May 2013 Journalism
PROCTOR PULSE Countdown To Graduation!!
19:22:19:34 Days.Hours.Minutes.Seconds (as of Sunday May 12th)
MOTHER’S DAY : MAY 12, 2013 Edited by: Michelle Holmes & Kayla Harris
Top ten Mother’s day gifts:
Mother’s day: a time to
as the Greek cult to Cybele,
celebrate and honor your
the Roman festival of Hilaria,
mother. Mother’s day was an
or the Christian Mothering
American invention. It is not
Sunday celebration. Despite
directly descended from the
this, in some countries
many celebrations of mothers
Mother's Day has become
and motherhood that have
synonymous with these older
occurred throughout the world traditions. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ over thousands of years, such
Mother's_Day)
[1]
10. Gardening tools 9. Technology (Apple products: laptop, iphone) 8. Cooking supplies 7. Traveling stuff (Camera) 6. Work supplies (iPad, watch) 5. Clothes 4. Tea Maker, Blu-ray, jewelry 3. Fitness stuff (Lululemon, Nike Fuel Band) 2. Eco friendly stuff 1. J. Crew, Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein (‘trendsetter’ clothing)
GOODBYE, PROCTOR Written by Emmy Snyder
After four four long years, the time to graduate is finally
crazy times. During freshman year, it seems like there is
here.
nothing to lose, and all you can think about is fun. Looking
The journey through Proctor has been extraordinary for
back, the work at Proctor seemed difficult, especially after
many of us. I can’t thank Proctor enough for everything it
completing middle school. In comparison to today,
has had to offer, especially because many
however, it couldn’t be easier than 9th grade.
students have succeeded with the challenges they faced. These experiences have changed us for the better.
While talking with Moriah, I realized that I felt absolutely sure about where I would
I interviewed a couple students who
go in life at that time. However, as you
have taken advantage of so much that
journey through high school, often times
Proctor has to offer. Moriah Keat, a four
the path that you see is far from what you
year senior, looked back at her freshman
actually have a passion for. I asked Moriah
year in comparison to her current senior self. “As
about how her path had changed throughout
a freshman, I was a crazy ball of energy,” Moriah noted.
Proctor. “I've developed passions I never dreamed I'd have,
“After the first year, I had already calmed down and grown
like ski patrolling,”
up a bit.” As a good friend of hers, I also remember those
[2]
“As a freshman, I wanted to spend most of my time in the theater.
remembered as the kid who ran to
Now I'm a member of the National Ski
every class. Now, thanks to the help of
Patrol who works at two mountains.”
a welcoming and accepting community,
Moriah had never thought of doing ski
Jake has been able to open up even
patrol until she tried it during her
more and has become a well known
freshman year. She grew a great
gentleman across campus.
passion for it. This year, she has been
Jake noted, “Differences are
recognized for her excellence in Ski
embraced here, and that fact alone
Patrolling by earning The New
has given me the ability to develop
Hampshire NSP Outstanding Young
myself in a wide variety of ways.” Jake
Adult Patroller Award. Congratulations!
has spent his time at Proctor meeting and making close friends as well as
Proctor has also given students the
getting himself involved in the theatre.
opportunities to connect with the
Throughout his four years at Proctor,
community. One of my close friends,
Jake has become known for his many
Jake Dombroski, has also taken
voices and comedic performances in
advantage of many opportunites that
Proctor’s plays. “The highlight of these
Proctor offers. I remember how Jake
was definitely The Foreigner,
came to Proctor as an intelligent, shy,
(February, 2011), mostly
quiet freshman, most
Jake as he stars in The Foreigner
[3]
Moriah laughed about the closeness of because of the feeling of community it
her ski patrol team: “One time, I was
Of course, while achieving our goals at
provides during the rehearsal process,” walking back to campus from the
Proctor, there will be several regrets
Jake told me. “Theater seems to have
Blackwater while talking to my dad on
that we will have about leaving Proctor.
a way of bringing people together as
the phone when all of the sudden, the
When I asked Jake about his regrets at
little else can, and I've valued that quality of the
Ski Patrol van pulls up behinds me, throws open the door,
program throughout my
he said to me, “I wish I had come to
and a voice yells "Get in
time here.” This
breakfast more and taken advantage
the van!" I just remember
spring, Jake (not
of the invaluable opportunity to eat
saying to my dad, "I'll
typically part of musicals) will be
Proctor, he paused for a second. Then
Edna's waffles!”
talk to you later, I'm Moriah in Ski Patrol
performing as the
getting picked up by
As for Moriah, who went on Ocean
a white van. Bye!"
Classroom in 2011, she told me, “My
Scarecrow in Proctor’s production of The Wizard of Oz. Look for him this May in the Spring Musical! I want to take a moment to thank the community and faculty for everything they offered me at Proctor. Those notable adults and teachers who have helped students throughout the years will also remain in our memories. Both Jake and Moriah are in agreement that we will miss them as we move on in life. “Proctor's crown jewel is its welcome into a family of sorts, one that I doubt I will ever forget.” Jake observed. Jake describes the faculty perfectly. Many Proctor students do not only see them as teachers, but as friends and their second family, too. Moriah says that she would also describe her
biggest regret is not eating a fish's beating heart on Ocean Classroom..”
I chuckled when I heard this.
Wow, incredible! I can’t believe she
Yet, as hilarious and sketchy as it
even had an opportunity to do that. I
sounds, Moriah’s story reveals her
probably would not even think about
passion for patrolling. At the same
trying that.
time, it reveals her relationship with everyone in ski patrol.
I think my biggest regret for my four years at Proctor was not being
I know that I will remember my
able to stay on campus
Proctor experiences. Edna making Waffles
Whether it was traveling on my own
longer. As a day student, I often had fixed departure
to Costa Rica for
times from campus, so I
the Study Abroad
would not be able to stay
Program or
on campus as long as I
performing with the Jazz Ensemble for the first time, they have all affected me. As my classmates end at Proctor nears, our memories will be the ones to keep for the rest of our lives.
Proctor Ski Patrol group like a family.
[4]
would truly want to.
Looking back at what has been achieved
pushed me to try my best and get all my
over the course of four years, The number
work done.
of experiences and memories are countless. What we, as students, have
I also want to thank any other individuals,
been offered are experiences and
friends, family, acquaintances who I have
memories that may not be offered
met throughout the last four years. You’ve
anywhere else, even in college. As I walk
made me laugh until I fell to the ground,
down the graduation aisle later this month,
you made me cry until there were no more
I hope to keep my memories of Proctor with
tears left, and you’ve made me smile until
me for the rest of my life.
my cheeks ached. Each one of you has helped me become a stronger,
I personally want to thank all of the
independent, and optimistic person. I would
teachers that I have had in the past four
love to keep in contact with teachers,
years of my life at Proctor. Every one of
friends, and Proctor students as I move on
you has affected my life significantly,
to the next chapter of my life.
whether it was because I was challenged to work harder or because I became inspired and motivated. Your encouragement and positive attitudes have
[5]
The Fowler Triple by Mickey Sweeney
Three senior ladies, Nicole Adee, Devon Webster, and Kiki Torpey have been by each other’s side since the beginning. Their last term together, fresh off of Mountain Classroom, has put them in a different place in terms of their relationships with one another. Devon Webster and Nicole Adee’s friendship sparked their freshman year and they realized how much they enjoyed each others company. That spring they chose each other as roommates. They went through a lot of trouble (that should go unsaid) to live in Gulick. However, after all of this trouble, they ended up hating each other! “We were too close as friends,” they agreed. Rooming together their final term on campus this year was a thought that never crossed their minds back then... So here we are, our last spring term at Mother Proctor, graduating in a matter of weeks. This senior year has been a big year for these three girls (including me). All of us loved our Mountain Classroom experience. The whole winter term the three were side by side, traveling the country in a Proctor mini bus with ten students and two instructors, studying the country and land, the stars, and the wilderness of America. They carry with them some of the Mountain Classroom mindset and traditions. “We have modified a version of an evening meeting every night. Living in such a drama free environment on Mountain made it easy to come back to a room where we knew how to handle ourselves. We knew to bring the right amount of stuff to make it work,” explains [6]
Devon. “Living together all term brought us closer,[made us] more compatible, and [we] understand each others needs.” The three girls shared and experienced so much together: traveling across our great nation, adventuring down the Rio Grande, exploring the Mission Creek Preserve, and leaving their mark in the Southwest has bonded them in a special way. I asked the girls about the room. The room in Fowler is supposed to be a double, but the girls transformed it into a triple. How has it worked? It is a tight squeeze! Kiki has given up having her own desk to make more room for everyone else (an unselfish quality most likely learned on the road). Also, Justin Pasculano graciously reupholstered a futon during Project Period and offered it to the triple. “The futon is a lifesaver,“ says Nicole, “it’s where people can come in and sit down which helps keep them off our beds and actually keeps our room neater and more organized.” The girls also noted that if the room becomes too messy on a specific persons side, they confront the person and get the problem solved. “A trait we developed on Mountain.” observes Kiki. Overall, these three senior girls have matured together and understand each other on another level. Devon, Nicole, and Kiki are enjoying their last few weeks on campus together. Soon they will be getting their diplomas and moving on out into the world. If you see one of these girls around campus, stop and look them deep into the eyes and say hello. They will appreciate it!
Ross Young: Man of Mystery By Odaine Franlyn
You have heard all about Ross Young and the rumors going around about him. It’s incredible what you will hear about this man. A navy seal and being a part of the seal team six, having multiple black belts, serving in the army and also chasing down and catching three kids he caught smoking in the woods. Realistically, it could all be true. Ross was born in Melrose, Massachusetts and was raised in Ipswich. Ross studied a lot of karate. He explained, “I never really got into any other sports because I was always at the dojo [karate gym], most days I would go right there after school. I think I started when I was eleven or twelve years old.” Ross did karate and he also participated in cross country running. I workout and train with Ross now and if there is one thing I can say about him, it is that he can get after it with any workout: the man is a walking machine. After years of doing karate, Ross had achieved his goals of becoming a black belt, but not just one Ross had earned multiple black belts when he was in his twenties. After college, Ross’ first job was a substitute Spanish teacher. He got the job from a lady who had heard him speak fluently. The lady asked if he wanted a job and Ross said “Of course” and took the offer in a heartbeat. Ross is now here at Proctor Academy and seems to be happy about it. Ross mentioned that “I teach Spanish and am the Department Head of the World Language Department. I am the Cross Country Coach and I teach/coach the Self-Defense activity in the winter. Like most folks here, I'm an advisor and while I used to live in a dorm, I'm still a surrogate dorm parent.” Now if you have been going here for some time now I am sure that you have heard numerous rumors about Ross Young. There were rumors such as him serving in the military, being on the special tactics force, even some Navy seal team six rumors and even some CIA rumors. I asked Ross myself about this and he said none of those rumors were true, but what is true is that Ross is familiar with that type of lifestyle. He said this with a smirk on his face and now it is hard to believe whether it’s true or not. Ross did tell me a story of catching kids smoking cigarettes in the woods. While running, he found three teens smoking and told them not to move and they all made a run for it. Ross quietly recounted, “They all scattered in three different directions, but ... I was up for the chase.” He said he caught the first one which was real easy because the kid lost his flip flops and was going nowhere after that. He said the second kid was far but eventually he caught up to him too. The last kid Ross mentioned was hauling across a field for dear life, but by the time he reached the hill to go up to the dorm which is now Peabody, he was all out of air and couldn’t make it to the top. Ross said, “I guess his lungs gave up on him.” I started laughing and so did he. I guess there are some things most people won’t ever know about Ross Young, but he is a great guy, hard working, and full of mystery. I salute this man.
[7]
SENIORITIS
I still don’t open one. I manage to find every distraction possible. ! Each day seems to drag on. A Sunday night at Proctor. The I sit in class and it feels as though clock reads 7:39 PM. I push the small piles of clothes to the side of the clock on the wall doesn’t change. By the time the day is my couch and sit down. I sit back done, it is all a blur. The days are on my couch and plop my feet up long and everything seems to blend on the small coffee table resting in together. I fall into the same daily the middle of my room. Laundry, shoes and miscellaneous objects are pattern. The morning comes. I wake up, usually later rather than scattered around my room. The earlier. I haven’t been to breakfast trash needs to be taken out. I can’t in ages. I lack the motivation to get remember the last time I up early. My alarm rings at 7 am, vacuumed. and I snooze it until 7:45. ! I open the macbook I’ve ! The past few weeks have had since freshman year and look been extremely difficult. Senior at my podium for the third time spring has been getting the best today, secretly wishing that all my assignments would just disappear. and worst of me. I’ve always heard of senioritis and knew that kids My podium tells me that I have homework for journalism, modern always complained of it, but I don’t think anyone can fully understand foreign policy, AP lit and APES. I what it is until their senior year reread each assignment several rolls around. times, then I sit and stare at my ! I was lucky enough to end computer screen for about four my college process really early. I minutes. applied early decision and found ! I occasionally check my out where I was going by the end facebook newsfeed. I open my of November. After that, I went off email and see that I have 189 campus on Mountain Classroom. unread emails, many of them When I returned in the spring, I resulting from my time away was shocked at how little during winter Mountain motivation I had to do school Classroom. I scroll to see if work. I currently have about a anything important jumps out at month left of high school, but I’m me, and then I leave the page. When I check again in five minutes, finding it extremely hard to get through the days. I have 190 emails. ! The hardest part of the term, for me, would be my class schedule. Unlike some of my peers, I maintained a rigorous schedule including two AP classes and several other major courses. These classes require a lot of time and effort which I have been lacking for a while. ! by Nicole Adee
[8]
! My senior spring has brought along a whole new set of challenges. At the end of the day the only real motivation I have comes from my mom and college next year. I hear the voice inside my head motivating me to finish strong. At the same time, I am mentally checked out, ready to graduate and move on. ! So what can heal this epidemic of senioritis? I believe that we do need to learn to deal with the many challenges thrown at us when we aren’t ready for them, but when an issue like this is affecting so many people, we need action. How can we motivate seniors more in their final few weeks of high school? Is the answer a longer senior project? Is it offering more easy electives just for seniors? This epidemic is affecting seniors everywhere..if only I had the motivation to address the situation.
LESSONS AND MEMORIES FROM 400 FEET
The top shack at the summit of Proctor Ski Area is packed. Suddenly, the radio’s distinct crackle interrupts the light atmosphere, sending a hush over the room. Moments after, the light banter has been replaced by the sound of ski boots tramping across the floor. Captains communicate their plans while someone pulls a toboggan out. Within minutes, the top shack is nearly empty and the only sounds are the stereo and the radio voices giving details of the accident.
This is a common scenario at at any patrol, but Proctor is different. Most of these patrollers are high school students. One of five patrols in the New Hampshire region to offer a young adult patrol program, Proctor Ski Area offers a great environment for
Larry Ballin has been the Patrol Director for Proctor’S Ski Patrol since
students to learn the basics of patrolling. Since its founding, Proctor
2001, and a member of the National Ski Patrol since 1988. In twelve years,
Academy Ski Patrol has taught many students first aid, toboggan, and ski
he has seen many changes, both in the patrol and in students. Ballin
skills. Many returned year after year, others did one year and decided it
recalls, “Ski patrollers were used for everything from loading lifts to
wasn’t for them. Nearly everyone took away some important life
running the snack bar to doing all kinds of labor activities that
lessons.
benefited the ski area...There was a dedicated group of
George Emeny remembers the Proctor Ski Patrol’s
patrollers, but it was really more of a work group than a
program when he came to Andover around 1955. “They
patrol group.” The program has changed a lot for the
just sort of skied,” he said, adding that they didn’t
better according to Ballin. “I think we act more as a
even have a toboggan. That all changed when George
professional ski patrol as opposed to a community
began working with the program. He had patrolled
service.”
through college and was already a member of the
National Ski Patrol. George remembers working with
Ski patrol has many benefits, both to the ski
area and the individual patroller. “Its always fun to take
the students on medical skills through the Red Cross’s
a patroller...and either get them through the OEC
Advanced First Aid, and later the early Emergency Medical
(Outdoor Emergency Care) program or even just get them
Technician (EMT) program. Training, he recalled, was “very
an introduction to ski patrolling that will lead them to doing it in
thorough and fun.” The first sleds the patrol purchased were just regular
a different time frame.” Continued Ballin, “Its a real unique program.
toboggans, but over the years, the sleds were upgraded until they finally
There are hardly any others like it in the country, so it’s great marketing for
had “good regular patrol sleds.” In these days, sprained ankles and knees
the school, especially when we have a successful patroller or two. It kind
were most common. Injured skiers were evacuated from the hill, then
of fits with the motto of Proctor we’ve all grown up with, Live to Learn,
transported to the Health Center, and ultimately the hospital if needed.
Learn to Live. It’s great experiential learning. It’s very unique.”
Times have certainly changed, but some similarities remain.
[9]
Larry understands that for some students, ski
remembers Johnson. “This trail was not open
patrol isn’t just fun and games. Patrolling
very often due to no snowmaking and terrain
presents many challenges. The biggest?
issues (it desperately needs to meet dynamite),”
“Managing time, and getting respect from other
students...and also giving them [patrolers] the
was a fun slow winding trail when it was open.
confidence to go ahead and use the skills they
This is where we usually would ski the ‘New
have.” If there is anything that hasn’t changed
England Powder’ for one day till Gary packed it
about Proctor Academy Ski Area, it is building
down and groomed it to make the snow last
confidence by patrolling.
longer.” Other students recall creating their own
Even though Proctor is almost constantly
Patroler Chris Sanborn ‘97 recalls, “[It
glades and trails through the woods between
changing, some things at the Proctor Ski Area
trails. In addition to changes to the trails
haven’t. There are still three trails, although Race
themselves, there has been a huge change in
(Burden) Trail and Middle (Blackwater) Trail have
the amount of people using them. According to
had some modifications. Says Heide Johnson,
Larry Ballin, “Our number of days on the hill has
former patrol director, “The middle trail was the
doubled. The amount of...outside business we
most fun when it had enough snow; the top was
do at the ski area has probably grown tenfold.”
too narrow and often didn't hold snow well, but
In addition, in the last decade, a handle tow was
past that, there was an island of trees in the
added on the last slope on Race Trail, just below
middle with a little cliff jump. Lots of fun, but
Coach’s Knoll. Prior to that, skiers had to skate
only with lots of natural snow!” Snowmaking
over the nordic trails to the T-Bar. Although the
was added to Middle Trail in the summer of
trails and lifts have changed, their spirit remains
1996, and the cliff was blasted out in in the
unchanged.
summer of 2010 so the trail could be
FIRST AID
Much of the patrol equipment hasn’t
homogolyzed by FIS (International Ski
changed either. Quick splints, cravats, and SAM
Federation). Doc’s Run, however, remains
splints remain integral to patrol skills. “I
unchanged. “Doc's trail was schizophrenic - flat,
remember my favorite splint that we used was a
then steep, then flat, then steep, then flat,”
quick splint. It was two pieces of plywood,
Outdoor Emergency Care Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) is the first aid course offered by the National Ski Patrol. The course is about 80-100 hours, and nearly equivalent to and EMTBasic course. OEC requires one refresher a year. In addition, the New Hampshire region offers training days for young adult patrollers at ski areas around the state.
Proctor Ski Patrollers practice toboggan handling at a region training day
[10]
S&T
that had soft foam on the inside and two
Academy Ski Patrol isn’t necessarily the
sandwich. You would just put the splint on and
patrolling experience, some say it is the lessons
cinch down the straps and it was good to go,”
they took away. Larry Ballin believes, “It gives
says Scott Kidder ‘00. He adds that, “...we got
them an opportunity to have a skill set under
the vacuum splints which worked well inside,
their belt when they leave Proctor that they can
but if they were cold, they were so stiff that you
immediately turn into a marketable commodity.”
couldn't make them form around anything.”
Many patrollers deviated from the standard list
Emergency Care (OEC) is a useful skill to have
of supplies in their aid belt. Some were simple
out in the world. I can act as a first responder at
such as, “A pen,” recalls Sam Brown ’10, “I did
accidents off the mountain and deal with injuries
a lot of paperwork,” or Ben Chaffee’s “Duct
in my workplace.” “I learned a LOT about improv
tape...you can do anything with duct tape and a
bandages and just making it work even if you
little ingenuity.” Others kept more unique things.
don't have the right tools,” reflects Kidder. “I
Scott Kidder ‘00 remembers, “...a trick that my
currently work as an Athletic Trainer and when
Mom taught me from when she used to patrol at
people see me backboard someone, you can tell
Ragged Mountain was to have a baby diaper
I used to do it on mountains.” Sam Brown ‘10
with you because they made good absorbent
made a list of lessons he learned. “[G]ood
dressings and you also had a plastic barrier if
communication skills with patients, how to
you didn't have time to get your gloves on yet,”
operate under stress, exceeding expectations,
He adds, “because we worked at night, [I
working in a timely manner, [and] putting out a
carried] a flare just in case the power ever went
good image.” Most patrollers would agree that
out.” Most students recall having all the
the lessons they learned are extremely pertinent
equipment necessary to take care of any
in the working world.
possible injury, or at least to improvise a splint.
Ski and Toboggan Ski and toboggan are two integral skills in ski patrolling. Proctor Academy Ski Patrol uses the basic Cascade Toboggan model. This features a fiberglass sled with two metal handles at the front, and long metal skegs on the bottom. A chain under the sled functions as a brake, though another patroller can stabilize the sled with a tail rope as needed
Ultimately, the importance of Proctor
straps that held the halves together like a
Ski Patrol 2009-2010
[11]
Says Myles Cheston ‘12, “Outdoor
Responsibility Left: Proctor Academy Ski Patrollers are in charge of the handle tow operation. Below: Ali Mitchell ’10 receives her Outdoor Emergency Care certification (with a big smile!)
Proctor Academy Ski Patrol has been around for over sixty years, and it doesn’t seem to be leaving anytime soon. In fact, in “It’s a lifelong skill.” claims Larry Ballin. As long as Proctor
the past five years, four students have completed the
hits the slopes of Proctor Ski Area, Proctor Academy Ski
Outdoor Emergency Care course to become members of the National Ski Patrol. After spending so much time at Proctor Ski Area, they are not walking away empty handed. These students will be well equipped to handle whatever life throws at them. The skills and
“It’s a lifelong skill.” ~Larry Ballin
Patrol will be in business changing the live of every one of their members.
By Moriah Keat
memories these students gain will last longer than their patrolling days.
BY THE NUMBERS
OEC
TOBOGGANS
Number of OEC Technicians in the past 5 years
Number of toboggans in use
Age of the average member of NSP
Age of the average PASP patroller
5
5
50
16
[12]
AGE
[13]
[14]
[15]
[16]
[17]