Memories about Frank Leavitt
From Harvey “Rebel” Rubin ’50
Very fine outdoorsman as a young Avonian-and fine representative of Avon Old Farms School. I hope he enjoys a healthy and happy retirement.
From Jeff Glaze ’75
I was introduced to Avon by Harry Rice in the spring of 1971. Harry was the Director of Admissions and was personable, friendly, and a great ambassador for Avon. I was saddened to hear of his death that summer, as was the entire Avon “family”.
I learned that Avon is a family, and soon met Harry's wife and precocious red headed son, Peter. Peter was an 8th grader that year, but came in as a freshman the next year and was truly a great guy and fellow competitor on the soccer field.
Frank Leavitt was a science teacher who transitioned into the role of Admissions Director. Frank was also a great ambassador for Avon, and later married Mrs. Rice, providing a positive influence not only in Peter's life, but for the rest of the Avon family. Step parenting was not 'mainstreamed' in those days, and Frank was the first person I knew who tackled the challenge of step-parenting. Frank was successful at recruiting many great Avonians, which is a critical contribution to the school's culture and success. By being a coach (I believe riflery), teacher and key administrator, and stepfather and husband, Frank was a role model on many levels.
Steven Covey's 8th effective skill is to “leave a legacy” the lasting influence you feel is important for your family and friends. Frank (and Harry Rice's) legacy is far reaching and positive in all of our lives but particularly in Avon's community.
In particular, I have tremendous admiration and respect for Peter Rice. My son Jordan is in his first year at Avon, and I've had a chance to reacquaint myself with Peter, who's Jordan's dorm advisor. Peter is now a stepfather, husband, teacher, and positive role model. He is one of the people at Avon that Jordan has “clicked” with.
I know that Peter's a better man because of the role Frank has taken in his life, and I know that I'm a better man for knowing Frank Leavitt. I too am a step-parent, and understand the importance and challenges of step-parenting. So thank you Frank, your legacy is healthy and growing!
From S. Brad Buckley ’78
Frank Leavitt was the one who did the initial interview with me before I was accepted at Avon. He made me feel instantly welcome. However, I was also nervous, so that overrode everything else. The one question Frank asked to me directly was, "What is important to you academically? Well, my mind went blank being put on the spot. My answer, after a few seconds, was, "Space." I'm pretty sure Frank had never heard that response before!!! Fortunately, I made a good enough impression to be accepted at Avon. The rest, as they say, is history! Frank was just the right person for that particular role. I remember him as a kind and caring person perfect for the Avon experience.
From Douglas R. Grosset ’85
For so many of us, Frank Leavitt was the first impression of AOF (besides the sight of Diogenes and its Tower as you came down what was then the main entrance). I can, to this day, remember my interview with Mr. Leavitt; he immediately embraced me because I was from Maine. I can't remember any of my other prep school interviews, and there were many, but I remember that one. More importantly, he had an aura about him that just made you want to come to Avon. And that was after the first five minutes! He quietly seemed to sum you up and decide if you were good for AOF and that AOF was going to be good for you. He clearly saw a match and I left Avon that day wanting to go no other place.
While it's easy to wax poetic in the aftermath, I certainly did my share of complaining at and about Avon while I was there. I can still hear the echo of "I can't wait to get out of this dump" ringing in my ears; a sentiment I shared many times over my senior year. But in retrospect, Avon was one of, if not the best experience in my life. I'm not sure if there had been another Head of Admissions, other than Frank Leavitt, I would be saying that today.
From Sean Baker ’91
Frank Leavitt was my first contact with Avon Old Farms. His insightful, informative and passionate tour of the Avon campus and community in 1988 was the reason for my decision to attend. I would like to wish him the best in his retirement and extend my best wishes to him and his family.
