July 23, 2021   Hello, Friends,  I hope you are enjoying your summer and finding some time for relaxation and recreation. We all need to make sure we recharge once in a while, don’t we? It’s been a few weeks since I’ve reached out to you and we have a lot to catch up on.

AA Class of 1970 raises funds for a pavilion Earlier this month, several members of The Albany Academy Class of 1970 participated in a groundbreaking for a new 30 x 70 foot pavilion on the campus, a gift from the class to the school. In celebration of its 50th reunion last year, the class pledged to raise more than $200,000 to fund the design and construction of a timber-framed pavilion for special events on the campus. To be known as The Class of 1970 Pavilion, the project will honor the class’ legacy at the school and provide outdoor classroom space for current students of The Albany Academies, a venue for annual events such as Reunion and Commencement, and a place for summer campers to engage in outdoor activities. The pavilion will be located on the north side of the main Albany Academy building near the track/football field. When completed by the end of the year, it will accommodate 150 people seated around tables. We extend our sincere gratitude to members of the class who contributed to the fundraising effort that will make this project possible. Local ABC affiliate WTEN News 10 covered the groundbreaking ceremony. You can see the news story here.

Newly renovated Early Childhood Center to open soon Also under construction on campus is our new Early Childhood Center, a dedicated space for our Preschool (co-ed), Pre-K (single sex boys and girls classrooms), and Kindergarten programs (single sex boys and girls classrooms). We are excited to showcase the finished center and introduce our earliest learners to this brand-new space! Watch our social media channels for details on the transformation as it happens over the summer. If you or someone you know is interested in one of these programs, please contact the Admissions Office at 518.429.2348.

Faculty lounges undergoing renovations Thanks to the generosity of the parents of this year’s graduating seniors at both The Albany Academy and the Albany Academy for Girls, our faculty lounges are also being renovated this summer. When they return in September, our faculty members are sure to be very pleased with the updates.

Summer Camp programs in progress Our Summer Camp program is well underway with full enrollment. We offer a large number of camps, including Little LEAP (Learning Enrichment Activities Program) and Junior LEAP for students entering Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Grades 1 and 2; LEAP for those entering Grades 3 through 8; Theater Camp for Grades 4 through 9; Science Academy for Grades 5 through 8; Rocketry Camp for Grades 5 through 9; Leading Edge for Grades 9 and 10; and Classic Day/Sports Camp for Grades 3 through 8. It’s wonderful to see the campus full of activity during these summer months.

AAG golfer plays in U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship AAG student and golfer Kennedy Swedick ‘24 had an impressive performance at the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship in Chevy Chase, Maryland on July 13. She was among the youngest in the field, ultimately tied for 21st in a 156-player qualifying field, and advanced to the second round of play. This week she plays in the Twin Bridges Championship, a Symetra Tour event at Pinehaven Country Club here in the Capital Region. She received one of two sponsor's exemptions from tournament director Jim Miller to compete in a field with 142 women professionals. Later this month, Kennedy will move on to the Girls’ Junior PGA Championship in Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. With several more tournaments ahead, Kennedy is keeping very busy this summer impressing her coach and spectators, and we wish her much success! To read more about her recent tournaments, click here.

Distinguished Alumnae and Alumni to be honored We are pleased to announce that Meghan Bodnar ’99 and Andy Safranko ’91, P’23, ’26 have been selected as our 2021 Distinguished Alumna and Alumnus, and Nikki Borisenok ‘08 and Alydaar Rangwala ’11 have been named as our 2021 Distinguished Young Alumna and Alumnus. Please join us in congratulating these outstanding graduates. We plan to celebrate them at Reunion during the outdoor reception on October 1.

Reunion schedule and details available I hope you are planning to join us on Friday and Saturday, October 1 and 2, and catch up with friends and classmates during our annual Reunion. Check out the schedule of events and find information about hotel accommodations here. Please note that the special hotel rates we have secured are only available until August 31. Watch for a note about online registration for Reunion, which should be live in mid-August. Also, hard copy invitations should be arriving in late August.

Admissions information sessions scheduled We hope you will help us spread the word that several “Asked & Answered” Admissions information sessions have been scheduled. Please plan to join us – and please encourage anyone you know who might be considering an Academies education for their child – in one of these popular sessions. The events will be simultaneously in-person or remote on the following dates: ·      Wednesday, July 28 ·      Wednesday, August 11 ·      Wednesday, August 25 All of the sessions will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. Register here.

Chat with the Head sessions to resume Head of School Chris Lauricella will resume his “Chat with the Head” sessions for alumni and alumnae in early fall. Watch this newsletter and our website for details on dates and how to register.

Reminder about Class Notes This is your final reminder to submit any class notes for our A2 Magazine to our office by Friday, July 30. Let your classmates and friends know what you have been up to! Click here to submit a class note.

Your generous support Last, but definitely not least, I offer my sincere gratitude to all the donors for your unending financial support of The Albany Academies last year. Whether your gift was less than $50 or more than $50,000, you helped support our entire community and especially our students. You proved that we truly are stronger together. During this past year, our donors did not hesitate to answer our requests for support. Thank you for giving us the hope and confidence to move forward with resolve during a time of adversity and for inspiring all of us through your incredible support!

Be well, and stay in touch! Best,

Ann Wendth Chief Advancement Officer