ABOUT ALBERT "Mr. d" deGRASSE
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. After attending Regis High School in NYC and Boston College, I began teaching British Lit at St. George's College in Kingston, Jamaica. After two years I returned to the States to work in day and boarding schools in the Bronx, Pawling (NY), and Concord (MA). Then, in the early 2000s I took what was supposed to be a short sabbatical.
During that time I worked in a lot of different* jobs. My primary gig was on the crew at Ould Newbury Golf Club on Boston's North Shore. I'm grateful for those sunrises over the Great Salt Marsh. Like teaching, working in golf allowed me to be my most honest self. Because NO ONE IS A HYPOCRITE IN THEIR PLEASURE.
My last break from teaching, I pursued a whole different adventure: working in film and television as a stunt performer. I excelled at losing fights and smashing things. Visit IMDB to find out more about me getting clobbered.
I eagerly returned to education in 2012 to serve in the more perilous world of middle school. After fourteen years, my wife Stephanie Spellers, an Episcopal priest and author, says I'm overdue for a fresh adventure.
So now, I'm Driving ...
People, places, and things that have led me here ...
The Jesuits know education, not wardrobe. The hair and glasses are on me.
Best college job ever. U.S. Open locker room.
With Stephen Marley between classes at St. George's College. Learning from students since day one.
Traded some U.S. Open swag for a few rounds.
NYC classroom, early '90's
Several students and I were invited to meet Carlos Santana after a show in NYC.
The scowl belies how blessed I was to work with so many dedicated people.
I left the city for a country boarding school. These guys have done amazing things in the 30 years since this photo.
I try not to be attached to things, but I miss my first car.
With students during a campus visit from Marcus Roberts (left)
3rds Basketball.
Lots of late nights with the Newspaper crew.
Catching up with Stephen in the early 2000's
For a while I held the UFC Middleweight belt.
Giving away 95lbs and wrestling in the dirt for 7 hours on a 95 degree day.
Coffee break behind the 5th green at Ould Newbury GC.
Fixing a few ball marks before mowing a green.
There's a good chance I'll miss the 9th green (not pictured) but hit the clubhouse.
Pandemic project - red, white, and blue fill for the wedges. The 64 degree is now non-conforming. : (
I don't play a lot in NYC, but I make the most by spending some nights in the parking lot at Bethpage.
One of the best 4th holes in the world.
Middle school field trip to National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, PA.
Tail end of the front nine at Playa Mujeres GC.
Breathtaking view of the Grand Tetons at Jackson Hole CC.
Long Island has the best sandy soil for golf. Rockville Links Club.
My priest wife helps me to reach for every dream. Especially this one.
Let's see what's next.