Spotlights & Stories

Before Katianna Hong ’02 became a Michelin-starred trailblazer, James Beard nominee, and Top Chef standout, Albany Academy teachers encouraged her to pursue culinary school. That early confidence helped spark a career defined by bold creativity, discipline, and national acclaim.

Before sunrise, Assistant Director of Athletics and Head Swimming and Diving Coach Mike Murray ’00 is already on deck at Picotte Field House, filling chlorine tanks, greeting early-morning lap swimmers, and preparing another full day centered on the water. A second-generation Academy graduate and record-setting swimmer, Murray has returned home to lead our aquatics program during an exciting new era for Albany Academy athletics. From guiding hesitant Pre-K swimmers to training top competitors and coaching each evening, his dedication to the sport and to our students runs deep.

From the ice to the boardroom, Mark Spiers ’99 has carried his Academy experience with him. A standout hockey forward, Hall of Fame inductee, and now president of the Alumni Association, Spiers reflects on the unique blend of athletics, academics, and opportunity that shaped him — and why he’s committed to keeping graduates connected to Albany Academy today.