(From left to right) Teddy Perweiler '09, Andy Canzonetti '09, and Will Sobo '10 spoke to the Bennetts' about their son's legacy and impact on the Hyde community during the ceremony on April 19.

Woodstock, CT–Hyde School, a national leader in character-based education, has fostered an alternative dialogue through efforts to demonstrate support for those serving abroad. Leaving the liberal and republican opinions outside of the public forum, Hyde School has focused on patriotism and remembrance.

On Sunday, April 19, Hyde School celebrated Daniel Bennett ‘05, an alumnus who passed away in an accident while serving abroad in Afghanistan, by retiring his lacrosse number. Associate Head of School Bob Felt led the ceremony on Sunday morning, presenting the retired jersey, #17, to Bennett’s parents, Jim and Victoria Bennett.

Felt spoke about Bennett’s character, reflecting on him as “a man of few words.” “You don’t have to know somebody to be inspired,” said Felt. “We honor people by what they stand for here at Hyde.”

Students Teddy Perweiler ‘09, Andy Canzonetti ‘09, and Will Sobo ‘10, members of the varsity lacrosse team on which Bennett served as goalie, also spoke powerfully about their connections to Bennett. “Although we never met [Bennett],” Perweiler remarked, “we all as a community feel connected to him.”

The Bennett number ceremony presented a powerful experience for the student body at Hyde School, bringing a sad event to the forefront and celebrating the individual for his dedication and his efforts for his country. Bennett represented a great success story at Hyde. As Felt related, Bennett entered “a rebel without a clue,” but became “a rebel with a purpose.”

“There were two important things Danny belonged to in his life: the US Marine Corps and Hyde School,” shared Bennett’s father, Jim. “Belonging here at Hyde was very important to him and to us.”