Legacy of learning

Peter Cirelli P’12

Instructor in Music
40 years

Cirelli’s musical life began at age 6 when his father brought home an accordion one day. Cirelli's passion for music grew quickly. He joined high school bands, studied at the New England Conservatory, and later performed and taught in Brazil. Back in the United States, he played in symphony orchestras, Broadway shows, and jazz ensembles, even sharing the stage with Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, and other well-known musicians.

“I’ve always loved a lot of different styles of music, including playing in symphony orchestras and teaching classical ensembles,” he says. “Having music instructors at PA who study a variety of musical genres helps cultivate our students’ appreciation of different traditions.” 
Cirelli always strove to impart in his students a love of music and music-making. And by all accounts, he has been successful. “I think often of Monday night jazz band and miss playing awesome tunes with an awesome bunch,” says Michela Rowland ’24. “Mr. Cirelli’s wit, musicality, and dedication brought us all together in a wonderful way.”

In addition to teaching, Cirelli shared his talents by performing at Commencement, Faculty Convocation, and memorial services for campus colleagues. Even though he won’t be in a classroom, Cirelli plans to continue performing professionally in retirement, including with the Vista Philharmonic Orchestra. He and his wife, Eva (who worked in the Office of Admission for 15 years), will spend time in Brazil with Eva’s family; in Chicago with their daughter, Gabriella ’12, son-in-law, and two grandchildren; and at various venues to hear their son Marcello play in a rock band. 

Cirelli instilled a lifelong love of music in countless students, and his legacy will live on in those who have been lucky enough to call him their teacher. 

“I cannot fully express the impact that Mr. Cirelli’s leadership and profound understanding of jazz music have had on me,” says Jacob Kaiser ’24. “I am incredibly grateful to have had a seat in his band and will always cherish the many unforgettable moments.”

Fei Yao P’12, ’15, ’20

Instructor of Physics
35 years

To Fei Yao, physics is a complex and fascinating system that relates to everything in the world. And for more than three decades, she has invited students into her classroom “imagination world,” where science comes to life.

“Physics is not just about formulas,” she explains. “It’s about understanding the processes behind the problem.” That philosophy has helped her demystify a subject that is often seen as intimidating. “She was the best kind of teacher—brilliant, patient, and deeply committed to her students,” says Joanne (Tao) Cheng ’95.

To make physics engaging, Yao taught students to look at the subject in a completely different manner. “Actually, in physics class, we are on vacation,” Yao explains. “Because students need to visualize the physics process, we spend a lot of time in our ‘imagination world.’ When talking about gravitational force, for example, we might imagine the path of a football being thrown. We can be rowing a boat on a lake, soaring on a rocket ship, or traveling on a train, all while working to understand the science behind these acts.”

Yao began teaching at Andover in the fall of 1991, directly from graduate school. Trained in physics with an early focus on condensed matter research, she realized during her doctoral studies that research was not for her. Teaching was where she found joy. 
Both of Yao’s parents were teachers—in physics and chemistry. From a young age, she was included in conversations about the importance of clarity, communication, and responsibility in the classroom, lessons that have guided her throughout her career. 

“I want students to enjoy the fun of learning. Physics has strong logical connections, and many students really like that,” she says. “I also want them to see how much physics relates to everyday life.” 

Students thrived under her direction. In her advanced classes, including AP and college-level physics, Yao often witnessed that “clicking moment,” when students suddenly see how concepts connect. Those moments, she says, are among the most rewarding parts of teaching.

“She made every complex concept make sense,” says Meredith Rose ’94. “She was a rock in physics—unshakable, and the physics knowledge became learnable and attainable.” 

Students appreciated Yao’s patient, supportive approach. And some, like Olivia Michaels ’16, were even inspired to continue their STEM studies.

“Ms. Yao taught me how to approach challenges with steady determination and genuine curiosity,” says Michaels, who is pursuing medical school. “I’ve carried this lesson with me through many other challenges, academic or otherwise.”

Whether she was coaching girls JV2 squash, living with students as a house counselor, or advising, Yao says she always appreciated the kindness of students and the support of colleagues, especially in the science department. “Every day as students left class, they would say thank you. That kindness warms my heart.”

Mike McHugh

Instructor in Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science
32 years

Mike McHugh loves being completely engrossed in a math problem—and watching students do the same. “Engaging with a math problem is a good time,” he says. “There are surprises and there are things that confuse you at first. That’s good, because confusion means you’re interacting with something you don’t understand yet. That’s when learning begins.” 

Since 1994, McHugh has taught calculus and upper-level math, including multivariable calculus and complex analysis. Using a flipped classroom model, McHugh provides assignments early, which frees class time for McHugh to take more of a coaching approach to math. When he is writing long formulas on the wall-to-wall whiteboard, for instance, he continually seeks student input. This approach is beneficial because McHugh can meet students where they are—enabling them to learn at their own pace. It also encourages students to work together and learn from one another. 

“The classroom is very collaborative,” says Gracie Aziabor ’26. “We’re not stepping into these new concepts on our own—we have our peers and Mr. McHugh, which strengthens all the concepts we’re working on. A great thing about Mr. McHugh is that he is very kindhearted and has this skill of making everyone in the classroom feel comfortable. You can tell he wants us to succeed to our highest capability.”

First and foremost, McHugh finds math fun, and that is what many former students remember most about him. 
“I was in one of your first classes at Andover and consider myself lucky to have learned calculus from you,” says Elaine Dimopoulos ’96. “You explained everything clearly, set your students up for success, and made learning hard things fun.” 

Nearly 30 years later, Mary Lord ’24 had a similar experience. “Mr. McHugh has always brought so much energy and fun into the classroom. He is one of the most invested and caring teachers I have ever had.”

For McHugh, teaching strong, dedicated students in advanced classes was an unbelievable opportunity. “Those experiences really helped me grow mathematically and as a teacher,” he says. “Many of those students were great fun and enjoyed doing math as much as I did. Doing what you love best as part of your job is awesome.”

McHugh’s supportive nature was not reserved just for the classroom. He brought that same enthusiasm to PA sports, coaching JV baseball for 20 years and JV1 soccer for 30 years. Building community also extended to colleagues: He launched and organized a faculty soccer night that connected teachers and teaching fellows for more than two decades.

In retirement, McHugh plans to stay active—playing golf and pickleball, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and hiking. He hopes to complete his goal of climbing all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-footers soon, with just two peaks remaining.

No matter where life takes him from here, McHugh has left a lasting impact that will remain forever etched in the memories of all he worked alongside, taught, and coached.

Lisa Johnson Svec ’81, P’08, ’10

Chair and Instructor in German
40 years

“Because of the enthusiasm she brought to the classroom, I fell in love with the German language and culture,” says Miley Kaufman ’19. “I’m just one of many examples of how a teacher’s passion can ripple outward in unpredictable ways.”

For Svec, the goal is clear: to create an interactive, enjoyable environment that brings learning to life. “What I love most is that you can do so many things to facilitate learning in a language class,” she says. “You’ve got music, history, current events—you can use anything. If it’s pedagogically sound and students have a positive learning experience, that’s the sweet spot. The fabulous thing about language learning is that it allows us to better understand our own selves and experiences. And it builds empathy and understanding as we learn about different ways of thinking and being in the world. Those are the real lessons that transcend the mechanics of learning a language and ultimately make it so meaningful.”

Though Svec loved studying Spanish and German as a student at Andover, she never planned to teach. After graduation, she spent a gap year in Germany as an American Field Service student and then majored in German at Dartmouth College. Law school might have been the next step—until her mother encouraged her to explore teaching. A conversation with members of Andover’s German department led to a fellowship and, soon after, a lifelong career.

Svec’s contributions have extended beyond the classroom—to the athletic fields, the mountains, and across the world. She has coached gymnastics, swimming, soccer, and Nordic skiing; served as a house counselor; and led many Learning in the World trips, including several to Berlin, where students were immersed in Germany’s language, history, and culture.

An avid outdoor enthusiast, Svec also has led many community hiking and mountain climbing events. “Being on the trails with colleagues and students is such a great way to connect,” she says.

Yet it is the everyday moments—like interacting with the kids and playing games—that Svec says she will miss most. “I’m so grateful for my fabulous students and colleagues and for this amazing opportunity I’ve had to do what I love.”

Billy Murray

Instructor in Theatre and Dance
30 years

In the costume studio, a large Styrofoam rhinoceros head hangs on the wall presiding over the bustling activity. Some students are at counter-height cutting tables in the center of the room while others assemble garments at the sewing machines. They are creating shorts with fabric they designed and then printed on large-format printers. Tyler Miocevich ’26 just finished a pair and turns them right side out. “Not too shabby,” he says in awe. “Very, very cool.” 

Throughout his three decades at Phillips Academy, Billy Murray has cherished these moments of discovery. Whether teaching costuming, lighting, or scenic design, he relishes igniting that spark of creativity. “All kids have the ability to create—and even go beyond what they thought was good,” he says. “The main thing I want them to learn is that they can create.”

Murray joined the Department of Theatre and Dance in 1996 to work with an inspiring team that included chair Mark Efinger ’74, P’02, and instructor Kevin Heelan. It was an exciting time to be at PA. The school was launching a highly innovative performing arts program following renovations to the Tang and Steinbach theatres, and Murray brought a wealth of experience: undergraduate degrees in acting/directing and classical studies, an MFA in design for theatre and cinema, and an MEd in theatre arts K–12 and special needs. Murray had also worked at companies such as Paramount Pictures, National Opera, and Dance America as well as public and private schools. 

In his first year, Murray helped produce and design lighting and costumes for The Nutcracker, which would become a beloved community tradition involving students, faculty, staff, and families. The large and complex Mother Ginger costume is one of his most memorable designs; Murray engineered a hooped metal structure covered by an enormous 18th-century gown that hid several children. With an adult actor standing on stilts, the children—on cue—would pop out of the gown to surprise the audience. 

Another highlight was directing Big Love, which toured at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2018 and was awarded first runner-up for the 2018 Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award. 

“That production and tour were significant,” Murray explains, “because students were supporting the roles of costume design, sound design, projection design, stage manager, and running crews.”

The expertise and enthusiasm Murray shared with his students will endure well beyond his retirement. Just ask Leah Russell ’04, who says that her former teacher left a lasting impact. 

“I came away from Mr. Murray’s class with two fantastic life lessons: first, keep an open mind, seek new things proactively, and don’t dismiss the unfamiliar; and second, it can make an enormous difference to address people personally. His care and invitation to participate have added so much value to my life.”

As he departs PA for the next phase of his life, Murray is satisfied by the knowledge that he has taught much more than creative design. “I hope the kids will take elements of what I taught them—creativity, thinking outside the box, pushing the envelope—into whatever area they pursue.”
 

Photos by Dave White