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A boarding and day school for boys in grades 6-9 Canaan, New Hampshire

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Recent Accomplishments

Wallach, Cardigan Mountain School's center for applied engineering, innovative design, and creative arts

It is humbling to contemplate the improvements that these efforts have brought to Cardigan.

We see the positive impact on Cardigan’s program reflected in physical changes to our facilities and remarkable progress in building financial sustainability. New gifts to endowment are already providing long-term support for facilities maintenance and strategic priorities such as financial aid, academic programs, and professional development.

Cardigan Dedicates Rowing Program

The Cardigan community gathered on the shores of Canaan Street Lake to commemorate the launch of its new rowing program. The dedication, which took place during the school’s annual Fall Family Weekend, brought together students, families, faculty, staff, and board members to celebrate the birth of this exciting addition to the school's athletic offerings.

The ceremony kicked off with a warm welcome from Head of School Chris Day P’12,’13, who introduced the 2024 Cardigan Rowing Team to enthusiastic applause. The team, guided by Head Coach Christopher “Tuffer” Dow and Assistant Coach Charlotte Berry, will be the first to navigate this new chapter in Cardigan’s athletic history. Board Chair David Gregory P’18, Board Secretary Robert Chartener OBE ’73, Real Estate Chair Candyce Martin P’14, Development Chair Karl Hutter ’93, and Director of Athletics Ryan Frost P’25 were also recognized for their contributions to the launch of Cardigan Rowing.

Cardigan Rowing Team during practice on a sunny autumn day

A highlight of the event was the announcement of the school's new rowing facility, the Jennings Boathouse, named in honor of Tim Jennings P’05, who retired as Cardigan’s director of facilities earlier this year after 25 years of dedicated service. Mr. Jennings, who oversaw countless construction projects on The Point, was celebrated for his lasting impact on the school and our community. The boathouse, set to be completed in November, will stand as a tribute to his legacy and a new home for the rowing program.

“Rowing is the ultimate team sport,” said Head of School Chris Day.  “The success of the boat depends entirely on the ability of the crew to work together in perfect harmony.”

In his remarks, Mr. Day emphasized the unique opportunities that rowing will offer Cardigan boys. Unlike many sports that require extensive prior experience, rowing welcomes newcomers and fosters teamwork, perseverance, and character development. “Rowing is the ultimate team sport,” he said. “The success of the boat depends entirely on the ability of the crew to work together in perfect harmony.”

The captains of the inaugural team, Sunjoon Lee ’25 and Christopher Deoki ’25, shared their excitement and aspirations for the program, which aims to grow into a competitive squad by next fall, with plans to host races on Canaan Street Lake in the near future. “From land to boat to rowing as one, each day and each challenge has brought us together,” shared Sunjoon.  “Whenever I feel stretched to my limit, I remind myself what we do here builds the tradition of the Rowing Team at CMS. This is our catalyst.”

“From land to boat to rowing as one, each day and each challenge has brought us together,” shared Co-Captain Sunjoon Lee ’25. “Whenever I feel stretched to my limit, I remind myself what we do here builds the tradition of the Rowing Team at CMS. This is our catalyst.”

Mr. Day then invited the assembled guests to participate in the dedication of the Cougars’ two new boats. Ryan Frost led the dedication of the Integrity, followed by Board Secretary Robert Chartener ’73, who dedicated the Robert Chartener OBE ’73. Mr. Day explained to the crowd that “OBE” stands for “Order of the British Empire.”

The launch of the rowing program represents a new era for Cougar Athletics, expanding the range of athletic options available to Cardigan students and setting the stage for many future successes on the water. Cardigan wishes to thank everyone whose hard work and generous support made this possible.

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Greenwood & Peck Houses

Opened for the 2023-24 school year, the Greenwood House Renovation Project significantly improved the dormitory overlooking the Canaan Street Lake and included the addition of a second faculty apartment named Peck House.

The project honors Penny Peck H’17, an honorary alumna and former faculty member. Penny was house mother to generations of Cardigan boys during the 1970s and 1980s, and the Pecks have remained staunch supporters of the school in the ensuing decades. It is typical of both Penny’s dedication to the field of education and her demonstrated love for the boys that she and Schuyler would choose this moment to champion a project that benefits Cardigan students.

Aerial photo of newly renovated Greenwood and Peck Houses at Cardigan Mountain School
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The remarkable accomplishments of The Campaign for Cardigan 2020 have placed our school in a position of strength. As we recently celebrated the school’s 75th anniversary and approved The Strategic Plan for Cardigan 2032, we remain committed to achieving the ideals set out by our shared mission and core values. I am inspired to lead this community as we all strive to grow as exceptional educators and citizens.

 

Chris Day P'12,P'13
Head of School

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Explore Other Recent Projects

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Campbell Field

Campbell Field is located adjacent to the Williams Fields. The new field will increase the number of soccer and lacrosse fields on campus, but most importantly will permit practice and play much earlier in the spring season than any of Cardigan’s other fields. This lighted space will also provide much-needed outdoor space for activities of all kinds during the spring.

The completion of Campbell Field marks a step forward in reaching the goals set forth in Cardigan’s Athletic Master Plan and The Strategic Plan for Cardigan 2032. Working in partnership with Stantec, a leading sports facility consulting firm from Boston, and Pathways Engineering, Cardigan’s long-time civil engineering partner from Lebanon, New Hampshire, Campbell Field was built by R.A.D. Sports of Rockland, Massachusetts.

More About Campbell Field

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Snow & Bike Center

For a growing number of Cardigan student-athletes, our new Snow & Bike Center (“SBC”) has become an important stop on their way to their outdoor adventures. 
 
The recently renovated facility includes athlete and coach locker rooms, a large workshop for ski and bike tuning and maintenance, and a dedicated space for video analysis where coaches and student-athletes can review video footage and discuss technique. 

It’s an exciting and busy space that provides coaches with all the tools they need to help each boy develop his potential and continue to grow Cardigan’s mountain biking and snowsports programs. The completion of the SBC marks a step forward in reaching the goals set forth in Cardigan’s Athletic Master Plan and The Strategic Plan for Cardigan 2032.

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More Information

For more information about Current Projects, Cardigan Rowing, the Jennings Boathouse, The Strategic Plan for Cardigan 2032, the Athletic Masterplan, or how you can support Cardigan students, please reach out to Director of Development and International Relations Joe Burnett ’95 P’25.

Joe Burnett ’95 P’25
Director of Development and International Relations
jburnett@cardigan.org
603.523.3838

 

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Accomplishments: Capital Projects

The front facade of Wallach, Cardigan's new center for innovative design, applied engineering and creative arts

Wallach is Cardigan's new hub for experiential learning innovative design, applied engineering and creative arts.

Academic quad at Cardigan Mountain School

Connects Cardigan Commons to the academic center of campus, creating opportunities for impromptu collaborative experiences.

The exterior of McCusker Hall and the Marrion Field Scoreboard at sunset

Thoughtfully-designed living space fosters the close relationships that are a critical part of the Cardigan experience. Located near Marrion Field, this new dormitory includes four faculty residences and housing for 26 students.

The exterior of Clark-Morgan Hall at sunset, after a renovation in 2015

This renovation reimagined our oldest building for a new era, improving student rooms and two faculty apartments. Updates to Admissions space and a new Summer Session office also support key Cardigan staff and programs.

Exterior of Hayward Hall in the fall foliage after a 2014 renovation

Reimagining one of Cardigan’s first purpose-built structures, this project removed the School’s original kitchen and dining hall and created modern dormitory and common space. Bricks from Hayward’s 1954 construction were reincorporated, an affectionate nod to the building’s origins.

Cardigan Commons in the early morning light with Mount Cardigan in the background

A 350-seat dining hall with sweeping views of Mount Cardigan is at the heart of this transformational addition to community life. New gathering spaces also include a student center, school store, mail center, class and meeting rooms, and more.

Exterior of the Johnson-Wakely Fitness Center

Thoughtful repurposing and enhancement of existing facilities supports Cardigan’s athletic programming. The project improved wrestling, fitness, women’s and men’s locker rooms, athletic training, and office/meeting space.

Front doors of Marrion Athletic Center in the winter

Thoughtful repurposing and enhancement of existing facilities supports Cardigan’s athletic programming. The project improved wrestling, fitness, women’s and men’s locker rooms, athletic training, and office/meeting space.

Exterior of Pearson House, which provides two Cardigan faculty residences

Focused on a long-term objective of supporting residential life for faculty and students, Cardigan converted space into two faculty residences.

The exterior of the Cardigan C.O.R.E. cabin, as seen from across the lake during foliage season

Learning from our environment is part of the Cardigan Way. Designed to support the new Cardigan Outdoor Recreation Expeditions (C.O.R.E.) summer program, this project focused on renovating a lakeside facility to function as a base camp.

The exterior of the Charles C. Gates I.D.E.A. Shop at Cardigan Mountain School

Reflecting a priority that dates to the School’s founding, this project combined workspaces for hands-on learning. Cardigan’s woodshop was relocated and positioned alongside dedicated space for entrepreneurial project building under the Gates program.