Reflections on Interim–Valuing Others and Being Valued
| Each fall, between the first and second quarter, The Sharon Academy spends an intensive two weeks to produce an all-school musical. During this Interim period, instead of attending classes, students collaborate to implement all aspects of a live performance that culminates in a final production at The Chandler Music Hall in Randolph, VT. In the words of Head of School Michael Livingston, “It’s a process I relish and treasure. It is one of the most authentic reflections of learning I have ever seen or experienced.”
In the program notes, Seniors share their reflections on what it takes to produce an “All-School Musical” and what they gain from the process. This is one of a three-part series of TSA Stories focusing on how the Interim experience encourages students to be known, valued and challenged. |
Several of the “Senior Reflections” that appeared in the program notes of the 2018 production of Newsies: The Musical highlighted students’ experiences of being valued as individuals and learning to value others . The annual production of an All-School Musical has proven to be an invaluable component of the TSA curriculum for its ability to foster this principle, which is one of the three basic tenets of the TSA philosophy to be known, valued and challenged. When students get to know each other in this intensive situation they gain more than just friendship, they learn to share their own strengths and value the individual strengths of others. This mutual reliance enables them to achieve the common objective of producing something they can all be proud of.
The ability to value individuals for their strengths culminates for seniors in their final Interim experience. Seniors become committee leaders and as such must train eleventh graders for the following year as well as assess, encourage and manage all the students in their committees. Marguerite Souligny ‘19 is a self-professed theater nerd, so participating in the All-School Musical was an opportunity to share her passion. Yet, she also appreciated that there was more to learn about herself and about leadership. “Interim helped define who I am as a person and I discovered new talents and values I didn’t think I had, like being a leader and confident speaker. I think Interim taught me more than any class.”
Makenzie Edwards as Medda Larkin in Newsies Photo courtesy of Geoff Hansen
Makenzi Edwards ‘19 was also a seasoned performer. “Interim was one of the main reasons I decided to attend TSA.” So her transformation was not about the show. As a senior transfer, the process was invaluable for more than just being accepted as part of the TSA community. She experienced first hand one of the fundamental tenets of TSA, being valued by others. “I have learned that everyone is accepting of people’s struggles, emotions, and whatever level of experience someone has in whatever they are bringing to the production. I find it simply incredible that for me, a new senior at TSA, could become so involved in this new experience. I am glad I have gotten to enjoy this unforgettable experience with amazing people.”
To see more Reflections, click:
- Reflections on Interim–Revealing Oneself and Learning About Others
- Reflections on Interim–Taking Risks and Facing Challenges in a Safe Space
Learn more about the All School Musical and visit the Newsies facebook page to get a flavor of this year’s process.