Canterbury School Celebrates 60 Years at Second Annual Founders’ Day

“I am honored to continue this new tradition, celebrating and acknowledging those who contributed to making Canterbury the school we see today,” shared Head of School Rick Kirschner in his opening remarks.

Canterbury was founded in 1964 as a K-6 school with 10 teachers and 38 students. In January 1971, the school moved to College Parkway and officially moved into the building that we now recognize as the Lower School. From there, the school continued to grow and the first graduating class of seniors was in 1977. 

This year’s event marked not only the school’s historical achievements but also the introduction of the David Lucas Award for Outstanding Service to Canterbury, named after longtime parent, grandparent, and Board of Trustees member, David Lucas, for his enduring commitment and servant leadership.

The inaugural recipients of this award were Porter and Mariel Goss. Though Mariel passed away in March of this year, her presence was felt throughout the ceremony. When informed of the honor, Porter Goss humbly questioned whether he was the right person for the award, insisting that his late wife, Mariel, deserved the recognition for her love, care, and tireless support of Canterbury during its formative years.

Porter Goss’s professional legacy is as impressive as his personal dedication to Canterbury. From his service as a CIA officer and director to his tenure as a U.S. Congressman and mayor of Sanibel, Goss’s influence has been widespread. However, he emphasized that his marriage to Mariel, and their shared commitment to their children’s education at Canterbury, was his greatest accomplishment. Porter and Mariel’s four children all attended Canterbury, and their family’s commitment has carried on through generations, with their son Chauncey serving as a longtime Board of Trustees member and their son Mason serving as Head of School in the 2000s.

The day also featured the presentation of the 2024 Canterbury Distinguished Alumnus Award, given to Elisabeth Hon Hunt ’99. Elisabeth’s impressive academic and professional career includes degrees from Princeton University and MIT, as well as a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School. Now a top patent attorney and shareholder at Wolf Greenfield in Boston, Elisabeth’s clients include major technology companies, and she has been widely recognized for her expertise in patent law. In addition to her legal accomplishments, Elisabeth is a classically trained soprano and has performed with groups like the Tanglewood Festival Chorus of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

The Founders’ Day Celebration was a fitting tribute to both Canterbury’s rich history and the dedicated individuals who have made an indelible mark on the school. From honoring the legacy of the Goss family to celebrating the accomplishments of Elisabeth Hon Hunt ’99, the day served as a reminder of the strength of the Canterbury community and the bright future that lies ahead.