The Perskys Honor Milton’s Student Writers and Artists
Some of Milton’s best student writers and artists gathered with faculty and guests in Cox Library on Monday evening for the Laurence S. Persky Memorial Awards. The annual awards are given for the best work appearing in Milton Academy student publications and honors excellence in creative writing, journalism, art, photography, and production.
Guest speaker Matthew Stewart, author and philosopher, spoke to students about the writing craft and how it is important for writers to be avid readers. Emily Franklin, Milton alumna and author, was one of the judges and attended the event. Emily received a Persky Award as a student in 1990.
Student Historians Share Culminating Work at the Annual Bisbee Awards
Students and faculty gathered for the spring tradition of Bisbee Prize presentations last Thursday. The nine winners were selected by their teachers for outstanding research on their U.S. history papers. The event in Wigglesworth Hall followed a new format that allowed for “students to have more in-depth and organic conversations about their process and work,” according to Robert McGuirk, history department chair. Students stood at individual tables where they could discuss their research with small groups of their peers, faculty, advisors and parents. Topics ranged from the 1918 Spanish influenza epidemic to the devastating effects of United Fruit’s banana monopoly.
The Bisbee Prize was established to honor Ethan Wyatt Bisbee, a former history faculty member who retired in 1993 after 40 years of teaching. The Prize was endowed in 2005 through a gift by John Warren, formerly of the history department, and his wife, Laura Warren ’78, former head of Robbins House.
Ify Ofulue Dominates at ISLs and New Englands
Undefeated and breaking records, Amanda “Ify” Ofulue (I) wrapped up an amazing track and field season by winning the New England Championships (NEPSTA D1) in both shot put (41’ 10’’) and discus (129’ 10’’). In both events, she broke Milton school records and she set a facility record (Loomis Chaffee) in discus. Ify was also an ISL Champion in shot put, setting an ISL Championship record and an ISL Champion in discus. She topped it all off with second place in javelin, scoring a total of 28 of Milton’s total 72 points, which placed the girls third overall in ISLs.
“In my opinion, she will be remembered as the greatest female throw athlete in Milton Academy’s history and in the ISL,” says Coach Steve Darling. “I don’t foresee her records being broken for a very long time, maybe ever. An athlete like Ify only comes around once in a lifetime. I’m just glad I was here to witness it.”
Holocaust Survivor Sylvia Ruth Gutmann Urges Students to Keep History Alive Through Stories
The last thing Malcha Gutmann said to her children was, “I will be back soon. Rita, promise me you will take care of the baby.” The baby, Sylvia Ruth Gutmann, shared the story of her life as one of the Hidden Children of the Holocaust with Milton students this week.
“Hitler wanted me to die,” Sylvia said during an assembly sponsored by the Jewish Student Union. “But Mama wanted me to live. And live I do. And every time I have the opportunity to talk, I have the honor of talking about my parents. I save their lives, too.”
Milton Singers Will Perform National Anthem at Fenway Park
Milton’s student vocalists are accustomed to taking the stage, but singing at the home of the Boston Red Sox may be a first. On Sunday, May 19, a group of Milton Academy singers will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the 1:05 p.m. Red Sox vs. Houston Astros game at Fenway Park. Join Milton parents, alumni, faculty and staff and friends to cheer on our singers, then take in the game. For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit www.www.milton.edu/events.
Exploring Their Interests: Seniors Begin Projects
“The opportunities are virtually limitless. The system to be employed offers the broadest sort of curriculum, the complete freedom of individual expression,” Milton senior Sam Harrington wrote in the Orange and Blue in February 1969.
The student newspaper was announcing the faculty adoption of a concept now treasured by Milton students: the senior project. Over the last 50 years, Milton seniors have completed their coursework at the end of April, using the month of May to go “on project” to pursue a topic of their interest through research, community service, arts and performance, and shadowing professionals.
Milton Presents Two Theatre Productions in May
The 1212 play presents a return of Wicked Sketchy, an original production made up of 14 sketches, written and performed by students. For this production, Wicked Sketchy veteran Lyndsey Mugford (I) took on lead writing and directorial roles in this collaborative project. Stage manager Evan Jenness (I) will be running the light and sound cues.
The 20-student cast pitched ideas to each other and wrote draft skits in small groups, eventually choosing the final ones, which each student had a hand in editing. “These students come from all four grades, and the process’s collaborative nature really means that everybody gets to have a hand in the final product,” says Lyndsey. Performing arts faculty member Peter Parisi is directing.
Symposium Kicks Off Night Of Science And Art
A celebration of Milton students’ skills and talents will be on display at tonight’s Science & Art Night, starting with the annual Science Symposium in the lobby of the Pritzker Science Center.
“This is the life of the Milton student,” said Julie Seplaki, chair of the science department . “They’re skillful and talented scientists, artists,musicians and actors. Science and arts always had events on the same night, but this is the first year we’ve brought the two together as a way to recognize our students’ varied talents.”
The symposium, which runs from 5:15 to 7 p.m., features research projects by students in advanced science courses, with topics in environmental science, physics, chemistry and biology.
Robust Debate is Essential to Learning, Max Nikitas ‘13 Tells Students
Censorship of politically unpopular ideas on college campuses runs afoul of the free exchange of ideas, Max Nikitas ‘13 told Milton students at this year’s Conservative Club assembly.
Max, a government contractor in the Office for Civil Rights at the United States Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), said that limiting students’ exposure to opinions they may find objectionable is counter to the purpose of academia. Campuses should instead be places for thoughtful debate and examination of several points of view, he said.
After a Season of Wins, Milton’s Robotics Team Takes on the World
Capping a year filled with resounding successes—including three high placements in a national tournament—Milton’s robotics team travels to the VEX Robotics World Championship this week. Five students: Tony Tao (II), Christy Zheng (I), Avery Miller (II), Alexander Shih (I) and Dima Zayaruzny (III) are competing in the world championship in Louisville, Kentucky, from April 24–27.
Milton’s competitors have approached each match with positive attitudes, realistic about their chances against seasoned teams with more time to practice and work on their robots, Alexander said. That mindset has helped make their wins even more special.
