What started as a simple question — What if reunions were for everyone? — has grown into an all-school and community celebration that’s redefining what it means to come home. For the second year in a row, about 80 people attended the “Montpelier Alumni Roundup,” a high school reunion for all classes and for those involved with Montpelier High School, on July 18 and 19.
The event was spearheaded by Mary Campo McPheat, class of ‘03, as her 20th reunion approached.
“Being from a small school, it isn’t just about your class,” McPheat said. “It’s about the people above and below you, your teachers, coaches, and the community.”
Her vision quickly gained traction, leading to a Facebook group with over 1,400 members and ultimately turned into what she deemed the Montpelier Alumni Roundup. In 2023, the event was cancelled because of flooding. In 2024, it kicked off successfully. This year, McPheat and others hoped for greater growth for future years. “The more people that attend, the better it is for everyone.” McPheat shared.
Last year, a team of organizers sold tickets for multiple events. This year, McPheat has done the bulk of the planning, advertising, and organizing, with the help of local sponsors. She worked to remove roadblocks for attendance and aimed to “meet people where they are,” with something for everyone, whether that’s bringing kids to the ballgame, relaxing in the beer garden, or staying out late with old friends.
Her long-term vision includes even more community involvement: Think special menu items, lodging discounts, possibly a race or parade. While organizing largely through Facebook helps, it’s become a year-round effort, McPheat said.
But, “The best part,” she said, “is seeing students reconnect with a coach or teacher and tell them how much they mattered when neither of them might have otherwise been able to have that experience.”
Attendees range from classes 1952 through 2023.
“You attend a class reunion and it’s great to see everyone but after a short while it’s like you’re back in high school, whereas this offers a better opportunity to get to know people you would not otherwise know. Being that I was incredibly shy growing up and was not as interested in getting to know others back then, this gives me a second chance to do that.” Said Richard Brock, class of 1963.
Marshall Donahue, (‘21) noted: “It’s great to see members of your class, but Montpelier is a small, tightly woven community, so you had friends in other classes and were close with teachers and coaches. Having a brother who graduated from there it’s also nice to have him there.”
Dave Thomas (‘07) agreed. “Even if I did not own a business in town, I would 100% still go to these events. My two siblings also attended MHS. It’s nice to be able to share this with all of them.”
Brian Gallagher, MHS physical education teacher and Vermont Mountaineers general manager said he recently recruited Andrew Tringe (’23) and Marshall Donahue (’21) to the Mountaineers. He’s said he’s happy to see former student and athlete Sean O’Regan (’99), now head coach of the James Madison University women’s basketball team and a Coach of the Year honoree. “It’s amazing to see someone you taught, coached, and watched grow up find that kind of success,” Gallagher said.
Both Donahue (’21) and Tringe (’23) credited Montpelier’s teachers and coaches as major influences on their success. “The biggest impact came from Coach Logan Cooke,” Donahue shared. “He pushed me to grow not just as an athlete, but as a person. He focused on character, helping us carry lessons from the field into everyday life.”
Joy Thomas, longtime school registrar and mother of three MHS grads, said the school “is such a tight community and parents are extremely supportive. I love watching students come full circle, going through the system and coming back to work in and support the school system.”
Dave Thomas (’07) reflected on the inclusive spirit of Montpelier schools, highlighting teacher Kerrin McCadden as someone who “showed zero judgment toward anyone. She taught students of all abilities and ambitions with the same respect and care.”
Michael Duplessis (’96) shared how his perspective on teachers shifted thanks to former principal Peter Clarke. “At first, I saw him as a buttoned-up nerd,” he laughed. “Then he started hosting after-school ‘coffee shops,’ open mic events where teachers and students performed. Suddenly, you saw a whole new side to them.” Clarke, it turned out, was a singer-songwriter who had once sailed around the world solo. He also taught with a policy ‘you’re here to learn, not to be judged.’ He would let you rewrite a paper as many times as needed. Instead of an arbitrary time to know what you need to, it was on your timeline. This was a more realistic way of learning.”
It wasn’t just students who came away with lasting lessons. Joe Sweeney, former head coach of Montpelier Girls Basketball and AP U.S. History teacher, reflected on how his views evolved over the years. Initially hesitant to put freshmen on varsity teams or coach girls, he soon realized both were opportunities for growth. “I had a new offense I wanted to run,” he recalled. “The team gave it their all, but it wasn’t working. The captain asked if we could return to the old system, and once we did, everything clicked. They would’ve run through a wall for me.”
Sweeney, who looks forward to reconnecting with former students and athletes, shared pride in seeing where they’ve landed — college athletes, marine biologists, dentists. He credited players like Leslie Mencia for challenging his assumptions, and when asked who made the biggest impact on him, he named Christine Aldrich, Lindsay Graff, Lindsay Herbert, and Carmen Lagala — all from the class of 2003. “Co-captains, state champions, and leaders in every way. They inspired me with their humility, work ethic, and integrity — and still do.”
The event kicked off this year at the Mountaineers baseball game on Friday evening, where they recognized Montpelier’s three championship teams: boys basketball (fifth consecutive win), girls Nordic ski, and boys ultimate frisbee.
The event continued on Saturday, with the Langdon Street Block Party, hosted by Langdon Street Tavern (owned by Dave Thomas, ’07) featuring the Gallison Hill Band (parents of current Montpelier students) and Pluto Rising (with Mike Duplessis, ’96, and Christiana Athena-Blackwell, MSMS Choir Director).
