Letter from the Head of School

L
Letter from the Head of School
T
he Highland School mission statement makes
11 years old. A number of Highland students, parents
clear our objective “…to develop the skills
and faculty have travelled to Africa to work with stu-
and character essential for students to meet the
dents and teachers there. You may remember reading
challenges of college and leadership in the twenty-first
about Nicholas Kulick’s (’14) remarkable Eagle Scout
century.” Leadership in the twenty-first
project that connected the Enkijape
century means being a citizen of the
School to the Internet via solar panels
world and I cannot define this more
and iPads. Over the years, we have
aptly than our own Ayesha Prasad (’13)
offered trips to Iceland, Costa Rica,
who said, “I believe in being a citizen
Egypt, Ireland, France, the Galapagos
of the world —someone for whom
Islands, England, Italy, Switzerland,
differences in culture are no barrier to
and this year Russia. All students have
friendship and understanding—some-
benefitted from expansion of our
one who sees beyond the unfamiliar to
International Week program, which
the universal truth: that we are all
has been supported by the Parents’
human beings, people with lives and
Association. International students
stories… and not so very different from each other
from Scotland, Spain, China, Belgium, and Korea will
after all.”
enrich this school year for all of us.
Several years ago, the Academic Committee began
While we enjoy the high quality of life of Warren-
working on the structure of our Global Studies Pro-
ton and the Piedmont, we know our children must also
gram. By adding a few missing pieces to existing
understand the world in which we live. Leadership in
courses and opportunities and creating a pathway for
the twenty-first Century will depend upon it.
students to explore natural interests, the program was
born. Our community interest in global connection is
not new or restricted just to Upper School students.
The relationship with the Enkijape School in Kenya is
Henry D. Berg
Fall 2013
1
ALUMNI NEWS
Student combines love
of sharks and art in new
‘Dr. Jaws’ book
(reprinted from William & Mary University, News and Events)
by Graham Bryant, J.D. ('16)
Sharks aren’t known for being particularly relatable to
humans. For most people, the image of a giant great white
breaching the waves – all jaws and teeth – in pursuit of a
desperately fleeing seal is their only conception of the
ocean’s apex predator.
Dr. Jaws paints a different picture – literally.
In Carcharhinus obscurus, a book released this July, Dr.
Jaws – better known as biology major Zach Nicholls ’14 –
uses his own artwork, poetry and prose to make an
unexpected point: We’re more like sharks than we think.
It’s an unorthodox approach to be sure, but Nicholls believes his hybridized approach of art and science might be
what some people need to see these creatures in a new light.
‘Nature is the ultimate form of art’
An avid snorkeler and certified scuba diver, Nicholls has
loved nature – particularly sharks – from an early age. As
he approached college, however, he struggled to decide
what form that love would take.
“I have a very artistic side. I love drawing, painting and
music, so I started to drift away from the sciences,” he said.
“But nature is the ultimate form of art in a way, so I
thought that in itself would capture me and take me away
from art purely and translate into a completely scientific
program.”
2
HIGHLAND MAG A Z I N E
Nicholls’ biology
studies at William &
Mary naturally brought
him in contact with the
Virginia Institute of
Marine Science, where
he fell in love with fieldwork. He participated in
a variety of projects, including nighttime plank-
Dr. Jaws — better known as
Zach Nicholls ’14 — combined
his scientific know-how and artistic
bent to write a book on sharks unlike anything you've read before.
Photo by Stephen Salpukas
ton trawls at Gloucester
Point and the Eastern
Shore and his favorite
project, the VIMS shark
survey.
The survey, established in 1973 by Jack Musick, is the
oldest fishery-independent study of shark populations in
the world. According to Nicholls, survey researchers put
out lines to simulate commercial fishery operations and
record which shark species are captured then released.
“It’s an interesting assessment of biodiversity,”
Nicholls said, noting that the study also measures problems
that fishery operations pose to shark populations.
These experiences working with sharks in the wild as a
scientist have helped Nicholls reconcile his artistic and scientific sides.
“A shark is an animal. It has blood and muscle and
capillaries. We know the cells and we know the molecules.
It doesn’t make it any less awe-inspiring or magnificent,”
he said. “Going in as a scientist, I realized I wanted to capture that more. Unfortunately, the sciences are not the most
easily approachable fields of study.”
ALUMNI NEWS
‘It is me on paper’
Growing up, Nicholls played with the idea of presenting
was intended as much for Nicholls himself as any reader.
“I wanted to make it clear and approachable, but I
sharks in a creative medium. In January 2011, he wrote the
never wanted to write for anyone. It’s really more that I
poem that would later become the opening section of
wanted to do this and I wanted to make something that I
Carcharhinus obscurus.
think is beautiful,” he said. “It is me on paper.”
This first poem was a catalyst that led Nicholls to think
through how he would approach a full book about sharks.
What’s next for Dr. Jaws?
Using poetry and art to present sharks to a general audience
Deep Sea Publishing, a Florida publishing house with an
soon struck him as the most obvious choice given his talents.
office in Herndon, Va., published Carcharhinus obscurus in
“Sharks are living poetry,” Nicholls said. “I tried to
July 2013. Nicholls sought publishers with the mindset that
capture the spirit of what I personally felt when I was
approaching each of these different subjects.”
The book is divided into three sections. The first
if none worked out, he could fall back on self-publication.
To his surprise, Deep Sea – only the sixth publisher he
contacted – was interested in the book. Since then, his
predominately uses poetry and art to characterize each tax-
relationship with the publisher has only strengthened.
onomic classification from kingdom to species, ultimately
Carcharhinus obscurus specifically addresses the
focusing on the titular Carcharhinus obscurus – the dusky
dusky shark, which seems like an odd decision for an
shark.
author interested in all kinds of sharks. For Nicholls and
Nicholls’ scientific side makes itself known in the middle section, which characterizes the dusky shark as a
his publisher, it was a strategic choice.
“It was in the hope – the realized hope – of making this
species: habits, habitats and distinguishing features. While
into a series where different species are covered. I’m cur-
Nicholls is quick to note that this section isn’t a peer-
rently working on the second book right now. My publisher
reviewed shark study, he did substantial research to ensure
approved it, so I’ll be submitting it over fall break and
that the information is as accurate as possible.
hopefully it will be released in the winter,” Nicholls said.
The final section, titled “Sea of Sauda,” unites the
The future looks bright for Nicholls, who hopes to
artistic and scientific aspects of the book’s earlier sections
expand his “Dr. Jaws” identity beyond books and into
in a philosophical short story in which the book’s message
other forms of media.
becomes apparent.
“We’re more connected to animals and nature than we
think or would like to think,” he said. “We both have this
“I actually love the idea of being Dr. Jaws as my
career,” Nicholls said. “I’d love to do a kid’s show.”
Carcharhinus obscurus is available on major online
common element that we are alive and we’re constrained
booksellers and the VIMS gift shop, as well as from
by the same laws. That, to me, is incredibly fascinating.”
Nicholls himself—he keeps five copies in his bookbag at
Given the clear reflection of its author’s passions, the book
all times.
Fall 2013
3
ALUMNI NEWS
JEANIE BRUNDAGE (‘99) Has been married to David Henley
for 9 years and is the mother of Noah (2) and Elijah (8)
Henley. Graduated from Lord Fairfax Community College
with Associates in Liberal Arts Communications Specialization and Strayer University with Bachelors of Science in
Information Systems with Web Development Specialization. Currently working on Master of Information Systems
at Strayer.
STEVEN GORDON (‘05) Is currently in graduate school at
University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY. “I am starting
my second year in the economics Ph.D. program and hope
to return to Virginia when I'm finished in three years.”
NICHOLAS BELL (‘05) “At Trinity-Pawling, I have moved
into a role as the Assistant Director of College Counseling
while remaining the head varsity lacrosse coach. In addition, this past winter, I became engaged to Ann Leclerc of
Acton, Massachusetts. Ann was a member of the women's
field hockey team at Brown, and is currently the Associate
Director of Admissions and head field hockey coach at
Westover School in Middlebury, CT.”
4
HIGHLAND MAG A Z I N E
ALLISON BAKER (‘07) Graduated from UVA in 2012 with a
BA in Spanish and a Masters in Elementary Education.
Currently she is teaching third grade and living in downtown Charleston.
IAN PATRICK (‘09) Graduated this past May with a BS in
Mechanical Engineering. “Right now I'm in Blacksburg
working for Federal Mogul Corporation as a mechanical
and manufacturing engineer. We manufacture engine bearings and other parts for Ford, Chrysler, and GM. As for
hobbies, I ride my motorcycle, race my car in autocross
events, and still play in a band called, Merchants of Seven.”
(http://merchantsofseven.com/tour).
TYLER ROSS (’00) Married on July 20, 2013 to Sarah Renee
Ayres (Now Sarah Ayres Ross), a 1st Grade Teacher at CM
Bradley. The wedding was held at the Hotel Roanoke,
Roanoke, Virginia. Groomsmen/Alumni from Highland:
Tommy Eichmann/Benjamin, Dudley Payne, Reynolds
Oare, Joe Megless, Brooke Howard, Stephen Kott. Tyler
and Sarah have also purchased a home in the town of Warrenton. “I also celebrated the one year anniversary of "Lynx
Real Estate" the solely owned and operated real estate
brokerage.”
ALUMNI NEWS
HIGHLAND SCHOOL GRADUATE RELEASES
DEBUT NOVEL
I N
M E M O R I A M
Dr. Paul Edward Wilkinson
“Knowledge is not only power...it is currency.”
7/8/1972-6/16/2013
Born in Dayton, Ohio and was
Whitney L. Grady, Highland School 8th Grade Class of 1991,
will release her first novel to print on October 21, 2013. I Am
Currency (Pants on Fire Press) was released on Amazon for
Kindle on August 29th.
raised in Washington State. He
attended St. Charles Borromeo
Elementary School and graduated
from Bellarmine Preparatory School.
Grady, Owner/Director of St. Mary’s Nursery School and former
Middle School Language Arts Instructor at G. R. Whitfield and
Arendell Parrott Academy has written non-fiction pieces that have
resonated in the hearts of her readers for decades. Now, Grady
is happy to begin to share her fiction. In I Am Currency, knowledge is not only power...it is currency. Nevel Walker's photographic memory makes him more valuable than he may like in a
post-apocalyptic world after books have all-but disappeared.
When a meteor slams into the earth causing a shift in the earth’s
magnetic core, the age of technology ends and economies
across the globe crash. So for tenth grader Nevel Walker, having
a photographic memory is a secret his family has to try to keep.
With a dystopian government that keeps all known books under
lock and parents involved in an underground movement to protect the books that do still secretly exist, Nevel is in a dangerous
position. A chase through the Australian Outback changes
Nevel’s fate as he finds love, mystery, and almost-certain death.
He received an Associate's Degree
from Tacoma Community College
and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from
Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington. He
received his MS and PhD degrees from the University of North
Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC. He worked as an instructor in the
French and English Departments of the University of North
Carolina for 8 years and most recently was a French teacher at
Highland High School in Warrenton, Virginia. He is survived by
his parents, Raymond F. and Frances T. Wilkinson; his sisters,
Michelle (Jack) Nelson, Therese Wilkinson and Rebecca (Jay)
Nickell; two nieces, three nephews and many other family members and dear friends.
Grady’s written works have been published in A Cup of Comfort
for Teachers (lead story in the anthology edited by Colleen Sell),
Imagining Heaven (an anthology compiled by Linda Matney with
all proceeds benefiting Hospice), Her...Magazine (a division of
Greenville, NC’s Daily Reflector), The Beta Reporter, The Free
Press, and her debut novel in the new Currency Series will be
published in Fall 2013. Grady is a graduate of The University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she received a B.A. in
English and East Carolina University where she received her
Masters of Education.
Grady is available for interviews and appearances. For booking
presentations, media appearances, interviews, and/or book
signings contact brittmelton@gmail.com.
www.facebook.com/highlandschool
join the Highland School Alumni Group!
Fall 2013
5
SPORTS FOCUS
by Ronnie Ross
B
ill Rodgers is the Michael Jordan of running. He is,
quite simply, the best American marathoner. Ever.
Like Michael Jordan, he’s retired, and also like
Mike, he plans on leaving that retirement at least once. You
see, after Rodgers witnessed what happened at this year’s
Boston Marathon, he decided to run the race again, one that
he has already won four times. As Rodgers’ biographer put
it, Bill is out to prove that “you don’t mess with runners.”
In fact, after the events of that day, that same sentiment
echoed around the running community. You’re going to
bomb people whose very sport is every other sport’s pun-
and lithe. But there are just as many who are short, stocky,
and square. Heck, you can even look at the coaches. I’m a
6’3” ex-college football lineman who, at 285 pounds, was
the smallest on the team. Now I’ve had the pleasure of
running a marathon and several half’s. Coach Patti Bounds
is a mother of four (all of them Highlanders!) who specializes in strength training and yoga (“I wish I was as strong
as Coach Bounds,” one of our male runners recently said
after practice). See, the point is that it doesn’t matter;
when you’re running, every runner goes through the exact
same thing. Whether you’re finishing 11th or 51st, every
step you take, when you’re racing, is just difficult as everyone else’s. Running is the great equalizer.
Perhaps that is why it is one of the fastest growing
ishment? These are people who go out in 100 degree heat
sports in the States. It’s also one of the fastest growing
and in 10 degree chill in order to get in a work out.
teams here at Highland. Everyone races, and each person
They’re up early in the morning and stay awake late at
gets that chance to test his or herself. The sport is intensely
night just in order to train. They purposefully seek out hills
individualistic, but also intensely communal. Running is a
so that they can run up them over and over again. And
life-long endeavor, a challenge that many of our students
sure, that takes physical toughness, but then think about the
choose to engage with. And that, really, is the point of
mental fortitude such an endeavor requires.
much of what Highland’s cross country team is about.
That’s why, when people speak of a running commu-
Maybe, just maybe, our runners will also continue the
nity, they really mean it. You can’t do this sport by your-
core and strength work that we do during every practice.
self. Go to any race and look around. You will see people
You see, there’s this misconception that, in order to prac-
of all sizes and shapes, creeds and colors. When the gun
tice running, all one must do is run. To run, to really run,
sounds, there is no more competitive group of people, but,
the whole body must be strong, and every day, after our
at any other point of the festivities, they are there to urge on,
run, our athletes find a piece of grass and get ready for their
to help out, to let every other runner know: you can do it.
second grueling workout of the day. That’s what it takes.
Come to one of Highland’s cross country practices, and
And so, to return again to Bill Rodgers, it becomes
you’ll see exactly what I mean. There are runners who
clear why, at the spry age of 65, he’s about to race again.
have been at it for years, and there are those who just
My deepest hope for our athletes is that as they age and
started two weeks ago. There are runners who can pound
move on with their lives, they, too, will continue to lace up
out a 19:30 5k, and those who will come in north of forty
their shoes and head outside, proving with every step that
minutes. Some runners have that look: long-limbed, lanky,
“you don’t mess with runners.” We’re simply too strong.
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HIGHLAND MAG A Z I N E
FINE & PERFORMING ARTS
The cast of the first production in the Theater, Our Town.
The PSO in 2005 under the direction of Michael Hughes.
First rehearsals on the new stage for Our Town.
Cast of the 2005 production of the Dining Room.
Finley Broaddus attic violin pastel, 2013.
Fall 2013
7
LEADERSHIP
BRINGING WORLDS TOGETHER
By Sally Pont
(former Dean of Students, now Head of School, Tome School)
M
aryland: home of crab, Joe Flacco, and
lacrosse. My new digs in North East, Maryland—the very point at which the Eastern
Shore and Western Shore of the dazzling Chesapeake
meet—epitomize Maryland in almost every way. Almost.
Five restaurants laud their crab as the best in the state. Joe
Flacco mania is so high I succumbed and bought my sons,
Fitz and Miles, gaudy purple Joe Flacco t-shirts. Oddly,
though, the only lacrosse is played in ragged, recreational
leagues. Boys are hungry for lacrosse, especially at the
Tome School, my school. When I first naively asked
around about lacrosse, antennae went straight up. As a
result, so did mine. How, I wondered, could I foster
lacrosse in a lacrosse-starved locale, in a desert surrounded
by the plush lacrosse oasis that is the state of Maryland?
I immediately knew what to do: call in the big guns. In
other words, I emailed Brendon McCann.
I taught Brendon English during his eleventh grade
year at Highland. Brendon possesses a breezy intelligence
that makes him the perfect English student: prepared, confident, willing to pony up in a lively discussion. Moreover,
he uses his wit to buttress rather than distract from class. In
addition, as I watched him play lacrosse over four years of
his Highland career, his huge wins and his painful losses, I
saw him develop as a player of great control and field
sense, with just the right amount of loose, loco abandon
that informs lacrosse as the game it is. I saw him make
mistakes and learn from them. At every turn, he was a
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HIGHLAND MAG A Z I N E
student, an athlete, a leader, and a person for whom I had
great respect. When he went on to play lacrosse at Colgate
University, I could not have been happier for him.
As I suspected, Brendon was game to bring lacrosse to
Tome. That’s just how he rolls. When I advertised around
my school, the buzz became deafening. Brendon plays
attack, so I instructed him to bring a defensive player. He
suggested Zack King. Though Zack was young, I knew he
was perfect. A defenseman, in lacrosse, is a cat, waiting
and lurking, tricking and conniving, all the while batting
and batting. Zack savors that aspect of the position. He is
light and quick, with a bit of a dance to his step. Moreover,
he is refreshingly polite. I knew he would represent
Highland well.
We had two sessions of a one-week camp set up, for
little guys and big guys. They played on my freshly mown
soccer field with goals borrowed from the local high
school. In the morning, Brendon and Zack worked with the
little ones. It was a small group with a wild range of ability.
With their bony legs, their big shirts, and their bigger
LEADERSHIP
helmets, they looked like Loony Tunes aliens. One boy,
over, he illustrated a patience that made him a gifted
Mark LoPresto, going into sixth grade, was so good that he
teacher. He clearly loved what he was doing and infused
began playing with the older players, and clocked them in
his students with that passion.
every competitive activity. From Brendon’s own experience
After the last session, Brendon signed autographs.
with camps, and as a result of his creativity and terrific
What is it about lacrosse that draws so many of us to
sense of play, he had innumerable drills and games to offer.
it? It is physical but also fluid. It is basketball played in
The younger boys always had smiles on their faces as they
open air, so it is fast but also possesses the vast echo of
played hard and fast. The drenching heat and frequent
football. It is both precise and free. As with all the best
thunderstorms never stopped
them. I joined them for a
few rounds of capture the
lacrosse stick, and got mightily
worn out.
In the afternoon, Brendon
and Zack worked with the older
boys. It was a large group, also
with a wild range of ability.
Three of them had never played
“
sports, the more skilled you be-
AT
come, the more intuitive you
EVERY TURN,
get. And frankly, it just seems
HE WAS A STUDENT, AN
ATHLETE, A LEADER, AND A
I
RESPECT.
PERSON FOR WHOM
GREAT
before. Four of them farmed
– Sally Pont
HAD
”
like a blast. I love watching it
played at every level.
Zack remarked, on the
second-to-last day of the camp,
that it was a pleasure to work
with boys who respected him. I
surged with pride, for him and
for my current students. Zack
themselves out to the team at West Nottingham Academy, a
deserves respect in spades, and my students know how to
local boarding school with whom Tome has this specific
give it with an old-world decorum. I loved the fact that two
athletic partnership. All of them, though, cared deeply
of my worlds came together so magically. It was my idea,
about what they were doing. For them, the arrival of Bren-
but really I have Brendon and Zack to thank.
don and Zack offered a slice of lacrosse paradise, a rich
Perhaps the finest moment occurred the last night when
physicality that matched the acutely damp warmth of the
Zack, Brendon and I sat in my backyard watching the sun-
upper bay. I loved watching them. Their stature seemed to
set on the water, all fire and pink, while they played catch
escalate as the week progressed. They became sharper,
with my sons. Two eighth graders who had been in the
more agile, even balletic.
camp, Cody McDaniels and Luke LoPresto, rode over to
It was a pleasure for me to see just how good Brendon
had become, on so many levels. His skillset in lacrosse had
my house on their bikes and there they all were: three
generations of Pont boys, three worlds.
grown so vast that he could demonstrate anything. More-
Fall 2013
9
PROFILING
GLOBAL
EXCELLENCE
F
FEATURE
Profiling Global Excellence
“I believe in being a ‘citizen of the world’—someone for
whom differences in culture are no barrier to friendship
and understanding—someone who sees beyond the unfamiliar to the universal truth: that we are all human beings, people with lives and stories… and not so very
different from each other after all.” – Ayesha Prasad (’13)
T
fit into it. “We give them the message that they have the
power to influence it and the freedom to try” said Roach.
The hope is that students will use the global studies program to investigate an issue they find particularly interesting
or worthwhile. “The best outcome would be to contribute
positively or to find a solution to an issue that they feel
hrough direct experience, travel, and study,
needs rectifying. Students could also use their research as a
Highland’s Global Studies Program allows students
springboard to other global interests beyond their years at
to acquire a deeper understanding of world cultures
Highland or expand their project further,” she continued.
and global issues. The capstone of the program is an
The mission statement of the program explains that the
experiential, service or academic project demonstrating
process of acquiring a Global Studies Certificate allows in-
in-depth knowledge of a global issue or problem. The
terested students to delve more deeply into foreign cultures
Global Studies Program allows students to earn a certificate
and global issues while drawing attention to their success-
in recognition of their achievement. Ayesha was the first
ful efforts by awarding a certificate during the end of the
recipient of this certificate.
year exercises. During their course of study, students ac-
“Our hope is that students will use this program to
investigate an issue they find particularly interesting or
worthwhile. The best outcome would be to contribute posi-
quire points in language and culture and complete a service
or experiential project for their culminating presentation.
“The Global Studies Program allows a student to re-
tively or to find a solution to an issue that they feel needs
ceive credit in many different aspects of our curriculum,
rectifying. Students could also use their research as a
from art, AP European history, to languages, both in the
springboard to other global interests beyond their years at
classroom and on-line. Drawing connections among the
Highland or expand their project further,” said Sarah
courses we already offer at Highland allows students to
Roach, Classical Language and World Language Depart-
form an awareness of how today's global issues are influ-
ment Chair.
enced by a nation's history and culture. The Global Studies
Although Mrs. Roach’s spring break trips are leg-
Program complements the already fine curriculum offer-
endary, students and their families have been traveling
ings we have at Highland and adds another dimension to a
across the globe on their own as well. Alumni spend time
student's cultural awareness” said Roach.
abroad teaching and learning as well. Highland's Global
Read on for a small glimpse into the excitement cre-
Studies Program encourages students to become more
ated by this program and the experiences Highland faculty,
aware of the world in general and how they and their future
students and alumni are having because of it.
Fall 2013
11
FEATURE
Nepal
B y Ay e s h a d P r a s a d ( ’ 1 3 )
W
ashington Dulles International Airport is practically my second home. Eighteen years of
flying into and out of its airspace have made
me infinitely comfortable there, and I have numerous memories that took place within its slanted walls. I remember,
for example, my first solo flight (to New York), and my
first solo international flight (to Nepal). I remember the
nervous little butterflies trembling in my stomach, the lump
in my throat as I forced myself not to cry as I bade my parents farewell. But these are happy memories for me; they
signaled the beginnings of new adventures in my life.
out of my American mindset and see things from other perspectives. I know not to judge other cultures solely because
they are “different,” and I know that no culture is truly better than another. Each time I go to another country, I do my
best to embrace the land and people as they are, not how I
think they should be. Because I know there is no “should”
when it comes to culture. Of that, I am sure.
It is no secret that my life goal is to explore and experience the world and everything in it. That’s why I travel,
why I learn languages, why I seek out classes that explore
the relations between countries and cultures (all of which,
by the way, the Highland School curriculum allows you to
do). It’s also why, in the summer of 2011, I went to Nepal
for a month with my wonderful friend Aria Pahari (’13) to
volunteer at Maiti Nepal, a non-governmental organization
Each time I take off in an airplane and see the Virginia
that seeks to end human trafficking both in Nepal and via
greenery fade away below the clouds, I know that I am
its borders. It was an incredible, eye-opening experience
about to have another incredible experience in a country
working there. The things we saw were frightening; the
whose language and customs I may not know but am eager
things we heard were worse. I suddenly realized something
to learn—a country teeming with beauty and ugliness,
that, perhaps, should have been obvious to me all along:
ready to tell all if I will only listen.
The impact that one human being has on another’s life can
As the daughter of Indian immigrants, I have always
be huge—whether for better or for worse—and it is my
thought on a global scale. I never felt restricted to America
responsibility to do what I can to make someone else’s life
and American culture because I was exposed to another
better. It is for this reason that I chose to go to Pitzer Col-
culture from the day I was born. I will be honest: for many
lege, a school committed to social justice, where I am sur-
years, I viewed this dual culture as a detriment. I was con-
rounded by people who also want to change the world.
scious of being “different.” I neglected my Hindi because
Here, I plan on continuing my study of languages and inter-
my preschool self saw no reason to speak Hindi when none
national politics—and then I plan on going out into the
of my peers did; I was constantly aware of the fact that my
world and doing my part to make it better.
skin was several shades darker than that of my friends. It
So to all of you who might be thinking of the Global
was not until I was about fourteen that I began to realize
Studies Program, I say: Go for it. Immerse yourself. Be a
the gift that my parents had given to me in raising me be-
citizen of the world. And be ready for your experience to
tween cultures. Because of them, I am able to take myself
change your life.
12
HIGHLAND MAG A Z I N E
FEATURE
Israel
By Jacob Shechtman
L
ast fall, due in large part to
the success of our varsity
boys basketball team here at
Highland, I was selected as an assistant coach for the U-16 boys’ basketball team that would represent the
U.S.A in the 19th World Maccabiah
games in July, 2013. Maccabiah is an
Olympic style athletics competition for Jewish athletes that
take place every four years in Israel, serving to bring Jews
together from around the world under the banner of sports.
In this summer’s games, delegations came from all over the
world, including but not limited to, host country Israel,
Great Britain, India, Brazil, Mexico, Gibraltar, and of
course, the USA. The athletes and coaches participated in a
variety of sports ranging from the more popular sports of
basketball, soccer, and swimming, all the way to events like
chess, table tennis, and rugby.
early each morning (the first time the team had played together as a whole, and the first we as coaches had seen
them since October’s tryouts), before showering, eating,
and boarding buses to tackle important religious and historical landmarks.
The “Israel Connect Tour” was a week long series of
site seeing tours whose impact on our individual and collective team experience cannot be understated. It was during
this part of the trip that our team bonded with one another,
and just as importantly, we each as individuals saw and felt
a type of connection to a land and its people that remains
for myself, unrivaled.
The trip included a stop at Independence Hall, the
house where Israel’s First Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion, signed the Israeli Declaration of Independence in
1948. We hit the streets and beaches of Tel Aviv, a city described by one of our coaches as, “Paris meets San Diego.”
A few days later we were in the Judean Desert, climbing
Mount Masada and swimming in the Dead Sea before being
treated to a camel ride and a traditional feast at a Bedouin
tent. We saw our peoples’ history through exploring the
Our team was selected by their performance at one of
our two tryouts, and consisted of 12 boys from all over the
country: several from the Philadelphia area, and some from
Los Angeles, Long Island, El Paso, Orlando, and Amherst.
While bringing home a gold medal was certainly on the
minds of the athletes and coaches, the entire Maccabiah experience is designed to provide more than just a competitive atmosphere. All in all, the trip lasted 25 days, the first
two weeks being focused on many of the cultural importance of Israel. Staying in the city of Ramat Gan, located
about 20 minutes east of Tel Aviv, our team would practice
Fall 2013
13
FEATURE
Bell Caves, and touring the ancient Arab port of Jaffa.
state. Our team, who played valiantly and unselfishly, won
Each site offered a different history lesson, but shared a
our group easily, defeating Argentina, Turkey and Canada
common consciousness: that, even if we did not realize it
before beating Australia in the semifinals. In the gold
before, we are part of a community that has existed for
medal game we faced off against Israel, and lost in the final
thousands of years, and one that we cannot forget.
seconds, bringing home the silver medal.
I had been to Israel twice before, the most recent trip
One of the aspects I love about Highland is the field
during the summer of 2010. I had seen the aforementioned
studies program, and one of the responsibilities that I am
sites, and had heard the stories about them many times.
privileged to have, is in leading the 11th grade field studies
However, there is one place in Israel that reminds impervi-
trip to Washington, D.C. In preparing for the trip, and in
ous to the dullness of seeing something before. The feeling
conversations with other field studies leaders/enthusiasts,
of walking into Jerusalem not only never grows old, but it
the common theme we discussed and expect students to
is also a truly unique experience. On our tour, we traveled
reflect on, is the relationship between identity and commu-
to Jerusalem twice. The was to spend a day of reminders
nity. More often than not, people tend think about this
and reflection at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial, and
relationship in one of two ways. First, we consider how
Mount Herzl, the National Military Cemetery, where Israel
individuals can shape the community around them, and
buries all of those who died while serving. The second trip
secondly, we think about the how the community that an
to Jerusalem was spent in what is referred to as Old City
individual is currently in can shape his or her identity.
Jerusalem, inside the ancient walls of the City of David.
Of all of the great days I had in Israel, the thing that I
Here, we spent time walking the ancient streets, eventually
will cherish the most about my experience this summer is
finding ourselves at the Wailing Wall, the holiest site in Ju-
my new perspective on the aforementioned relationship.
daism. While it is natural to be overwhelmed by the mag-
Leaving the country and community I live in, forced me to
nitude of standing in front of and praying at the Wailing
consider that maybe the relationship between identity and
Wall, it is especially hard to grasp the enormity of your
community is deeper than the here and now, and spans gen-
present location when you consider that within a few min-
erations, past and future. Being in Israel allowed me to
utes walking, stands the Dome of the Rock and the Church
consider that there is a community deep inside of my iden-
of the Holy Sepulchre, two of the holiest sites celebrated
tity, one that goes back thousands of years and one that I
by Muslims and Christians, respectively.
was totally unaware of. John Locke argued that each man
Eventually the touring ended, and the tournament
has a property in himself; I would offer that the same holds
began. We moved north of Tel Aviv, in between the cities
true of a community. Looking back, somehow I traveled
of Herzliya and Netanya to a kibbutz: a type of shared
almost 7,000 miles only to find community that I was un-
community that exists all over Israel, originally with the
knowingly already a part of. Looking back, I traveled
purposes of cultivating the land of the newly independent
7,000 miles and found another home.
14
HIGHLAND MAG A Z I N E
FEATURE
Kenya Trip 2013
By Alice Laimbeer
T
his past June an intrepid group of travelers from
Highland left for unchartered ground in Kenya.
The group included Alice, Rick and Margot Laim-
beer, Karen, Rob, Caroline and Davis Flikeid, Dr. Jeff Bell
and Olivia Bell, Becky Russo, Heather, Nick and Alex
Iasso, Peachie and Alice Robinson, Kathy and Nick Kulick,
Margrete and Mike Stevens and Steve and Diane Norris
(friends of the Laimbeers). The trip included a week of
work at the Enkijape School (Highland’s sister school) on
of Masaailand ranch and is home to all kinds of incredible
the Mbirikani Ranch in the Chyulu Hills of Kenya com-
game. Set on a hillside overlooking a stunning waterhole,
bined with an additional week on Safari visiting several of
the group spent much of that day marveling at the majestic
Kenya’s glorious Game Parks.
elephants congregating below the lodge.
The next morning, upon arrival at the school, we were
treated to an amazing welcome by the Enkijape Community. Singing, dancing and speeches were the order of the
day and the group was greeted with great warmth and
friendship. Once the speeches were completed, our group
set to work. The planned projects included teaching, building furniture for the classrooms, technology and a Mobile
dental clinic set up by Highland parent Dr. Rob Flikeid.
Dr. Flikeid had spent the better part of a year preparing
to provide dentistry in the region which presented numerous challenges. He and other members of the team spent
The group arrived in Nairobi on June 16 and stayed
that day figuring out how to get power to their clinic in an
overnight at the historic Norfolk Hotel, made famous by
area devoid of electricity. Eventually the clinic was up and
Kenya’s earliest settlers. Early the next morning, after a
running, to the delight of many Maasai people who had
brief flight, the group arrived at the magical Ol Donyo
never had the opportunity to visit a dentist. It was unbeliev-
lodge and the fun began. The lodge, written up in the 1000
ably moving to see the gratitude of the local villagers and
Places To See Before You Die book, is set on 270,000 acres
realize what an impact Dr. Flikeid made on the community.
Fall 2013
15
FEATURE
subsequent days taught many classes on their own.
Nicholas Kulick along with Nick and Alex Iasso
worked to upgrade Enkijape Technology program (set in
motion 2 years ago by Nicholas and his mom Kathy
Kulick). They hand delivered a printer and spend much
time working to upgrade the existing computers. They also
spend many hours teaching basic scouting skills to a very
appreciative audience.
And when Dr. Jeff Bell taught anatomy classes to 7th
and 8th grade students, they were quite knowledgeable and
Back at the school others were preparing to teach various subjects such as geography, Orienteering skills, basic
hygiene and oral care, animal conservation, art lessons,
basic anatomy, the solar system and many other exciting
lessons. The first day is always the most difficult as the
visitors are never quite certain how things will go. The task
can be quite formidable but the group soon gained confidence and the next 3 days went quickly by.
“I was positively struck how incredibly well-prepared
the Enkijape students were, given the how little resources
they have (3 classrooms sharing one little piece of chalk,
very few books, etc.) and the great distances they walk to
just get to school (1.5 - 3 hour walk each way for many).
The students are so positive, so engaged in their studies,
whether a U.S. geography lesson or an art class making
glitter butterflies...The students definitely represent a victory for aspiration over circumstance and over official
(Kenyan) neglect,” said Becky Russo.
As a teacher here at Highland I was especially proud of
the young people on the trip. Caroline Flikeid and Olivia
Russo helped me in my art lessons on the first day but in
began testing him by peppering him with really smart
anatomy questions such as “what is the oxygen tension
level in blood when it leaves the lung?!” That made the trip
so much more fascinating!
Another fun project was the introduction of American
Baseball headed up by the gentlemen in the group. They
spent several days teaching the art of Baseball to the Enkijape population. On the final day at the school we held the
first annual Highland versus Enkijape Baseball game which
was incredible fun and a very momentous occasion. This was
“
IT
WAS UNBELIEVABLY
MOVING TO SEE THE
GRATITUDE OF THE LOCAL
VILLAGERS AND REALIZE
WHAT AN IMPACT
DR.
FLIKEID
”
MADE ON THE
COMMUNITY.
– Alice Lamibeer
16
HIGHLAND MAG A Z I N E
FEATURE
followed by a soccer match where the legendary Maasai
running ability came swiftly into play and despite a valiant
effort on the part of Highland, the Enkijape team prevailed.
Another highlight of the week included a visit to the
nearby Inkoisuk School that former Highland student
Margot Laimbeer has adopted with her Elon University
Sorority. Many of us visited that school and brought gifts
and school supplies along with a vow to help that severely
impoverished school. It is my hope that more Highland
graduates will think of adopting some of the nine remaining
schools on the ranch in a similar manner.
After a wonderful week at Enkijape and Ol Donyo, we
left the region and visited a marvelous new lodge called
Jeff, Becky and Olivia with one of the students they sponsor. His
name is Isiah and he is 19, though he will be just starting his 8th
grade year at Enkijape as he had to take four plus years to help
his single mother (father not living) with their few cows and
Kipalo near the Tsavo West National Park. It was thrilling
work. “The Enkijape School principal confirmed he is a very
to see the large herds of big Tusker Elephants, some of the
good student and we will be supporting his school fees even
only ones left in the world. We also were treated to many
after he leaves Enkijape (goes only up to 8th grade) for high
lion sightings as well as most of the “Big Five.” We met
members of the Taita tribe, a local people known for cave
dwelling.
The last game region we were lucky enough to visit
school. We stay in contact with letters and an occasional email,”
noted Becky.
teacher in his native Kenya.
Once back in Nairobi, the group visited the Giraffe
was the Serena Tented Camp at Lake Elementaita , just
Centre for close up encounters with the Rothschild Giraffe
north of Nairobi. The lodge was set on a gorgeous lake in
(picture Giraffe kisses). We also were treated to a marvelous
the Soysambu Conservancy, an area brimming with
private visit to the David Sheldrick Animal Orphanage to
birdlife. Visits to the nearby Lake Nakuru National Park led
visit the orphaned elephants that we had all adopted.
to Rhino sightings which were particularly thrilling due to
In short, it was an incredible trip filled with fabulous
the decreasing population of this majestic animal due to
moments. The Kenyan people are gracious and welcomed us
poaching. While we were at the Serena lodge, we were
at every turn. The opportunity to work and interact with the
treated to a visit from Jeremiah Solonka Nyenge, the first
students and faculty at Enkijape provided everyone with
recipient of the Highland Scholarship so many years ago.
memories that will last a lifetime. Watching Rob Flikeid and
After meeting Jeremiah, the group embarked on plans to
his team provide dental care to people who had been suffer-
bring him to Highland in the Fall of 2014 to meet the fac-
ing pain for many years was particularly endearing for me.
ulty and Highland community. Jeremiah hopes to become a
I look forward to the next trip in June of 2014!
Fall 2013
17
FEATURE
China
by Olivia Bell (’15)
G
heritage, and historic architecture made the region an
incredibly unique place to study.
The emphasis of our course was fieldwork; we spent
oing into my second year of Chinese language
most of our time in the “grassroots” of China, researching
studies at Highland this year, I knew that I
the cultural landscape of the community around us. Almost
wanted to improve my Mandarin and learn more
every day, in groups of three or four students, we con-
about Chinese culture during the summer. I was fortunate
ducted our own research through interaction in and inter-
to have been able to spend a fascinating month in China
views with the local Yunnan community. Our fieldwork
over the summer taking a course called “Grassroots
explored specific themes—home, work and exchange, and
China.” I joined fifteen other high school students from the
ethnic identity—within which we studied the historical
host, Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., and The
change from traditional patterns established in the late
Dalton School in New York City to spend a month studying
imperial period of the Ming-Qing Dynasties, through the
primarily in Yunnan Province, in the far southwest of
radical transformations of the Cultural Revolution, to the
China, bordering Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam.
current period of reform and modernization.
We spent an intensive month in Yunnan Province ex-
Through the authentic lens into Chinese culture that
ploring both the culture and history of China from the rural
Yunnan offered us, we explored the ethnic, social, and reli-
perspective. The course took place in the small town of
gious identity of the region. As part of our research, we
Xizhou, a center of Chinese cultural preservation near the
studied the architecture, agriculture, religion, and industry,
border of the Tibetan Plateau. Its natural beauty, rich
among other things, in Yunnan. We took tours of both old
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HIGHLAND MAG A Z I N E
FEATURE
and new homes in Xizhou, we visited local-level and
commercial farms in the countryside surrounding the town,
we explored Buddhist monasteries and temples, and we
attended local religious festivals. In the several days we
spent in Beijing, Shanghai, and Tibet, we were able to
make further connections between our research in Yunnan
and the greater Chinese cultural tradition as a whole.
My incredible experience in China this past summer
exceeded my already high expectations. Having a strong
interest in Chinese language and culture, the course not
only provided me a valuable chance to practice and develop
my Chinese speaking ability, but also the unique opportunity to immerse myself in Chinese culture through living it.
Being able to interact on such a local level with another
culture was truly remarkable and a unique opportunity for
which I am so grateful.
“
THE COURSE NOT
ONLY PROVIDED ME A
VALUABLE CHANCE TO
PRACTICE AND DEVELOP
CHINESE SPEAKING
ABILITY, BUT ALSO THE
MY
UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO
IMMERSE MYSELF IN
CHINESE
CULTURE
THROUGH LIVING IT.
– Olivia Bell
”
Fall 2013
19
G R A D UAT ION A N D C OM M E NC E M E N T A WA R D S 2013
UPPER SCHOOL
GRADE 8
Brooke T. Umbel Citizenship Award:
Camille Smith
Awarded by the faculty to the senior for the greatest service
to the School through a combination of leadership, scholarship, community service and active support.
Lavinia Hamilton Award:
Kate Willey
Presented in memory of one of the co-founders of Highland
School, and awarded to the eighth grade student who,
during his or her attendance has contributed most to the
academic life of the School. This award implies not only
natural ability, but also effort and interest, and a genuine
intellectual curiosity leading toward the betterment of the
entire school.
Scholar Athlete Award:
Male: Spencer Rose
Female: Mackenzie Ross
This award is given to the seniors who demonstrate the
highest levels of athletic accomplishment, academic
achievement and sportsmanship.
Founders’ Award:
Simon Schwartz
This award is presented to the senior who best exemplifies
the Highland School mission and philosophy. This is the
highest award given and is named in recognition of individuals whose leadership and service have shaped the school.
Lifer’s Award:
Marina Macklin, Aria Pahari, Maggie Pollard,
Mackenzie Ross, Nathaniel Schwartz, Simon Schwartz,
Grant Vance and Jena Vernon
Given to the senior(s) who remained at Highland School
for the entire Kindergarten through Grade 12 experience.
20
HIGHLAND MAG A Z I N E
Caroline Elizabeth Anderson Citizenship Award:
Mallory Bryan
Presented to the Eighth Grade student, who, by his or her
character and conduct, participation in school activities and
consideration and respect for others, has promoted a strong
sense of community spirit and responsibility.
Head of School’s Award:
Abby Long
Given in recognition of the Eighth Grade student, who, by
virtue of his or her positive leadership, strength of character, and academic and athletic accomplishments, has made
an outstanding all-around contribution to the community of
the school.
Highland Award:
Jaymen Tucker
Recognizes the eighth grade student who, during his or
her years at Highland, has made the greatest gains.
Through initiative, persistent effort, and application the
student has demonstrated steady improvement in academic
accomplishments.
G R A D UAT ION A N D C OM M E NC E M E N T A WA R D S 2013
Phillip A. Hughes All Around Athlete Awards:
Male: Manti Batistas
Female: Ashton Eicher and Annie Pendleton
Given to the student who possesses natural ability, superior
coordination and good sportsmanship. The All-Around
Athlete is a student who has been dominant in setting
benchmarks for her/his fellow teammates.
Wyatt Ellyson Flory Award:
Annie Pendleton
Presented to the student who during his/her eighth grade
year has enriched the quality of the eighth grade experience
for his/her fellow classmates. The student has consistently
demonstrated a responsibility and loyalty to all of the class'
endeavors. As a result of his/her positive attitude and good
nature, the recipient has received profound respect and
admiration from each class member.
All Around Athlete – Manti Batistas
Faculty Award:
Julia Massimiano
Presented to the student in Grade 8 who has earned the
highest academic average for the year. Averaging the
grades of all subjects for two semesters, Highland’s highest
achiever is determined.
All Around Athlete – Ashton Eicher
All Around Athlete – Annie Pendleton
Fall 2013
21
GR ADUATION 2013
VALEDICTORIAN:
Victoria Lynn Hall
Attending Yale University
learned this yet, you don’t have to learn it the hard way.
Just ask Connor Deal to tell you of the time when he wrote
his AP English paper in one study hall the morning after it
was due. I’m sure he’d love to share as long as he’s not too
busy watching the latest episode of Grey’s Anatomy in the
“When I first sat down to write this speech, I was ab-
senior lounge.
solutely clueless about what to do. As anyone who knows
2) We are each a work in progress. We can’t expect to
me realizes, to me writing is like my own personal apoca-
get everything right the first time. I’m sure Will Sogegian
lypse, where every time I sit down to write
found this to be true as he finally learned
is certain to bring with it my untimely de-
how to swim this past year.
mise. Each white blank page sucking the
3) Excellence is never an accident - it’s
air from my lungs like a vacuum, every
the result of hard work. This is a point that
pen stroke ripping away a piece of my
every member of this class undoubtedly
soul. So as you can imagine, I’ll be brief. I
knows very well, as each individual has
thought long and hard about what to say to
achieved excellence in some shape or form.
you, Class of 2013. And I couldn’t help but
4) Believe it or not, parents are smarter
wonder what right does having the highest
than they appear (it’s that whole life expe-
GPA in our grade give me to offer you ad-
rience thing rearing it’s lovely head
vice on the future? Alas, many people can
again). So, graduates, I urge you to re-
give better advice, people who are older,
member that even though they may some-
more educated, and more experienced than I. It’s probably
times seem technologically disabled, our parents know a
more beneficial for you and me both to read a book, listen
lot of other valuable information that may come in handy
to music, play a sport, or simply do something fun rather
someday. So, take advantage of them!!
than listen to the ruminations of an 18 year old. Maybe
5) No one is holding you back — you are the only one
when I’m 60 and, hopefully, rich and famous, I will be
who can limit yourself. This class has an even greater po-
worthy of giving advice.
tential than we realize to make a difference in the world
Until that day comes, I’m not going to waste our time
trying to uncliche the cliché that is my valedictory. So,
here’s what I’ll do: I’ll share some tidbits of knowledge
and accomplish more than any of us dreamed possible. So,
don’t establish limitations and reach for the stars!
Bill Cosby once said, “I don’t know the key to success
I’ve acquired over these 4 years and you can do with them
but I know the key to failure is trying to please everybody.”
as you wish.
All great achievements arise from passion and heart. So, as
1) Procrastination is NOT our friend. If you haven’t
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HIGHLAND MAG A Z I N E
you embark on the rest of your life, I hope that you do what
GR ADUATION 2013
you love because those who mind don’t matter and those
vice that I feel wise enough to offer you is this: We must
who matter don’t mind.
stop fitting in, and start standing out. Only by being unique
I hope that you go to college and take it seriously. No
and wholly ourselves will we. Truly succeed in life. When
pressure or anything, but what you do there will greatly im-
a child peeks into a box labeled “Free Puppies”, he doesn’t
pact they rest of your life.
beg his parents for the dog that looks like all the rest. Peo-
I hope that if you change, you don’t change the good
ple ALWAYS chose the brightest star and the cutest puppy.
things about yourself, and that you do it for yourself, not
In the real world, people will accept and admire you for
for other people.
who you are more than for who you’re like.
I hope that, even though, you’re leaving, you don’t
So when I tell this incredible class to get out there, I’m
leave your friends and family behind. I hope that you re-
saying several things. I’m saying get out into the real
member that if you feel at any point that life is becoming
world, graduate from college, climb to the top of your
too hard and that obstacles are coming from every direc-
field, and into the spotlight. I’m saying that when we have
tion, PLEASE DON’T PANIC. Just know that you have an
our high school reunion, I want you landing in the parking
incredible support system, including every single member
lot in your private helicopter stopping through on your way
of your graduating class that has your back until the end.
to Africa for a medical mission trip or to give a benefit
The plethora of achievements of this group of graduates
concert in Europe to raise awareness for some disease. But
is astounding — from sport championships to robotics tour-
I’m also saying that I want you to stand out and be exactly
naments to theater productions to academics and art exhibi-
who you are, not who others expect you to be.
tions. None of those things would have been possible without
So, Class of2013, just as Madonna has done before us,
the help, support, and guidance of our parents, teachers,
we’ve made it through the wilderness! Through all of the
coaches, and entire school community. To these mentors, I
drama, the tests, the papers, the projects, and the pressures
say: Our success is your success, for you have given us the
of SATs and college applications. So congratulations, be
courage to dare, the knowledge to excel, and the belief that
proud of yourselves, but most importantly (and perhaps the
we can succeed. You have been there for us with encourage-
only thing you should remember from my speech) - don’t
ment and care; you have had faith when we doubted our-
let these 4 years be the best of your life.
selves. You have instilled in us the se1f-confidence needed to
I want you to be famous, make millions, and save the
reach for our dreams. For all of these things, we, the Class of
world. But not like how Will Smith, Bill Gates, or Chuck
2013, thank every single one of you.
Norris did. I want you to do all of those things as Hayden
With that, I come to the piece of advice I feel most
Walsh, as Nicole Osgood, as Demitri Batistas, as Nicole
confident in offering you today. It is time to put the past 4
Brown and as all other 55 of you would! So, Class of 2013
years of worrying what others would think and trying to be
... get out there and make Highland proud!!”
accepted by our peers behind us. So, the sole piece of ad-
Fall 2013
23
GR ADUATION 2013
SALUTATORIAN:
Ivel Lee Collins
Attending Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
the education behind the grades. I, along with all my classmates, was graded throughout high school for knowing
how to write an essay; what we really got was an education
in how to appreciate literature and poetry. We earned
grades for memorizing formulae and scientific facts, but we
“Entering Highland as a freshman, I always heard people
received an education in rational thinking and problem
talking about “the transition to high school.” This was said
solving. We won trophies for athletic accomplishments, as
with the implication that once adjusted, freshman year
well as an education in sportsmanship and teamwork. And
would settle down, and be followed by three
while our grades and test scores earned us spots
more years of a similar mundane nature, at
in colleges and prepared us for college courses,
the end of which we would move on to col-
our education prepared us for the rest of our
lege, this mystical place from which we
lives, teaching lessons that are immaterial and
would step into the “real” world, outside the
ungradeable, and for that I am thankful.
shelter of schooling and academia. During
The second group that I would like to
my time in the Upper School, I found this to
thank is my class. This is not the same group
be blatantly untrue; high school is the transi-
of people that I started my four years with;
tion - a bridge from childhood to adulthood. I
this is a group of young adults that have
am sure that I am not the only one who was surprised when
grown together, bonded by loss, love, and struggle, and I
Monday night I barely recognized myself in pictures of
am proud to call myself one of them. While writing this
freshman year, instead seeing a child, one who knew very
and reminiscing about freshman year, I thought of the
little and yet carried a boundless enthusiasm for the future.
cliché “diamonds in the rough.” I then immediately dis-
When I look around me today, I see that same enthusiasm
carded it; that is not who we are. We have never been con-
accompanied by new knowledge, still propelling us for-
tent to sit idly by, keeping our glow hidden away; we are
ward, driving us to be stronger and smarter, constantly
the jewelers and the crafters, refining ourselves and each
reaching new heights.
other until everyone shines bright with their full potential.
There is no change without an external force, and over
When we are unleashed onto the world in a few minutes,
my four years there have been two groups that have con-
we are limited by what we know now, and freed by our
tributed to my change, and the change of those who are
desire and enthusiasm to continue learning. So go out, see
here graduating with me today. First, I would like to thank
the world and see what you want it to be. Take control
the school, especially the teachers. Even though I may be
and make that vision a reality. Do great things, and never
up here due to my grade point average, I would say that
stop aspiring to be better. Much love to each of you, and
what I have learned over these four years is to appreciate
thank you.”
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HIGHLAND MAG A Z I N E
GRADE 8 CLOSING CEREMONY 2013
GRADE 8 LEADER:
Mallory Bryan
undeniable nervousness. Within ten minutes of playing, I
found myself in love. I had found my fit. And one of my
personal favorite parts about a puzzle is the fact that the
pieces already in place can help to guide those still search-
“What does Highland mean to you? No really. Stop. Think.
ing. Pieces like Hayden Garrett and Kieran Kirk helped
What does this school really mean to you? Well the more I
guide me to my fit on the lacrosse team as well as helped
thought about how I would answer this question I realized
me thrive and push myself to be the best that I could be.
that Highland is more than just a school. Highland is a
Yet that was only one of my many “fits” to be discovered
puzzle. No, not puzzling or something caus-
in my two years in the middle school.
ing frustration to those willing to undertake
Now I know not all of you may have found
its challenges, but a work in progress where
your fit on the lacrosse team, and I know not all of
every student finds their place, their perfect
you may have found your fit in ten minutes. In fact,
junction with those around them.
some of you might still be looking for your place.
Highland is a place made up of individ-
That place where you become part of something
ual pieces. Each one unique in its shape.
bigger, the Highland Community. Something that is
Each one belonging in its own spot. Each
simply unexplainable to those on the outside.
one working together to create an image, an
environment that simply cannot be dupli-
But don’t ever give up the search. Don’t think
that where you’re supposed to be is insignificant,
cated. An environment so close knit that when just one
because in fact it’s vital to the final product. Don’t settle
piece is missing, the entire thing is affected. It’s a place
for that place into which you had to shove and force your-
where you have the freedom to try new things and experi-
self, but instead take time to find the place into which you
ment with both what and who you want to be. And while
can really sink yourself. Just think, we would never be the
each student is struggling to locate that perfect junction, re-
same class of 2017 without Maddie’s riding accomplish-
lationships blossom. As pieces click and others move on to
ments, Manti’s crippled three pointer at the eighth grade vs.
keep exploring their options, the puzzle begins to take
faculty basketball game, Julia’s rolo cookies, Preston’s ro-
shape, and the significance of each piece and the bond be-
botics talk, Abby and Ashton’s voice along with Savarna’s
tween them is revealed.
guitar, Annie’s headgear tan lines, and so much more.
What I have described is what Highland Middle School
However, as we embark on our next chapter of life and
has meant to me. It's been an environment where I could
attempt to complete our next puzzle, we can expect to in-
explore and find my place, where I would fit in. I remem-
terlock in new places, make new connections, and continue
ber the spring of 2012 sitting in the gym for sports sign ups
to have new pieces join us. And so I thank you all for help-
when I decided I was going to try lacrosse for the very first
ing me find my niche here at Highland and wish you all the
time. The next week, I remember when the last class before
best of luck in both discovering yours and thriving wher-
sports let out, and I felt that mix of pure excitement and
ever you may find yourself in the coming years.”
Fall 2013
25
CLASS OF 2013 COLLEGE LIST
Listed below are the members of the Class of 2013 and their college destinations:
Demitri Theofaniy Batistas Clemson University
Dylan Shaw Nicholls
James Madison University
Emily Sargeant Berg
Elon University
Nicole Alicia Osgood
Elon University
William Sample Kekoa
Bowman
Duke University
Aria Pahari
Mount Holyoke College
Sean Liam Bray
Wofford College
Andrew Elliot Peterson
Eastern Kentucky University
Nicole Marie Brown
The University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill
Audrey Rene Pfeffer
University of Vermont
Leland Daniel Polhemus
Olivia Leigh Brown
College of Charleston
University of California at Santa
Barbara
Lauren Alane Bryan
George Mason University
Mary Wise Pollard
Roanoke College
Hannah Danielle Chait
Pace University, New York City
Nina Ayesha Prasad
Pitzer College
Ivel Lee Collins
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Ana Coroban
American University in Bulgaria
John Mills Pritchard
Daniel Benjamin Rose
Furman University
Virginia Commonwealth University
James Frances Cummins
The Evergreen State College
Spencer Michael Rose
James Madison University
Connor Kristian Deal
University of Connecticut
Mackenzie Nicole Ross
Lynchburg College
Gabrielle Marie DiRocco
Carnegie Mellon University
Nathaniel Christopher
Moser Schwartz
Auburn University
Albert Noah Fenton
University of Richmond
Columbia University
Lauren Elizabeth Frye
Eastern New Mexico University,
Portales
Simon Alexander
Moser Schwartz
Jessica Corinne Shaw
University of Mary Washington
Dylan Andrew Gaither
Concordia College - Bronxville
Isabella Petite Sirianni
Alexandre Suarez Genove
Savannah College of Art and Design
Sewanee: The University of the
South
Victoria Lynn Hall
Yale University
Jonathan Philip Slack
Christopher Newport University
Ian Patrick Herbst
James Madison University
Camille Guinevere Smith
University of California at Santa
Barbara
William Robert Sogegian
Sewanee: The University of the
South
Jennifer Elizabeth Hoerner University of Richmond
Kurt Thomas Hoppmann
University of Wisconsin, Madison
James Bennet Hynes
San Jose State University
Jacqueline Leigh St. Clair
George Mason University
Hanna Kim
Fordham University
William Jacob Treuting
Christopher Newport University
Jared Risden King
University of Richmond
Zachary Lee King
High Point University
Parker Christina Carson
Van de Water
Sewanee: The University of the
South
Savannah Reilly Kovac
University of Rhode Island
Grant Eugene Vance
Lord Fairfax Community College
Chance Walker Kushner
Mercer University
West Virginia University
Marina Olga Macklin
Princeton University
Jenifer Marie Micheline
Vernon
Jack Robert Micciche
Mercer University
Hayden McDevitt Walsh
Quest University Canada
Marcus James Milione
Saint Joseph's University
Andrew Lee Williams
Lynchburg College
Caitlin Nicole Miller
Germanna Community College/
Locust Grove
Jida Zhang
University of Massachusetts,
Amherst
Paul Wickliffe Zielenski
Northern Virginia Community
College
26
HIGHLAND MAG A Z I N E
CLASS OF 2013 SENIOR PROJECTS
Senior Projects are multi-week internships completed by each senior at the end of the academic year and are presented to
their peers and teachers with a PowerPoint presentation prior to graduation. The projects are typically completed in the
students’ possible career field. The Class of 2013 chose the following:
Demitri Theofaniy
Batistas
Construction business ownership
internship with On the Level Contracting (Haymarket, VA)
Emily Sargeant Berg Early Childhood education internship
with Head Start/Bright Stars
(Warrenton, VA)
William Sample
Electric stringed bass construction
Kekoa Bowman
project (Warrenton, VA)
Sean Liam Bray
Computer hard drive construction
project (Warrenton, VA)
Nicole Marie Brown Viticulture and small business
management internship with Molon
Lave Vineyards (Opal, VA)
Olivia Leigh Brown Equestrian Training internship with
Sanmar Farm (Boston, VA)
Lauren Alane Bryan Nursing internship with Fauquier
Health (Warrenton, VA)
Hannah Danielle
Internship with Congressman Frank
Chait
Wolf and Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn
(Washington, DC)
Ivel Lee Collins
Engineering internship with Arup
(Washington, DC)
Ana Coroban
Law Enforcement internship with the
Fauquier County Sheriff's Office
(Warrenton, VA)
James Frances
Music recording and marketing
Cummins
internship (Warrenton, VA)
Connor Kristian Deal Equine Medicine and Care internship
(Culpeper, VA)
Gabrielle Marie
Conservation Biology Internship with
DiRocco
Environmental Studies on the Piedmont
(Airlie, VA)
Albert Noah Fenton Tennis Instruction at the Beverly Hills
Country Club (Beverly Hills, CA)
Lauren Elizabeth
Frye
Dylan Andrew
Gaither
Law Enforcement internship with the
Fauquier County Sheriff's Office
(Warrenton, VA)
Sports recreation internship with
Manassas Parks and Recreation
(Manassas, VA)
Nicole Alicia Osgood Political Advertising Internship with
Sandler-Innocenzi (Alexandria, VA)
Aria Pahari
Cardiovascular medicine internship
with Virginia Cardiovascular Associates
(Manassas, VA)
Andrew Elliot
Firefighting internship with Loudoun
Peterson
County Fire Department (Middleburg,
VA)
Audrey Rene Pfeffer Wildlife conservation internship with
Blue Ridge Wildlife Center (Boyce, VA)
Leland Daniel
Polhemus
Environmental non-profit management
internship with the Land Trust of
Virginia (Middleburg, VA)
Mary Wise Pollard
Early Childhood Education internship at
St. James Episcopal School (Warrenton,
VA)
Nina Ayesha Prasad Internship with the Manassas Democratic Party and Atif Qarni's campaign
for the VA House of Delegates
(Manassas, VA)
John Mills Pritchard Personal Fitness and Small Business
Ownership internship with Next Level
Fitness and Performance (Haymarket, VA)
Daniel Benjamin
Rose
Programming and web design internship with SiteWhirks (Warrenton, VA)
Spencer Michael
Rose
Physical Education internship with
Highland School (Warrenton, VA)
Mackenzie Nicole
Ross
Early Childhood education internship
with Head Start/Bright Stars (Warrenton, VA)
Internship with the Virginia Department
of Game and Inland Fisheries
(Remington, VA)
Nathaniel
Christopher Moser
Schwartz
Simon Alexander
Moser Schwartz
Mechanical engineering and business
relations internship with Lumenium
(Fredericksburg, VA)
Jessica Corinne Shaw Marketing and Communication internship with Culpeper Regional Hospital
(Culpeper, VA)
Fall 2013
27
CLASS OF 2013 SENIOR PROJECTS
Alexandre Suarez
Genove
Small business management with
Green Guard Incorporated
(Jacksonville, FL)
Victoria Lynn Hall
Medical internship with Prince
William Family Medicine (Manassas,
VA)
Ian Patrick Herbst
Documentary Filmmaking project with
Folkstreams (Delaplane, VA)
Jennifer Elizabeth
Dermatology and skin care internship
Hoerner
with Finkel Dermatology (Warrenton,
VA)
Kurt Thomas
Engineering and site management
Hoppmann
internship with W. A. Hazel, Inc.
(Chantilly, VA)
James Bennet Hynes Information technology internship with
Caspian IT Group (San Jose, CA)
Hanna Kim
Jared Risden King
Zachary Lee King
Savannah Reilly
Kovac
Advisor and teaching assistant at
JIWU International School (South
Korea)
Business Management internship with
Leo Construction (Leesburg, VA)
Law Enforcement internship with the
Fauquier County Sheriff's Office
(Warrenton, VA)
Wildlife conservation and marine
biology internship with The Nature
Conservancy (Nassawadox, VA)
Chance Walker
Kushner
Marina Olga
Macklin
Jack Robert
Micciche
Real Estate internship with Re/Max
(Sterling, VA)
Internship with Congressman Robert
Hurt (Washington, DC)
Physical Education internship with
Highland School (Warrenton, VA)
Marcus James
Milione
Personal Fitness and Small Business
Ownership internship with Next Level
Fitness and Performance (Haymarket,
VA)
Small Business accounting and finance
internship with Chuck Mullins
Plumbing (Culpeper, VA)
Caitlin Nicole Miller
Dylan Shaw Nicholls Documentary Filmmaking project with
Folkstreams (Delaplane, VA)
Isabella Petite
Sirianni
Art education internship at Highland
School (Warrenton, VA)
Jonathan Philip
Slack
Health and Personal fitness training
and business project (Warrenton, VA)
Camille Guinevere
Smith
Children's Literature writing and
publication internship with Little
Patriot Press (Washington, DC)
Athletic Training and Sports Marketing internship with Brambleton Sport
and Health (Ashburn, VA)
Law enforcement K-9 Training
internship with Culpeper County
Sheriff's Office (Culpeper, VA)
William Robert
Sogegian
Jacqueline Leigh St.
Clair
William Jacob
Treuting
Parker Christina
Carson Van de
Water
Grant Eugene Vance
Jenifer Marie
Micheline Vernon
Hayden McDevitt
Walsh
Andrew Lee
Williams
Jida Zhang
Paul Wickliffe
Zielenski
Cigar Box Guitar Construction Project
(Warrenton, VA)
Internship with Representative Earl
Blumenauer (Washington, DC)
Medevac Helicopter Aviation
internship with UVA Pegasus
(Charlottesville, VA)
Early Childhood Education internship
at St. James Episcopal School
(Warrenton, VA)
Thoreau Project in living
deliberatively (Marshall, VA)
Architecture Internship with Hinckley
Shepherd Norden, PLC (Warrenton,
VA)
Internship with the School of Physics,
Astronomy, and Computational
Sciences at George Mason University
(Fairfax, VA)
Ceramics Independent Project
(Warrenton, VA)
Highland School thanks all of our Senior Project Sponsors!
28
HIGHLAND MAG A Z I N E