Senior Project Award

The Senior Project aims to explore an area of interest and to do something that matters. The opportunity allows students to investigate a problem, explore a belief, confront a challenge, or even take a risk, keeping in mind the criteria of creativity, action, and service. This journey requires effort, focused attention, and dedication. Students worked diligently on projects throughout the year that require them to be creative, that focus on activity, and personal well-being - or that of others - and/or that involve serving others within the community.

The first Senior Project Award of Distinction goes to a student that took gaming to a whole new level. Combining the most popular gaming consoles and vintage videogames, this project was all fun and games. Luke Foley built an arcade cabinet, wired it properly, programmed the joysticks, configured sound, and video, and painted it. It was a true labor of love. Luke has always had a strong connection to the Grenville Baker Boys and Girls Club, so true to his nature, Luke is donating the arcade cabinet so that the students there can enjoy their time there, as much as he did. Well done, Luke!

This next project is Neither Here, Nor There. To compose, transcribe, promote, and perform a rock opera, soliciting the help of thirteen of your classmates, was quite the challenge! But a challenge that these three seniors handled well. What better way to celebrate the culmination of your time spent here at Portledge than by leaving us with this legacy? In his reflection, Luca Williams commented that “... [the rock opera] brought members of our school community together, which otherwise would not have been brought together.” This is the true essence of what a senior project is all about. It is an opportunity to bring the community together to create or serve others. Your efforts are to be commended. Congratulations Tyler Wasserman, Luca Willians, and Sebastian Tate.