Jigsaw puzzle fun also raises funds

More than 100 members of the Thayer community took part in the Jigsaw Puzzle Competition held March 1 in Cahall Dining Hall. In all, 22 teams — made up of students from every grade as well as parents, guardians, faculty, staff, and friends — raised a total of $550 for three local charities. 

“It was truly a community event,” said Upper School math and computer science teacher Tom Chiari P ‘22, ‘22, who organized this year’s puzzle fundraiser as well as a similar competition two years ago. Chiari thanked people for what he called an amazing turnout and offered special thanks to Rebecca Rudolph ‘24, who assisted with all of the logistics and helped to make the evening such a success. 

The winning team, “Ashley’s Dad,” included  Katelyn Sentnor ‘24, Roman Chenaur ‘26, Jack McCarthy ‘24, Jake Crowley ‘24, Josette Chenaur ‘24, and Eli Lukens ‘24. They completed the puzzle in an impressive 56 minutes and seven seconds; for their win, $250 was donated to the charity of their choice: Boston Children’s Hospital. The puzzle prodigies also earned a $100 gift certificate for the restaurant of their choice. 

Finishing in second were “The Dissectologists” comprised of Alta Randall ‘26; her parents, Craig and Kim Randall P ‘26, ‘28;  Upper School history teacher Heidi Brown; and Upper School Health & Wellness Department Head Wendi Happi P ‘30. The squad finished with a time of 57 minutes and 37 seconds — just 90 seconds behind “Ashley’s Dad.” The team chose the ASPCA, which received a $200 donation, as its charity.

Finishing third, and with a time of 58 minutes and 30 seconds, was “Algebra 2 Honors Small Puppies + Casey,” which was made up of students Dillon Driscoll ‘27, Isabella Kahn ‘27, Katherine Silvers ‘27, Casey Lukens ‘27, Aarav Vaghela ‘27 and Zoe Rudolph ‘27. For their accomplishment, $100 was donated to The Northeast Animal Shelter in the team’s name.

Each of the 22 teams was given the same puzzle, and no team knew the image on the puzzle beforehand. They also were not allowed to see the puzzle lid as they were building their puzzle.

Chiari said he’s already looking forward to next year’s event.