July 2009

By Erika C.

After several Talbot House students graduated, the house was ready to wind down and have some fun in the sun. Summer break gave students a chance to fill in the roles of the graduates.

After graduation, a few Talbot House students began to step up Liam M., after going through some struggles, redeemed buddying and shadowing and is starting to step up. Theresa M. received a buddy and was given the privilege of junior sponsoring. Matt V. also received junior sponsoring and a buddy, Jack S.

Austin C. and Kendra S. are new R.A.’s in the family. They have been helping their house tremendously. After a slip-up on a visit, Andrew D. got his act together and was once again pinned as an anchor. “It’s been a tough transition becoming one of the leaders of the family, but I’m really happy to fill the role,” says Austin.

At the beginning of the month Talbot House took a trip to Boyd’s Mills retreat house. Talbot House enjoyed the day. They bonded, had a family meeting, ate together, and enjoyed the outdoors.

Family Leader Dawne Possamato stated jokingly, “We are envious of Lake House because they get to go to Boyd’s Mills in a few weeks.” During the two day competition between the houses, Talbot House received second place, earning them a pool party that they enjoyed at Mike and Cindy Argiros’ house.

Although the house has been going through post-graduation struggles, Family Leader Jan Cheripko is optimistic about the kids he can count on. “I think there are students getting serious about their lives and trying to help other people.”

By Max R.

After saying goodbye to the June graduates, the students enjoyed an exciting summer break. During the two days of orientation at the end of break week, what used to be known as Family Six selected a new house name.

“When I first heard we were going to be changing our family numbers to house names (after Prominent), I was secretly hoping Family Six would get Wilson House,” said Wilson House staff member Annie Ducey.

Ducey and her family were ecstatic when they found out they would now be known as Wilson House, after one of the founding fathers of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill W. The new house decided that their mascot would be the dragon and their colors would be blue, silver, and black.

Oleg F. and Paul P. have both received anchor pins for their hard work and leadership skills. Chris B. has been following their example and received junior sponsoring, buddying, and shadowing as a result. Ross A. received a buddy this month and Regina C. got an RA pin.

By Ben B.

Smith House is changing just like the school. Just like other houses many kids have been moved around. Recent additions to their house are Troy P., Jessie G., Mike D., and John R.

Smith House was more than happy to receive these new additions to their family’s. Not only did they receive new kids but all the kids look forward to a new semester of school.

Smith House has many goals since the June graduation. One of them is being carried out in the House as a mission statement. In the house you will find a poster of what Smith House believes and what their mission is. That mission is compromise for the good of the whole. One hope is for the students to stay in the day and to start treating each other like brothers and sisters.

Smith House has taken all the new changes to the school in stride. They were very excited to hear that the whole student body would be receiving an extra hour of sleep on the weekends. Also the new two calls a week phone system has put many smiles on the students of Smith House.

With new changes come new opportunities. These changes have given kids in Smith House chances to step up and become more of a support for the staff around the school and in their family.

Larissa A. and Karen S. have received anchor pins. Cajai F. received a buddy last week from Bermuda named Mariah. The family was very happy to receive this new addition to their family and to have new senior students.

Josh K. has a lead in the school musical My Favorite Year. He plays the suave and handsome actor of Alan Swann. Jon I. left the school on August 23rd, leaving Smith House with hearty farewells, having gained much from the school during his stay. The students of Smith House are showing much promise this semester and their family seems to be coming together beautifully.