At Branson, it’s not just the students who harbor unique talents; staff and faculty members have surprising hobbies that reveal creativity, focus and a playful side you wouldn’t expect.
These personal passions do more than entertain: They shape how they connect with others, manage stress, and even inspire learning. By exploring their hobbies, we see how the human side of educators enriches the Branson community.
Todd Bickel, Branson’s director of operations, rediscovered his childhood love of Lego bricks during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“It kept my brain going,” he said. “I like repetition, and I like building, and it helped with some low-level anxiety.”
Bickel, who also shares his passion with his kids, gravitates toward architectural and fine art sets, from Japanese landmark Himeji Castle to Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.
For Bickel, the appeal lies both in the process and the final product.
“I love the finished project. It’s also kind of like a little relief from, you know, not checking emails, not worrying about school,” he said.
Some builds take only a couple of hours, while others, like his Dungeons & Dragons castle, can take multiple days over several sessions. Each set allows him to focus, disconnect and find satisfaction in creating something tangible.
Bickel’s hobby has also helped him build friendships and communities. His marketing professor incorporated Lego into his lectures, sparking lively discussions about old sets and building techniques.
“It’s a hobby, but it’s also a way to connect with people,” Bickel said.
Meanwhile, Henri “Atticus” de Marcellus, Branson’s registrar and a humanities teacher, has a passion for croquet that stretches back to his college days at Princeton.
“Back then, we played really to be obnoxious and silly,” he said, laughing. “We wore Princeton bow ties, and played on the Canon Green.”
What started as playful fun quickly grew into a serious pursuit.
“I heard about a college croquet circuit and decided to join. The main annual tournament was during spring break in Palm Beach. It was an excuse for my friends to road trip with me,” he said.
Marcellus competed at the national level, facing off against teams from Harvard, Brown, St. John’s, and the Naval Academy. He even took home second place nationally in doubles his second year.
Even now, Marcellus continues to play at the Oakland Croquet Club and involves his younger son. He enjoys the opportunity to meet all sorts of people he wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.
Reflecting on the lessons croquet has taught him, Marcellus said, “It’s a practice of learning to let go. Be generous with yourself, be patient. See the good aspects of an outcome. If you miss a shot, at least your strategy was good.”
Despite the different nature of their hobbies, Bickel and Marcellus share a common theme: cultivating personal passions enriches their professional life. For Bickel, Legos sharpen focus and patience, skills that translate to his role as director of operations. For Marcellus, croquet reinforces mindfulness and resilience, qualities he brings into his teaching.
Whether it’s snapping together tiny bricks or carefully placing a croquet ball, these staff members show that hobbies can offer far more than fun; they can teach, inspire, and even transform.
