Recaps & Good News Jan. 28, 2021
Dear Shady Side Community,
Today marks the 35th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion, the disaster that killed seven astronauts just 73 seconds after launch. Like so many other elementary school children who witnessed this tragedy on their television screens at the time, I remember feeling anxious, confused, and afraid at the sight of it all.
But I also remember being most impacted by the fact that a civilian, Christa McAuliffe, the first educator ever to launch bravely into space and someone who reminded me of my own fourth grade teacher, was one of the astronauts who died aboard the shuttle.
In her application to the Teacher in Space Project, McAuliffe wrote that she wanted to fly aboard the shuttle in support of her students and the future they inherit, seeking, as she put it, both to "humanize the technology of the space age" and "experience wonder and bring it back to the classroom."
Her legacy is a testament to the selfless will and sacrifice of all dedicated teachers everywhere, including those at Shady Side who, generations later, continue to humanize our technological world for SSA students and model wonder and courage in all they do.
Look no further than NASA's motto as a tribute to the work of educators everywhere: "For the Benefit of All."
To the stars we go, every one of us.
Gratefully,
Bart Griffith '93 President
Follow Bart Griffith on Instagram at @ssa_prez
Junior Builds Wimshurst Machine for Advanced Physics Class Steven Liu built an electrostatic generator that generates nearly 30,000 volts as a class project. Speech and Debate Team Competes in Pine Richland National Invitational Crystal Ma and Maya Leyzarovich earned first place in their events. Sixth Graders Raise $2,803 for Water for South Sudan After reading the book "A Long Walk to Water," students held a walkathon to help provide clean water for villagers in South Sudan. SSA Basketball Teams Raise More Than $3,200 for Food Bank in WPIAL Drive The WPIAL/City Basketball Virtual Food Drive raised an overall total of more than $66,000 from 46 area schools, including SSA. SSA Celebrates the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. During SSA MLK Days 2021 Throughout the month of January, PK-12 students, faculty, staff and parents honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through meaningful service learning and MLK-themed activities. Lisa Scales '78 Named Pittsburgh Magazine's Pittsburgher of the Year The alumna and CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank was honored for her tireless work feeding Pittsburghers in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Senior School Hosts Virtual Speech and Debate Tournament More than 180 students from 23 high schools across the country competed in the SSA virtual tournament. Six SSA students placed in their events. Middle School Science Olympiad Team Places 15th at Rustin Invitational Three student teams earned first place finishes in their events. SSA Partners With UPenn on Social Innovators Program The 12-week virtual program allows students to learn about social entrepreneurship and experience it first-hand, while earning a Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship from Penn. Six Seniors Honored With Fides Awards Annual awards honor the "unsung heroes" of the Senior School community, who are nominated by their peers.
College Counseling Coffee & Conversation: College Admissions Reps Share Their Insights A video of the presentation is available for parents who could not attend. Senior School Students Create Self-Portraits From Aluminum Sheets Students painted a self-portrait to show how they feel behind their masks. Musicians Virtually Visit Senior School Guitar Class Guy Russo, Dennis Kim '88 and Chet Vincent '03 virtually visited Stan Nevola's Senior School Guitar Workshop class. Country Day School Third Grade Creates The Country Day Today Show Students took on the roles of reporters, videographers, host, and producers to create and host the show, which premiered during the all-school assembly on Friday, Jan. 15.
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