January 8, 2019
Interview by Kylin Gao
Jessica Bussgang Rosenbloom, an alum from the class of 1982, talked to The Musket about her experience of attending LHS.
Q: When did you attend LHS?
A: I attended LHS from 1979 to 1982. When I attended LHS, 10th, 11th and 12th graders were the only students in the building.
Q: What is the most memorable experience you had during your years at LHS?
A: One of my classmates, Dan Murphy, was paralyzed during a swimming accident over the summer while we were in high school. When he wheeled across the stage at our graduation, it was incredibly touching when everyone clapped and gave him a rousing celebration.
Q: In recent years, LHS has been known for its competitive academics. Was it like this when you attended LHS? How do you think LHS has changed over the years?
A: LHS has always been a competitive school and one of the top-ranked in the state academically. LHS also always had strong sports programs and strong performing arts, although in 1982, there were not as many teams for girls as there are today. LHS offered leveled classes and in the most rigorous courses, there were many students who were academically gifted and went on to attend highly selective colleges and universities. I had remarkable and talented classmates. I don’t think that has changed over the years. We had different cafeterias in different buildings, which we called houses, as opposed to the one cafeteria you have now. In addition, there were pay phones in the hallway by the main office. We had to use a dime and later a quarter to call for a ride. Cell phones and laptops didn’t exist. The main way that LHS has changed is the technology that is part of our day-to-day lives and has been incorporated into the curriculum.
Q: What's something you learned in LHS that helped you in life? It doesn't have to be academic: valuable friendship, interpersonal skills and hobbies all count
A: Growing up in Lexington, I was very dedicated to ice skating. I spent a lot of time at Hayden Recreation Centre, and I was very lucky it was located across the street from the high school so I could easily go back and forth. The LHS Administration was very helpful, allowing me to go to the rink during lunch and study halls. I didn’t have to take gym (it wasn’t a state law in those days) so I skated during that block as well. And I took Calculus class at night with the class teacher as my tutor so I could skate during that class time, yet I still got credit for the class and took exams with the class. It was unusual for someone skating at my level to be attending public school. I credit LHS with providing flexibility and support so that I could compete and attend school. Juggling and balancing skating and academics as a teen has served me really well ever since. I am really grateful to LHS for supporting my skating. Last year, I established a living legacy award at LHS so that a skater each year who is a strong LHS student will be recognized with the Jessica Bussgang Rosenbloom Skating Award. This is a merit award. I hope that this spring, many skaters at LHS will apply for the award.
Q: Did LHS help you make decisions on your careers at all? Did you decide your field of interest in high school?
A: Lexington Public Schools provided a fantastic education for me as I was able to then go on to major in International Relations and French at Tufts University and earn my MBA at Harvard Business School. I had no idea where my career was headed when I was at LHS, and I certainly didn’t decide on my career during high school. I currently have my own business working as a consultant, helping coach individuals who are applying to college and graduate school, primarily MBA programs. I am also a U.S. Figure Skating National Judge. I travel around the country to judge competitions and test sessions in different locations. In January, I will judge the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Detroit. I sit on the boards of Tufts University’s Entrepreneurship Center, the Harvard Business School Association of Boston, and Boston Medical Center.
Q: Are you still in touch with other LHS alums? Anyone you want to give a shoutout?
A: I still see several classmates regularly because many of us live nearby. I live in Wellesley and a few of my classmates do as well. I have a group of friends, a.k.a “The Lexington Girls” – Carol Cooperstein Agranat, Jill Shangold Dougherty, Brenda Kramer Coutinho, Maryellen Sirianos Sanderson, and Wendy Johnson who are still in great touch. We even spent a weekend away together this past summer. It is even easier to stay connected to high school friends through social media. The Class of 1982 has its own Facebook page and classmates often share news and organize our reunions as well. I have attended many high school reunions over the years, and I enjoy learning what classmates are up to. I have very fond memories of growing up in Lexington and attending Lexington High School.
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