Wakefield Country Day School News, May 23, 2008
Grade Eight Classical Recital. On the afternoon of May 19th, grade eight presented a Classical Recital. The students performed impressively, under the inspired direction of their English teacher, Mrs. KirstenYoungquist, presenting scenes from Antigone, Julius Caesar, and The Odyssey. The backdrop was an outdoor stage set before a Greek mural recently painted by Wakefield’s Studio Art class and eighth grade students, under the guidance of local artists Tom and Kerrie Mullany. As described by Head of School Kathleen Grove, the students “recited in clear loud voices the complex lines from each selection of classic literature. The minimalist scenery, costumes, and masks added to the sense of authenticity.”
Envirothon
The WCDS Envirothon team competed May 18 and 19 at James Madison University with 17 other teams at the Virginia state competition and came home with a first place win in the “Special Issues” category and 6th place overall. Congratulations to team members Emma Clark, Neil McClung, Christine Pankow ,Derek Perry, Katherine Russo, and Audrey Speer.
Kindergarten Graduation
On May 21st Wakefield celebrated the promotion of the Kindergarten students and the achievements of the Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten children. This year’s celebration was bittersweet, as Kathy Nilan, the school’s beloved Kindergarten teacher, is retiring after 14 years of service. The Preschool led with their rendition of “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” Pre-Kindergarten students each recited two lines from the poem, “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” and then each Kindergarten student recited a particular poem, including works by William Blake, A. A. Milne and William Wordsworth. The program included special remarks by Mrs. Nilan about each Kindergarten student, as well as poignant observations about her time as both a Wakefield parent and faculty member. Pre-Kindergarten teacher Kim Shafran presented Mrs. Nilan with a special book of “diary pages” written by former students. She also read an excerpt from one page written by a tenth grade student that captured the heartfelt affection and admiration felt for Mrs. Nilan by the Wakefield family. All the children sang the “Grand Old Flag,” and the kindergarten students concluded with a special song, to the tune of “Bingo was his name“ describing Mrs. Nilan. A special Farewell Reception for Mrs. Nilan will be held at the school on Friday, May 30th at 5:30 p.m.
WCDS Team Participates in Rappahannock’s Relay for Life
Congratulations to Wakefield’s team members who raised over $1,400 for the Relay for Life event, held on Saturday, May 17th
“Spartans” Victorious at Annual Field Day
On Friday, students in grades one through twelve, evenly divided into two teams, competed on the “field of battle”at the school’s annual Field Day event. The Spartans were directed by seniors Alex Shafran and Matthew Wingfield, and the Athenians were led by seniors Katherine Russo and Taylor Hammelman. Amidst much laughter, as well as serious displays of both athletic ability and good sportsmanship, students played their hearts out in a variety of competitions, which included Tug-of-War, Capture the Flag, basketball, soccer, and volleyball, accumulating points throughout the day to determine the winning team. It was a hard-fought battle, but when the whistle blew signaling the conclusion of the final event, the Spartans emerged victorious. Students also were awarded prizes for best costumes, with first place going to senior Emma Clark, second place to 2nd grader Josie Vernick, and third to 8th grader Alex Hinton.
WCDS SPORTS
Athletes of the Month
WCDS’s Athletes for March/April were varsity tennis player Russell Leskovec and varsity soccer player Abigael Whitaker. According to Athletic Director Mike Kenney, “Russell came out of nowhere to be a major factor on the Wakefield Country Day School tennis team, posting several key wins during the month of April in his first season of competitive tennis.” Russell also teamed up to capture a pair of doubles wins during the month. Abby enjoyed her best month of the season in April, scoring in four separate contests and earning three goals in an 8-2 road win over Quantico. According to Mr. Kenney, “As a midfielder, Abby was awarded Honorable Mention in the Delaney Athletic Conference All-Conference voting.”
-- KRusso
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