As the Year Winds Down…The trees are blooming, the days are getting longer, and the end of the school year is officially in sight. It's that bittersweet time when campus starts to buzz with final projects, last performances, outdoor classes, and the quiet realization that another chapter is coming to a close.

For our underclass students, it's a time to reflect on growth and gear up for what's ahead. For our seniors and post-graduates, it's something more: the beginning of a major life transition.

With graduation just around the corner, our seniors and post-graduates are eagerly anticipating the next chapter of their journeys beyond Darrow. Over the past few years, they have worked tirelessly to explore and cultivate their personal, athletic, and academic potential. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, on the field, or in quiet moments of leadership and growth, their contributions have left a lasting impact on our community.

Their achievements — both seen and unseen — are a tremendous source of pride for all of us. They’ve shaped Darrow in meaningful ways, and now they’re ready to take their next steps with confidence and purpose.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 — and Happy College Decision Day! Wherever you go next, you carry a piece of the Mountainside with you.

Celebrating Our Teen Invitational Artists!

We’re thrilled to recognize the Darrow students whose artwork was recently featured in the Mass MoCA Teen Invitational — a regional showcase of young artists pushing boundaries and expressing big ideas through their work.

From mixed media to painting, photography to sculpture, our students brought their whole selves to the gallery. Each piece reflected deep thought, personal perspective, and the kind of creative risk-taking we love to see.

Being selected for this show is an honor — and we couldn’t be prouder of the way our artists represented Darrow. Huge congratulations to everyone who participated. Your work spoke volumes, and we’re so excited to see where your art takes you next.

A Night of Music—Darrow Spring Concert

The Dairy Barn Theatre came alive as the Darrow community gathered for an unforgettable evening of music at the Darrow Spring Concert. The event featured standout performances by both the Jazz Band and the Darrow Music Collective, highlighting the remarkable range and talent of our student musicians.

From smooth jazz grooves to innovative, genre-blending ensemble pieces, the night was a true celebration of creativity, collaboration, and dedication. A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who came out to support the arts at Darrow—our student performers truly made it a night to remember!

Drama Came Alive at Scene Night!

On a memorable evening in the Dairy Barn Theater, the Darrow Theatre Workshop brought down the house with its much-anticipated Scene Night. Held last night at 7 PM, the event showcased four powerful scenes from four different plays, all masterfully directed by Ms. Curro.

From tender moments of best friends discovering love to the chilling suspense of a midnight murder, the audience was swept through a whirlwind of emotion, tension, and theatrical magic. 🔪💔 Each scene stood alone in its intensity, yet together they formed a vibrant tapestry of student creativity and dedication.

Our talented student actors poured months of hard work and heart into their performances—and it showed. The crowd responded with laughter, gasps, and well-deserved applause as each scene unfolded on stage.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the arts at Darrow! If you missed it this time, stay tuned—there's always more drama to come.

Seniors + Post-Graduates Celebrate 22 Nights 

On May 2, 2025, seniors and post-graduate students set sail on a sunset cruise along the Hudson River to celebrate 22 Nights—a meaningful milestone in the countdown to graduation. Hosted by the Advancement Department, the evening honored their transition into the Darrow alumni community.

Against the backdrop of a stunning sunset, students reflected on their Darrow journey and explored the many ways they can stay connected after graduation. The evening was made even more special with the presence of honored guests: Mr. Vadnais, Mr. Villinski, Ms. Pritchard, and Mr. Grega.

It was a night of memories, laughter, and looking forward—one they won’t soon forget.

"It doesn’t feel like the end—more like the start of everything we’ve worked toward," said Eli '25

Restoring a Shaker Landmark—The 1824 Meetinghouse

At the center of Darrow’s campus stands the 1824 Meetinghouse—perhaps the most iconic structure in Shaker history and home to the Heyniger Memorial Library. We're excited to share that the building has recently received a much-needed upgrade: a new raised-seam metal roof in Colonial Red now replaces the tin-plated iron roof installed over 120 years ago in 1904.

This Meetinghouse replaced the original Shaker meetinghouse built in 1785. The need for a larger space was clearly documented by Elder Rufus Bishop, who wrote in his official journal:

“The present number of believers is much greater than at any former period... our little meeting house could afford room for only a part of the believers... and when there is 6 or 7 hundred spectators it is truly distressing.”

On January 5, 1822, Elder Bishop further recorded:

“It is concluded to build the meeting house of wood... to have a porch on the south end — have a round roof, and have the house of the bigness first proposed.”

This restoration honors both the practical needs of preservation and the spirit of the Shaker community that once called this campus home.

No Fees. Just Friends.

That’s right—Reunion Weekend (June 6–8) is completely free to attend!

Instead of reaching for your wallet, reach out to your classmates. Call up old friends, former roommates, and anyone you’ve been meaning to reconnect with. Let’s get the word out and bring everyone back to the Mountainside. We can’t wait to see you there!!

👉 See Who’s Coming



Key Dates to Remember

Room reservation deadline: May 20, 2025

Registration closes: Friday, May 30, 2025

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Sara Van Deusen.

Stay Connected & Share Your News

Changed your phone number? Moved to a new city? Now’s a great time to update your contact information and let us know the best way to reach you.

We also want to hear what you’ve been up to! Whether you’ve started a new job, launched a project, or celebrated a personal milestone, share your updates—we’d love to feature your story in the next Peg Board. Let’s stay connected and celebrate your journey together.

Give today—because every gift, no matter the size, creates meaningful impact. Your generosity drives 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—not just today, but for generations to come.