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Successful Spring Sports
6/21/2010

The spring sports season at Thayer is always special. After a long, cold winter of competing in indoor facilities, the athletes and coaches happily burst onto the green fields, courts and track to demonstrate their athletic abilities.

 

All teams, both boys and girls, had very strong seasons this year. But it was girls’ teams that had particularly noteworthy seasons.

 

Three of the teams were either sole or co-ISL champions, school and league records were broken and New England titles were won.

 

Below is a brief summary of the top honors achieved by several of the girls' teams.

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Track and Field

Some people consider 13 an unlucky number. Many elevators don’t include the number and there is always dire talk about Friday the 13th.

 

The Thayer girls’ track team, however, loves the number 13. They embrace it. In fact, 13 is a very lucky number for them.

 

The Girls finished their regular season at 13-0, and lived up to their #1 billing at both the ISL and New England Meets. Breaking 7 records along the way, Thayer girls brought home their 11th consecutive ISL Championship, and their 13th consecutive New England Championship. The graduating seniors finished their Thayer career undefeated for all 4 years!

 

GIRLS’ ISL CHAMPIONSHIP MEET HIGHLIGHTS

ALL-LEAGUE SELECTIONS AND ISL INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS

Seanne Denny ’10 100m, 200m (broke the league 100m record-named Meet Runner MVP)

Brittany Reardon ’10 Pole Vault, High Hurdles

Giovanna Pickering ‘12 Discus

Erin Richardson ‘’13 Javelin

Monet Brathwaite ’11 400m

Tatiana Fitzpatrick ’10 Triple Jump, Long Jump (tied her own league record and named MVP in field events)

 

4 X 100 RELAY TEAM BROKE THE SCHOOL AND LEAGUE RECORD

Jess Kenny ‘13

Seanne Denny ‘10

Brittany Reardon ‘10

Monet Brathwaite ’11

 

4 X 400 RELAY TEAM BROKE THE SCHOOL AND LEAGUE RECORD

Seanne Denny ‘10

Evelina Yakomovich ‘13

Erin Purcell Maillet ‘13

Monet Brathwaite ’11


BOSTON GLOBE ALL-SCHOLASTIC

Seanne Denny ’10

Aaron Amado ’11

Tatiana Fitzpatrick ‘10

 

GIRLS’ NEW ENGLAND CHAMPIONSHIP MEET HIGHLIGHTS

INDIVIDUAL WINNERS and NAMED ALL-NEW ENGLAND

Brittany Reardon ’11 Pole Vault, High Hurdles. and was named the meet MVP

Monet Brathwaite ’11 400m

Seanne Denny ’10 100m, 200m (also broke the 100m N.E. Meet record)

Evelina Yakomovich ‘13 1500m

Giovanna Pickering ‘12 Discus

Tatiana Fitzpatrick ’10 Long Jump

 


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Girls' Varsity Lacrosse Caps Great Season
6/17/2010

The girls’ varsity lacrosse team had a fantastic season, stunning the league with great stick skills, poised attack, and rock solid defense.

 

"Many around the league expected our team to be ‘rebuilding’ this season," said coach Erin Carroll. "After losing eight seniors who would all play their freshman year in college, it is hard to imagine that from that foundation we were able to dominate the league!"

 

With the highest goals per game average in the league, the Thayer attack was fierce. Captained by Mallory Collins, Lindsey Allard, Marissa Daly, and Sammy Sears the offense was smart, dynamic, and unstoppable. Midfielders highlighted some newcomers to both Thayer and the varsity squad; Katherine McManus and McKenzie Hunt were two new sophomores to the school, who dominated all three zones; Bryn Boucher was a returner to the squad, and she was a fabulous center for the team all season. Anna Kenyon was the other starter in the midfield. A newcomer to the varsity, she stepped in and did a wonderful job.

 

Becca McGovern lead the defensive unit, along with captain Hannah Mulvey, and Danny Sears. Falon Sweeney stepped in to net and had some great games for Thayer. Our bench was a huge force in the team's success- not only did they contribute on the field when they stepped in, but their spirit and enthusiasm helped inspire everyone who heard them: Caroline Casper, Elise Sullivan, Julia Daly, Colleen Day, Melissa Piacintini, Ali Whelan, Gina Ubertini, and Ali Hooley.

 

Beyond winning the league, Thayer players achieved several All-League honors; First team All –League honors were earned by Mal Collins, Lindsey Allard, and Becca McGovern; Honorable Mention honors went to Hannah Mulvey, Marissa Daly, Bryn Boucher, and McKenzie Hunt.

 

In addition to league honors, four athletes made one of the prestigious Eastern Lower New England teams which competed in the US Lacrosse Women's’ National Tournament over Memorial Day weekend: McKenzie Hunt and Bryn Boucher made Team #1, Katherine McManus made Team #2, and Marissa Daly made Team #3.

 

Mal Collins and Lindsey Allard were named NEPSWLA All-Stars as well.

 

Overall, the varsity lacrosse team was a fantastic group of athletes who not only earned individual accolades, but were also part of the consummate team: dedicated, focused, selfless, and caring.

 

2010 Honors

 

NEPSWLA All-Stars

Lindsey Allard, 2010

Mallory Collins, 2010

 

US Lacrosse All Americans, First Team

Lindsey Allard, 2010

Mallory Collins, 2010

 

US Lacrosse All American, Honorable Mention

McKenzie Hunt, 2012

 

US Lacrosse Academic All Americans

Becca McGovern, 2010

Hannah Mulvey, 2010

 

ISL All League

First Team:

Mallory Collins, 2010

Lindsey Allard, 2010

Becca McGovern, 2010

 

Honorable Mention

Hannah Mulvey, 2010

Marissa Daly, 2011

Bryn Boucher, 2012

McKenzie Hunt, 2012

 

ISL MVP of the League

Mallory Collins, 2010

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Commencement 2010
6/15/2010

Graduation.

 

It’s often said, it’s not an ending, it’s a beginning and hence many schools opt for calling it commencement.

 

On Saturday, June 12, 116 Thayer students—the Class of 2010—did just that. Began the next step of their life journey by saying goodbye to the faculty, staff, coaches, advisors, classrooms, friends and fields that they have called home for, in some cases, as many as seven years.

 

It’s an emotional time. Nerves are on edge as parents witness a major milestone for their children and the graduates themselves realize that, indeed, they are now embarking on the next step of their educational and personal growth journey. There were tears and smiles. Whoops of joy. Hearty hugs and many high fives and fist pumps.

 

Tempering and smoothing somewhat the myriad emotions were the words of the various speakers. Their congratulatory, hopeful, encouraging, reminiscent, poignant and humorous remarks acted as a salve.

 

Headmaster Ted Koskores began by saying, “Seniors, today marks a new beginning, of sorts, but it is also a time to take stock in what you have already accomplished and to draw some lessons from what you have learned….Very significantly, the remarkable comfort and respect you exhibited towards your teachers and the open and easy displays of affection between you and your parents at games, plays, and recognition gatherings were tender and recurring expressions of appreciation that spoke volumes of your warmth and your character….We hope that you will take with you -- in the years ahead -- the realization of what your years HERE have demonstrated… namely, that participation and involvement makes your lives more interesting and your communities more vibrant.”

 

Arguably, one of the most interesting and vibrant members of the Class of 2010 is Grace Curely. Her classmates clearly agreed as they elected her as Senior Speaker. In her introduction, Headmaster Koskores referred to Grace as “joyful, animated, and kind, [someone who] exhibited an enthusiasm for life and a generosity of spirit that were positively infectious.”

 

Grace spoke about the significance of her role as the Thayer mascot and the impact it had on her. “I said to my mom, "I don't know. I think this could destroy my social life." She responded rather bluntly, "Lets be honest Grace you can only go up from here." So I accepted [the role of being the Tiger] and geared up for the homecoming pep rally. But because I had inhibitions I decided to keep my new gig a secret. You see I hadn't really made a tight group of friends yet. I hadn't found my place at Thayer.”

 

Grace went on to say that over time, she found her way and became more comfortable with who she was and the person she was becoming. “Without even realizing it, Thayer had become the environment I had always hoped it would be. It was a place I was comfortable, a place we could try new things without fear of embarrassment….Thayer has given us so many opportunities, but even more importantly, it has given us the courage to take them.” Grace concluded with this poignant thought. “Four years ago the only thing that helped me find my way was a heavy tiger head. I put on that mask and it was a big shift for me. We are all going to have those moments when we feel lost and sometimes all it takes is that unexpected opportunity. And if you take hold of that moment, if you don't shy away from it, a lot of times it will show you where you're meant to be. Many of us have been lucky enough to have that moment here at Thayer, and for some it will happen in the next four years.”

 

Grace’s sentiment about taking hold of the moments that come your way was echoed by the comments of Bonnie Rubenstein Cohen ’60, the commencement speaker. Ms. Cohen, who among her many jobs served as Assistant Secretary of Policy, Management and Budget in the Department of Interior in the Clinton Administration, reminded graduates of “…the importance of being open to whatever experiences come your way.”

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Last Chapel 2010
6/12/2010

The end of year activities, particularly for the Senior Class, are many. From Senior Projects to Prom to Commencement, anticipation and emotions run high.

There is one gathering in particular that brings together all students, many family members and friends, and faculty and staff. It’s slightly more relaxed than Commencement, honors many students from all Upper School grades, and features a speaker who addresses the graduating class specifically.


Last Chapel is a hallowed tradition and the precursor to Commencement. With nearly all students and their families in attendance, the ceremony begins with recognizing various faculty members. Those departing Thayer are honored for their service (Matthew Daylor ’02 and David Kim) and those who have reached particular milestones are recognized for their outstanding commitment to Thayer (Don Donovan for 20 years of teaching science, Laurie Garrity for 20 years of service in the Business Office, and Jim King for 30 years of teaching English).


Student awards are also handed out to a variety of students from all grades who have achieved excellence in particular fields of study or who have demonstrated the qualities of leadership, character, and service that embody the sprit of the Academy.


The most anticipated part of Last Chapel, however, is the speech given by the Last Chapel speaker. This year’s speaker was science teacher Jim MacVarish. His speech captivated all in attendance. Inside references to students and classes brought laughter and smiles. There were solemn moments and even some tears when reference was made to Thayer alum Matt Healey ’09 who tragically passed away earlier this year. More than anything, though, there was a sense of encouragement and possibility in Mr. MacVarish’s speech. “…It is natural at a major life juncture like this to ask, "What am I going to do with my life?" That's a really big question and you are young and enthusiastic with your whole lives in front of you,” said MacVarish. “But, as you begin your life's journey to answer this and all the big questions in life, maybe I can share a little guidance that has worked for me over the years.”

Mr. MacVArish then proceeded to share a “How to Live Life” top ten list, as shared with him by a fellow Marine. A few of those top 10 words of wisdom follow:

#10. Make your mom proud. (MacVarish: That's a big one. In fact, if you use that one as a filter for all your actions in life, you're probably going to wind up OK.)

#9. It’s easier to stay organized, than to get organized later on.

#7. It’s not a person’s size, looks, background, color or gender that counts. When the fight is fierce, and the situation desperate, it’s what’s inside that makes the difference. I have seen that one proven time and again in every clime and place.

#6. Courage isn’t the absence of fear—courage is being afraid and still doing what needs to be done.

#2. Learn to laugh at discomfort and trouble—it makes misfortune lighter, and annoys your enemies.

Last Chapel concluded with history teacher Larry Carlson’s acapella singing of “Thayer, Thayer Forever.” As the Senior Class departed first those in attendance stood in honor of the 116 soon to be graduates.


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New Boys Hockey Coach Named
6/12/2010

Thayer alum and former professional hockey player Tony Amonte will be the new Head Boys' Varsity Ice Hockey coach.


Mr. Amonte played for 17 years in the National Hockey League and is best known for his time as a scoring star with the Chicago Blackhawks and for representing the United States in international play. Amonte, playing for Team USA, won the Gold Medal in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey tournament. He scored the game winning goal with just two and a half minutes left in the final against Team Canada.


“We are very excited to have Tony on board,” says Thayer Athletic Director Matt McGuirk. “His hockey background speaks for itself, but it is his passion for Thayer as an alumnus that will truly inspire all of the student-athletes who will play for him. Tony also comes from a great family with solid values that will be contagious to all those who play for him."


Amonte and his wife Laurie both graduated from Thayer Academy in 1989. They have deep South Shore roots as Amonte grew up in Hingham and the couple now resides in Norwell where they are raising four children.


In addition to his coaching duties Amonte will also assume other roles on campus, particularly in the Development Office.

Tony Amonte’s Coaching Highlights

AAA South Shore Kings (2007 – present)

Thayer Middle School A team (2009)

USA Hockey Level 4 Coaching Certification


Tony Amonte’s Hockey Highlights

Hockey East Second All-Star Team (1991)

NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team (1991)

1174 total NHL games played (17 years)

416 goals/ 900 total points

NHL All-Rookie Team (1992)

Played in NHL All-Star Game (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001)

Winter Olympic Games 1998, 2002 (silver medals)

USA Hockey Hall of Fame 2009


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Middle Schoolers Honored
6/11/2010

Recognition Day photos here

__________________

The end of something, of anything, is accompanied by a variety of conflicting emotions. Elation and sadness for achieving a milestone. Uncertainty and anticipation about the future. Pride for what was accomplished coupled with regret for chances not taken.

 

Those emotions and many more were on display as the 80 members of the Class of 2014, their parents and friends all gathered in the Center for the Arts for Recognition Day 2010.

 

The ceremony began with comments from Carmen Keller, the top scholar of the Class of 2014. She reminded those gathered that the successes eighth graders achieved during their Middle School years were due to a broad support network that included parents, teachers, coaches and their peers. Carmen went on to say, “The Thayer Academy community has taught us more than algebra and history; it has taught us how t make good choices, and has introduced skills that will be useful in our future education."

 

The next speaker, or one might say declaimer, captivated the audience with his seriousness, sentiment and singing. Yes singing. Twenty-six year veteran English teacher Mike Shea (originator of the Middle School Declamation) was chosen by the Class of 2014 as the guest speaker and as part of his speech, he sang a few acapella bars of a Billie Holiday song.

 

He also shared some very poignant thoughts about talent, using Billie Holiday and a Biblical parable as the backdrop from which to make his points. “Develop the talents you have been given,” said Mr. Shea. “Indeed, though shyness or fear or even humility may often inhibit us, it is our responsibility to strive to become as fully as we can that person we were designed to be. And, of course, the key here is to share! Indeed, a talent cannot fully exist until the talented one has made someone else its beneficiary. To experience the success that humbles you, the applause that brings you to your knees, or the victory that mellows you to gratitude: these are the moments we all wish for you. You know that the finest gift you can give any teacher is to use those very skills he or she has instilled in you; so, the finest expression of your gratitude to the One who has endowed you with gifts is to develop them. And be grateful for what you have, whatever it is. For, as one survivor of civil war has stated, “He who is without gratitude is without a soul.””

 

Classic Mr. Shea. Intelligent. Captivating. Touching. The standing ovation he received when he finished was well deserved.

 

Both Headmaster Ted Koskores and Middle School Director Carson Smith spoke as well. Mr. Smith shared a personal sentiment at the end of the ceremony. “I know that I will always remember you as my first 8th grade class as Middle School Director, and I thank you for welcoming me to Thayer,” he said. “You are tremendous ambassadors for the school, and your presence was very helpful to me in my transition. It’s been my great pleasure to get to know all of you, whether it was in class, on the football field, or simply in the hallways. You have been a great group with whom to spend this school year, and again, I wish you the best.”

 

In addition to the certificates awarded to the Class of 2014, other Middle School students were also recognized for various achievements ranging from athletic to scholarly to academic.

 

Recognition Day is aptly named. Middle Schoolers are honored for their various achievements as well as their growth during their pre-teen and early teen years by a group of faculty at staff at the Middle School who are not only talented and accomplished in their own right but outstanding, selfless teachers, role models and mentors.

 


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Reunion 2010
5/20/2010

See Reunion 2010 photos here.

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Spring is finally here. Thayer seniors are in the midst of their senior projects and preparing for graduation. Thayer sports teams are wrapping up the spring sports season, several with tremendous seuccess (a special congratulations to the Girls' Track Team and the Girls' Lacrosse Team for being ISL champs)

 

Spring also means Reunion!

 

Reunioin 2010 was just held recently on campus and it was good to welcome so many back to campus to reconnect with old friends and beloved faculty and staff.

 

There was something for everyone and alumni enjoyed socializing with old friends and getting reacquainted with the campus and some of the changes that have taken place over the past few years.

 

FRIDAY, MAY 21

The festivities began with registration on Friday, May 21 at 4 p.m.

 

The class of 1960, gathered on the steps of Main Building for their 50th Reunion photo! From there, a special reception and dinner was held for the Class of 1960 in the O’Toole Lobby of the Center for the Arts, hosted by Headmaster Ted Koskores ’70 and Karen Koskores ’10, ’13.

 

At 7 p.m. on Friday, the Hall of Fame dinner was held in the Cahall dining room. All alums were encouraged to join the celebration with the Hall of Fame members and new inductees.

The 2010 Hall of Fame Inductees are:

CHARLES DE SANTIS ’60

JAMES “RUSTY” MILLER ’85, P ‘10,’11, ‘14

LAWRENCE FITZPATRICK ‘75

SHANNON DOYLE TAYLOR ’90

GREGORY WILSON ‘80, P ‘06

CHRISTOPHER SULLIVAN ’95

LYNNE TORREY ‘80

DENIS CRONIN ’85

THE 1975 THAYER BOYS HOCKEY TEAM

 

SATURDAY, MAY 22

At 11:00 a.m. the traditional Alumni Memorial Service was held in the Thayer Academy Sculpture Garden (outside Southworth Library). Following the service, the Alumni Recognition lunch was held in Cahall dining room. Headmaster Koskores spoke about the current status of Thayer and what’s ahead for the Academy. Also, Alumni awards were presented to:

ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: DONNA M. AMBROSINO ’70, P ‘01,’10, ‘12

HUMANITARIAN AWARD: JOSEPH C. CROWLEY, JR. ‘55

LOYALTY AWARD: GREGORY P. DESCHENES ‘80, P ‘08,’09

SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO THE GOLDEN TIGERS

(CLASSES OF ‘45,‘50 &‘55)

 

Following lunch, class members gathered and socialized for several hours in Southworth Library. Water, coffee and snacks were available. In addition, tours of the campus were conducted and at 2 p.m. the student directed play was performed in the Center for the Arts.

 

At 5:30 p.m. a welcome reception was held for all alumni in the Center for the Arts O’Toole Lobby followed by a student choral concert in the Hale Theatre and then the gala Reunion celebration, consisting of dinner on the Main lawn underneath the tent and a scrumptious surf and turf buffet dinner.

 

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Golf Tournament A Success
5/12/2010

It was a cool, crisp early spring day. A perfect day for golf. Except for some light wind, which is always good when you’re golfing as it serves as a built in excuse for errant balls, missed shots, and flubbed putts.


On Monday, May 10th, the 16th Annual General’s Open Golf Tournament sponsored by Pastene was held on at the Black Rock Country Club in Hingham. The tournament serves as a benefit for both the Thayer Academy Parent and Alumni Associations. The money raised is used to fund programs and events for both of those organizations which in turn support various programmatic activities and endeavors for the Academy.


The nearly 100 golfers enjoyed friendly competition followed by a reception and an awards ceremony. This year’s winners received gift certificates to the Black Rock Country Club and, of course, bragging rights for full year!

There were many Hole-in-One prizes available including a car from Braintree Toyota and a free year of Thayer Tuition or $30,000 cash. The incentive was certainly there. The golf gods, however, were not smiling upon any of the 100 golfers. No one drove off in a new car or walked away with a pile of cash!

Participants in the tournament included current parents, board members and alumni. There were four alumni 4-somes at the tournament, each group consisting of alumni from the same year. The classes represented were '51, '66, '78, '86.


A special "Thank you" to the tournament sponsor:

The Pastene Foods Company

Mariann Cannon and Mark Tosi '76 P '10, '14;Chris Tosi '77


and to the General's Open Committee

Dan Budde P '10, '12--Chair

John Morey P '11, '13 --Chair

Jarrad Glennon '97 --Chair

Peter Fitzpatrick '80 P '12, '13, '16

Paul Kelleher P'02, '06

Doug Pinney '66


Results

1st place with score of 61

Frank Seymor P '14

Vin Ubertini P '12

Bob Kashian

Eric Roberts


2nd place with a score of 63

Eric Limont '73 P '13, '15

Bruce Humphrey P '01, '03, '07

Art Oswald P '08, '12

Dave Romano P '07, '12


3rd place with a score of 66

John Morey P '11, '13

Dan Budde P '10, '12

Jim Fererra '81, P '09, '12, '15, '16

Larry Burak P '08, '10


Alumni winning team

Doug Pinney '66

Bill McGrath '66, P'14

Chris Outchcunis '66

Richard Churchill '66


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Auction 2010 A Success
4/30/2010

The evening of April 24th was a beautiful, cool, crisp night. Perfect for a night out.

 

Nearly 240 friends of Thayer agreed, as they gathered on campus for the annual Auction.

 

Thayer wouldn’t be able to provide the teachers, programs, and facilities that are required to carry out its mission were it not for the additional measures of support so generously and regularly offered by Thayer’s parents, alumni and friends. The biennial Auction, in particular, marks a significant effort to help further the Academy’s mission and to celebrate the ties that bond us as a caring community. The Auction was made possible through the efforts of our Auction Co-Chairs, Connie Mouchati P ‘05, ‘07, ’11 and Michelle Cote P ’11, ‘13, ‘16, the many parent volunteers, and those who contributed items to the Auction. A big ‘thank you’ to all of them. In addition, a successful auction doesn’t happen without a good auctioneer and Thayer had one of the best in Jim Fagan. Also, Miss Massachusetts and Thayer alumna Amanda Kelly ’04, took part and good naturedly played the part of Vanna White during the live auction.

 

This year, there were 250 donated items up for bid in both the silent and live auctions and there were also 37 sponsors. Live items included a White House tour, Middle School Director for a Day, vacations at St. Bart’s, Loon Mountain, and Bermuda, Patriot’s and Reed Sox tickets, the ever popular ‘Homemade Cookies for Your College Student’ cooked by Marilyn Legg P’88, Sarah McNeilly and Sue Witt P’00 and a custom photo album by our own mike Clarke.

 

The $100,000 raised from this event will directly support two very important endeavors: the establishment of a Foreign Language Lab in the Upper School and the Academy’s Endowment.

 

The new Foreign Language Lab will be installed in the lower level of the Main Building and will include 18 Apple Macintosh based student stations and one instructor station networked by Northwestern University’s innovative DiLL (digital language lab) software. Each student workstation will be built into an individual carrel with noise cancelling headphones and microphones. This lab will enhance language students’ experience in many ways. For example, students can participate in pair or small group activities allowing the teacher to discreetly listen in and give individualized instruction. It will also allow students to have the opportunity to listen to or read material in the target language and record oral responses into the system. Importantly, this lab will also provide a pilot experience which we may emulate soon in the Middle School.

 

The other beneficiary of Auction proceeds is the endowment. As independent school families know, tuition and annual giving only sustain about 90% of the school’s operations. Earnings from the endowment make up the difference, and are vitally important in funding faculty professional development and providing financial aid to qualified students.

 

Headmaster Ted Koskores said, “Thayer is a wonderful community – made so by students with high aspirations, supportive parents, and caring and capable teachers. I thank you for your generous support during the Auction this year in helping us to achieve our goals and I look forward to working with you to enrich the opportunities available to our students.”

 



A Friezing Presentation by Middle Schoolers
4/27/2010
Founder’s Day.

 

It’s become an annual tradition at Thayer, as happens with so many activities and events at a school.

\

Each year, with the help of advisor and Middle School librarian Amy Sprung, the sixth graders put a tremendous amount of work into planning Founder's Day and making a presentation to the entire school. “At the beginning of the project, all we knew was that the presentation would focus on the copy of the Parthenon frieze in the Main Building,” said Amy Sprung. “The students asked question after question and relentlessly hunted down answers in order to narrow the focus of their topics. The students used primary and secondary sources and truly engaged with the material to come up with new insights. Starting with task definition and going all the way through figuring out the ideal way to present the information, they learned the research process in an authentic way. Additionally, they spent hours refining their presentation so that it would appeal to their audience.”

 

This year’s presentation include videos produced by the sixth graders, a debate and in a first for Founder’s Day, a game show, and a short play written and performed by the sixth graders.

 

An excerpt from the presentation follows:


Introduction by Grace Geraghty

Hello and welcome to the Founder’s Day celebration. Ms. Corey’s 6th grade class put together this presentation with the help of Ms. Sprung. We would like to share with you a little something that meant a lot to Anna Boynton Thompson and means a lot to the history of Thayer Academy. In the Main building, as you walk down the hall on your way to class, you may notice there is a copy of the Parthenon frieze to your right, to your left, all around you. But when you are walking, do you stop and really look at the beauty of the frieze? Does the frieze mean anything to you or is it just pictures on a wall? That’s why we are here: to tell you about the importance of this frieze. It meant something to Anna Boynton Thompson, so we hope the frieze means something to you as well. Without our middle school founder Anna Boynton Thompson and her interests we wouldn’t be getting the great education we are getting here today at Thayer Academy. We are here today to honor Thayer’s founders, including Anna Boynton Thompson, and to learn more about her contributions.

 

In planning for this presentation, our class split into four groups. Each group researched a different aspect of the Parthenon frieze. Our presentation today will consist of those four parts. In the first part you will see an episode of Investigation Nation where we find out the truth behind Anna Boynton Thompson getting a copy of the Parthenon Frieze for Thayer. In the second part we’ll travel back in time to visit Ancient Greece and witness the story that the frieze tells. In the third section you will hear a debate about the current issues surrounding where the original frieze should be located. And in the fourth and final part we’ll watch a game show filled with fun facts about the art and architecture of the Parthenon."

 

Preparing for Founder’s Day is really a Middle School team project. “So many of my Middle School colleagues shared their time and expertise with the group,” said Amy Sprung. “Sarah Corey spent hours working with her class on this project. Mike Shea and Carter Harrison helped out by giving great performances that helped generate even more enthusiasm among the kids. Andy Gibson stepped in to give some expert math consultations. It’s wonderful to see so many people who are so willing to share their time and talents.”

 


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