Antilles e-Newsletter for Parents | June 17 | |
| While delivering the Commencement keynote, Brianna Adams-Seaton '12 was excited to shout-out her classmates sitting in the audience, who headed home this year to help kick-off their 10-year high school reunion. |
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Before you know it, our August 29 start date will be here - it's not too early to get back-to-school ready! Browse our Antilles Summer Checklist to get started - it includes our 2022-23 school calendar, mandatory health forms, uniform information, summer reading, suggested supply lists and more. Please feel free to reach out to our Admission team with questions! We are excited to share that we will be partnering with Lands' End for school uniforms next year! Click here for more information and links to the Antilles site - we hope that this partnership will be helpful in allowing families to get all school clothing from one place. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Lucy Serge or Chelsea Goguen if you have any questions.
From the Business Office: 2022-2023 tuition plans will be finalized in FACTS on or before June 20, 2022. Please refer to the Antilles School website for more information. Summer Camp 2022: We are pleased to offer a COVID-safe program instructed by our own Antilles teachers and associates for the summer. Programming includes fine arts, academics, light athletics and games in order to challenge and keep your child active throughout the summer break! For more information and to register, click here.
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Held at the Mark C. Marin Center, speakers at this year's ceremony reflected on the resilience of the Class of 2022, the potential of each student, and the unshakeable bond formed after two hurricanes, a global pandemic, and years spent together in and out of the classroom. Using the trees in the courtyard as an analogy for the class' collective strength, Brianna Adams-Seaton '12 stressed in her keynote the importance of continuing to "rely on your roots," including the "friends and loved ones that make you feel safe, grounded, and nourished" in the face of adversity. The trunk springs up from that foundation, representing the core values that help shape the tree and keep in strong, while the branches on top fan out to represent new friendships, opportunities, and life journeys. "Abundant leaves are the byproduct of healthy roots and sound trunk," she said. "Some leaves fall away, but there will always be room for more to grow. If you are too focused on the leaves blowing away, you'll miss the ones springing up. I want each of you to remain resilient as life's challenges come your way by nurturing your closest relationships, adhering to your values, and always remaining hopeful for new opportunities." We were also inspired - and moved - by the spirit of love, pride, friendship, and determination captured in the excerpts below: |
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Middle and Upper School Closing Ceremonies |
Upper School Academic achievements, athletic awards, and the traditional passing of the gavel between outgoing and incoming Upper School Student Council officers filled last week's end-of-year ceremony for ninth through twelfth grade, which also included some emotional – and humorous – parting words from senior Joshua Crawford Barry '22. In his farewell address, Joshua shared his excitement over the renewed sense of school spirit that came with the return of outdoor concerts, in-person plays, and athletic events throughout the school year, which enabled the Antilles community to "gain a sense of togetherness we missed." "Especially being able to be together today under the same roof is amazing," Joshua shared. With his trademark wit, Joshua also advised students to pursue their passions, abstain from waiting until the last minute to complete assignments, and be wary of the dreaded "senior-itis." Book awards presented to seniors and juniors also honored students for their commitment to service, their excellence in fields of study ranging from math to language arts, and, above all, their leadership and contributions both on and off campus. The highest traditional honor bestowed by faculty, the Faculty Honor Plaque, was awarded this year to Karina Sakhrani '22, while Lucas Rodriguez '22 received the Deborah Finch Head of School Award. For the full listing, click here – and, congratulations to all of our incredible Antilles role models and scholars. Making the day even more special was a surprise for Lorenz Smith '22, who has enlisted in the Navy. While commending Lorenz for his desire to serve, professionalism, and initiative, Chief Petty Officer Alexis Danet also stressed the importance of giving him the opportunity continue his education. While handing him his certificate of enlistment, CPO Danet also presented Lorenz with a check covering tuition to the college or trade school of his choice. Watch the ceremony here. |
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Middle School Celebrating the resilience of our sixth, seventh, and eighth graders, Middle School Director Kim Ballowe shared her favorite memories from the past year, recognized the students' leadership and positivity, and recognized the transition of the Class of 2026 from Middle to Upper School. The current eighth graders, she said, were in sixth when the pandemic hit, but were able to make a seamless transition to remote learning as they had already begun to navigate the concept of organizing and using content online. "They continued to be enthusiastic learners, supportive classmates, and engaged individually in their academic endeavors," Mrs. Ballowe said. "As they move up to Upper School next year, I am so excited to see how they mold our Upper School program, and I am just as excited to support them and work to deliver an excellent Upper School experience for them as I was when they entered Middle School." Along with honoring students' accomplishments inside the classroom the Middle School's traditional character awards are also given to those who experienced significant academic, social, and emotional improvement, while demonstrating care and concern for others and the world around them. "Our Middle School program aims to honor and celebrate this growth, and recognize this time period as a tremendous opportunity for us to positively impact the lives of our students," Mrs. Ballowe said. "We work to instill the values of empathy, a growth mindset, a commitment to care for self, others, and our planet, and a pride in Antilles School." Congratulations to Isabel Ethen '26, who was honored with the Fight Apathy Award, and Elizabeth Melwani '27, who received this year's Evolution Award. And, hats off to all of the students honored for their outstanding performance inside the classroom, in academic competitions, on the athletic courts and field, and in our community. |
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While sharing laughter and fond members, current and former faculty bid Punky Sharp '67 a happy retirement during celebrations on campus this week. Mrs. Sharp has always attributed her desire to work at Antilles to the strong bond she shared with her teachers, particularly Martha Christensen, with whom she later became friends. After receiving an offer from former Head of School Albert Prendergast upon her graduation from college, Mrs. Sharp joined the staff where, over the course of 44 years, she has served in a range of capacities and helped launch several traditional activities and events, including the annual Holiday Bazaar. While she's perhaps best known by families as the manager of the school store, Mrs. Sharp has also been a member of the Business Office team, an extra pair of hands in the Early Learning Center, a procurer of costumes for the school plays, a founding member of the Antilles Booster Club, and - perhaps most importantly - a parent to three alumni.
"Really, no one can remember being here without you," Head of School Shannon Harris said, adding that that while Punky might not be on campus full-time, her presence will still be felt. Thank you, Mrs. Sharp! |
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| Student Ambassadors Farewell During their farewell luncheon, Student Ambassadors shared their favorite moments and suggestions for next year, including meeting new student buddies on campus before classes resume in August. That way, they said, incoming Hurricanes can take a look at classrooms, meet their teachers, and get more familiar with the Middle and Upper School routine before jumping in. |
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A Helping Hand How much stuff do we accumulate over the school year? Our students found out this week as they helped faculty organize and clear their classrooms for the summer. Thank you to the members of our International Thespian Society and Upper School Student Council - including advisors Megan Elliot and Geoff Bergeron - for helping to organize this volunteer effort! |
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