Storytellers’s Club: Capturing and Sharing the Upper School Experience
At Country School, storytelling is more than just an art—it’s a way to build connections, share experiences, and bring the Upper School community to life. Enter Storytellers, a student club open to seventh through ninth graders who are dedicated to capturing and telling the stories of Upper School life.
Through interviews, event coverage, and creative media, these students are working to document what makes the Grade 7–9 experience unique. Led by a passionate team of students—Avery Brooks, Madsie MacLear, Cecilia Thompson, and Ansley Gagnier—the Storytellers club is shaping how the broader community sees and understands the Upper School journey. The club is guided by faculty advisor Hali Dorfman and Director of Marketing & Communications Kent Findlay, who support students in developing their storytelling skills, learning what technology is available and how to use it, and sharing their work across various platforms.
Bringing the Upper School to Life
This year, the club is focusing on capturing the energy and spirit of the Upper School experience by documenting key moments in student life. With winter sports in full swing, they are finding ways to showcase the excitement of the season, from the camaraderie on the sidelines to the determination on the court and field. One highly anticipated event they plan to highlight is the annual ninth graders vs. teachers basketball game, a spirited tradition that brings the community together in friendly competition. Beyond athletics, the club is looking ahead to the Upper School musical, an event that brings students together across grade levels to collaborate and perform.
Through in-depth faculty interviews, the students are also working to tell the stories of the teachers who shape the Upper School experience. They are sitting down with educators across different disciplines to learn about their teaching philosophies, what brought them to NCCS, and the moments that have been most meaningful in their careers. These conversations are providing a rich perspective on the relationships, traditions, and learning experiences that define the Upper School.
Beyond the Classroom: Telling the NCCS Story
The Storytellers club isn’t just about capturing moments—it’s about sharing them in ways that connect the community. Their work is featured in assemblies, newsletters, and on social media, offering glimpses into student life that families, faculty, and younger students can enjoy. Whether through photo essays, video recaps, or written reflections, they are creating a dynamic record of what it means to be part of the Upper School.
As the club continues to grow, so does its impact. By giving voice to the experiences of students and teachers alike, Storytellers is ensuring that the traditions, challenges, and triumphs of the Upper School are remembered and celebrated. Keep an eye out for their upcoming features—you won’t want to miss the stories they have to tell.
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.