Boatbuilding teacher John Brooks with Bess Woodworth of the Charles Wentz Carter Memorial Foundation.
A sweep built by John’s students on display at the 1898 Society reception.
Boatbuilding the Focus of 1898 Society Reception In July, members of the 1898 Society gathered under tents on the Hinckley House lawn to recognize and celebrate leadership gifts to George Stevens Academy. The event featured master boatbuilder John Brooks, who teaches his craft at GSA. In addition to sharing an overview of the 2020-2021 curriculum, John displayed sweeps he and his students had been making, GSA’s Eagle 1 skiff, and a Sundog Skiff designed by Brooks Boat Design and built by GSA Boatbuilding students. The lapstrake skiff is being customized for use in Megan Flenniken’s Ocean Studies and Marine Environment classes. Leadership gifts are the cornerstone of GSA fundraising. Named for the landmark year the doors of GSA's original Academy Building were opened, the 1898 Society brings together generations of donors—alumni, parents, and
friends—to support virtually every aspect of academic and student life. Members of the 1898 Society each give $1,000 or more to GSA in a fiscal year. We were delighted to welcome Bess Woodworth, seen above with John, to the reception. Bess is a member of the board of the Charles Wentz Carter Memorial Foundation, which provides a generous grant that makes GSA’s Boatbuilding class possible. As part of the grant process, GSA is asked to prepare a report on the class. This year, John prepared a fabulous slideshow. To view it in our digital issue (at georgestevensacademy.org/publications), click the link below.
Click here to watch!
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Two Selected for Jazz All-States
Austin Chandler ‘23, standing, and Morgan Davis ‘22 will take part in the Jazz All-State Festival at Bangor High School Jan. 13-15. 22
Celebr ation of Giving
A pair of musicians will represent GSA at the Maine Music Educators Association 2021-22 Jazz All-State Festival. “Each year, GSA is proud to send some of our talented musicians to participate in the festival, and we celebrate their hard work and accomplishments,” said director Phelan Gallagher ’02. Morgan Davis ’22 earned the top pianist rating in the state and will be featured in the festival’s Honors Jazz Combo. Austin Chandler ’23 was awarded the second highest bass player rating in the state, earning him a spot in the Honors Jazz Band. Both Morgan and Austin participated in last year’s festival. Students auditioned by playing the jazz classic “Autumn Leaves” by Joseph Kosma, as well as an étude and a selection of scales and rhythmic styles. Students worked with Phelan to record their auditions in the music room for electronic submission. “In some ways,” the director said, “this process is more challenging than an in-person audition, as students must play for a camera instead of a judge, and feedback does not occur in real time.”
