The Meadows Mirror

August-December

Volume 35, Issue 1

The

Meadows Mirror

School Spirit Edition

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Welcome

by Jeremy Gregersen, Head of School

It is my pleasure to introduce this, what will be the next-to-last, issue of The Meadows Mirror. For decades, The Meadows Mirror has provided Meadows families with updates regarding campus activities and with a physical record of student achievements.

Please know that we are committed to continuing to both keep you abreast of events and to record all of the amazing things your children do in our classrooms, on our playing fields, and on our stages. However, as part of our Strategic Plan’s “Stories” initiative, we are looking at new and better ways of communicating with you, our valued community members.

As you have no doubt noticed, a lot of our weekly and monthly events are communicated through Weekly Memos. We have found that such communication is not only more timely, it is also more cost-effective and ecologically friendly than printing hundreds of copies of The Mirror and mailing them out. Therefore, all of our upcoming events will continue to be featured on the Memos.

But The Mirror has also traditionally featured writing from me, Division Directors, and other professionals on campus.

That is why, as part of an upcoming redesign of our website, a community blog will be featured. That, along with the Memo and our social media pages, will remind followers and subscribers of new content. Look forward to that redesign in advance of the fall of 2019.

Records of student achievements such as honor rolls, good citizen recognition, honor society inductions, and other such accolades will be made available in attractive printing-friendly PDF format for those who would prefer a paper copy. This new format will also allow you more easily to share these successes

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with your family and friends.

Starting in the 2019-20 school year, these PDFs will be supplied as attachments to the Weekly Memos in a timely fashion.

In closing, it is fitting that we close the final year of The Meadows Mirror with the theme of “School Spirit,” for school spirit is built out of shared experiences. Whether those experiences are comprised of challenges or extraordinary successes, sharing them as a community with a sense of joint purpose is what binds us together and gives us pride in who we are and what we stand for. And while the final issue of The Mirror will arrive in mailboxes at the close of this academic year, our commitment to timely communication and pride in all our students accomplish will remain unwavering.

Here’s to a great 2019 and another fantastic year at The Meadows School!

Students from all divisions coming together to celebrate our successful school-wide Thanksgiving food drive benefitting HELP of Southern Nevada.

The Meadows “Battle for the Bell”

by Albert Ronquillo, Dean of Students

The Meadows School has begun a new tradition this school year to create excitement and camaraderie throughout all divisions: the Battle for The Bell. This year-long point-earning competition divides the school into Blue and Silver teams based on students’ grade levels. The team designation each student receives will remain their school color until their graduation year, helping the student build long-term pride with their class and their team. The Blue and Silver teams began earning points first semester at competitions held at all-school assemblies or smaller contests within each division.

The first points were claimed by the Silver team at the first all-school assembly tricycle race. The energy in the gym was unbelievable as students cheered and waved their blue and silver pom poms to support their race participants. That energy and excitement have carried over into everyday life at the school where this new tradition is creating lasting memories for both the Silver and Blue teams.

These friendly competitions will continue this semester, and at the end of the 2018-19 school year, the winning team will paint the bell blue or silver to celebrate their victory. The bell will remain that color throughout the next school year until a new victor wins, and this will continue every year thereafter.

Piper K. ’27 racing for the Blue team in the first all-school assembly.

The beautiful cast-iron bell is located in the middle of the mall on central campus. As another way to build school spirit, varsity athletes get to the ring the bell the day following a victory. All Upper School students and faculty are encouraged to come be a part of the celebration at the “ringing of the bell” and there have been many celebrations thus far for all of our victorious athletes.

As of the end of the first semester, the Battle for the Bell standings are Silver 161 points and Blue 123 points. We can’t wait to see who wins this tight race!

Trey C. ’20 racing for the Silver team in the first all-school assembly.

The boys bowling team ringing the bell after their seventh victory in a row in December.

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Beginning School Getting in the Spirit

by Sara Carlson, Beginning School Director

School spirit is alive in the Beginning School. At ages 3-5, our preschoolers get excited about nearly everything, but special Meadows events get them even more excited to be TMS students.

A highlight of our school year during each fall athletics season is having TMS football players and cheerleaders visit Beginning School during h=Homecoming week. The students can hardly believe that the “grown-up size” visitors are students at The Meadows, too. The cheerleaders always teach a cheer or two that the children can use at one of the various athletic events on campus. Even something as simple as chanting “Big Blue” really gets them pumped up. The young ones are usually excited the next day though we often need to review. This school year we had children on the playground excitedly chanting, “BOY Blue!”

A favorite from past years was the future Meadows cheerleader who came up with, “Go Big GLUE!” School spirit is strong even when accuracy is weak.

This year, I noticed more Beginning School families than ever at the Homecoming events. It was also wonderful to see

Beginning School families connecting with one another during these events.

Apart from athletics, preschool students show their Mustang Pride on spirit dress days. When they wear spirit shirts or Beginning School t-shirts, we hear many exclamations of, “Hey, we have the same shirt!” This makes them feel as if they are part of the group. It is the very beginning of feeling proud to be a Meadows student.

If there is a chance to join their parents to promote a school event in the car pool line or to donate a food item or a winter coat in a community service drive, Beginning Schoolers cannot wait to join in. Everything is new, fun, and an opportunity to spend time with friends and the whole Meadows family.

The youngest students on campus are learning what it means to be a Meadows Mustang, and they love it! We look forward to cheering for them in the future on our athletic fields, onstage, and all over campus as they continue to participate fully in life as a Meadows Mustang.

Varsity cheerleaders Sydney R. ’19 and Avery K. ’20 teaching the Beginning School a Meadows cheer for homecoming.

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Lower School Has Spirit, How ’Bout You?

by Shana Marek, Lower School Director

Months before Lower School students swarmed our grassy playground and Meadows quarterback Mick C. ’21 and his teammates began preseason football drills, plans for our best Homecoming in years had already begun. On October 5th, 2018, Lower School students were prepared for more than just a football game; it was Meadows Homecoming and our first parade for the classes of 2027 and 2030. The Mustang football team, like all our Meadows teams, brings us together in School pride for the blue and silver.

First grade students, with born-cute faces and gritty determination, hauled their over-sized high-performance wagons to class. These were no little toddler vehicles; they were all-terrain utility wagons, forged with sturdy steel and off-road construction. Sixty of the smallest Meadows students labored for a week to decorate their wagons, paint colorful signs, splash buckets of glitter over the finished product, and top them off with pom poms. Only then were our “fabulous firsties” ready to lead the Homecoming parade.

Meanwhile, fourth graders gawked at the caravan of golf carts parked near their classroom doors; then, they got to work creating. Giant lollipops, cotton candy, clown faces, and a bigtop tent were just a few of the decorative projects our class of 2027 created. Hula hoop rings of sparkly fire were crafted, and a Barnum’s Animal Cracker golf cart was constructed. In the circus spirit, students donned clown noses, rainbow hair, and costumes to become ringmasters, acrobats, and lion tamers for their first Homecoming parade.

At the big game, Meadows lifer, Mick C., led his Mustang team to a 21-8 victory over Laughlin with two rushing touchdowns after our Meadows fabulous firsties led the best Homecoming parade we’ve seen in nearly a decade.

With “Battle for the Bell” competitions, the addition of Lower School athletics teams, and cross-divisional engagement, school spirit at The Meadows continues to gain momentum. We are a community that fosters academics, athletics, the arts, and most importantly, engagement. Campus unity and Mustang pride thrive in classrooms and across divisions. Go big blue!

Class of 2027 popcorn and big-top golf cart floats at the Homecoming football game halftime parade in October.

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Good Citizen Award Recipients - August through December This award is given to students who go above and beyond to show compassion and be productive members of the increasingly global society of the 21st century.

• Darby L. ’27 • Brooklyn N. ’27 • Gabriella Z. ’27 • Jonah C. ’27 • Jocelyn C. ’29 • Braylen B. ’29 • Sabree S. ’29 • Cadence L. ’29 • Jazzalynn V. ’29 • Mirai T. ’31 • Ethan L. ’31 • Nyle S. ’31 • Emmi P. ’31 • Branson F. ’31 • Alyssa E. ’31 • Dylan S. ’26 • Samuel V. ’26 • Christian Z. ’26 • Brooke F. ’26 • Kate G. ’26 • David W. ’26 • Audrey B. ’28 • Jacob V. ’28 • Zareena K. ’28 • Ella M. ’28 • Bella Z. ’28 • Noah S. ’28 • Julian C. ’30 • Isabella A. ’30 • Ryland S. ’30 • Sadie L. ’30 • Mason H. ’30 • Gaia B. ’30 • Ayaan S. ’27 • Kate V. ’27 • Gia S. ’29 • Mia S. ’29 • Lily S. ’29 • Winston L. ’29 • Sabree S. ’29 • Rie B. ’29 • Brian L. ’29 • Isabelle L. ’31 • Regina R. ’31 • Londyn L. ’31 • Isabelle O. ’31

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• Lillian H. ’31 • Skylen L. ’26 • Victoria Y. ’26 • Nathan E. ’26 • Kealani A. ’26 • Faizan S. ’26 • Sedona Z. ’28 • Joshua S. ’28 • Madison G. ’28 • Madeleine B. ’28 • Ruby O. ’28 • Emily C. ’30 • Enzo Z. ’30 • Jemma M. ’30 • Harper C. ’30 • Andria D. ’30 • William R. ’30 • Olivia E. ’27 • Bella B. ’27 • Aliana B. ’27 • Cash C. ’27 • Ella S. ’27 • Allen G. ’27 • Palmer K. ’29 • Somi S. ’29 • Danika G. ’31 • Paxton H. ’31 • Ava B. ’31 • Reagan C. ’31 • Lily Kate B. ’31 • Eva C. ’31 • Chanel C. ’26 • Eva A. ’26 • Emma C. ’26 • Kyle V. ’26 • Arabella D. ’26 • Olivia G. ’28 • Ivan T. ’28 • Kaavya M. ’28 • Evana B. ’28 • Diana C. ’28 • Zoe G. K. ’30 • Hanna A. ’30 • Maxwell T. ’30 • Aryana S. ’30 • Adelynn L. ’30

Mrs. Davis’s and Mrs. Pap’s second grade good citizenship program.

• Ella F. ’27 • Madison S. ’27 • Daniel I. ’27 • Piper K. ’27 • Patrick L. ’27 • Maia D. ’29 • Priyanka C. ’29 • Brooke M. ’29 • Parker K. ’29 • Luke V. ’29 • Daisy H. ’31 • Harrison B. ’31 • Lorenzo B. ’31 • Vanessa B. ’31 • Jayden V. ’31 • Catalina B. ’31 • Nicolette T. ’26 • Alan C. ’26 • Siona P. ’26 • Sophia L. ’28 • Ronin M. ’28 • Tyler S. ’28 • Jacob G. ’28 • Charlize W. T. ’28 • Lilia A. ’28 • Lauren L. ’30 • Makayla R. ’30 • Ella M. ’30 • Clara T. ’30 • Kira H. ’30 • Tristan T. ’30 • Mehrzad K. ’27 • Bianca M. ’27 • Caroline M. ’27 • London A. ’27 • Constantine T. ’29 • Misha F. ’29 • Aadi K. ’29 • Sophia D. ’29 • Lila F. ’31 • Sam P. ’31 • Sophia I. ’31 • Jessica M. ’31 • Jasmine S. ’26 • Hudson F. ’26 • Veronica B. ’26

• Charles G. ’26 • Mary M. ’26 • Ava V. ’28 • Jacqueline S. ’28 • Angel H. ’28 • Laila A. ’28 • Cameron B. ’28 • Brooklyn L. ’30 • Evan B. K. ’30 • Celia S. ’30 • Evan E. K. ’30 • Estevana P. ’30 • Alexander G. ’30 • Tatum G. ’27 • Madison W. ’27 • Lauren M. ’27 • Aiden B. ’27 • Suzie D. ’27 • Anika S. ’29 • Arwen L. ’29 • Jack G. ’29 • Mark W. ’29 • Ryley M. ’29 • Aiden P. ’31 • Katherine T. ’31 • Karla P. ’31 • Rudra M. ’31 • Josiah J. ’31 • Owen M. ’31 • Jibran S. ’26 • Brianna L. ’26 • Audrey A. ’26 • Ethan F. ’26 • Lucca S. ’26 • Kaylee K. ’26 • Joel S. ’28 • Anya M. ’28 • Eva F. ’28 • Sahej S. ’28 • Sadie E. ’28 • Mikayla I. ’30 • Melissa B. ’30 • Aryana D. ’30 • Vivienne G. ’30 • Madeleine M. ’30 • Cole S. ’30

Middle School Banding Together

by Brian Siegel, Middle School Director

The first semester of the school year in the Middle School always starts off with a bang. Returning and seeing friends is so important to our students.

After learning their new schedules and how to open their lockers, the incoming sixth graders are quickly indoctrinated to middle school life.

One of the early highlights from this school year was our 7th and 8th grade trips and 6th grade fun week. During the first week of September, the 8th grade headed off to Idyllwild, California, where they played and learned at Astrocamp. While at camp, our students participated in activities such as building and launching rockets, electromagnetism, lights and lasers, and astronomy, to name just a few.

At the same time, our 7th graders headed off to the Pali Institute in Running Springs, California. While at Pali, the students challenged themselves on the high ropes course, zip lined over a ravine, and learned cooperative games. Both of these trips allowed the students to bond with each other and their teachers.

Seventh graders at the Pali Institute in the San Bernardino Mountains.

Back at school, the 6th graders were getting special attention in math and English while also spending time playing games and bonding. Their week was highlighted by the 6th vs 9th grade Battle for the Bell kickball game and a visit from the frozen food truck.

Eight graders at Astrocamp in Idyllwild.

This year, the Middle School also began a new program called “Houses.” One advisory group from each Middle School grade have been combined to make one House. The Houses are named after older video games and include Donkey Kong, Pokemon, Pacman, Angry Birds, Mario, and Sonic. During the first semester, they competed in relay races, door decorating, and Halloween costume contests. Each quarter, the team with the most points will win and be presented with a large golden painted Mr. Potato Head. This has been a great way to create camaraderie between the grades in the Middle School, and we can’t wait until we begin second semester competitions!

The sixth grade versus ninth grade kickball game during Fun Week.

Middle School house relay races on the football field in September.

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Middle School First Semester Honor Roll - Honors Class of 2025 • Athan A. • Jacqueline C. • Nickolas C. • Audrey F. • Ibraheem H. • James J. R. • Nathan K. • Lorenzo L. • Alexandra L. • Connor M. • Evan M. • Ryan R. • Kade S. • Miranda S.

• • • • • • •

Lea S. Iris S. Jonah S. MyKinzee S. Ian W. John W. Sophia Z.

Class of 2024 • Evan B. • Karolina D. • Athena H. • Aaron K. A. • Cole K. • Morgan L.

Middle School production of The Hound of the Baskervilles.

• • • • • • • • •

Laasya M. Gia O. Williams Q. Sophie S. Julian T. Zaan T. Benjamin V. Edward W. Brandon Y.

Class of 2023 • Faris A. • David C. • Emily E. • Adaora E.

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Sean G. Madeline H. Sabrinna I. Andrew K. Cody L. Noor N. Campbell N. Zack R. Brandon R. Phoebe S. Bree S. Ray T. Simel Z.

Ms. Hersh reading to Ms. Cleland’s first grade class.

Wellness and Belonging in All Divisions

by Allie Hersh, Director of Counseling

School Spirit nicely parallels many components of healthy and thriving students: joy, creativity, connection, and a sense of belonging. The challenges of the 21st century are bringing new stressors for high achieving students. As the Director of Counseling and Wellness, it is my humble pleasure to support Meadows students in their academic and social development.

Great educational leaps occur when learning takes place in Meadows’ empowering and community-oriented classrooms, studios, and hallways, and on stages and fields.

Working with Beginning and Lower School students brings joy to my days. Students’ pride in their school and desire to contribute in a positive way is clear. For younger students, the book series “Mindful Mantras” including titles such as I Can Handle It, I Will Try, and I Believe In Myself, helps build a framework of resilience and respect for self and others. In Fifth Grade Lunch Bunch, small groups of students and I meet to discuss and support each other as they set goals for academics, athletics, hobbies, and relationships.

The spirit of our Middle Schoolers can be heard (literally!) from every building on campus. Channeling their energy to create a positive, empathic environment is a priority for adolescents’ wellness. Providing a caring space for students to process the social experiences they encounter is also critical for middle schoolers. In addition to a dedicated advisory committee and

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enthusiastic activities, our Middle School’s House program bonds us across grade levels. With three advisors and teachers per house, students are working together in new ways and engaging in lively challenges, like Minute-to-Win-It races and Pirate Bingo.

The shouts of encouragement could break glass!

Our Upper Schoolers are admirable and inspiring. In student council, advisory, theater, music, clubs, and athletics, all students have a place on campus. I strive to support these students with the social and academic pressures of being upperclassmen. Often, students will come to discuss difficult decisions with me, and I can provide a nonjudgmental ear and warm encouragement. The Mustang Mentors and Ms. Chabot are dedicated to welcoming our 9th graders and new students to The Meadows. These students not only help to smooth out the transition for our youngest Upper Schoolers, but they also provide a way to make friends in different grades. Mentors help make “stress less” treat bags before midterms, and they are beacons of belonging on campus.

Building a counseling and wellness program at The Meadows is a task that involves all educators, administrators, staff, and families in our community. I am honored to help promote the social and emotional skills of our students across multiple contexts, adding to the positive spirit of our school.

Middle School First Semester Honor Roll - High Honors Class of 2025 • Connor A. • Edward A. • Kate A. • Andrew A. • Patricia D. • Grace E. • Shelby F. • Courtney F. • Giana F. • Aaron F. • Cooper G. • Noor K. • Tatiana L. • Maximillian L. • Taylor M. • Sania M. • Miranda P. • Coleman P. • Nimrah Q. • Drake S. • Sage S. • Halle S.

• • • • • • • •

Ira S. Epiphany S. Anthony T. Chloe T. Daniel T. Alena W. Anna W. Sophia Y.

Class of 2024 • Robert B. • Dylan B. • Laura C. • Alexis D. • Meher D. • Jake E. • Alexa G. • Benjamin G. • Yasamin G. • Isabella H. • Ryan H. • Payton H. N. • Aaron L.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Brandon L. Alexander L. Joanna M. Raunaq M. David M. Ryan N. Zachary N. Mizara N. Rocco S. P. Aanya S. Michael T. Cole V. Mariam W. Beverly W.

Class of 2023 • Shazray A. • Brinley B. • Kyra Leigh B. • Chiara C. • Jasmine C. • Amy C. • Manat C.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Iris C. Peter D. Sanjana D. Elizabeth D. Chloe G. Ashley H. Mandalay L. Caroline L. Sam L. Leighton L. Sophie M. Sierra N. Karissa N. Dominic P. Sydney S. Christopher S. Edwina S. Ellen S. Elle T. Lynsey T. Lauren W. Lawrence Z.

2018 Upper School Homecoming court, including seniors King Noah K. and Queen Sydney R. (left).

Meadows Pride in the Upper School

by Dana Larson, Upper School Director and Albert Ronquillo, Dean of Students

The excitement for the new year can always be felt in the Upper School beginning with our New Student Orientation and Open House activities, our Welcome-Back All-School Assembly which this year included our inaugural Battle for the Bell event, all the way through to Freshman Fun Week and our sophomore and junior trips in early September. We keep that spirit alive by planning events throughout the rest of the year including Homecoming in October, which involves an entire week of themed dress days and activities leading up to Friday’s Pep Rally and various athletic contests, and culminating with Saturday’s dance. The Homecoming theme this year was “Seaside Circus” and the students had fun decorating the Common and hallways, dressing up as tacky tourists and circus animals, and cheering each other on during competitions including dodgeball and powder puff football. As we begin the spring semester, we are already planning a number of similar events leading up to the Prom in April and the annual senior trip to Disneyland.

We are keeping the spirit of competition alive each week by playing games such as faculty and student Family Feud, Pictionary, giant Jenga, and hula hoop competitions at lunch for bell points. It is

entertaining and refreshing to see our students “acting like kids,” as one of our teachers put it, and I have heard a number of students express their excitement over participating in these activities.

During the winter sports season, the Upper School faculty and our girls’ and boys’ bowling teams will square off at the Suncoast to see if the “old folks” still have it or if the students will reign victorious (and, we fear, never let us live it down).

Speaking of athletics, another important way our students and faculty show school spirit is by attending sporting events to support the School and our young men and women who are competing on various teams. Students wear their school colors with pride and hold up signs made by our Student Council members, and the gym and Common have never looked better covered with posters celebrating our teams and individual players throughout each season. Additionally, the success of our academic and athletic teams can be heard each week with the ringing of the bell on the day after every victory as the teams and their faculty and student supporters gather to celebrate during snack time.

School spirit is definitely alive and well in the Upper School!

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Sophomore class trip to Washington, D.C.

Junior class trip to visit colleges in the Pacific Northwest.

Upper School First Semester Honor Roll - Honors Class of 2022 • Elizabeth B. • Payton C. • Lauren E. • Brooke F. • McKenzie G. • Alexanna M. • Vedavit O. • Alena P. • Sofia P. • Nicholas R. Class of 2021 • Sydney A. • Ioann A.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Sachin B. Lars C. Blake C. Lukas D. Jackson H. Aidan H. Sofia L. Ella M. Nicholas P. Michael R. Grace R. Nebiyu S. Avery T. Angel-Anne V. Jack W. H.

Class of 2020 • Michelangelo B. • Anisa B. • Parker B. • Trey C. • Giselle K. • Kwame K. • Andrew L. • Yiyang L. • Ava M. • Brandon M. • Evan M. • Kiri P. • Elle R. • Davidson R.

Class of 2019 • Anna A. • Sara A. • Paiton A. • Matthew F. • Justin F. • Nicholas M. • Sydney R. • Rachel Z.

Upper School First Semester Honor Roll - High Honors Class of 2022 • Amanda A. • Anna B. • Corey B. • Alexander C. • Ashley F. • Justin H. • Madelyn K. • Veena K. • Patrick K. • Marcus L. • Mingyi L. • Sophia L. • Danielle M. • Rahul M. • Joseph N. • Kristine N. • Jenna O. • Nishelle P. M. • Nashrah Q. • Rachel R. • Hailey S. • Mathew S. • Ngan V. • Lyla W. • Madelyn W. • Luke Y. • David Y. • Lauren Z. Class of 2021 • Kalina Abaturov • Claire Adamson • Calista Bordador • Izzac Cordell • Michael Corrigan

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Amelia H. Hayden H. Lindsey H. Devin H. Alisha H. Chelsea J. Arianna J. Raees K. Hyewon K. Julien L. Brian L. Chiara L. R. Michelle L. Jake M. Adam M. Isabella M. Alexis P. H. Jack R. Biro S. Iycis S. Sneha S. Allison S. Alice S. Kambree T. Cassandra T. Lauren T. Alexis Y.

Class of 2020 • Jerry A. • Peyton B. • Ari B. • Spencer B. • Julianne C. • Samantha F.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Grace F. Reece I. Bentley J. Lenae J. Avery K. Ethan L. Brett L. Hailie M. Mercedes M. Ariya N. Clarence N. Chad N. Chloe N. Nicholas O. Vivian P. Zane P. Sire P. Wafa Q. Bailey R. P. Zachary S. Allison S. Jared S. Claire S. Helen T. Minahil T. Rubaab W. Aidan-Samuel W.

Class of 2019 • Ryan A. • Justin B. • Brammhi B.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Lilian C. Ian C. Anna D. Samantha D. Joseph E. Aleema F. Mira G. Emily H. Peter H. Shayna I. Samuel K. Sheen K. Dani M. Sam M. Malini N. Grace N. Taylor P. Peri P. Alexandra P. Teagan P. Haritha R. Tanner R. Kayla S. Julius S. P. Justin T. Christopher T. Eshaan V. J Y. Richard Z. Tal Z.

A Legacy of Camaraderie in Athletics

by Claude Grubair, Director of Athletics

All student athletes hope they will learn the characteristics needed to achieve greatness and legacy during their high school careers. Both require a level of commitment and resilience that will emerge during the most challenging of circumstances.

Entering the 2018-19 fall season, the Meadows Athletic Teams were focused on establishing a legacy that would endure for years to come. And while each team expressed mostly unique goals, one they shared was the desire to support each other to the finish line. This resonated at every team meeting and huddle and became an instant reality from the start of the regular season.

The challenge began as the Meadows Football team took the field in August. A young team with a tremendous desire to rebuild the tradition of excellence, all grew exponentially both as players and young men throughout the season. They experienced the disappointment of an initial heart-breaking loss only to turn their misfortune into opportunity in the end.

The Meadows Volleyball team began their season reminding each other of that championship feeling from the previous year.

They would tip their season off leaving those memories behind looking to meet the demands of being a defending champion.

One of the great strengths that emerged from the fall season was the level of spirit and support each team had for each other. An understanding developed that would help propel The Meadows Athletic experience to a new level and establish a legacy going forward. It provided each team a boost to achieve their goals and expectations with the backing of their peers and community, not only through the passionate effort and support of our cheer program, but by seeing football cheering on the volleyball team and vice versa. These efforts empowered each of our teams to demonstrate a higher level of resilience throughout the season.

One great example occurred the night the girls’ volleyball team competed against Cimarron Memorial High School. They were dealing with adversity throughout the game but came back from several game points to defeat a great opponent.

The Meadows Soccer team would face a grueling schedule each week only to find themselves winning a decisive contest against a neighborhood rival that had defeated them earlier in the season.

The Meadows Cross Country teams entered their season with expectations to return to state competition and to improve on the previous year’s finish. That required competing against some of the best competition in the city and state. Each week, their times improved consistently and peaked for the state meet.

Examples like these took place throughout the fall and continue to resonate this winter. And while great accomplishments were achieved, including two state championships (Girls’ Tennis and Volleyball), an Academic State Champion (Girls’ Tennis), one state runner-up (Boys’ Tennis), three regional champions (Boys’ Cross Country, Girls’ Tennis, and Girls’ Volleyball), the highlight was watching our teams proudly ringing the spirit bell throughout the season in front of their peers and community.

The Meadows Tennis teams also benchmarked on previous experiences setting their sights on the state tournament in Reno. With a rich history of championship runs, which include three consecutive state titles for girls tennis, the teams had grown accustomed to the pressure of being one of the elite programs in the state. After achieving a near-flawless regular season, both teams found themselves ready to face a familiar rival in postseason play.

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The Arts Around Campus & Beyond

by Jessica Gaylor, Middle School Theatre Instructor and Center for the Arts Co-Department Chair

The Center for the Arts started the school year off strongly at the annual Pancake Breakfast, with a performance celebrating our strings and band programs, dance team, cheerleaders, and Meadows Singers. Then, it was off for another yearly event in Cedar City, Utah, where thirty Upper and Middle School students competed in the Utah Shakespeare Festival Competition.

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In the theatre, we began our year with an Upper School performance of The Crucible followed by the Middle School’s adaptation of The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Our Grandparent’s Day performance, with over two hundred students participating, was presented to a packed house of enthusiastic grandparents, and not far behind that was our beloved Winter Assembly. Our band has been on their usual performance streak with appearances at our football and basketball games, as well as their first concert of the year in November. In addition to performing a first-semester concert, strings continued to grace the stages of Las Vegas in various community projects; performing again this year at The Smith Center preshow for The Nutcracker and The Summerlin Arts Festival.

Our fine arts students worked exceptionally hard last semester. The culmination of their artistic accomplishments were displayed in three separate art shows: the Upper School Art Show, Middle School Art Show, and Photography Exhibition.

Nikolai A. ’31 in the kindergartners’ Grandparent’s Day performance.

In second semester, we look forward to having three Upper School Photography students exhibit their artwork at the Springs Preserve for the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, the annual Middle School field trip to the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, and the photography student trip to a Nevada Ghost Town.

The Center for the Arts would like to thank the School community for their continued support and would love to see everyone at our next Upper School Musical Production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on February 21st and 22nd at 6:30 p.m.

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Davidson R. ’20 and father Archibald at the winter photography show.

The cast and crew from the Upper School production of The Crucible in December.