Why Hyde? A Hyde School Alumni & Parent Story of Transformation Across Generations

A Hyde School Alumni & Parent Reflection Across Generations

This story comes from a Hyde School graduate who later chose Hyde for her daughter — offering a rare, deeply personal perspective on Hyde’s lasting mission and impact.

Why Hyde?

Margo Calvetti ’76 with roommate Laura Gauld ’76, Hyde School Head — two generations of Hyde leadership connected through a life-changing Hyde School experience.

I could begin and end with this: I got so much from my Hyde School education that I sent my daughter. But there is more to the story—and it’s worth telling.

It was the fall of 1973. I was in my junior year of high school, with enough credits to graduate early. I hoped to go to college, but my SAT scores were a disaster—too low even for the lowest-ranking state college in Illinois, which we jokingly called “Wasted State.” I was devastated but not surprised.

On paper, I was thriving: popular, high GPA, glowing recommendations. But my home life was filled with drunken fights. I had been drinking and smoking marijuana since age 12. I was on a train to nowhere, and I knew it.

My guidance counselor had received a Hyde School catalogue and suggested the school might be challenging—and possibly life-changing—for me. After reading it, I lobbied my parents for an interview. My younger brother and I were also in trouble with the police, so my parents were open to alternatives.

The Interview That Changed Everything

In the spring of 1974, I sat in the Hyde Mansion with my father and Mr. Pray. My mother, emotionally unstable, could not attend. My father was impatient and dismissive.

“I’m a successful businessman and investor,” he said. “You’re nothing but a teacher at a chicken-shit school in Maine. What could you possibly tell me?”

Mr. Pray replied calmly:

“You may be successful, but are you investing in your daughter’s education?”

My father slammed the magazine shut and walked out.

I followed him, but I had one card left. I went straight to Mr. Gauld’s office.

“Mr. Gauld,” I said, “I don’t think my parents will send me here. But I have $2,000 in the bank from waitressing. I’ll put it toward my education. I really want to be here.”

I also threatened to run away to California with my boyfriend. My parents wisely sent me to Hyde.

A Summer That Reshaped My Life

Summer school was eight weeks of intensive outdoor and academic work. It was the hardest I had ever tried in my life. I stayed sober. I felt like a different person.

But when I returned home, my destructive habits resurfaced. I couldn’t wait to get back to Hyde—I needed the structure and the community.

Dad would ask: “Why do you want to go back? Don’t all those kids have problems?”

“Yes, Dad,” I’d reply. “We all have problems. At Hyde, we talk about them and learn how to overcome them.”

Becoming the Person I Wanted to Be

Hyde’s character culture shaped everything:

• Community Action

• Family-style dinners

• Study hall

• Room inspections

• Honest conversations

• Hard work and integrity

• Mandatory Sports

My relationships deepened. Superficial parts of my identity fell away. I focused on core values and became a leader.

I raised my SAT scores and was accepted into Grinnell College—a far cry from “Wasted State.”

A Family Changed

My parents did not participate in Hyde’s parent program. But my mother did transform herself during those years—through yoga, self-reflection, and healing. It was a dramatic turnaround.

A Career Built on Hyde Foundations

America's Spirit, Hyde’s performing arts tour, changed my life. I learned public relations, media interviews, and marketing skills directly from parents and faculty. I spent more than 30 years in a successful career built on those foundations.

Returning to Myself

It took me another decade to face my addiction. When I finally became sober, the first person I called was my Hyde roommate, Laura. Our relationship remains strong today.

I served two terms on Hyde’s Board of Governors. I give annually and have included Hyde School in my will. The future of Hyde matters deeply to me.

Why Hyde for My Daughter?

At the height of the financial crisis in 2008, my daughter needed help that I couldn’t provide myself. I knew the only right choice was Hyde School.

And now—she’ll tell her own story.

Hyde saved my life. Hyde shaped my career. Hyde helped my daughter. Hyde matters.

— Margo A. Calvetti ’76

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.