Class Note 1987. I was happy to receive an update recently from classmate Tonia Thomas Daniels. After a long career in K-8 education and school leadership, Tonia is moving toward recovery coaching and is preparing to pursue a master’s in clinical mental health counseling. Tonia is also seven years into her gender transition. She writes, “Though it’s been incredibly challenging, it’s also miraculous and fulfilling, especially coaching and mentoring those earlier in transition. I hope any alums who would like information or support on gender transition will reach out to me as I would love to share and support.”
Tonia is also writing songs and performing locally in New York’s Hudson Valley area. She has released four albums on Spotify under her name, Tonia Daniels. She would love to connect with any alums who know indie artists looking for new material to perform and record and with those who are exploring reinvention or creative pursuits.
Save the date for our 40th class reunion in Hanover, which will take place June 18-21! (It’s actually our 39th, but who’s counting?) Reunion chairs Tim Parker, Gregg Rippey, and Tracey Salmon-Smith have been hard at working planning an awesome get-together. We will be joined on campus by the classes of ’85 and ’86. Keep an eye out for more details and registration information!
Sadly, 26 of our beloved classmates have passed away since we first arrived in Hanover. As we prepare to gather for our 40th reunion, I encourage you to reflect on those departed members of our class who touched your life. Is there a classmate whose kindness, passion, or accomplishments continue to inspire you? Please consider sharing your memories and reflections through these Class Notes, our class newsletter, and in the memorial service to be held during our reunion weekend. Together, we can celebrate not only the lives of our classmates who have passed but also the impact they continue to have through the people and causes they loved. Let’s make this a meaningful time to remember, honor, and keep their stories alive within our class community.
As one example, Karen (Wicke) Boyle reflected recently on the life of her Theta sister Mary McArtor Reynolds, a teacher and a community volunteer who lived a life filled with purpose and compassion. Mary’s Giving Fund is a charitable organization established in Mary’s memory that provides micro-grants to support projects that benefit children, particularly those in underserved communities. For more information, visit marysgivingfund.org.
Best wishes for a lovely holiday season and a great start to the new year!
—Lisa Snyder, 430 Ward St., Newton, MA 02459; dartmouth87classnews@gmail.com