News & Views

Ninth Graders Honor Teachers in Yearbook Dedications

New Canaan Country School ninth graders offered words of gratitude and touching reminiscences in their 2021 yearbook dedication to two teachers: Grade 9 Teacher, Coach and Advisor Tom Giggi and Physical Education Teacher and Coach Meegan Horn. The tributes were read aloud before the Upper School community, June 10. Mrs. Horn, who participated via Zoom, was home with her newborn child.
“Mrs. Horn has left a huge impact on the class of 2021,” said ninth grader Frances Chandor of Pound Ridge, NY.  “She joined our lives in 2011, and has been there every step of the way from being a Kindergarten Apprentice, PE teacher and a field hockey, lacrosse, squash and soccer coach.”

“She is not only an amazing coach, but a friend, one you can always talk to about anything and always receive the best advice possible. On and off the field,  her energy and love for coaching are apparent.”

“She has taught us things about not only sports, but life,“ added Alina Harned of Rowayton. “We can confidently say she has played a big part in the people we are today. She has managed to coach and teach players of all levels, and end up making them a much better teammate at the end of the season not just a better player”

“We will all miss her as we move on to the next chapter of our lives,  but the  lessons that she has taught us will last far beyond.” 

Ninth graders Janie Walsh of Wilton and Sam Jones of Rowayton  recited the following tribute to Tom Giggi.

“Mr. Giggi has been at Country School since 1980 - that’s 40 years!” said Sam.

“He’s inspired hundreds of students, all of whom he has guided enthusiastically while encouraging personal growth. As a teacher, coach, or advisor, Mr. Giggi never fails to successfully make his students feel that they are with someone they can trust, laugh with, and learn from.”

“His classroom is an enjoyable and captivating environment in which students can express themselves freely while learning more about themselves. Mr. Giggi’s NCCS presence doesn’t just stop in the classroom; he is a coach, advisor, and is involved in many events, such as assisting with the Frogtown Fair activities and going on 9th grade expanded studies trips”

“Mr. Giggi is certainly enthusiastic about baseball, sporting posters and referencing them in English class, “spicing” up any grammar lesson or topic. His calm demeanor and his quick wit lay down the foundation upon which students contribute to lively discussions.”

“As a ninth-grader, you will analyze Holden Caulfield’s character, recite and act the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet, become civics minded, follow Odysseus’ quest, and stay actively intrigued with European history,” noted Janie. “ When the year comes to a close, you will fondly remember everything you learned as you take your polished skills to other places.”

“It is guaranteed that students leave Mr. Giggi’s classroom with reestablished confidence in themselves, a curious and engaged mentality, and the motivation to be a self-sufficient and eager learner.”

“It was a lovely tribute, I was very honored,” said Mr. Giggi who has announced plans to retire at the end of this year. “This class is very dear to me, we will be graduating together.”
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New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.