AUGUST 2026 NEWSLETTER | VOLUME 9, ISSUE 3 | | |
A SUMMER UPDATE FROM
PETER BECKER '95
| | It has been a busy summer with several construction and renovation projects underway across campus, in addition to summer programming for children and adults. Click on the video above to hear updates from Peter Becker '95. | |
Remembering Jack Kenerson '82
The Taft School community is heartbroken to share the news that Jack Kenerson '82 passed away on the morning of July 29, 2026.
For 40 years, Jack devoted his life to Taft—as a beloved teacher, advisor, coach, dean, admission officer, colleague, alumnus, parent, and friend. "Few people have left a more enduring mark on Taft or touched the lives of as many students, families, and faculty and staff," said Head of School Peter Becker '95. Please click the buttons below to read the full tribute and watch a special message from Head of School Peter Becker '95.
A memorial service in celebration of Jack’s life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Woodward Chapel at 1:00 p.m., with a reception to follow in Laube Dining Hall.
| | | |
Eileen Bouffard '98 Appointed Assistant Head for Faculty and Academics at Taft
The Taft School is pleased to announce the appointment of Eileen Bouffard, Ed.D., as Assistant Head of School for Faculty and Academics. A respected educator, leader, and mentor, Dr. Bouffard brings more than a decade of distinguished service to Taft and a deep commitment to teaching, learning, and faculty development. Since joining the faculty in 2013, she has held a number of key leadership roles, including Director of Teaching Fellowships, Chair of the English Department, Director of Teaching and Learning, and co-chair of Taft's Strategic Design Implementation Team.
“Eileen is ideal for this role. She is deeply committed to Taft's students and faculty, has the wisdom and courage to ask the hard, essential questions, has the capacity to both explore the underlying philosophical issues at stake and be practical—and can translate theory into practice and get things done on behalf of the community,” said Head of School Peter Becker '95.
| | | THE 2026-27 SPEAKER SERIES: WHAT DOES CREATIVITY LOOK LIKE IN THE 21st CENTURY? | |
|
Each school year, the Taft community engages with a guiding question through an all-school read, community conversations, morning meetings, work by faculty in and outside our classrooms, and through our major speaker series. Through academic inquiry, programs and activities, and campus visits with four uniquely compelling speakers, members of the Taft community will delve into our guiding question for the 2026-27 academic year, "What does creativity look like in the 21st century?"
Click below to learn more about this year's speakers and the ideas they will explore—ranging from storytelling and design to mathematics and AI.
| | |
Alumni Weekend '26: May 8–9
Rhinos returned for a weekend of celebration—reunion classes ending in 1s and 6s took center stage for their milestone gatherings, joined by alumni from across the decades. The Class of '76 marked their 50th Reunion with induction into the Old Guard and enjoyed a joint luncheon with the Class of '26, pairing fifty years of memories with fresh beginnings. Rain didn't dampen spirits: the Alumni Parade stepped off around Main Circle with umbrellas held high, and later that night, everyone let loose at the All-Alumni Dinner Dance. Alumni packed the weekend with open classes, student performances, athletic events, yoga, networking sessions, and affinity gatherings—proof that a little rain is no match for Big Red spirit.
You'll find highlights in the Alumni Weekend 2026 photo galleries, and a full recap will appear in the Fall 2026 Taft Bulletin, available in print and online at the end of August.
| |
| |
Save the Date!
Mark your calendars and celebrate with us again next year:
May 14–15, 2027
Reunion gatherings for classes ending in
2 and 7
| | | | |
Living Our Motto: 30,000 Meals Strong
Taft's Human Geography students and faculty and staff volunteers successfully packaged 30,000 meals on Taft's campus in just one hour, with support from a Class of 1970 Live Our Motto Fund leadership grant and logistics and supplies from U.S. Hunger. Local nonprofit agencies and Taft service partners distributed the meals throughout the region to individuals and families in need.
| | |
Summer Reading Program
This summer, Taft asked students, faculty, and staff to choose between reading The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green or The Correspondent by Virginia Evans for their summer reading. Upon returning to campus after independently reading their choice, students will participate in discussion groups where they will consider the value of human connection with their peers, as well as creating something tangible with their own writing.
To bring this theme to life, the Summer Reading Committee is having students write a personal review or letter reflecting on their time at Taft. We would love to send these letters to interested alumni who are eager to hear about today's student experience.
If you would like to receive a student's letter and join us in celebrating the power of connection, please fill out the form by clicking the button below. You are, of course, welcome to write back!
Click directly on the video above for additional insight into the program from Summer Reading Committee Chair Emily Estes and reflections on reading from current Taft students. For any questions, feel free to reach out to Emily Estes at eestes@taftschool.org.
| | Taft's 2025–26 Speaker Series: What Does It Mean to Be Human? | | |
This History Was Not That Long Ago
Award-winning author, poet, and scholar Clint Smith recently spent a day at Taft in classrooms and delivered an all-school address.
| |  | |
Mattering Matters Most
Journalist and author Jennifer Wallace recently visited Taft to talk about her new book, The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose.
| | | | |
Proud Taft Alum?
Are you proud to be a Taft alum? Consider taking a few minutes to leave a review on Niche. Your perspective helps prospective students and families better understand what makes Taft a special place to learn, grow, and build lifelong connections.
| | | |
13: The Musical Lit Up the Bingham Stage
Taft's production of 13: The Musical brought the energy, humor, and heart of this coming-of-age story to the Bingham Stage—view highlights from the performance in our photo gallery.
| |
Taft Theater Earns Prestigious Award Nominations for Pippin, Moon Over Buffalo
The annual Halo Awards celebrate excellence in all aspects of high school theater production. Taft Theater earned more than a dozen nominations this year and received awards in several categories.
| | | | |
Spring Dance Showcase
The Spring Dance Showcase brought together original choreography and compelling performances, highlighting the creativity, technical skill, and expressive artistry of Taft's dancers, with seniors taking their final bow on the stage.
Click above to watch the performance or below to view the photo gallery.
| | Rain came down on Commencement Day, but nothing could dampen the celebration as the Class of 2026 officially graduated on Sunday, May 24. Mukta Dhumale '93,P'26 delivered the Commencement address, sharing reflections and inspiration with the graduating class as they prepared for the next chapter of their journeys. Congratulations to all of the members of the Class of 2026, their families, friends, and supporters. | | To explore all the team news and photos for Big Red, please click on the links below. | | | |
Former Rhino Selected in 2026 NFL Draft
Former Rhino Skyler Bell '21, a standout student-athlete at Taft, achieved a major milestone in his football career when he was selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 125th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. His journey from Taft to the professional level reflects both his talent on the field and his dedication to continued growth, serving as an inspiring example for current and future Taft athletes.
| | | | | |
