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EXPERIENCE ACAD E MIC DISTINCTION Blair Academy

Blair Academy Viewbook, 2013-2014

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Blair Academy's viewbook for the 2013-2014 school year.

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Page 1: Blair Academy Viewbook, 2013-2014

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

Page 2: Blair Academy Viewbook, 2013-2014

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

Page 3: Blair Academy Viewbook, 2013-2014

“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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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>

Page 11: Blair Academy Viewbook, 2013-2014

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

Page 14: Blair Academy Viewbook, 2013-2014

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

Page 15: Blair Academy Viewbook, 2013-2014

ACTIVITIES> TRADITIONS> STUDENT LIFE> ATHLETICS> MENTORS> FRIENDS> RESIDENTIAL LIFE> LEADERSHIP>

Page 16: Blair Academy Viewbook, 2013-2014

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

Page 17: Blair Academy Viewbook, 2013-2014

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

Page 18: Blair Academy Viewbook, 2013-2014

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

Page 19: Blair Academy Viewbook, 2013-2014

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.

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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

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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

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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

Page 23: Blair Academy Viewbook, 2013-2014

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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