Bryce grew up in Los Angeles, a world away from the peaceful woods of Pike, New Hampshire. During high school, he struggled with depression. After spending time in a treatment center in Utah, Bryce and his family began looking for a way to help him transition back into everyday life. They wanted a boarding school experience that wasn’t too intense and offered the support system he needed. With the help of an educational consultant, they found Oliverian School.

A video call with Oliverian’s Associate Head of School made a lasting impression and confirmed for Bryce that this was the right place for him.

“I remember talking to him and thinking, ‘Yeah, I want to be there,’” Bryce says. Although he hadn’t done much outdoor adventuring in L.A., the idea of spending time in the woods intrigued him. His mother was initially apprehensive about the distance from California, but it quickly became clear that he had made the right choice.

When Bryce arrived at Oliverian, he planned to stay for just his junior year—but he ended up staying for two and graduating from Oliverian.

“One of the things that benefited me most at Oliverian were the connections I made with the staff,” he says. “They are really amazing and caring people. They care deeply for the students.” For Bryce, the dorm was also a safe and warm place where he enjoyed playing games or just hanging out and talking with his peers.

One of his favorite memories is a sunrise hike up Mt. Moosilauke with a staff member and an alum. The view from the summit was breathtaking, and the experience was unforgettable.

“Over all the time that I spent at Oliverian, my depression got better because I learned how to manage my mood and the pressure of schoolwork at the same time without it being overwhelming. Before, I could not do both. I now have techniques and methods I practice to keep me working.”

While all the staff supported him, it was his Stewardship teacher who made the greatest impact. Bryce took many of his classes and, through those experiences, discovered his passion for farming.

“I found Sterling College when Oliverian staff took us to a college fair. It really interested me, so I visited the college for a tour with our college counselor.”

Now in college, Bryce is doing well. He’s made new connections, stays on top of his academic work, and is focused on environmental studies—especially sustainable agriculture. This summer, he’s managing the college’s sheep grazing system and earning tuition credit in the process.

Ask any of his former classmates or teachers, and they’ll likely recall the same image: Bryce outside during his free time, sitting under a tree with his back against the trunk, quietly taking in the surroundings.

In Bryce’s words, “It’s important to appreciate and respect the outdoors.”

For him, the natural setting of Oliverian—and the quiet wilderness that surrounds it—helped quiet his mind and became the foundation for his personal growth.

Bryce received the renowned Headmaster’s Cup—awarded to a student who embodies academic curiosity, involvement in the School, and compassion for others—at graduation.