O’Neal School Celebrates Literary Excellence, Honors Faculty, and Unveils 2025–2026 Yearbook
The O’Neal School community gathered this spring for a meaningful celebration of creativity, dedication, and tradition, highlighting the release of the 2026 edition of Blackbird’s Eye, the presentation of the Bill Youngclaus Creative Writing Awards, and the unveiling of the 2025–2026 yearbook with a special faculty dedication.
A Legacy of Blackbird’s Eye
First published in May 1974, Blackbird’s Eye remains a hallmark of O’Neal’s commitment to student voice and literary expression. The publication traces its origins to a week-long “Poetry-in-Schools” program featuring internationally acclaimed poet Thomas Heffernan as poet-in-residence. Inspired by his presence, students wrote a collaborative poem titled “To Tom Heffernan,” from which the publication’s name was drawn.
Now more than five decades later, Blackbird’s Eye continues to showcase the creativity of O’Neal students, guided by dedicated faculty and student editorial teams.
Faculty Review Committee
- Julia Ambersley
- Marilyn Asmussen
- Beth Garrison
- Maureen Morales
- Danielle Worley
Student Review Committee
- Caitlyn Blocklinger ’26
- Harper Hairston ’27
- Newnew Hong ’27
- Siri Mannava ’28
- Ava Biehl ’29
2026 Blackbird’s Eye Dedication
This year’s literary magazine is dedicated to two exceptional educators: Brooke Cutler and David Lussier, whose contributions have shaped generations of O’Neal students.
Mrs. Brooke Cutler, who holds a degree in Child Development from Pine Manor College, has spent more than 30 years in early childhood education, including the past 15 years at O’Neal. Known for her warmth, creativity, and engaging classroom experiences, she has inspired countless young learners through hands-on exploration and joyful discovery.
Mr. David Lussier, affectionately known as “Mr. Lu,” has served the O’Neal community for 11 years. With a master’s degree in music from UMass Amherst, he has built a vibrant music and theater program centered on creativity, performance, and self-expression. His belief that music helps students understand themselves and their place in the world has left a lasting impact on his students.
Bill Youngclaus Creative Writing Awards
Another highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the 2026 Bill Youngclaus Creative Writing Awards, established in 2007 to honor outstanding student writers while commemorating the legacy of Bill Youngclaus—an O’Neal parent, trustee, and passionate advocate for the written word.
Each year, the award recognizes students in multiple divisions, with winning works published in Blackbird’s Eye.
2026 Award Recipients:
- Ella Berry, Grade 3 — “This Community Loves You” (Poem)
- Ava Bozovich, Grade 8 — “In My Room” (Poem)
- Vivienne Rhue, Grade 10 — “A Heart of Stone” (Short Story)
These young writers exemplify the creativity and literary excellence the award was created to celebrate.
Yearbook Unveiling and Dedication
The celebration also featured the unveiling of the 2025–2026 O’Neal Yearbook, led by senior and Editor-in-Chief Caitlyn Blocklinger, who reflected on the collaborative effort behind this year’s publication.
Addressing the audience, Blocklinger expressed her excitement and gratitude:
“I have been waiting so, so long for the day where I get to reveal the yearbook… This year especially it took a lot of extra work, extra time, and a lot of collaboration.”
She extended thanks to the yearbook staff and faculty advisor, noting that the publication would not have been possible without their dedication.
This year’s theme, “Memories in the Making,” was designed to capture both reflection and immediacy. Styled as a journal, the yearbook serves as a “perfectly imperfect collage” of the school year—filled with photos, quotes, and moments that preserve the experience of O’Neal life while creating a lasting connection to the future.
“A yearbook is such a wonderful bridge between the two,” Blocklinger shared, “because it is created in the moment, but then transforms into a reminder of the past.”
She encouraged students to cherish both new and old memories as they look back on their time at O’Neal.
Yearbook Dedication: Yearbook students Honor Melissa Vaswani
A highlight of the ceremony was the announcement of the yearbook dedication. Blocklinger invited the honoree’s family forward before revealing the recipient: Melissa Vaswani, a beloved member of the O’Neal faculty.
Describing the honoree, Blocklinger emphasized not just her accomplishments, but the profound impact she has had on students:
- A teacher deeply involved in classes, clubs, and student life
- A classroom filled with creativity, warmth, and laughter
- An educator who builds lasting connections with her students
She shared a memorable reflection:
“Every student she has taught has many memories of belly laughing in her room… or looking forward to returning back to her class every day—even though she teaches a subject that is not most people’s favorite.”
She highlighted the unique energy of Vaswani’s classroom—complete with vibrant artwork, a sense of humor, and a welcoming atmosphere where students feel supported and inspired.
In a fitting tribute, Blocklinger noted that Vaswani is also a former yearbook instructor, making the honor especially meaningful.
“I couldn’t be happier to announce that the 2025–2026 yearbook goes to… the one and only Melissa Vaswani.”
Celebrating Community and Creativity
Together, the Blackbird’s Eye dedication, the recognition of student writers, and the yearbook unveiling reflect the heart of The O’Neal School: a community rooted in creativity, connection, and a deep appreciation for learning.
As students and faculty look back on the 2025–2026 school year, these traditions serve as both a celebration of what has been and an inspiring reminder of all that is yet to come.
The O'Neal School
The O'Neal School admits students of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
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