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Miller School of Albemarle Class of 2014 www.MillerSchool.org
MILLER SCHOOL of ALBEMARLE MAGAZINE
The Bell Tower Spring/Summer 2014
In This Issue: Family & Friends Weekend at Verulam Farm Seniors Visit Washington D.C. American Diplomacy Conference at Montalto MSA Spring Break in Italy
A Letter From
HEADMASTER
Rick France
To the Miller School of Albemarle Community: We send out hearty congratulations to the members of the Class of 2014 for their success on the Hill and the bright futures that they have created for themselves. This year’s class included 44 members and one post-graduate student. All will go on to college, having earned a wide range of acceptances and scholarships to a number of prestigious colleges and universities from the Ivy League to our best schools in Virginia. We are proud of their achievement and wish them well next year. We are fortunate to report a very good year at MSA. Most exciting has been the work of the Board of Trustees which has tackled our next Strategic Plan. A little more than a year ago the Board conducted a Strategic Planning Workshop in an effort to celebrate our successes and to look ahead toward a bright future. Since that meeting four Task Forces have worked diligently examining the potential and the practical, as they try to plan effectively for continued growth in enrollment and improvement of facilities. The Task Forces that emerged from the workshop are Program, Facilities, Advancement, and Finance. These groups met regularly throughout the year to examine closely where we stand today and where we might head over the next five years. Although time-consuming, it has been exciting to consider what MSA might pursue as we head toward our 140th year. Projects in the works include: additional academic programs to incorporate our rich history and today’s environment, the renovation of all of Old Main, particularly the fourth floor, improvements to Wayland Hall, better and more faculty housing, resurfacing and additions to the tennis courts while adding a covered indoor portion for another indoor sports location, and the means to raise the money to fund these ideas. We will share our vision and plans during the 2014-2015 school year. We have such a wonderful location, facility, and program that serve the needs of an international community. Thus, as we look ahead to the future, we are pleased to anticipate that MSA’s best years are close at hand and within our reach. Together, we will continue to encounter miracles on this Hill due in large part to all of you. We appreciate your great support and belief in a school that seeks to change the world one child at a time. Sincerely, Patrick L. France
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The Bell Tower Miller School Albemarle Magazine Spring/Summer 2014
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The Bell Tower is produced by MSA’s Office of Institutional Advancement. Questions and comments about this issue should be directed to Beth Hochstein at 434-823-4805 x210 or bhochstein@millerschool.org. Contributing Editors: Kelly Altizer Bradley Bodager, JD, LLM Beth Hochstein Contributing Photographers: Kim Kelley-Wagner Tom Pallante On the cover: Commencement 2014
CONTENTS ON THE HILL 3 HAPPENINGS News briefs from students, faculty, and alumni page 3 5 BOY’S STATE 7 FAMILY & FRIENDS WEEKEND page 7 SAMUEL MILLER MEMORIAL MEDAL RECIPIENT - Nancy Coble 9 2013 Damon
11 DIPLOMACY AND TRANSITIONING GOVERNMENTS 13 LAKE ANNA NUCLEAR POWER PLANT FIELD DAY 19 DRAMA AT MILLER SCHOOL OF ALBEMARLE 23 WEEK OF WISDOM and WONDER 25 SPRING BREAK page 25 BELL TOWER SOCIETY 32
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News in Brief
Happenings on “the Hill” MSA Student Participates in VA Film Festival The opening of the 2013 Virginia Film Festival featured short films produced by students from Light House Studio in Charlottesville, including MSA’s own Sanders Evans. Evans, who is a sophomore at MSA, said “It was exciting to be a part of the on screen crew since I had been a part of the filming crew earlier in the summer for another Light House class. The whole music video was shot in two days so they were very busy days. I would say the most intense part would have to be learning the lines to the song so that it could be lip synced. Overall it was a great experience to be a part of that project and I was happy to be invited.” The Virginia Film Festival is hosted by the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, held usually in late October or early November.
Students Honored for Service Rising senior André Coscia and rising Junior Rachael Breving were recently awarded Rotary International Certificates of Merit by the Rotary Club of Charlottesville. Recognizing their excellence and commitment to community service through participation in MSA service groups, church affiliated community service and volunteer work with area youth, the certificates were presented by Dr. Richard DeMong, Rotary Club of Charlottesville President.
Regn Wins Poety Out Loud Rising senior, Marta Regn, pictured below, is this year’s winner of the regional Poetry Out Loud competition, for her moving recitations of James Dickey’s “The Hospital Window” and Edgar Allen Poe’s “Israfel.” She advances to the state competition in March, which will be held at the Virginia Repertory Theatre in Richmond, VA. The nationwide competition, which is sponsored in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, will be held in Washington, D.C. later this spring.
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Alumni Notes
Lindsay Adams (above left), Class of 2008, is the lead animal husbandry tech at the Orlando Science Center in Orlando, FL. In this role she oversees the daily husbandry of all of the Center’s animals, including care of various snake, lizard and amphibian species, various saltwater fish, and American alligators.
S. Ross Browne (above, right), Class of 1987, was a 2013 semifinalist in the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series for his painting, “The Reconciliation.” Browne’s work is featured in museums throughut the world, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Art. Currently he produces fine art, graphic design, writes and teaches in Richmond,VA.
Cary Ferguson, Class of 2001, received a B.A. in Pyschology from Hampden-Sydney College in 2005 and is currently a candidate for Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in San Diego, CA. Sarah Gibson, Class of 2008, and Crawford Simpkins, Class of 2008, graduated from Sweet Briar College and Hampden-Sydney College, respectively, in 2012. They were married in July, 2012 in Charlottesville, VA. Currently they reside in Baltimore, MD, where Crawford is a stock broker and wealth manager for Simpkins Moran Wealth Management group of Wells Fargo Advisors in Washington, DC and Sarah is in her second year at the University of Baltimore School of Law focusing on criminal prosecution. To submit an alumni update, please email advancement@millerschool.org or mail your update to 1000 Samuel Miller Loop Charlottesville, VA 22903 attn: Advancement Office.
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B
oy’s State was an amazing experience from five o’clock in the morning till twelve at night the best and brightest of Virginia were hard at work, learning about state and national governments, and competing their hearts out with one another. Being selected to Boy’s State was an amazing honor. I was privileged to be among the most talented boys that the state of Virginia had to offer. All seven hundred boys were divided into twelve distinct groups called cities, and all the boys were assigned parties, the Nationalists, and the Federalists, in order to stimulate the two party system. The city that I was part of was Maury City, named after the famous navel admiral. As a city we were responsible for selecting city officials or local political positions, and state or nataional positions such as, city legislatures and senators. I was fortunate enough to have unconditional support from my city in my campaign for the position of Federalist Party Chairmen. I got the chance to speak in front of the entire four hundred members of the Federalist party at boys state on multiple occasions. I learned not only a great deal about the United States governmental system but also about myself. Boy’s State taught me to compete, and never give up even in the face of insurmountable odds. I learned that friendships can be forged in an instant and stay with you forever. Boy’s State showed me that confidence in yourself and a willingness to try new things are all anyone needs to lead a happy and fulfilling life. I will never forget the friends I made there, nor will I ever forget the valuable lessons that I learned with my brothers in Maury City that week in July. I wish that I could go back and do it again, and again. - Orion Bloom ‘14
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SA Junior André Coscia has been selected by American Legion Post 74 in Charlottesville to represent Miller School of Albemarle at the American Legion Boys State, a non-partisan educational program, which is among the most respected government instructional programs for high school students. Each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government. The main objectives of the program are to develop civic leadership; arouse a keen interest in the detailed study of government; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the Community, State and Nation. At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical with city, county and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs. High school juniors are selected by local American Legion Posts to attend the program. At Virginia Boys State, participants will create an effective political organization, operating from the local through the state level. The government organization provides for such features as city and state elections. The citizens are organized into two political parties: the Nationalist Party and the Federalist. This year’s program will be held on the Radford University campus, where for one week, a new state comes into being, and exists within the physical boundaries of the campus. MSA is proud to be represented by André, we believe that by the end of the week, he will be govenor of the temporary state! Well done André! (excerpted from American Legion Boys State) by Kim Kelley-Wagner
André Coscia ‘15
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n February, Junior Andre Coscia represented MSA at the regional round of the National Shakespeare Competition sponsored by the English Speaking Union of Charlottesville. The event was held at Blackfriar’s Playhouse, home to the renowed American Shakespeare Center. Andre delivered a monologue from Julius Cesear, as well as a recitation of Sonnet 20. MSA English teacher Dr. Jason Nabi called Andre’s performance “commanding”, and judges and ESU members alike complimented his voice and delivery. Left: Andre, third from right, with fellow Shakespeare competition participants. Photo by Jason Nabi
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his evening I would like to share with you a story and a belief. In 2010, I partook in an educational voyage with Semester at Sea. Their goal is to educate and open the minds of students to what it means to live in a global community. During the Maymester aboard the ship, I visited seven countries in Central and South America in the span of one month. Towards the end of the voyage, I traveled by fishing boat down the Rio Dulce in Guatemala. What I saw made a lasting impression on me. We slipped across the river with its glassy surface in places covered by beautiful Lilly pads. Suddenly, we came upon a tiny nameless village built completely on the water. This village is accessible only by boat and consists of roughly ten homes. These homes are literally supported by nothing more than four wooden poles hammered into the riverbed. The houses are unstable, unsanitary, and frankly in no condition for healthy human life. While I was there, I met a family and learned a little bit about their life. Every day, the young children, no older than eight, would hop into home-made canoes less than five feet long, and paddle out to the Lilly pads, where the tourists come, to sell sea shells, bracelets and various trinkets to make a living for their family. However, this is not the worst of it. Their little girl of the family I met, about 5 years old, would make a trip five to six times a day, paddling about 2 miles away from her home to reach a tiny spring of fresh water, trickling down a rock. This child made this trip because it was the only way that her family would have fresh water to survive. Between selling trinkets, fishing, and fetching water, these children do not go to school. Situations such as this are unacceptable. By engaging the founding principles of Rotary; service, fellowship, diversity, integrity and leadership, Rotarians can make a difference in the lives of people like this family. Roughly 768 million people in the world live without a safe water supply. I firmly believe it is up to us to end this unacceptable situation, and that we can do it by working together. Although I am only 16 years old, I am not afraid to stand up as a leader in service programs dedicated to bringing fresh water and sanitation to those in need. I believe that we are all connected as part of the human race, no matter what may seem to divide us; nationality, language, culture, politics, or ethnicity. It is our responsibility, as people, to help each other, especially when some of us are in need, like those families on the Rio Dulce. I believe that every one of us has the moral compulsion and personal integrity to help improve our world. We live in a global community of diverse peoples, united by a common humanity that leads us to extend the hand of fellowship in service to one another. This is the spirit of the Rotary, simply taking action, working together to make our world a better place for all. As Nelson Mandela said, “When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace.” I believe that the principles of Rotary would add, “it is not only our duty to our country, but to our world.” I am ready to change the world. In the spirit of Rotary I invite all of you to join me. Thank you. Rotary speech contest - Thea Louis ‘16 (Thea Louis recieved the Third Place Award for this speech. Senior, Aryeh Enoch ‘14 earned the First Place Award.) Bell Tower Magazine •Spring/Summer 2014
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Family & Friends Weekend
photos by Dominique Attaway
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Verulam Farm photos by Dominique Attaway
Friends & Family Weekend, October 10th12th, began Thursday with an evening reception at Trustee Melton McGuire’s beautiful Verulam Farm property. Over 100 guests enjoyed a wonderful event. On Friday MSA welcomed family and friends to an open house and teacher conferences. On Friday, MSA students presented an evening of wonderful musical entertainment for our guests.
Left: Verulam Farm reception Above: Flowers by Couture Design Verulam Farm photos by Dominique Attaway
L-R: Georgia Lovas, Adrian Lewin, Maddie Nicholas, and Rawls Fortenberry perform during the Family & Friends Weekend musical presentation. Bell Tower Magazine •Spring/Summer 2014
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2013 Samuel Miller Memorial Medal awarded to Nancy Coble Damon
On Friday evening October 18th, Nancy Damon was awarded the Samuel Miller Memorial Medal at a banquet hosted by the Miller School of Albemarle. In remarks by MSA English faculty member, Dr. Jason Nabi, Ms. Damon was recognized for her service to the youth of our community as Program Director of the Virginia Festival of the Book since 2000. Celebrating its 20th year in 2014, this past spring VABook was attended by over 20,000 children, young adults and adults who hear and interact with over 400 authors and moderators in over 200 events. MSA is proud that the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities-Festival of the Book is one of its twenty year long Student Service Groups. Working with Ms. Damon and her team over the course of each year, six MSA students assist with planning and promotion of the annual festival that includes significant programming for children and youth. The Samuel Miller Memorial Medal recognizes sustained leadership and contributions supporting area youth in the spirit of Samuel Miller, one our nation’s first major philanthropists in support of education.
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Top: Headmaster Rick France presents Nancy Damon with the Samuel Miller award Bottom: Samuel Miller award recipient, Nancy Damon
En Plein Air
MSA’s 1600 acres inspires local artists during October’s weekend event painting by Linda Albert Over thirty artists from across Virginia visited MSA’s beautiful campus to participate in en plein air, an annual event that allows visitors the opportunity to be insipired by our magnificent views, rolling hills, historic buildings, and all that our campus has to offer. The event culminated in an exhibit of works, displaying the many creative interpretations of familiar scenery.
Noaa Spiekermann paints the Upper Meadow Bell Tower Magazine •Spring/Summer 2014
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Diplomacy and Transitioning Governments
Students participate in American Diplomacy conference at Montalto
MSA representatives at Montalto, from left to right: Rachael Breving, Thea Louis, Marta Regn, Orion Bloom, and Mr. Rob Wyllie. Not pictured: Mr. Bradley Bodager Thomas Jefferson is recognized for his immense contributions to the American tradition as the nation’s third president, author of the Declaration of Independence, and his prominent land purchase of the Louisiana Territory. However, Thomas Jefferson’s influence exceeded American borders as he served as the first United States secretary of state. Jefferson began America’s diplomatic presence, commencing the American traditions of negotiation, compromise, and a steadfast participation in the global community. In October, the American Academy of Diplomacy and the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies came together at the mountain top site of Montalto that overlooks Jefferson’s home Monticello, to discuss American diplomacy and transitioning governments. Four students from the Miller School attended the conference alongside distinguished members of the Charlottesville community, students and faculty from the University of Virginia, and former American ambassadors. The conference speakers examined historical cases of American diplomacy, as well as the future of international relations. Diplomacy is the practice of tactful negotiation, especially in circumstances of international controversies and discrepancies of culture. Historically, America’s presence in international controversies has varied, and the amount and kind of involvement it should have has been continually questioned. However, the answer to this question has become clear as global awareness and the art of conversation is more important now than ever before; every person is connected, making global awareness and participation both essential and inevitable.
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Because of technology as well as the creation of international law, humanity has become more closely connected than in any other time in history. For this reason, each conference speaker agreed that the importance of diplomacy is growing parallel to growth of connectivity. For the first time in history, countries are being forced to associate with other countries who do not share the same interests. The art of compromise and conversation are not exclusive to foreign policy. The principal methods of diplomacy can be applied to any dialogue. At Miller, students come from countries around the world, exposing the community to valuable and diverse perspectives. Everyday, the students and faculty are immersed in an environment that encourages a global dialogue. By cultivating this environment, Miller participates in two of the major themes emphasized at the diplomacy conference; First, that diplomacy is not limited to political negotiations, and secondly, establishing institutions for global awareness is key in creating peaceful and meaningful international relations. The creation of a society that values these relations improves the ability of individuals to connect with others through open mindedness and cultural awareness. Miller has been established as an internationally aware institution as it facilitates rewarding relationships and produces global citizens. - by Marta Regn ‘15
MSA’s participants in the Montalto program learned from a number of distinguished speakers, including Lord Paddy Ashdown (left) and U.S. Ambassador Margaret Scoby (below). Lord Ashdown previously served as the European Union Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and is widely acknowledged as one of the foremost experts on the Balkans region. Ambassador Scobey served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt from April 2008 to July 2011, a period that includes the height of the Arab Spring. Following her ambassadorship, she served as Deputy Commandant and International Affairs Advisor to the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
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he Miller School of Albemarle ‘s eleventh grade and pre-engineering students visited the Dominion North Anna Power Station in Louisa County, Virginia, at the invitation of Dominion Power and the Rotary Club of Charlottesville. In its third year, the special program brought MSA students together with over a dozen subject matter experts, and the students greatly enjoyed and appreciated this wonderful hands-on experience. They paid attention to the presentations, took notes, and asked good questions. Many of them expressed their interest in engineering careers. Dominion staff had organized various stations dedicated to presenting specific aspects of the facility’s operations. Students were exposed to the environmental sciences, power plant operations, chemistry, radiological protection, electrical transmission, information technology, human resources, protection services, and of course engineering. Regardless of background or proficiency, every student in attendance was able to find some relateable function. All of the presentations and booths had hands-on demonstrations many students found enjoyable. If one were to absently roam from table to table, one would hear exclamations of “so THAT’S where my electricity comes from!” and “is that why mom always says to unplug the toaster when we’re done using it?” among many similar proclamations of insight and epiphany. The value in this trip stems from the natural way in which students can bridge the academic gap between classroom-learning and applicationbased learning. This experience helped guide students closer to figuring out what they wanted to do post-graduation. Whether students were given an inclination to pursue the sciences or, conversely, were averted from technical fields, they were given direction and focus. All 65 students agreed that a repeat trip was necessary for next year! - Mr. Ahmad Elhajj, Engineering Coordinator / Physics Teacher
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At Lake Anna there were many stations going from safety to security and how everything works in a nuclear power plant. There was a station talking about safety, and it was very interesting. I learned about the tools they use to find ration with the equipment they had on their bodies and the tools they used. It’s very important that they do an excellent job because if there are any ration leaks it can harm them and the community. Security is one of the most important things, if not the most important part of the power plant. The job of the security team is to protect from any threats, but from what we learned their biggest problem ever were some protesters. We also learned that their most common problem was people crossing over to their side of the lake. The security system is so good that they can shut down the power plants if they ever have any attacks. - James Semerling
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In the classroom
Atoms in Action Henry Mosley, the creator of the modern day periodic table arranged his periodic table by increasing atomic number. While the chemistry students at Miller School of Albemarle agree this is a great way to organize the known elements, they believe the table lacked pizazz and well, is quite frankly a little too small. They set out to design a periodic table that took care of both these problems. Each student selected an element (or two) to research, and used a poster board canvas to creatively convey that element’s properties, uses, and history. Glitter, colors, household items, and artistic drawings were utilized to uniquely communicate the element’s symbol, atomic mass, and atomic number. When the due date arrived, each student was proud to show off their hard work and anxious to see the creation of their peers. Seeing the posters one at a time only hinted at the magnificence that lay ahead once all of the elements were pieced together. Duct tape and more duct tape was required to piece the posters together. After carefully attaching the sections of the periodic table to a wooden frame, the maintenance department hoisted the gigantic periodic table up the walls of Caton Hall. There it was displayed…the gigantic periodic table which proudly represents the creative and ambitious side of the MSA chemistry class. I believe that Henry Mosley would be proud! - Mrs. Meghan Waddle Chemistry students prepare to assemble their periodic table
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First Row (L-R): Matthew Bian, Darya Evans, Andre Coscia. Second Row: Adrienne Darden, Terry Jones, Pedro Campoy. Third Row: Taylor Parsons, Harrison Brown, Feier Chen Bell Tower Magazine •Spring/Summer 2014
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Members of the Class of 2014
Seniors Visit Washington D.C. The Senior Trip was so much fun! We left bright and early on Friday morning. Once we got to DC, we went to the Capital and the House of Representatives. We also went to the Library of Congress. Friday night we went to Shear Madness at the Kennedy Center. I can’t remember a time that I laughed that hard. After the play, we went to see the Jefferson Monument. It was lit up and it was beautiful. We could look across the water and see the Washington Monument as well. On Saturday, we went to the war memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, and to the Martin Luther King Jr. monument. This trip was a learning experience for us as a class, but it was also an experience that brought us closer to each other. We were able to apply the information that we learned on the trip to what we were learning in class! - Becky Eisloffel
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Library of Congress, Supreme Court Building & U.S. Capital
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So Much Drama @ MSA
This past fall, Drama tried something new. We wanted to do something that would fit our small cast, challenge us, and be a bit edgy. Instead of one long play, we chose to perform three very different oneact plays. The six of us spent time searching online through plays, looking for something intriguing. The first play I came across was titled “Soda Girl”. The name jumped out at me, so I began reading. The story was about a lowlife named Bob who built a fake girlfriend out of cans. At one point in the play, Bob kisses his girlfriend on the cheek, and she comes to life. The story was ridiculous, but also had an interesting deeper meaning. I shared my finding with the other kids and they liked the idea too. Another play we did, The Chocolate Affair, involved a woman who had stolen her kid’s Halloween candy and checked herself into a seedy motel room to eat it. She hallucinates that the candy comes to life and rebukes her for eating it. The last play we did, Balloon Shot, was about a women’s prison. One prisoner makes statements about the many ways she has escaped from prison in the past, and it begins to bother the other women. They pick on her and make fun of her, but she ends up escaping and proving them all wrong in the end. I’ve enjoyed being a part of Miller Drama, and I think our fall performance stood out. Having a small cast helped us to build friendships, enhancing how we interacted on stage. We took chance at trying something different, and we were very pleased with the results. - Anna Breeding Chocolate Affair - Beverly - Derowen Cutchin, Mr. Goodbar - Rita Rehmann, M&M - Piper Hayes Soda Girl - Bob - Jake Sorrels, Flo - Rita Rehmann, Soda Girl - Anna Breeding Balloon Shot - Desi - Piper Hayes, Pudala - Derowen Cutchin, Squeak - Rita Rehmann, Minnie - Anna Breeding Guard 1 - Jerry Wang, Guard 2 - Jake Sorrels
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Into the Wild
MSA introduces new wilderness group The Wilderness Group is exemplar of the diversification the athletics period at Miller needs. As a new student, Wilderness was my first athletics experience at Miller. The collaborative and friendly atmosphere of Wilderness drew me in and was helpful in making new friends. On day one, we were in the wilderness building shelters. The next day we were building fires, a skill we would build on throughout the season. We learned countless skills like these, from food and water collection to signaling for help if actually lost in the wilderness. Mr. Hanson puts to good use his seemingly boundless knowledge on the topic of outdoor survival. I acquired many practical skills and Wilderness inspired Above: Mr. Al Hanson demonstrates survival skills to the me to continue building on those skills. - Michael Shrader Wilderness Group
In Wilderness we learned how to build and light a proper fire, what to eat in the wild (did you know you could eat some parts of some trees?), and what kind of equipment to take with you when out in the woods. We hiked up a mountain to see the beautiful scenery, and followed a creek on campus to see what was in it. I enjoyed Wilderness because it was educational and entertaining at the same time. I am very grateful that Wilderness Group was added to the Miller School of Albemarle’s sports program. - Liliana Kelley-Wagner Bell Tower Magazine •Spring/Summer 2014
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Bharatha Natyam - Indian Classical Dance
Under the instruction of Padmarani Rasiah Cantu, dancers performed Bharatha Natyam, an
ancient classical dance form of India acknowledged as one of the world’s oldest art forms for MSA students. The dance showcases Indian mythology through theatrical entertainment. A traditional repertoire commences with an introduction, special movements of the limbs, and intricate rhythmic footwork. It then blossoms into storytelling through hand gestures and facial expressions and concludes with a brilliant exposition of pure rhythm. Colorful costumes, sparking jewelry, and ankle bells complement this traditional presentation. (excerpted from Virginia Commission of the Arts) photography by Kim Kelley-Wagner
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Paying
Tribute
On Wednesday, May 7th chairs were scarce, hearts of appreciation plenty, as many came from near and far to
share in the Headmaster Dinner tribute to Jessie Haden. The evening began with a formal reception in the foyer and musical performance by Chris Cellela (Music Instructor), Rachel Odumu (senior) and Rawls Fortenberry (senior). A group photo captured the momentous event, as friends, family and colleagues spanning over 50 years gathered to celebrate and reflect the contributions of Jessie.
Headmaster Rick France spoke of her immeasurable contributions to Miller School of Albermarle, the
community and of the countless lives she touched. A Waterford crystal bowl was presented as a token of gratitude. As beautiful a gesture as it was, the framed and signed Miller School of Albemarle “Old Main” photograph seemed to be her coveted treasure of the night. Of course, those who gathered in “Old Main” this night knew the real treasure was standing before them. –By Beth Hochstein
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Week of Wisdom and Wonder January 6th through 10th saw a wonderful winter week of wisdom and wonder (WWOWW) for students and faculty. Each academic year, after our winter break, MSA takes a week to broaden our horizons and try something new with WWOWW. Classes this year included latin dancing, chess, psychology, animated short films, outdoor survival skills, and many more. The afternoons were spent in special programs, including the National Geographic Geography Bee. Geography Bee winner, Addy Lovelace, will move on to compete at the state level. The Wildlife Center of Virginia brought several wild animals to help MSA students learn about native wildlife and responsible stewardship. Students were also able to participate in a Distracted Driving presentation, including the opportunity to experience distracted driving in a simulator. WWOWW culminated in a presentation from students about their newly acquired skills and what they learned over the course of the week.
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Top (left): Maddie Murphy listens intently in Mr. Kauffman’s drumming circle workshop Above: Alexander Respeto learns CPR in Mrs. Hackett’s First Aid course Left: Rachel Odumu and Tatiana Eubanks discuss ideas in Mr. Altizer’s course on Entrepreneurship
Mr. & Mrs. Macdonald teach latin dancing to a group of eager students
Top: Piper Hawley-Hayes and Jessica Pugh learn animation in Mr. Pallante’s class Above: Brian Purdy assists in Mr. Celella’s music room renovation
Top: Catherine Liu, Forrest Zhang, and Leona Du prepare ingredients in Mr. Dunfee’s baking workshop Above: Mr. Fickley and Ben Hewitt concentrate during an intense game of chess Bell Tower Magazine •Spring/Summer 2014
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MSA congratulates the members of the Class of 2014, who will matriculate to the following outstanding colleges and universities in the fall:
Valedictorian - Kate Zhao
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Bates College, Becker College, Brandeis University, Champlain College, Dartmouth College, Dickinson College, Ferrum College, Gardner-Webb University, George Mason University (2), Goucher College, Hampden-Sydney College, Hood College, James Madison University (2), Longwood University, Michigan State University, Middlebury College, Milligan College, Monmouth University, Old Dominion University, Pennsylvania State University Behrend, Piedmont Virginia Community College (2), Sewanee - The University of the South, St. Peter’s University, Syracuse University, Transylvania University, University of California Davis, University of California Irvine (4), University of Mary Washington (2), University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Military Institute, Virginia Tech (3), Virginia Wesleyan College
MSA Basketball Trio College Bound
Cam Smith, Guilherme Guimaraes and Kristin Histand were all honored in April as they announced where they will be playing their college basketball next season. Smith, a 6-1 point guard, is headed to the Ivy League where he’ll be attending Dartmouth. He averaged 19.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.1 steals for the Mavericks as a senior in 2013-14. He chose the Big Green over offers from George Washington, Boston University and other Ivy schools including Brown, Cornell, Princeton and Yale. “My main goal for college was to find the best blend of academics and basketball and I felt like the Ivy League was it and Dartmouth was just the perfect fit for me and my family,” Smith explained. “It’s just great to know where you’re going, going somewhere good to make a difference.” Smith says the Big Green coaches have indicated to him that he could be in line for good minutes as an incoming freshman. “They told me I have a pretty good chance. Of course I have to make adjustments to my game to play at the college level — get stronger, things like that — but they said I have a chance to make an immediate impact. I’m excited for that.” Histand will be at Hood College in Maryland next season. She was an integral part of the powerhouse Miller girls basketball program, winning numerous Virginia state titles in her time as a Miller School Maverick. The sharpshooter was one of head coach James Braxton’s key three-point shooters and averaged nearly eight pointsper-game in her Miller career. “It’s been a dream of mine ever since I was a kid and just to get to play college basketball is really exciting,” Histand said. “And of course to have my family here really meant a lot to me, too.” The 6-8 Guimaraes will be staying in-state at Hampden-Sydney. He came to Miller from his native Brazil and gave the the Mavericks good size and rebounding on the frontline. PlayingMSA in the United States has been a lifelong dream for Guimaraes, and playing at the next level is an added congratulates valedictorian Kate Zhao bonus. (pictured above) “When you turn on the TV all you see is those big players, the United States, the Dream Team,” he explained. “You almost dream about leaving your country and going to the U.S. to play basketball. Now I can say I’m a level up from high school basketball level, playing college basketball level. So it’s truly a dream being realized.” ~ via Nathan Sulham at Newsplex Bell Tower Magazine •Spring/Summer 2014
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PROM/GRADUATION
Photo from the Farmington Hunt Club fixture on MSA’s pristine 1,600-acre campus. MSA is pleased to use the historic tract in a significant educational manner while honoring the tradition of the agricultural foundations of Albemarle County.
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Annual Giving Donor Listing FY 2013-14 (Fiscal Year 2013-14 ended June 30, 2014)
The Golden Bell Tower Club
For gifts of $5,000 or more during the 2013-2014 fiscal year Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Thomas L. Beasley Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Brooks Mr. & Mrs. Douglas E. Caton Mr. Marcus Farbstein & Dr. Rosemarie Hunziker Dr. Frazier Fortenberry & Dr. Sara Kaltreider Mr. & Mrs. Patrick L. France Mr. & Mrs. John Harris
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Krebs Mrs. F. Page Nelson, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Blaise Pasztory CACF-Bama Works Fund Miller School Alumni Association Northwestern Mutual Foundation The Perry Foundation Verulam Farm Conservation Group The Wagner Family Foundation
The Silver Bell Tower Club
For gifts of $1,000 or more during the 2013-2014 fiscal year Mr. & Mrs. William E. Baer, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Bradley E. Bodager Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Bradbury Dr. Paul A. Cantor Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Drumheller Mr. & Mrs. Philip Fritz Mr. & Mrs. Barry Guptill Mr. Yibin Fu & Ms. Liu Mr. & Mrs. Broadus Hill Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Hufnagel Mr. & Mrs. Richard Keeling Mr. & Mrs. Joel Mangham Mr. & Mrs. Hugh A. Meagher Mr. & Mrs. Charles L. Pace
Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Parsons Mrs. Elizabeth P. Scott Mr. Durham Snuffin Mr. & Mrs. Preston O. Stallings Mr. & Mrs. Billy Wagner Mr. Rongyu Zang & Ms. Ying Pu Ms. Xingyi “Sharon” Zong Anna M. Day Foundation Better Living Foundation Dennis Foundation Inframap Corporation Margaret Hulvey Wright Trust The Solutions Group Whitney & Anne Stone Foundation
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The Bronze Bell Tower Club
For gifts of $250 or more during the 2013-2014 fiscal year Ms. Logan Karns Mr. & Mrs. James & Linda Krag Mr. John Maddux Mr. & Mrs. Larry Mellinger Mr. & Mrs. Robert Morgan Mr. & Mrs. Fred Morris Mr. & Mrs. Mark Mummau Dr. John & Dr. Barbara Post Mr. & Mrs. James Ann Regn Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Shaw Mr. & Mrs. Brian Shrader Dr. & Mrs. Charles H. Skipper Mrs. Gerri Stewart Mr. James M. Williams Mr. & Mrs. William Lowndes Wilson Dr. & Mrs. Edward & T. Wolanski Mr. Wing Cheung Yip & Ms. Chang Camp Wahoo CACF-Dulaney Fund David E. Post Family Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. James H. Baber Mr. & Mrs. David Bauer Mr. Eric Chan & Ms. Susan Dootson Mr. & Mrs. Carroll Chisholm Mr. & Mrs. Tim Collins Mr. & Mrs. Michael Cubbage Mr. & Mrs. John Deakle Dr. Michael Enoch Mr. & Mrs. Anthony P. Farina Mrs. Carolyn D. Farina Mr. & Mrs. Kevin B. Farina Mr. & Mrs. Louis D. Farina, Jr. Colonel Richard E. Fitzhugh Dr. & Mrs. G. Franklin Forney Mr. & Mrs. Donald E. Froude Mrs. Irma Garrison Mr. & Mrs. Rob Garver Ms. Janice C. Gibson Mr. & Mrs. L. Tucker Gibson, Jr. Mrs. Bette Grahame Mr. John Gunner & Ms. Leslie Ayers Dr. & Mrs. Charles Hamner, Jr. Mr. Doug Hornig Mr. & Mrs. Peter E. Hufnagel
The American Legion Charlottesville Albemarle Post
Piedmont Master Gardeners Club
ADDITIONAL DONORS IN THE 2013-2014 FISCAL YEAR Mr. & Mrs. Frank Altenhofen Mr. Lindsay R. Barnes, III Mrs. Mary M. Belew Mr. Samuel Bloom & Ms. Constance Visceglia Mr. & Mrs. Michael Brann Kathie & Bernie Cason Mr. & Mrs. Scott Celella Mr. & Mrs. Bart F. Conlon, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Henry K. Cooper ‘66 Mr. Charles A. Crenshaw Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Cummings Dr. & Mrs. Fred Damon Mr. & Mrs. William W. Davis Mrs. Betsy Eggleston Mr. & Mrs. Don Eisloeffel Mr. John Elkin, Jr. Vernon & Marston Forte Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Foster Ms. Jill Fredrikson Ms. Jessie Carr Haden Mrs. Beth Hochstein Mr. & Mrs. William E. Hopkins Mr. Robert R. Humphris, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Ben Hurt Mr. & Mrs. Chris Hyde Mr. & Mrs. Randall Keller
Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey L. Kennington Mr. Ludwig Kuttner Mr. John B. Lampe Dr. & Mrs. Winter Lantz Mr. & Mrs. Charles Leonard Mr. & Mrs. James Lofton Mr. Thomas E. Marshall, III Mrs. Vernetta P. Marshall Dr. & Mrs. Rosser Massey Ms. Georgiana McCabe Mr. Peter Mehring Ms. Virginia A.K. Moran Mr. & Mrs. Floyd L. Morris ‘52 Mr. Vernon R. Mowbray Mr. & Mrs. James J. Murray, Jr. Ms. Margaret Nelson Mr. & Mrs. Robert B. Nelson Mr. & Mrs. T. Hugh Nelson Colonel & Mrs. Robert M. Novogratz Mrs. Jean M. Patterson Mr. & Mrs. Zachary Rich Mr. & Mrs. Peyton Robertson Mr. & Mrs. A. F. Robinson Ms. Martha B. Rogers Mrs. Mary Jo Rogers Mr. & Mrs. Philip Schwarz
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Mr. & Mrs. R. Strother Scott Ms. Katherine Semerling Mr. Michael D. Sheets Mr. James Harrison Smith, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Sprouse Dr. & Mrs. Richard Stanley Mr. & Mrs. Edward D. Tayloe, II Mr. & Mrs. Scott Wawner , Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Joe Wayand Dr. & Mrs. Jon Whalen Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd L. Willis Mrs. Dawn D. Woltz Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Woodworth Mr. & Mrs. Donald Wright Albemarle Designs, Inc. GlaxoSmithKline Luck Companies Foundation Magann Law Office, PLLC Print Source Target
IN MEMORIUM
Gifts were given to the Miller School of Albemarle in the 2013-2014 fiscal year in memory of the following indviduals: In Memory of Joseph E. Brochu ‘47 Dr. & Mrs. Charles Hamner, Jr. In Memory of Mary Taylor Clark &Andrew J. Clark Ms. Janice C. Gibson Mr. Peter Mehring
In Memory of Arthur Grahame
In Memory of Mr. Page Nelson ‘38 Mr. & Mrs. Robert B. Nelson Mr. & Mrs. Peyton Robertson Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Woodworth Milller School Alumni Association
Mrs. Bette Grahame Mr. & Mrs. Mark Mummau
In Memory of Allen Q. Ladd Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey L. Kennington
In Memory of David Sheffield
In Memory of Virginia Arnette Crawford Dr. & Mrs. C. Rosser Massey
In Memory of Levi P. Maupin & Melvin N. Maupin Mrs. Mary M. Belew
In Memory of Mr. Joseph W. Cummings Mrs. Mary Jo Rogers
In Memory of Edward McClay Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Shaw
In Memory of Mr. Lou Farina Mr. & Mrs. Anthony P. Farina Mrs. Carolyn D. Farina Mr. & Mrs. Kevin B. Farina Mr. & Mrs. Louis D. Farina, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Donald Wright
In Memory of Mr. Franklin McGuire ‘57 Mr. & Mrs. Floyd L. Morris ‘52
Margaret Hulvey Wright Trust
In Memory of Mr. Joe Spivey Mr. & Mrs. John Deakle Mr. Doug Hornig In Memory of 1st Lt. Donaldson P. Tillar, III Colonel & Mrs. Robert M. Novogratz In Memory of Courtenay Eldridge Turner Dr. & Mrs. Richard Stanley
In Memory of Mr. Charles A. Garrison Mrs. Irma Garrison
IN HONOR
Gifts were given to the Miller School of Albemarle in the 2013-2014 fiscal year in honor of the following indviduals:
In Honor of Mr. B. F. Conlon, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Bart F. Conlon, Jr.
In Honor of Maggie Lee Hughes Conlon Mr. & Mrs. Bart F. Conlon, Jr. In Honor of Richard A. Eggleston, Jr. Mrs. Betsy Eggleston In Honor of Miss Rebecca Eisloeffel Mr. & Mrs. Don Eisloeffel In Honor of Mr. L. Tucker Gibson, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. L. Tucker Gibson, Jr. In Honor of Ms. Jessie Carr Haden Mr. & Mrs. Philip & Janet Schwarz In Honor of Ms. M. Jean Printz Mr. & Mrs. Edward D. Tayloe, II
In Honor of Mr. Bob Roberts Mr. Charles A. Crenshaw Mr. & Mrs. Robert Morgan
In Honor of Lucille & Bob Roberts Mr. William Hopkins In Honor of Mr. Putney Smith Mr. James Harrison Smith, Sr. In Honor of Mr. Preston O. Stallings Mr. & Mrs. Randall & Tanya Keller In Honor of Cole and Patton Usry Dr. & Mrs. G. Franklin Forney In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. John H. Wright, IV Margaret Hulvey Wright Trust
On behalf of our students, faculty and staff we are tremendously grateful for the support of our donors. Thank you! Bell Tower Magazine •Spring/Summer 2014
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