B U L L E T I N Taft Portrait of a Graduate - The Taft School

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Anton Yupangco ’03 Head Monitor As I look back on my years here at Taft, I can’t help but remember how it all began. The first time I ever set foot on the campus was in the winter of 1999. I was a ninth grader at the Eaglebrook School in Deerfield, Mass., and had stopped by Taft in the middle of my grand touring sweep of all of the New England prep schools. I am sure that all of the students and parents here remember doing something similar—driving up and down Connecticut and Massachusetts, cramming in two school visits in one day, grabbing lunch on the road. Practicing what you were going to say in the car, with your mom in the driver’s seat pretending to be the admissions officer. Personally, by day four it all became one large blur. I had already done the Choate-Deerfield thing. Andover and Exeter, Loomis, Lawrenceville, Hotchkiss—Ugh. And then I got to Taft. Let me just say that the weather wasn’t spectacular, to say the least. It was cold and rainy. Snow and ice covered every inch of ground—there was nothing green in sight. We pulled in through the heavy iron gates and around main circle. I looked up at the towering red brick buildings with heavy wooden doors, thick dark clouds looming overhead. Leafless trees that looked like they were dead lined the pathway and all in all the scene was— well, for someone from southern California—the scene was terrifying. I stepped out of the car—hesitantly—and slowly proceeded to enter, fully expecting to see Count Dracula waiting inside to give me my tour. But instead, I kept meeting friendly person after friendly person. At first I didn’t know why these people were so happy, and I thought that maybe the faculty I met were friendly because they had to be. But then I went on my tour. Every corner I turned, hallway I walked down, and classroom I visited I saw people smiling and laughing. In my mind it came down to either one of two things. One, there was something in the water. Or two, the more likely one: that these people were genuinely happy. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a part of this place. I don’t know how best to describe it, but I got a vibe. Here I was in a place where despite how awful it looked outside, how terribly cold and gloomy it was, people on the inside were still full of energy, still full of life, still smiling. On a nice day like today it’s easy for someone to feel the energy and life of this place, but it took something special to shine through on that day. Taft shone through for me on that day. I’d like to thank the people who make learning at Taft happen. The amazing men and women standing behind me: The faculty. For without them, none of this would be possible. Thank you for your guidance, and leadership not just during our final year here, but from day one. You have always been, just as you are now, behind us George McFadden with his parents Isatta Jalloh (back center) with her family members Commencement 2003 26 Taft Bulletin Summer 2003
all the way. You have been incredible teachers, talented coaches, inspiring mentors, and true friends. You have instilled and nurtured a love for learning within us. Thank you for bringing your passion for teaching to every class, rehearsal, and game. On behalf of every student of the Taft School, I wish you a heartfelt thank you. Secondly, I would like to thank the other group of adults that has made this experience possible: Our parents. From the very beginning you have been with us. Every moment, guiding us as we took our first steps and urging us to continue when we faltered. You have continued to do the same even through our years here at Taft. The care packages, cards, e-mails, phone calls are appreciated more than you know. Today we stand in front of you, products of your love and caring. We hope we have made you proud. To the senior class—to 153 of the brightest, most incredible, most talented, most caring people I have ever Head monitor Anton Yupangco displays the class stone. known. You, my friends, are the unforgettable people we dreamed and planned great futures with, who accepted us as we were, and encouraged us to become JONATHAN WILCOX all that we wanted to be. When you leave here, it is my hope that you bring with you that energy, that life, and take it with you wherever you go. Chaplain Michael Spencer accepts the Abramowitz Award for Excellence in Teaching. Will Blanden (center) with his family Taft Bulletin Summer 2003 27
Page 1 and 2: B U L L E T I N Northern Exposure t
Page 3 and 4: F E A T U R E S Satisfaction in the
Page 5 and 6: ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Alumni SPOTLIGHT N
Page 7 and 8: PETER FINGER ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Alumn
Page 9 and 10: “Over the 45 years of actively ma
Page 11 and 12: AROUND THE POND Why a Rhino How the
Page 13 and 14: AROUND THE POND Adam Bronfman ’81
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Page 23 and 24: PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOB FALCETTI Rear Ad
Page 25: understanding. They came from small
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Page 37 and 38: GRETCHEN SAGAN An exquisite basket
Page 39 and 40: Alumni Weekend began with a well-at
Page 41 and 42: Alumni awards, such as the Citation
Page 43 and 44: an evening dinner. The smiles on th

B U L L E T I N Taft Portrait of a Graduate - The Taft School

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