Canterbury Communiqué A monthly online newsletter for the friends of Canterbury School
March 2015
Scholar-Athletes Excel on and off the Field It is safe to say, that, at Canterbury, there is no shortage of athletic opportunities for students interested in taking to the field or the court. As an integral part of the overall educational experience, Canterbury offers students the ability to not only excel academically, but athletically as well. Baseball, basketball, football, soccer and tennis are just some of the many sports students can participate in while at Canterbury. This year, two athletes have gone above and beyond in their sport by breaking school records. Junior Alexis Sewell ’16 became the “all-time female leading scorer in girls’ basketball history finishing this season with 1,088 points and counting,” according to varsity girls basketball coach Michael Exford. Senior Carson Burton ’15 became the third leading scorer in Canterbury history for varsity boys’ basketball. Under the leadership of athletic director Frank Turco, Canterbury’s scholar-athletes continually receive positive reinforcement in the building of character and fostering extraordinary leadership skills in their sport. While all schools strive for victory, Canterbury athletes understand the importance of winning and losing, as it serves as a reminder of the dedication, effort, commitment and accomplishment put forth by the team and its coaches. Teamwork is essential at Canterbury and athletes are encouraged by coaches, administrators and fellow teammates to work together to achieve success. Believing that athletics, academics and the arts work together to shape students into well-rounded individuals,Canterbury views these as essential components to an independent school education and encourages its students to become active participants on and off the field.
Head’s Up There is no question that the most important focus of school life at Canterbury School is its academic program. Similar to the finest independent schools in the country, Canterbury also recognizes the importance of offering a well-rounded program. Our emphasis includes promoting academic excellence working in concert with our overall program, which includes the arts, extracurricular activities and athletics. In the spring of my first year at Canterbury, I formed a 23-member Athletic Task Force (ATF), which included teachers, students, alumni and parents. In June 2009, the ATF agreed on the following goals: 1. Re-establish a school culture that understands and values the role that athletics play in an independent secondary school like Canterbury. 2. Provide a balance among the many demands placed on our scholars/athletes/artists. 3. Structure our PE program to serve even more as a feeder, through skills building, for our athletic program. 4. Hire the finest coaches. 5. Develop a comprehensive athletic philosophy for Canterbury. 6. Attract and retain our best athletes. 7. Explore the possibility of re-instituting football at Canterbury. Since then, we have worked hard to accomplish these goals. Along the way, we have had to modify our original interpretation of some. For example, members of our community felt we were putting too much emphasis on athletics at the expense of academics. During the past year, we have worked hard to address this issue. We are currently evaluating the relationship between PE and athletics by reaffirming our commitment to running an excellent PE program that teaches the importance of developing a life-long commitment to physical fitness. Overall, we are pleased with the recent successes of our athletic teams, our athletes and coaches, who view academics and athletics as complementary and team building as a critically important skill.
Canterbury in Pictures
This month’s photo gallery features pictures from our Winter Sports Recognition Banquet and Field Day! Winter Sports Recognition Banquet - February 25, 2015
Field Day - March 11, 2015
To submit your photos, please send them to socialmedia@canterburyfortmyers.org.
Staff Spotlight: Frank Turco, Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach Frank Turco received his Bachelor of Science degree in sports management with a minor in business from Barry University. After college, he played for a minor league baseball team, the Texas Rangers, for six years before he played independent ball for two years. Before Canterbury, he formally taught as an Algebra and PE teacher at Estero High School. Finishing up his first year as the athletic director and head baseball coach at Canterbury, Turco describes it as a “Dream come true, as cliché as it sounds. I couldn’t have found a better fit if I tried looking for it. With my teaching and coaching background of 16 years, this was an easy transition for me.” Turco is passionate about instilling strong leadership values in his students and athletes. He loves coming into work each day and seeing how determined the students are in achieving their dreams. He says, “I enjoy how driven the kids are here at Canterbury. There isn’t one student I’ve come across that is not goaloriented or reaching for success.” He ensures that each one of his scholar-athletes maintains the four tenets of Canterbury’s mission. By incorporating these principles into his daily actions, Turco finds it most satisfying to be able to lead the students by example. “From experience, students tend to apply what they learn when it’s taught in this fashion. You have to walk the talk in order to make a lasting difference.” He describes his experience serving as the athletic director simply as “rewarding.” He loves to watch and learn from other coaches to discover new ways he can constantly improve. One of the most rewarding aspects of being an athletic director for Turco is that he is able to teach the students about teamwork and the concept of working together. He enjoys seeing the people around him succeed – students, co-workers and coaches. In order to have a successful team, everyone must be able to grow and succeed, and he makes it a point to teach his students and athletes this very concept every day. Outside of work, Turco enjoys spending his free time with his wife and two children. A fun fact about him is that he loves to dance. His favorite style is Hip-Hop, and swears that his wife married him for his dance moves.
Student Spotlight(s): Alexis Sewell ’16 and Carson Burton ’15 Alexis Sewell ’16 Canterbury Experience I started at Canterbury when I was in first grade. It’s all I’ve ever known, so it has become very much like a home. It is such a close community where everyone knows everyone. Canterbury Impact Canterbury has shaped me in my values and day-to-day interactions. It has taught me how to handle different situations, how to work hard to get what I want, and it has helped me learn time management skills. All of the teachers have impacted me in various ways. Leading Female Scorer It is truly an honor to be the all-time female leading scorer in basketball. When I heard that I had hit that mark, I was amazed. To me, it means that all of the hard work I have put in is paying off. Coach Exford really pushes me to be my best and has great expectations for me. He reinforces the idea that I can do something even when I feel that I can’t. My goal is to score more than 1,600 points by the time I complete my high school basketball career. Athletics and Life I view athletics as a stress reliever. Plus, being on a team is nice because you are getting the opportunity to share a common interest with others who enjoy the same activity as you. Balancing Athletics and Academics It’s not easy, but I always make sure that I have at least one study hall each semester. I play basketball throughout the school year, so I often do my homework between games, on the bus, or any other time that I can fit it in when I’m not playing basketball. Future Plans I am definitely hoping to get a basketball scholarship, and I hope to attend the University of Connecticut. I want to play basketball in college, but I plan to get my degree in physical therapy. My family is in the medical field and I want to carry that on by working with athletes in their therapy. Canterbury Passion The people are what I love most about Canterbury. There is a close-knit feeling among the students, faculty and staff. The classes are small and the teachers provide the personal attention needed by most students. Fun Fact I like to volunteer. I was in the Leaders Club at the Y for four years and I currently volunteer with my church. I am involved in two youth groups and participate in a homeless ministry.
Carson Burton ’15 Canterbury Experience Despite it being a smaller school, I was able to make close friends that I will definitely be able to have life-long. In addition, I really enjoy the one-on-one attention we all get from our coaches and teachers. Canterbury Passion The best part about Canterbury is being able to watch myself and my friends transform throughout the years and grow together. It’s really cool being able to look back at old yearbook photos and see how much we have changed throughout the years. Future Plans My plans after graduation are to attend the University of Florida and pursue a career in sports management or business finance. I want to stay in Florida, mainly for the weather. After graduating from UF, I plan to work my way up the business ladder and find a position that makes me happy. College Sports I do! I want to do intramural or club sports, mainly focusing on basketball. I’ll definitely be playing golf when I come back home to visit. Making Canterbury History It truly is an honor. I’ve been playing since I was seven years old; it has taken a lot of hard work. I never thought I would get to this point, but I couldn’t have done this without my teammates. I think they deserve just as much of the credit for this accomplishment. Balancing Athletics and Academics Teachers are very open and available, before and after school, to answer any questions we may have. I definitely think that sports and school help you develop good time management skills. It helps you focus on what the next task at hand is and accomplish more things on your schedule. Advice for Students Go see your teachers! Don’t be shy, especially when you are trying to understand a certain topic and you are trying to get questions answered. The teachers are there to help you and they will be more than willing to take some extra time to explain things in greater detail. They want to see you succeed. Fun Fact I love the beach, but I hate the sand. I won’t go more than a few inches into the water because I hate the way the sand feels in my toes.
Upcoming Events Spring Break In recognition of Spring Break, there will be no school Friday, April 3, or the week of April 6-10. We would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable break, and we will see you April 13! Extravaganza 2015 You’re invited to celebrate Canterbury’s founding at the 2015 Extravaganza 50th Blue & White Gala. Sample signature dishes by local chefs, bid on silent and live auction items, and dance the night away. For more information, contact Lou Ann Ozboyaci (lozboyaci@canterburyfortmyers. org). When: Saturday, April 25, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. Where: Murphy Sports Center Spring Sports Recognition Night Join us as we honor our extraordinary Canterbury athletes at this special event! When: Wednesday, April 29, at 7:00 p.m. Where: Performing Arts Center (PAC) Cougar Athletic Club Cougar Classic Fore! Get your golf clubs ready for the 4th Annual Canterbury Cougar Athletic Club Cougar Classic on Sunday, May 17, 2015 at Crown Colony Golf & Country Club. Registration and Breakfast will be at 7 a.m. For more information, contact Frank Turco (fturco@canterburyfortmyers.org). When: Sunday, May 17, 2015, at 7:00 a.m. Where: Crown Colony Golf & Country Club
Why I Give to the Canterbury Fund The Flaharty Family has had at least one student attending Canterbury School for 15 years. We foresee another five, making our total experience at the school 20 years. We believe firmly in the Canterbury and independent school ethos, and that a Canterbury education is second to none in Lee County. Our children are stretched every day beyond their boundaries in areas of the four pillars; education, character, leadership and service. The continuity of the independent school philosophy between school divisions is evident, with age-appropriate challenges from PreK-12.
Kristen spent seven years as a member of the Board of Trustees where she saw the inner workings of the school from a business perspective. Because the school is private, it is dependent upon donations for financial stability and to provide the type of financial aid that is imperative to offer. It’s a big world, and changing every day. Students need to be prepared for a meaningful life beyond their formative years. We believe that Canterbury School is dedicated to creating the next generation of big thinkers, with kind, compassionate souls; and that, quite honestly, is an investment in the future, and an easy thing to support. Want to make a difference in your child’s education? You can with a donation to the Canterbury Fund! Every gift turns possibilities into realities, so donate to the Canterbury Fund today!
Did You Know? In celebration of Canterbury’s 50th anniversary, each month, Canterbury Communiqué will feature a “Did you Know?” section, providing an interesting, historical fact about the school. Did you Know? In 2000, the Murphy Sports Center was completed, and the following year, the 6,000 square foot Hanno Dining Hall replaced a much-too small cafeteria. The new dining hall allowed expansion of the Lower School.
Stay Connected As students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni, we know it is important for you to stay connected to Canterbury. From class projects to sporting events, to science experiments and theater plays, our students are always on the move and you want to know about it! Whether you “Like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, watch us on Instagram or connect with us on LinkedIn, we’ve got you covered when it comes to Canterbury news, contests, events and much more!