Reactions varied among Gunnery students. "Some felt ill upon seeing the exhibits," said Sapana, "However, the more bodies we saw, the less we thought about it. It felt like we weren't looking at a real human body." Sapana explains that the bodies underwent a process called plastination where the body was drained of water and injected with silicon rubber, giving it a plastic look. One portion of the exhibit showed bodies ravaged with disease. The brain of a stroke victim, the dark lungs of a smoker, and organs extremely affected by cancer left a sobering impression on the students.

In a game that witnessed four ties and four lead changes, Adam Houli’s '07 goal with less than four minutes to play proved to be the game-winner as The Gunnery Highlanders defeated #1 ranked Taft School 5-4 on Wednesday, December 13th in Watertown, CT. In a very tight game with back and forth scores, Anthony Yelovich '07 and Austin Smith '07 each scored twice. Goaltender John Vazzano ‘08 secured the win with a number of critical saves down the stretch. ( continued)

"We are the voice of the students," said Sean, who describes the prefect as "the liaison between the students and the teachers." He learned most of what he knows regarding this role from observing former prefect and friend, James Estreich '06. "James was my roommate," continued Sean. "He taught me never to stray from my goals."

"I really wanted to leave an indelible mark at The Gunnery," said James. "I had been a monitor for years, so I knew a lot of the kids on campus." James, who was also a Head Prefect, relished the fact that his prefect group was diverse. "We all brought a different strength to the table and worked together for the school."

Ari Baum '03, like James and Sean, began to hone his student leadership skills upon arrival at The Gunnery. He was a tour guide, became the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, and by his senior year, was elected as a prefect. "I learned how to look at the interests of the school as a whole," Ari said. "I tried to look at things not only from the perspective of a student, but as a faculty member, donor and trustee. I tried to see the big picture in everything."

After the Drama Society announced its plans to produce Grease, enthusiasm spread across the student body. "We had a wonderful turnout for auditions," said director Krystopher Perry. "It was a tough casting process, but I am very pleased with our choices. The kids are doing a wonderful job. The excitement associated with this show is contagious."

Josh Johnston '09 and Georgia Buckley '08 play the pivotal roles of "Danny" and "Sandy" in this story of boy-meets-girl, boy-loses-girl, boy-gets-girl-back. Josh has been acting since he was eight years old, performing in both Chicago and New York City, Georgia, who hails from Montreal, Canada, is also a theater veteran having sung, danced, and acted in theatre productions since she was just 6 years old.

There being a slight delay at the start, the expectations of the restless audience were raised by the performance of soon-to-be three-year-old faculty child Griffen Adams as a rapper dancer executing the "worm". Griffen answered the call of emcees Sean Kelly '07 and Matt Helderman '07 for audience volunteers to fill the interval.

Some of the more notable appearances of the evening included Adam Houli '07 in a low-cut evening dress, Luis Padilla '07 with his hair straightened in diapers in a talent skit, Mike O'Brien '07 as a cave man, and a rocky Gunnery "friendship" between Larry Gregorek '07 and Nick West '07 filmed by Tucker Henne '07. Balancing a shovel on its handle and lip-synching a love song to a bewigged and bewildered Kyle Endres '07 were among the many talents exhibited. Jaime Heilbron '08 sang a Beatles classic "Yesterday" while some of the more "seasoned" faculty helped with the refrain. (continued)