Unlocking the Strength Within – A Hyde School Alumni Story

A Hyde School Alumni Success Story

This reflection comes from Geoff McConnell, Class of 1979. His story reveals how Hyde School’s values of participation, resilience, and vulnerability helped unlock confidence he didn’t yet believe he had.

Hyde School Alumni Story

Geoff McConnell ’79 — discovering strength and confidence rooted in Hyde School’s all-in, character-based education.

Hyde School helped me to unlock the confidence and perseverance that was always within me but that I was hesitant to believe in and bet upon. I came to Hyde School ready (well, almost ready) for a change, as I had managed to fail my sophomore year of high school--which actually takes some doing. With Hyde's "everybody participates in everything" philosophy, I faced challenges (football; dancing in front of a crowd; being vulnerable with others) and found that I possessed strength that was always within me lurking beneath the surface. As a Hyde School student, I was pushed to excel by students and faculty in ways that I had previously managed to cleverly avoid. My experience at Hyde School helped to provide me with the resilience to go on to college and law school, embark upon a 30+ year legal career, and be a dad. For that, I am eternally grateful.

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.