Dear Families,
It was an amazing week of performances and events under the tent on Denney Field. The festivities began with the Middle and Upper School instrumental concert last Wednesday evening. This concert always culminates with the NYA Steel Band, which is a crowd favorite and gets everyone dancing. On Friday morning, we welcomed 200 guests to Lower School Grandparents’ Day and Celebration of the Arts festivities. This is a special opportunity for the Lower School students to spend some time with grandparents, family members, or special family friends. The guests were treated to some refreshments and musical performances by the students plus a video of the Lower School classrooms. This year, the Lower School art celebration was combined with Grandparents’ Day. The talented students showed off their artistic side with a show in the gym. It was wonderful to see so many faces, and I hope everyone had a great time.
Finally, the Middle and Upper School Choral Concert was held last Friday night. After teaching at NYA for 29 years, this was Ms. Krainis’s final show. As is tradition, to commemorate their final concert, the seniors sang Parting Glass as they exited the stage one by one. This year, however, some alumni showed up to help sing and pay tribute to Ms. Krainis. It was a special performance and a great send off. We are grateful to Ms. Krainis for all her contributions to our community over the past 29 years.
For all of these events, many thanks to the talented students and the leadership of Ms. Vaillancourt, Mr. Ramsey, Mr. Gilbert, Ms. Krainis, Mr. Cook, and Ms. Mecham. Well done all around.
Students finished up with AP exams this past week and celebrated with the NYA Prom at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath. It was a wonderful day for the prom and a fun event for the students. At NYA, all Upper School students are invited to attend the prom, and it is a great community event.
*MISSION SPOTLIGHT*
To raise money and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy, the Middle and Lower School students banded together for the annual hop-a-thon last Wednesday. The students raise money through a dress down day and then gather on Lewis Field from some loud music as they all “hop” in unison. This is always a fun event. Thanks to the guest appearance from former NYA Athletic Director, Jack Hardy, who came back and assumed his role as MC.
For the last 17 years, the New England Math League (NEML) Contest has been given to NYA Middle School students every spring. While everyone worked hard and challenged themselves through these contests, we’d like to recognize the top scorers in each grade. Congratulations to the following students:
Fifth Grade:
- First place – Henry Shannon
- Second place – Brownlow Parks-Stamm
Sixth Grade:
- First place –Phoebe Reilly, Colden Daniel (tie)
- Second place – Charlotte Talmadge, Harrison Rana (tie)
Seventh Grade:
- First place – Nathan McGillicuddy
- Second place – Dylan McElhinney, Ethan King (tie)
(Note: eight graders do not participate in the contest)
Established in 1915, the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) is a highly distinguished math organization offering mathematical competitions (AMC). In November, our eighth graders were administered the eighth grade level competition, and they all worked through challenging questions focusing more on problem solving than just computation. Top scorers were awarded in these sections: Intro to Algebra, Algebra 1, and Geometry. Congratulations to the following students:
Intro to Algebra section:
- First place – Tessa Hogan
- Second place – Hadley Violette, Brayden Kloza (tie)
Algebra 1 and Geometry section:
- First place – Isabel Hunt
- First place – Hugo Daniel, Hadley Smith (tie)
Congratulations to all the students for all their hard work on these competitions!
At Friday Forum on May 6, two juniors received academic awards from the University of Rochester. Luke Markonish ’23 was recognized with the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award, which honors high achievement and rigor in science and math classes, as well as positive contributions to the school and within the larger community. Charlotte Harper-Cunningham ’23 received the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award. This award recognizes commitment to understanding and addressing difficult social issues, leadership and dedication to community action, and strong grades and rigorous courses in the humanities and social sciences. Congratulations to Luke and Charlotte!
Students in Ms. Grady’s French 3 and French 4 classes are learning about the spectacle that is Eurovision. This hugely popular song contest features acts from 40+ countries and has launched the careers of artists such as Abba and Celine Dion (who sang in French, representing Switzerland). Students are watching the semifinals and writing up their opinions of the songs, performances, and costumes. They are also voting on the best acts from the two semifinals, and then will vote on the final round. After the finals this weekend, they will discuss and write an opinion piece on the winning act. The halls of Russell are alive with music!
Senior parents would like to share an opportunity to support Project Graduation for the Class of 2022. Brickyard Hollow restaurant in Yarmouth is hosting a community night that will benefit NYA’s Project Graduation. On Tuesday, May 24, between 4:00 – 9:00 p.m., they will donate 5% of sales from dine-in or take-out at their Yarmouth location to NYA’s Project Graduation. Thanks for your support!
Spring Athletic Recognition night will take place on Monday, June 6 at 6:00 p.m. in the gymnasium. This will also include the 2022 National Letter of Intent Signing ceremony.
Although the academic year ends on June 3, our Upper School spring activities continue into the month of June. Students are expected to attend practices and competitions through the completion of Upper School activity regular and post-seasons. Any student or family with questions about this are encouraged to reach out to their respective activity coach and the Director of Athletics, Kelsy Ross. COVID return to play protocols have been modified slightly and may be found on the NYA COVID page.
We hope you can join the NYA community on Friday, June 3 for the 38th Annual NYA Soirée under the event tent on Denney Field or virtually from your home. It is not too late to register online. There will be live and silent auctions, passed appetizers and dinner stations from Dandelion Catering, and live music. It is always a fun night, and you don’t want to miss it! For questions, please contact Crystal Gordon (207-847-5401). See you there!
Upcoming Events:
- Tuesday, May 24: Project Graduation fundraiser at Brickyard Hollow (Yarmouth location only) 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 25: Middle School Recognition Evening, 5:30 p.m.
- Friday, May 27: Memorial Day Flagpole Ceremony, 7:50 a.m.
- Monday, May 30: No School Memorial Day
- Tuesday, May 31-June 2: Final exams grades 6-11
- Wednesday, June 1: Senior Lunch and Commencement Practice, 12:00 p.m.
- Thursday, June 2: Last day of school for all students
- Travis Roy Arena and Fitness & Wellness Center groundbreaking, 10:00 a.m.
- Awards Day, Event Tent-Denney Field, 10:45 a.m.
- Senior Dinner, Event Tent-Denney Field, 6:30 p.m.
- Friday, June 3: NYA Soirée under the Event Tent on Denney Field, 6:00 p.m.
- Sunday, June 5: Commencement under the Event Tent, at 11:00 a.m.
- Monday, June 6: Athletic Recognition, NYA Gymnasium, 6:00 p.m.
For more on any of these events, please check the calendar or contact the school.
Have a great week.
Sincerely,
Ben Jackson
Head of School
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