COMMUNITY

"My memories of Schoolhouse are full of hazy childhood beauty: ice skating on wintry days, laughing with friends under cottonwood trees. Looking back now, too, I’m aware of how much my time there shaped my education and my perspective on the world. Schoolhouse knows that education is, inherently, a community endeavor. Parents are welcomed into the classroom. Students are encouraged to build relationships beyond grades and classes. Growing up, I think this was immensely powerful for me. It made me invested in the books I read, the projects I undertook. It taught me that the importance of learning often lays beyond individual academic success.

"Just last week, I sat in a park with my best friend from my days at Schoolhouse, reminiscing. Ten years later, we’ve kept in close touch, though it’s been more than a decade since we’ve lived in the same place. We both remember our time there so fondly. We were allowed to be expressive and loud and curious. We were encouraged to follow our passions; to write way past the word count. I think it made us both curious and driven people. And, more importantly, Schoolhouse also gave us lasting friendships, impressed upon us the importance of community. That’s something I’m very grateful for.

"After my time at Schoolhouse, I went on to study political science at Georgetown University in D.C., and moved back to Vermont last year to work as a journalist at VTDigger. In the last few years, I’ve reported on breaking news in Morocco, technology and privacy, and community organizing in New York City. Yet, it has been beautiful and fulfilling to return to my hometown to work in the community here. Whenever I drive down Dorset Street, I always glance at the little red-roofed building surrounded by marshes — such a spot of light in our community, and a place I will always think of as home."