What’s Happening at Milton?
Alumni News
Women’s History Month: A look back at Sarah Storer Goodwin, Girls’ School Principal, 1901-1928
Sarah Storer Goodwin transformed women’s education at Milton and laid the foundation for the dynamic curriculum of Milton Academy today. Before her arrival and the establishment of the Girls’ School at Milton, women’s education was an addendum to the primary focus of preparing the next generation of men. With only seven women enrolled in Milton at the start of her tenure, Goodwin quickly ignited her students’ love for learning and personal development, inspiring many more young women to enroll. The curriculum proved to be ahead of its time, providing students with the skills necessary to attend college and inspiring lifelong passions for math, science, and literature. Her love for theater was quickly absorbed and reradiated by her enthusiastic pupils, who began to perform outdoor plays behind their dorm. Former students recall her teachings with admiration: “Miss Goodwin understands… She can teach us to find our way in a world previously intended only for rude, scornful, or entirely indifferent males.” Goodwin’s legacy remains a testament to the revolutionary power of creating dynamic learning spaces where young women can empower themselves to think beyond the constraints of their societal moment.
Upper School Principal Announcement
Milton is excited to share that Dr. Monica Benton Palmer has been named the school’s next Upper School principal, effective July 1, 2022. Monica has worked for 19 years in independent schools, and brings significant experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice work, school governance, and fostering connections within school communities. Monica received her undergraduate degree in dramatic arts and law and society from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She holds two master’s degrees from Columbia University: an M.F.A. in theater and a M.Ed. in educational leadership from the Klingenstein Center for Private School Leadership. Monica earned her Doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, where she focused her dissertation on the financial sustainability of Midwestern boarding schools. Read the announcement.
DEIC Final Report
Milton Academy’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission (DEIC) has released a series of final recommendations, which have been endorsed by the school’s Board of Trustees. The recommendations represent more than a year’s worth of stakeholder engagement in response to demands that Milton change its approach to addressing injustice and inequity. Please visit the Diversity at Milton section of www.www.milton.edu to learn more and review the recommendations, which will guide the school’s future diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice efforts.
Celebrating Black Excellence
Milton kicked off Black History Month by welcoming a variety of speakers who participated in community events, including artist and educator Endia Beal, Women’s March organizer and diversity consultant Yavilah McCoy, and our own Osaremen Okolo ’13, who will share her Milton story and her path to working at the intersection of medicine, policy, and service as a Policy Advisor for Public Health and Equity in the White House. While Milton’s Department of Equity, Inclusion, and Justice will offer more than a dozen additional programs for the campus community throughout the month such as networking opportunities, affinity gatherings, film festivals, and dance performances, the department is working to amplify voices of color all year long via speaker programming, films, and conversation forums offered on campus. Be on the lookout for many of our community-wide engagement opportunities!
Calling Class Years Ending in 2 and 7
We look forward to celebrating Reunion for class years ending in 2 and 7 on Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18. More information will be coming soon. In the meantime, check out your class page on our Reunion site to connect with former classmates and share pictures from your time at Milton. We look forward to celebrating with you all soon!
Watch This Year’s Gratwick Concert
On Friday, February 4, 2022, the Milton community gathered virtually for the annual Gratwick Concert in memory of Katharine Perkins Gratwick, Class of 1924. This year’s concert featured musical pioneer and multi-Grammy-nominated cellist Matt Haimovitz. Email us at alumni@milton.edu if you would like to watch a recording.
Milton’s MLK Day Speaker, Dr. Philip McAdoo
On Tuesday, January 18, 2022 Dr. Philip McAdoo spoke with the Milton community in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His talk focused on the relationship between King’s legacy and a present-day call to action for all people who seek justice. McAdoo is the Vice President of DEI at Earthjustice, an environmental law organization. He brings more than 15 years of experience as a DEIJ practitioner and educator at independent schools, such as Sidwell Friends in Washington, D.C. Watch the event using the password: Milton1798!
