NFA World
by Geoff Serra
Class of 2008, Coronation Class Superlatives: Class Musicians: Kyle Guertin and Ashley Deveny; Class Artists: Myles Luboff and Katie Hoyt; Most Valuable to the Class; Brenner Green and Grace Collins; Class Singers: Vanessa Cotton and Peter Gamble.
It is often said that at the heart and soul of every good library, is a librarian. During National Library Week we send a Wildcat nod of tribute to the folks at Land Library. Director Chuck Lynch, Assistant Director Katherine Wright, and Research Assistant Pamela Gagnon, Circulation Assistants Marcia Reese and Marie Joly, and Secretary (and NFA Staff Person of the Year) Helen Woronik are ever busy serving the information needs of the students, faculty and the larger community.
Land Library will be open during Spring Break, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 15 and 17.
NFA’s Individual and Family Development course, in the Consumer and Family Science Department, awards college credit through the University of Connecticut’s Early College Enrollment program. On April 2, instructor Janet Gilette’s students participated in the third annual College Career Pathways Conference at UConn and for a second year walked away with awards. Wildcat kudos go to seniors Jay-Lynn Roberts, Jessica Jordan, and Danielle Henderson whose project and presentation about peer pressure won in the adolescent division. Students presenting worthy projects in other divisions were Tina Brosan, Casie Derosier, Mercedes Inglesby, Kelly King, Joseph MacDougall, Nicole McDermott, Megan Obrien, and Mollee Spellman. A special Wildcat high five to Meagan Obrien who won the UConn trivia contest.
Sixty-nine members of Dan MacDonald’s NFA Marching and Concert Bands packed their uniforms, instruments, bathing suits, and sunglasses and, with 12 adults in tow, left April 10 for Florida. On April 13 at 10 a.m. the Marching Band will perform in the daily parade extravaganza on Main Street USA in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. In the afternoon, the Concert Band will perform in Tomorrowland’s Galaxy Palace Theater. There’s no telling what will happen when Mickey Mouse meets the Wildcats.
"You know, sometimes we think we have it bad, but really a lot of people have it a lot worse than we do, “ says ninth grader Samantha Knowles, NFA’s third quarter Top Cat Award winner. Despite her many physical challenges, Samantha has become an inspiration to all on campus. Her teacher, Katie Beit, says, “We all learn a great deal from this slight young lady…. She has understanding and compassion well beyond her years.” Wildcat congratulations, Sam.
For 18 years, Vito Tallarita, an Aramark employee for 38 years, has been NFA Food Service Director. Vito ushered NFA food service from cafeteria to food court. In addition to feeding daily hoards of students, with his leadership and culinary expertise, he catered NFA affairs from alumni gatherings, receptions for visiting dignitaries, to fundraising events. He continued NFA’s traditional “one and one half grilled cheese sandwich” lunches and chocolate chip cookies that could cure the worst of days. Tallarta, also, has been both a personal volunteer at and a corporate donor to the Academy.
On April 6, about 90 family, friends, and business associates, including about 30 NFA folks, gathered at Westbrook’s Water’s Edge for an emotional surprise retirement celebration. Rich Rand, NFA’s Chief Financial Officer, joined Vito’s daughters, his sister, Aramark officials, and Bruce Fontaine, NFA cafeteria worker, in praising Tallarita. Rand said, “Honor, trust, and respect are the qualities of a true gentleman, and Vito is a true gentleman.” Rand continued, “Vito has been more than a business partner; he’s a member of the NFA Family.”
On campus, Vito was honored at a reception on April 11, in the Ensemble Room of the Frank Center.
A Wildcat welcome to Bill Urban of Armark who has assumed the position of NFA Food Service Director.
Carline Lutynski of Breast Cancer Programs for Del Function, Inc., notes that the work of seniors Nathan Mathieu, Sherie Penaflor, Cameron Steward, and Jacqueline Stabach will be displayed at the Breast Cancer Foundation Memorial, “Sail of the Valiant,” 7 p.m. April 14th, Norwich City Hall, Room 335. The Community Design class, a new course, partners students with community clients to provide real life experience combining creative, interpersonal, social & verbal communication skills to meet a specific client outcome. Alysha Carmody is the instructor and tells us students are always seeking new clients.
In her poem “Spring” American poet and Nobel Prize winner Edna St. Vincent Millay asks, "To what purpose, April, do you return again?" The answer according to the Academy of American Poets is for a celebration of National Poetry Month. The NFA English Department invites you to participate in the celebration the first national “Poem In Your Pocket Day.” The idea is simple: select a poem you love then carry it with you to share with co-workers, family, and friends on April 17. What a great way to acknowledge the life of poetry.
April 12- 20th is Spring Break. Except for Allis House and the Slater Museum, most other buildings on campus will be closed. Campus safety personnel will be on campus.
In celebration of National Library Week, we recall influential American 20th writer Ray Bradbury’s sentiment: “There's no use going to school unless your final destination is the library.”
See you next week in NFA World….until then direct your comments or questions to serrag@norwichfreeacademy.com.
|
