NFA World

by Geoff Serra

 

A Wildcat hand of applause to staff, those many people behind the scenes who contribute so greatly to the NFA community and who are often unrecognized. Two, however, nominated by Director of Student Services, Teri Bruce, were winners last month in a local radio contest. Nancy Wilcox and Shirley Kutia, student services administrative assistants, were honored for their consistent efforts above and beyond. Radio station personnel presented them with 106 roses and a gift certificate in a surprise delivery.

 

The NFA Parent Council is still seeking volunteers to supervise the senior post prom party. Please contact Ernie Marvin, President of the Parent Council, at ernestmarvin@yahoo.com to volunteer for the event, June 6, after the senior prom. A mandatory meeting will be held 7p.m., June 5, in room 6109 in the Library.

 

Also a reminder that senior examinations begin on June 4, and underclass examinations begin June 10. For a complete schedule check the NFA Website. In addition, click the ”Class of 2008 Graduation Information” icon on the Website for times and dates of all senior activities.

 

Information about summer school for NFA students and Norwich residents is also available on the Website. Students are encouraged to consult their guidance counselor or Mr. Sheldon, Summer School Director.

 

The roof of Norton Gym vibrated May 23, as English teacher, Patrick Kirker’s Musician's Club and Director, Jodi Vera’s Project Outreach hosted the Battle of the Bands from 7-10 p.m. Attracting a crowd of over 230, the concert featured ten bands offering a mix of acoustic, jazz, and heavier music. A great show for a great cause, the event raised $2,000 to benefit NFA students who lost their homes in the Peachtree fires.

Musical Director Eileen Lenehan’s vocal music program invites the public for a night of music and fun at the final choral concert of the year, 7 p.m., June 4, in Slater Auditorium. The free concert will include music from ABBA, the Beatles, Broadway, Doo-Wop, and even old TV Classics. The concert will also be the last for seniors Molly Brown, Megan Coon, Tiffany Costner, Vanessa Cotton, Peter Gamble, Jasmine Harris, Rachel Trzesniowski, and Angela Turner.

 

Wildcat congratulations go to NFA’s fourth quarter Topcat, lower Rashedul Haydar, who was nominated by his peers, lowers Chelsea Evans and Ashley Walenta. Although English is not Haydar’s native tongue, he excels in English 2. He is number 3 in a class of 622, manages to be a member of the indoor track and tennis teams, and is lower class vice-president. Haydar is recognized for his active participation in class, his kindness and courtesy to all, and his willingness to help.

 

On May 15, ninth grade Sigma Unit honored junior Paige Sylvestre with the Larry Pontbriant Memorial Award recognizing a student from the unit who embodies the qualities Larry exemplified – hard work, determination, academic excellence, athletic involvement, and most importantly, strength of character. Larry’ mom was present for the ceremony.

 

Sigma Unit also took 82 students to Boston’s New England Aquarium, to the IMAX Theater to view “Sea Monsters,” followed by a trip to Quincy Market. Despite a bus break down on the return trip, students had a Wildcat good time.

 

On May 19, 48 Alpha Unit students traveled to Boston for sightseeing Duck Tours on board an authentic, renovated World War II vehicles that travel on land and in water. Students viewed the Boston Public Garden, Beacon Hill, the State House, the Old North Church, and the burial grounds of Samuel Adams. Once the vehicle splashed into the Charles River, a number of students took turns driving under the Longfellow Bridge.

 

After lunch, students were off to 5-Wits Tomb, a simulated adventure with exciting special effects, which encourages the development of team building skills. Students seek the truth behind the missing professor and the lost Pharaoh. In small groups, students with a guide and only flashlights in hand enter the dark tomb to encounter the awakened spirit of the Pharaoh. Students worked together to solve puzzles including repeating a musical pattern, rearranging pyramids with strict rules, uncovering a secret code, and testing courage.

 

On May 22, advisor and World Language teacher Maria Civano’s Successful Hispanic Alliance held its second minority leadership conference for ninth graders. The conference focused upon gaps in the academic achievement of minority students. The day included remarks from Head of School Mark Cohan, lessons from History teacher Henry Laudone about the importance of perspective and personal and ethnic history, and activities to build trust and collaboration.

 

NFA teacher of the year and Science Department member, Heather Botelle discussed the relationship between student achievement and factors like teacher qualification and high expectations of parents and teachers. History teacher Karen Diaz and Science teacher Seth Yarish conducted follow up round-table sessions.

 

To the music of Disc Jockey DJ 007, approximately 320 students in semi-formal attire danced the night away at the upper prom, May 17, in Alumni Gym. The court was chosen from candidates Caroline Blanchard, Alexis Gardener, Ashlyn Gomes, Lauren LePage, Ronnie Floyd, Nicholas Korenkiewicz, Dominic Leone, and Stephan Marvin. Caroline Blanchard Queen was crowned Queen and Nicholas Korenkiewicz was crowned King.

 

The Class of 2009 is extending an opportunity for family and friends to recognize a graduating senior. As a fundraiser, the class is selling roses to be distributed at graduation rehearsal June 10th. A special gift for a senior, each rose, with an attached personal message, costs $2.00. If interested contact advisor Diane Leone at 425-5652 or at leoned@norwichfreeacademy.com.

 

Reflect upon Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s words from The Little Prince: “You are responsible, forever, for what you have tamed. You are responsible for your rose.”

 

See you next week in NFA World…until then direct your comments or questions to serrag@norwichfreeacademy.com.