![Being a Self-Starter]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1769197446/hydeedu/ypdzpmmh3mlopvrrkfqa/IMG_3529_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1769197446/hydeedu/ypdzpmmh3mlopvrrkfqa/IMG_3529_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1769197446/hydeedu/ypdzpmmh3mlopvrrkfqa/IMG_3529_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1769197446/hydeedu/ypdzpmmh3mlopvrrkfqa/IMG_3529_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1769197446/hydeedu/ypdzpmmh3mlopvrrkfqa/IMG_3529_1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1769197446/hydeedu/ypdzpmmh3mlopvrrkfqa/IMG_3529_1.jpg","width":2200}])
Hyde has always been a small school with a big vision and entrepreneurial roots. Students learn character and leadership life skills such as:
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Self-Awareness - Understanding one's strengths and obstacles
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Public Speaking Confidence - Being able to listen to your inner voice and project in any setting
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Tackling Challenges Outside of One's Comfort Zone - Learning how to be resilient when faced with adversity and to find the lessons that come with it
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Meaningful Relationships - Learning how to navigate relationships and connect with others
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Family Context - Understanding the areas of strength and needs for development in the family
Often, alumni report back that these life skills not only helped them in college, but also in really standing out in the everyday challenges of professional and personal life.
This year, we started a curriculum, EntreX, to help our students practice entrepreneurial skills such as mentorship, pitching ideas and products, and addressing real-world challenges. The EntreX class developed strong momentum during the fall term, and this first cohort of students continues to set a high standard.
Instructor Shaw Bridges shared his thoughts on their recent outing:
"We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with Union +Co in downtown Bath, where EntreX students gathered last week for another engaging evening with members of the local entrepreneurial community. Hyde students practiced professional networking with familiar mentors, shared brief Hyde Introductions, and built confidence about stepping into adult spaces. Along with me, Ms. Lobozzo and Mr. Truluck witnessed students' courage and poise as they addressed a large crowd of local leaders and innovators. A special shout-out goes to Brady Kruep '26 for delivering a clear and compelling explanation of Hyde's character education model and its connection to EntreX. All of the students present - Alex, Cocoe, Nathanial, Sawyer, David, Petra, Brady, and Abigail represented Hyde to the greater Midcoast Maine community.
On Wednesday, the 14th, Hyde’s EntreX students traveled to the Roux Institute at Northeastern University, Boston, to participate in an IdeaJAM alongside peers from Deering High School. The morning emphasized creative problem-solving, teamwork, and clear communication under time constraints. Working in mixed-school teams, students developed, tested, and iterated on solutions to the prompt: “How might we empower students without family safety nets to build the financial literacy, professional skills, and self-advocacy tools they need to thrive?” Each Hyde-led team delivered a thoughtful and compelling pitch. Jack and Raya’s team earned top honors for their proposed Boston-based Boys & Girls Club partnership, WealthWorks, while Brady and Lila’s app-based lifelong financial wellness solution had an impressive showing in a highly competitive environment. As one Roux Institute coordinator noted, Hyde students were a high-caliber group who clearly brought energy and focus to the day.
On the ride back to campus, the students reflected on how meaningful it was to be both challenged and affirmed in an authentic entrepreneurial setting. Together, these experiences pushed students to think on their feet, sharpen their messaging, and incorporate concrete feedback—an exciting step forward in translating classroom learning into real-world entrepreneurial practice. As the year continues, students will take on the demanding work of turning concepts into tangible products while stress-testing their venture narratives with diverse audiences. These Hyde students are actively putting their leadership and character education into real-life settings."
On the ride back to campus, the students reflected on how meaningful it was to be both challenged and affirmed in an authentic entrepreneurial setting. Together, these experiences pushed students to think on their feet, sharpen their messaging, and incorporate concrete feedback—an exciting step forward in translating classroom learning into real-world entrepreneurial practice. As the year continues, students will take on the demanding work of turning concepts into tangible products while stress-testing their venture narratives with diverse audiences. These Hyde students are actively putting their leadership and character education into real-life settings."
While extremely proud of our students, I am also thrilled to see our day-to-day learning leave the classroom in these kinds of opportunities for our students to soar!
Laura D. Gauld '76
President