CONVOCATION SPECIAL 2014

Bl a irBULLETIN

BLAIR’S 167TH YEAR FACULTY & STUDENTS STUDY COMMENCES EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AT CONVOCATION WITH HARVARD PROFESSOR P. 0 3 P. 0 6 On Exhibit

The Color of Music; Looking at Bach Artwork by Paul Deery February 2014 in The Romano Gallery IN THIS ISSUE: CONVOCATION SPECIAL 2014

10 ACADEMICS 03 Students Investigate Pharmaceuticals in New Course Blair Debate Team Engages Audience in Skeptics Forum

14 THE ARTS Graphic Arts Elective Encourages Design Thinking

17 AROUND THE ARCH Orientation & Service Work Unite Community Download Blair’s App for School News on the Go Clinton Hall Renovations Give Building a New Look New Activities Expand Students’ Blair’s 167th Year Commences at Convocation Extracurricular Options As tradition has it, students processed through the Arch and down the front hill of Head of School Hosts Mealtime campus, led by the School’s seniors, to kick off the 2014-2015 academic year. Discussion

21 ATHLETICS 06 Fall Athletics Update Follow Blair Athletics on Twitter Watch Blair Athletics Online in Realtime

Faculty & Students Study Effective Communication with Harvard Professor Blair’s scholar-in-residence, Dr. Timothy Patrick McCarthy, PhD, of Harvard University, returned to campus this fall to help launch the Blair LEADS initiative. STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

LUISA LOBO ’15

Staff Volume LXXIII, No. 4 EDITOR: ATTENTION: CONVOCATION SPECIAL 2014 Suzy Logan ’99 Send address changes to Bulletin, P.O. Box 600, Blairstown, NJ 07825 PUBLISHED: HEAD OF SCHOOL: January, April, Chris Fortunato NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY: June & October Blair Academy does not discriminate on the basis CONTRIBUTING of sex, age, creed, race, color or national and ethnic PUBLICATION NUMBER: PHOTOGRAPHERS: origin in the administration of its education policies, USPS 057-760 Douglas Benedict admissions, scholarships, loans or other school-ad- Melissa Collins ’09 ministered programs. Each Blair student is afforded PUBLISHER: Cassi Gerdsen the rights, privileges and social, academic and Blair Academy Suzy Logan ’99 athletic opportunities that are generally accorded or Blairstown, 07825 made available to students of the School. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Melissa Collins ’09 DESIGN BY: Suzy Logan ’99 Rachel Fleckman Joanne Miceli BLAIR’S 167TH YEAR COMMENCES AT CONVOCATION

lair’s 167th year began on September 8 as students processed through the Arch and down the front hill of campus, traditionally led by the School’s seniors. The Bstudents made their way to Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts, where they joined faculty members for the annual Convocation ceremony. The Rev. Cindy Crowner began Convocation with a prayer before Senior Class Council members Natalie Pearson ’15 and Ethan Simon ’15 welcomed their peers and teachers and expressed their excitement about the upcoming year. Following a performance by the Blair Singers, Head of School Chris Fortunato addressed the community, encouraging students to befriend their peers and commit to the success of others in order to collectively achieve during the 2014-2015 school year. “I believe in this School, the values that we stand for, our culture, our traditions, our senses of humor, our empathy, our mission and our commitment to knowing one another,” he told the audience. In the days leading up to Convocation, Mr. Fortunato reached out to alumni, asking them to share the most important lessons that Blair taught them about teamwork and problem-solving. Having received a number of poignant replies from graduates across the globe, he retold these stories in DuBois Theatre as a way of exemplifying the many ways in which members of Blair’s tight-knit community embrace and support each other, and how that can have a lasting effect on their lives beyond Blair. “In our best moments, we know what makes a great school—what makes Blair great,” Mr. Fortunato concluded. “It is a friendship, it is a fellowship, among students and faculty. All other great things about our School are derived from that.”

BLAIR BULLETIN 03 BLAIR’S 167TH YEAR

“I believe in this School, the values that we stand for, our culture, our traditions, our senses of humor, our empathy, our mission and our commitment to knowing one another.”

04 CONVOCATION SPECIAL 2014 COMMENCES AT CONVOCATION

BLAIR BULLETIN 05 FACULTY STUDENTS Study Effective& Communication with Harvard Professor

Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Timothy Patrick McCarthy Visits Campus to Launch Blair LEADS Program

lair’s scholar-in-residence, careers, the inspiration that keeps them Dr. Timothy Patrick McCarthy, engaged and why they teach at Blair. When PhD, of Harvard University, time for discussion was up, three faculty returned to campus this fall members volunteered to deliver, unrehearsed, Bto meet with the faculty team poised to their “Why I Teach” story and receive feed- launch the Blair LEADS initiative, as well as back from their peers and Dr. McCarthy. conduct interactive public speaking sessions Faculty members were extremely sup- with faculty and prefects. portive of their colleagues as they compli- Dr. McCarthy opened the faculty work- mented and critiqued the speakers’ efforts shop noting that the afternoon’s exercises and offered suggestions for improvement. were grounded in two assumptions: first, Dr. McCarthy shared some pertinent that leadership and communication are in- pointers which would benefit every public tegrally related; and second, that values and speaker: take a big, deep breath before you stories are related, too. “To not be able to ar- begin, and don’t begin until you are ready; ticulate what drives you or why you do what eye contact with your audience is always you do in the world is a tragedy,” he said as effective; use self-effacing humor strategical- he assigned teachers a challenging task: take ly; and a speech’s structure and emotional 15 minutes to discuss with a neighbor their content are two factors that make it “stick” motivation for choosing a career in educa- with your audience. tion, and devise a three-minute speech on As the session concluded, Dr. McCar- that topic that several participants would be thy noted that the entire Blair community called upon to share with the group. would continue to work on communica- Cowan Auditorium filled with earnest tions capabilities throughout the year, and conversation as teachers shared stories he encouraged teachers to help each other with one another about the genesis of their and their students become better speakers

“To not be able to articulate what drives you or why you do what you do in the world is a tragedy.”

06 CONVOCATION SPECIAL 2014 by “building a personal network of people journal Race & Reason at the Institute for who will give honest feedback” and video- Research in African-American Studies. taping speeches to see how their delivery The winner of a number of teaching comes across. He imparted much of the awards at Harvard, Dr. McCarthy is well same advice to prefects, some of whom will known in his field as a communications ex- soon record their Blair leadership story, in pert and has published four books over the an evening public speaking workshop. course of his career with a fifth in the works. Dr. McCarthy is a lecturer on history, An advocate for public service and social literature and public policy at Harvard justice, Dr. McCarthy has been a frequent University and serves as the director of the media commentator on a number of well- Sexuality, Gender and Human Rights pro- known television programs, blogs, radio sta- gram at the Carr Center for Human Rights tions and websites. He is also well-known in Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School. the LGBTQ community, having served on An alumnus of Harvard College, he is vice President Barack Obama’s National LGBTQ president of college alumni affairs for the Leadership Council. In 2012, he broke new Harvard Alumni Association. After com- ground as a member of the first-ever United pleting his undergraduate work in 1993, States LGBTQ delegation to Israel and he went on to earn his MA, MPhil and Palestine. He lives in Cambridge, Massachu- PhD in history from Columbia Univer- setts, with his husband, C.J. Crowder, who sity, where he served as a research fellow also works in the field of education. n and founding managing editor of the

“To not be able to articulate what drives you or why you do what you do in the world is a tragedy.”

BLAIR BULLETIN 07 ACADEMICS

Students Investigate Drugs & Medications in Pharmaceutical Science

“I love teaching this class,” said science teacher Kelly Hadden of the pharmaceutical science junior/senior elective. A former research scientist with 10 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry, she brings a wealth of analytical research and forensic knowledge to the course—and, for the second year, Blair students are eager to learn what she terms “the good, the bad and the ugly” about drugs. A full-year elective open to students who have completed biology and chemistry, pharmaceutical science integrates chemistry and biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, and physiology in the study of relationships between biological processes and therapeutic agents. Through lecture, group work and labs, students investigate the mechanisms and effects of drug action and chemical agents in living systems, the difference between over-the-counter and prescription medications, and various drug therapies. They also study the challenges and processes of bring- ing a new pharmaceutical agent from concept cability of the material covered in the course. to market. “Medications are taken by so many people in the “The course is both informative and scien- first world, and charities are trying to bring the tific, a mixture of biochemical, industry and ‘street’ material,” Mrs. same products to the third world. I’m especially interested in how Hadden said. “We take medications every day, and kids want to drugs affect my body and how they may affect the bodies of others know ‘what happens when I take this?’ and ‘how does it work and differently, due to things like allergies and dosages. I decided to take where does it go in my body?’ They’re curious about how drugs are this class because you hear so much about drugs, both prescription made and how the pharmaceutical industry works. They want to and illegal, being so detrimental, but I want to know why.” know the differences between over-the-counter and prescription A future adolescent psychiatrist, Kai Primus-Dawson ’15 formulations, and generic and brand-name products. It’s all enrolled in pharmaceutical science to learn more about how drugs real-world knowledge and highly applicable to everyday life.” work, which she feels will be important in her career. “I enjoy Students also study illegal substances, drug abuse and interac- talking about medicines we use every day and learning how drugs tions, and the effects of chemicals in everyday items like oxyben- interact with our bodies,” she said. “Mrs. Hadden taught us that ‘all zone in sunscreen and caffeine in coffee. This year, Mrs. Hadden is medicines are drugs, not all drugs are medicine.’ It’s also going to be employing the “flipped classroom” teaching method where students interesting to study the relationship between legislation and drugs watch scientific videos outside of class, then do a POGIL (Process in this class.” Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning) assignment or case study during “It’s more vital than ever that people are educated about phar- class to develop a deeper understanding of course materials. Public maceuticals and medications,” Mrs. Hadden said. “The material we speaking skills also come into play as students research topics such as cover in this course will help students navigate important healthcare the legalization of marijuana and present their findings to the class. choices throughout their lives.” n Caleb Nadeau ’15 said he especially enjoys the real-life appli-

08 CONVOCATION SPECIAL 2014 ACADEMICS

Blair Debate Team Engages Audience in Skeptics Forum

Audience members at the October 21 on whether or not they believe that the the team for their first New Jersey Forensics Skeptics will have the opportunity to both benefits of GM foods outweigh the harms. League outing last year when they placed observe and engage Blair’s debate team as After Skeptics, the same will again state fourth of 35 teams at an event at Randolph they consider the current National Forensics their opinion in an email survey, and the High School in Randolph, New Jersey. League topic: On balance, the benefits of team that swayed the most opinions will be The team continues to polish its skills at genetically modified (GM) foods outweigh the winner. Blair will post the results of the weekly practices on Wednesday evenings the harms. second survey as soon as the responses have from 7 to 8 p.m. in Cowan Auditorium. Teddy Kahn ’15 and Karthik been tallied. All Skeptics programs are free and open Reddy ’15, founding members of the Both Teddy and Karthik said they were to the public. The weekly series, which has two-year-old debate team, noted that the excited about the opportunity to debate at been in continuous existence since 1977, Skeptics debate will adopt the format of an Skeptics because it provided great school- is one of the premiere high school lecture Intelligence Squared (IQ2) debate: First, wide exposure for the debate team and gave series in the country. The program was an three team members representing each team members experience as they prepare outgrowth of the Blair International Society, side of the argument will deliver opening for upcoming Mid-Atlantic Prep League and founded in 1937, and has served as a forum statements. Next, a faculty moderator will New Jersey Forensics League competitions. for the discussion and debate of important ask questions of the team and the audience. “Not everyone realizes that debate team is national and international issues. Over the Finally, audience members can ask questions different from what we do in class,” said past 35-plus years, under the tutelage of and weigh in on the topic. Karthik. “A forensic competition is much Dr. Martin Miller, the series has featured a The most persuasive team will be de- more than unstructured argument—com- wide variety of speakers who are engaging, clared the winner of the debate. To deter- petitors have to demonstrate mastery of both accomplished in their respective fields, and mine this, a survey will be sent to the entire prepared argument and improvisation.” often controversial. For a list of upcoming student body prior to October 21, asking Teddy noted that Blair’s emphasis on Skeptics programs, visit www.blair.edu/ those planning to attend Skeptics to vote public speaking certainly helped prepare society-of-skeptics. n

BLAIR BULLETIN 09 ARTS

Design Thinking Is Par for the Course in Graphic Arts Elective

Fine arts department chair Kate Sykes has been teaching graphic understand their audience, match concept to text and images, and, arts at Blair since she joined the faculty in 2003. Even though the ultimately, satisfy the project’s stakeholders.” course’s content has evolved with technology, the principles of good An awareness of good design principles also serves students well design—and design thinking—remain at its core. “‘Design think- when they create presentation slides and posters for other classes. ing’ is nothing new in graphic art,” Mrs. Sykes said, referring to the “There’s often a visual component to a public speaking engage- human-centered problem-solving concept that has gained consid- ment,” Mrs. Sykes said, “and things like font choice and scale in a erable attention lately in both education and business. “In addition graphic image can impact the effectiveness of a presentation.” At to basic design elements of unity, color, balance and composition, the suggestion of faculty colleagues, she is working on a pamphlet graphic artists always have to consider whom they are designing for that will be available to the entire student body about the basics of when they approach their work.” good design. “I decided to take graphic arts because I’ve worked with Photo- shop before, and I love it,” said Cy Lippold ’15. “My dad teaches web design, so he’s taught me most of what I know. Since I love art, but can’t draw, I thought this class would make me as artistic as any painter or drawer. I’m excited about working with Sketch-Up to create 3-D pieces. It’s definitely going be a challenge, but I enjoy getting uncomfortable, so it should be fun!” Blair’s instructional technologist Barbara Angiolelli and video studies director Nina Yuen have contributed their expertise to the graphic arts class, as students continue to advance in digital design. “It’s important for kids to have a handle on the products, software and possibilities associated with digital design,” Mrs. Sykes said. “That’s what they’ll use in the future—in fact, they’re Graphic arts projects in Blair’s semester-long course run the using it already!” n gamut from traditional printmaking, employing ages-old intaglio and relief processes, to Adobe Photoshop images and high-tech an- imated video GIFs. Students even create three-dimensional design prototypes using the fine art department’s 3-D printer, which opens up entirely new creative possibilities. Assignments typically include the design of personal logos, product labels, posters, album covers and more, and students are required to keep a sketchbook to aid in the art-making process and to develop and present a collection of superior graphic work from various media. Mrs. Sykes noted that students often use what they learn in graphic arts to design items that are seen around campus every day. “Kids have designed posters for theatrical productions and T-shirts for Peddie Day. This year, they’re designing the crest for the Blair in Kenya school,” she said. “This experience really helps students appreciate many aspects of real-world design work. They have to

10 CONVOCATION SPECIAL 2014 Around THE ARCH

Orientation & Service Work Unite Community as New School Year Begins

Following a final day of registration on among classmates and integrating new Saturday, September 6, Blair students and students into the community, the School faculty kicked off the 2014-2015 academic purposefully held orientation before the first year with two days of orientation activities day of classes so that kids could strengthen and programs designed to build friendships existing relationships and forge new friend- and promote class bonding. For the first ships without the added pressure of class time, Blair incorporated service work into assignments and homework. the days leading up to the start of the school Given that the goals of orientation are year, emphasizing the importance of helping different for each class, freshmen, sopho- others, building relationships and develop- mores, juniors and seniors engaged in differ- ing leadership competencies. ent types of activities on Sunday and Mon- “As we embarked on Blair’s 167th year, we day. On September 7, the freshman class left an art school and a remote area of Blair’s structured orientation in a way that gave stu- campus for Blair’s traditional ninth-grade campus known as the Siegel Property. dents the chance to get to know each other retreat at the nearby Princeton-Blairstown “In light of the success of the last year’s better, bond as a class and understand some Center, while seniors traveled to Fernwood class-specific and school-wide Days of Ser- of the core values that are integrated across Treetop Ventures to collectively tackle chal- vice, we wanted to further expand our efforts Blair’s culture and curriculum: a commit- lenges on a high-ropes course. Sophomores to regularly partner with local organizations, ment to service, knowing one another well, and juniors spent the day engaged in various not only to positively impact them, but also and building leadership skill sets that will kinds of service work, including hosting a to use those experiences to teach students prove valuable to students at Blair and be- field day for individuals with special needs, some hands-on lessons about communica- yond,” said Ryan Pagotto ’97, associate head making blankets for low-income families, tion, relationship-building, teamwork and of school, who organized the orientation pro- visiting residents of a local nursing home, problem-solving,” said Mr. Pagotto. “By gram with Dean of Community Life Jessica picking apples at a nearby farm to be deliv- making these competencies so central to the Matzkin and a group of faculty members. ered to an area food pantry, and doing trail start of the new academic year, Blair is deep- In the interest of promoting connections and facility maintenance at two area camps, continued on page 12

BLAIR BULLETIN 11 Around THE ARCH

continued from page 11 remained on campus on Monday had the op- and seniors enjoyed some time outdoors ening its commitment to integrating service portunity to hear from speaker Mike Weber, playing games and engaging in a “Clash of work and leadership training into our curric- who gave class-specific presentations designed the Classes” competition before the entire ulum, as well as everyday life on campus.” to broaden students’ perspective on leader- student body convened for the year’s first On Monday, September 8, the freshman ship: For sophomores, he focused on building School Meeting, which was followed by class returned to the Princeton-Blairstown community among the class and planning for athletics and activities sign-ups in the Bowl. Center for fall-cleanup projects, while the a great year ahead; for juniors, he detailed dif- To view more photos of the weekend’s sophomore class learned about the Blair ferent styles of leadership; and for seniors, he activities, visit our website. n LEADS program, specifically the leadership shared tips about strategic project planning, communications course being piloted for implementation and execution. @ www.blair.edu/orientation-2014 tenth-graders this year. All students who Following those presentations, juniors

Download Blair’s App & Access School News & Calendars on the Go

Given the ever-increasing number of on campus, the dining hall menu, class day schedule and list of visitors who access Blair’s website from upcoming Skeptics speakers are all located in the app’s main menu. smartphones and tablet devices, the To make the app homepage more dynamic, the School has begun School developed a native mobile app posting photos taken by students at least once a week. Over the last year to showcase its news, calen- course of the year, the communications and admission offices will dars, athletic information and campus continue to add multimedia content to the app’s homepage, as well map in a mobile-friendly way. as in news stories and galleries. Students, parents and faculty can log The app, which can be downloaded into the app and submit images directly to Blair’s communications for free from the iTunes or Google department for consideration by clicking the camera icon on the Play stores, is faster than Blair’s mobile homescreen, or send pictures to [email protected]. website and features a design that is much more conducive to multi- Download the app today by searching for “The Official Blair media: Users can scroll through images in news stories with a simple Academy App” in the iTunes or Google Play stores. Once you swipe instead of having to click through attachments. Blair news, download the app on your device, please be sure to allow Blair to calendars and athletic information is easily customized according send you push notifications. to personal preference, and members of the School community For users who prefer to use Blair’s mobile website instead, just can access password-protected directories or update their contact visit www.blair.edu from your mobile device and you can access information by entering a four-digit pin after logging into the app much of the same information: mobile-friendly Blair news, for the first time with their website username and password. And to calendars, password-protected directories, the campus map and, make Blair’s most popular calendars more easily accessible to those of course, a direct link to the School’s full website. n

12 CONVOCATION SPECIAL 2014 Around THE ARCH

Clinton Hall Renovations Give Building a New Look

A long-planned project came to fruition this summer when the venerable Clinton Hall received an interior aesthetic upgrade. “Clin- ton is one of our main academic buildings,” said Chief Operating Officer Jim Frick, who credits Monie Hardwick, wife of former Headmaster Chan Hardwick, with the vision for the project. “The idea was to underline its educational purpose by creating a unified, classic look throughout its common spaces.” Renovations include bluestone slate tile in the building’s sec- ond-floor entryway as well as new hardwood flooring, chair rail and molding upgrades, fresh paint and matching bulletin boards through- out. Work was completed in about eight weeks over the summer by contractor Shawn Baldwin whose previous Blair projects include renovations to Sharpe House and faculty dormitory apartments. Students have definitely noticed and appreciated the changes.” “Clinton is one of my favorite buildings on campus,” comment- Constructed in 1901, Clinton Hall is named for John I. Blair’s ed Associate Head of School Ryan Pagotto ’97, whose office is just son, DeWitt Clinton Blair. The building is listed on the National off the main thoroughfare of Clinton’s second-floor hallway. “I’ve Register of Historic Places in recognition of its architectural and always loved the arch-bridge entrance and the traditional stone historic significance. n exterior. Now the interior, with its scholarly look, is just as beautiful.

New Activities Expand Students’ Extracurricular Options

At the conclusion of classes each day, Blair spring the publication was re-energized and kids traditionally head to the gym, the fields now engages a dedicated staff that produces or to the stage for athletic practice or play multiple issues each semester. rehearsal. Recently, however, several new “Our student body comprises a really activities have been added to the School’s diverse group of kids with a wide variety extracurricular roster, broadening oppor- of interests,” said Associate Head of School tunities for students whose interests lie in Ryan Pagotto ’97. “Both Blair LABS entirely different areas. and The Breeze offer students an outlet for Blair LABS (Learning About Being intellectual pursuits beyond the classroom a Scientist) and The Blair Breeze are two and give them a great teamwork experience after-school activities that allow students as well.” to delve deeper into academic pursuits Blair LABS is the brainchild of science alongside a team of peers. Blair LABS, a teacher Carl Christianson, who holds a new activity this fall, gives students the doctorate in biochemistry. A former research opportunity to perform scientific research scientist and professor at Boston College, over the course of the year and, ultimately, Dr. Christianson initiated the activity in part present their findings to the community. to help students overcome the disconnect be- The Blair Breeze has been the School news- tween learning science in the classroom and paper for generations, of course, but last continued on page 14

BLAIR BULLETIN 13 Around THE ARCH

Blair students were looking for a team-based activity that was not necessarily a sport. She saw the potential for such an activity in the school newspaper and recruited student writers, photographers and editors from every grade level. “The whole community was excited to see The Breeze produced on a regular basis last spring,” Ms. Blatt said, “and the staff was so proud to work together on each edition and see their work in print.” This fall, The Blair Breeze staff includes three editors-in-chief (Rachel Troy ’15, Robyn Epstein ’15 and Elizabeth continued from page 13 Casey ’15) and three art directors (Ellie actually being a scientist. “In class, we per- Chi ’17, Audrey Peters ’15 and Lillian form experiments to demonstrate a known Oberstein ’16). “As our editors concentrate outcome. In a lab, scientists ask open-ended on the writing and editorial direction, our questions and figure out how to find an an- art directors will ensure that the art and swer. And, really, the first step in the process LABS students will be an important aspect photography are carefully considered is determining what question to ask.” of the program. “Science now is all about elements of The Breeze,” Ms. Blatt noted. That is where Dr. Christianson is starting teamwork, and it’s important to know how “The most important part of having an with 12 enthusiastic junior and senior Blair to collaborate academically. When people active school newspaper, though, is that it LABS participants. Some students already ask questions about one another’s research, gives kids a space to voice their opinions and plan to pursue careers in science, and some that’s often where innovation happens.” report Blair news from their point of view.” are just curious about a particular scientific Teamwork is a key element in the success Mr. Pagotto noted that over the past problem. Their proposed research topics of the revitalized Blair Breeze, too. Fine arts several years, opportunities for Blair students include studying the mechanism of cancer teacher Zoë Blatt coordinates the 10-student to engage in extracurricular intellectual cells, building a drone and engineering a staff, which will produce a monthly print pursuits have grown well beyond long- motor for a skateboard. As they meet three edition this year and possibly expand to an established activities like Skeptics lectures afternoons each week, Dr. Christianson online version, too. An accomplished artist and Model UN. In addition to Blair LABS helps students focus on a question that with a dual-degree BFA in painting and and The Breeze, students can also participate can actually be addressed, teaches them art history, as well as a master’s degree in in activities like History Bowl, Intelligence how to conduct research and gives them a education, Ms. Blatt realized last year that Squared programs and other debates. n framework to achieve results, whether those results turn out to be positive or negative. “I’m modeling this activity after a college research group,” Dr. Christianson noted, “since that’s where these kids will be next. They’ll be prepared to tackle open-ended questions and comfortable not knowing what the outcome of their research will be.” Teamwork and collaboration among Blair

14 CONVOCATION SPECIAL 2014 Around THE ARCH

On the Menu: Mealtime Discussion with Head of School

Every other Thursday, students hungry for conversation on an important topic of the day bring their plates of pasta or grilled cheese sandwiches to the Wean Dining Room where they join Head of School Chris Fortunato for lunch or dinner. They are participating in the Head’s Round Table— which actually takes place at a round table— and it’s a great opportunity for a small group of Blair kids to slice and dice current affairs with knowledgeable faculty members and Mr. Fortunato. At a recent Round Table, Mr. Fortuna- to began by serving up a question that cut to the core of the day’s topic: “Does the Congress care about you?” Four students, Corinne DiFrancesco ’15, Emily Wan ’15, Trang Duong ’16 and Savannah Doelfel ’18, shared their opinions and asked situation. Round Table topics are at Mr. environment to just talk about what’s on questions of history teachers Jason Beck Fortunato’s discretion, although as the their minds.” and Martin Miller, PhD, as the discussion activity has gained foothold, students have Mr. Fortunato is pleased with students’ expanded to campaign finance, the qualifica- begun sending him emails suggesting topics enthusiastic response to Round Table tions necessary to enter politics and congres- they would like to discuss. Mr. Fortunato invitations, noting that a recent forum on sional gridlock. Corinne, the only student in announces upcoming Round Tables via student protests in Hong Kong had to be the group who had met her congressman, was school-wide email and invites students to moved from the dining hall to Chesnutt thoughtful about term limits: “Elected offi- RSVP if they wish to participate. The first Chapel since so many students wanted to cials seem to be more effective in their second eight responders secure seats at the table. participate. “The Round Table is helping to term because they’ve had a chance to learn “The Head’s Round Table gives me and keep the ‘Blair bubble’ semi-permeable,” he the job,” she said, comparing it to her own members of our faculty the opportunity said, “and, for me, it’s a really enjoyable way experience as the two-year leader of Blair’s to connect with a small group of students to get to know some great kids.” n a cappella group. “No matter how good a on issues that are important to them,” Mr. leader’s intentions are, it takes time to figure Fortunato said. “It brings discussion of the out what you can do and how to do it.” news out of the classroom and into the ev- For the latest news, please visit Earlier in the semester, a group of eryday fabric of life at Blair.” He has noticed students joined Mr. Fortunato, Director that the kids who come to the Round Table www.blair.edu of Athletics Jim Stone, and history teacher are not necessarily looking for information and football coach Jay Jenkins to discuss about the day’s topic. “These kids are already whether NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell well-informed, sometimes because they have should resign in the wake of the league’s a personal stake or interest in the issue. The mishandling of Ray Rice’s domestic violence Round Table gives them a safe, supportive

BLAIR BULLETIN 15 ATHLETICS

Fall Athletics Update: Bucs Deliver Strong Performances Across Tri-State Area

Now more than a month into the 2014 fall athletics season, Blair’s field hockey, football, soccer, tennis, volleyball and cross country teams have given a number of strong perfor- mances on and off campus against Mid-At- lantic Prep League (MAPL) rivals and other opponents across New Jersey, New York and . What follows are some high- lights of how each team has fared thus far. To see the latest sports scores and game recaps as the season progresses, visit www. blair.edu/athletics.

Varsity Football Boys’ JV Soccer Season record to date: 1-2 Season record to date: 4-0-1 Highlights: a strong opening game against Highlights: the team has four wins and one , in which the Bucs tie, with 17 goals scored to date; on October scored on their first three drives, jumping to 22, the Bucs will face St. Benedicts at home. an early 21-0 lead; the team looks forward to its next game against in Boys’ Thirds Soccer Princeton on October 25. Season record to date: 1-4 Highlights: a win against Princeton Day Varsity Field Hockey JV Football School in late September was the team’s first Season record to date: 5-1-1 Season record to date: 1-1 victory of the season; the team plays against Highlights: a 1-0 overtime win against Highlights: beating The Hill School on October 25. , the first victory at the team’s home opener in late Septem- against that team in eight years; three shut- ber; the Bucs will play The Hill School next outs against other opponents; the lady Bucs on October 27. look forward to their next home game on October 25 against The Hill School. Boys’ Varsity Soccer Season record to date: 3-2-1 JV Field Hockey Highlights: all wins have been shutouts; Season record to date: 1-2-2 the team suffered a tough loss to both Highlights: clinched first victory of season North Warren Regional High School and against Stuart Country Day School at home Princeton Day School because of early in late September; the team next plays The defensive collapses in September; the Bucs Hill School at home on October 25. will next compete against The Hill School at home on October 25.

16 CONVOCATION SPECIAL 2014 ATHLETICS

Girls’ Varsity Soccer Season record to date: 3-3 Highlights: won Soccerfest game against North Warren Regional High School in mid-September, despite being plagued with player injuries since preseason; the lady Bucs will travel to Oak Knoll for the state quarterfinals on October 22.

Girls’ JV Soccer Season record to date: 0-2-1 Highlights: tied North Warren Regional Varsity Volleyball High School during Soccerfest in mid- Season record to date: 1-8 September; looks forward to next home game Highlights: a strong win against Warren against The Hill School on October 25. County Tech at home in late September; pushed both Rutgers Prep and Lawrenceville to three sets for the first time in School history; the team takes on Warren Hills High School on October 25.

Girls’ Cross Country Dual-meet record to date: 1-1 Varsity Girls’ Tennis Highlights: took eighth place at the New- Season record to date: 4-3 ark Invitational and seventh place at the Highlights: strong opening to the year Canterbury Invitational in mid-September; with wins against The Pennington School, defeated Belvidere High School later that Mercersburg and Notre Dame; the Bucs month; the team’s next competition is the look forward to bouncing back from the State meet at home on October 29. last three tough matches at Lawrenceville, Princeton Day School and Newark Acad- emy; the team’s next match is against The Hill School on October 25. Boys’ Cross Country Dual-meet record to date: 1-1 JV Girls’ Tennis Highlights: took eighth place at both the Season record to date: 2-2 Newark and Canterbury Invitationals in Highlights: beating Pennington at the team’s mid-September; defeated Belvidere High season opener; the Bucs look forward to School later that month; the team’s next their next match against The Hill School meet is at home versus St. Benedicts on October 25. on October 22.

BLAIR BULLETIN 17 ATHLETICS

Follow Blair Athletics on Twitter for Sports News & Updates

In 2014-2015, Blair will continue to expand way to not only stay in contact with our and media outlets to see what’s going on its social media reach in order to deliver the alumni and parent body, but also give them in the world of high school sports beyond most up-to-date information to students, live updates on contests and tournaments.” our own campus,” Coach Stone said. “We parents and alumni. New to the School’s Aside from posting news about School’s are also excited to learn more about athletes online channels this year is a Twitter sports teams, Coach Stone also looks for- who continue on in their sports after their account (@blairbucs) managed by Blair’s ward to joining a larger conversation about Blair careers, as well as follow what blogs athletic department. high school athletics. and media outlets have to say about our Throughout the school year, the de- “We plan to follow other schools, teams own athletic program.” n partment will post details about upcoming events, cancellations and postponements, post-game recaps and alumni in the news. Additionally, followers will see real-time updates of live competitions, as well as game-day candid photos and action shots. “This new Twitter account is an exciting addition to the athletic department, as we want to get the word out on what’s happen- ing with the School’s athletes and teams,” noted Jim Stone, director of athletics. “Blair has a great tradition of successful athletic teams, and this platform gives us another

Watch Blair Athletics Online in Realtime

For the first time last year, Blair livecasted dozens of athletic events online. The response from parents and alumni unable to attend the in partnership with Strive, Inc., a video production company that events in person was so positive that the School will once again plan specializes in shooting sporting events and broadcasting them to livecast select games online at www.strivenetwork.tv. During the 2014-2015 school year, Blair will livecast a number of athletic competitions—focusing on those sports that are easy to film and watch onscreen—including football, lacrosse, soccer, field hockey, swimming, wrestling, softball and baseball. Each event will include commentary, play-by-play hosting, athletic notes, introduc- tion videos, pre- and post-game coverage, onscreen score boards and instant replay. For a schedule of other athletic contests to be livestreamed this fall, visit our website. n @ www.blair.edu/athletics/livestreamed-events

18 CONVOCATION SPECIAL 2014 SUPPORT the BLAIR FUND

Every corner of the School, every program, every student and every teacher, benefits directly and immediately from the Blair Fund. Philanthropic support of the School helps to sustain its mission of educating young people and providing a rich community life—a mission that is increasingly important in today’s global world. Every Gift Matters, Every Year.

PLEASE MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY. www.blair.edu/make-a-gift

BLAIR BULLETIN 19 BLAIR ACADEMY Periodical postage paid at Blairstown, NJ 07825 and Post Office Box 600 at additional mailing office Blairstown, New Jersey 07825-0600