Blair Academy is proud to announce the 2024 spring varsity award winners after another memorable spring season. The Buccaneers earned many accolades this spring—from MAPL championships in boys’ tennis and girls’ crew to personal bests in track and field. Many teams earned winning seasons and have ended this year leaving their respective programs in a better place than where they started back in March.

“I’d like to give praise to all the student-athletes this spring for another successful athletic season,” said Paul Clavel ’88, Blair’s Director of Athletics. “All teams have shown a tremendous amount of growth on and off the fields and courts. They have continued our legacy of athletic excellence.”

The following student-athletes earned varsity awards this past May.

Blair Lacrosse Prize: Avery Andrasek ’24, Yaneik Gallego ’24, Carsten Viravec ’24 & Kendall Waag ’24

Brooks Baseball Prize: Carson Bowman ’25 & Achylles Pons-Beltsyk ’24

Hurley Crew Prize: Lyra Phelps ’24

Kemp Crew Prize: Aleksa Bazylevsky ’24 & Allie Wolff ’24

Blair Girls’ Golf Award: Jass Sanchez ’24

Zimmerman Golf Trophy: Alex Lyu ’25

Stowell Softball Award: Jocelyn O'Keeffe ’24 & Ruby DeFrank ’24

Pender Track Award: Petra Taylor ’24 & Grant Krueger ’24

Paul Tennis Award: Gio Choi ’25

Anzel Tennis Trophy: Guy Phisuthikul ’26

As the academic year comes to a close, underclass students and faculty came together for a night of recognition in the DuBois Theatre. On Monday, May 27, the Underclass Prize Assembly honored members of the ninth, 10th and 11th grades for their outstanding academic and co-curricular work throughout Blair’s 176th year.

“Our prize winners tonight embody the intentionality to make the most of their learning, to be as close to always as possible in their pursuit of excellence,” Assistant Head of School for Academics Nathan Molteni said as he welcomed everyone to the assembly. “There are always more accomplishments worthy of merit than we can celebrate here, and if your work is not recognized tonight, please know that it is certainly not unrecognized by our faculty for the investment you have all made in learning this year.” 

Click “play” below to watch the assembly.

Congratulations to all of the students who were awarded for their accomplishments on Monday!

The Phillips-James Rosen Trophy: Atlas Akinyemiju ’25 and Genesis Medina ’25

The John Kinch Leach Merit Award: Michael Antonelli ’26 and Cat Zhang ’26

The David Avery-Jones Freshman Prize: Joseph Schinder ’27 and Adison Thatcher ’27

The Joan and Fernando Marcial Prize: Guy Phisuthikul ’26

The Stephen Curry Prize: Michael Lynch ’26
 
Cum Laude Society: Riley Bacinski ’25, Gio Choi ’25, Stephanie Dos Santos ’25, Emily Dou ’25, Casey Gottlieb ’25, Andrew Hong ’25, Serrena Khanna ’25, Natalie Kislin ’25, Kazel Li ’25, Levin Li ’25, Alex Lyu ’25 and Leona Su ’25

The Edyth Jeffrey Shakespeare Essay Prize: Megan Bacinski ’27, Grace Dai ’27, George Gimbel ’27, Cake Ongnithiwat ’27, Binh Phan ’27, Adison Thatcher ’27, Kaya Collier ’26, Liam Green ’26, Ashley Hur ’26, Mayan Muchugia ’26, Ava Momsen ’26, Khang Nguyen ’26, Jessica Neary ’26, Josie Tetteh ’26, Louise Wyche ’26, William Antunes ’25, Morgan Celley ’25 and Jack Nothstine ’25

The Henry Cowan Prize: Kazel Li ’25 and Téa Vukosavljevic ’25

English One Prize: Ella Poliquin ’27 and Brayden Yau ’27

English Two Prize: Naomi Limann ’26 and Cat Zhang ’26

Art Prize: Eli Maloney ’25

Art Prize - Two Dimensional Art: Minh Anh Vo ’25

Art Prize - Three Dimensional Art: Weston Trish ’25 and Téa Vukosavljevic ’25

Art Prize - Photography: Serrena Khanna ’25

Art Prize - The Kampmann Video Prize: Leilah Elkholy ’25

Ninth-Grade History Prize: Ella Poliquin ’27

Tenth-Grade History Prize: Derek Chen ’26 and Khang Nguyen ’26

Eleventh-Grade History Prize: Kazel Li ’25 and Atlas Akinyemiju ’25

Chinese Language Prize: Mackenzie Smith ’25

Spanish Language Prize: Casey Gottlieb ’25

For Outstanding Achievement in the Study of a Foreign Language: C.C. Boellhoff ’25

Newton Prize for Calculus: Gio Choi ’25 and Khang Nguyen ’26

Hypatia Prize for Precalculus: Eugenie Kwon ’26

Pythagoras Prize for Geometry: Cake Ongnithiwat ’27

Al-Khwarizmi Prize for Algebra: Liam Green ’26

Vocal Music Prize: Cheyenne Joachim ’25 and Fionna Lee ’25

Instrumental Music Prize: Ben Lo ’25 and Tony Ni ’25

Underclass Theatre Prize: Leilah Elkholy ’25

Religion & Philosophy Prize: Kazel Li ’25 and Valentina Rosario ’26

Ninth-Grade Biology Prize: Grace Dai ’27 and Brayden Yau ’27

Tenth-Grade Chemistry Prize: Liam Green ’26 and Khang Nguyen ’26

Eleventh-Grade Physics Prize: Levin Li ’25

At a School meeting earlier in May, Dean of College Counseling Niki Applebaum ’01 honored several rising seniors for excellence in areas ranging from technology to leadership with the 2025 Book Awards. Distinct from Blair’s departmental awards and underclass prizes, these book awards carry scholarship opportunities connected to particular higher educational institutions should a student apply, be accepted and choose to enroll at that school. 
    
THE RENSSELAER MEDAL, recognizes superlative achievement of rising seniors and motivates students towards careers in science, engineering and technology with a four-year scholarship to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: Levin Li ’25

THE SAINT MICHAEL’S COLLEGE BOOK AWARD FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND SOCIAL CONSCIENCE, recognizes an outstanding student who leads with the true spirit of volunteerism with a four-year, full tuition merit scholarship: Cheyenne Joachim ’25

In partnership with the West Point Society of New Jersey, Blair Academy recognizes through the DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER LEADERSHIP AWARD exceptional performance in academics, athletics and community service while exhibiting a strong moral character in line with the values exemplified by President Eisenhower: Libby Russell ’25

The University of Rochester sponsors four awards with accompanying merit scholarships to recognize high school juniors:

THE BAUSCH & LOMB HONORARY SCIENCE AWARD, recognizes high achievement and rigor in science and math classes for a student who also offers positive contributions to her school and within the larger community: Avery Cheng ’25

THE FREDERICK DOUGLASS AND SUSAN B. ANTHONY AWARD, awarded to a junior who demonstrates commitment both to seeking understanding of and to addressing concerns about difficult social issues with a dedication to community action while earning strong grades in rigorous courses, especially those in the humanities and social sciences: Atlas Akinyemiju ’25

XEROX AWARD FOR INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY, awarded to a student who exhibits a strong interest and achievement in innovation or information technology: Anastasiia Feskova ’25

GEORGE EASTMAN YOUNG LEADERS AWARD, awarded to a junior who portrays strong leadership in her school or larger community, while earning high grades in challenging courses and displaying extensive involvement in extracurricular activities: Minh Anh Vo ’25

Also at the School meeting, The Alexander “ARob” Roberts Award for Spirit was presented to Libby Russell ’25. The award is given annually in honor of Alexander Roberts ’18 to a member of the rising senior class who embodies his characteristics. Like ARob, the students selected fully immerse themselves in all that Blair has to offer and are distinguished by their character. They are known to be compassionate, humble, innately curious, passionate and committed to Blair. Both faculty and students describe the recipients as unifiers on campus, excelling both on the field and in the classroom. These students bring out the best in those around them and will leave an indelible mark on the Blair community—with an impact as large as the hearts and minds of those they have touched.
 

As the 2023-2024 school year enters its final weeks, Blair’s School Store shares information regarding textbooks that students rented or purchased for use in their coursework this year.

Click here for instructions on setting up an online book buyback account, including how to process a quote for your books and print out the free shipping label. Access Blair’s online bookstore at https://bnck-12.com/blair to get started on a quote now. 

Rentals are due exactly seven days past the course end date. Students should start receiving automated emails about rental returns about two weeks prior to the course end date.

For more information or if you need extra assistance, contact School Store Manager Reanne Mauriello at maurir@blair.edu or 908-362-6121 ext. 5635.
 

Every graduating class of Blair Academy—for 176 years—has been unique in its own right. Each class faces challenging experiences designed to enrich students and unexpected happenings that test their grit and determination, creating a transformative experience. For the Class of 2024, truer words have never been spoken.

With a will to succeed, these students entered the Academy amid a global pandemic that upended educational traditions. From social distancing to the return of intercultural learning experiences around the world, these students persevered through it all, growing into the best version of themselves in the process. At the 176th Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 23, Blair honored their triumphs and celebrated their victories as they continue on in their academic careers as prepared undergraduates and global citizens contributing to the greater good.

Even Mother Nature couldn’t dampen Commencement spirits, and after a brief rain delay, the Class of 2024 marched to the Sharpe House lawn, supported by faculty, staff, family and friends who have cheered them on since their arrival on the hilltop. It was an occasion flooded with love and support, as distinguished faculty and members of the graduating class addressed their peers and special guests in attendance and were honored for outstanding achievements before diplomas were presented.

“We, the Class of 2024, are a class of contradictions,” said Charlene Jiao ’24, class speaker and recipient of the George P. Jenkins ’32 Prize as valedictorian of the class. “Our Blair journey began with an era of quarantine, social distancing and isolation, yet we leave with lifelong friends and mentors whom we can always lean on for support. While it may seem contradictory that this is our final hour as a class, focus on the joy of the present. Savor this bittersweet day as we prepare to step into the world alone, together.” 

The entire Blair community extends heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2024!

FACULTY AWARDS

Apgar Award for Teaching Excellence: Mathematics teacher Will Murray

John C. & Eve S. Bogle Teaching Prize: English teacher Douglass Compton

Riether Residential Life Award: History teacher Anders Fogel & health-and-wellness teacher Cency Middleton

Lillian & Samuel Tedlow Teaching Prize: English department chair James Moore, Hon. ’93

Headmaster’s Faculty Prize: Director of Integrated Science Research and science teacher Dr. Nadia Abascal

STUDENT AWARDS

Headmaster’s Prize: Kady Seck & Carter Neves

Blair Academy Trophy: Brynne Grant & Machua Muchugia

George P. Jenkins ’32 Prize: Charlene Jiao

Appointments to the United States Naval Academy: Joshua Anthony, Nicholas Barra, Elizabeth John & Andrew Keesey
 

Following a night of dancing at prom and on the brink of Blair’s commencement ceremony, the Class of 2024 assembled in the DuBois Theatre for a poignant gathering. This marked one of their last collective moments to honor the remarkable accomplishments of their peers at the Senior Prize Assembly. Surrounded by classmates, faculty and family, outstanding students were recognized for their unwavering dedication, hard work and contributions to the Blair community.

“It’s not merely the product generated, but the characteristics of the person themselves in pursuing their goals that we celebrate as a School,” Assistant Head of School for Academics Nathan Molteni said, addressing the class. “You all share a piece of these accomplishments as classmates, teammates, friends and supporters. So when we call a few names tonight, we hope you’ll feel a collective pride for the exceptional efforts of your class.” 

The evening began with the presentation of awards for academic excellence, with department chairs expressing pride in acknowledging their outstanding students. English teacher Kaye Evans revealed the seniors who had attained membership in Blair’s Cum Laude Society, while Paul Clavel ’88, Director of Athletics, commended the Buccaneers for their remarkable achievements as part of Blair’s athletic teams. Following these recognitions, the Class of 2024 presented Mr. Curran with their gift, a collective $1,639 for the class scholarship and Blair Fund, marking the conclusion of the awards ceremony with prizes honoring overall student development across all facets of campus life.

In addition to the senior awards, The James M. Howard Jr. Fellowship Prize, which honors a faculty member early in his or her career who has especially impacted the Blair community over the course of the school year, was presented to admission associate Chase Palanca ’15 by Dean of Faculty Life Leucretia Shaw. In a presentation earlier in the week, Mrs. Shaw was honored with this year’s ACTA yearbook dedication, selected by the senior class.

“It has been a privilege to watch you mature, grow and take advantage of all that Blair has to offer,” Head of School Peter G. Curran P’27 ’27 shared on behalf of faculty and staff. “As you officially join our alumni ranks tomorrow, please know how proud we are of all of you and how special it is for me to hand you your diploma—an appropriate bookend to my sending many of you your acceptances all those years ago.”

Congratulations to all those recognized at the 2024 Senior Prize Assembly:
 
THE DURLAND PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE, awarded to the student who has demonstrated extraordinary ability and interest in computer programming or computer applications while at Blair: Daniel Zhang

THE DUMONT ENGLISH PRIZE, awarded to the member/s of the senior class who ranked highest in English and presented in memory of the late Senator Wayne Dumont and his father, Wayne Dumont Sr., by Mrs. Helen Dumont: Charlotte Devereux & Charlene Jiao

THE ROBERT F. HARRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY, awarded to members of the senior class for special interest and outstanding achievement in the study of English literature: Ruby DeFrank & Cooper Winegar

THE EDYTH JEFFREY SHAKESPEARE ESSAY PRIZE, awarded to a Blair Academy student to recognize excellence in the study of William Shakespeare: Natalie Chamberlain & Daniel Zhang 

ART DEPARTMENT PRIZES, recognizing outstanding work in these areas:

TWO-DIMENSIONAL ART: Julia Twomey

PHOTOGRAPHY: Maddie Tuffnell & Tania Lau

THE PAUL R. WHITE HISTORY PRIZE, awarded to the students considered to be the most proficient in history in the senior class: Kseniia Burdiuzha, Richard Li & Kady Seck

THE MARGUERITE DEYSSON HABERMANN MEMORIAL FRENCH PRIZE, awarded to a senior who has done exceptionally well in French: Charlene Jiao

THE CHARLES H. BREED LATEIN PRIZE, awarded to a senior who excelled in Latin: Clara Yan

SPANISH LANGUAGE PRIZE: Machua Muchugia

THE WINSON D. EWING PRIZE, awarded to the senior considered to be the most outstanding mathematics student in their class: Charlene Jiao

KATHERINE JOHNSON PRIZE, awarded to the senior considered to be the most curious and creative mathematician in the class: Leo Munasinghe

THE DALE ROSENSON DRAMATICS PRIZE, awarded to the senior who demonstrated excellence in lighting, sound, special effects and set management for theatrical productions at Blair: Julia Starikoff

THE HARDING MEMORIAL PRIZE, awarded to the students who contributed most to musical organizations: Emma Clavel & Abdoulaye Sylla

THE JOSEPH F. EBERLE MEMORIAL PRIZE, awarded to the students who exhibit outstanding achievement in music: Arthur Lee & Amy Kim

THE ROBERT F. HARRIS DRAMATICS AWARD, presented to the members of the student body who have shown the highest standard of excellence in dramatics: Grant Breckenridge, Julian Perello & Julia Twomey

THE SCIENCE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, presented to that student who exhibits an overwhelming passion and commitment toward science and who has written a superior academic record in multiple AP science courses: Kseniia Burdiuzha, Apple Wu & Jazon Zhao

THE DONALD E. LAWSHE PRIZE, presented in memory of former Blair physics teacher Donald E. Lawshe to students who have consistently demonstrated a passion for science and a dedication to interests beyond the classroom: Emma Sng & Jack Gerdsen

CUM LAUDE INDUCTEES: 
Ethan Anthony
Natalie Chamberlain
Ruby DeFrank
Peyton Franz
Aria Goswami
Angela Han
Arthur Huang
Leo Li
Machua Muchugia
Leo Munasinghe
Zeynep Ozel
Joon Park
Jass Sanchez
Kendall Waag
Apple Wu

SENIOR ATHLETIC AWARD:
Avery Andrasek
Ethan Anthony
Emma Clavel
Chris Couri
Morgan Edwards
Morgan Frame
Peyton Franz
Yaneik Gallego
Owen Granahan
Brynne Grant
Isaac Greene
Luis Jimenez
Grant Krueger
Jocelyn O’Keeffe
Simisola Onakomaiya
Mackenzie Schreiber
Piper Summers
Petra Taylor
Cooper Winegar
Allie Wolff

WILLIAM ZESTER MEMORIAL AWARD: Brynne Grant

ROBERT DALLING PRIZE: Yaneik Gallego

HERBERT J. SIEGEL ’46 PRIZE: Jayden Williams & Morgan Edwards

LEE ROSE MEMORIAL TROPHY: Emma Clavel & Allie Wolff

FRANKLIN PRIZE: Yaneik Gallego

ELAINE & JAMES KELLEY PRIZE: Sydney Incarnato

SELENA & JAMES HOWARD PRIZE: Clara Yan & Ethan Anthony

HAROLD F. WALKER MEMORIAL PRIZE: Ruby DeFrank & Hayden Yau
 

For more photos of happenings across campus and beyond, please check out Blair Academy on Photoshelter, where we regularly post images.

In an event revered as the kickoff to Commencement activities, a select group of seniors stole the stage last week, captivating the audience with their narratives. The Senior Public-Speaking Contest brought out the best of the Class of 2024 in the DuBois Theatre, imprinting their words on the hearts of the community that will bid them farewell as they graduate Thursday. Before leaving, they took to sharing just a little bit more about themselves, hoping another student could resonate with their experience.

“Once again, the senior speakers displayed an inspiring combination of close observation, narrative structure and polish as they reflected on their own lives and those of others through topics that ranged in scope from how to approach one’s choice of ice cream to the challenges of living in two distinctly different cultures,” English department chair and contest organizer Jim Moore, Hon. ’93 said.

One by one, the seniors took to the stage, elected to represent their English class by their peers and teacher. The contest, a quintessential Blair rite of passage, offers students a platform to practice core skills they will need as they look to continue their journey after graduation: projection, pacing, enunciation and reading the audience. Preparations for the speeches begin earlier in the year, teaching the art of brevity and drafting a speech that accurately conveys your final thoughts leading up to Commencement.

“Public speaking is a risky venture for even the most experienced speaker, so it poses a substantial challenge for many of our students,” veteran English teacher Bob Brandwood explained. “What is always surprising and gratifying is just how well our students step up to that challenge, producing interesting, thoughtful and compelling statements of their beliefs, experiences or opinions.”

No two speeches were alike, and in the end, Kady Seck ’24 was awarded first place for her narrative detailing how spending her afternoons at her mom’s job in a salon helped shape who she is today. Richard Li ’24 and Eric Ihekwaba ’24 secured second and third place, respectively, and Mr. Moore commended all speakers for putting their best foot forward.
 

Equipped with shovels and paintbrushes, clay and blankets, the Blair community got to work, delivering on one of the seven principles that guide learning on the hilltop. “Real-world engagement and service to others engender meaningful experiences,” and one of the most meaningful during the academic year is the annual Day of Service. Ten years from the inception, the all-School event lent a helping hand to 25 service projects at Blair and in the extended community, showcasing the best of Blair—genuine care for others.

Service is built into the routine of a typical year at Blair, with students volunteering regularly. Clubs like La Conexión regularly tutor Spanish-speaking students in nearby schools and Project Esperanza hosts fundraising events on campus to raise money and awareness for ​​underprivileged children in China. On Day of Service, however, the entire hilltop puts aside their busy schedules to make a difference in the lives of others.

To kick off the day and motivate the community for the important work ahead, everyone gathered in the Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts’ DuBois Theatre to hear from Margaret Schiller P’12 ’13, president of the Ridge and Valley Conservancy. Ms. Schiller shared her work with the Conservancy, promoting the preservation of natural areas in our area. During the day, one group of students joined the organization, removing invasive plants on a hiking trail. Ms. Schiller encouraged students to find a volunteer organization they are passionate about and help make a difference by volunteering, using today as a launching pad.

“Volunteers are our lifeblood,” Ms. Schiller explained. “Nonprofits can’t survive without volunteers, and that’s where you come in.”

Along with trail maintenance, students served lunches and stocked shelves at a local food pantry, translated brochures from local non-profits into Spanish, crafted blankets for victims of domestic violence and so much more. For the first time, Day of Service partnered with Habitat for Humanity to stock merchandise and build a relationship for further service in the school year ahead. Blair’s Project Ally provided social-emotional lessons for local children in kindergarten through second grade, another added program to this year’s list of projects.

In anticipation of another successful Tag Sale next year, students worked to collect and organize items from around campus that students have donated as they prepare to depart for the summer. Last year’s sale raised $6,000 for local food pantries and the independent nonprofit Blair in Kenya. With the help of Day of Service volunteers, the Tag Sale team is on track for next year’s event. Also supporting Blair in Kenya, ceramics students crafted nearly 80 bowls for the Empty Bowls project.

“Everyone can make service a part of their lives,” Day of Service coordinator and history teacher Joanne Brandwood said. “On the Day of Service, the Blair community builds on its tradition of giving back, empowering others while engaging in rewarding work.”

To view more pictures of the day, visit Blair Academy on Photoshelter.
 

Former Board of Trustee Chair John C. “Jack” Bogle ’47 loved engaging with the recipients of The Bogle Brothers Scholarship at Blair Academy. He and his wife, Eve, pored over hundreds of letters from students at Blair sharing their academic pursuits and daily life on the hilltop. Their dreams and aspirations resonated with him, and he committed himself wholeheartedly to both their success and the School’s.

Jack Bogle established this scholarship in 1968 in honor of his brothers, the late David C. Bogle ’47 and William Y. “Bud” Bogle III ’45. His mission was to give students the same opportunity afforded to the three brothers to attend Blair. The scholarship has been given to students “of special promise to obtain necessary funding for their Blair education,” after demonstrating financial need, academic ability, character and determination.

Jack Bogle enjoyed returning to his alma mater regularly, but no visit more so than the Bogle Brothers Luncheon, when he dined with current students and former scholars to get a pulse on their lives on the hilltop and beyond at the end of each school year. After Jack’s passing in 2019, his brother Bud took the helm, continuing the tradition of connection and celebration with those impacted by his brother’s generosity.

On May 13, Bud ventured to the hilltop once more—a year shy of his 80th Reunion—to honor his brother’s legacy. A terrific opportunity to network, the luncheon brought students and alumni together to learn more about one another and share their Blair stories. Bud hosted Chloe (Brooke) Holderness ’94, Kristen Bogart Salmon ’01, Emmanuel Bello ’04, Sam Tilney ’08 and Corey Downey ’20 alongside current scholarship recipients at Sharpe House for an afternoon of memories and delectable bites. Jack would have loved the occasion.
 

Bulls. Battles. Blankets of golden fleece? This year’s spring play promises the best of what Blair has to offer in the Robert J. Evans Open Air Theatre for three nights of Argonautika. In Tony Award-winner Mary Zimmerman’s modern depiction of a timeless Greek myth, the audience ventures on a mythical journey through time alongside Jason—played by Julian Perello ’24—on his quest for the Golden Fleece. Featuring an electric cast riddled with excellent chemistry, you won’t want to miss the outdoor performances May 16, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m.

“It’s the first story ever told,” said Julia Twomey ’24, who plays Athena, during a break in rehearsals in the Black Box Theatre. Assigned a leading role, all cast members also play a few other supporting characters in the story at different times.

“No one is background,” Stella Baceda ’25 explained. “Everyone has a part and everyone is interacting with one another to make it a truly engaging show.”

The dynamic cast is eager to share this exciting production they have been working on all semester with the Blair community. It’s an impossible feat—much like the quest Jason and the Argonauts embark on—to reach a verdict on what the cast loves most about the monstrous voyage. It could be the mythical creatures, or perhaps the murder, but you can’t forget about the unapologetically catchy songs and strong monologues, too.

One element the cast can definitely agree on: the story of Jason and the Golden Fleece was one they had never heard or seen before. Unlike the winter musical classic Footloose, which had them filling the shoes of Kevin Bacon, they had no muse to follow, allowing their creativity and personalities to help shape the characters they embodied. The experience has been rewarding.

“We had no preconceived notions going into this play, so it was up to us to define the roles,” Micheal Lynch ’26 explained. As Hylas, Michael is excited for his first performance in the outdoor theatre.

“We’re really doing a lot with a little to create this world,” student director Cat Zhang ’26 added, as the cast pulled benches and sticks from stage left to create a makeshift ship. “The props are spectacular.”

As rehearsals resumed, Cat looked up from her computer as Jimmy Gibbons ’26 delivered a monologue that left the chaotic theatre hushed. “That gave me the chills!” Cat exclaimed, before getting back to work.

It’s a mesmerizing performance that will leave the audience delighted. Join the Players for Argonautika in the Robert J. Evans Open Air Theatre May 16, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m.
 

Four or five years back, a question began to rattle around in my brain as we began work on the schoolwide Advanced Curriculum initiative. What if, I kept asking, we designed a course for our most interested and ambitious writers, the ones who sat down in the quiet of Timken Library of an evening to write poems about the first snowfall of the year, or who shyly asked, as a student did of me late last fall, if I would take a look at the short story she had written over the weekend? I spoke with local literati, like Arjun Chopra ’21, Emily Wang ’23 and Fiona Han ’23, whose collective response was, effectively, “Dude, why didn’t you offer that class to us?” I consulted with science department member Nadia Abascal, PhD, whose by-application three-semester Integrated Science Research program offered a model that already dovetailed nicely with our existing schedule. I don’t even remember my first conversation about this idea with Assistant Head of School for Academics Nathan Molteni; all I can recall is that the course has taken shape over our many discussions and is now in the catalog of Blair’s academic offerings. It is a real thing, and, as proof, the first cohort—five 10th graders and an equal number of 11th graders—began their work with the new year.

The final product of Advanced Seminar in Literary Writing will be a manuscript of substance: a collection of stories, a novel, a piece of literary criticism, a screenplay, a book of poems or some other literary product of the student’s design. Before the student commences that work, however, they must complete the Foundations of Literary Writing course, in which students experiment with writing fiction, poetry, scripts and criticism, guided by the instructor and such Blair-affiliated experts as former faculty member Pedro Hurtado Ortiz, who teaches Comparative Literature and English at the University of California at Berkeley and poet Dan Kraines ’06. The final assignment of the Foundations course is a proposal for that “manuscript of substance,” a stake in the ground, as it were, that asserts a student’s literary intentions—including the prospect of publication—for the next two semesters. 

While the year of writing in ALW will enable the members of the cohort to explore and develop their interest in the literary, it will also introduce and reinforce project management skills that they will be able to apply to any endeavor in the future: developing checkpoints, making progress in the context of incomplete information, tapping experts for advice, and changing course while staying on track. 

Ultimately, we’d like to create a designated space for the ALW, a slightly messy but well-lighted place with big windows, a desk for every writer, a coffee machine in the corner and plenty of electrical outlets. But while that’s something to dream about, right now we’ve got what really counts: our first group of young writers, busily finding their voices.

The ten students selected by their classmates and English teachers to compete in the Sophomore Public-Speaking Contest on April 29 had a difficult task at hand. Standing in front of a crowded DuBois Theatre in Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts, they were asked to reflect upon and share the significance of a piece of media in their lives with the Blair community. It is a tall order, but as English department chair and contest coordinator Jim Moore, Hon. ’93, points out, others in the room had an equally difficult assignment—the judges.

As one of five distinguished Blair faculty selected for the role, college counselor and former sophomore English teacher Molly Hoyer focused on three criteria throughout the three- to five-minute speeches: a strong presence in the performance, deep insight into the question at hand in the writing and a sense of authenticity throughout.

“It's a hard balance to strike, but it makes for a truly meaningful speech,” Ms. Hoyer explained.

As the judges took notes, the orators shared books, songs, videos and other media that struck a chord with them to a captivated audience. Mr. Moore noted an abundance of creative license the speakers utilized with the prompt and the thoughtfulness they gave to the assignment.

“As we have come to expect from the sophomores, it was a fine lineup of speeches and each speech was met with rousing, enthusiastic and well-deserved applause,” Mr. Moore shared.

After a week of anticipation, Mr. Moore took to the stage at Friday School Meeting to announce Arturo Lopez ’26, James Gibbons ’26 and Gray Beall ’26 as this year’s first, second and third place winners, respectively.

“This experience helped me complete a goal of mine,” Gray said. “As a ninth-grader, I made a goal to speak onstage before I graduated, but I always thought it would be a small announcement. Going onstage and reading my speech really proved how I’ve grown in confidence.”

Gray’s experience is one of the many reasons why the annual public-speaking contest has remained a fixture in Blair’s longstanding school-wide initiative to teach students the art of effective communication. Along with newfound confidence, English 2 teacher Amira Shokr explains that the public-speaking unit teaches students the components of a well-crafted speech and encourages them to connect with and understand the audience as they articulate their thoughts and ideas. 

“Students are excited to share their stories and to use the platform of the competition to express those stories with a larger audience and connect with the rest of their peers,” Ms. Shokr said. “From my perspective, it’s always nice to see how students try a new medium of expression and use the literary skills we’ve been learning to emphasize importance in their stories.”