Speaker Program

Chapel Talks—a long-honored tradition at Belmont Hill—provide our boys with the opportunity to hear directly from the Head of School on a broad range of timely issues. Chapel Talks typically take place three times a year: at the start of school, and after Winter and Spring Break respectively. Other talks may be added throughout the year as needed in response to a particular issue or event. Many alumni have mentioned the important words of wisdom learned through a Chapel Talk that still resonate with them today. 

Faculty members often emerge as the most important mentors for our boys. Teachers address the boys in Chapel to discuss a range of topics or to convey important lessons. Talks have ranged from addressing world issues, sharing personal anecdotes, or describing an individual passion.

Similarly, Belmont Hill alumni regularly share their wisdom and journey to inspire our boys in a variety of ways. For humor, insight, and a sense of brotherhood, many alumni have returned to the School to offer counsel and guidance.  

Formerly the Nalebuff Lecture Series, Dr. and Mrs. Nalebuff and their son Barry '76 (now a professor at Yale) gave the lectureship to Belmont Hill in 1999 as a thank you to the School, and in 2011 renamed it in honor of longtime math teacher Michael Sherman.

The Kageyama-Hunt Lecture Series, established in 2012 by Belmont Hill parents Bill and Yuko Hunt, brings speakers to campus who model global citizenship and can inspire generations of Belmont Hill boys to embrace the challenges and opportunities of an interconnected world.

Established in 2022 by Dena and Michael Rashes to honor the extraordinary teaching and mentoring of Doctor Jeffrey A. Fast. During his decades at Belmont Hill, Doc. Fast has impacted generations of students and faculty and this fund honors his legacy at Belmont Hill. The Doctor Jeffrey A. Fast Visiting Authors and Writers Fund launches a new program, allowing the chair of the English Department to recruit authors and writers to campus each year. The fund also provides resources to promote growth in pedagogical excellence like Harkness training or other worthwhile seminars.

Each year the Parents' Council sponsors speakers for our parent community on relevant parenting topics, including advice on teens' social media and gaming activity, anxiety and depression, alcohol and substance use, setting appropriate limits, prom night, and other concerns. 

Established in 2005 and named for the first female member of the Belmont Hill School Executive Committee, the Katharine Wrisley Atkins (KWA) Women's Series offers a variety of enrichment opportunities, including distinguished speakers and workshops, for women in the Belmont Hill community.

Through the years, the School has welcomed an extensive series of guest speakers campus to inform us, enlighten us, and sometimes to entertain us. Many of our guest speakers receive rousing ovations at the conclusion of their presentations, which demonstrates the impact these talks have on the boys.