Headmaster Stroud is retiring. Please help the search!

[Peter A. Mello]

You've probably already been contacted either directly by Jay Stroud or the always efficient development department that the school will soon be looking for a new headmaster. It will be sad to see Jay go after doing such a tremendous job all for nearly a quarter century leading the school. It's a much better place today than it was when I was there oh so long ago.

I have always appreciated Jay's unyielding support of the schooner Tabor Boy and the sail training program, often in the face of critics who just don't "get" the value of the life experience deep water sailing offers to young people. These people simply look at the program as an expense item and not an integral part of the educational experience and a true differentiator and competitive advantage that the School by the Sea over it's peers. 

So if you have the chance, please thank Jay for all that he's done in preserving the rich maritime traditions that make Tabor so special.

There is currently a search on for a new headmaster. As a Tabor family member you have an opportunity to participate in the process and I strongly urge you to do so through the online survey. Please don't let this opportunity slip away; do it today. It would be great if you could join me in making a point of addressing the significant role that the sail training program has played over the years and the importance that the successful candidate share and embraces Tabor's rich maritime heritage.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks. 

[John Thomas Detmar]

Hello, Peter! I never knew Jay Stroud, having graduated in 1972. Jay had a very hard act to follow, filling Jim
Wickenden's shoes. I am happy to know that Jay protected and promoted Tabor Boy so well throughout his tenure. My brief weeks on Tabor Boy with Capt. Glaser were the single most transformational experience of my
year at Tabor, and one of the most transformational of my life. There was also an amazing creative arts program under Lucius Lavoie. I hope those two will always be vital components of Tabor Academy.

My only regret is that Tabor no longer accepts new students in their senior year, as they once did me and many others. The man I spoke to in the administration told me that the reason for the policy is the belief that one year is insufficient for a student to fully benefit from the Tabor experience. I kid you not! I hope that clueless fellow does not get promoted to headmaster!

Best wishes to my old shipmates!

Regards,

John Detmar, '72