By Finnley Brennan ‘30
Change is bound to happen, especially at a large campus like SEM. But, change can be for the better! This year, along with many new students, the SEM community welcomed new staff for the 2026-2027 school year. Two of the new arrivals are Dr. Palmer and Mr. LaSota, whom the Opinator staff had the pleasure of sitting down with and discussing their upcoming year.
Before working at SEM, Mr. LaSota previously worked at Oxford Academy, Connecticut. When asked what initially drew him to our campus, he said that he chose SEM “because the school felt like it was about the kids and not the institution.”
Dr. Palmer recently came from Milton Academy, Massachusetts;but, before then, she worked in professional theater. She acted in shows and films – additionally, she co-teaches the Performing Arts class down at the Lower School! She raved about the potential for the school’s arts programs and how strong the academics and sports were.
The next question both of them were asked was: “what are you looking forward to the most about the school year?” Mr. LaSota stated that he enjoyed all of the home sport games he had attended so far, and that he was excited to get to know people. He explained that he appreciates getting used to the way our school operates and seeing how far things grow from the beginning of the year. Dr. Palmer replied similarly, expressing the desire to get to know people and their faces. She said that she enjoys “really getting involved and impacting change,” adding that she is “really looking forward to getting to know what it means to be SEM.”
When asked what their favorite things about the school were so far, Dr. Palmer commented on “the students,” articulating that “there’s a reason why educators like me are dedicated to teach and mold the student. You all are so nice.”
“As a new person in the community, it’s been a little intimidating being around such impressive human beings. But, I’ve never felt out of place or unwelcome,” explained Mr. LaSota. Plenty of new students can resonate with this. Both new faculty members highlighted how welcoming and thoughtful the SEM community is, and that when you’re here, you’re never alone. There’s always someone to turn to. Finally, Mr. LaSota urges all students–new and returning–to, “Keep at it; ask for help when needed!” Which is something we all should remember.