AnnMarie Hamilton, Author at The Geneva School

Museums and Making Memories

April 24, 2019

Greeted by the cool morning air, we began our day walking, waiting at crosswalks, catching the Yellow Circulator bus, then walking again to the Supreme Court. Unfortunately because the Court was in session, we were not permitted entrance into the actual courtroom, but we took in the grandeur and history of America’s “Temple of Justice” which was erected during the Great Depression and completed in 1935.

Above the Supreme Court building entrance the inscription reads, “Equal Justice Under Law.” Our next stop challenged precisely that ideal. To whom does equal justice under the law apply? At the African American Museum of History and Culture, our students traveled back in time to the 1400’s when the Atlantic slave trade began, walked through a Jim Crow era segregated rail car, and even learned about the Central Florida town of Eatonville, the first incorporated African-American city in the United States.

After a picnic lunch, we visited the Ford’s Theater to see with our very own eyes the presidential box in which Abraham Lincoln was shot by Confederate sympathizer, John Wilkes Booth. We heard the story of how that infamous day unfolded and how several days later, the great manhunt for Booth culminated in a shoot out and a barn on fire!

Each chaperone group strolled through Chinatown to choose their dinner fare, whether Indian cuisine, Peruvian food, or good ol’ burgers. Back at the hotel, our sixth graders enjoyed a little friendly competition around the game tables before heading off to bed.

Another day is done for our sixth grade Geneva Knights in Washington DC. A day full of history, curiosity, exploring, pondering, and waiting at crosswalks…

by Michelle Seneff, parent blogger

First Day in D.C.

April 23, 2019

How many stairs to reach the Lincoln Memorial? How deep is the reflection pool? How long does the Metro door stay open? On which side do you stand versus walk on the escalator? Our bright, energetic students who arrived at the Orlando airport this morning, did not complain when they were separated from friends on the plane, pulled out playing cards and creative games while waiting for hotel rooms, hurried their steps to keep up with our excellent guide, Mr. Andre, and respectfully observed the solemn memorials to our fallen heroes. For their ten miles of walking throughout our first day in DC, the sixth graders were rewarded with a sunset cruise, dinner, and dance party aboard a yacht cruising down the Potomac. By 10 pm, worn out feet and sore legs carried tired sixth graders and chaperones back to the hotel eager for the adventures tomorrow will bring.

by parent blogger, Michelle Seneff

Traditions Are Important

February 8, 2019

By Mrs. Isabel O’Driscoll, Student Services

Traditions are so important in community life, and the pancake breakfast is one of the favorite traditions at Geneva! I’ve done a little research, and it seems that the pancake breakfast started as a student government event for Shrove Tuesday, and everyone loved it so much that for the past twelve years there is at least one day a year when the students arrive to a pancake breakfast! The administration puts on their aprons and flips pancakes for the students and faculty.

In the early days when it all started, the administrators lined the hallways and served the students as they arrived, but soon there were so many students and so much food that we needed to move into the gym.

Janzen Harding, class of 2012 and a current faculty member, remembers being so excited for pancake breakfast day! She looks back at those days being some of her favorites. Her classmate Michaela O’Driscoll remembers, “I always looked forward to pancake breakfasts as a way to relax and spend time with my friends and teachers outside the classroom. It felt like an acknowledgement of the work I was doing in school and a time of reprieve from my studies if only for a moment. The camaraderie among students and teachers was palpable and a feeling I still remember to this day.”

Seventh grader Landon Agurto was so excited to finally get to be a part of the pancake breakfast this year!

This morning we had Mr. Ingram, Dr. Clark, and Dr. Beates cooking up blueberry pancakes, Chinese savory pancake, and French toast. Moms in Prayer offered all the fixings with chocolate chips, Nutella, pecans, coconut, and sprinkles! Father’s Watch took part arriving with spatulas in hand. Parents provided delicious casseroles and fresh fruit. The result was a gym buzzing with students and faculty relaxing and enjoying a great breakfast together!

I’m not sure how this important tradition will play out in our new venue next year, but I have no doubt that it is something that will just get better as we move into our beautiful new Geneva home!

State Champs … Third Time’s A Charm

November 16, 2018

By Ryleigh Wallace, Class of 2020

Yearbook managing editor & Geneva Gazette staff writer

“Third time’s a charm” says Coach Hollie Benjumea concerning the Lady Knight’s volleyball victory at the State Championship in Fort Myers on Thursday. While the team had traveled two years previously to the Championship only to come home with the title State-Runner Up, their hardwork and dedication has finally paid off; between their defensive plays, dedicated spirit, and supportive attitude, the team received a new title, State Champions, making Geneva School history.

Emmalise Dunnavan said, “[Throughout the game] Maggie did a great job of keeping of keeping us confident … that’s what we really needed.” The Lady Knights played strongly and encouraged each other through it all. Lily Weir and Rylee Thomas had defensive blocks, Frances Aguayo and Emmalise Dunnavan had powerful digs, Connelly Renfrow had many kills, and Maggie Segarra had great serves, ending two of the three winning sets. Coach Benjumea said about the third set, “We had confidence going into the first two games, and in that third set maybe overconfidence … so it helped that we’d already beat them in two sets and a game before.” No doubt, the Geneva volleyball team worked hard and ought to be so proud of the game they played.

Even when the game was difficult, the girls’ hard work was evident, as was their teamwork and encouragement. Junior Captain, Connelly Renfrow, said, concerning their trouble in the third game, “My teammates help[ed] me get back up.” The team worked together and pulled through to win the game in three sets, 25-18, 25-17, and 25-22. When asked how the team fosters such a supportive relationship, Maggie Segarra said, “We’ve all been very good friends since we were younger and we have all been playing with each other for such a long time. That has made us such a strong team together. We are friends in and out of season, and that has really made a difference.”

In fact, Coach Benjumea said “It’s been great to watch them grow on and off the court. They really care about each other and respect each other. They accept each other for who they are … and that is a really beautiful thing to see.” And, after such a great season, how could one not wonder what the future volleyball seasons hold? Coach Benjumea has promised that there is “lots of fun to come from Geneva!”

Generosity is Everywhere

September 26, 2018

Our God is a generous God. From life and breath to music and sunsets, he has given us gifts that sustain us and make life beautiful. James tells us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” Our response to this gracious God and Father is to be people who give of ourselves out of our abundance, especially since we know how sweet it is to receive in abundance from our creator.

As The Geneva School prepares for Friday’s annual SALT Serveathon, we can see evidence of generosity from students, parents, and the local community. In less than two and a half weeks, students in all grades have raised almost $110,000 in donations by asking parents, grandparents, relatives, teachers, and friends to sponsor them for their day of service. We are well on our way toward reaching our goal of $150,000 and the proceeds of SALT will fund student scholarships.

Many people come together sharing resources, time, and money to make this day of service possible. Every gift matters, and the beauty of this experience is that every student from our oldest to our preschoolers can (and do!) contribute as well as grandparents, parents, friends of Geneva, and local businesses. Here are a few examples:

Two of our youngest students, Luke and Pearson, gave up their personal money in order to donate to their classroom projects. Here’s what happened: Luke received a LEGO set for his birthday and chose to return the set so that he could give the money to SALT. Pearson requested that no one open the door to his room one morning. Once he opened the door, his mom discovered that he had cleaned up his room with the hope that he could earn some money to give to school for SALT.
Four of our entrepreneurial grammar school students decided to host a lemonade stand to earn money for SALT. These four prayed that they might earn $400 from their efforts. After a Saturday full of making and selling lemonade, telling their SALT story, and sitting in the hot sun, they closed up shop having earned $399.08. It was a joyful occasion as they experienced how their hard work bore fruit and evidence that God heard and answered their specific prayers.
Local businesses have also been eager to help when asked. Both Publix and Costco have donated funds toward filling the Blessing Bags, the 2nd grade project. Florida Paints in Winter Garden provided all of the paint supplies necessary for the eighth grade house-painting project. When one of our parents went in to the Home Depot on Lee Road to ask for support, the manager grabbed a cart and began filling it with yard work supplies such as rakes and trimmers.

Generous in-kind contributions like these along with the pledges and sponsorships from students, teachers, family, friends of the school, and local businesses are threads that weave a living and beautiful tapestry that everyone can see: an action-packed fulfillment of Hebrews 13:16, where the writer encourages,”Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

Jesus told his disciples,“whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” We are striving to be more like Jesus, and on this day of service, our hope is that by serving and learning together, we will, indeed, share what we have, serve our neighbors, and lay up our treasures in heaven.

There’s still time to make a donation to SALT. Go to www.genevaschool.org/salt2018. Search for a specific student, become a sponsor, or make a general gift to Geneva.

Knights Errant

September 18, 2018

By Robert Ingram, Headmaster

We are the Geneva Knights. Let’s be the Geneva Knights Errant. Last spring I listened to the Audible recording for 12 hours of The Legends of King Arthur and His Knights, by Sir James Knowles. It was fascinating to realize how each of the legends began with the expectation and excitement that the knights would commit themselves to seasons, and even years, of seeking adventure wherever it may be found in service to the king and codes of heraldic chivalry. More often than not, adventures found them.

Over the summer I listened to the 11 book series of Horatio Hornblower and the adventures he encountered during the great age of sail on the high seas throughout his career in the British navy. Only last week I finished for the second time the fantastic British recordings on Audible of all 7 of the Chronicles of Narnia.

Each of these stories is rife with adventures; the word occurs more frequently than Aslan’s name in some of the books. The children are forever committing themselves to adventures for the sake of following Aslan and pursuing the good that he intends for them to do. Many involve harrowing escapes; faith is tested, virtues extolled, and yet they are willing to persevere unto the end.

There is a contagious spirit that prevails in King Arthur, Horatio Hornblower, and in Narnia. I love this genre and its adventuresome themes. This is what animates my moral imagination and supplies me with metaphors for understanding my calling in life.

I am hoping that each of us will regard ourselves as a Knights Errant, missionally committed to this adventure of Christian classical education. It requires an attitude, a decided level of energy, a sense of calling, a purpose to fulfill, and always has its sights set on attaining something good for the benefit of others.

Even after 25 very good years we have not even begun to know the length and breadth of the liberal arts landscape. There is more to this realm than we have experienced, and I am eager to explore it with you.

(This piece was part of a larger talk that Mr. Ingram gave to the whole school during faculty training.)

Thank You Note From a Newcomer

September 4, 2018

By Grace Herzog (11)

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” – C.S. Lewis

We can probably all agree that changing schools in eleventh grade isn’t typically a wise move. But then again, we all know Geneva is not a typical school. Here we are, only a few weeks into the year, and thanks to you I couldn’t feel more like a Genevian. Seeing how each of you so beautifully pursues Christ’s call to welcome the stranger reveals God’s goodness throughout this school – the “far, far better things” that I had so hoped for. You, my classmates, have shown me I am valuable both in your eyes and in God’s; our teachers have made me feel comfortable yet challenged in the classroom; and our administrators have helped me to feel encouraged about the present as well as the future. I know this might sound a little idealistic to some of you long-timers, but your school – well, now it’s our school– helps me see a world that is richer, more beautiful, and even more Christ-filled than before. So, thank you for all the words and all the ways of welcome. You truly are salt and light.

My Five Faves:

Favorite New Thing: Definitely lockers. Never have I ever had a locker. They’re life-changing.
Favorite House: Iona, of course. *shows off lovely new house necklace*
Favorite Class: Currently, we have a seven-way tie for first, no joke.
Favorite Geneva Tradition: Rhetoric retreat is the greatest. Also, how much everyone genuinely smiles at each other throughout the day.
Favorite Future Thing: Lifelong friendships with wonderful people (+the shiny new campus next year).

(Originally appeared in our student-run newspaper, The Geneva Gazette.)

Looking Back At 2017-2018

June 27, 2018

Dear Geneva community,

It is with immense gratitude that I write this. The generous sharing of your time, financial gifts, and talents over the last year provided exponential blessings for our students, teachers, staff, families, and our greater community.

We have much for which to be thankful. And we look forward with great anticipation to see how God will again use our community for His glory. Enjoy this short look-back video of the 2017-2018 school year.

Although this short video captures only a thin slice of the full expression of our school, it leaves me even more grateful to be part of The Geneva School community. Best wishes for a restful and rejuvenating summer with your families!

Gratefully,
Katie Deatherage, Director of Advancement

And the Cannoli Was Amazing

May 14, 2018

As our trip comes to a close, there is much to reflect on. The weather was near perfection, ranging from 50-72 degrees with no rain. We had great favor regarding the T (subway). Most of the time, as we were arriving to the platform, a train would pull right up! Every meal had a unique feel, from lobster rolls at the hostel to choosing a local ethnic experience.

Our students got very good at traveling on mass transit. We walked a sum of 32 miles, so our legs are strong (some a little sore), plus we could justify eating all the yummy food. Our kids get along…surprisingly well. Many relationships were deepened and horizons expanded.

We have new perspectives of beauty through art. We saw (and even touched) coins older than the time of Jesus. Our students have a greater sense of awareness regarding their surroundings and being alert on sidewalks. Only one wheelchair was used in only one museum, and only three train cards were misplaced.

When asked about my favorite part of the trip, it is hard to choose one. It definitely falls into the category of ‘the sum of the parts is greater than the whole’. Each individual activity, meal, conversation, or transportation experience was excellent, and every one added to the cumulative experience making for what Dr. Clark called ‘a touchstone memory’. Our capstone experience today was Mike’s Pastry…and the cannoli was amazing!

by Melissa Paul, parent blogger

Faith Expressed Through History and Art

May 11, 2018

Boston is an amazing place to explore Christianity through history and art. We began our third day with the Harvard Museum of Natural History where we found way more than just bones of creatures from long ago. This museum has one of a kind specimens (think deer the size of a bunny), a skeleton of a water dinosaur longer than seven of our students lying head to toe, cases and cases of glass replicas of plants created to help researchers study plant life, and much, much more. These exhibits prompted questions by our students (Mr. Clark was our guide through these muddy waters) about evolution theories and other important topics.

The questions (yes, more questions) led to several great discussions. While they could (and probably do) have these types of discussions at school, somehow the fact that so much time, energy and expense was given over so many years to express Christian themes give perspective and make it real. At the art exhibit they experienced pieces by Monet, Renoir, Degas and Cezanne. Between all of the museums we have seen so far, the students have noticed a strong focus on Christianity and themes of faith. There are so many different ways to depict Mary and baby Jesus, but all of them cumulatively in one trip express the importance of the subject to artists of many different centuries.

Speaking of Harvard, our Harvard graduate chaperone gave us the inside scoop – the iconic statue with ‘Veritas’ (truth) written on the side is known by Harvard students as the statue of lies. In case you like trivia: the year is off by two, the statue is of a stand-in student, and the name listed is not actually the founder, he is really the first benefactor.

Trinity Church was beautiful…and filled with faith based art. The students had plenty of time to view and explore the church, then we were off to see the city from 50 floors up. The view was a highlight for many students, especially because you could walk all the way around and see the city from every angle. Talk about perspective. It was just beautiful, with buildings old and new, a smattering of sailboats, beautiful bridges and wonderful teenagers!