At the first assembly of the school year, Upper Schoolers gathered in the MPR to talk about the theme of “When in Doubt, Do Good.” Classics Department Chair Mr. Clausen greeted students dressed as senior Graham Brady, for Halloween, and spoke about the role of generosity and providing help and kindness for no reason beyond the fact that it is rewarding to all when people choose to help others. Seniors James Mitchell, Emanuel Smith, Lucie Warga, and Baily Pinkney spoke about their own experiences of generosity.  Jazz band members Miles Lang, Baily Pinckney, Duncan Cox, Adrien Gomez, Maddy Katz, Mitch Shapiro, Owen Fox-Whelpton, Dylan Healy, and Harris Marks performed.  As a follow-up to the themes of his speech, Mr. Clausen read the New Yorker article called “The Gift,” with his students, which is about a man named Zell Kravinsky who donates $45 million dollars to charity and then later donates a kidney. He invited former WLPCS Dean Jose Reyes to speak this Thursday about his experiences receiving a kidney donation from a stranger that saved his life last year.  He spoke to Mr. Clausen’s class along with his donor, Sarah. 

On Wednesday, music warmed the autumnal chill of the night, bringing light to a night that grew dark early after turning our clocks back this weekend. The middle school choir, Honors Choir, Concert Choir, and Jazz Band performed songs under the direction of our talented Arts Department Chair, Ms. VerCammen (Nevola). The Honors Choir sang several songs including “If Ye Love Me,” by Thomas Tallis. The Jazz band played a variety of music, including “Everything” by Michale Buble. The Junior Choir sang festive tunes including “A Joyful Song,” by Mary Lynn Lightfoot, and the Latin Voices Choir sang “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing,” by Stevie Wonder.

The 12th Annual Girls on the Run Community 5K will be Sunday November 19th at 9 AM at Anacostia Park Girls on the Run requires that every girl run the 5K with an adult buddy runner. Parents and friends are encouraged to run along with Latin’s team. All buddy runners must register for the race.  Registration is $35 and closes at 12:00 pm on Saturday, November 18th. Please email Grace at grace@gotrdc.org by Monday, November 13th if want to be paired with a Buddy Runner!  If you do not want to participate in the race, please consider attending to provide moral support for our team.