On the day of the Faculty-Student Ultimate Frisbee game, Luke DiOrio ‘10 stormed the field with seven friends. It was Luke’s birthday, and he was not only the avid organizer of this event but also the Ultimate Frisbee coach on campus, so his enthusiasm was understandable. “I worried no one would show up!” he confesses, but that worry quickly faded as faculty and fellow alumni arrived in droves to take on the students in friendly but fierce competition.
While he was playing for the faculty team that day, it wasn’t all that long ago that Luke was on the other side of the field. As an alumnus who returned in 2021 to join CH-CH’s faculty as a Digital Photography and Videography teacher, Luke is a literal embodiment of continuation in the community. The Chronicle (CH) sat down with Luke to discuss his journey from student to educator.
CH: You've been a faculty member almost as long as you were a student. What's changed at CH-CH in that time? What feels the same?
LD: Over the years, I've witnessed significant changes at CH-CH, notably the remarkable renovation of facilities such as the Visual & Performing Arts Center, dramatically enhancing our artistic and creative environment. However, amidst these transformations, the steadfast commitment to supporting students has remained unchanged.
CH: Can you tell us about what that steadfast support, and connections to faculty members looked like for you?
LD: Alice Solorow (Photography teacher from 1984 to 2021), in particular, made herself available all the time. She brought in multiple resources to inspire students, and opened my eyes to the possibility of photography (CH: Luke majored in Film at the University of Hartford). I was a nervous wreck in high school about being an adult but CH-CH developed my skill set and my confidence. Today, faculty still connect with students in the classroom and through co-curriculars, getting to know them on a deeper level. At the end of the day, we’re all just here for the students.
CH: As a younger faculty member, what similarities do you notice between yourself and the students, and what differences? Do you think it resonates with the kids that you are an alumnus?
LD: I find striking similarities between myself and current students, which reflects the enduring ethos of community and growth at CH-CH. Being neuro-divergent allows me to connect with many students on another level. I see myself walking in their shoes. Many struggles are the same and the successes feel mighty. To be a teacher here is to be vulnerable. It’s saying: I see what you’re going through. Let’s connect around that in a way that’s open and honest.
CH: When you think of the way that CH-CH expands horizons and minds, how did the School do that for you? How have you tried to pass that along?
LD: The biggest impact for me was just how diverse the School was. It was such an eye-opening experience to see people who didn’t just look and think like me. It’s a community where people are open to diverse perspectives and different cultures. After graduating from CH-CH, my choice to attend the University of Hartford was partially because of how diverse the school was.
CH: What words of advice do you have for alumni wanting to stay engaged with the community?
LD: One of the best things that’s happened to me was being brought back into the fold. First, it’s just as accepting as it was when I was here as a student. Second, it feels great to reconnect. Finally, this place is doing some pretty amazing things. I continue to believe in our mission as much as I believed in it as a student.
CH: What do you hope never changes about CH-CH?
LD: I hope that it stays the oasis that it is, both here in Waltham and in the greater independent school world. I hope it stays diverse, and that students continue to feel a sense of great attachment to teachers. I hope that as alumni, graduates go out and spread the word but also come back to see what hasn’t changed. I have vivid memories of graduation, of going down the receiving line of faculty members. You don’t forget those moments even fifteen, twenty years later.
