The Wakefield auditorium looked like a world bazaar on Friday, November 17th, as WCDS students, staff and parents celebrated the last day of International Week -- a period that gave students the opportunity to learn about other countries; identifying what we have in common, and ways we may differ. The week began with the appearance of Wakefield first and second grade students and ASPECT students at the Rappahannock International Celebration on November 12th. They sang songs, hosted booths about their countries, and modeled their traditional dress. On Wednesday, lower school classes interviewed international students in small groups in the auditorium, asking them about their childhoods and details of life in their country. International students made PowerPoint presentations on their countries during Wednesday’s school assembly This year, twenty-two countries were represented at International Day, when students presented their displays to the student body and enjoyed music, ethnic food, and special exhibitions. The day was enlivened by a demonstration of a number of Latin dances by Freddie Ciampi, III of Ballroom Dance in Berryville, Virginia, and his student Gaia Read, a WCDS freshman. All the upper school students participated in a salsa dance lesson and enjoyed a martial arts demonstration by Yasuyuki Akashi and Junilson Brito. Lower school students made crafts from other countries such as Egyptian headdresses. The week ended with a lower school international game activity and an upper school soccer tournament consisting of teams representing different areas of the world.

November 8

Veterans Recognized and Celebrated

On November 8th, in commemoration of Veterans Day 2006, WCDS students and faculty extended a warm welcome to Flint Hill resident and U.S. Navy veteran David Hilty, who was the guest speaker at a special assembly honoring veterans. During the gathering, Reverend Jon Heddleston gave a special invocation honoring veterans, junior Joy Heddleston sang the national anthem, and Head of School Kathleen Grove spoke of the history behind Veterans Day and its predecessor, Armistice Day. In commemorating this special national holiday, Mr. Hilty reflected on the dedication, honor, patriotism, and service of our nation’s veterans. He also pointed out the many contributions that veterans’ families make in support of their loved ones who serve in the armed forces -- describing the long absences and many relocations his family members experienced during his years of service. During his naval career, Captain Hilty logged over 10,000 flight hours as a Naval Aviator, served as Deputy Office Director in the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Near Eastern and Asian Affairs office, and served in several command positions, including Commanding Officer of the Naval Air Facility , Lajes, Azores, Portugal. During his remarks, Mr. Hilty summarized the evolution of the selective service process, explaining the difference between the draft that existed during World War II, the Korean conflict and the Viet Nam war, and today’s volunteer army. He stressed the need for team work, whether it be as a student or as a soldier, he encouraged his audience to “keep their finger on the pulse” of what is happening around them, and to go on “dreaming the impossible dream.” Mrs. Grove encouraged the students to call their grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other relatives who are veterans to thank them for their service and wish them a happy Veterans Day.