Our Caciques, Zeke and Lincoln gathered the community for a mid- day circle and instead of raising the Bahamian flag as we normally do, they raised the American flag to half mast out of respect for all those who were lost 10 years ago in the tragic attacks at the Wold Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the lives lost in Pennsylvania on Flight 93. After singing the US national anthem, we paused for a moment of silence to remember and appreciate the freedom that we all enjoy.
Cacique Update September 10, 2011
by Cacique Tyler Courville
A bead of sweat slipped from my nose plopped onto the mat below me. My arms trembled and my breathing was shallow and labored. My ears were filled with the grunts and gasps from those around me and the calm voice of our instructor Brady: “If this isn’t enought of a challenge you can also lift your feet above your head.” I twisted towards the front of the room and my eyes widened. Brady had somehow manuvered herself into a flawless headstand. Her breathing was measured, her eyes were closed, she seemed almost…comfortable. My eyes narrowed, my arms tensed and I began to lift my feet off the mat. Continue reading
Spot the Alumna!
Down here on Cape Eleuthera, we don’t get too many TV commercials, but we did come across this on Youtube. Can you spot the IS alum in this Febreze commercial?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zlw-ypNat7Q
Erica Stine (S05), if you’re not too busy in Hollywood, we could use some Febreze down here—K3 and K4 returned from 3-day and the Boathouse is starting to smell…
Cacique Update September 9, 2011
by Cacique Grace Fowler
We made our way down the mooring line slowly, hand over hand, until we reached the sea floor fifty-five feet below. Curious fish swam at a safe distance as we explored the reef. Spend just two minutes hovering at over one spot, and you will see hundreds of different fish and reef plants. Colorful sea fans and anemones waving in the current. Bold purple, red, and yellow fish. Cleaner shrimp courageously standing inside a grouper’s mouth and thousands of tiny minnows swimming in unison. Frilly anemones that close themselves in a split second when touched and coral polyps reaching out to collect particles. Reefs are a never-ending I Spy book, no matter how much time you spend, there is always more to discover. Continue reading
On-Island Reunion Change of Plans
Due to unexpected impacts from Irene the Cape Eleuthera Resort will no longer be open during the Island School Reunion. In true Island School style, we are trying to still make it work with alternative accommodations and a change in schedule. We aren’t sure what exactly the weekend will look like, but we are thinking up some good ideas like doing some community service in the settlements and helping rebuild homes that were damaged or lost.If you are still interested in joining us for the weekend please let us know and we’ll help you locate a different place to stay and keep you updated on the new schedule as it evolves. We can also help with car rental logistics because guests will need to be more self-sufficient then originally planned. We will no longer offer transportation to and from the airport. Please direct any questions you may have to Cam Powel (cameronpowel@islandschool.org).
If this were any other reunion we’d be worried, but since it’s The Island School, you know we can make it work! Maxey says that no matter what, the Rum Runners will be playing on Saturday night as the old man celebrates 50 years.
—The Island School
Alumni Spotlight: Dustin Kloempken F04!
After six straight years of perseverance, Fall 2004 alum, Dustin Kloempken has finally succeeded in getting six small solar panels installed at his high school! Ever since Dustin returned from his semester at The Island School in 2004, he has been trying to get his school, Hopkins High School in Minnesota, to consider more eco-friendly practices, like using solar panels. This feat is just the beginning of what Dustin hopes is a long line of sustainable efforts at Hopkins High School and the surrounding areas. It is this determination and execution of The Island School’s mission of “leadership effecting change” that we like to see in our alumni after they leave campus. You can read more about the process Dustin went through to get the solar panels here! Congratulations, Dustin!
Images from SCUBA – 3 Day Kayak Week
With the last of the Kayak groups (K4) returning this afternoon, we collectively mark the passage of SCUBA – 3 Day Kayak Week, and… more importantly… the passing of the Fall 2011 semester orientation weeks. Tomorrow, we will unite for a day of community bonding and activity with a school-wide beach day that begins with the ritual run to High Rock. As we move from orienting to settling to being, we look forward to the many Island School traditions that await us still. So, until then, enjoy these moments from the week…
[slideshow]
DCMS Student Keniesha Pinder’s Ten Favorite Things from Camp Wavus
This past summer, five students from Deep Creek Middle School earned scholarships to camp in the U.S. Keniesha Pinder, grade 8, shares her favorite things from Camp Wavus in Maine:
1. 6 day canoe trip
2. Kayaking (I learned that when you are alone and tired you have to keep going)
3. The different theme days like Carnival Day
4. Bull riding!!!!
5. Going on the pottery wheel
6. Shooting rifles
7. Cooking classes
8. Hiking into the wilderness
9. Sailing
10. Ropes courses
Thank you to all the staff and Island School families who acted as homestays and chaperones on the kids’ journeys to and from Eleuthera: Christian Henry, Hannah Twombly (IS SP’11), Bronthe McGarrah (IS SP’11), Ashley Anderson and Odette Pretty.
Cacique Update September 7, 2011
by Cacique Jane Drinkard
Today was one of the longest days we’ve had here. It was a big day for all of us; Kayak groups 3 and 4 left for their 3-day kayak adventure and the rest of us broke off into our scuba groups to start scuba week. It also marked my weekaversary here at the island school (woohoo!) Many of us had never been scuba diving before so some of us were kind of anxious to get into the water. Maxey talked to us last night about how the underwater world makes up 98% of our earth yet we’ve hardly explored any of it’s depths. He lowered his voice and in front of a magnificent projected photograph of the earth he informed us that tomorrow we would all be “aquanauts,” which is the equivalent to underwater astronauts. After our morning exercise of psychos and swimming with our fins we embarked on our scuba journey. Continue reading
Having Trouble Finding Flights for the Reunion?
Unlike the old days, there are now a TON of ways to get over to Eleuthera for the reunion October 7-9. Alternative options are available through Nassau to Rock Sound with carriers like Pineapple Air, Bahamas Air and Southern Air and they often are more cost effective. Check them out and once you’ve made your plans, be sure to RSVP! If you have any questions please let us know!
–The Island School