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February 29, 2008

Make Pizza Not War

The 29th at Emma Willard wasn’t special only because of leap year but also because of Rocco DeFazio’s arrival on campus. Representing his well-known Troy eatery, Rocco demonstrated how to make what he proclaims is the greatest pizza in the world, as well as calzones, stromboli, and tomato pie. After demonstrations students and faculty were able to make their own pizzas from kits that included dough for two organic pizzas, sauce, cheese, and a pizza cutter. Profits from the sales of the Make Pizza Not War organic pizza-making kit are donated to Siena College’s Franciscan Center for Services and Advocacy.

Submitted by Emma Now community service news team/Asma ‘09

February 29, 2008

Fab Feb Winds Down

Fab Feb activities comes to a close today with the final day of Spirit Week. Throughout the week, faculty, staff, and students dress up in costumes that follow a daily theme. Themes have included super hero day, crazy day, dress like a teacher/student day, and literary day when students dressed as heroes from particular works—freshmen, Odyssey; sophomores, Othello; juniors, Huckleberry Finn; seniors, works of Maxine Hong Kingston.

Submitted by Emma Now community service news team.

February 27, 2008

In the Field

Science instructors Maureen Harrison and Linda Maier led their forensic science class on a field trip to the NYS crime lab in Albany. They toured the facility, heard about forensic aspects of local cases, and spoke with a DNA analyst.  

Submitted by Ms. Harrison.

February 25, 2008

Forgive Your Enemies

Years before coming to EW, director of facilities Ian Smith served in the Civil Engineer Corps of the US Navy, which, he says, has a strong institutional character, like EWS. Smith has been reading the works of journalist William Bradford Huie, also a former Seabee, and his accounts of the efforts of the Seabees during WWII, including the US takeover of Guam from the Japanese. Smith is inspired by the story of Commander Barnett, who encouraged the island natives to forgive the Japanese for wartime atrocities. “To turn in another direction is to turn toward darkness,” Barnett had said. Smith believes these words have relevance in light of the conflicts in the world today. Click here to listen to his speech.

Submitted by Emma Now community service news team.

February 23, 2008

Peer Educator Movie

On Saturday night in the student center the peer educators sponsored a showing of the movie Cruel Intentions, which relates to the theme of the month—sexuality. Peer educators are trained to support students in a variety of adolescent behaviors and who work to educate the school community about social or emotional issues. After watching the movie, the peer eds facilitated some deep discussions about the movie with the girls.

Submitted by Emma Now community service news team/Vivian ‘09

February 23, 2008

Sophomore Brave the Elements

This weekend, the sophomore class packed up their warm clothes and journeyed to Camp Chingachgook for their second class retreat. Recalling memories from their freshman fall retreat, the sophomores enjoyed an equally fun, yet colder adventure with tubing and games. The trip provided an opportunity for the sophomores to strengthen their bonds as a class on this time away from school and work.

Submitted by Emma Now community service news team/Jaylan '11, photo by Hannah '10

February 23, 2008

EW Singer Appears in Troy Record Shop

At The Beat Shop on River Street in downtown Troy, Emma Willard junior Cate performed a two-hour set with guitar and vocals, performing various genres of music from folk to R&B. An entourage of Emma girls cheer her on. The owner of the beat shop had good words to say about the young singer, saying that her vocals were "clear and mature" and that she had a marvelous tone. By the end of the gig, Cate had made even more fans than the ones from EW. With this gig, more opportunities arose for Cate, and she was asked to open for a music festival in Troy. What else is next for the fabulous Cate? Only great things, I am sure.

Submitted by Emma Now community service news ream/Julia '09

February 22, 2008

Nails, Facials, Massages, Oh My!

As part of the Emma Hart Willard birthday celebration, the school hosted a relaxing spa party for its deserving students. There were professional masseuses, manicure supplies, and products for facials. Emma Girls relaxed as their friends did their nails in hope of winning  a best nails competition; there was even one for only a pro can fix those nails! It was truly a relaxing celebration. Happy Birthday, Emma!

Submitted by Emma Now community service news team/Karen '11 

February 21, 2008

Dinner with Ms. Hall

Since the beginning of the year, Ms. Hall has invited advisor groups to dinner at Wellington-Lay, the head of school’s house, for an hour before study hall. Ms. Hall told the story of the building, and during dinner, attendees were given a question about whether or not girls’ schools would exist in 50 years. After dinner, each table shared their answers. Ms. Hall was also very generous to invite the students and the adults to visit the principal’s personal spaces and the basement.

Submitted by Emma Now community service news team/Vivian ‘09

February 17, 2008

Ring of ’09

Today was probably the most exciting day for juniors. After a week of dressing up at the whim of seniors and receiving ribbon "rings" at the ring dance, ring dinner became the last but not least process of getting school rings. During the dinner, the girls wrote messages to each other, with sophomores serving as messengers. After dinner, seniors presented juniors with their school rings.

Submitted by Emma Now community service news team/Vivian '09

February 16, 2008

Go Ask Alice!

On Friday and Sunday a one-act play directed by Edith '09 debuted in Lab Theater. Go ask Alice is a story about a girl who succumbs to drugs and then has to make the difficult choice of whether or not to quit. Alice was played by Gretchen '09 and was supported by a wonderful cast.  If you ask us, the Emma Willard community gives Go Ask Alice two thumbs up.

Submitted by Emma Now community service news team/Karen ’11 and Vivian ‘09

February 16, 2008

Ring Dance

Mott Gymnasium was host to the annual ring dance, which occurs the night before ring dinner, when juniors receive their class rings from their senior ring sisters. The gym was complete with a DJ, who kept the music playing while girls (and guys) danced. Skits are performed and may consist of funny songs, dances, etc.—whatever seniors can think of that will embarrass their junior ring sisters. The juniors, thrilled to be so much closer to getting their rings, left on a happy note from ring dance, to go on and receive their rings the next night.

Emma Now community service news team/Julia '09, photo by Jana '09

February 15, 2008

Emma Girls Share Their Talents in Recital

On Friday afternoon following the end of the academic day, eleven Emma Willard students shared their musical talents with the rest of the community. Both vocal and instrumental pieces were performed including music from Mendelssohn, Bach, Niles, and Haydn to name a few. A crowd of approximately 75 students, faculty, and parents turned out to listen to the accomplished playing of these young artists.

Submitted by Emma Now community service news team/Mr. T.

February 15, 2008

Irene Mennen Hunter Day on Mount Ida

Happy Birthday, Mrs. Hunter! The EW community celebrated the 90th birthday of Irene Mennen Hunter, Class of 1935, honorary trustee, former president of the Alumnae Association, mother of three EW alumnae, and generous supporter of the Hunter Scholars, the Hunter Science Center, and the visual arts. The EW Board of Trustees saluted this extraordinary alumna by proclaiming Friday, February 15, Irene Mennen Hunter Day on Mount Ida...birthday cake and chocolate covered strawberries were enjoyed by all! Read the board's proclamation here.

February 12, 2008

This Week's Idol Participants

Emma Idol continued this morning with performances by four groups. The Agonies did a spoof of Britney Spears videos (left), the basketball team and The Champs danced, and sophomores Sarah, Jenny, and Sandra sang.

Submitted by Emma Now community service news team.

Jenny, Sandra, and Sarah. Hear them here.

February 11, 2008

Ring Week

Prior to receiving their school rings, juniors must dress up, perform, and answer questions at the behest of seniors. The week culminates with a Ring Dance on Saturday and Ring Dinner on Sunday, when juniors receive their rings.

Submitted by Emma Now community service news team/photos by Shannon ’92.

February 6, 2008

Happy New Year

Today was the day before the first day of Chinese New Year based on the Chinese lunar calendar. The Taiwanese, Chinese, Cantonese, and Koreans usually have family reunions and a large meal together on the eve of Chinese New Year. To bring this culture and tradition to Emma Willard, FASO (Foreign and American Student Organization) invited the chef from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to cook some Chinese dishes for the community. After the delicious meal, FASO sponsored activities are related to the Chinese New Year for people to experience the joyfulness of the holiday.

Submitted by Emma Now community service news team/Vivian ‘09

February 6, 2008

Last, but not Least

The varsity and JV basketball teams played their last games before Sectionals. Both teams won against Albany Academy, showing great effort and sportsmanship. Give a round of applause to the teams as they end a terrific season! View the season scores and read game summaries here.

Submitted by Emma Now community service news team/Karen '11

February 5, 2008

Fab Feb Begins

February is a month of cold weather, short days, and no breaks in the academic calendar. To offset this, Student Services, the proctors, and other campus groups plan events throughout the month to keep spirits high. Today kicked off the third annual Emma Idol, where individuals and groups compete for idol status. Students vote for performances, and finalists compete for the top spot at the end of the month. Today’s acts included math instructor Alan Berry, backed by students Ariel ’08 and Grace ’08, singing an original tune about life at EWS, and Julia ’09 singing “Big Spender,” accompanied by Madeline '10. Click here to listen to their acts.

Submitted by Emma Now community service news team.

February 4, 2008

Going Bananas

At Monday morning’s inspirational address, Nikki ’08 and Yukiko ’08 described their adventures last summer at EARTH University in Costa Rica as part of the Global Youth Leadership Institute. The girls completed their final year in the three-year program with a home stay and work with local farmers in carefully planned community development projects. The experiential program provides opportunities for students to learn social responsibility, entrepreneurship, and commitment to community partnerships. Click here to listen to their address. Click here to learn more about GYLI.

Submitted by Emma Now community service news team