50th Anniversary: Celebrating a Remarkable Institution
On a sunny afternoon in April, current Synergy students, staff, parents, alums, and community members joined together to mark the momentous occasion of 50 years as an educational cooperative committed to modeling collective leadership, cooperation, and collaboration.
What began as a hippie dream has evolved into a remarkable institution.
“Reunions and nostalgia for many, for others a chance to tap into the collective power and history of Synergy’s commitment to diversity and progressive education.”
We were all lucky to have the three co-founders—Russ Messing, Katherine Czesak, and Jill Goffstein Stocks— in attendance and were regaled with tales of the early days. In true Synergy fashion, the big room was packed to the gills as rambunctious kids gravitated to the hard yard, whooping and hollering.
Reunions and nostalgia for many, for others a chance to tap into the collective power and history of Synergy’s commitment to diversity and progressive education.
My children are now in college and grad school, but I continue to serve on the board for many reasons, primarily because I love the community and the mission of the school. I didn’t think I would get emotional, but when we watched Kevin White’s and Ian Carr’s masterful video and reconnected with parents and kids from bygone eras, many I spoke with felt equally verklempt. The tribute to Tammy Damon was particularly moving and meaningful. Watch the 50th Video
Photos and albums of classes from the 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s, 2010s, and current graduates dotted the downstairs. The images and albums brought back beautiful memories of past snow trips, stars of the week, grandparents’ days, spring concerts, and cherished relationships. A musical performance opened the program and warmed our hearts; boy do I miss those concerts. Yummy vittles, colorful flower bouquets, refreshing beverages, and a spread of mini cupcakes guarded deftly by Ebony “the cupcake protector”, made the afternoon even more delectable. Derek “O’Malley” Rosenfield ’78 spoke, a voice of the entire arc of the school as a student, parent, and deeply involved community member.
The founders reminisced and marveled at what they and the collective group had achieved. Russ, wearing his trademark Sergeant Pepper coat— flanked by Jill and Catherine— along with Arlene, who was the beloved emcee of Farm School for so many years, lit up the big room with their camaraderie and memories. Alums Simone Edwards and Delaney Howe, both Class of 2020, spoke— just a few years out from Synergy— about how the seeds sown in their K-8 years have been fed and watered and are now blossoming in the world. I can attest to that, seeing how much the Synergy years have impacted my boys’ trajectories.
Sweatshirts, mugs, water bottles, and other swag were on display and sold; you can get yours online at the Synergy School Store to honor the 50th and show your school spirit. I must say the design and color combo for the 50th logo is quite fetching!
Mostly, the gathering was an affirmation — following the difficult Covid years— that the Synergy school and community are thriving. With the history woven into the fabric of the school and the ability to adapt to a changing society while honoring the past work and vision, the future is bright for the little school that could. The now mature and developed educational model continues to prepare children— one whole person at a time— for the rigors of the 21st century. An educational and life ethos with legs; the world could use more Synergy graduates. Happy 50th Synergy School!