Patrice Rankine, author of Ulysses in Black, spoke with faculty and upper school students in the Trials of Odysseus class this week. The class is co-taught by Latin teacher Mr. Clausen and English teacher Ms. Seid, and includes comparisons between Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man and Homer’s The Odyssey. Rankine’s writing focuses on black writers engaged in the classical tradition of story-telling and philosophy and focuses on Ralph Ellison, Toni Morison, and Countee Cullen. Rankine is a professor at the University of Richmond. Mr. Wills and Ms. Rose helped bring her to the school to participate this spring in our ongoing discussions of diversity within the classical tradition.
Washington Latin class of 2020 graduate Kim Montpelier earned the Linda S. Montross New Latin Educators Scholarship this year for $2000. Kim, who is a freshman at Cornell University is continuing to pursue the study of the classical tradition. The National Latin Exam also will cover the cost of her attending the American Classical League Institute this year. While at Latin she studied both Latin and Greek. Last year she presented at the annual Paideia conference in New York City on Faltonia Betitia Proba, a 4th century female Roman poet in spoken Latin! Kim participated in previous summer activities in Latin and Greek in Europe through grants from the Paideia Institute.
Upper school students in the Environmental/PLANET Club have kept their hands busy and their hands dirty this spring. Juniors and seniors Vivian Claire, Kayla Park, Ife Akinsanya have been gardening while juniors Luca Campanova and Juliette Warga have shoveled 100 buckets worth of compost into Washington Latin’s garden. Freshman James Figueroa fired his homemade potato cannon from the garden and it landed on the field! Physics and Environmental Science teacher Mr. Torrence advises the club, which focuses on environmental goals, activism, and keeping the city and school building thriving with green life.
For Wednesday’s middle school assembly, eighth graders Orry Gallas and Nyko Orekoya served as MC’s, reflecting on what they are hoping for this spring in light of the monthly theme of Hope. Mr. Kelly advised students on all the ways spring will bring hope, with hybrid learning and a return to a new normal. Kennedy Little, a new student in the 8th grade, discussed her hopes for the spring including having a chance to meet students in person during hybrid school. Finally, 8th grade science teacher Ms. Barlev showcased her flowery garden, discussing the hope of spring. Then 7th graders Grace Norquist and Aaron Gill were both interviewed by Ms. Bradley about the meaning of hope and spring. Washington Latin senior Lydia Moore reflected on “senioritis” and ways to engage through the very end of the year. Nora Paxson, a 5th grader, shared a song called “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri. Students gave merit awards to their hardworking teachers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to engage kids online. A fifth grade flash mob coordinated by theater teacher Mr. Baldwin danced to “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” from the movie Sing. Finally teachers and deans in grades 5-8 honored students for their hard work and positive attitudes with merits. And of course, Ms. Bradley and Mr. Kelly provided musical inspiration with Bill Withers’ song “Lovely Day” to brighten a gray Wednesday. Let there be light!
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Ms. Dobler advisory had an Iron Chef competition. Students were challenged to create holiday breakfast foods, preparing everything in 20 minutes on camera. Six student judges evaluated their presentations. Raine Montgomery-Vielmo won for her three varieties of pancakes. Leigha Spraggins came in second place for her breakfast spread, and Zaida Slakey came in third place with a St. Patrick’s Day parfait and bread.
