One of the less acknowledged changes at Proctor over the years is the ever-greater role of active parent support of the community. The Parent Association coordinates much of this (the semi-formal dance, skating parties, family weekends, etc.) but in its wisdom, PAPA encourages decentralized parent initiatives that benefit teams and dormitories. Operating largely under the radar screen, the Adopt-a-Dorm program facilitates relatively spontaneous parent-sponsored pizza parties, dessert socials and cookouts. These contribute much to student life, while providing a huge morale boost to dorm parents who often feel maxed-out with duties.

 

The Adopt-a-Team program offers on-field receptions for players and parents of players.

I mention parent support today because Saturday featured the greatest parent volunteerism in the history of this school. Greg and Mary Shine P’10, '13 and Ted and Anne Landers P ’07, ’10, ’14 organized both girls' and boys' alumni/ae lacrosse games and--with much additional parent assistance--pulled off a sumptuous cookout on Carr Field, with grilled steak tip and chicken sandwiches, salads, watermelon, chips, cookies and an immense decorated cake. Everyone received a custom-designed T-shirt commemorating the event.

 



The alumni/ae turn out was impressive, and the games were nothing but fun.

 




By the time that event wound down, a large contingent of parents was staffing grills behind the field house at the annual Spring Fling--PAPA's pre-final exam field day. 



Face painting, hula hoops, frisbies, costumes, tie-dying, inflatables, all played out with parent help.

 

Scott King's super-talented rock band Without Paris performed at the west side of the field hockey field. Wallace (left) won a pie-eating contest.

 

Aaron had a score to settle with Dave.

 

There was some evidence that the burgers were a bit greasy....

 




We thank parents for making a huge difference in the quality of community life, but the truth is that there is nothing they would rather do. 

 

One measure of parent commitment is the trend of families of students (both boarding and day) moving to the area. Speaking with the father of a recent graduate I asked, "You moved here so your son could be a day student?" "No," he clarified, "We moved here so we could be a part of his Proctor experience."