SPORTS SPOTLIGHT
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Derryfield freshmen Tori Sipes and Jakob Murray share a passion for gymnastics. Since Derryfield does not offer the sport, both students receive independent sport credit for competing with local gymnastics training centers. Tori and Jakob each spends about 20 hours a week training and, while finding a balance between rigorous academics and a demanding sports schedule can be a challenge, it has paid off for both in a big way. Both athletes have won their individual state meets this year and are building on that success at the regional level. Tori, a WMUR Hometown Hero and NH All-Around Gymnastics Champion, had a personal best at the New England meet. Jakob has made it to the Junior Olympic Nationals twice already, and hopes to secure a spot again this year. We look forward to seeing what these freshman accomplish next.
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THE DERRYFIELD SCHOOL
WINTER 2016
THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS TRADITION PHANTOM OF THE OPERA The Derryfield performing arts department presented another epic musical this winter with their production of Phantom of the Opera. A talented cast of over 25 students was led by Brock Higley ’16 as the Phantom, Kelly Collins ’17 as Christine, Nick Briccetti ’18 as Raoul, and Maddie Kasten ’17 as Carlotta. With profesisonal choreography, stunning costumes, and a set that utilized the entire auditorium, a transfixed audience felt they were transported to a nineteenth century Parisian opera house. Once again, the Derryfield Players knocked it out of the park. After standing ovations for all three shows, the consensus was these thespians have talent.
a global classroom During spring break, 20% of our students had the opportunity to participate in a global program. Groups this year went to Washington, D.C. (history and politics); North Carolina (Habitat for Humanity); Eleuthera, Bahamas (Island School marine biology research); and Spain (language immersion). Students had experiences that included meeting with our Congressman, having a tour guide who only spoke Spanish with the group, and catching and tagging sea turtles as part of a local research project. In the words of a student on the Spain trip, “I am extremely grateful for this experience, and it has influenced my future already... Traveling has value and, just like a book, can be interpreted thousands of different ways, y para mi, I want to keep expanding my perception of the earth.”
Volunteering at Special Olympics State Winter Games has become a long-standing tradition Derryfield students—beginning over twenty years ago as a Key Club activity. “I keep going back because it is so amazing to see the pure, unadulterated joy that the athletes show when they compete. They are so enthusiastic and positive, even when they don’t win. They truly embody the positive essence of sportsmanship,” shared Ms. Mimi Coombes, faculty chaperone. Derryfield students assume important roles at the competitions and have become an integral core group among the annual volunteers. Year after year, the game organizers share that the winter games simply would not run without Derryfield students. The Derryfield group escorts all the teams through the opening ceremonies parade, registers athletes, assists with staging and setup of race courses, acts as cross-country course guides, and helps athletes fasten their skis and snowshoes in the staging area. They are also official timers, starters, cheerleaders, runners, and coach liasons before and after races.
changes them in the best possible ways. Ms. Coombes shared, “I wish every Derryfield student could experience Special Olympics at least once in their Derryfield career. Our kids seem ‘changed’ when they take part. They seem truly exhilarated and happy as they interact with the athletes in such positive, cheerful, helpful, and goofy ways. I think the entire experience gives our kids a new perspective on their own lives, reminding them of their gifts and blessings.”
Beyond volunteer athletic duties, the team attends the annual dinner, sitting at tables with the teams, and even doing some dancing! Tyler Crews ’17 had the honor of dancing with one of the athletes, Andrew. At the end of the evening his mother approached Tyler saying, “You have no idea how much this means to us. This is probably one of the best nights of his life.”
The Phantom and Christine in a scene from this winter’s upper school musical. Belonging: Winter 2016
Parents of Alumni: If your child no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Advancement Office of the correct mailing B e l o n gaddress i n g : W i nat t e603.669.4524 r 2016 or email advancement@derryfield.org.
Volunteering at the Special Olympics gives students a chance to step outside of their comfort zone and develop empathy, patience, kindness, and responsibility—all hallmarks of a Derryfield education. It exposes them to a world outside their own and Belonging: Winter 2016
Maddie Pierson ’16 celebrates with two Special Olympics athletes.