Sizer School senior aims to go into video game design after Senior Project on Skylanders

There has been a Susman at Sizer for as long as the building at 500 Rindge Road has been open.

“It’s a beautiful feeling to know we’ve had families with us for multiple generations,” said Director of Communications & Recruitment Lindsay Alweiss.

The week before winter break, Sizer School senior Ian Susman of Winchendon received his early acceptance letter to Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, complete with financial aid package.

“I received two scholarships from Champlain – the Leahy Scholars Program Scholarship and the Trustee Scholarship – giving me a grand total of $32,000 a year,” said Susman.

Ian will soon join his other three siblings as Sizer School graduates that began with his oldest sister Deryn, who graduated in 2015 and is now a full-time teacher in Portland, Oregon. Then it was Jenna, who graduated in 2018 and is now a full-time medical assistant at a private health office in New Hampshire. In 2021, Ian’s sister Libbie graduated and is now a full-time hairdresser at Ulta Beauty in Leominster and does nails part-time.

“When Ian graduates this spring, it will be the end of an era. Such an amazing group of humans – we’re excited to see what Ian does next!” said Alweiss.

Ian applied to Champlain College for early decision, a move that he never would have considered before visiting the college in person.

“Originally I was super against early decision because it is essentially a binding contract that forces you to go to that college if you get in. Then I went to Champlain's open house and learned about all the amazing things that happen there and got to meet some counselors, students and professors, and they all told me their real opinions and I could tell it wasn't just some script they were reading off of,” reflected Susman. “I instantly fell in love … It was my number one choice because of its unique core curriculum and small class sizes, which is the environment I learn best.”

Small class sizes are a key component to the Sizer School experience. Getting to know each student helps Sizer educators offer personalized learning opportunities.

Two on-campus apprenticeships

Currently those opportunities include two apprenticeships this year for Susman.

“I’m the Student Apprentice for Ms. Tuttle, the seventh-grade ELA teacher, and a Communications Apprentice working with Mrs. Alweiss,” said Susman. Through these learning opportunities, Ian has helped with lessons, tutoring and mentoring, and assisted in writing articles for the school newspaper The Friday Flash.

Soon Susman will begin a newspaper series documenting his Senior Project process. All Sizer School graduates must complete a Senior Project on the topic of their choice, unpacking essential questions that lead to deeper understanding. Susman’s topic will focus on video game design and social influence, using the Skylander series to understand mass appeal and capitalism. As part of his project, Susman will be interviewing Joby Otero, who provided creative direction and strategy for the multi-billion dollar game, Skylanders.

“In my second year [at Champlain], I will be in my chosen major of Computer Science and Innovation with a focus in game programming,” said Susman. “In the future I will be using our Think Care Act motto to understand people in order to make a game everyone will love.”

Ultimately Susman hopes to go into game design.

“I want to learn about game design and programming and be able to make games people will love for years, just like Skylanders,” said Susman.

When Ian isn’t working as an apprentice, he is either working part-time as a dishwasher or participating in Sizer’s Theater Arts program.

“I am part of the drama club and I absolutely plan to join Champlain’s drama club. It is called The Champlayers and actually I’m friends with the alumni that founded that club!” said Susman.

Ian is also a Student Ambassador and, with his peers, has helped organize several events, including Homecoming for the last two years and Sizer’s recent Holiday Craft Fair.

When asked what advice he might give to an upcoming senior or someone thinking of attending Sizer, Ian said, “I would honestly say, while it is stressful, don't feel like you're going it alone. There are so many helpful people here at Sizer and each and every one of them is here to support you no matter what.”

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Sizer School senior from Winchendon did project on Skylanders game