MUSINGS
October 2017
Musings is a monthly e-newsletter sent to Portsmouth Abbey parents, alumni and friends that contains informal news designed to keep you better informed about the School, the Monastery and our community. For day-to-day news about School and Monastery events, activities and "goings-on," we invite you to visit the News section of our School Web site. Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest. Thank you.
Haney Fellowship Recipient Emma Stowe '18 (fourth from left) with her class in Nepal
Thomas Brant '18 coaching in Chelsea, MA
Mary Beth Falvey '18 worked as a tutor in the Navajo Nation
Katherine Wang '18 with her team in Cambodia
Kitty Zhao '18 with Organization members in Boston
Haney Fellowship Recipients Share Experiences
The Haney Fellowship was established in 1998 by William "Bill" Haney, III '80, in honor of his father, the late William Haney, Jr., who lived and worked at Portsmouth Abbey School from 1968 to 1991 as a chemistry teacher, houseparent and golf coach. This creative and generous fund was established to provide Fifth-form students with a unique educational experience during the summer before their Sixth-form year.
Students submit proposals that include a statement of purpose, a description of the program that the applicant wishes to pursue, and a documented estimate of costs. Students focus their plans on a course of study or travel/work experience that significantly furthers an existing academic interest or allows for the pursuit of a specialized opportunity. Awarded on the basis of their submitted proposals and interviews in the fall of the students' Fifth-form year, the Haney Fellows are chosen by a committee chaired by the Headmaster with input from Bill Haney and his mother, Irene, herself a longtime Portsmouth houseparent.
Five students earned fellowships this year, taking them to places such as Nepal, Cambodia, and Navajo Nation.
Thomas Brant (Marblehead, MA) - organized and coached an under-11 Little League team in Chelsea, MA, and in the Dominican Republic, through a baseball program sponsored by the Red Sox in the Dominican Republic.
Mary Beth Falvey (Plaistow, NH) - Worked at Four Corners Home for Children in the Navajo Nation, as a tutor, houseparent, and more.
Emma Stowe (Portsmouth, RI) - Taught English, computer skills, and other activities in Kathmandu, Nepal, through Go Eco.
Zhiyun "Katherine" Wang (Beijing, China) - Worked with Cambodian Community Dream Organization to improve conditions in villages near Siem Reap.
Jia "Kitty" Zhao (Shanghai, China) - Volunteered at the Asian American Civic Association in Boston to help families.
All reports from this year's recipients, as well as those from years past, can be found on the enrichment page of the School website.
The Ali Sacco '05 Internship Recipient: Sydell Bonin '18
The Ali Sacco '05 Internship award was established by Children's Hospital in Boston in memory of Ali's spirit of curiosity, enthusiasm, and generosity. Ali died in December of 2003 during her Fifth-form year at Portsmouth Abbey; she would have graduated with the Class of 2005. The recipient of this award is chosen each year based on academic accomplishments and outstanding personal qualities.
Sydell Bonin '18 spent two weeks shadowing physicians and medical staff in the Department of Cardiology at Children's Hospital. Read her report on our website.
(L to R) Grace Costa, Jessica Yang, Scarlett Shin, Travis Chiu, Carlos Castillo, and Katherine Wang
(L to R) Abbey Luth, Jill McRoy, Dan Sliney, Adam Suh, Ryan Costa, and Maria Maldonado
International Student Leaders
Congratulations to our International Student Leaders, who serve as mentors and ambassadors of their home countries while at the Abbey. These Sixth Formers also help to put on events such as the International Student Dinner and International Food night.
2017 Red Key Heads
The Red Key Society is our student tour guide organization. Students help new Third Formers and their families during move-in weekend and also assist with tours for prospective students. Red Key Heads, all Sixth Formers, lead the organization and have been chosen for their school spirit and academic record, among other attributes.
Read more about our Red Key heads on our website.
Alumnus Nick Hunt '10 Helps Students Lift Their Way to the Top
Since his graduation from Portsmouth Abbey in 2010, Nick has never felt like he truly left the Abbey. He would come back often to work out in the Fitness Center, even while attending URI. It always felt like coming home: to see the coaches he played for, to chat with Athletic Director Al Brown, and to put on music and lift - it was a routine that suited him.
After his graduation, Nick approached Coach Brown to see if he could help out in the gym in any way. He was working at Barrington High School in their weight room, guiding students and instructing on proper lifting technique and safety. But to do that for the Abbey would be different. "I feel at home here. There's something more special about it - a deeper connection to the students and to the work," Nick says. Al thought that both athletes and those attending the gym on their own could benefit from extra assistance, and so Nick arrived back at the Abbey as a part-time employee.
He works in the Fitness Center each weeknight from 4:30-6:30pm, serving as a guide for those who are unsure and as a motivator for those who are routinely lifting. "The culture here is something special," he says. "Everyone builds each other up and motivates each other to do the best he or she can."
While at the Abbey, Nick played football and lacrosse, but always felt more at home in the weight room. It was his experience in the Fitness Center that prompted him to learn more about the sciences and led to his eventual major in exercise science at URI.
Nick is available to all Abbey students and employees - whether they are participating in a team sport or not. "It's not just for those hard-core athletes," he says. "Everyone can benefit from strength workouts at any level."
Next time you're in the gym, pop in to say hello to Nick - and ask for a pointer or two!
Maria Maldonado '18 Recounts Egyptian Revolution
In early October, the Human Rights Club invited Sixth Former Maria Maldonado to speak about her first-hand experience with the Egyptian Revolution while living in Egypt.
Her harrowing tale, including an escape in a bulletproof van, leaving behind everything that couldn't fit into a single small suitcase, can be found on our website.
Marine Biology Journeys to Woods Hole for Hands-on Learning
On a sunny day in September, Mr. Shane McCarthy took his Marine & Environmental Science class to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the world's leading, independent, non-profit organization dedicated to ocean research, exploration, and education.
The group did a little of everything, from testing acoustics on a boat to catching sea animals and using technology to observe aquatic life.
"The trip was really fascinating," Sixth Former Emily Byrne says. "My favorite part was getting to see the engineering labs where they were innovating some pretty complex technology. It was crazy to see the future being created right before our eyes!"
This annual trip is important for Abbey students because it underscores the importance of the health of our oceans. The science department at Portsmouth Abbey believes that science should be experienced, and the trip to Woods Hole is one of many ways students are benefiting from hands-on education.
View a slideshow of the trip on our website.
October Trivia Challenge
Seven teams of Portsmouth Abbey's finest minds converged on the RLH on Sunday, October 1, in order to battle for trivia supremacy. This was the first trivia bowl of the year hosted by Mr. Micheletti and it was a thrilling competition from beginning to end! The students answered questions spanning a vast range of culture and subject matter. From song lyrics and literature to geography and chemistry, the young contestants demonstrated a wide berth of knowledge. Only one team knew the name of the little girl in The Cat in the Hat (Sally), and most were stumped by which element comes last alphabetically (It's not Zinc!). But nearly all nailed questions concerning history and movies.
It was only a two-point game going into the final question with Mean Machine striving to hold off The Democratic People's Republic of Trivia. But Mean Machine, composed of Zack Bartley, Alex Castellanos, Alex Wei, and Chris Zaiser managed to hold on to the victory. It was a great afternoon and there will be more contests to come!
Dress Down Day Nets $1,700 for Puerto Rico
Abbot Elias Lorenzo, O.S.B., asked that the network of Benedictine schools in BENET North America address the urgent need for financial support of Santa Escolasatica and Colegio San Benito, operated by Benedictine sisters, and the school operated by the monks at Abadia de San Antonio Abad. Because of the force of Hurricane Maria, much of the infrastructure at these schools has been damaged. In response, Abbot Elias appealed to the monasteries in the United States for financial support from us, as Benedictine confreres, in response to the three schools' needs.
Portsmouth Abbey joined 16 other Benedictine schools in the United States to support this effort. The goal was set at a total of $3.00 per student, but many people gave extra to help this very important effort.
Typical dress-down days earn around $500-$600. This dress-down day had a goal set for $1,200, but the Ravens far surpassed that: $1,700 was given to support our fellow Benedictine schools in Puerto Rico! These contributions will go to direct assistance for the schools. Thank you all for your support.
Dr. Anthony Esolen with Mr. Chris Fisher, executive director of the Portsmouth Institute
2017 Dom Luke Childs Lecture: Dante and a Human Education
Dr. Anthony Esolen visited Portsmouth Abbey School to discuss Dante, education, and humanity. Dr. Esolen is a noted scholar, translator, professor, and social commentator. He is the editor and translator of several epic poems, including the three volumes of Dante's Divine Comedy. He is also the author of many books, including Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child, Reflections on the Christian Life, Reclaiming Catholic Social Teaching and most recently, Out of the Ashes.
Dr. Esolen gave an engaging lecture, weaving in the lessons of Dante with real-life lessons about love and humanity. He encouraged students to seek an education of and about love, and to find professors who love what they do and what they study. "This is a world of ambition and money," Dr. Esolen said. "You were made for higher things. Don't do what Dante did."
Portsmouth Abbey Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Final Fatima Appearance with Candlelight Vigil
On October 13, the entire Abbey community gathered for a candlelight procession and Benediction in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the final Fatima appearance. Our Lady's appearance to three young children, and her miraculous and documented apparition to a crowd of thousands on October 13, 1917, the "Miracle of the Sun," have had an enduring impact on the Catholic Church over the past century.
Parent Update
On a stunning October weekend, hundreds of family members energized the Portsmouth Abbey School campus at our 2017 Parents' Weekend. The enthusiasm of our teachers, students and parents was as bright as the autumn foliage. Our Parents' Association Chairs, Chris and Deb Falvey, parents of Mary '18 and Ted '20, warmly greeted parents at the Thursday evening parent reception. Throughout the weekend, they encouraged parents to get involved in the School and to show their commitment to the value of an Abbey education by supporting this year's Annual Fund during Parent Participation Month. Our Form Chairs did a fantastic job representing their forms by attending the Parent Luncheon, greeting fellow parents at the Parents' Association hospitality tents, and inviting parents to learn more about the opportunities to volunteer throughout the year. Feedback from parents is always appreciated and can only make next year's event even better – click here to send along comments and ideas!
The second edition of the Parents' Association newsletter, "Communitas," was published this month and the Chairs hope you are finding this communication useful. Please note, if you would like the names of your loved ones added to those remembered in prayer by the monks of Portsmouth Abbey at the Mass of Remembrance, please let us know. The mass will be Thursday, November 2 – All Soul's Day, not All Saint's Day as previously noted in the newsletter. The next edition of the newsletter is coming out in November and will cover what to expect at the end of the Fall Term and looking ahead to Winter Term.
Lastly, the Christmas Open House is the Parents' Association's next event – MARK YOUR CALENDARS for Thursday, December 14. For more information or to sign-up to help stock the shelves, please contact Meghan Fonts at 401-643-1246.
Stay connected and engaged by reading Communitas and visiting the Parent Portal.
Annual Fund Update
The 2017-18 Annual Fund is off to the strongest start in the School's history! To date, we have raised $564,417 from 72 donors and are on our way to reaching our $1.7M goal from 1,600 donors by June 30, 2018. Please help us continue our momentum and consider making your Annual Fund gift or pledge today!
Parents have played an especially critical role in our strong start and are continuing to make an impact as part of October's Parent Participation Month. We are currently at 49.7% parent participation, but we need your help to reach our goals of at least 55% participation by October 31 and 75% participation by June 30. If you have not already had the opportunity to do so, please make a gift or pledge before the end of the month.
As a special challenge, the Parents' Association leadership will contribute an additional $10,000 if parents reach a minimum of 55% participation by October 31. Be sure to check out how your Form is doing in the graph below!
For questions or for additional ways to make a gift, please contact Director of the Annual Fund Alexandra Karppinen at 401-643-1204.
Alumni Events
A huge thank you to all who made it back for Reunion 2017! It was a fun-filled three days for alumni, family, faculty and friends. To view a slideshow of the weekend, please click here.
Many thanks to those who joined us at the Boston Reception at The Top of the Hub last month and a special thanks to our hosts Mr. & Mrs. William Winterer '87 and Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Falvey P'18 '20. We had over 100 guests enjoying the spectacular views and wonderful company.
Special thanks to our guests who joined us at the Chicago Reception in October and to our hosts Mr. & Mrs. W. Christopher Behnke '81 P'12 '15 '19. A wonderful time was had by all in the windy city!
CALLING ALL SNOWBIRDS…..are you heading south for the winter? If so, please reach out to Kirsten Harvey at 401-643-1269 in the Alumni and Development Office and supply your seasonal address so that we may keep you updated about exciting School news and events, both in Portsmouth and around the globe.
Save the Date!
The Abbot's Reception
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
6:00 – 8:30 PM
The New York Yacht Club
The tradition of Abbot's Reception continues! Please join us for an evening of cheer at the beautiful New York Yacht Club. As in years past, we welcome the support of Patrons to ensure the success of this event. If you are interested in being a Patron or registering for this event, please click here. Please note that all Patrons who register by December 1 will have their names displayed on the Patron board at the reception. Look for your formal invitations by mail coming soon! For more information please contact Director of Special Events Patty Gibbons at 401-643-1281. We look forward to celebrating with you at this festive event!
Remember to visit our website often for updates on upcoming events.
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PORTSMOUTH ABBEY SCHOOL
285 Cory's Lane Portsmouth, Rhode Island 02871