Supporting Independents Independent Afternoon Activities Complement LA’s Regular Programming

by Caitlin O’Brien

Both athletics and performing arts are an important part of Lawrence Academy’s mission and a natural extension of the classroom experience. They promote a healthy mind, body, and character and provide opportunities for students of varying skill levels to experience exercise, discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and personal growth. All students must participate in an afternoon activity each term, so LA strives to provide a variety of opportunities; however, if a student wishes to pursue an activity not offered at Lawrence, they can apply for an independent study.

HTo qualify, the activity must meet for at least seven hours a week. All expenses and transportation are the responsibility of the applicant and their family, and professional instruction should be a significant component of the program.

There are currently 12 LA students pursuing an afternoon independent. Their activities include gymnastics, dancing, equestrian, fencing, swimming, and ice skating. Here’s what four of them are doing: annah, from Stow, Mass., has been dancing for 12 years. Whether it’s ballet, acro, jazz, lyrical, or contemporary, dance is important to Hannah, and a major part of her life.

Hannah is on a competitive team with the On Your Toes dance studio in Acton, Mass. In the winter semester, she participated in LA’s musical in addition to studying dance as an independent. Although managing a full schedule of academics, musical rehearsals, and dance instruction made for a busy winter, the opportunity allowed her to make more friends on campus and bring her strengths and skills to a different setting.

There are several lessons that Hannah has learned through dance that also relate to the school day at Lawrence Academy, including the ability to process information and learn quickly, showing appreciation, and having patience, perseverance, and determination.

Angelina has been dancing ballet for the past 13 years. She is a student at the Acton School of Ballet and participates in summer programs with the Boston Ballet and Ballet Austin.

Angelina’s practice schedule is intense: two hours a day, up to six days a week. She performs in at least three shows a year, including The Nutcracker, a spring show, and a recital. Angelina learned about LA’s independent program from another dancer and was thrilled to find a high school where she could continue pursuing her art independently.

Although Angelina doesn’t have time to attend many LA events and activities due to her dance schedule, she still feels very involved with the school. Through dance, Angelina has learned that to improve, you must sometimes fail. That concept has benefited her academic journey at LA, and she credits dance with giving her perspective on personal growth.

Chad began figure skating at age four and participated in his first competition when he was eight. By age 10, he had choreographed his first routine and performed it to the song “Ghostbusters” at a skating summer camp.

Chad performed with a Theater on Ice team, the Broadway Blades, for four years. Theater on Ice is a team program that combines figure skating with theater and dance. Chad competed at nationals with the Broadway Blades twice, but now performs and competes independently.

In addition to his own lessons, Chad teaches younger children to skate at the Conway Arena in Nashua, N.H., where he also learned the sport. Although Chad’s schoolwork, part-time job, and regular practice schedule don’t leave him much time to relax, he wouldn’t change a thing. Being able to skate as an artistic and personal outlet brings fulfillment to his days.

Chad’s ultimate skating goal? To be a cruise ship performer and to share his love of the art form with the world.

Ava began figure skating when she was four years old. When she was seven, she transitioned to synchronized skating and hasn’t looked back. Now part of the Skating Club of Boston, she practices five days a week for at least three hours a day.

Ava maintained a rigorous competition schedule this year: In the fall, she participated in two shows at her home rink in Dedham, Mass. She competed in California for a week in November, then performed at an event in Boston and attended a week-long competition in Canada in December. She also performed in the Colonial Classic Exhibition in Lowell, Mass., went to international competitions in Budapest and Scotland, and spent a week in February at nationals in Las Vegas.

Even though Ava’s teachers were helpful and supportive while she was traveling, keeping up with assignments was difficult, and when she returned, she had to make up the work she missed while maintaining her busy practice schedule. However, Ava believes the experience helped her with time management, made her a better student, and prepared her for future challenges.

Although the independent athletics program is a big part of why Ava chose LA, she has made it a priority to try other sports during her time on campus. She played JV lacrosse, JV tennis, and JV soccer during 9th and 10th grades and was a member of the Lawrencian Chorale for all three of her years at LA.