian approach. He went on to highlight the various numerical anomalies associated with the number, including the way it is a perfect square and also a square of the sum of its digits.  

    While January marks a new calendar year, it marks the midpoint of RL’s academic year. “In the spirit of the school year, we can look back to see what got us here,” Dr. Schaffer stated. “We can take satisfaction in all that we achieved, and now we can also assess what worked for us. What didn’t? How can we improve? What should stay the same, and what should change?”

    The Hall couldn’t conclude without some historical tie-in, though. Dr. Schaffer reflected on the life of the longest-living U.S. President, Jimmy Carter, and his recent passing. Carter became President at a young age, yet it was the second half of his life and career, after his presidency, that defined and solidified his place in history. 

    Dr. Schaffer recited a quotation from Jimmy Carter after he lost reelection: “In a few days, I will lay down my official responsibilities in this office to take up once more the only title in our democracy superior to that of president, the title of citizen.” Dr. Schaffer explored Carter’s identity in this regard: “As a citizen, he dedicated his life to further service to others. And while historians may reassess the successes and failures of his presidency, there is a common consensus that he is the greatest post-president ever. His second half was monumental.”

    As the Hall came to a close and students were dismissed to begin the second half of their academic year, rooted in the fresh start of a new calendar year, there was a feeling of renewed optimism and drive within the familiar halls.  

     

    Erin Berg

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  • Real-World Application of the Law, in RL’s History Classrooms

    Real-World Application of the Law, in RL’s History Classrooms

    One of several changes to the Roxbury Latin curriculum this year is the year-long, dual-course offering of Honors Law in the fall and Honors Philosophy: Creating a Common Good in the spring. These paired courses are history electives offered to students in Class I. The fall portion, taught by Stewart Thomsen, serves as a hands-on, in-depth introduction to law and the workings of the American legal system. 

    “It feels like I’m taking a pre-law course right now; it is incredible preparation for what I want to do,” said Aiden Theodore (I), who hopes to pursue a career in law and also participated in an internship placement with a judge this past summer. “In class we study different laws and scenarios, like probable cause and reasonable suspicion, and we also get cases where we get to argue different sides as if we were lawyers in a trial.”

    Mr. Thomsen, an attorney himself, incorporates lived experiential knowledge into his teaching and relies on his strong professional network to host a variety of guest lecturers in the classroom. One class this fall was led by Frank Kanin ’06, an attorney with Zangari Cohn Cuthbertson Duhl and Grello. In class, Frank ran a simulation of a trial, explaining step-by-step the events that occur just before, during, and after a court hearing. Prior to his current role, Frank was an Assistant District Attorney for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office in Boston for eight years, investigating and prosecuting a range of criminal offenses. In that role, he represented the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as sole counsel in more than fifty Superior and Municipal Court trials. 

    A second guest this fall, Alan Untereiner—a retired appellate lawyer—joined Mr. Thomsen and his students to run a Supreme Court trial simulation. Alan began working in private practice in Washington, D.C., in 1989 and has argued and won three cases in the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    The final guest in the class was Jamal Meneide ’15. According to his LinkedIn profile, Jamal is “a creative storyteller and self-starting filmmaker excited to craft narratives with a strong identity.” Jamal spoke to the class about his experience as creative lead, director, and producer of a mini-documentary with Harvard Business School about Larry Miller—current chairman of Nike’s Air Jordan, former president of the Portland Trailblazers, and former vice president of Nike. Larry Miller achieved these accomplishments despite serving four and a half years in a prison for young offenders and spending most of his teens and 20s in prison or juvenile detention facilities. Jamal spoke to the class about the inner workings of the prison industrial complex in the United States and the impact that had on Miller and his life.    

    Students enrolled in Honors Law this fall have just begun its partner course, Honors Philosophy: Creating a Common Good, taught by David Smith. This class explores the philosophical nature of humans and what constitutes good. 

    Erin Berg

  • RL Hosts Dr. Nimah Mazaheri, 21st Annual Jarvis Lecture Speaker

    RL Hosts Dr. Nimah Mazaheri, 21st Annual Jarvis Lecture Speaker

    Twenty years ago, Roxbury Latin began what has become one of its proudest traditions, the F. Washington Jarvis International Fund Lecture. The series of lectures is named for the man who for thirty years served as Roxbury Latin’s tenth Headmaster. The annual event has brought a variety of distinguished public servants and thinkers on foreign affairs, including former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates; homeland security advisor to President Obama, Lisa Monaco; and former Director of the CIA, John Brennan. On December 3, we welcomed Dr. Nimah Mazaheri, associate professor of political science at Tufts University, to Rousmaniere Hall.

    Dr. Mazaheri’s research and teaching interests center on comparative politics and public policy, focusing on oil and energy politics, environmental studies, and the Middle East. In paying attention to headlines, today and in recent history, we know that the geopolitical realities of the Middle East are a significant force, not only in the global economy (as related to oil and energy), but also in the rippling effects that international tensions can seed. 

    “Why is there such a lack of democracy in the Middle East?” Dr. Mazaheri asked to open his talk. The exploration and proposed explanation of this question was the main focus of his lecture. In his latest book, Hydrocarbon Citizens: How Oil Transformed People and Politics in the Middle East, he theorizes that the citizens of oil-rich countries are more pro-autocracy and not necessarily looking to exist in a democratic space. Dr. Mazaheri provided context to oil’s historical, economic, and geopolitical impact and explained the “Arab Spring,” when there was a push for democracy in the region to varying degrees of success, or lack thereof.

    His explanation is contrary to the commonly accepted theory by most scholars, which is that the amount of money governments receive from oil allows them to basically “buy” autocracy. He argues, however, that the people of these countries actually prefer autocracy: “My book really argues that three reasons were critical to shaping the attitudes that people in oil-rich countries have today about their governments and their views on democracy,” he said. “One, the unpredictability of an oil-based economy; two, the fact that the benefits of oil are always indirect and need to occur through the activities of a government; and three, powerful feelings that  emerged from the critical oil nationalization era that saw people relying on the government to help them.” 

    Dr. Mazaheri is the author of two books published with Oxford University Press: Hydrocarbon Citizens: How Oil Transformed People and Politics in the Middle East (2023) and Oil Booms and Business Busts: How Resource Wealth Hurts Entrepreneurs in the Developing World (2016). He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Dayton and his master’s and doctorate at the University of Washington. He subsequently held post-doctoral fellowships at Princeton University and Harvard University and worked at the World Bank before joining the faculty at Tufts.

    Roxbury Latin offers its thanks—as always—to Jack and Margarita Hennessy for funding the annual opportunity for our boys to hear from such distinguished thinkers on world affairs over the years. Mr. Hennessy is a member of the Class of 1954 and a former member of Roxbury Latin’s Board of Trustees. Throughout their lives, both he and Mrs. Hennessy have represented an unusual engagement with other nations and cultures. Throughout their lives, too, they have generously provided philanthropic support so that others might come to know and appreciate various corners of our increasingly interconnected world.

    Watch the entire Hall here.

    Erin Berg

  • Marlyn McGrath on Gratitude and Roxbury Latin

    Marlyn McGrath on Gratitude and Roxbury Latin

    On November 22, students, faculty, staff, trustees, and other members of the Roxbury Latin community gathered for the school’s annual Thanksgiving Hall. This year, Marlyn McGrath delivered the holiday address. Ms. McGrath has been a member of the Roxbury Latin Board of Trustees since 2016 and spent 34 years serving as the Director of Admissions for Harvard College until her retirement in 2021. 

    Dr. Schaffer opened the Hall by offering some historical context of the holiday—initiatives and affirmations from George Washington to Abraham Lincoln to Franklin D. Roosevelt. Dr. Schaffer wove snippets of history leading up to the Thanksgiving of today, and our collective thanksgiving for Roxbury Latin. “Thank you, with all of my heart, to all of you for gathering together in good spirit, forging this nurturing community, and for extending such a warm and complete welcome to me and others,” he stated. 

    After a brief litany of thanks from boys in each grade, several readings and song, Dr. Schaffer introduced Ms. McGrath—sharing many of her impressive career achievements and contributions, and then touching on those essential characteristics that are not easily conveyed on paper. “Her kindness and warmth, her generosity and sincerity, keen insights and support are among the gifts she shares in abundance,” Dr. Schaffer stated. “On a day of gratitude, I will say I am deeply grateful for the love she has shown this school, and the support she has shown me over these many months.”

    In her address, Ms. McGrath focused on the history of Roxbury Latin, and on her gratitude for all those who have come before to make the school what it is today. She highlighted the many trials, tribulations, successes,trailblazing decisions, and the courage of many individuals that led from Roxbury Latin in 1645 to Roxbury Latin in 2024. She underscored the distinctive mission of RL—the idea of the accomplished generalist, and the access to an RL education regardless of financial situation and how, for these reasons, the school stands apart from many of the other schools she has worked with in her time in higher education. “This school is not a building, it is a group of people. You are the school of today, we are the school of today, and that is worthy of our thanks.” 

    Read the entirety of Marlyn McGrath’s Thanksgiving Hall address here.

    Erin Berg

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  • Julie Nicoletti on Wellness and Nutrition

    Julie Nicoletti on Wellness and Nutrition

    On November 12, students and faculty gathered in Smith Theater for a Health and Wellness Hall focused on nutrition, led by Julie Nicoletti, Boston Bruins nutritionist and founder of Kinetic Fuel. Ms. Nicoletti founded Kinetic Fuel in 2008 as a performance-based nutrition company focused on optimizing athletic performance, health, and well-being while reducing the risk of illness and injury. 

    “The goal of this morning’s presentation is to challenge you to become more mindful about the choices that you make every day and to become more aware of how those choices make you feel,” Ms. Nicoletti began. “We are only aware of about 10% of the choices we make regarding food each day.”

    In her experience working with professional, collegiate, and high school athletes, Ms. Nicoletti sees various levels of commitment to nutrition and is keenly aware of how nutrition directly impacts performance and health. She explained that the focus of her talk would not be an effort to force anyone to make dramatic changes, but rather to provide information about various foods and what they do or don’t do for the body. “I’m going to try to give you the answers to the test. If you’re motivated to make better choices, you’ll know what you’re looking for,” she said.

    Ms. Nicoletti discussed common foods and food groups, whole foods and processed foods, macronutrients and hydration, caffeine and ideal intake. “For each meal, choose your protein and then add two colors,” she advised. This means that a prime example of a nutritious meal is a protein, whether beef, chicken, beans, or tofu, among others, and then two or more fruits or vegetables that bring color to the plate. If the plate is all beige, that is not a well-rounded or nutritious meal. “Whether you are an athlete or not, student, faculty, or staff, the basis of this information applies to all of us, because we all eat every day.”

    This approach to nutrition education mirrors the philosophy of many modern dietitians who focus on personalized, realistic guidance that fits into everyday life, and it resonates with the kind of support provided through JM Nutrition in Ontario in the evolving world of nutritional care. As more people look for credible, compassionate support tailored to their individual goals, the role of registered dietitians has become increasingly essential. These professionals help bridge the gap between general wellness advice and the specific needs of each person, offering structured guidance on everything from energy optimization to managing dietary restrictions or improving long-term habits. By fostering education, accountability, and confidence, dietitians and nutritionists continue to shape a healthier relationship with food for individuals, families, and communities alike.

    The guidance on building balanced meals by pairing protein with colorful fruits and vegetables underscores the importance of variety and nutrient density in our daily diet. Proteins provide the essential building blocks for muscles, tissues, and overall energy, while colorful plant foods deliver vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support every system in the body. For those looking to supplement their nutrition or ensure consistent protein intake throughout the day, options like shakes, bars, and targeted supplements can be a practical addition to whole foods. Programs such as Isagenix Nutritional Cleansing in Canada offer structured ways to incorporate protein and other nutrients conveniently, helping individuals maintain a balanced intake even during busy schedules, training routines, or dietary transitions. Integrating supplements thoughtfully with whole foods can enhance overall wellness, improve energy levels, and support the body’s daily functions while keeping meals both satisfying and nutrient-rich.

    Even when people eat thoughtfully, subtle nutrient gaps can still emerge, especially with vitamins that play a quiet but critical role in metabolism and nerve function. Vitamin B12 is one such nutrient, essential for red blood cell formation, cognitive health, and overall vitality, yet deficiencies can develop without obvious symptoms at first. As awareness grows around personalized nutrition, monitoring nutrient levels becomes a natural extension of learning how food choices support the body beyond what is visible on the plate.

    Reliable testing helps translate nutrition education into measurable insight, supporting informed decisions for both individuals and professionals working in health, food science, and quality assurance. Tools such as a vitamin b12 test kit allow for accurate assessment of B12 levels in food products or supplements, helping ensure nutritional claims align with actual content. This type of analysis reinforces confidence in dietary planning, product formulation, and supplementation strategies, bridging the gap between balanced meal guidance and verified nutrient intake. When education, testing, and thoughtful nutrition work together, they create a more complete framework for sustaining energy, health, and well-being over time.

    Ms. Nicoletti’s Hall is the latest in a series of Health and Wellness Halls focused on physical, mental, and emotional health and care. 

    Erin Berg

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  • RL Presents Peter and the Starcatcher, the 2024 Fall Play

    RL Presents Peter and the Starcatcher, the 2024 Fall Play

    On November 15 and 16, actors and crew brought to life their rendition of Peter and the Starcatcher, Roxbury Latin’s fall play. Written by Rick Elice and based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, the RL production was directed by Mr. Matt Phillips, with musical direction by Mr. Rob Opdycke. 

    The Broadway playbill synopsis explains that the show is about “a young orphan who ultimately becomes Peter Pan… From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair… and the bonds of friendship, duty, and love.”

    The fall play was the result of a community effort, hard work, and long nights from boys, faculty, and staff alike. It also served as an opportunity to push the boundaries of the actors’ comfort levels, allowing them to explore the craft further. 

    “The play has some very funny scenes,” said Mr. Phillips, “but so too have actors this fall been challenged to handle some more serious moments with poise and intention. Our tech program, too, under the leadership of Mr. Dawson Hill and Ms. Erin Sutton, has put together one of the most smartly designed shows in recent memory. By all accounts, our guys have risen to the occasion here, and I’m proud of their growth in the face of new challenges.”

    This show is the first in a series for RL’s theater department this year. Productions of Curtains and the inaugural RL Night of Scenes will occur in the winter and spring. “One of my goals is to offer various ways for students to get involved, whether they can give a lot of time to theater, or whether they might like to be on stage but are a bit too busy with other things to commit to the fall or winter offerings,” said Mr. Phillips. With more than 60 team members contributing in some way to the play this fall, it seems that the collective sentiment is felt throughout the RL community.

    View Peter and the Starcatcher production photos, taken by Mr. Marcus Miller, here. 

     

    Cast

    Ryan Miller ‘25
    Tom Pogorelec ‘26
    Makenna Devine (UA) ‘25
    Nick Glaeser ‘26
    Max Kesselheim ‘26
    Lucas Connors ‘25
    Brendan Reichard ‘25
    Julia Reynolds (TWS) ‘25
    Chris Vlahos ‘26
    Habo Baaj ‘26
    Fin Reichard ‘26
    Brayden Gillespie ‘26
    Paul Tompros ‘27
    Avish Kumar ‘26
    Teddy Fortuin ‘27

     

    Production Staff and Build Crew
    Nitin Muniappan ‘26
    Caiden Crowley ‘28
    Lily Tucker (TWS) ‘26
    Maeve Cullen (UA) ‘25
    Zanna Berthold (TWS) ‘26
    Miles Baumal-Bardy ‘25
    Joshua Hua ‘25
    Austin Reid ‘26
    Calvin Reid ‘25
    Marco Suri ‘26
    Darian Estrada ‘25 
    Preston Bearce ‘26
    John Cirasuolo ‘28
    Ryan Conneely ‘25
    Oliver Cook ‘25
    Tommy DiFiore ‘28
    Will Erhard ‘27
    Sebastian Engler ‘29
    Solon Estes ‘29
    Anthony Faletra ‘28
    Nathan Ginsburg ‘29
    Alex Giordano ‘25
    Liam Guadagno ‘28
    Flynn Hall ‘27
    Beckham Holley ‘29
    Warren Hu ‘27
    Jacob Lando ‘29
    Dylan Lane ‘29
    Charley Malley ‘29
    Ben McVane ‘25
    Austin O’Leary ‘28
    Evan Pan ‘28
    Braden Place ‘26
    Andrew Plante ‘27
    Ben Romano ‘28
    Ethan Shi ‘28
    Jacob Strojny ‘26
    Jack Sweet ‘25
    Oliver van den Bosch ‘25
    Christo Velikin ‘25
    Brain Weeks ‘26

     

    Run Crew

    Miles Baumal-Bardy ‘25
    Alex Giordano ‘25
    Joshua Hua ‘25
    Khiomany Ortiz ‘26
    Evan Pan ‘28
    Calvin Reid ‘25

    Erin Berg

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  • Varsity Cross Country are New England Champions

    Varsity Cross Country are New England Champions

    Roxbury Latin’s Varsity and JV Cross Country teams have won or been runners-up in seven of the last eight New England Preparatory School Athletic Council Division II Cross Country Championships. This year, both teams secured another victory, with RL boys placing first and securing several other top spots in the races, clinching the coveted New England title. 

    Both the Varsity and JV Cross Country teams had an overall successful season, with many victories, broken records, and hard-fought races. However, the season also had its share of tough losses, including in the ISL Championship race. “This year’s team came into the season with high expectations—to win both the ISLs and New England D2 championships,” said head coach Bryan Dunn. “The first few meets showed that the talent was there, but it was also apparent that Tabor was going to be a formidable opponent.”

    As the season continued, the boys grew closer and were committed to giving it their all. “Each one of the runners had moments in the season where things weren’t going their way. However, because of their bonds as a team and a commitment to one another, they each found a way to run their best when it counted at the championship meets,” said Dr. Dunn.

    Finally, the moment had arrived: the New England DII Championship. The hard work paid off, the team came out on top, and the goal of beating Tabor was achieved. It was a victorious occasion across the board, with the Varsity team securing first place in a field of 20 and the JV team securing first place in a field of 13. 

    James Kerr (III) placed first out of 139 runners in the Varsity race. Rounding out the top 20 were Levi Harrison (I) in fifth place, Liam Walsh (II) and Richie Federico (II) in twelfth and thirteenth, respectively, and Lincoln Hyatt (II) finishing eighteenth.

    Eric Archerman (III) placed first out of 133 runners for the JV race. RL boys comprised the entirety of the top four, with Toby Harrison (III), Colin Bradley (II), and Zach Heaton (I) placing second, third, and fourth, respectively. Fin Reichard (II) finished in sixth place, and Max Kesselheim (II) finished in eighth place, making an impressive 60% RL top ten.

    Erin Berg

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  • Boston Globe Features Photography By Ajay Devendran (III)

    Boston Globe Features Photography By Ajay Devendran (III)

    On October 22, readers of the Boston Globe might have stumbled upon photos shot by RL’s own Ajay Devendran (III). Ajay, who began exploring photography as a hobby this past summer, submitted several images taken at various RL athletic events to the Globe’s Student Photojournalism Program. Three of his photos were selected and featured in a section titled “High school sports photos capture the beauty of the season across Massachusetts.”

    Ajay traveled to Africa with his family this summer, an opportunity he found perfect for practicing his budding interest. “My uncle was a photographer; he had a bunch of animal pictures on his walls that I would see and love,” Ajay explained. “For my birthday, he gave me a lesson; we went to the Franklin Park Zoo and took pictures of the giraffes.” With the family exposure (pun intended) and upcoming travel opportunity, Ajay was ready. 

    With scenes ranging from wildlife encounters to wide-open landscapes, travel often pushes young photographers to notice details they might otherwise miss, and it becomes even more meaningful when that travel is shaped around immersive experiences that bring you closer to nature. For families or solo travelers considering a similar adventure, browsing options through https://www.africanbudgetsafaris.com can help shape a journey that fits different travel styles, whether someone prefers the simplicity of camping, the comfort of lodges, the camaraderie of small groups, or thoughtfully paced senior-friendly tours.

    A well-planned safari caters to diverse tastes and budgets without losing the sense of wonder that pulled Ajay into photography in the first place, offering opportunities that inspire both seasoned explorers and those picking up a camera for the very first time.

    On his trip, he met with and learned from a National Geographic photographer, who provided Ajay with a hands-on photography crash course. “I said once I was going to use automatic (focus), and he said, no you will not, you will use manual,” Ajay laughed. From then on, Ajay had his camera in hand, snapping photos at every opportunity for the remainder of the trip. 

    Once back in New England, Ajay wanted to continue exploring his growing interest but needed a new subject, as opportunities for photographing animals considerably dwindle during the New England fall and winter. “I decided to take photos at a soccer game for fun, and everyone loved them,” Ajay said of his foray into RL sport’s photography. “A bunch of seniors and peers were saying, ‘These are great! Please keep coming to our games!’”

    A friend informed Ajay about the Boston Globe’s Student Photojournalism program. After speaking with his advisor, Mr. Cervas, Ajay signed up for the program and signed the required waivers. He sent in his photos, and the rest is history! 

    See more of Ajay’s photos here. 

    Erin Berg

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  • Lieutenant Paul Bodet ’12 on Unity, Community, and Service

    Lieutenant Paul Bodet ’12 on Unity, Community, and Service

    On November 11, Head of School Dr. Sam Schaffer welcomed boys, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests to Rousmaniere Hall for RL’s annual Veterans Day Commemoration Hall. “The program today honors those veterans who are with us and also all those others who have served our country in peacetime and wartime over the past 250 years,” he stated. “Their commitment, loyalty, and service to our country, to the values for which it stands, and for each one of us ought never to be forgotten.” 

    Dr. Schaffer explained the significance, history, and origin of Veterans Day, highlighting its importance for our country and its relevance in the history of RL, with a high percentage of alumni having served in wars throughout history. In fact, five veterans who graduated from RL—Bob Powers ’66, John Lawler ’75, Tom Hennessey ’01, and Dom Pellegrini ’04—were in the audience, as was the Hall’s guest speaker, Lieutenant Paul Bodet ’12.

    Like all RL boys, Paul was an engaged generalist during his six years as a student, excelling academically and holding various roles on campus, including president of the Glee Club and Varsity Cross Country team captain. The summer before his senior year, he was one of seven cadets nationwide—out of a pool of 10,000 potential candidates—to qualify for and graduate from the U.S. Navy’s Sea Cadets development program’s grueling Diving Operations Training program. 

    After graduating from RL, Paul attended the United States Naval Academy and was commissioned as a Naval Flight Officer. After eight years in various leadership roles, including as Mission Commander and Instructor of a nine-person team in the P-8 “Poseidon” and operating the MC-Q4 Triton Drone, Paul completed his active duty this past June. 

    In his talk, Paul reflected on his time at the Naval Academy and, later, his time serving on active duty. He noted that while serving our country takes incredible strength, bravery, and perseverance, it also requires skills like leadership and community building, something that he learned at RL. “Some of the greatest lessons I learned about leadership began right here at RL,” he said. “From a young age here, you are expected to lead, to take on responsibility, and to learn from older classmates who set the example.”

    Paul also discussed how the feeling of unity carries on after RL in various settings, which was very important to him when he joined the Navy. “During my years at the academy I learned that service can take on different meanings for each of us, and that’s a great thing,” Paul said. Sometimes, service can look like just being there for one another and showing up when someone is in need. “It’s not about where or why we started; it’s about respecting the role we play and serving in a way that aligns with our core values.”

    Paul highlighted the importance of unity in a country that can sometimes feel divided. “Despite our differences, we’re all on the same team,” he said. He mentioned that he did not join the Navy for any reason other than a desire to challenge himself and try something different. However, after spending eight years on active duty, he said he has never felt more proud of his American privilege.

    Erin Berg

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