HVRHS Blue & Gold

08/07/2026

The HVRHS International Travel Club in New Zealand.
On July 7, twenty-four travelers embarked on an unforgettable journey to New Zealand and Australia, experiencing the incredible landscapes, rich cultures, and unique traditions of both countries. The HVRHS Alumni Association helped to support the trip.

After a long journey, they arrived in New Zealand where they had an opportunity to visit the cities of Auckland and Rotorua. While in New Zealand they visited the Agrodome and watched a sheep and dog show, learned about the various breeds of sheep and watched a sheepdog demonstration. From there on to a geothermal park, and the unique village of Whakarewarewa and enjoyed geothermally cooked corn. The group then hiked the Karerau Volcano to take in its breathtaking, otherworldly landscape. Finally, they visited a Māori village and learned about the culture of the Māori people and then were lucky enough to experience a traditional hāngi feast.​

After three days in New Zealand it was on to Australia, where they visited the cities of Sydney and Cairns. Some Sydney highlights included the Sydney Opera House where they marveled at the breathtaking architecture, a ferry ride across Watsons Bay and visiting the Hyde Park Barracks. Some students even learned to surf on Bondi Beach! Each experience offered a unique perspective on Sydney history, architecture, and vibrant culture.

The final destination was Cairns where all had the opportunity to explore one of the world most remarkable natural wonders—the Great Barrier Reef. Travelers enjoyed snorkeling among the reef incredible marine life and experiencing firsthand the beauty of this extraordinary ecosystem. The
group also traveled through the rainforest on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda, where they learned more about Aboriginal culture.

Travelers were inspired by the beauty of both countries, from their
stunning landscapes to their rich cultures and traditions. This trip provided memories that will last a lifetime.

08/04/2026

Thank you Paula Rogers for this notice 🙏

07/29/2026

The loss of a Classmate is always hard. Rest in peace Gary.Class of '68 SHARON– Gary R. Cunningham, 76, of Hilltop Road, passed away peacefully at his home on July 1, 2026, following a long illness. He was the devoted husband of the late Kimie (O'Hanlon) Cunningham.
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Born on May 14, 1950, in Sharon, Gary was the son of the late Robert and June (Parsons) Cunningham.
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He worked as a painter throughout his career, but his true passions extended far beyond his trade. A talented guitarist, Gary enjoyed playing with several local bands during his younger years, and music remained an important part of his life.
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Gary also had a lifelong love of auto racing. Whether attending local flat-track races, following NASCAR, or traveling throughout New York, New England, and Delaware for racing events, he was happiest at the track.

Lebanon Valley Speedway was among his favorite destinations, and Tony Stewart was one of his all-time favorite drivers. Gary and Kimie even celebrated their marriage at the Racing Hall of Fame in upstate New York—a fitting tribute to a passion they shared together.
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Gary is survived by several cousins.
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In keeping with his wishes, all services will be private.
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Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Volunteer Ambulance, P.O. Box 357, Sharon, CT 06069.

07/23/2026

HVRHS Alumni Association Replaces David Lindsay Track Sign.

The HVRHS Alumni Association proudly provided funding for the long overdue replacement of The David B. Lindsay Track sign at the high school. David was a dedicated teacher, coach, friend and mentor to generations of HVRHS students over his many years of service to our alma mater. New sign & Old Sign!

07/16/2026

Sad News for the Class of '73 R.I.P. Dona 🙏

SALISBURY - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dona Lee (Chilcoat) Alexander, our beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, on July 9, 2026.

Born on December 20, 1955, in Sharon, Connecticut, Dona lived a life filled with love, kindness, and an unwavering dedication to helping others.

Dona was preceded in death by her father, William Chilcoat, but leaves behind her loving mother, Katherine Chilcoat. Her cherished family includes her daughter, Sarah Olinger Hadoulis and son-in-law, Michael; her granddaughter, Penelope Hadoulis; her sister, Susan Chilcoat Bucceri and brother-in-law, Louis; her brother, Richard Chilcoat and sister-in-law, Stacey; nieces Katherine and Elizabeth Bucceri; and nephews Will, Ben (Lauren), and Graham Chilcoat.

Dona grew up in Lakeville where she graduated from Salisbury Central School (1969), Housatonic Valley Regional High School (1973), and Gettysburg College (1977) where she earned a degree in English Literature. Her thirst for knowledge and service continued as she became certified in Grief Counseling and Thanatology, completed her Clinical Pastoral Education, received her Florida Certification for Volunteer Management, and was ordained as an Inter-Faith Minister.

Dona's professional life was a testament to her commitment to service. After she and her daughter Sarah returned to Salisbury in 1988, she worked as store manager of Community Lumber & Hardware (now Herringtons) and as a tea blender and sales manager for Harney & Sons Fine Tea before beginning a career that was dedicated to helping others. Her roles included Director of Therapeutic Recreation, Volunteers and Pastoral Services at Noble Horizons; office administrator for Habitat for Humanity NW CT; Director of Programs at Harvest Food and Outreach in Vero Beach, FL; and as an in-home senior care aid for Senior Helpers of the Palm Beaches in Florida.

Some people leave behind footprints. Others leave behind a way of seeing the world. Dona was one of those people. She found beauty in the smallest things, especially a quiet walk on the beach with her eyes searching for sea glass, always believing that what the waves returned had a story to tell. She followed her heart wherever it led, never worried about fitting into any else’s idea of how life should be lived. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her dedication to helping others, her love for her new granddaughter, and her unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. She believed that acting on our better instincts reminds us, above everything, that we are all humans and that when we act with care and compassion, we can shape a more loving world. She was beautifully unconventional, deeply spiritual, and completely herself. There will never be another quite like her. We hope that wherever she is now, the shore is endless, the sea glass is abundant, and her spirit is as free as ever. She will be deeply missed.

Dona's family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Salisbury Visiting Nurse Association, particularly Cyndi, Laurie, and Molly, and to Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County for their compassionate care and support.

In memory of Dona, the family suggests donations be made to the Little Guild in Cornwall, CT or Salisbury Family Services.

A celebration of her life will be held in the fall.

All other services will be private.

07/15/2026

All (Class of '76 and Teachers), Evites (Green envelope) went out to all whom I had email addresses. So check your spam folder, or send me a note and I can ensure you are registered. Look forward to seeing you soon! Paul Schmitt [email protected]

07/13/2026

Class of 1971
REUNION REMINDER
AUGUST 15, 2026
on the mountain in the garden/garage like we did last time🥰
12:00 noon on bring what you like to eat and drink!
Let us know if you can make it please
Send responds to Merrilee at
Msateach@yahoo. com
Hope to see you there on the mountain♥️

07/13/2026

HVRHS Alumni Association Establishes Pinnacle Award for Capstone Excellence

Mia DiRocco, First Pinnacle Award Winner

HVRHS seniors are required to complete a Capstone project, a culminating academic endeavor that demonstrates scholarship, creativity, and real-world application of their Housatonic educational experience. The Pinnacle Award, a partnership between HVRHS and the Alumni Association, recognizes academic excellence and future-ready leadership.

The first HVRHS Alumni Pinnacle Award for Capstone Excellence was presented to Mia DiRocco from the class of 2026. Mia’s Capstone project was Journalism. The project began with her work on the HVRHS Today section of the Lakeville Journal, continued with an internship with that paper, and then received funding to attend The New York Times summer program. Her Capstone project perfectly reflects all the qualities in the HVRHS Portrait of a Graduate in a field that is essential to our local and national communities.

Mia began her Capstone project by reinvigorating the HVRHS student
paper, which is now published as a special section of the Lakeville Journal.
She compiled the findings from her journalism experiences, especially with
the New York Times, into a slide show for her final report.
Mia, who is from Cornwall, is continuing to intern with the Lakeville
Journal this summer. She has freelanced with her hometown paper, the
Cornwall Chronicle, and, as co-editor, wrote several articles for the HVRHS
literary magazine, ACORN 2025 – 2026, helping to revive the publication.
Mia will be attending Northwestern University, where she plans to major in
journalism, with an additional interest in international relations reporting.
Pinnacle Award projects must demonstrate:
● Creativity: presenting a fresh perspective or unique solution to a
problem or topic.
● Sustainability: Thorough consideration of the environmental
impact of the project and/or the longevity of the project .
● Impact: Showing potential to benefit the school, local community.
● Depth of Research: Exhibiting mastery of the subject
matter and a rigorous investigative process.
● Quality of Ex*****on: Presenting a final product (thesis,
physical build, digital solution, or performance) executed to a professional
standard.

Pinnacle Award nominations are made by Capstone instructors and
reviewed by a committee of faculty, administrators, and alumni. Winners
are recognized at the annual HVRHS award ceremony, receive a
honorarium, have their name engraved on the Pinnacle Award plaque at the
school, and their names and project descriptions are posted on the Alumni
Association website, page, and in the Blue ‘n’ Gold newsletter.

06/19/2026

WESLEY ALLYN NAMED
2026 HVRHS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOLAR

Wesley Allyn of North Canaan, recipient of the 2026 Alumni Association Scholarship, is a third-generation HVRHS graduate who has excelled academically while taking AP and ECE courses, played varsity football (Senior Team Captain), basketball, and baseball (Senior Year Captain), and won awards in all three sports. He was active in the Future Farmers of America for four years, where he also won several awards. Wesley has been committed to Scouting America, Troop 22, where he was a Troop Leader, a member of the Order of the Arrow and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. As a senior he was selected by the principal to be on the School Leadership Committee. Wesley plans to attend the University of New England and will enroll in their 3+2 accelerated program to earn his bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a master’s degree in athletic training.
Wesley is the son of Tracy Tatsapaugh, Class of 1996, and Brian Allyn, Class of 1979. His maternal grandparents are Catherine Patchen, Class of 1961 and David Tatsapaugh, Class of 1962. His paternal grandparents are Leona Porter, Class of 1953, and Paul Allyn, Class of 1945.

06/19/2026

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 👨‍🎓👩‍🎓photo credit: Letitia Garcia-Tripp