The Athenian School's 40th Anniversary
Celebrating the Vision of Dyke Brown
The Athenian School celebrated its 40th Anniversary on Saturday, October 15, 2005 on the Athenian campus with over 400 guests, including current and former students, families, faculty, trustees, staff and friends attending. The day's festivities celebrated the school’s rich history, with guests including Dyke Brown, founder of the Athenian School, and Ed Ellis, Dean of Students from 1966 to 1992.
When Dyke Brown first dreamed of Athenian, he envisioned a school where students would flourish both academically and personally, where minds would stretch and confidence could soar. In September of 1965, his vision was realized when The Athenian School welcomed its first students. Far ahead of his time, Dyke realized the importance of service, diversity, international understanding and adventure as integral parts of a strong academic curriculum. Forty years later, these ideals have become a model for education in the 21st century.
Today, Athenian honors that rich tradition as it celebrates forty years of academic excellence and innovative learning. In classrooms each day, Athenian instills in students the qualities Dyke Brown envisioned for them four decades ago: “intellectual fitness and moral virtue” with a curriculum that advocates for “education of the whole person.” An example of Athenian’s experiential learning program is the building of a Piper Cub airplane, a project headed by aviation enthusiast and Diablo neighbor, Marshall Freeman. Students from both the Middle and Upper Schools participated in the numerous and varied aspects of construction, and the “Spirit of Athenian” airplane is scheduled for its test flight later in the year.
A Special Day of Events
The Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, October 15 began at 2:30 pm and included displays on Athenian School programs, including the student-run airplane building project, environmental programs, community service projects, and more. The “Spirit of Athenian” airplane project display attracted great interest with both current families and prospective students. Middle School student artwork was on display and students performed and sang as part of the day’s entertainment. A three-tier, four-foot wide birthday cake and family games added to the festive afternoon.
“Meet Me at The Commons” began at 3 pm and took place in the newly renovated student Commons, a project funded by the Athenian Parent Association. Alumni, former and current faculty and staff, and former and current trustees gathered in the Commons for refreshments and mingling. The Commons also featured yearbooks from four decades, which was a popular place, and was hosted by Athenian alumna Allison Fletcher '96.
Ed Ellis, former Dean of Students |
Current trustee and alumni Steve Podell '77 and Kevin Conlogue '76 catch up at The Commons
|
Alumna |
|---|
A special presentation and program began at 4 pm, with Athenian alumni, former and current faculty, and trustees speaking about the core pillars central to Athenian’s mission and purpose (international understanding, education for democracy, environmental stewardship, outdoor adventure, leadership, and community service). Presenters included Melissa Barry ’85, Greg Cohelan ’69, Deary Duffie ’73, Jackie Thomas ’82, Andy Wistrich ’69, Steve Davenport (former Head of School), Munzer Afifi (long-time former faculty member), and Eleanor Dase, Head of School.
The school's founder, Dyke Brown, made remarks, as well. Eleanor presented Dyke with the first copy of the newly published "The Founding of Athenian – An Oral History." The oral history project was completed under the leadership of school trustees Dave Buchanan, Susan Brown Nebesar (daughter to Dyke Brown), Fiona Stewart and Bea Winslow, with publication just in time for the Anniversary celebration. As Eleanor presented Dyke with the book, she shared, “With the additional milestone of Dyke Brown’s 90th birthday this past spring, Athenian has the luxury of honoring its esteemed founder, while simultaneously celebrating the extraordinary educational environment created here.”
The Athenian School’s 40th Anniversary Celebration was a truly memorable day in Athenian history. Alumna Claire Solot ‘84, current Chair of the Board of Trustees, shared,“In her ‘Fabulous Forties,’ Athenian is truly shining. Blending excellent academics, community service and involvement, environmental awareness, international issues and personal growth, Athenian has become an inspirational role model and guide for schools throughout the world.”
The 40th Anniversary In Pictures
Guests begin to gather on the East Lawn for the afternoon program |
A big birthday cake prepared by Ed Costa |
Current students welcome over 400 guests to the day's festivities |
|---|---|---|
Former faculty members Sheryl Petersen and Munzer Afifi talk about Athenian's eary days |
|
Founder Dyke Brown shares stories of how the school was founded |
Greg Cohelan '69 emcees the |
Munzer Afifi, former |
Steve Davenport, current Trustee and former Head of School speaks about international connections |
Deary Duffie '73 shares his thoughts |
Melissa Barry '85 makes comments
|
The Honorable Andrew Wistrich '69 shares thoughts about the |
Jackie Thomas '82 talks about how the Athenian Wilderness Experience impacted her |
Adrian Valeriano '92, Margaret |
Family games, hosted by Middle School faculty member Nancy Nagramada, included balloon tosses and |
