125 Years of Educating Boys
Student Life at Woodberry Forest School • november 2013
Finding the Way Through History boys learn by doing
This fall saw the launch of a new third-form history course, Stories and Histories, that takes well-known stories — e.g., the assassination of Julius Caesar, the trial of Galileo, and the tragedy of 9/11 — and explores the history behind them. Students gather around a table daily to discuss topics that range from Achilles’ motivation in the Iliad to Truman’s reasons for using the atomic bomb on Japan in 1945.
Bonfire: A Bright Tradition Gearing up for the game
e blaze from the thirty-foot-high wooden pyre lights up the night. It’s one of Th Woodberry Forest’s great traditions: the bonfire. As early as 1915, Woodberry students welcomed victorious teams home by lining the school’s entranceway, holding lighted torches and cheering. The torchlight parade eventually became the bonfire, and boys began to scavenge the campus for firewood and build torches to ignite the massive woodpile. This year’s bonfire — the biggest pep rally of the year — will set the stage for the 113th matchup between Woodberry and Episcopal High School, the oldest high school football rivalry in the South. The Game kicks off the next day at 2:00 p.m. When Woodberry hosts, the pipe band leads the team down the hill and into Johnson Stadium, where students form an energetic cheering section. When The Game is away, as it is this year, the entire student body travels to Alexandria — guaranteeing that the stands are filled with Tiger fans.
As these students learn to think like historians, speak persuasively, and write analytically, they’re also finding their way — not only as citizens of the earth, but also as Woodberry scholars.
Listen to the live audio broadcast of The Game! Go to www.woodberry.org/TheGame on November 9 to tune in. While you're there, check out some spirited videos — such as the bonfire being built. Go Tigers!
125 Years of Leadership
In the fall trimester, the class is investigating stories related to science and technology, including navigational problems that plagued seafarers until the eighteenth century: how to determine longitude and latitude at sea. On Columbus Day, class members reported to Grainger Field at noon so that history teacher Matthew Boe sen, in collaboration with physics teacher Greg Jacobs, could demonstrate how to calculate their location with pre-GPS technology. They got a hands-on lesson in using a sextant to find their latitude, a technique that, to this day, is taught to midshipmen at the Naval Academy.
fast fact
Did you know that, since its founding in 1898, Woodberry has only had eight headmasters? J. Carter Walker, the oldest son of founder Robert Stringfellow Walker and a graduate of the Class of 1894, was the longest serving — he retired in 1948 after fifty-one years.
After-School Activities
many ways to have fun and get involved
A Woodberry day is filled with more than academics, meals, and afternoon athletic or fine arts commitments. Dozens of clubs and extracurricular activities mean students and faculty can pursue their favorite interests and explore new ones. Editors of the Oracle, Woodberry’s student newspaper, report to the Forest early to get an issue on the stands for students’ arrival, while, early in the school year, the Fir Tree staff delivers the previous year’s yearbooks to old boys and the community. The awardwinning Talon literary arts magazine begins work on the fall issue right away, with the submission deadline for stories, poetry, and artwork in October. One of the campus’ largest groups, the Woodberry Christian Fellowship, serves up pizza, games, and spirited discussion every Tuesday evening. And members of
coach feature
Mark Parsons U.K. native Mark Parsons is in his second season as head coach of Woodberry’s varsity soccer team. A veteran coach on the international soccer scene, Mark worked six years with Chelsea Football Club in England and served as head coach of the D.C. United women’s under-20 team. He has also coached youth and senior players for appearances in the Euros, Olympics, and World Cup. He holds a UEFA A license and is currently head coach of the Washington Spirit, a women’s professional team in D.C. Mark lives in Culpeper with his wife, Hannah. What’s the biggest difference between players in England and the United States? In England, kids watch and play a lot of soccer, so they have more unstructured opportunities to practice what they’ve seen professionals do. Here, players haven’t seen soccer as often, and are more likely to want to learn and improve. What is your coaching philosophy? I coach soccer that is fun to watch — a possession style that requires every player to be comfortable with the ball and able to make decisions with confidence. I emphasize a team-first type of play in which every player strives to be his best in every session and game. What has surprised you most about the students at WoodberryForest School? The culture of excellence here continues onto the soccer field. I’ve been fortunate in my career to witness some of the world’s best soccer players and coaches. Woodberry boys come very close to matching these professionals in terms of work ethic, attitude, and desire to be the best. This makes coaching the Tigers a privilege.
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paintball club
Settling in at Woodberry a forest welcome
Welcoming new boys to the Woodberry community is a big deal. Returning students — called “old boys” — serve as mentors and star in orientation skits that inspire group discussions about living in a dorm, having a roommate, the honor system, and taking responsibility for one’s actions. Old boys lead the third-form (freshman) during ropes course afternoons and bond with older “new boys” during the fourth-form expedition to the mountains of western Virginia. Old boys teach new boys about life at the Forest. And, during a special October ceremony, new boys gather in front of Dick Gym wearing their black ties. With their families looking on, they answer questions from the old boys about all things Woodberry. Old boys cut the black ties — and new boys are ready to rock the classic orangeand-black striped neckwear of Tigers everywhere!
Why is Woodberry a great place for boys to play soccer? We have world-class facilities and an incredible coaching staff. I believe we are on track to develop players who can move American soccer to the next level. Watch out for the Tigers! 2 • Woodberry Forest School • 125 years of educating boys
Improving Your Essays
Study Tip
Ask your English teacher if you can revise and resubmit a graded essay. By correcting your mistakes, you improve your writing skills — and possibly your grade. Be sure to put it in your planner so you can finish before your next writing assignment. For more tips, go to the Academic Development Center blog at www.wfsstudyskills.org.
Boy Scout Troop 100 include Eagle Scouts, those working on their Eagle projects, and even a few who are new to scouting. The Paintball Club boasts its own field. Student leader Ross Winston ’15 says, “We just got some new inflatable bunkers, adding one that is fifteen feet long and ten feet tall — complete with a custom W.” And Rod and Gun Club members hunt and fish both on and off campus. For those guys who love the spotlight, Laughing Tigers helps budding comedians hone their stand-up routines with the help of teacher and comic Ray Smith, who trained at Chicago’s Second City Theater Conservatory. The Walker Fine Arts center is also home to the Chess Club, where Brent Cirves teaches classic opening and endgame strategies to future grandmasters. This fall, the Vegetable Gardening Club returned more of the school’s land back to its farmland roots by planting broccoli, turnips, and greens. And Woodberry’s visiting South African students made a splash when they helped the Water Polo Club learn skills and hold its first 4x4 scrimmage; says David Willis ’16, one of the club’s founders, “I am sure that, even though Tigers are hunters on land, we can be just as predatory in the water!” Want more options? Woodberry has plenty: Science Olympiad, Chapel Council, Admissions Ambassadors, Environmental Club, International Forum, the minority affinity group Caucus, Outing Club, Orientation Committee, Student Council, Astronomy Club, Bluegrass Club, and River Conservation Committee.
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Woodberry’s Honor System
prefects at the helm of a community of trust
Written by the boys in 1899, Woodberry’s honor system sets a tone of trust and mutual support for the community. Woodberry boys embrace the honor system, and the prefects help new students understand its importance. Boys elect prefects from the sixth form to supervise each hall, educate others about honor, and ensure the system works smoothly. The prefect board chooses its own leaders after it gathers for a summer retreat in Colorado. Senior Prefect Banks Hagood ’14, remembers, “When I first came to Woodberry, I realized the honor system was something to take seriously. Now it has become a part of who I am.” Thanks to the honor system, Woodberry is a great place to live. “Students see each other in a positive light,” says Banks. “We accept and respect each other.” right :
Banks, center, and fellow prefects David Daniel and James Hewell rafting in Colorado
keep up with woodberry activities and athletics through their blogs — www.woodberry.org/blogs
student snapshot
José Hernández ’16 A fourth former from Durham, North Carolina, José is one of Woodberry’s most enthusiastic participants. Over the course of a day, he might be found playing violin in the music studio, practicing on the JV football field, or leading a group at the ropes course. What is something you’ve tried since you started at WFS? I set myself the goal of trying something new every year. Last year, I made the JV squash team even though I’d never played before. I agree with our coach, Dr. Jordan: “Squash is like a high-speed game of chess.” It’s not just about hitting the ball hard — you have to think fast! This summer, I became a ropes course instructor. I enjoyed the Alpine Tower and climbing wall last year, so I knew I wanted to spend more time at the course. And I have taken up the violin. Six of us wanted to learn to play stringed instruments, so Ms. Wright started a new class. We play different instruments, so we have our own beginning ensemble. How has your second year been different from your first? I’d say I’m more confident. Last year, I only joined individual sports like tennis and squash because I didn’t want to let my teammates down. But now I’m enjoying being on a team. My football coaches and teammates have been very supportive, even at first when I didn’t know what I was doing. What is your favorite part of your Woodberry day? I can’t answer that! I like my classes, I like football practice, I like weekend trips, I like the ropes course, and I like going to Chess Club, paintball games, and art shows. It’s also great that I get to see my brother, Jonathan ’17, around campus. What advice would you give a prospective student? You’ll never know what this school is like until you come and enjoy life at Woodberry Forest.
Tiger Tales • november 2013 • 3
Presorted First Class U.S. Postage PAID Orange, VA Permit No. 97
Woodberry Forest School Office of Admissions 898 Woodberry Forest Road Woodberry Forest, VA 22989-9989
Here’s your latest copy of Tiger Tales!
Don’t forget to schedule your visit!
How’s your checklist coming along? Tour campus and Interview
Spend the night (optional)
Take the SSATs (and TOEFL if international)
Submit the application (with recommendations and transcripts) before Feb. 1st
Instructions, directions, and more information can be found at www.woodberry.org/admissions
W W W.W O O D B E R RY. O R G
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FIRST ROUND ADMISSIONS DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 1
CONTACT 888-798-9371
WFS.ADMISSIONS@WOODBERRY.ORG
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Woodberry Forest admits students of any race, color, sexual orientation, disability, and national or ethnic origin to all of the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, disability, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs. This school is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students.