Let's consider the difference between all that we require and all that is student-inspired.

 

When the Summerhill School experiment--of which I was fascinated while in high school--ultimately failed (in my view,) I knew that structure and requirements are necessary for optimal learning. Skills, for example, need to be mastered in order to tackle relatively fun, upper level academic stuff.


 

What everyone knows, however, is that we're in the business of transforming kids' lives, and that process is like kindling setting fire to logs (something I know a lot about.) The magic comes when a student internalizes motivation...he or she owns it and wants it, and is passionate about something. Fenny Wilkinson took a couple of recording classes before becoming transformed. He's absorbing the recording program....writing hip-hop lyrics in free moments....learning to create his own bass lines (this week)...and recording amazing stuff like Make Believe.


 

Student Leadership does what it does, which is great, but independent student groups--motivated by causes--change the community in very powerful ways. Throughout the year, the coalition called International Intercultural Interaction (Triple I) has enriched our awareness of diversity and the strength that comes with differences. This past week, they sponsored a hugely successful showing of the film Prom Night In Mississippi which trasformed some lives very quickly.  


 

Last week, Proctor Alliance--a student-faculty group dedicated to raising awareness of all issues pertaining to sexual orientation orchestrated a vigil called "Day of Silence" which was observed Friday. Without interfering with the academic process, we were encouraged to observe moments or hours of silence respecting those in our culture who are silenced because of sexual orientation.


 

The greatest education occurs when student motivation is internalized. We need requirements, and attendance and assignments and grades, but the real magic comes when students suddenly catch fire. Speaking to Proctor faculty a few years ago, the nationally renown pediatrician and educational theorist Dr. Mel Levine suggested that every student might aspire to being the single expert in one highly-defined arena. That comes with internal focus and passion! 

Matt (center) is building a most fanciful, extraordinary rowing skiff. It has a sprit that supports a kerosene lamp for night navigation.....


 

Another example of internally motivated passion: the spring musical. If you have the chance to drop in on a rehearsal of Bye, Bye, Birdie check it out. What a positive vibe! The show is going to be awesome.


 

If I was asked to list Will's talents and passions, I would say "student, leader, actor, singer, opera lover, athlete...." but who would know that he is an Olympic stone skipper?!


 

Here's the proof: