Monthly Musings
REVERENCE FOR GOD AND THE HUMAN PERSON
RESPECT FOR LEARNING AND ORDER
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SHARED EXPERIENCE OF COMMUNITY LIFE
This is the sixth in an ongoing series of informal communications with Portsmouth Abbey School's constituents. Current parents, alumni/ae, past parents and friends have all expressed an interest in hearing more about our school, more often. It is meant to be one element among a number of activities designed to keep you better informed about the School, the Monastery and our community.
Students Receive Top Distinction for Advanced Placement Scholarship: Maia Fedyszyn '03 was named the top female AP Scholar in the state of Rhode Island this year. She currently attends Dartmouth College. Matthew Papi '03, who is at MIT and visited with us at the Boston Reception, was named an AP Scholar with Distinction. Nicholas Micheletti (VI) also qualified as an AP Scholar. Matthew Findlay '03, now attending Cornell; John Lentini '03, now attending Brown; Samuel Quatromoni, now attending Holy Cross; and Andrés Valenzuela (VI) were all named AP Scholars with Distinction. Named AP Scholars with Honor were Neal Biddick '03, now attending Holy Cross; John Bryant (V); Andrew Crawford '03, now attending Brown University; Frances Curren '03, now attending Tufts University; Evan Piekara '03, now attending Connecticut College; and Kimberly Taylor (VI). Also qualifying for the AP Scholar Award were Clare Amirault (VI); Sofia Brown '03, now attending Fairfield University; Kellie DiPalma '03, now attending Brown University; Joan Lee, now attending Cooper Union; Alexander Noble (VI); Kyle O'Neill '03, now attending the Air Force Academy; and Brendan Rok '03, now attending the Naval Academy.
Delegation Attends Brown Model UN: History Department Head, Dr. Fred Zilian and 14 Portsmouth Abbey students, headed by Fifth Former Allie DeSisto, attended the Brown University Simulation of the United Nations from November 7th-9th. Other members of the delegation included Fifth Formers Willa McCafferty, Min Kwon Wang, and Colin O'Brien, and Fourth Formers Ben Quatromoni, Carolynn Taddei, Alex Leonard, Lisa Betz, Courtney Mitchell, Charles Klemmer, Conor Collins, Geoff Marano, Jesahel Cantarell-Cachoa, and Andrew Brainerd. These delegates, representing the countries of Afghanistan and Sierra Leone, sat on committees like those of the actual United Nations, such as UNESCO; Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural; Disarmament; and World Health. They addressed such issues as human trafficking, cloning, Palestine, and state-sponsored terrorism producing research, written papers, speeches and negotiations. For more information about Model UN please visit the official UNA website.
Parents Weekend Seminars
The History of This Place: Jim Garman, in his last year here (after 39 years), presented a brief history of the land. From commercial fishing and anthracite coal mining the land use shifted to farming in the 1700's. Jim told the story of the Battle of Rhode Island fought in 1778 from Cory's Lane to 'cross hill' and down onto what is now the fourth hole of the Carnegie Abbey Golf Course. The Freeborns owned the land from the 1650's. The Anthony family later owned the land. Amos Smith, a Providence financier built the Manor House and created a gentleman's farm in the 1860's, with the help of Richard Upjohn, the famed architect. Mr. Gardner Hall bought it in 1905, died in a trolley accident on East Main Road and his wife sold it to Dom Leonard Sargent in 1918. For more information about "The History of This Place," please contact Jim Garman at jgarman@portsmouthabbey.org.
Living the Benedictine Life: Dom Damian also shared his comments on the history of Benedictine life. He gave listeners a scan of the last 15 centuries of Benedictine history. Living in community (the original boarding schools of Europe), valuing reading, work, study and prayer, the Benedictines fostered the importance of family, order, authority, stability and the dignity of labor. They promoted hospitality and preserved the written and visual treasures of the millennia. Dom Damian highlighted how Portsmouth's monks have furthered those features of Benedictine life through the hospitality of Dom Leonard, the adaptation of the School horarium by Dom Hugh. Also mentioned were the artisitic and architectural influences of Dom Hilary, the environmental and liturgical arts influences of Dom Peter, the growth of the Monastic Library under Dom Alban, the calligraphy, art and athletic leadership of Dom Bede, the heraldry of Dom Wilfrid and the writings of Dom Aelred.
Dr. J. Stephen Clifford Addresses Parents: School Psychologist, Dr. J. Stephen Clifford discussed the issue of Adolescent/Parent Communication. Dr. Clifford explained that physical changes take place in adolescent brain chemistry, which affords teenagers the ability to think abstractly. He advised that parents not problem-solve continuously for their kids, but listen with their hearts so kids know parents are interested. Dr. Clifford assured parents that a little tension during the teenage years is natural, and that it eases the transition as children find their independence.
Third Annual Headmaster's Run: Nearly 250 students, faculty, and families participated in the 2.5 Mile Run on November 10th. This day marked the end of fall sports and gave members of the School community an opportunity to enjoy this recreational and spirited event. Congratulations to the winners and to all who participated in this community event. The final results were: First Male Student: Sean Galvin (IV), First Female Student: Claire Amirault (VI), First Male Faculty: Mr. John Platt, First Female Faculty: Mrs. Sonig Schiller 15:55 Male Dorm Winner: St. Hugh's 73% participation, and Female Dorm Winner: Manor House 75% participation. Please visit the School Life page of our website for more information and photos from this years Headmaster's Run.
Fall Sports Teams Complete Another Strong Season: The fall sports campaign was again successful as varsity football, boy's varsity soccer, and girl's varsity soccer all qualified for post-season play! Girls and boys cross-country teams both had 3rd place finishes in the SENE's, and finished 1st and 2nd, respectively, in the PCD Chowder Run. Field hockey looks to build from the fall season and will return many starters again next year. Stay tuned to the Athletics page of our website for upcoming winter scores and highlights.
Boston Reception draws a Crowd: The Algonquin Club was the site for the 2003 Boston Reception on November 10th. Seventy-five alumni, parents and friends joined hosts Dane and Joella Baird P'95 and Headmaster Jim DeVecchi for an enjoyable evening of Portsmouth fellowship. Included in Jim DeVecchi's remarks to the crowd were a progress report on the new Squash & Fitness Center, a rave review of The Abbey Players presentation of Antigone, and a mention of the scheduled spring performance by The Abbey Singers at the National Catholic Education Association conference in Boston. Host and Board of Regents member Dane Baird also entertained the audience with an impromptu auction of special items while thanking the assembly for their ongoing support of Portsmouth Abbey. Please visit the Alumni Events page of our website to view photos from the Boston Reception.
Courts, Cardio and Conversation: The floor plan of Portsmouth Abbey School's new Squash & Fitness Center (including 8 international squash courts, first class fitness area and inviting lobby) is clearly visible as progress on the building continues at a feverish pace entering the winter months. Please visit the Portsmouth Abbey website Photo Galleries to view the latest construction photographs. The School continues to require additional investors in this major project. If you are interested in learning more particularly concerning available naming opportunities such as the fitness center, individual squash courts, locker rooms, athletic offices and trophy cases, please contact Tony Klemmer '73 or Patrick Burke '86.
Admissions Open House another Huge Success: The unseasonably warm and beautiful weather provided an excellent backdrop for the Admissions Open House, held on November 1st. Over 120 prospective students and their families traveled to campus from Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey to tour the campus, golf course, and equestrian center. Families had the opportunity ask current students, parents, and alum about student life, and listen to faculty, students, and parents discuss the curriculum. For more information about Portsmouth Abbey School Admissions, please visit admissions.portsmouthabbey.org or email Geri Zilian.
30% Increase Drives Annual Fund Efforts: An ambitious, but achievable Annual Fund goal of $900,000 is the target for 2003-04. The objective equals a 30% increase over the $702,452 raised last year. Chairman John White '80 is spearheading the effort with strong backing from the Board of Regents. A component of this year's work is the introduction of new Recognition Societies including the Diman Circle ($25,000 or more), Sargent Society ($10,000 to $24,999), Abbot's Council ($5,000 to $9,999), 1926 Society ($1,926 to $4,999), Headmaster's Council ($1,000 to $1,925), Portsmouth Associates ($500 to $999) and Red & Black Society ($100 or more - classes up to 10th Reunion or $25 or more - college-aged classes). To make a secure on-line gift please visit the Giving page of our website.
News from the Monastery: The Downside Review has accepted for publication Dom Paschal Scotti's article "The Quadrangular Duel and the Critique of Religious Unbelief." He has contributed three articles ("Cardinal Manning" "Eric Gill" and "Agnosticism/Atheism") to an encyclopedia of Catholic social thought compiled by the Society of Catholic Social Scientists and Ave Maria University. For more "News from the Monastery" please visit the Benedictine Life page of our website.
Girls Ice Hockey Clinic on December 7th: NEW THIS YEAR!!! Instructed by Christa McDougall, Portsmouth Abbey School's Girls Ice Hockey Head Coach. Christa played ice hockey at Middlebury College for 4 years where she led the team to their first National Championship in 2000 and during her senior year, was selected to the National All-Star team Girls Ice Hockey Clinic. For more information please contact Christa McDougall at cmcdougall@portsmouthabbey.org.
Answer to October Musing's did you know... The passage below is inscribed in Latin on the doors of the Church of St. Gregory the Great, in Portsmouth RI.
So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2: 19-22
Did you know... The Ice Hockey Rink was built in 1976. Do you know the first team to ever skate on the ice? (Hint…it was not a PAS team)
If you have questions, comments or ideas, please contact Tony Klemmer tklemmer@portsmouthabbey.org or Jim De Vecchi jdevecchi@portsmouthabbey.org. We welcome the opportunity to communicate with you.
Tony Klemmer '73
Assistant Headmaster
Institutional Stewardship |
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Jim De Vecchi
Headmaster |
Visit our web site at: www.portsmouthabbey.org
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