Today I'll do something a little different and draw attention to several disconnected--yet significant--pieces of campus news. First, congratulations to Axel Getz for winning the Freshman Award at the Friends of the Arts juried show in Plymouth, for his piece "Vase in the Winter Sky." And Spencer Schwenk won the Award for Excellence in Sculpture! Axel is pictured (center) working on a mural project:



Receiving Honorable Mention is senior Mackin Brinegar for his extraordinary "Tic Toc."

 

Speaking of Mackin, he is the narrator of a superb video shot and produced by senior Brian Perry which is in competition for your vote through the Green Cup Challenge, a program that recognizes schools for environmental conservation and creativity during each February. Click on the link above, enjoy Brian's (and Mackin's) video, and vote! The music is performed by Frankie McCormick '11 and Emilee Barnouin '12.

At Proctor, the Green Cup Challenge is a community-wide initiative. To minimize the use of electricity during study hall hours, the girls of King House either head off to the library or study together in their common room.

 

Our Buildings & Grounds crew have installed motion detecting switches for dormitory lighting, and the Housekeeping staff use environmentally friendly soaps, detergents and disinfectants. Here they discuss assignments over morning coffee....

 

On another matter, Proctor's Blackwater Ski Area is entering the international spotlight this week, as we host the National Junior slalom races Thursday and Friday. These International Ski Federation events bring the best Juniors (usually this means 10th and 11th graders) from across the United States and beyond to our little gem of a facility.

 
Our ability to host these races is the result of the "homologation" of the Burden and Blackwater Trails over the past two summers. Blasting, widening and lengthening these trails made them certifiable by FIS standards. Meanwhile, the loan of a Prinoth BW-350 groomer enables us to offer the finest terrain. The coach of a visiting ski school's team remarked on Monday, "This is the best snow in the east right now." Yarrow's Lodge will be busy!

 

And now...from the snowy slopes of central New Hampshire to coastal North Africa! Brooks Bicknell '77 recently returned from a visit to the American Schools of Tangier, where Sam Simon '13 and Jake Adick '11 are enjoying an unforgettable winter term!

 

Proctor's Morocco program has never gained the attention of Ocean and Mountain Classrooms, or Proctor in Spain and France, yet our association with the American School goes back three decades. In addition to their regular studies, Sam and Jake are tackling Arabic!! They are enjoying excursions to regional cities, and they live with a super host family.

 

We know--from the testimony of dozens of students who have preceded them in Morocco--that the educational experiences Sam and Jake are appreciating are indelible and life-changing!