Blair Academy Viewbook, 2013-2014

EXPERIENCE A C A D EM I C

D I S T I N C T I O N

Bl a ir Ac a dem y

E X P E RI E NC E

BL AIR BY TH E NUMB E RS>

BL AIR Look closely at Blair and you will see more

E STABLISH E D: 1848

TOTAL E NROLLM E NT: 440

than a beautiful campus that offers remarkable

BOARDING: 340 DAY: 100 COUNTRI E S R E PR E S E NT E D: 24 STAT E S R E PR E S E NT E D: 25 STUD E NT/FACULT Y RATIO: 6/1

facilities for academics, athletics and the arts.

As part of the Blair family, you will receive

FACULT Y WITH ADVANC E D D E GR EES : 68%

a superior college preparatory education

AV E R AG E CL ASS SIZ E : 10 A.P. COURS E S: 23

that emphasizes social responsibility, global engagement and leadership. Learn what it means to become a Blair student. Visit us soon!

“If a student has energy, passion and drive, that student will leave Blair with a better education, a better primary coat, foundation and sense of self. Blair teachers help students realize they have limitless potential.�

Andrew, junior

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ACAD E MICS

A PA S SION F OR

L E A R NIN G

Our dynamic classrooms serve as forums for open debate, participation and experiential learning. Passionate about their subjects, our talented, diverse faculty brings enthusiasm and global perspective to lessons while endeavoring to inspire in Blair students a genuine love of lifelong learning. Caring and committed to the individual, they serve as housemasters, advisors, coaches and friends while laying the necessary foundation for success at Blair and beyond.

“Teaching literature is teaching life. The poetry and precision of clear, powerful writing, the beauty of an effective speech—such work prepares us for all life can offer. Teachable moments at Blair happen all the time.”

Carolyn Confor ti-Browse ’79 E nglish Department and Varsity Girls’ Softball Coach

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T I M O T H Y, F R E SHM A N

M ENDHA M, NEW JER SE Y

ON CHOOSING BLAIR: “Blair offered an exceptional education but, more importantly, a warm and welcoming environment in which I felt comfortable taking academic risks. During my visits to campus, I experienced the feeling of absolute security and support, which made me feel as though anything is possible. The food was good, too!”

ON HIS MOST M E MORABL E CLASSROOM MOM ENT: “We make history relevant by relating the past to current affairs.

It really comes alive, and we value perspective. For instance, we read The New York Times daily but also hear the other side of issues through the Society of Skeptics or The Wall Street Journal. In one class this fall, we examined the U.S. presidential election and early democracy, and then we debated American politics—we never stopped talking!”

E XTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIE S: JV football, varsity skiing, JV baseball, violin, Blair String Orchestra, Eagle Scout

FAVORIT E BLAIR M E AL: “Most definitely the make-your-own grilled cheese bar!”

“Learning beyond the classroom is my goal in my history classes.

The focus is not to memorize names and dates. Instead we study the meaning, the impact, the vitality of history.”

Dr. Mar tin Miller, History Department, Director, Society of Skeptics

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D E VO T E D

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M E N T O R S HIP

Through our dual advisory system, our faculty advisors and academic monitors guide Blair students’ personal growth. The balance between high academic and personal expectations and a willingness to provide individual focus is, if not unique to Blair, perhaps our greatest strength.

We further set ourselves apart by allowing each student to choose his or her own advisor. Through ownership of this decision, our students develop a strong sense of independence, responsibility and confidence in engaging the world around them.

“The common thread among all Blair teachers is that they are passionate about their subjects and students. They are amazing mentors, role models and friends. Mr. Gogolak has become one of my closest confidantes at Blair. Talking to teachers and trusting that they have your best interests in mind is a priceless experience.�

Savannah, sophomore

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JULIA,

F R E SHM A N

YA R D L E Y, P E N N S Y LVA N I A

ON TH E DUAL ADVISORY SYST E M: “I chose Ms. Paul, my varsity field hockey coach, as my advisor this fall.

Mr. Sykes, my housemaster, was assigned as my monitor.

Mr. and Mrs. Sykes live down the hall from me and are a great academic resource. I selected Ms. Paul because of our mutual passion for field hockey and skiing. She quickly became my friend and mentor— sometimes we laugh so hard that we cry!”

ON GOALS AFT ER BLAIR: “My dream is to play golf at Stanford. Blair has already helped me realize that dream.

This spring, I became the N.J. Prep State golf champ.

In my short time on campus, I have learned to manage my time more effectively, offer creative ideas in class and think more analytically.”

E XTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIE S: varsity field hockey, varsity skiing, varsity golf, community service

FAVORIT E DORM MOM ENT: “Making brownies in Mr. and Mrs. Sykes’ apartment!”

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“My art teacher, Ms. Baragona, has definitely challenged me in the classroom, and her strong support helps account for my overall growth at Blair—especially as I finish my AP portfolio. I never thought I could be where I am today, embracing abstraction and realism while coming into my own as an artist.”

FIN E /P ERFORMING ARTS

Tiffany, junior

A R T IS T IC E X P R E S SIO N The Fine and Performing Arts are an integral part of

FACILITI E S> • DIGITAL VID E O L ABOR ATORY

Blair’s well-rounded curriculum. From introductory-level

• PHOTOGR APHY DARK ROOM • ARCHIT E CTUR E STUDIO

to Advanced Placement, our courses encourage students to think and express themselves creatively through various

• VARIOUS PAINTING/ DR AWING STUDIOS • C E R AMICS STUDIO • BL ACK BOX TH E ATR E • ARMSTRONG-HIPKINS

media, including painting and drawing, music, theatre,

MAIN STAG E • OUTDOOR TH E ATR E

film, graphic design and ceramics. We challenge our performing arts students to learn by doing. They discover how to interact as part of a troupe or an ensemble while developing the poise and confidence to showcase their talents on stage.

• SOUNDPROOF PR ACTIC E ROOMS • TWO DANC E /YOGA STUDIOS

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ALLIANA,

S OPHOMOR E

KINGS TON, JA M AIC A

ON B EING N E W TO BLAIR: “As a new student here, I worried about settling into the community. Being from a different country, a different culture, I wondered how I would be accepted. Blair has been a dream.

Each day I find myself becoming closer to students and teachers from many different walks of life. The amazing people here are definitely a highlight.”

ON P ERFORMING ON STAG E: “I’ve grown so much as a dancer at Blair, not just because we have incredible teachers and instructors, but because I’m surrounded by other talented performers in class and as a member of B.A.D. (Blair Academy Dancers). We recognize each other’s passion for dance, and Blair allows that to come alive!”

E XTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIE S: JV swimming, varsity track, B.A.D., Blair International Awareness Club (B.I.A.C.), admission ambassador

FAVORIT E W EEK END ACTIVITY: “B.I.G. (Blair Intramural Games) volleyball. Locke Hall dominates!”

“My performing arts experience at Blair has been incredibly vivid and personal. During the Blair Singers’ and instrumental music trip to Eastern Europe, my passion for music blossomed. This year, I am studying AP music theory and earned the lead in the winter musical, Preppies.

I never expected that I would have the ability to travel and take college level music courses.”

Mike, senior

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COLL EG E PLAC E M ENT

L IF E B E YOND

IN R E C E NT Y E ARS, BL AIR GR ADUAT E S HAV E MATRICUL AT E D AT TH E FOLLOWING COLL E G E S AND UNIV E RSITI E S>

B L A IR

The years spent at Blair are purposeful in preparing each student for college and the admission process.

A thorough and global academic foundation remains critical. We work with individual students to craft an academic program that emphasizes areas of strength while fulfilling the expectations of competitive college admissions. Our college counselors balance committed advocacy with realistic assessment.

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RUTG E RS UNIV E RSIT Y

BAT E S COLL E G E

TH E G E ORG E WASHINGTON

BOSTON COLL E G E

UNIV E RSIT Y

STANFORD UNIV E RSIT Y

BOSTON UNIV E RSIT Y

HARVARD UNIV E RSIT Y

TRINIT Y COLL E G E

BROWN UNIV E RSIT Y

K E NYON COLL E G E

UNIT E D STAT E S MILITARY ACAD E MY

BUCKN E LL UNIV E RSIT Y

L AFAY E T T E COLL E G E

UNIT E D STAT E S NAVAL ACAD E MY

COLGAT E UNIV E RSIT Y

L E HIGH UNIV E RSIT Y

UNIV E RSIT Y OF CHICAGO

COLUMBIA UNIV E RSIT Y

MASSACHUS E T TS INSTITUT E

UNIV E RSIT Y OF MICHIGAN

CORN E LL UNIV E RSIT Y

OF T E CHNOLOGY

UNIV E RSIT Y OF NORTH CAROLINA

DARTMOUTH COLL E G E

MIDDL E BURY COLL E G E

UNIV E RSIT Y OF P E NNSYLVANIA

DAVIDSON COLL E G E

N E W YORK UNIV E RSIT Y

UNIV E RSIT Y OF VIRGINIA

DICKINSON COLL E G E

NORTHW E ST E RN UNIV E RSIT Y

VAND E RBILT UNIV E RSIT Y

DUK E UNIV E RSIT Y

POMONA COLL E G E

WAK E FOR E ST UNIV E RSIT Y

FR ANKLIN & MARSHALL

PRINC E TON UNIV E RSIT Y

WASHINGTON UNIV E RSIT Y

UNIV E RSIT Y

ROCH E ST E R INSTITUT E

WILLIAMS COLL E G E

G E ORG E TOWN UNIV E RSIT Y

OF T E CHNOLOGY

YAL E UNIV E RSIT Y

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CONSID E R

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B L A IR .

SEVEN PRINC IPLES

T H AT D E FIN E A BL AIR E DUC AT ION 1. W E KNOW OUR STUD ENTS.

IF YOU S EEK a warm, caring, spirited community where you will meet some of the finest people in the world, then consider Blair.

2. COMMUNITY IS TH E HALLMARK OF THIS SCHOOL. 3. SUP ERIOR ACAD E MIC PR EPARATION IS TH E H E ART OF TH E BLAIR E XP ERIENC E .

IF YOU S EEK a school where personal excellence is expected of all, and because of that, students’ achievements in every realm grow stronger, then consider Blair.

IF YOU S EEK superior college preparation as well as a place where your education is not a means to an end, but truly the beginning of a lifelong passion for learning, then consider Blair.

4. B E YOND S ELF IS HAPPIN E SS. 5. SCHOOL SIZE MATT ERS. R E SID ENTIAL MATT ERS. 6. COMMUNICAT E, COMMUNICAT E, COMMUNICAT E .

7. OUTCOM E S AR E IMPORTANT.

D E AN OF ADMISSION P E T E R CURRAN WITH HIS WIF E , SARAH.

PL E AS E VISIT www.blair.edu/7principles to learn more about the Seven Principles that Define a Blair Education.

We encourage you to visit us, take a campus tour, talk with students and faculty, and meet the admission staff. Please visit our Web site to learn more.

We look forward to meeting you.

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EXPERIENCE L I F E O N

T H E H I L LT O P

Bl a ir Ac a dem y

L IFE ON T HE BL AIR BY TH E NUMB E RS>

H I L LT O P

Academic preparation is only part of getting ready for

ACR E S: 423 DORMITORI E S: 10

college. We emphasize social responsibility, involvement and

P E RC E NT OF FACULT Y LIVING ON C AMPUS: 95% VARSIT Y T E AMS: 28 S E NIOR PR E F E C T S: 26 R E IGNING BLAIR INTRAMURAL

leadership as well as academics in preparing students for college. As team captains, dormitory prefects or members of

GAM E S (B.I.G.) CHAMPIONS: E AST HALL

class council, our students play a critical role in shaping the

R E IGNING H E ADMAST E RS’ SOCI E TI E S CHAMPIONS: T E A M BR EE D DOGS ON C AMPUS: 21 L AK E S ON C AMPUS: 2

Blair experience for those around them. They share in school planning and decision-making, serving with faculty members on committees involving residential life, discipline, academic honor, multiculturalism, health and student activities. Each student leader has an opportunity to influence the direction of Blair and impact the experiences of his or her classmates— skills he or she will carry beyond Blair.

ACTIVITI E S> TR ADITIONS> STUD E NT LIF E > ATHL E TIC S> M E NTORS> FRIE NDS> R E SID E NTIAL LIF E > L E AD E RSHIP>

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“As beautiful as the campus is, it is

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15 R E ASONS TO COM E TO BL AIR> 1. SOCI E T Y OF SK E PTICS

the people at Blair who give the place

2. H E ADMAST E RS’ SOCI E TI E S W EE K 3. TR AV E L TO K E NYA WITH Q

both soul and spirit. The harmony of

4. PUBLIC SP E AKING COMP E TITION 5. BL AIR ON STAG E

individuals from so many different

6. P E DDI E W EE K 7. SIX TO ON E 8. PROXIMIT Y TO NYC 9. BL AIR COMMONS

backgrounds, living and working

10. INT E RNATIONAL W EE K E ND 11. QUIZ BOWL 12. GAM E S UND E R TH E LIGHTS

together in a community where there

AND BLU E CR E W 13. TH E BL AIR FAC E BOOK CHALL E NG E

is no such thing as anonymity, makes

14. VID E O PRODUCTION AND OTH E R E XCITING E L E CTIV E S 15. CHOOS E YOUR OWN ADVISOR

every day exciting and fulfilling.”

See Blair Web site for full descriptions.

David T. Low, Assistant Headmaster for Student Affairs

W W W .B L A I R . E D U

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S T U D EN T A C T I V I T IES & L E A D E R S H I P “I jumped at the opportunity to volunteer at the local elementary school. We are not there to tell the kids what school is or why they should go—the students are firstgraders! We are there to create a fun atmosphere, hoping that we help foster a positive attitude towards learning.”

Becca, sophomore

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R I C A R D O, S E NIOR

M A D R I D, S P A I N

ON CLASS COUNCIL L E AD ERSHIP: “My father often told me that ‘self-reliance is the first step towards self-esteem.’ Blair has offered me abundant opportunities to hone my skills, especially as a confident leader in an increasingly complex world.

Leadership opportunities, specifically my role on senior class council, have taught me the significance of responsibility, communication and diligence.”

ON TH E COMMUNITY: “It is not the big things that I will remember. It is the sum of all the little things I am really going to miss when I leave this place: the laughter in the common room as people relax in between classes, a late-night pizza run on a Saturday, the encouragement of a coach to give it my personal best, a Bodini Bagel from “the Can,” the bonfire before Peddie Day. Sometimes it’s the small things, when put together, that carry the most weight.”

E XTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIE S: varsity soccer (captain), varsity lacrosse, senior class council, Blair International Awareness Club (B.I.A.C.), Multicultural Student Union (MSU), admission tour guide

FAVORIT E S E ASON AT BLAIR: “The fall—I reunite with my Blair buddies, and the foliage makes campus spectacular.”

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S TEPHEN, S E NIOR

WALL, NEW JER SE Y

R E SID E N T IA L

L IF E

“Dorm life” will likely be an entirely uncharted experience for new students. In the dorm, a diverse group of individuals becomes a community, and each supports the others’ hopes and concerns. Soon lifelong friendships are formed, as students live and learn together for nine months of the year. The dorm literally becomes the students’ “home away from home.” The housemaster and faculty dorm parents reside in the dorm and provide students with the supervision, help and encouragement they need to succeed. Most students share their living areas with roommates, though a few single rooms are available.

ON B EING A PR EF ECT: “My prefect, Nick, from freshman year inspired me to apply for prefectship as a senior.

Two other prefects and I mentor 18 freshmen boys in the Flight Deck dorm.

It’s a tremendous opportunity, and I basically feel like an older brother to the younger guys. Working with Mr. and Mrs. McMillan, my housemasters, has been a blast, too.

They listen to my feedback and amend the dorm policies to incorporate my suggestions.”

ON L E ADING MODEL U.N.: “This year was my fourth Model United Nations, and as always, the experience was unforgettable. We traveled to Columbia University in New York to participate in the three-day conference and even visited the floor of the real U.N. Combined with Blair’s public speaking program, Model U.N. allowed us to learn proper diplomatic procedure and the art of debate and conflict resolution. We cemented bonds as schoolmates and friends.”

E XTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIE S: varsity swimming

(captain), varsity crew (captain), cycling club (captain), Model U.N., admission ambassador FAVORIT E W EEK END ACTIVITY: “A tie—I always love water polo, but speed golf on our nine-hole course can be wild.”

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OFF E RINGS> • ALPIN E SKIING (B/G) • BAS E BALL • BASK E TBALL (B/G) • CR E W (B/G) • CROSS COUNTRY (B/G) • FI E LD HOCK E Y • FOOTBALL • GOLF (B/G) • IC E HOCK E Y (B) • L ACROSS E (B/G) • SOCC E R (B/G) • SOF TBALL • SQUASH (B/G) • SWIMMING (B/G)

“It is great to see our scholar-athletes

• T E NNIS (B/G) • TR ACK (B/G) • INDOOR TR ACK (B/G)

buy into the philosophy of ‘cause

• WR E STLING

FACILITI E S>

over self.’ They begin to achieve at

• 7 INT E RNATIONAL SQUASH COURTS • 10 OUTDOOR T E NNIS

a high level, not for themselves but

COURTS/ T E NNIS HOUS E • STAT E -OF-TH E -ART FITN E SS & W E IGHT C E NT E R

for their teammates, and ultimately

• 6-L AN E , 25-M E T E R INDOOR POOL • ALL-W E ATH E R TR ACK

for the good of the team. Being a

• ALL-W E ATH E R TURF FI E LD • P E RFORMANC E GYM • FI E LD HOUS E

compassionate team player serves

(2 MULTIPURPOS E COURTS) • 8 OUTDOOR FI E LDS • WR E STLING ROOM

our students well beyond Blair.”

Joseph Mantegna, Associate Dean of College Counseling, Senior Class Academic Monitor, Varsity Boys’ Basketball Coach

G O B U C S!

• 3-L AN E , 3-MIL E L AK E (ROWING) • INDOOR ROWING &

“My first Peddie Week is a favorite memory. The seniors ignited the bonfire–it’s a celebration of unity that strengthens our proud community.”

Joseph, freshman

E RGOM E T E R ROOM • FULL-SCAL E ATHL E TIC TR AINING FACILIT Y

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F R A N C E S C A , JUNIOR NEWPORT BE ACH, C A ON CHOOSING BLAIR: “Coming from California and being the first one in my family to ever apply to boarding school, I didn’t know where to start. I toured seven different schools, but the moment I drove onto Blair’s campus, I was captivated by the sense of community. Students kept introducing themselves to me, and even as I sat in a class, the teacher would not let me hide. Blair stood out as a school that would truly enable me to maximize my potential, and I couldn’t ask for more.”

ON H ER PROUD E ST ATHL E TIC MOM ENT: “During my sophomore year, our last tennis match was scheduled for Peddie Day, undeniably the biggest match of the season. We came ready to win, and the success of the team came down to the last match in a tiebreaker. We rallied as a team and emerged victorious.”

E XTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIE S: varsity tennis (captain), varsity squash (captain), varsity crew (captain), community service, admission ambassador

FAVORIT E BLAIR FOOD: “Mint chocolate chip ice cream!”

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ROO T E D IN

T R A D I T IO N

Blair maintains many traditions that resonate with the current generation and unify the community. For instance, family-style dinner is served several nights a week in order

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“My favorite memory at Blair has to be my first family-style dinner. That’s where I met my two best friends. I didn’t know anyone upon arrival, so to be conveniently placed at a table with strangers was just what I needed. My shyness only lasted about 10 minutes into the dinner.”

Lisa, senior

to foster student-faculty relationships. Every Blair student eagerly anticipates Peddie Day festivities, during which the school rallies around the bonfire and athletic competitions.

Headmasters’ Societies Week is a more recent tradition.

The entire school is divided among four teams named after former Headmasters—Breed, Howard, Kelley and Sharpe.

The teams compete for bragging rights in after-school intramural games ranging from inner-tube water polo to an egg toss and culminating with a talent show.

BLAIR

COM E S EE OUR

C A M P U S!

We encourage you to come to our campus for a true glimpse of the Blair community. Please visit our Web site—www.blair.edu—to inquire about Blair, learn more about the online application process and schedule a tour of campus.

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BLAIR IS LOCAT ED 65 MIL E S W E ST OF N E W YORK CITY and sits in close proximity to four international airports: Newark (NJ), John F. Kennedy (NY), LaGuardia (NY), and Lehigh Valley (PA). The school is easily accessible via Interstate Route 80 in Blairstown, New Jersey, approximately nine miles east of the Delaware River and the Pennsylvania/ New Jersey border.

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