People in the region recently learned what people at Wilbraham & Monson Academy already know.

In the 2016 Reader Raves, which was published Sept. 20 in the local newspaper, "The Republican," the Academy was voted the Best Private School in Western Massachusetts.

"Of course, we are extraordinarily proud of WMA and the accomplishments of our students and our program, but it is a wonderful affirmation to hear that so many other people agree," Head of School Brian Easler said. "WMA is a magical place where hard work abounds in a nurturing and supportive community. We are fortunate to be so involved in so many of our students' lofty dreams becoming reality."

More than 67,000 people participated in this year's Reader Raves, voting on 100 categories, ranging from Best Local Bank to Best Doughnuts.

"This award is particularly meaningful because we are surrounded by such fine and first-rate private school neighbors," Mr. Easler added. "To be honored in this way, by those who know us best, is a special tribute to the hard work and dedication our faculty and staff put in, day and night, to create the WMA student experience."

WMA, which dates back to 1804 and was the first school in the United States to educate students from China, enrolls more than 400 students from 24 countries. Here's what WMA students from around the world had to say about the Academy:

• Phillip Borninkhof '16, Netherlands: "WMA is amazing. It feels like the community is one family."
• Allie Collins-Anderson '16, Wilbraham: "I've been here seven years. When I give tours to families I tell them I wouldn't have stayed if I didn't love it. One of the main reasons I stayed was because of the Global Scholars program. I wouldn't have had nearly the opportunities I've had because of that. Also, and it's silly, but the senior stones ... that's something that's so unique about this school. No other school has it and I'll always feel like I'm here. Lastly, and I know it's cheesy, but the people ... the teachers are incredible, and Head of School is my advisor. We're so small it's easy to know each other and to know each other well. I love walking up and down the hill and saying 'hi' to every person I see."
• Ikas de Brito Trindade '17, Angola: "WMA is a preparatory school for the modern world. The diverse environment that it offers reflects a world that is increasingly interconnected. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff and student body, we can create a home for students from all over the world."
• Baccio Galletti '16, Italy: "Coming here I was able to meet a new culture and meet new people. It's comfortable here because I've made so many new friends. I think it was good to leave my country to meet new people and a new culture and see how the world really works."
• Gerardo Navarro Leon '16, Mexico: "I am really enjoying my time here at WMA, mostly because since the day I arrived here everyone has been really nice to me and they all make me feel comfortable."
• Kathy Ton '16, Vietnam: "I feel so welcome at WMA. It's like a second home to me. My dorm parents are like real parents and my dorm mates are like siblings. The support that I get from my friends and my teachers helps me cope with the fact that I'm 8,000 miles from home."
• Carly Venditti '16, Wolcott, Conn.: "Interviewing here was different than when I interviewed at other private schools. I got a welcoming feeling here. The Admission staff was amazing, and beyond that, when I came for my Shadow Day visit, the feel I got from the faculty and the school was something that I enjoyed and liked."
• Xinyu "Tony" Zhang '16, China: "WMA feels like home even though I'm 6,000 miles away from my parents."

One game after looking like the very young team that it is, the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Girls' Soccer team looked like the championship team from last season.

Led by three goals from Katie Cronin '17, WMA beat visiting Berkshire School 4-1 Sept. 23 to win its first game of the season. The Academy lost its 2015 opener the previous week to Kingswood Oxford School.

"I really think we played better as a team," said Coach Don Nicholson, who graduated a number of key players from last year's league championship squad. "The first game, with the new players this year, I think there were some jitters. We have some young players – seventh graders and freshmen – who were playing their first varsity game."

"Today was one of the days that we really came together as a team," Katie added. "We passed well and connected and we got it done. I'm really proud of everyone. We've been working hard at practice and it paid off."

Katie got it done against Berkshire. Along with her three goals, she also assisted on a goal by Annika Bruce's '17.

"Katie works hard and finishes games," Coach Nicholson said. "She is deadly around the goal. She worked for 80 minutes. The other girls look to her. Half of that game Berkshire was doubling her up, but she has a way to turn. Most defenders can't stay with her. She just has an eye and an instinct to look for the goal."

Wilbraham & Monson Academy's Football team made big play after big play on both sides of the ball as the Titans defeated St. Luke's School 31-22 Sept. 26 at the WMA turf.

It was the season-opener for WMA, which held the Connecticut day school scoreless in the second half.

"St. Luke's had already played a game two weeks ago and they won," WMA Coach Jeff Vartabedian said. "They had two weeks to prepare for us. They were a bowl team last year, and from what I can tell they had a lot of their top guys back. We knew we had our hands full but I thought our defensive front set a great tone in controlling the run game. That was our biggest focus for the game."

Quarterback Jack Faulstick '16 had a great game, throwing for 225 yards and three touchdowns. He rushed for another score. Steve Puzzo '16 (21 yards), Alex Claudio '17 (57) and Craig Green '16 (25) all caught touchdown passes.

There were just as many big plays on the defensive side of the ball, which ultimately determined the game. Tyler Lennon '17 intercepted a pass, and Alex and Inal Sibekov '17 forced fumbles. The Titans didn't turn the ball over.

"We were a little disappointed to go into halftime down (22-17) because we felt we should have been up before they scored with less than seven seconds to go," Coach Vartabedian said. "But the guys were confident in how we were playing, and our defense was relentless in the second half. We didn't give them any long plays, caused a fumble on the goal line, and the offense kept making explosive plays in the second half. It was never easy, never comfortable, but when we got a two-score lead we were able to burn some clock and the defense kept them at bay."

Alex and Nate Towle '18 both had seven tackles, and James Halloran '16 had six. Filip Vukelic '16 had two of the Titans' six sacks. Filip also kicked a 25-yard field goal, and made all four of his extra point attempts.

Much like its first game of the season, the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Field Hockey team broke a scoreless deadlock in the closing minutes to beat Hamden Hall Country Day School 1-0 Sept. 26 at the turf.

Sydney Liptak '16 scored off of a rebound with less than six minutes to play as the Titans pushed their record to 2-0-1.

"We're doing a very good job trusting our teammates," said Jenny English '17, who played all game with a high level of intensity at forward and midfield. "The team has been working hard on the field and has been giving 110%."

The Titans got 110% from four of their middle school players. Laurel Vartabedian '21, Charlotte Kindblom '21 and Charlotte Derose '21 gave WMA quality minutes, and defender Claire Thomas '20 cleared a dangerous ball away in the last minute. Goalie Megan Wells made eight saves for the team's second shutout in three games.

Wilbraham & Monson Academy will continue one of its recent traditions when the Girls' Volleyball team competes against Ludlow High School in a Spike for the Cure event.

The sixth annual match will be held at Ludlow Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. Spike for the Cure is a national fundraiser in the fight against cancer.

"It's great we've been able to do this for six years now, even though there's a new coach at Ludlow," WMA Coach Donna Barone said. "The fact that it doesn't matter whether we're a private school or public school, it's all for the cause."

This year's proceeds will be raised in honor of a Ludlow janitor who died of multiple myeloma, which is a cancer of the plasma cells.

WMA and Ludlow collected approximately $10,000 in the first five years of the fundraiser.

"The team definitely has more fun with this match," Coach Barone said. "It's not about the winning. We can mix things up and everyone gets an opportunity to play. I think it's good for the fans that teenagers can do a charitable event and have fun with it, but still understand the seriousness of the mission."

In a show of thanks, respect and strength, the Class of 2016 did something no other class in the history of Wilbraham & Monson Academy has ever accomplished.

Led by the Class of 2016 officers and prefects, all 103 seniors and postgraduates donated money toward its class gift for the Academy during a six-day period in September.

"Annual Fund giving for current students isn't about raising money," Head of School Brian Easler explained. "It's not about the amount or the collection of money from the current students. For me, it's the message that gets sent. Everything we do sends a message.

"The fact that everyone in the class participated in the Annual Fund sends the message that the Class of 2016 cares about the Academy, cares about the experience they have had here, what it means to them, and that they want it to mean something to everyone else. To me, that's incredibly powerful. One hundred percent participation sends that message."

The Class of 2016 will purchase four all-weather Adirondack chairs, which will be placed at the front of Rich Hall year-round for the students and faculty to enjoy. The class already had enough money for the chairs entering the school year, however, the leaders wanted the class to make its mark on the school by doing something no other class had done, which resulted in a new standard being set in regards to class giving.

"It's important to donate to the Academy for the school's continued success," said David Little, a four-time Class of 2016 officer. "With the 100% participation rate, we're hoping we set the bar for future classes as well as help create a strong class bond for reunions as we move on to becoming alumni."

Along with David, the class officers and prefects who led the historic effort were: Arman Ahmed, Chang-Yi "Eric" Chou, Asaiah Edwards, Jack Faulstick, Jahkeem Hunt, Colin O'Brien, Carly Venditti, Junhao "Mark" Xu, Xinyu "Tony" Zhang and Geqiong "Luciar" Zhao.

Below are quotes from members of the Class of 2016 on why they donated toward the class gift for the Academy:

Arman Ahmed: "To quote Elon Musk, 'I could either watch it happen, or be part of it.'"

Nichole Czuber: "I want to leave a part of me for the school after I graduate, and donating to the senior class gift seems like a perfect way to do that."

"Bee" Daloonpet: "I think it's just a really simple and amazing way for our class to show our appreciation for the school."

Payton Grande: "WMA has shaped me to be the person I am today over the past four years. I thought it only fair to give a little something back."

James Halloran: "My reason for donating to the Class of 2016 senior gift is simply because I have spent four years here at WMA and the school has done so much for me, from shaping me to become a better person than I had portrayed myself to be and take my academic life much more seriously. WMA has given me my sense of independence and self-reliance, which matured me very quickly and I feel I have gained a lot since I first stepped foot on this campus. For that I feel as if I owe the school as much as I can possibly offer."

Yingwen "Phoebe" Jiang: "WMA is a wonderful place. The Class of 2016 is and will always be my favorite and I'm so glad that we have a chance to do something for WMA before our graduation. I'm really proud of Class of 2016 for creating history and doing amazing things that have not been done before!"

Junhao Xu: "I donated toward my class gift because I wanted to help my class in achieving 100% participation. A class gift can be an epitome of what the Class of 2016 is: a truly global and helpful community of students who appreciate their experience at Wilbraham & Monson Academy."

Go Wildcats!

Wilbraham & Monson Academy's Wenyen Gabriel '16, one of the most sought-after high school boys' basketball recruits in the Class of 2016, verbally committed to the University of Kentucky Oct. 1.

Accompanied by WMA Coach Mike Mannix, Wenyen made his announcement at ESPN in Bristol, Conn.

"It's been like a dream, and hectic," said Wenyen, a 6-foot, 10-inch, 195-pound forward. "Going into the summer, I didn't know what to expect. Having it go this way is great. I learned a lot from a whole lot of people during the recruiting process. It's done a lot for me but it's taken a lot of time, but it's obviously worth it in the end. I feel confident in my decision. At times it got overwhelming and I had to go away from my phone, but I'm happy where I'm at right now."

Wenyen, the #23rd ranked player in the senior class by ESPN, had narrowed his choices to Kentucky, Duke, Maryland, Connecticut and Providence before selecting the long-time college basketball giant and its Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach, John Calipari.

"I really likes Cal's vision for me and I like how he recruited me," Wenyen explained. "He took my recruitment into his own hands. It made me feel special how he recruited me. Also, I like how his vision . . . me going to Kentucky, I don't have to be a certain type of player someone wants me to be. I can be who I am and play how I play: play hard, block shots, defend and not get locked into a position."

"I think he made a great choice," Coach Mannix added. "With all five schools that were involved late, no matter what he decided he was going to pick a great situation. When it came down to making his choice, he wanted to go to a place where his vision and goals gelled with the head coach, and I think that's what he saw in Coach Calipari. I think in the end Wenyen went with his heart. Kentucky's a smart choice."

Wenyen said he appreciated the support and privacy the WMA administration, faculty and students gave him during the recruiting process, and he's ready to move forward and focus on the Academy's Boys' Basketball season.

Click here to watch a video of Wilbraham & Monson Academy's Wenyen Gabriel '16 committing to play basketball at Kentucky on ESPN on Oct. 1.

Click here to read a story on Aaron Louis '15 being named Liberty League Rookie of the Week for Hobart College football.

Winning is fun; getting revenge is better.

Two weeks after losing in straight sets to Worcester Academy, the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Girls' Volleyball team gained its best win of the season with a sweep over the Hilltoppers at home on Oct. 10.

The Titans controlled the majority of the match, winning 25-13, 25-21 and 25-15.

"I thought it was a great team effort," Coach Donna Barone said. "There was no one superstar: they were all great. If you looked at the statistics, it was divided equally. Our serving percentage was 92 percent. I think we took Worcester by surprise having lost to them two weeks ago."

The Academy received strong serving from Courtney Fallon '17, Gabriella Leary '17 and Carly Venditti '16.

"I think our team really pulled together. We played extremely well together," said Courtney, who missed the first match against Worcester. "We talked a lot better and we didn't get down when we lost a point. We got back up."

WMA played nearly 200 points of volleyball less than 24 hours before the Worcester match in a Spike for the Cure fundraiser against Ludlow High School.

Click here to read a story about Alex Baltazar '15 scoring twice for Connecticut College in a loss to Bates.

Click here to read a story about Matt Naumec '15 leading the Boston College golf team.

Whether it's working on a patent for Wilbraham & Monson Academy, leading the charge for the school's Community Service team or serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Academy's newspaper, James Sabatino '16 is out in front when it comes to being involved at WMA.

And for the second year in a row, James will be involved outside of the Academy in a meaningful role, serving on the District Attorney Youth Advisory Board for Hampden County D.A. Anthony Gulluni '99. James was selected to be the vice-president of the board this year, which consists of 40 high school students from the region.

"Last year I joined so I could have a bigger impact in the community," James said. "I was already fairly active and I saw this as a bigger reach to get out into more communities."

He soon did, organizing and acting as the lead presenter to elementary school students on a hot topic.

"Last year I went to Munger Hill Elementary School in Westfield and gave an Internet safety presentation to fourth and fifth graders," James said. "I also gave a presentation at the MassMutual Center on behalf of the District Attorney to convey to the adults in the audience what high school teenagers face the most in regards to texting and social media, and what can be going on behind a parent's back and what is really happening in the teenage realm."

This year, the Youth Advisory Board will keep its theme of Internet safety. However, it plans to direct more of the group's efforts toward parents.

"We're trying to talk to more students, from elementary to middle school, and we're trying to talk to the parents so they are more aware of what's going on," James explained.

James is aware of the opportunity he has to work with the District Attorney, who serves as the top cop of the Greater Springfield area.

Emma Kindblom '17, widely regarded as the best player in the history of the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Softball program, has verbally committed to play at Manhattan College.

Emma, a 5-foot-9 power-hitting shortstop, made her decision Oct. 16 and contacted the coach the following day to play at the Division I school, which is a member of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference in the Bronx, N.Y.

"It feels unreal," Emma said. "It's such a great opportunity and I'm real excited for it."

"It was a good ride. It was a good process but it feels like a relief to know what's going to happen now."

Emma was recruited by a number of colleges, including multiple Division I programs from the MAAC and America East. Much like school, the high honors student did her homework in regards to the college process, and the more she visited Manhattan, the more she liked it.

"I've been down there so many times: I've been to their fall camp three times, I've been on two unofficial visits, I've sat in on some classes and had lunch with the team," she explained. "Every time I've been there I've met someone new who was very personable and very nice."

Most importantly, Manhattan offers her desired major: exercise science/allied health.

"The academic opportunities Manhattan College provides . . . it offers great internship opportunities and practicums and availabilities for clinic hours," Emma said. "Being so close to New York City, the school has a lot of ties with sports teams."

Even though her club fall season is still going with the Mass Rapids, Emma is already looking forward to the 2016 WMA season in the spring. The Titans have qualified for the postseason the last two years, and the team brings the majority of its players back.

"We're going to do very well," Emma predicted. "We're going to be strong. We're set for pitching."

A new wrinkle to Wilbraham & Monson Academy's defense gave Canterbury School problems for much of the football game as the Titans rolled to a convincing 34-14 victory over the Saints Oct. 17 during Family Weekend.

WMA improved to 2-2, with a matchup at arch rival Williston Northampton School looming Oct. 23.

Behind the defense, which held Canterbury without a first down on its first five possessions, the Titans jumped out to a 21-0 halftime lead.

"The defense shut them down and set the tone," Coach Jeff Vartabedian said. "They enabled the offense to have some short fields and got a lot of three-and-outs and had Canterbury confused for the first half. When Canterbury started to answer a little bit in the second half our guys came back and we kept scoring.

"We showed them a new front and they didn't know what was going on. The guys stuck to the game plan. We had to stop their run game and it worked out. (Defensive coordinator Jim) Irzyk had a good game plan."

Quarterback Jack Faulstick '16 scored on a pair of runs and connected with Alex Claudio '17 on a nice 61-yard catch-and-run as WMA scored three touchdowns in the first half.

Alex scored on a three-yard run and Steve Puzzo '16 pulled down a 24-yard pass from Jack in the second half.

"The guys played really hard," Coach Vartabedian said. "We came out strong and got some turnovers, got some short fields and took advantage of it. We were in the red zone a lot and made some big plays."

WMA made big plays on defense all game. Tony Barbieri '17 intercepted a pass on Canterbury's first possession, and Dylan Dupont '16 forced a fumble and tipped a pass (leading to Tony's interception). Amir Zeisler '16 (12 tackles), Dylan (11), Alex (six), Jaelon Blandburg '16 (six) and Alexander Strange '17 (five) led the Titans' on the defensive side of the ball.

Jack completed 17 of 23 passes for 300 yards and two touchdown passes. Steve caught seven passes for 132, and Alex totaled 106 yards on five catches. Caelan Etti '17 had his best rushing game of the season, carrying the ball 17 times for 97 yards.

Even though the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Girls' Soccer team isn't as strong as it was a year ago, the 2015 team is equal to the 2014 New England runner-up when it comes to work ethic.

All those practices of working hard finally got a positive result as the Titans beat Class A Northfield Mount Hermon 4-0 on the road Oct. 21.

"Overall we played a very good team game, from our goaltending, defense, midfield to our forwards," Coach Don Nicholson '79 said. "A couple of our goals were on balls played through the Northfield defense to our feet – good combination plays. And, obviously, Katie Cronin '17 had a great game with three goals. She worked well with Annika Bruce '17.

"The girls worked hard. They've been working hard in practice. I always tell them if you can work really hard all the time, you will play great when the opportunity comes."

WMA snapped a five-game losing streak, climbing to 3-6 overall and 3-5 in New England play.

"I was proud of the team," Katie said. "We've been working hard. The last few games we've tried to turn the season around, and against Northfield we got it done."

The Titans' defense of Val MacEachern '17, Julia Sparago '17, Maria Baltazar '19 and Julia Pelletier '21 got it done all game, helping goalie Payton Grande '16 and the team post the shutout.

"Two juniors, a freshman and a seventh grader stymied a physically strong and tall Northfield team," Coach Nicholson explained. "Our girls didn't back down. We bent at times, but when they had opportunities we made sure they weren't quality opportunities. The defense was outstanding."

Katie scored twice in the first half, including once on a penalty kick after being taken down in the box, and once in the second half. Annika scored in the second half and assisted on two of Katie's scores.

The Wilbraham & Monson Academy Boys' Soccer team is finding the back of the net, and now the Titans are starting to find some wins.

Three players scored as WMA won its third game in a row with a 3-0 victory at Cheshire Academy Oct. 24.

"The boys came out and created numerous scoring chances," Coach Gary Cook said. "We struggled to finish early and it was 1-0 at the half. Cheshire had two scoring chances early in the second half and goalie Christian Mercadante '18 made one of the best saves I've seen in 35 years, and then we largely controlled the second half and scored a couple fine goals."

Jahkeem Hunt '16 scored from Macauley Rouette '18 in the first half to give the Academy a 1-0 lead. After Christian's save, Jazario Brimmer '17 knocked in a rebound off a shot by Jahkeem, and Chris Kalil '17 put the game away off a nice pass from Macauley.

WMA has scored 13 goals in its last four games, and has outscored its opponents 11-6 during its winning streak.

"We're getting more players forward at the right time, and guys are gaining confidence in finishing chances," Coach Cook said. "In the last four games we've scored as many goals as we did in the first eight. We're becoming a dangerous team, we're playing well in combination and we're not relying on any one guy anymore."

Gerardo Navarro Leon '16 played well and midfield for the Titans, and the defensive play of Brendan Kane '17 and Nick Kubacki '16 led the team to its second shutout.

Larry Bourdeau '97 opened OFF-SEASON Sports & Physical Therapy in North Andover, Mass. in 2010 and opened a second location in Watertown, Mass. last year. Larry writes, "Company is doing well now at five years old. Best news of all is I got married August 13 to the beautiful Katelyn McMahon and we now have two Siberian huskies that we dog sled with. For additional fun, because life was not busy enough, I coach masters rowing at Greater Lawrence Rowing and I dragged Katie down to the boathouse to be our coxswain. Working together and racing together with the team is fun and she has picked up rowing quickly. Hope to make it back to campus this Fall! All the BEST!

Councilman Kenyatta Johnson honored Kevin Slaughter '94 in Philadelphia for what he is doing in the community. Kevin has an All Girls' Basketball Camp and is a girls' varsity coach at Universal Audenried High School. His most famous camper is Little League World Series star Mo'ne Davis. Kevin sent a photo of a few of his players representing WMA all the way in Philadelphia.