By Matt W.
In an effort to raise funds for the IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association) Foundation, The Family Foundation School contributed artwork to a silent auction at the IECA Spring Conference in San Francisco, Calif., April 29-May 1.
Sponsored by the Northeast Regional Chapter of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, the auction showcased the artwork of staff and students of the NATSAP schools represented at the conference.
Only two of the pieces provided by FFS artists were not sold, due to damage during shipping.
The school was surpassed only by the King George School (a therapeutic boarding school in Vermont) in the number of items sold. “We provided over 20 pieces to be auctioned…so this is a great outcome,” said Jeff Brain, Vice President of External Relations and Director of Admissions at FFS.
Featured items included the paintings, photographs, and woodcarvings of both FFS staff and students.
One of the pieces was a watercolor painting by Principal Robin Ducey. Ducey said she was honored to have her artwork sold as part of the auction.
Another piece was the work of Family Seven’s Gianfranco V. Gianfranco sold a painting of Vincent Van Gogh’s “Field of Trees.”
“At first I was reluctant to sell my painting because, as you know, profit is an artist’s worst enemy. But then I decided to sell it because it was for a good cause,” said Gianfranco.
The main contributors to the school’s art collection were the students of Gerald Janauer’s photography class.
Family One’s Sophie W. provided a photo of her own for the auction. “It was a nice way for me to give back to the community with my own art,” said Sophie.
Brain credited Laura W., FFS Admissions Intern, for her effort in making the school’s participation in the auction possible.
“I was responsible for matting the pieces, digitally documenting them, and packing and shipping them to the auction in San Francisco. I also sent a painting and two photos of my own,” Laura explained.
“As an artist in her own right, she was my right-hand person on making this happen,” said Brain.
The project raised $6000. Half of the proceeds went to the artists, and the balance was donated to the IECA.
According to Brain, the NATSAP group is considering making the silent auction an annual event.
By Austin C., Rosie E., and Sarah W.
“Success breeds success,” Tom Kovaleski, performing arts department director and choreographer, said as the performers prepared to take the stage on Family Day at the Family Foundation School.
For many, that’s what the show was: a success.
Choral Director Paul Geer conducted the chorus as they sang nine songs, which they previously performed in the beginning of May at the North American Music Festival (NAMF) in Hershey, Pa.
After the choral performance, there were a number of dance events presented by students in different dance classes offered at FFS.
The final group to take the stage was the school’s show choir, dubbed Steppin’ Out. They were accompanied by a pit band composed of Geer, staff member Larry Leung, and six FFS students. “Song of America!” (performed at NAMF) was filled with songs and dances that paid respect to America and our armed forces.
“There was a lot of joy and a lot of tears this semester to get to where we got,” Geer commented. “It was an honor to share the stage with everybody.”
“I’m extremely proud of all the hard work and quality our students have shown at this Family Day performance,” said Kovaleski. “Coming off of a very successful competition in Hershey and adding some dances to the program makes for a superb show.”
The Family Day performance minus the dance classes was what judges saw at NAMF in Hershey. Although, the Family Singers and Show Choir did more than just perform for a trophy on the trip.
The first stop was the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Basilica on Thursday, April 30, where the Family Singers performed a short concert of three songs in the upper basilica.
The students then proceeded to Lancaster, Pa. where they enjoyed a showing of “High School Musical” and dinner at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre.
On the second day the students went to Gettysburg where they were given a tour of the battlefield by tour guide Richard Kohr. “I’ve been doing this for 15 years, and I love it!” exclaimed Kohr. The students enjoyed the tour, especially when they heard how Little Roundtop was taken.
That night, the Family Singers’ Mixed Chorus, Men’s Chorus and Women’s Chorus, and the show choir, Steppin’ Out, competed in the North American Music Festival.
The next day was spent riding rollercoasters and eating chocolate at Hershey Park. “It was absolutely exhilarating,” laughed Jordan S.
Later that day the students gathered with all of the other competing schools for the awards ceremony. The Men’s Chorus and Show Choir received Superior ratings, and the Women’s Chorus and Mixed Chorus received Excellent.
“I don’t want to ever let go of this,” said Trish H. of Family Two, who clung to the Show Choir trophy.
This was the 15th annual North American Music Festival that the Family Singers have attended.
By Rosie E.
Family Foundation School Seniors Caitlin R. and Georgia P. served tea at a fundraiser at St. James Episcopal Church on April 25, 2009. The fundraiser was held to raise money for the church to go towards future events, renovations and necessary church purchases.
The students helped serve tea, homemade scones, cucumber sandwiches, marmalade, cookies, and whipped cream.
“It was really fun to give back to the church, and to also get closer to the congregation,” said Georgia.
Entry to the tea social was $9 at the front door. A small group of senior citizen ladies called the “Red Hatters” proudly attended. The Red Hatters are women over 65 who travel to different venues and drink tea together.
“They wore red hats and purple clothes. They were very classy. It was fun to work with the women from the church that I know,” said Caitlin.
By Henry W.
Family Foundation School golfer Andrew A. traveled to Swan Lake Country Club May 12 to qualify for the sectional playoffs. Sixty-eight golfers from the Section IX division were given a chance to play in this year’s Sectional Playoffs.
Andrew, however, did not make the cut. He shot a 101 on 18 holes, which left him over 90, and not able to qualify.
Andrew explained that he didn’t play too well. He came out looking to shoot a 90 and was disappointed with what he shot. “My swing felt great on the driving range, but then I got on the course, and my swing fell apart and I couldn’t rely on it,” he said.
Andrew teed off on hole one shooting a bogey. He tried to get into a rhythm, but it seemed that he couldn’t find it. He continued to try to regain his form, however, he was fighting his swing the whole match. He was left with a 50 after the front nine.
Andrew’s goal was to shoot 40 on the back nine leaving him with a 90, hoping that there would be a high cut to qualify.
“My swing felt better, but I couldn’t keep the ball in play,” said Andrew. After a few bogeys, he needed to par the last three holes for a chance to qualify. He ended up shooting three disappointing double bogeys instead.
Finding Meaning in Spring
BBC at the Family Foundation School
Lake House News
