A Magical Milestone: The Rec Ribbon Cutting

On Friday, May 8, the SCH Academy community celebrated a historic milestone during Alumni Weekend with the official Ribbon Cutting and Dedication of The Rec. The event took place amidst the enchanting run of the Players’ production of Cinderella, drawing hundreds of alumni, families, donors, faculty, staff, and friends to witness the building's transformation.

Former Players president J. Bruce Whelihan ’60, whose generous donation and steadfast commitment ensure The Rec will remain a state-of-the-art space for future generations, shared his admiration for the program’s immense student talent: “Shakespeare in Hamlet wrote, ‘The play’s the thing.’ I think the Players are the thing.” The building is given in honor of Whelihan’s Class of 1960.

The ceremony honored the building's long history as it transitions into a modern hub for the arts. “This building has served Chestnut Hill and our school,” said Head of School Steve Druggan. “It’s been a stable, it’s been an athletics facility, it’s been a performing arts center. After 40ish years, it needed a lot of love, and we stand here today just six weeks away from an occupancy permit. I hope you take pride in the renovation of this space for the next generation.”

Vicki McNeil Le Vine ’75 recalled her journey from playing badminton in the once "unremarkable" facility to finding her passion for the arts through the Players, noting the importance of early arts exposure. 

In recognizing Vicki McNeil Le Vine, Megan Monaghan, director of the Arts at SCH, said that Le Vine’s support helps bring to life “a stunning lobby that will greet every cast and crew member as they bring future productions to life in bold new ways within this beloved space, while also setting the tone for each audience member’s experience.” Le Vine also established the Class of 1957 Rec Legacy Fund to ensure continued care of The Rec.

“The Rec transformation honors decades of artistry and tradition while opening the door to new levels of creativity, collaboration, and ambition for our students,” said Monaghan.

After Dick Hayne P’11, P’08, former Board of Trustees chair and longtime supporter of SCH, spoke on the project’s role in the final phase of the Campus Master Plan, with thanks to the Restore The Rec committee chairs Caroline Estey King P’17, P’19 and Barry Shannon ’70, the dedication reached a whimsical conclusion. With a wave of her wand and a cry of “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,” 8th grader Grace Talbot joined the Players’ co-presidents, Joanna Leon-Palfrey '26 and Colin Salas '26, to officially "open" the space. While construction will be fully completed this summer, the SCH community is looking forward to a grand return to the stage this fall.