The Buzz

It’s moment is fleeting. Tucked against the side of Maxwell Savage, actually jammed up against the building, it’s an unobtrusive presence. Who planted it? Why there? It’s a protected spot, but it’s cramped. One side brushes up against brick, marginalizing its spread. Its size is overwhelmed by the building and the nearby maple. Most students and faculty zip past it as they bend down the path towards the Wise or Meeting House. There’s a bike rack that shares the same corner of Maxwell Savage, so at least those who roll their bike into the rack have to acquaint themselves with the tree. Particularly in the spring, usually in the first week of May when the unfurled blossoms emerge, flourish, and fade in what seem to be minutes.  

April flood waters from the Blackwater River have gradually receded in response to this week's sunshine as spring peepers scream “pick me pick me” from the wetlands surrounding campus.  As I jogged across Carr Field toward the nearly full moon cresting the eastern horizon behind Gannett House during a post dinner run last night, an uncharacteristic summer-like humidity hung in the air. The peepers' relentless calls drowned out U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" playing on my headphones. I strained to hear Bono’s lyrical spiritual journey as I reflected on the dichotomy of the lack of isolation I feel in my existence at Proctor and that which is clearly felt by the vast majority of individuals in our society.

Jacob '18 shares thoughts on European Art Classroom's journey this spring, both on a personal level and as artists, as they prepare for a week in Vienna. Read more and check out student artwork below!  

Proctor Academy is thrilled to welcome the artwork of Jordan Thompson '01 and Emily White Hat '94, P'14 to campus as we celebrate Native American Alumni weekend. Jordan and Emily's work is displayed in the Fowler Learning Center, complementing another on-campus exhibit in the Brown Dining Commons by former parent and trustee, Bill Peabody's P'82, '86, Honorary Trustee collection. We invite you to join us in celebrating the work of Bill on Friday, May 4 at 12:30 pm in the dining commons and the work of Emily and Jordan on Saturday, May 5 at 6:30 pm in the Lovejoy Library. Learn more about this talented group of artists below.

We departed for Barcelona on Saturday morning, unaware that the Catalan language of Catalonia would surround us. The train ride from Madrid to Barcelona went faster than I had anticipated, but that’s what happens when one’s eyes are constantly stimulated by the beautiful countryside that’s just a glance out the window. After peering out the window and mentally preparing for our Catalan adventure, we arrived at the train station in Barcelona. Luckily, the weather was amazing in Barcelona; it was sunny and warm, just what we needed for a quick 20 minute walk to our hotel.

I have this ability to fall asleep, to take a cat nap, and have had it since before I can remember. I could curl up in the space behind the passenger’s seat in a car (before seat belts), or tuck myself on the shelf behind the backseat and sleep for miles. I could sleep anywhere: boat, backseat, under the piano, and definitely on the sofa. Ordered to take an afternoon nap? No problem. But as I grew older, the habit slipped. Guilty about stealing a few minutes after lunch as an adult, I powered through and “coffeed up.” Why is that? Was napping a childish habit? Does the puritanical work ethos demand bulling ahead until the day is done? Is napping a sign of slothfulness, one of the seven deadly sins?

Spring Family Weekend is here! Regardless of what the weather decides to do, having the opportunity to connect with parents and share the great work our students are doing this spring always proves fruitful. Find links to all of the important information needed to make the most of the weekend ahead, and do not hesitate to reach out with questions!

Proctor's European Art Classroom program welcomed parents to Aix-en-Provence as the group surpassed the mid-point in their trimester abroad. Read more from Emilia '18 below!