By Caspar von Hollen ’26, Editor-in-Chief

When Newark Academy’s students returned to campus this fall, they greeted all of the usual “news” — new classes, new teachers, new books. However, th

When Newark Academy’s students returned to campus this fall, they greeted all of the usual “news” — new classes, new teachers, new books. However, there was one “new” that no one had encountered before: a new head of school at NA. Having previously served the role of Middle School Principal for 19 years, Tom Ashburn was already a beloved community member. For all of those who are just making acquaintance with him, and for those who’d like to know him a little bit better, here are five things to know about Mr. Ashburn.

1. The music isn’t a coincidence.
For years, Upper School students have walked through the Middle School hearing music playing from the loudspeakers. They’ve asked themselves, “Why can’t we have something like that?” This year, they do. It’s a bit of a Mr. Ashburn trademark to have music playing. Intrigued, I decided to ask where the idea came from. When helping to design the Wild Middle School, which opened in 2017, he read that “music isn’t just something fun to have in the background … it can lower stress, boost your focus, and even help you remember things better.” In a community where we can all agree that people are stressed, the music that now plays in the front foyer “is a simple way to start the day with energy, connection, and a little joy,” Mr. Ashburn says.

2. His favorite memory from high school is his connections with other people.
Like all of us are now, Mr. Ashburn was once a high school student. “What I remember most from high school are the people — the friends and the teachers who pushed me to be better. The best stories aren’t about one big event, but about the relationships that shaped me.” Seeing that people and relationships are Mr. Ashburn’s defining characteristic of high school, it’s no surprise that he ended up at Newark Academy as an integral part of a community that deeply values those very two things.

3. What he misses about teaching the most is connection.
Before moving into administration, Mr. Ashburn was once a teacher. Wondering about what that was like for him, I asked which text or concept he missed teaching the most. His answer was consistent with his favorite memory of high school: connection. He misses being in the classroom with students every day and being able to build profound relationships with them that go deeper than just the class material — an opportunity that just doesn’t present itself as often in administration.

4. His favorite book is Catch-22.
NA students are always reading — you can hardly make it through the school doors without seeing a book — so I was curious what Mr. Ashburn favors on his bookshelf. His top pick is Catch-22 by Joseph Heller, a novel about an American bomber pilot, John Yossarian, during World War II. It explores timeless themes like the struggle for freedom against bureaucracy and the insanity of war.

5. He wants to “double down” on the belonging and joy that define NA.
Mr. Ashburn’s biggest goal for his time as head of school is to “double down on the sense of belonging and joy that already define the community,” he says. “I want every student to feel that this is their place and that their presence matters. If we get that right, everything else — learning, leadership, and lasting impact — becomes strong.”

It’s clear that Mr. Ashburn’s experiences as both a student and classroom teacher have shaped his goals for the school. It is important to him that every student is able to forge the connections he greatly values to create a deep sense of belonging. While it is only the beginning, Mr. Ashburn’s emphasis on joy in the daily lives of students is clear, evident even in small changes like music in the foyer and newly painted hallways.

Ultimately, Mr. Ashburn made it clear that he’s “excited for a great year.” And I think it’s safe to say that, with the community NA has, that is exactly what we are heading toward. NA has a great community, one that we all help to contribute to, so as Mr. Ashburn settles into his new role, go say “hi” to him or your new peers. Be the one to take the first step and build community.