Student Traveled With Convoy of Wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery



Tyrus Farley comes from a family with a tradition of military service (his father and grandfather both served in the Army National Guard), so it comes as no surprise that he has planned to serve in the military since he could talk. What may be a surprise is that this WA freshman has already been part of the “Wreaths Across America” effort to lay wreaths on graves of soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery twice—last year and this year. Tyrus, a student in Ms. Kropp's Integrated Science class, had the distinguished pleasure of joining thousands of individuals from all over America in laying 90,000 wreaths (donated by Worcester Wreath Company and others) on the graves of soldiers buried in Washington, D.C.  The round-trip took a week, and the convoy of trucks making it was three miles long!

Tyrus went as part of the Civilian Air Patrol, of which he has been a member for more than a year. He noted that a component of the annual tribute was to send 270,000 more wreaths all over the United States and to off-shore locations for placement on US servicemen grave sites. His trip also included stops at West Point and Annapolis, where ceremonial wreaths were placed.



Of the experience, Tyrus said it made him feel good to live the “Wreaths Across America” creed:  “Remember (the fallen soldiers), Honor (those who have served), and Teach (about sacrifice and to respect and appreciate veterans).”
 
Swim Team Steadily Improves

Congratulations to Caleb Beal for making states in the 100 yard breaststroke! Caleb broke his previous school record.
 
Coach McMahon also reports fantastic 500 yard freestyle swims from Krysten Fabri, Aiden Shankland and first year swimmer Jessie Hardy.  She says that all the relays have improved since the December 9th PVC "relay carnival" and that WA's swimmers have shown a strong baseline of times at the meets. Coach McMahon says the team members have set and exceeded their own goals, and revise them each week to challenge themselves. Congratulations WA swimmers and keep up the great work!

Students Journey into Space!

The students in the Integrated Science classes at Washington Academy went on a journey to space at the Challenger Learning Center in Bangor on December 20, 2011. During their simulated space mission to the moon, the students were assigned jobs as mission controllers and astronauts. They solved problems, communicated effectively, made
decisions, and worked as a team. They also engaged in hands-on learning by conducting scientific experiments and collecting data about different earth systems in the space lab. This trip was made possible by the generous sponsorship of Machias Savings Bank.

WA Hosts Christmas Luncheon for Seniors



Mr. Hitchings and members of STARs (who decorated tables and helped serve meals) welcome senior citizens to WA's Christmas luncheon on Monday, December 19th. Guests included (from L to R) Everett Farnsworth '52, Elaine Radley, Alfred Bryant, Francis Albee '40, And Nancy Albee '54. STARs will begin hosting monthly lunches for Seniors in 2012.

Monthly Free Senior Citizen Lunch

Beginning Monday, January 9, 2012, in Washington Academy’s cafeteria, STARs will sponsor a free lunch for Senior Citizens each month. The meal will be served by members of STARs from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  The February luncheon is scheduled  for Monday, February 13th. Notices of each monthly lunch will be posted on WA’s website. Seniors, please come and dine with us!

Many thanks to all who supported Washington Academy's first Capital Campaign by making donations and pledges which recognize that in education, "Tomorrow Begins Today!"