Glastonbury ABC Students

Aaron Marshall Bobb

Aaron – a freshman from Brooklyn, New York – has been quick to adapt to life at Glastonbury High School.  Shortly after arriving on campus, he auditioned for and got 3 parts in the Drama Club’s production of Thoroughly Modern Millie.  He found that his prior experiences helped him to deal with the pressures of taking part in a musical.  “I’ve done tap dancing shows and recitals here and there so it wasn’t so hard”.  He adds that he is eager to get on the stage again.  “Before I used to dance, and singing is something I did on the side that people liked but I had never put them together...the musical opened me up to combining everything so it was good to put it all together.”

He definitely likes GHS “It’s not overpowering but it’s huge.  And then they have the new science wing with everything remodeled and the new auditorium which is awesome…”.

Indeed, Aaron recognizes his great opportunity and he is the epitome of a well-rounded student.  “My favorite class is Algebra – besides chorus, of course”.  Clubs that he is involved with include Drama Club, Key Club, Interact Club, and Ballroom Dancing Club.  “I don’t really have a lot of time besides school and clubs.  I would like to try tennis and take lessons from (ABC House Tutor) Scott – who is a professional tennis teacher – but I haven’t had time yet”.

He does manage to find time to unwind during his busy schedule, though.  “Take Ballroom Dancing Club; during the day we’ll see each other in the hall and we’ll just start waltzing or doing the Merengue with each other”.

Trying something different has never been a problem for Aaron.  “I’m not a regular New York teenager.  I just felt like trying something different.  I saw boarding school as something different and it also prepares you for college so it’s kind of a win-win situation.  It’s a great experience and you meet new people so it’s like: why not?”

Aaron credits his mother with helping him to be so comfortable taking risks as well as helping him to find ABC.  “My mom was doing research into leadership programs and she found out about ABC.  When I first applied I was in 7^th grade so they told me I was too young.  The next year they sent me an application and I just filled it out real quickly and… here I am.”

Here he is – and much the better for us!

 

Ivan Santiago

A freshman from New York City, Ivan was very excited about coming to the ABC House.  He finds the house “laid back” and “homey” which was the same impression he got when he first visited for his interview.  Sharing a bedroom, a new experience for Ivan, has been enjoyable since he and Aaron, the other freshman, compare notes on their daily experiences. 

Glastonbury High School has required quite an adjustment since it is much bigger and more demanding than the school he came from.  But Ivan is very impressed by the teachers at the school.  He feels they make a real effort to get to know you and are more than willing to offer extra help.   And according to Ivan, the house tutor (Scott Timpano) knows how to help the boys focus while still making their learning time interesting and fun.  Gerard Sims, the House Resident Director is showing them how prepare for college, like teaching them to understand the “why” behind their studies.

It is still early in the year but Ivan has already enjoyed some interesting experiences.  He attended a trip to camp Beckett in Massachusetts including rope climbing, team activities and a camp fire.  He also enjoyed the town sponsored Fall Baseball league, which gave him the chance to play ball with kids at many different skill levels and make many new friends.  Up next, is a tryout for the high school wrestling team.  Sounds like a good start for a young man who describes himself as someone who “is spontaneous and likes to try new things.”