Author: Milton Academy

Dr. Monica Benton Palmer became principal of the Upper School on July 1, 2022. Previously the dean of faculty at the Governor’s Academy, Palmer has two decades of independent school experience, beginning with several roles at the Madeira School in McLean, Virginia, where she was a member of the faculty, dorm head, parents’ liaison, enrollment manager for diversity outreach, and the fine and performing arts department chair. Prior to her career in education, Palmer was an actor, performing on stage and in film and television. She received her undergraduate degree in dramatic arts and law and society from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She holds two master’s degrees from Columbia University: an M.F.A. in theater and an M.Ed. in educational leadership from the Klingenstein Center for Private School Leadership. Palmer earned her doctorate in education and organizational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. She succeeds David Ball ’88, who has been named the director of strategic initiatives.

Milton Magazine met with Palmer in the spring to discuss her new role and vision for the Upper School.

History and Social Sciences teacher Matthew Blanton wants students to explore the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves.

After a year of separation, the return to campus this past year was a time to both celebrate and contemplate how we move forward.

COACHES PLAY A CENTRAL ROLE IN A STUDENT’S EDUCATION Story by Marisa Donelan Illustration by Eric Palma From his office in the Athletic and Convocation Center, Athletic Director Lamar Reddicks has a constant, daily view of the comings and goings of student-athletes, coaches, and visitors. Whether they stop by his almost always-open door or are just passing through, Reddicks, who is also the head coach for the boys’ varsity basketball team, can get a quick read on them. “I can tell by the way a kid walks through here whether they’re having a good or bad day,” he says....

David Ball ’88, who recently stepped down as Milton’s Upper School principal, discovers a new approach to the art of teaching.