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Blair Academy's viewbook for the 2013-2014 school year.
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E X P E R I E N C E A C A D E M I C D I S T I N C T I O N
B l a i r Ac a d e m y
Look closely at Blair and you will see more
than a beautiful campus that offers remarkable
facilities for academics, athletics and the arts.
As part of the Blair family, you will receive
a superior college preparatory education
that emphasizes social responsibility, global
engagement and leadership. Learn what it means
to become a Blair student. Visit us soon!
E X PE RIE NCE B L A IRBLAIR BY THE NUMBERS>
ESTABLISHED:1848
TOTAL ENROLLMENT: 440
BOARDING:340
DAY:100
COUNTRIES REPRESENTED: 24
STATES REPRESENTED: 25
STUDENT/FACULTY RATIO: 6/1
FACULT Y WITH ADVANCED
DEGREES: 68%
AVER AGE CL ASS SIZE:10
A.P. COURSES:23
“If a student has energy, passion
and drive, that student will leave
Blair with a better education, a better
primary coat, foundation and sense
of self. Blair teachers help students
realize they have limitless potential.”
Andrew,junior
2 3
Our dynamic classrooms serve as forums for open debate,
participation and experiential learning. Passionate
about their subjects, our talented, diverse faculty brings
enthusiasm and global perspective to lessons while
endeavoring to inspire in Blair students a genuine love
of lifelong learning. Caring and committed to the
individual, they serve as housemasters, advisors, coaches
and friends while laying the necessary foundation for
success at Blair and beyond.
A PA SSION FOR LE A R NING
“Teaching literature is teaching life. The poetry and
precision of clear, powerful writing, the beauty of
an effective speech—such work prepares us for all
life can offer. Teachable moments at Blair happen
all the time.”
Carolyn Conforti-Browse ’79 English Department and Varsity Girls’ Softball Coach
ACADEMICS
4 5
ON CHOOSING BLAIR:
“Blair offered an
exceptional education
but, more importantly,
a warm and welcoming
environment in which I
felt comfortable taking
academic risks. During my visits to campus, I experienced the
feeling of absolute security and support, which made me feel
as though anything is possible. The food was good, too!”
ON HIS MOST MEMORABLE CLASSROOM MOMENT: “We
make history relevant by relating the past to current affairs.
It really comes alive, and we value perspective. For instance,
we read The New York Times daily but also hear the other
side of issues through the Society of Skeptics or The Wall
Street Journal. In one class this fall, we examined the U.S.
presidential election and early democracy, and then we
debated American politics—we never stopped talking!”
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: JV football, varsity skiing,
JV baseball, violin, Blair String Orchestra, Eagle Scout
FAVORITE BLAIR MEAL: “Most definitely the make-your-own
grilled cheese bar!”
“Learning beyond the classroom
is my goal in my history classes.
The focus is not to memorize
names and dates. Instead we
study the meaning, the impact,
the vitality of history.” Dr. Martin Miller, History Department, Director, Society of Skeptics
T IM O T H Y, FRESHM ANM E NDH A M , N E W J E R S E Y
4
6 7
Through our dual advisory system, our faculty advisors
and academic monitors guide Blair students’ personal
growth. The balance between high academic and personal
expectations and a willingness to provide individual focus
is, if not unique to Blair, perhaps our greatest strength.
We further set ourselves apart by allowing each student
to choose his or her own advisor. Through ownership
of this decision, our students develop a strong sense of
independence, responsibility and confidence in engaging
the world around them.
DEVOTED MEN T OR SHIP
“The common thread among all Blair teachers is
that they are passionate about their subjects and
students. They are amazing mentors, role models
and friends. Mr. Gogolak has become one of my
closest confidantes at Blair. Talking to teachers
and trusting that they have your best interests in
mind is a priceless experience.”
Savannah, sophomore
8 9
ON THE DUAL ADVISORY SYSTEM: “I chose Ms. Paul,
my varsity field hockey coach, as my advisor this fall.
Mr. Sykes, my housemaster, was assigned as my monitor.
Mr. and Mrs. Sykes live down the hall from me and are a
great academic resource. I selected Ms. Paul because of our
mutual passion
for field hockey
and skiing. She
quickly became
my friend
and mentor—
sometimes we
laugh so hard
that we cry!”
ON GOALS AFTER BLAIR: “My dream is to play golf at
Stanford. Blair has already helped me realize that dream.
This spring, I became the N.J. Prep State golf champ.
In my short time on campus, I have learned to manage
my time more effectively, offer creative ideas in class
and think more analytically.”
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: varsity field hockey,
varsity skiing, varsity golf, community service
FAVORITE DORM MOMENT: “Making brownies in
Mr. and Mrs. Sykes’ apartment!”
J U L I A , FRESHM ANYA R D L E Y, P E NN S Y LVA NI A
9
10 11
The Fine and Performing Arts are an integral part of
Blair’s well-rounded curriculum. From introductory-level
to Advanced Placement, our courses encourage students to
think and express themselves creatively through various
media, including painting and drawing, music, theatre,
film, graphic design and ceramics. We challenge our
performing arts students to learn by doing. They discover
how to interact as part of a troupe or an ensemble while
developing the poise and confidence to showcase their
talents on stage.
ARTIS TIC E X PR ES SION
FACILITIES>
• DIGITAL VIDEO LABORATORY
• PHOTOGRAPHY DARK ROOM
• ARCHITECTURE STUDIO
• VARIOUS PAINTING/
DRAWING STUDIOS
• CERAMICS STUDIO
• BLACK BOX THEATRE
• ARMSTRONG-HIPKINS
MAIN STAGE
• OUTDOOR THEATRE
• SOUNDPROOF
PRACTICE ROOMS
• TWO DANCE/YOGA STUDIOS
FINE/PERFORMING ARTS
“My art teacher, Ms. Baragona,
has definitely challenged me in
the classroom, and her strong
support helps account for my
overall growth at Blair—especially
as I finish my AP portfolio. I never
thought I could be where I am
today, embracing abstraction
and realism while coming into my
own as an artist.”
Tiffany, junior
12 13
ON BEING NEW TO BLAIR: “As a new student here, I worried
about settling into the community. Being from a different
country, a different culture, I wondered how I would be
accepted. Blair has been a dream.
Each day I find myself becoming
closer to students and teachers from
many different walks of life. The
amazing people here are definitely
a highlight.”
ON PERFORMING ON STAGE: “I’ve
grown so much as a dancer at Blair,
not just because we have incredible
teachers and instructors, but because
I’m surrounded by other talented performers in class and
as a member of B.A.D. (Blair Academy Dancers). We
recognize each other’s passion for dance, and Blair allows
that to come alive!”
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: JV swimming, varsity
track, B.A.D., Blair International Awareness Club
(B.I.A.C.), admission ambassador
FAVORITE WEEKEND ACTIVITY: “B.I.G. (Blair Intramural
Games) volleyball. Locke Hall dominates!”
“My performing arts experience at Blair has been
incredibly vivid and personal. During the Blair Singers’
and instrumental music trip to Eastern Europe, my passion
for music blossomed. This year, I am studying AP music
theory and earned the lead in the winter musical, Preppies.
I never expected that I would have the ability to travel
and take college level music courses.”
Mike, senior
A L L I A N A , SOPHOMOREK IN G S T O N , J A M A IC A
12
14 15
The years spent at Blair are purposeful in preparing
each student for college and the admission process.
A thorough and global academic foundation remains
critical. We work with individual students to craft an
academic program that emphasizes areas of strength
while fulfilling the expectations of competitive college
admissions. Our college counselors balance committed
advocacy with realistic assessment.
LIFE BEYOND BL A IR
COLLEGE PLACEMENT
BATES COLLEGE
BOSTON COLLEGE
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
BROWN UNIVERSITY
BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY
COLGATE UNIVERSITY
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
CORNELL UNIVERSITY
DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
DAVIDSON COLLEGE
DICKINSON COLLEGE
DUKE UNIVERSITY
FRANKLIN & MARSHALL
UNIVERSITY
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY
THE GEORGE WASHINGTON
UNIVERSITY
HARVARD UNIVERSITY
KENYON COLLEGE
LAFAYETTE COLLEGE
LEHIGH UNIVERSITY
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE
OF TECHNOLOGY
MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
POMONA COLLEGE
PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
ROCHESTER INSTITUTE
OF TECHNOLOGY
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
TRINITY COLLEGE
UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY
UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY
UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
WILLIAMS COLLEGE
YALE UNIVERSITY
IN RECENT YEARS, BLAIR GR ADUATES HAVE MATRICULATED AT THE FOLLOWING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES>
17
PLEASEVISIT www.blair.edu/7principles to learn more
about the Seven Principles that Define a Blair Education.
W W W.B L A IR .EDU
S E V EN P R IN C IP L E STHATDE FINE A BL AIRE DUC ATION
1. WEKNOWOURSTUDENTS.
2. COMMUNITYISTHEHALLMARKOFTHISSCHOOL.
3. SUPERIORACADEMICPREPARATIONISTHEHEARTOF
THEBLAIREXPERIENCE.
4. BEYONDSELFISHAPPINESS.
5. SCHOOLSIZEMATTERS.RESIDENTIALMATTERS.
6. COMMUNICATE,COMMUNICATE,COMMUNICATE.
7. OUTCOMESAREIMPORTANT.
16
IFYOUSEEK a warm, caring, spirited community where
you will meet some of the finest people in the world, then
consider Blair.
IFYOUSEEK a school where personal excellence is expected
of all, and because of that, students’ achievements in every
realm grow stronger, then consider Blair.
IFYOUSEEK superior college preparation as well as a
place where your education is not a means to an end, but
truly the beginning of a lifelong passion for learning, then
consider Blair.
We encourage you to visit us, take a campus tour, talk with
students and faculty, and meet the admission staff. Please
visit our Web site to learn more.
We look forward to meeting you.
CONSIDERBL A IR .
DEANOFADMISSIONPETER
CURRANWITHHISWIFE,SARAH.
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E X P E R I E N C E L I F E O N T H E H I L L T O P
B l a i r Ac a d e m y
E X P E R I E N C E L I F E O N T H E H I L L T O P
B l a i r Ac a d e m y
L IF E ON T HE HIL LT O P
Academic preparation is only part of getting ready for
college. We emphasize social responsibility, involvement and
leadership as well as academics in preparing students for
college. As team captains, dormitory prefects or members of
class council, our students play a critical role in shaping the
Blair experience for those around them. They share in school
planning and decision-making, serving with faculty members
on committees involving residential life, discipline, academic
honor, multiculturalism, health and student activities. Each
student leader has an opportunity to influence the direction
of Blair and impact the experiences of his or her classmates—
skills he or she will carry beyond Blair.
BLAIR BY THE NUMBERS>
ACRES: 423
DORMITORIES: 10
PERCENT OF FACULT Y
LIVING ON CAMPUS: 95%
VARSIT Y TEAMS: 28
SENIOR PREFECTS: 26
REIGNING BLAIR INTRAMURAL
GAMES (B.I.G.) CHAMPIONS:
E AST HALL
REIGNING HEADMASTERS’
SOCIETIES CHAMPIONS:
T E AM BR EED
DOGS ON CAMPUS: 21
L AKES ON CAMPUS: 2
ACTIVITIES> TRADITIONS> STUDENT LIFE> ATHLETICS> MENTORS> FRIENDS> RESIDENTIAL LIFE> LEADERSHIP>
2 3
“As beautiful as the campus is, it is
the people at Blair who give the place
both soul and spirit. The harmony of
individuals from so many different
backgrounds, living and working
together in a community where there
is no such thing as anonymity, makes
every day exciting and fulfilling.”
David T. Low, Assistant Headmaster for Student Affairs
15 REASONS TO COME TO BLAIR>
1. SOCIETY OF SKEPTICS
2. HEADMASTERS’
SOCIETIES WEEK
3. TRAVEL TO KENYA WITH Q
4. PUBLIC SPEAKING
COMPETITION
5. BLAIR ON STAGE
6. PEDDIE WEEK
7. SIX TO ONE
8. PROXIMITY TO NYC
9. BLAIR COMMONS
10. INTERNATIONAL WEEKEND
11. QUIZ BOWL
12. GAMES UNDER THE LIGHTS
AND BLUE CREW
13. THE BLAIR FACEBOOK
CHALLENGE
14. VIDEO PRODUCTION AND
OTHER EXCITING ELECTIVES
15. CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVISOR
See Blair Web site
for full descriptions.
2
W W W.B L A IR .EDU
4 5
S T UDEN T AC T I V I T IES & L E A D ER S HIP
“I jumped at the opportunity to
volunteer at the local elementary
school. We are not there to tell
the kids what school is or why they
should go—the students are first-
graders! We are there to create
a fun atmosphere, hoping that
we help foster a positive attitude
towards learning.”
Becca, sophomore
5
6 7
ON CLASS COUNCIL LEADERSHIP: “My
father often told me that ‘self-reliance is
the first step towards self-esteem.’ Blair
has offered me abundant opportunities to
hone my skills, especially as a confident
leader in an increasingly complex world.
Leadership opportunities, specifically my
role on senior class council, have taught
me the significance of responsibility,
communication and diligence.”
ON THE COMMUNITY: “It is not the big things that I will
remember. It is the sum of all the little things I am really
going to miss when I leave this place: the laughter in the
common room as people relax in between classes, a late-night
pizza run on a Saturday, the encouragement of a coach to
give it my personal best, a Bodini Bagel from “the Can,” the
bonfire before Peddie Day. Sometimes it’s the small things,
when put together, that carry the most weight.”
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: varsity soccer (captain),
varsity lacrosse, senior class council, Blair International
Awareness Club (B.I.A.C.), Multicultural Student Union
(MSU), admission tour guide
FAVORITE SEASON AT BLAIR: “The fall—I reunite with my
Blair buddies, and the foliage makes campus spectacular.”
R I C A R D O,SENIORM A DR ID, S PA IN
6
8 9
ON BEING A PREFECT: “My prefect,
Nick, from freshman year inspired
me to apply for prefectship as a senior.
Two other prefects and I mentor 18
freshmen boys in the Flight Deck dorm.
It’s a tremendous opportunity, and I
basically feel like an older brother to
the younger guys. Working with
Mr. and Mrs. McMillan, my
housemasters, has been a blast, too.
They listen to my feedback and amend the dorm policies
to incorporate my suggestions.”
ON LEADING MODEL U.N.: “This year was my fourth
Model United Nations, and as always, the experience was
unforgettable. We traveled to Columbia University in New
York to participate in the three-day conference and even
visited the floor of the real U.N. Combined with Blair’s public
speaking program, Model U.N. allowed us to learn proper
diplomatic procedure and the art of debate and conflict
resolution. We cemented bonds as schoolmates and friends.”
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: varsity swimming
(captain), varsity crew (captain), cycling club (captain),
Model U.N., admission ambassador
FAVORITE WEEKEND ACTIVITY: “A tie—I always love water
polo, but speed golf on our nine-hole course can be wild.”
S T EP H EN, SENIORW A L L , N E W J E R S E Y
8 9
RESIDENTIAL LIF E
“Dorm life” will likely be an entirely uncharted experience
for new students. In the dorm, a diverse group of
individuals becomes a community, and each supports the
others’ hopes and concerns. Soon lifelong friendships are
formed, as students live and learn together for nine months
of the year. The dorm literally becomes the students’
“home away from home.” The housemaster and faculty
dorm parents reside in the dorm and provide students
with the supervision, help and encouragement they need
to succeed. Most students share their living areas with
roommates, though a few single rooms are available.
10 11
G O B UC S!
OFFERINGS>
• ALPINE SKIING (B/G)
• BASEBALL
• BASKETBALL (B/G)
• CREW (B/G)
• CROSS COUNTRY (B/G)
• FIELD HOCKEY
• FOOTBALL
• GOLF (B/G)
• ICE HOCKEY (B)
• LACROSSE (B/G)
• SOCCER (B/G)
• SOFTBALL
• SQUASH (B/G)
• SWIMMING (B/G)
• TENNIS (B/G)
• TRACK (B/G)
• INDOOR TRACK (B/G)
• WRESTLING
FACILITIES>
• 7 INTERNATIONAL
SQUASH COURTS
• 10 OUTDOOR TENNIS
COURTS/TENNIS HOUSE
• STATE-OF-THE-ART
FITNESS & WEIGHT CENTER
• 6-LANE, 25-METER
INDOOR POOL
• ALL-WEATHER TRACK
• ALL-WEATHER TURF FIELD
• PERFORMANCE GYM
• FIELD HOUSE
(2 MULTIPURPOSE COURTS)
• 8 OUTDOOR FIELDS
• WRESTLING ROOM
• 3-LANE, 3-MILE LAKE
(ROWING)
• INDOOR ROWING &
ERGOMETER ROOM
• FULL-SCALE ATHLETIC
TRAINING FACILITY
10
“It is great to see our scholar-athletes
buy into the philosophy of ‘cause
over self.’ They begin to achieve at
a high level, not for themselves but
for their teammates, and ultimately
for the good of the team. Being a
compassionate team player serves
our students well beyond Blair.”
Joseph Mantegna, Associate Dean of College Counseling, Senior Class Academic Monitor, Varsity Boys’ Basketball Coach
“My first Peddie Week is a favorite
memory. The seniors ignited the
bonfire–it’s a celebration of unity that
strengthens our proud community.”
Joseph, freshman
12 13
ON CHOOSING BLAIR: “Coming from
California and being the first one in my
family to ever apply to boarding school,
I didn’t know where to start. I toured seven
different schools, but the moment I drove
onto Blair’s campus, I was captivated by
the sense of community. Students kept
introducing themselves to me, and even as
I sat in a class, the teacher would not let me
hide. Blair stood out as a school that would truly enable me
to maximize my potential, and I couldn’t ask for more.”
ON HER PROUDEST ATHLETIC MOMENT: “During my
sophomore year, our last tennis match was scheduled for
Peddie Day, undeniably the biggest match of the season. We
came ready to win, and the success of the team came down
to the last match in a tiebreaker. We rallied as a team and
emerged victorious.”
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: varsity tennis (captain),
varsity squash (captain), varsity crew (captain), community
service, admission ambassador
FAVORITE BLAIR FOOD: “Mint chocolate chip ice cream!”
F R A N C E S C A , JUNIORN E W P O R T B E A C H , C A
14 15
Blair maintains many traditions that resonate with the
current generation and unify the community. For instance,
family-style dinner is served several nights a week in order
to foster student-faculty relationships. Every Blair student
eagerly anticipates Peddie Day festivities, during which the
school rallies around the bonfire and athletic competitions.
Headmasters’ Societies Week is a more recent tradition.
The entire school is divided among four teams named after
former Headmasters—Breed, Howard, Kelley and Sharpe.
The teams compete for bragging rights in after-school
intramural games ranging from inner-tube water polo to
an egg toss and culminating with a talent show.
ROOTED IN T R A DI T ION “My favorite memory at Blair has to be my
first family-style dinner. That’s where I
met my two best friends. I didn’t know
anyone upon arrival, so to be conveniently
placed at a table with strangers was just
what I needed. My shyness only lasted
about 10 minutes into the dinner.”
Lisa, senior
BLAIR IS LOCATED 65 MILES WEST
OF NEW YORK CITY and sits in close
proximity to four international
airports: Newark (NJ), John F.
Kennedy (NY), LaGuardia (NY),
and Lehigh Valley (PA). The school
is easily accessible via Interstate
Route 80 in Blairstown, New Jersey,
approximately nine miles east of the
Delaware River and the Pennsylvania/
New Jersey border.
BLAIR
We encourage you to come to our campus for a true
glimpse of the Blair community. Please visit our
Web site—www.blair.edu—to inquire about Blair,
learn more about the online application process and
schedule a tour of campus.
COME SEE OUR C A MP U S!
W W W.B L A IR .EDU
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