Time Took Time - A Hyde School Alumni Story

A Hyde School Alumni Success Story

This reflection comes from Albert Ancel, Class of 1972. His journey shows how the values of Hyde School — courage, integrity, leadership, curiosity, and concern — stayed with him long after leaving, ultimately leading to a diploma awarded decades later.

Albert Ancel, Class of 1972 with Joe Gauld at his Diploma Ceremony in 2013

Hyde School Alumni Story

August, 1968 - Front Gate of Hyde School.

I was 15, from a Chicago suburb with a renown school system whose high school had disinvited me from returning for my junior year. (Failing PE was the final straw!) I was out of excuses, but full of lies and manipulation.

So here I was, entering Hyde as a freshman with no recognition of my opportunity. I was angry, belligerent and rebellious with fears I did not know to address..

There were teachers, coaches and staff who gave me their best. I earned my share of kitchen duty. (I also got an occasional loaf of Chef Brawn’s world’s finest banana bread!) Team sports were great and my grades improved as a few of The Five Words began to take hold, until…

… November ‘70 when my my rebellious attitude reared its ugly head. Off I went. Got caught in Bethesda, MD and returned to Hyde for a spell before parting for good – or so, I thought – in December, 1970.

Through the ensuing years (decades) Hyde remained in my heart. I stayed in touch with a few of the guys and decided to attend a 2011 reunion. Having joined a 12 Step program in 2000, I saw this as an opportunity to make some face-to-face amends.

So, forty+ years after leaving, I entered Joe Gauld’s office. He greeted me with a bear hug. We talked, laughed, and shed a few tears. I made amends to Joe and Hyde. I wanted Joe to know that neither he nor anyone at Hyde had failed me. In fact, through the 41 years since I’d left Hyde, I had always heard the words, “Courage, Integrity, Leadership, Curiosity and Concern.”

Ever the educator, Joe said, “Al, we never tried to give those words to you, they were always there inside you.” Tears filled my eyes then as they do while I type this. I told Malcolm that my greatest regret is having never graduated and asked what it might take for me to earn my diploma. He grinned, slapped me on the back, and said, “Write a speech and be here next spring.” True to his word, Malcolm provided the opportunity for Joe Gauld to award my diploma. Time Took Time.

Albert Ancel ‘72 – Graduated 2013 at Age 60!

Albert Ancel, Class of 1972 with Malcolm Gauld and Ken Grant at his Diploma Ceremony in 2013

The Lasting Impact of a Hyde School Education

Hyde Voices shares authentic perspectives from Hyde School alumni, parents, and staff. Each story demonstrates how Hyde School’s focus on truth, growth, and character creates lasting change. Explore more Hyde School stories, share your own reflection, or learn more about the school itself at the Hyde School website.