The Daniel and Jane Carpenter Award was established in 2006 by Daniel M. Cain ’64 in honor of the late Daniel and Jane Carpenter and their commitment to, and support of, The Williston Northampton School, its students, parents and alumni. This award is given to an alumna or alumnus who through “effort and energy” as well as financial contribution, has had a substantial impact on the school.
In the early 1960s, Teak’s family home in Holyoke, Massachusetts, was far enough away from campus to require Thomas “Teak” Kelley to board at Williston for his three years as a student. He was a member of the golf and soccer teams and captained the ski team his senior year. Teak was in the Glee Club and travelled with his clubmates to sing at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. He also performed in many productions for the Dramatic Club, headed up by the other Tom Kelley on campus at the time, English teacher and drama club director, Thomas A. Kelley Jr. It was he who was responsible for the nom de plume “Teak.”
After graduation in 1965, Teak entered St. Michael’s College in Vermont, where he continued his love of skiing; he captained his team senior year and was the NCAA College Division Alpine Champion in 1969. He was inducted into St. Michael’s Athletic Hall of Fame for skiing and soccer. A dean’s list student, Teak was also an elected class officer, serving for three years. In the fall of 1969, after graduating from St. Mike’s, Teak taught English at Williston Academy as a substitute during the fall semester. He finished the school year at Holyoke High School, and returned to Williston to teach summer school. In the fall of 1970, Teak studied at Boston College Law School, where he was elected class president, serving for three years. He then practiced law in Massachusetts, concentrating in civil litigation.
Recently retired, Teak now spends time traveling with his wife of 45 years, Denise. They divide their time between winters in southwest Florida and New England. He has been called upon to sit as a mediator/arbitrator in civil cases, enjoys golf, and spending time with their son, daughter and grandson.
Teak has long been an active volunteer for Williston, participating in many phonathons, and serving as chair of his reunion committees. He has supported the Williston Northampton Fund for 54 consecutive years and has attended every class reunion since graduation. His most satisfying association with Williston, he says, has been serving as class agent for the class of 1965 for many years. The “Guys of ’65” are quick to admit that they continue to share a rewarding connection to their classmates and Williston Academy through the Class Notes section of the Bulletin.
