Academy Journal Volume 58 | Page 25

    ANC Girls School Kira R. Schadegg, Principal T he theme for the school year was “Behold, I make all things new” - Revelations 21:5. It has been a steep learning curve for me this year with many new experiences. One new experience for the girls is shaking my hand and speaking with me each morning. It is a way for me to connect with each girl, get to know her and establish a re- lationship that can carry us into a potential disci- plinary situation, should one arise. I have found this morning contact to be both entertaining and enlightening. I ask them a question each morning. Sometimes it is about the previous day’s chapel or sometimes it is just for fun, such as “Coke or Pepsi?” Initially, the question caused some angst, but I think now the girls really enjoy answering the questions each morning. We began the year with 95 students: 66 day stu- dents and 29 dormitory students. During the year one student withdrew. The seniors had the first bonding experience of their final year at ANC with a trip to Dorney Park on September 18th under the capable leadership of Doug Reuter and Erica Stine, senior class advisors. The Girls’ School distinguished alumnae were Dr. Kristin King, class of 1976, and Siri Odhner Yardumian Hurst, class of 1966. Kristin spoke about empowering women and Siri implored the girls to find what lights them up and to travel. The senior girls asked lots of questions and two girls made a date to have a tour of Siri’s environmen- tally friendly home. This event kicked off a busy Charter Day weekend with reunion classes gath- ering to reconnect with old friends and current students forging new friendships as the seniors waitered the banquet or the sophomores decorated for the dance. The secondary schools hosted a re- charging station where visitors could grab a muf- fin and a cup of coffee, speak with current students or have a tour of the school or the newly renovated fourth floor. We asked alumnae who were willing to be videotaped discussing what their time at the Academy did for them. The outstanding volunteer for the year was Wendinne Buss in recognition of her work with the girls in Glenn Hall. The seniors left bright and early Monday morn- ing for their trip to Washington DC. Their usual tours of the capitol, Arlington Cemetery, the night tour of the memorials and the Holocaust Museum kept the class busy Monday and Tuesday. The un- derclassman experienced a variety of alternative classes during experiential learning day. Expe- riences ranged from bonsai to stone carving to beading to holding babies at Interim House. There was something for every girl’s interest. The very next weekend the AKM and Deka took their club trips. On the Tuesday after the trips, the senior girls enjoyed their medieval feast at Glencairn where they recite the first lines of the prologue to 25