News Detail

The Belltower: June 2026 Alumni News

In this issue of The Belltower, you'll meet sisters Molly '12 and Madeline '16 Zeif in Five Things That Matter, read about Reunion 2026, and see recent updates from campus.
June 2026
Hello, Fellow Bulldogs!
I hope you are all enjoying the start to summer. With apologies that this issue of The Belltower is coming a bit later than usual, I am excited to share some updates from campus, including the 2026 Commencement ceremony (shout out to the class of '26, our newest alumni!) and an announcement about Reunion, coming up on September 18-19. You’ll also see TWO profiles in Five Things That Matter, sisters Molly ’12 and Madeline ’16 Zeif, as well as an update on Giving Days 2026.
Thanks for continuing to stay connected to our alma mater. If you ever find yourself in this area, I hope you'll reach out so I can meet you in person!
All my best,
Sam (Eisenstein) Watson ’96, P’28
Five Things That Matter with Molly '12 and Madeline '16 Zeif
No matter how far they roam, sisters Molly ’12 and Madeline ’16 Zeif share an undeniable bond: the same radiant smile, deeply rooted Vermont values, and the rare distinction of both doing exactly what they’ve always wanted to do. Though their paths have taken them from the mountains of Montana and British Columbia to the bustling streets of Brooklyn and Edinburgh, their journeys toward social and environmental impact began right here at Burr and Burton. Today, they are putting their passions into practice, proving that a Burr and Burton education can be a launchpad for a purposeful life.
Graduation caps being thrown in the air
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
On a beautiful June day just a couple of weeks ago, Burr and Burton held its first outdoor commencement ceremony since 2002, sending 196 incredible seniors off into the world. Retiring faculty legend Dave Miceli provided a warm welcome and a poem, and senior speakers Aya Addington and Tommy Alfano shared words of wisdom with their classmates. Fellow retiring faculty legend Anharad Llewelyn delivered an unforgettable commencement address; true to form, she painted a stunning canvas in real time while sharing profound life lessons and her trademark beautiful smile.
 
To our newest graduates: welcome to the Burr and Burton alumni community! We can’t wait to see the incredible things you do next.
Giving Days thank you
Giving Days Success!
A huge thank you to everyone who made a donation during Giving Days lat month! Thanks to your incredible generosity, we secured 207 gifts, with a spectacular 38% coming from our alumni community, raising over $55,000 for our students. Special thanks go out to our Alumni Board, Board member Andy Boyer '01, and Board member Brian Barefoot; by meeting their exciting participation challenges, you successfully unlocked an additional $7,500 for the Annual Fund!
Missed the action but still want to make an impact? It’s never too late to support Burr and Burton. Click here to make your gift today.
Reunion 2026
Save the Date for Reunion 2026!
Get ready to come home to Burr and Burton! Reunion 2026 is officially set for September 18–19. While we are still finalizing the official schedule, you can look forward to a fantastic weekend featuring a Welcome Reception on Friday night, the Hall of Fame induction on Saturday morning, and the Homecoming game kicking off at 1:00 PM. We'll wrap up Saturday with afternoon campus tours, class photos, and a lively on-campus happy hour (likely 5:00–7:00 PM).
Check https://www.burrburton.org/alumni/reunion-weekend for ongoing updates, keep an eye on your mailboxes for official details, and email us at alumni@burrburton.org with any questions. We can't wait to see you!
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Burr and Burton's mission is to educate students intellectually and morally for a life of responsibility, integrity, and service.
PO Box 498 Manchester, VT 05254
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Burr and Burton Academy does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, political affiliation or marital status in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the school's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or other federal or state nondiscrimination laws or regulations is directed to The Headmaster's Office, Burr and Burton Academy, Manchester, VT 05254. Burr and Burton complies with all applicable state and federal nondiscrimination statutes, including the Vermont Public Accommodations Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 139), the Vermont Fair Employment Practices Act (21 V.S.A. Chapter 5, Subchapter 6) and Vermont State Board of Education rules 2226.6 and 2229.1.