We are pleased to announce the Holton members of the Maryland All State Ensembles organized by the Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA). The organization holds annual auditions for eight All State music groups: Senior Band, Senior Mixed Chorus, Senior Women's Chorus, Senior Jazz Band, Senior Orchestra, Junior Band, Junior Chorus and Junior Orchestra. A rigorous audition process selects about 920 students from the 6,000 to 7,000 students in secondary school music programs who audition for the groups. Holton's music teachers are active in MMEA and there is great support for the All State program. Each year, they encourage students to audition, help them prepare for the audition, and coach them after selection. The faculty agrees that preparing for the audition makes every student a stronger musician. Those who have the extraordinary opportunity to participate in All State continue to grow as musicians, and they come back to school ready to be leaders and mentors in their ensembles here at Holton.

Holton has had an impressive number of All State musicians over the years, and the list continues to grow. The following student musicians have been selected to represent Holton-Arms when their All State ensembles gather this winter for an intense weekend of rehearsals, with outstanding guest conductors, that culminate in fabulous final concerts.

Representing Holton-Arms at the Junior All State Weekend March 2-4:

Jaimie Lwin '21 – violin – All State Junior Orchestra (third consecutive year)

Ema Nakayama '21 – alto – All State Junior Chorus (third consecutive year)

Allie Stroman '21 – alto – All State Junior Chorus

Representing Holton-Arms at the Senior All State Weekend March 9-11:

Lailah Fritz '19 – alto – All State Senior Chorus

Michelle Jang '19 – alto – All State Senior Chorus (second consecutive year)

Micaela Lamas '20 – soprano – All State Senior Chorus

Elizabeth Zampella '19 – alto – All State Senior Mixed Chorus (selected for All State for the fifth consecutive year!)

With five All State Choirs under her belt, it should be no surprise that Elizabeth Zampella is also the first student to represent Holton-Arms in the All-National Mixed Choir sponsored by MMEA's parent organization, National Association for Music Education. Elizabeth spent four days in November at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort rehearsing and performing with the ensemble.

Brava to our incredible musicians!

Twenty-seven student artists from Holton-Arms have been recognized by The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards regional competition for their artwork. This year, hundreds of thousands of works were submitted from student artists nationwide. Run by The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers for the past 95 years, this competition has become one of the most prestigious recognition programs for creative teens in the United States. The panelists look for pieces that best align with the Awards' core values of originality, technical skill, and personal voice or vision.

The regional winners are awarded a Gold Key, Silver Key, or an Honorable Mention. Holton's students received six Gold Keys, eight Silver Keys, and 21 Honorable Mentions. The six Holton Regional Gold Key works will be considered for recognition at the national level. The national medalists will be announced later this month.

The following students received the regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: (click here to see the winning pieces)

Ceramics:

• Darcy Blaylock '18: Honorable Mention
• Ashleigh Hale '18: Gold Key
• Elise Knutsen '19: Gold Key
• Sasha Mills '19: Honorable Mention
• Imani Wright '18: Honorable Mention

Drawing and Painting:

• Lillian Broeksmit '20: Honorable Mention
• Emery Cilluffo '20: Silver Key
• Maggie Davis '18: Silver Key
• Emily Ewing '20: Honorable Mention
• Stephanie Halpern '19: Silver Key
• Greer Knebel '18: Silver Key
• Rayne Layton '18: Honorable Mention
• Ava Mendelsohn '19: Silver Key, 2 Honorable Mentions
• Skylar Rubin '19: 2 Honorable Mentions
• Pascale Schmidt '20: 2 Gold Keys, Honorable Mention
• Kat Soltany '18: Honorable Mention
• Grace Turnipseed '20: Honorable Mention
• Katie Waller '18: 2 Honorable Mentions
• Jillian Wiener '19: Gold Key

Photography:

• Nicole Abdala-Arata '18: Silver Key
• Morgan Abdo '18: Silver Key, Honorable Mention
• Nicole Edmunds '18: Gold Key
• Emma Helsing '20: 2 Honorable Mentions
• Libby Mulligan '18: Honorable Mention
• Kaitlyn Pham '18: Honorable Mention
• Julie Vadhan '18: Honorable Mention
• Lauren Willingham '20: Silver Key

Holton-Arms is happy to announce the publication of the 2018 version of Scroll, Holton-Arms' literary and arts magazine, and its online version Scrolling which is now live online. The print version, Scroll, debuted at the Upper School Art Show last Wednesday, May 23. Enjoy!

Professional dancer Alison Lehuanani DeFranco '09 returned to campus last week to work with Orchesis, the school's auditioned dance company. She called on students to create movement inspired by found objects, then wove those phrases together into original choreography that they will perform throughout the year, including at their winter concert. She also spoke to students about her life as a dancer, the choreographic process, tips on performing, and more.

It was a thrilling homecoming for the former Orchesis member, who joined the group as a senior. At the time, she had just made the difficult choice to leave her intensive studies at The Washington School of Ballet. "It meant taking a break from dance as I had known it," Lehuanani says. But Orchesis "opened an important space for me to continue dancing." With the troupe, she had opportunities to explore new styles of dance, regroup, and redefine her dance life and trajectory.

Lehuanani went on to double major in Dance and History at Skidmore College, before earning her MFA in Dance from NYU's prestigious Tisch School of the Arts. She has recently performed the renowned stages at Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival and St. Mark's Church in New York City.

"It's been such an incredible pleasure to come back to Holton and choreograph for Orchesis," Lehuanani says. "What I noticed first about both the Upper and Middle School girls was their curiosity and confidence... It was so beautiful to recognize those qualities. I know that Holton gave me those skills that I've carried into my career in New York."

Lehuanani's weeklong residency was also a joyful reunion for the dancer and her former teacher, Orchesis Director Sarah Roney, whose first year at Holton was Lehuanani's first and only year on Orchesis. "It's amazing to see how she's developed the program into what it is now," Lehuanani says.

Here, Lehuanani demonstrates a segment of the original choreography she created with and for students:

The school's 2017-2018 Scroll + Scrolling print and online literary magazine was named a Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Crown Award Finalist in the Hybrid Magazine category. This marks the sixth consecutive year Holton has earned this honor. Just 20 hybrid magazines from high schools across the country were recognized this year.

CSPA was founded in 1925 to support the scholastic publishing community, provide training for student journalists and advisers, and promote excellence in the field. Crown Awards honor top student publications among member schools. Judges consider overall excellence in a head-to-head comparison, weighing design, photography, concept, coverage and writing. A total of 1,172 publications were eligible for judging this year.

The Hybrid Magazine category debuted just five years ago in response to schools' increasing desire to add digital formats. Scroll + Scrolling was among the pioneers in this arena. It has been a Crown Award Finalist and has gone on to win a Gold Crown Award each year since the category's inception .

At its Spring Convention in March, CSPA will announce which Crown Award Finalists have made it to the next level and will receive Gold Crown Awards.

MS FALL PLAY, CHARLOTTE'S WEB, NOV 16 & 17
Friday, November 16, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 17 at 7:00 p.m.

RESERVE TICKETS HERE!

Friendship elevates the life of a humble pig in this radiant adaptation of E.B.White's classic text. Holton Middle School students present Joseph Robinette's adaptation of "Charlotte's Web" in the Diana Coulton Beebe Black Box Theater on Fri., Nov. 16 and Sat., Nov. 17 at 7:00 p.m. There will also be a school performance at 2:00 p.m. on Thurs., Nov. 15.

SYNOPSIS:

Fern Arable (Carson Browne '24) saves the life of Wilbur the pig (Jules Rudzki '24) and nurtures him from a scrawny runt to a robust swine. Wilbur is then transferred to the Zuckerman farm where his sunny personality inspires Charlotte the spider (Katherine Yoon '23) to weave words into her web advertising his greatness. This miracle of nature eventually earns Wilbur a spot at the County Fair. If he can win a blue ribbon he'll earn a permanent spot in the barnyard and never again need to fear the frying pan. E.B. White's classic story is set against the backdrop of one fleeting Maine spring and summer when a girl and her beloved pig both come of age, and a spider makes the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of her friend.

Drama Director Elizabeth Zitelli leads an ensemble of 21 actors. Jesse Shipley has designed the costumes that take us down on the farm. Assistant Technical Director Joe Staub has designed the set and together with Mark Robinson, has led the Production Tech students in its construction. Trevor Fanning helps direct the musical interlude. Mary Grant serves as lighting designer. Claire Rossin provides backstage management. Anna Sophia Steinki '20 and Josephine Stark '20 act as assistants to the director.

Featuring student performers: Elsa Bell, Talia Berl, Lila Brody, Carson Browne, Claire Buchanan, Divya Divarkanda, Sydney Denecke, Sophia Hall, Elena Laguna, Audrey Magruder, Paloma O'Leary, Ella Owens, CJ Piervincenzi, Izzy Smith, Sascha Rhein, Avery Rudge, Jules Rudzki, Margaret Sussman, Rachel Tielking, Katherine Yoon, Anneka Zimmermann

Tech Crew: Cate Coetzee, Caroline Serenyi, Josie Reed, Alina Ahmad, Sophia King

Guest Artists: Mary Grant (Lighting Designer), Jesse Shipley (Costume Designer)

Student Artists: Adriana Gross (Poster Art), Aoife Bane (Guitar)

Faculty: Elizabeth Zitelli (Director) Joseph Staub (Set Design) Mark Robinson (Technical Direction) Trevor Fanning (Musical Director) Claire Rossin (Backstage Management)

Ancient Roman poetry is set poolside in Mary Zimmerman's 2002 adaptation of Ovid's classic poem Metamorphoses. Set around a pool of water, Holton and Landon Upper School students appear as Greek and Roman Gods, Goddesses, and ancient heroes in Scenes from Metamorphoses on the Lewis Theater stage Nov. 8, 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 11 at 2:00 p.m.

Reserve tickets here!

SYNOPSIS

Though water may change color and shape with time and tide, the struggle of human beings is eternal, or so posits Mary Zimmerman in her adaptation of Metamorphoses. "These myths have a redemptive power in that they are so ancient. There's a comfort in the familiarity of the human condition," Zimmerman wrote.

Three laundresses serve as narrators as the play weaves together multiple stories from Ancient Roman poetry including the stories of King Midas, Alcyone and Ceyx, Erysichthon and Ceres, Orpheus and Eurydice, Pomona and Vertumnus, Phaeton and Apollo, Eros and Psyche, and Baucis and Philemon. In each story, the central pool of water plays a different role, reflecting the characters' experiences of elation, relaxation, separation and grief.

This visually stunning production represents a major feat of artistry and engineering as Mark Robinson, Holton's Performing Arts Department Chair, and Technical Director/Theater Manager not only provides artistic direction but also oversees the design and construction of a set that will feature 200 cubic feet of real water.

Stage Manager Nina Mourao '19 leads a team of 12 student technicians, with assistance from Renata Taylor-Smith '20, Emily Shapland '20 and Jessie Israel '22. Kate Magill Robinson has designed the costumes that bridge the ancient and contemporary worlds. Mary Grant serves as lighting designer and Mark Robinson designed the set and led his Production Technology students in its construction.

Featuring student performers: Alexandra Angelos, Maggie Brett-Major, Sophia Castro, Lucas Cuervo, Anushka Dar, Logan Finley-Wallace, Ben Freeman, Thomas Gao, Ainsley Hartke-Crotke, Brielle Herlein, Brittany Hunter, Grace Huntington, Nyla Jones, Sukhmani Kakar,Sabrina Lahlou, Micaela Lamas, Paige Magid, Lucy Mason, Alan Mirzoev, Erysichthon, Chike Nezianya, Will Nussbaum, Amanda Phillips, Ashmita Pyne, Coby Shrensky, Josephine Stark, KJ Stiglitz, Allie Stroman, Lucy Ventimiglia, Skye Worster.

Tech crew: Nina Mourão, Renata Taylor-Smith, Emily Shapland, Jessie Israel, Raeyan Syed, Jemma Bazemore, Armen Sivaslian, Annalise Shiroma, Keshini Maynard, Ema Nakayama, Sara War, Lailah Fritz.

Guest Artists: Mary Grant (Lighting Designer), Kate Magill Robinson (Costumes), Jesse Shipley (Wardrobe).

Sixth graders had a unique opportunity to perform in one of the country's most hallowed hall this week; the whole class participated in the Independent Lower Schools' Choral Festival at the National Cathedral on Tuesday. Students sang two songs from the repertoire they have been rehearsing this year, and performed three additional pieces together with six other participating schools.

Watch video highlights from the performance below:

The 2017-2018 edition of Scroll + Scrolling, the school's print and digital literary magazine, recently earned the staff its sixth consecutive Gold Crown Award in the Hybrid General Magazine category from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA). CSPA was founded in 1925 to support the scholastic publishing community, provide training for student journalists and advisors, and promote excellence in the field. The Gold Crown Award is the organization's highest honor and recognizes overall excellence in a head-to-head comparison of the nearly 1,200 entries from across the nation.

Three members of Scroll's staff and longtime advisor Melinda Salata accepted the award at CSPA's Spring Convention, held at Columbia University from Mar. 20-22. Joining the group for the convention were three members of Holton's yearbook staff and two additional Holton publications advisors, as well as students and educators from all over the U.S. Attendees chose from workshops on topics ranging from typography to new online publishing technologies, from writing more effectively to working through challenges as a staff.

Earlier this fall, the 2018 Scroll + Scrolling earned Gold Medalist status in CSPA's medalist critique program, which scores the publication based on a strict set of written criteria. The publication garnered All Columbian Honors in all three categories (essentials, verbal, and design) with a total score of 955 out of a possible 1000 points.

The judge wrote, "Your prose has a richness and diversity not often found in many magazines... Each spread is a reader's delight... Once again the Scroll staff has surpassed its previous work and set new standards of excellence for all lit mag staffs to be inspired by. Congratulations."

View the 2018 edition of Scrolling here.

Members of the 2018-2019 Scroll + Scrolling staff receive the publication's sixth consecutive CSPA Gold Crown Award at the CSPA Spring Convention at Columbia University this March.

The Lewis Theater stage transformed into a massive catwalk dotted with student models sashaying in on-trend jumpsuits, glamorous gowns, and sumptuous sari-based ensembles on Fri., Apr. 5. The occasion was the annual PUNCH (People United for New Creative Hunches) fashion show, a beloved tradition that for 22 years has showcased and nurtured student creativity, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Shaylah Nunn Jones '99 and Alix Kram '98 first had the idea for a school fashion show while riding the bus to Holton one day in 1997, and this seed rapidly evolved into a thriving creative community and much-anticipated annual event. Each year, a group of dedicated students comes together to design and sew all the pieces, find and train models, and produce the show, including creating and running lighting and sound. They are supported along the way by committed educators like veteran advisor Marsha Scherbel, co-advisor Tiffany Reddinger, technical director Mark Robinson, and box office manager Sarah Roney.

PUNCH 2019 featured 23 student designers and over 100 participants, and proceeds of ticket sales supported two clothing-

related charities: Suited for Change and Dress a Girl Around the World. Show highlights, says Mrs. Scherbel, included innovative full lines by co-presidents Serena Chon '19 and Grace Huntington '19, the first-ever line of handmade ceramic jewelry by Caroline Cascio '19, lines inspired by and made from recycled saris respectively by Meghan Ahluwalia '20 and Jenna Mohiuddin '20, and a line paying homage to African American fashion and beauty by Olivia Boykin '20 and Maya Gaines '19.

Grace says that PUNCH is a tremendous confidence-builder for participants, allowing them to try new things, take chances, and take ownership. "Girls who display their works of art on stage, as well as the models, are taking a risk and showing a lot of courage—it's the epitome of girl power," she says.

Serena is also drawn to PUNCH's unique brand of female empowerment. "At an all-girls school," she says, "it is nice to have an opportunity to celebrate those artforms that have been traditionally dominated by women specifically, like handicraft and sewing. I believe that the education I received at Holton affirms womanhood by not forcing women to imitate male standards for achievement in the arts."

Grace notes that the high level of student participation and excitement that surrounds the show underscore the important role that PUNCH serves at the school. This popularity shows "that our community loves to collaborate and that we all desire to give back to our greater community in a variety of ways," she says. One important way, she notes, is through PUNCH's philanthropic aspect.

For me, she says, "it's very important to use my creative talents in order to benefit others."

Mrs. Scherbel is thrilled with PUNCH 2019's success and remains in awe of the students. "I am always so proud of the talent, creativity, hard work, and dedication they put into this endeavor while also managing so many other obligations," she says.

View photo highlights from PUNCH 2019 here:

Our Upper School singers officially kicked off our spring concert season with yesterday's outstanding Spring Choral Concert. View highlights from their performance below—and don't miss our other spring visual and performing arts events listed below!

UPCOMING VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS EVENTS

WASHINGTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS HANDBELL FESTIVAL CONCERT, APR 29
7:30-9 p.m. (Concert), Gymnasium

Holton will host the annual Washington Independent Schools Handbell Festival this Mon., Apr. 29, which brings together students from several area schools. Handbell choirs will rehearse on campus during the day (12-5 p.m.). Please join us for the festival concert at 7:30 p.m. in the gymnasium.

US SPRING INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT, MAY 2
7:30-9 p.m., Lewis Theater

This annual concert features the Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra. The concert will include recognition of senior members.

MS/US HANDBELLS & CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT, MAY 5
5-6:15 p.m., Simms Reception Room

Bells will be ringing on Sun., May 5, 5-6:15 p.m., in the Simms Reception Room! Please join us for this short, delightful performance featuring the Middle School and Upper School Handbell Ensembles, the Chamber Orchestra, and instrumental chamber groups and soloists. Please plan to arrive early, since seating is limited in this intimate venue.

HOLTON AND LANDON MS ACTORS TO PERFORM ONCE ON THIS ISLAND JR., MAY 10 & 11

Holton and Landon Middle School students in Grades 7 and 8 are teaming up for the MS spring musical, Once On This Island Jr. by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. This vibrant Caribbean musical tells the story of a peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with a boy from the other side of Haiti. Ti Moune's journey to be reunited with Daniel tests the strength of her love against powerful forces including gods representing Earth, Water, Love, and Death.

Participating Faculty: Elizabeth Zitelli, Director; Trevor Fanning, Musical Director; Mark Robinson, Technical Director; Joseph Staub, Assistant Technical Director; Sarah Roney, Choreographer; Sherry Wells, Choreographer.

Performances are Fri., May 10 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sat., May 11 at 7 p.m. The box office is now open!

US HOLTON-LANDON SPRING MUSICAL, NEWSIES, AT LANDON, MAY 17 & 18

Students from Landon and Holton-Arms upper schools invite you to attend their spring musical: Disney's Newsies. Performances will take place in Landon's Coates Auditorium. Admission is free.

Based on the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, this Disney musical tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city. After publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the newsboys' expense, Kelly and his fellow newsies take action. With help from the beautiful female reporter Katherine Plumber, all of New York City soon recognizes the power of "the little man."

Performance Dates:
Fri., May 17, 7:30 p.m.
Sat., May 18, 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

US ART SHOW OPENING & SCROLL DEDICATION, MAY 22

The UPPER SCHOOL ART SHOW OPENING and Scroll dedication will be on Wed., May 22, from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Simms Reception Room, Adalman Gallery, Archive Gallery, and Administrative Hallway. Art in Simms Reception Room will remain on display until May 31. Art in other spaces will remain on display until Fri., June 7.

(The Lower & Middle Schools also have art show openings in May; please look for full details in parent newsletters.)

GR. 6 & MS SPRING CHORAL CONCERT, MAY 23
5-6 p.m., Lewis Theater

GR. 5/6 & MS SPRING INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT, MAY 30
5-6:30 p.m., Lewis Theater

"Our lives become the stories that we weave," sing the storytellers in Once On This Island Jr. Next week, for the second time in its history, Holton is presenting this vibrant Caribbean musical. The first production, in fall 2011, starred Upper School students on the Lewis Theater stage. This year's production is the Junior version and will feature Middle School students performing in the Diana Coulton Beebe Black Box Theater. The play tells the story of Haitian orphan Ti Moune, who defies the gods of Water, Earth, Love, and Death to be near the man she loves, and in the process, heals a rift between the rich and poor sides of her island.

Drama Director Elizabeth Zitelli has been working to connect alumnae from the 2011 production with this year's cast. Two of these alumnae are still on campus; Mimi Asamoah-Mensah '19 and Seymone Clarke '19 (both pictured right and below) were in fifth grade when they were selected to share the role of Little Ti Moune in a unique opportunity to join the Upper School students on stage.

"I remember being so excited. They announced it in morning assembly," Mimi says. "The Upper Schoolers were so kind and so talented."

Over lunch this spring, Mimi and Seymone reminisce as they pore over photographs of 2011 production. They eagerly point out the older girls they remembered admiring. Kamryn Hall '24 looks on with interest. She, too, will play Little Ti Moune. Mimi and Seymone are full of support and advice.

"Don't be afraid of just letting yourself shine," Seymone counsels. "You just have to embrace every moment you have. I'm in Swing Choir now and..."

"I want to be in Swing!" Kamryn interjects.

Seymone is full of encouragement. "Do it!" she urges. "Just embrace every moment you have, smile, be happy, be smiling on the inside and out."

Kamryn smiles broadly. She's soaking it all in.

Mimi adds. "Sometimes people are surprised when they hear I was in a play, but it was so fun to work together to tell a story with the Upper Schoolers."

Julia Peiperl '13, a costume designer in New York, reinforces this message in a recent letter. She writes, "One of my favorite parts about theater is that everyone in the show is coming together to tell a story. Performing as a storyteller in Once on this Island, I felt that more than ever–trading off lines with other storytellers to make one continuous narrative. Working together with other people is absolutely the most important skill in theater and something I use every day, so cheers to Ms. Zitelli for giving me that skill back in high school!"

Susannah Bane '14 was also a storyteller in the original production and is excited to see her sister, Aoife Bane '23, portray the role of Mama Euralie in this production. She writes, "Once On This Island is a story that makes the audience feel, and that is the beauty of art and theater."

Wendy Burr '12 reached out to Alexis Crupi '24 about the role of Asaka, mother of the earth. "I'm sure you'd agree, the role of Asaka is an absolute blast," she says. "The part of Asaka has definitely stayed with me! No matter what role I played (on stage or in life), I found that I could channel that confidence and boldness that I learned when I played Asaka."

Burr will be in the audience as the Middle Schoolers perform next weekend, along with Bane and fellow (former) cast member Meagan Carr '12.

Once on This Island Jr. will be presented in Holton's Diana Coulton Beebe Black Box Theater on Fri., May 10 and Sat., May 11 at 7 p.m. The box office is now open!

Congratulations to the six Holton singers and musicians named to the 2019 Maryland All State Ensembles, organized by the Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA):

JUNIOR ORCHESTRA
Jessica Lian '23 – viola

SENIOR ORCHESTRA
Esther Kim '21 – oboe
Jaimie Lwin '21 – violin (All State for four consecutive years)

SENIOR MIXED CHORUS
Lailah Fritz '19 – alto (All State for two consecutive years)

SENIOR TREBLE CHORUS
Ema Nakayama '21 – alto (All State for four consecutive years)
Elizabeth Zampella '19 – alto (All State for six consecutive years)

Every year, MMEA selects students for eight All State ensembles based on a rigorous audition process. Each group assembles for an intensive weekend of rehearsals with outstanding guest conductors and a final performance. This year, these were held throughout the late winter and spring.

Holton's music teachers are active in the organization and strongly support the All State program, encouraging students to audition, helping them prepare, and coaching them after selection. Faculty agree that preparing for the audition makes musicians stronger. Those who have the extraordinary opportunity to participate in All State ensembles continue to grow as musicians and return to school ready to be leaders and mentors in their ensembles here.

Brava to this year's All State participants!

It's the day before the Upper School Art Show, and for most of the advanced art classes, their creative work is complete and the excitement shifts to displaying their masterpieces in the Simms Reception Room and nearby hallways. This year, for students in Advanced Ceramics, however, their masterpieces are just beginning to come to life. Their ceramic vessels stand in wait on sparse tables as students survey massive plastic bins of flowers and greens, searching for the perfect branches and blossoms—the ones that will show just how much they have learned this year about ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arranging.

Over the summer, ceramics teacher Nandini Giridharadas had an idea for a bold new student project. It sparked from an exhibition at the Japan Information & Culture Center called "Floating Islands: Ceramic Ikebana Vessels." The educator had long admired ikebana from afar; its spare, sculptural style; its marriage of elements both inanimate and full of life.

When Giridharadas got a closer look through an exhibition talk and demonstration, she was blown away. "During the lecture, all the language the teacher used to describe ikebana is what I use while teaching ceramics: color, line, form, negative space. This light bulb went off for me," she says.

Giridharadas loved the idea of helping her students branch out into a complementary medium and art form—"and at a school where we are teaching students to be globally minded, I thought it would also be wonderful for them to be exposed to another culture in the process."

This fall, supported by Holton professional development funds, Giridharadas began taking ikebana classes to deepen her understanding of and fluency in the art form. In the winter, she began to introduce the craft to her students and brought her teacher, distinguished master artist Sheila Advani of the Sogetsu School of ikebana, to campus for a demonstration. Students created their own ceramic vessels inspired by and intended for ikebana, and worked with Advani during the second half of the year to learn this Japanese art and develop a concept for their final arrangements.

As golden beams of sun streak across Simms and onto her face, Kate Bohigian '21 hovers over her broad, wide-toothed vase, finessing lemon-hued lilies and snipping at stems of greenery to shape them just so. She and her classmates have practiced these arrangements in an earlier class. "But every time it's just so different," she says. "It's constantly changing...you have this image of what you want, but the flowers and branches are never the same."

As in a jazz improvisation, students have a sense of where they're going and what elements and structure will get them there. But the details? Well, as Kate notes, "I'm freehanding it."

The idea of completing a project during the art show installation period might sound stressful, but Kate isn't fazed. "Ikebana is so meditative and calming," she says.

This doesn't mean the project was without challenges. Several students noted just how many facets an artist has to consider in ikebana; everything is interconnected. This ups the project's difficulty level—as well as the potential for student growth.

"It made for incredible results," Kate says of the project.

She says it's taught her most about the value of negative space. "Before, I thought you'd want to fill everything up with flowers, but this has really taught us how negative [or empty] space can transform an arrangement. Ms. Advani taught us to think so carefully about all the lines and how you can trim things off to better showcase the flowers and vessels."

Kate sees how this lesson carries over into all things. "In life and in art," she says, "sometimes less can be so much more."

The Upper School Art Show Opening and Scroll dedication is today, Wed., May 22, from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Simms Reception Room, Adalman Gallery, Archive Gallery, and Administrative Hallway. Art in Simms Reception Room will remain on display until May 31. Art in other spaces will remain on display until Fri., June 7.

View photo highlights from students' final arranging and penultimate arrangements below (studio photos by Jeff Mauritzen).

Holton-Arms is thrilled to announce the release of the 2019 Scroll + Scrolling literary magazine. The print version, Scroll, debuted at the Upper School Art Show on Wed., May 22. Its sister site, Scrolling, is now live online and features rich multimedia content, as well as an embedded flipbook of the print magazine.

Happy Scrolling, and congrats to the staff, contributors, and advisor Melinda Salata!

Khushi Hota '22 as Kamala Khan, along with the cast of Mirror of Most Value: A Kamala Khan Play.

This past winter, Holton was among a handful of schools around the country to pilot an exciting new project from Marvel: The Upper School had the opportunity to present several plays from the all-new Marvel Spotlight series. Publicity for the project was embargoed until the plays were published, and now that this has taken place—as announced via a June 24 New York Times article—we are happy to share our role in the development of these works.

The Samuel French website explains, "Marvel Spotlight is an all-new way to experience some of the greatest heroes ever! A series of plays developed for teenagers, Marvel Spotlight explores the humans behind your favorite Super Heroes as they balance mastering their newfound powers while facing the real-world challenges of young adults."

During the 2018-2019 school year, Holton's Drama Department was invited to pilot the Marvel Spotlight plays and provide feedback to the playwrights. These included Squirrel Goes to College: A Squirrel Girl Play by Karen Zacarias and Mirror of Most Value: A Kamala Khan Play by Masi Asare. Performances took place on the Lewis Theater stage from Feb. 21-23.

The project was exciting—and fulfilling—for all those involved, from the playwrights to the actors to the directors. Zacarias, who attended a performance, says, "From the original music to the sound, to the costumes and set, to the great acting beats, it was thrilling to see these drafts realized in such wonderful ways."

For the actors, it was equally impactful. "Playing Squirrel Girl was an incredible experience that tested me as an actor and reminded me why theater is so important in our modern world," says Squirrel Goes to College star Paige Magid '20.

Khushi Hota '22, who played the lead in Mirror of Most Value, says, "I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity I had to bring Kamala's journey to life—a fun and rewarding experience that provided me with perspective on my own life. Clumsy, persistent, and certainly not perfect, Kamala is a character I easily relate to. I loved being able to play the first-ever Muslim, South Asian superhero, which hits close to home with my own South Asian roots. Kamala's hilarious awkwardness and keen sense of self come to light through her experiences with her image and social media, a topic that all teenagers should be able to understand."

Holton faculty and staff who were involved also bubbled with enthusiasm about the project, process, and all the resulting learning and growth. Mark Robinson, who directed Squirrel Girl Goes to College, explains, "Not only did students get to see firsthand what is involved in the creation of new dramatic works, but we also all got to put on some great plays centered around some awesome female superheroes."

Drama director Elizabeth Zitelli oversaw the production and brought this unique opportunity to the School. She worked with playwright Karen Zacarias at her previous job with Young Playwrights' Theater in Washington, D.C. "When Karen reached out to say they were looking for a local school to pilot her play, I was over the moon," Zitelli says. "It was a remarkable opportunity for our students—helping to lift characters out of comic-book pages and bringing them to life onstage. They were able to communicate suggested changes to the playwrights and know that the things they invented in their performance might serve as a model for other schools."

View more photos from Holton's Marvel Spotlight production here.

Paige Magid '20, Skye Worster '20, Ben Freeman '20, Alan Mirzoev '22 in Squirrel Girl Goes to College: A Squirrel Girl Play.

Student participants included Maya Abiy, Alexandra Angelos, Lauren Cooke, Lucas Cuervo, Abby Forrest, Ben Freeman, Lailah Fritz, Penny Gallagher, Thomas Gao, Rodrigo Garcia, Maya Grebowski, Ainsley Hartke-Crottey, Brielle Herlein, Addie Horowicz, Khushi Hota, Grace Huntington, Nyla Jones, Sukhmani Kakar, Sabrina Lahlou, Micaela Lamas, Paige Magid, Lucy Mason, Alan Mirzoev, Lily Muhlbaum, Ema Nakayama, Will Nussbaum, Amanda Phillips, Asma Poshni, Allie Stroman, Talia Szalay, Lucy Ventimiglia, Skye Worster, Molly Adams, Jemma Bazemore, Anushka Dar, Logan Finley-Wallace, Sofia Gerlein, Portia Gharai, Jessie Israel, Abby Manderfield, Keshini Maynard, Nina Mourão, Elizabeth Price, Pascale Schmidt, Annalise Shiroma, Avery Sion, Iman Syed, Natsuki Takizawa, Renata Taylor-Smith, Raeyan Syed, and Sara War.

Guest artists included Melissa Dunphy (composer), Mary Grant (lighting designer), Scott Herlein (co-director for Mirror of Most Value: A Kamala Khan Play), Kate Magill Robinson (costume designer for Squirrel Girl Goes to College: A Squirrel Girl Play), and Jesse Shipley (costume designer for Mirror of Most Value: A Kamala Khan Play, wardrobe manager).

Faculty members involved were Rachel Herlein, (co-director for Mirror of Most Value; A Kamala Khan Play), Mark Robinson (director of Squirrel Girl Goes to College: A Squirrel Girl Play, set design, technical direction, fight choreography), Joseph Staub (assistant technical direction, carpentry), and Elizabeth Zitelli (project producer).

During the 2019-2020 school year, Holton's Upper School will proudly present Chicago (High School Edition) from Nov. 7-9 and Peter and the Starcatcher from Feb. 20-22. Look for more details soon on our drama page.

US art teacher Benjamin Ferry helps his students learn the craft of painting and drawing—and a major component of this is teaching them that art, and inspiration for it, is everywhere. We simply need to get out into the world and discover it.

Take Ferry's latest solo exhibition, for example. Hats Off, showing at D.C.'s gallery neptune & brown from Sept. 14-Oct. 12, explores and celebrates esteemed local milliner Vanilla Beane and her hat-making shop, Bené Millinery. The show is the culmination of two years of work for Ferry, and the direct result of wandering with his eyes wide open.

Several years ago, the artist and teacher had just relocated to a new neighborhood in the District, Brightwood/Manor Park, and he enjoyed taking it in during his daily dog walks. "There was one neighborhood shop that had kind of a magical energy to it," he recalls. It was Bené Millinery, with its windows and walls confettied with handmade creations of all shapes and hues, bejeweled and feathered, ribboned and ruffled.

Ferry finally worked up the courage to go inside and met the shop's then-97-year-old owner. "I'm D.C.'s living legend," she told him. She shared details of her personal and professional journey: how she moved to Washington from North Carolina in the '40s, taught herself to make hats while working as an elevator operator in the building that housed Washington Millinery & Supply Company and as a seamstress in the '50s, and opened her own hat shop in 1979 to serve the local community.

Over Bené's 40 years, Beane has made hats for generations of dignitaries and District denizens, including Mayor Muriel Bowser and civil rights activist Dorothy Height. Her work was featured in the 2013 Smithsonian Folk Life Festival and was acquired by the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Ferry was captivated by her, her artistry, her story and history. "She's connected to three centuries of American history," he says. "Her story is a story of American history, of African American history, of D.C. history, of church history."

He wanted to make art that would celebrate and commemorate her; that could help share her story with an even wider audience. Two years later, on the eve of Beane's 100th birthday, Ferry is humbled to be debuting his collection of works featuring the acclaimed hat maker. He believes the show is some of his best work, "because I really believe in the subject."

He hopes that in the modern, Internet-driven era, his students are inspired by the show and its celebration of beauty made by hand.

"I hope that a show like this can bring many people together from different walks of life and they can speak to who Ms. Beane is and what she has represented from their own D.C. experience," Ferry says. "For me, a successful show is where the artwork can create an environment where people converse and find commonality amongst themselves, while appreciating differences and how experiences have shaped them."

Learn more about the exhibition, Hats Off, showing Sept. 14-Oct. 12 at D.C.'s gallery neptune & brown.

Holton-Arms is thrilled to announce the release of the 2019 Scroll + Scrolling literary magazine. The print version, Scroll, debuted at the Upper School Art Show on Wed., May 22. Its sister site, Scrolling, is now live online and features rich multimedia content, as well as an embedded flipbook of the print magazine.

Happy Scrolling, and congrats to the staff, contributors, and advisor Melinda Salata!