A Legacy Thirty Years in the Making: Grove School Honors Peter Chorney at Parents’ Weekend

This past June, Grove School’s annual Parents’ Weekend included a celebration that had been months in the making. In front of students, families, staff, and alumni gathered on campus, Executive Director Peter Chorney was honored for thirty years of dedicated service to the school and the young people it serves.

For Peter, the milestone is not simply a professional one. He was born into this work. Growing up on the grounds of the Grove School campus, he came to understand early on what it meant to build a community around the needs of adolescents. His father led Grove for many years before him, and when Peter eventually stepped into the role of Executive Director, he did not simply follow the path that had been created. He made it wider.

His journey at Grove began during his high school years and never really stopped. From tutor to program counselor to Teacher/Counselor to Residential Administrator to Associate Director to Executive Director, he has experienced this school from every angle. Today he oversees all daily operations while remaining a Tennis Coach on campus and co-Advisor to the Student Council — a leader who has never led from a distance.

The centerpiece of the celebration was a video tribute featuring more than thirty contributors, including family members, former staff, alumni, and current students and staff. Among the voices was a message from Jim Calhoun, the legendary UConn Basketball coach and one of Peter’s longtime idols — a moment that few in attendance will forget.

Thirty years. Countless students and families. A legacy that continues to grow.

Grove School is grateful for every one of them.