Latin America Trip:  Deb and Jim DeVecchi, with Admissions Director Geri Zilian, spent a week in January on a productive and enjoyable visit to Latin America.  First stop on the trip was the Dominican Republic, where they were warmly welcomed by Liza and Felipe '79 Vicini (P, Felipe Ernesto '09) and enjoyed meeting with Nicole and Louis Bogaert (P, Nicole '10) and Anna Bonetti (P, Juan Gautreau '10).  The Vicinis hosted both a delightful dinner at their lovely home in Santo Domingo and a very successful School and Summer English Program reception, the latter of which was attended by approximately 20 families interested in hearing more about opportunities at Portsmouth Abbey School.  The DeVecchis and Mrs. Zilian also visited schools in Santo Domingo, hoping to continue already strong  relationships and create new ones.  Geri was extremely busy interviewing prospective students, so much so that she stayed in the Dominican Republic for several extra days while the DeVecchis headed off to El Salvador.

In San Salvador, the DeVecchis enjoyed the gracious hospitality of Carolina and Juan Wright (P, Johnny '02, Elena '06, Celina '08), who hosted a dinner for Abbey friends at their beautiful home.  Among those attending were Ricardo and Sally Kriete (P, Ricky '08) and former El Salvador President Francisco Flores and Mrs. Flores.  President Flores was the Abbey Commencement speaker for the Class of 2002.  A luncheon reception for Abbey alumni and friends was also arranged by the Wrights and the Krietes.  Among the attendees were former El Salvador President Alfredo Cristiani and his wife Margarita (P, Alex '89 and Javier '90).  The DeVecchis also toured the Eschola Americana, and Dr. De Vecchi interviewed several prospective Abbey families.  

This was a most productive and enjoyable trip, and the De Vecchis and Mrs. Zilian extend their thanks to all those who made their visits so pleasant and worthwhile. For photos of the trip, we invite you to visit our on-line photo galleries.

Admissions Report:  Admissions news this month centers around the success of the recently completed Latin America trip.  Admissions Director Geri Zilian accompanied Deb and Jim De Vecchi to the Dominican Republic, where she visited three schools:  Carol Morgan, St. Michael's, and St. George's.  Geri had so many families from these schools who were interested in learning more about the Abbey that she forwent her trip to El Salvador and remained in the Dominican Republic to speak with all of them.  We hope we will see some of these talented students here in Portsmouth next year for School, and this summer for our Summer English Program!

Important Dates for Admissions:  By the time this Monthly Musings has reached you, the January 31 deadline for 2007-8 School applications will have passed.  The great news is that applications "across the board" are up significantly, according to the Admissions Office.  Kudos to the Admissions team!

The next big weekend for Admissions is February 9-10, during which the School will host candidates for next year's Diman Scholarship.  The eight candidates for this prestigious award will be coming from around the country, including Michigan, Georgia, North Carolina and the New England area. Along with their parents, the candidates will be hosted at a dinner at Carnegie Abbey on Friday evening, then will be interviewed Saturday morning by the Diman Committee and will attend classes with Abbey students.  One of these candidates will be offered the Diman Scholarship in February.  Current Diman scholars are Lucas Zipp '07, Teddy Taylor '08 and Eloise Andry '10.

Patrick J. Burke '86 Appointed Assistant Headmaster at Portsmouth Abbey School:  Dr. De Vecchi has announced that Patrick J. Burke '86 has been appointed Assistant Headmaster for Development.  Patrick has served as Director of Development and Alumni Affairs at the Abbey since 1998, when he returned here after serving as a faculty member and Director of the Annual Fund at Loomis Chafee School.  Prior to that, Patrick had been at Portsmouth as Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Affairs from 1993-5 and had worked in the school's Development and Admissions offices. 

Under Patrick's direction, the Portsmouth Abbey School's Annual Fund has grown 105 percent in the past eight years, facilitating the construction of both the School's McGuire Fine Arts Center and the Healey Fitness & Gorman Squash Centers as well as the expansion of opportunities for both students and faculty alike.

"As Portsmouth Abbey School moves forward in pursuit of the very ambitious goals of our 2004 Strategic Plan, Patrick is uniquely qualified to lead our institutional advancement efforts," said Dr. De Vecchi.  "As an alumnus of Portsmouth and a veteran of many years' service to our School, Patrick has both the professional background, and knowledge of Portsmouth's constituency, to lead our advancement efforts during this very important period of the School's growth."

In his new role, Patrick will oversee all aspects of the School's fundraising activities and constituent relations and will work closely with Dr. De Vecchi on the planning, direction and implementation of the School's strategic and development plans.   

"Portsmouth Abbey is distinctive and occupies a unique position in the world of independent secondary schools," said Burke.  "I am privileged to work with a dedicated group of colleagues in support of the School's mission. The opportunity to communicate with Portsmouth's many alumni, parents and friends regarding the exciting events occurring on our campus is a pleasure. This position provides me the chance to assist in nurturing an institution in which I strongly believe."

A 1990 graduate of Franklin and Marshall College with a B.A. degree in history, Patrick lives in Portsmouth with his wife Kathleen, daughter Caitlin and son Aidan.  Congratulations, Patrick!

Girls' Dormitory Update:  Paul Jestings, Director of Operations and Project Manager for the new girls' dormitory, tells us that as of January 31, all site work has been completed until spring and the project is still right on schedule-an accomplishment in itself! Following is Paul's "check list" of things that have been completed in recent weeks:

• Rough-in plumbing for in the basement and common room bathroom is finished, and the cement floors in these areas have been poured.
• The first-floor framing is nearing completion and work is under way setting the steel and "I-joist" for the second floor.
• All drainage, sewer and water/ fire system mains are in.
• All PVC conduits for data, phone and fire have been installed.
• The building's new main electric feed and transformer has been installed and is now supplying the site with temporary power.
• Steel-beam fireproofing will be done on Feb. 1.
• A new underground LP gas tank will be set on Feb. 1 and will supply gas for temporary heat in the building when necessary.
• Sewer storms drains and perimeter French drains have been installed.

A second work crew will spend the next six weeks framing the building.  During that time, Paul work with the project engineers and architects in reviewing all contractors' plans for upcoming work as well as all control systems for the building. 

If you have not yet done so, be sure to take a look at the time-lapse Webcam that shows minute-by-minute progress of the dorm construction.  A picture is taken once a minute from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. You can look at the dorm construction progress from the beginning to today, either in video or still photography! Click here for the link to the Webcam.

Raffle to Benefit Appalachia Service Project:  Abbey students who will be participating in this year's Appalachia Service Project are holding a raffle to raise much-needed funds to help pay for the cost of the trip.  The Appalachia Service Project takes place during March break each year when Abbey students, faculty and current parents continue the School tradition of service in the impoverished Appalachian region by helping to rebuild and renovate homes. The theme of this year's project is "From Our Hearts, Through Our Lives." Twenty-three students, along with several faculty and parents as chaperones, will be going to West Virginia.

Raffle tickets cost $10.00 for one ticket, and three for $25.00.  Tickets may be purchased at any Abbey home varsity sports event through the end of February, at the Bookstore, or by emailing the group's student leaders, Ryan DaPonte '07 (ryan_daponte@portsmouthabbey.org) or Anna Buckley '07 (anna_buckley@portsmouthabbey.org).  Raffle prizes will include: a foursome of golf at the Carnegie Abbey Club; a weekend at a New Hampshire ski house; $100 gift certificates to Brick Alley Pub in Newport, RI, and The Lobster Pot in Bristol, RI; and a $40 gift certificate to the School Bookstore.  The drawing will be held at the beginning of March.  Please support this most worthwhile School outreach activity by purchasing a raffle ticket! 

(Please Note:  Two chaperones are still needed for the March 11-17 trip--so if you are a current parent and would like to accompany the students on this gratifying community service project, please contact Clarence Chenoweth, Dean of Students.) 

School Community Remembers Martin Luther King, Jr.:  The Portsmouth Abbey School community remembered the late Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., on Monday, January 15, with a special assembly held in the School Auditorium.  In honor of the Nobel Peace Prize winner and slain U.S. civil rights leader -- on what would have been his 78th birthday -- students sang songs in tribute to Dr. King and took turns reciting excerpts from his famed "Letter from a Birmingham Jail," a manifesto of the Negro movement, that reflected Dr. King's determined, yet nonviolent, efforts to bring about equality for all races.  While students spoke, videotape was shown that recounted the trying and turbulent times during the 1955-6 Montgomery Bus Boycott as well as the peaceful march in Washington, D.C., when King gave his now-famous "I Have A Dream" speech before 250,000 supporters at the Lincoln Memorial.

The special assembly was a C.A.A.P. (Cultural Awareness at Portsmouth) presentation, created and directed by Abbey students Adaobi Ibida '07 and Ryana Barbosa '07.   Ryana reminded everyone present why school was held on a day that many take as a holiday:  "If we cancelled school, no one would understand or appreciate what Martin Luther King did for our country...you are here today out of respect for a man who believed he could make a difference to better himself and his people, and that all started with a dream.  I think that dream deserves some of our time."  Adaobi recalled King's recognition as the Time magazine "Man of the Year" in 1964, the first black to be accorded the honor, and spoke of the widespread resistance that initially met with the idea of a national holiday for King.  King was assassinated on April 4, 1968. 

Participants (performers and stage crew) in the special MLK Assembly also included: Horace Allen '09, Cilla Benkhart '07, Jenna Costa '08, Jaimie Crawl '08, Beneva Davies '09, Victor Ferrero '09, Jaleesa Freeman '08, Catherine Hart '07, Bryna Hautau '07, Ana Lopez '10, Erica Mawabi '09, Maddy Merrill '07, Nassemah Mohamed '08, Chidozie Onyiuke '10, Katherine Pereira '08, Chantra Pimolwatana '07, Nyasia Porter '10, and Chessy Wladyka '07.  View photos of the special MLK Assembly.

New Faces:  The New Year marks the arrival of two new faces among the administration and two returning members of the Portsmouth Abbey community as faculty members.  Malcolm B. O'Malley '62 and James P. MacGuire '70 have joined the Office of Development & Alumni Affairs.  Malcolm has joined us as Associate Director of Development & Alumni Affairs.  He is a 1962 graduate of Portsmouth Priory and holds an A.B. in Art History from Hamilton College and a M.A. in Higher Education Administration from Syracuse University.  Malcolm was previously Executive Director of the ViaHealth of Wayne Foundation in Newark, NY.  He will be responsible for day-to-day management of all non-capital campaign development activities. He resides in Portsmouth.  Jamie has joined the School as Senior Development Officer. Jamie is the father of Pierce '09, and is a 1970 graduate of Portsmouth Abbey.  A resident of New York City, he holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Johns Hopkins University.  Most recently Jamie was a consultant with Interfit Health in New York, NY.  He has extensive connections to Portsmouth including his father (Class of '36), four brothers (Classes of '60, '61, '65 and '73) and numerous other relatives who are alumni.  Jamie will work closely with Jim De Vecchi, Patrick Burke and Anna Jones to expand the capital gifts program.  Additionally, he will help to oversee the School's foundation support program. He will spend a week each month at Portsmouth, but most of his time will be spent on the road, calling on alumni, parents and friends around the country. 

In the Administration building, we welcome Andrea Raposa and Robin Cote.  Andrea has joined the Operations Department in a part-time capacity, working closely with Paul Jestings and Kathy Shorey.  "Andy," who is married with two boys, loves the ocean and lives in Tiverton, RI, has previously done contract work for the Department of Defense.  She has already proven herself to be a tremendous asset to the office, re-organizing the department's filing system, developing a yearly tracking/reminder calendar for the maintenance staff, assisting with day-to-day activities, and-perhaps most important-she is helping keep the ever-busy Paul Jestings organized!  Robin Cote has joined the College Counseling and Student Life Offices.  Robin works part-time assisting both offices.  She is married with two children and lives in Tiverton.

Annual Fund Reminder:  Just five months remain to make your 2006-7 Annual Fund donation!  Your participation is vital to our success in reaching our 2006-7 Annual Fund goal of $1,300,000.  If you have not already made your tax-deductible donation, please click here to make your online gift today.  Thank you to everyone who has already made a gift to the 2006-7 Annual Fund.  Your support and generosity are greatly appreciated.

Calling All College Applicants!  The College Counseling Office will host the annual Fifth Form College Seminar for students and parents February 9 and 10.  The program will begin at 6:00 pm on Friday with a dinner for students and parents.  At 6:45 pm, parents will move to the auditorium to become part of a mock admissions committee.  They will read, evaluate, debate and ultimately make admissions decisions for the five applications they will read.  Fifth Form students will participate in a similar program on May 10. 

Saturday morning our guest speaker will be Daniel Saracino, vice president for enrollment at the University of Notre Dame.  We are thrilled that Mr. Saracino is able to join us and know that he will have volumes of helpful and wise information for our students and parents.  At 8:30 am, before the program on Saturday morning, parents can attend a demonstration of the Family Connection portion of Naviance, the Web-based software used by Portsmouth Abbey as a tool in the college search and application process. 

The World of Portsmouth Abbey - Saturday, February 10 - is right around the corner!  The auction is upon us!  We still have tickets available, and the items are dynamite!  Please take a minute to browse through the auction items here.  We are taking proxy bids, so even if you can't be with us that evening, you can still bid.  You may make an on-line reservation, too, or email Fran Cook (fcook@portsmouthabbey.org).  All Aboard!

Abbey Alum Shares Experiences in Irish History Lecture:  On January 4, Matt Hunt '05 spoke with Bowen Smith's Irish History Seminar about his experiences in the Irish Studies program at Boston College. Matt related how his long fascination with the story of Ireland's struggle for independence from the British Empire has led him into summer immersions in Gaeilge in Donegal and into what he hopes will be a junior year at Queen's University in Belfast studying the tumultuous history of the six-county British statelet in the North.

Matt also provided candid answers to the Seminar's questions concerning the real nature of university life: Abbey graduates should find themselves better prepared than most of their new classmates, he predicted. But finding a small circle of scholars who share a common fascination will really determine the quality of their experience.

Dr. Fred Zilian to Perform One-Man Play, "Honest Abe," at Newport's Redwood Library:  Dr. Fred Zilian, History Department Head and International Student Advisor, will perform a one-man play, "Honest Abe," at Newport's Redwood Library on Thursday, February 15, at 7:00 pm.  There will be no admission charge and the public is welcome.

The performance, which Dr. Zilian wrote in 1997 and has performed several times, will take place for the first time off the Abbey campus.  This year, Dr. Zilian has been asked to present the play at the historic Redwood Library and Athenaeum, the oldest lending library in the country and the country's oldest library in continuous use.  The six-act play takes the audience from September 1862, when Lincoln is struggling with the issue of emancipation, until his death in April 1865.  The performance will run approximately 45 minutes and will be followed by a Q&A between Dr. Zilian and the audience.  Dr. Zilian will perform the play with the help of several Abbey students.

Dr. Zilian indicated that it was no surprise to him that in a list of "The 100 Most Influential Americans" recently published in The Atlantic Monthly, a team of historians placed Lincoln at the top.

Upcoming Alumni Events - Portsmouth Abbey on the Road in Florida:  Dr. Jim and Deb De Vecchi, Fr. Damian Kearney '45, Pat Hewett '00 and Polly Carter from the Alumni and Development Office will be making stops in Naples, Miami Beach, Palm Beach and Vero Beach during the month of March.  If you live, vacation or go to school in Florida, please make sure that the Alumni and Development Office has your Florida address.  Email Fran Cook (fcook@portsmouthabbey.org) with your current information.  Upcoming dates and times:  Sunday, March 11, 12:00 noon, Naples Brunch, Baleen Restaurant, La Playa Resort; Tuesday, March 13, 7:00 pm, Miami Young Alumni Reception, Lucky Strike Lanes;  Wednesday, March 14, 6:00 pm, Vero Beach Reception, at the home of James '79 and Susan Mulholland.

Winter '07 Bulletin Alert:  Be on the Lookout for the Winter 2007 Bulletin, which will be in the mail shortly. This winter's Bulletin features residential life at Portsmouth Abbey and is packed with stories, anecdotes, photos and memories of life on campus, both past and present.  Be sure to check it out, and give us your feedback.

Answer to December Question: Since Portsmouth Abbey's Clothe-a-Child program began in 1990, how many children have been clothed and how much money has been raised?  Answer:  Since 1990, through the efforts of the Portsmouth Abbey community, 1,102 needy children have been clothed and $45,802.18 has been raised.

January Question:  In what year did Portsmouth Priory institute the Portsmouth Chapter of the Cum Laude Society, the national honor society?  Please email your answers to: communications@portsmouthabbey.org.