Head of Upper School Ben Snyder

In a flurry of awards, student musical performances, announcements and advice, the 2009-2010 school year at Nobles came to an end with a flourish on Tuesday.

Head of Upper School Ben Snyder recalled what he learned from getting a summer job during his high school years in Michigan, aiming to pay for a trip to Pine Knob, a local concert venue. The lessons:

• The value of a dollar
• That being a nice guy isn’t enough; you still have to show up on time and get the work done
• The dignity of working with his hands—but the realization that he wanted to do something else with his life
• The beginnings of independence from his parents

Snyder wished everyone a good vacation, and suggested that getting a job might be a way for students to learn more about themselves, as he did. (The audience never did hear if he got to Pine Knob…)

Dean of Students Erika Guy announced the title of the book chosen for all-school summer reading: A Home on the Field, by Paul Cuardos, the story of how a soccer team taught a small Southern town to embrace, rather than marginalize, the new Latino immigrants in their midst. Reading this book, she said, “Will join us as a community. On Day One of the next school year we’ll all be part of something larger than ourselves; we’ll all be part of each other because we’ve read this book.”

English department chair Julia Russell reminded students that summer reading lists are now available online, along with selections of favorite books by members of the English Department. (Click here for summer reading lists.) “We hope and expect you will read a lot,” she said. “Have a great summer of reading.”
 

Tommy Kelly '11

An array of English, theatre, modern language, sportsmanship and scholarship awards were distributed, accompanied by Nobles’ characteristics thunderous applause. (A complete listing of awards will be published in the summer issue of the Nobles Bulletin.)

To conclude the festive gathering, Head of School Bob Henderson said, “I’m a firm believer in vacation. A break is important to your learning.” Commending the student body for a year well spent, he advised everyone to take a few days off, “enjoy the moment,” and spend time this summer trying something new.

Tommy Kelly ’11, new president of the School Life Council, also wished everyone a safe and productive summer. “Sometimes we get caught up in the future, in thinking about grades and college,” he said, advising his peers to focus on building the relationships that will last long after they leave school.

He also had some practical advice: “Wear sunscreen and bug spray, and have a good summer.”