B U L L E T I N - The Taft School

kid run circles around the other playersin the game. Sebby’s soccer skills were onething; his academic talents were another:best student in his class of 350 studentsfor the last two years, glowing reportsfrom all his teachers, highest commendationsfrom his school administrators.“It’s a dream come true to attend Taft,”he says. “I’m honored to be here and wantto do well, not only for my own sake butfor my parents’ and my grandfather’s.”SebbyHome for Louie Reed isOakland, California, 2,977miles away from Watertown.He loves art, is passionate about the guitar,composes music, and plays ice hockey.For Louie, playing hockey in NewEngland was much more appealing thanplaying hockey in California—imaginetraveling from Oakland to San Diegofor an away game—and his motherwas hoping he could find some balancein his life. She didn’t want it to be allabout the hockey; she was looking forsomething challenging, but “healthier.”When the Blochs, former Taft parentsand old family friends, explained allthe opportunities—educational, artistic,athletic and social—that their childrenMatt and Reisa ’05 enjoyed here, Louieapplied…and accepted the school’s offerof admission the first moment hestepped foot on campus, even before hesaw the Mays and Odden rinks.Jake Odden ’86, who interviewedLouie in California, instantly recognizeda unique young man, a hardworker brimming with leadership skills.“It’s a little easier being away fromhome than I thought it would be,” saysLouie, “because there’s so much to doand the teachers are cool.” He enjoysthe hard work: five classes, getting intoshape for the upcoming season, hangingout in HDT, the social scene.What makes Taft special for Louie isthe warmth of community. “I can’t tellhow often I’ve just said ‘hi’ to people inthe hallways, maybe hundreds of times inthe three weeks since school opened.”MarietaMarietaKenkovova ’10“...ambition, curiosity,determination and a wideview of the world.”Taft Bulletin Fall 2008 25