In this communication, you'll find information on the following:

A Note from the Head of School

Upcoming Important Dates

Seeking Your Professional Insight on AI

GMVS Student-Athlete Highlights

Alumni Compete at National Championships

Reminder - Bike Jerseys For Sale

Last Saturday morning, I had the chance to coach our youngest Gumbies as they navigated a dual panel slalom on the lower part of Inverness. I stood at the top of the course asking each U8 and U10 what they were working on. Answers varied from “Squishing my marshmallows,” to “Getting closer to the gates,” to “Going fast,” and to “Um, I don’t know.”

Athletes who answered with the last two responses really got me going, and I began to think more deeply about how to connect with them and what might stick. I asked them to push into the front of their boots, I asked them to stand taller, and then I asked them about other sports they played. I asked one Paula Moltzan fan to imagine he was wearing her bib and to make sure everybody could read the number “1”. I asked another about her favorite event in gymnastics and what kind of force she typically applied to the springboard. I listened, I learned, and then I told her to pressure the ski like she hits the springboard.

I think I saw some improvements in their skiing that morning, but I don’t really know how effective my coaching cues were. All I know is that I came away from that morning feeling as if it was time well spent. And, if nothing else, I hope I was able to instill the sense that we all have something to work on every time we click into our skis.

Later that afternoon, three U18 GMVS students came out to freeskiing with our U10s and U12s. I’m not sure who led who – those Junior Program athletes really know Mt. Ellen well – but I do know that the U18’s presence had a powerful impact on the Junior athletes they skied with. Simple acts by our U18s like freeskiing with their suits on or charging through bumps on 193cm GS skis modeled the carefree, hard-charging attitude we seek to instill in all of our student-athletes.

Whether we realize it or not, volunteering to help out – whether right here within the extended GMVS community, elsewhere in the Mad River Valley, or beyond – has a meaningful impact on the people we’re supporting and on ourselves. Giving back is a big part of what we try and teach, model, and instill here at GMVS. We’re thankful for all the students, parents, teachers, and coaches who invest their time and talent in our communities to give us an unexpected boost to our days.

Tracy Keller

Head of School

IMPORTANT DATES AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday, March 28

Middle School and Winter Term Academic Programs End

Saturday, June 7 at 10am

Graduation

TEACHERS NEED YOUR PROFESSIONAL INSIGHT ON AI USE IN THE WORKPLACE

Teachers at GMVS continue to learn about the creative uses of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to promote and aid student learning, and at the same time engage students in open conversation about the ethical boundaries of such tools. Recognizing the importance of teaching foundational academic skills in every discipline, we also recognize the changing landscape of information and want to be sure we are preparing students for the academic and professional contexts they are moving toward. With that in mind, we are in the process of gathering insight from our college-aged alumni, our friends and colleagues who teach in college or university settings, and we’re particularly interested in industry-specific professional insight. If you have 5 minutes, we’d love to gather your thoughts on AI use in the professional environment. Click here to share your insights with us. 

U14 AND U16 ATHLETES QUALIFY FOR EASTERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Congratulations to the following U16 and U14 GMVS athletes who have qualified for Eastern Championships! Over the next two weeks, our athletes will be representing GMVS, competing against the best in the East.

U16 Athletes:

U14 Athletes:

Our U16 athletes will kick off Eastern Championships at Mittersill, competing from March 15-19. Shortly after, our U14 athletes will take on the competition at Whiteface from March 20-23. Let's go GMVS!

GMVS JUNIOR HADLEY BUTLER WINS REGIONAL ORATORICAL CONTEST!

Congratulations to Hadley Butler ’25 for winning the Regional American Legion Oratorical Contest in Waterbury this past Sunday! Hadley impressed the judges with her eloquence, poise, and deep understanding of the U.S. Constitution, securing her spot as District Three’s representative in the upcoming state-level competition.

She will compete in the Vermont State Oratorical Contest on March 22 in White River Junction, where she’ll continue showcasing her public speaking skills and constitutional knowledge. This prestigious event, organized by the American Legion, challenges students to deliver speeches on the principles of American democracy while honing their leadership and communication skills.

Join us in cheering on Hadley as she prepares for the next round!

Click HERE to learn more about the contest.

GMVS ALUMNI SHINE AT NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

GMVS sends a huge congratulations to GMVS alum Brian Bushey ’21, who skied to 3rd place in the Men’s 20k freestyle on the final day of the 2025 NCAA Championships. Brian helped the Utes earn their 17th NCAA title.

Brian also earned All-American status with a 6th-place finish in the 7.5k individual classic, his first race of the series. Congrats, Brian!

GMVS is also proud to recognize several alumni currently competing at the USCSA Alpine Ski Racing National Championships at Mt. Bachelor:

• Kate Goodrich '23 – Colgate University
• Emily Kitanov '24 – University of Massachusetts, Amherst
• Alli Messier '21 – Babson College
• Will Patton '23 – Hobart and William Smith Colleges, USCSA All-American, with a 6th place in the GS
• Megan Ryan '22 – Georgetown University
• Ariana Welter '20 – Clarkson University

Best of luck to all our alumni representing GMVS on the national stage!

BIKE GEAR IS HERE!

Orders Close Friday, March 21st

Did you hear? GMVS has launched new bike apparel in partnership with SDR Clothing—built for performance, comfort, and GMVS pride. Whether you’re shredding trails, grinding gravel, or cruising the roads, this gear has you covered.

Don’t wait! Orders close Friday, March 21. All items are custom-made, so please double-check your selections before purchasing. No returns or refunds.

Gear up and represent GMVS wherever you ride!

SAVE THE DATE FOR GMVS COMMUNITY EVENTS



May 31 - Annual Golf Tournament, Alumni Hike, and a casual opportunity to gather with friends of GMVS -- a great way to celebrate a milestone reunion. More information is coming soon!

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2024-2025 CORPORATE SPONSORS