June 2010 - Knox School

The Beacon
KSnox
chool
Semper ad Lucem
541 Long Beach Road
St. James, New York 11780
June 2010
Dear Friends,
June 2010, Issue 17
Special Points of Interest
Letter from the Editor
P. 1
Equestrian Competition
P. 1
CW Post Guitar Ensemble
P. 2
Musical Ride
P. 2
Annual International Fair
P. 3
Middle School Moving Up
P. 4
Senior Sing and Lantern
Parade
P. 4
Masquerade Ball
P. 5
Ring and Blazer Ceremony
P. 5
2010 Award Winners
P. 6
2010 Graduation Ceremony P. 7
Class of 2010 College List
In spite of the threat from the wind and rain, Knox’s 106th Commencement
Exercise carried on without a problem and turned out beautiful! Though some would say
I am biased, our graduating seniors are to be commended for their college acceptances
and what they have given to Knox over the past three to seven years.
Jessie Thompson wrote a wonderful piece for her senior poem, called The View
while Jennifer Hardy, the President of the Class of 2010, addressed the School’s Farewell
with a personal message. Both Jessie and Jennifer were four year students and are best
of friends. Collin Lee, the President of the Student Council, gave the Semper Ad Lucem
speech and Edward Zhang was named the recipient of Knox’s highest award, Semper Ad
Lucem during graduation.
Our Commencment speaker, United States Congressman Tim Bishop from New
York’s 1st Congressional District, gave an excellent speech about getting involved and the
“power of your vote”. Furthermore the speech was not long and his comments were well
received by everyone.
P. 8
Assistant Head of School for P. 9
Academics
Parents’ Association Letter
P. 9
2010-2011 SY Calendar
P. 10
The Dean’s Corner
P. 10
Knox Trustee Honored
P. 10
On Saturday, June 5, the Eighth Grade Graduation was held. Jamie Isaacs and
Trevor Henderson received a number of awards for their scholarship and involvement at
Knox. Following the Graduation, the Academic and Character Award Banquet was held
in Bancroft-Phinney Hall where 260 parents, students, faculty, and guests were served in
less than 45 minutes. Please see our listing in The Beacon as to who received various
awards throughout the week from the Athletic, Equestrian, and Performing Arts departments through Commencement.
As I write my Headmaster’s message the campus is quiet, but in only a few
weeks the campus will be bustling again with activity from our summer campers ages
4-14 attending The Knox School Summer Adventures (Day) Camp. The camp counselors
this year include present and past Knox graduates. This summer we expect to have 350400 campers each week on campus.
In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our parents, students,
faculty, and friends for making the 2009-2010 school year one of the best years in my 43
year independent school career. Lucy and I extend to everyone our best wishes for an
enjoyable and if possible, a restful summer!
Sincerely,
June 2010
The Beacon
Dear Knox Community,
As you can guess, this will be the last issue of The Beacon for the 2009-2010 school year. It certainly has been a nonstop
year at Knox, with many trips, projects, events and memorable occasions! It has been a pleasure to collect stories and pictures
from faculty, teachers and students over the last few months and publish what has become a Knox staple. I hope that you have
enjoyed reading each issue of The Beacon, as I have enjoyed being a part of the school community in this way.
Looking back at the past few months, I have watched students experience new foods, new cultures, new sports and
more. The student body has been welcoming to new faculty and students while showing the world what a small school filled
with good people can really accomplish. There have been small accomplishments (like students learning to do laundry for the
first time) and large accomplishments such as getting over a fear of dogs, earning straight A’s for the first time or learning to
compete while ignoring your fear of failure. It has been a pleasure to be a part of the 2010-2011 school year, and I can only
hope that next year will be as fulfilling for those whom are part of The Knox School.
While the school year is over, Knox students, faculty and staff are not resting! The Summer Adventures Camp will be
taking over the campus, students are taking courses in different countries, faculty will be traveling and more. The stories which
will inevitably be shared by those returning in the fall will instantly bond what will be the 2010-2011 Knox community. Have a
wonderful and safe summer full of adventures, small and large!
Sincerely,
Jenna Skarda
Editor in Chief of The Beacon
Equestrian Team Collect Ribbons at a Recent Show
On Sunday, May 16th some of the Knox riders traveled
to Country Farms to compete in a horse show! First time competitors Cecelia Wang ‘11 and Michelle Chiang ‘11 did an
amazing job, at their first competitive event!
Not only were the first time competitors the picture of
composure and athleticism but they both won the honor of
being Reserve Champions in their respective divisions! The
girls also started their ribbon collection by placing Second
place five times and earning one Fourth place ribbon between
them!
Gabriella Wessler ‘11 with her ribbons.
Gabriella Wessler ‘11 and Jessica Wen ‘11 joined the
first time competitors, and proved to be great leaders for the
team. Ms. Wessler earned a First and Second place ribbon
while Ms. Wen was awarded a First, Second, Third place ribbon
and was named a Champion in her division.
The event was a wonderful experience for the new
competitive riders and a wonderful opportunity to finish the
competitive season with a BANG! Good riding, great
weather....truly a perfect day!
- Debbie Moore, Equestrian Coach
Cecelia Wang ‘11 gets a little help from coach Natasha
Acker-Smith with her newly earned ribbons.
Cecelia Wang ‘11, Gabriella Wessler ‘11, Jessica
Wen ‘10 and Michelle Chiang ‘11 show off their
ribbons after the horse show.
Job Well Done Knox Equestrian Team—You Should Be Proud Of Yourselves!
Semper ad Lucem
The CW Post Guitar Ensemble Highlighted Spanish Composers
Knox students and faculty were treated to a delightful performance by the CW Post Guitar Ensemble
during assembly on Wednesday, April 7, 2010. The program featured three compositions by Joaquin Rodrigo and
two works by Issac Albeniz, as well as Cuban Landscape
with Rain by Leo Brouwer and Irish Folk Medley arranged by Jeremy Sparks. The program was made possible by our guitar teacher, Harris Becker, who is the director of the ensemble. Mr. Becker has had a rich and varied
career as a guitarist and lutenist and is the Director of
Guitar Studies at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island
University. Mr. Becker is also Director of the Long Island
Guitar Festival, which he founded in 1983, and cofounder of the “Songe d’ete en Musique” summer music
festival in rural Quebec. His recordings include Catgut Flambo with guitarist Pasquale Bianculli and a solo recording Passing
Through. Knox is indeed fortunate to have a musician of Mr. Becker’s caliber working with our instrumental music students.
- Janice Zingale, Director of Alumni Affairs
The Annual Spring Musical Ride is a Huge Success
Alex Horn ‘12 trots up with the rest of her group.
Jamie Isaacs ‘14 trots forward to the crowd, as
part of the first event in the performance.
The intermediate group makes room for the
advanced riders to do jumps.
Natasha Acker-Smith stands in front of the
advanced group for closing remarks.
The advanced group is joined by the
intermediate group, for closing remarks.
Jessica Wen ‘10 and Alex Horn ‘12
June 2010
The Beacon
Annual International Fair
Frank Cassata ‘14 learns a traditional Korean
game from David Cho ‘11.
Amy King ‘13 and Breanne Burton ‘13, the
Bedstone Exchange students, give their
advisor a piece of homemade traditional
English cake. Mmmmm!
Skyler Blackwood ‘10 preformed a traditional dance as part of the production part
of the event.
“Build Bridges, Not Walls” was
the theme of the 2010 Knox
International Fair, held in the
Bancroft Phinney Gymnasium
on April 23rd. The student body,
faculty, and staff came together
in a celebration of the many
diverse cultures represented on
our campus, with participation
from most of Knox's students.
The fair began with lunch in
Tuck, where students had set
up many tables of food and
cultural displays. Authentic specialties from all over the globe
were enjoyed by all who attended, including dishes from
Korea, China, France, Spain,
Mexico, Puerto Rico, India,
Cuba, Armenia, Ireland and
Great Britain. Students from
Spanish class demonstrated an
ancient Mesoamerican ball
game similar to basketball, and
a group of Chinese students
played a favorite childhood
game. Participants showed off
their international projects, including a display of the posters
submitted to the poster contest. Next came the second half
of the International Fair, which
was the talent show. The audience was delighted to watch
cultural dances from Africa, India, and New Zealand, as well as
a modern Korean pop dance,
several Chinese students singing solos and duets, French and
Spanish classes performing
skits, the International Club
putting on a fashion show, and
two piano pieces being performed by a student and faculty
member Christian White. All in
all, it was a very entertaining,
fulfilling and delicious afternoon!
Project of a traditional Spanish home made by middle school
Spanish class.
Jessie Thompson ‘10, Cecelia Wang ‘11 and Theodore Morgan
‘10 produced a skit in French, as part of the larger class project.
After lunch, the school played children’s games from all over
the world. Duck, Duck Goose seemed to be a popular choice.
Semper ad Lucem
The Class of 2014 Joins Upper School Students
Middle School Subject Awards
The Middle School History Award: Rachel Su ‘16
Presented to the student who displays a high level of interest, inquiry
and achievement in the study of history.
William Turner Shoemaker Middle School Mathematics award: Cheol Min Lee ‘15
Given to the student, who best demonstrates
accomplishments in the field of mathematics.
The Middle School Science Award: CiCi Wu ‘15
Presented to the student who demonstrates accomplishments in the field of science.
The Middle School English Award: Jamie Isaacs ‘14
Given to the student who demonstrates excellence through written expression, creativity
and literary scholarship.
The Middle School World Language Award: Trevor Henderson ‘14
Given to the student exhibiting a sincere interest and effort,
in learning a language, and serving as a leader to others in class.
Nikki Perales, Kevin Glaudin, Trevor Henderson, Frank Cassata, Tomas
Icaza, Nate Yeo, Jamie Isaacs, Tiannis Coffie
Middle School Core Value Awards
Integrity: Jamie Isaacs ‘14
Respect: Jamie Isaacs ‘14
Kindness: Jamie Isaacs ‘14
Responsibility: Jamie Isaacs ‘14
Courage: Cheol Min Lee ‘15
Scholarship: Trevor Henderson ‘14
Elsa Eriksen Middle School Performing Arts Award: Trevor Henderson ‘14
Recognizes the student who best demonstrates the enthusiasm and
perseverance essential to excellence in theatre or music.
The Middle School Art Award: Trevor Henderson ‘14
Presented to the art student in middle school who demonstrates extra effort and uses
his or her time wisely to make creative works.
The Middle School Visual Art Award: Cheol Min Lee ‘15
Given to the art student who demonstrates extra effort and uses time
wisely to make creative works.
Annual Senior Sing and Lantern Parade
Senior Class lines up on the side steps of Houghton Hall to sing their last songs together. The weather was perfect for such an event; the students were
excited to be able to enjoy their final class activities together the night before their graduation.
On the far left, the junior class prepares their lanterns for their walk toward becoming seniors. Earlier in the month, the Junior class was awarded their
senior blazers, but the lantern parade allows the juniors to literally pick up where the class of 2010 left off, and take their place as the leaders of the
student body. In the middle, the juniors are walking toward the seniors, ready to take their place. In the far right, the Juniors have replaced the seniors,
and are the new leaders of the student body, and will set the tone for the 2010-2011 school year.
June 2010
The Beacon
2010 Prom—Masquerade Ball
Ring and Blazer Ceremony
Gabriella Wessler ‘11, Janice
Zingale H’83 and William Li ‘11
pose together after being
awarded their senior blazers.
Henry Tao ‘ 11, Jessica Wen ‘10 and Michelle Chiang
‘11 take a picture now that Henry and Michelle have
their senior blazers to wear.
Jonathan Liddle ‘10 and Victor Wu ‘10 welcome Henry Tao
‘11 into the “red jacket club” as part of the class of 2011.
Riding Trophy Awards
Academic Awards
Upper School Challenge Trophy: Dong Ju Nam ‘10
Recognizes an individual who has faced and overcome a challenge
The English Cup: Elijah Kim ‘11
Upper School Jumping Trophy: Jessica Wen ‘10
Awarded for improvement over fences
The Scribblers Award: Grace May Fairclough ‘11
Presented to the best creative writer of the year
The Kyrie McAdam Novice Horsemanship: Cecelia Wang ‘11
Awarded to the rider who has shown the most
improvement overall
The John Ruggiero Prize: Henry Huang ‘11
Presented to the student who has shown excellence in Math
The Snowman Award: Jessica Wen ‘10
Awarded annually to an all-around student
Sportsmanship Trophy: Michelle Chiang ‘11
Given to the rider who is wholeheartedly involved
Equestrian Versatility: Gabriella Wessler ‘11
Given to someone who is adept at riding any horse
Permanent Athletic Awards
Betty Oppenheimer Tennis Championship: Mark Zhou ‘13
Recognizes the school’s outstanding tennis player
Red/White Baseball Bat Award: Matthew Kim ‘10
Student with the highest overall batting average
Most Improved Softball Player Award: Jessie Jin ‘12
Most Valuable Softball Player: Jenna Hardy ‘10 and Sara Wodenshek ‘10
Most Improved Golfer Award: Sherry Cui ‘12
Athlete of the Year: Matthew Kim ‘10
Nominations made by Head Coaches, based on a student’s ability to lead,
sportsmanship, exceptional athletic abilities and integrity.
Permanent Sportsmanship Awards
Best Cooperation in Gym: Angel Valdes ‘12
Perseverance in Athletics: Fengzhe Wu ‘10
Student who continues to try, who does not give up
High Point Cup: Jessie Thompson ‘10
Given to the athlete of the year; who is a team player, who exhibits good
sportsmanship, a good attitude
David B. Stephens Science Award: Elijiah Kim ‘11
Given to the outstanding science student of the year
The American History Award: Nicholas Reina ‘10
Academic Achievement in Psychology Award: Jessie Thompson ’10 and
Gabby Wessler ‘11
NY State Comptroller’s Award: Edward Zhang ‘10
Given by the Comptroller of New York, to the Senior showing academic success and civic commitment, hard work and success.
The Spanish Award: Lauren Kang ‘12
The French Award: Jessie Thompson ‘10
ESL Award: Tiffany Ye ‘13
Character Awards
Maria and Anthony Hermann Award: Junior Class
Given annually to recognize the class with
the highest academic record
The Red and White Scholastic Bowl: White Team
For the team with the highest overall academic average
The Bancroft Phinney Award: Melshawn Taylor
Given annually to the student in highest academic standing for the year
The Nancy Morehouse Stevens Cup: Gabby Wessler ‘11
Given to the junior who has displayed cooperation, conscientiousness,
friendliness, and thoughtfulness
The Davison Tray: Nicholas Reina
Given to that student who has exhibited outstanding growth
Alumni Cup: The Senior Class
Awarded each year to the class showing the most spirit during the year
The Kyrie Gannet McAdam Character Award: Ji Sub Choi ‘11
Presented to the junior showing the most growth in the junior year and
promise of success as a senior
Red/White Team Athletic Award: Red Team
The Poise Cup: Jessica Wen ‘10
Visual & Performing Arts Awards
Courtesy Cup: DJ Nam ‘10
Edith Rosalie Lansburgh Studio Art: Anyae Little ‘13
Loyalty Cup: Nicholas Reina ‘10
Digital Art: Elijah Kim ‘12
Kaeli Sara Kramer Kindness Cup: Jessica Wen ‘10
Given to the student showing kindness to all living things –people, animals
and the environment.
The Joel K. Eriksen Award: Michelle Chiang ’11
Given to the students who shows promise in the field of visual arts
The Photography Prize: Jessica Wen ‘10 & Derek Fearon ‘10
The Laura Winkworth Award: Taylour Dickerson’12
Presented to the student who has shown improvement in singing
The Choral Music Award: Collin Lee ‘10 & Emily Gladstein ’10
The Oberon: DJ Nam ‘10
Student who has excellent potential in the Performing Arts
Terri Rose Richard III Award: Jessica Wen ‘10
Outstanding contribution to technical theater
The Elsa Trophy “The Play is the Thing”: Emily Gladstein ‘10
Student who sacrifices the most for a production
Jane Bagley Award: Emily Gladstein ‘10
Best Performance in a play
The Linda Shephard Cup: Katherine Barry ‘10
Best performance in a Musical
“Performer of the Year” : Emily Gladstein ‘10
Outstanding performances in two or more areas of the performing arts.
Perseverance in General: Taylour Dickerson ‘12
Maria Elena Arosemena Cup: Edward Zhang ‘10
Trophy is given to the international student who has gained the greatest
command and understanding of English
Publication Award: Yuki Wang ‘12 and Edward Zhang ‘10
Presented for contributions to school publications
The Kelsey Leonard ’06 Model UN Award: Collin Lee ‘10 and DJ Nam ‘10
Presented to an outstanding delegate
Romana Mastrolilli Cup: Linnuo Zheng ‘11
Awarded to the student who has overcome any kind of challenge through his
or her own personal effort
The Benjamin Bowl: Matthew Kim ‘10
Awarded to the student who has contributed to athletics generally and who
is sound academically
The Teeter Tiers Bowl: Angel Valdes’12
“A loving spirit shown to one and all in word and deed. A friend that is true!”
The Delight Millham Cup: Melshawn Taylor ‘13
Awarded to the student who has shown the best understanding of the ideals
June 2010
The Beacon
Graduation Ceremony
The class of 2010 gets together for one last class picture!
Good luck to all of the amazing graduates—you will do fabulous things!
Congressman Tim Bishop delivered the
Commencement Speech
Commencement Awards
Semper Ad Lucem Award:
Edward Zhang
A. Brewster Lawrence Jr.
Award: Dong Ju Nam
Clifford K. Ericksen
Headmasters Award:
Nicholas Reina
Stewart Bowl:
Jessie Thompson
Carolyn Fell Award:
Collin Lee
Semper ad Lucem
The Class of 2010 is College Bound
Katherine Barry
Circle on the Square
Siwon Jang
SUNY Binghamton
Nicholas Reina
Mercer University
Skyler Blackwood
Suffolk Community College
Honors Program
Sean Jung
Michigan State University
Ryan Shin
University of Delaware
Ju Yeob Kim
Boston University
Jessie Thompson
University of Massachusetts at Amherst
Dong Hee Kim
Wake Forest University
Talia Pinedo Vicente
A university in Spain
Yoo Ri Kim
University of Rochester
Jessica Wen
Maryland Institute College of Art
Soo Yeon Kwark
University of Washington
Sarah Wodenshek
Ohio Wesleyan University
Seung Hyun Lee
Purdue University
Fengzhe Wu
University of Connecticut
Collin Lee
University of Rochester
Zijing Wu
University of Wisconsin
Jonathan Liddle
Long Island University: C.W. Post
Sammy Yuan
Northeastern University
Theodore Morgan
Cabrini College
Lei Zhang
George Washington University
Doo Soo Chang
Indiana University at Bloomington
Seok Hoon Choi
University of Rochester
John Cochran
Suffolk County Community College
Michael Coppedge
Sacred Heart University
Derek Fearon
Marymount Manhattan College
Emily Gladstein
Marymount Manhattan College
Jenna Hardy
Loyola University Maryland
Henry Huang
Wake Forest University
Dong Ju Nam
Oxford College of Emory University
Back Row: Jessica Wen, Sammy Yuan, Seok Hoon Choi, Henry Huang, Collin Lee, Nicholas Reina, Edward Zhang
Front Row: Fengzhe Wu, Jenna Hardy, Yoo Ri Kim, Theodore Morgan, Emily Gladstein
June 2010
The Beacon
Assistant Head of School
Dear parents and guardians,
This past March, I attended the ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) Conference in San Antonio,
Texas. One evening, I chanced to have dinner with three curriculum directors from a large public high school outside of Austin. After pleasantries were exchanged, the discussion turned to the then proposed changes to the Texas Social Studies curriculum. All three were upset about the proposed changes, particularly the Social Studies Curriculum Director who had testified feverishly against the changes in front of the Texas State Board of Education. Would Texas students learn historical facts
or a politically driven curriculum?
Luckily, we have significant freedom as an independent school. We are not bound to teach a particular curriculum; we are
able to set our own curricular standards. On the other hand, as educators, we understand that our students will be exposed
to bias in the print and the electronic media; they will be exposed to divergent viewpoints. Our job, therefore, is to teach
students to discern bias in the materials they read, identify opposing viewpoints, evaluate the arguments presented, weigh
the factual evidence and come to their own conclusions.
Regards,
Sharon L. Lawrence
Assistant Head of School
Parents’ Association Letter
Dear Fellow Parents,
It is with a touch of sadness that we write this last letter for The Beacon in our role as Co-Presidents of your Parents’ Association. We have enjoyed every minute of our tenure and it has been a privilege to represent you and to work hard on behalf of
our school community.
When we reflect on the year, we remember the fun of Parents’ Weekend, the beauty of our holiday decorations (blanketed
by an almost unbelievable amount of snow), the creativity and talent of our students during our plays and productions, and
the competitive fire they showed on the courts and playing fields. We are mindful that behind the students stand our wonderful faculty who motivate and inspire our children with their dedication and belief in the potential of young adults.
On a practical level, we are proud of how our monthly attendance grew at each meeting and specifically how our new families quickly became involved. We also established a protocol to insure that the Association dues that you contribute fund an
array of projects that benefit our entire student body. This year, for example, we helped to support the Model UN trip to
Turkey, the Upper School Prom and the Senior Class Garden Project.
We leave the Association in good hands and when your new leaders emerge, you will be ready to tackle the challenges of a
new school year. Thanks again for letting us be part of such a fabulous experience. Last, but certainly not least, we would
like to wish the entire class of 2010 much success and joy as you move on to what will surely be a bright future.
Fondly,
John and Leslie Hardy
Co-Presidents, the Knox School Parents’ Association
Thank you Horn
Family for the
Ice Cream!
The generosity of the Horn
family is much appreciated!
Everyone enjoyed their ice
cream and floats!!!
Semper ad Lucem
2010-2011 School Year Starts
Sunday
Aug. 29
Monday
30
Tuesday
31
Wednesday
Sep. 1
2
Thursday
3
Friday
4
Saturday
New International
Student Orientation
Starts
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Student Registration
New Students 9am
Returning Students 1pm
Closed Weekend
All School Testing
19
20
21
22
23
27
28
29
30
24
Team
Choosing
25
Closed Weekend
All School
Outing
26
The Dean’s Corner
George Naron, Dean of Students
Congratulations to the Class of 2010; it was a great year! Best of luck
next year as you move on and begin your college careers!
We are already in the final planning stages for the 2010-2011 school
year, and I wanted to bring a few things to your attention as you prepare for the school year over the summer.
1) When purchasing tickets for vacations: students are required to
attend classes the days before and after school holidays. Students who
miss classes will receive zeros for academic work and are subject to disciplinary action by the school.
2)Thanksgiving Travel Plans must be submitted by November 5, 2010.
3) Dress Code: Upper School girls who are returning students will be
required to wear the new Black Watch Kilt at the start of the 2011-2012
school year. New girls will be required to wear kilts at the start of this
school year. Kilts may be purchased through the Falcon’s Nest.
Hoodies/hooded sweat shirts may not be worn at any time during the
academic day.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about your student or school policies and procedures.
October 4 – College Fair
October 15-18 – Fall Long Weekend
October 22-23 – Parents’ Weekend
October 22-23 – Fall Play
Knox Trustee Honored
by Past Students
Let us offer our congratulations to Trustee Anita Edwards for her accomplishments!
Anita, a Knox Trustee, has been awarded the Delman Distinguished Faculty Award from the Alumnae Association at the Hewitt School in New
York. A longtime educator, Anita began at Hewitt
in 1972 and served as chairman of the English
Department and later as chair of the Humanities
Department. For 15 years, she was admission
director and now is director of research and archives. To be honored by one's former students is
a great tribute indeed.
Anita has also completed her book By
Faith and Courage: A History of the Hewitt School
1920 -2010. This book took Anita five years to
research and write, it is a great read for anyone
interested in independent schools, and especially
girls schools.
Congratulations, Anita!
- Jennifer Lawrence, Board Chair
The Beacon
Semper ad Lucem
KSnox
chool
541 Long Beach Road
St. James, New York 11780