People Type: Donor

Laurie and Jim Lamp

Laurie and Jim Lamp are the proud parents of four Derryfield graduates and are tireless volunteers. When their kids were students, they hosted admission events at their home, they helped at grandparents’ day, the annual auction, and so much more. They have both served as Trustees: Laurie from 2007 – 2009, and Jim from 2015 through today. As the Chair of the Buildings & Grounds Committee of the Board, Jim’s expertise can be seen throughout campus. Laurie says that “for a total of 28 years combined, Derryfield gave to our family. We’re paying it forward!” With support from families like the Lamps, the Derryfield tradition of paying it forward will continue for years to come.

Carolyn ’05 & Mike Leary

Carolyn and Mike Leary both feel lucky to experience Derryfield, albeit in different capacities. Carolyn is an alumna from the class of 2005 and attended from 7–12th grade. Shortly after Carolyn and Mike’s wedding in 2014 (with Carolyn’s best DS friend as bridesmaid!) they decided to move back to New Hampshire. The following day, Derryfield posted a job for an upper school Latin teacher and Mike joined the faculty in 2015. In addition to his faculty role, he serves as the world language department chair, and the DS boys’ varsity tennis coach.

For many years, as an alumna and faculty member respectively, Carolyn and Mike have made gifts to support The Derryfield Fund. “…our appreciation for education was supported and strengthened from a young age.” The Derryfield community has been a central component of their shared lives. “We are proud to support the mission of the School and hope Derryfield students will always feel encouraged to pursue their passions, having confidence the School will guide them along the way. Derryfield has always encouraged all talents, through both academics and extracurriculars, and we hope our gifts will continue to grow the many programs that speak to the diverse, creative, and engaged student community.” 

For the Leary family, the value of being a part of the Derryfield community extends beyond classroom experiences. “We love the feeling of a close, connected, and supportive community that Derryfield provides. It is truly impossible to feel alone in any endeavor as a Derryfield family. Living just down the street from the School, we bring our two children, with a third on the way, to cheer on DS teams. This affords us the opportunity to connect with other young faculty families or parents of current students who share advice and encouragement.” Mike has been able to provide creative, innovative opportunities for his students with the support of administration, giving him the opportunity to feel professional fulfillment. Carolyn enhances many Derryfield events, including Grandfriends’ Day and leadership giving receptions, by way of her event planning business. She also serves as a member of the Breakthrough Manchester Advisory Committee.  

“We hope all alumni of Derryfield understand the power of a Derryfield experience—not just a Derryfield education. Being a part of the DS community is a gift, no matter how you remain connected to the School, and the Derryfield experience shapes your life long beyond your days on campus. Pursue the degree you wish (even if it feels a bit off the path—like classics or anthropology!), engage with your local community, or connect with another Derryfield family to better understand your shared values.”

Lauren and Paul Leyden 

Paul and Lauren Leyden P’11, P’16 have been inspired by Mary Carter’s vision of excellence for the School. They envision a future where Derryfield remains a clear and established jewel on River Road. Paul says, “People before us gave so our daughters could have the experience they did. We give so children in the future will have the opportunity that they did– to come to a place that is warm and accepting, that will challenge them, to learn in exciting ways, and to leave Derryfield proud of their experience.”

Tracy and Joe Matarese

Tracy and Joe believe that education is enormously important for enrichment in life. “Education is not just about learning math and English. These new facilities not only provide world class spaces, but elevate the program.” Since their daughter started at Derryfield in 2013, they have seen the well-rounded approach to education and admire that whether your interests lie in athletics, in the theater, in math, or the humanities, “Derryfield can accommodate that; nothing is dominant.” Joe shared that “Derryfield is a model for others to see what is achievable.” The Matareses were inspired by the opportunity to elevate math and science at Derryfield, which will have “profound effects for society moving forward. It will attract more girls, which will increase a pool of talent. Society benefits when we have more scientists. When you have an opportunity to build a center like that it brings focus to the program.” At the same time, they value health, wellness, nutrition, and exercise. The new Athletic & Wellness Center is a great opportunity to teach students about health and wellness.

Joe shared his philosophy on giving back: “Learn, earn, and then return. I spent a lot of my life learning, a good part earning, and if you have the opportunity to return it is very fulfilling. It’s important to pick things that matter, there are so many great causes. Derryfield has demonstrated a meaningful impact. When you think about the 400 students per year for 30 years who will be impacted by these spaces, that’s thousands of kids.”

Jamie and Jamie Pagliocco

When you talk with Jamie and Jamie Pagliocco you discover that there are many reasons they support the School. They are passionate about education, and they find joy in discovering ways to give back. You can find them at every theater production helping in a myriad of ways, and as enthusiastic audience members. When asked why they were inspired by this campaign, they shared, “We support Derryfield so that the School can continue to educate bright kids who are truly remarkable human beings.” They are inspired by the faculty who work tirelessly in the classrooms, on the sports fields, and in the arts to develop students as well-rounded, kind, and caring individuals.

Ellie Small

Ellie Small is entering her second year at The George Washington University, where she is studying political science on a pre-law track. While a student at Derryfield, Ellie’s interest in public policy and legislation was sparked during her Independent Senior Project (ISP). “My ISP was a formative experience for me as I researched and developed repatriation guides that provided legal and social aid to undocumented immigrants facing deportation in New Hampshire.” 

Ellie made a lasting impression on the Derryfield community. “I had the opportunity to lean into various leadership roles while exploring my academic interests in the humanities. I served as All School President, head of the Equity Club, captain of Mock Trial, and captain of the varsity alpine ski team. I also completed over 350 hours of community service and played three sports (field hockey, alpine, lacrosse). I am grateful to have had multiple fantastic women leaders (Carter, Shutz, Stimpson, Boesch) who mentored me and helped me establish my own leadership skills.”

For the past two summers, Ellie has returned to Derryfield as a Philanthropy & Engagement intern, where she has learned how crucial giving is to the health of the School. “I was fortunate to benefit from the impacts of generous gifts from donors while I was a student, and Derryfield continues to support my career as I network with fellow alums and learn from others in my field.” Ellie elected to give back to Derryfield by becoming a Sanborn Society member. The Sanborn Society, named for beloved faculty member Chuck Sanborn, recognizes donors who make recurring monthly contributions to The Derryfield Fund. Donors can choose to make a monthly gift in any amount, and these gifts provide steady and reliable funding for the School. 

Ellie chose to designate her gift to equity and belonging (E&B) initiatives at Derryfield. Annual fund gifts that support this initiative provide access to E&B conferences and training for faculty and staff, diversity and inclusion speakers for the school community, as well as support for student clubs such as GLOW (Gay Lesbian or Whatever), BIPOC (Black Indigineous and People of Color), the Multicultural Student Union, and more. “While I was leading Equity Club at DS, we had hopes of creating affinity spaces, conference opportunities, and DEI training, among other things, but the School did not have the funds to support [all of our ideas]. As an alumna, it is important to me that I give what I can to support diversity and justice at Derryfield, while highlighting key student initiatives.

In addition to continuing her education at GWU, Ellie has the honor of working as a legislative intern for NH Senator Jeanne Shaheen on Capitol Hill. Her hope is to “grow a career in law and policy. I plan to attend law school after undergrad and am considering completing a masters in public policy. I am passionate about human rights, immigration reform, climate initiatives, common-sense gun legislation, and many more social issues.” We wish Ellie the best of luck as she continues her endeavors!

Bill and Michele Zorn

Bill’s two children, Alex ’11 and Tyler ’14, went to Derryfield, but his involvement with the School did not end on graduation day. Knowing the tremendous impact Derryfield had on his children and family, he was delighted to give back. An accomplished attorney and Derryfield board member from 2008 through 2017, Bill brought his thoughtful analysis and planning skills to the campaign, along with his experience volunteering on other successful capital campaigns.

Bill shared that he stepped up as a leader of the Thinking Forward campaign because of the phenomenal experience that his sons had at Derryfield. “The dedication of the faculty, and the student to teacher ratio, allowed each of them to grow in ways that surprised the whole family.” Bill has been inspired by Dr. Carter’s leadership and the exceptional members of the Board of Trustees, and he envisions many more years of Derryfield challenging and nurturing students in ways they would never expect.