From Science of Food to Machu Picchu, a New End to the Upper School Year Story by Kathy McPherson // Lettering by Sarah Jane Tart
The school year had barely begun, but ninth- through 11th-graders were already thinking about what they would be doing the last week of the school year. No, it wasn’t exams — final exams would be completed by then. Rather, Upper Schoolers were studying the 40-page Cavalier Capstone Catalog and deciding which of the 30 experiences interested them. The shift to May’s Cavalier Capstones marks a change from trips that used to take place at the beginning of the school year. Typically, all ninth- and 10th-graders would set out for an outdoor adventure and all 11th-graders would travel through the Southeast on the Civil Rights Tour in August. Cavalier Capstones are fourday educational or experiential programs offered by DA faculty and staff, held after commencement and Upper School final exams. Upper School humanities teacher Kelly Teagarden ’04, who serves as Cavalier Capstone coordinator, said the new program allows students to choose what they want to do and to have a smaller, more intimate
experience with students from different grades. Most Capstone experiences will be limited to 10 to 20 students, and all will be led by faculty and staff. The change does not impact rising seniors, who will continue to begin the school year with Senior Challenge, a wilderness adventure that has been a Durham Academy hallmark since 1978. Upper School Director Lanis Wilson said Senior Challenge links past graduates with future alumni. “It has been a central experience for DA 12th-graders for 40 years,” Wilson explained. “It deserves a place of prominence in our curriculum.” Cavalier Capstone experiences will take place both on — Kelly Teagarden ’04 and off campus. All are scheduled for May 28–31, with the exception of the international trips — journeys to China, Peru and India — which will extend into June. There is no cost to participate in any Capstone other than the international ones, and financial aid is available for those. “Cavalier Capstone was created to give more student choice and to give [students] smaller, more intimate
“We’re keeping the best parts of what we were doing already and providing more options for kids.”
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Durham Academy // Winter 2019
