Shady Hill Celebrates Jane Hardy

In the morning, nearly 50 alumni and other members of the Shady Hill community gathered in the Assembly Hall for a special Alumni Day conversation with Jane Hardy, hosted by Head of School Mark Stanek. Jane shared many reflections on her 45-year tenure at Shady Hill. She reminisced on her early years at Shady Hill, about being a pioneer for girls’ sports and middle school athletics in New England, and about her leadership of and love for Shady Hill's athletic program over the years. At the end of the conversation, a number of guests shared their own reflections about Jane’s influence. Jane spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon mingling and enjoying a barbecue lunch with alumni.
 

Later in the evening, current and past parents, current and past faculty and staff, alumni, and TTC alumni filled the Blue Gymnasium to celebrate Jane. After a cocktail reception, a series of speakers paid tribute to Jane: Tish Biggar, one of Jane's colleagues from BB&N; Rory Morton ’78 TTC ’87; Jen Tobin TTC ’85; John Segar ’72; Apple Gifford ’88 TTC ’00; Izzy Emerson ’12; and Stephanie Travers. They all spoke eloquently about the profound impact Jane has had on their lives, Shady Hill, and the greater community. Gifford’s closing words rang true: “Jane’s magic is that her magic is not limited to the playing field. She maintains her generous spirit in all the she does, and those who come into contact with her feel buoyed and supported by good cheer.”

 

Mark Stanek then presented Jane with a special gift—a beautiful bench made from a wooden beam from the old gymnasium. The program ended with Jane Hardy thanking the community and assuring everyone that she would not become a stranger at Shady Hill.

We invite you to click on the nearby links to see photos from the day's activities, or to view the special video that was shown at Saturday's party.

Although the school is celebrating Jane's retirement this year, we are pleased that she will return to coach field hockey next fall and to support the school and the PE Department in a number of ways throughout the year.