Mike Henriques moved into the Head's Office this month, and has been engaged in conversations with dozens of teachers, administrators and staff. Transitions have not always been this easy! A special Proctor Alumni News, published in spring, 1971 announces the transition from Lyle Farrell to David Fowler with an undercurrent of anxiety spawned by the titanic shift that was apparent. Most of the photographs are posed and calculated, like this one shot in blowing snow in front of Maxwell Savage Hall.
Earnest Sherman '29 authors two dry histories; one a biography of the school's first Head, Dyer Sanborn, the other entitled, "The Proctor That Was." Lyle, who had been at Proctor since 1932 and had been Head since 1952, contributes a brooding farewell that cites his success as a developer/builder and includes, "David Fowler and his young men are much better fitted than I am to holding the gains we have made...." David, for his part, articulates a philosophy of "realism," and--with a reference to the war in Southeast Asia, calls for student voice in school decision-making and heightened responsibility to community. Below, Steve Wilkins, Head of school 1994-2005, shakes hands with Mike Henriques in more stable times (June 11):
The most alarming article in the publication is a brutally honest description of a March wilderness hike from Newfound Lake to Proctor tackled by the junior class. Torrential rains had ruined the trip for everybody, and ten boys had mutinied and quit. The author is not identified, but the voice is unapologetic, realistic and honest. The challenge of the transition is made clear by distinct voices rather than simple content.
Things are different now. Mike wants to evolve with a human community that--realistically--must be able to change.
Mike describes his current orientation process as "mapping" the school, both physically (he's been to the suspension bridge over the river but not yet to the Cabin) and personally. Reflecting on his talks with a diverse smattering of Proctor folk, he notes the common degree of commitment and passion for the school. After all, people here have been listening to one another for thirty-four years.
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