David O'Halloran, Headmaster - Saint David's School, New York City

Their time had arrived. As the lights dimmed in our Otto-Bernstein Theatre, the astrophysicists, a mix of jitters and excitement, awaited their opportunity to share insights and stories about the workings of the universe. Which planets might support life? Is there water on Mars? What are Dwarf Planets?    "Let's take a look at our closest neighbor, Venus," invited one presenter, before revealing that the planet - while ideal in proximity - has surface temperatures of 900 degrees F: "Imagine - standing on the surface would be like being burned alive!"  Later that same day, in our Graham lunchroom, early 20th century immigrants of all ages from Italy, China, Ireland, Russia, among other countries, waited, with hope and determination, their turn to be interviewed for admittance to America. It wasn't going to be easy. They would be asked pointed, potentially life-altering questions by various processors. "What's that cough? It doesn't sound good,...

They clapped, jumped, swayed and intentionally held a pose ...  Our third graders' recent series of workshops through Saint David's new collaboration with the National Dance Institute was a smashing success. Over the course of three days last week, the boys learned correct timing, how to match rhythm to movement, and some secrets to balancing on one leg (hold arms out to the side). The choreography for the dances they performed before an audience on the final day in our Otto-Bernstein Theatre was inspired by the boys themselves and guided by the poetry of Dr. Maya Angelou.  In one poem, "I Love the Look of Words," Angelou uses popcorn as a metaphor for the powerful impact of the written word:  "Popcorn leaps, popping from the floor of a hot black skillet and into my mouth. Black words leap, snapping from the white page. " You can imagine the boys' joy in simulating the "popping" of popcorn through movement. As one third grader said, "I rea...