Nichols School Alumni

08/12/2026

John Spitzmiller '64 participated in the 2026 Empire State Games this year in the 80-to-84-year-old age group and secured third place in a time trial and first place in the road race.

08/11/2026

A blank wall in the Nichols Athletic Office has been transformed into something pretty special — thanks to the creativity of Zealand Young ’26 and US Visual Arts teacher Kari Achatz.

For Zealand, designing and painting the mural was a dream she had held since arriving at Nichols in fifth grade. Working alongside Mrs. Achatz, a trusted teacher, advisor, artist, and friend, made the experience even more meaningful.

Together, they developed a bold, graphic design that celebrates Nichols athletics while incorporating sports equipment into the artwork. The result is more than just a mural — it’s a reflection of Zealand’s creativity and the artistic growth she experienced during her eight years at Nichols.

As Mrs. Achatz shared, “One of the best parts of being an artist and an educator is getting to watch students grow into artists of their own.”

We’re proud to see Zealand leave her artistic mark on Nichols and can’t wait to see where her creativity takes her next.

07/24/2026

Join us for Big Green on September 25!
Enjoy an open bar, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and music at this adults-only evening to celebrate the Nichols Community.
Did we mention this event is FREE!
Register today: https://nicholsadvancement.org/events/nicholsschool-big-green-2026

07/22/2026

📬 The 2026 issue of το αληθές, the Nichols School magazine, is hitting mailboxes now!

Inside you'll find alumni profiles, a look at the An Original Cinderella, highlights from Commencement, End of Year awards, Reunion Weekend memories, a reflection on Chris Burner, class notes, and more.

Didn’t receive a copy? Update your contact info with the Alumni Office at the link in our bio.

07/21/2026

Thanks for supporting Nichols School!

WE DID IT! 🎉

The 2025-26 Nichols Fund officially raised $1,278,016, thanks to 1,450 donors who stepped up for our students and faculty this year.

Whether you gave in the fall or jumped in during our final June push, your generosity keeps our classrooms dynamic, our campus vibrant, and our students equipped to lead and succeed.

Every gift. Every donor. One incredible community.

Thank you for believing in Nichols. 💚

07/21/2026

Congratulations to Matt Connors '05, vice president of Sinatra Development, for being named to Buffalo Business First's 40 Under 40 Class of 2026!
This honor recognizes Western New York professionals under 40 who excel in their professions and give back to their communities. Congrats, Matt, on this well-deserved recognition.

07/20/2026

Meghan O'Connor '20 traveled to Spain to reunite with Nuria, the exchange student who lived with Meghan and her family during the Nichols Exchange Program. Their friendship has continued to grow long after their exchange experience ended.

As an added bonus, Meghan was in Spain to experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup Final and celebrate Spain's championship! ⚽

07/17/2026

The Nichols Girls' Hockey Team partnered with D&G Wellness during its recent training camp for an interactive workshop focused on mental health and team culture.

Throughout the sessions, the student-athletes explored the importance of prioritizing mental health in athletics and learned how fostering a culture of care, trust, and connection can strengthen both individual well-being and team performance.

D&G Wellness partners with high school and collegiate athletes, coaches, and families to provide education and practical strategies that promote mental health and wellness in sports.

The D&G Wellness team featured several Nichols alumni, including D&G owner Danielle Vallas '95, P'23, P'25—who was a member of the first girls' hockey team at Nichols—along with Ciara Barone '18 also a former Nichols hockey player, Elizabeth Benedict '12, Lexi Mediak '16, and Gretchen Gwitt '22.

07/16/2026

Put your knowledge to the test this summer. The Lucy and Sherman Maisel ’35 General Information Test (GIT) is given annually to students in grades 9 through 12 as a measure of general knowledge.

https://www.nicholsschool.org/alumni/general-information-test

07/08/2026

Members of the Class of 1968 recently gathered for lunch in East Aurora to catch up, share memories, and enjoy each other's company.

Pictured are Greg Conrad, Will Botsford, Brian Baird, George Kloepfer, John MacCallum, Rick Ohler, and Bob Skerker.

Thank you for keeping the Nichols spirit and lifelong friendships strong!