MANCHESTER – The Derryfield School celebrated Founders' Day on Friday, May 3 at 10:15 a.m. The community gathered to honor the School’s Founders with a special assembly in the Performing Arts Auditorium. In the early 1960s a group of local parents started meeting about the hope of starting an independent college preparatory, day school. Peter Freedman was one of those hosting those early meetings. Over the course of just ten days, 39 families contributed $1000 each in order to hire Philip Hugny, Head of the Advanced Studies Program at St. Paul's School, to plan for the founding of a school. During that year, the Founders recruited students and rented parts of the Institute and Boys Club. The school opened in 1965 with 108 students and 11 faculty members. The basic building on River Road was built and opened in 1967.
In addition to the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni Award and Alumni Service Award, retired history teacher David Haight gave the Founders' Day Address. Mr. Haight was a beloved member of the Derryfield faculty for over 30 years, and spoke about his personal view of the history of the School.
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2012 Peter S. Freedman Founders' Scholar Daniel Schwartzberg '13, son of Mark Schwartzberg and Sasha Kuftinec (of Bedford), gave the Founders' Scholar Address and presented the 2013 Founders' Scholar Award to Molly Fitzpatrick '14, daughter of Phil and Michelle Fitzpatrick (of Bedford). A talented singer, dancer, and actor, Daniel will be attending the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance in the fall. In his speech, Daniel spoke of how he wished life could have a continuous soundtrack. He encouraged everyone to pursue whatever inspires them and to share that inspiration with others. Named in honor of one of Derryfield's Founders, the Peter S. Freedman Founders' Scholar Award is presented annually to that member of the junior class who has best combined academic achievement with personal responsibility, independence, and ethical sense.
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Copies of speeches from the day are available on request.
PHOTO CAPTION: 2012 Peter S. Freedman Founders' Scholar Daniel Schwartzberg '13 and 2013 Founders' Scholar Molly Fitzpatrick '14.
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The Derryfield School is a coeducational, non-sectarian, college-preparatory day school currently serving 365 bright, motivated students in grades 6-12. Our purpose is two-fold: to guide a student's academic growth through the acquisition of sound study habits and the development of analytical, independent thinking skills; and to foster each child's social, emotional, and ethical growth. For more information about the school, please visit the website at www.derryfield.org.
