Photo courtesy of Choate Flickr
Colony Hall: September 3rd, 2019
Over the summer, construction on Choate’s new performing arts center, Ann and George Colony Hall, was completed.
The building has a seating capacity of 1,070 people and occupies 51,761 square feet. Its size fulfills a goal outlined in the 2013 Strategic Plan to “allocate appropriate resources so that the entire school can gather to share, celebrate, and reflect.”
Designed by Robert A. M. Stern Architects, Colony Hall is certified LEED Gold, featuring geothermal walls and solar panels. The building was designed to complement the adjacent Paul Mellon Arts Center with a similar materials palette and massive floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the Great Lawn and Archbold.
Although it was officially dedicated in October, Colony Hall was opened for student use on September 3, when Choate students gathered before the building’s main entrance to watch Head of School Dr. Alex Curtis cut the blue ribbon in front of the main doors. Students quickly crowded into the building, excited to take a first look at the newest addition to the Choate campus before gathering in the auditorium for Convocation.
Colony Hall has become an integral part of student life, with practice rooms, a recital hall, new dance studio, and a main auditorium that houses School Meetings and other events that only the building’s state-of-the-art facilities and enlarged space are able to support.
Photo courtesy of Charissa Lin
Climate Change Protests: September 20th, 2019
With more than four million people participating across 163 countries, the September 2019 climate strikes protested the lack of government action toward fighting climate change. Inspired by 16-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, more than 1,000 protesters gathered at the Connecticut State Capitol, in Hartford, and more than 600 protesters convened in New Haven to participate in the strike on Friday, September 20. Nearly 50 Choate students were among these protestors. University of Connecticut freshman Sena Wazer and Eastern Connecticut State University sophomore Mitchel Kveder, leaders of the Hartford protest, presented a formal resolution to Governor Ned Lamont demanding that the state declare an official climate emergency and enact emergency legislation to confront the climate crisis. During the three-hour protest, speeches from numerous organizations discussed the issue of climate change, while rhythmic chants energized the crowd. The strikes represented the battle for the global community to notice and address the detrimental effects of climate change and create a safer future for generations to come.
Photo courtesy of Al Ferreira
John Legend: October 3rd, 2019
On October 3, the Choate community gathered in the auditorium of the newly-opened Ann and George Colony Hall for a private concert with singer-songwriter John Legend, to celebrate the opening of the new arts building.
Starting the concert by giving thanks to Mr. George Colony ’72 and Mrs. Ann Colony, Head of School Alex Curtis soon turned over the show to the award-winning artist. During the concert, Mr. Legend performed both covers and a collection of his own songs, interacting with the audience along the way. Finishing the show with the renowned “All of Me,” Mr. Legend prompted the audience to dance and sing along.
In addition to his musical performance, Mr. Legend took the time to speak to students about their generation’s ability to influence national political discourse by standing up for their beliefs, and he encouraged students who could to exercise their right to vote. Mr. Legend’s performance helped not only to connect the Choate community but also to inspire the student body to take a stand for what they believe in.
Photo courtesy of Choate Flickr
Community Carnival: October 4th, 2019
Following the John Legend concert, the Choate community congregated on the Great Lawn for a carnival on October 4. Proposed by a committee led by Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations Mr. Dan Courcey and English Department Head Ms. Ellen Devine, the event was intended to celebrate the dedication of Ann and George Colony Hall while also providing a bonding experience for the Choate community.
At the carnival, members of the Choate community were not only offered free and unlimited turns on rides such as Zero Gravity, YoYo, Cliffhanger, and a Ferris wheel, but also free food from local vendors serving sandwiches, Indian cuisine, french fries, ice cream, cannolis, pizza, and more from food trucks brought to campus. Director of Sustainability Ms. Katrina Linthorst Homan was able to promote sustainability initiatives during the carnival by ensuring the use of compostable plates and cutlery for all food trucks. Students and faculty continued to celebrate late into the night, going on numerous rides and finishing off an average of five servings of food per person.
Photo courtesy of Choate Flickr
Tara Westover: October 29th, 2019
On October 29, the Summer Reading Series speaker Dr. Tara Westover spoke to students and faculty about her memoir, Educated, which was Choate’s required summer reading book for 2019. In the memoir, Dr. Westover writes about the Mormon survivalist lifestyle she was raised in and her journey to pursue higher education. Readers come to understand the tribulations Dr. Westover experiences and the changes in her thought process as she becomes more aware of the world beyond her life in rural Idaho. She faces difficulties in deciding whether to prioritize her family or her education and livelihood. She becomes stronger throughout this journey by learning to embrace her vulnerabilities.
On stage, English teacher Ms. Brooke Fichera asked Dr. Westover questions submitted by students. The author began by giving students helpful tips to improve their creative writing. Students and faculty then learned more about Dr. Westover and her views on gender discrimination, modern technology, and her plans as a writer. Following School Meeting, students were given the opportunity to get their copies of Educated signed and talk to Dr. Westover in person.
