Brighter on the Hillside

Lawrence Academy

Welcome to Brighter on the Hillside. Lawrence Academy’s first-ever podcast celebrating our community and the many ways students shine brighter during their time on campus. Hosted by our very own Dean of Students, Equity & Campus Life Dennis Canty, join us as we explore life on the Elm Tree Shaded Hillside.

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12 episodes
Avg 26 min
English

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#11
Wednesday · 22 min
Welcome Back with the Senior Cabinet: A Look at the Year Ahead
We’re back! To kick off a new school year, this year’s Senior Cabinet sits down to share their plans, goals, and hopes for the year ahead, including their hope that the student body will truly “buy in” and make the most of the year together. They reflect on their own growth as leaders, share the people who have inspired them along the way, and talk about what it means to step into leadership on the Elm Tree-Shaded Hillside.
#10
May 27 · 26 min
Before We Go: Four Seniors Reflect on Their Time at LA
It's graduation week! Four Lawrence Academy seniors sit down to reflect on their time at LA — from first impressions and favorite memories to the people and places they’ll miss most. As they prepare for their next chapters, they share honest conversations about growth, community, and what made their experience meaningful. We will miss you, Class of 2026!
#9
March 25 · 35 min
Behind the Curtain: The Making of a Musical Collaboration
Listen as Lawrence Academy students and faculty reflect on the “thrilling process” of bringing West Side Story to life in collaboration with Groton School. From early rehearsals to final performances, students share how they stretched beyond their comfort zones, grew as performers and teammates, and built deep camaraderie through a shared artistic goal. The conversation highlights the collaborative spirit behind the production, the courage it takes to be vulnerable on stage, and the lasting impact they hope this show leaves on both school communities.
#8
March 18 · 32 min
Beyond the Game: Life as a Student-Athlete at LA
In this episode of Brighter on the Hillside, we hear from Lawrence Academy student-athletes as they reflect on their athletic journeys—from first practices to defining moments in competition. They share how their skills and confidence have developed over time, the role of coaches, teammates, and mentors in supporting their growth, and the lessons they’ve carried beyond the field, court, and rink.
#7
March 13 · 35 min
Dare to Lead: Inspiring Confident, Authentic Leadership
Listen as Dennis Canty sits down with four Lawrence Academy students who truly “walk the walk” as leaders. From team captains and club leaders to Spartan Leaders and dorm proctors, they reflect on the roles they’ve held, how their leadership journeys began by feeling comfortable being their authentic selves, and what it is about the environment at LA that cultivates and celebrates student leadership.
#6
March 2 · 24 min
Recognizing Every Learner: Deep Dive into Learning Support
Listen in as host Dennis Canty sits down with our Director of Learning Support, Jen McAleer '03, and two students who have benefited from our Learning Support program. From building self-advocacy skills to strengthening time management and organization, they reflect on the meaningful skill development students experience and how the program empowers them to approach their learning at Lawrence Academy with confidence and independence.
#5
February 25 · 27 min
Dare to Do: Being Brave at LA
Join host Dennis Canty for a conversation with current students about embracing challenges, taking risks, and learning to grow beyond their comfort zones at Lawrence Academy. From stepping on stage at the talent show to stretching into more advanced coursework, LA students reflect on how a supportive, spirited community gives them the confidence to be bold — and the courage to try something new.
#4
February 17 · 38 min
Empowered for What’s Next: College Counseling at LA
Join host Dennis Canty for an inside look at Lawrence Academy’s college counseling program. In conversation with two seniors and college counselors Amy Selinger and Mia Ritter, this episode explores the mission-driven approach that shapes our work, the often-overlooked “hidden curriculum” of the college process, and the many ways our counselors recognize, inspire, support, and empower students from their first steps to their final decisions.
#3
January 15 · 24 min
Winterim: History, Purpose, and Impact on the Student Experience
Join host Dennis Canty as he sits down with Winterim Director Tony Hawgood and a senior student to explore how three Winterim experiences have helped shape her journey at LA. From the program’s purpose to its lasting impact, this episode offers a deeper look at what makes Winterim so transformative.
#2
January 12 · 29 min
Learning at LA: Three Students Reflect on their Academic Journeys
In the first episode of 2026, host Dennis Canty is joined by Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs Christine Torigian, along with three Lawrence Academy students. Together, they explore the learning experience at LA and reflect on the academic growth and support these students have experienced during their time on campus.
#1
Dec 5, 2025 · 20 min
Advisory: The Heart of the LA Experience
In our first full-length episode of Brighter on the Hillside, Host Dennis Canty is joined by one of his advisees. Additionally, Assistant Head of School Libby Margraf joins the table with one of her advisees. The group discusses Lawrence Academy's Advisory Program and why it's considered "the heart of the LA experience."
Dec 4, 2025 · 7 min
An Introduction to Brighter on the Hillside
In this introductory episode, our Host, Dennis Canty, is joined by Director of Admissions & Digital Strategy (and alum of LA) Sara Gillis '10 to chat about what you can expect as a listener, why she believes this show will help prospective families, and how it will keep you up-to-date about what's happening on campus.

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