Voices of Dalton - Alumni

Alex attended Dalton from nursery school (which no longer exists) through High School. He speaks of the freedom and encouragement he experienced from the youngest age to ask questions, have time to think deeply and explore and contribute new knowledge with experts who taught you how to think on your own. "This was a real privilege for a young child to have. The answers weren't always given, but the facts were there to be interrogated and discovered. We were taught how deeply we could push ourselves to this end." In Alex's current career as a scientist, he continues searching for what is unknown. His laboratory studies immune system cells and ways to treat a range of human diseases. In thinking of The Dalton Song, Alex speaks of the encouragement he received at Dalton, to "go forth unafraid" to be entrusted to play a role in exploring the world and the need to use this knowledge for human good. "I learned these lessons at Dalton, and they come back to me at unexpected moments in my life." Alex graduated from Dalton and Harvard University, receiving an AB, MD, PhD, and a PhD in Biology from MIT.

Gabe began his Dalton journey in kindergarten. From his earliest days at the First Program, he states, "Dalton gave me a sense of freedom to seek out different experiences with faculty and to develop creatively." Whether composing (and singing) a song about medieval times in Middle School, creating his own political radio show in High School, or getting Dalton outside into the larger New York City neighborhood, "Dalton taught us to be creative and that we're part of something bigger than ourselves. It encouraged each of us to be the best we could be and the need to think about building a better New York." Dalton's commitment to justice and social change influenced Gabe to see himself exploring politics as he raises his family in the city he loved to explore as a child. Gabe graduated from Dalton and received his AB from Yale University.

Ashley transferred from Hunter College Elementary School in Middle School. Once at Dalton, she found fulfillment not only in its rigorous academic program but also in the depth and breadth of the many visual and performing arts opportunities that she believes continue to serve her well in her current career as an actor. Ashley speaks of Dalton giving her a unique humble curiosity accomplished within a highly diverse community. "Dalton encouraged me to be my creative self, to be confident, and to be who I was–to think culturally and dream of a society that could be–to think globally and act locally." Ashley graduated from Dalton and received her AB from Harvard University. She is currently cast in the Hamilton Broadway National Tour and debuting at the Kennedy Center in D.C. at the end of September 2022.

David arrived at Dalton from Hunter Elementary School in the Middle School. "It was clear from the start that every teacher had a passion for their subject and each student. It was infectious." He maintains that while Dalton's academic rigor was evident, so was the supportiveness from faculty in classes and in "Lab." David credits Dalton for instilling him with curiosity and confidence to tackle new challenges even when it was unclear how to achieve the goals. After graduation from Yale University, David's desire to intersect his passions for technology and engineering led him to work for an exciting new company that delivers critical medical supplies via drones to hard-to-reach areas in Africa and other continents. David received his AB from Yale University.