The Season We’ve Been Building Toward

There is a distinct energy on the Mountainside this fall—focused, creative, and unmistakably Darrow. It can be heard in rehearsal, seen in the studios, and felt across the fields. The months ahead promise as much reflection as forward motion, as students, faculty, alumni, and families continue shaping what comes next for this community.

Preparedness and Presence

It happened fast. One minute the sound of practice filled the gym—laughter, sneakers, the rhythm of a scrimmage—and the next, silence.

Senior Jamison Thrower had gone down. No contact. No warning. Just a sudden collapse that stopped everyone cold.

In that stillness, Athletic Trainer Allison Pritchard moved—calm, certain. She called for help, began CPR, and stayed with Jamison until emergency crews arrived. Twice, she brought him back. Each second counted, and her training showed. By the time paramedics took over, his heartbeat had returned.

He regained consciousness that evening at Berkshire Medical Center, and within days, he was smiling at messages from teammates—already talking about getting back on the court next week.

The story made its way across regional media, but for those who were there, the coverage only tells part of it. What mattered most wasn’t the headlines; it was how people responded—how preparation, composure, and teamwork turned fear into action.


Coach Antonio Anderson later reflected that the moment revealed what toughness truly means—being ready when it matters most.


That’s the lesson that lingers on the Mountainside. The drills, the discipline, the quiet habits—all of it mattered when it needed to.


Because when everything stopped, our community didn’t.

The Darrow Soccer Program has stepped up its game!

Thanks to a partnership with United Soccer Group (USG), which brings high-level development and college recruitment support to both the boys’ and girls’ squads. The boys are having a dominant run this fall, holding a 9-1-1 record under Head Coach Rich Powell and competing in the Premier Prep League. Notable wins include back-to-back victories over Storm King, a 3-1 win against Putnam Science, 1-0 shutouts versus SPIRE Academy and Kiski School, and a hard-fought 6-3 victory at St. Thomas More. The program continues to build momentum, balancing individualized training with competitive performance and establishing Darrow as a rising presence among small-school prep programs.

The girls’ team, led by Coach Mark Gillon, has quickly become a powerhouse within Darrow’s enhanced soccer framework through its partnership with USG. A veteran of international coaching and collegiate recruitment, Gillon has brought structure, technical precision, and global reach to the program. Competing in NEPSAC, the squad has posted a 6-1 record, with commanding wins including 17-0 at Storm King, 9-0 over EF Academy, and 8-0 at Miss Hall’s. Post-graduate midfielder Hayley Jurgens ’PG has been a driving force, setting the tone with her leadership, vision, and precision playmaking—qualities that continue to draw strong attention from college recruiters.

On the Mountainside, creativity begins with intention.

In Ms. Fougere’s ceramics studio, Darrow values take shape—literally. Students learn more than technique; they discover the patience behind craft, the beauty in imperfection, and the strength that comes from shared work. Whether glazing a bowl or sculpting a vessel from raw clay, each piece reflects Darrow’s commitment to purposeful living, creative problem-solving, and the quiet discipline of making something well.

In the photo on the right, Mr. Segal’s Calligraphy class, students explore the art and discipline of Chinese characters—learning how balance, rhythm, and focus turn language into form. Each brushstroke demands patience and precision, transforming writing into a quiet act of artistry.

Darrow Theater Collective

A reimagined production of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet—students present a bold interpretation that reflects both discipline and imagination.


Admission is free and open to the public. Performances will be held in the Dairy Barn Theater on Thursday, November 20, and Friday, November 21.

Across the Mountainside, steady progress continues—less headline, more heartbeat. From ongoing maintenance of historic Shaker buildings to upgrades that support daily teaching and student life, each project reflects Darrow’s care for both its heritage and its future.

Sisters’ Cottage Before and After

Standing as a quiet yet powerful reminder of the architectural, spiritual, and communal values that shaped this land long before Darrow’s presence on the Mountainside. Recently refreshed with a new coat of ochre paint, the building continues to serve as faculty housing, extending its long tradition of care and craftsmanship. As students walk past its façade or study and live in nearby spaces, they move through more than history—they inhabit a continuum of craft, intention, and place.

The story of Darrow—heritage in motion, future in focus

The Summer 2025 Peg Board captures a school in motion—honoring heritage while shaping what’s next. Highlights include reflections from Head of School Andy Vadnais and Board Chair Van Selden ’60, the launch of new programs in athletics, arts, and design, and the debut of the Shaker Museum Artist-in-Residence.


Together, these stories show foreverDARROW in action—hands-to-work, hearts to home. The issue also features details for the upcoming Virtual Alumni Town Hall on Wednesday, November 13, at 7:00 PM, where members of the Darrow community will hear updates from the Mountainside and discuss what’s next.

Stay Connected

As a Darrow alum, you are part of a community of more than 3,000 individuals—spanning generations, continents, and experiences—all of whom have called the Mountainside home.

Your connection keeps Darrow’s story alive. Take a moment to update your contact information, share your social media handles, submit news for the Peg Board, or offer your expertise to help strengthen the community for future students. Together, we carry forward the values that make Darrow—and the Mountainside—enduring.

Every gift—no matter the size—creates meaningful impact. Your generosity fuels student success, empowers dedicated faculty, and sustains the vibrant, purposeful life of the Darrow community. Together, we ensure that Darrow continues to grow, thrive, and inspire—on the Mountainside and beyond—for generations to come.