Fresh snow covers dirty snowbanks, providing the appearance of mid-winter.
But appearances are deceiving; this is winter's end. Final classes were held Friday, and ultimate performances (including exams) are upon us. We'll return on the vernal equinox and start Proctor Period on the first full day of spring.
Proctor Chorus delivered its final concert Sunday afternoon in preparation for next month's tour of China.
Ensembles entertained in the Wise Community Center Saturday night.
Final athletic contests were held Saturday, including a stunning, come-from-behind last second win for JV girls' basketball.
Before the girls' varsity's final game, the team (with help from BVBB) decorated chairs to honor Simone, a senior.
Parent volunteers grilled burgers and hosted the annual "PAPA On Ice" skating party, which always attracts a crowd.
Boys' varsity hockey--a heroic team that overcame unimaginable challenges this winter--enjoyed pizza as they arrived late from a tough loss in the Lakes Region Semifinals.
So, it is a time for endings. Thursday afternoon, Tim Norris--who came to Proctor in 1966 and began coaching ski jumping in '76--met his devoted squad for the last time. Tim is retiring.
As soon as he began coaching Nordic skiing, Tim founded the Andover Outing Club to introduce local kids to the sport. Parent volunteers helped with fund raising and jump construction, and Proctor's Blackwater became the most productive source of jumping talent in the east. Six of Tim's athletes went on to compete at the international or Olympic level. Olympian Carl Van Loan '98 notes that at one time, the U.S. Ski Team had more representation from tiny Andover than from any other program in the nation!
In typical fashion, Tim approached Thursday's practice like any other. And then, it came to an end.
