On November 26, Mr. Kaplan ’83 reflected on some of the great Belmont Hill teachers in honor of Thanksgiving, his favorite holiday. Mr. Kaplan began by explaining how his relationship with Belmont Hill began at his older brother David’s Fifth Football game; immediately, he knew he wanted to make Belmont Hill his home. “[This speech] is my way of saying thanks for a relationship with this incredible community that has endured for 50 years.”
Mr. Kaplan recounted the summers when Mr. Sawyer ’32 drove him and his friends to BB&N’s day camp in an old VW bus. Mr. Kaplan has always respected his “gentlemanly quality and calming presence,” qualities representing Belmont Hill’s mission.
Mr. Jenney, the man behind the famous—or infamous—textbook, was another teacher of Mr. Kaplan’s. His first-semester comment reported, “Steve’s effort in Latin has been minimal,” an anecdote met with laughs from the audience. In contrast to his past work ethic, Mr. Kaplan urged the boys not to do what warranted him this comment.
Mr. Martin ’65, another “Latin Rushmore figure,” made laughter a part of everybody’s day at the early morning faculty breakfast table. Mrs. Kaplan and Mr. Martin’s daughter, Kate, now teach together at Fay, and Colter Martin ’28, is now a proud member of the Belmont Hill community.
Mr. Kaplan honored Mr. Gallagher ’66, an intense but loving teacher, followed by Mr. Morange, former Arts Department Chair. He contacted Mr. Kaplan to bring him back to teach Senior Panels. The rest is history. Mr. Bridges, sporter of an impressive mustache, personally visited and advised Mr. Kaplan after his brother’s death in the summer before he began at Belmont Hill: “He had my back when I needed it most.”
Mr. Sherman’s beloved “Animal Ball,” a no-rules form of basketball, created unforgettable memories for Mr. Kaplan. He closed with Mr. Goodband, who exhibited “tough love and an appropriate level of compassion” towards Belmont Hill boys. Mr. Kaplan helped Peter Fiumara ’24 carve his Panel last year, another full-circle moment. The talk ended on a powerful note; “I hope you boys are making your stories…the ones that take you back to a special moment.”
Fitz Courtney ’26 reacted, “He helped remind me of the people I am grateful for…those who have positively impacted me.” It’s clear that Belmont Hill teachers do everything they can for us.”
Using his chance to talk in front of the whole community and reflect on the lives of others and what they offered to Belmont Hill demonstrates Mr. Kaplan’s humility and love for the school. He feels “very lucky to be working in a community that is strong, vibrant, and mission-driven, as well as teaching something I love.” The Panel thanks Mr. Kaplan for his decades of service to Belmont Hill and for offering his perspective on Belmont Hill’s storied history.
Indresh Chandel