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Revisit the past year in these exclusive videos created specifically for On the Go. Go on the ice with the hockey team. Perform on stage with the music department. Meet the Gunnery's Board of Trustees. Click on the links below to access each video.
The senior class of 2009 was excited to show off their new colors for next year. Among the colleges where the class of '09 enrolled include: American University, Bates College, Bennington College, Binghamton University (SUNY), Boston University, Bowdoin College, Carnegie Mellon University, Colby College, University of Colorado, Boulder, Endicott College, Franklin & Marshall College, George Washington University, Georgetown University, Hobart & William Smith Colleges, Ithaca College, Lafayette College, Loyola Marymount University, Manhattanville College, U. Massachusetts, Amherst, McGill University, Michigan State University, University of New Hampshire, Neumann University, Northeastern University, Occidental College, Pennsylvania State University, Pitzer College, Providence College, University of Redlands, University of Rhode Island, Roanoke College, Scripps College, Skidmore College, Stony Brook University (SUNY), Syracuse University, Trinity College, Tulane University, Union College, United States Naval Academy, Vanderbilt University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Wake Forest University, Washington College, Washington Univ. in St. Louis, Williams College, Wofford College.
 This past spring, the Gunnery Parent Council formed a program, "Gunn Parent-to-Parent Mentors". New parents are matched with a current parent (much like the big brother/big sister program for the students) for advice and counsel. Now, in-coming parents have a network to contact for answers on normal school issues like pick-ups, sport schedules, and appropriate shirt colors, to name a few. "We contact parents once their child commits to coming to The Gunnery," said Kay Caroe P '10 & '10, Parent Council member. "While some questions you have may feel insignificant, we feel that none are too small. These concerns can be alleviated with just one phone call to the mentors. We all want parents to feel welcome, comfortable, and connected."
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 The boys of Browne dormitory emerged as the winners of the 2008-2009 Dorm Challenge. The final challenge (croquet, tennis, and spud) was like all the others in that it had nothing to do with physical or academic strength. "Everyone can participate, and it doesn't favor one type of individual," said Kate Merritt, Director of Residential Life. "Every challenge is gender neutral. It doesn't matter how old, big, or smart they are. This is simply about working together. This is a chance for the kids to have some pride in where they live. They work and interact with people they normally wouldn't socialize with." Regarding the residents of Browne, dorm parent Jed Stuart adds, "The guys were really energetic about all the challenges this year. For every event, all the students worked hard regardless if they were good at it or not." Other dorm challenges for the '08-'09 year included a dodge ball tournament, a clothing drive, and a Haunted Dorm competition.
 For the fourth year in a row, The Gunnery's Annual Fund surpassed the million dollar mark. Thanks to the generosity of the school's loyal alumni, parents, faculty, and friends, this million plus goal became a reality. The 2008-2009 Annual Fund totaled at $1,144, 692 from 1135 donors. Of particular note, faculty giving equaled 95%, and parent participation equaled 48%. Alumni between the classes of 1984-2008 contributed through an Alumni Challenge. Approximately $72,000 was raised from 209 donors within these class years. In response to the Gunnery Parent Challenge, current parents contributed a significant amount to the Annual Fund throughout the spring. Each class challenged the other to get the most donor participation with the sophomore class winning at 46% participation. "I am humbled by and continue to marvel at the generosity of the Gunnery family, especially in these economically uncertain times"," said Head of School, Susan G. Graham. "Your gifts help us bridge the gap between our tuition and what it really costs to educate a student at The Gunnery."
"A huge thank you to all who gave and volunteered their services," said Thomas Hollinger, Associate Director of Planned Giving and Major Reunions. "We couldn't have done this without you. I think we are all in agreement that education is invaluable. We are providing structure, challenge, and leadership potential for our students. These are skills that they can use later in life."
We are still compiling The Gunnery's Annual Report which can be found online on October 1, 2009. To access this report, please join Gunnery's Online Community here.
 David Sones '92 wrote, "Along with Mr. Adolphson, that is Chip Dayhoff, Cathy Hansen and Brett Matthews, all class of '91. Chip and Brett were dorm monitors in Brinsmade. I believe they were protesting a staff dog-dropping epidemic in the Quad, attributed to a few campus dogs allowed to roam free by their owners."
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Baring all in support of your team! There's school spirit! But what were they supporting and when? Who is in the group? Did the paint come off?
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Before West End theater producer, Thomas Perakos '69 went to The Gunnery, he was a child actor. He had participated in several repertory theatres in Connecticut, particularly the Repertory Theater of New Britain. He even performed in a production of Brigadoon at The Gunnery. "Being an actor was my dream," said Tom, "but I put it on the back burner to attend to my education. However, I never stopped going to theater and immersing myself in the theatrical world." Today, Tom is living his dream on London's West End where he is currently producing the play Mrs. Palfrey (opening fall 2010) and musical adaptations of the classic movies Ghost (opening in 2010) and Rebecca (opening in late 2010 or 2011).
Tom's first personal venture into the entertainment world was on the business side. In 1986, he started a market research company, Theatrical Entertainment Services (TES) that globally serviced all major film studios. The company specialized in producing movie trailers (previews of coming attractions) and other marketing and promotional materials prior to the opening of the film. He started the company after leaving his position as chief executive officer for Washington Circle Showcase Theater Corporation (a cinema circuit). Tom owned and operated TES until 2001 when it was sold to TNS, a London-based firm.
Tom connected with two prominent producers in the West End, Sally King and Nicca Burn. This led to his first theatrical production job as a co-producer of Moon for the Misbegotten starring Kevin Spacey and Eve Best.
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