Several recent graduates from the class of 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012 returned over the Thanksgiving break to participate in a basketball game against current students. Players on the current Varsity Basketball team were victorious but alumni enjoyed the chance to get back into the game. Teachers, administrators and current and former students filled the stands and enjoyed giving thanks for the bonds that hold our graduates close.
In preparation for Thanksgiving, Washington Latin had a week of gratitude. Teachers wrote thank you notes and baked sweet treats to express our gratitude for volunteers in the Latin Pride campaign. Also, students in the choir performed for these parents in the library Thursday. Meanwhile, students in upper school Intensive Writing wrote thank you cards to teachers and friends to express how important their work has been. This theme of gratitude is one we hope to continue through the holiday season at Latin, and remind each other frequently of the impact each person’s actions make.
Ms. Collins’ AP Language and Composition class met with Dave Eggers at an event hosted by the Aspen Institute. Students had all read excerpts of Eggers’ book The Circle. Juniors Kyra Redman and Madison Childs had a chance to comment on the theme of childhood and independence in his stories, and sophomore Maya Woods-Arthur asked Eggers about writing introductions. Eggers spoke about his new book, Heroes of the Frontier, and gave students copies. He also talked about his nonprofit writing center, 826. In the upper school and middle school, English teachers often organize author visits or trips to see writers speak to give students special insight into the inspiration, motivation and challenges faced by writers.
Eighth graders took part in the first of several year-long advisory competitions, using the mathematical game buzz. The game asks students to count off numbers and say “buzz” when multiples of a specific number are named. The winners were Robbie Mirabello in first place, followed by Ranvir Malik and Mihir Patel. Other runners-up included Lydia Moore, and Miles Tiller and Zoe Edelman. Ms. Coppola-Klein’s yellow-colored advisory won for the best costumes and spirit and Ms. Haywood’s advisory currently leads with the most points for the year. Advisory competitions also are based on attendance, earning merits, and other honors and will culminate in a final eighth grade Olympics in the spring.
Last week’s biannual performance of “The Hook,” the student-directed arts afternoon, was an exciting way for students to bond over creativity. Dozens of students performed, including ninth graders MK Wilson and Trinity Rich who read poetry. Senior Tabitha Smith sang and played guitar. Senior Sophie Collier played violin and seniors Sam Mader and Nick Harvey beatboxed. Senior Ned Yarsky performed drums and also collaborated with other members of the guitar rock band club including Aaron Figueroa and Mitchell Shapiro. The event, which was first organized by Class of 2016 graduates Mica Carroll and Dusan Murray-Rawlings with help from English teacher Mr. Leonard, occurs both in the fall and spring.