Volume 11, Number 3 News From Fall Trimester 2003

FOUR MORE GRADUATES community college with ambitions to enter Brown Uni- versity. She wants to work, learn to drive, and become SOAR AWAY the first woman of color to preside over this country. By Mohammed Elgazzar, Fellow Ally first heard of Eagle Rock through her grand- mother, who knew of ERS through a former intern. On A sunny, snowy Colorado day Friday, December New Year’s Eve 1997, she saw the Eagle Rock video 12, 2003, sent four Eagle Rock graduates on the way to and thought that, while the philosophy of school was the rest of their lives, bringing the number of graduates laden with cheesiness, it was a great approach to educa- to 90. Meet our newest graduates, Ally Alexander, tion and would perhaps be her key to future success. Anthony Olivas, Désireé Oscarsson, and Paul Tolbert. This Chicago native arrived during Eagle Rock School’s eighteenth trimester, leaving both her single mother and Ally Alexander welfare. Her lowest point was the twenty-five day wilder- ness trip that each new student takes. We were on one of the Ally advises Eagle Rock students and staff members busettes and it pulled into to “Be here for you and surround yourself with people a gas station to fill up. who will validate your choices and support you in what Everybody on the bus was your ultimate goal is.” If anybody has the determina- allowed to get some snacks tion, attitude, and will to accomplish her goals, it’s Ally. from inside. Some of us jumped off and ran inside. Anthony Olivas Nothing really appealed to me except for the ice cream. I got a couple Gang-affiliation and a of pints to share. When we got back on the small Denver community bus, we realized that we had forgotten to were simply not working for get spoons. I ran back off the bus into the Anthony Olivas, a Latino gas station. Unfortunately, they didn’t have member and graduate of the any spoons or forks or anything else that Eagle Rock School community. we could use. Disappointed, we got back At first, Anthony didn’t quite onto the bus. That’s when everybody took understand why the ERS com- their wallets out and we decided to use our munity would be better, but he gave it a try and now library cards to eat with. knows that coming to Eagle Rock was the best thing that he could’ve done. This was Alicia (Ally) Alexander’s most memorable With plans for entering the Marines and aspira- moment at Eagle Rock and perhaps a sublime example tions of becoming a fire fighter, Anthony has become of the resourcefulness and creativity that she harnessed increasingly excited about beginning his life outside and nurtured over the years. Ally suggests that she is high school. He hopes that someday he will be able to expressing true leadership at Eagle Rock through action: achieve his goals and support a relatively large family of graduation. two girls, four boys and, of course, a wife he loves. She is both scared and excited about graduation, Anthony entered Eagle Rock thinking that gradua- excited about independence but scared about the tion would be a stroll in the park. “It’s more like climb- unknown. She has been forced to consider her options ing Everest, falling down to the bottom, and then climb- and make plans but is dedicated to holding herself ac- ing it again,” he now says. countable for her future. Ally is working hard to enter ...See Graduates - Page 5 Eagle Eyes Page -2-

A publication of NEW STAFF MEMBERS with the University of New Mexico devel- Eagle Rock School oping and establishing a service learning and Professional BRING TALENT AND Development Center program there. EXPERIENCE TO ERS John’s depth of thought and discrimi- Editor: nating eye, a dangerous combination, Lois Easton By Mohammed Elgazzar, Fellow made him aware of problems within the P.O. Box 1770 public education system and, more spe- 2750 Notaiah Road Two new staff members joined Eagle cifically, students’ often dehumanized Estes Park, CO Rock at the beginning of the trimester. 80517-1770 treatment and alienated responses to this Here’s your chance to “meet” them. culture. According to John, it is during Phone Numbers: youth that people are most open to new (970) 586-0600 John Guffey ideas. He sought to balance the negative Denver Metro effects of public education by providing (303) 442-7655 A tall, long- this young and highly energetic population haired, gener- with an opportunity to critically examine FAX ally quiet man (970) 586-4805 their realities and change them if neces- moves between sary. An initiative of the the Learning The tenets of life and education at American Honda Resource Cen- Eagle Rock pulled him from New Mexico, Education Corporation ter, the Arts and and he was thrilled to be in the town he Crafts Build- American Honda visited as a youngster and able to apply ing, and the Ponderosa residence. He is the knowledge he had acquired since those Education John Guffey, the Instructional Specialist in Corporation summer escapades. Service Learning. John’s life journey has John, his wife Manuela, and his Hiro Matsumoto brought him full circle, beginning when children Milo and Mya live in Ponderosa Chairman he was a twelve-year-old visiting Rocky House, where John and Manuela are Gary Kessler Mountain National Park and concluding houseparents. Executive Director (at least for now) with his coming to Eagle Rock. Jesse Tovar Sheri Bullock His opportunity to teach at Eagle Secretary Rock reminded John of his youth and the In a dark Llyn King democratic community living that he is so corner of the Treasurer passionate about. John spent nearly every Professional summer from the age of twelve through Development Eagle Rock School his university graduation skipping rocks Center, wedged and Professional and wallowing in the smell of compost in between Development Center RMNP. His father was the first seasonal Philbert Smith, backcountry ranger the park had known Jon Anderson Director of Human Performance and, clearly, this influenced the time John Students, and L’Tanya Perkins, Director of spent in the park, nurturing his taste for Admissions, a dim overhead lamp bright- Burt Bowles environmentalism and service. ens the workspace of a dark, curly-haired Facilities & Maintenance John carried the forest service torch man working diligently on cracking the for several years before becoming a fire Robert Burkhardt code of the human psyche. As the resident Head of School fighter. He later earned his teaching certifi- counselor, philosopher, and a traveling cate in science in 1985. He used his certi- family man, Jesse Tovar works endlessly, Dan Condon fication to teach at the Universal American Public Allies knee-deep in mental and emotional mud School in Kuwait. John furthered his that requires courage, patience, endurance Lois Easton education with a master’s degree in peace and stamina. Director of Professional and justice studies with a minor in Native Jesse takes on his role as Health and Development American studies. After a stint with a Gal- Wellness Instructor with a smile, psycho- lup, New Mexico, non-profit organization logically supporting the mental health of Cynthia Elkins that focused on service learning from a Arts Native American perspective, John worked ...See Staff - Page 3 Eagle Eyes Page -3-

Jacques Fournet ...Staff - Cont. from Page 2 with the San Francisco Bay Area; Florence, Wilderness & Outdoors Italy; and the whole of Argentina. His next ERS students and challenging them to Education stop is a toss-up between Canada, New discover their own unique strengths and Mike Glowacki Zealand and , or Brazil. natural self-esteem. He does all this with Head Cook The Bay area was Jesse’s last stop the purpose of pushing students to mental Richard Gordon before coming to Colorado, where he preparedness in order to succeed academi- Learning Resources was working as a clinician. In this role, cally and personally at Eagle Rock and and Information Jesse had sponsored several Eagle Rock beyond. Linda Sand Guest Students and had begun to interact with His passion for this work finds him Director of Curriculum L’Tanya, whose powers of persuasion re- rummaging in the stacks of dusty used John Guffy sulted in his recruitment. bookstores, continuously acquiring the Service Jesse’s background is rich. He is at tools he needs to be most effective with least trilingual (Spanish, French, and Eng- Dick Herb such a lively, intense, fun, and passion- Director of Operations lish); he has an undying taste for travel; ate population as the Eagle Rock student and he possesses an unfettered capacity to Sheri Jackson body. His own passion helped him be- Business Administration connect with people from any culture, any come aware as a seventeen year old that Specialist social stratum, and any economic class. he needed to leave his family, friends, and Jesse is most disheartened when stu- Janet Johnson native home of Venezuela to actualize his Science dents pack up and go home, or when they future. Eventually, he earned a master’s think that Eagle Rock is not giving them Janice Lee degree in clinical psychology from Univer- Registrar what they need. However, his endeavors sity of Geneva in Switzerland. are all worthwhile when he feels that he Jeff Lemon Jesse has traveled the world, collect- has contributed to the students’ discov- Sous Cook ing passport stamps the way others col- ery of what they really want in life, their Jeff Liddle lect foreign stamps or vintage baseball becoming socially aware and active, simply Wilderness & cards. Currently, he has dual citizenship in Outdoors Education working their hardest in doing their best. Venezuela and in France. He is a perma- Jesse and his wife Nathalie, who was Karolee McLaughlin nent resident of the United States. Of all born and raised in France, are housepar- Music and Performance the places that he has been, from Rome ents in Spruce. They have two children, Jen Morine to Buenos Aires, Jesse is most enamored Diego and Melody. Human Performance L’Tanya Perkins Admissions Associate Tim Phelps STUDENTS PRESENT AT would to me because they seldom hear Chef Instructor student voices on school reform. Student Scott Rashid CONFERENCES voices can be very powerful. Cook By Lois Easton, Director of Here are some conferences students James Sherman Professional Development made presentations at this fall: the New Society and York State Association for Supervision and Social Studies People turn and stare. Smiles come Curriculum Development (NYSASCD); the Philbert Smith to their faces and, sometimes, a quizzical Coalition of Essential Schools Fall Forum Director of Students look. Adults at education conferences are in Columbus, Ohio; and the Hope Foun- Lisa Spring not used to seeing young people there, dation Conference in Broomfield, Colo- Administrative Assistant but whenever possible, Eagle Rock sends rado. In January, students will be part of a Terry Tierney students to conferences to help make keynote panel and do their own breakout Assistant Facilities session at the Alternatives to Expulsion presentations. With vast experience from Lan To doing their own Presentations of Learning, Conference in Orlando, FL. In February, Life After Eagle Rock they will present on the same weekend at these students are accomplished present- Jesse Tovar ers. What I would say is often said, better, the Third Annual Small Schools Confer- Health and Wellness by the students. And audience members ence and the Colorado Reading Confer- Counselor listen more closely to them than they ence. Alison Trattner Language and Literature Eagle Eyes Page -4-

HARD CHOICES: SELECTING Changing Lives: Teaching Ourselves & Help- ing Others. This is a course that questions the history CLASSES AT EAGLE ROCK and present-day reality of how and why we are com- pelled to change the world we live in. We will explore Each trimester, instructional staff “pitch” next trimes- the development and history of service learning, the push ter’s classes to students during a morning Gathering. With for reciprocal learning in service work, and the contested a great deal of vigor, they entice students into learning. relationship between academic learning and experiential Then, with their advisors, students use a Course Descrip- learning. Class activities will include participating in the tion packet to sign up for courses, making some hard 2004 Colorado State Conference on Volunteerism and choices. Here are some of the courses being offered in Service-Learning AND planning and conducting our own January. Enjoy excerpts from the course descriptions regional service-learning mini-conference at ERS. (the “you” in the stories refers to students): Close-Up. This is an intense, experiential govern- Friends, Romans, Eagle Rockers. We will study ment and politics course that includes a weeklong trip to Latin grammar and vocabulary, read and write stories Washington, D.C. Students learn how the government in Latin, practice conversations and play Old Roman works and why, closely examining domestic and foreign Games every Friday. Additionally, we will study Roman policies and issues, political personalities and local, na- history and culture through reading novels by Steven tional and international affairs. Saylor. This class will promote logical thinking and your Reel to Real. Who is that actor with the silly walk, understanding of English grammar, and it will significantly bushy half mustache, bowler hat and disheveled appear- increase your vocabulary. ance? What contribution did he make to the movies? Act Out! Feeling brave? Feeling shy? Does an “Soundtracks” may be a word in your vocabulary, but audience make you want to bolt? Perhaps you were when did music begin to add such depth to cinematog- born on the stage and have basked in the footlights since raphy? This class will answer those questions and many early childhood. Or maybe the words “acting” or “audi- more that pique your mind. We will spend time watching ence” fill you with loathing and dread. We invite you to and analyzing films, choosing either to make our own lose your self-consciousness, explore human nature, and films and compose our own music with the help of two sample some of the finest plays ever written. We are an computer programs, Reason and Sibelius, OR use a silent acting, literature and psychology class all in one. Daily film and add music. warm-up exercises, scenarios for improvisation, and some Run, Forrest, Run. Remember the movie? Want to basic acting techniques will help you develop a character set a goal that will change the rest of your life? Welcome in depth and understand your motivation in any given to this class during which you will train for a 10k or a scene. half-marathon race (13 miles!). We will focus on how to Fundamental French for the Fearless and Flam- train effectively for these endurance events and will look boyant. No more needs to be said! to examine the nutrition that goes into preparing for these D.A.R.E. to Understand. Have you ever won- races. We’ll study the science behind physiology and dered what drugs do to your body? Or how the drug war food choices, and you can do a combined science and began? Students in this class will do hardcore science health portfolio. and delve into American government, civics, and world Ethno-joke-ology: An Inquiry Into Humor At history. They will read extensively, discuss completely, The Cost of the Human Experience. The aim of this and argue their points. course is to utilize the common “ethnic joke” as a tool to The Art of Problem Solving. Problems, presenta- encourage dialogue and discussion on issues of diversity tions and personal reflections will be the emphasis of this such as racism, sexism, classicism, and homophobia in or- class. We will study specific problem-solving strategies, der to bridge cultural gaps in the understanding – or lack like drawing a diagram, making systematic lists, elimi- of – that exists surrounding these important and relevant nating possibilities, looking for patterns, and guess and social dilemmas. check. We will learn these strategies by solving problems The Real Red Hot Chile Peppers: The Spicy and actively engaging in other students’ presentations of Way of Life in . In this class, we will problems. Dedicated students who are willing to work explore how spicy life south of the border really is. You can expect to earn two math portfolios. will learn that the U.S. is not the only America out there Blood and Guts. Do you ever wonder how and that Central America doesn’t mean Nebraska. Dis- your body can take you through morning exercise, cover Latin America through its literature, culture, history, fight illnesses, and digest burritos and pizza? Are you geography, music and more. worried about Ebola, SARS, or the plague? If so, come dissect, discuss, and delight in how our bodies function Many staff and visitors to Eagle Rock remember their and attempt to maintain health amid an onslaught of own school days and wish they could enroll at Eagle pestilence. Rock. Perhaps you do, too. Eagle Eyes Page -5-

... Graduates - Cont. from Page 1 claimed that a bit of nostalgia was creeping up on her; Anthony described his time away from Eagle Rock she was counting the number of kitchen patrols, morn- for engaging in violence, one of the school’s non-ne- ing exercises, and classes she had left. She was ready gotiable activities, as a challenge. He realized what to graduate, however, ready to travel to Spain and her life was like as a teenager outside of such a supportive native for a few months, and prepared to attend community and faced the fact that he could not meet his the Air Force Academy after receiving a congressional objectives in life unless he got back into school and suc- nomination from the state of Ohio. ceeded academically and personally. Désireé speaks fluent Swedish, understands Ger- Awed at graduating from high school and, more man, and is beginning her linguistic mastery of Spanish. specifically, from a challenging place like Eagle Rock, She knows that her background gives her an edge in Anthony also has some “awesome” memories. One is picking up new languages and connecting with people his trip to the Potato Creek Reservation in South Da- from different cultures. kota. It was there that he participated in distributing gifts It’s been difficult for Désireé to come from a resistant to Native Americans and serving them food during the and independent past and to be expected to work ef- holiday season. ficiently in a group. However, although her early school “‘All men who have achieved great things have been career was marked by skipping classes, she’s proud that great dreamers,’” he said. “I don’t remember who said her ERS career has included teaching classes. Through that, but it’s true.” If Orison Swett Marden’s words Eagle Rock’s experiential approach to education, Dé- hold, then perhaps another great man has graduated sireé has acquired true qualities of a leader. from Eagle Rock. Paul Tolbert

Désireé Oscarsson After trials with juve- nile detention, running There is a spirit of resil- away, homelessness, and ience that exists among the probation, Paul Tolbert student body at Eagle Rock was referred to Eagle School. This resilience Rock School through -- and a determination to a former community be independent -- may be environmental education best exemplified by Dé- program advisor. Like sireé Oscarson, a young most new students here, woman from northeastern Paul was a bit uncomfortable with the close proximity Ohio who spurned the mentality of her upper middle- and human contact, sincerity, and love that he experi- class white suburbia by skipping classes and eventually enced. In a strange way, Paul was equally excited to be getting expelled from her former high school. Although with what he now refers to as his “family.” her test scores were high, her poor classroom attendance Personal trials forced him to leave the school for a and grades weren’t good enough to get her into military limited time, a time when he realized how precious life school. itself really is and what he could do to make Eagle Rock She resisted the idea of coming to Eagle Rock work for him. Paul returned to Eagle Rock this past School by erasing L’Tanya Perkins’ phone messages trimester for the specific purpose of graduating. before her parents heard them, even though her high Graduation for Paul was certainly not easy. He school counselor suggested that ERS would be the best claimed that he is just now discovering his true intel- thing for her. She didn’t want to come. ligence and natural charisma. In stark contrast with his Her prospective visit went well, and she fell in love public high school experience, where he believed that with the location of the school and the diversity that he was an idiot, he knows now, “I can do whatever I Eagle Rock could bring into her life. Her first few days want to. [ERS] has made me realize that knowledge is here gave her the impression that ERS was a “hippie power.” commune,” but, after exchanging personal life stories Saying that he could remain at Eagle Rock for an- with her first residential wing mates, she knew that com- other trimester, Paul found that the time after his return ing to Eagle Rock was the best decision she had made. seemed to fly by. Even though he left for personal rea- When I interviewed her, the idea, the mere con- sons as well as illness, his return was certainly intentional cept, of graduation hadn’t quite set in for Désireé. She ...See Graduates - Page 11 Eagle Eyes Page -8-

NEW FELLOWS CON- nati where he worked with the Alli- vice projects both on and off campus ance for Leadership & Interconnec- and works to integrate service learn- TRIBUTE MUCH TO ERS tion as the Education Coordinator. ing into the academic curriculum. By Dan Condon, Director, After his term with Public Allies he Public Allies at Eagle Rock was promoted to Executive Direc- Penda Horton, Learning tor of the same organization. As the Resource Center Fellow. Penda, Meet the new fellows. They are Professional Development Center 29, grew up in Dayton, Ohio and is young leaders interested in youth Fellow, Mohammed works with stu- a graduate of Wilberforce University development and educational dents and visitors to disseminate the and Bowling Green State University. change. They are Public Allies (see philosophies and practices of Eagle She hopes to define and develop www.publicallies.org) as well as Rock School. skills in youth advocacy and teach- fellows at Eagle Rock. Their year ing. Before coming to Eagle Rock, at Eagle Rock provides them with James Frickey, Mathemat- Penda worked in Youth Leadership professional and personal develop- ics Fellow. James, 30, grew up in Development, mentoring, violence ment opportunities, and they render Indiana and is a graduate of Miami prevention and alternative education incredible service to the Eagle Rock University. He served with the Colo- within the non-profit sector. Working community. After rado Literacy Corps as an AmeriCorps in the Learning Resource Center at their year at Eagle Eagle Rock, Penda assists students Rock, they are expect- and staff with resources to support ed “go forth” as am- and improve their learning. bassadors for Eagle Anna McCanse, Visual Arts Rock and Public Allies Fellow. Anna, 23, grew up in the ideas about working Chicago area and is a graduate of with youth. Illinois State University. Most re- cently she worked in San Diego at a Andy Artz, crisis center for young people. She’s Music Fellow. interested in learning more about Andy, 22, grew education and youth development. up in Pittsburg, She plans and instructs classes in art Pennsylvania, and fundamentals, art history, fine arts, is a graduate of crafts, and arts based community member. He was especially attracted Princeton University. He likes to service. She also maintains the Eagle to Eagle Rock’s emphasis on each work with students in areas involving Rock studio space and leads special student’s personal as well as academic self-esteem development, effective projects in the visual arts. conflict resolution, responsibility, growth. As the Mathematics Fellow, and healthy, communicative James emphasizes problem solving Clinton McCarthy, Human relationships. As the Music Fellow, and communication while instructing Performance Center Fellow. Andy plans and instructs choir, students in mathematic principles. Clinton, 24, grew up in upstate New band, music theory, music history York and is a graduate of the State and performance. He keeps the Sarah Glasband, Service University of New York at Cortland. music facilities and instruments Learning Fellow. Sarah, 24, grew He is currently pursuing a Masters organized, coordinates rehearsals up in Oakland, California and is a of Arts in Outdoor Education at the and leads the preparations for graduate of Reed College. While University of Northern Colorado. variety shows and other public at Reed she coordinated the Reed- He’s interested in curriculum de- performances. Tubman Partnership, a program velopment and teaching style and designed to connect the college assists students with activities, safety Mohammed Elgazzar, Pro- to the Portland Public Schools. As and personal fitness. He facilitates fessional Development Center the Service Learning Fellow, Sarah the morning exercise program, Fellow. Mohammed, 24, grew up helps to develop an interdependent works with intramurals and tour- in Egypt, Kuwait, and Cincinnati. relationship between service learning naments and supports students in He is a graduate of the University of and community organizing. Sarah creating healthy life choices. facilitates groups of students in ser- Cincinnati and Public Allies Cincin- ...See Fellows - Page 10 Eagle Eyes Page -9-

SOME REFLECTIONS ON THE TENTH tion, Scott raised his arm skyward to release the bird. With a solitary acknowledging stroke of its 7 foot wing- ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION* span the bird then took to the air. Flying from the frame Kanoa Breeland: scaffolding, the bird swooped directly over the heads of September the12th, it was Friday morning; the audience in the first few seats. . .demanding the at- The sky was blue, no chance of storming. tention of the members of the celebration and, perhaps, Aside from the wind, the weather was clear, generating a slight feeling of trepidation. And the big day was finally here. . . . Matt Amerson: Several of my peers and I were Time to celebrate the first ten years. captured by the kitchen staff and forced to work in the . . . . kitchen slave galley. They made us wear large puffy The field was filled with harmonious sound white hats so that if we were to escape, we could be That bounced off the hillside to the sky from the easily identified and returned to our chef masters. . . . ground. The next day our culinary oppressors marched us out The piece ended in silence, it ended in tears; onto a big green field where they had erected a gargan- Then James came to speak of the next fifty years tuan white tent. . . .What cruelty it was to force starving children to work with food they were not allowed to “A time capsule,” he said, “will be sealed for the future, eat. The wafting scent of smoked meats and corn was Filled with music and memories of today’s pop culture.” a kind of exquisite torture that only the sick mind of a He insisted on including the U.S. Constitution, chef could conjure. The work was tedious and draining, For fear of tomorrow’s oppressive solution. and our only escape was the momentary distraction of a large eagle attacking the alto section of the choir. Robert Burkhardt: A huge Golden Eagle swooped down over the Field of Dreams as 350 alumni, students, Robert Burkhardt: Here are just a few highlights: the staff and visitors looked on in astonished joy. “Saint presence of Mr. Amimiya (Chairman) and Mr. Kondo George” was aban- (President) of doned as a fledgling American Honda, in Utah and suffered a representing the broken wing when hit changing of the by a car. George was guard at American rehabilitated at the Bird Honda; forty-seven of Prey Foundation in Eagle Rock gradu- Broomfield, Colorado, ates, returning to and then was obtained help us celebrate, by Eagle Rock’s multi- the largest assem- talented cook Scott bly of ERS grads Rashid for release into ever; many former the wild. What bet- staff and interns, ter way to punctuate fully of energy and the celebration of our accomplishment; Tenth Anniversary than numerous former by giving George a students who did second chance to suc- not graduate but ceed? wanted to be with us (Ben Blocker, Charles Reeve: for example, who Honda executives and the Eagle Rock Robert introduced the had just returned management team at the Tenth Anniversary honored guest as St. from ten months in George, named for Iraq); numerous visitors from organizations and institu- the climbing area from which he was recovered. . . .the tions with which Eagle Rock has a special relationship crowd’s attentions were split between awe and applause (KIPP, Hastings College, RMNP, CU, CDE, SF, the Town as Scott Rashid emerged with the male Golden Eagle of Estes Park, MacGregor Ranch, Rotary, school districts, perched tensely on his forearm. Following the introduc- ...See Anniversary - Page 11 Eagle Eyes Page -10-

... Fellows - Cont. from Page 8 science and earth science. He is also phen spent time in Mexico, Central involved in developing curriculum America, Peru, Africa, China, and Molly Nichols, Language and assessments. Europe. He uses these experiences Arts & Literature Fellow. Molly, and interests in social policy and 22, grew up in Pennsylvania and is Anna Ridder, Outdoor Edu- development to support instructional a graduate of Columbia University. cation Fellow. Anna, 27, grew up activities in history, government, and She hopes that her experience at in Michigan and is a graduate of the civics, and geography. Eagle Rock will help to clarify her University of Michigan with a degree professional goals related to educa- in Latin American and Caribbean Robyn Weaver, Spanish For- tion and social change. Molly shares Studies. Anna hopes to learn more eign Language Fellow. Robyn, responsibility for planning and about the logistical side of wilder- 24, grew up in the Chicago area and instructing literature classes and a ness trips. Before coming to Eagle is a graduate of Ohio State Univer- French class, designing writing and Rock she led several wilderness trips sity. She also studied abroad in the reading curricula, staffing the school and worked as a sea kayak guide for Dominican Republic and Madrid, newspaper and coaching individual individuals with disabilities. Anna Spain. As the Spanish Foreign writing outside of the classroom. coordinates the new student wilder- Language Fellow, she uses knowl- ness orientation program and offers edge from the TEFL certificate she Stanley Richards, Science a series of academically integrated received in Prague and ideas from Fellow. Stanley, 25, grew up in adventure activities throughout the past classroom experience to design the Triangle area of North Carolina year. an engaging classroom environ- and is a graduate of the University ment. Robyn hopes to share her of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He Stephen Smith, Social Stud- knowledge of culture, literature and is a graduate of Public Allies North ies Fellow. Stephen, 24, grew language with the students of Eagle Carolina where he worked with an up in West Philadelphia and is a Rock. Spanish classes at Eagle Rock organization which connects spiri- graduate of Temple University and include field trips, role-playing and tuality with issues of social justice. Cambridge University. He is also critiques, as well as explorations in His interests are science, diversity a Truman and Fulbright Scholar. Hispanic culture via literature and and musical expression. He provides Before coming to Eagle Rock, Ste- sociology. instruction in physical science, life

A COMPLIMENT FROM DOWN-UNDER

Thank you, Eagle Rock community, for the opportunity to visit. It has certainly been an eye-opening experience for me. It makes me think how all schools should operate if we had the chance. No teachers who visit your school can go back to their own schools without re-thinking the way they approach the education of their students. I was very impressed with the quality of your teachers and the warm and open welcome that I received from everybody at Eagle Rock. It was very rewarding for me to see the close relationship that exists between the staff and the students at the school. I will be taking back many working ideas from Eagle Rock that will be incorporated into my modest program back in Melbourne, Australia. I am confident that you will all achieve your goals and become true global citizens and a credit to your school and become role models in your local communities. Keep up the great work and carry forward the ideals and values of ERS. Chris Collins, Teacher Melbourne, Australia Eagle Eyes Page -11-

THE GRADUATE HIGHER Ultimately, we’d like to have $10,000 avail- able for undergraduate studies and maybe another EDUCATION FUND GROWS $7,500 for three years of graduate studies (in 1996 BEYOND DREAMS* dollars – where we started). To do this, the “Fund’s By Dick Herb, Director of Operations nest egg” will need to exceed $3,000,000 (in 1996 dollars). Ambitious? Yes. But in 1996 we had no With $380,000 currently invested, after over idea we’d be where we are today. The Fund’s suc- $50,000 in awards expenses and another $10,000 cess and the dramatic need of many of our gradu- plus in operating costs since inception, the Graduate ates in the face of the expenses of higher education Higher Education Fund has grown well beyond our today have raised our sights. Robert, in his deter- dreams. We now offer each graduate up to $5,000 mined voice, will state, “If a student who comes to for college, trade school or other higher education us and graduates from Eagle Rock and wants to go pursuits – and it’s all retroactive. That is, the funds on learning needs money, we want to have it for him are available to all graduates including those who or her. We don’t want lack of funds to keep students graduated before the first dollar was earned. from taking their next step toward higher educa- The original idea was Robert’s, who came tion. These kids have turned their lives around. to Dick in the early winter of 1996, knowing that When they first came to Eagle Rock, they were Honda’s support ends at a student’s graduation dropping out. They weren’t even going to graduate from ERS but wondering if we could find a way to from higher education. They’ve come too far to let raise a “little money” to give to graduates to help money stop them now.” out with college expenses. My previous school had If you would like to make a tax-deductible con- a “Scholarship Work Day” twice a year where we all tribution to the Eagle Rock Graduate Higher Educa- went out around the community and did odd jobs tion Fund, please make your check payable to Eagle for the day to help fund the school’s scholarship Rock and send it to Dick Herb, Eagle Rock School fund. So, my answer to Robert was easy. “Yes,” I and Professional Development Center, P. O. Box said. “We could implement a ‘Graduate Work Day 1770, Estes Park, CO 80517. Thank you! program,’ and I’d bet we’d earn a ‘few thousand’ per year easily.” *This article in longer form appeared in Eagle’s Nest, the parent-sponsor newsletter.

...Anniversary - Cont. from Page 9 etc.); reading the names and remembering the Eagle Through struggles and strife, this bird fought for his life Rock community members who have passed on, backed So majestic and regal, this great golden eagle by an a capella student ensemble singing “Amazing Took flight for the future, confronting his fears, Grace;” the voices of the children of Eagle Rock staff Took flight as a metaphor for the next ten years. members singing to close the ceremony on the Field of Dreams, representing hope for the future; and RockA- *Some of these reflections are from the student live!, a two-hour schoolwide Presentation of Learning. newspaper From Under the Rock.

Kanoa Breeland: Tenth Anniversary photos by Richard Ten whole years in the fire this community was forged Kraft, and staff of Eagle Rock School And to honor such things Scott presented Saint and American Honda Motor Company. George.

... Graduates - Cont. from Page 5 with those whom he can help. An honorable and strong young man, Paul, is exactly the sort of young person and heartfelt. Deep down, Paul knew that he had to Eagle Rock School is proud to send into the world. work hard to earn his high school diploma. “Namaste!” Paul cried at the end of his interview. Paul is considering many different avenues in the fu- “The Divinity in me recognizes the Divinity in you.” For ture. Most importantly, he wants to be a lifelong learner. Paul, this means respecting and loving the self in order For him the best way to be a lifelong learner is by teach- to respect and love those around you. ing. He wants to share his knowledge and his power