Bath Highlights:

• Preparation for becoming a senior – On Saturday the junior class met with Hyde President Malcolm Gauld who spoke to the group about delayed gratification, choosing to do what you need to do versus what you want to do, and the concept of being a “big fish in a little pond.” The meeting was part of the Senior Prep Process in which all juniors are engaged to become members of the Class of 2011. Students also began defining their standards of personal excellence, evaluating their commitment to graduating from Hyde, and deliberating on their choice of a faculty or senior sponsor to support them through the Senior Prep Process.
• Public speaking in practice – The first of a two-part exam began yesterday with self- chosen soliloquies, in which bits of Shakespeare’s Othello, Shaw’s Pygmalion and an original piece by Cody Vickery ’10 were among the works presented in the Mansion. On Friday night, these same students will perform at the Cultural Heritage Performance. Students and faculty will sing, dance and perform pieces that reflect their cultural heritage. A special guest performance will be provided by the Lotus Dance Troupe, from The Chinese American Friendship Association of Maine, as part of the grand finale.
• Highlights and big dreams – The school meeting this week began with a focus on personal highlights we have had this term, some of which included doing well on an Advanced Biology test, productive FLC weekends with parents and peak performances in an athletic event. Next we moved to our biggest dreams for our lives. Students talked about wanting to run a green company to help save the planet, become an elementary school teacher, a National Geographic photographer, work with animals in Africa, and become a mother. We wrapped up the meeting with a discussion about the tension between the energy and enthusiasm we can feel about our dreams and visions and the smaller steps and daily work it takes to make progress towards those dreams.

COOL LINKS: Malcolm’s Trip to Asia | Hyde-Woodstock on NBC CT | PSSST…Spread the Word About Hyde | Junior Bernal Gets Props | Family Weekend X for Siblings

Woodstock Highlights:

• Bravo! – The Hyde Varsity Drama Team capped off another excellent winter with their production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance led by Director Meara Palmer-Young. With a packed house of students and FLC goers on Friday and a new crop of family members on Saturday, the squad was able to delight all who came with outstanding vocal numbers, well choreographed dance pieces, and exceptional acting. The cast, guided by leads Zach Rosenbaum ’10, Nora Curran ’10, Gage Verronneau ’10, Madeline Moritz ’10, Adam Ben-Hanania ’11, and Tim Hallenbeck ’10 did a phenomenal job as the leaders of softhearted pirates, cowardly police officers, and upstanding citizens of the British higher class. Great job to the rest of the cast and crew and a special thanks to Will Cutrer.
• Hyde seniors – The last few weeks have been important for the seniors who have struggled with courage and integrity. This week, five seniors from Bath came for a visit to share strengths and challenges with the leadership process. Thanks to Scout Gauld, Maeve O’Sullivan, Dexter Jenks, Kurt Chessman and Robin Platte for taking a huge step to unify the Hyde senior year.
• Wish upon a Star – In the school meeting, faculty members dressed up in outfits and props to symbolize a childhood dream, goal, significant failure and life lessons. Many stood and shared their deep feelings about each outfit. As senior Dan Drayton said, “This has been an important meeting. We all have a purpose on this earth and the faculty has inspired us with what they shared.”
• Don’t count Hyde out – Two examples happened this week to highlight the Hyde toughness. The men’s varsity basketball team found themselves down in the second half of tournament play and fought their way back. Mike Cannon ’11 had 19 points while Chris Velez ’10, Dion Richardson ’10 and Ewart Guinier ’10 played instrumental roles as senior leaders and made big plays down the stretch. Assistant coach Sean Kelly said, “It was one of the best high school games I’ve seen in a long time.” Varsity wrestlers showed similar grit at the SENE Tournament where they almost beat two tough opponents in two nail-biting matches. Coach Jenkins said, “It comes down to those moments when you know deep down that you didn’t quit and these guys never quit.” LDG/DM

COOL LINKS: Malcolm’s Trip to Asia | Hyde-Woodstock on NBC CT | PSSST…Spread the Word About Hyde | Nora Curran Flexes Her Pipes | Family Weekend X for Siblings