Students explore Antarctica

By George Day-Reiss LAKEVILLE — On Dec. 29, 2012, 107 very lucky members of The Hotchkiss School community, including 90 students from the classes of 2013, 2014 and 2015 (who were selected via lottery last spring) embarked on a three-week expedition to the southernmost region of the world. The group will first go to Santiago, Chile, then move south to the Patagonia region of Chile and Argentina before proceeding to the main portion of the trip: a two-week cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands. They will return to Hotchkiss on Jan. 22. This is the third Hotchkiss trip to Antarctica (the trips are sponsored by Forrest Mars Jr., class of 1949), with similar expeditions in 2003 and again in 2009. Although the trip is a “cruise,” it is also designed to be educational. Students will learn about the ecology and history of the region through on-board lectures by several leading Antarctica experts. Some of the projects that will be undertaken on the trip are scientifically observing whales, photographing and filming the local wildlife and creating a blog to document the trip.Many natural fixtures of the area, such as Emperor Penguins and icebergs, are unique to Antarctica and the polar regions. We’re all especially excited to see the wildlife up close and in the wild at South Georgia Island, Elephant Island, the Antarctic Peninsula and other places we may venture to. Links to the student and teacher blogs can be found on the Antarctica 2012-13 page, which was built by Instructor in Science Bill Fenton (https://connecttoantarctica.blogspot.com). George Day-Reiss, a senior at The Hotchkiss School, is a graduate of Salisbury Central School. This is an edited version of an article posted on the Hotchkiss website.

Latest News

GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less