Proctor Academy - School of Rock

The rumor that a rock star was on campus went viral early Thursday when students Tweeted stuff like "Just hung out with Matt Nathanson...". Matt, of course, is a loyal alumnus of the Class of 1991 who maintains friendships with many of his old friends and faculty.

I remember Matt very well from his time at Proctor. In fact, I recall interviewing him for admission when he was a goofy ninth grader attending Fessenden School--in the fall of 1987. What was memorable about Matt as a student was his buoyant, effervescent attitude. He was completely in to things. Here he is in 1990 with Max Corchran, Brendaen "Benny" Makechnie and Sean Webber (guzzling a Coke in the background.)

I saw him in concert back when CBGB was still happening in NYC, and his stage presence is simply Matt being Matt: transparent, fun and irreverent. The notion that "life is a journey, not a destination" is cliché, yet is proves true when you witness people succeeding through their passions. Matt did not play guitar as a kid to become a rock star; he played because he loved it, and he became a star. We see student passions all the time, and we want to grab kids and shout, "RUN WITH IT!"

The number of current Proctor students who remind me of Matt Nathanson is beyond counting. Recent Corners have documented them building boats, hanging out in the recording studio, painting, throwing pots and singing in the chorus. They're taking upper level courses, serving as dorm leaders, doing Polar Swim and orchestrating healthy weekend activities. Ben reminds me of Matt. During Project Period, he made a quilt for our beloved baker, dining room policewoman and surrogate grandmother, Edna Peters. Recently, he brought it to lunch and presented it to Edna (a complete surprise). No one could be more appreciative and moved by his gesture!

William found a creative way to invite Hannah to the Spring Formal dance.

Biology students about to dissect a sheep's heart:

If you invert a telescope--by training it on the sun and holding a piece of blank cardboard at the right distance from the eyepiece--you can observe sunspots on the projected disk.

Over the past two days we have enjoyed speeches from eight juniors who are running for the position of School Leader for 2010-11. Each acknowledged that the other candidates are terrific. Each sited how they grew to love the school, as well as their desire to give back through leadership. I have never heard such compelling addresses for the election or seen such a strong slate. This is the scene in the Community Center following Friday's assembly.