Student Spotlight JOHN PHUONG
Athletics at St. Peter’s THIS YEAR, ST. PETER’S SCHOOL HAS EXPANDED THEIR ATHLETIC OFFERINGS to include additional sports each season. In addition to soccer this fall, our students began running cross-country through the city each afternoon. The new team had success in the meets and in encouraging students to get out and experience the joy of running. Our community even took part in the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s Lemon Run. Stay tuned for more sport choices this winter and spring.
John Phoung ’15 leads 5th graders during cross-country practice through the city.
What John does not realize is that the St. Peter’s community has always considered him a student leader. A few years ago John was gathering pencils after chorus when he had an idea. He thought it might be nice to collect all the leftover pencils so that students who did not have any pencils could use them. Many students may have let the idea pass, but John decided to take action and create a pencil collection system, deemed the “Phuongdation” by Headmaster Kelly, which is now a St. Peter’s institution. Another teacher explained that when John sees a group of Preschool or Prekindergarten students walking in the hallway, he stops to let them pass by. Even this seemingly small gesture makes an impact, as younger students, seeing John stand to the side, will follow suit. He was also made a captain of the inaugural year of the St. Peter’s Cross Country team.
“ I love St. Peter’s School because everyone gets to know each other really well. St. Peter’s taught me to be respectful of others and try to be kind to everyone. I feel that everyone (teachers, advisors, faculty, and students) is so supportive and kind that it makes me feel welcomed to be here.” JOHN PHUONG JOHN PHUONG BEGAN HIS ST. PETER’S SCHOOL JOURNEY IN 2007 AS A SHY AND NERVOUS KINDERGARTENER. Now in the Eighth Grade, John has grown into a confident student leader who feels like St. Peter’s is his second home. This has not been an easy journey. Unlike other students English is not his first language, but John has never allowed this to be a barrier to his learning. As his math teacher said, “John values a good education. He knows education is key to succeeding and advancing in life. He has the utmost respect for his teachers.” When asked what he was most looking forward to about the Eighth Grade, John said it was the chance to be a student leader among his peers. Cover: The cross-country team practices on a beautiful fall afternoon.
John was chosen to win the Lauren Angel Watson Award, in what he refers to as the greatest moment of his life. This award is presented to a Lower School child who best reflects the qualities Lauren possessed “She was a staunch friend, kind and gentle to all, sweet in nature. She was a quick volunteer, eager to help others and a contributor to life at St. Peter’s.” John Phuong exemplifies the best qualities of a St. Peter’s student. His advisor said of John, “It is an honor to teach a student like John. To have a student so humble, polite, and earnest, that’s why I teach.”