An Illustrious Old Boy Visits
Marco Nino (’16) popped in for a visit recently. Marco finished his degree from Yale University in December, studying Economics and Global Affairs. He was the first of Western grads to attend Yale in 2020.
By the way, Marco’s parents, George and Sofia Nino, were among founding families of Western in 2010, and Marco’s older brother, Stefan Nino (’12) was among Western’s first graduates.
We found some notes and quotes from Marco’s time at Western…
Among other things, Marco was excellent at the Poet’s Bard in Middle School. While in 7th grade, he placed first in the Spring bard, reciting Hamlet's speech, "Is this a dagger I see before me?" Then in 8th grade, Marco had triple first places regaling us with: (Fall Bard) Jewish Cemetery at Newport; (Spring Bard) The Wreck of the Hesperus; and in the Heroes' Bard, Marc Anthony's Funeral Speech, in Two Parts. Quite challenging poetic content with talented delivery!
While at Yale, he continued living out broad interests inspired at Western by debating with the Federalist Club, founding a humor magazine, and being active in the St. Thomas More Catholic Center. He also went on an archeological dig of a Romanic church in Minorca, Spain.
Upon graduation from Western in 2016, Marco commented that he was “grateful to have attended because it was a unique experience. Being surrounded by nature added to the feeling of freedom, one can be free at Western Academy. The teachers care and see the students as whole persons and that is a wonderful experience. I will miss Capture the Flag and the houses, and I hope I was worthy of being in the House of Green. Go Green!”
“Thank you Western Academy for being my Alma Mater. It was a very enjoyable time for me, and I hope to return often.” And he did!
Chiming in with some helpful criticism at the time, Marco also suggested that “the school needs a bit of patching up like in the Korean field. It is hard to play games there. When it rains, things get really messy everywhere!”
No doubt, Marco’s advice was heard. For years, the “Korean” field receives the loving care of Western’s Maintenance Team and has been in great shape for football, soccer and rugby games and constant use by the boys. Thanks for the advice, Marco, and best wishes to you in your endeavors!
Marco with Mr. Hoff on his visit in January
Marco acting in a festival play with Alvaro Directo (‘15) to his left
Marco (right) on the Korean Field during festival games, along with Mr. Hoff and fellow Green teammates, (L-R) Joe Rick Madden, Joey Figueroa and Nathan Polzer
Marco graduating wearing the stole of House of the Green with Mr. Hebert in 2016