Knightly News

Upper School Associate College Counseling Director Dr. Alan Newton says that, generally, people write for two reasons: they have something inside that they need to share, and they share with a community for connection, support and validation. Both of these are true of Dr. Newton, who recently had his first book of poetry published. “Mid Flight Turbulence” is a collection of poems marking Dr. Newton’s personal midlife review. He explores mature themes of regret, mortality and the inner journey he’s experienced looking back and thinking forward.

A self-described introvert, Dr. Newton finds community in bold ways. Writing has always been a comfortable way to connect, and with a doctorate in English, he has written and taught a wide range of English-related topics. In graduate school, he wrote short plays, and his play “Whiteout” won a national award from the Kennedy Center.  For some time, while he focused on teaching, Dr. Newton says he also wrote simply for fun.

Even now, as a college counselor, Dr. Newton stays connected to writing. He is a tremendous resource for Upper School students as they prepare their college admission essays, and he devotes considerable effort to establishing test-taking practices that support them and provide an environment in which they can succeed.

“I’ve always loved my teaching career,” says Dr. Newton when reflecting on his years in the classroom, teaching creative writing and poetry. He enjoys working with young people and wants them to realize their own writing potential. He finds that poetry, in particular, is accessible to everyone and something most people can do. “It doesn’t have to be Shakespeare,” he says with an encouraging smile.

That openness and supportive nature have made Dr. Newton a relatable teacher and counselor. In addition, his spirit of adventure drives him to travel and once inspired him to share his talents with the international community. For six years, Dr. Newton and his wife, Dr. Rebecca Kuhn, taught at Bugil Academy in South Korea. The academy was one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the country and was known for preparing students to attend elite universities worldwide.  Dr. Newton taught AP-level English courses, helping the South Korean students develop the language skills to attend English-speaking universities.

Far from home, Dr. Newton found a community through the common language of music. He and Dr. Kuhn joined the Bugil High School faculty band; he played drums, and she sang vocals and played bass. Dr. Newton finds that being a drummer allows him to be simultaneously in the action and behind the scenes. The love of music helped Drs. Newton and Kuhn develop lifelong friendships with their bandmates and coworkers. Dr. Newton still visits South Korea and appreciates their kindness and graciousness.

In addition to music and writing, Dr. Newton is also an avid runner. He’s completed several half marathons and is preparing for a full marathon this spring. While running is an introspective effort, Dr. Newton appreciates the unity that comes when runners work toward a goal and achieve it.

Dr. Newton’s lifetime of adventures and exploration now informs his first book of poetry. While he didn’t plan on writing a poetry book, he was encouraged to do so by a writing group he discovered through his Episcopal connections. Dr. Kuhn taught the school’s first Service Learning and Community Impact course with Archdeacon Charlie deGravelles, known by the Episcopal community as Chaplain Charlie. Chaplain Charlie is a member of a local writing group and invited Dr. Newton to attend. “I went to one reading and was hooked,” recalls Dr. Newton. After the meeting, Dr. Newton began writing every available free minute and appreciated the opportunity to receive feedback from other writing enthusiasts. Those enthusiasts encouraged him to publish his work, and Dr. Newton is happy he took their advice. “It’s fun to see poems in print,” he says.

“Midflight Turbulence” is self-reflective, but also an invitation to connect with someone who enjoys writing and sharing that joy with others. Sharing poems is personal and brave, but like teaching in another country, training for a marathon or drumming in front of an audience, Dr. Newton finds it a worthwhile endeavor.

Has Dr. Newton encouraged your love of writing or helped you in your college admission journey? Share a message with him in the comments section below.

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