Andrew T. Fan ’09
YOUNG ALUMNUS AWARD
Andrew T. Fan, a 2009 graduate of Worcester Academy, was active in cross-country, theater, and debate during his time on the Hilltop. He earned a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School, where he edited the Asian American Policy Review.
After working at Urban Partnership Bank, he became Executive Director at the Invisible Institute, contributing to the Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation "Mauled: When Police Dogs are Weapons."
He also led a City Bureau team in the impactful 2020 investigation "Where Banks Don't Lend," which influenced new banking regulations and was a Scripps Howard Award finalist.
Peter H. Williams ’52
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD
Peter H. Williams graduated from Worcester Academy in 1952 and was a swimmer, editor of The Vigornia, and class president. He continued his education at Harvard College, majoring in English and leading The Harvard Lampoon.
After serving in the Air National Guard during the Berlin Crisis, he developed a passion for the environment as a white-water guide, leading to the founding of the Brigham Hill Foundation in 1990 with his wife, Shirley.
Now Chairman of the Board at Washington Mills, Peter oversees its growth into a top global producer of fused minerals.
Jessica Smith Campbell ’11
COLE PORTER ARTS RECOGNITION AWARD
While at Worcester Academy, Jessica "Jessa" Smith Campbell, class of 2011, excelled in theater, the Academy Singers, and the Hillpoppas a cappella group. She pursued musical theater at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and trained at The Stella Adler Academy and Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles, leading to a diverse career in film, TV, music videos, and theater.
Inspired by the #MeToo movement, Jessa wrote the acclaimed one-act play North Carolina, 2028 and developed the musical Woven, based on female characters from The Odyssey. In 2023, she founded Nine Muses Theatre Company, a vibrant platform for emerging artists to thrive and innovate.
Linda M. Anderson
HALL OF FAME AWARD
Linda M. Anderson, a 1976 graduate from the College of the Holy Cross, has been a significant figure in the Worcester Academy community since 1972. She began as a seventh-grade science teacher and Learning Specialist, later teaching various grades and subjects. Linda also served as an assistant coach and advisor for multiple sports and grades.
Her impactful contributions include founding the Middle School Day of Service, the Community Harvest Project, the Worcester Community Free Fridge Program, and the St. John’s Food for the Poor service program. She co-founded the Building Bridges Program and initiated the sixth-grade Tree Planting program with her son.
Additionally, Linda has shared her family's personal experiences, including a tribute to her late daughter Christine during Mental Health Awareness Month.
John A. Liller
HALL OF FAME AWARD
John A. Liller earned his A.B. in Applied Mathematics from Harvard College in 1983 and dedicated his career to teaching mathematics at Worcester Academy, covering courses from AP Calculus AB to Honors Multivariable Calculus.
A passionate sports enthusiast, he also served as an assistant coach for the Girls Varsity Soccer team, leading them to numerous NEPSAC tournaments and four New England Championships. Alongside his wife, Kim Kastler, a retired Worcester Academy faculty member, he organized student teams for the Pan-Mass Challenge.
Retiring in June 2024 after 41 years on the Hilltop, John’s legacy of excellence has impacted many students.
Michelle J. Boland ’05
VARSITY CLUB AWARD
Michelle Boland was a key figure in Worcester Academy's women's sports, leading the soccer team to a 14-1-2 record and a Co-Championship in 2002.
Boland earned Varsity letters in Soccer, Basketball, and Softball, and was part of the Girls’ Softball program's most successful period, including an undefeated 2005 season and a 56-5 record. She also contributed to NEPSAC Championships in Soccer (2002) and Basketball (2004). At Keene State College, she earned four letters in Soccer and additional Varsity letters in Basketball and Indoor Track.
With advanced degrees in Strength & Conditioning and Exercise Physiology, Boland now owns Reframe Performance Inc. and Michele Boland Training, LLC, has served as an Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach at Northeastern University, and boasts over 50 published articles and personal athletic achievements, including qualifying for the Boston Marathon.
David R. Ball ’03
VARSITY CLUB AWARD
David Ball, one of the finest multi-sport athletes ever to represent Worcester Academy, excelled in football, basketball, and track at Spaulding High School in Barre, Vermont. Enrolling at Worcester Academy in 2002 for a postgraduate year, he made an immediate impact, setting records and earning numerous awards, including the Harold W.
Presson Male Athlete of the Year Award. At the University of New Hampshire, he broke Jerry Rice’s NCAA receiving touchdown record and was honored as the Male Student-Athlete of the Year.
His professional football career spanned seven seasons with the NFL. Transitioning to education, Dave now teaches physical education, coaches, and is deeply invested in his local community.
