Class of 2020 reunion over Thanksgiving
"They Stayed Together, Even While Apart - Just Keep Swimming"
Editor's note: Wellington alumni continue to make an impact — in their careers, communities, and the wider world. Their curiosity, purpose, and spirit show how the Wellington experience lasts long after graduation.
You’ll find the full text of our latest alumni newsletter below. The formatting is cleaner and truer to the design in the original version, so I encourage you to read it here for the best experience.
Thank you for staying connected. Our alumni remind us every day what it means to be part of this community.
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In this Edition
Welcome to the February 2026 edition of Wellington’s Alumni Newsletter! We’re excited to share updates from across our community, including this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award winner and Athletic Hall of Fame inductees. Inside, you’ll find upcoming events, winter recaps, new JagsConnect stories, Jags on the Roam features, our Day‑in‑the‑Life college counseling videos, key surveys, and an opportunity to nominate new members for the Wellington Alumni Advisory Board.
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CELEBRATING ALUMNI EXCELLENCE AT THE 2026 ALUMNI CELEBRATION OF AWARDS
We are proud to announce Wellington’s 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, Dorina Yessios ’92, and our Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, the 2018 Boys Tennis Team. Their achievements embody the core values of impact, leadership, and commitment central to Wellington's mission.
Distinguished Alumni Award: Dorina Yessios ’92
Dorina Yessios ’92 has been named the 2026 recipient of The Wellington School’s Distinguished Alumni Award, honoring her internationally recognized career in energy, infrastructure, and cross‑border project finance. A Partner at A&O Shearman, Yessios serves as U.S. Co‑Head of Energy, Natural Resources & Infrastructure and is a key leader in the firm’s digital infrastructure and Latin America practices. Over nearly three decades, she has guided major lenders and investors through transformative projects across the Americas—including renewable‑energy initiatives, large‑scale data‑center and AI‑infrastructure developments, and landmark transportation and water‑resource projects. Her work has contributed to award‑winning transactions recognized by IJ Global, LatinFinance, Chambers, and Legal 500, underscoring her influence on projects central to sustainable development and the global energy transition.
A proud member of Wellington’s Class of 1992, Yessios was a scholar‑athlete, senior class president, and multi‑sport varsity competitor before earning her A.B. from Princeton University and J.D. from Harvard Law School. She credits Wellington with giving her the confidence and curiosity that shaped her career—“opportunities, tools and confidence to pursue a career that went beyond my wildest high school dreams.” In addition to her professional accomplishments, she is a dedicated mentor within her firm and deeply values time with her family. Yessios will be formally honored at Wellington’s Alumni Celebration on April 17.
We extend our sincere appreciation to this year’s DAA Nomination Committee, whose thoughtfulness and care helped surface an exceptional slate of nominees:
Nomination Committee Members
Elizabeth Blount McCormick ’95
Shannon Brown ’91
Laura Cooke ’90
Ashley Koff ’91
Steven Paull ’92
David Schwebel ’90
Anna Taft ’97
Dan Voss ’91
Athletic Hall of Fame: 2018 Boys Tennis Team
We are thrilled to induct the 2018 Boys Tennis Team into the Wellington Athletic Hall of Fame—a team that made history by securing Wellington’s first‑ever team state championship in tennis. This induction was originally voted on last school year but intentionally postponed to ensure all team members, many completing their collegiate seasons, could return to celebrate together.
Their championship run was marked by grit, discipline, and standout performances. Guided by Head Coach Tom Haddow, whose leadership has elevated Wellington tennis during his long tenure, the 2018 team set a lasting benchmark for excellence, resilience, and team culture.
Team Members:
Trevor Ball ’20 • Connor Biernat ’18 • Griffin Biernat ’21
Kolapo Dairo ’18 • Milan Gonela ’20 • John Faller ’18
Pranav Kora ’21 • Evan Manley ’21 • Ben Marshall ’20
Anurag Reddy ’19 • Adam Sorrels ’19 • Ryan Young ’18
This year’s induction also features a special tribute to longtime assistant coach Dick Cassie, who will retire at the end of the season, honoring his steady guidance to generations of players.
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Join Us on April 17
This year’s Alumni Celebration of Awards, held on Friday, April 17, at 6 p.m., is Wellington’s signature alumni event - a night dedicated to honoring excellence, celebrating community, and reconnecting across generations. We’ll gather on campus for the awards ceremony, featuring alumni and student performances and a showcase of visual and performing arts. Following the program, all guests are invited to a special post‑event reception at the home of Head of School Eliza McLaren, designed as both a festive celebration for all alumni and a JagsConnect networking opportunity for alumni and volunteers.
With award presentations, artistic showcases, alumni reunions, and meaningful conversations, this evening promises to reflect the very best of Wellington’s past, present, and future. We hope you’ll join us for a night that honors our honorees and strengthens the ties that shape our community.
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UPCOMING
Ashley Koff ’91 Book Tour Event — February 26
Wellington is excited to support alumna Ashley Koff ’91 as she returns to campus on February 26, at 5:30 p.m., to celebrate her new book - now a New York Times Bestseller.
(Note: This is Ashley’s independent author event.)
ReWilding Wellington Campus Workday — April 11
Alumni and alumni parents are invited to join a hands‑on service project as we plant native species along the Reed Road walking path—supporting student learning, sustainability efforts, and the long‑term health of our campus ecosystem.
Alumni Celebration of Awards, Reception & Reunions — April 17
Be part of an unforgettable evening as we recognize the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award and Athletic Hall of Fame honorees, surrounded by alumni connections, artistic showcases, and the unmistakable spirit of the Wellington community.
Advanced Art Studio Exhibition & Alumni Reception — April 18 @ The Columbus Printed Arts Center
Celebrate the creativity and talent of our junior and senior Advanced Art Studio students at this special off‑campus exhibition and alumni gathering. Enjoy an afternoon of refreshments and conversation while exploring an inspiring showcase of student work in a professional arts setting. New this year, alumni are invited to participate in a hands‑on printmaking experience - a chance to connect, create, and take home a one‑of‑a‑kind piece. Join us for an engaging and art‑filled celebration of community.
Washington, D.C. Alumni Gathering — April 23
Reconnect with fellow Wellington alumni living and working in the D.C. region for an evening of conversation and community building. The final location is still being finalized - let us know if you’re interested in helping plan or attending!
Join us as the Class of 2026 steps forward as Wellington’s newest alumni!
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RECENT EVENTS
The Latest Jag Magazine
The Fall issue of The Jag Magazine highlights remarkable alumni stories, including Dr. Jonathan Koff ’89 (2025 Distinguished Alumni Award), Hirobumi “Bumi” Hidaka ’04 (Athletic Hall of Fame), and alumni coaches Jakaysha (Williams) Hookfin ’18 and Ben Starker ’17.
Have alumni news to share or if you didn’t receive a copy, please update your contact information so we can ensure you receive the spring issue.
Day After Thanksgiving Alumni Gathering
Thank you to the alumni who came together for our annual Day After Thanksgiving celebration—a warm, joyful tradition of reconnecting across generations.
The Wellington Parents Association gathered on February 5 for a Digital Citizenship conversation led by Parent of Alum Chris Vineis ’02 ’06, founder of Unite for Safe Social Media. Families explored tools and strategies for healthy social media habits at home and within the Wellington community. We are grateful for parents of alumni like Chris who continue to stay connected and support the life of the school.
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JagsConnect: Building an Equitable, Lifelong Wellington Network
JagsConnect continues to grow as a powerful bridge between alumni, students, and the broader Wellington community—ensuring equitable access to career exploration, mentorship, and professional networks. Through JagsConnect, students and alumni are matched with volunteers for meaningful conversations, classroom visits, workshops, job shadows, mentorship, and alumni‑to‑alumni support.
Recent Highlights:
- Upper School Programming: A Season of Purpose and Possibility
Volunteers engaged with students through panels, skill‑building workshops, and career exploration sessions. Read More - Writing Your Way
Alumna Liz Kazemi ’17 guided students in developing clarity, confidence, and creative expression through a hands‑on writing workshop. Read More - When Algebra Meets the Open Road
See how Ryan Gill ’99 connected math learning to real‑world applications in the classroom. Read More
With flexible levels of involvement—light, medium, and deep—JagsConnect meets volunteers where they are:
- Light: A single panel, quick career chat, or résumé/LinkedIn review
- Medium: Classroom visits, mock interviews, or job shadows
- Deep: Internship leads, referrals, or ongoing mentorship
The heart of the program is matching — when a student or alum requests support in your field, we reach out to you directly. Even a 20‑minute conversation can make a meaningful difference.
We’re building an equitable, lifelong Wellington network. JagsConnect pairs students and alumni with volunteers who can offer insight, mentorship, and real‑world connections—at whatever level fits their life and experience. Your voice and expertise are part of what makes Wellington special.
Become a JagsConnect Volunteer
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Enjoy the newest feature of the Alumni Newsletter - Jags on the Roam. These short-form alumni highlights are written by Wellington Alumni Advisory Board (WAAB) members and look to highlight alumni doing exciting things. Have ideas for future features? Email alumni@wellington.org with your suggestions.
Enjoy the most recent features written by Idin Pirasteh '97 and Elizabeth Cooke '27 about Stephanie Sellers '94 and Ashley Koff '91.
Missed the last features? Catch up on Jags on the Roam.
College Counseling “Day in the Life” Video Series — Class of 2025
These videos were created as part of Wellington’s College Counseling programming to help current students get an inside look at the daily lives, routines, and campus experiences of alumni they know and admire. The series provides a candid, student‑to‑student perspective on college life. Enjoy a few fun videos below. Please note that being signed into your google account allows for easy access. Thank you to Jonah, Sabrina, and Hannah!
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ALUMNI SURVEYS
Wellington is exploring an athletics rebrand with Hucklebuck Design Studio, seeking a visual identity that honors tradition while supporting a bold, modern vision. Alumni perspectives are essential as we build a brand all graduates will proudly represent.
In addition, we have reopened the general Alumni Survey. This is your second chance to participate. Your feedback helps shape future alumni programming and communications.
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ALUMNI AND PARENTS
Did you know that 16 Wellington graduates are also current parents? If you are interested in looking at Wellington as an option for your child, please contact admissions@wellington.org. Our wonderful admissions team, Dara Jackson, Katie Lumbley, and Neelie Barthenheier, would love to help. And don't forget to tell them you are an alum!
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Meet Your 2025-26 Alumni Advisory Board
Help shape the future of Wellington alumni engagement by nominating yourself or a fellow alum to serve on the Wellington Alumni Advisory Board for the 2026–27 school year. The board plays an important role in strengthening JagsConnect, alumni programming, and storytelling across the community. WAAB Nomination Form.
The Wellington Alumni Advisory Board is a group of alumni and parents of alumni that provides insight to senior leadership and the board of trustees on how Wellington may better connect and serve our current and future alumni through JagsConnect, events, storytelling.
The following members are serving on the Wellington Alumni Advisory Board for the 2025-26 academic year:
Matty Benson ’08
Brad Biehl ’18 (Vice President)
Phoebe Bong '27 (Student Representative)
Adam Claytor ’04
Elizabeth Cooke '27 (Student Representative)
Enzo Corso ’26 (Student Representative)
Carl Faller P ’15 ’18
Duncan Forbes ’04
Lina Grohovsky ’21
Rene Haynes ’03
Amy (Johnston) Estes '99
Oscar Humbert ’26 (Student Representative)
Liz Kazemi ’17
Craig Mosier ’01
Chris Noble ’10
Idin Pirasteh ’97 (President)
Brea Porter ’12
Jacob Robinson '10
Grant Spirko '25
Elizabeth Zimmerman ’13