We do what we do because we love working with teenagers. That's obvious.

 

It's not an easy business, but--ultimately--the benefits go both ways.

 

We are not alone in our pursuits. Parents volunteer long hours, culinary skills and financial resources to augment every aspect of student life.

 

The Proctor Academy Parent Association, known to all as PAPA, is a model for broad-based support of residential life.

 

PAPA orchestrates dorm food deliveries (Adopt-a-Dorm,) team treats (Adopt-a-Team,) weekend activities, Parent-to-new parent outreach, the Proctor On Ice skating party, pre-exam thematic brunches, the Spring Fling (a late spring lawn party,) and much more. (Incidentally--if you're wondering--none of these images are immediately linked to my text. Just let go, and enjoy.)

 

We are crystalizing sodium acetate.




And we are singing at the top of our lungs.

 

We're bouldering.

 

Wednesday evening, some of us gathered at Lake Sunapee Country Club to honor the work of the local parent volunteers who coordinate so much of PAPA's success. We honored retiring leaders Jack and Tracy Middleton and Don and Lorraine Cline. Upon receiving a gift from Mike Henriques, Lorraine noted of PAPA volunteerism, "We get more than we give." PAPA is all about "win-win."





Every Proctor parent is a member of PAPA, and the success of this organization goes far beyond those we could thank this evening. Hundreds of parents have made a difference this year, and the year is not complete! We thank you all! Ethney McMahon created this short, very clever video (played at Wednesday evening's dinner) saying, "Thank you, PAPA!"