What year did you graduate Crossroads Academy?
2014
Where did you attend high school? College? If applicable, graduate or professional school?
I went to St. Johnsbury Academy (St. Johnsbury, VT) for high school. I am currently a senior at Washington University in St. Louis (St. Louis, MO).
How did your Crossroads education in the Core Knowledge/Core Virtues curricula prepare you for where you are today?
Crossroads’ Core Knowledge/Core Virtues curricula gave me the foundations to be a holistic, well-rounded person, one who can draw from various perspectives and respect others and other cultures. Looking back, to have such a strong foundation at only the end of middle school was incredibly unique. It enabled me to thrive academically throughout high school, which in turn has allowed me to succeed at Washington University. A strong, well-rounded knowledge base is critical to future academic growth, and Crossroads gave me an exceptional one
What was your favorite class at Crossroads? Why?
My favorite classes at Crossroads were Alison Gorman’s math classes. I had always enjoyed math growing up; I liked that math was inherently logical and followed a rigid set of rules. Combining my liking for math with Mrs. Gorman’s exceptional teaching ability, math at Crossroads became my favorite class and left me with a strong analytical base to carry into high school.
Baseball players have a “walk up” song that is played when they come to the plate. What would your “walk up” song be when you enter a room?
“Take me Home, Country Roads,” by John Denver. Not only does it hold a special place in my heart from Dr. Freeberg’s Coffee Houses, but it also reminds me of my roots growing up in a rural pocket of New Hampshire.
With which historical figure/celebrity would you most enjoy being stuck in a ski lift?
As a Computer Science major, I would go with Alan Turing. Between being considered the father of Computer Science and his experience cracking the Enigma in World War II, I don’t think there would be a dull moment in our conversation.
Is there a Crossroads moment, event or mentor you feel made a foundational impact in your life? Please elaborate.
Dr. “Doc” Faletra was an instrumental figure in my time at Crossroads. His fun and cheerful demeanor was always a bright spot in my day, and I remember fondly his habit of giving nicknames to every student, each nickname an obscure but humorous reference to some movie, tv show, et cetera. Doc’s easy-going nature made science classes fun, so that you would barely even notice being taught high school concepts in middle school. I hope he’s doing well!
