Advice, Adventures, and Gratitude: Curvey Scholars Reflect
The Curvey Scholar Program at Brewster is celebrating more than 15 years of supporting local students from the Lakes Region area and their families with financial assistance. In that time, the program has expanded to provide extraordinary travel opportunities in North America through the Curvey Fellowship and a scholarship to a Brewster student with financial need to attend Villanova University (benefactor James Curvey’s alma mater).
The annual Curvey Scholar Fall event was last Thursday evening at the Pinckney Boathouse. All current Curvey Scholars and their families attended along with Mr. Scott Curvey representing the Curvey family. Scott shared his father’s motivation and determination to provide educational experiences to deserving young people and reflected on the impact at both Brewster Academy and Villanova University. Scott and Jeff Curvey (Scott’s brother) have worked closely with their dad, working with each community program to continue the legacy of engaged philanthropy, a highlight of James Curvey’s commitment to active participation in the organizations that he supports.
As has become tradition, Curvey Scholars shared their personal reflections, focused on sharing advice with each other, life lessons learned from Mr. Curvey, and personal goals for their Brewster experience. Seniors Caitlin Cliche and Casey Shea led the program, and the gathered friends and family heard from sophomores Audrina Crowell, Zack Linscott, and Chloe McLain; juniors Izzy Bailey and Anelya Caesar; and first year students Kaaloni Boisvert, Ever Sarnoff, and Charlie Tucker.
The students shared thoughts on the importance of maximizing their time at Brewster and soaking up the diversity and depth of offerings. They reflected on the impact of the travel and global experiences they had as students and applying Mr. Curvey’s valued words of wisdom and life experiences they have learned over the years. Collectively the students revealed their personal gratitude to Mr. Curvey and his family.
On Friday morning, the school community heard from Lilly Grace ’21 who was the first Curvey Scholar selected by Villanova University in 2021. Head of School Kristy Kerin began the All-School Meeting by highlighting the legacy of James Curvey. “We are honored to have Mr. Curvey with us today. He epitomizes a life of purpose. Someone who came from a truly humble background, and pursued an education at Villanova because he understood it was an essential component to his life’s path. And, ultimately, he applied his success by helping students to achieve theirs.”
Ms. Kerin continued, “He is a dedicated philanthropist who invests his time in these efforts. An investment in something that has a broad and impactful outcome and has become a legacy that is an example for others who choose to make a difference.”
Lynne Palmer, James C. Curvey Endowed Program Director, introduced Lilly Grace. Mrs. Palmer shared that Lilly graduated from Villanova in May of 2025 with a BA in Psychology with a minor in Education and Communications, and that she is currently pursuing a masters/specialists program at William James College in Boston. According to Mrs. Palmer, Lilly’s Curvey Fellowship from Villanova focused on learning more about her family heritage and roots. As she traveled throughout Europe for multiple weeks, she pursued experiences that provided her a greater understanding of her shared Jewish and Scottish ancestries.
Lilly was excited to return to her Brewster roots and spoke highly of how both Brewster and Villanova prepared her and encouraged her professional direction to help others. As she thought about her travel experience, she remembered the guidance of Mr. Curvey to step outside your comfort zone. The times she traveled alone challenged her, but she also took pride in the fact that she could do it. Lilly encouraged Brewster students to take advantage of every travel opportunity while at school and to push themselves to be uncomfortable. Her travels began in Austria and ended in London—with more than seven countries visited. Her journey included moments that she was unprepared for and she strongly encouraged her audience to always have a backup plan for when those moments happen. She also advised students to step back from technology and be present in the moment.
Lilly took some thoughtful questions from students and faculty alike and graciously acknowledged Mr. Curvey’s influence along with teacher Maria Found, who introduced her to the importance of community service. The All-School culminated two days of celebrating impact, commitment, and lives of purpose.
