An Early Start… A Norwood-Fontbonne Academy sixth grade social studies class has jumped on the political primary bandwagon. Recently the students were assigned the task of designing their own campaign posters, and they could choose any candidate. Slogans such as “Obama – A New Light for America,” “Mike Huckabee – One Union United” and “Hillary Clinton – Pathway to a better environment, health care…” showed true creativity. They did not buck the national trend because this class of very young voters supported Barack Obama by a landslide with 10 votes. Hillary Clinton, Mike Huckabee, and Mitt Romney each had one vote and John McCain had zero. Some samples included: (from left) J. Adam Maiale of Blue Bell, Edward Rausch  of Jeffersonville, Kelley Martin of Plymouth Meeting, and Abbey Howard of Wyncote.

Springside and CHA parents, students, faculty, and friends celebrated diversity with a festive Multicultural and Diversity Festival on Feb. 10. This year’s entertainment included the CHA/Springside jazz band, a Brazilian Capoeira group, steel drummer, flamenco dancer, and more. Booths represented various countries or special groups, and great ethnic food was in abundance. Pictured on the drums are classmates Manassah-Grace Brooks of Germantown and Quartnei Brown of East Germantown.

Zergani named director of development for major gifts at University of the Arts
Chestnut Hill resident Mira C. Zergani has been named Director of Development for Major Gifts in the Advancement Office at The University of the Arts. In her post, Zergani is responsible for coordination of major gift efforts from individuals, foundations and corporations, as well as government grants. She previously served as the director of the office of grants and contracts for the American College of Physicians in Philadelphia for over two years. Zergani studied at Hebrew University in Jerusalem from 1985–87 and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Temple University in 1993.

Gray awarded OEB
Philadelphian David Gray has been awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE).  An OBE designates David Gray Ph.D, as an Officer in The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. He will be formally invested in the Order on Feb. 13.
Gray, currently Chairman of the Board of the Institute for Study Abroad, Butler University, received this honor for his lifetime pioneering contributions to the establishment and expansion of opportunities for American undergraduates to study in United Kingdom universities.
His work includes the creation of The Beaver College (Arcadia University) Center for Education Abroad and is also a co-founder the Institute for Study Abroad – Butler University.

 

Connor Dorff a 14-year-old freshman at Chestnut Hill Academy, started diving when he was 11 for the Maple Manor Swim Club in Maple Glen. Bored with swimming laps for the swim team, he saw some kids doing somersaults off the diving board, gave it a try and was hooked.
Dorff currently dives for the Upper Dublin Aquatic Club, October through February, and the Liberty Diving Team, year round. In addition to school and homework, he averages 14 to 16 hours of practice a week.