The Miami Valley School Alumni

06/04/2026

Congratulations to Nola Timmins '20, who earned her master's degree in architecture from the University of Virginia! Nola, who was diagnosed with optic nerve atrophy at age 5, graduated with her guide dog, Brizzy, by her side - the third graduation ceremony for the pair! Read more about Nola and Brizzy's story in this article from People Magazine:

Nola Timmins, who was declared legally blind at age 5, earned her master’s degree in architecture from the University of Virginia with her guide dog Brizzy by her side. Timmins, now 24, exclusively told PEOPLE that Brizzy has been in her life since she was 17.

04/22/2026

The annual Alumni & Senior Breakfast will take place on May 21 at 8:00 a.m. at MVS! Join us in the new Reddy Student Union dining hall to celebrate with the Class of 2026 on the eve of their graduation. Information and RSVP at bit.ly/AlumniBreakfast2026

04/21/2026

🇮🇹 We’ve rescheduled our MVx trip to Rome! Join us for the next MVx Adult Immersion—trip dates October 12-24, 2026. This MVx journey blends rich history, soul-stirring art, and unforgettable flavor into one immersive adventure. Learn more at bit.ly/MVxRome!

03/31/2026

Former faculty lunch! 🍎 It was truly special to welcome these former faculty and staff members back to campus for lunch in the new Reddy Student Union dining hall. We love our MVS community! ❤️💙❤️

02/26/2026

Happy ! The performing arts have flourished at MVS from the school's earliest days - here's a photo of a 1975 production of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum." Actors pictured are Scott Arnovitz, future Oscar-winner Allison Janney, Steve Bloom, and Mark Miller. What are your performing arts memories at MVS?

02/19/2026

It's an MVS History - celebrating the birth of Immersion Term! Generations of MVS alumni have enjoyed Immersion Term as a time to dive deeply into their chosen areas of study---but when the program began in 1974, it was largely focused on foreign languages, wherein students would learn to speak Spanish or French by being surrounded by the language, the culture and the food of the native country.

Courses were taught in part by a cohort of international faculty (pictured) who mainly hailed from Vichy, France, and Cuernavaca, Mexico, and were affiliated with the Experiment in International Living, an organization which also trained the first Peace Corps volunteers.

However, the DNA of today's Immersion Term can be seen even in this first iteration of the program, as Dr. Barb Cleary writes in her history of MVS: "In [Immersion's] first years, students in grades 7-9 took 120 hours of Spanish and French language Immersion in a February-March mini-term. Those in grades 10-12 were offered choices that included Appalachian studies, jurisprudence, business mathematics, wilderness studies, cell biology, and foreign study in France or Mexico."

What are your Immersion Term memories?

02/12/2026

It's an MVS History - remember The Blue Moons? This mock-singing group was formed in 1975 by faculty members Tom Brereton, Dave O'Dell, John Sacerdote, and Jim Zoldak, alongside Head of School Bob Fatherley, to perform annually at the school's spring fair. The group continued with annual performances through the 1980s until dramatically retiring at MVS' 30th anniversary celebration in 1994---riding off into the sunset in a cream-colored Packard. A revolving door of members also included Head of School Duncan Alling, upper school director Tom Elmer, and lower school director Joe Zaluski. Over their 15-year career, the Blue Moons' only gigs were spring fair appearances and anniversary celebrations of the school...truly "once in a blue moon!"

Pictured - The Blue Moons in 1981 (left to right): Tom Elmer, Joe Zaluski, Duncan Alling, and Tom Brereton

01/05/2026

MVS alum Joshua Ward '02 with a powerful op-ed in the Dayton Daily News! Click here to read: https://www.daytondailynews.com/ideas-voices/voices-my-childhood-dream-came-true-i-grew-up-to-become-a-superhero-you-can-too/WMCZJ3CSRZFCPDBE7XVMLCSRFE/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPI8HlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeM1IKkU8a6fIoZFW1DOOxLAGVpo6PBH60kvritOqmF2TOpYAlhi0Jyjrr_ms_aem_vdfzUQfhLsmWKKW-GUWK8w

I cannot run at the speed of lightning, lift a car with my pinky finger or fly through the air, but my dream came true because every single day I wake up with an opportunity to do what I believe is the greatest job on earth. I get to help make the world better for someone in need.

12/22/2025

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Daina Arnett, a cherished member of our school community.

Daina was known for her warmth, kindness, and the genuine care she showed to everyone around her. She embodied the spirit of connection and compassion, and her presence left a lasting impact on so many.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Arnett family and all who loved Daina. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time, and we join together as a community in honoring her life and legacy.

View Daina Arnett's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

11/11/2025

Alumni update from Emma Brereton '13! Emma, now living in Wyoming, has drawn on her years of experience as a designer and art director to launch her own business, Emma Brereton Design. Here at MVS, we just received a copy of her new picture book, "Little Rancher's ABC"! Check out her work at https://www.emmabrereton.com/