The Gunnery's 2004-2005 Gunn Scholar
Caleb Elston, a senior at The Gunnery from Guilford, CT, has embarked on a
complex year long study of the construction and interior design of "The Knoll",
now called "Bourne", one of The Gunnery's best-known buildings. He has spent
the fall term combing the extensive Gunnery archive on the 1920s construction,
including architectural drawings, cost and materials estimates, and contractor
correspondence.
Caleb's interest was provoked by an independent study project he did as a
junior with Christopher B. Boshears LLC an interior design firm in Washington,
CT. For this project presentation he hopes to create a computer model of the
changes to the house when it was converted from a shingle summer "cottage" to
a forty room Tudor mansion.
Caleb also plans to contact the families of both the architect, Roderic Barnes,
and the owner, Alfred Severin Bourne to add personal reminiscences to a
sociological examination of the building project. The research will continue
in the winter term with trips to the NY Public Library architecture room and
the Metropolitan Museum furniture collection.
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» January 8:
SSATs
» Janaury 31:
Application deadline
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Contact Us:
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Highlander Highlights is produced by the Admissions Office. Todd
Santa Maria is our editor. Please feel free to email or call Todd at (860) 868-7334 if you have any questions
or comments about our newsletter.
The Gunnery · 99 Green Hill Road
Washington, CT 06793
(860) 868-7334
admissions@gunnery.org
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Academic Offerings: The Big Picture
"Being in a small school has its advantages," says Eileen Aguirre, Academic
Dean. "We have the option of venturing into uncharted territory when mapping
out the curriculum for the upcoming year," Recently, faculty member Ed Small
offered a class in Operations Research to challenge students who accelerated
in mathematics. "The class only has five students in it," says Ed. "Two of
them maxed out at the calculus level. The kids are awesome! I'm having a
great time with them." The class is designed for kids who are sophomores in
college.
So how long did it take to institute this class? Weeks? Months? "It was
settled in one meeting," said Ed. "That is one of the benefits of working
in a small school. We make quick adjustments based on the needs of the
students." Other innovative offerings for the New Year include classes in
the Russian Revolution and 21st Century Ethics.
Eileen is constantly researching educational theories to improve the academic
program. This past year, she turned to a study called Understanding University
Success which was conducted by the Association of American Universities. "This
study shows what it takes to be successful at a university level," she said,
"and we plan to implement these findings into our class offerings. For example,
writing will be enforced, not just in English classes, but across the whole curriculum."
And this is only the beginning. Eileen and the rest of the faculty are
assessing other items intricate to the academic program. "We are looking
at updating our systems in class scheduling and grading. We take into
account the needs and potentials of the students, educational research and
the resources of our rich faculty. At The Gunnery, we are committed to
offering the necessary skills that prepare our students for college and beyond."
Former Prefect Shares Gunnery Experience
When Ari Baum '03 was applying to high schools, none of them, not even
The Gunnery, stood out for him. However, upon his first visit to the campus,
he knew this was the place for him. "I was very pleased with the intimate
community," said Ari. "Everyone was so friendly. Both students and faculty
took the time out to talk to you. Things like that go a long way."
Ari began his Gunnery career as a sophomore, and immediately noticed a nice
change of pace. His previous high school had a total of 1800 students with
an average of 25-30 students in each class. At The Gunnery, there were 18
per class. "With the smaller class size, I had a one-on-one relationship with
all of my teachers." He quickly submersed himself in the school community.
He was a tour guide, became editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, and by
his senior year, became a prefect. "As a prefect, I learned how to look at
the interests of the school as a whole," he said. "I tried to look at things
not only through the perspective of a student, but as a faculty member, donor
and trustee. I tried to see the big picture in everything."
Student government has always been an interest of Ari's. It began before The
Gunnery and continues to this day at Cornell University, where Ari is entering
his sophomore year. "The Gunnery may seem like other prep schools, but once
you get into it, you will see a very personable setting that anyone can thrive
in no matter what their background is."
And what is Ari's plan after he graduates college? "I would love to return to
The Gunnery and work there!"
Gunnery Baseball Coach Leads Players to Championship
Anyone who knows faculty member Jeff Trundy knows one thing: He loves
baseball and his students. He credits them for refreshing his outlook not
only on athletics, but on life in general. "I am so fortunate to do what
I'm doing," said Jeff. "I'm privileged to teach, coach and watch these
students improve and mature." In addition to teaching biology, anatomy
and physiology, he heads the school's baseball program. Last season, he
led the team to winning the Connatonic Team Championship with a 13-1
record in the league and 16-3 record over all.
During the summer time, Jeff continues his passion for athletics and
education as a manager of Falmouth in the Cape Cod Baseball League.
For the last decade, Jeff has coached college kids from all over the
country. He feels that this program offers four important components:
tradition, history, location, and exposure. "Most of the kids who
play in this league end up playing professionally." This past summer,
Jeff led his team to the West Division crown of 2004.
Jeff was a recent recipient for the Mike Curran Manager of the Year award
for his many years of dedication. He also earned his 100th win as a Cape
League manager making him the 27th skipper to reach this milestone on the
Cape. He has established a reputation for producing quality talent both
on and off the field. "It always helps to have great players," said Jeff.
"I have been privileged to have great players who are also great kids."
The Gunnery's Fall Term Athletics All Stars
and Tournament Teams
The Gunnery honors six of its athletes named to all star teams in their
respective fall term sports. In addition, the varsity field hockey and the
varsity girls' soccer teams have been invited to the post-season tournaments
in their respective sports.
» continued...
The Junior Trip to Concord and Salem
On Sunday and Monday, October 31and November 1, 72 juniors set off from The
Gunnery to explore Concord and Salem, MA. The trip is designed to engender a
19th century mood for the winter term Junior Research Paper...
» continued...
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