We've been aware--for decades--that Proctor was attracting students not for one reason, but for many. Academic support structures, or off-campus programs, or the informal community ethos might catch initial attention, but it is the complex combination of highly-evolved programs that makes this school the obvious choice for those who choose it. The strengthening of ski programs in recent years has added a powerful, new dimension to this phenomenon, as we increasingly attract racers who want more than ski racing at a traditional prep school. Here's John Arnold, who is going on to J-2 Championships.
Admission Director Chris Bartlett contributes this: "We have an applicant from a ski academy who is excited about Proctor not just for the skiiing but because he can't wait to go on Ocean Classroom. Great Skiing just adds to the diversity of our programs."
Bridget Gilroy is going on to J-2 Championships.
Chris continues, "We have kids like Geoff Bonewald, John Arnold and Bridget Gilroy who are clearly elite level skiers, but ski racing also attracts lots of really nice, wholesome kids who aren't necessarily "elite", and Proctor serves those students equally as well." Below, Geoff Bonewald.
The parents of a new student emailed the following to Mike Henriques: "One
of the many things that drew us to Proctor for [our daughter] was the alpine
ski program led by Dave Salathe, along with the strong academics and
the support for academic success. It was this combination that made us
choose Proctor. We have seen tremendous growth in
her academically, athletically, and personally and we have been
thrilled with our choice and the environment that Proctor has provided
for our daughter." Below, Austin Kolb.
The same parents hosted coach Drew Donaldson, their daughter and a friend for a speed camp, recently, at Wildcat. The dad continues, "It became very clear to us that Drew was not just
concerned with the results on the hill, he was concerned with the whole
person....As parents, it is very rare for us to experience these levels of
commitment to our children from a coach or a teacher but it is even
rarer to see a coach and a teacher take a genuine interest in the whole
child! This affirms our feelings that a ski academy can’t possibly
compare with what Proctor has to offer." Below, Chris Massey.
Here is the forementioned Geoff Bonewald in Spanish 2. Communicating in English can be the primary issue, when he (seems to) ask, "How do you say, "but?" Jon, (right) responds, "pero." "No," Geoff clarifies, "I mean like, 'I was riding my bike and fell off, and hurt my butt.' " (It turns out the operative answer in this class is "trasero.")
In a Learning Lab class, Chris Massey offers a word of help to Grace.
In French 1, Alex spoons Nutella onto Mardi Gras crepes. You'll notice that his left hand is in a cast. He caught it in a Giant Slalom gate.
Many thanks to our friend, Doug Peel, for the ski pix.
