June News
Conclusions and New Beginnings 

Sam V. presents his mother with the painting he did to recognize her

Senior Service, a rite of passage for seniors at The Storm King School, was held on the eve of Graduation in the Walter Reade, Jr., Theatre.  Parents, families, faculty, staff, and students gathered with tissues in hand to celebrate the Class of 2011.

As the lights dimmed, the candlelit processional began.  Dean of Students Alan Lewis read the names of each graduate and announced the college each would be attending this fall.  One by one, they walked down the aisles and placed their candles along the edge of the stage.  Head of School Helen "Steevie" Chinitz welcomed guests and introduced Math and Science Chair Scott Hunt, who addressed the Class of 2011, sharing a few words of wisdom.  A beautiful photo montage created by Billing Clerk "Miss Kathy" Syvertsen followed and reduced the audience to fits of laughter and tears.  The montage was followed by the highlight of the evening: senior testimonials.  One at a time, the seniors had the opportunity to stand onstage before their classmates, teachers, and families to express their deepest gratitude and fondest memories.  Emotions ran high as seniors spent their last evening together on campus.

A student releases his butterfly

Students Prepare for New Adventures

The Storm King School's Class of 2011 graduated on June 4, in the Walter Reade, Jr., Theatre.  With their loved ones looking on, the 31 graduates prepared to leave this spot on the mountain they called home for four, five, or even six years (for a few who started when SKS offered a 7^th grade).

Many of the graduates took part in the ceremony making it especially meaningful.  Students Yong Jae Kim '11 (South Korea), Yuh Sheng William Chan Li '11 (Honduras/Taiwan), Xiao Tong Yang '11 (China), Patricia Ostrihonova '11 (Slovakia), and Yaw Andoh '11 (United States) welcomed the crowd in their native languages.  Throughout the ceremony, Nia Jenkins '11, a regular onstage during her six years at SKS, sang America the Beautiful, One World, and the School's Alma Mater.  Ho Jin Son '11, accompanied by Yong Jae Kim '11, sang Time to Say Goodbye, too.

Lucy F. with her proud father, beaming

Alumni Association President Richard K. Roberts '60 delivered the commencement address.  He reminisced about his time on the Mountain.   "Looking back there is no doubt that my years here were four of the best years of my life."  He commended Head of School Helen "Steevie" Chinitz on being a "compassionate, caring, and fair-minded leader" and urged the graduates to thank those who made a difference in their lives here and those who made this education possible.  He said to them, "...truly follow your dreams and passions.  All things are possible and Storm King has given you a very solid foundation with which you can achieve anything."

Students receive time-honored awards

Head Chinitz and Assistant Head Jonathan Lamb then presented the graduation awards.   And finally, students received their diplomas.  At that, the graduates turned their tassels and tossed their caps. 

Roberts summed it up beautifully in his speech when he said, "God speed graduates--come back soon and come back often.  For you are and always will be a member of the Storm King family."

Click here to see photos of graduation weekend.

The Storm King School Department of Performing Arts in association with Canterbury Theatre Ensemble presented The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 by John Bishop, directed by Harold Heno.  The reviews are in and audiences loved it!  The cast, composed entirely of SKS students, delivered a memorable performance.  The comic timing was spot-on, as an eclectic group of entertainers gather for an audition and instead they find themselves in the middle of a murder mystery.  It was a wild, silly ride!

Kara K. played Elsa Von Grossenknueten with poise and confidence, reveling in the surrounding mayhem.  The story takes place entirely in the library of her mansion where her guests gather for the auditions turned murder mystery.

Lily S. played Helsa Wenzel, the mansion's maid.  She kept the audience guessing about her identity in more ways than one!  Not only did her wig and thick German accent have the audience questioning if that was really Lily behind the disguise, but her character is also killed off in the first scene only to reappear, impersonated by her twin brother, and then impersonated again by her sister.

Dwight R.-H., a regular in SKS productions, played Ken De La Maize,an arrogant theatre director suspected of the murders.  Dwight is a natural onstage, believable in any role he plays.  He was flawless!

Katrina W. stole the show as Bernice Roth, a writer for the musical for which the auditions are being held.  As the evening unfolds and the mystery deepens, Bernice becomes increasingly "tipsy."  Katrina had the audience in stitches!

Andrew T. played Roger Hopewell, an eccentric writer, with precision.  The audience laughed heartily at his antics.  As partners, he and Katrina played off each other beautifully.

Frank C. delivered his not-so-funny one-liners with perfection as Eddie McCuen, a bad comic looking for his big break.  He puts the pieces of the mystery together along with Nikki, his love interest.

Emma L. played Nikki Crandall, a singer/dancer who helps solve the murder mysteries and falls in love with Eddie after he saves her life. Emma played her role wonderfully with much drama and animation.

Sam V. was brilliantly methodical and intimidating as Michael Kelly, a no-nonsense cop.

Julius S. played Patrick O'Reilly, the suspicious gentleman who claims to be an Irish tenor, but his true identity eludes those around him.  He kept the audience guessing--a true man of mystery.

Dominique D. smiled brightly and brought an air of sophistication to her role as Marjorie Baverstock, a producer whose use of her made-up word "divoon" elicited chuckles from the audience.

Congratulations to members of the SKS cast and crew on a job well-done!

The Spring Sports Awards Ceremony was held on May 24 in the gymnasium.  Associate Athletic Director Joseph Graziosi stood in as emcee for Athletic Director Alan Lewis, who was with the tennis team at a playoff match.  He welcomed the Storm King community and congratulated the athletes on a job well-done.  Despite a season plagued with rain and soggy fields, two teams competed in the playoffs: lacrosse and tennis.  In fact, Ollie O., Scott G., and Jonathan F. were named District III Regional All Stars in Lacrosse.  The tennis team won in the preliminary round but lost in the semifinals.  Lacrosse made it to the final playoff.  While the coaches are sad to see talented seniors moving on, they delight in the talent and experience of returning teams. 

Congratulations to the award recipients!   

The final issue of The Voice is packed with paintings and sketches, collages, ponderings and poems, scientific ruminations, photographs, music, advice on playoff pressures and other teen crises, senior memories, field trip stories, salutes to retiring teachers, comments on the news, and lots, lots more.  Check it out!  And, to keep you going through the summer, consider checking out some archived issues.  Click here to see current and archived issues of the magazine.

The Office of Admissions cordially invites you to attend an Open House for prospective students and their families. The Open House will begin in Orr Commons at the center of The Storm King School campus.

This Open House will provide an opportunity to meet and interact with teachers, administrators, and students, and tour our beautiful campus. There will be plenty of time to answer your questions about the School.
 

Open House Schedule:
10:00   Tour of Campus
11:15     SKS Video
11:30    Overview of Application Process and General Question
                and Answer Session
12:00    Open House Concludes
 
Please contact the Office of Admissions for more information.
314 Mountain Road
Cornwall on Hudson, NY 12520
845-534-9860
admissions@sks.org

Saturday, July 16, 2011     10:00 am-12:00 pm

Saturday, August 6, 2011     10:00 am-12:00 pm

Saturday, August 13, 2011     10:00 am-12:00 pm

These Open Houses start in Orr Commons in the center of The Storm King School campus.  We will start with a tour of the campus after brief welcoming remarks.  You will learn about the School and its programs.  After the tour, you will see a short video about the School and participate in a discussion about the application process. 

It is helpful if you call (845-534-9860) to register in advance.