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Green Vale welcomed back alumna Sara Ely Hulse ’89, Coordinating Development Producer at CBS News, who spoke with Upper School students about her career in investigative journalism and the power of storytelling.

In her role with 48 Hours, Hulse works behind the scenes researching, writing, interviewing, and coordinating complex stories—many of which unfold over years as they move through the justice system. She shared that it is not uncommon to follow a story for five or more years, emphasizing the patience, persistence, and attention to detail required in her field.

Hulse’s work has earned four Emmy nominations and two Emmy Awards (2014 and 2019), including Outstanding Coverage of a Breaking News Story for Caught, a special on the Boston Marathon bombing, and another for 39 Days, a report on the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. In addition, she has received a Sigma Delta Chi Award, a New York Press Club Award, an Edward R. Murrow Award, and a Gracie Award for her reporting.

During her talk, Hulse spoke about the challenges and thrilling nature of her work, describing a career that requires adaptability, curiosity, and strong storytelling skills. She also shared how her work has taken her across the United States and around the world, offering students a glimpse into the dynamic and often unpredictable reality of working in news.

Long before her career took her around the world, Hulse was a student at Green Vale, where her love of reading and writing began to take shape. She credited former teacher Mr. Simonds, who taught English and History, with helping spark her interest in storytelling—an influence that continues to shape her work today.

After graduating from Green Vale, Hulse attended St. George’s School and later Denison University. Her first job out of college was at Time Magazine, and one of her earliest formative experiences came when she joined a documentary project in Vietnam. Instead of a salary, the director covered her travel expenses, allowing her to spend six months working in Southeast Asia—an experience that reinforced both her love of travel and storytelling.

Over the course of her career, that curiosity has taken her to a wide range of stories and settings—from long-term investigative reporting to major global events. Today, in her role with 48 Hours, she continues to help develop stories that often unfold over years, requiring persistence, quick thinking, and the ability to connect with people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Her message to students emphasized the importance of strong writing, curiosity, and perseverance, as well as the understanding that there are often many ways and angles to tell a story.

Her visit provided students with a meaningful opportunity to see how the skills they are developing in the classroom can translate into impactful and far-reaching careers.

Green Vale is grateful to Sara Ely Hulse for returning to campus and inspiring the next generation of storytellers.
 

There are certain days on campus that feel especially meaningful—days when the energy is palpable, the hallways are fuller, and the connections between generations come vividly to life. Grandparents & Friends Day was one of those days.

From the moment guests arrived, the School was filled with a sense of warmth and anticipation. Grandparents and special friends were welcomed into classrooms where students eagerly shared their work, proud to offer a glimpse into their daily lives at Green Vale. Smiles, laughter, and quiet moments of connection unfolded naturally—small interactions that leave a lasting impression.

Throughout the day, the campus came alive with activity. From spirited games and friendly competitions to vibrant displays of student artwork, every space reflected the energy and creativity of our students. Musical presentations filled the air with energy and expression, offering another window into the student experience. Around every corner, there was something to discover—moments that highlighted not just what our students learn, but who they are becoming.

What made the day even more special was the sense of continuity. Many families walking the halls have deep roots at Green Vale, and it was moving to see alumni return—this time alongside their grandchildren. Watching them pause in familiar spaces, sharing stories and memories, was a powerful reminder of the School’s enduring impact across generations.

At the heart of it all are our teachers, whose dedication and care make days like this possible. Their thoughtful preparation and commitment to each student create the kind of environment where confidence grows, curiosity is encouraged, and community thrives.

Grandparents & Friends Day is more than a celebration—it is a reflection of what makes Green Vale so special. A place where relationships matter, traditions are honored, and the spirit of the School is carried forward by every student, family, and educator who walks through its doors.

Upper School students recently had the opportunity to hear from GVS parent speaker Harold Valestin, father of Liam ’25 and Connor (7th Grade), a real estate broker, investor, consultant, and coach whose career has taken him from Wall Street trading floors to some of New York City’s largest real estate developments.

Valestin began his professional career on Wall Street as a proprietary trader, where he traded firm capital and shared in the profits he generated. But his path changed dramatically following the events of September 11, 2001. At the time, his office was located on the 83rd floor of the first World Trade Center tower. Although he was not in the building when the attacks occurred, the tragedy ultimately led him to reconsider his career.

Encouraged by his father, Valestin decided to explore real estate. “My father told me, ‘You like fast-paced work and making deals—you should try real estate,’” he recalled. With little experience but plenty of determination, he entered the industry and began learning the business from the ground up.

Today, Valestin works primarily with real estate developers, consulting on projects from the earliest stages—when a site is still just a vacant lot—to the completion of major residential or commercial buildings. His work focuses on new development, helping guide projects that transform empty land into homes, offices, and community spaces.

“What I love most is seeing something that starts as dirt become something meaningful,” he explained. “Real estate can take something that doesn’t exist and turn it into a place where people live, work, and build their lives.”

Over the years, his expertise has expanded beyond brokerage and development consulting. Valestin now also teaches and coaches new investors, helping them understand how to buy property, renovate homes, and build long-term wealth through real estate. His experience has also led to speaking engagements where he shares insights on investing and entrepreneurship. At one event, he even addressed an audience of 4,000 people at the Javits Center in New York City.

During his talk with students, Valestin emphasized several lessons that have shaped his career.

One of the most important skills, he said, is learning to listen.

“Listen more and talk less,” he advised. “You have to understand what people actually need before you can help them.”

He also spoke about the importance of building relationships and networking.

“Your relationships are your network for life,” he explained. “If people don’t know you, they won’t know what you do. Even in today’s digital world, face-to-face conversations are still how real business gets done.”

Above all, Valestin stressed the importance of reputation and integrity.

“In this business, reputation is everything,” he told students. “It can take years to build and one second to destroy.”

Through his journey—from aspiring doctor to Wall Street trader to successful real estate professional—Valestin reminded students that careers rarely follow a straight path. With curiosity, persistence, and strong relationships, opportunities can emerge in unexpected ways.

Green Vale welcomed alumnus Jack Gillies ’22 back to campus as part of the School’s Alumni Speaker Series. Jack shared the story of how he launched ADK Island Runners, a boat-based delivery service that provides firewood, ice, and water to campers on Lake George—an idea he developed when he was just 16 years old.

Jack explained how the business began with a simple observation while working at a marina. Campers traveling by boat often struggled to transport heavy and messy supplies such as firewood and ice to their campsites. Recognizing an opportunity, Jack and a friend created a practical solution: an on-water delivery service that saves campers time and effort while keeping their boats clean and uncluttered.

During his presentation, Jack walked students through the full entrepreneurial process—from concept to launch. He described partnering 50/50 with a friend and dividing responsibilities based on their strengths, writing a detailed business plan, and conducting a careful cost analysis to understand the financial realities of running the business. Fuel, he explained, quickly emerged as their largest operating expense.

To make the model profitable, the pair redesigned their delivery system into scheduled morning and afternoon routes. Jack also invested $2,000 of his own savings to help launch the company and built the business’s website from scratch, focusing on search engine optimization and mobile-first design to ensure customers could easily place orders from their phones.

He also spoke about the behind-the-scenes work required to establish a legitimate business—forming an LLC, obtaining an EIN, and ensuring full tax compliance. In the early stages, Jack and his partner worked tirelessly to gain traction by handing out flyers, networking locally, visiting popular islands, and promoting the business on social media.

A major turning point came when a supporter shared ADK Island Runners on a Lake George boaters’ Facebook page. The post quickly generated thousands of views and significantly increased traffic to their website, bringing a surge of new customers.

Jack also shared some of the early challenges the business faced. At one point, someone publicly questioned whether the company was operating legally. Rather than reacting emotionally, Jack and his partner carefully reviewed regulations, drafted a formal statement outlining their compliance, and responded professionally—an experience that demonstrated the importance of preparation, professionalism, and composure under pressure.

At the heart of Jack’s message was a lesson that has stayed with him since his time at Green Vale. He credited his 4th Grade teacher, Ms. Field, whose words continue to guide him: “You are not too young. Use your resources. Start before you feel ready.” That mindset, he explained, helped give him the confidence to take initiative and pursue an idea even before everything felt perfectly in place.

We are grateful to Jack for returning to Green Vale to share his story, practical insights, and encouragement with our Upper School students.  

Green Vale faculty stepped away from their classrooms for a special Winter Wellness Event—an afternoon intentionally designed to support the well-being of the educators who care for and teach our students every day.

Hosted by Kelly Flink (Head of Early Childhood), Delphine Michaud (Head of Lower School), and Cathy Iannotta (Head of Upper School), in partnership with the Parents Association, the event created space for faculty to recharge, connect with colleagues, and focus on their own physical and mental wellness during the busy winter season.

Throughout the afternoon, teachers participated in a variety of wellness sessions, including yoga, pickleball, fitness, and nutrition discussions. Others joined creative activities such as BINGO, making cards and painting candles for the Scarlett Fund, and a session exploring the power of movement, connection, and physical and mental strength.

The event reflected a shared belief within the Green Vale community: supporting educators is an essential part of supporting students. When teachers are given the opportunity to restore their energy, build relationships with colleagues, and prioritize their own well-being, it strengthens the entire school environment.

A festive Hawaiian-themed lunch, thoughtfully prepared by the Dining Services team, brought an added sense of warmth and joy to the afternoon. Their creativity and care helped make the day especially memorable.

The Winter Wellness Event was a meaningful example of the partnership that defines Green Vale—faculty, families, and staff working together to support one another and cultivate a strong, healthy community.