Honoring Excellence and Loyalty: Nick Harris and David Smith Receive the <strong>Brewster</strong> Medal Rebekah Seaman ’97 and Robert Bierweiler ‘38 Daniel Mudge, Bill Whelan, and Mike Cooper On Saturday, January 24, the <strong>Brewster</strong> Medal celebration was held at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. More than 100 guests attended this inaugural event to recognize the recipients of the <strong>Brewster</strong> Medal and to share and celebrate their <strong>Brewster</strong> moments, past and present. The first recipients of the <strong>Brewster</strong> Medal were Henry F. “Nick” Harris, alumni parent, and David M. Smith, Headmaster Emeritus. David Smith, Mike Cooper, Penny Harris, Lamont Harris ’84, and Nicholas Harris The <strong>Brewster</strong> Medal was established to recognize extraordinary people who have demonstrated distinguished service to <strong>Brewster</strong> and dedicated themselves to the advancement of the mission of <strong>Brewster</strong> <strong>Academy</strong> and the vision of John <strong>Brewster</strong>. In awarding this honor, criteria for recognition includes: • Loyalty of service and/or support to the <strong>Academy</strong> • Personal characteristics that reflect the <strong>Brewster</strong> Principle • Commitment of excellence in personal and professional pursuits Molly Childs ‘03, A.B. Whitfield, Matt Keys ’04, Janie Whitney, Patricia and Michael Keys emy deserves and demands for its continued growth and success in the future. Harris’ wife Penny, along with their son Lamont and his son Nicholas, were present to receive the <strong>Brewster</strong> Medal on behalf of Harris who passed away in December 2006. Lamont thanked Cooper for the honor and shared with attendees his father’s passion for <strong>Brewster</strong> and belief in Smith’s vision for the school. It was a partnership that worked well, Lamont said. Nick appreciated the amazing location and campus and was impressed with the school’s intention for beautification through the master plan, he added. Lamont recognized that his father was more comfortable providing support behind the scenes, and the irony of Nick not being present for the party. Lamont assured guests that “it really means a lot to us to know that dad’s generosity Dr. Michael E. Cooper welcomed guests and honorees to the event and began the ceremony by posthumously recognizing Harris for his long, loyal partnership and generous support of <strong>Brewster</strong> and his caring, compassionate, and vibrant spirit. The Harris family has had a long relationship with <strong>Brewster</strong> that began in 1981 when Lamont Harris ‘84 joined the <strong>Brewster</strong> community as a sophomore and was followed soon after by his brother Henry ’88. Nick and Penny Harris were active and appreciative parents who recognized the importance of a strong partnership with Headmaster Smith and were committed to ensuring that the quality of program and needs of the school would be supported. Smith and Harris communicated often about the vision and direction of the school, and Harris was instrumental in providing the financial foundation and personal endorsement needed to support the school’s first master plan created by the board of trustees. The Harris’ unwavering support saw the completion of capital projects including Harris House – a boys’ dormitory – and the Harris Hall amphitheater in the Academic Building. Cooper applauded Harris’ extraordinary example of partnership and extended service to the school beyond his active parent years and held his example out to all as a model for what <strong>Brewster</strong> Acadhas made a difference in so many lives that have passed through the halls of <strong>Brewster</strong>.” Daniel T. Mudge (Tapley-Ann ‘98 and Ashley ‘02), president of the board of trustees, presented the second <strong>Brewster</strong> Medal to David M. Smith – the youngest and longest serving headmaster of <strong>Brewster</strong> <strong>Academy</strong>, from 1974 to 2003. Smith’s distinguished career and trans- 4 <strong><strong>Brewster</strong>Connections</strong> • Spring 2009 • www.brewsteracademy.org • 5