A Chance Meeting, a Promise Kept

Some alumni reunions are just meant to be. 

A couple of years ago, Anna Ricart (Business Manager, 1989–1990) recognized a familiar voice at an event in Barcelona and went over to ask if the speaker had once worked at the American School of Barcelona. It was Nancy Boyd (Elementary School Principal, 1999–2012), and the rest is history.

This month, with help from Michelle Collin in our Alumni Office, Nancy kept her promise to bring Anna back to ASB. The pair walked through the historic ASB gate and retraced their steps across campus, surprising and delighting former colleagues along the way, including Nancy’s longtime secretary, Ms. Valerie, and the Spanish and Catalan teachers she worked alongside for so many years.

Anna, who was hired by board member Mr. Maturana and worked under then-Director Elsa Lamb, was amazed at how much the business office has grown since her days as a one-woman team. Nancy received a joyful welcome from Ms. Anne Mattison’s fourth graders, who realized the real “Ms. Nancy” was on campus and greeted her with a dance and a “Nancy!” chant before posing with her on the Nancy Boyd Bench, dedicated to her when she retired. Nancy has returned many times over the years, helping us celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2012, our 60th in 2022, and most recently the Class of 2016’s ten-year reunion this past June.

After the visit, Nancy shared: “It was very heartwarming for me to meet up with so many former workmates. As ASB continues to grow, I realize it still keeps that family-type atmosphere which has always characterized the community.”

It was a visit full of hugs, memories, and nostalgia.